First Drive: 2020 Toyota GR Supra

MONT TREMBLANT, Que. You cant really call the break between the previous, fourth-generation Toyota Supra and the all-new 2020 model a hiatus its been 21 years, after all. Its really a resurrection of storied nameplate. The Supra began as an upscale version of the now-defunct Celica, eventually morphing into a sporty standalone model. It reappears now as a completely new car, and it differs significantly from its ancestors now, its now an Austrian-made BMW at heart.Comparisons, therefore, will be drawn with the latest BMW Z4, with which the Supra shares a platform. No, the Supra isnt a drop-top, and having previously driven both the four- and six-cylinder Z4, I can attest that the Supra is quite a different car.Power comes from BMWs 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six found in the Z4 M40i, claiming 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. Those number differ from the M40is 382 hp and 369 lb.-ft., but Toyotas brain trust assured us that this is because the Supra is tuned to deliver more torque at lower engine speeds. We cant dispute the logic, since despite the lower output, the Supra will sprint from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, compared to the Z4 M40is 4.5 seconds. Lacking a retractable roof and the additional chassis bracing a convertible usually requires drops the Supras curb weight by 20 kilograms compared to the Z4, at 1,541 kilos. I can almost hear manual transmission proponents lamenting the availability of only an eight-speed automatic, especially Toyota fans, who are grabbing up the manual-box Toyota 86 at a rate of 64 per cent compared to the automatic. But if a company offers only an automatic in a super-sporty coupe, it should at least be a really good one and the Supras is nearly flawless, shifting swiftly and without hesitation when using the steering-wheel paddles.And since weve just mentioned the Toyota 86, note that while the two-seat Supra is about the same length overall as its stablemate, the wheelbase is actually 101 millimetres shorter. The wheels track wider, too: 76 millimetres wider at the front and 50 at the rear.Toyota simplifies the drive-mode selection with two main modes Normal and Sport. A sport button on the centre console selects between the two modes, and Sport really amplifies the driving experience. It firms up the active suspension, steering, sharpens gear changes, and adds considerable exhaust sound and adds popping when backing off the throttle. The exhaust has a rich, raspy tone that comes close to aural ecstasy, even if some of the sound is generated electronically within the cabin.A third Sport Individual mode is available that allows you to tailor certain parameters. One parameter I would change within Individual mode is the transmission mapping; while gear changes were flawless and well timed when driving aggressively in Sport mode, it held lower gears at highway speeds, topping out in sixth gear while maintaining a steady 110 km/h. This is Toyotas sportiest production car ever, so it seemed appropriate to drive it at Quebecs Circuit Mont Tremblant. The fast, smooth and flowing course emphasised the Supras remarkable handling. Steering feel and precision are excellent, and the car is sharp and offers forgiving feedback through its firm suspension and rigid chassis. Its nonetheless a very fast car and not meant for novice track-day drivers, accelerating out of corners with more gusto than one would expect from 335 horses chalk that one down to its low-rpm torque delivery.Body roll is minimal, and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires offer appropriate track-friendly grip, allowing high cornering speeds. Another track-friendly feature is the Supras Brembo brakes; hammering on the brake pedal will make your eyes bulge, and theres no discernible fade after five hard laps. The seats feature deep, adjustable side bolsters, which hold you firmly in place when cornering at speed. A prominent, centrally mounted round tachometer hints at the Supras penchant for track driving.And about that automatic: It detracts nothing from the track driving experience; it does exactly what you ask of it in manual mode, and unless youre a complete dunce, with eight ratios to choose from youre never in the wrong gear. Even though shifting a manual transmission is no longer the quickest way around a track, I would prefer having the option, if only for the more intense driving experience and as 86 buyers have demonstrated, they also prefer sporty Toyotas with a third pedal. That said, the ZF-manufactured unit is a pretty good substitute.On the road, the Supra is stiff, even in normal mode, but not intrusively so unless you aim for big bumps, and theres more tire noise that infiltrates the cockpit than in a sedan. The Supra also turns heads on the road, though that might be because its currently a rare sight. Toyota says it will bring 300 units into the country for this year, and plans to bump that number to about 500 for next year. So if were to compare
Origin: First Drive: 2020 Toyota GR Supra

Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane

2019 Lexus LS 500Handout LIBERIA, Costa Rica So, you want a new LS 500. Well now, arent you in the minority? Whats wrong with you? Dont you know large, luxury sedans are totally pass? Why arent you shopping some over-priced, underperforming sport-ute like all your peers? Seriously, in this day of rampant me-tooism, if you want to stand out, buy a sedan. If youre independently foolish and really want to stand out, get an LS 500.Not that theres anything wrong with Lexus latest flagship sedan. Its actually a bit of a stunner as long as you can stomach the muy-macho grille and doesnt go half bad, either.One surprising thing is that Lexus doesnt offer the new LS with eight pistons; a V6 is the only available engine. However, both are fortified, the regular LS with twin turbochargers and the LS500h with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-litre V6 mated to Toyotas Hybrid Synergy Drive powertrain. Both will provide more than adequate performance, though, despite Lexus protestations to the contrary, the Hybrid doesnt feel nearly as sporty as the turbo. Always relaxed partially because its mated to a ten-speed automatic the 416-horsepower V6 unit scoots when it has to, trundles when youre relaxed, and will if its anything like Lexus motors past will do so until your children are grandparents.The LS ride/handling balance fairly matches its engine. Not nearly as sprightly as a Maserati Quattroporte and still a smidge behind BMWs 7 Series, the latest LS is still up for the job of straightening twisty roads. Those so inclined are best served by opting for the air suspensions its standard equipment on the LS500h and switching the mode button to Sport+. The steering becomes heavier, the springing firmer, and the whole plot a little more inciting, all without much ruining the big Lexus ride. Inside, the LS is pretty much the treat youre expecting, sumptuous leather covering roomy seats and delicate wood trim. This last gets special attention as all Lexus artwood inlays are built by Yamahas music division, my favourite being the one with the aluminum highlights. According Paul Williamsen, head of Lexus global marketing planning, Yamaha first overlays a wood veneer onto an aluminum substrate. Then it etches the patter it wants to remove the upper wood, leaving the aluminum underneath exposed. But because the aluminum is at a lower level than the wood and we certainly cant have an uneven surface in a Lexus, can we? Yamaha then vacuum seals the entire piece sucking the underlying metal onto an even keel with the overlaid wood. Wow, thats a lot of trouble for a few metal pinstripes.Williamsen says this is part and parcel of the companys Experience Amazing strategy: In the battle of marketing slogans, I think relentlessly pursuing perfection is a better measure of Lexus obvious obsessive compulsion.Only two foibles (may) mar the LS 500s interior. Lexus touchpad manipulated infotainment screen is either a love it or hate it affair. By love it or hate it, I mean everyone hates it at the beginning and then a few learn to, well, almost like it. Its polarizing. Almost as wonky but not nearly as polarizing are the multi-function switches puts on each side of the instrument binnacle. It either reminds you of a fighter jet or looks like someone forgot the wipes until the very last moment. Either way, it doesnt really compromise ergonomics so its not nearly as polarizing as the touchpad.Overall, the LS500, like all large luxury sedans, perhaps more than most, doesnt deserve to be ignored. Its a luxurious, spacious and well-crafted sedan, that last word the only reason its not more popular. No pricing is available on the 2020 yet, but the 2019 LS starts at $103,150 and Lexus Canada has some screaming deals going on right now. 2018 Lexus LC 500 Handout / Lexus Damn the family, I want two doors: Well, has Lexus got a sports coupe for you. Based on the same platform as the LS, the LC 500 has two things going for it. The first is that, unlike the sedan, the coupe is still offered with a naturally aspirated, we-dont-need-no-stinking-turbos 5.0-litre V8. The same one offered in the RC F, in fact: 471 horsepower, a 10-speed transmission, and some seriously stiff suspension make for an entertaining ride. Officially, the reason the twin-turbo V6 doesnt power the LC is that it wasnt quite ready when the big coupe was being engineered, but I think Lexus engineers just wanted to make some noise. The LC500 delivers. Indeed, while the LC is available as a hybrid and I recommend that powertrain for the LS the LC is best served by the rootin and tootin V8.More importantly, the LC500 has a face Maserati would die for. Lexus spindle grille may be a little overwrought for its run-of-the-mill sedans and soft-roaders, but it matches the LCs curves and creases perfectly. I dont usually render critiques about styling as my eye may not behold the same image as your own but I think this is the sexiest sport coupe extent. On looks
Origin: Want a 2020 Lexus LS 500? Take a look down memory lane

