Those spy shots show panels which have been taped over the nose, around the headlights, over the rear tail lights, etc. to disguise the cars true lines and help create the bulging profile. I think it's be safe to assume that other bits may be changed before production and we're not seeing the final configuration. There will be plenty of time to pass judgment after there's a finished product to view.

Looks like a BMW 6-series type of sunroof to me...

I agree re details. The curved bulging hood though is there to be seen and is a result of EU pedestrian regs (which are destroying car noses, impairing aero in some cases for no real good reason).

Maybe the larger panel is for a Targa model?

I was so looking to buy one, but damn Audi USA will only deliver the thing in the US with a friggen auto transmission and not a manual gearbox... those bastards. Why do I have to buy a car IN GERMANY to be able to get the configuration I want... oh yeah, even German car companies have their US offices run by the same US morons that deliver US car products to the masses and have the same brainwashed thinking.

I understand your frustation, but has it occurred to you that Audi US management 'morons' (as you call them) may be driven by market numbers and made the decision knowing that they would only sell half a dozen manual cars in total? I recently purchased a manual Golf, and there were very few to choose, as the market is auto, even for those cars.

I think the new car is fantastic. Better balanced. More sleek. It looks faster somehow.

The roof panels are an interesting question. Perhaps there's a new sunroof design for the coupes that's much larger than the current one.

Also I have no idea why the EU pedestrian impact regs keep coming up ... cars that don't have a solid engine block in the front haven't been affected a whole lot.

Spy Shot speculation mainly:
http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1...12-porsche-911

...but they are likely wrong about the upright headlamps - could be wrong about the front as well given all the camo.

more info:

http://www.automedia.com/Pedestrian_...sm20050401ps/1

Reading that, seems the 911 would not need a higher hood, as you say - there's no engine there to whack a head on.

But a big WTF? Why are all these people getting hit by cars? Making the impact less severe is a mind-blowing solution. If you walk in front of a car, bad things will happen - don't walk in front of cars. And don't hit people with your car. I think a better solution is for pedestrians to wear those big "fat" suits so that they just bounce off of whatever hits them:

http://wrestlingcostume.net/wp-conte...o_fat_suit.jpg

Those Sumo suits are a lot of fun after a few drinks :)

Cars and pedestrians mix a lot more in crowded European cities. The regs are intended to make the more severe in-town collisions a trip to the hospital, rather than a trip to the morgue. They are particularly designed to protect children.

Edit : thanks for the link to the spy shots, I hadn't seen a couple of those pics yet. The big new sunroof is clearly visible in one of those. I have no idea why they would bulge the hood (if they have at all). Perhaps it's to make room for a spare tire?