Ford has filed patent documents for a removable roof and roll cage, apparently for the upcoming Bronco, giving us our best look yet at the new SUV.According to patent documents discovered by AutoGuide’s AllFordMustangs.com arm, the Bronco will have a removable hard top and a removable cage, allowing for a to provide an open-air driving experience.The Bronco is looking to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler, which means it will have to offer a similar open-top experience. However, the Wrangler only has a removable roof, not a removable roll cage like these patents suggest the Ford might get.The documents show a cage that attaches to the B- and C-pillars behind the doors, and that can be removed with just a few bolts. The patent documents also give us a better look at the bodywork of the new truck, showing off the square styling the Bronco is known for.In order for the truck to comply with safety regulations with the roof and cage off, there will be smaller pillar posts to retain the third seatbelt mounting point. Ford calls these removable belt posts, and they attach to the pillars as well as the floor to offer more strength.The removable cage could offer some problems for off-roading fans, as the Bronco will undoubtedly be taken out on the trails. A cage is usually required to be completely attached to the frame to offer proper protection, but well just have to see if Ford can come up with a safe enough system for the final production
Origin: Bronco patent docs suggest even the roll cage will be removable
First Look: 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is the companys first-ever all-electric vehicle and heralds the roll out of a new EV from Volvo each coming year for the next five years.Andrew McCredie LOS ANGELES, Ca. Two years ago, Volvo promised to make every vehicle it sells electrified by 2020. It has now made good on its promise with the unveiling of its first-ever all-electric vehicle, which is also the first Volvo that will receive software and technical updates over the air (a la Tesla).The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is an electrified version of the compact luxury crossover the Swedish automaker brought to Canada last year, the perfect platform for Volvos initial foray in the EV space. The exterior of the electrified version differs from its gas-powered stablemate in the front end (no need for a radiator grille) and the rear end (no need for tailpipes) but apart from that borrows many body panels from the ICE version. Likewise, the vast majority of the XC40 Recharges top hat cabin interior, doors, rear cargo space and hatch is from the original. Each model is built in the same Belgium factory in Gent.Where they differ, of course, is in the powertrain and parts of the chassis, though they still share many suspension bits and pieces.The XC40 Recharge has two electric motors, one powering each axle, fed by a good-sized 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to Volvo, the electric XC40 outperforms its petrol partner by some measure, reporting power output of 408 horsepower, 660 lb.-ft. of torque and a sub-five-second zero-to-100 km/h time.North American full-charge range is expected to be in the 320-kilometre range, though Volvo Canada says that is a conservative estimate (no doubt trying to avoid the disappointment surrounding the Audi e-Tron’s reported range that fell short of published figures). And according to Volvo, the battery charges to 80 per cent of capacity in 40 minutes on a fast-charger system.Not much information was provided about the regenerative braking system, but we do know it will come with three modes: a one-pedal driving mode, a mild regen mode and a freewheeling mode. The XC40 Recharge is also notable as it features an all-new infotainment system developed by Volvo and Google, the first such partnership for a global automaker. According to Volvo, the Google Android operating system is more intuitive than past interactive systems, and uses a suite of Google apps to improve interactions, including Google Assistant, Google Play and Google Maps. The latter includes real-time traffic updates and constant monitoring of the vehicles battery range to suggest nearby charging stations and to map the most efficient routes possible. Voice recognition functions can control most in-car functions, from climate to music to text messaging.During the reveal to the worlds motoring press at Hubble Studios in L.A., Volvo execs went to great lengths to underscore the companys commitment to sustainability, not just in terms of what comes out of Volvo tailpipes but in terms of the entire manufacturing process and the manufacturing processes of its supply partners, including battery suppliers. Over the next five years, the company has committed to launch a fully electric car every year in an effort to make all-electric cars 50 per cent of global sales by 2025, with the rest hybrids. The name Recharge is the new brand name for all chargeable Volvos with a fully electric and plug-in hybrid powertrain.As to the bigger picture of building cars in a cleaner manner, the company is aiming to reduce its lifecycle carbon footprint per car by 40 per cent between 2018 and 2025. This is seen as the first, tangible step towards Volvo Cars ambition of becoming a climate neutral company by 2040.The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge is expected in Canadian showrooms by this time next year, and pricing will be released early in 2020. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google
Origin: First Look: 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge
Audi A6 55 TFSIe quattro plug-in hybrid arrives with 362bhp
The new Audi A6 plug-in hybrid has gone on sale in Germany as Audi progresses with the electrification of its line-up. The A6 55 TFSIe quattro, first revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year, takes its power from a 249bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with a 141bhp electric motor integrated into the gearbox for a combined output of 362bhp. This powertrain also features in plug-in hybrid versions of the Q5 and A7 Sportback. Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, with maximum torque output rated at 369lb ft. The saloon will accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.6sec and on to a top speed of 155mph. A less powerful variant, the 50 TFSIe, is set to arrive later, offering 295bhp and 332lb ft. The 55 TFSIe can run on electricity alone at speeds of up to 84mph for 33 miles on the WLTP combined cycle, with Audi claiming “customers can do most of their daily driving electrically”. Three driving modes feature, allowing drivers to easily switch between electric, hybrid and petrol power as desired. Audi claims a charging time from empty of around 2.5 hours from a 7.4kW charger, while the firm’s MyAudi smartphone app offers drivers sat-nav instructions based around public charger locations. The app can also be used to control air conditioning and heater settings before entering the car. The 55 TFSIe is equipped with Audi’s sporty S line exterior package, black trim elements and privacy glass as standard. Inside, it gets sport seats, four-zone climate control and Audi’s Virtual Cockpit screen. UK pricing and specification details are yet to be confirmed, but prices start from €68,850 (£59,128) in
Origin: Audi A6 55 TFSIe quattro plug-in hybrid arrives with 362bhp
First Drive: 2020 Chevrolet Bolt
The new Bolt is an exceptional city car, but its increased range makes it a competent road-trip warrior.Andrew McCredie TACOMA, Wash. Bold best described Chevrolet when it unveiled the all-electric Bolt three years ago. With exceptional full-charge range and decent affordability, the four-door hatch was hailed as an EV game-changer, and deservedly hauled in an impressive number of global car awards for 2017.Move ahead three years and the Bolt gets its first major upgrade, one that I can happily report improves the already good range by some 10 per cent and adds a handful of camera hardware upgrades, but regretfully does not address to me what was one of the original Bolts biggest shortcomings. And that is uncomfortable, manually operated front seats.What is it with GM and seats in its electrified vehicles? The otherwise revolutionary Volt PHEV suffered critics slings and arrows surrounding its four-seat configuration in the first-gen version just as the Bolt was rightfully pilloried for its front seats, which offer little bolstering and little give on the bottom seat cushion. And its not just picky auto scribes; after extolling the fun-to-drive nature and impressive powertrain in my First Drive of the 2017 Bolt, I received a handful of emails from prospective Bolt buyers who didnt complete the transaction due to those bulky front seats. All that said, seems comfort is in the butt of the beholder as the Bolt is the third best-selling EV in the U.S. so far this year, behind only the mighty Tesla Model X and top-selling Model 3.Okay, so no seat updates, in my opinion at least, is the one bit of disappointing news about the 2020 Bolt.The good news is that aforementioned increased full-charge range, rated at 417 kilometres, some 34 kilometres better than the original Bolt. More impressive, Chevrolet engineers did so without increasing the weight or size of the 66 kWh battery pack. Instead, with partners LG they reworked the batterys chemistry within the 96 cell groups to improve the range. Increasing range is first-and-foremost in any EV upgrade, so kudos to the Bolt team for making that the focus of their job.In addition, the new Bolts 417-km range bests the reigning affordable EV in range, the 2019 Hyundai Kona by two kilometres, and is 31 kilometres better than the third-place Tesla Model 3 (Standard Range Plus). In terms of full charge times, according to Chevrolet, using a 240V system it is 10 hours (30 minutes longer than the previous model), while DC Fast Charge can add up to 160 kilometres in just 30 minutesPower output and torque remain the same from the 2019 Bolt 200 horsepower and 266 lbs.