Mercedes-Benz is teasing the next-generation GLA with a design sketch, just a day or so before the official release of the 2021 model.According to Mercedes-Benz, the new vehicle will be 10 centimetres taller than the previous model to give it more of a crossover appearance.It will also be 15 millimetres shorter, although Mercedes says legroom will not be impacted, since the length will be taken off the overhang.In fact, there will actually be more room, because the wheelbase has been lengthened.As far as styling goes, the sketch reveals, mostly, what weve come to expect of Benz crossovers. Were sure the pedestrian looks wont stop Mercedes-Benz from packing the vehicle full of tech, including the excellent MBUX infotainment system. At the very least, we know the rear bench seat will be unique, and feature a forward- or backward-sliding function, as well as 40/20/40-split capability.The wheels are huge, at least on the teaser drawing, in ironically stark contrast to recent reports Audi predicts 23-inch wheels should be about the largest fitted to production cars. Clearly, Mercedes stands with GM in forecasting 26-inch rims in the near-future.On top of the regular model, AMG 35 and 45/45S models are expected to be available, as well as a 250e plug-in hybrid model.The GLA will be revealed to the world online exclusively on December 11; the first auto show to feature it in the metal will be Genevas, in March of
Origin: 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA teased in design sketch just ahead of reveal
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New Mercedes-Benz GLA previewed in new shots ahead of reveal this week
The new Mercedes-Benz GLA will be officially revealed on 11 December, with new spyshots and a design sketch giving us an early glimpse of the BMW X2 rival. Although still featuring some front and rear disguise, we can see that the GLA crossover’s shape takes plenty of inspiraton from the A-Class hatchback on which it is based, while the headlights are slimmed down variants of those found on the new GLB SUV. Although it sits lower to the ground than its predecessor, Mercedes has previously confirmed that the GLA’s roofline is more than 10 centimetres higher off the ground, allowing for enhanced headroom and a more upright seating position in line with larger SUV models. Legroom is said to have been improved as well, despite the model being 1.5cm shorter overall than the outgoing car. Earlier this year, our spy photographers captured the interior of the compact crossover for the first time. The image shows that the dashboard is also set to be very similar to that of the A-Class and Mercedes’ other new compact models, featuring rounded air vents and the twin touchscreens of the MBUX system. The new GLA will join Mercedes’ MFA platform-based range alongside the A-Class hatchback, A-Class saloon, CLA four-door coupé, CLA Shooting Brake estate and B-Class MPV. It also now sits below the GLB, the largest car on that platform and a new, fully fledged rival to the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. That leaves the GLA to compete with smaller compact crossovers such as the Audi Q2 and Ford Focus Active and is why it likely has a lower, more car-like profile. Minimal technical details of the GLA have been released yet, but we know it will be closely linked to the A-Class in terms of interior design and technology, engines and gearboxes. That means it will adopt Mercedes’ latest touchpad and voice-controlled MBUX infotainment system, alongside more advanced safety features and increased material quality. The engine range will kick off with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol unit developed in conjunction with the Renault-Nissan Alliance. This will likely be available in two states of tune, while a 2.0-litre engine will top out the range for the time being. A 1.5-litre diesel will also be offered. Later on in the GLA’s lifespan, we will see a return of the AMG-tuned GLA 45, putting out anything up to 416bhp through a performance-focused four-wheel drive system. Before that arrives, there will be a 302bhp 35 variant, as is now available on the A-Class. The GLA will be produced alongside the A-Class at Mercedes’ factory in Rastatt, Germany. The A-Class will also serve as the basis of the EQA, an electric hatchback that’s scheduled to arrive next
Origin: New Mercedes-Benz GLA previewed in new shots ahead of reveal this week
Hot Toyota Yaris GR-4 shown on video ahead of imminent reveal
