New BMW SUV is bolder and better
The Spy Guy’s take on BMW’s newest “sport activity vehicle” is that it’s a bolder, better model than the previous generation. Most noticeable is an enlarged version of BMW’s grille that also sits quite upright. The new platform that was originally developed for the automaker’s big 7-series sedan gives the X5 a longer, lower and wider look and very likely more space for occasional third-row-seat passengers. Turbocharged inline six-cylinder and V-8 models, producing 335 and 456 horsepower respectively, will be offered, each with standard all-wheel-drive. A plug-in hybrid option will follow, plus a more potent X5 M model. The X5 goes on sale in November.
Tesla Model Y is on the drawing board: Although seemingly mired in debt and with deliveries of the Model 3 electric sedan way behind schedule, Tesla head Elon Musk is teasing blurry images of an all-new model that’s expected to launch for the 2020 model year. The intel on the Model Y is that it will be a junior version of the Model X utility vehicle. The Model Y will also come with the “falcon-wing” (a.k.a. gullwing) rear doors that are hinged at the roofline, just like the Model X’s doors. It’s also likely that the Model Y will be assembled at a new plant — in North America or elsewhere — since the automaker’s current California factory is apparently at or near capacity.
The Nissan Kicks is a winner, but it has its flaws: The Sleuth recently drove the automaker’s new entry-level small utility rig and it’s good, despite a few notable shortcomings. The small-but-roomy wagon’s electric power steering assist (EPAS) feels too amped up, resulting in a numb feel. It reminds the Sleuth of older EPAS systems from other automakers, although those systems have since been improved or totally fixed. Another issue is the Kicks’ meek 125-horsepower fourcylinder engine and a continuously
variable transmission that, like the EPAS, also feels behind the times. The lack of allwheel-drive was explained by Nissan product planners as being unnecessary for most drivers’ needs. Those comments seems a bit convenient, since the Kicks’ Versa-sedan-based platform was never designed to be all-wheel-drive.
Making lane splitting safer for drivers of cars and motorcycles: According to the Sleuth’s sources, Ford might add a safety feature that alerts car drivers to motorcycle riders travelling from behind and between two lanes of slow-moving traffic (called lane splitting or lane sharing). The system, which can detect and could actually intervene to create more room for motorcycle riders, would likely tie in to the automaker’s forthcoming suite of activesafety tech called Ford Co-Pilot 360. It includes blind-spot warning and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, rear crosstraffic alert, automatic emergency braking and automatic high- /low-beam headlights. Although lane splitting is not allowed in Canada, it’s currently only legal in California, although some other states don’t actually disallow it. California statistics indicate that fewer motorcyclists have been rear-ended by motor vehicles since lane splitting was allowed.
Could the Toyota Supra be heading to NASCAR?: The Spymaster’s insiders are hearing that the upcoming revival of the Toyota’s sporty model will be promoted through the NASCAR series in the same way Ford and Chevrolet promote the Mustang and Camaro brands. Currently, Toyota calls its “stock cars” Camrys, but there’s absolutely nothing “stock” about any of these cars; the names are applied simply as promotional exercises. Recently, Toyota also displayed its GR Supra Racing Concept at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland, indicating that it intends to promote the Supra brand in European and North American road-racing series.
The return of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee: Have you seen the Netflix series in which comedian Jerry Seinfeld drives around with other funny people to get coffee? The sixth season of the show will be available today. Among Seinfeld’s guests this season are Dave Chappelle, Dana Carvey, Ellen DeGeneres and Tracy Morgan.
Cobalt-free lithium-ion batteries: Panasonic says it is developing a battery system that will virtually do away with cobalt, the rare metal that’s becoming increasingly expensive. That, and greater mass production of car batteries, should help reduce the cost of electric vehicles.