{also piping hot}

• New Lexus utility model embodies tiny luxury:

The Sleuth received a report from his sources a few months ago about a new small utility wagon that was in the works from Toyota’s up-market division. He can now confirm that the Lexus UX is indeed production bound and is slated for a 2019-model-year introduction. The UX will be based on the new-for-2018 Toyota C-HR, but the car’s distinctive sheetmetal, complete with giant “spindle” grille, will make it look like a scaled-down RX model. The power source will be a 2.0-liter four-cylinder (in the UX 250) while a hybrid UX 250h will use that same powerplant coupled with an electric motor.

• Ford, Nissan appear are wild about Raptors:

The first generation of Ford’s off-road-capable F-150 — originally labeled SVT Raptor — created a significant shift in the truck universe. General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) moved to create similar, but less aggressive versions based on existing pickups. The Sleuth’s sources are now saying that Ford will introduce an additional Raptor model based on the upcoming midsize Ranger that’s already available in countries outside North America. Word is that the new mini-Raptor could end up with a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6. There’s no indication of power output, but the engine makes 325 horsepower and 385 pound-feet of torque in the Ford Fusion Sport. Meanwhile, there are whisperings that Nissan is considering a similar off-road performer based on the next-generation Frontier pickup, but it’s too early to speculate on powertrain details.

• The fix (for the Envision) is in at Buick:

Your Intrepid Spy Guy reports that the General Motors division will tweak the made-in-China five-passenger Envision wagon for the 2019 model year. Chief among the changes is a revised turbocharged 2.0liter engine with a torque output that climbs to 295 pound-feet from 260 (horsepower remains at 252). The turbo continues to be standard on the upper-range Premium and Premium II trim levels. It’s connected to a nine-speed automatic transmission that replaces the six-speed. All-wheel-drive remains standard with this drivetrain. Meanwhile, the more basic Envision retains its non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 197 horsepower and 192 pound-feet. The engine sticks with the six-speed automatic. All models will get new HID headlights and taillights, and a new grille.

• Audi’s next-gen A6 looks like a junior A8:

At least that’s The Spymaster’s take after checking out the automaker’s new sedan. Always the coolest-looking passenger cars in the premium category (in The Sleuth’s humble opinion), the new A6, in particular, outcools the rest with a new nose, complete with a larger (but still subtle) grille that’s flanked by more prominent air intakes. At the opposite end are new taillights seamlessly fitted to the fenders and trunk. The four- and six-cylinder engines for the A6 and performance-model S6 are expected to carry over, but a plug-in hybrid model appears to be on the horizon.

The Lexus UX is based on the small Toyota C-HR and will come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.(PHOTO: LEXUS)

(PHOTO: BUICK) The Buick Envision gets a more powerful engine for the 2019 model year.

(PHOTO: AUDI) The Audi A6 gets aggressive new bodywork, although the engines will likely carry over.