Nother CarGuy

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Ford and General Motors will drop a number of sedans and hatchbacks as crossovers have become the defacto choice of consumers. Citing company insiders, the publication claims the Chevrolet Sonic could be phased out later this year. It may eventually be joined by the Chevrolet Impala which is rumored to go out of production “in the next few years.” The Sonic is one of Chevrolet’s most affordable models as pricing starts at $16,170. The company also notes thirty percent of Sonic buyers are under 35 years old and this makes it “one of Chevrolet’s ‘youngest’ cars.” Despite appealing to young consumers and first time buyers, sales have been falling over the past few years. U.S. sales peaked at 93,518 units in 2014 but dropped to just 30,290 units last year. The Impala is doing significantly better as the company sold 75,877 units in the United States last year. The model has also been well received by critics but it appears sale...

The Chevrolet Corvette will probably shift from a front-engined layout to a mid-engined setup when it arrives in the next couple of years, but could it be joined by another mid-engine player starting with 9 and ending with a 1? Well, according to Andreas Preuninger, the model line director of Porsche's GT division, there's a possibility that the 911 could become mid-engined in the future. Preuninger expressed his optimism about such a model at the Geneva Motor Show while speaking with Car&Driver. Although he confirmed that a mid-engine 911 for the road isn't “in the making at the moment,” even getting a comment from him about such a vehicle has our cogs working to dream up such a vehicle. Late last year, Porsche's new 911 RSR racer was revealed with a mid-engined layout and initially, hopes of such a setup being replicated in the street car were dashed. However, Preuninger said that creating such a car is very much possible if motorsport regulations continu...

Previewed by a concept car in 2006 and presented in final production form the year after, the current generation Buick Enclave is now facing the axe. However, since there is an increased demand for crossovers and SUVs, the GM-owned brand already has a successor in the pipeline, which, according to AutoNews, will arrive in the very near future. Set to debut this spring at the 2017 New York Auto Show, and to go on sale around mid-year, the all-new Buick Enclave will adopt the company's new design language that was first seen on the Avenir study, with a similarly shaped grille and lighting units, on both sides, and a cleaner-looking body. Details surrounding its cabin are scarce for now, but we should expect a new layout, alongside some fresh technology and a bundle of driver assist features. The 2018 Buick Enclave will probably share the same architecture with the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, namely the C1XX platform, and while the automaker is keeping all these details a secr...

We already know that a new version of the iconic Nokia 3310 is coming, and it will cost €59. And now we have some more details about the phone. According to a new report, the re-imagined 3310 will have broadly the same design but will be slimmer and lighter. The report also confirms that the handset will remain a featurephone with physical keyboard (size of the keys will be adjusted though), adding that it will sport a larger color display compared to the 84 x 84 monochromatic unit that was there on the original model. No word on whether or not the battery will be removable. Color options for the new Nokia 3310 may include red, green, and yellow. GSMArena

Mercedes-AMG are not only working on their dedicated hypercar, baptized the Project One, but also on a new concept, which will reportedly debut at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Offering a preview of the CLS Shooting Brake replacement, the four-door study is based on Mercedes-Benz's specially modified MRA modular rear architecture, which is also used in the AMG C63, E63 and S63, Autocar reports. Known as the GT4, it uses the heart of the latest AMG performance models, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and is said to feature new twin-scroll turbochargers fitted between the cylinder banks. With this recipe, induction qualities are to be improved over the standard version of the engine. Gunning for the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, the production version of the GT4 is expected to reach European dealers in 2018. By then, it will adopt the aforementioned lump in two power outputs: 4Matic+ and S 4Matic+. In the latter, output is believed to top the 603 ho...

