New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options The new Golf features more tech and improved efficiency Volkswagen has launched its new Golf, the eighth generation of the best-selling hatchback. The new line-up will feature five electrified powertrains, though no pure-electric e-Golf, as VW promises a model bristling with tech. The reason for no e-Golf replacement is the launch of the ID.3. The EV kick-starts VW’s all-electric sub-brand, and is Golf sized itself. Having two models of a similar size, target market, and cost would be rather redundant. Instead, for the Golf, VW is pushing ahead with other forms of electrification. Three 48-volt will feature as VW launches the eTSI badge. This sees a beefed-up starter motor support a petrol unit producing either 110hp, 130hp, or 150hp. Efficiency is improved by around 10% claims VW, and responsiveness is improved. More crucially to VW’s electrified aspirations are the plug-in hybrid Golfs due. The Golf GTE badge returns, but as a sportier model – a true alternative to the famous Golf GTI. Producing 245hp, the Golf GTE is complemented by a cheaper, less powerful model, for those prioritising efficiency over sportiness. This ‘normal’ PHEV will produce 204hp, and both plug-in hybrid Golfs are backed by a 13 kWh battery, enabling an electric-only range of 37 miles on a single charge. The rest of the range is made up of conventional petrol and diesel engines, outputs ranging from 90hp to 150hp initially. No doubt there will be additional GTI, GTD, and R models further down the line. TGI natural gas will be made available in certain markets, though the UK is expected not to be one of them. Volkswagen is launching its We Connect and We Connect Plus functions on the Golf range, allowing it to be the first VW model to offer V2X connectivity. This vehicle-to-infrastructure connectivity means traffic signals and information from vehicles up to 800 meters away are displayed to the driver. Benefits include improved efficiency, traffic flow, and safety warnings. The cabin is far more digital than before, and represents a significant step forward for the Golf – impressive considering the previous version wasn’t at all bad. Behind the steering wheel are three panels that focus on the driver. This incorporate lighting controls on the smallest panel closest to the door, a large and comprehensively customisable digital instrument display, and a new infotainment system. For automatic models, a small digital gear selector replaces the previously conventional stick, and the dashboard is far more stylish than the outgoing model’s efficient yet slightly dull affair. Particular attention has been made to making the digital controls easier to use on the move. With more than 35 million sales over the years, the Golf is expected to continue its huge success story. However, it will have greater competition than ever before, not least from VW itself with the ID.3.
Origin: New VW Golf launched with two PHEV options
Subaru’s redesigned Levorg could hint at the upcoming WRX
2021 Subaru LevorgGraeme Fletcher / Driving What is it?The Subaru Levorg is a performance-oriented wagon thats just a prototype at this point, but sitting on stage at the Tokyo Motor Show, it sure looks ready to go. Hopefully, the Star Trek-like name will disappear before it makes it to market, although some say the name resonates with Trekkies.Why does it matter?The companys new global architecture, which underpins the current Impreza and Forester, is the basis for the new wagon. Key among the new Levorgs attributes is the next generation of Subarus EyeSight technology it has a new stereo camera system with a wider viewing angle, and four radars to pick up on a potential collision. It also uses a new high-definition mapping system and a GPS locator to allow semi-autonomous driving. Also new is a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder Boxer engine. No mention of power output, but think back to the just-launched 2020 Outback and its 2.4L turbo-four, and you have two-thirds of that engines displacement. This should mean around 175 horsepower and 185 lb.-ft. of torque in the Levorg, which should make it pretty brisk when compared to the current Imprezas 152-horsepower naturally-aspirated engine.When is it coming?The production version of the Levorg goes on sale in the Japanese market in the second half of 2020. No word on a Canadian launch date; given the outgoing Levorg wasnt sold here, we wouldnt hold our breath but there is some hope.Check out all of our latest auto show coverageShould you buy it?The outgoing Levorg was, in a way, a WRX wagon. Given its compact dimensions, 2020 release date, and the fact that the WRX is currently the oldest model in Subarus lineup, the latest Levorg could be a subtle tease of the next-gen WRX. Its certainly sharper and swankier-looking than the current
Origin: Subaru’s redesigned Levorg could hint at the upcoming WRX
Watch: News reporter damages, disrespects classic cars at a show
