The images and information provided in “Spy Photos” are supplied by the spy shooters at Brenda Priddy & Co. “Spy Photos” are included each week in SEMA eNews, the association’s electronic newsletter. To receive your copy of SEMA eNews, e-mail enews@sema.org.
1
Volvo S60
When It Hits: Priddy estimates an official debut in the first quarter of 2010.
What Priddy Says: “With a coupe-like roof line, the new S60 will add sex appeal to the once boxy and somewhat boring Volvo lineup,” said Priddy. The S60 will eventually be offered with a high-efficiency gasoline turbocharged direct-injection 1.6L engine mated to a twin-clutch transmission, a combination that will supply an estimated combined 47 mpg. In addition, Volvo has said to expect new technology—including a collision warning system with full auto braking and pedestrian detection.
2
Volkswagen Jetta VI
When It Hits: Production is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2010 as a 2011 model.
What Priddy Says: Internally known as NCS (New Compact Sedan), this updated Jetta will be built on a re-engineered, fifth-generation Jetta platform. Publications have also referred to it as the Jetta VI. The new Jetta will be slightly longer and wider than the previous version. Volkswagen plans to sell 160,000 units annually, hoping to convert potential Corolla and Civic buyers with its lower base price. There’s also speculation that VW may offer an all-wheel-drive option.
3
Volkswagen Golf R20
When It Hits: Watch for the R20’s debut later this year.
What Priddy Says: With the Golf R32 offering “only” 250 hp, VW is feeling some heat from class competitors,—a situation the R20 is meant to address. Unlike the R32, the new R20 will feature Volkswagen’s 2.0L turbocharged engine with direct injection, which should be tuned to produce around 270 hp. Priddy said that the R20’s 0–60 times should be in the low- to mid-five-second range and that the car will reach a top speed of 155 mph. Judging from the photos, the exterior will carry over many of the new GTI’s styling traits, but the R20 will also include more aggressive front and rear ends, larger air intakes, center-mounted dual exhaust and sportier wheels. The R20 will initially be offered only as a three-door hatchback, but a five-door model is a definite possibility, Priddy said.
4
Ford Ranger Successor
When It Hits: The successor to the Ford Ranger is expected by 2012.
What Priddy Says: Ford hasn’t said officially what, if anything, will replace the U.S.-built Ford Ranger when production ends in 2011, but recent spy shots from Priddy’s network of shooters point to a new, globally produced small pickup. The new pickup will likely mean that all Ford Ranger models will be built on a single global platform dubbed T6. “An industry source says the T6 Ranger for the United States will likely be powered by a new 1.6L four-cylinder, direct-injection turbocharged EcoBoost engine producing at least 175 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque,” Priddy said. “Ford’s 3.0L Duratorq TDCi four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, rated at 154 hp and 280 lb.-ft., is expected to be carried over in the new truck for buyers outside the United States.”
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