THE world’s largest smartphones manufacturers use the annual Mobile World Congress event to unveil the latest innovations in technology. While cutting edge is exciting, it’s the rumoured return of the ‘unbreakable’ Nokia 3310 that is creating a buzz around the upcoming event. According to a report from VentureBeat, sources from the Finnish company with exclusive rights to make phones under the Nokia name, claim the company will launch a “modern version” of 3310 at the MWC in Barcelona this month. HMD Global Oy is tipped to be announcing a total of four new phones, including a revamped $80 version of the retro handset from the early 2000s. In addition to its near-indestructible build, the legendary brickphone’s relatively small 900mAh battery was able to last 55 hours on standby — something modern smartphones struggle to rival. When released, the 3310 introduced vibration, an extended SMS character limit, screen savers and other features taken for granted on today’s devices....

Automakers seldom change names. When they do, it’s usually as a result of merging with (or separating from) another automaker. But this latest name-change has no apparent reason other than to more accurately convey the focus of its business. That automaker is Tesla, which has until now been officially known as Tesla Motors. According to  Automotive News , however, the company has filed with the US Securities and Exchanges Commission to re-register as Tesla Inc. The name change comes as Elon Musk’s operation broadens its scope from developing, manufacturing, and selling electric vehicles to supplying a wider range of electric products – including residential and commercial battery packs and solar panels. The latter comes primarily as a result of Tesla’s takeover of  SolarCity Corp  in a deal that is far more clearly an acquisition than a merger. Contrast that with the endless name changes at companies revolving around Chrysler – divorcing from Daimler, merging with Fiat...

Carefully tucked inside the text that accompanies the  'Aesthetics A' sculpture , which previews the design language of its entire family of compact models, seems to be a general reference to the rumored A-Class-based sedan: " the design team now presents the vision of a saloon car in the compact segment ".  Not to be confused with the successor to the sportier CLA saloon, the A-Class sedan will more directly rival  BMW's China-only 1-Series sedan  and Audi's A3 sedan. It will be based on the MFA2 platform, shared with the next generations A-Class, B-Class, CLA and GLA and is expected to join the family in a standard wheelbase for select global markets, which won't include North America, and a long wheelbase, aimed exclusively at China.  It was recently reported that Mercedes-Benz will preview the A-Class sedan with a concept model at this year's Shanghai Auto Show in China.  Also rumored to join the Mercedes compact family is another compact SUV, w...

Cadillac president Johan de Nysschen has told the press that the brand will introduce a new crossover, smaller than the  current XT5 , in mid-2018. This new model, tipped to be dubbed the XT3, will be just the one of a handful of new  crossover/SUV  models from Cadillac designed to cash in on the swelling demand for such vehicles. According to de Nysschen, the brand isn’t making the most of these shifting consumer desires. “The core part of our volume lineup is in the market that’s contracting while we are unable, as good as XT5 and Escalade are, we are unable to fully exploit the updraft that’s taking place in the other half of the market,” he said. The Detroit News reports that the XT3 will be constructed at the Fairfax Assembly Plant in Kansas City and that between 25,000 and 30,000 units will sell annually. After the arrival of the XT3, Cadillac will launch a new SUV to slot between the  XT5  and the Escalade and then, a slightly smaller crossover variant...

Next year, Lamborghini will have three models in its line-up for the very first time but according to chief executive Stefano Domenicalli, things may not end there. While recently speaking with  Motoring , Domenicalli revealed that there’s a chance a fourth model could be added to Lamborghini’s family in the form of a compact sports car. When asked about this, Domenicalli said “I think the answer is possibly yes. But so far we need to make sure the third model [Urus] will be stable enough to think about a fourth model.” The former Ferrari F1 boss believes that having unique underpinnings for the  Huracan  and Aventador isn’t viable from a business standpoint. Consequently, he revealed his desire to have the brand’s supercars/sports cars all based around a single architecture. “If we talk about super sports cars we need to consider that the right approach would be to be modular. We cannot have two models with two power units, two gearboxes, two chassis, honestly it’s no...

