Spy Shots

SEMA News - March 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.

BMW 1-Series Five-Door Hatch

When It Hits: The next-generation BMW 1-Series is due to arrive as early as the 2012 model year and will likely be led by this five-door hatchback, according to Brenda Priddy & Co.

What Priddy Says: While no decision has been made, the new 1-Series lineup may also feature a type of elongated “shooting-brake” two-door wagon/hatch variant. According to Priddy, the engines will range from 1.4L to 3.0L for the next-gen 1-Series. Turbos are almost certainly on the list, but an M version is said to be out of the question. “Green” models, such as low-polluting diesels and hybrids, are also expected.

Ford’s High-Performance Raptor

When It Hits: Priddy expects the four-door Raptor to arrive in the 2011 model year with the new 6.2L V8.

What Priddy Says: According to previously published reports, Ford had not made a decision on whether to produce a crew-cab version of the 2010 F-150 SVT Raptor high-performance off-road pickup. However, judging from these spy photos of a Raptor test truck with four fullsize doors, Priddy said that it looks as if a decision has been made. Despite the camo and fake rear roof, you can’t miss the Raptor’s 35-inch wheels and tires or the unique mesh grille with “Ford” emblazoned across it.

Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz SL

When It Hits: The next Mercedes-Benz SL is expected to debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, according to Priddy.

What Priddy Says: Even with heavy camouflage, the car’s classic layout is still visible, and Priddy said that the relatively long front and rear overhangs, along with a retractable metal roof, will remain key features. New to the SL will be an upright front grille designed to accommodate new pedestrian-protection rules in the European Union.

2011 Dodge Charger

When It Hits: Chrysler announced plans to begin production of the 2011 Dodge Charger in October 2010 at its plant in Brampton, Ontario.

What Priddy Says: Judging from the tire, wheel and brake packages, Priddy is pretty certain this is the hot-rod SRT8 variant. The 2011 Charger will be riding on a moderately updated version of the “LX” chassis. Underhood, it will pack either Dodge’s new Pentastar 3.6L V6, a 5.7L Hemi V8 or the burly 6.4L Hemi V8 in the SRT8.