As the world celebrated the end of the calendar year, the carmakers were scurrying around with their prototypes all December. Some carmakers were trying to get the best of the sun before the cold winds started blowing, while some already started the snow testing of the cars. Here are the few international cars that were spotted testing by our spy sleuths in the month of December.
Cadillac XT4
The upcoming XT4 is a compact crossover in Cadillac’s scheme of things. It is an all-new vehicle positioned below the XT5. It will be based on the Cadillac’s modular C1XX platform. Styling wise it is expected to retain the family styling. It is likely that the vehicle will borrow some safety tech from its bigger sibling, the XT5. Under the hood will be a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor with an eight-speed automatic. It will lock horns against the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
Porsche Mission E
Porsche’s all-electric sedan, the Mission E, was spotted playing in the Scandinavian snow. The Mission E will take the battle against the Tesla Model S. It will have the arsenal of a battery pack that will reportedly hold more than 530 kilometres of driving range. The 0-100kmph is expected to take 3.5 seconds, and 200kmph in under 12 seconds. It will also be able to recharge 80 per cent of its driving range in 15 minutes thanks to the use of an 800V system.
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace maintains almost all of the design cues from the concept. Jaguar claims that the I-Pace will have a range of at least 350 kilometres and it’ll be able to dash to 100kmph in around four seconds. A 90kWh lithium-ion battery sits between the axles, driving two electric motors for a total output of 395bhp and 700Nm. The in-house developed Lithium-Ion batteries use pouch cells for their energy density and efficiency. They will give 80 per cent charge in 90 minutes and 100 percent in just over two hours from a 50kW DC charging point
Toyota Avalon
The Avalon is Toyota’s full-size sedan for the US market. The sedan is set to enter into its fifth generation. It moves to the Toyota’s new modular TNGA platform which currently underpins the Camry. The sedan retains its basic dimension with its design cues such as stylish headlamps, modern grille and sharper lines while maintaining the Avalon’s conservative styling. Under the hood will be the same line-up of engines ranging from four-cylinder to a V6 including a hybrid powertrain. The sedan will continue its fray against the Buick Lacrosse, Nissan Maxima and the Chrysler 300.
Ford Ranger FX4
The 2019 Ford Ranger FX4 will get added ground clearance and styling tweaks to make it unique from the standard Ranger. The grill appears to be inspired by the elder sibling, the Explorer. When launched, the Ranger could be offered in a number of configurations to compete against the Chevrolet Colorado and the GMC Canyon. Powertrain options could include a full complement of Ecoboost four and six-cylinder engines and perhaps a diesel too. Ford might use the direct-injected twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 as the premium choice. Ford's new ten-speed automatic, co-developed with GM, is also expected.
Toyota Auris
Introduced in 2006, the Auris, in Europe at least, is a replacement for the Corolla hatchback. The Auris will enter into its second generation now. It will move to the scalable TGNA platform for increased dimension and less weight. Engines and transmissions are likely to be carried over from the new C-HR. The Auris hybrid is one of the highest selling cars for Toyota in Europe. With every fourth Toyota sold in the old continent being a hybrid, the next-gen Auris is going to be an important car for the Japanese giant
Ford Focus Wagon
The next generation Focus Wagon is set to grow in dimension as can be seen on the test mule. Which means the new wagon will offer superior rear passenger legroom and a bigger boot. Powertrain would be a host of EcoBoost and turbo diesel mills, including the 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo via the new Fiesta ST to show up, albeit in a lower state of tune. A hybrid version is also on the cards. On the inside, the digital dash and the Fiesta-like setup of the upcoming Focus interior are expected to make its way in the Focus range.
Ford Ranger XLT
The 2019 Ford Ranger XLT was spotted undergoing cold weather testing. The prototype is wearing the production front fascia which is more distinct than the Ranger FX4. The XLT gets a lower ground clearance and skinnier tyres. The XLT’s grille has its own characteristic styling that’s different to the FX4. However, it goes without saying that both vehicles borrow heavily from the design cues of their elder sibling, the F-150. With the new iteration, it will get an option of a range of four-cylinder and six-cylinder EcoBoost engines mated to the new ten-speed automatic gearbox.
