Nissan’s turmoil in the wake of the Carlos Ghosn scandal claims its next victim, the company’s current CEO Hiroto Saikawa. He will exit on September 16, after Nissan’s board voted unanimously to oust him after a new scandal erupted around Saikawa’s overpayment through the company’s stock appreciation scheme, according to a Bloomberg report.
Nissan ultimately overpaid Saikawa by 90 million yen, or $841,000, through stock bonuses. Last week, reports suggested Saikawa and other Nissan executives were overpaid through the scheme. As he resigned at the behest of Nissan’s board of directors, he spoke to reporters on this latest incident. “I should have clarified, ironed out everything and handed my baton over to a successor, but I couldn’t finish everything,” he said. “I wanted to set things to right and resign.”
Before becoming CEO, Hiroto Saikawa started at Nissan in 1977. He spent most of his career in the company’s purchasing department, and also served on the board at French automaker and alliance partner Renault between 2006 and 2016.
Saikawa’s tenure at Nissan was nothing short of a rocky one. He had been Ghosn’s protégé before ultimately becoming his successor. Now, as he was one of the critical voices in the wake of Ghosn’s arrest, he too is caught up in his own improper payments scandal.
Nissan will replace Saikawa with company Chief Operating Officer Yasuhiro Yamauchi. From there, the company will replace him as acting CEO, naming Saikawa’s formal successor by the end of October.
The all-new 2020 Land Rover Defender is one of the most anticipated SUVs in recent memory. Here we have images and specs that are leaked just about two days before the new Defender’s official debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Auto Show.
2020 Land Rover Defender (photo: leaked by SA 4×4)
This leak (images and information) comes from a South African magazine SA 4×4, and the engine and pricing spec refer to the South African market. Still, we can clearly see the Defender design, all the optional equipment, and get the off-road specs.
2020 Land Rover Defender
According to the leaked story, the new Defender will be available in two variants – a two-door 90 Series and a four-door 110 Series. There are some images of both model here.
You can be the judge of the new Defender styling. It combines some retro-inspired features with a modern rugged look that should be very appealing to the overland enthusiasts and SUV lovers everywhere.
Off-Road Specs
What about the off-road specs? The story lists the following.
Ground clearance: 291 mm or 11.45 inches
Water fording depth: 900 mm or 35.4 inches (nearly 3 feet)
Approach, departure, and breaker angles are very respectable.
Approach angle: 38 deg
Departure angle: 40 deg
Breakover angle: 28 deg
4×4 System
The new Defender is said to have permanent AWD system with a 2-speed transfer case (low range). The center differential comes standard, and an active locking rear differential is optional. The Defender will naturally be equipped with a Terrain Response system that can adjust the AWD, transmission, and engine power mapping to various terrain conditions and surfaces.
Overlanding
Any great off-road rig should have plentiful payload capacity to bring people and camping gear along. The new Defender delivers with 1,984 lbs of maximum payload capacity (900 kg) according to the leak.
That’s not all. The optional roof rack (that can also be equipped with a small ladder) is said to handle 661 lbs (300 kg). This should be plenty for a large rooftop tent for two or three people to sleep up there.
Maximum towing is set at 8,200 lbs for the South African configuration. Please keep in mind that a North American version of the Defender may have different power trains and suspension components. The maximum payload and towing capacities will vary.
Interior & Trims
The short-wheelbase 90-Series is said to be able to carry six people with a small “jump seat” that pops up between the two front row seats. The larger 110-Series will have 5, 6, or 5+2 (3-row) seating configurations.
The Defender will be reportedly be available in the following grades: S, SE, HSE, and Defender X. There will four additional accessory packs: Explorer, Adventurer, Country, and Urban.
Under the Hood
The South African version will have at two engine options. They are a 3.0-liter straight six gasoline engine or a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo-diesel.
3.0-liter gas I6: 394 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque
2.0-liter diesel I4: 237 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque
Pricing
South African pricing will start around $56,000 for the smaller 90-Series and $61,400 for the 110-Series when converted to U.S. dollars.
Of course, actual U.S.-spec pricing can vary greatly depending on many factors and available equipment.
This is a concept drawing of the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer… but could that vehicle be the basis for an extended line of FCA’s giant SUVs? (Image: Kevin J. Chun)
Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and full name will be omitted – leaving your first name, initials or nickname, your preference.
