Our spy photographers have seemingly followed the BMW X5, all the way from Germany earlier this week to a decidedly more wintry location for some extreme weather testing.

Looking visibly smaller than its predecessor in these spy photos, its unlikely the new X5 will actually shrink in size, although it will most certainly lose some weight. Through the extensive use of light weight materials, the X5 will no doubt partake in a diet similar to that of the rival Porsche Cayenne in order to shed several hundred pounds and stay competitive.

No big surprises are expected under the hood, with the continued use of BMW’s turbocharged six and eight cylinder engines, as well as a diesel option and eventually a hybrid too. An X5 M is also likely, and if the sport ute’s diet is drastic enough, even look for a turbocharged 4-cylinder.

GALLERY: 20134 BMW X5 Spy Photos

What do the Porsche Panamera and Nissan Juke have in common? Answer: the ability to love them only after you’ve driven them.

With styling that wouldn’t sell were it not for that Porsche badge, the German sports car maker has put its notoriously uncreative design team to work searching for a way to “modernize” the luxury sports sedan. As these new spy photos reveal, the updates will include slight changes to the front and rear bumper, as well as new headlights and taillights.

It’s not known if Porsche is planning any interior updates (one area the Panamera certainly doesn’t need improvement), nor do we know if any engine tuning will be performed. More power isn’t really necessary either, but it might help the Panamera more speedily escape from its former self.

GALLERY: 2013 Porsche Panamera Spy Photos

Rolls-Royce has been quietly planning a faelift for its flagship Phantom model, as our spy photographers found out when they came across a camo-clad version of the luxury behemoth testing in Europe.

At first look it appears to be a “regular” old Rolls. A closer look at the headlights in these spy photos, however, reveals that those aren’t functioning units but covers, hinting at a new design underneath. Exactly what Rolls is planning isn’t known, but you can be sure the changes won’t be dramatic. After all, the British super-lux automaker wouldn’t want to make its old models look dated – something that would certainly upset the brand’s clientele.

Additional upgrades expected in this update include an improved navigation system, with a strong possibility of changes to the engine to deliver a slight increase in power with reduced emissions. Look for a possible debut at the Geneva Motor Show this March.

GALLERY: Rolls-Royce Phantom Spy Photos

Having just launched the all-new 2012 3 Series, BMW will soon look to add the coupe and convertible versions to its lineup, with one big change from the past. No we’re not talking about a turbocharged 4-cylinder, but rather the fact that from now on the 3 Series two door models will be referred to as the 4 Series. This is in keeping with a larger BMW plan to have all four-door sedans receive odd number badges, while coupes will get the even number treatment.

As these new spy photos show, don’t expect a dramatic change from the past model, with a similar silhouette. The biggest change will be up front with a more pointed grill reminiscent of the Z4.

As mentioned, a base 428i model will now come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder making 245 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, while a top-level 435i will get BMW’s turbo inline-six for 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Pour over the gallery of spy photos below and if you’re appetite for next-gen BMWs isn’t satisfied, check out our spy photos of the 4 Series Convertible here, and the upcoming M3 Sedan here.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW 4 Series Spy Photos

Several spy shots of the upcoming Mercedes CLC sedan have been snapped during the car’s cold weather testing. Expected to be styled as a baby CLS, this compact sedan will be based on the same platform as the upcoming A-Class and B-Class models, meaning it will be a size down from the brand’s C-Class offering.

Using this flexible new paltform Mercedes will be able to offer both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions of the CLC. Diesel engines will be offered in Europe, while a North American model will likely sport a 4-cylinder – with the 201-hp turbocharged 1.8L from the C-Class a likely candidate. Both a six-speed manual and 7-speed dual clutch are expected to be offered.

Rumors have also suggest a high-performance AMG version making over 300-hp.

The CLC (which may be badged as the CLA) is expected to arrive in showrooms as early as next year.

GALLERY: Mercedes CLC Spy Photos

Just last week Volvo first confirmed the existence of the V40 (previously believed to be called the V30) and now we have the very first spy photos of the compact Swedish machine.

Set to replace both the S40 and V50 wagon, the V40 is being built as a rival to the Audi A3 Sportback and BMW 1 Series. While much of the car is covered in camo, when the production model does arrive this March at the Geneva Motor Show, look for design cues taken from the XC60 crossover with a shape similar to that of a shrunken V60. After its debut, Volvo is expected to follow-up with an XC40 crossover version, while an S40 is rumored for the Chinese market.

What isn’t yet clear is if Volvo will continue to produce the C30 hatchback or if the V40 is also designed to replace that car as well.

As for engines, expect a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder gasoline version, as well as either a 1.6-liter or 2.0-liter diesel 4-cylinder.

GALLERY: 2013 Volvo V40

Spied for the first time is Ferrari‘s successor to the incredibly powerful and luxurious 599. This next-generation Ferrari GT (code named F152) is rumored to wear the F620 badge when it debuts next year at the Geneva Auto Show, powered by a version of the FF’s new 6.3-liter V12 engine. Power is expected to be upwards of 700-hp, headed to the rear wheels and using a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Wearing an Old Navy-style Puff jacket, look for the next 599 to share a similar overall shape to its predecessor, with more angles and styling cues taken from the FF and 458.

GALLERY: Ferrari F620 Spy Photos

The launch of the higher performance Chevy Camaro Z28 is approaching and so its no surprise to see more spy photos of the car popping up on the internet. These latest pics come via a member of Camaro5, who snapped a duo of Z28s testing in Coronado (San Diego).

Most notable from the photos are what appear to be massive bumps in the hood (much larger than anticipated), which are believed to signify the supercharged 6.2-liter LSA V8 that will give the Camaro Z28 as much as 556-hp.

We’ll continue to await more info on Chevy’s high-powered Camaro, but in the mean time, make sure to check out our Z28 rendering here.

And hit the link below to see the rest of the pics:

[Source: Camaro5]

More amateur spy photos of the upcoming 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have been captured and so far the reaction probably isn’t what VW is looking for. The dull looking compact car in the photos is believed to be the next Jetta model, that VW has code-named the NCS (for New Compact Sedan).

Along with less-than-impressive looks the new Jetta is believed to be less premium than before, but larger to meet with the demands of U.S. consumers. It has also been reported that the next Jetta (at least North American models) will use a less-sophisticated torsion beam rear suspension. The up-side to all this is a significantly lower cost, with rumors that it will start at $14,950 – significantly less than the $17,735 entry price for a current Jetta model.

We’re hoping Volkswagen still has some design changes in mind for the model to give it a bit more flare. Otherwise, it’s no surprise to us why VW just bought a majority stake in Italian design firm Italdesign Giugiaro.

GALLERY: 2011 VW Jetta Spy Photos

[Source: GMI]

We’ve already seen quite a few spy photos of the revamped Dodge Charger, but these are easily the best yet. Spy photos taken by KGP for Autoblog show the more aggressive and angular front snout of the big American sedan after the tarp covering the car was either left up or blew back. Along with the more sloped eyes and a hood that comes down over the front just a little, the fascia also gets larger lower air intake, adding an even more menacing look. We have to say, the design cues certainly look inspired by Alfa Romeo.

Past spy photos of the car have shown a more sloping rear roofline, aimed at giving it a sportier look. We’ve even seen a few snaps of a much improved interior for 2011.

See all the pics at Autoblog’s gallery by hitting the link below.

[Source: Autoblog]