A reporter with CBS Sacramento 13 Good Day Sacramento has been sacked after he damaged and disrespected several new and classic cars at a local auto show, apparently as part of a gag.Angel Cardenas was reporting on the Sacramento International Auto Show ahead of its opening to the public when he decided to exhibit complete and utter negligence of the rules of pretty much every car show ever.As the anchors in the studio throw to him on-air, he walks around the car show, which apparently has no security, and then proceeds to commit the biggest car show faux-pas ever.No one is out here to tell me which car I cant go in because some of these are off-limits so Im going to live on the wild side, he dares. Tell me what you think about this pose right here, Tina?He then proceeds to jump up on the rear of a yellow Ford Thunderbird, and put his feet on the beautiful show car paint, possibly damaging it. The anchors giggle and laugh as the idiot makes a total fool of himself.Next he dings a different Thunderbird with the door of another.At one point, Angel jumps up on the hood of a brand-new 2020 Ford Explorer Hybrid, a car that hasnt even seen showroom floors yet.Our question: who hired this guy in the first place? He clearly didnt do any research about the show before showing up to report on it, and even admits hes winging it, which doesnt really cut it on the news. This guys delivery is so bad, he couldnt get a job at Dominos.Baffling-ly, it seems Angel somehow thought this approach was acceptable funny, even despite boasting on his LinkedIn profile that hes a professional.Were glad this guy will never be reporting on any car show in our
Origin: Watch: News reporter damages, disrespects classic cars at a show
First Look: 2021 Toyota Mirai
2021 Toyota MiraiGraeme Fletcher / Driving What is it?The original Toyota Mirai was the sort of car a mother could be very proud of, but it lacked the verve to stir an onlookers soul. The second-generation 2021 Mirai has a sleek look that makes it stand out from the crowd, and this time around it is for all the right reasons! The striking design features broad shoulders, a fastback roofline, long hood and 20-inch wheels. It is a looker!The cabin also benefits from the rework with the wheelbase now measuring 2,920-mm, up 141-mm, which means theres now realistic backseat legroom and space for a third rider. For the driver, the Toyota Premium Multimedia system now has a larger 12.3-inch screen and a 14 speaker JBL sound system.Check out all our latest Auto Show coverageWhy does it matter?By combining hydrogen from the on-board tanks and oxygen from the atmosphere, the Mirais fuel cell creates electricity and water there are no other combustion byproducts, so it is as clean as clean gets. No word on the power output other than it will deliver enhanced performance. This means more power that the outgoing cars 151 horsepower and 0-100-km/h time of 9.7 seconds.More importantly, the increased fuel storage brings a 30 per cent bump in driving range. This means it should have a gasoline-rivaling range of 655 kilometres. Ditto the five-minute refueling time. There are hydrogen stations in Vancouver and Quebec City. Hopefully, Toronto will be added to the list! When will Canada get it?The second-generation Toyota Mirai goes on sale here late 2020.Should you buy it?The next-gen Toyota Mirai has everything the original lacked it has road presence with a significantly sharper look and a much nicer cabin to go along with a realistic driving range and short refueling time. As a package it makes a very strong ambassador for the coming Hydrogen
Origin: First Look: 2021 Toyota Mirai
Hot VW Touareg R to arrive with plug-in hybrid power
Volkswagen is set to expand its R performance lineup with a range-topping version of the Touareg SUV, expected to be unveiled next year and go on sale in 2021. The Touareg was confirmed as “the first R model to go plug-in hybrid” by VW’s sales and marketing boss Jürgen Stackmann, who was speaking prior to the reveal of the new Mk8 Volkswagen Golf. After confirming a Touareg R, Stackmann went on to say “ we start with that journey, and the task is out there for Joss Capito and his team to deliver us an electric future for R. Then that’s the journey for R. For the next five years as we are launching some Rs next year we will couple these cars with a very strong message for low emissions”. The Touareg is currently offered with a plug-in hybrid variant in China, with that car expected to go on sale in Europe in the coming months. It is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to a 134bhp electric motor with a combined output of 363bhp and 516lb ft of torque. Currently, the fastest Touareg offered in the UK is the 335bhp V6 non-hybrid petrol model. Whether or not Volkswagen is planning to electrify this powertrain to push its output beyond 400bhp remains to be seen, but it’s also possible that the four-cylinder unit could be boosted further to suit the R. When asked about the possibility of a fully-electric R, Stackmann admitted there is still a way to go before such a thing is viable. “For the immediate future I think we will still see Rs in the conventional form, so that they will be true to what R is today but obviously we need to worry about it as our emissions need to come down in 2020, R needs to go on the way. “ The Golf R, set to go on sale next year, is expected to make use of a highly tuned version of the Group’s EA888 2.0-litre petrol engine delivering around 320bhp. A Golf R Plus, with up to 400bhp, is also mooted to take on the Mercedes-AMG
Origin: Hot VW Touareg R to arrive with plug-in hybrid power
Ford to reveal Mustang-inspired electric SUV next month