In this week’s Ask Nathan:
More of FCA’s giant SUVs?
What’s a good $5,000 pickup truck?
I want a used Toyota Yaris?
The first question comes from a fan who’s curious about FCA’s giant SUVs coming in the near future.
Chrysler Atlantic SUV concept sketch (Image: Chrysler)
Q: Via Twitter (@NathanAdlen): Tell me what you think about FCA’s giant SUVs coming soon. I know that there will be a big Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
What about other FCA SUVs based on that platform. Like a Chrysler or Fiat?
Zack KC
More Chrysler Atlantic sketches (Image: Chrysler)
A: Hi there!
We are expecting news about FCA’s Jeep Grand Wagoneer in the near future, but we still have no concrete/confirmed information about it. Still, the idea that the platform FCA will be using will underpin other FCA products makes a ton of sense. Nearly every branch of the FCA group could use a giant SUV platform.
FCA’s giant SUVs could underpin:
Jeep: We already know about the upcoming big Jeep. Most people think it will be just the Jeep Grand Wagoneer – based on a 1/2-ton Ram platform, but there could be more. Some suggest that a smaller version could be built, possibly the next generation Jeep Grand Cherokee… meaning it would no longer be a unibody vehicle. This is hard to swallow, but one thing that resonate is the real possibility of the big Jeep SUV getting the newest EcoDiesel power plant.
This thing COULD underpin the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer!
Chrysler: Rumor of a big Chrysler SUV have floated around ever since they killed off the mediocre Chrysler Aspen back in 2009. Right now, Chrysler only has two products and truly could use something to keep it alive. There’s only so much the Pacifica and ancient Chrysler 300 can do. There was a rumor at Allpar.com (among other publications) that there may be a big, three-row SUV for Chrysler called the Chrysler Atlantic. Obviously, this would be based on the upcoming Jeep Grand Wagoneer – which will be based on the new Ram 1500 platform.
Fiat: Fiat is having a hard time in the United States – they just announced the death of their tiny Fiat 500; finding a hit for this market is proving difficult. I have heard absolutely nothing about a huge Fiat SUV – but the idea of having a Fiat SUV to compete against the popular Kia Telluride/Hyundai Palisade may tempt Fiat suits.
Dodge: Sure, the Dodge Durango is FCA’s only proper three-row crossover (the Dodge Journey is more of a smaller hatchback/wagon type-thing), but it’s getting kind of old. One popular rumor is that there will either be a Durango replacement. This body-on-frame vehicle could compete directly against the Chevrolet Tahoe. So, the rumor goes.
Alfa Romeo: Now Alfa Romeo DID announce a larger brother to the Stelvio that would have three rows. There was NO mention of a body-on-frame SUV. It seems more likely that it will be a crossover based on the Stelvio platform and it could be called the Castello. I sincerely doubt they would want a big, chunky, frame-based SUV to add to their portfolio.
Ram: Yep, lots of whispers of a Ram SUV that would take the fight directly to the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition. There is no indication from Ram that this will happen. Still, it’s a hell of a lot more likely than a giant Fiat SUV!
Sorry to say, there’s nothing concerte out there yet. It all depends on what FCA decides to do with their upcoming big Jeep SUV. Fortunately, we’re pretty good at getting the inside story for Jeep products, so we should have some good stuff to share soon!
N
2000 Chevrolet S-10 ZR2 (Image: Chevrolet)
The next question comes from a fan who wants to find a good $5,000 used pickup truck for his new business!
Q: Hi Nathan. I don’t have crazy money for the trucks that Andre and Roman talk about. But I like your way of looking at the value of inexpensive cars and stuff.
No Toyota or Nissan!
I want a small midsized truck that can haul no more than 1,000 pounds. I have a new business where I fix kitchen equipment. I don’t haul much, but it’s too bulky for my Rav4. So I decided to get a good used truck that would just be for work and fun.
Here in Texas the trucks are expensive unless you get something terrible. But I want to get something cool like a Tacoma or Frontier with a off road package but without the expense. See I want to have a real off road truck without spending so much money!
Is there anything you can think of that should look at that will run about $5,000? I don’t mind getting some new stuff for it. I just want something small and that kicks ass off road.
Cam
Lone Star State
Go LONGHORNS!!
Even our project Jeep Comanche is damn good off-road and cheap as chips!
A: Howdy!
There are a ton of trucks that could fit your requirements. So, the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier are off the table? Shame, there might be a few out there that fit in your price range.
If you must get a small/midsize truck that hauls a bit and can be excellent off-road, I like the 2000s Chevrolet S10 ZR2 and Jeep Comanche. I’ve had real experience with both and they are very inexpensive to repair, augment and buy.
Best of luck!
N
The last question comes from a reader who wants to buy a 2017 Toyota Yaris.
Damn fine little car. (2017 Toyota Yaris image: Toyota)
Q: Via Twitter @NathanAdlen) Is the 2017 Toyota Yaris a good car?
Dal
(Photo: Toyota)
A: Hi Dal
Yep!
Great little car. It’s basically a Mazda2 with Toyota badges, but that’s a good thing. They get good mileage, are inexpensive to own and are kind of fun to drive too!
– N
Speaking of Toyotas…
From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.
Nathan AdlenEasily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism – Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.
After their reveal late last year, we’ve finally had a chance to test the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD and Avalon TRD. This information and the video attached are pre-embargo meaning that we can’t divulge driving impressions until Monday, September 9th. Fortunately, we can give you a rundown on what’s new before then.
[Photos: Toyota]
Similar cars
Using the same powertrain, driving components and electronics, both the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD and Toyota Avalon TRD are brothers. While the Avalon is a larger, more conservative vehicle, it (normally) drives a lot like a regular Camry.
When the driving impressions post, we’ll be able to tell you the differences between the two. One thing both TRD vehicles share is the augmented components – from the wheels to the suspension, and more.
The rear of the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD shows off the exhaust package and massive wing.
Power
Both vehicles share the same 301 horsepower, 3.5-liter V6. This engine makes 267 lb-ft of torque and both are hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles have paddle shifters and come standard with a TRD exhaust system.
There is no four-cylinder variant, nor is there any mention of a hybrid version either. According to Toyota, the TRD exhaust system does not add to the horsepower or torque numbers. More on that when the embargo on driving impressions drops.
The Toyota Avalon TRD has a smaller rear wing, but it shares many other components with the Camry TRD.
Suspension
One of the main parts of the TRD mission statement is handling. A majority of its suspension augmentation was performed for enhanced maneuverability. To this end, Toyota retuned the shocks, springs, dampeners and stiffened the chassis. They lowered both vehicles by 15-millimeters and stiffened the springs.
There was a lot of stiffening done to both vehicles.
This is especially apparent in the Camry TRD which has cross braces in the back where the rear bulkhead is located. As a result of these cross braces being used in the Camry TRD, the cargo passthrough is no longer available. In the Avalon TRD, the pass through is still available.
On the left: Toyota TRD wheels compared to XSE wheels.
Brakes
One piston front brakes are now beefier two-piston brakes. They sit on larger discs that promote better cooling via improved ventilation. Rear brakes remain the same, but the brake calipers are painted red… because red is fast.
The wheels are a big story too. Weighing in at about three pounds lighter than the XSE model’s wheels, they are finished in black matte. These wheels are wider too, accommodating a wider tire that, along with the addition spacing, increases the track width.
(Photo: Toyota)
Exterior
This is where the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD and Toyota Avalon TRD diverge a bit. Both vehicles had a similar design language, but each one is a tad unique. Both noses are unique, they both have very similar black with red stripe ground effects, and both have similar rear end design upgrades too.
The Camry TRD has a massive wing and no sunroof. On the other hand, the Avalon TRD comes with a smaller, almost subdued rear spoiler and a thin spoiler. The Avalon TRD comes standard with a sunroof as well.
Only a few unique colors are available for these TRD sedans. The red TRD badges and black painted ground effect components with a red line are consistent on both vehicles. The Toyota Camry TRD also has a black contrasting roof color whereas the Avalon is one tone.
The Camry TRD sports red contrast stitching.
Interior
Once again, both vehicles are similar in how they receive interior TRD touches, but they have unique overall interior designs. Raised red stitching, red inserts in the seats and lots of TRD badging throughout. The leather wrapped steering wheel has unique stitching as well.
Both vehicles have red seat belts, which are unique to TRD vehicles. Also, there are metal pedals with rubber grips for the brake and accelerator.
The Avalon TRD looks similar to the Camry, but with a slightly different center stack.
Pricing for the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD starts at $31,040 for the base MSRP. Interestingly, this is the least expensive way to get a Toyota Camry with a V6. The base MSRP for the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD is $42,300. Both vehicles went on sale in September 2019.
In this pre-embargo video, we talk about the differences and give you details about both vehicles from Texas Motor Speedway. Stay tuned for driving impressions soon!
Two seats, rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, some sticky tires, and enough power to light em up when the urge strikes. The basic ingredients of a sports car haven’t changed much over the years, and if you’re lucky enough to have a large pile of cash, there are quite a few brilliant examples available today. Unfortunately, for most of us, these pinnacles of automotive performance are all but out of reach.
Sure, we have plenty of sports sedans, hot hatches, muscle cars, and even SUVs that claim to be sporty—all of which are also available for less than a fortune. But a true sports car for the masses is sadly becoming rarer.
Luckily, Mazda continues to build the torchbearer for affordable performance. Now in its fourth and arguably best generation, the MX-5 Miata is pretty much the go-to answer for driving enjoyment on a budget.
Not to be outdone by their Japanese neighbor, Toyota and Subaru entered into a partnership over a decade ago to develop their own small, affordable sports car. Sold as the Subaru BRZ, Scion FR-S, and now Toyota 86, the Toybaru has gained a loyal following of enthusiasts, many of whom take advantage of a thriving aftermarket to mod their cars.
The recent introduction of a TRD Special Edition model to the 86, as well as an updated engine for the MX-5 Miata, provided an excellent rationale to test these two cars and see which is best.
Let’s get this out of the way first: At $38,955, our fully-loaded test car is not exactly cheap. In fact, there are much faster cars available for not much more money. But most of this price inflation is due to a nifty but unnecessary folding hard-top, and some expensive, but also less than vital options. The base Miata still starts at $26,000 and the racier Club model with a cloth top is less than $30,000.
Speaking of the retractable roof, it works beautifully and gives the car a tidy fastback profile when buttoned up. Whether it’s worth almost $3,000 that Mazda charges is a personal decision, and also probably depends on where one lives.
There are new packages for the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata:
New Club i-ACTIVSENSE Package includes Smart City Brake Support and Lane-Departure Warning (MX-5 RF Club)
New GT-S Package includes a limited-slip rear differential, Bilstein dampers, shock tower brace and a black roof (6MT only, MX-5 RF Grand Touring)
The big news for 2019 is that the Miata finally gets more power in the form of a reworked engine. When the ND made its debut in 2015, it was offered with essentially the same 2.0L engine as you’d find in a Mazda3. A perfectly decent motor, but it produced a modest 155 horsepower and didn’t like to rev much past 6,000 rpm. After massaging the internals, the new engine has a 7,500 rpm redline and 181 ponies. Torque remains modest at 151 lb-ft, but luckily the car still weighs next to nothing.
Cubby space barely large enough to fit a smartphone
A transformation?
Although an increase of 26 horsepower might not sound like much, the new engine dramatically transforms the car into quite the little spitfire. Sure, it’s still not going to win many drag races against anything with a turbocharger, but the engine loves to sing at high revs. On a twisty backroad, you can leave it in second gear and take advantage of the lofty redline to keep the motor in the meaty part of its powerband.
On the right road, the Miata can still make a case for being one of the most fun cars to drive, regardless of price. The steering is near-telepathic, allowing you to place the car exactly where you want to. Grip from the narrow 17-inch Bridgestones isn’t spectacular, but the chassis is so neutral it’s always easy to reign things back in. Our test car featured optional Brembo brakes that allow you to stand the car on its nose and suitable for plenty of hot laps on the track.
split front lip spoiler
The Miata’s greatest weakness
If we’re looking for something to critique, the sport-tuned Bilstein shocks that come on the Club models are quite stiff, making for more of a bouncy ride than was expected. The firm setup does help reduce the body roll that Miata’s have often been criticized for, but the cost is a smooth and planted ride—especially over rough pavement.
Like all new Mazdas, the MX-5 features an almost luxury car level of interior quality, and for $38,000 it darn well better. The cloth seats and lack of automatic climate control will undoubtedly raise a few eyebrows, but overall the Miata is very much a premium vehicle—particularly when compared to the Toyota 86. And buyers can always opt for the Grand Touring model to gain extra creature comforts. This is the sensible choice for anyone who isn’t planning on taking their car to the track, as the Club model’s stiffer shocks and stronger brakes are unnecessary on public roads.
2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition
Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition: Best handling yet, but it needs a better engine
Rumors have persistently swirled around the question whether Toyota and Subaru are going to pull the plug on the 86/BRZ, as sales have steadily declined over the years. To help generate some extra interest, Toyota has finally developed a TRD model that features a bunch of high-performance goodies, including 18-inch wheels with summer tires, a performance exhaust, Brembo brakes, Sachs dampers, and front, rear and side underbody spoilers. Altogether, the package bumps up the price to a bit over $33,000.
Let’s get the pros out of the way first. The 86 is a spectacular, well-balanced sports car that can help almost anyone become a better driver, and the TRD edition only improves how it handles. The Sachs dampers are exceptionally well-tuned, providing lots of control without a harsh ride. For a small car with a short wheelbase, the TRD feels highly stable and planted. In comparison, the Bilstein shocks in the Miata are bouncy and make for a more nervous handling experience.
TRD specific 18-inch wheels shod with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires give the car an extra dose of grip, especially compared to the 17-inch all-season tires that normally come on the 86. Although this takes away some of the fun-factor, in that it’s much harder to get the rear end to step out, the level of handling precision goes up noticeably.
Needs more …
Unfortunately, all of this handling excellence is undermined by a mediocre engine and lackluster interior. Although more powerful on paper, the 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder under the hood is just underwhelming, especially compared to the Miata’s revised motor.
Rated at 205 horsepower and 150 lb-ft torque, most of that power is unavailable until the last few hundred revs before redline. Trying to accelerate with the engine at anything under 5,000 rpm is a truly frustrating experience.
Some good news
Luckily the six-speed manual transmission is well executed and fun to shift, as you’ll be shifting a lot trying to keep any momentum going. Where the Miata’s new motor makes a case for sticking with a naturally aspirated engine, the 86 is an ideal candidate for turbocharging.
The Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition also provides a good argument for saving some development money to create a modern, high-quality interior. Sitting inside the car is almost like time travel, especially when you reach to change the radio station and realize that the Pioneer head unit looks the same as the one you bought at Best Buy for your Honda Civic 15 years ago. The quality of materials and fit and finish is sub-par for a car that costs over $30,000, especially compared to the Miata and its premium interior.
2019 Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition in Raven BlackColor: Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Photo credit: Derek Mau
Verdict: The answer is still Miata
The fact that there are still several genuine rear-wheel-drive sports cars with manual transmissions available for the same price as a family sedan or compact crossover is in itself somewhat of a miracle. Based on sales numbers, both of these cars might sadly soon face the chopping block, even given the almost cult-like following each has developed.
Although the Toyota 86 TRD Special Edition is brilliant in what it does well, the lack of an inspiring engine and a cheap interior hold it back from being truly competitive with the Miata. While not perfect, the MX-5 Miata is still the small, affordable sports car to beat, especially now that it has the engine to match the athleticism of the rest of the vehicle. We’d probably skip the retractable hard-top and maybe even opt for the softer Grand Touring trim, but regardless of which one you buy, a Miata is good for miles of smiles, and grins, and even outright laughter.
The Mazda MX-5 and the Scion FR-S compete head to head for your sports car dollars. But which one of the two is faster from 0-60 mph?
A new proposal will reportedly head to the White House for review.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are working on a plan to revoke California’s authority to set its own greenhouse gas emissions standards, according to a recent Reuters report. Two people close to the matter spoke on the condition of anonymity, saying the agencies will submit the plan for White House regulatory review. The move comes as the Trump administration expressed its frustration at California’s recent deal with automakers on fuel economy and emissions standards.
In another development Friday, the Justice Department launched a preliminary antitrust investigation into the four automakers that struck a deal with California violated federal competition law, according to a Wall Street Journal piece. Those four automakers — BMW, Ford, Honda and Volkswagen — reached an agreement with California in late July. A source close to the investigation said the Justice Department took the step independently of any White House directive. However, the Trump administration is aiming to block California’s emissions deal by enacting a so-called “One National Program rule”. The rule aims to set a single national standard for fuel economy and emissions.
Currently, the administration wants to roll back Obama-era fuel economy standards set through 2025. The earlier voluntary deal between California automakers takes a more aggressive approach than what the White House proposed, but still compromises on the earlier standards set in 2012.
