Garage Car

Audi's next-generation A7 has finally leaked online, although it's not exactly what we were expecting. Instead of it being spotted in traffic or hidden away somewhere for a photo shoot, it's been revealed to us as a scaled down toy model by Dutch website Auto Week. At first sight, it's pretty much exactly what we expected. Sitting on top of the automaker's MLB Evo platform is an exterior that reminds us of the Prologue Concept here and there, while staying faithful to the A7 Sportback name. It's got the wider hexagonal front grille, slimmer headlights and an overall more modern appearance than the current A7. Visually, it should slot in quite nicely below the all-new A8, featuring plenty of semi and even fully-autonomous systems of its own.

Bigger changes occur in the cabin as designers added a new Touch Pro Duo infotainment system that features two 10-inch touchscreen displays. The company didn't stop there as they installed new 24-way power front seats, revised switchgear, and updated door panels. The rear seats are also new as they can recline by up to 40 degrees and be set to one of 25 different massage programs. Other highlights include a new 12-inch digital instrument cluster, a 4G Wi-Fi hotspot, and several new charging ports. Under the hood, there's a new plug-in hybrid powertrain that consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, an electric motor, and a 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This setup enables the model to produce a combined maximum output of 404 PS (297 kW) and 640 Nm (472 lb-ft) of torque. In terms of performance, the Range Rover PHEV can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds, hit a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h), and travel up to 31 miles (51 km) on electricity al...

The Mercedes CLS kicked off the four-door coupe craze and it appears the latest model won't stray far from the successful formula. Recently caught in Germany, this prototype is largely devoid of camouflage and it gives us our best look at the third-generation CLS. As you can see, the model has a familiar appearance buts it eschews the heavily stylized character lines of its predecessor. The pictures also show a sleeker trunk, a relatively small sunroof, and a chromed dual exhaust system. Inside, the car has a traditional instrument cluster and circular air vents. We can also see a leather-wrapped dashboard and what appears to be a three-spoke steering wheel. Mercedes recently lifted the embargo on driving impressions and Autocar reports the CLS will be offered with an assortment of different powertrains. On the petrol side, we can expect a four-cylinder with 295 hp (220 kW) and an inline six-cylinder with 362 hp (270 kW). They will eventually be followed by an AMG...

Another, more production-looking C8 Corvette mule was spotted in camouflage on Wednesday near Cadillac, Michigan. That's a far cry from the company's proving grounds in Milford, meaning the prototype mid-engine Corvettes must be on a road-trip test run. The new shots show a true mid-engine look with a shorter hood and long, sloping rear end, presumably where the engine sits. Its shape looks a lot like a Ferrari 458/488 to us, which bodes well for the upcoming supercar. Speaking of engines, there are a lot of choices for this next world beater; the 650-hp LT4 comes to mind, but a simpler LT1 with 500 horses or so could also work. The other big question we have is price. Will it be a budget mid-engine lightning bolt or a nuclear-powered track monster a la Porsche 911 GT2? That could mean the difference between $100K and $200K. Those different wheels also look like production pieces.