Tag Archives: caught

Motorsport

Watch Next-Gen Audi SQ5, S5 Avant Prototypes Testing In Colorado [UPDATE]

Update: Motor1.com readers Mark Brady and Steve Blendermann also caught Audi SQ5 prototypes in the mountains.

Their images are shared here with permission; we can clearly see quad exhaust outlets at the rear. A side view also offers a good look at the wheels shod with low-profile tires. Thanks for the photos, Mark and Steve!

Photo Credits: Mark Brandy and Steve Blendermann

Audi is currently testing three vehicles at high altitude in the Colorado Mountains. These vehicles appear to be the next-generation SQ5 and possibly two examples of the new S5 Avant. TFL Now managed to capture footage of the three cars leaving a hotel and entering the interstate. All three vehicles feature quad exhausts, with two on each side, which indicates that they are all S variants.

The gallery below shows the Audi SQ5 being tested in Europe. In the video, the front of the vehicle being tested in the Colorado Mountains is not shown clearly, but they share similarities in terms of profile and rear design. One of the main similarities is the sharp taillights.


Motorsport

Genesis G80 Facelift Spy Photos Show Updated Lights, Restyled Interior

A facelifted Genesis G80 has been spotted in California, giving us a closer look at the changes made to this upscale sedan. The heavy camouflage is still present, but the combination of bright sunlight and clear images reveals some of the modifications. We also catch a glimpse of the updated interior through the passenger window.

Compared to our previous sighting, it seems that the exterior changes for the G80 will be minor. The split-light design is retained both at the front and rear, although the headlights appear slightly smaller. The pixel LED elements are also visible and shine brightly in the sunlight. Looking closer, you can see that the front fascia has undergone minor revisions, with the corner vents being slightly reduced in size. The large shield grille, however, does not extend as far into the central opening as before.

Genesis G80 Front View Facelift Spy Photo
Genesis G80 Front View Facelift Spy Photo
Genesis G80 Front View Facelift Spy Photo

It is possible that the grille will also be slightly smaller, following the design changes seen on the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata. These models feature redesigned front clips with smaller grilles, so it is plausible that a similar approach will be taken for Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand.

While the sides of the prototype remain hidden, we can see that the twin lightbars on the fenders will be retained. At the rear, the taillights show some differences compared to the previous model. The twin bars are still present, but the lenses appear larger, although this could be due to the contrast between the darker quarter panels and the brighter trunk. Additionally, the rear fascia features different body lines, and the faux exhaust outlets have been revised.

Genesis G80 Rear View Facelift Spy Photo
Genesis G80 Rear View Facelift Spy Photo

Although we previously spotted a G80 prototype, we now have a partial view of the interior. Looking through the passenger front window, we can’t discern the details, but it appears that the floating-style center touchscreen is no longer present. The slope of the dash in front of the driver is less prominent, suggesting that the updated G80 may adopt a layout similar to the larger G90 model. The heavy covers on the dashboard indicate that more significant changes may be happening beyond minor trim updates.


Motorsport

Ship Carrying 3,000 Mercedes And Other Cars Burns Off Dutch Coast, One Death Reported

The cargo ship Fremantle Highway caught fire around midnight Tuesday evening off the Netherlands’ coast. It was carrying nearly 3,000 cars. The ship was en route from Germany to Egypt when the fire started, believed to have been ignited near an unspecified electric vehicle.

The crew made attempts to put out the fire but were unsuccessful. Seven members had to jump overboard to escape the rapidly spreading flames, as reported by Reuters. Several crew members sustained injuries including burns, broken bones, and breathing difficulties. Tragically, one crew member lost their life in the fire. All 23 crew members have been rescued from the ship.


Motorsport

NFL Player Leonard Fournette’s Dodge Durango Hellcat Goes Up In Flames

NFL running back Leonard Fournette had a frightening experience when his car caught fire. Fournette was driving his Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat on I-275 in Tampa when the fire started. He was able to pull over and exit the vehicle safely, but the Durango was severely damaged.

The Florida Highway Patrol determined that the fire was caused by a mechanical issue with the Dodge Durango and was not the result of a crash or accident. Fournette shared a video of the incident on his Instagram account, expressing gratitude that he escaped unharmed, captioning it, “Man it was one of those days today, but I would like thank God, my car caught on fire while I was driving, But I’am still blessed.”

Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat

The Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat is the most powerful stock gasoline-powered SUV in the world. It can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 180 mph. Production of the Durango SRT Hellcat was limited to 3,000 units in 2021, but it resumed this year.

Recall Notices

Stellantis, the parent company of Dodge, recently issued recalls for fire risks on some of its other vehicles, such as the Ram diesel and the Jeep Cherokee. However, the Dodge Durango, including the Durango SRT Hellcat, has never been subjected to a recall for a fire risk.

Leonard Fournette

Leonard Fournette was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of this year. During his time with the Buccaneers, he played in three seasons and started 25 of 43 regular season games. He scored 17 rushing touchdowns and played a significant role in the team’s victory in Super Bowl LV, rushing for 89 yards and a touchdown.

Other Cars Owned by Fournette

In addition to his Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, Leonard Fournette also owns a Polestar 1, which he shared on his Instagram account with the caption “@polestar cars are made for stars.”

Motorsport

2024 BMW X2: Less camouflage spotted on M35 trim near Nurburgring

BMW has made significant progress on its upcoming X2 model. Although this isn’t the first time we have seen a prototype out in public, new spy photos reveal a clearer view of the crossover’s front end. The latest images showcase an M35i trim with some of its heavy camouflage removed.

One notable change can be seen in the front fascia. Previously, the lower vents were partially covered by hard covers, but they are now completely exposed. This reveals the angled sides of the lower openings, which curve inwards at the top, seamlessly aligning with the bottom corners of the grille. Additionally, slim vertically-oriented vents can be clearly seen on the sides of the fascia.