SEMA News - February 2010

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.

Land Rover LRX

When it Hits: Land Rover’s bold LRX concept is inching closer to production, said Priddy. It will be unveiled next year and begin sales in 2011.

What Priddy Says: Priddy’s network of photographers caught this mule testing at Nürburgring and wearing an LR2 body with a shortened rear end and revised front fascia. Expected to carry the Range Rover badge, the LRX will likely draw power from two engine options: a 3.2L gasoline inline-six and a 2.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel. As previewed by the concept, Land Rover may also offer a hybrid 2.0L turbodiesel. The production model should be taller than the concept, allowing for more headroom, and come in three- and five-door variants.

Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

When it Hits: In a late-November press release for the 2011 Buick Regal, GM quietly slipped in a sentence noting that production of the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro convertible would begin in its Oshawa, Ontario, plant in the first quarter of 2011.

What Priddy Says: Priddy said her sources have narrowed the production date down to February 2011. On cue, her shooters captured this drop-top prototype in Michigan, slipping through a gate before dusk. While this is good news for Camaro enthusiasts, the bad news is that they’ll have to wait another 14 months to get one.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

When it Hits: The updated C-Class will go on sale in 2010, just months before the all-new BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4.

What Priddy Says: Changes to Mercedes-Benz’s bestseller include new headlights, a new front bumper and a new bonnet. The rear is expected to feature a new set of lights and some modifications to the bumper. Some engine upgrades will be offered, while the interior should receive minor changes, too.

Volkswagen Jetta

When it Hits: Production is expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2010, making this updated VW Jetta a 2011 model when it crosses the border.

What Priddy Says: Internally known as NCS—or 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. While the Jetta name will likely be carried over and assembly will continue to take place at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico, the new model will be slightly longer and a bit wider. Volkswagen plans to sell 160,000 units annually, as it hopes to convert some potential Corolla and Civic buyers with the Jetta’s lower base price. Although cost-cutting measures may be obvious as compared to the current Jetta, there is speculation that an AWD option may be offered.

Photos Copyright Brenda Priddy & Company. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.