Of the Justice Department investigation, the source told The Wall Street Journal:
“Justice Department lawyers are seeking to determine if Ford Motor Co., Honda Motor Co., BMW AG, and Volkswagen AG violated federal competition law by agreeing with each other to follow tailpipe-emissions standards beyond those proposed by the Trump administration.”
These latest events escalate the tensions between the state of California and the federal government, and builds uncertainty for where the consumers will feel the impact in the future. The Trump administration argues that rolling back standards will lower new vehicle prices by $1,850, according to the earlier Reuters report. However, the Environmental Defense Fund says customers will actually pay $200 more each year in fuel costs, as they’ll be driving less efficient vehicles.
California is the United States’ largest automotive market. That fact compelled automakers to strike some sort of compromise. It’s a market they can’t afford to lose. However, if federal agencies win in their efforts to strip the state of their ability to restrict new car sales based on emissions standards, then automakers may well fall back to making less efficient vehicles after all.
Regardless of whether the Justice Department’s claim to independence is true, the outcome of its investigation and the efforts of the EPA and NHTSA may dramatically shift how the automotive landscape will look in the coming decade, against how it may have been under the original Obama-era policies.
When you come from the same bloodline as the so-called fastest sedan in the world, you’re going to be packing some serious firepower under the hood. That’s likely what we have here in these latest spy photos of the upcoming 2020 Alpina B3 wagon. This model is based on the latest G21 BMW 3 Series (G20 for the sedan), and will come in both sedan and wagon variants.
At first glance, it may be tough to tell it apart from its standard BMW counterpart. From the front, it looks pretty much the same, but there are some more subtle clues. The large-diameter multi-spoke Alpina wheels are a lock, as are the wider rear tires and quad oval exhaust out back.
As far as powertrains are concerned, we can almost certainly expect to see a twin-turbo version of BMW’s 3.0-liter straight-six engine. Here it will be amped up from the standard M340i models, which puts out 382 horsepower in U.S. spec. While the 2020 Alpina B3 will make more power than that, it may not pack as much punch as the full-on M3. Those models will make 473 horsepower in standard form, while the Competition variants manage 503 horsepower.
Supposedly, this new B3 could make the 0-60 sprint in under four seconds, which would put it on par or faster than its German rivals.
Hot wagons aren’t exactly hot commodities in the U.S., but the Alpina B3 will face some competition over in Europe. Buyers over there have the Audi RS4 Avant as well as the Mercedes-AMG C-Class, in either six- or eight-cylinder forms.
We should know more specifics about the 2020 Alpina B3 next week around the Frankfurt Motor Show. Stay tuned for more auto show updates!
From the Kona to the Palisade and the Nexo to the Santa Fe, Hyundai has overhauled its design language in recent years. Next up is the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, which Hyundai should officially reveal next year after this next model year passes. 2020 saw minor changes for the Tucson, but the new generation looks like it will move the model in a whole new direction. Today, spy photographers caught this Tucson testing in the Sierra Nevada mountains outside Grenada, Spain.
This 2021 Hyundai Tucson prototype packs changes you’ll see right from the first time you see it. It has a two-tiered headlight design, like the rest of Hyundai’s crossover lineup. The current Tucson is the last model in the lineup to hold onto the brand’s old styling, so this will come as a major shift to some. Refreshingly, this doesn’t just look like a bigger Kona or a smaller Santa Fe or Palisade. Hyundai has actually given each crossover in its lineup its own identity, rather than fall into the nesting doll trap some other manufacturers have.
What’s going on at the back?
The rear end of the 2021 Hyundai Tucson is still heavily camouflaged, so it’s tough to see what’s going on. With such a major redesign out front, it’s reasonable to assume Hyundai will redesign the rear end as well. At the very least, we should see new taillights if not a totally different rear end. In side profile, the roofline looks similar to the current Tucson. The wheel arches are a slightly different shape, though, and we’ll likely see new wheel designs as well.
Powertrains for the 2021 Hyundai Tucson are a mystery at this point, as well. Currently, the Tucson either a 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, depending on which trim level you choose. The smaller 2.0-liter engine manages 161 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. On the other side, the more powerful unit makes 181 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque.
Hyundai does offer a sporty N Line variant in some global markets, so we may see a similar option with the U.S.-spec Tucson. Pricing is also a question mark, but the current model currently sits around $24,500 including destination. The 2021 Hyundai Tucson needs to stay on its game in a fiercely competitive segment, so prices may not increase too much, even with the redesign.
