Ford of Europe is preparing to replace the Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy with a single crossover-style estate model, and our spy photographers have caught what appears to be a camouflaged prototype. The new vehicle, the name of which is not yet confrmed, will mark Ford’s exit from both the classic large hatchback market and the MPV sector. Although there’s no news on a definitive launch date, the car is expected to arrive in early 2021. The test mule shown in the new images is wrapped in the bodywork of the current Focus Estate and features a number of obvious characteristics that point to a radical repositioning for the Mondeo. The suspension, for example, has been raised considerably for a more SUV-like stance, while the protruding wheels hint at a widened track for enhanced interior space. We can also see that the donor car has been extended behind the B-pillar to fit the new model’s platform. Unlike some of Ford’s bespoke European models, the model will be sold in North America and beyond. In the US, it’s being compared by insiders to the Subaru Outback, a high-riding estate car. Although a niche model in Europe, the Outback has been a significant success in the US since it was launched two decades ago, with recent sales exceeding 200,000 units annually. Last July, Jim Farley, Ford’s president of new business, technology and strategy, hinted at the move away from conventional cars towards what he called ‘utility’ bodystyles. He said the thinking behind the move into medium-rise crossovers is that customers will get “utility benefits without the penalty of poorer fuel economy”. The new car will be built on Ford’s super-flexible C2 platform, which underpins the Focus and, in time, should be able to stretch from accommodating the next Fiesta to the future seven-seat Edge SUV. The front section of the architecture will also be used by the future Transit and Tourneo van family. The model will be offered with petrol and diesel engines plus a 48-volt mild hybrid petrol option. The base engine is expected to be Ford’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, which will have a belt-driven electric motor and small battery in mild hybrid form. Insiders says that new Euro 6d-compliant diesel engines are, in pollution terms, as clean as petrol engines in real-world use. It’s understood that these new oil-burners are still more economical than even mild hybrid petrol engines, as well as less expensive. Ford’s move to medium-height crossovers in Europe is also partly a recognition that meeting future European Union (EU) fuel economy regulations would have been very difficult with a line-up of conventional SUVs. For a similar reason, it’s not yet known whether the car will be offered with fuel-sapping four-wheel drive in Europe. Instead, some kind of electronic traction control system for navigating loose surfaces is possible. Ford will be hoping that the model will appeal to today’s mainstream market of ‘adventurous families’ who will be attracted by running costs lower than those of an SUV, allied to what’s said to be a particularly capacious load bay and a comfortable raised driving position. Although the car will replace three very different vehicles, it’s likely to outsell the Mondeo, S-Max and Galaxy combined. Last year, Ford of Europe sold around 50,000 Mondeos, 24,000 S-Max models and 12,000 Galaxys – figures too low to be profitable enough. By the time the new model is launched, Ford will have discontinued four MPV model lines. The MPV market has been hit hard in recent years, and as a result Ford recently ended production of the B-Max, C-Max and Grand C-Max. The Galaxy and S-Max will likely follow next year. The B-Max has in effect been replaced by the Puma compact SUV, and Ford will look to steer C-Max customers into the new Kuga SUV. Mondeo and S-Max buyers will be targeted by the Fusion and Galaxy users moved towards the smaller Transit Edge
Origin: 2021 Ford Mondeo crossover: test mule spied
Is the classic car value bubble about to burst?