The new preview shows that its styling is familiar from the existing Yaris, but with the addition of far wider rear wheel arches and an aggressive bodykit to fit the car’s likely high performance brief. In a further nod to the car’s intent, it sports the camouflage livery used by most recent hot Toyota models of recent years, including the recently revived Supra. At the launch of the revamped Yaris recently, Toyota’s executive vice-president, Matt Harrison, told Autocar that a performance version of the model would likely be launched to strengthen the link between Toyota’s road cars and its Gazoo Racing motorsport arm. Toyota has applied various levels of branding under the Gazoo Racing theme in order to develop a model structure for its high-performance models. These include the hardcore limited-run GRMN versions that are positioned above models that carry the GR badge, which represents an ‘authentic sports model’. The firm also offers a GR Sport trim level that offers a more aggressive look while retaining an unchanged mechanical package. Toyota secured the 2018 World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title with the Yaris WRC, with Ott Tanak claiming this year’s driver’s
Origin: Hot Toyota Yaris GR-4 shown on video ahead of imminent reveal
News Roundup: Tesla Cybertruck and Ford Mustang Mach-E vie for biggest EV reveal of the year
Welcome to our weekly roundup of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.Here’s what you missed while you were away:Tesla reveals Cybertruck, breaks two windows in the processThe Cybertruck is here and it’s getting ALL the media attention. Price starts US$39,900, there are three range options (250 miles+, 300+ and 500+), and it’ll supposedly sprint to 96 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. But that’s not what people are talking about. Why? Because, well, just look at it! The polarizing design of the Cybertruck was actually eclipsed when a member of the reveal team, in an attempt to demonstrate the shatterproof-ness of the windows, accidentally shattered the two left-side windows with an iron ball. “Room for improvement,” said Elon. The Mach-E stole the LA Auto Show before the show had even started Ford Mustang Mach-E Nadine Filion In other major EV news this week, Ford pulled the sheets off its Mustang Mach-E SUV. David Booth rounded up the most important facts about the controversial “Mustang.” Did you know that it was originally supposed to be called just “Mach-e”? True story. But when designers wanted to spring on a new battery-powered platform, those with their fingers on the purse strings said they’d release the funds only if the Mustang label was involved. Find out what other secrets the new E-SUV holds right here. The Internet’s best reactions to the Mach-E arrival Ford Mustang Mach-E Nadine Filion As it is wont to do, the Internet voiced some strong opinions about the Ford Mach-E. One of the most controversial parts is right there in the name—and according to Driving.ca’s own poll, a full 72 per cent of readers believe that, now having seen it, the Mach-E is not worthy of the Mustang name. The public wasn’t the only source of concern over the name, either: Ford admitted at the launch that plenty of former Mustang designers refused to work on the project. One Twitter user got in on the joke by Photoshopping an image of the Carrol Shelby standing next to a black-and-white Mach-E. Ha! Not likely…The RAV4 Prime arrives with a whopping 302 horsepowerThe 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has arrived with the winning combo of more power and better fuel economy. The first plug-in-hybrid version of the popular Yota SUV will get 60 km of pure electric motoring per charge of its 17.8-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, and enough power combined with the 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four to push it to 96 km/h in 5.8 seconds. Based on the 62,000 RAV4 units Toyota expects to sell to Canadians this year, the electrified 2021 RAV4 should absolutely crush sales when it’s released in the summer of 2020. ALG report names best car brands for resale valueWe’ve all heard the maxim about new cars losing a bunch of their value the moment they’re driven off the dealership lot, but it’s also true that the exact amount of money lost varies depending on the brand of car. The annual ALG Residual Awards is designed to recognize those carmakers whose products tend to guard their value better than the competition. At the top of the mainstream list is Honda, which stole the title from Subaru, which had held it the last four years. Land Rover took top mention for premium brands, followed by Audi, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. Find out if/where your vehicle landed on the
Origin: News Roundup: Tesla Cybertruck and Ford Mustang Mach-E vie for biggest EV reveal of the year
Jaguar F-Type 2020 facelift seen again ahead of imminent reveal