-ft respectively as do the suspension and brakes, meaning the driving dynamics of the 2020 Bolt are identical to the 2017-19 Bolt. Which certainly isnt a bad thing as apart from the VW e-Golf, the Bolt is the most fun-to-drive vehicle in the affordable EV segment. Despite its seemingly tall stature, the hatchbacks short wheelbase and low centre of gravity provide a fantastic platform for handling. At the conclusion of our drive down the Pacific coast from Tacoma to Portland, we had the opportunity to put the Bolt through a tight, coned course at Portland International Raceway. Apart from being a grin-inducing blast, this exercise underscored the solid driving dynamics of the Bolt. Its one thing to feel them through twisty double-lane blacktop through rural Washington State; its quite another to grip the beefy sport steering wheel and throw the Bolt into a coned hairpin with confidence. Granted, prospective buyers of the 2020 Bolt arent looking to tick the rally course-ready box on their shopping list, but it certainly doesnt damage the EVs appeal knowing it boasts such driving bonafides.Another hallmark and defining feature of the original Bolt was its one-pedal driving innovation. Put the gear selector into Low and maximum regenerative braking takes hold allowing you to not only harvest the maximum amount of energy from the brakes but also to come to a complete stop without depressing the brake pedal. Just take your foot off the accelerator and the Bolt will come to a stop on its own.The exact same system is onboard the 2020 Bolt, and it really showed its benefits during stop-and-go traffic on during morning rush hour heading south out of Tacoma on I-5. Instead of endlessly alternating between pedalsaccelerating, braking, accelerating, braking, accelerating, brakingyou just press the accelerator gently then take your foot off to stop. A much more relaxing way to negotiate otherwise frustrating gridlock.In total there are four regen modes utilizing the Bolts regen-on-demand flipper on the lefthand side of the steering column. Each EV automaker has come up with its own unique control system for regen settingsfrom paddle shifters to dashboard buttons to centre console shifterbut for my liking the Bolts is the best and most intuitive. Apart from the increased range, there are just a
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Chevrolet Bolt
Honda’s smallest compact may not be coming back to Canada
Honda teases image of next generation 2020 Fit (Jazz)Honda Hondas teasing the next generation of the Fit ahead of its debut at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Show, but this time it really is a tease, since odds are the vehicle wont make its way to North America.Automotive News noticed Hondas press release for the Fit referred to it only by its European name, Jazz, and said it would be offered only with a hybrid powertrain.Honda is ramping up its efforts to make low-emissions vehicles in Europe, in order to follow its directive of a 100-per-cent electrified lineup there for 2025.When we reached out to Honda Canada, we were told they would not comment on future vehicles at this time. Hondas American arm similarly wouldnt confirm the car, suggesting the States wont be getting it; that make it seem unlikely well get it either. If the Fit does leave the North American market, Honda will likely close its plant in Mexico, saving the company its import tariffs.Even though we likely wont get it, we might as well mention the vehicles looks. A more round and traditional shape takes over for the angular styling weve seen all around the automotive world, and the front and rear of the vehicle have been made stubbier and more vertical, making it easier to park and drive for Europeans.The vehicle has fallen out of favour with Americans, with sales dropping 17 per cent through to September, another reason we can see its demise here making sense. In August, sales of the Fit in Canada were half what they were January, at 206 cars versus
Origin: Honda’s smallest compact may not be coming back to Canada
Bloodhound shown in ‘desert spec’ ahead of high-speed tests