This 1956 Ford Fairlane Sunliner sold at the Toronto collector car auction this fall at the bargain basement price of $17,600.Collector Car Productions Classic cars are, believe it or not, much like real estate in major Canadian cities: Asking prices are still high, but sales are much slower than youd think. The fall auction held mid-October in Toronto by Collector Car Productions shows both strength and weakness in the marketplace.For example, a desirable 1956 Ford Sunliner convertible that looked to be in decent driver-quality condition sold for $17,600 with the 10-per-cent buyers fee. A much better restored Sunliner with lots of options and upgrades including modernized power steering and disc brakes was a no-sale at a high bid of $46,000.I have watched similar cars at this same auction sell in past years for up to $85,000. The market is changing. The Ford Sunliner sales tell the story.The people who loved these cars when both were younger are crossing the divide. Many collectors in their 70s and 80s are downsizing their garages. Some are selling all their collector vehicles. The collectors who are still buying these cars have become extremely price-conscious. There are bargains to be had.At the same auction last weekend, a rare Canadian-built 1954 Meteor Rideau Sunliner convertible crossed the block selling for $15,900 thats unheard of. Ford of Canada built about 400 of these Canadian-only convertibles, and only a handful are left. A 1954 Meteor Rideau Sunliner that sold at the Toronto auction for $15,900 is reflective of slumping prices for classic convertibles of the 1950s. Collector Car Productions I dont know if this was a good car or a made-up car from parts of others. But it sure looks like a bargain for some lucky buyer.On the other end of the auction results, an extremely collectible 2006 Ford GT in red brought the auction hammer down at $352,000. And a well-restored and highly optioned dusk rose 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible drew a winning bid of $74,800.I believe these are still bargains, because the above-mentioned top sellers at Canadas most recognized classic car auction would likely draw the same money at sales south of the border in U.S. funds. Buyers could earn up to 30 per cent on their money, simply by adjusting the geographical location for the next sale of the car.However, one must factor in transportation, auction fees and other costs. So a big profit isnt a slam dunk.As someone who has been a keen observer of the hobby for the past four decades, I have never seen a more challenging market for collector vehicles in Canada. They still sell, and many for decent money. But there are fewer buyers, cars stay on the market much longer and some owners have had to be extremely realistic regarding what they will sell their vehicles for.An example is a recently sold 1937 Buick Special four-door convertible. The Ontario owner did a very nice restoration on the classic, which had been completely disassembled and then put back together with rebuilt mechanics, genuine leather upholstery and wide whitewall radial tires.At the spring auction, the bidding didnt come anywhere near to the owners expectations of more than $50,000. Certainly, much more money must have been spent on the car. The rare Buick subsequently sold privately for $36,000 a very good buy. This restored 1937 Buick Special convertible sedan sold privately for $36,000 after attracting little interest at the spring Toronto collector car auction. Collector Car Productions This is illustrative of how interest in cars of that vintage is waning as hobbyists who love those cars are fewer in numbers.Auctions are a great appraisal tool to establish collector vehicle values. It shows what the buyer will sell the vehicle for, and what someone will pay for it, at that time and location. Owners cant expect high U.S.-dollar prices when they are selling their cars in Canada unless the vehicle is spectacular or has extremely high collectability.It is very hard to define values by looking solely at advertised asking prices and auction results. Many desirable collector vehicles change hands by word of mouth. They never officially come on the market.Whats hot and whats not? Performance European cars including vintage Mercedes-Benz and Porsche sports cars and convertible examples continue to increase in value.One of the hottest cars in the marketplace today is the air-cooled Porsche 911, particularly the 1997, the last air-cooled model; and the Carrera cabriolet offered through 1998, says appraiser and master concours delegance judge John Carlson. Japanese collectibles, including any Acura NSX model, along with Datsun Z sports cars of the 70s and early 80s, have seen prices double in the past few years. There are others.If friends and family had listened to me, they would have snapped up every Acura Integra Type RS, says Nigel Matthews of Hagerty Insurance. That car sold new for $27,000. Today, they are commanding
Origin: Is the classic car value bubble about to burst?
First Drive: 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, M8
2020 BMW M8Handout / BMW FARO, Portugal Located in Portimao, Algavre Motorsports Park has a 4.7-kilometre circuit that is demanding and very fast. Its a track that really exploits the handling characteristics good or bad of anything challenging its paved surface. If theres anything wonky about a cars handling, itll come out somewhere along the undulating, serpentine and high-speed course.Halfway through my track session, my 2020 BMW M8 Coupe Competition tester has exhibited nothing but stellar road-holding. Its 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 claims 617 horsepower and 553 lb.