When it comes to navigating winter in North America, many drivers prefer vehicles with AWD. Because safety. That’s part of the reason why SUVs, crossovers and pickups have been experiencing such an uptick in popularity over the last decade or so. But now Toyota is giving Canadian and U.S. drivers a couple of other, uh, less-large options. The 2020 Camry and 2021 Avalon sedans will now be offered with the option for AWD.Toyota announced it’s making its Dynamic Torque Control AWD system (pulled from the 2019 RAV4) available as a standalone option on the Camry LE, XLE, SE and XSE, as well as on the brand’s flagship sedan, the Avalon Limited, both of which are built at the Toyota plant in Kentucky. The AWD system is able to interpret front-wheel slippage and actively send up to 50 per cent of engine torque to the back wheels to counter it. It can also sense when it’s not needed and disengage from the front drive to save on fuel. Both cars will pair said system with Toyota’s 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.This is the first time in its lifetime the Avalon has been granted the ability to move with four wheels at once. The Camry did come in AWD guise back in 1988 to 1991, when it bore the AllTrac badge. Toyota says it “appreciates the loyalty, patience and perseverance of all those customers and dealers who sent letters, emails, Facebook comments and texts asking for a modern AWD version of the Camry.”The AWD 2020 Camry and 2021 Avalon are expected to make appearances at the upcoming L.A. auto show at the end of November. The sedans should arrive in dealerships in spring and fall 2020,
Origin: The 2020 Toyota Camry and 2021 Avalon are getting AWD
2021
The 2021 Kia Optima will look pretty slick, if this K5 is any indication
Kia showed off its Korean-market-only 2021 K5, at the same time giving North Americans our best look yet at the car that will be known as the Optima once it arrives on Western shores. The K5 midsize sedan goes on sale in South Korea very soon, and while Kia hasn’t officially given us a reveal date for the 2021 Optima, it’s expected to look a lot like (if not identical to) this admittedly pretty gorgeous four-door.The 2021 K5 sedan employs the latest iteration of Kia’s corporate design language, which it characterizes as “sporty, modern and bold.”The K5/Optima also boasts a fastback silhouette, giving it a more powerful and athletic look, accentuated by a long, flowing bodyside crease and chrome highlights running above the windows. The new ‘Tiger Nose Evolution’ face brings a more three-dimensional design to the front end, and now encompasses the headlights – which feature a ‘heartbeat’ daytime running light pattern – and matrix-style grille. On the back end, there’s also a new light setup that spans the width of the car. Performance specs haven’t been released, but the sedan is known to be longer, lower and wider than the last gen. The 2021 Optima has been stretched by 50 mm in length, 25 mm in width and dropped by 20 mm. It comes fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels standard, but upgrades to 17-, 18- or 19-inch rims are available. The only look at the inside we’ve had comes from renderings, but Kia is set to release the K5 in South Korea in December, so that, too, shall be revealed soon.
Origin: The 2021 Kia Optima will look pretty slick, if this K5 is any indication
Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion confirmed for 2021 production
Volkswagen has previewed a new addition to its ID electric vehicle family ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles motor show. The ID Space Vizzion is an estate variant of the ID Vizzion luxury saloon that was revealed in early 2018, and it has been confirmed for production late next year. The ID Space Vizzion is described as “a wagon of tomorrow that combine the aerodynamic characteristics of a gran turismo with the spaciousness of an SUV”. The concept makes use of an extended version of the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, and the firm promises it will be capable of up to 367 miles on a single charge under the WLTP testing regime. Volkswagen claims a “completely digitised cockpit” alongside the use of sustainable materials such as ‘Appleskin’, an artificial leather made partially from residual matter of apple juice production. It has been confirmed that different variants of the production car will be offered in North America, Europe and China, although it’s not clear yet how different these region-specific models will be. The concept’s unveiling will take place at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, US on 19 November, with attendees invited to examine the ‘accessible and unlocked’ concept in detail, suggesting that it will feature a fully finished interior. Volkswagen will display four other MEB-based concepts at the event, likely the ID Crozz and ID Roomzz SUVs, ID Buzz Cargo van and ID Buggy off-roader. The firm unwrapped its first production-ready MEB electric car, the ID 3 hatchback, at last month’s Frankfurt motor show. That will soon be joined by a production version of the ID 4 SUV, which we recently saw undergoing pre-production testing in heavy
