-2015-mercedes-benz-c-class

With last year’s arrival of the CLA-class front- and four-wheel-drive small sedan, the C-class is no longer the runt of the Mercedes-Benz sedan litter. To highlight the C’s new position among its siblings, Mercedes has given the upcoming version, which goes on sale in the United States this fall, larger dimensions and aspirations.

Fitting, then, that Mercedes compares the experience of sitting in and driving the newest C-class to scoring a first-class airline upgrade. It is our considered opinion that unless it comes with an infinitely refillable ramekin of warmed mixed nuts, then it does not count as an upgrade. But okay, point taken.

The C-class sedan, which will be built in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, certainly does make use of materials and systems that were once found only in more expensive cars. The C’s new body is about 50 percent aluminum, compared with the previous generation’s 10 percent. Mercedes claims this is the prime contributor to the new model’s 220-pound weight loss. This despite a three-inch stretch of the wheelbase, which promises greater rear-seat room than before. For the first time in the model’s ­history, the C will be offered with the air-spring suspension that has underpinned higher-end models for many years. Predictably, Mercedes will also load up a C-class with most of the electronic nannies that are available on the E- and S-class sedans. They include new generations of braking and lane-keeping-assist systems as well as Distronic Plus with Steering Assist that, at speeds below 37 mph, can follow the car ahead even when lane markings are not visible.

At launch, all C-classes will be four-wheel drive, though Mercedes will give buyers a choice of engines. The C300 is powered by a 235-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The C400 carries a 329-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6. Both engines are direct injected and available only with a reworked version of Mercedes’ seven-speed automatic transmission. In the spring of 2015, a rear-wheel-drive version of the C300, but not the C400, will go on sale.

Also coming in the first half of 2015 is the C-class we’re most interested in: the C63 AMG. While we mourn the loss of the 6.2-liter V-8 that once powered this model, we expect that the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 replacing it should make at least 450 horsepower. Unlike the other C-classes and the E63 AMG, the C63 will remain a rear-wheel-drive model.

The new version of the C-class coupe is even further off. That two-door won’t go on sale until the middle of 2016, earliest. By then we expect a number of other powertrain configurations to be offered, such as a plug-in hybrid and a diesel. And a nine-speed automatic likely will replace the seven-speed unit by then, too. The upgrade lady always makes you wait.

2017-porsche-small-sedan

What It Is

A baby Panamera, basedon the Audi-developed modular-longitudinal MLB architecture. Right-sized for Europe and the world’s metropolitan areas, this sedan promises high performance and Porsche style in a more attainable package (before options).

Why It Matters

Potentially a high-volume model, this car will further change the face of Porsche. To stay true to the brand’s heritage, its performance must beat its Audi platform-mates.

Platform

This second-gen MLB architecture will be shared with a number of upcoming Audi models including the next-gen A4. Porsche’s version will be four-wheel drive only.

Powertrain

Turbocharged six-cylinder engines ranging from around 300 horsepower to well over 400. A diesel will be offered in Europe, and we expect to see a plug-in hybrid as well.

Competition

Audi S4/RS4, BMW M3, Jaguar XFR, Maserati Ghibli, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.

What Might Go Wrong

Porsche once boasted of never having offered sales incentives. That could change as it chases sales volume with vehicles such as the Macan SUV and this upcoming sedan. The stallion of Stuttgart will have a tough time preserving its mystique as its sports cars are marginalized. What’s next, a pickup truck? Actually, that would be kind of sweet.

Estimated Arrival and Price

The baby Panamera won’t come before 2016. We expect prices to begin north of $50,000

2015-subaru-wrx-sti

After testing the new Subaru WRX [March 2014], we feel a certain giddy anticipation for the upcoming STI version, even if the STI’s carry-over powertrain sticks something of a pin in our excitement. No, the heart of Subaru’s STI isn’t based on the WRX’s new direct-injected FA engine. Instead, it gets a carry-over 2.5-liter EJ-series flat-four making the same 305 horsepower as last year. So, what makes the STI worth the wait? Like the regular WRX, the STI has a new platform. The new architecture allows for nearly two inches of additional rear legroom and a larger trunk, features that buyers looking for a budget Audi S4 may appreciate more than will those craving a neo-rally car.

