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Spied: New Astra Cabriolet

Astra Coupe Cabriolet

Vauxhall’s Astra has already impressed in the style stakes in three and five-door forms, but its desirability is certain to be raised even further with the introduction of the Coupe Cabriolet models. On sale in 2006 the Coupe Cabriolet follows the market trend for folding hardtops, competing against models like the Peugeot 307 CC, Renault Megane Coupe-Cabriolet and the forthcoming Ford Focus version.
With three roof sections compared to its French rival’s two the Astra’s roof should fold faster and take up less bootspace when stowed. It also allows the Astra to offer seating for four, at a squeeze. Engines are likely to be offered from 1.8-litres upwards, with turbocharged models offering pace to go with its obvious style.

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Spied: Next Jaguar XK8

Design and development of new car models is a highly secretive process, but inevitably these future models need to be tested in the real world. Manufacturers use ‘mules’ and disguises to try and hide their future models, to some success, but combined with insider knowledge we can bring you information on the cars that the manufacturers don’t want you to hear about - At least not for a few years.

Jaguar XK8
Confirming that Jaguar’s concept at Detroit is more than a flight of fancy these heavily disguised test cars have been snapped around Jaguar’s research facility at Whitley, Coventry. Built on a modified version of the XJ’s lightweight aluminium platform the new XK will be powered by the same 4.2-litre V8 that features in the rest of the Jaguar range. It’ll be offered in either normally aspirated or supercharged forms - developing either 300bhp or 400bhp.A heavily-disguised Jaguar coupe Talk of a 3.0-litre version, using the XJ6’s V6 have been denied, though such a car would undoubtedly increase sales by being able to be sold for less than V8 versions. Due to be officially unveiled in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show the XK8 will go on sale in Spring 2006. If you want one early, get down to your Jaguar dealer and get your name on the waiting list.

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Spy Shots: 2006 Audi RS4

Developing a maximum output of 420 bhp, the V8 revs up to a speed of 8250 rpm. With its displacement of 4163 cc, this outstanding engine exceeds the magical barrier of 100 bhp per litre truly outstanding in a production saloon. Maximum torque of 430 Nm comes at 5500 rpm in this very compact engine, with 90 percent of the engine's torque consistently available between 2250 and 7600 rpm.

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Spy Shots: Ferrari Superamerica

The Ferrari Superamerica is a convertible based on the 575M Maranello. Ferrari claims that with a top speed of 199 mph, it will be the fastest drop-top production car on sale.

Spy Shots: '07 Volvo S80

Volvo is preparing an all-new replacement for the company's top-of-the-line S80, for release sometime in 2006. The current S80 underwent a restyling in 2003. These photos show for the first time a prototype during cold-weather testing on a frozen lake in Scandinavia. The car is still disguised, yet the new styling is clearly visible. The next S80 is again a four-door sedan but with a much rounder and more V-shaped body than its predecessor. It is again front-wheel drive and is expected to get power from a variety of four- and six-cylinder engines, as before. According to rumors from Sweden, it could also be available with Volvo's new eight-cylinder engine.

Spy Photos: 2007 Cadillac CTS-V

It’s not technically a spy photo, but this shot of what may be the 2007 Cadillac CTS-V gave us a cheap thrill nonetheless. We like the direction Cadillac is taking its entry-level luxury coupe, and future 330i beater. We’re not guaranteeing anything, but, as someone once predicted, Cadillac may have legs as a global sport-luxury brand. As if we needed another thing to bet on.

Spy Shots: Subaru B9 Tribeca

A last shot before it comes out swinging.

Subaru recently confirmed what we’ve been showing you since last year — that a new seven-passenger crossover vehicle was in development. Now, our spies have nabbed the real thing, just a week before its official Detroit show introduction.

Officially named the B9 Tribeca, the vehicle was caught during a video shoot in Long Beach, California. As can be seen, this crossover is larger than the Outback and it wears Subaru’s new signature grille.

Developed under the codenames SG/X and 00X, the premium crossover wagon has already hit the consumer clinics in southern California , and has received positive feedback. Subaru insiders have commented about the vehicle’s very versatile and highly flexible interior, and it’s believed that the second and third rows of seats will fold flat to accommodate cargo, as well as flexible seating configurations. More accurately, insiders have been referring to this as a 5+2 passenger configuration.

The 2006 Tribeca will be built in Lafayette, Indiana, and should start running off the assembly line in just a year from now. Sources tell us it will measure in at about 195 inches overall, with a 108-inch wheelbase. Power is expected to come from Subaru’s 3.0-liter H6 boxer engine, and, of course, it will be all-wheel drive. Pricing likely will start from the low-to-mid $30,000 range with an estimated production of up to 40,000 units annually. The Subaru vehicle will be followed by Saab’s version built on the same platform, and also built in Lafayette.

Spy Shots: ’07 Explorer Sport Trac

From concept to reality—really, really quickly.

As Ford introduced the Sport Trac Concept at the recent Detroit auto show, TCC’s spies caught the real thing just a few miles away.

Five inches longer and two inches wider than the current Sport Trac, Ford’s 2007 model will likely be powered with a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6, or by an optional 4.6-liter V-8 as displayed in the concept. The production version will also offer Ford’s roll stability control and likely some surprises in regard to cargo options.

But there is no denying as to what this is. The production version has the same headlamps and taillamps as the concept, as well as identical wheels and glass (although the concept is shown with a fixed rear window). Door handles and a tailgate latch are added to the production version, as well as horizontal bars on the grille, production bumpers, roof-top rack, tie-downs, a bed liner, and a production-styled third brake light.

The Sport Trac will make its production debut in the 2006 calendar year, arriving at dealerships after the reworked Explorer and Mountaineer SUVs arrive in showrooms at the beginning of next year.