Mitsubishi is apparently preparing to unveil a rival to the  Nissan Qashqai  at the Geneva Motor Show 2017 in March. Autocar  reports that the new crossover will sit below the Outlander in the brand's range and that it will be  slightly larger than the ASX .  According to an unnamed source, the  design  of the model will be much sleeker than other Mitsubishi crossovers and SUVs. “Design is increasingly at the forefront of Mitsubishi’s planning. It will take time for the changes to come through, and we will always have a certain utilitarian quality, but Land Rover has proved you can be both rugged and stylish, and we intend to follow that path,” the source said. It is thought that the model's design will be heavily inspired by the  XR-PHEV II  concept car meaning we can expect to see a  heavily-tapered roof and rear window , a stylish front fascia and some sporty touches. In terms of powertrains, Mitsubishi should offer its Qashqai riv...

General Motors is preparing to unveil revamped versions of the Chevrolet  Traverse  and GMC Terrain at the Detroit Auto Show 2017 in January. The  Terrain  has been in production since 2009 with very few model year changes and it's the same story with the Traverse, not updated significantly since 2009. However, given the ever-growing demand for SUVs and crossovers, GM thinks now is the time to breath new life into them. Although a GM spokesman declined to comment on  The Wall Street Journal   report, insiders insist the updated models are edging towards their joint debuts and that the company will begin production of both next year in time for the 2018 model year. It is thought that the  new Traverse  will share its platfrom with the 2017 GMC Arcadia meaning it will be significantly lighter than the outgoing model. 

Lamborghini hasn't even come out with the new  Huracan Superleggera  coupe yet, and already rumors are circulating about the followup roadster version. The speculation stems from a trademark application that  AutoGuide  came across for the name Huracan Performante, which will speak volumes (or at least one very specific volume) to those well-schooled in the Bolognese automaker's nomenclature and model history. Towards the end of the lifecycle of the Huracan's predecessor, Lamborghini rolled out the  Gallardo LP570-4 Spyder Performante . It was essentially the convertible version of the Gallardo Superleggera, packing a more powerful engine, a more aggressive setup, and less weight than the standard Gallardo Spyder, of which it was arguably (if not empirically) the pinnacle version. Now it would appear that the House of the Raging Bull is preparing to apply a similar treatment to the Huracan, bringing the less weight/more power formula to the company's drop-top...

Is Toyota working on a successor to the FJ Cruiser? Maybe, if this latest trademark filing is anything to go by. According to our compatriots at  AutoGuide , Toyota recently filed the name FT-4X. The FT designation stands for Future Toyota and has been used in recent years on the FT-1 concept to preview the forthcoming Supra, and the FT-86 that foreshadowed the arrival of the GT86. The “4X” part tells us it's likely a 4x4 – either that or it's delving into the foreign currency exchange market). That doesn't necessarily mean a new FJ Cruiser is on the way, but whatever vehicle might emerge will likely take the place vacated by the FJ's  departure from US showrooms  in 2004 and the  complete end of its production  just a couple of months ago. Should such a new off-roader reach production, it would be in good company.  Ford recently confirmed a new Bronco  is on the way, Jeep is working on a new Wrangler, Land Rover has a new Defender in the works. The...

Since its debut at Le Mans, 17 years ago, Audi has won the notorious competition 13 times, making it one of the most successful teams/manufacturers. Even so, it’s future there reportedly looks bleak.  Autocar  reports that high-raking insiders, close to chairman Rupert Stadler, suggest Audi will be retiring its  LMP1 program  from racing. That includes the program dedicated for the World Endurance Championship (formerly known as the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup) and, subsequently, Le Mans. The alleged decision comes due to Volkswagen’s cost-cutting initiatives forced by the “Dieselgate” scandal. That and the fact the German colossus has two companies, Audi and Porsche, competing against one another in the series – each with a season budget  of over €200 million  ($220 million). Moreover, the Le Mans 24-hour race is the only race in the series that attracts global attention, with one insider pointing out there can be only one winner each year: “Whatever w...

