These are all the spy images you need to know about this week.
The CarBuzz spy photographers have had another busy week, snapping a series of interesting vehicles. This week we've got a selection of upcoming ICE and EV models. We have the new Macan EV on American roads and an Audi RS3 Sportback with some heavy aesthetic upgrades.
Not all of the models on this list have been confirmed for the US market, but you can make a case for each vehicle being made available locally.
Without any further ado, here are the spy shots of the week.
Mercedes-Benz CLA ICE
Mercedes-Benz has been hard at work building an electric replacement for the CLA, which will be unveiled at the Munich Motor Show in September.
The new four-door coupe will ride on Merc's new MMA platform, built specifically for electric vehicles. It can also accommodate ICE drivetrains, but the Germans have clearly said that MMA is “electric first.”
To that end, the future of a combustion-powered CLA was unclear, but these spy photos confirm that the next-gen model will also be available with a combustion engine. Look closely, and you'll note the exhaust pipe and the filler cap on the left side. The fully electric version's charger port is on the right side.
It should debut in 2024 as a 2025 model.
BMW X2
The second-generation X2 will drop its hatch-like appearance and adopt the Quasimodo-like rear end of Bimmer's other coupe SUVs. It will also be bigger than its predecessor to justify the expected price increase over the mechanically similar X1.
This is not the go-faster version, though we have seen that particular model before. We expect it will use the same 312-horsepower turbocharged four-pot that debuted in the X1 M35i.
No release date has been set, but the model may be unveiled later this year and will likely go on sale next year as a 2024 or 2025 model.
Audi RS3
The USA only got access to latest RS3 for the 2022 model year, but an updated model is already in the pipeline. The one seen here is the Sportback which isn't available in the USA but which shares styling elements with the sedan. The heavy camouflage suggests that Audi will make substantial tweaks to the headlights, taillights, bumpers, and side skirts. Audi made no effort to disguise the interior, so it will likely be carried over as is.
It will be interesting to see if Audi can get more power out of the 401-hp turbocharged five-cylinder. The German brand previously said the best of ICE is still to come, and the five-pot deserves a decent send-off.
Audi will likely unveil this facelift later this year, and the car will probably arrive in the USA in mid-2024 as a 2025 model.
Mini Aceman
The Aceman is an essential model for Mini, as it will effectively replace the Clubman. It will occupy the space between the tiny hatch and the all-new Countryman, which is expected to be much larger.
If the rumor mill is to be believed, the Aceman will use the same electric internals as the upcoming Cooper Electric Hardtop. Finally, we'll have electric Minis with usable range.
Though the car is still heavily disguised, it appears as if Mini is sticking closely to the fantastic design first seen on the Aceman Concept.
The Aceman will be unveiled in 2024, but it has yet to be confirmed for the USA.
Porsche Macan EV
We've seen the Macan EV several times, even getting close enough for a proper look at the interior.
But this is the first time we've seen the new model in the USA. Porsche is likely doing some last-minute testing before the Macan's official unveiling later this year.
These images were sent to us by a reader and the car was snapped on the 101 between Newbury Park and Camarillo, California.
The big news here is that Porsche is not killing the combustion-powered Macan just yet.
Keyword: Spy Shots Of The Week: Mercedes-Benz CLA ICE, BMW X2, Audi RS3 Sportback, Mini Aceman, And Porsche Macan EV