Jaguar is getting ready to reveal an updated F-Type, and the latest spyshots give us our best look yet at the redesigned sports car ahead of an anticipated reveal in the coming weeks. The photographs, taken near Jaguar Land Rover’s Gaydon technical HQ, show a number of prototypes are shedding camouflage as testing ramps up. We can now see the restyled front end more clearly, with a new clamshell bonnet, slim, angular LED headlights mounted lower down the nose and a more prominent grille. A look at the rear shows it retains the same vertical bootlid, but with new wraparound tail-lights and a reshaped bumper. A quick glimpse at the cabin doesn’t reveal much, but it looks like the infotainment has moved on a generation, while the rotary dial climate display remains. It’s expected that much of the more advanced technology and infotainment features from the I-Pace and the 2019 XE will make its way into the F-Type. That means new digital dials, a larger and more feature-laden touchscreen, and substantial upgrades to the materials. Jaguar Land Rover is now phasing out its long-running supercharged V6 in favour of a new turbocharged and hybridised straight six, and the F-Type will benefit from this more efficient powertrain. The turbocharged four-cylinder and supercharged V8 engines should be carried over to the new car with limited changes, however. Indeed, this prototype registers as a 5.0-litre V8, putting paid to rumours JLR would bring in a BMW-sourced 4.4-litre unit. What remains unclear is whether the new F-Type will retain a manual gearbox option. The current V6 is still offered with one in the UK, although it has reportedly been removed from sale in the US. Regardless, manuals account for a tiny fraction of overall F-Type
Origin: Jaguar F-Type 2020 facelift seen again ahead of imminent reveal
Ferrari to reveal new model later today
Ferrari has confirmed that it will reveal a new model later today in a post on its official Instagram page. An accompanying image reveals little about the new car, but we can see a blurred grey silhouette travelling at speed, reflected in a pair of sunglasses. A video posted to the same account earlier this week features clips of famous Italian landmarks and traffic in urban areas, suggesting that it will be a less performance-focused model than the recently revealed F8 Tributo and SF90 Stradale. One possibility is that the firm will reveal a hardtop coupé variant of its entry-level Portofino sports car, following the unveiling last month of the 812 GTS and F8 Spider convertibles. In that case, we can expect it to retain the grand tourer’s turbocharged 3.9-litre V8, which produces 592bhp and 561lb ft. The new car is likely to offer a slight performance advantage over the drop-top, however, with the loss of a weighty roof mechanism. Full details of the new model will be available later today at
Origin: Ferrari to reveal new model later today
Kia K5 reveal hints at upcoming Optima
Kia has previewed the new Korean-market K5 fastback saloon, which hints at the design of the upcoming fifth-generation Optima, ahead of its release in December. The pictures show several stylistic changes for the new car, which are likely to be adopted by the next generation of its European sister model. The Optima is expected to be unveiled within the next year. The new car’s profile is now more muscular, due in part to the body being narrowed between its wheel arches and the greater swage lines adding heavier creases along its side panels. The windows receive chrome detailing and are frameless for the first time, with chrome touches extending to the rear bumper. At 4905mm, the new K5 is 50mm longer than the outgoing model and 25mm wider at 1860mm, making it similar in size to the Vauxhall Insignia Grand Sport. The wheelbase has grown to 2850mm, but the height has been lowered by 20mm for a sportier look. Kia has yet to release any performance figures, only confirming that the car would benefit from a range of new alloy wheels, available in 16, 17, 18 and 19in, with gloss black, dark grey and light grey colour options. The K5 will not be released in the UK, and it is unclear whether the next-generation Optima will make it here either: Kia recently pulled the model from sale, at the time telling Autocar that it had no plans to launch a
Origin: Kia K5 reveal hints at upcoming Optima
Lexus to reveal first production EV at Chinese show
Lexus will reveal its first series production electric car, which Autocar understands will be an electric version of the UX crossover, at the Guangzhou motor show in China later this month. The Japanese firm hasn’t given any firm details of the machine ahead of the 22 November reveal, but says it is “specifically crafted to suit the needs of audiences in China and in Europe.” But the machine will be based on the electric Toyota C-HR, a sister crossover to the UX, that is currently offered in the Chinese market. The machine will likely be named the UX Electric. Lexus and parent firm Toyota are due to launch three electric models by the end of 2021. Lexus showcased a dramatic EV concept called the LF-30 at the Tokyo motor show recently, which was intended to preview the general style of its future battery electric cars. The LF-30, which is similar in size to the Jaguar I-Pace, uses a new EV architecture being developed by Lexus and Toyota, which is planned to be introduced from
Origin: Lexus to reveal first production EV at Chinese show
Ford to reveal Mustang-inspired electric SUV next month
