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Rumored Porsche 911 Sport Classic Prototype Coming With Retro Styling Cues

For the 997 generation, Porsche introduced a retro-styled version of the 911 called the Sport Classic. Produced in very limited numbers, the car was said to be inspired by the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 of Porsche fame. Now, after skipping the 991 generation, it appears as if the Sport Classic nameplate will make a return for the current 992 911.

We’ve seen prototypes of this car floating around before, but our spy photographers were able to capture it again testing out on public roads in Germany.

Styling-wise, the car appears to share its front and rear bumpers with the 911 Turbo S, though its widened fenders are absent of any cooling vents. It also seems to borrow blacked-out versions of its center-lock wheels, although they’re expected to be replaced by a Fuchs-style set upon this car’s eventual debut.

That being said, the prototype isn’t just a parts-bin special, as it has a few unique styling elements in the form of a channeled hood, double-bubble roof, and a sleek ducktail spoiler finishing off the silhouette at the rear. And for what it’s worth, both that double-bubble roof and ducktail spoiler were present on the previous Sport Classic, which only solidifies even further that it is in fact what this car is.

As for the powertrain, power is speculated to come from the Carrera GTS‘s 3.0L twin-turbocharged flat-six, which makes 473 hp (480 PS / 352 kW) and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) of torque. The car would also likely adopt a similar philosophy to the 991 R and previous 997 Sport Classic, placing a heavy focus on driver engagement with a lower curb weight, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission.

Only 250 units of the previous Sport Classic were ever produced, and while this new one isn’t expected to be as scarce, production is rumored to be capped at a relatively low 2,000 cars. A reveal is expected in February 2022 as a 2023 model year vehicle. And if everything surrounding this car is to be believed, and a new Sport Classic is truly on the way, then it would make perfect sense to have a debut scheduled for the 2023 model year, which would also be the Carrera RS 2.7‘s 50-year anniversary.

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Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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2022 Honda Civic Type R Takes To The Nurburgring In Anger

The forthcoming 2022 Honda Civic Type R has been filmed being pushed to its limits at the Nurburgring and looks very, very quick.

The new Civic Type R promises to be a significant improvement over the outgoing model, a car that has already established itself as the king of front-wheel-drive hot hatches. Honda’s eleventh-generation Civic is based on a new platform that’s stiffer than its predecessor while also having a slightly longer wheelbase and wider rear track. These upgrades alone should have a particularly profound effect on how the new Civic Type R drives.

All signs point towards the new car retaining the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the FK8 Civic Type R, albeit slightly modified to deliver a bit more than the curent 306 hp and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm). Adding even more horsepower and torque than this is never easy with a front-wheel-drive platform but given how well Honda’s engineers did in eliminating torque steer from the outgoing model, we suspect it can work out ways to add some extra grunt without any downsides.

Throughout this clip, a pair of camouflaged prototypes are shown lapping some of the most difficult sections of the circuit, including the famed ‘mini-Carousel’ where the car briefly jumps into the air, lifting one of its wheels off the pavement.

Honda will no doubt look to set a new production car lap record for a front-wheel-drive performance vehicle around the ‘Ring. The current record was set in April 2019 by the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R at 7:40.1. If the new Civic Type R can dip below the 7:40 mark, that would be a huge achievement, especially when you consider that the Megane R.S. Trophy-R is a stripped-down variant with front racing seats, no rear seats, and a roll bar.

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2022 BMW Alpina B4 Gran Coupe Shows Off More Changes Ahead Of Its Launch Next Year

Spy photographers last snapped the 2022 BMW Alpina B4 Gran Coupe this summer and now the company has begun testing a more evolved prototype.

Looking closer to the production model, the latest prototype has been equipped with an Alpina splitter and rear spoiler. We can also see a modified rear bumper with a four-tailpipe exhaust system.

Additional changes are limited, but the model rides on five-spoke wheels that are backed up by a beefy braking system with blue calipers. While it’s not visible, we can also expect a sport-tuned suspension similar to the one found on the B3.

