2020 Dodge Journey CrossroadFCA Weve been promised an updated Dodge Journey for a while, but the next-generation one could reportedly be even more car than we expected: built in Italy, ready for a V8 and rear-wheel-drive.Well believe it when we see it, but thats the scoop currently being served up by a number of sources. Autoblog reports the next-generation Journey could arrive in 2022, be around the size of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, have only two rows of seats and borrow styling cues from the Dodge Charger.It would use the Stelvios 2.0-litre four-cylinder, making 280 horsepower and 306 lb.-ft. of torque, but be available in a Scat Pack edition with a Hemi V8. All engines would likely carry an eight-speed automatic. That rumoured rear-wheel-drive would no doubt also complement an all-wheel-drive variant. If so, that’ll be a far cry from the current Journey, which has been slowly winding down. Its available V6 and all-wheel option are no longer available, just a 2.4-L four-cylinder making 172 horsepower, fed only to the front wheels through a four-speed automatic. Only two trims are available, and Dodges biggest draw has been that its likely the cheapest three-row minivan/crossover in Canada.Beefing up a Dodge with Alfa underpinnings wouldnt be a surprise, because FCA has been gradually shifting its brand focus Chrysler is the family-vehicle brand, while Dodge is all about performance, and the current Journey is the very square peg that doesnt fit into that round hole. But Dodge also only has one SUV in its lineup, the Durango, and thats not enough at a time when other automakers have them in every possible shape and size.The Journeys currently made in Mexico, and switching production to Italy would fill empty space in the factories there, as well as free up room in North America to build more trucks. And the Journeys already familiar with Europe, where its sold as the Fiat Freemont and those are folks who would likely prefer a newer and hotter version of it,
Origin: Dodge’s next-gen Journey could be built in Italy, not Mexico: report
next-gen
Hyundai Autron’s next-gen autonomous car software to be powered by BlackBerry
2019 Hyundai Elantra GT N LineBrian Harper / Driving Hyundai is tapping Canada-based tech company and former cellphone giant BlackBerry to help develop its advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving software. Does this mean the next Elantra will be getting a trackball control for its center screen!? Doubtful. What it does mean is Hyundai Motor Group’s software research and development company, Hyundai Autron, will use BlackBerry’s QNX OS for Safety system, already embedded in over 150 million cars on roads today, to build “competitive automotive and mission-critical systems in a cost-effective and safe manner.” This could impact features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure, smartphone connection and more. “Hyundai Autron develops the Hyundai Motor standard software platform based on the international AUTOSAR standard,” said Dae-Heung Moon, CEO at Hyundai Autron, in a press release. “Powered by BlackBerry QNX technology, together we will deliver ADAS and autonomous driving software platforms that will set a new standard for the automotive industry.”BlackBerry was a major player in the cell phone market of the 2000s (RIP, BBM) but stopped making its popular keyboard and trackpad devices in 2016. Today the Waterloo, Ontario-based company focuses on software solutions and outsources production of phones to partner companies.BlackBerry will demonstrate what this new standard looks like when it showcases the QNX OS for Safety at CES in Las Vegas in January 2020.
