Spy Photos

SEMA News - August 2009

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.

Honda Crosstour When it Hits: Production will begin in September at Honda’s factory in East Liberty, Ohio. What Priddy Says: The CUV, called the Crosstour, is based on a modified Accord chassis and will offer Honda’s new VTM-4 all-wheel-drive option. Powertrains are still an unknown, but the 2.3L four-cylinder turbo from the Acura RDX is one likely choice.
BMW M7 When it Hits: According to Priddy, the M7 to debut later this year. What Priddy Says: BMW will fit the new M with an aluminum hood for weight savings and improved handling. Under that hood, expect the dual-turbo V8 used in the current X6 or perhaps the 5.0L V10 from the M5 and M6. Either engine should be good for 550-600 hp, a marked upgrade from the 407 hp currently offered in the 750i as well as the 507hp unit powering the Alpina B7.
Dodge Ram Hybrid When it Hits: A diesel-powered Dodge Ram 1500 has been delayed, but the hybrid Hemi version is definitely happening for 2010. What Priddy Says: The two-mode hybrid powertrain was co-developed with GM, Mercedes and BMW and is the same setup found in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra gas-electric hybrid pickups. The electrically variable two-mode transmission, supplied by GM, houses two 60kW electric motors that can power the truck on their own up to about 25 mph, depending on driving conditions.
Chevy Viva When it Hits: GM’s forthcoming small car offering is currently scheduled to arrive sometime in 2010. What Priddy Says: Insiders and enthusiasts have dubbed it both the next-gneration Chevy Aveo or the Chevy Lecetti, but recent internet chatter has pegged it as the Chevy Viva, reported to be an American-built GM answer to the Ford Fiesta.