Author: Tabitha
That’s the rumor reaching The Sleuth. Apparently the electric Buick Velite 7, due to launch in China for the 2021 model year, is expected on our shores by mid-2021 as a 2022 model, but it will be called the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The Velite 7’s front-wheel-drive power system is said to provide a range in excess of 310 miles on a full charge, which is 50-plus-miles greater than that of the current Chevrolet Bolt. Compared with the Bolt, the Velite is about four inches longer overall and has an extra 3.5 inches between the front and rear wheels. Those dimensions…
The Sleuth’s sources have forwarded intel regarding both the Volkswagen Tiguan tall wagon and the Arteon sedan, which will be updated for the 2021 model year. The Tiguan receives new front and rear styling plus the option of a plug-in hybrid system. A new Tiguan R gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It also gets a seven-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive. The VW Arteon is also treated to a modest makeover plus an R performance model with a 2.0-liter turbo engine that’s expected to deliver 330 horsepower. A new hybrid Arteon…
Toyota’s upscale division has apparently been working on improvements to the sleek and slinky luxury coupe that was introduced for the 2018 model year. The LC 500 2+2, which is available in both coupe and new-for-2020 convertible body styles, comes with a 471-horsepower V-8 or a 3.5-liter V-6 working in tandem with an electric motor to produce a net 354 horsepower (LC 500h). The plan calls for no changes to either power system, but Lexus is introducing lighter aluminum suspension components, including anti-roll bars and coil springs. The standard 21-inch wheels are also lighter. Although total weight reduction is expected…
The Sleuth notes that this General Motors division is sprucing up its utility-vehicle lineup for the 2021 model year. This following a decision to cancel the Buick Regal hatchback sedan and TourX wagon after the 2020 model year. To offset that, the Encore GX (a bit larger than the basic Encore) has joined the group, while the current Envision tall wagon will get all-new sheetmetal for 2021. The Envision’s nose now appears much more stylish, while the doors, fenders and rear hatch have also been subtly remodeled. What isn’t confirmed is the selection of powerplants, but The Sneaky One believes…
The Spy Guy hears that Ford is replacing the Mustang model that was named for the Steve McQueen movie in which he drives a 1968 Mustang GT. In its place will be a Mustang coupe using a label that was introduced for the 1969 model year. The 2021 Mach 1, expected later this year, will apparently use the same 5.0-liter V-8 that was installed in the Bullitt, which means buyers can count on at least 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque (the standard Mustang GT has 460 horses and 420 pound-feet). Ford is also promising the Mach 1 will…
The Sleuth expects that Volkswagen’s retro-styled minivan will make it to the automaker’s North American showrooms for the 2022 model year and that it will closely resemble the ID Buzz concept that first appeared in 2017. The 369-horsepower electric propulsion system includes front and rear electric motors and is expected to provide about 300 miles of maximum range on a full charge. There are also plans for a cargo van with a single rear-mounted motor that will produce somewhat less power and have less range. The passenger version will provide three rows of seats that can be configured in variety…
The Sleuth hears that the automaker’s luxury roadster will undergo a complete refit and will launch in 2021 as a 2022 model. The new SL will use the same platform as the Mercedes-AMG GT, which is good news since that car is considered M-B’s top model in the handling department. A new turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine assisted by a 48-volt electric motor (for an expected 400-plus horsepower) in the SL450 will replace the previous 362-horsepower turbocharged V-6. Also expected is a twin-turbocharged V-8 in the SL580 with at least 500 horsepower. Each powerplant will be linked to a seven-speed paddle-shift…
BMW X7: Status: New model The range-topping X7 oversees a total of seven such “X” BMW models, with all but two of them being legitimate wagons (the X4 and X6 are basically hatchbacks). The X7’s uniqueness is in its fulsome size and a capacity to comfortably accommodate up to seven passengers. A dominating kidney-shaped grille announces to the world the brand of vehicle you’re piloting, while at the back, the lower section of the two-piece liftgate folds out for easier cargo loading and unloading. The X7’s passenger compartment speaks fluent opulence, with an abundance of wood and polished-metal trim along…
Chevrolet Silverado HD: Status: Redesigned for 2020 The 2500- and 3500-series heavy-duty trucks are intended to be hard working commercial rigs. That’s why the stuff they haul is called “payload,” since many buyers count on these trucks for their livelihoods. The latest Silverado HD is new from the ground up, including humongous grilles attached to larger bodies that are the very definition of in-your-face styling. The usual assortment of cabs is available, including the double-cab with rear doors that are hinged at the front. As well, both 66-inch and 96-inch cargo boxes can be had.
Word has reached The Sleuth that Toyota will introduce a competitor to the Volkswagen Golf GTI, Hyundai Veloster N and Subaru WRX. The Corolla GR (the initials stand for Gazoo Racing, which is the automaker’s home-grown performance division) is expected to arrive in 2022. The turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine and probable six-speed manual transmission come from the rally-inspired subcompact GR Yaris (not for North America), rated at 257 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The numbers are likely to carry over to the Corolla GR. Also, the Yaris GR’s all-wheel-drive system isn’t expected to transition into the Corolla. A starting…