Spy Shots: VW ID.7 Tourer and AMG GT 55 Coupe
Our spies have uncovered the upcoming 2024 Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer and AMG GT 55 Coupe, and the Ferrari 812 Superfast will remain equipped with its V12 engine.
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Ferrari are steadfast in retaining a naturally aspirated V12 motor amid the shift to hybrid power units. As other car makers have made the switch, abandoning their internal-combustion engines, Ferrari is refusing to budge and is adhering to its position of keeping the naturally aspirated engine intact. The Italian company has seen success with its embrace of this traditional power plant, with the 812 Superfast and the Roma being notable examples of this achievement. Investing in this form of engineering appears to be paying off, as both models utilize the full potential of the 6.5-litre V12 unit, making them popular choices for those seeking peak performance from their supercars. Upkeep of this legacy underscores Ferrari’s commitment to preserving their time-tested approach while incorporating modern design elements, thus achieving an ideal union between heritage and progress. Ferrari remain resolute in keeping a naturally aspirated V12 engine despite the migration towards hybrid power sources. Despite other automakers transitioning away from classic internal-combustion engines, the Italian firm insist on holding to their commitment of maintained the traditional motor. This decision has certainly been positive for them, as cars such as the 812 Superfast and Roma have attained acclaim, with
All of the Ferraris that are currently available feature either a V6 or a V8 engine. Nonetheless, although the 812 Superfast has been discontinued, there is no reason to believe that the V12 has seen its last days as the 6.5-liter powerplant will remain in use. It has been rumored that when the LaFerrari’s successor comes out next year, it will not have a 12-cylinder engine; yet, it is expected that the 812’s replacement shall still keep the V12.
Despite the fact that Ferrari head of design Flavio Manzoni told Autocar “a V8 turbo could make it better in terms of performance,” he conceded that a V12 is “not the most efficient” powertrain. However, Manzoni believes the Prancing Horse must “fight for this engine” and keep it around for as long as possible.
In May 2021, Ferrari’s technical boss Michael Leiters promised a beefier V12 than the 830 horsepower found in the Competizione and Competizione A – “We’re working on that.” The successor to the 812 is anticipated to arrive in 2024, with prototypes having been seen sporting the full production body. It is hopeful that the new supercar will remain naturally aspirated, rather than taking the forced induction route.
Recently, spy photographs have emerged of two automobiles that’ll shortly be released onto the market: the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe and the Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer. Both cars have been captured wearing minimal camouflage to conceal their designs. Spy photos of the upcoming 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 55 Coupe were recently cast in the spotlight, as well as images of the eagerly anticipated Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer. Interestingly, both vehicles can be seen cloaked in merely a smattering of camouflage covering a few parts of the car, providing a glimpse into their new styles. Given the very meagre cloak of disguise that these cars wear, this precludes that the full production models are now close in being revealed. The Mercedes-AMG and Volkswagen brands have yet to confirm when both cars will officially hit the roads, but speculation suggests that it could happen very soon.
Recently leaked spy shots give us a tantalizing glimpse at the AMG GT 55 Coupe and Volkswagen ID.7 Tourer, both models that have been formally declared. The AMG GT 55 Coupe has yet to be shown off while the ID.7 Tourer has just been teased through camouflaged review cars.
The AMG performance automobile has a slightly different exterior to the GT63 Coupe, with four round exhaust tips and a folding spoiler. The grill at the front has been lightly modified, as too have the bumper air intake slots. Rather than incorporating the boomerang-shaped design commonly seen in such cars, it instead distinguishes itself with gleaming chrome trims on the fenders.
The AMG GT 55 Coupe will feature a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, offering up 469 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque instead of the 577 hp and 590 lb-ft seen in the AMG GT 63 Coupe. This model takes only 3.8 seconds to reach 60 mph, although that is 0.7s slower than its larger counterpart. Top speed for this car is limited electronically, capping at 183 mph instead of 196 mph.
The VW ID.7 Tourer appears to be without cover-up, unless you spot some elaborate body-colored tape along its extended rooftop. It is a hatchback version of the ID.7 sedan boasting an impressive aerodynamic efficiency record of 0.24. Furthermore, this electric station wagon promises to facilitate hauling tasks with 545 liters (19.2 cubic feet) of cargo space behind the back seats or an even more generous 1,714 liters (60.5 cubic feet) once they’re folded down. You can also comfortably fit in belongings up to two meters (78.7 inches) in length.
The all-new VW ID.7 Tourer will be ready for delivery to buyers across Europe in the coming year. It is set to be manufactured at the Emden factory in Germany as well as the standard version and the ID.4.
Sources: Autocar, Automedia, SH Proshots
