Cadillac’s new compact utility gets V-Sport treatment
The Spy Guy’s sources are certain that General Motors’ luxury division will unleash a performance version of the XT4 sometime in 2019. The V-Sport model will reportedly be fitted with GM’s new turbocharged 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that will see service as an option in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups. That would give the XT4 V-Sport at least 310 horsepower. The only other engine is the base 237-horsepower 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Along with increased output, the upcoming model will come with unique body trim for the fenders and rocker panels, plus a unique grille, wheels and sport-style front seats. You can also expect a sport-tuned suspension and more than the usual degree of base luxury and safety content. A Mustang Mach 1 … hybrid?: Sleuth’s intel collectors are reporting that, along with the upcoming Mustang-based Shelby GT 500 that will have a turbocharged 5.0-litre V-8 making 700-plus horsepower, a tamer but still potent gasoline-electric hybrid Mustang is in the development stage. Word also has it the hybrid will use a naturally aspirated (non-turbo) 5.0-litre V-8 supported by an electric motor that will form the basis for the Mustang Mach 1. That would make sense since such a powertrain would likely make more than the 460 horsepower found in the current V-8 Mustang GT, leading the Sleuth to the conclusion that the Mach 1’s output could exceed 500 horsepower. Such a setup could also result in fuel economy similar to what the base Mustang’s turbocharged fourcylinder produces. The Mach 1’s return (it was originally launched for 1969) could happen in the second half of calendar 2019 as a 2020 model.
No Ford Ranger Raptor for us: Despite sightings of what appears to be a Raptor off-road version of the 2019 Ranger pickup, The Spymaster’s peeps on the ground are reporting that such a model/trim level will not be sold in North America. Instead, it’s destined for the automaker’s dealerhips in Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. The Ranger Raptor will likely be powered by a four-cylinder turbo-diesel and not a gasoline engine that was speculated to be used for the potential North America version. One reason being touted for restricting the junior Raptor’s availability is that the projected list price would have been too high, relative to the current F-150-based Raptor. As well, the turbo-diesel is deemed to be not powerful enough for North American truck aficionados.
The not-so-missing Lynk intends to start fast: What does a company intent on selling its vehicles in Europe and North America need to do to establish its cred? If that company is Lynk and Co., it goes racing. Your Intrepid Gumshoe hears that the emerging automaker will enter its 03 sedan (in race-prepped form) in the new World Touring Car Cup series in 2019. The competition version is being developed with help from Cyan Racing, which also helped Volvo go racing with its Polestarbranded models. Lynk and Volvo are owned by Geely of China. Once Cyan Racing is done with it, the Lynk 03’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will make about 350 horsepower. Lynk and Co. is expected to begin selling cars in North America by 2020.
Honda renews its Passport: The Sleuth’s sources have picked up on a rumour that Honda will unveil a new utility vehicle that will likely hit the road as soon as mid-2019 (as a 2020 model). As yet, there is little info regarding the shape of this newbie, but speculation is that it will appear more like a fastback (think BMW X4 or the long-departed Acura ZDX). There’s also scuttlebutt that Honda will revive the Passport name for the upcoming model and that it will slot between the five-passenger CR-V and the seven-passenger Pilot utility vehicles (the original Passport was a rebadged Isuzu Rodeo that was sold from 1994 to 2002). It’s also likely that the Passport will be built off the Pilot’s platform, but the Passport will be shorter. Powertrain choices are likely to include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine as well as a hybrid option.
Volkswagen’s initial Buzz: The automaker has started construction on a plant in China that will supply various electric vehicles for sale globally. Once completed, the 60-hectare facility will assemble the batteries, and powertrain components as well as VW’s MEB platform that will eventually support a variety of new vehicles. The initial model based on the automaker’s ID Buzz concept that’s due by 2020.
Ford will make its cars quieter: The automaker reports that it will start applying graphene to various powertrain components, including engine covers, fuel-injection rails and fuel and water pumps. Apparently the substance, when mixed with a thin layer of foam insulation, can significantly cut the noises emanating from these parts. Graphene was invented in the early 1960s.