William Maley

While Polestar isn't expected to begin production on their first model, the 600 horsepower Polestar 1 coupe until 2019, they will soon be opening the order books for certain markets. Today, Polestar announced the launch markets for the 1 coupe. They include, United States China Germany The Netherlands Sweden The company explained the reason for picking these markets first was due in part to the level of interest expressed by possible buyers in those countries. Since October, buyers have been able to register their interest via the Polestar site. The plan is to change these over to orders when Polestar opens the order books early next year. These markets will be the first to also get Polestar "Spaces," basically a showroom for the 1 and future models. Polestar will be selling the 1 through a subscription similar to Volvo's Care by Volvo program where you pay a monthly fee that includes the vehicle, maintenance, insurance and other services. Polestar is considering letting buyers purchase the car outright, given they have the cash. Source: Polestar Press Release is on Page 2 Polestar announces initial launch markets for Polestar 1 as the new subscription model resonates with global customers Polestar, the new Electric Performance brand of Volvo Cars, has announced the initial launch markets for its first car, the Polestar 1. This follows Polestar’s successful brand launch in October that’s seen customers line up for the new Polestar 1 subscription, and expressions of interest in the Polestar 1 already outnumber early production slots, instantly affirming the car with performance and electric car aficionados alike. The initial launch markets where Polestar will open a Polestar Space – an environment where customers can physically interact with the brand - will be the U.S.A., China, Germany, Sweden, Norway, and the Netherlands. These Polestar Spaces are expected to be opened in the middle of 2019 and the countries have been selected, in part, due to the initial customer demand in those markets. More countries will be introduced across the world and confirmed at a later date. During the brand’s launch day in October, one customer per minute was registering their interest in being one of the first to receive the Polestar 1 using an all-new subscription model. Expressions of interest are made through www.polestar.com and these will be converted to vehicle orders when the formal order books for the Polestar 1 open in early 2018. The Polestar 1 and all future Polestar cars will be offered using the new subscription model. The no-deposit, all-inclusive monthly payment delivers hassle-free usage and covers insurance, depreciation, collection and delivery for inclusive servicing, and various on-demand benefits as-and-when required. The Polestar 1, the first car with the Polestar logo on the bonnet, is a 2+2 Grand Touring Coupé with a 600hp Electric Performance Hybrid powertrain yet with the ability to travel 150kms on pure electric power alone - the longest range on electric power of any hybrid in the world. Production of the Polestar 1 will start in mid-2019 in the new state-of-the-art, purpose-built Polestar Production Centre in Chengdu, China, where construction has already started. View full article

A new report from Automotive News says that Ford is planning to end North American production of the Fusion sedan at the end of this decade. According to sources, the automaker has begun to notify suppliers that it will not produce the next-generation Fusion at their Hermosillo, Mexico plant. Suppliers have also been told that Ford will stop producing the Mondeo (Fusion in other markets) at their Valencia, Spain plant. This is further complicated by a report from Reuters saying the company is consolidating production to a plant in China. Ford has since denied this report. “We have no plans to export the next-generation Fusion/Mondeo from China to North America and Europe. Fusion/Mondeo are an important part of the Ford car lineup. We will have more information to share about the next Fusion/Mondeo at a later date,” the company said in a statement. A spokesman declined to comment when asked if Ford would stop selling Fusion in the U.S., replace it with another vehicle, or build it elsewhere. Previously, Ford executives have said that the shift from cars to crossovers/SUVs will be permanent. Back in October, the company announced that it would be cutting back on the number of car nameplate it offers, but wouldn't go into details. Ford has already ended production of the C-Max Energi and plans on ending the C-Max Hybrid sometime next year. The Fiesta and Taurus are reportedly on the chopping block as well. What does the future hold for the Fusion? At the moment, it is tough to say. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Reuters View full article

Back in June, we reported in the rumorpile that Mercedes-AMG was planning to launch a new lineup of models with the 53 designation. These models would set themselves apart due to them being equipped with a mild-hybrid setup. The redesigned CLS-Class would be the first model to debut the 53. Speaking to Automotive News, Mercedes-AMG boss Tobias Moers confirmed the existence of the 53 and that the CLS would be the first. All 53 models would be powered by a higher-output variant of the new turbocharged 3.0L inline-six paired up with a 48-Volt electrical system. Moers wouldn't say how much power the 53 series will produce but hinted that the AMG variant of the inline-six would produce somewhere in the range of 400 horsepower. With the new 53 lineup, the CLS will lose out on having an AMG 63 model. Moers said that would be taken up by a new four-door version of the AMG GT. A concept of this model was shown earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show. More information on the AMG 53 will be announced next month at the Detroit Auto Show. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