Origin: Hyundai Autron’s next-gen autonomous car software to be powered by BlackBerry
The next-gen 2020 Volkswagen Golf is going high-tech inside, low-key out
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk. 8 as revealed late October a day after just about every press photo of the thing leaked online and while it hasnt changed much outside, the inside has been revamped completely.The new eighth-generation Golf is a real looker, even if its dimensions are almost the same as the outgoing car. Slightly lower and longer, its still instantly recognizable as the classic hatch.The Mk. 8 has slimmer headlights and a revised, smaller grille; but the VW logo is as prominent as ever, and cuts into the hood like on a classic Golf. The two-door body style is gone for good, but a wagon may still be on its way for Europe.The interior has also been revised, with a new flat-bottom steering wheel and a 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster. A free-standing infotainment screen sits atop the stepped dash with illuminated accents. Digital sliders replace buttons and knobs, as does optional voice control. There is nothing traditional about this Golfs dashboard, in short.Furthermore, the car will have built in V2X, or vehicle-to-infrastructure, communication; and will be updated with over-the-air improvements to its s 2.0-litreoftware. Europe will be seeing a wide range of engines on the Golf order sheets, including three gas ones in the form of a 90- or 110-horsepower 1.0-litre three-cylinder; a 130- and 150-hp 1.5L mild hybrid with cylinder deactivation; or a 2.0L four-cylinder.Theres also a 115- and 150-hp TDI diesel 2.0-liter four-cylinder available overseas, but if that wasnt enough, VWs confirmed a GTD trim with a 200-hp TDI; two plug-in hybrids with 204 or 245 horsepower; and a natural-gas-driven TGI. Oh, and you can option all-wheel-drive, too.Before you get too excited, not any of these engines or cars have been confirmed for Canada quite yet. All we should expect as of now is a GTI trim (with a 240-hp 2.0-litre four) and an even more powerful Golf R, though the timeline on both is uncertain. (2021 is a good guess.) There are hints the plug-in hybrid could wind up here, too.Volkswagen may show off the cars coming to our shores sometime next year, and if it does, well make sure to let you
Origin: The next-gen 2020 Volkswagen Golf is going high-tech inside, low-key out
The next-gen 2020 Volkswagen Golf totally leaked ahead of its debut
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf Mk. 8 was leaked late October ahead of its debut. But not just like a low-res teaser thumbnail. Man, we can see everything.The leak comes courtesy of German newspaper Augsburger Allgemeine, which apparently was so excited about the new car of the people it posted it a whole day before it was supposed to be released.At any rate, were glad theres a new Golf, and this new, eighth generation is a real looker. Still instantly recognizable as the classic hatch, the Mk. 8 has slimmer headlights and a revised, smaller grille. The VW logo is as prominent as ever, and cuts into the hood like on a classic Golf.The interior has also been revised, with a new flat-bottom steering wheel and a digital gauge cluster. A free-standing infotainment screen sits atop the stepped dash with illuminated accents. Full specs are still to be revealed, but reportedly the vehicle will come with a wide range of engines, at least in Europe, including a 1.0-litre three-cylinder; 1.5- and 2.0-liter four-cylinders are also coming. A 1.5-litre Compressed Natural Gas unit and an assortment of 2.0-litre diesel models may also be on the table.Obviously, we can expect a GTI version of this new Golf as well, due out next year. The GTI will feature a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with 232 horsepower, but higher-horsepower variants will be out soon, too, including a 286-horsepower GTI Cup; and a 325-horsepower Golf
Origin: The next-gen 2020 Volkswagen Golf totally leaked ahead of its debut
Toyota and Subaru confirm they’re co-developing a next-gen 86 and BRZ
2017 Toyota 86 Toyota and Subaru confirmed late September there will be a next generation of their jointly-developed sports cars, the 86 and BRZ.The fate of the vehicle was on shaky ground for a while, and we didnt know if it was going to survive for another iteration. Luckily, it will apparently be part of a massive expansion of the alliance between the two brands, which will include a whole bunch of new products.The 86 is expected to arrive sometime in 2021, though powertrain possibilities are still up in the air at this point. Its possible the vehicle could migrate to the Toyota New Global Architecture platform instead of the modified Subaru platform it currently rides on; this would mean the Boxer engine could be replaced by Toyotas turbocharged inline-four. Whatever they decide to do with the car, it will apparently be engineered to spark more joy to drive than the Supra at least, according to Toyotas lead engineer. (Or was that Marie Kondo?)Among the other projects the automakers will work on together are a Battery Electric Vehicle; a host of connected and autonomous vehicles; and an AWD vehicle that will apparently offer the ultimate sensation in all-wheel driving. (Celica GT4, anyone?)Toyota also announced it would investing more in Subaru, increasing its stake in the company from 16.83 per cent to 20 per cent. Subaru will acquire shares in Toyota of equal value to the money Toyota
