Jaguar XJ Prototype Spied Disguised as BMW

With the redesigned 2010 XJ debut scheduled for July 9, Jaguar has started to peel away the layers of camouflage from their prototypes.



This particular mule trades the thick plastic body armor of the recent XJ seen testing of Germany's Nürburgring for a sneaky BMW appearance complete with a twin kidney grille and the brand's trademark psychedelic camouflage. Despite the attempted trickery, this is the first time we can get a decent glimpse of the upcoming luxury saloon.

As expected, the new XJ borrows much of its exterior styling from the company's highly regarded XF sedan. While many details are still hidden by the camouflage, it's clear the redesigned XJ features a massive grille, a sleek four-door coupe appearance, and a huge C-pillar.

Engine options will include Jaguar's new supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 510 bhp (380kW) and 625 Nm of torque, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 diesel which is rated at 271 bhp (202kW) and 600 Nm of torque, as well as the naturally aspirated version of the 5.0-liter V8.



Jaguar will start accepting orders for the new XJ in July with the first deliveries scheduled to begin early next year.

Maserati GranTurismo Spyder Spied

Our spy photographers have managed to catch Maserati's upcoming 2010 GranTurismo Spyder undergoing testing before a possible unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.



Although this particular mule is heavily camouflaged, it's clear that the Spyder will adopt the same styling as Maserati's highly regarded coupe. What the camouflage is hiding is another matter. Until recently it was widely expected that the GranTurismo Spyder would sport a folding metal roof like the Ferrari California, but reports have surfaced indicating that the Spyder will instead stick with a traditional canvass roof in order to reduce weight.



Like the coupe, the 2010 GranTurismo Spyder will offer potential owners a choice of a 4.2-liter V8 with 405 hp or a 4.7-liter V8 with 433 hp.



Look for the new Maserati drop top to go on sale in March with a base price somewhere in the neighborhood of $130,000 USD.