Welcome to Autocar’s extended coverage of the 2019 Los Angeles motor show, one of the last major shows of this year’s automotive calendar. As ever, it is a uniquely Californian show that plays home to a varied mix of SUVs, V8s and electric cars. Manufacturers including Audi, Ford and Volkswagen are all in attendance, with major announcements expected throughout the week. Some brands even jumped the gun, revealing all ahead of the show floor opening to the industry. We were on the ground in LA to bring you all the news as it breaks from the show, as as well as providing insight and comment from industry figures, and first drives of some of the biggest new launches. LA 2019: show report Wheeled vastness, electric vehicles and fast-breeding mid-size SUVs were the most visible exhibits at an LA show marked by the welcome arrival of heavy rain and hail to a parched California. Whether this sudden shift was merely weather or a symptom of climate change, there were certainly signs of fundamental change at the show, where the electric Mustang Mach-E is Ford’s surprisingly potent – and fairly pricey, at £40,000 upwards – Tesla fighter. VW’s ID Space Vizzion concept, the E-Tron Spaceback that makes Audi the first premium player to introduce a second EV, the new-to America electric Mini and numerous plug-in hybrids will all be able to take advantage of the fact that California’s solar and wind power quite regularly generates surplus electricity in need of a home. Yet the industry’s growing battle to introduce affordable electric models was overshadowed, literally, by the bombastic trucks littering much of the Chevrolet stand, a spectacular ultra-high-riding, highly modified Ford F250 pick-up in the main entrance foyer and any number of medium to large SUVs. Not all of them from US manufacturers either, Mercedes unveiling AMG versions of its GLE and GLS, Audi its potent RS Q8, Toyota a new Highlander SUV of a size unremarkable in an American context, Land Rover its Defender and Kia its not-for-Europe Seltos. The almost absurd contradiction in all this can be hard to explain, but to understand the big trucks follow the money – these beasts are highly profitable US best-sellers – while the EU’s CO2 squeeze, China’s commitment to EVs and Tesla’s sales success explains the heavy peppering of battery-powered cars at this show. Which also explains the strange avenues some manufacturers are travelling in an effort to clean up the car and maintain its appeal. Who would have thought that there would one day be a five-door Mustang SUV punching out as much as 459 electric horsepower, or that BMW would have hired a couple of musicians to devise soundtracks for its EVs, or that it would be harvesting methane from a US dairy farm to produce electricity? VW, meanwhile, will plant 1000 trees to compensate for the 1000 miles that its Atlas Cross Sport R will travel in the Baja 1000 off-road race and Subaru, which had turned its stand into a virtual slice of US National Park, would be planting no less than half a million trees to rebuild US forests destroyed by fire. Even the unchanging is changing. There’s a new Mustang Shelby GT 500, but there’s now a Mustang EV. There’s a new Corvette, this the legendary sportscar’s first US show appearance, but its engine lies behind the driver rather than in front. On the other hand, some things really don’t change. Dodge celebrated 50 Challenger years with a very limited limited edition of 490 multi-hued cars, FCA’s policy of starving most of its brands of genuinely new product underlined by the sorry 300C saloon at the back of a Chrysler carpet park of ageing minivans and a modest Fiat stand deprived of its one-time mainstay 500, now deleted. Yet this show was optimistic, as motor shows almost invariably are. Live blog Thursday 21 November, 1000 GMT Last few udates from the show floow. “Big show for Hyundai,” says editor Tisshaw. “Not only is it previewing its new design language with the Vision T SUV concept, but also its plans for its first mid-engined car with the RM19 prototype. Think of that for a second: a mid-engined Hyundai. That’s remarkable progress from the company in such a short space of time.” The sun always shines in LA, right? Not today: heavy rain and thunderstorms are rattling the convention centre, and each executive giving a speech has made pretty much the same gag about the weather at the start of their presentations. Kia has a new SUV at the show, but it’s not for the UK. The Seltos is sized between the Stonic and Sportage in European terms, a gap Kia has just filled with the XCeed in Europe. The Seltos will instead be offered in the US, Korea, India and the Middle East. Thursday 21 November, 0900 GMT Jaguar stole a march on its big German rivals with the I-Pace, but Mercedes-Benz and Audi have caught up with launches in their own. And now in the case of Audi, it’s gone past Jaguar with the launch of its second electric car, the E-Tron
Origin: 2019 LA motor show: full report and pictures
motor
2019 LA motor show: live coverage
Welcome to Autocar’s extended coverage of the 2019 Los Angeles motor show, one of the last major shows of this year’s automotive calendar. As ever, it is a uniquely Californian show that plays home to a varied mix of SUVs, V8s and electric cars. Manufacturers including Audi, Ford and Volkswagen are all in attendance, with major announcements expected throughout the week. Some brands even jumped the gun, revealing all ahead of the show floor opening to the industry. We’re on the ground in LA to bring you all the news as it breaks from the show, as as well as providing insight and comment from industry figures, and first drives of some of the biggest new launches. LA motor show: What’s on display There are plenty of big names revealing new metal at this year’s show. While we’ve focused on the models most likely to go on sale in other markets as well as the US, there’s still lots to see. Aston Martin DBX Although Aston Martin chose China for the official reveal of its first ever SUV, it also made sure to bring one to Los Angeles. The £158,000 SUV promises the kind of sporting pedigree Aston is famed for, with a 4.0-litre V8 delivering 542bhp. A luxury interior and capable off-road credentials should make it a threat to the likes of Bentley’s Bentayga and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Audi E-tron sportback The rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV carries over the standard car’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain, but the Sportback sees major efficiency gains that help boost range to 278 miles – a significant step up over the E-tron. Visual changes are largely limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 614bhp. Ford Mustang Mach-E Ford kickstarted its electrification strategy with the sleek SUV inspired by the Mustang sports car, showing the model for the first time at LA ahead of the main show. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the Mustang Mach-E will offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle in extended battery form. At launch, a range-topping First Edition version will produce 332bhp, with a GT model set to make around 459bhp shortly after. Lexus LC500 Convertible The long-teased Lexus halo model was finally shown off in production form at this year’s LA show. Previously revealed as a concept, the soft-top LC will arrive first in ‘500’ form with a 5.0-litre V8 engine. A V6 hybrid is expected to follow later. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show that the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions that the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom, courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Mini John Cooper Works GP Mini’s fastest model yet, the 300bhp JCW GP, has been teetering on the edge of an unveiling for a while, with prototypes making public appearances at high-profile events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the wraps have finally come off. The 302bhp hot hatch will have a £34,995 starting price and be limited to 3000 units worldwide. Porsche 911 manual Not a new car, but almost as exciting, is the news that Porsche is adding a seven-speed manual option to its 911 sports car. The option is rolling out at no extra cost to buyers in the US, with a UK launch expected in the new
Origin: 2019 LA motor show: live coverage
Updated: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
This year’s motor show calendar is in full swing, with Frankfurt’s IAA event bringing us pivotal new models from countless mainstream manufacturers, and last month’s Tokyo motor show demonstrating that, for many firms, creativity is key in today’s challenging market environment. Now though, it’s time to look ahead to the Los Angeles Auto Show, at which we’re expecting a huge variety of important US and Europe-focussed models to appear in the metal for the first time. Last year’s edition saw the debut of Porsche’s acclaimed 992-generation 911, the striking Audi E-tron GT concept and Mazda’s reinvented 3 hatchback to mention but a few, and 2019 is already shaping up to be just as significant. Take a look at everything we’re expecting to see here: Audi E-tron sportback Shown in camouflaged prototype form at March’s Geneva motor show, the rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV has since lost its disguise in the run-up to its LA reveal. The standard E-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain is carried over unmodified, meaning the Sportback will be capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, a range of around 248 miles and 150kW rapid charging. Changes look to be limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35, with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 614bhp. Ford ‘Mach E’ electric SUV Ford will kickstart its electrification strategy with a sleek SUV-shaped model inspired by the Mustang sports car, showing the model for the first time at LA. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the model has been confirmed to offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle, but the company is withholding additional details pertaining to the model’s performance, pricing and design until its unveiling. Hyundai PHEV concept Hyundai’s ‘ground-breaking’ new SUV concept takes inspiration from 2018’s Le Fil Rouge show car, and looks to preview a futuristic plug-in hybrid production model to sit below the Santa Fe seven-seater. Technical details remain scarce, but a preview image shows off a sleek, rakish roofline, squared-off wheel arches and a bespoke grille design with integrated cooling flaps. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show that the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions that the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom, courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Mini John Cooper Works GP Mini’s fastest model yet, the 300bhp JCW GP, has been teetering on the edge of an unveiling for a while, with prototypes making public appearances at high-profile events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the wraps are finally coming off. Confirmed details include a £34,995 starting price and sub-eight minute Nordschleife laptime, but we’ll have to wait to see just how Oxford’s answer to the Mercedes-AMG A35 will differentiate itself style-wise from the standard Cooper JCW. Porsche 911 manual Not a new car, but almost as exciting, is the news that Porsche is adding a seven-speed manual option to its 911 sports car. The option is rolling out at no extra cost to buyers in the US, with a UK launch expected in the new year. It’s likely that Porsche will show the manual 911 at LA. Taycan 4S Launched as the entry point into Porsche’s new Taycan electric super-saloon range,
Origin: Updated: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
This year’s motor show calendar is in full swing, with Frankfurt’s IAA event bringing us pivotal new models from countless mainstream manufacturers, and last week’s Tokyo motor show demonstrating that, for many firms, creativity is key in today’s challenging market environment. Now though, it’s time to look ahead to the Los Angeles Auto Show, at which we’re expecting a huge variety of important US and Europe-focussed models to appear in the metal for the first time. Last year’s edition saw the debut of Porsche’s acclaimed 992-generation 911, the striking Audi E-tron GT concept and Mazda’s reinvented 3 hatchback to mention but a few, and 2019 is already shaping up to be just as significant. Take a look at everything we’re expecting to see here: Audi E-tron sportback Shown in camouflaged prototype form at March’s Geneva motor show, the rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV has since lost its disguise in the run-up to its LA reveal. The standard E-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain is carried over unmodified, meaning the Sportback will be capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, a range of around 248 miles and 150kW rapid charging. Changes look to be limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis, and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors producing a combined 614bhp. Ford ‘Mach E’ electric SUV Ford will kickstart its electrification strategy with a sleek SUV-shaped model inspired by the Mustang sports car, showing the model for the first time at LA. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the model has been confirmed to offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle, but the company is withholding additional details pertaining to the model’s performance, pricing and design until its unveiling. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Mini John Cooper Works GP Mini’s fastest model yet, the 300bhp JCW GP, has been teetering on the edge of an unveiling for a while, with prototypes making public appearances at high-profile events like the Nurburgring 24 Hours and Goodwood Festival of Speed, but now the wraps are finally coming off. Confirmed details include a £34,995 starting price and sub-eight minute Nordschleife laptime, but we’ll have to wait to see just how Oxford’s answer to the Mercedes-AMG A35 will differentiate itself style-wise from the standard Cooper JCW. Porsche 911 manual Not a new car, but almost as exciting, is the news that Porsche is adding a seven-speed manual option to its 911 sports car. The option is rolling out at no extra cost to buyers in the US, with a UK launch expected in the new year. It’s likely that Porsche will show the manual 911 at LA. Taycan 4S Launched as the entry point into Porsche’s new Taycan electric super-saloon range, the 4S offers considerably less power than the top-run Turbo and Turbo S models, but is also much more affordable, with prices starting at £83,000. Range is a still-respectable 252 miles in standard guise, with an optional Performance Battery Plus pack bringing that up to 287 miles. Toyota RAV4 PHEV Toyota will follow up its future-looking Tokyo motor show display with the unveiling of a new hybrid version of
Origin: 2019 Los Angeles motor show preview
Hits and misses from the 46th Tokyo Motor Show
