Recently, we have received a lot of spy photos of winter tests of new cars, mainly German brands, whether it is fuel, electric, or supercar, BBA and Volkswagen continue to show the strong strength of new car development and launch. Of course, among the many test vehicles, we were fortunate to see Lamborghini's V12 flagship, which is definitely a "rare animal" in the era of electrification.
★ Mercedes-Benz CLE – a convertible sedan in one
In view of the gradual decline in sales of C-class and E-class two-door versions and convertible versions in recent years, Mercedes-Benz decided not to spend money on so many models alone, but to introduce an alternative in size between the two. The name of this new car series is CLE. Recently, we found a CLE convertible version in northern Sweden that was undergoing extreme cold testing.
Considering that there are still A5 and 4 Series on the market, they not only have convertible and two-door versions, but also four-door coupe versions such as Sportback or GranCoupe, CLE may also launch similar variants later. So far, however, the convertible version is still the only CLE we have captured.
The CLE convertible tested this winter is still heavily camouflaged, especially in areas of the roof and lights. The design of the CLE will be more sporty than the previous C-class and E-class variants, and the front part of the car will feature slender long lights and a unique front face shape. Although it belongs to a completely new car series, the CLE will share the MRA II platform with the new generation C-Class, code-named W206, and will use roughly the same power configuration. This model will be available within this year.
★ Volkswagen Aero B – The purely electric embodiment of the Passat
A while ago, Volkswagen had announced that the next-generation Passat would only come in the form of a station wagon, while introducing a purely electric sedan to the market. Also in northern Sweden, this electric sedan is on our lens again. It is reported that the official name of this car is ID.6, but because this number has been occupied by a large pure electric SUV unique to China, it is likely to be called Aero B.
Aero B is represented by ID. The Space Vizzion concept car was developed. This concept car was a pretty station wagon when it was released, so the future Aero B should have a travel version in addition to the sedan. In fact, the Aero B we see now is more like a four-door coupe. Like all of Volkswagen's new electric vehicles today, the Aero B will also be based on the MEB platform, with a base version of rear-wheel drive, and will be available in a dual-motor four-wheel drive model, as well as a high-performance GTX version.
The prototype of the Aero B has a long wheelbase, making its silhouette look similar to the Chinese version of the Passat, that is, the Magotan. From these photos, we can also see that it uses a hidden door handle. Although the prototype looks fairly close to mass production, many of the parts we see are not genuine, such as the air intakes, grilles and headlights under the front. The true image of the car should be more similar to the ID.4, with a through-light strip between the left and right headlights. Aero B is expected to be released online by the end of the year.
★ Audi R8 RWD GT – The Last Madness of the R8 Family?
Although the second-generation R8 has been overhauled for two years, Audi's sports department has yet to equip it with an optional high-performance kit. The prototype we photographed this time is equipped with these kits, which makes people wonder a little.
We know Audi will release a more unique R8 this year, which could be called the R8 RWD GT. This prototype is likely to be its prototype. Before the R8 series completely fades out and is replaced by a pure electric model, the R8 RWD GT will be the masterpiece of this V10 family. The high-performance kit mounted on the prototype looks similar to before the remodel, but there are some differences in the front lip.
Until now, though, we still can't confirm whether the captured prototype is the R8 RWD GT or just a regular version with a high-performance kit. However, if you just add these kits, it seems unreasonable to run exclusively for winter testing. But either way, we're going to see a tougher R8
★ BMW iX1 – BMW's third pure electric SUV
BMW has confirmed the existence of the iX1, and this time we have some new photos of it. The test car was parked in a public car park, allowing photographers to capture details up close. Compared to the iX3, the brand's smallest SUV will come with a smaller battery pack while reducing range. The iX1 also gets some design elements from the iX3, such as a fully enclosed grille, blue trim, and aerodynamic wheels. The cab design looks very similar to the new 2 Series Active Tourer, but the smaller interior space reduces the car's practicality.
The advent of the iX1 means that the X1 family will come in three power forms: a conventional internal combustion engine version, a plug-in hybrid version, and a pure electric iX1. We estimate that the car will be officially unveiled in March and April.
★ Mercedes E-Class – Concealed door handles are available as an option
After the S-Class and C-Class have been completely updated respectively, the E-Class, which is a pillar of Mercedes-Benz, is also about to usher in a replacement. The new generation of E-Class, code-named W214, has begun its winter testing, and our photographer managed to capture it.
Of the several test cars, one looks like an AMG version, while the others are ones that focus on luxury. The test cars are tightly camouflaged, but the official production version of the taillights has been installed. They also have hidden door handles, although traditional door handles will still be standard. Even if the camouflage is thorough, we can still see that it combines C-class and S-class design styles.
When the new E-Class is released next year, both petrol and diesel will work in tandem with the 48-volt light mix system, and several different plug-in hybrid models will also be available.
★ Lamborghini's new flagship, Aventador's successor, was first revealed
The as-yet-unnamed Lamborghini flagship first appeared in view as it wandered near its factory in Bologna. Compared to the Aventador, the car's door positions and mirrors are different, and the special brake system and the exhaust pipe located in the upper center of the rear also prove that it is a real new flagship, and no one's body is borrowed. Taking a step back, if it is a fake car body, then why do you have to do so much disguise?
The new flagship, which succeeds the Aventador, means a new era for Lamborghini, as it will equip the V12 engine with an auxiliary electric motor for the first time. Last July, Lamborghini's president and CEO, Steven Winkelmann, revealed that the new flagship will be equipped with a new engine, a new powertrain, a new battery – in short, everything is brand new. The car is expected to be officially released next year.
The author of this article is Kick Car Gang Alai