Lexus could expand line-up with smaller cars

Lexus could expand its line-up and make smaller cars in the future because of market changes sparked by the growing popularity of SUVs. Speaking at the Tokyo motor show, the firm’s executive vice-president, Koji Saro, said there was evidence that well-executed smaller cars could be sold for higher prices, because of shifts in how customers perceive value. In particular, SUVs are more profitable than same-sized hatchbacks because they are perceived to be bigger due to their raised ride height. “Smaller doesn’t always mean cheaper now, so trends are changing,” said Sato. “I can’t say clearly that it is something we will do, but we are looking at all vehicle opportunities.” Such an SUV would sit below the recently launched Lexus UX crossover, with a likely starting price well below £30,000. However, Sato hinted that part of the appeal of creating smaller cars was that buyers are increasingly willing to raise the transaction price by buying options. “What customers want is individuality,” he said. Sato also vowed that Lexus would keep making distinctive cars, including convertibles and F-branded models powered by high-performance, non-electrified engines. “We must cater for people who enjoy their driving,” he
Origin: Lexus could expand line-up with smaller cars

Audi Sport expands hot SUV line-up with RS Q3 Sportback

Audi Sport has expanded its range of performance SUVs with the launch of the new RS Q3 Sportback coupe-crossover as its second high-performance SUV. It will take on the likes of the Mercedes-AMG GLA45 and BMW X4 M when it goes on sale early next year. The new machine is based on the recently launched Q3 Sportback, and shares the same underpinnings as the new second-generation RS Q3, which was unveiled as the same time. That includes a five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged Along with the forthcoming RS Q8, it is part of a major expansion of Audi Sport’s SUV line-up designed to boost the performance division’s sales. Product manager Carolin Krause said that the RS Q3 Sportback was aimed at a “completely new segment, for young lifestyle-oriented customers, who want performance and everyday usability.” Krause said there were no concerns within Audi about the new RS Q3 Sportback cannibalising sales from the standard RS Q3, adding: “The market is ready for these models, especially in the smaller segments.” The RS Q3 Sportback features a number of design changes from the regular Q3 Sportback, both to stand apart from the range and to reinforce the links to the RS Q3. Design Matthew Baggley said: “When we designed the regular Q3 and Q3 Sportback the aim was to give customers as much differentiation as possible, but for the RS models we felt it necessary to bring them back together.” As a result, both models have wheel arches to widen their width by 10mm (the track remains unchanged). They also get a customised front grille with a single frame design. There are also sculpted air intakes in the new-look front bumper. While the intakes are designed to reflect the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, they feature a ‘boomerang’ design that is unique to the two RS Q3 models. There are standard LED lights at both the front and rear of the car. The differences between the RS Q3 and the RS Q3 Sportback are more apparent from the side, with the Sportback’s sloping coupe-style roof making it 45mm lower than the RS Q3. It also has a lower shoulder line, designed to emphasise the car’s stance. The RS Q3 Sportback gains its own rear wing design, and a bespoke rear bumper and diffuser, designed to set it apart at the back and make the car appear even wider. As with the RS Q3, the Sportback features twin exhausts. Inside, both models offer black leather and Alcantara sports seats and other bespoke design details, with a number of Audi Sport-exclusive options on the Drive Select and infotainment system. There are a number of RS details, and more available – including Nappa leather seats with integrated head rests – via a number of customisation options. Underneath their bodywork, the RS Q3 and Sportback are mechanically identical, powered by an upgraded version of the five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbo from the first-generation RS Q3, and also used in the TT RS. The unit has been tuned to produce 394bhp, compared to 335bhp in the old RS Q3 – 362bhp for the Performance variant – and also offers 343lb ft of torque 1950 and 5850 rpm. That gives the Q3 Sportback a 0-62mph time of 4.5secs, with a limited top speed of 155mph (174mph with the optional Performance pack). Power is delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed automatic gearbox, with wheel-selective torque control to aid traction and handling. Audi’s Drive Select system features six modes, including two bespoke RS options accessible via a steering wheel button. Both models sit 10mm lower than the regular Q3 and Q3 Sportback and feature sport suspension and Audi’s Dynamic Chassis Control as standard, with MacPherson struts at the front and a four-link design at the rear. They also feature specially tuned progressive steering, with a choice of 20 or 21in wheels and steel or ceramic brake discs. The RS Q3 Sportback will go on sale early next year, at the same time as the RS Q3. While pricing has not been finalised, it is expected to be above the £44,785 of the old RS
Origin: Audi Sport expands hot SUV line-up with RS Q3 Sportback

