Spy Shots

A new Mitsubishi Triton is on the way to replace the current model which was launched in 2006 and is nearing the end of its life.

Mini has just unveiled the new third-generation at the Los Angeles motor show, but only in one variation: the three-door hatch. However, other models are on the way, and our latest spy shots show the Cooper Convertible, snapped while being transported for testing.It's likely to follow very shortly after the on-sale timing of the hardtop -- March next year for overseas markets, and arriving here not long afterwards.Like the Cooper hatch, there's no reason to expect any startling departures from the Mini recipe, which means the convertible will carry on with a powered folding soft top. However there will be changes to the interior, echoing those of the hatch: the speedo and tacho have been ditched from the massive 8.8-inch circular gauge in the middle of the dash and moved to a more conventional position in the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel (with heads-up displays for upper spec variants).The plate-sized feature still dominates the centre of the dash, but now contains just audio and airconditioning controls and an optional reversing camera and satnav. There'll also be extra safety kit on offer with a parking assistant, and collision and pedestrian avoidance systems.Based on the new UKL platform we'll eventually also see underpinning some BMWs, the convertible will echo the hatch in offering more space, having grown grown in length, width and wheelbase. Mini says that translates to more cabin room and an additional 51 litres of cargo capacity.Drvetrains should similarly echo the hatch, with the entry level droptop powered by a turbo 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with outputs of 100kW of power between 4500-600rpm and 220Nm of torque at a low 1250rpm. The Cooper S convertible will carry a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, developing 141kW of power between 4700-6000rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1250rpm. Transmissions for all variants are a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed auto.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Benz is planning a super-stretched S-Class next year with a 2+2+2 seating layout but this car is "only" the long-wheelbase S. It picks up an additional 200 millimetres for rear legroom and there is also a third side window hidden beneath the camo tape. 

The lamps and bumpers get a tweak and this European test car points to a preview at the Geneva motor show in March. 

It's the next Mini Cabrio, which obviously retains a folding fabric roof with glass rear window in a boxy mini shape. 

 WHAT IS IT? Audi TTWHY THE FUSS? Third-generation speedsterWHEN'S IT HERE? Early 2015HOW MUCH? About $65,000.The third-generation of the hairdresser's favourite features more rake to the windscreen and pumped-up guards. The 2015 TT is built on Volkswagen Group's MQB platform, which promises the elevation in refinement already seen and felt in the latest Golf.

The world's favourite sports car, the Mazda MX-5, will be new again in 2015. Not just that, but the Japanese superstar also will be twinned as an Alfa Romeo Spider in a clever copycat move - think Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ - to generate the cash for the change. The re-imagined MX-5 is expected to be much more grown-up than today's car and not just because the first scoop pictures of the coming roadster point to a model that's going to be longer, lower and wider. It also picks up SkyActiv technology for stronger performance with less fuel use. Overall, the tip is for greater refinement and a bigger cabin. Testing has just begun with inevitable hot laps at the Nurburgring, the punishing German track, for essential chassis tuning work. Carparazzi caught this MX-5 test mule during its initial track foray and the pictures indicate significant changes in the car's dimensions. The chopped-up bodywork of a current third-generation MX-5 reflects a longer nose, extra centimetres in the wheelbase and extra width in the track beneath extended arches. Wheels and brakes look much like today's items but the exhaust is a departure from the current car. The other thing that's not changing is the folding roof over a two-seater cabin, the basic recipe that's made the MX-5 an ongoing success since the original hit the road in 1989. Alfa Romeo is revealing few details about its version of the MX-5. We can surmise that it will install its own engine - perhaps a development of the 1.7-litre turbo fitted to the 4C - to give the car an Italian edge in the conventional rear-wheel drive package being revived for the 21st-century Spider. This reporter is on Twitter: @PaulWardGover  

With the Dubai international motor show opening tomorrow, these spy shots of what appears to be a revised Nissan Patrol on a truck could be a vehicle on its way to the event.The images were posted on the Nissan Arabia forums by an eagle-eyed -- and quick-snapping -- member, who managed to get images of the rear and part of the side profile.The photos show a redesign for the tail-light cluster, refreshed side trims and new alloy wheels. Nissan hasn't confirmed that a Patrol will be at the show. But with the sixth-generation of the popular SUV having already been around for nearly four years overseas -- although we didn't get it here until recently -- it's good timing for a mid-life facelift for left-hand drive markets.The show opens on November 5 (late in the evening for our timing) so we'll keep an eye on what's unveiled there to see if the Patrol is officially revealed.Watch the 2014 Nissan Patrol video here.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Kia's new Pro_cee'd GT sports coupe has been spotted in Sydney, five months ahead of its official Australian launch.

Audi's third-generation TT is waiting in the wings for a 2014 reveal, but spy pics show there may not be too many surprises. The camouflaged prototype's body largely echoes the current TT, although front styling has been updated with a new larger grille flanked by sharper headlight clusters and the rear scores new LED lights, revised bumper and dual-tip exhaust.The car will be underpinned by the new lightweight scalable MQB platform from parent Volkswagen Group, which will be used for most of the VW Group vehicles with transversely-mounted engines. There's no confirmation of which units will appear under the TT model's bonnets, but the front-wheel drive base model is likely to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder developing at least 160kW.Quattro all-wheel drive and cabriolet versions will slot in higher up the scale, and the sporty 221kW/380Nm turbo 2.0-litre from the Audi S3 and the 265kW/465Nm 2.5-litre from the current TT RS are on the cards, with the latter tipped to be getting a power boost of 20kW.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott