The Sleuth’s sources report that Toyota’s luxury division will launch a new utility vehicle for the 2020 model year. Apparently called the LQ, the midsize model will be based on the California-designed Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept that broke cover at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January. It was positioned as a four-passenger ultra-high-end vehicle, although the production model will accommodate up to five passengers. The LF-1 was also promoted as being able to accommodate plug-in hybrid, electric and hydrogen powerplants, and the first two are likely to be available for LQ buyers when production begins.
The risks of going keyless: The Sleuth recently experienced a problem that he suspects is more common than you might think. He parked a car outside, but did not push the “start” button to turn it off, returning four hours later to realize the engine was still running. Other than wasting fuel, there was no apparent harm or foul, but had the Spymaster parked inside a closed garage, the result could have been considerably worse. According to a recent New York Times story, there have been 28 deaths and 45 injuries due to carbon-monoxide poisoning reported in the United States since 2006, caused by drivers forgetting to turn their engines off. Some automakers have warning systems that will alert you to this situation, but there’s no legal requirement for them to do so. That’s completely unacceptable, but it’s an important thing to remember the next time you park your car.
Fiat Chrysler reveals plans for Jeep
Although perplexed at the lack of info forthcoming regarding FCA’s strategy for the Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands, the Spy Guy thinks the future looks bright for Jeep and Ram. For Jeep, there will be a redesigned Renegade for the 2019 model year, including new front and rear styling and a refreshed interior. Mechanically, it appears likely that a detuned version of the automaker’s turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the latest Jeep Wrangler will be part of a new Renegade Trackhawk model (and accompanying eight-speed automatic transmission). Also in the planning stages is a new model that’s even smaller than the Renegade, but as yet there’s zero information.
A Viper revival?
Although the last Viper rolled out of the assembly hall in Detroit last August, the Sleuth hears there could still be some venom left in the slithery snake. Rumours abound that Dodge will follow Chevrolet’s lead with the 2020 mid-engine Corvette and launch an equally new front-engine Viper that would come with a new supercharged V-8 engine with 700-plus horsepower on tap. That powerplant is reportedly in the development stage and destined for FCA’s Ram truck. If you recall, the Viper, since Day One, has come with a V-10 engine. Reports indicate that a new Viper could be revealed — at least in concept form — in January at the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The return of Carroll Shelby’s homegrown roadster
The Shelby Series 1 that was made from 1999 to 2005 is the only model designed and manufactured by the legendary race driver’s company. Only 249 of the Oldsmobile V-8-powered sports cars were built. Shelby, the company, with help from Wingard Motorsports, is building the Series 2 version that has an up-to-date chassis and suspension and a choice of two 427-cubic-inch (7.0-litre) V-8 engines producing up to 800 horsepower. Just four cars per year will be built, with prices starting at $350,000 US.
Mercedes-Benz adds to its tall-wagon lineup
The Sleuth can confirm that the automaker with the three-pointed star plans to introduce yet another small crossover to its vehicular entourage. The so-named GLB will apparently slot between the compact GLA and less compact GLC, which likely means a starting price in the $40,000 range in Canada. Early glimpses of the camouflaged prototype suggests that the GLB will have a squared-off body not unlike the previous GLK wagon, but given its diminutive size there’s likely no chance for an occasional-use third-row seat. For that you’ll need to step up to the much bigger (and pricier GLS). A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine connected to a seven-speed automated manual transmission is the GLB’s probable drivetrain when the vehicle shows up for the 2020 model year.
Soon, no more diesels for Volvo
Tied in with its plan to add electrification for all its models starting in 2020, Volvo will stop selling diesel-powered vehicles by that time. Although this won’t seriously impact North American sales, abandoning diesel-powered cars in Europe constitutes a major shift. Volvo’s longer-term goal is to sell only electric automobiles by 2030.
A hot Kona could be heading this way
Hyundai’s size-small utility wagon is in line to receive the N performance treatment. This will likely mean the installation of a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 275 horsepower, compared with the Kona’s non-turbo base 2.0-litre engine that makes just 147 horses. The Kona N isn’t expected before 2020, one year after the electric Kona. The output for the electric has been pegged at 201 horsepower, with an expected range of close to 500 killometres.
A Mach 1 compact utility wagon?
Yes, that’s the word from the Spymaster’s spillers of beans. They’re hearing that a new electric model will use a name borrowed from a classic Mustang, and that it will built on the same platform as the next-generation Ford Escape compact utility vehicle. That won’t mean the Mach 1 will look anything like the Escape. Instead, expect a sportier hatchback body style. When fully charged, the car’s battery pack, which is being developed by Ford’s Team Edison engineering group, will reportedly provide up to 500 kilometres of range. Although Mach 1 is the vehicle’s working title, word is that Ford might reconsider if Mustang fans object strongly enough.
What’s this, a four-cylinder Chevrolet Suburban?
Yes, that’s what the Sneaky One’s sources have ferreted out from their highly placed sources. Word has it that General Motors’ upcoming turbocharged four-cylinder engine will find its way between the fenders of a revised body-on-frame Suburban and its slightly smaller Chevrolet Tahoe stablemate. This same 2.7-litre powerplant, rated at 310 horsepower and 348 pound-feet of torque, comes with cylinder deactivation that allows it to function on just one cylinder when cruising at a steady speeds. Both the 5.3- and 6.2-litre V-8 engines are expected to return to the fold as available choices for the 2020 model year.
BMW’s luxury utility vehicle will not be such a square
The Sleuth is hearing that the automaker’s X8 flagship utility vehicle will differ from the 2017 X7 performance concept that was touted to be the future version. Instead, the upcoming model will be designed with a sloping roofline not unlike that of the X6 model, but on a larger/longer/stretched scale. The vehicle’s platform will be a combination of what’s used for the 2019 Rolls-Royce Cullinan tall wagon (BMW owns R-R) and BMW’s latest “CLAR” aluminum architecture. The idea is to achieve the utmost in stiffness and light weight. The X8’s sumptuous cabin will accommodate up to three adults in back, or two with the optional (and fully adjustable) buckets. Timing for the X8’s arrival has yet to be confirmed, but a reasonable guess would be 2020.
Subaru Crosstrek adds a hybrid
The Spy Guy can confirm that the automaker’s popular Impreza-based Crosstrek wagon will be available as a gasoline-electric model for the 2019 model year. The plug-in vehicle — the first of its type for Subaru — will use a system originally developed by Toyota, which will be mated to the Crosstrek’s 152-horsepower four-cylinder engine. That means the plug-in will be the most powerful Crosstrek you can buy, as well as the most fuel-efficient. Also in the works is a new transmission, likely of the continuously variable variety. Lastly, the plug-in Crosstrek will get unique front-end styling to differentiate it from the non-hybrid relations.
