Whenever an automaker develops a new model, it tests it on both private tracks and public roads. The latter case exposes the company to spy photographers, who can have a field day while snapping blurry shots of heavily disguised (or not-so-heavily-disguised) prototypes, as company engineers are caught unawares—much to the chagrin of the automaker in question. Now car companies have a new enemy: Google.

Since Google deployed Street View a few years ago, the company's mapping teams have caught all manner of questionable things happening in various photos—many of which become viral hits on the Internet once discovered. Recently Garage419, while looking for places to drive in Colorado, found photographs of several facelifted Porsche prototypes under testing.

The photos included mildly refreshed Boxsters, Caymans, and even a 911 Carrera. It's tough to make out many details, but regardless, it looks like automakers have to be even more careful than before. (Via Autoblog)