{also piping hot}
Bentley’s lineup increases again: Hot on the heels of the soon-to-be released Bentayga luxury tall wagon, The Sleuth hears that the Volkswagen-owned automaker has yet another model confirmed for production. This one, which is based on the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept, will likely end up as the Speed 6 when itʼs expected to launch sometime in 2018. The two-seat coupe (a roadster version is also likely) will probably use Bentleyʼs twin-turbocharged V8 engine and will be built on an all-new “MSB” platform that it will share with next-generation Porsche Panamera and eventually all other Bentley models as they come up for renewal. Thereʼs also word that the Speed 6 will be joined by a second tall wagon — that will be smaller than the Bentayga — by the end of the decade.
Carlo Abarth would be pleased: Currently, Fiat has just one sporty model named for the man who decades ago created performance parts (primarily exhaust systems) for Fiat. The 500 Abarth (coupe and Cabrio convertible) makes 59 more horsepower than a regular 101-horsepower 500, which changes the carʼs nature into something much more fun to drive. Your Spymaster recently discovered that Fiat will make Abarth models more commonplace, specifically for the 500X small hatchback wagon (that was launched for 2016) as well as the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider roadster. The former will be rated at 170 horsepower, while the Spider Abarth is rumored to produce about 200 horses.
Acura’s new focus is . . .: The Sleuth finds it refreshing that Acuraʼs handlers want to continue building on the brandʼs current strengths, specifically with the MDX and RDX wagons. However they also recognize that a serious revamping of the sedan lineup is paramount if the brand is to be mentioned in the same breath as Audi, BMW and Lexus. At the same time the automaker is not about to unleash additional models in an attempt to plug every niche, as its competitors appear bent on doing. Neither is it headed down the performance highway with equivalents to M-Bʼs AMG or BMWʼs M-branded models (Acura NSX excepted). The Trenchcoated one sees leading-edge styling and technology as the way of the future for Acura, starting with a new flagship model thatʼs rumored to be right around the corner to replace the RLX.
The Lincoln Continental nears its final form: Fordʼs reenergized luxury division has a hit on its hands with the MKC compact wagon, while the company has also completed a major makeover of the Ford-Fusion-based MKZ sedan that goes on sale this spring. That car will be followed by the all-new Continental flagship sedan that replaces the MKS. From what The Spy Guy has seen, the grille has been slightly modified from the original concept so the car looks a bit less like the Bentley Continental GT (Bentley is still choked about that). Both front- and all-wheel-drive will be offered, along with an extended-wheelbase version that reportedly is destined for China. However The Sleuth remains convinced that the larger Continental will be available here as a replacement for the late, lamented Town Car.