Bloodhound, the land speed record car bidding to set a new supersonic land speed record of around 800mph in South Africa next year, has been shown in ‘desert spec’ ahead of a series of high speed tests. It’s the first time the Brit-built car, which was rescued from the administrators earlier this year, has been seen with its tyre-less machined solid aluminium wheels: the ones to be used for the outright record attempt. The long-promised testing shakedown will take place on a specially prepared 20km (12.4-mile) track at Hakskeen Pan in the Kalahari Desert, near the Namibian border. To test the installation of its Rolls-Royce EJ200 Eurofighter gas turbine engine, the car was late last month successfully given a “dry crank” at its Gloucestershire HQ which involved having the exhaust output of a smaller jet engine blown into its intake to rotate the moving parts of the main motor. “It involves turning the engine without activating the ignition,” says engineering director Mark Chapman. “It’s like a last look under the hood.” In South Africa, the Bloodhound team plans a series of 13 runs to test high-speed aerodynamics and stability, especially a 400mph-plus transition phase when steering authority delivered by the front wheels’ grip on the track surface changes and the front wheels become rudder-like aero devices. Engineering director Mark Chapman expects the car to exceed 500mph in these initial tests, although he says high speed is not the biggest issue this time. “The 200mph testing we did at Newquay Airport in October 2017 was all about accelerating the car, about checking that we could generate thrust from standstill,” he says. “The car was only at full power for about two seconds.” “In South Africa this time our EJ200 engine will develop its full 54,000 horsepower for nearly a minute, but the main emphasis will be on stopping. The biggest engineering challenge of all is stopping a car as fast as this without running out of desert. “We’ll be testing a two-parachute braking system, and of course we have friction brakes that work best below about 200mph. On top of that, we’ll do handling tests and investigate stability changes. And we have to see how well the team can perform under pressure in heat that might hit 40deg C.” Engineering millionaire Ian Warhurst, whose “seven-figure” investment rescued the project from receivership early this year at the last minute, says the project will seek financial and technical backers in earnest once the first South African testing is successful. “I’m very optimistic about the future,” he says. “We have a great deal of interest from potential backers, once the car has run. It was always clear, given the history of this project, that first of all we needed to show we can make things happen.” Bloodhound will be driven by former RAF jet pilot and current record holder Wing Commander Andy Green, who, back in 1997, became the only person ever to drive a car at supersonic speed on land when he took his Thrust SSC to a new mark of 763.035mph. The team members believe they can achieve 800mph as a first step. The record attempt is scheduled to take place late in 2020, but the team has set no timetable for their other, much tougher objective of achieving 1000mph on land. “We’ve divided our aims into two separate phases,” says Warhurst, owner and CEO of the project’s supporting company, Grafton LSR. “We’ll concentrate on the record first, and when we’ve achieved that, we’ll use the data and knowledge gained to make a judgement about whether to go for the second phase.” The test track at Hakskeen Pan been specially prepared on a dry lake bed by 317 members of the local Mier community. Working by hand, they have removed more than 16,500 tonnes of stone in preparation for Bloodhound’s runs. Thirteen parallel tracks have been laid out, because the car’s unique aluminium wheels – which don’t have tyres because the rotational speed would throw them off the rims – penetrate the track’s hard surface as they run, and “up to 13” runs are planned for this first trip to South Africa. The new Bloodhound ownership team is maintaining its role as an attraction to STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects for school-age students, by making its results and research findings publicly available. “This is the first land speed record attempt of the digital era,” says Warhurst. “Digital platforms can share data in real time from hundreds of sensors on the car, allowing budding engineers to see exactly how the car is behaving as it dices with physics.” Warhurst is funding the current preparations himself but is depending on the upcoming tests to attract new backers, especially title and livery sponsors. For now, the car is painted all white, but Warhurst believes when it “does something”, interested corporate and technical partners, currently waiting in the wings, will come forward. The project moved from its old base near Bristol and is now based in
Origin: Bloodhound shown in ‘desert spec’ ahead of high-speed tests
General Motors could revive Hummer as electric SUV brand