Origin: Toyota and Subaru confirm they’re co-developing a next-gen 86 and BRZ
Next-gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class to gain S-Class tech
The next Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been redesigned from the ground up, with highly efficient new hybrid drivetrains and advanced autonomous driving technology set to be some of its key draws. Having experienced a sharp drop in C-Class sales in recent years because of the universal gravitation of buyers towards SUVs, the German maker is providing the fifth-generation model with many of the developments being readied for the new S-Class. The new C-Class, codenamed W206, will challenge the recently facelifted Audi A4 and new BMW 3 Series when it arrives in UK showrooms in 2021. As evidenced by the latest prototypes, the design of the new C-Class is a clear evolution of the styling seen on today’s model. Although its exterior features a new-look front end with more angular headlights, the new car’s proportions, dimensions and overall silhouette remain very close to those of the model it replaces. The starting point for the new C-Class is Mercedes’ MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform. It offers a number of advances over the earlier version of the steel and aluminium structure. These include, according to insiders, more advanced electrical architecture that supports a 48V system, which is key to providing the 2021 model with a new range of plug-in hybrid drivetrains. The MRA structure uses a double-wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, with adaptive damping likely to be offered as standard across the range in most markets, including the UK. The new C-Class will continue to provide the option of rear air springs on selected models. As well as being used by the C-Class saloon, estate, coupé and cabriolet, the new platform will underpin successor models to the GLC and GLC Coupé, with a choice of both rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. New all-terrain model As an addition to the existing line-up, Mercedes has given the green light to a new Audi A4 Allroad rival in the C-Class All Terrain model. Based on the standard estate, it will receive more rugged styling, with unique bumpers and wheel-arch cladding, increased ride height and beefed-up underbody protection measures already brought to the larger E-Class All Terrain. The engine line-up for the fifth-generation C-Class will consist primarily of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines featuring a choice of EQ Boost mild-hybrid and EQ Power plug-in hybrid functions in combination with either a starter/generator or gearbox-mounted electric motor. New electric motor and battery technology should increase the efficiency of future hybrid drivetrains, although the plug-in C-Class is likely to continue to offer the 31-mile range of the current C300de at the start of sales. Despite the focus on efficiency, Mercedes is also planning successor models to today’s C43 and C63. The C43’s 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine will adopt mild-hybrid tech, but the C63 is set to continue with an updated version of today’s 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, with up to 550bhp in a new range-topping C63 S 4Matic+. That will use a fully variable four-wheel-drive system rather than today’s rear-driven set-up. In a bid to make the new C-Class the most advanced car in its class, Mercedes will bring in the very latest autonomous driving features to set what one source involved in its development has described to Autocar as “new standards in human-machine interface in the automotive field”. Leading the push is a new Drive Pilot function with level three functionality. Due to make its debut on the seventh-generation S-Class in 2020, it will allow hands-off driving at speeds of up to 80mph for extended distances. This brings a whole new range of sensor functions, including long-range lidar, multi-mode radar, the latest ultra-sonic sensors and a new stereo camera from Korean supplier LG. It also provides the basis for a new level four automated valet parking function developed by Mercedes in partnership with Bosch. It allows the new C-Class to negotiate parking garages and manoeuvre into free parking spaces – all via a smartphone app interface. Advanced adaptive cruise control will allow the C-Class to follow the car ahead at speeds of up to 130mph, slowing down automatically when speed limits change. It will also support the usual active lane change, lane keeping, emergency stop and brake assist with cross-traffic functions. To make the most of these functions, the C-Class’s new interior will be inspired by the earlier Concept EQ. It will feature large digital displays incorporating both the instruments and infotainment functions as well as new touch-based controls in a less bulky dashboard. This will also provide a greater feeling of interior space, it is
Origin: Next-gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class to gain S-Class tech
Jaguar could revive C-X75 concept as next-gen F-Type