Origin: Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion confirmed for 2021 production
New VW ID Space Vizzion confirmed for 2021 production
Volkswagen has previewed a new addition to its ID electric vehicle family ahead of its public debut at the Los Angeles motor show. The ID. Space Vizzion is an estate-style variant of the Vizzion electric luxury saloon that was revealed in early 2018. It’s confirmed for production late next year. The Space Vizzion is described as “a wagon of tomorrow that combine the aerodynamic characteristics of a Gran Turismo with the spaciousness of an SUV”. It makes use of an extended version of Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform, with VW promising the concept will be capable of up to 367 miles on a single charge under the WLTP testing regime. VW claims a “completely digitised cockpit” alongside the use of sustainable materials such as ‘AppleSkin’, an artificial leather made partially from residual matter from apple juice production. VW has confirmed that different variants of the production model will be offered in North America, Europe and China, although it’s not clear yet how different these region-specific cars will be. The unveiling will take place at LA’s Petersen Automotive Museum on 19 November, with attendees invited to examine the ‘accessible and unlocked’ concept in detail, suggesting that it will feature a fully finished interior. Volkswagen will display four other MEB-based concept vehicles at the event, likely the Crozz and Roomzz SUV concepts, Buzz Cargo van and ID Buggy off-roader. The firm unwrapped its first production-ready electric car, the ID 3 hatchback, at last month’s Frankfurt motor show. That model will soon be joined by a production version of the ID 4 electric SUV, which we recently saw undergoing pre-production testing in heavy
Origin: New VW ID Space Vizzion confirmed for 2021 production
F1 bosses unveil new 2021 rules to boost racing
Formula 1 bosses have revealed dramatically reworked new regulations for the 2021 season, promising new-look cars that will improve on-track battling and close up the gaps between teams. The new regulations, which include both the technical specifications of the cars and new rules, have been developed over the last two years by F1 bosses and the FIA, motorsport’s governing body. There will also be a cost cap in an attempt to make closer competition between the teams. From 2021, F1 cars will have a new look, with simplified aerodynamics designed to put more emphasis on mechanical grip and make it easier for cars to race each other. It’s claimed that a 2021 car will retain 86% of downforce when a car length behind another, compared with 55% on the current machines. F1 boss Chase Carey said the aim of the new rules was “to improve the competition and action on the track and at the same time make the sport a healthier and attractive business for all.” He continued: “We made many changed during the process as we received input by the teams and other stakeholders, and we firmly believe we achieved the goals we had set out to deliver.” Carey also revealed that new engine rules and a commitment to increase the renewable element of the fuel used are designed to reduce F1’s impact on the environment, saying: “In the next few weeks, we will be launching plans to reduce and ultimately eliminate environmental impact of our sport and business.” F1 2021 rules in details Technical regulations Aerodynamics: The new rules will simplify the look of the cars, desensitise certain areas and reduce wake to make it easier for cars to follow each other. There will be a simpler front wing, bargeboards will be banned and ground effect will be added by a long diffuser under each sidepod in order to put an emphasis on mechanical grip. Restrictions will be introduced in a number of areas to limit the impact of aerodynamics, although the rules will still ensure visual differentiation in areas such as the nose, front wing, engine intake and sidepods. Power units: The current 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrains will be carried forward, although to cut costs there will be new restrictions on certain materials, increased weight and the introduction of a standard fuel pump. Engine suppliers will also be obliged to provide equal-spec engines to works and customer teams. Transmission: To make ‘considerable’ savings on gearbox research and development, the configurations will be frozen for a certain period, with more restrictive rules introduced in order to not ‘lock in’ a performance advantage for one team. One complete redesign will be allowed in a five-year cycle. Suspension: Suspension setups will be simplified, with hydraulic systems banned and a requirement to use ‘simpler’ internal systems (springs and dampers). Wheels: The size of wheels will be increased to 18in, while tyre blankets will be retained – albeit at a lower cost – for 2021 and 2022. There will be prescribed-design hubs, nuts and wheel retention systems. Brakes: Front disc sizes will grow from 278mm to 330mm and have a simpler geometry (with fewer vent holes). A standard supply will be delayed until