The Sleuth can confirm that Volvo鈥檚 XC90 flagship utility vehicle will arrive with a few exterior changes for the 2020 model year (including a redesigned grille), and will receive a significantly updated powertrain option that鈥檚 intended to boost fuel efficiency. More specifically, the available 400-horsepower hybrid model (with a turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine) gets an advanced new kinetic-energy-recovery system that converts braking energy to electricity to replenish the XC90鈥檚 batteries. Volvo claims the new system will improve the plug-in hybrid鈥檚 fuel economy by 鈥渦p to 15 per cent.鈥� Given that the 2019 version鈥檚 city/highway rating clocks in in the 2.7 l/100 km range, the final number could be the low 2鈥檚.
A more macho-looking Acadia adds another engine
The latest tall-wagon trend is to market them as off-road capable machines, and in some cases actually equip them for such duty. The latest model to follow that route is the 2020 GMC Acadia. The seven-passenger vehicle鈥檚 mid-cycle makeover includes replacing the largely benign-looking front end with a more aggressive grille (similar to those attached to the brand鈥檚 pickups). The Acadia also gets a new 230-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine option to supplement the base non-turbo 193-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder and the available 310-horsepower V-6. A new nine-speed automatic transmission comes with all three powerplants.
The BMW 2-series coupe will soon have a four-door cousin
The Spy Guy鈥檚 sources report that the automaker will introduce a four-door Gran Coupe in late 2019 as a 2020 model. Also unlike the 2-series coupe, the Gran Coupe will be built using BMW鈥檚 latest front-wheel-drive platform, one that also underpins the Mini Countryman. A 200-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder is expected to be the base engine, with more potent variations to eventually become optional. Transmission choices consist of a six-speed manual and optional eight-speed automatic. The Gran Coupe鈥檚 arrival will provide competition for the 2019 Mercedes-Benz A-Class sedan and hatchback, as well as the Acura ILX and Audi A-3 sedans.
A new engine and a big tablet for Subaru
The Sleuth caught a good look at the automaker鈥檚 latest all-wheel-drive Legacy sedan that goes on sale this fall as a 2020 model. Along with the subtly tweaked sheetmetal that now looks more upscale, the most obvious change is an optional 29-centimetre tablet-style screen that dominates the dashboard. Another notable change is the availability of a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that replaces the non-turbo six-cylinder. The new engine makes about the same horsepower (260 versus 256) and peak torque increases to 277 pound-feet from 247. Meanwhile, the mostly new non-turbo 2.5-litre four-cylinder base engine delivers 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet (previously 175/174). A continuously variable transmission remains standard.
New higher-performing four-cylinder-Mustang model is in the works
The Sleuth鈥檚 team of snoops has ferreted out some interesting intel on Ford鈥檚 ponycar. The scuttle is that company execs have approved a more potent four-cylinder engine to help fill the giant gap between the base 310-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder and the next-up 460-/480-horsepower 5.0-litre V-8. With an anticipated 350 horsepower, that鈥檚 still 110 shy of the 5.0, but the higher-output 2.3 will give the Mustang a distinct edge over the four-cylinder and V-6 offerings, respectively, from the Chevrolet Camaro and the Dodge Challenger. Look for the punchier turbo to join the Mustang lineup for the 2020 model year.
The Mercedes-Benz SLC roadster goes out in style
The 2020 model year will be the last for the automaker鈥檚 junior companion to the SL that originally arrived for the 1997 model year (the name was changed to SLC from SLK for 2017). The retractable-hardtop roadster will be available with special trim packages, paint schemes and 鈥淔inal Edition鈥� badging.
Rivian Automotive LLC gets a boost from Amazon
The startup electric-truck company is receiving a $700-million US cash injection from the online-shopping giant and other smaller investors. Rivian鈥檚 plans include launching the R1T pickup and R1S utility vehicle (each with a claimed 600-plus-kilometre battery range) from its plant in Illinois starting in 2021.