One of many stumbling blocks to developing the new sports car is the platform itself, which – if to be designed from scratch and bespoke to the model – would require lots of cash and resources at an uncertain time for Jaguar Land Rover. The company lost £395 million in the last financial quarter and hopes models such as the updated Jaguar XE, new Range Rover Evoque and heavily revised Land Rover Discovery Sport can offset significant recent investments and a slump in demand from China. One cost-effective solution is to again join forces with BMW. The British and German makers recently announced they would develop and assemble electric drive units for future models together, but already sources suggest BMW will supply combustion engines to JLR too. As previously revealed by Autocar, JLR may also use BMW’s FAAR front-driven platform for a range of compact models, including Land Rover SUVs. BMW bosses are said to be deciding whether to turn the next-generation i8 into a fully electric sports car. Prototypes of such a model have already undergone testing, according to a Munich-based engineering source. By sharing development of an EV sports car platform, BMW and JLR could considerably reduce costs while at the same time pooling engineering expertise and resources. Another alternative is to make use of Jaguar’s well-proven electric car platform used in the I-Pace. This would require investment to adapt it for a different purpose, but EV platforms tend to be easier to modify to suit different bodystyles and drive configurations than ICE ones. With Callum’s departure, the F-Type has immediately become his legacy in terms of Jaguar sports cars. With global sales of around 62,000 (70% in coupé form, 30% as convertibles), the model has helped rebuild Jaguar’s reputation as a maker of alluring sports cars – as it also strives to become renowned for other types of car such as SUVs. While the F-Type’s sales continue to significantly trail those of class leaders such as the Porsche 911, Callum is adamant that a successor is integral to the brand. “We will also do sports cars,” he said. “End of story.” The C-X75 was a groundbreaking supercar originally conceived to use jet turbines as generators for an electric propulsion system when Jaguar first unveiled the concept in 2010. Working prototypes were then produced that instead used a more conventional petrol-electric hybrid system. But by the end of 2012, the decision was taken to pull the plug on the whole project, meaning Callum’s highly praised exterior design never made it to
Origin: Jaguar could revive C-X75 concept as next-gen F-Type
Porsche exec suggests next-gen 718 could be AWD, electric
At the recent unveiling of its all-electric Taycan, Porsche announced that by 2025, half of all its models worldwide would have some form of electrification.But we didnt expect this one: according to hints from a Porsche exec who talked to Top Gear, the next generation of the 718 Boxster and Cayman could be powered entirely by batteries.The 718 just fits EV, doesnt it? The next generation of these cars would be a good time to go all-electric, the magazine quotes Lutz Meschke, deputy chairman of the board.Furthermore, Meschke replied to a question about all-wheel drive with Yes, it needs to be, that makes sense, even though the platform has forever been rear-wheel-driven, as the driving gods intended.The automaker has been adding plug-in hybrid technology to its models for a while, of course, and along with unveiling the Mission E concept that prefaced the Taycan, Porsche took the wraps off the battery-powered Cayman E-volution concept car a couple of years back at an electric vehicle symposium in Stuttgart.It basically looked like a stock Cayman with some green badges, but the company stressed that it was just another EV development project and wouldnt go into production. And of course the Taycan isnt going to stand alone. A wagon version of it, the Taycan Cross Turismo, will come toward the end of 2020. After that, an all-electric Macan is expected to arrive in 2022. Meschke confirmed the current gas-powered Macan will initially be sold alongside it, but will be dropped after a couple of years.The Cayenne and Panamera are also planned for full electricity, but so far, theres been no word on replacing the dino-juice engine in the 911 for something that plugs into the wall. It seems even Porsche must realize that some things are
Origin: Porsche exec suggests next-gen 718 could be AWD, electric
Next-gen Mercedes-AMG GT to be four-wheel-drive hybrid
Mercedes-AMG is well into the development of a second-generation GT, which is due on sale in 2021 with a hybrid powertrain that will offer increased power and torque. The next iteration of AMG’s supercar will adopt a revised twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine with new mild-hybrid assistance, as well as a transaxle re-engineered to accommodate a fully variable four-wheel-drive system in selected models. That move is set to endow it with significantly greater performance potential than its predecessor. Insiders at Mercedes-AMG’s headquarters in Affalterbach, Germany, suggest a series of driveline innovations will push the power output of future upper-end GT models beyond 650bhp. The innovations will include an electric boosting capability as part of a range of new mild-hybrid EQ Boost functions. As