American automotive giant General Motors (GM) is considering a revival of the Hummer brand for a new line of premium electric SUVs and pick-up trucks, according to Reuters. The company is reportedly aiming to put a new range of large luxury EVs, codenamed BT1, into production at its Detroit-Hammtramck factory by the end of 2021. The first BT1 model, currently known as Project O, is said to be a pick-up for an as-yet-undetermined brand, with internal sources suggesting use of the Hummer name is “under consideration”. It will be followed by a hardcore performance version in 2022. Claimed to also be in development are an electric pick-up for GMC and an electric SUV for Cadillac. Both are set to arrive in 2023. GM is investing $7.7 billion (£5.9bn) into preparing its US factories for the shift to electrification over the next four years, with the Detroit-Hammtramck facility being upgraded at a cost of $3bn (£2.3bn) to produce electric trucks and vans. The large EVs will sit stop a new skateboard-style chassis, similar to that of start-up company Rivian, which combines motors and batteries for cheaper production costs. Around 80,000 units per year are expected to be produced. Regarding GM’s choice to develop premium EVs before more affordable models, Auto Forecast Solutions’ Sam Fiorani told Reuters: “It makes perfect sense to hit the high end of the market in order to generate some revenue that might actually turn a profit.” Such a move, he noted, has proved lucrative for Tesla, which launched with the low-volume Roadster before going on to rival BMW and Mercedes-Benz with the Model S. GM recently ended production of the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, citing a decline in demand for saloon models. Its replacement, the Bolt, is an electric hatchback that’s expected to cost its maker between $8000-$9000 per unit as a result of the augmented cost of EV production compared to that of conventionally powered cars. Production of the iconic Hummer H2 and smaller H3 ended in 2009, as GM eyed a return to profit following a high-profile bankruptcy announcement. The BT1 electric pick-up is likely to be priced to compete with the Rivian RS1 and could beat Tesla’s long-awaited truck to
Origin: General Motors could revive Hummer as electric SUV brand
Long-Term Test Introduction: 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Its been quite some time since Driving.ca last had a long-term test, but with the ever-increasing complexity of vehicles, all to often one week is barely enough to scratch the surface and really get to know it. With a family vehicle in particular, settling in to a routine and seeing how it holds up after weeks and months of harried schedules and never-ceasing activities reveals just how much it enables peace of mind or builds frustration.After a pair of glowing reviews and a Comparison Test victory, we still couldnt get enough of Hyundais entirely new 2020 Palisade. Hyundai has been delivering ever more refined products behind its Hyundai badge and making impressive first steps into the luxury market with its Genesis brand, and the Palisade makes a much more convincing play in the midsize-large-ish three-row SUV arena than the awkwardly styled Veracruz and undersized Santa Fe XL. There has certainly been a lot of interest in the Palisade, both from my colleagues in the office and hockey parents from my sons team, so we hope to answer any and all questions we get about its driving characteristics, capabilities and features. While the Palisade lineup starts with a front-wheel-drive model for $38,499 (plus all models carry a $1905 freight PDI charge), we were provided the all-singing, all-dancing, all-wheel-drive Ultimate 7 passenger in a lovely Sierra Burgundy. No matter the trim, the Palisade comes equipped with a 3.8L direct injection V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic. The all-wheel-drive system defaults to front-wheel drive but can shift up to 50 percent of torque to the rear axle, and the available AWD lock can keep a minimum of 20 percent of torque at the rear wheels. We look forward to an early snowfall that will afford us the opportunity to see how the AWD system handles typical Canadian winters.As far as first impressions go, between the 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster, 8-inch central touchscreen infotainment, head-up display and supple quilted, perforated Nappa leather seating and trimI kept thinking to myself: How is this not being sold with a Genesis badge? I cant say Im a huge fan of the grille, but the rest of the design is pleasing, and the interior is simple yet pleasing, neither too busy nor too spartan, and the pale cream leather really brightens up the cabin. Well see how that light colour holds up to messy kids and whether the quality is as good as it looks at first glance. Of course, the interior of such a large vehicle isnt just meant to be pretty, it also needs to carry lots of stuff, and the Palisade certainly has abundant passenger and cargo space. In fact, the very first thing my daughter said when she first got into it was, Can we take this on our next camping trip? She was convinced it had a much larger interior than the Kia Sedona we packed