-ft. of torque, an increase of 94 horses over the M850i xDrive Coupe and 17 more than the non-Competition M8). That brute power drives all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic, and transforms the circuits nearly kilometre-long front straight into a short chute between turns.It also drops a half second from the M850is zero-to-100 km/h time, to 3.2 seconds. Brakes haul it down hard repeatedly from more than 240 km/h without fading, though they are the optional, $9,500 carbon-ceramic brakes. Even after Im asked via radio to turn off the stability control something Ive never before been asked to do during a track test of a road-legal car it reveals no faults, at least none when considering it weighs a hefty 1,960 kilograms.What prompted my hosts to allow a track session free of electronic intervention was their confidence in the M8s AWD system and its electronically controlled Active M rear differential, both of which contribute greatly to the cars turning ability via torque vectoring. Despite its weight, it steered precisely, readily forgave driver-induced miscues, and if coaxed into understeering, a harder push on the gas pedal pulled the front end back in. This is the same car or at least, the carbon-fibred hardtop variation of the M8 Cabriolet Competition that brought me to the track in near coddling comfort. While the ride is firm in Comfort mode, and sharp jolts upset cabin serenity when hitting sharp bumps, its nonetheless relatively compliant. In that same mode the engine is smooth, quiet and almost docile if driven accordingly in town. Switching to Sport or Sport Plus firms up the suspension considerably, and returns an angry snarl, especially if you hammer the throttle along your favourite back road.From the drivers seat of any of the M8 models youll see an uncluttered digital instrument cluster with speedometer and tachometer dials flanking a configurable central display, as well in the standard heads-up display. BMWs iDrive displays control buttons in a sidebar on the left of 10.25-inch touchscreen located atop the centre stack. The screen can be tailored to display navigational, infotainment and car setting info, and it works like a tablet, allowing you to swipe across for different tabs.The driver-centric cockpit is surrounded in warm and inviting materials, cueing you to the M8s blend of luxury with performance. The instruments and controls are logically laid out, and the front seats are comfortable and have deep side bolsters for added support when cornering hard. Of course, the rear seats are there mostly for appearance, since rear quarters are cramped and access is difficult. But if you want more room for passengers, BMW would gladly steer you toward the 8 Series Gran Coupe.M8 pricing starts at $151,000 for the Coupe and $160,500 for the Cabriolet. If the M8 Competition isnt exclusive enough, Canada will be the only market worldwide to get the M8 Individual Manufaktur Edition, which commemorate the M8 prototype of the early 1990s. Based on the M8 Coupe Competition, only 20 will be built, in exclusive exterior colours, interior finishes, and lots of carbon fibre, for $198,0008 Series Gran CoupeI get confused when manufacturers call sedans, coupes. Traditionally, a coupe has two doors and a sedan has four. Sounds simple enough, yet somehow adding a sloping roofline to a sedan magically transforms it into a four-door coupe. Call it what you will, but the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupes sloping roof does give it a flowing, streamlined, and sexy silhouette, as well as a sportier presence than a stately luxury sedan.From the outside, the Gran Coupe looks great from any angle, with near perfect proportions. The interior follows through with rich materials and a cockpit identical to its two-door sibling. Its the second set of doors that sets the Gran Coupe apart from the coupe, making access to the rear seats easy. With a 200-millimetre longer wheelbase, the Gran Coupe also has much more rear seat room a six-footer such as myself can sit back there without slouching to clear the sloping roof, though you can barely slip the palm of your hand in the space between your scalp and the headliner.Our test drive is in the M840i Gran Coupe, which we wont be getting in Canada. It gets a power from a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, claiming 335 hp and 369 lb.-ft. What will be available in Canada is the
Origin: First Drive: 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, M8
Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Impreza for engine issues, ECU problems
2017 Subaru Crosstrek Subaru is recalling 2018 to 2019 model year Crosstrek vehicles; and 2017 to 2019 model year Impreza vehicles for an engine issue that could cause severe damage.According to the recall, vehicles equipped with aluminum positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves run the risk of falling apart and dropping pieces into the engine. Subaru says this happened because the valve cases had an insufficiently assigned press force value.To fix the issue, Subaru will contact owners and instruct them to bring their vehicles into dealerships, where the part will be inspected. All vehicles will have their valves replaced with steel-cased versions. If the valve is determined to have separated, the oil pan and separator cover will be removed and inspected, and if the separated parts are not found, the engine will be replaced.The recall affects 23,255 Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles in Canada; and 205,000 in the United States. A second recall has been announced for the same vehicles, but this time for engine control unit (ECU) problems. If the ECU was programmed incorrectly, the internal temperature of the ignition coils may increase, which could cause a short circuit and blow a fuse, resulting in a sudden power loss and inability to restart the engine.Subaru owners will once again be asked to bring their vehicles to dealerships where the ignition coils will be inspected, and, if deemed faulty, replaced. Some 52,707 vehicles in Canada are affected by this issue.To see if your vehicle is affected by either of these recalls, visit
Origin: Subaru recalls Crosstrek and Impreza for engine issues, ECU problems
Ford Flex discontinued, Ontario assembly plant nixes 450 jobs