Revised BMW 5 Series to get bold design updates, arrives 2020

Prototypes of the facelifted BMW 5 Series have begun testing on public roads ahead of a planned introduction in mid-2020. Although it’s still heavily disguised, the updated executive model will clearly receive a bolder look in keeping with styling developments brought to both the latest 3 Series and facelifted 7 Series. The move is part of a broader strategy at BMW that aims to give each model its own individual appearance. Among the new design elements expected to be brought to the 5 Series are a more prominent kidney grille, redesigned headlights and a more heavily structured front bumper that incorporates newly designed air vents, including vertical air curtain ducts at the outer edges. Changes at the rear are likely to be less significant, although the plastic wrap adorning the spied prototypes hints at styling revisions to the tail-lights, rear bumper, tailpipes and area around the numberplate. Inside, the 5 Series is expected to receive new digital instrument graphics as well as a revised central display housing the infotainment functions. Today’s 5 Series will get BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 operating system as part of a running change from this month onwards, suggesting the 2020 model will carry this on until the introduction of an iDrive 7.5 system in the eighth-generation 5 Series model due in 2023. The prototype shown here is propelled by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, shown by the mandatory identification on its front doors as well as the flap for the charging port integrated into the front-left wing. The current G30 5 Series is already sold with a plug-in hybrid setup in the 530e. This has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor developing a combined 248bhp and providing an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles. As part of a push to take its plug-in hybrid drivelines into the performance car class, BMW is said to be planning a new 545e model running the same set-up as the 745e. This would use a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and electric motor making a combined 388bhp and yielding an electric-only range of up to 36 miles. In further developments, BMW plans to equip all petrol engines with a particulate filter, while the diesels will receive new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, according to Munich
Origin: Revised BMW 5 Series to get bold design updates, arrives 2020

Revised 5 Series to get bold design updates, arrives 2020

2020 BMW 5 Series previewed as prototypes begin testing

Prototypes of the facelifted BMW 5 Series have begun testing on public roads ahead of a planned introduction in mid-2020. Although it’s still heavily disguised, the updated executive model will clearly receive a bolder look in keeping with styling developments brought to both the latest 3 Series and facelifted 7 Series. The move is part of a broader strategy at BMW that aims to give each model its own individual appearance. Among the new design elements expected to be brought to the 5 Series are a more prominent kidney grille, redesigned headlights and a more heavily structured front bumper that incorporates newly designed air vents, including vertical air curtain ducts at the outer edges. Changes at the rear are likely to be less significant, although the plastic wrap adorning the spied prototypes hints at styling revisions to the tail-lights, rear bumper, tailpipes and area around the numberplate. Inside, the 5 Series is expected to receive new digital instrument graphics as well as a revised central display housing the infotainment functions. Today’s 5 Series will get BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 operating system as part of a running change from this month onwards, suggesting the 2020 model will carry this on until the introduction of an iDrive 7.5 system in the eighth-generation 5 Series model due in 2023. The prototype shown here is propelled by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, shown by the mandatory identification on its front doors as well as the flap for the charging port integrated into the front-left wing. The current G30 5 Series is already sold with a plug-in hybrid setup in the 530e. This has a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor developing a combined 248bhp and providing an electric-only driving range of up to 40 miles. As part of a push to take its plug-in hybrid drivelines into the performance car class, BMW is said to be planning a new 545e model running the same set-up as the 745e. This would use a more powerful turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine and electric motor making a combined 388bhp and yielding an electric-only range of up to 36 miles. In further developments, BMW plans to equip all petrol engines with a particulate filter, while the diesels will receive new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology, according to Munich
Origin: 2020 BMW 5 Series previewed as prototypes begin testing

