Here are the six must-read, must-watch auto news stories and videos for Friday, February 12, 2016.
FORD SUVs
The Ford Motor Company plans to add to their current fleet of utility vehicles with four new nameplates by 2020. We expect one will be a Bronco and another will be the next-generation of the EcoSport, hopefully renamed. One wonders if the aging Flex will be directly replaced or if Ford will plan to bring out a mainstream version of the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe.
TITAN NON-XD
The next-generation of Nissan’s full-size pickup truck was revealed for the Chicago auto show. The 5.6L V8 makes 390 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. Don’t confuse this truck with the Titan XD, a medium-duty pickup for buyers who don’t require the full heavy-duty experience offered by GM, Ford, and Ram.
 |
BIG VOLVO WAGON
It’s official. This is the Volvo V90. And it’s spectacular. And you’ll buy an XC90.
SANTA FE
The Hyundai Santa Fe Sport does not, you know, come from New Mexico. Nor does it come from South Korea. No, Santa Fe Sports end up at your local Hyundai dealer after the short trek from Alabama and Georgia.
Hyundai’s going to be building more of them in conjunction with this update to the Santa Fe and Santa Fe Sport. And in so doing, Hyundai will build fewer Elantras and Sonatas.
KIA
Hyundai’s Kia partner, meanwhile, has revealed the new Niro Hybrid. They call it a crossover – it’s very much a tall wagon. And it won’t be anything other than a hybrid. The Niro is to Kia what the Prius is to Toyota. Dedicated.
If you want a quick take on the Ford Focus RS, you want evo, and you want Henry Catchpole.