RenaultSport is apparently edging towards a  decision  on whether or not to bring the Clio R.S. 16 into production. The concept car, which made its public debut  back in May , caused headlines thanks to its adoption of the Megane RS275 Trophy R's 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Although the French marque hasn't signed the model off for production, executives told  Car Advice  during the Paris Auto Show that a decision is imminent. According to RenaultSport boss Patrice Ratti, “I’d like to have it. Every week I hope there is a decision. But there are still a few things to check and some approvals [to wait for].”  Last month,  a prototype  was spied testing alongside Alpine's upcoming sports car, suggesting that a thumbs up for (a probably limited) production run is looking more likely than not. If it does indeed see the light of day, it could be offered in both left and right-hand drive configurations, ensuring it appeals to RS-lovi...

The second-generation Audi R8 is set to receive the same 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine as the latest  Porsche Panamera . As  Autocar  reports, this engine has been developed by Audi and Porsche and will be utilized in a selection of Audi models, including the next RS4, RS5 and RS Q5.  In the  R8 , it will serve as the replacement to the 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated V8 which was available on the first-gen model. It is being favored due to harsh emissions standards in a selection of markets,  particularly China . Beyond being more efficient than the V8, the twin-turbo V6 will be even more powerful. When installed into the Panamera 4S, it delivers 434 hp at 5,650 rpm and 405 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm. By comparison, the original V8-driven R8 supercar delivered 414 hp. While Audi could use the powertrain unchanged, it is believed to be tuning it to pump out over 500 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, thanks largely to an increase in boost...

A member from the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One team has confirmed that the German marque is working on a hybrid hypercar and that it will be powered by an F1 engine. Reports about the car, known as the R50,  first emerged  last month and during discussions with  Evo Magazine  at the recent Belgian Grand Prix, it was revealed that the model is currently in its final stages of design and will soon commence development and testing. Initially, it was thought the hypercar would have a turbo'd four-cylinder but now it has been announced that it will use the same 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine as AMG's current W07 F1 racer. When combined with an energy recovery system, power is tipped to sit between 1,000 hp and 1,500 hp, 900 hp of which will come from the F1 engine alone. Converting the engine to road use will prove the biggest challenge for Mercedes-AMG engineers. For starters, it will have to be fitted with a starter motor as F1 engine's can only be started via...

A hardtopped variant of the Fiat 124 Spider could launch as early as next year according to a report from  Autocar . It is thought that Fiat has been spurred on by the success of the  Mazda MX-5  based model and wants to create a dedicated coupe variant with higher performance capabilities. The creation of such a model will also help to distinguish the 124 further from its Mazda sibling and provide the Italian manufacturer with an even sportier model. The world got its first taster of a Fiat 124 Coupe at March's Geneva Motor Show when Abarth unveiled its  rally-spec 124  with a fixed roof and racing livery. There's a good chance that the production 124 Coupe will utilize a very similar roof design or potentially, adopt a slightly extended roofline which would result in a shorter decklid. In either case, it seems probable that engines will differ depending on the market. Some are thought to be happy with the Spider's entry-level 1.4-liter 138 hp engine while o...

We just heard that a new-age McLaren F1  could be created  and now,  Autocar  is reporting that such a model has already been signed off for production and will have a starting price of £2 million, more than double the P1. The publication suggests that the model will be created in extremely limited numbers by McLaren Special Operations and adopt the form of an exceptionally powerful GT car and the  F1's famed three-seat layou t. Those within the Woking-based automaker are apparently referring to the car as a 'hyper-GT' with it providing hypercar performance with the luxury of more subdued cruisers.  A McLaren insider said “It applies the F1’s three-seat configuration to a different need: rapid, cross-continental travel with supreme speed and style. The result will be the most exquisitely crafted and luxurious road-going McLaren yet made.”  Power for the model will apparently come from  McLaren's staple 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine . Un...