With all of the new improvements and technology for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, it was going to slightly more expensive. We now know how much more that will be. Motor1 reports that when the Wrangler hits dealers early next year, it will have a starting price of $28,190 (includes a $1,195 destination charge) for the base 2-door Wrangler. This is an increase of $3,000 when compared to the 2017 model. All 2018 Wrangler models see an average increase of $3,020 to their base price. You're not getting much with the Wrangler Sport. Standard equipment includes a six-speed manual gearbox, Dana axles, and 17-inch All Season Bridgestone tires. You'll need to shell out some cash if you want power windows and locks; keyless entry, and air conditioning. The Sahara is slightly better equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, painted fenders, upgraded audio system, and power accessories. But Jeep is only offering the Sahara in the 4-door Unlimited which will set you back $38,540. Rubicon models come equipped with a load of off-road goodies such as beefier Dana 44 axles, electronic locking differentials, automatic swaybar disconnects, upgraded transfer case, and BF Goodrich off-road tires. The Rubicon begins at $38,190 for the two-door and $41,690 for the four-door Unlimited. Source: The Car Connection, Motor1 View full article

It bums me out that you can only get the R-Line package on the higher trims of the Tiguan. I wished the SE would have gotten it since I think that is the sweet spot for the Tiguan.

I forget where I read this, but a Lincoln executive said that was the key reason as to why the MKC didn't get a name change.

Funny you mention this as I reading through Autoblog's drive of the Jetta prototype. https://www.autoblog.com/2017/12/11/2019-volkswagen-jetta-prototype-first-drive-review/

Volkswagen has dropped some new sketches of the upcoming 2019 Jetta that will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. Compared to the current model, the redesigned Jetta looks to be more upscale. The front end comes with a hexagonal grille shape, sculpted hood, and angled headlights. Along the side is a pronounced character line and lowered roofline. The back comes with an integrated spoiler for the trunk and a dual exhaust system with chrome accents - likely on higher trims. Inside, the Jetta looks to be somewhat luxurious with an improved design for the dash, optional digital instrument cluster, and a large infotainment screen that is angled to the driver. Power will come from a turbocharged 1.4L four-cylinder producing 150 horsepower - the same engine found in the current Jetta. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic. Source: Volkswagen View full article

Porsche seems to be going ahead on electrifying their iconic 911 sports car. Speaking with Automotive News, Porsche CEO Oliver Blume revealed that the company is working on a plug-in hybrid variant of the next-generation 911. "It will be very important for the 911 to have a plug-in hybrid," said Blume. The decision on whether to move forward with the project hasn't received final approval, but Blume said it's "my opinion that we will go for it." Blume's comments help clear the confusing mess of rumors from the past few years which said one minute that they were considering it and the next minute being taken off the table. Earlier this year, plans were dropped due to weight concerns of the batteries. The next-generation 911's platform has been designed to accommodate the batteries needed for the plug-in hybrid system. Currently, Porsche is planning to launch the plug-in hybrid 911 during midcycle refresh of the next-generation 911. With the launch of the next-generation 911 expected to take place in 2019, this could mean the 911 plug-in hybrid will debut in 2023. Why is Porsche waiting until the midcycle refresh? Blume said this would allow the company to get batteries that deliver more power and range. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) View full article

General Motors has announced plans of moving towards an electrified and self-driving future. But in the foreseeable future, the company's core business model of selling vehicles to drivers will not be going away. “The owner-driver model will be there for a very long time. So far we see (mobility) as additive, but we see it as having potential to grow and be quite substantial,” said GM CEO Mary Barra during a meeting of the Automotive Press Association. Most of GM's and other automaker's profits come from crossovers, pickup trucks, and SUVs. But GM is planning for a possible future where the automotive landscape is very different. Back in October, the automaker announced an ambitious plan of launching 20 electric and hydrogen vehicles by 2023 - two of those will launch within the next 18 months. The company is also planning to launch a driverless ride-sharing service in 2019. Source: The Detroit News View full article