Also Read: 2022 BMW Alpina B4 Gran Coupe Spied, Could Have 456 HP

The interior is barely visible, but we can expect an assortment of changes including an Alpina-branded steering wheel wrapped in hand-stitched Lavalina leather. It should be joined by Alpina door sill plates and floor mats as well as a revised digital instrument cluster with Alpina graphics.

The biggest changes will come under the hood as the model is expected to have a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that produces 456 hp (340 kW / 462 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. This enables the B3 to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.8 seconds and top out at 188 mph (303 km/h).

Regardless of the final numbers, the B4 Gran Coupe should be significantly more powerful than the standard M440i xDrive which has 382 hp (285 kW / 387 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. It allows the car to run from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds, before hitting a top speed of up to 155 mph (250 km/h).

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Picture credits: CarPix and S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

U Spy The Hyundai Ioniq 5 Robotaxi Being Tested At The Las Vegas Airport

Just a few days after Motional unveiled its Hyundai Ioniq 5-based robotaxi at the Munich Motor Show, a prototype has been spied by a CarScoops reader several thousand miles across the Atlantic on American shores.

This heavily-camouflaged prototype was spied testing at an airport in Las Vegas and certainly appears to have turned quite a few heads. It is equipped with an array of sensors previewed through renderings released by Motional last month.

The Ioniq 5 robotaxi has no less than 30 sensors that includes a host of cameras, radar, and LiDAR. Sensors can be seen on the roof of the car, as well as its front fascia, front quarter panels, and rear-end. A driver was pictured behind the wheel controlling the car but when development of it is complete, Motional hopes to remove the driver completely and use a remote vehicle assistance as a safety redundancy, allowing a remote operator to control the robotaxi in the event of something unexpected happening.

“For the Ioniq 5-based robotaxi, we have applied various redundancy systems, in addition to a suite of essential technologies to ensure safety and convenience of the passengers,” head of the Autonomous Driving Center at Hyundai Motor Group, Woongjun Jang recently said in a statement. “By successfully integrating the Group’s Ioniq 5 Robotaxi with Motional’s autonomous driving technology, we are proud to announce that we have achieved another important milestone on the road to the commercialization of our robotaxi.”

The vehicle will begin to transport passengers in 2023 through a partnership with ride-hailing giant Lyft, meaning Motional and Hyundai still have plenty of time to get the autonomous EV ready for launch.

Thanks to Aditya Gaur for the photos!

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Camouflaged Acura NSX Test Car Begs The Question: Is It A Facelifted Model Or A New Performance Variant?

The second-generation NSX was launched back in 2016 as the performance flagship of the Honda / Acura range. Five years later, the hybrid sportscar is ready for an update, and this is probably the case as demonstrated by pictures of a camouflaged mule uploaded on the Instagram profile of NSX owner @nsxjon.

The spy photos show an orange Acura NSX with camouflage on the front and rear bumpers. As we can see, there are double intakes on each side of the front bumper, a larger lower intake, and a slimmer grille design. At the back, there is a more prominent diffuser and new side intakes with a sculpted look.

The rest of the bodywork seems to be identical with the current model, besides the camouflaged front fenders that could hide some changes.

We are not sure if this is Acura testing a facelifted NSX or a performance variant that could wear the Type S or even the Type R badges. Supporting the first claim, in one of the pictures, we can see what appears to be a large infotainment screen on the dashboard. A redesign of the interior would address one of the major complaints about the second-generation NSX and bring it up to date with younger rivals like the Porsche 992 Turbo S.

Rumors about an upcoming NSX Type R, with an upgraded hybrid tri-motor V6 powertrain allegedly producing up to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS), redesigned aero, and a more focused suspension setup have been circulating for some time now. It was also reported that a Spider bodystyle was on the cards, mirroring the 2012 NSX Roadster that was driven by Tony Stark in the Avengers movie.

In any case, the good news is that Honda / Acura is not giving up on the NSX despite the declining sales that have caused the company to withdraw its flagship from specific markets around the world.

Thanks to NSXJon for sharing his pics with us!

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2022 Renault Kadjar Will Be Nissan Rogue Sport’s European Cousin

The upcoming Renault Kadjar has been caught testing again, with more spy shots showing it in its camouflaged glory.

