Volkswagen might take a run at the Kia Stinger with a high-performance offshoot. At least that’s the intel originating from the Spy Guy’s industry moles. It’s no secret that VW will launch a new fastback sedan for 2019 to replace the recently cashiered CC model. The Arteon, as it’s called, can be optioned with a 276-horsepower V-6 from the Passat sedan’s parts stash. Better still, a brand new turbocharged 3.0-litre V-6 (a planned option for the Atlas utility wagon) is expected for the sporty Arteon R. The engine is guesstimated at 400 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Arteon could provide competition for the new 2018 Kia Stinger sedan that can be had with a 365-horsepower twin-turbo V-6. If other automakers copy Kia’s and VW’s performance approach, it just might revive lagging sales of four-door sedans in North America.
Jeep moves the Cherokee in a less radical direction
It was a shock for many Jeep Cherokee fans when the automaker introduced a brand-new version for the 2013 model year that ended up being completely modern rather than square, as with the original. For the 2019 model year, Jeep is reeling in that design to more closely resemble the larger Grand Cherokee and the smaller Compass. The nosepiece now appears stubbier and the grille is less rounded, and the bumper-height headlights have been axed. Apparently this midsize model will also receive the same turbocharged four-cylinder option found in the new-for-2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, which likely spells the end of the trail for the optional 3.2-litre V-6.
An Xterra minus the “X”
The Sleuth’s sources are reporting that Nissan is planning an all-new body-on-frame model that will replace the loved-by-some, truck-like Xterra wagon. That off-road-capable vehicle was retired after the 2015 model year and was thought to never return. It appears that Nissan believes there’s still a market for a fresh interpretation of the Xterra and will make an offshoot of its all-new Frontier pickup that’s due out in 2019 as a 2020 model. The four-wheel-drive Terra, as it will reportedly be named, could also launch at about the same time. It will be larger than the Xterra and will come with three rows of seats. The Xterra had two. There’s no word yet as to powertrains, but the Sleuth presumes that both turbocharged and non-turbocharged four-cylinder engines will be available.
Pickup wars, the next chapter
Of all the head-to-head battles between competing brands, the Spy Guy believes that none is more fierce than the constant jockeying for supremacy between Ford, General Motors and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in the light-duty full-size pickup segment. And with hundreds of thousands of sales a year at stake, each automaker has much to gain or lose in revenues. For the 2018 model year, Ford gave the F-150 a new look and a revised engine lineup to ensure it remained the No. 1 sales-volume leader. Not to be outdone, Chevrolet is introducing a new 2019 Silverado pickup with radially new sheetmetal and a much lighter, yet stronger, frame. Meanwhile, FCA’s Ram truck will receive a radical makeover that will, among other things, ditch the controversial (read: unattractive) grilles for a more subdued look.
Honda gains new Insight
A Honda executive recently told the Sleuth that the automaker remains committed to sedan production, despite buyer appetite for utility vehicles. The comment was made during a recent press launch of the Clarity sedan that’s available as a plug-in hybrid throughout North America, with additional battery and a hydrogen-powered iterations available in certain regions. Now there’s word that Honda will reintroduce the Insight hybrid hatchback that was cancelled after 2014. This time, it will be a sedan and share platforms with the current Civic. The Insight will use a new two-motor hybrid power system that will also be available in a new CR-V hybrid utility vehicle. Both vehicles are expected to launch for the 2019 model year.
Trending up, plastic roads
Dutch company Volker Wessels is introducing a road base and surface material made entirely from recycled plastic. The roadway would be assembled in lengths that would be easily replaceable if damaged, which would reduce or eliminate potholes.
Trending up, GAC motors
The China-based automaker seems serious about entering the North American market, and showcased an array of models at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Included is an all-electric concept model and a full-size luxury sedan called the GS8 that uses a 198-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A minivan named the GM8 uses the same turbo engine.
