3-in-1 = Automotive Fun: BMW's New Platform, FCA's Pentastar V6 & VW Bettle and Arteon

Life is good and busy, but that also means there's always something new popping up! In this 3-in-1, let's go back to the future and the past all at once.

Simple Is Better - BMW’s New Platform

BMW makes rather complex cars, but the platforms they ride on are about to get more simplified. While some automakers make dedicated platforms for crossovers and EVs, BMW will use a single platform for all cars it produces moving forward. VW is already implementing a similar plan with their MQB platform.

This new platform strategy applies to even upcoming BMW EVs. The key difference between vehicles will be whether they’ll be built on a native front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD) architecture. BMW says that the company will offer 13 PHEVs and 12 EVs by 2025, including the iNext EV.

Currently, all of BMW’s engines are share components, which simplifies production. Thus, it makes sense to me that their platforms follow suit. Upcoming vehicles will be built to accommodate battery packs under the floors, though different battery packs will come in different models.

Will these new cars be the “ultimate driving machines” of a new era? Would you consider getting one? BMW certainly hopes so - the grass is looking greener.

Rumor Report: FCA May Replace the Pentastar V6

It seems like every automaker offers something along the lines of a mid-level 3.5 or 3.6L V6 now. But FCA may be eyeing an update.

FCA’s Pentastar V6, named after Chrysler’s historic logo, may reportedly be replaced in the next several years. The new engines would be inline 6-cylinder engines (I6), and possibly be turbocharged as well.

Originally introduced in 2011, the Pentastar family of engines in the United States consists of a 3.2L V6 found in the Jeep Cherokee and a 3.6L V6 found in an array of FCA products, such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler Pacifica and 300, and Dodge Charger. According to Allpar, FCA had intentions to seriously modernize these engines, but scrapped that plan. FCA’s company codename for the engine may be “Tornado”, as its likely based on the 2.0L turbo “Hurricane” engine.

The Pentastar engine has been a good one for FCA, and has made “Ward’s 10 Best Engines” list multiple times. I quite like the way it sounds at idle and under throttle. Power delivery in the 200 I drove with this engine a few years back was excellent! It’ll be interesting to see if these new in-development engines still deliver the goods, as inline engines are capable of delivering more torque and less unwanted vibrations.

Exterminated - VW Beetle Killed Off & Arteon Delayed for the U.S.

The VW Bettle stretches back generations. Bet you that's a lot of beer
and Bettles over the years. A "Final Edition" commemorates the car's run.

Retro cars never come along every so often and capture our attention... And then they just become afterthoughts. To that point, Volkswagen announced recently that the iconic Bettle will end production soon, with no immediate replacement planned.

Modern Bettles weren’t as “mechanically unique” as the classic models, having engines up front instead of the rear. But they certainly had charm still, sparking many games of “Slugbug no slug back” in the car I’m sure. As a send off, a Final Edition trim of the Bettle will be launched, featuring special blue or gold paint and interior trim.

VW says that the discontinuation of the Bettle is unrelated to President Trump’s new tariffs, but rather due to a changing market. VW will focus on their upcoming EV lineup and expand on crossovers - sounds familiar doesn’t it? However, the company hasn’t totally ruled out the Bettle returning as an EV in the future.

But for now, farewell to one of the longest running names in the business.

In other VW news, the upcoming Arteon sedan is now delayed for its launch in the U.S. until early 2019. The company says there are delays in the World Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP). When it does arrive, Arteon will ride on VW’s new MQB modular platform. It’s a replacement for the CC, and will have a 2.0L turbo inline four-cylinder engine with 268 horsepower. It has a lift back design similar to the new Buick Regal and Kia Stinger. We’ll see if that helps boost appeal and sales in a market shifting towards crossovers.

SN: Doesn’t Arteon sound like a Pokémon name to anyone else? Like one of the Eeveeloutions? You know, Sylveon, Flareon, Jolteon, Vaporeon, Espeon, ARTEON.... Yes? No? Alright.

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