Rumored Porsche 911 Sport Classic Prototype Coming With Retro Styling Cues

Posted on Dec 23, 2021Written by admin

For the 997 generation, Porsche introduced a retro-styled version of the 911 called the Sport Classic. Produced in very limited numbers, the car was said to be inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 of Porsche fame. Now, after skipping the 991 generation, it appears as if the Sport Classic nameplate will make a return for the current 992 911.

We’ve seen prototypes of this car floating around before, but our spy photographers were able to capture it again testing out on public roads in Germany.

Styling-wise, the car appears to share its front and rear bumpers with the 911 Turbo S, though its widened fenders are absent of any cooling vents. It also seems to borrow blacked-out versions of its center-lock wheels, although they’re expected to be replaced by a Fuchs-style set upon this car’s eventual debut.

That being said, the prototype isn’t just a parts-bin special, as it has a few unique styling elements in the form of a channeled hood, double-bubble roof, and a sleek ducktail spoiler finishing off the silhouette at the rear. And for what it’s worth, both that double-bubble roof and ducktail spoiler were present on the previous Sport Classic, which only solidifies even further that it is in fact what this car is.

As for the powertrain, power is speculated to come from the Carrera GTS‘s 3.0L twin-turbocharged flat-six, which makes 473 hp (480 PS / 352 kW) and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) of torque. The car would also likely adopt a similar philosophy to the 991 R and previous 997 Sport Classic, placing a heavy focus on driver engagement with a lower curb weight, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission.

Only 250 units of the previous Sport Classic were ever produced, and while this new one isn’t expected to be as scarce, production is rumored to be capped at a relatively low 2,000 cars. A reveal is expected in February 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle. And if everything surrounding this car is to be believed, and a new Sport Classic is truly on the way, then it would make perfect sense to have a debut scheduled for the 2023 model year, which would also be the Carrera RS 2.7‘s 50-year anniversary.

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Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Facelifted 2023 Mercedes-AMG A35 Spied Hiding Mild Visual Changes

Posted on Oct 1, 2021Written by admin

We have already seen a few camouflaged prototypes of the upcoming facelifted A-Class, but this time our spy photographers provided us with a set of pictures showing the updated Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC.

The light camouflage on the front end is hiding sharper LED graphics for the headlights, a new grille, and a slightly redesigned front bumper with AMG-style intakes. At the back, changes seem to be limited to the taillights since the uncovered rear bumper is keeping the diffuser, the vertical inlets, and the dual tailpipes of the current model.

The facelifted A-Class range is also expected to get interior updates with the dual-screen integrating a newer version of the MBUX infotainment. Since this is a mid-life facelift and not a new generation, it is unlikely that the hatchback will get Mercedes’ new screen layout which at the moment is reserved for higher segments.

Mechanical changes will probably be limited since the model is only three years old. The A35 might not be the top-of-the-range hot hatch coming from Affalterbach, as that title belongs to the A45 S, but it is still pretty fast. The current version is fitted with a turbocharged 2,0-liter engine producing 301 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration in 4.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).

We will learn more about the updated Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC in the coming months, with a possible reveal in 2022. Rivals include the BMW M135i xDrive and the Audi S3, both of which have similar power outputs and all-wheel-drive systems.

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Picture credit: CarPix for CarScoops

World’s Blackest Ferrari SF90 Stradale “Vantablack” Looks A Real Life Cartoon

Posted on May 17, 2021Written by admin

Ferrari must have thought the SF90 looks too shiny, so they gave it a Vantablack (or so it appears) finish. At least that’s what we think, because this video, shot in Maranello, Italy, which is the home of the Prancing Horse, shows the supercar wearing the blackest of black colors.

If this is indeed Vantablack that was introduced in 2014 by Surrey NanoSystems, it’s capable of absorbing 99.965 percent of light. This makes 3D objects look as if they were 2D, and one of the first (or perhaps ‘the’ first) vehicle painted in Vantablack was a BMW X6 two years ago.

Review: The SF90 Stradale Is Unlike Any Other Ferrari Ever Built

Since then, we have seen other cars, like the Mitsubishi Lancer, wear this strange yet captivating paint finish, and this SF90 is, from what we know, the first real exotic dressed in it. So, what do we have here? One explanation is this is a one-off commissioned by a customer. There is also the possibility that Ferrari might be testing it for possible future implementation or the expansion of its color palette.

As for the SF90 Stradale, it entered production in 2019 as the Italian firm’s first plug-in hybrid supercar. It uses an electrified powertrain that combines the company’s turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, rated at 769 HP and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque, with three electric motors and a new eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The total output of 986 HP rockets it to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.5 seconds and up to 211 mph (340 km/h). It also has a maximum all-electric range of 15.5 miles (25 km).