Aside from a stiffer suspension, Subaru quickened the steering and, even though the WRX has good steering feel from its electrically assisted rack, Subaru is outfitting the STI with hydraulic power steering to eke out a bit more sensitivity.

A trio of limited-slip differentials and the six-speed manual gearbox get called back for duty in the new STI. As with the WRX, a brake-based torque-vectoring system for the front axle should reduce low-speed understeer, a trait that plagued previous STIs.

Subaru is keeping schtum on the curb weight, but if the ’15 WRX is any indication, it should gain about 50 pounds, for a total of around 3450. Acceleration will be close to the outgoing STI’s: a zero-to-60 time in the low fives and a mid-13-second quarter.

The less powerful WRX may prove to be quicker than the STI to 60 mph because the STI likely will require two shifts to hit the mark while the WRX gets to 60 mph in second gear. We do expect the STI to scurry around a track more quickly than the WRX thanks to its 37 extra horses and a sportier chassis tune.

When STIs hit dealerships this month, a base one will begin just beyond where the WRX ends, or at roughly $36,000. Early adopters will enjoy the launch-edition STI that bundles gold-painted BBS wheels, blue interior trim, and a short-throw shifter. Just 1000 will be made, and the word is that Subaru won’t ever again offer factory gold wheels. This is part of the effort to move the STI away from its tobacco-sponsored racing origins. Figure the competition for the launch edition, like the car itself, to be fierce.

2018-toyota-sports-car

The FT-1 concept that hints at what may be Toyota’s next sports car. It will likely come as both a coupe and a convertible, and it may be called the Supra, the 2000GT, or something new, like the Toyota Fluminous. We just made that last one up.

Why It Matters

Despite company president Akio Toyoda waxing poetic about building more passionate cars, and Toyota spending big to race prototypes at Le Mans, it has nothing in the cupboard for enthusiasts that is priced under 50 large except for the Subaru-sourced Scion FR-S. This “Supra” might be the product of a Toyota-BMW partnership—a partnership that would lend credibility to Toyota’s claimed passion for passion and save both companies a pile.

Platform

Aligning BMW’s and Toyota’s brand positions will be tricky, but the likeliest crossover point is the BMW Z4 replacement, which could come in just low enough for this Toyota not to blunder into territory belonging to Lexus, a BMW nemesis. If you love the FT-1 concept [pictured above], brace yourself for disappointment: This car won’t be nearly as big or as overcooked as that design study.

Powertrain

Toyota’s ancient inline-sixes are long gone, and its V-6 and V-8 engines would be a tight fit. So we’re expecting BMW turbo power, of  both the four-cylinder and six-cylinder variety, all the way.

Competition

Audi TT, BMW Z4, Chevrolet Corvette, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan 370Z, Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

What Might Go Wrong

When challenged recently to name a current Toyota that appeals to enthusiasts, a U.S. exec said, “The Avalon.” Really. We’re not making that up.

Estimated Arrival and Price

To avoid cannibalizing BMW’s sales, the Supra/Fluminous will likely come in under the Z4 and without all of the Z4’s goodies, so the odds favor a starting point just above $40,000. With the Z4 getting old and a replacement expected in 2015, the core engineering is already  well underway. BMW almost certainly  will insist on showing its car first, so figure 2016-17 for the Toyota

2015 Audi A4

What It Is

The next generation of Audi’s most important model, the globally successful A4. It will be sold as a sedan; a long-wheelbase mini-limo for China; a so-called Avant station wagon for Europe; and the Allroad, a wagon on SUV stilts. There also will be S and RS derivatives offering more power.