At every auto show, the Driving team is tasked with scouring the show floor to pinpoint the highlights and lowlights. This years 2019 Tokyo Motor Show was no different. While quieter than it has been in past years with the likes of the Volkswagen Group and Ferrari conspicuously absent among others, the 46th edition of the Show still managed to produce a few gems and some real clangers. Here are our choices for the brilliant and the busts.Motor Mouth, aka David Booth, and Andrew McCredie both picked Mazda and the MX-30 as the show highlight. It is an all-electric crossover with a 33.5-kWh lithium-ion battery in the floor. It delivers a driving range of around 200 kilometres. Now, before the handwringing about the limited all-electric range begins, the MX-30 has an ace up its sleeve: a rotary engine range-extender yes, as in the little engine that made the RX-7 one of the greats along for the ride. It runs on gasoline, but could use hydrogen down the road. The effect would be a clean ride that can be refueled quickly while leaving nothing but water in its wake. It is a future all of us at Driving can get behind!Check out all our latest Auto Show coverageFor me, the highlight and lowlight of the Tokyo Motor Show were one in the same car. The highlight is the Lexus LF 30 Concepts powertrain. Heres a harbinger of what the company that redefined luxury expectations with the launch of the LS 400 in 1989 will do to electrify its portfolio in coming years. The key is found the four in-wheel electric motors that twist out 536 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque from rev-one the instant-on acceleration brings a run to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds and a realistic 500-kilometre electric-only range from the large 110-kilowatt/hour lithium-ion battery. The layout of the motors and the operating logic behind them brings front-drive, rear-drive and all-wheel-drive depending upon the need. And, with the ultimate in individual wheel control, it delivers the very best in real-time torque vectoring. The thought of an all-electric LFA-like ride is a mouth-watering proposition and a potential ambassador for the electric movement if it makes it to market. 2020 Mazda MX-30 EV Handout / Mazda The LF 30s style was the lowlight. Back in 2011, Lexus revealed the then-new GS sport sedan at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance. It was roundly panned as boring. The criticism spurred the company on to reinvent itself and re-imagine the now-familiar spindle grille. With the LF 30 Concept Lexus has not only found yet another new grille expression, it has invented the spindle car! Sometimes too much of anything is not such a good thing after all.David Booths lowlight was the general malaise and lack of excitement found on the show floor. The fact Toyota did not show the rumored replacement for the GT 86 illustrated the fact. Tokyo, of all shows, is where you expect the hype around future technologies to abound. It could be found, but it required a lot of effort. Andrew McCredie took Nissan and Toyota to task for talking the talk, but failing to walk the electric walk. Yes, Nissan makes the Leaf, but it is aging and is in need of a replacement and the Ariya Concept on display at the Show is just that a concept that wont likely see production. Ditto Toyota. It has plug-ins and hybrids galore, but the promise of an all-electric ride remains just that, a promise. Yes, there is the Mirai fuel cell, but its availability is limited. There is a new all-electric vehicle ride being announced in November that will be based on a current Lexus crossover, but it is not coming to
Origin: Hits and misses from the 46th Tokyo Motor Show
2019 Los Angeles motor show: what to expect
This year’s motor show calendar is in full swing, with Frankfurt’s IAA event bringing us pivotal new models from countless mainstream manufacturers, and last week’s Tokyo motor show demonstrating that, for many firms, creativity is key in today’s challenging market environment. Now though, it’s time to look ahead to the Los Angeles Auto Show, at which we’re expecting a huge variety of important US and Europe-focussed models to appear in the metal for the first time. Last year’s edition saw the debut of Porsche’s acclaimed 992-generation 911, the striking Audi E-tron GT concept and Mazda’s reinvented 3 hatchback to mention but a few, and 2019 is already shaping up to be just as significant. Take a look at everything we’re expecting to see here: Audi E-tron sportback Shown in camouflaged prototype form at March’s Geneva motor show, the rakishly styled Sportback variant of Audi’s E-tron electric SUV has since lost its disguise in the run-up to its LA reveal. The standard E-tron’s 402bhp twin-motor powertrain is carried over unmodified, meaning the Sportback will be capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds, a range of around 248 miles and 150kW rapid charging. Changes look to be limited to the reshaped roofline and a subtly restyled rear end, which includes an LED brake light bar similar to that of the A8 luxury saloon. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé The largest model in BMW’s 2 Series line-up will make its public debut at LA, following a reveal in October. The firm’s first small four-door coupe sits atop the same front-wheel-drive platform as the smaller 1 Series, and shares that model’s range of petrol and diesel powerplants. The range-topping M235i xDrive, however, gains all-wheel drive and will take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 35 with a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol unit pumping out 302bhp and 332lb ft. M8 Gran Coupe At the other end of BMW’s performance saloon range is this, the fearsome M8 Gran Coupe. Going up against the Porsche Panamera with up to 616bhp from its 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, the five-door version of the firm’s new M8 is priced from £120,935, with deliveries due to take place at the start of next year. Bollinger B1 and B2 Newly established American firm Bollinger will showcase prototype versions of its B1 and B2 electric SUVs. The rugged-looking off-roaders sit atop a skateboard-style chassis, and have been engineered to meet road-legal requirements around the world. In spite of their aerodynamically unfriendly design and imposing size, the boxy models will hit 60mph from rest in just 4.5 seconds, thanks to a pair of electric motors producing a combined 614bhp. Ford ‘Mach E’ electric SUV Ford is set to kickstart its electrification strategy with a sleek SUV-shaped model inspired by the Mustang sports car, and it’s likely to be shown for the first time at LA. Due to go on sale in 2020 as a rival to Tesla’s new Model Y, the model has been confirmed to offer a range of 370 miles on the WLTP cycle, but the company is withholding additional details pertaining to the model’s performance, pricing and design until its unveiling. Mercedes Maybach GLS Conceived as a rival to the Range Rover SVAutobiography, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Maybach GLS is an ultra-luxurious reworking of Mercedes’ GLS flagship SUV. The standard model’s silhouette is retained, but spy shots show the Maybach version will feature bespoke design elements inspired by 2016’s Maybach 6 coupe concept. There are suggestions the top-of-the-line GLS could also offer improved rear legroom courtesy of an extended wheelbase. Porsche Taycan 4S Launched as the entry point into Porsche’s new Taycan electric super-saloon range, the 4S offers considerably less power than the top-run Turbo and Turbo S models, but is also much more affordable, with prices starting at £83,000. Range is a still-respectable 252 miles in standard guise, with an optional Performance Battery Plus pack bringing that up to 287 miles. Toyota RAV4 PHEV Toyota will follow up its future-looking Tokyo motor show display with the unveiling of a new hybrid version of one of its biggest-selling models. The RAV4 PHEV will offer more range, power and battery capacity than the existing self-charging hybrid, over which it is likely to command a small premium. Volkswagen New ID concept Autocar understands Volkswagen could unwrap a new addition to its ID range of electric vehicles, which is likely to take the form of a Europe-focused compact estate. The new model will follow a wave of big-selling crossover and hatchback-style EVs from VW and its Skoda, Audi and Seat partner brands, as part of the company’s drive to produce 15 million MEB-based electric cars before 2028.
Origin: 2019 Los Angeles motor show: what to expect
Plugged In Podcast: Talking EVs, fuel cells, and Tesla with Motor Mouth
David Booth behind the wheel of Jaguars I-Pace E-Trophy race car.Handout / Jaguar Opinionated. Knowledgeable. Irascible.Unflappable. Veteran Canadian automotive journalist and Drivings very own David Booth is all that, and more.Hes also been in the drivers seat for three decades of electric vehicle innovation and development. As such, he has a unique and well-informed perspective on the ongoing EV revolution one that Driving readers know all too well from his weekly, must-read Motor Mouth columns.In this weeks episode of Plugged In, we ask him about the future of EVs, how plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cells fit into that landscape, and of course, his favourite subject to rant about: Tesla.Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.
Origin: Plugged In Podcast: Talking EVs, fuel cells, and Tesla with Motor Mouth
2019 Tokyo Motor Show preview
Honda teases image of next generation 2020 Fit (Jazz)Honda The 2019 iteration of the Tokyo Motor Show held once every two years around the end of October or beginning of November is fast approaching, with the event opening October 23.Well have a sneak peek of all the big reveals just ahead of then, of course, but what exactly should we be looking forward to?Despite the fact the theme this year is Open Future, you can expect a pretty narrow focus on battery-driven concept cars, with a few sports coupes thrown in for good measure.This far out, its tough to say which of the cars that may be uncovered there will make it across the Pacific to our shores, but let us know in the comments if youve got your fingers crossed for something you see here.ToyotaToyota let one of the cats out of the bag early, pulling the covers off of its redesigned 2021 Mirai Concept earlier this month. The hydrogen fuel cell car looks a lot more conventional and a lot prettier, we have to admit than its predecessor, but thats really only relevant if you live in one of the select markets Toyota Canada is slowly rolling the alternative-fuel vehicle out to, like B.C.If it looks just about production-ready for a concept, thats because it is. We know a little about the new Mirai the range should be 30 per cent better than the 2020 model; its longer than a Camry but well learn a lot more in Tokyo. To be honest, though, were much excited about the rumours well see a second-generation version of the GT86 sports coupe. Word is though itll move to a new platform, basic body dimensions will remain the same, as will the six-speed manual and auto transmission options. The engine is rumoured to be the 2.4-litre from the Subaru Ascent it makes 260 horsepower, there with the turbo removed.The car to be revealed should look pretty close to the production version, and when it hits dealerships, itll look a lot more distinct from its Subaru BRZ sibling than the current Toyobaru twins to.