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Production Nissan Z Coupe Revealed By Patent Office And It’s Nearly Identical To Z Proto Concept

Posted on Jan 14, 2021Written by admin

Nissan unveiled the Z Proto last fall and now the trademark office in Australia has revealed the production model in a series of patent photos.

Looking virtually identical to the concept, the road-going model has a slightly revised grille with a sensor unit tucked between two horizontal accents.

Additional changes are limited, but the production model has a rear lock and reflectors behind the rear wheels. The liftgate also looks different, but this appears to be an optical illusion as the Z Proto had a black roof which visually expanded the glass area.

Also Read: Nissan Z Proto Combines Retro Styling With Twin-Turbo V6 And Six-Speed Manual

The changes are pretty minor and mean the production model will remain almost identical to the Z Proto. That’s a good thing as the concept was well-received.

Given the similarities between the exteriors, it’s likely the interior will mirror the concept as well. This means we can expect a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a modern infotainment system and gauge pods on the dashboard.

Nissan has been tight-lipped about performance specifications, but the Z Proto featured a twin-turbo V6 that was connected to six-speed manual transmission. It’s expected to carryover from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400, where the engine develops 400 hp (298 kW / 406 PS) and 350 lb-ft (474 Nm) of torque.

That remains unconfirmed, but Nissan has already hinted the next Z will have more power than its predecessor. As a reminder, the current 370Z has a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 332 hp (248 kW / 337 PS) and 270 lb-ft (366 Nm) of torque. The 370Z Nismo kicks that up to 350 hp (261 kW / 355 PS) and 276 lb-ft (374 Nm).

H/T to Car Advice

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2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Makes Spy Debut With Two Wheel Designs

Posted on Oct 12, 2020Written by admin

This marks the first time we’ve ever seen the all-new 2022 Mercedes SL in flagship AMG guise undergoing tests, and as expected, it was the hexagonal quad-pipes that gave it away.

Otherwise, this prototype looks pretty much the same as other previously-seen camouflaged all-new SL models. The only things that are different, aside from the pipes, is the camouflage pattern on the roof and the wheels.

In fact, this prototype is testing with two different wheel designs. The ones at the rear feature a 5-single spoke aesthetic, while the front wheels boast a 5-dual spoke look.

Read: All-New 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Rendered Based On Spy Images

This next iteration of the SL will feature the same platform as the Mercedes-AMG GT, something AMG boss Tobias Moers already confirmed.

“We’re bringing back the historic DNA of the SL,” he said last year. “It’s far sportier [this time around]. It will have a perfect compromise between driving dynamics and comfort, because it’s still kind of a cruiser too.”

Aside from the common architecture, the SL and GT are also expected to share axle assemblies, suspensions, steering systems, the 48V electric architecture and hybrid powertrains. Both will be built alongside each other at the German carmaker’s plant in Sindelfingen, Germany.

Meanwhile, a source told Autocar that the new SL was designed to feature a longer hood and a more rearward-positioned cabin.

“The new platform has given us more freedom,” said the source. “There’s more distance between the front axle and the front firewall. This gives it more traditional proportions.”

The range could kick off with an SL 450 EQ Boost variant, followed by an SL 53, SL 500 and SL 63 / 63 S (two stages of tune). The latter is rumored to have a 604 HP twin-turbo V8, although no specs have been made official as of yet.

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Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

U Spy North America’s 2021 Kia Sorento Testing In Yosemite Valley

Posted on Aug 13, 2020Written by admin

The new Kia Sorento has been spied testing in U.S.-spec by CarScoops reader Gor.

While Kia unveiled the new Sorento back in March, it is still working on the U.S. model and was spied putting this heavily camouflaged prototype to the test in Yosemite Valley, California. Although car manufacturers usually put body cladding like this to hide the identity of their forthcoming models, the U.S.-spec Sorento should look identical to those sold in other markets aside from some trimmings.

With that in mind, the SUV has a tough new look that includes Kia’s tiger nose grille up front alongside new headlights with integrated ‘tiger eye’ LED daytime running lights. It looks very purposeful and is a far cry from the previous-generation Sorento. The significant styling modifications continue down the sides and rear with thick D-pillars, sharper body lines, and split vertical taillights. All of these design details are hidden on this prototype.