Ford will reveal its new Mustang-inspired electric SUV, conceived as a high-performance rival to the Tesla Model Y, next month. The American firm has released a teaser featuring a sketch of the new machine’s profile, confirming it will be launched on Sunday 17 November, just ahead of the Los Angeles motor show where it will likely be shown in public for the first time. Due to go on sale in 2020, a concept will be unveiled later this year, Ford claims the as-year-unnamed model will transfer the spirit of the iconic Mustang pony car into a truly 21st century model. The new model was given the ‘Mach 1’ tag during early development because of strong public opinion against the use of the branding historically reserved for Mustangs. However, the Blue Oval recently applied to trademark the ‘Mach-E’ nameplate, which seems a perfect fit, given the car’s brief. The new car will be the first Ford designed as an electric car from the ground up, with a bespoke new platform enabling both rear and four-wheel drive. It will crown the brand’s wide-reaching electrification plan under which European customers will be offered a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric version of every new model launched. The only technical detail Ford has officially revealed is the car’s range: it will be capable of 370 miles of WLTP-certified range on a single charge, beating the Tesla Model X (351 miles) and Jaguar I-Pace (292 miles). A less expensive version with less battery capacity and range is also expected. Ford claims charging will be “effortless” and it is “redesigning the ownership experience to ensure it addresses customer pain points that currently hold back broad (electric car) adoption”. The car’s performance remains undisclosed, although chairman Bill Ford has previously claimed it “is going to go like hell”. At a Bank of America summit last month, a Ford presentation showed that it would offer a higher-performance variant of the electric crossover, targeting the more accelerative versions of Tesla’s EVs. Although it is not officially confirmed, reports suggest Ford will reveal the car’s name along with the concept before the year is out. Like many of Ford’s recent models, it’ll be a globally engineered vehicle with few changes between regions. UK deliveries are tipped to start in late 2020. It’s not the only EV in Ford’s product plan, because the Michigan-based maker is also working on a more affordable electric crossover. Codenamed CX430, it will be based on the latest Focus platform and be similar to the Kuga. The CX430 has been in Ford’s product plan for several years. The long-awaited push into electrification comes after news that Ford will be dropping former best-sellers from its US line-up: the Taurus, Fusion and Focus, alongside the Fiesta. Ford’s supermini never found huge popularity in the US, but the momentous decision to end Ford’s 110-year presence in the US passenger saloon market sent a clear signal that profitability, not diversity, is the new focus for the
Origin: Ford to reveal Mustang-inspired electric SUV next month
Plugged In Podcast: Talking EVs, fuel cells, and Tesla with Motor Mouth
David Booth behind the wheel of Jaguars I-Pace E-Trophy race car.Handout / Jaguar Opinionated. Knowledgeable. Irascible.Unflappable. Veteran Canadian automotive journalist and Drivings very own David Booth is all that, and more.Hes also been in the drivers seat for three decades of electric vehicle innovation and development. As such, he has a unique and well-informed perspective on the ongoing EV revolution one that Driving readers know all too well from his weekly, must-read Motor Mouth columns.In this weeks episode of Plugged In, we ask him about the future of EVs, how plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells fit into that landscape, and of course, his favourite subject to rant about: Tesla.Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.
Origin: Plugged In Podcast: Talking EVs, fuel cells, and Tesla with Motor Mouth
Bollinger reveals US pricing for rugged electric SUVs
American start-up Bollinger Motors has revealed pricing for its electric off-road SUV and pick-up truck, ahead of the pair’s public debut at next month’s Los Angeles motor show. Both models will be available from $125,000 (£97,200) in the US, and can be secured now with a refundable deposit through the firm’s website. They have been engineered to be road-legal across the globe, suggesting pricing for other countries could be announced in due course. The B1 and B2 are both based on Bollinger’s in-house-developed Class 3 electric vehicle ‘skateboard’ platform. The chassis and body are made from aluminium, making it light and easy to manufacture, with simple-to-replace body panels. With a motor on each axle giving four-wheel drive, the rugged, boxy models produce a combined 614bhp and 668lb ft of torque for a claimed 0-60mph time of 4.5sec and a top speed of 100mph. Range hasn’t been confirmed, but Bollinger’s battery pack is an enormous 120kWh in capacity. The company previously proposed a range of 200 miles from a 100kWh battery. Drive is through a two-speed automatic gearbox with high and low ranges, while there are front and rear electronically locking differentials. Designed for extreme off-road use, the B1 and B2 have 50/50 weight distribution, 10-20in of variable ground clearance, 10in of wheel travel, all-round ventilated 11.75in disc brakes and geared axle hubs. Payload is a strong 2359kg, while towing capacity is 3402kg. For context, the Toyota Hilux pick-up manages up to 3500kg. The Bollinger models also have a unique ‘pass through hatch’ running their entire length. Electric rivals will include the R1T and R1S from well-funded compatriot firm Rivian and the best-selling Ford F-150. Bollinger was founded by industrial designer Robert Bollinger in 2015 to “reinvent trucks, not just electrify them” when he saw the shortcomings of traditional trucks on his farm. “It was time we did something new,” he said. “I just wanted to build the best truck without compromise.” Bollinger says it has received more than 30,000 expressions of interest in its vehicles and plans to begin production in
