It鈥檚 called the Auris overseas, but in North America it鈥檚 the Corolla iM (formerly Scion iM). The Spy Guy notes that both nameplates will receive significant updating for the 2019 model year, including all-new and sportier-looking sheet metal. Overall size changes slightly. A revised powertrain lineup is also in the cards with the addition of a hybrid option, consisting of a 2.0-litre engine that combines with an electric motor to produce an estimated 180 horsepower. At this point, the existing 137-horsepower 1.8-litre four-cylinder will remain. Although there was some talk of abandoning the iM name, word has it that Toyota will continue with the appellation.
Land Rover is adding a two-door Range Rover line
If you had your heart set on buying a new Range Rover Evoque two-door, but were saddened because that model is no longer in production, the Sleuth has good news for you. For 2019, a Range Rover SV coupe will be available, loaded to the gills, and with a supercharged 5.0-litre V-8 that puts out 557 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The automaker claims that the four-wheel-drive SV will pounce to 100 kilometres per hour from rest in 5.0 seconds on its way to a 265 km/h top speed. The SV鈥檚 interior has two rows of bucket seats that are covered in diamond-stitched leather and separated by a full-length console. The only catch is this swoopy coupe is priced at $295,000 US and production is limited to just 999 vehicles, worldwide.
Get ready for a new Focus RS
Ford recently announced that the 350-horsepower all-wheel-drive version of the Focus hatchback would cease production in the first quarter of 2018. Although the hot-hatch-loving Sleuth took the news hard, his sources are telling him not too worry: The next-generation Focus that will launch for the 2019 model year will eventually include an RS model. Rumour has it that a 48-volt motor/generator will assist the car鈥檚 four-cylinder gasoline engine to produce an estimated 400 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. It should be noted that Ford will also employ similar technology in the F-150 as well as in the Escape and Explorer utility vehicles, and in a revived Mustang Mach 1. On the downside, it seems the new RS won鈥檛 arrive until the early 2020s.
Mazda pumps up the MX-5
Intel that鈥檚 crossing the Spymaster鈥檚 desk indicates that the world鈥檚 most successful roadster (one million units sold and counting) will receive a power bump for 2019. Currently, the MX-5鈥檚 little 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine lays down 155 horsepower, which is plenty for most drivers but it鈥檚 a few ponies shy for performance-oriented pilots. Mazda intends to satisfy those folks with a 181-horsepower version of the 2.0, and reports indicate it will accomplish this without a power adder such as a turbocharger. What isn鈥檛 known at this time is whether the more potent powerplant will be standard or optional.
Traffic lights that can communicate with vehicles
Cars equipped with vehicle-to-infrastructure technology, or V2I, can connect with traffic lights in Washington, D.C., as well as Portland, Oregon, Houston, Texas, Denver, Colorado, and other cities. Currently, only Audi offers V2I in some of its vehicles (subscription required), but other automakers are planning to follow suit. V2I only offers a red-light countdown visual for now, but the system will eventually mean that cities can alter red- or green-light times and reroute self-driving vehicles to avoid traffic congestion.
Buick drops its name
Starting with the 2019 model year, new Buicks will cease to be identified as Buicks, per se. Instead, only Buick鈥檚 tri-shield logo and the actual model name (i.e. Encore, Regal, etc.) will be displayed. Buick joins Hyundai, Volkswagen and Audi as brands that eschew nametags.