to the rafters for our trip to Killarney Provincial Park this past summer. In reality, its 509 litres of trunk space and 1,297 with the third row folded doesnt hold a candle to the Sedonas 960 L in the trunk, and 2,220 with the third row down. However, passenger space is on another level with massive headroom, legroom and shoulder room, especially for young children, but even for adults, and that translated into my daughters view that she could have brought six more bags of stuffed animals and diversions along for the ride.The Palisade is proving to be an easy companion for family life so far, so stay tuned for updates, a comparison with one of the most popular vehicles in this segment, and perspectives of various staff here at Postmedias head office. If you have any questions or requests, please post them in the comments below, and well do our best to answer or demonstrate in a future
Origin: Long-Term Test Introduction: 2020 Hyundai Palisade
Porsche: we must diversify beyond selling cars to survive
Porsche must invest in companies looking to solve issues such as traffic in cities rather than rely on selling cars to survive in the future, according to Porsche finance and IT boss Lutz Meschke. “Cities want to reduce traffic, therefore we have to look for solutions which fit our brand. Shared mobility is not enough – it will not bring us significant profit share,” said Meschke. “If you want to get a piece of the cake, you have to think about investments in other brands or in traffic solutions. Just to talk about Porsche cars to get the right fit for future mobility, that’s not enough. We must think about investments, starts-ups, to get profitability in other businesses. “Today our customers are willing to buy two, three, four Porsches, but in future, maybe they will buy one or two and for mobility in cities, they will use other services. We have to think about business models that can balance these potential losses.” One example is Porsche’s subscription service, already launched in a handful of cities in America. Described by Meschke as a “good starting point,” he said it supports Porsche’s business and reaches younger customers. It will launch in Asia and Europe over the next two years. However, he added, in five years it will not compensate for the reduced mobility in cities, and in turn, reduced sales. “If 60% of people will live in major cities, then car sales in those cities will be reduced significantly. With our brand, we are limited. It will be a niche and we will not earn enough money to keep the profitability level at 15% (Porsche’s margin aim) and that’s the problem. We must think about new business models, not only with our own brand but with investments.” Meschke acknowledged there would come a time when Porsche’s main revenue stream would not come from selling cars. He didn’t give a timeframe, but said: “Of course, we have to try to keep direct selling (cars) as long as
Origin: Porsche: we must diversify beyond selling cars to survive
The Ram 1500 Classic Warlock gets a new Mojave Sand Package
2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock now offers Mojave Sand PackageRAM The Ram Power Wagon and Rebel’s Mojave Sand Package is moving on over to the 1500 Classic Warlock, to add a bit of ruggedness to the already ready-to-work truck.The Warlock name first appeared in 1976 on a truck based on a concept vehicle. According to period notes, it had bucket seats, fancy wheels, fat tires, chrome-plated running boards, real oak sideboards and special gold accent stripes inside and out.The modern Warlock, based on the 2019 Ram 1500 Classic, features a different grille with RAM lettering, powder-coated front and rear bumpers, a one-inch lift, and a Warlock decal.Exclusive to the new-for-Warlock Mojave Sand Package is a sport performance hood, black 20-inch aluminum wheels, cloth/vinyl performance seats, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment, 7-inch customizable in-cluster display and an exclusive Mojave Sand exterior colour. The Ram 1500 Classic Warlock continues to prove that value never goes out of style, said Reid Bigland, head of Ram Brand. With the addition of the popular Mojave Sand exterior paint option, this truck will continue to resonate positively with buyers.Powering the Warlock is a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with 305 horsepower and 269 lb.-ft. of torque; or an available 5.7-litre V8 with 395 horsepower and 410 lb.-ft. of torque.Other colours available are Bright Silver Metallic, Bright White, Diamond Black, Pearl Red, Blue Streak, Billet Silver Metallic, Flame Red, Granite Crystal Metallic, Maximum Steel and Patriot Blue.The 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Warlock Mojave Sand Package has a starting price of $53,690 in
Origin: The Ram 1500 Classic Warlock gets a new Mojave Sand Package
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