Like the outgoing car, the next generation will be based on the Nissan Rogue Sport, also known as the Qashqai in Europe. Both the Qashqai and Kadjar have been known to be competent crossovers that manage to do a good job of staying reasonably individual, and Renault is keen to continue this trend.

The next-gen Kadjar wears different wheels than the prototypes that were previously snapped during winter testing and continues to sport ample masking. What we can see, though, are slim headlights, in line with Renault’s current design direction. There’s also a large grille up front, which is expected to house Renault’s revised badge.

Moving rearward, the waistline and glasshouse are where we start to see distinct similarities with the Kadjar’s Rouge Sport cousin. However, the lower half appears to sport a different style than the Nissan, with sharper lines cutting through the camo.

See: What The 2022 Renault Kadjar Will Look Like And Everything Else We Know

The Kadjar is based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s CMF-C/D platform, which will support electrification, and may launch with the same 1.3 and 1.5-liter engines found in the Qashqai. This would certainly be in line with efforts to increase synergy between the brands within the Alliance. However, another report claimed that Renault might introduce two power units of its own, including a self-charging hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. Whatever the case might be, we don’t expect a full EV at launch, while diesel engines might be axed.

The upcoming Kadjar is also expected to be bigger than the model it replaces and will take a more upmarket approach than the outgoing SUV.

We’re expecting a reveal in 2022 at the earliest, with an on-sale date likely in Q2 2022. Pricing is yet to be announced, but expect it to be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model.

Note: The rendering is an independent, speculative illustration made by Jean Francois Hubert/SB-Medien and is neither related nor endorsed by Renault

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Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

Here It Is: The 2022 BMW M5 CS Breaks Cover Ahead Of Debut

With the M5 CS set to launch officially any day now, it was only a matter of time before a leak came through. And boy did it come through.

Apparently official photos of the new, hotter M5 appeared on Instagram earlier today showing off copper accents and yellow motorsport-inspired lights.

Late last year Markus Flasch, the head of BMW’s M division, shared that the 635 ps (626 hp) bruiser would cut 70 kg (155 lbs) to help with performance. It will get carbon bucket seats from the M4 and some more performance goodies.

The M5 CS gains about 26 hp over the regular M5 and about 10 more than the M5 Competition. That power will come from BMW’s trusty, twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that has apparently had the wick turned all the way up.

Also Read: 2020 Alpina B3 Sedan Laps The Sachsenring Faster Than The Mercedes-AMG GT, SLR McLaren

We expect to hear the details of exactly how BMW has eked out the extra power and it has cut that weight when it reveals the car fully. We expect carbon fiber to play a role, though.

The M5 joins the M2 in gaining a CS version. Along with the added power, the smaller CS’s suspension has been tuned for duty on race tracks, carbon ceramic brakes, lightweight wheels, as well as a carbon fiber hood, roof, mirrors, and front splitter, much of which is exposed carbon.

We would expect standard AWD, BMW’s sportiest tune on its 8-speed automatic transmission, and special differential tuning to allow for drifts.

The M5 Competition can already 60 mph 3.1 seconds. With more power and weight, that number could dip even lower. Don’t expect any comfort, though. BMW seems to be going all-in on the weight savings, meaning lightweight materials and less luxury.

BMW has promised to reveal all of the vehicle’s details before the end of January, which doesn’t give them much longer, so expect more details soon. Sales are expected to start this year, too.

This is a developing story and we will continue to update it as details reveal themselves.

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2022 Nissan Rogue Sport: Looks, Tech And Everything Else We Know About The Compact Crossover

Nissan’s Rogue Sport, named Qashqai in global markets, including in Europe, is a popular small CUV, yet despite selling well, it’s in dire need of a serious makeover. Fortunately for its loyal customer base, the Japanese automaker is readying the next chapter of the Rogue Sport story.

It will join a slew of redesigned offerings such as the regular 2021 Rogue (X-Trail), Pathfinder, Navara, Frontier, Ariya and 400Z sports car in a rejuvenated Nissan lineup.

