{also piping hot}
Hyundai’s premium brand will build a halo model:
Remember the Essentia concept that was trotted out at the 2018 New York International Auto Show? Apparently the response was so positive that Genesis is building a limited-production model based on the ultra-sleek design. If the final product remains true to the show car, you can expect to find scissors-style door openings (part of a carbon-fibre structure) leading to a cockpit that’s finished in sumptuous leather and brimming with autonomous (selfdriving) technologies. The finishing touch would be a battery pack feeding dual electric motors (one for the front wheels and one for the rears). And the price? The Spymaster believes it will top the US $150,000 mark when debuts, possibly in 2021.
Take a ride in the Telluride:
In case you hadn’t noticed, the variety of full-size utility vehicles with three rows of seats has been steadily increasing. The Spy Guy confirms that Kia is joining the party with the new Telluride (named for a Colorado town). The wagon, which was displayed in concept form back in 2016, is reportedly based on a stretched version of the Sorento utility vehicle, which also offers three rows of seats. Although powertrain info is scarce, a turbocharged four-cylinder base engine plus an available V-6 assisted by an electric motor is rumoured. For the record, this is Kia’s second shot at marketing a full-size utility vehicle; a decade ago, the Borrego made a brief appearance before disappearing after two years. The Telluride arrives in mid-2019 as a 2020 model.
The tough-truck trend shows no signs of slowing down:
Buyers of off-road-capable pickups must be ecstatic these days with a growing list of terrain-challenging models/trim levels to choose from. The most recent that came to The Sleuth’s attention is the Chevrolet Colorado Bison ZR2 that will be available in early 2019. As if the regular ZR2 isn’t tough enough, the Bison’s content list includes a total of five hardened Boron-steel skid plates to protect various exposed components from boulders, tree stumps, etc. Available is an intake snorkel that keeps water out of the engine when fording deep rivers. As with the regular ZR2, the Bison can be had in extended and crew-cab form, either with the 308-horsepower 3.6-litre V-6 or the extra-cost 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.
Mercedes-Benz adds some serious tech to the next-gen GLE:
The Sleuth’s sources report that the automaker’s five-passenger luxury utility vehicle will be completely made over for the 2020 model year. Along with new bodywork, the GLE’s techno highlights include E-Active Body Control that operates with assistance from a 48-volt electrical system to instantly adjust each shock absorber. The result, claims Mercedes-Benz, is a smoother ride over uneven surfaces and reduced body lean in the corners. The GLE’s turbocharged engines consist of a 255-horsepower four-cylinder and optional 362-horsepower six-cylinder.