The Bimmers are thoroughly loved in China and given the fact that they sell in heavy numbers all across China, BMW cannot afford to ignore the demand of Long Wheel Base 5-Series variants from the Chinese customers.

They surely find the standard 5-Series option a tad smaller which is why BMW is almost ready with its LWB S-Series variant that was spotted testing for cold weather conditions. The LWB 5-Series variant will fittingly break cover at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition which is to be held in April. BMW 5-Series LWB is 12-inches longer than the standard model which gives it an overall length of 5.04 meters, making it comparable to the previous generation 7 series. Other than China, 5-Series LWB may also make it to the Middle East dealerships. [via WCF]

The street legal version of the 599XX, the Ferrari 599 GTO is the next big arrival in the auto industry and spy photographers in Maranello managed to get a handsome look at one of its prototypes. The prototype comes with a fresh looking carbon fiber roof and a huge rear diffuser set amidst two exhaust pipes. The front bumper also looks a fresh creation and so do the grille and the wheels. On the inside, all that the spy cams could click was the new seating set-up. Engine speculations for the Ferrari 599 GTO suggest a 700 PS 690 bhp 6.0L V12 monster that will help the street legal version hit 100km/h in 3.2 seconds while topping it out at 350km/h. Slated for a debut later this year, the 599 GTO will cost around €340,000. [via WCF]

Auto fanatics are aware that the Pagani C9 is slated to go public before this year’s end and it will come with a whopping price tag (€900,000) but what is more of a mystery is the shape it will adorn. There are no certain images available which is why C9 prototype spy images gain a lot of importance. Speaking of spy shots, here’s something happening in South Africa — two C9 prototypes spied in Johannesburg, one inspired by the Zonda F, while the other one featuring a rear belonging to the Zonda R territory. Even the typical Pagani quadpipe has been retained plus there are holes drilled for a dual pipe set-up so we are not quite sure what the end product will embrace. The Pagani C9 is expected to house a 700 PS 6.0L V12 engine which will generate up to 1000Nm of torque. Looks neat, don’t you think? [Images by WCF]

I like the VW Touareg. It’s got a bit of attitude and went against all the perceptions that you shouldn’t pay big bucks for a VW.

This is the new one. Updated to fall in with the new VW design language – front looks alot like the new POLO and GOLF6. From the rear though it doesn’t look like much is going to change and it basically looks like the current one.

I’m thinking it looks more like a facelift than a complete new model which looks like it’s a bit of a VW trademark these days like they did with the Golf.

Let’s hope its more than just a nosejob.

Those looking for a smaller Buick baby in the States may have a surprise up their sleeve with a smaller Buick Sedan spotted by photo-ninjas. The snapped commuter is currently headed to China where GM wants to thrive furthermore on the success of the Buick moniker.

The Buick Sedan will be placed under the Lacrosse model of the Buick range. As far as the architecture goes the current model will be based on the Delta II structure from the GM territory. The front wheel driven car will share the platform with Chevrolet Cruz that replaces the cobalt. The engine has not been confirmed but the options include a 1.8 liter petrol engine which will produce 141hp with 176Nm of torque.

Another speculation is that the Chevy Cruze 1.6L 113hp churning engine might alos find a place under the hood. It will arrive in China in 2012 and the americans will have to wait a tad longer.

[via WCF]

Here is the latest set of spy shots of the Hyundai Sonata which reveals a lot about the interior of the car. Incidentally the spy shots were clicked when Hyundai was doing its own photoshoot for the promotional materials. Apparently the secret for well-lit interior shots has been revealed and that requires the roof to be taken off. Visibly enough, the cabin is more elegant and refined. A close proximity with the styling of the big and luxurious German brands can also be established especially if you look at the rear trunk and tail lights. A Sonata Hybrid is also in the wings which will be powered by Hybrid Blue Drive Architecture introduced by Hyundai last year. [via hyundai-blog.com]

The much craved for 2011 BMW X3 was recently spied on track at Nurburgring, with a heavy camouflage. The SUV was spotted doing some late development high speed testing at the testing. There isn’t much known about the X3 but it will surely be available on the roads sometime next year. The facelifted variant will be more muscular in design thanks to the aggressive looking air intakes. It will come with two petrol variants — a naturally aspirated 3.0L in-line six with 230hp and a 3.0L new twin-turbo in-line six capable of producing 300hp. The diesel option will include a 2.0L 177hp and a more powerful 3.0L that would churn 300hp. [via WCF]

There is no doubt that the official release of the next generation Jaguar XF-R is sooner than later, but it seems that the XF-R right now is not the best kept secret in the auto world. The sizzling red hot car with vents on the hood, large bumper air intakes and quad exhaust has been snapped pretty extensively in spy shots with Jaguar having a problem keeping it under the mask. The XF-R follows the thread marks of the highly successful Jaguar SV8 XF and is slated to sport a 5.0 liter, direct-injection power plant supplying more that 500 hp. While the SV8 XF sports a 4.2 liter, 420 hp engine, the new XH-R could way beyond that while still keeping in line with the Jaguar class and royalty. – via WCF

If you remember the BMW X6 model I told you some time ago, then it’s time to see it in flash. Apparently a guy living in the Upstate are of South Carolina, where is the BMW Manufacturing, managed to spy (probably the first) production version, a black xDrive35i model. The car is supposed to be a tester, and was taken back home by a BMW manager.

Here is what the guy had to say about it:

From a distance the car appears to be smaller, almost sedan sized, until you get close to the car.I’m about 5′10” tall and the top of the X6’s rear hatch hits me about mid chest. Then you realize this is a fairly large car and related to the X5.This car looks much,much better in person.The photos just don’t do it justice. The car has an awesome street stance and presence.

via Jalopink

During Detroit 2008, Volvo presented their latest idea of a SUV. XC60 was still a concept but I can tell you that it’s going to materialize into something that you can touch. At Geneva this year, in March, Volvo is going to make it official. This is going to be the most popular Volvo SUV from what I’ve heard, and by the time we can put our hands on it, here are the first spy shots of the new Volvo XC60.

The car will come with a DOHC 3.2 liter inline-6 derived engine, comes with standard front wheel drive but gives the option of all wheel drive, goes on sale late fall this year in Europe and early 2009 in the US.

The main competitors are BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Acura RDX. Here are two more pictures.

AutoExpress

When Audi released the new TT they were pretty happy with their two coupe and covertible models. However, the market demanded for something better, and they had to schedule Audi TT-S and TT-RS to be released soon.

I managed to get my eyes on some Audi TT-S Roadster spy shots to see that it now looks much more aggressive thanks to a beautiful front grille, LEDs under the headlamps or the four exhaust pipes in the rear. It’s supposed to have 270hp from a 3.2 quatro engine (350Nm torque) with S-Tronic, a stiffer suspension and should sell for $42,900. The RS however, will be powered by a 5-cylinder engine that sports 308hp and should cost $45,900.

via MotorAuthority