Every month we bring to our readers an assortment of vehicles spotted undergoing tests from around the globe. The test prototypes of the upcoming cars, spied by our photographers, gives us an indistinct glimpse of these much anticipated vehicles. Some of these are vehicles are in fact India-bound and you can read about them over here.
As for the other vehicles, here are the top spy shots from the month of April.
Tesla Model 3
The Model 3 is the next big thing for Tesla. The ‘test candidate’ retains the Model S motif and is keeping the BMW 3 Series as a benchmark. Initially, the Model 3 will be available with rear-wheel drive configuration only with a range of 380+km, while a powerful variant will follow later. On the inside, one horizontal display will replace the large vertical screen stacked at the centre of the cockpit with no instrument cluster.
Cadillac XT4
The Cadillac XT4 is a new compact luxury crossover positioned below the updated XT5. It is rumoured to be based on the Cadillac’s modular C1XX platform, borrowing all its tech and features from its elder siblings. The XT4 is expected to feature a 2.0-litre engine producing 272bhp, mated to an eight-speed auto transmission. The XT4 will be targeted at the other compact luxury crossovers like the X3 and GLC.
Toyota Auris
The next-generation Toyota Auris is an extremely important model for the Japanese carmaker since Toyota will play the new Auris as a hybrid. Based on Toyota’s versatile TGNA platform, it is likely to carry forward the engine and gearbox from the new C-HR. The prototype was spotted while undergoing some late winter tests in northern Sweden and is wearing a wild mix of parts of the old and the new-generation Auris.
Honda Accord
Honda is hard at work developing an all-new version of the Accord. Interestingly, the new Accord will share its new platform with the 2017 Civic. Thus, the new Accord could be slightly smaller than the outgoing model. Engines are likely to continue as updated versions of existing units in the Accord. No V6 unfortunately, but a hybrid powertrain is on the cards.
Porsche 911 GT2
The Porsche 911 GT2 has returned to the Nurburgring for performance tests. This model includes a plethora of aids and fitments to handle the speculated 600bhp of power from the prepped up twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder motor, which sends raw power to the rear axle. The rear wheel steering is also rumoured for the GT2, while there will be new splitters and large wings as well.
Dallara road-going sports car
Dallara Automobili is a famous Italian chassis manufacturer famous for contribution in almost all motorsports. Dallara, now, has plans to unveil a road-going vehicle. The two-seater Dallara will get a unique body style similar to Radical RX and powered by a mid-mounted 2.4-litre turbocharged engine sourced from Ford. The carbon fibre monocoque will keep the weight under 800kg. The Le Mans prototype-esque vehicle is benchmarking the KTM X-Bow.
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet’s midsize sedan is going under the chisel for a major cosmetic upgrade after a long time. The prominent update will be at front and rear, with tweaked lights, new bumpers and new grille. Inside, the Malibu will receive an updated cabin from Cruze and Equinox as well as the new 1.6-litre oil-burner. Advanced driver assistance technologies are also likely to be introduced.
Chevrolet Camaro
The popular American muscle car will get a mid-cycle update next year. The new Camaro is likely to get a new front and rear, with some comprehensive changes from the A-pillar. To keep pace with the new Ford Mustang, expect Chevrolet to introduce minor engine enhancements and use the 10-speed automatic that is offered on the ZL1.
Kia C'eed
Kia’s second highest selling car in Europe, the C’eed, is set to receive an update next year. The C’eed GT spied here is hitting the Nurburgring with new LED lights and large sporty wheels. The new C’eed will be bigger than the current car but will be lighter still. Under the hood is the same 1.6-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol engine from the current C’eed GT pushing out a healthy 201bhp. A plug-in hybrid powertrain is also on the cards, but that will come later.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Corvette’s latest iteration, the ZR1 has an improved aerodynamics in the new design to match better performance figures. A supercharger under the bulging hood is expected, with Z06 wide body and upgraded breaks. The rear bumper also sports the traditional centre-positioned quadruple exhaust. It’s believed to get a tweaked 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine producing excess of 641bhp and 881Nm. The new Corvette ZR1 might generate an additional 99bhp over the Z06 power figures.
