More utility vehicles on the way for 2018
The move away from traditional sedans and into tall wagons seems more like a thundering stampede, so sayeth the Sleuth. Among the list of newbies is the Audi Q8 — which trumps the Q7 in size — that will arrive in 2018 packing a 354-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6. A plug-in gasolineelectric hybrid model is also planned. Also coming is the Volvo XC40 compact utility vehicle with a smaller size and price tag than the XC60. It will reportedly spawn a less-expensive version from Lynk & Co., which is an emerging brand from Geely of China that’s heading this way next year. Geely owns Volvo. Other all-new designs include the 2018 Subaru Ascent, Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, Range Rover Velar, Jaguar E-Pace and Nissan Rogue Sport. At the ultra-premium end of the utility spectrum is the forthcoming Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullina. BMW hints at a new and smaller model heading our way: The Spymaster’s sources claim that the purveyor of loftily priced vehicles for the upwardly mobile is considering bringing the 1-Series sedan to our shores. This is because competitors are finding success with tinier cars and wagon utilities and they plan to introduce more. The 1<Series that’s currently on sale in China uses the same front-wheeldrive platform that was designed for BMW’s Mini brand, but of course that can be adapted for allwheel-drive. The base engine in the 125i (the likeliest model to arrive here) is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder rated at 231 horsepower and 258 poundfeet of torque. It connects to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 1-Series is also available in Europe in hatchback form, but with only two passenger doors it’s considered unappealing for buyers in North America. Is Fiat Chrysler about to get a new owner from China? That’s entirely possible, the Sleuth thinks. Word is that China-based automaker Great Wall is eying Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and at least a couple of others are doing due diligence on the company. FCA is apparently denying that it’s talking to Great Wall, although for the past couple of years, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne has attempted to convince General Motors to purchase all or part of FCA. No dice on that one. Of course, the big prize in an FCA purchase would be the profitable Jeep and Ram truck divisions. Stay tuned. Honda gains new Insight: The Spy Guy calls this one the car brand that refuses to die. There are reports that the Japanbased automaker is reviving a name that was previously attached to a cute little hybrid hatchback, followed by a fourdoor gasoline-electric that appeared to be based on the previous-generation Toyota Prius. This time, it appears that the Insight hybrid will have its own unique shape, but will remain on the small side (i.e. much smaller than the 2018 Honda Clarity). Plug-in and non plug-in versions will likely be sold, but whether both will make it to North America is unclear. The Insight is part of Honda’s announced 2030 Vision Strategy that specifies two-thirds of the company’s cars will be partly or fully electrified by that year. The Passat goes sporty for 2018: Word reaching the Sleuth has it that Volkswagen will add a trim level to the Passat sedan for the coming model year. The GT, which was first shown at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show in November, is clearly an attempt to spice up the car that has yet to achieve top-tier status alongside the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, et al. Exclusive to the GT will be a honeycomb grille with red piping, a rear spoiler and exclusive colour schemes. The interior will be fitted with sportier front seats and identifying GT trim. The ride height has been lowered and there are GT-exclusive alloy wheels. The front-wheel-drive GT will be fitted with VW’s 3.6-litre “VR6” engine that produces 280 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes pulls the plug on gaspowered Smart Fortwo models: For 2018, the only Smart models available in North America will be the Fortwo Pure, Passion and Prime trim levels with electric drivetrains. As a result of the cancellation of poor-selling gaspowered Smarts, two-thirds of the vehicle’s dealer network in the United States will stop selling the cars. That leaves just 27 franchise outlets that are primarily located in states and cities where electric car sales are relatively strong. Manufacturer participation in auto shows seems to be waning: Events including the Goodwood (England) Festival of Speed, Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and other auto-related venues are beginning to affect newvehicle launches at auto shows from Detroit to Tokyo. The reasons for this shift include the price of participation at major car shows plus the exclusivity and prestige that more targeted events offer.