North America gets the Smarts! That is, both the next-generation 2016 Smart ForTwo and the all-new Smart ForFour (four-door) model. Uh, make that a qualified “maybe” on that last bit of news. On one hand, the head honcho for Mercedes-Benz’s small-car offshoot claims that there has not yet been a decision made concerning the ForFour’s insertion into the North American market. On the other, The Sleuth has it on reasonably good authority that the ForFour, which launches alongside the ForTwo in Europe later this year, is a definite go for this side of the pond. The simple fact is that Smart dealers here are pretty revved up about the idea of adding an additional body style to sell next to the ForTwo, convertible and electric-drive models.
Mitsubishi bringing back a blast from the past: Back in the day — say 10 to 15 years ago — when Mitsubishi had plenty of products for sale in North America, one of its better models was the Montero sport utility vehicle along with the Montero Sport. Times and Mitsubishi’s fortunes have changed since then, but now The Sleuth has learned that Mitsubishi has plans to bring back the Montero brand to our shores. The full-size, three-row rig won’t follow the old Monte’s body-on-frame layout, but it will come with all the gear that off-roady types would expect to find. Power source remains a mystery at this point, although based on an earlier concept shown in Japan it’s possible that a plug-in hybrid unit could play a propulsion role as an upgrade from a base V-6. The Montero’s return won’t likely happen until the 2018 model year.
What? A baby Mini is on the way?: Collaboration between BMW (Mini’s parent) and Toyota could yield an offshoot of the two-door Mini Cooper that would not only be considerably shorter than the current two-door Mini Cooper, but would use a smaller powertrain and come with a lower price tag. Both automakers are already collaborating on the next-generation BMW Z4 roadster (to be called the Z5, apparently) and Toyota Supra. As for what the smaller Mini might look like, The Sleuth points to the Rocketman concept vehicle that was displayed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. As for what Toyota’s version would look like, your guess is as good as the Spy Guy’s since the automaker recently launched a micro model in Europe called the Aygo.
Honda’s next Pilot (and other) projects: Word reaching The Spymaster is that Honda will unveil a trio of upcoming models, starting with the 2016 Pilot sport ute. The eight-passenger wagon will feature a bit more style than the current brick-like unit and will be considerably lighter (about 150 kilograms) as well. Honda’s 3.5-litre V-6 is the likely power source, as is the automaker’s new nine-speed automatic transmission. The Pilot will also form the basis for the next-generation Ridgeline pickup that’s expected to be readied for a late-2015 arrival. Lastly, a refreshed edition of Acura’s RDX compact luxury wagon is close to production-ready status. That model will get a bit more poke under the hood and the latest in Honda’s crash-avoidance features.
A new Cadillac is right around the corner: The Sleuth reported a few weeks back that a full-size fleet-leading luxury sedan would be ready to go for the 2016 model year. Since then, further details about the model that Caddy has dubbed the CT6 have leaked out. It seems that, despite the car’s large size, it’s expected to weigh in the 1,550-kilogram range, thanks to the use of some advanced materials, likely a mix of carbon fibre and aluminum that will be fused, riveted and glued together using recently developed production techniques. Engine choices will reportedly include a V-6 (likely turbocharged) and V-8 as well as a plug-in hybrid that just might be an upgraded version of the unit to be used in the 2016 Chevrolet Volt.
Tesla Model S acceleration out of this world: The recently released twin-motor all-wheel-drive Tesla Model S P85D will accelerate to 100 kilometres an hour from zero in 3.2 seconds. Now company CEO Elon Musk is on record as stating that a software modification to the vehicle’s electrical system will further cut this time, although he’s backing off on saying by how much. Currently, the P85D is rated at 691 horsepower and 864 pound-feet of torque.
No small Audi models for North America: Car buyers in Europe have access to Audi’s A1/Q1 class of small luxury-oriented models and it was believed they would eventually arrive here as rivals to BMW’s upcoming front-wheel-drive 1-series/X1 models. However the German automaker is now stating that it has no plans to bring its sub-compact range to this continent. Instead, Audi will focus on larger, more upscale vehicles that are also much more profitable.