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The Auto Sleuth: A next-gen Civic and Subaru coupe, Nissan Rogue Sport and more

Hot off the press news from the auto world
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The redesign of the Honda Civic is extensive with a large lower grille, sharp body creases and an obvious bump in the bodywork below the rear side glass. PHOTO: HONDA

Honda reveals the next-generation Civic:

The Sleuth thinks thereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s nothing too radical about the automakerÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 2022 compact sedan thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s scheduled to arrive in the spring. The most dramatic change is the CivicÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s front end with its fancier headlights and oversize air intake that appears inspired by certain Toyota models.

There are also more creases that extend along the sides and around the wheel openings, plus a spoiler-like lip on the trunk lid.

Honda has yet to provide specific measurements of the new Civic (images of the concept version only have been released), but it appears to be a bit bigger. ThereÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s also no word regarding engine specs for the base Civic, Si and Type R, but some horsepower upticks are expected.

The redesigned Subaru BRZ gets much more aggressive front bodywork with all sorts of ducting. A 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine replaces the 2.0-litre. PHOTO: SUBARU
The redesigned Subaru BRZ gets much more aggressive front bodywork with all sorts of ducting. A 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine replaces the 2.0-litre. PHOTO: SUBARU

SubaruÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s second-gen sporty coupe gets a 20-per-cent bigger engine but only 11 per cent more horsepower:

For 2022, the automakerÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s rear-wheel-drive BRZ comes with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine packing 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It replaces the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 205 horses and 156 pound-feet. The new engine makes 11 per cent more horsepower and 17 per cent more peak torque. Unfortunately, the BRZ wonÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t be available with the 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4 thatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s standard in the Ascent utility vehicle and optional in the Legacy sedan and Outback wagon. Still, the BRZÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s modestly redesigned body and interior (likely shared by the similar Toyota 86l) should pique the interest of both new and current fans.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ NissanÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s e-Power is slated for the next Rogue Sport:

The Sleuth hears that the automakerÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s unique electric propulsion system that was initially installed in Japan-only vehicles in 2018 will be offered in the next-generation 2022 Qashqai. The e-Power system uses a small-displacement gasoline engine to generate electricity for a battery pack that powers an electric motor. Because the system runs on readily available gasoline, e-Power removes so-called range anxiety that owners of plug-in battery-electric vehicles might experience. There are rumours that e-Power availability will be extended to other Nissan and Infiniti models.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s V-8 and hybrid power options for Jeep:

The current Wrangler off-roader has been regularly revised since its arrival for the 2018 model year. For 2021, Jeep will offer a 4xe model that uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine plus two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. The plug-in hybrid systemÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque give it an advantage of 28 pound-feet over the 260-horsepower 3.0-litre V-6 turbo-diesel that joined the Wrangler family for 2020. Also debuting for 2021, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Unlimited promises to blow the doors off the off-road competition with a 6.4-litre V-8 producing 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s your move, Ford Bronco.

The Sleuth thinks the Volkswagen Arteon will be replaced by the Aero — they’re similarly shaped — which would be an electric sedan based on the upcoming ID.4 utility vehicle. PHOTO: VOLKSWAGEN
The Sleuth thinks the Volkswagen Arteon will be replaced by the Aero Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” theyÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re similarly shaped Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” which would be an electric sedan based on the upcoming ID.4 utility vehicle. PHOTO: VOLKSWAGEN

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Will the Volkswagen Arteon be replaced by the Aero?

That is a very real possibility, thinks The Sleuth. Apparently, VWÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s major commitment to electric-vehicle development could spell the end for the fastback-bodied Arteon (and possibly the Passat sedan). Specifically, the ArteonÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Aero-branded replacement would be a sleek four-door sedan built on the same modular platform as the ID.4 that arrives for 2021. The Aero and a midsize wagon EV called the ID Space will likely be assembled at the same Chattanooga, Tenn., factory where the Passat is built.

UPS AND DOWNS

Up: And now heÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Sir Lewis Hamilton:

With his victory at the Nov. 15 Turkish Grand Prix, the Mercedes-AMG driver tied Michael SchumacherÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s record with seven wins. HamiltonÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s teammate, Valtteri Bottas, finished the 2020 season in second place followed by Max Verstappen, who drives for Team Red Bull, in third. It was also announced that Great BritainÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Queen Elizabeth awarded a knighthood to Hamilton on New YearÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s Eve, granting him the title Sir Lewis Hamilton.

Ultra-expensive low-volume supercars seem to be popping up everywhere. The Freedom, from a company called Elation, could have close to 2,000 horsepower and cost US $2 million. PHOTO: ELATION
Ultra-expensive low-volume supercars seem to be popping up everywhere. The Freedom, from a company called Elation, could have close to 2,000 horsepower and cost US $2 million. PHOTO: ELATION

Up: A supercar hopeful emerges:

Elation, a company founded by two Californians, will introduce the all-wheel-drive, mid-engine Freedom at the 2021 Geneva (Switzerland) auto show. The two-seater can be ordered with an Audi-based 5.2-litre V-10, but an electrified version with three motors will produce a claimed 1,900-plus horsepower and provide up to 400 miles (640 kilometres) of range. Pricing for each of the 25 planned models starts at US $2 million.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ written by Wheelbase Media

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