2017 Ford Flex Ford is killing its boxy Flex wagon after 11 years of production time spent, for the most part, in the sales doldrums.When the vehicle was first shown at the 2005 North American International Auto show, Ford called it the Fairlane concept, resurrecting a much-revered old nameplate. (No surprise, that choice made pretty much everybody angry, just as Fords new maybe-Mach E-badged SUV has all over again.)Despite the stupid name, the vehicle was marketed as an upscale, roomy, retro vehicle with all-wheel drive, albeit one not necessarily meant for taking off-road. It could have been something great, but Ford decided to advertise it as an edgy machine for young urbanites, and not the family truckster it obviously was. The Flex continued leading a hard life marketed alongside the venerable Explorer, instead of replacing it outright.While the Explorer refused to move to a new platform due to the perceived towing benefits of the rear-wheel-drive chassis, it would eventually move to the Flex platform, ironically. The Explorer was no doubt the ugly duckling of the two, but name recognition kept it in buyers minds enough to outsell the Flex.The Flex was built in Oakville, Ontario, which means all the workers tasked with its assembly will have to find work somewhere else. Some 450 jobs will be cut from Ford production at the plant, according to an email sent to Automotive News Canada by Ford of Canada spokesperson Lauren
Origin: Ford Flex discontinued, Ontario assembly plant nixes 450 jobs
Lamborghini’s Urus ST-X to get its own race series
When the Urus was first unveiled, Lamborghini had some pretty lofty goals for the super-SUV, and one of those included taking it racing. Now, that dream has come true in the Urus ST-X.The vehicle will make its debut at the 2020 Super Trofeo, which is Lamborghinis one-make race starring the Huracan supercar.The four class winners of that series will get a chance to race against professional drivers in a race comprised of only ST-Xes.Lambo says the race for the jacked-up supertruck will be held at a special track, and we dont know about you, but when we hear that an SUV is going racing, were thinking dirt track something akin to a rallycross, perhaps, since that would be pretty cool. To find out, well have to wait until the final round of the 2020 Super Trofeo.Not much has changed to make the Urus race-ready. A FIA-approved roll cage and fire-suppression system had to be fitted for regulations. Larger intakes and a few more vents are what we can see. Better change out those low-profile tires before it hits the track, though.Powering the Urus is a 641-horsepower V8, a modified version of the 4.0-litre unit found in the A8. The Lamborghini also has four-wheel-drive courtesy of Audi, so in our eyes, this is essentially the reincarnation of the old rally
Origin: Lamborghini’s Urus ST-X to get its own race series
The ‘Jackal’ is a Ford Raptor-rivaling off-road Chevy Silverado
The PaxPower Jackal Chevrolet SilveradoPaxPower via Instagram Chevy might not have yet announced an off-road rival to Ford’s mighty F-150 Raptor, but that doesnt mean enthusiasts dont have options.Texas-based truck tuner PaxPower will now turn your Silverado 1500 into a Jackal, a truck with the Raptor squarely in its headlights.According to Motor Authority, the Jackal will come in three flavours, starting with a five-inch lift, custom hood and fender flares, remote-reservoir coil-overs and shocks, and some bolt-on engine equipment that tweaks everything up to 449 horsepower and 474 lb.-ft. of torque. View this post on Instagram PaxPower Jackal Stage 2 build for 2019-2020 Silverado •King 2.5-inch Coilovers and Shocks with compression adjusters •BajaKits Front Prerunner Suspension Kit •BajaKits Rear Shackles •Jackal Custom Hood •Jackal 3.5” Wider Fenders and Bedsides •GM Performance Intake •GM Performance Dual Exhaust •GM Performance Engine Calibration •17” Off-Road Wheels •35” Toyo R/T Tires •Available from your dealer or ours! http://www.paxpower.com A post shared by PaxPower (@paxpowertrucks) on Oct 26, 2019 at 11:49am PDTThe next step up gets a heavier-duty adjustable suspension, with a wider track and bedside flares, while the mightiest Jackal gets even bigger shocks and progressive-rate leaf springs. Of course none of this comes cheap, and youre looking at a range of US$15,000 to US$35,000 moving from Stage 1 to Stage 3.PaxPower made its name among Raptor fans when Ford moved the truck into its second-generation and substituted a turbocharged V6 for the previous V8. Theres no replacement for displacement, and PaxPower put an eight-cylinder back between the frame rails, along with the option of a diesel engine. It says its also working on go-faster, go-farther stuff for the mid-size Ford Ranger. Why GM isnt doing this on its own is surprising, given the Raptors popularity, and also Rams unveiling of its Rebel TRX concept truck. Were still waiting to see that one actually hit the pavement the concept was first shown in 2016 but it seems like something that would be ripe for a Hellcat engine if or when it finally arrives.While we love PaxPowers Jackal, were also aware that its all happening in Texas, so its unlikely Canadian fans will have access to it. We sure hope somebody comes up with a way to easily get this thing across the
Origin: The ‘Jackal’ is a Ford Raptor-rivaling off-road Chevy Silverado
Ram recalls 150,000 diesels for fire-hazard coolant leak
2018 Ram 1500 Limited EcoDiesel Crew Cab 4×4 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has recalled nearly 108,000 diesel-powered Ram 1500 pickup trucks in the U.S., another 50,159 in Canada and around 1,700 from elsewhere around the globe due to potential coolant leaks that could cause fires.The problem, which may affect diesel Ram 1500s from the 2014 model year through to the 2019 model year, was identified by the brand itself through “dealer-service reports and other data streams” that track performance.“Such reports prompted an internal investigation that discovered microscopic cracks in some Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) coolers,” writes FCA North America. According to the Italian-American automaker’s internal report, the fault has already led to a “small number” engine fires and four minor injuries. Fiat Chrysler will be contacting owners affected by the recall to book service appointments directly, but if you drive a diesel Ram 1500 from 2014 to 2019, be sure to monitor coolant levels and contact your dealer if it’s constantly running low.