Test mules of the redesigned small crossover have recently been snapped by spy photographers revealing its sleek new proportions. But more importantly, how will it look without the camouflage? Let’s peel back those eye-straining patterns and illustratively explore further.

Sharp New Attire

Like the latest Juke and larger Rogue, the Sport wears a bold new frontal graphic with dynamic, boomerang-shaped LED headlamps, V-Motion corporate grille and clamshell hood. Obligatory ‘SUV-effect’ plastic cladding is evident around the lower air dam, wheel arch mouldings and rocker panels, whilst the view from the side is chiselled and taut without being overly fussy.

Illustrations copyright Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

There are hints of Nissan’s Ariya EV towards the rear, with up-swept rear quarter glass and heavily-raked sail panels with contrasting black trim. Thin LED taillights stretch horizontally across the hatch; although they won’t be as radical looking as those seen on other Nissans of late.

A Better Place To Be Inside

One criticism of the current car is its cheap and not-so-cheerful interior. Reassuringly, Nissan is putting a lot of effort into their latest crop of interiors, and the Rogue Sport will benefit immensely.

Expect much of the same content and styling to filter down from the bigger Rogue/X-Trail. Goodies will include a digital instrument cluster, heads-up display, (HUD) 9.0-inch floating tablet-style infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay, surround view monitor and wireless charging.

Read: Everything We Know About The 2022 Subaru BRZ Coupe

An enhanced version of Nissan’s ProPilot will bring adaptive cruise control and improved lane-keeping abilities that use navigation-based data to preemptively reduce speed for motorway curves and junctions. This level of driver-assist functionality is often reserved for luxury cars. It adds another layer of safety to complement the expanded rollout of Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite of driver aids.

Under The Skin

The Rogue Sport will ride upon an updated version of the CMF-C/D platform that underpins a myriad of other Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault products. A safer safety cell and retuned suspension will improve occupant protection and dynamic abilities, as will the availability of all-wheel-drive.

Gasoline power will be the primary source of propulsion from launch. The current model’s 2.0-litre inline-four will carryover in tandem with Nissan’s not-so-loved continuously variable transmission (CVT). Conjecture indicates that 48-volt mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid options will be available down the track, highlighting the Japanese marque’s push towards electrification and the phasing out of diesel in specific markets.

Nissan teased the next Rogue Sport / Qashqai in a recent presentation

Rivals & Reveal

Nissan’s small crossover certainly won’t have it easy as it sits in a hugely dense segment occupied by worthy alternatives. These include Mazda’s CX-30, Honda’s HR-V, Subaru XV/Crosstrek, Toyota C-HR, Kia Soul and Seltos, Hyundai Kona and Venue, Skoda Karoq and Volkswagen T-Roc.

We anticipate an official debut to happen later this year, and sales to commence in 2021.

Would the all-new Rogue Sport/Qashqai be on your shopping list? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Note: The predictive illustration was made by CarScoops’ artist Josh Byrnes and is in no way related to or endorsed by Nissan

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2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 63 Makes Spy Debut With Two Wheel Designs

This marks the first time we’ve ever seen the all-new 2022 Mercedes SL in flagship AMG guise undergoing tests, and as expected, it was the hexagonal quad-pipes that gave it away.

Otherwise, this prototype looks pretty much the same as other previously-seen camouflaged all-new SL models. The only things that are different, aside from the pipes, is the camouflage pattern on the roof and the wheels.

In fact, this prototype is testing with two different wheel designs. The ones at the rear feature a 5-single spoke aesthetic, while the front wheels boast a 5-dual spoke look.

Read: All-New 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL Rendered Based On Spy Images

This next iteration of the SL will feature the same platform as the Mercedes-AMG GT, something AMG boss Tobias Moers already confirmed.

“We’re bringing back the historic DNA of the SL,” he said last year. “It’s far sportier [this time around]. It will have a perfect compromise between driving dynamics and comfort, because it’s still kind of a cruiser too.”

Aside from the common architecture, the SL and GT are also expected to share axle assemblies, suspensions, steering systems, the 48V electric architecture and hybrid powertrains. Both will be built alongside each other at the German carmaker’s plant in Sindelfingen, Germany.

