SEMA Spy Photos

SEMA News - September 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.

Mercedes SLK 63 AMG

When It Hits: Look for this roadster’s debut in 2011 as a 2012 model.

What Priddy Says: The new SLK will sport a new, more upright grille and headlamp look (not unlike the new SLS) as well as daytime driving lamps, new door handles and large mirrors mounted on the door (rather than in front of the side window). The changes that will happen underhood, however, are uncertain.

Audi S7

When It Hits: The S7 is expected to arrive in showrooms sometime in early 2011.

What Priddy Says: Larger air intakes, sportier wheels and tires, bigger brakes and rotors, along with the typical “S” quad exhaust, indicate that this is no ordinary A7 prototype. While there are a few possibilities for the S7’s powerplant, Priddy hears rumors of an all-new 4.0L V8 that could debut in the S7.

Chevy Malibu

When It Hits: The production date was bumped up to the fourth quarter of 2011, according to Priddy, and current rumors point to an even earlier start.

What Priddy Says: The Malibu will ride on the same short wheelbase version of the Epsilon II chassis that underpins the 2011 Buick Regal. Under the hood, a 3.6L V6 should be the top-end option, according to Priddy, with either (or maybe both) the 2.4L SIDI four-cylinder or the 2.0L, turbo-charged Ecotec four-cylinder rounding out the lineup. All will be mated to a six-speed transmission, and all-wheel drive will be optional.

Dodge Charger Police Car

When It Hits: Spirited drivers will need to check their rearview mirrors for this patrol car beginning late 2010.

What Priddy Says: The 2011 Charger patrol car, referred to internally as “LD,” will ride on an updated version of the “LX” chassis and be powered by a base-model 3.6L V6, a 360hp 5.7L Hemi V8 or the meatiest of the group, a 6.4L Hemi V8.