Why It Matters

In the Lord of the Flies fight for sales and engineering supremacy among Germany’s carmakers, the A4 is Audi’s sharpest stick. With aggressive styling and a full set of advanced technologies, the next-gen A4 (platform code: B9) must be able to fend off a phalanx of competitors.

Platform

Second-generation MLB (not baseball, but modular-longitudinal architecture), which is related to the next A6, A8, and VW Phaeton. Lightweight and full of electronic features, it will offer front- or four-wheel drive.

Powertrain

In Europe, the Audi A4 comes with a full range of gas and diesel four- and six-cylinder engines. The U.S. market will get a revised 2.0-liter turbo and a diesel engine. S4 models will get a supercharged V-6, and the RS4 might get a V-8 again.

Competition

Acura TLX, BMW 3-series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz C-class.

What Might Go Wrong

Audi’s once-futuristic styling is now often criticized as too conservative. The A4 needs to establish a new design motif without scaring off existing buyers.

Estimated Arrival and Price

Europe will get it later this year as a 2015 model. We’ll have to wait until 2015 to buy one. The A4 should open at $35,000.

2016 Fiat/Abarth Spider and Mazda MX-5 Miata: Fusion Cuisine

Why does one of the cars above have an Alfa grille? When we originally published this piece in our magazine, Fiat-Chrysler's version of the next Mazda Miata was slated to go to that brand; the latest intelligence suggests that Fiat or Abarth will get the car instead, with the latter being the frontrunner. Either way, there’s some precedent for this Italo-Japanese mash-up. Back in the 1960s, young Mazda hired Italians, such as Giorgetto Giugiaro, to design a few cars. Remember the Mazda Luce (LOO-chay)? No? Well, a quarter century after the first Mazda MX-5 Miata dropped from heaven, the fourth generation will arrive on a platform shared with the new Fiat/Abarth Spider. The deal works for both parties: Mazda does the bulk of the engineering, builds the cars, and enjoys the economies of scale, while Fiat-Chrysler finally gets a new roadster.

The next Miata/Spider is built on a Mazda-developed front-engine, rear-drive platform that makes ample use of Mazda’s parts bin. The Miata will come with fuel-efficient Skyactiv four-cylinder engines. Top-of-the-line versions will make around 200 horsepower, and a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission will be standard.

The Spider, by contrast, likely will be fitted with either a 1.4-liter turbo four shared with the Fiat 500 Abarth or a version of the 1.7-liter turbocharged four from the Alfa Romeo 4C. Expect the Fiat/Abarth to use a dual-clutch automatic.

Prices for the Mazda should start in the mid-$20,000 range, with its Italianate sibling commanding a premium. And while the Miata will be a continuation of a successful and fascinating heritage, its sister model will start anew, benefiting from Mazda’s engineering and manufacturing expertise.

See, and you’re always complaining that the media only reports bad news.

2016 Cadillac CTS-V

What It Is

The eagerly awaited bazooka version of the third-generation Cadillac CTS, designed to fight for America’s honor against its European competitors. Unfortunately, this time around, there won’t be a station wagon or a coupe—or a manual option. That’s a crime, but the automatic sedan is what sells.

Why It Matters

The first two generations of this velvet Vette have given Cadillac credibility among enthusiasts. The next one will sand down the few rough edges of its predecessors. The CTS-V is a halo car for the brand and for GM as a whole.

Platform

Broadly speaking, the CTS-V will use the ATS/CTS “Alpha” architecture, but with more aluminum onboard.

Powertrain

Power will come from a supercharged V-8, most likely the 6.2-liter LT4 from the new Corvette Z06. It will make at least 600 horsepower and send the squawk to the rear tires through GM’s new eight-speed automatic.

Competition

Audi S6/S7/RS7, BMW M5/M6 Gran Coupe, Jaguar XFR, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

What Might Go Wrong

The lack of coupe and wagon variants may put off the hard core. And the 420-hp Vsport could make the CTS-V a harder sell.

Estimated Arrival and PriceMid-2015 as a 2016 model, at prices starting around $75,000.