Cadillac’s big XTS cruiser stops by the refreshment stand for 2018:
Word has it that the Spymaster’s favourite mode of transport when traveling to and from airports will be updated for the coming year. The front-wheeldrive XTS sedan’s lists of improvements begins with a new front- and rear-end design that mimics the nose and tail of the rear-wheel-drive CT6 sedan (both models can be had with AWD). Also in line for updating is the base 304-horsepower 3.6-litre V-6, which will be bumped to 310 ponies. A nine-speed automatic transmission replaces the current six-speed, while XTS V-Sport’s 410-horsepower twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre V-6 stays the course.
Volvo ponders 20 series small car for North America: The Sleuth has learned that, as part of its global-expansion plans, the Sweden-based automaker is seriously considering creating a luxury-oriented small car that would be sold both in Europe and North America. The 20-series lineup would likely consist of a V20 hatchback/wagon plus an XC20 utility vehicle that would be roughly the size of a Buick Encore or Mini Countryman. The 20-series models could conceivably originate from Volvo’s new factory being built in Berkley County, S.C. that will have a production capacity of 100,000 vehicles a year once it’s fully operational in late 2018. The 20 series would join the 40-series wagons and utility vehicles, currently being built and sold in Europe, that are expected to eventually arrive here in North America.