The Sleuth has received official word that Mazda’s beloved two-seat roadster will get a power infusion for the 2019 model year. The MX-5 Miata’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will produce 181 horses and 151 pound-feet of torque, which is up from 155/148. To get nearly 20 per cent more power, Mazda reduced the weight of the pistons and connecting rods, increased exhaust-manifold flow and put in higher-pressure fuel injectors (to name just a few adjustments). There are also minor tweaks to the interior, plus new alloy-wheel designs. The 2019 MX-5 is expected to debut this summer.
How much longer will the Dodge Grand Caravan stick around?: The Spymaster keeps seeing reviews by automotive writers complaining about how out of date Dodge’s minivan is and how its retirement can’t be too far off. Although there’s no news as to a departure or replacement date, it doesn’t seem the Grand Caravan is leaving any time soon, other than from showrooms into the driveways of thousands of new owners. For as old as it is (the current platform dates back to 2008), Dodge’s big, boxy carryall was the top-selling minivan for calendar year 2017, besting the Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona. The Grand Caravan also beat the Chrysler Pacifica that was introduced for the 2017 model year, which is not really a surprise based on the price difference. Speaking of which, price is a huge reason for the GC’s success, as it sells for thousands less than all other minivans in its class.
More in store for the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350:
Ford’s muscular model receives some important revisions, according to the the Sneaky One’s sources. Horsepower (526) and torque (429 pound feet) remain unchanged, but there are new standard Michelin Pilot tires that are wider in back, and new 19-inch alloy wheels. A new standard rear spoiler adds downforce and the suspension has been recalibrated for improved performance. New carbon-fibre exterior trim and a 12-speaker premium audio system are now optional.
The Hummer H1 returns: The Spy Guy has a thing for classic vehicles that have been updated with more modern mechanicals. One of the latest is from Michigan-based Mil-Spec Automotive, which amounts to a visual clone of the original AM General Humvee, but with numerous improvements. The updated model’s body is made of aluminum instead of steel, the interior leans in the luxury direction and the engine is a 6.6-litre General Motors turbodiesel that produces 500 horsepower and 1,000 pound-feet of torque. That’s a significant increase over the original’s 300 horses and 520 pound-feet. Base price will be in the $220,000 US range. Head to milspecauto.com to get the full details.
An early, unexpected peek at the next Z4:
To no one’s surprise, a computer image of BMW’s 2019 roadster is making the rounds on various websites. Although missing a number of details, the image depicts an attractive front end, including a grille design that appears to be influenced by the automaker’s exotic i8 hybrid gasoline-electric roadster. Also shown is a pair of large air scoops beneath the bumper. The rendering suggests that the Z4 will forgo a folding hardtop (that was installed on the previous model) for a folding soft top. The Sleuth had previously reported that the sports car will be equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing an estimated 250 horsepower, or an available 355-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine that will also wind up in the 2019 Toyota Supra (BMW and Toyota collaborated the structural design for both cars).
Volvo raises the curtain in North America:
On June 20, the Sweden-based automaker opened its first production facility in North America since 1963. That’s when Volvo began assembling cars in Canada (until 1998). The South Carolina plant will turn out Volvo S60 sedans, but will also make the V90 luxury utility vehicle starting in 2021.