First Look: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

LOS ANGELES, Calif. When did the good folks at General Motors become such wizards at PR?Ham-handed at times, and occasionally downright counterproductive they can be, but when it comes to the mid-engine Corvette, The General has been playing us you, the consumer, and we, the media like a Stradivarius.Dribbling out information like pronouncements from the mount, the unveiling of a Chevrolet-badged mid-engine supercar has turned July 18 into the automotive media event of the year.So, never mind that theyve been spooning out details like were toddlers in high chairs. Or that we all already knew, thanks to the most easily-accessed spy photos in the history of new automobiles, every angle of its silhouette. Ignore the fact that, even though Driving was given a super-secret, hush-hush advanced briefing by none other than Tadge Juechter, the C8s chief engineer, we still dont know all the performance metrics of this new Corvette.Yes, all that aside, heres what we know, what we think we know and even to paraphrase the immortal Donald Rumsfeld what we dont know we dont know about Chevys new C8 Corvette. They really were worried Corvette loyalists would hate the C8Rumours that GM execs were worried the Corvettes traditional audience old, male and shirtless, according to one brutally honest wag would hate the new mid-engined C8 were absolutely spot-on. Indeed, according to Juechter, rumours Chevy would produce the C8 and C7 simultaneously as a sop to all those hairy-chested geriatrics were at one point true, GM execs hedging their bets in a fine example of Detroit mawkish indecision.But, as Juechter tells it, as soon as they saw the first rendition of the new C8, all plans for a C7 continuation were dropped. According to Automobile magazines 2014 Man of the Year, thats because the new mid-engine Vette is stunningly gorgeous. But I also suspect a large measure of newfound confidence came from the fact that, from the front or rear dead-on, the C8 looks very much like a refreshed mildly refreshed C7. Oh, some angles and creases have changed, but from directly behind or ahead, theres no mistaking the C8 for anything other than an evolution of the Corvette.From the side, however, the C8 looks all genuine mid-engined supercar, and a truly gorgeous rendition at that. From almost every perspective, the new Vette looks purposeful in its aerodynamics, subtle in its proportions and positively dynamic in its stance.Oh, there will be critics. A few nay-sayers will compare it to a McLaren-cloned this or deride it as an NSX-derived that. Then there will be those who will call the styling too American-centric, as if that were insult.They would be dunderheads. The new C8 is, in a word, stunning.The (base) engine is another ode to Corvette’s pastThe only truly solid powerplant information we have is about the base 6.2-litre small-block V8. Juechter cites compact dimensions (important for space considerations in a mid-engined car), a low centre-of-gravity (c-of-g is allegedly right around the drivers inner hip to allow better steering feedback) and sufficiently attractive looks all those hide-bound loyalists will no doubt be thrilled by the large 3.2-mm-thick glass panel in the rear hatch shows off the LT2 as reasons to stick with the small-block.Its unlikely anyone will be disappointed with the performance. Thanks to a new intake system and a wild set of immaculately crafted individual equal-length up-and-over headers, the LT2 pumps out 495 horsepower (at 6,450 rpm) and 470 pound-feet of torque (at 5,150 rpm), the most horsepower and torque for any entry-level model in Corvette history. It will be mated to a new Tremec-sourced eight-speed dual-clutch transaxle. No, there will not be a manual offered, the new C8 yet another resounding admission the stick-shift transmission is all but dead.As with previous Corvette gearboxes, 7th and 8th gears are essentially overdrives, the LT2 loafing as low as 1,200 rpm on the highway. Second through 6th, meanwhile, are track-ready close-ratios, for minimal rpm drop between shifts. Most impressive, however, says Juechter, is how short first gear will be. You wont believe how hard this car launches, still talking about the base small-block.In fact, if Chevrolets testing is right, the new Corvette is going to be scary-fast. Officially, GM claims the new C8 will break the three-second barrier to 60 miles per hour (97 kilometres per hour). That would indicate even the slowest C8 will be a genuine three-second zero-to-100-km/h supercar. On the spec sheet at least, the base C8 would seem a real challenge to lesser McLarens and Lamborghinis.Were basically certain Chevy is sticking with the overhead-valve layout, at least in the base car, so loyalists will be comforted by the rhythmic clickety-clack of the pushrods know and love. As Juechter puts it, its a true big-bore Corvette sound. If you dont like the sound of the small-block, youre not going to like this one, because it sounds just
Origin: First Look: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Subaru announces pricing for 2020 Outback and Legacy

