Volvo spinoff a super coupe
Most people probably haven’t heard of Polestar, but the Sleuth believes it won’t take long before that changes. The first car from Volvo’s recently announced spinoff division is a two-door coupe called, appropriately enough, Polestar 1. Among its unique features is a carbon-fibre body that Polestar claims is stronger and more than 230 kilograms lighter than a similar steel structure. For propulsion, the Polestar 1 will use a Volvo-sourced plug-in hybrid powertrain that includes a twin-turbo four-cylinder engine that directs power to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. There are also twin electric motors, one for each rear wheel. The system’s combined output is estimated at 600 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. Also claimed is a 147-kilometre range on electric power alone. Only 500 models are planned worldwide, but that number might go up if demand for the $155,000 US coupe warrants. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2019.
Some insight on the new Honda Insight: The Spy Guy recently scored some seat time in the automaker’s newest gas-electric model, and found it to be leaps and bounds ahead of the previous Honda Insight that bowed out after the 2014 model year. It was thrifty enough, but was ultimately overwhelmed by Toyota’s highly successful Prius. This time around, the Insight is based on the Honda Civic sedan, although a mild front and rear redesign has yielded a more attractive shape. The car’s hybrid powerplant produces a net 151 horsepower, which is enough to create decent acceleration along with an estimated fuel economy of 4.5 l/100 km for combined city/highway driving. That number matches the similarly priced Prius’s number, but from a fun-to-drive perspective the Insight goes straight to the head of the class. Pricing begins at about $28,000 in Canada.
Cadillac retools lineup: General Motors’ top brand hasn’t had an easy time in North America as it battles a number of Europe- and Asia-based automakers for the hearts and wallets of prosperous purchasers. The Sleuth reports, however, that big changes are in store for Cadillac, beginning with the late-fall arrival of the new XT4 compact utility vehicle that’s one size smaller than the current XT5. Following that launch, the all-new compact CT4 and midsize CT5 sedans will replace the existing ATS and CTS models. The full size XTS sedan also takes its final bow. Fortunately for coupe lovers, the ATS two-door will stick around for the time being. A bit farther down the road, Cadillac will introduce a new XT6 luxury utility model that would be lighter and more fuel-efficient than the big and beefy Escalade.
Chevrolet suits up a Blazer revival: The Spy Guy’s take on the recently announced return of the Blazer name is that there’s nothing really new about the new vehicle it’s attached to. Instead of being a modern version of the rougher-and-tougher body-on-frame model that first arrived for the 1970 model year, the latest Blazer that launches for 2019 is simply one more in a long, long list of five-passenger tall wagons, albeit one with a slightly bolder grille and an oversized wheel-and-tire package. In short, there’s nothing particularly groundbreaking about the midsize Blazer, which will squeeze between the compact Equinox and full-size Traverse in the Chevrolet lineup. Fourcylinder and optional V-6 engines will be offered, along with the usual list of active-safety tech.
Will Mercedes-Benz’s X-Class come to North America? Don’t get your hopes up yet, cautions the Sleuthy One. However, his sources are claiming that the automaker is considering the addition of a gasoline V-8 engine to the Nissan-based pickup’s option list. If true, it would be in addition to the standard 3.0-litre turbodiesel that makes 258 horsepower and 406 poundfeet of torque. The V-8 expansion is seen as an indication that the X-Class might be heading this way, since truck buyers in Europe and elsewhere are more focused on the turbodiesel’s superior torque and fuel efficiency.
Joint development projects between competing automakers: Ford and the Volkswagen group stated that the two companies would collaborate on future technology and product development, including platforms for commercial vehicles, as well as models targeted for the public. Previous to that, General Motors and Honda announced they would jointly work on improvements in battery and hydrogenfuel-cell technology.
Women drivers in Saudi Arabia: Women are now allowed to drive legally for work and for pleasure in the Middle East kingdom, and without a male chaperon. This follows a June 24 decree by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A similar decree in 2015 granted women the right to vote.