Ford will reveal its new Mustang-inspired electric SUV, conceived as a high-performance rival to the Tesla Model Y, next month. The American firm has released a teaser featuring a sketch of the new machine’s profile, confirming it will be launched on Sunday 17 November, just ahead of the Los Angeles motor show where it will likely be shown in public for the first time. Due to go on sale in 2020, a concept will be unveiled later this year, Ford claims the as-year-unnamed model will transfer the spirit of the iconic Mustang pony car into a truly 21st century model. The new model was given the ‘Mach 1’ tag during early development because of strong public opinion against the use of the branding historically reserved for Mustangs. However, the Blue Oval recently applied to trademark the ‘Mach-E’ nameplate, which seems a perfect fit, given the car’s brief. The new car will be the first Ford designed as an electric car from the ground up, with a bespoke new platform enabling both rear and four-wheel drive. It will crown the brand’s wide-reaching electrification plan under which European customers will be offered a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or fully electric version of every new model launched. The only technical detail Ford has officially revealed is the car’s range: it will be capable of 370 miles of WLTP-certified range on a single charge, beating the Tesla Model X (351 miles) and Jaguar I-Pace (292 miles). A less expensive version with less battery capacity and range is also expected. Ford claims charging will be “effortless” and it is “redesigning the ownership experience to ensure it addresses customer pain points that currently hold back broad (electric car) adoption”. The car’s performance remains undisclosed, although chairman Bill Ford has previously claimed it “is going to go like hell”. At a Bank of America summit last month, a Ford presentation showed that it would offer a higher-performance variant of the electric crossover, targeting the more accelerative versions of Tesla’s EVs. Although it is not officially confirmed, reports suggest Ford will reveal the car’s name along with the concept before the year is out. Like many of Ford’s recent models, it’ll be a globally engineered vehicle with few changes between regions. UK deliveries are tipped to start in late 2020. It’s not the only EV in Ford’s product plan, because the Michigan-based maker is also working on a more affordable electric crossover. Codenamed CX430, it will be based on the latest Focus platform and be similar to the Kuga. The CX430 has been in Ford’s product plan for several years. The long-awaited push into electrification comes after news that Ford will be dropping former best-sellers from its US line-up: the Taurus, Fusion and Focus, alongside the Fiesta. Ford’s supermini never found huge popularity in the US, but the momentous decision to end Ford’s 110-year presence in the US passenger saloon market sent a clear signal that profitability, not diversity, is the new focus for the
Origin: Ford to reveal Mustang-inspired electric SUV next month
Toyota to reveal solid state battery-powered car next year
Toyota will unveil a vehicle powered by solid state batteries at the 2020 Olympics as a means of showcasing its battery capability, the firm’s chief technology officer Shigeki Terashi has revealed ahead of the Tokyo motor show. However, the solid state battery technology – which promises the potential for longer range in smaller and potentially cheaper battery packs which can also take charge faster – will not reach mass production until the middle of the decade, he added. When the technology is used in mass production vehicles it will be rolled out across the firm’s entire line-up of EVs, he said. “We will produce a car with solid state batteries and unveil it to you in 2020,but mass production with solid state batteries will be a little later,” said Terashi, who also highlighted the battery know-how Toyota has accrued through its hybrid leadership developed with the Toyota Prius. That timeline still puts Toyota at the forefront of solid state battery technology. While Volkswagen has talked of a similar timeline, BMW, with which Toyota has various partnerships, has indicated that it doesn’t expect to be selling electrified vehicles using solid state batteries until 2030. The Olympic show car is expected to be based on the Toyota e-Palette, an autonomous platform that the firm has developed and which it is offering to partners to use to showcase their own self-driving technologies. An updated version of the e-Palette is expected to be shown at this year’s Tokyo motor show. Terashi also confirmed that Toyota expects to launch its first electric car for sale in Europe at the sart of the 2020s, with multiple varients expected to be developed across the Toyota and Lexus brands according to where public demand is
Origin: Toyota to reveal solid state battery-powered car next year
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