{also piping hot}
A reprieve for Chrysler, Dodge:
The Sleuth was concerned about the future of these members of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles following the automaker’s news concerning the respective futures of the Jeep and Ram truck brands (new products coming for both). Although there were no pronouncements for Chrysler or Dodge, The Spy Guy’s sources hear that both are safe, for now. For Chrysler, the Pacfica minivan will survive in its current format — including the plug-in hybrid version — while the 300 sedan could eventually be replaced by a plug-in or an all-electric minivan wearing a Chrysler badge. At some point, an autonomous (self-driving) Chrysler is also a distinct possibility. As for Dodge, the latest intel suggests that the Charger and Challenger are in line for complete makeovers in the next couple of years and will both be built on a platform originally developed for the Alfa Romeo Stelvio utility vehicle and the Giulia sedan.
Volvo commits to electrification and autonomy for its upcoming models:
Surprising no one, least of all The Sleuth, Volvo is now on record that fully 50 per cent of its future vehicle lineup will be electrified (plug-in or fully electric) by 2025. In addition, half of Volvo’s customers will be subscribers and will pay a monthly fee (including service and insurance) to drive its products, instead of actually purchasing their cars. Volvo also intends to have one-third of its vehicles to be fully autonomous (self-driving) by 2025.
Details about BMW’s new roaster are leaking out:
The Spymaster’s reliable sources have ferreted out some more details as to the Germany-based automakers new longer and wider Z4 sports car that should turn heads when it’s revealed in early 2019. Although sharing the same platform with the upcoming Toyota Supra, the Z4 will go its own way as to styling and available powertrains. Unlike the first-gen Z4, the replacement will focus on serious performance — in terms of speed and handling — and will be right at home running hot laps around a race course, especially the M model. It will get a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine that puts out 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A tamer turbocharged four-cylinder will serve as the Z4’s base engine.
Hyundai creates a bigger utility model:
Your Obedient Sneaky one is prepared to bet the proverbial farm that the Korea-based automaker’s Grandmaster (the name given to chess champions) concept will retain that name when it shows up in late 2019 as a 2020 model. The full-size eight-passenger tall wagon with the code name HCD-2 will wear Hyundai’s bold and brash grille that will likely begin to show up on other Hyundais. Also new will be a more rigid and scalable front-wheel-drive platform that can be adapted for all-wheel-drive use. It’s still hushhush as to powertrain choices, but a plug-in hybrid option is a virtual certainty.