Part 1

Manufacturers go to great lengths to guard their future cars. Primarily the reason behind it is to ensure their competitors are taken by surprise when the final product is launched. Some manufacturers have gone to the edge of creating their very own test tracks to keep secret prototypes away from prying eyes. However, these cars have to come out in the open to under go what is called 'real world testing.' During this the cars are tested on every possible terrain including sand, snow, mud, gravel and even high altitudes. The tests take the cars to the breaking point and then fine tuning ensures that the final product can go on for thousands of kilometres without doubt.

No wonder then the competition and the media wait with baited breath to catch a glimpse of these mules. In the following pages you will find a collection of the future cars you will be able to buy.

In short here's the most exclusive story of the year and the mother of all scoops!

The Audi Q5 was officially introduced in 2008 at the Beijing Auto Show. The Q5 is one of the first models to be entirely based on the company’s LP modular platform. In all probability, the Q5 has the potential within as the SUV is not as large as its big brother the Q7. This makes it handy to drive on a day to day basis and especially while parking in tight conditions.

Yet somehow, the Q5 is not as aggressive to look at when compared to its siblings across the Audi range.

We’re not sure if they are going to get it right with the face-lift since this one's not an all new generation model and at the same time is a mild make-over. That is nevertheless confirmed by our spy shots. These shots reveal that the Q5 will get the regular array of upgrades including fresh headlights and a redesigned hexagonal grille. Minor interior changes are also expected in this version.

Last but not the least, the new Q5 is also supposed to get an added range of engines making it a bit more powerful than now.

Audi is currently working full throttle to develop the next generation Q7. If we take a look at these photos, we’ll notice that the fenders are beefier, while the front overhang appears to be shorter. However, the real changes are hidden under the skin, with Audi set to reinvent its full-size SUV. The Q7 is expected to be a lot lighter when it arrives on the market, with the car set to lose about 400kg. While the VW Group is already familiar with such a process (the company has already done this for the VW Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne), the engineers now face more and more challenges, as the competition in the SUV segment is fiercer than ever.

Spott ed for the first time out in the open, this is the face-lifted Audi R8, due for an official presentation at this year’s Paris motor show. Exterior modifications will be limited to new, full-LED headlights, Audi’s slightly revised grille and new taillights with a different position of the many LED s. The R8 will continue to powered by the V8 and V10 engines, but the sequential gearbox will be replaced by a DSG unit.

Our spy-shots of the BMW 3-series GT give a preview of what the new car due to be unveiled at Paris this year will look like. A detailed look reveals an automatically retractable rear spoiler to underline the car’s sporty ambitions. That aside, the all-new 3-series GT will feature the same raised seating position and ride height as the bigger 5-series GT and will also adopt a two-tier rear hatch design. It will come with both rear-wheel-drive and AWD configurations, with power coming from a range of four- and six-cylinder engines.

No matter which market you target these days, a small car is a must. So it is not surprising that BMW's electric vehicle portfolio has the i3. These are photos of the real machine, the production version of the BMW i3. Also known as the MegaCity Vehicle, BMW plans to sell up to 30,000 units in its first full year of sales in 2014. BMW launched the new ‘i’ sub-brand under the tag line “Born Electric”.

Unveiling of the i3 production version along with the i8 hybrid super car will take place in 2013. Both models will be built at the Leipzig plant and ride on the “LifeDrive architecture” which has an aluminium chassis and a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) passenger cell. While it might look similar on the outside and share the dimensions of the concept version, expect all the fancy bits to disappear from the inside.

The i3 will produce well over 130bhp via electric motors. A singlespeed gearbox will provide power transmission to the rear wheels and will help the BMW i3 to accelerate to an electronically governed 150kmph. The BMW i3 will also offer an optional range extender, nicknamed REx. This will allow the driving range to be increased substantially making it possible for owners to drive further. REx will incorporate a small and quiet petrol engine which will provide power to a generator. This generator in turn will maintain the battery charge level to ensure that the vehicle can continue to run on electric power. Expect the i3 to be launched by the end of this year internationally.

Part 2

Here are the very first spy-pictures of the all-new BMW X5. First impression: the SUV will grow significantly in length and will feature a longer roof. This is clearly necessary to distance the new X5 from its smaller stable mate, the X3, which itself had to grow a bit to make room for the still-new X1. The addition in length will allow for a third row of seats making the future X5 a proper 7-seater. The prototype seen here gets a V8 engine, but a hybrid will certainly be offered, too. We expect the X5 to be launched sometime in 2013.

The 6-series Gran Coupe, rumoured to be a true Mercedes CLS AMG-fighter has been caught. Equipped with the sophisticated 4.4-litre bi-turbo V8 known from the X5M and X6M versions, the new M6’s motor is expected to offer 580bhp. The prototype was riding on giant 20-inch wheels, but we reckon that yet bigger ones will be available as options shod with ultra low profile tyres. The Coupe will be launched this year itself.

The mid-life face-lift of the BMW 7-series was spotted undergoing testing. In the past we have seen different front bumper designs but this one is the final version.