at least 2023. Chassis: There are larger cockpit dimensions so that taller drivers aren’t penalised. A prescribed front floor structure will be introduced to stop teams seeking an advantage from flexible floors and strong side beam protection to aid side impact safety. Fuel: The renewable content of the fuel used will increase to 20% for 2021, with a commitment to increase that percentage in the following years. A number of new standard parts for the fuel systems will also be introduced. Weight: The minimum mass of the cars will increase from 743kg to 768kg to account for the new wheels, tyres, standard parts, safety features and heavier power units. Safety: Cars will feature increased front energy absorbtion and side chassis strength. There will also be improved headrests and wheel tethers and new features to improve debris containment after accidents. Sporting regulations Races: The maximum number of races will increase to 25. Race weekends: Weekends will be reduced to three days from the current four (which currently comprise three days of on-track action and one day of off-track events). Development: There will be reductions in the amount of wind tunnel testing and CFD development allowed and limits on power unit dynamometer testing. Financial regulations The new cost cap for teams will be set at $175 million (£135m) for 21 races, adjusted by $1m (£773,000) for each race above or below that number on the calendar. The cost cap will exclude a number of items, including driver salaries, marketing, non-F1 activities, year-end bonuses, FIA entry fees and the costs for the ‘three highest pair
Origin: F1 bosses unveil new 2021 rules to boost racing
The 2021 Optima just teased by Kia looks outrageous
Kia released some teaser images of its 2021 Optima late October, revealing a dramatic and different shape than were used to.Just like its cousin, the new Hyundai Sonata, the styling is bold. Conventional headlights have been replaced with thin LED strips that curve around the central beams. The rear taillights are full-width and sit under a pseudo-ducktail.As is the style nowadays, the roofline swoops gracefully from the windshield all the way back to the taillight panel to create a fastback (please, for the love of god, dont call it a Grand Coupe). A chrome strip curves around the top of the side windows and the bottom of the rear window.Inside the Optima is a similarly futuristic interior, with a large digital gauge cluster and wide infotainment screen. There isnt a clear provision for the shifter, suggesting the Optima will either have a knob-operated transmission; or a push-button transmission like the Sonata.The Optima will, more than likely, share drivetrain options with the Sonata. That means it will probably feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre four-cylinder; and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder. As far as the 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder rumoured for the N-Line Sonata, that might make its way onto a more sporty Optima dubbed the SX.Expect the 2021 Optima to drop sometime in
Origin: The 2021 Optima just teased by Kia looks outrageous
2021 Ford Mondeo crossover: test mule spied
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
Electric turbochargers to enter production in 2021
Electric turbochargers are finally coming to a production car near you.Garrett Motion is readying its first electric turbocharger for 2021, to be used on production vehicles. This will be the first real electric turbo ever to sit under the hood of a mainstream car or truck.Electric turbochargers arent really all that new even now, you can pick one up on eBay for a few hundred dollars and strap it to your Civic for some extra power, though theres no guarantee it wont grenade into a million pieces.Nor is Garrett the only industry player to consider electric forced induction. In fact Audi was the first to introduce an electric compressor on a production vehicle, on its SQ7, where it was used to eliminate lag on the 4.0-litre sequentially turbocharged diesel V8.Think of Audis unit more like an electric supercharger, running off electricity generated by the motor instead of a belt from the engine; its separate from the actual turbos. Garretts is a true turbocharger, however, as it uses an electric motor in between the two halves of the turbo to compress air into the engine before the hot exhaust gases get to the unit. This eliminates the small amount of time it takes for the exhaust gas to get around the various pipes and into the turbocharger.According to Garrett, the E-Turbo can spool the engine to target torque in one second, compared to the 4.5 seconds of a conventional turbo. It can also work in reverse, so to speak. Because the electric motor is built into the turbo, at higher RPMs when the exhaust gasses are flowing enough to turn the turbo by itself, the electric motor can use that energy to regenerate electric power for the
Origin: Electric turbochargers to enter production in 2021
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
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
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