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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