Sporting a modest face-lift, the car is distinguished by the new bumpers, “angel eye” headlights with LED headlights and indicators and revised taillights. Inside the instrument panel will be updated and the overall theme of the interiors will be redone. Under the hood, we can expect minor modifications for improved fuel efficiency and better performance. Word has it that the current six-speed automatic will also be replaced by a new ZF-sourced eight-speed unit.

Our spies have managed to catch the facelifted BMW X6M undergoing testing. The images make it clear that the X6M is virtually production ready. The prototype has a revised front end, new headlights and restyled taillights. The petrol engines will be carried over, but rumours suggest a new tri-turbo 3.0-litre sixcylinder diesel could be added to the lineup. It is expected to produce anything between 345bhp and 395bhp. The new meanwhile X6 will debut this year.

ThIS is the very first image, based on actual spy shots of the upcoming coupe version of the new BMW 3-series rumoured to be named the 4-series. On this prototype, we can very well make out the shape of the upcoming two-door coupe which should be larger than the 3-series. Or we can imagine it as a smaller version of the 6-series coupe. Speculation is that the new 4-series will feature both two-door and four-door sport coupe variants (as BMW will be doing with the 6-series as well), to compete against the likes of the Audi A5 range, and that BMW may also introduce a cabriolet version.

Chevrolet is finishing testing and gearing up for production of the long-awaited subcompact Beat EV . The ultra-clean Beat, as seen here, has the new front fascia, including a new grille and freshened fog lamps. It also sports a charging port in front of the driver’s door. We’re guessing an on-sale date of early 2013, and a model year designation of 2014 internationally, followed by a launch here in India.

Part 3

Ford has shown the concept version of its upcoming global compact SUV at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi, and here are the best shots yet of the production model Ford EcoSport undergoing cold-climate testing.

Looking like a baby Kuga/Escape, the B-platform SUV will debut with the turbocharged 1.0-litre Ecoboost engine. Initially targeted for emerging markets, the EcoSport will eventually hit global markets under the “One Ford” global product strategy. The EcoSport will be the second of eight products Ford plans to bring to India by 2015.

The new EcoSport is a part of Ford's global strategy of launching multiple cars in emerging markets which include India.

Ford has the Fiesta sedan in India and we expect the hatch to follow, however in its next generation version. We can clearly see a new headlight design incorporating LED detailing and a much sharper look. As for the engine lineup, expect the current four-cylinder offering to be expanded with the addition of a highperformance 1.6-litre EcoBoost and a new 1.0- litre EcoBoost engine as well as non-EcoBoosted three-cylinder engines.

Judging from these spy-shots, the current Land Rover Freelander will receive a mild midlife face-lift later this year. The car is to receive a new grille and new headlights as well as new taillights. We might also see a slightly updated interior and new, more fuelefficient engines. Expect the car to be officially introduced at the Paris Motor Show in September this year.

Here 's the 2013 Range Rover prototype wearing a full production body. The model is heavily disguised, but we can see it will feature a clamshell hood, massive headlights and a sloping roofline. Furthermore, the vehicle appears significantly larger which should result in additional rear seat legroom and added cargo capacity. Engines will be carried over from the current model, but we can also expect to see hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that borrow technology from the Range e concept.

We saw the mad Aventador concept at Geneva and now here is the production roadster version caught testing. But judging by the fact that the engine cover for that all-mighty V12 is basically the same, we think the roof won’t retract into a rear compartment. Most likely, you’ll still have to get out of the car and take off or put back up a roof that fits into the compartment at the front.

These are spy-pictures of the new upcoming 2013 Maserati Quattroporte going through the grind at Nurburgring. The Italian company already stated its intention to update its lineup with a brand new Quattroporte expected to be launched in time for the 2014 model year, but now we also know how it will look. Maserati is developing a new RWD platform which will make extensive use of lightweight aluminium and be capable of implementing a hybrid system as is fast becoming the norm. The allwheel- drive system from the Ferrari FF is also being considered but is yet to be confirmed. The new Quattroporte is expected to keep its Ferrari-derived V8.

Part 4

Here are the first images of the new E-class. While interior changes and engine updates remain a secret at present (if there will be any), it’s clearly visible that modifications to the exterior will be quite radical: Out goes the last reminiscence to the four-eyed front, new will be headlights that will mimic those of the next-generation C-class. A slightly modified grille, bonnet and bumper will complete the changes done to the front. The rear will receive new taillights and a new bumper, too. We expect the re-freshed E-class to hit the Indian market by end of next year.

The tie-up between Mercedes-Benz and the Renault-Nissan alliance is going to offer the world a new fruit, when the Germans will present a new city van. Based on the platform of the Renault Kangoo, the vehicle will use the Citan designation. The production model will be available in multiple versions, including a panel van, a crewbus, as well as a mixed-use vehicle, with customers being able to choose between multiple wheelbases and roof heights.