We know of at least two powertrains that will be available in the United States. The first will be Kia’s new Smartstream hybrid setup that features a 1.6-liter turbocharged petrol four-cylinder that works alongside a 44.2 kW electric motor and a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. It pumps out a total of 227 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque and is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. For those after a little more grunt, Kia will also sell the Sorento with a 2.5-liter T-GDi engine producing 277 hp and 310 lb-ft (421 Nm) of torque and mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

In other markets, such as Australia and Europe, the 2021 Kia Sorento is also available with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder Smartstream diesel with 198 hp and 324 lb-ft (440 Nm) of torque. This engine also operates alongside an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Kia will build the new Sorento at its Hwasung manufacturing facility in Korea and its production plant in Georgia, USA. It remains unclear when we will see it unveiled for the U.S. market but an online debut should happen before the end of the year.

Hat tip to Gor Mirzakhanyan for the photos!

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Take An Up-Close Look At The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Posted on Jul 10, 2020Written by admin

A new prototype for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class has been spied testing with very little camouflage, providing us with a good idea of the vehicle’s overall design.

This prototype is finished in gloss black and includes some light camouflage across the front and rear fascias. One of the first things that will strike you about the design of the new S-Class is the sportier front and rear fascias which are more angular than the outgoing model and more akin to the current Mercedes-Benz CLS.

Also of note with this prototype are the pop-out door handles that sit flush with the bodywork when not in use. Our spy photographers have previously spotted next-gen S-Class testers with traditional door handles, leading us to believe certain variants will have traditional door handles while higher-end models will get the pop-out units.

Inside, significant changes have been made to the car. For starters, there is a large digital instrument cluster and a 12.8-inch infotainment system neatly incorporated vertically into the dashboard. This screen incorporates the company’s latest MBUX software and can be had with OLED technology and haptic feedback. In addition, the instrument cluster provides a 3D effect without the user having to use 3D glasses.

As part of the brand’s shift to more screens and touch surfaces, it has taken away 27 hard buttons and switches from the outgoing model. Significant advancements have also been made to the screens enjoyed by rear-seat passengers.

Underpinning the new S-Class is the MRA II rear-wheel drive platform that uses carbon fiber and aluminum extensively in its construction. This architecture will also bring with it rear-wheel steering. Other key pieces of technology found within the new S-Class will include Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities, active suspension, and more.

Powertrain details remain unclear although electrification will be present across the range, including various 48-volt mild-hybrid models and a plug-in hybrid.

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Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

MINI Keeps Milking The JCW Hot Hatch, Facelifted Iteration Is Coming

Posted on Jul 1, 2020Written by admin

The MINI JCW (John Cooper Works) is in for another refresh, which should be the last one before the British company pulls the plug on the current generation and replaces it with an entirely new model.

Why haven’t they already done so, considering that the third generation subcompact model has been around since 2013? It’s most likely due to Brexit concerns and possible coronavirus complications, which has forced them to delay the presentation of an all-new model.

Watch Also: The MINI JCW Hatch Is An Expensive Joy, Review Finds

As far as the 2021 JCW is concerned, it will follow the updates of the regular hatchback, although with the typical sporty body kit that comprises of the bigger front and rear bumpers, more aggressive diffuser with cutouts for the central exhaust pipes and a few other touches. At a first glance, the headlamps and taillights will carryover, but this is still an early prototype, so that could change.

The dashboard panel appears to have the same shape and drivers will be looking through the steering wheel at a digital instrument cluster, located next to the infotainment system. Expect sportier seats and exclusive upholstery options compared to the regular hatch, as well as JCW badges.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine will soldier on, likely mated to the standard six-speed or optional eight-speed automatic transmission. In the current variant, it makes 228 HP (231 PS / 170 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) acceleration of around 6 seconds. It’s unknown yet whether the power unit will be updated in any form, be it through giving it a bigger punch, reducing the emissions, or perhaps both.

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Tag Archives: MimboloveScoops

Rumored Porsche 911 Sport Classic Prototype Coming With Retro Styling Cues

PHOTO GALLERY

Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

Facelifted 2023 Mercedes-AMG A35 Spied Hiding Mild Visual Changes

PHOTO GALLERY

Picture credit: CarPix for CarScoops

World’s Blackest Ferrari SF90 Stradale “Vantablack” Looks A Real Life Cartoon

Production Nissan Z Coupe Revealed By Patent Office And It’s Nearly Identical To Z Proto Concept

H/T to Car Advice

PHOTO GALLERY

2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Makes Spy Debut With Two Wheel Designs

PHOTO GALLERY

Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

U Spy North America’s 2021 Kia Sorento Testing In Yosemite Valley

PHOTO GALLERY

Take An Up-Close Look At The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class

PHOTO GALLERY

Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

MINI Keeps Milking The JCW Hot Hatch, Facelifted Iteration Is Coming

PHOTO GALLERY

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