Subaru has just released pricing for the 2020 Legacy Sedan and Outback wagon. The base model Legacy is $26,395, while the Outback is not only jacked up in ride height but also a step up in price at $30,695.The $26,395 Legacy Convenience trim starts you off with standard Subarus Symmetrical full-time all-wheel-drive, EyeSight with Lane Centring Assist, dual seven-inch touchscreen infotainment display, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Although its the base model, you also get automatic climate control, heated front seats, a 10-way power-adjustable drivers seat, Bluetooth connectivity, two rear USB ports, and automatic headlights.This the first year that Subaru will be offering Subaru Starlink connected services, which is a full suite of features that can be controlled with your phone or with an onboard concierge.Step up to an Outback and that $30,695 will get you these same standard features, plus LED fog lights, active torque vectoring, X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, a rearview camera washer, a one-touch retractable cargo cover, and roof rails with integrated crossbars and tie-down loops.Move up to the Legacy Touring for $30,295 and youll add 17-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, auto-dimming side-view and rearview mirrors, a power tilting and sliding sunroof, a proximity key with push-button start, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto up/down on all windows, and a free three-year trial subscription for Subaru STARLINK Connected Services. For $34,795, the Outback Touring adds a power rear tailgate with a hands-free opening sensor, and a centralized close and lock button.The $34,295 Legacy Limited adds integrated navigation, 11.6-inch infotainment, heated passenger and rear outboard seats, rear console HVAC vents, steering-responsive headlights, and 18-inch alloy wheels. This will cost $38,995 in the Outback.Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and a centre console-mounted CD player require stepping up to the Premier trim for $36,295, as well as a front-facing camera and Driverfocus Mitigation. Premier will cost you $40,995 in an Outback.Outbacks will also have a special trim called Outdoor XT, that adds an upgraded dual-function X-Mode with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, and a full sized spare tire.The Limited GT ($37,095) and Premier GT ($39,095) trims for the Legacy add the turbocharged 260-horsepower engine to the Limited and Premier trims, up from the 182-horsepower base model. In the Outback, Subaru calls it the Limited XT and Premier XT trims, and theyll cost you $41,795 and $43,795 respectively.The 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback will arrive in dealerships in the fall of
Origin: Subaru announces pricing for 2020 Outback and Legacy

Mercedes-AMG gives the 2020 GLC 43 a new grille to make it look more AMG

Mercedes-AMG is giving the 2020 GLC 43 some AMG touches to make it more recognizable as the brands entry-level performance AMG SUV. Both the SUV and the four-door fastback (which they call a coupe) have been given the treatment.Thanks to the AMG-specific radiator grille with its vertical chrome-plated fins, it is very quickly clear: these GLCs come from Affalterbach, reads the press release, but theres more to the update than that. The bumper is also new, as well as the rear exhaust tips, of which there are now two; the headlights have also been updated to LED, and remind us of the AMG GT.The interior of the GLC 43 has been given the AMG treatment as well; it now features digital AMG-specific gauges, a flat-bottom steering wheel and a few red trim accents. There are even Chevrolet bowties on the steering wheel as a nod to the mid-engined Corvette! Oh, wait, those are controls for the infotainmentour bad. The latest edition of MBUX is also present, to go along with the updates 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.3-inch touchscreen. For the actual added performance, AMG has given the GLC 23 more horsepower, for a total of 385; thats matched by 384 lb.-ft. of torque from the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6.Although Mercedes claims this is an entry-level performance vehicle, well guess that it still isnt cheap, but will have to wait until actual pricing and availability is released near the end of the year to find out for
Origin: Mercedes-AMG gives the 2020 GLC 43 a new grille to make it look more AMG

