Ford testing midsize truck prototypes
New Ranger news: The Sleuth notes plenty of anticipation among midsize-truck fans concerning the return of Ford’s junior model. His sources tell him that at least a couple of disguised prototypes — both four-door crew-cab models — are being evaluated on public roadways as well as away from anything remotely resembling pavement. At this point, turbo-diesel four-cylinder engines are the only powerplants being tested (the Ranger will be sold globally), but it’s quite possible that at least one will be available here to compete with similar Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon diesel models. As well, as least a couple of turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder engines (including a high-output version for the off-road-focused Ranger Raptor) will be on the Ranger’s build sheets when it arrives for the 2019 model year. BMW elevates the 2 series in a ‘Gran’ way: The success of BMW’s so-called four-door coupe body styles is reason enough for the company to add a version to the entry-level 2 series coupe and convertible line. As with similar-looking models, the fastback-styled Gran Coupe will actually be a compact hatchback. With a fold-flat rear seat, the car will also be much more practical than the existing two-door as far as cargo stowage is concerned. Sources are also telling The Sleuth that the car will be built on the same front-wheel-drive platform used by the X1 wagon as well as the current Mini models and will use the same Minideveloped turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The 2 series Gran Coupe is expected to launch sometime in 2019 as a 2020 model. PSA’s ride-hailing operation could be a beachhead for retail car sales: That’s what The Spymaster sees happening, and sooner than you might think if his intel providers are correct. PSA, the automaker that owns Peugeot and Citroën brands plus the recently acquired Opel franchise, has opened a car and bicycle ride-sharing/hailing operation called Free2Move in Seattle. Using a smartphone app, users can reserve whatever transportation platform they need for a specified period of time. They can also connect to a number of existing sources, such as Zipar, Car2Go, etc. Word has it that this approach could eventually lead to PSA actually supplying ride-sharing vehicles prior to establishing a retail dealer network down the road. Toyota teases with a possible FJ Cruiser replacement: The Sneaky One is literally being driven to distraction with a couple of Toyota’s concept models that each appear to portend a successor to the beloved FJ Cruiser. This past spring the automaker showed the FT-4X model at the New York International Auto Show. It was whispered to be production-bound. Toyota recently rolled out the TJ Cruiser. The Sleuth now believes this larger boxy concept model has a greater shot of winding up in dealer showrooms, based on a more practical shape with sliding rear side doors that have definite minivan overtones, even though there are only two rows of seats that can all be folded completely flat. Toyota has installed a hybrid propulsion system in the TJ (the initials stand for “Toolbox Joy”) that includes a 2.0-litre gasoline engine, but at this point it’s way too early to speculate what will power the TJ Cruiser, or if it will be built. Ford appears to be planning a super Mustang GT: The Sleuth’s Blue Oval moles are speaking of an upcoming handling package for Ford’s iconic pony car. This would help it to go head-to-head with the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE (not to be confused with the ZL1 1LE that uses a Corvette-based 650-horsepower ZL1 1LE) . The 1LE fighter is meant for road and track use with what Ford calls a Level 2 package. It consists of a firmer suspension, Brembo-brand brakes, larger radiator and meaty 19-inch rubber. What’s missing in this performance laundry list is any mention of a power bump for the Mustang’s 5.0-litre V-8 that is rated at 460 horsepower for 2018. Alexa coming soon to a BMW near you: Amazon’s voice-recognition/activation system will be available in both BMW and its Mini-branded models by mid-2018. Apparently, the automaker judges Alexa to be superior to other existing systems in terms of an ability to comprehend the requests that it receives. This news follows word that MercedesBenz will integrate both Alexa and the similar Google Home system into its vehicle lineup. Hyundai changing car-buying process: The Korea-based automaker will begin making significant changes to the way it sells vehicles, including greater transparency (i.e. haggle-free) regarding prices, test drives from your home, streamlined purchasing process (also from home) and a money-back guarantee within 72 hours/ 500 kilometres of purchase. The program rolls out in the United States in 2018.