Origin: Bollinger reveals US pricing for rugged electric SUVs
New 2020 Audi RS3 to take fight to AMG with 394bhp
Following recent sightings of Audi’s new A3 undergoing testing, our spy photographers have caught the hardcore RS3 variant in public for the first time. The range-topping hot hatch is set to take its power from the same five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the latest generation RS Q3 performance SUV. That unit’s 394bhp output will make the RS3 one of the most powerful cars in its segment, save for the 416bhp S variant of the Mercedes-AMG A45. The RS3 is likely to improve upon the larger RS Q3’s 4.5sec 0-62mph time, potentially taking it below four seconds, and could also be capable of beating the SUV’s 174mph top speed, although Audi’s RS models are traditionally electronically limited to 155mph as standard. The prototype in these images wears extensive camouflage, but we can see the RS3 will feature a number of unique design elements aimed at differentiating itself from the standard model, which is due to launch at the beginning of 2020. The performance model’s alloy wheels are considerably larger than any we’ve seen on A3 prototypes, and are wrapped in much lower-profile tyres. The RS3’s performance potential is further hinted at by a set of large ventilated brake discs and a pair of classic RS-style large-bore exhaust pipes. The front end features the latest iteration of Audi’s corporate grille design, with the aggressive lower air intake styling aping that of the new RS6 flagship and facelifted RS4. Notable by its absence is the prominent chrome trim that featured on the sides and rear of the 2020 A3 prototype we saw most recently. It remains unclear as to whether this design element will make production for any A3 variant, but Audi’s exterior design boss Andreas Mindt has already promised ‘big-time’ exterior design changes for the model. Audi is yet to confirm a launch date for the RS3, but it can be expected to follow some way behind the A3, which will break cover at March’s Geneva motor show. Audi Sport’s line of RS performance models is as varied as it has ever been, with performance variants of the TT, A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, Q3 and Q3 Sportback currently on offer. The range will soon be headed up by a new RS Q8 flagship, which is set to pack around 670bhp from the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid’s electrified
Origin: New 2020 Audi RS3 to take fight to AMG with 394bhp
First Look: Lexus LF 30 Concept
What is it?The Lexus LF 30 Concept represents the future of the brands battery electric vehicles (BEVs). The name stands for Lexus Future, with the 30 celebrating 30 years of Lexus it seems like just yesterday when the LS 400 rocked the car world and redefined the consumers expectation of luxury and reliability. The LF 30 is a futuristic-looking electric car that takes the companys spindle grille and transforms it into the key styling cue for the car. Some of the design is outlandish thinking; other aspects speak to the first Lexus BEV, which will debut this November.Check out all our latest Auto Show coverageWhy does it matter?The heart of the LF 30 is found in the four in-wheel electric motors that combine to produce 536 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from rev-one. The go-juice comes from a 110-kWh battery that delivers 500 kilometres of electric-only range. One of the keys to the operating strategy is the Lexus Advanced Posture Control system. It regulates the motors to keep the delivery of power in keeping with the drivers expectations. As such, it has the ability to drive the front motors, the rear motors or all four motors according to need and/or demand. The layout also gives the LF 30 real-time torque vectoring through the control of the individual motors.Elsewhere, the steering is by wire, the charging is wireless, the glass roof panel becomes a massive touchscreen that controls many in-car functions and LF 30s autonomous driving technologies have drone support. The latter looks forward to the car Lexus envisions hitting the road in 2030. Lexus LF 30 Concept Lexus When will Canada get it?The LF 30 is purely conceptual at this point, but it speaks to the fact Lexus will offer an electric derivative of all of its models by 2025.Should you buy it?Whats not to love about a cool-looking all-electric car that has a real-world driving range and the performance that promises to wow the driver it takes all of 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and it has a top speed of 200 km/h. The answer to how this will translate into a future Lexus product is closer than you might think, with Lexus set to debut its first battery electric by years end.
Origin: First Look: Lexus LF 30 Concept
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