VW planning compact 7-passenger sport-utility
The Sleuth’s operatives are reporting that Volkswagen’s new seven-passenger Atlas utility vehicle will be joined later in 2017 by the 2018-model-year Tiguan Allspace. This compact model will also have available seven-passenger capacity, although it could be a tight squeeze for anyone seated in the third row. Compared to the current Tiguan, the Allspace is 20 centimetres longer and provides an additional 10 centimetres between the front and rear wheels. The base engine will likely be a turbocharged 220-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder, but word is that a plug-in-hybrid option will be available some time in 2018. The Allspace will join the Nissan Rogue as the only other compact utility vehicle to offer seven-passenger accommodations.
Ford’s graphic depictions: The Sleuth’s sources are reporting that Ford has patented something called “heat-transmission graphics.” When a painted body panel is warmed up by means of a heating element, a graphic — such as a logo, stripes, etc. — appears on the surface. In the company’s patent filing, the vehicle rendering used to describe the process is a Ford Mustang, which displays the car’s iconic pony appearing on the hood. Heatgenerated graphics could conceivably be made to appear anywhere, including fenders, rear deck or even on the roof. Whether the process will become the next Big Thing or it’s used as a marketing gimmick remains to be seen, but you can expect Ford to test the waters and gauge public reaction in the near future.
Audi’s new Q8 will have a fastback: The Sleuth hears that Audi is planning an all-out assault on the premium four-door utility “coupe” category that’s currently dominated by the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE. The four-passenger Q8 that’s due out for the 2018 model year will come with an aggressive-looking — as in menacing — grille flanked by oversized air intakes that should scare anyone noticing a rearview mirror full of Q8 closing in on them. Backing up the look will likely be Audi’s 333-horsepower supercharged V-6 or possibly even a turbocharged V-8 with 450 horsepower. Of course, Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system will be standard, as will a lengthy list of comfort and safety items. Pricing is still to be determined, but somewhere in the $80,000 range is likely.
A major engine addition is coming for Corvette: Along with death and taxes, the one sure thing in life is that the V-8 engine nestled inside the engine bay of Chevrolet’s fibreglass-bodied Stingray sports car is of the overhead-valve (pushrod) variety. However, intel obtained by the Spy Guy indicates that, for the 2018 model year, the ’Vette will switch to a dual-overhead-cam arrangement. The new engine, dubbed the LT5 (the appellation used on the 1990s-era Yamaha-built Corvette ZR-1 powerplant), will displace 6.2 litres and will be naturally aspirated (i.e. neither turbocharged or supercharged). If the Sneaky One had to speculate, the LT5 will be installed in the upcoming mid-engine Corvette that’s also slated for 2018. Both changes could upset some traditionalists — copying the European sports car layout and engine designs — but it should also appeal to a new generation of high-performance sports car buyers. A pushrod will likely still be available.
Is there a BMW engine in the Toyota Corolla’s future? That’s the hot rumour being passed along to the Sleuth’s operatives. Apparently the close ties that grew from both automakers co-operating in the development of their respective upcoming sports cars — the BMW Z5 roadster and Toyota Supra coupe — will lead to a BMW-built 2.0-litre fourcylinder engine becoming optional in the nextgeneration Corolla, specifically in the premium trim levels. The 2.0 would be one of a trio of available Corolla powerplants and suggests that a major image makeover for 2018 is in store for Toyota’s (and the world’s) all-time top-selling model.
Alfa Romeo’s possible return to Formula One racing: Published reports indicate that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles boss Sergio Marchionne wants to see the Alfa Romeo brand return to Formula One. FCA already competes in the open-wheel series with the Ferrari brand. Alfa’s role would be to help develop Italian drivers for Ferrari. The last time Alfa Romeo competed in F1 was the 1985 Australian Grand Prix.
Tesla tops in Consumer Reports’ ownership satisfaction survey: For the second year in a row, Elon Musk’s electric-automobile company topped the list in the magazine’s annual report on repeat-buying intentions. Nine out of 10 buyers reported they would “definitely” purchase their car over again. Tesla beat Porsche, Audi and Subaru to claim the crown. According to Consumer Reports, nine out of 10 Tesla owners would buy another.