Origin: Ram recalls 150,000 diesels for fire-hazard coolant leak
First Drive: 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel, 2500 Power Wagon
2020 Ram 1500 RebelDerek McNaughton / Driving Callaghan Valley, B.C. A large boulder normally sits on the upper trail leading to Sproatt Cabin, a tiny but breathtaking log abode nested in the alpine near Whistler. Its usually accessible only by snowmobile, ATV, skis or a serious hike, yet today, with the boulder mechanically moved aside, we drove to the summit in trucks.Not just any trucks, mind you. The 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel and 2500 Power Wagon two of the most off-road-ready pickups you can get right off the showroom floor became our steeds for this journey in an effort to prove these two pickups were not just about big grilles and badging, but that underneath those sculpted hoods were half tons and three quarter tons capable of conquering terrain better suited to a lifted Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.That much was evident by bush so narrow that the sides of these $60,000-plus pickups were constantly being scrubbed by branches that clawed at the paint more like brushes in an automatic car wash. It was clear, too, in the perilous drop offs, that the big rocks, steep inclines, tight turns, scraped trees, the muddy and greasy and water-laden path that would be a challenge even to the knobbiest-tired ATV. Yet onward and upward the trucks marched, like snowcats of the dirt. Introduced in the Second World War as a weapons carrier, the Power Wagon is known to many as the first mass produced 44, replete with a 10,000-pound winch and two-speed transfer case. Many of those old rigs are still around and still working. About 95,000 trucks were built from 1945 to 1968, all in the original 1945 cab style. The model was revived in 2005.Today, the big winch remains a trademark of the Power Wagon, upgraded to 12,000 pounds; the former steel winch cable is now a unique synthetic line with a much higher breaking strength. A manual transfer case also remains, but it shifts on the fly for those panic situations where momentum must absolutely be maintained. Identified by its factory two-inch lift, unique grille, roof lights, wheel flares, and glaring decals that can be optionally deleted thank goodness there really is little else like Rams Power Wagon in the HD class. The closest rival, perhaps, is the GMC Sierra 2500 AT4, itself a formidable machine for the backcountry (and available with a heavier diesel engine).The Power Wagon, available only with a six-foot-four-inch box and only as a Crew Cab, is limited to one engine choice as well a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque, and mated to a ZF eight speed automatic. But it sounds great, feels remarkably smooth, and pulls with impressive grunt. Riding on 33-inch Goodyear DuraTrac AT tires on 17-inch wheels, the Power Wagon also wears enough under armour to lead all of Scotland into battle. More importantly, it has electronic-locking front and rear Tru-Lok differentials, hill-descent control, tow hooks, specially tuned Bilstein shocks in the front and rear, and, like the Jeep Rubicons, it employs an electronically disconnecting front sway bar that allows for 26 inches of wheel travel to keep the truck from being tippy when going over large rocks. The sway bar can be disengaged in 4WD high or 4WD low below 29 km/h. A 4.10 rear axle ratio is also standard.All of which pretty much makes the Power Wagon an ideal partner for not only logging, fire, or tree-planting crews, but also heli-ski and ski operators, outdoor adventure camps or lodges, hydro-line and tree planting crews, conservation officers, park wardens, trail builders, weekend off-roaders anyone whose work or play takes them to some of the more extreme parts of our world. Starting at $64,245, the Power Wagon can also take those who might never venture into the back forty but want to know they have all the capability of doing so should the moment ever arise in high luxury. A more basic Tradesman Power Wagon, without the decals and menacing grille, is available for industrial or fleet users.But for those who want it all, Rams brilliant, 12-inch Uconnect screen is an option that comes with leather seats and 17-speaker stereo in an interior that looks and feels plenty opulent with excellent storage. A 360-camera and Ramboxes are also options on the HD and half-ton.And to be honest, while the Power Wagon does ride plenty stiff, and it sure is a tall climb to get up into the saddle, it also returns a remarkable tolerant ride. The five-link rear coil suspension removes a lot of the truckiness that normally comes with an HD truck with leaf springs. The rear suspension is also designed with joints that allow for plenty of travel for greater axle articulation. Power is excellent, the steering decently weighted, the brakes over big 14.1-inch rotors reacting with good pedal feel. Towing is decent enough at 10,620 pounds, but payload is a bit light at 1,510 pounds.On the lighter side, the 2020 Ram Rebel half-ton gets many of the same off-road features as the Power Wagon,