(And, oh yeah, Toyota will also show off a new Yaris on an all-new platform but we wont get this version. North America is stuck instead with the rebadged Mazda2 one.)MazdaMazda has, perhaps surprisingly, not yet put into production a mass-market electrified vehicle not even a hybrid but we know now thats because it wanted to make sure its first effort was absolutely mind-blowing. Our own David Booth got a brief on the e-TPV and asked whether it might be the perfect electric vehicle. We know a few specs 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, rotary engine included as a range extender but have no idea what the thing will look like. Mazda should bare all in Tokyo, though.Again, with the green vehicle out of the way, we can reveal our real ambitions that Mazda will allegedly show off a production version of its Vision Coupe, slated for dealers in 2022. Odds are slim itll look like that old (but oh-so-sexy) concept, but good that itll be based on the rumoured new “Large Architecture” rear- and all-wheel-drive platform, or powered by a new maybe-Skyactiv-X inline-six engine.HondaWeve got a lock on a new fourth-generation Honda Fit debuting in Tokyo this year; what we dont know is whether well be seeing this thing in Canada, with the local arm of the company giving us a no comment. We may not be getting a new Fit at all.The car thatll be unveiled, known abroad as the Jazz, will come only as a two-motor hybrid in Europe. Weve got the above teaser image to go off of and know its supposed to retain its roomy-for-a-compact interior, but otherwise were really in the dark on this thing.SubaruSpeaking of cars were unlikely to see on our shores, dont bet on Subaru introducing the Levorg to the Canadian market any time soon. The Japanese-market wagon version of the WRX is apparently going to see a big update revealed this year, even if the styling isnt all that ground-breaking. Its been not inaccurately compared to the Viziv Tourer Concept from last years Geneva show.There is a slight chance the new BRZ will bow in Tokyo in tandem with its new GT86 sibling, but were not getting our hopes up just in case.MitsubishiWe never thought of Mitsubishi as being particularly wild, but one of the two concepts the Japanese automaker will reveal is going no-holds-barred. The Mi-Tech Concept, a small electrified two-seater convertible SUV, is driven by four motors backed up by a gas turbine engine generator(?) and features an augmented-reality windshield and carbon-fibre construction. Its also unlikely to make it anywhere close to production. But we cant fault Mitsu for trying to wow us.The other concept, the Super Height K-Wagon Concept, is a lot more likely to see pavement under its wheels, specifically in Japan where kei car micro-vans like this one are a lot more popular.NissanI know we were just saying you should discount the Mitsu K-Wagon for being a made-for-Japan kei car, but this Nissan IMk Concept a quintessential kei car if ever there was one, with its small
Origin: 2019 Tokyo Motor Show preview
2019 Tokyo motor show: live blog and pictures
Welcome to Autocar’s extended coverage of the Tokyo motor show, one of Japan’s biggest automotive events and the first chance to see many of the cars Japanese manufacturers will be bringing to Europe in the next few years. The 46th edition of the biennial show opens its doors on the 24th of October and will, somewhat unsurprisingly, highlight electrification. Most of the production and concept cars scheduled to break cover during the event will incorporate some degree of electrification, whether it’s mild hybrid technology or a battery-powered drivetrain. While doors officially open tomorrow, Autocar is already on the ground in Tokyo to bring you full coverage of the opening press day. Tokyo motor show live blog 17:30 Tuesday 22 October The show may not officially be under way just yet, but several manufacturers have pre-announced their new arrivals. Mitsubishi has teased a roofless electric SUV, Toyota’s self-driving LQ concept promises to add artificial intelligence to your dashboard, and Mazda has confirmed its first electric car is on the way. Several high-profile leaks seem to have given the game away for some of the biggest names at the show, with Japanese media revealing the updated Subaru Levorg and hybrid-only Honda Jazz before an official announcement, which is expected tomorrow. Every edition of the biennial Tokyo motor show explores a different facet of Japan’s unique automotive industry. Some put an unabashed focus on performance while others place technology front and centre. What never changes is that the event is dominated by Japanese carmakers – you won’t hear much from European, American and other Asian brands, and the companies that display cars in Japan’s capital are on a bold quest to show their wild side. This is their chance to shine on their home turf. What’s on Display in Tokyo With much more than simply Japanese market cars on display at this year’s show, there will be lots to see inside the Big Sight convention centre. Our A-Z list contains every major new car reveal from the show: Honda 2020 Jazz The next-generation Honda Jazz (known as the Fit in some markets) will exclusively be available with petrol-electric hybrid powertrains. Honda previously explained it developed a more compact version of the twin-motor i-MMD hybrid technology that equips the CR-V to use in smaller cars. While additional details remain few and far between, spy shots show a front end that falls in line with Honda’s current design language and familiar proportions. Jazz sales will begin in early 2020. Although it has historically lagged behind its rivals, it’s a hugely important model because it’s Honda’s best-seller in the UK. Lexus Electric car concept The concept Lexus will introduce in Tokyo will take it into the electric car segment for the first time. It’s a small, city-friendly model with a tall roof that clears up a generous amount of cabin space. Screens positioned on either side of the steering wheel display the infotainment system and the model relies on innovative in-wheel electric motors for power. While it will be presented as a simple design study, Lexus strongly hinted at least some parts of it will reach production in the coming years. “We feel that our future could resemble this design,” Lexus vice-president Koji Sato told Autocar. Mazda 2020 production EV Mazda’s Wankel rotary engine will make a long-awaited comeback in Tokyo but don’t look for a follow-up to the RX-8 on the show floor. It will perform range-extending duties in the company’s first series-produced electric car. We haven’t seen it yet, the test mules are all disguised as CX-30s, but we know it will arrive as a standalone model rather than as a battery-powered variant of an existing nameplate. It will be an SUV with a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack that zaps a 140bhp motor into motion. Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept Mitsubishi’s Tokyo-bound concept will primarily serve as a preview of its next plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which swaps the traditional combustion engine for a gas turbine generator. The company pointed out it made the powertrain smaller and lighter than the one currently found in the Outlander in order to electrify more compact models like the Eclipse Cross. A selection of preview images show the technology will be showcased in a futuristic-looking SUV with externally-mounted speakers and carbonfibre inserts. Expect the powertrain, not the concept, to reach showrooms in the coming years. Nissan IMk concept As with most Japanese kei cars, Nissan’s new IMk concept is tall, boxy and geared towards urban mobility, but, in a break from convention, sits atop an all-new EV platform and showcases the firm’s plans for the future of small cars. The concept builds upon Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility programme with a lounge-style interior and lack of physical controls, and early suggestions are that it could be sold globally. Subaru 2020 Levorg The next
Origin: 2019 Tokyo motor show: live blog and pictures
Swindon Powertrain creates compact ‘crate’ electric motor
Swindon Powertrain, the company behind the E-Classic electric Mini, is developing a ‘crate’ powertrain for manufacturers to electrify low-volume models. The 107bhp unit will facilitate the switch to electrification, the firm says, for “manufacturers currently frustrated by the lack of compact, high-power EV systems available to buy in low volumes”. The powertrain is being developed in partnership with electric motor manufacturer iNetic and engineering firm Code, with funding coming from the Niche Vehicle Network, a body that supports more than 900 of Britain’s lowest-volume automotive production and engineering companies. The unit is described as ‘turnkey’, meaning it’s ready for installation straight from the box, and is claimed to offer the highest power-to-volume ratio on the market. Primary intended uses for the new motor include sports cars, classic cars, small commercial vehicles and recreational vehicles such as golf buggies. The unit weighs just 70kg and, measuring 600mm by 440mm by 280mm, is said to be appropriately sized for fitment into the engine bay of an original Mini or the frame of a quadbike. Swindon Powertrain also states that waterproofing options will enable it to be used in compact off-roaders. It claims that as well as operating as a standalone motor, the unit could also be used as the electric component in a hybrid vehicle’s drivetrain. The firm plans to put the unit into series production before June 2020 and will cover the cost of any necessary research and validation processes, which it says will further ease costs for
Origin: Swindon Powertrain creates compact ‘crate’ electric motor
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