AutoCar in the UK recently learned that Mercedes-Benz is looking to close the market gap in between the top-dog C-Class AMG and the top-of-the-line non-AMG C-Class by building a C450 AMG Sport for the 2015 model year.
The C450 will sit above the C400 and below the upcoming C63 AMG. Rumors indicate the use of Mercedes-Benz’s twin-turbocharged M276 3.0L V6, which could range from 330hp to 367hp thanks to more boost from the snail and rebuilt internals. The option of rear- or all-wheel drive will be available while the trans axle is expected to be automated.
The C450 AMG Sport will not be an official AMG model, but will be likened to an “AMG Performance” model, similar to BMW’s non-M M-Performance packaged cars, or Audi’s non-S car S-Line packaged cars.
Source: AutoCar
Hyundai is continuing to ride their wave of success as AutomotiveNews recently reported that Hyundai North America’s CEO, Dave Zuchowski, confirmed to be preparing 12 new models for the next three years.
According to the interview, the focus will be on new and emerging segments, like the compact crossover market, which is rapidly expanding in all markets around the world.
“Those new products are going to drive good growth and half of that growth is going to come from an increased presence in the CUV segments,” remarked Zuchowski.
Specifics were declined, as usual. But so far, we’re on the waitlist to see a new BMW 3-Series competitor as well as an entry-level crossover that could sit below the current Tuscon.
Source: AutomotiveNews
At the New York Auto Show, Volkswagen of America’s CEO, Michael Horn, was getting on the horn quite often to answer many questions for us automotive journalist lot. And after speaking with MotorTrend, Horn disclosed that the Passat will be receiving far more significant changes when it gets refreshed for the mid-cycle, unlike the updated Jetta, which was really everything but.
According Horn, the changes to the Jetta, as subtle as they may be, do add up, but it’s on the “lower end” of what VW is capable of doing. That said, the 2016 Passat on the other hand will be more significantly changed.
Source: MotorTrend
After speaking with Mini US’s product planning manager, Pat McKenna, AutoGuide recently leaned that a new model will be revealed sometime later this year.
McKenna disclosed that it’s not an all-new model, but rather a modification of something else, during the press days at the New York Auto Show. Specific that may not be, but speculation points to a refreshed version of the Cooper cabriolet or the Cooper five-door. Just recently, in China, Mini revealed a refreshed Paceman, which could provide a preview of whats to come.
In the same interview, McKenna told AutoGuide that the Clubman will be discontinued later this year, with no immediate replacement on the way.
Source: AutoGuide
Are we excited? No, but this isn’t meant to be an exciting car. Toyota has once again very quickly redesigned the Camry midsize family sedan to appeal to everyone and to offend no one. The resulting design is beige and reminiscent of Camries predating the previous incarnation. The massive grille up front ekes out all of the personality of a food blender and the entire package looks like a very slightly scaled down Avalon. That though, is certainly nothing to frown upon. Engine choices will not likely stray too much from the four and the six in years past and of course a politically correct hybrid powertrain is in the mix.
The only transmission offered will be an automatic, and this makes sense given the recent proclivity to uninvolving and self driving cars. The interior has seen a slight jump in quality, but overall, this looks like a very well produced facsimile of the old car on the inside. Want a flat, stitched dash that looks 90 percent the same as the old one? Check. Want the option of beige cloth everywhere? Check. Want the same switches seen in Toyotas for the past 10 years? Check. The formula may be hatefully boring, but the cars are not only reliable, but have proven as a reliable source of income for the Japanese automaker, which has sold 10.2 million copies in the US alone since its inception in 1983. For a bit of poignant marketing fluff, check out the press release after the jump.
-By: Sawyer Sutton
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The big Mini is finally out for everyone to squeeze into; fitted with optional ALL4 all wheel drive, the FWD-based chassis has its biggest assignment yet: a lifted hatchback that’s not exactly a crossover, and yet not exactly just a hot hatch either. As has been the case with the new Cooper and Cooper S models, the Countryman features LED daytime running lights, additional legroom and additional inches here and there. Oh, and it has overhead toggle switches, which makes everything better.
Unlike the smaller variants, the Countryman gets 5 seats and, as indicated by Mini, the length of the interior is over 4 meters, a significant feat for the manufacturer of “small” cars. Offered with the standard mills from the Cooper and Cooper S, the Countryman is the heaviest, and the base automatic AWD model nudges 12 seconds on its way to 60 mph. For more information, check out the press release after the jump.
-By: Sawyer Sutton
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Due to what Audi calls an outpouring of enthusiasts’ support, the Ingolstadt-based marque will daylight the premium oil burning hatchback as a model year 2015 offering and will include Audi’s 150 horsepower 2 liter four cylinder mated to a 6 speed S Tronic automatic transmission. The new model will sit alongside the entry level A3 sedan and slightly more exciting S3 sports sedan.
If you’re not keen on hearing the muted clatter clatter clatter of the diesel, Audi will be offering an upgraded Bang and Olufsen sound system, which is made accessible through the latest version of their MMI infotainment interface, which also offers read aloud sessions for the user’s Facebook or Twitter accounts as part of Audi’s push of their new partnership with AT&T. Apart from a 30 percent fuel economy upgrade over the equivalent gas powered version, the diesel is pretty similar inside and out as far as interior appointments and exterior features go. For more information, check out the press release after the jump.
-By: Sawyer Sutton
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If you though that Land Rover has softened up the Discovery too much, fear not. Despite the fact that the full-size Range Rover has been riding on a unibody platform for over a decade, it has remained to be a very capable off-road vehicle. That said, the same could be expected for the new Discovery. But if that’s not enough for the off-road Disco lovers, Land Rover won’t leave you behind.
According to a report from AutoCar, Land Rover will produce a more rugged variant to the new production Discovery. Not much is specifically known, except for the hint that it will debut sometime in 2017, riding on an all-aluminum platform built for off-road capability as a priority over on-road driving dynamics.
Source: AutoCar
AutomotiveNews reports that Volkswagen will be producing the New Midsize Coupe Concept after speaking with representatives at this year’s Beijing Auto Show this past week.
According to the report, the concept “closely” previews the production model, which will ride on the brand’s new MQB platform. Production is slated in 2016.
The new Midsize Coupe Concept will also be available in a variety of markets and isn’t solely for China, as production is slated for both the latter and Volkswagen’s other home in Puebla, Mexico.
That said, there’s a high chance we could see a production version as well in the form of a Jetta CC. Volkswagen has much success with the Passat CC, so why not a compact and more affordable model as the “four-door” coupe trend continues to boom?
Expect the same array of turbodiesel and gas four-bangers. Cross your fingers for either an R version or a gorgeous GLI.
Source: AutomotiveNews
Audi’s chief, Rupert Stadler, spoke to AutoCar recently, who learned that the production Lamborghini Urus is on track for a reveal in 2018.
According to the report, the Urus was supposed to be ready by 2016, but was put on hold until 2017, and now 2018. The production model will resemble the concept greatly and won’t be too toned down, promised Stadler.
Additionally, Audi may be considering a full-size crossover to sit above the next-generation Q7, called the Q8, and will ride on the same platform as the next-generation Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and the new incoming Bentley SUV. The Urus will be powered by a hybrid powertrain mated to a V8 engine for almost 680 metric horsepower.
Source: AutoCarUK