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Ram 1500 Rebel, 2500 Power Wagon
Hits and misses from the 46th Tokyo Motor Show
At every auto show, the Driving team is tasked with scouring the show floor to pinpoint the highlights and lowlights. This years 2019 Tokyo Motor Show was no different. While quieter than it has been in past years with the likes of the Volkswagen Group and Ferrari conspicuously absent among others, the 46th edition of the Show still managed to produce a few gems and some real clangers. Here are our choices for the brilliant and the busts.Motor Mouth, aka David Booth, and Andrew McCredie both picked Mazda and the MX-30 as the show highlight. It is an all-electric crossover with a 33.5-kWh lithium-ion battery in the floor. It delivers a driving range of around 200 kilometres. Now, before the handwringing about the limited all-electric range begins, the MX-30 has an ace up its sleeve: a rotary engine range-extender yes, as in the little engine that made the RX-7 one of the greats along for the ride. It runs on gasoline, but could use hydrogen down the road. The effect would be a clean ride that can be refueled quickly while leaving nothing but water in its wake. It is a future all of us at Driving can get behind!Check out all our latest Auto Show coverageFor me, the highlight and lowlight of the Tokyo Motor Show were one in the same car. The highlight is the Lexus LF 30 Concepts powertrain. Heres a harbinger of what the company that redefined luxury expectations with the launch of the LS 400 in 1989 will do to electrify its portfolio in coming years. The key is found the four in-wheel electric motors that twist out 536 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from rev-one the instant-on acceleration brings a run to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and a realistic 500-kilometre electric-only range from the large 110-kilowatt/hour lithium-ion battery. The layout of the motors and the operating logic behind them brings front-drive, rear-drive and all-wheel-drive depending upon the need. And, with the ultimate in individual wheel control, it delivers the very best in real-time torque vectoring. The thought of an all-electric LFA-like ride is a mouth-watering proposition and a potential ambassador for the electric movement if it makes it to market. 2020 Mazda MX-30 EV Handout / Mazda The LF 30s style was the lowlight. Back in 2011, Lexus revealed the then-new GS sport sedan at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. It was roundly panned as boring. The criticism spurred the company on to reinvent itself and re-imagine the now-familiar spindle grille. With the LF 30 Concept Lexus has not only found yet another new grille expression, it has invented the spindle car! Sometimes too much of anything is not such a good thing after all.David Booths lowlight was the general malaise and lack of excitement found on the show floor. The fact Toyota did not show the rumored replacement for the GT 86 illustrated the fact. Tokyo, of all shows, is where you expect the hype around future technologies to abound. It could be found, but it required a lot of effort. Andrew McCredie took Nissan and Toyota to task for talking the talk, but failing to walk the electric walk. Yes, Nissan makes the Leaf, but it is aging and is in need of a replacement and the Ariya Concept on display at the Show is just that a concept that wont likely see production. Ditto Toyota. It has plug-ins and hybrids galore, but the promise of an all-electric ride remains just that, a promise. Yes, there is the Mirai fuel cell, but its availability is limited. There is a new all-electric vehicle ride being announced in November that will be based on a current Lexus crossover, but it is not coming to
Origin: Hits and misses from the 46th Tokyo Motor Show
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