Styling of the new S-class is expected to be influenced by the F700 concept. The new dashboard will be a high-tech instrument panel with two wide LCDs, one in place of the conventional analogue instruments while the other a multifunctional touchscreen to control climate, satnav, entertainment and communication systems. Under thehood, we can expect Mercedes to introduce the new ‘MoVe’ (modular V6 and V8) engines. On the performance side, the AMG version will bepowered by a twinturbo 5.5-litre V8.

The first full body prototype for the new Mercedes C-class due soon has been caught. The shape of the panel covering the grille on the front fascia hints that it might be a little more rounded. The larger headlights seem inspired by the CLS and look sporty. It is a little too early to confidently predict the engine options that the next generation C-Class will employ. There have been rumours that Mercedes is developing three-cylinder engines, but it is more likely the C-Class will get four-cylinder units that would reduce the engine to operating on just 2-cylinders when less power is needed. What we can confidently predict is a hybrid C. Expect the petrol and diesel units to be coupled with a small electric motor developing around 30bhp.

Unusual cars are becoming Merc's forte and the newest of them all is the Shooting Brake which is essentially the estate version of the CLS. Since this version seen here is a near production ready car, it is but obvious that it will retain the good looks of the concept version seen earlier. However the benefit will come in form of a big and practical boot. Engines will also remain same as the CLS including a sub 500bhp engine for that extra zest. However the new Shooting Brake will not get the high performance 571bhp AMG motor. Now that's bad news for AMG fans.

The 2013 Mini Cooper S adopts a smaller grille, a longer hood and slimmer A-pillars. The typical bonnet-mounted air-intake of the “S” is still covered on this prototype. While the exterior is instantly recognisable, big changes will occur inside the cabin. The next-generation Cooper will ditch the centre-mounted speedometer. A new turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol that produces 180bhp is likely while the JCW will get a similar unit with 220bhp.

Part 5

Built solely for emerging markets, the three-box Peugeot 206 will soon receive a mild facelift. The pictures clearly show that the new 206 will get the conventional mild facelift and that includes a new headlamp, grille combo and also a mildly redone bonnet. At the back the lights will be new too and so will be the bumpers both up front and back. Petrol engines with 75 and 109bhp as well as a diesel with 69bhp will remain unchanged.

Renault 's little Twingo is set to appear in a new avatar. It is known that Mercedes and Renault are going to co-operate in the field of micro cars and the fruits of this co-operation would be the new two-seater Smart fortwo and a new four-seater Smart forfour on the German side. On the French end, there will be a new four-seater Renault Twingo. Our exclusive shots, however, are proof that a very short two-seater Twingo is on the cards as well.

Here’s proof at last that Renault is working hard on the production version of an electric hatch based on the Zoe concept. The French auto maker is on track to produce the performance-oriented electric car by as early as 2012. The electric drivetrain will be derived from sister brand Nissan’s Leaf EV model and it will come with a 60kW electric motor with 222Nm of torque. The new car is expected to have a range of around 160km.

The Panamera has been on the market for a few years, so Porsche is working on a minor facelift. Snapped here in Turbo-guise at Nürburgring, the prototype has a revised front end and will likely mimic the all-new 911. The camouflage hides most of the changes, but we can expect restyled headlights and larger LED daytime running lights.Engine options will likely carryover, but there could be some minor changes forimproved performance and increased efficiency.

In 2012, Volkswagen confirmed that it would build a limited series of its long-awaited 1-litre car, likely to be named the XL1.

The XL1 was the third iteration of the Volkswagen 1-litre car, first shown in concept guise at the 2011 Qatar Motor Show. The two older concept cars had been shown to the public in 2002 and 2009.

According to Volkswagen, the XL1 can achieve a combined fuel consumption of 0.9 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 24g/km. The XL1 uses a twocylinder turbocharged diesel. Displacing 800cc, it is rated at 47bhp and 121Nm of torque and transmits power to the rear wheels through a sevenspeed DSG transmission. The electric motor pitches in with 27bhp and 100Nm of torque, and can work in parallel with the diesel or drive the car independent of it. Fully charged, the XL1 can travel up to 35 kilometres on electric power alone. The concept-car XL1 had a kerb weight of 795kg and a drag coefficient of 0.186. Just 23.2 per cent of the car is made out of either steel or iron and the drivetrain weighs 227kg. The XL1’s length and width are similar to the Volkswagen Polo, with a length of 3970mm and width of 1682mm. However, the car is much lower with a height of only 1184mm and has a coupe-like roofline, reducing interior volume. The design incorporates gullwing doors, with the interior seating layout using a staggered side-by-side arrangement similar to a Smart Fortwo, rather than the previous versions’ tandem seating. Performance credentials include a governed top speed of 158kmph and a 0 to 100kmph acceleration time of 11.9 seconds.

Here is how the next-generation Porsche Cayman will look. After catching prototypes numerous time, our rendering accurately describes the new model. Earlier shots had captured a series of mules testing but this time the prototype seen below is the real thing. The next-generation Cayman seen here shares some features with the current Boxster prototype and the new Cayman appears to have a lower back-end and a much larger rear window than the current model. The nextgeneration Porsche Cayman will debut late this year as a 2013 model.