All-new electric Fiat 500 spied testing ahead of 2020 reveal

An all-new electric Fiat 500 city car, the 500e, has been spied testing in California, ahead of its launch at the Geneva motor show in 2020. The sighting of the camouflaged prototype comes just a week after Fiat said it would invest 700 million Euros on the electric city car, to include a new production line in Mirafiori, Italy. Fiat hopes to produce 80,000 examples of the new 500e. The car will be sold alongside the existing 500, which will continue to be powered by conventional petrol engines as well as receiving styling and technical updates. The all-new electric 500 will sit on a bespoke electric car platform, according to Fiat boss Olivier Francois, with the same platform potentially earmarked for use if the the new Panda-inspired Centoventi concept makes production. The electric 500 will be a key part of Fiat’s transformation in Europe into a brand focusing on small electrified city cars. “The car will stay true to everything you know about the 500, but will be entirely new,” said Francois. “Under the skin it will be radically different, but otherwise you will recognise the size and proportions. “But it is a big statement, starting our electric path with the 500. We are doing it with that car for reasons of pricing. It is clear that we cannot sell an electric 500 for the same entry price of today’s 500, but what’s clear is that more than half of our 500 customers today do not buy entry-level models. In fact, for them a 24,000 euro price is normal today. “If you look at our electric competition, they are priced around 32,000 euros. The leap then from 24,000 to 32,000 is not so much, especially if you factor in government grants for electric vehicles. Francois refused to be drawn on whether the electric 500 could be rear-wheel drive like the original, but said he would be open to the idea. He also said that an electric Abarth model could hold appeal. The electric car platform that the new 500 will sit on will be FCA Group developed. Francois said he would personally be open to sharing the technology with partners – the 500 platform has previously been shared with the Ford Ka, for instance, but he stressed that any such decision would have to be made at a Group level. Fiat also confirmed the new 500 will be joined by a 500 Giardiniera estate, although the firm didn’t say if that would also appear at next year’s Geneva show. Ahead of the 500e arriving, a mild hybrid variant of the 500 is due to launch later this year. The aim is to consolidate the brand’s dominance of the city car segment – the 500 and Panda hold a third of this market – while developing technologies that allow these models to satisfy emission regulations. This focus also means other, less successful Fiat models are expected to axed. These include the Punto – axed after a 13-year production run – and, while unconfirmed, the Tipo. The 500 Giardiniera, which references the tiny wagon of 1960, will offer the best space efficiency in its class, says Fiat, and “unmistakable design”. It too will get electric and mild hybrid variants. The 500’s new platform architecture can also cope with a mild hybrid system. That unit consists of a belt driven, 12V starter-generator, although little detail has been provided on the electric drivetrain to be used in the 500. Lower-emissions petrol engines will also be offered in the 500 and Panda. Francois conceded that the decision to develop the electric cars was driven “both by the desire to create a profitable electric car for our future, and to ensure we avoid the pressures of potential fines if we don’t hit CO2 targets.” Given the limited space for batteries and the 500’s urban appeal, range of the 500e is likely to be less than EVs such as the Nissan Leaf, which offers around 250 miles. The 500e will be a rival to a growing number of small EVs – Mini’s first series-production electric car is due in 2019, at the same time as the Honda Urban EV. The 500e will be one of four electric powertrains offered by FCA. It will sit use a ‘City Car’ powertrain, while a ‘Mainstream’ powertrain will be launched in the Jeep Grand Commander. A ‘Performance’ powertrain will feature in the 2020 Maserati Alfieri and a ‘Premium’ EV powertrain will power the 2022 Maserati Quattroporte. The push for electrification comes amid Fiat Chrysler’s abandonment of diesel; by 2022, there will be no diesel options in the FCA catalogue. These will be replaced by numerous hybrids, both full and plug-in, the first of which will be the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, landing in 2020. The production capacity released by the deletion of the Punto and other unspecified Fiat models – such as Tipo – will be used to build more Alfa Romeos and Maseratis, whose premium prices can withstand the electrification costs. Some Italian capacity will be used to build some plug-in hybrid models, including certain Jeeps for global sale. Additional reporting by Jim Holder and Richard
Origin: All-new electric Fiat 500 spied testing ahead of 2020 reveal

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator aims to lure you away from the competition

The Monochromatic Package, available on the Navigator Reserve series, offers on-trend exterior sweeps of color that showcase the bold lines of Lincoln’s full-size SUVLincoln Lincoln mid-July unveiled the refreshed Navigator itll sell you starting November, when youll be able to choose from three new trims with more luxury to lure you away from other brands.Lincoln says that already 66 per cent of its buyers have defected away from other brands, and that 90 per cent of its buyers choose the highest trim level option.Now, whatever trim option you choose will have more features and technology as standard.Three new packages are being offered under the Monochromatic Package umbrella. Lincoln says theyre meant to follow the design trends of today, offering a look thats clean, uncluttered, and (with) a focus on the horizontal (that) leads the eye through a spacious expanse. The package names follow suit: Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl and Infinite Black.Across the whole range, power running boards, heated and ventilated front seats and wireless phone charging are now standard. Safety features such as auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot detection, pre-collision assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and more are courtesy of Lincolns Co-Pilot360.Lincolns Phone As A Key system that debuted on the 2020 Aviator will be coming to the Navigator as well. The system allows people to well, use their phone as a key, instead of using a traditional key fob to unlock and start the car.Nothing is set to change under the hood; the Navigator will still be powered by a 3.5-litre Ecoboost V6 and mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Pricing will be revealed closer to the on-sale
Origin: The 2020 Lincoln Navigator aims to lure you away from the competition