Is there anyone out there who still actually believes that photos accidentally or suspiciously "leak out" anymore, and they are not e-mailed either directly from the manufacturer (or in this case, modifier) to Autocar's inbox??? Or maybe via an 'unofficial' third party who happened to mysteriously come across them?
Seriously, all manufacturers seem to be taking one of three tacks to publicise upcoming models: 1. Spy photos (whoops, they caught us secretly testing the new Mercedes SLS again!); 2. Teaser photos (Here is a photo of half a headlight or a basic silhouette which reveals nothing but generates lot of blogging); and 3. Leaked photos or 'internal documents' (here is our top secret new car photographed in our own design studio. Feigned outrage as to how it could possibly happen, etc.).
The manufacturers have the media by the short and curlies on this one, and the websites lap it up, regurgitating press releases or 'off the record' comments. Whatever happened to the good old surprise reveal of a brand new car with no leaks or teasers prior to release?
