Nissan, Mercedes-Benz small-car project is dead
The Spy Guy’s sources are hearing that the rumoured project that would have seen both automakers collaborate on the creation of a compact sedan using the same platform and engine(s) has been shelved. Apparently, the main reason is said to be a major shift in buyer interest toward tall wagons. The cancellation shouldn’t affect the current sharing going on with the Infiniti QX30 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA (they have the same architecture and engines). M-B on its own holds the edge in small-premium-car development with the new 2019 A-Class hatchback that arrives in North America later this year. In this category, it appears as though Infiniti will have to go it alone in developing a similar model. The Ford Fusion will become a … sport wagon: Yes, that’s what the Sleuth’s sources have discovered. Apparently, the Blue Oval automaker has the popular Subaru Outback wagon in its sights and plans to create a similar model with standard all-wheel drive and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, or an optional V-6. Rumour has it that the Fusion name is being retained due to pressure from Ford dealers who believe that it’s familiar to car buyers. The Fusion wagon is expected in 2020 as a 2021 model. Chevrolet reduces charge times for the Volt, but it will cost you extra: The Sleuth has seen much progress being made by a number of automakers with respect to increased range and reduced charging times for electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt. Its electric-drive system is assisted by a gasoline-engine generator that helps maintain battery charge. For 2019, Chevy is promising a reduction in the Volt’s charging times when the car is connected to a 240-volt Level II system (most public charging stations). The new 7.2-kilowatt system, according to Chevrolet, will mean a recharging time of 2.3 hours, which is about half the time required for the 2018 Volt. The faster technology will be optional for the base Volt (which has the slower 3.6-kilowatt system), but will come standard on the upper trim level. Is McLaren about to become a volume sports-car player?: That’s what the Spymaster believes after hearing about the automaker’s plans for growth into the next decade. Not only will all future models become electrified (specifically gasoline-electric plug-in hybrids), but McLaren’s CEO says that, under its “Track 25” business plan, there will be a total of 18 hybrid models to choose from by 2025. Projected sales volume is 6,000 cars a year by that date, which is 75 per cent more than is expected for 2018. To hit that lofty (for such a small company) level, the Sleuth opines that McLaren might need to introduce more affordable models for less well-heeled car shoppers to consider.
Ups and downs
Up: Solid-state car batteries: Henrik Fisker, the man behind the defunct Fisker Automotive company, claims that he will launch the electric Fisker Emotion sedan in 2020, and it will have solid-state batteries. They’re lighter and less flammable than regular batteries and will allow for more battery cells in less space. Other benefits include increased electric range and quicker charging times (a claimed one minute to recharge the Emotion to 80 per cent capacity).
Up: Three-seat open-wheel track cars for sale: If you would like to blast around your favourite motorsports facility and bring two friends or family members along for the ride, Racecars Direct has the solution. It’s selling two Formula-One-style Arrows AX3 models that were built in 2001. They’re equipped with 720-horsepower 3.5-litre V-10 engines and seat two extra passengers behind the driver. The price is $700,000 US. For details go to racecarsdirect.com.