Tesla streamlines UK line-up with model price overhaul

Tesla has reconfigured its UK pricing structure and range as part of a move towards a simpler and more concise global line-up. The most significant alteration is the discontinuation of entry-level Standard Range variants of both the Model S luxury saloon and Model X SUV. To compensate for the reduction in choice, prices for both models in Long Range trim have been brought down by £800. In line with the removal of these Standard Range variants, Tesla has sought to distinguish the two remaining trim options with a £6300 price hike for the top-spec Model S Performance, and an increase of £5900 for the equivalent Model X. These two options are now available from £91,800 and £96,400 respectively. All Model S and X Performance variants will come as standard with the brand’s Ludicrous Mode, which brings 0-60mph times down to 2.4 seconds for the saloon and 2.7 seconds for the SUV. Lower down the range, the Standard Range Plus variant of the new Model 3 is now available from £36,490 (after application of the government’s £3500 plug-in car grant), a saving of £1560 over its initial £38,050 launch price. Meanwhile, prices for the dual-motor Model 3 Long Range Performance, which is capable of ultra-fast 200kW charging, have risen £550 to £49,140. This trim comes equipped as standard with performance wheels and a carbonfibre spoiler, and offers a 162mph top speed. A Tesla spokesperson said: “In order to make purchasing our vehicles even simpler, we are standardising our global vehicle lineup and streamlining the number of trim packages offered for Model S, Model X and Model 3. “We are also adjusting our pricing in order to continue to improve affordability for customers. Like other car companies, we periodically adjust pricing and available options.” UK pricing for the Model Y seven-seat compact SUV is still yet to be officially confirmed, with first deliveries not anticipated to take place before 2022. In the US, the new model is being offered from £35,500 in 300-mile Long Range
Origin: Tesla streamlines UK line-up with model price overhaul

Autocar confidential: Porsche eyes more diverse line-up, Shelby introduces limited-run sports car and more

This week’s snippets of automotive news include DS on why lights are crucial to car design, the continuing popularity of diesel for Land Rover, and where the T-Cross sits in Volkswagen’s revised global line-up. But first, how personalisation means very few Porsches are alike… More personal Porsches on the horizon Porsche produces 25,000 911 and 718 models at its Zuffenhausen factory annually, but with 39 variants and an ever-growing range of customised trim options, plant manager Christian Friedl says that it only produces identical cars “a maximum of two times per year”. The firm is set to introduce even more options, with Friedl claiming it will offer “the most personal car” possible. Illuminating design at DS How important are lights to a car? For DS, design director Thierry Metroz says they’re key to showcasing the brand’s refinement and technology pillars. “I have a specific team working only on lighting,” he said. “We have six exterior designers, and five only for the lighting – it’s so important.” Shelby’s long-awaited second series Shelby has updated its only bespoke model, the 20-year-old Series 1 sports car, to create the Series 2. Available with Ford-based big or small block V8s, just four will be built each year, priced at $350,000 for a carbonfibre body or $850,000 for custom-made aluminium. Diesel not dead at Land Rover Diesel still accounts for 80% of Jaguar Land Rover sales in the UK, says boss Rawdon Glover. “Diesel will continue to be relevant and remains a viable choice for customers,” he added. Volkswagen’s new global flagship SUV The new T-Cross will be a “cornerstone” of the Volkswagen global SUV line-up, says chief operating officer Ralf Brandstätter, with different regional versions to be built in Spain, China and Brazil. Market demands mean the Chinese and South American versions will be
Origin: Autocar confidential: Porsche eyes more diverse line-up, Shelby introduces limited-run sports car and more