well as increasing the power output, the addition of electric boosting via a starter/ alternator and new 48V electric architecture will bring a notable increase in torque to the GT’s upgraded V8 engine. The successor model to today’s GT R is set to generate up to 700lb ft. As a point of reference, the most powerful current iteration of AMG’s V8, codenamed M178, resides in the GT63 S 4Matic 4-Door Coupé, where it kicks out 630bhp and 664lb ft with an initial range of EQ Boost functions. In today’s form, the GT R makes 577bhp and 516lb ft. The new GT will once again be produced in both coupé and roadster bodystyles. It’s scheduled to reach UK showrooms in early 2022. Key rivals for the new model include the Porsche 911, which is also set to adopt hybrid functions when the facelifted version of today’s 992-generation model is launched, and the Aston Martin Vantage. But whereas Porsche is looking to go down the full plug-in hybrid route, including all-electric capability for limited distances, this has been ruled out for future Mercedes-AMG GT models because of packaging concerns. One source told Autocar: “With a 75-litre fuel tank behind the cabin, we’re already at the limit on packaging. For worthwhile distances on electric, you need a battery with at least 12kWh of capacity. As well as commanding space, it also adds quite significantly to the weight.” Key to the future of the GT is a decision by Mercedes-Benz to twin it with the successor to the SL. Both models share vital elements of their platform, driveline and interior in a move that, AMG insiders told Autocar, has helped to streamline and lower the cost of their development despite the adoption of new technology. Among that new tech is a four-wheel-drive system that can rapidly balance drive between the front and rear axles as well as a torque vectoring function to vary the amount of power sent to each individual rear wheel. Together with a newly developed transaxle, the added traction of the new four-wheel-drive system should rectify one of the existing, rear-drive-only GT’s weaknesses – namely its standing-start acceleration in comparison with the supercar competition. But, like today’s E63, it will feature a Drift function, which sends power exclusively to the rear wheels. Although the GT is set to retain its existing two-seat layout, the new SL will adopt a roomier 2+2 interior – a move, Autocar has been told, that’s aimed at ensuring the models appeal to different customers. The basis for the second-generation GT is a revised aluminium spaceframe that is claimed to weigh less than the 233kg structure used by the existing model. The weight saving has been achieved in part by the adoption of more cast aluminium components within load-bearing areas. Mercedes-AMG is also said to have met its aim of increased rigidity, most notably in the front end of the new spaceframe, which uses a newly designed transverse member with what is described as “improved torsional properties”. The new GT is expected to feature a more contemporary exterior, described as being “a bigger step away from the current GT as it was from the earlier SLS”. The more modern approach is also said to be reflected inside, with new Formula 1-inspired digital graphics among the early design
Origin: Next-gen Mercedes-AMG GT to be four-wheel-drive hybrid
Autocar confidential: Alfa plots next-gen Giulia, Pininfarina’s usable hypercar and more
In this week’s round-up of automotive gossip, we hear how Volkswagen’s inching nearer to a brand-wide electric revolution, why Pininfarina thinks its Battista has the edge over the Aston Martin Valkyrie and more. New plan for Milan’s sedan Sales of Alfa Romeo’s critically well-received Giulia are not strong, saloons being a declining segment – and FCA’s European design boss Klaus Busse says Alfa is already thinking about what kind of vehicle might replace it. “We have an idea, but it’s too early to share,” he said. Vorsprung durch tech-quick Audi exterior design chief Andreas Mindt said the E-tron GT, the firm’s Tesla Model S-rivalling flagship electric saloon, is a “miracle”, owing to its short development time. He added that “our competitors will be shocked” by the performance of the production version, due next year with Porsche Taycan underpinnings. Pininfarina’s 1900bhp runabout Pininfarina boss Michael Perschke reckons the forthcoming 1900bhp Battista EV shouldn’t be compared with track-focused machines such as the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Perschke said the Valkyrie is “designed with a different purpose: it’s a collector’s item for crazy guys who want a track tool, but are probably never going to use it to its best. Our purpose is to give you a car you can drive on a daily basis and, if you want to go on a race track and clock more than 200mph, it’s doable.” Volkswagen’s new ‘green’ house Volkswagen is converting its Zwickau factory in Germany from Golf and Passat assembly into its first home for electric car production. The site should be ready in the next couple of months. In time, up to 330,000 electric cars a year will be built there for VW, Audi and Seat, the first being the VW ID hatch due next
Origin: Autocar confidential: Alfa plots next-gen Giulia, Pininfarina’s usable hypercar and more
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