The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
{also piping hot}
• BMW’s revived sports car nears completion: The Sleuth knew it was coming, but still he was completely slack-jawed when the latest concept version of the nextgeneration Z4 roadster was revealed by BMW. Assuming that the automaker doesn’t tone down the design when production begins, the stunning Z4 should be a smash hit with sports car enthusiasts in general, and
BMW loyalists in particular. The car’s graceful lines include a long, pointy hood and a rear end that also appears lengthened, compared to the old Z4. However, based on Spy shots of BMW’s test car, it’s uncertain whether the aerodynamic domes positioned behind the twin roll bars will make it to production. BMW remains mum on propulsion systems, but word has it that turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines are the likeliest choices. The Z4 is expected to arrive next spring as a 2019 model alongside the next-gen Toyota Supra coupe (both cars will be built off the same platform).
• Mazda and Toyota join forces: The forthcoming alliance between the two Japan-based automakers is certainly welcome news for Mazda, sayeth The Spymaster. The smaller of the two companies has been out in the cold as far as hybrid and electric vehicles is concerned. By teaming up with arguably the world leader in both areas, Mazda will have access to these and other technologies, while Toyota should benefit from Mazda’s strengths in gasoline powertrain, suspension and platform engineering. The two competing brands will construct a joint manufacturing plant in the United States to be completed by 2021 that will employ an estimated 4,000 workers. It will also reportedly have a planned annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles. To further cement the deal, Toyota will acquire a five percent stake in Mazda, while Mazda purchases a 0.25 percent share of Toyota.
• Is Chrysler going over to the Great Wall? The Snoopster is paying close attention to the goings-with between Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and Great Wall Motor Co Ltd of China. The company has expressed interest in acquiring at least part of FCA — specifically the automaker’s Jeep and Ram truck divisions — that are viewed as the main prizes in any acquisition. However, The Sleuth believes that FCA boss Sergio Marchionne will likely push for an all-or-nothing deal with prospective buyers, since the remaining Dodge and Chrysler divisions (and possibly Fiat) likely aren’t sustainable on their own and wouldn’t appeal to other potential suitors. For now, it’s a game of wait and see and perhaps give and take for FCA. • Mercedes-Benz creates a new Vision for the future: What better venue than the Pebble Beach (Calif.) golf course to unveil something really spectacular. The Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet displays the kind of styling elegance that harkens back to the 1920s when rich and famous patrons commissioned custom coachwork for their Cadillacs, Duesenbergs, PierceArrows and Rolls-Royces, to name just a few exotics. The low-slung roadster’s powertrain consists of an electric motor that produces the equivalent of 750 horsepower. As well, the motor’s battery pack is claimed to be powerful enough to keep the Mercedes-Maybach running for up to 300 miles on a single charge. As lovely as the car is, The Sleuth believes it’s really no more than a design exercise for showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s electrification capabilities.