Meanwhile, a source told Autocar that the new SL was designed to feature a longer hood and a more rearward-positioned cabin.

“The new platform has given us more freedom,” said the source. “There’s more distance between the front axle and the front firewall. This gives it more traditional proportions.”

The range could kick off with an SL 450 EQ Boost variant, followed by an SL 53, SL 500 and SL 63 / 63 S (two stages of tune). The latter is rumored to have a 604 HP twin-turbo V8, although no specs have been made official as of yet.

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Photo Credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien for CarScoops

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2022 Kia CV: Everything We Know About The Electric Sporty Crossover Coming For Tesla

Slowly but surely, Kia’s electric vehicle onslaught is gaining momentum with a myriad of new electrified models to debut within the coming years. One of these is a crossover that straddles the line between traditional SUV and a liftback codenamed CV.

While the CV’s nomenclature is yet to be confirmed, spy photos indicate it shares styling elements from both the Kia Futuron and Imagine concepts that debuted at last year’s China International Import Expo and Geneva Motor Show respectively. Now, let’s take an illustrated preview at what to expect based on the prototypes we’ve seen on the road.

A Futuristic New Direction

Kia used both concept models as a statement of intent for future vehicles; emphasizing sporty and elegant design, coupled with a new interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tiger-nose’ grille. The production series CV is the first model to showcase this new design language with a striking, wedge-shaped body.

Frontal styling, for instance, features full-width LED lighting, dynamic lower graphic and a sculptured, clamshell hood. Sleek blacked-out a-pillars exude a floating-roof effect, and the belt-line raises towards the rear, putting further emphasis on its low and lean stance.

The most dramatic view comes from the rear; its styling is dominated by super-slim LED taillights that frame the upper arch of the hatch, featuring an illuminated fin pattern that could have come from some futuristic type of cooktop stove.

Platform & Powertrain

Like the Hyundai’s upcoming electric 45 CUV and Prophecy sedan, the CV utilises the automaker’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), that will also underpin several new electric vehicles set to appear soon.

Kia gave us a futuristic glimpse of its EV plans with last year’s Imagine (above) and Futuron (below) concepts

The Futuron Concept is 4,850 mm (190.9-in) long, 1,550 mm (61-in) high with a generous 3,000 mm (118.1-in) wheelbase.

While power and torque outputs are an unknown quantity, the dedicated EV will have a driving range of up to 310 miles (500km) and will offer blistering quick DC fasting-charging of under 20 minutes. If the upcoming Hyundai 45 BEV is anything to go by, expect an SK innovation-supplied battery pack in the 75-100 kWh bracket, coupled with a potent dual-motor setup.

A Roomy Place To Be

While we’ve yet to lay eyes on the interior, the CV will offer a spacious layout aided by a flat, skateboard-style floor. A large digital screen will combine both instrument cluster and infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, WiFi connectivity, and a surround-view monitor.

Read: Kia Confirms 310-Mile Range, 20-Minute Charging Time For 2021 Electric Crossover

Full autonomous driving is still some way off for the CV. However, from launch, you can be rest assured driver-assist technology will feature autonomous emergency braking, rear cross-traffic assist, lane-keeping aid, safe exit assist and rear occupant alert.

Prototypes of the Kia CV have already been spotted on the road, some even being tested alongside Teslas

Rivals & Reveal

Kia’s new pure-electric halo car will have plenty of competitors when it lands in the market next year, either as a 2021MY or 2022MY, though two models immediately stand out; the Tesla Model 3 and the Polestar 2 – Especially the latter, seems like one of the closest matches right now with the information we have in our hands.

Review: Mercedes EQC 400 Is A Strong Presence In The EV Crossover Segment

Depending on pricing, dimensions, specs and market availability, other potential battery-electric rivals may include the Hyundai 45, Toyota’s upcoming CUV, Volkswagen ID.4, and possibly the Skoda Enyaq.

So, do you think Kia is heading in the right design direction with its premiere EV model? Tell us in the comments below.

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Photo credits: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien and CarPix for CarScoops

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