AUTO PRESSROOM
Mercedes-Benz readies a new G-wagon:
There’s something about classic (boxy) off-road vehicles that speaks to the heart. The Germany-based automaker’s answer to the Land Rover and Jeep Wrangler is at the premium end of the scale, but is no less revered by its financially comfortable clients. Following decades of only minimal changes, an all-new 2019 G-Class will soon break cover. Although the Sleuth’s sources are certain that the body styling won’t change a great deal, they believe that newer chassis and suspension components will make a big difference in reducing the G class’s 5,700-pound weight. The interior will be completely redesigned to include the latest digital components to rival the E- and S-class sedans. The current twin-turbocharged V-8 will likely carry over, but a twin-turbo V-6 is a possible starting-point engine.
Is the Fusion in trouble?:
Those who purport to be in the know are claiming that Ford’s midsize sedan could be canceled outright by 2020, but the Spymaster hears that that’s not likely to happen. Instead, word has it that Fusion production will move to China from Mexico, which will free up factory space for new wagonshaped models and partial and 100-percent electrified vehicles. From there, it’s possible that, barring a complete meltdown in North American sedan sales, the sedan will be imported from China. Although Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently dropped out of the compact and midsize sedan game (ending the Dodge Dart and the Chrysler 200), other automakers have shown that the category remains viable although somewhat diminished.
No more lagging behind, said Volvo:
The Spymaster is excited to hear that the Sweden-based automaker has come up with a simple, yet effective solution to once and for all rid turbocharged engines of lag, that dead-pedal feeling when you first hit the accelerator. Volvo’s solution, called Power Pulse, involves using an air compressor attached to an electric motor. When the accelerator is pushed, the compressor immediately delivers a burst of air from a small tank to the exhaust manifold, thereby spinning up the turbo, which responds to exhaust-gas velocity. Power Pulse will soon be added to Volvo’s production engines and The Sleuth hopes that similar systems will become available in other manufacturers’ vehicles.
Is there a new Bullitt Mustang headed in our direction?
Forty years ago, actor Steve McQueen piloted a Mustang GT fastback in and around San Francisco in what is considered one of, if not the best, movie chase scenes ever filmed. Since then, Bullitt has spawned several Mustang spinoffs badged with the same name and sporting the same Highland Green paint scheme. The Sleuth’s sources are now claiming that a new Mustang Bullitt model is in the works and could be in Ford showrooms as soon as this coming spring. At this time, the Bullitt’s performance specs aren’t known, but that likely won’t matter to fans of McQueen, the movie or the Mustang.