SEMA News—September 2019

INDUSTRY NEWS

Photos courtesy SpiedBilde, Brian Williams. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.

Corvette C8

This is the mid-engine Corvette track testing. It’s also a first look at a near-production prototype without an aero package (no spoiler nor front splitter).

The Corvette will undergo a landmark change in philosophy, having always been a front-engine/rear-wheel-drive sports car. The Vette was originally expected to use GM’s upcoming twin-turbocharged 4.2L V8, but there are rumors that it will borrow the 6.2L LT1.

Tremec’s TR-9007 seven-speed DCT will be the one and only transmission available.

Chevrolet has also trademarked the name “E-Ray,” which hints that an electrified version will be available. It could come in the form of a plug-in hybrid or possibly even an all-electric version in the vein of the Audi R8 e-tron.

Corvette
Corvette

Toyota’s Tundra Hybrid?

This is a Toyota Tundra prototype undergoing testing in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It seems to be a prototype for the first-ever hybrid variant.

While following this Tundra for about 3 mi., observers could detect the familiar Hybrid Synergy Drive hum, followed by the engine kicking in at around 25–30 mph. The truck had pretty narrow tires compared to the Tundra spied back in January.

According to a source, “Toyota’s fullsize truck will use a version of the company’s 3.5L turbocharged V6 engine in combination with an electric motor/lithium-ion battery system.” The source said that the system is more powerful for the new Tundra and will reportedly produce 450 hp and 500 lb.-ft. of torque while getting 30-plus miles per gallon.



Tundra
Tundra

’20 Nissan Titan Pro-4X

Here’s a first look at the ’20 Nissan Titan Pro-4X testing in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Nissan will give the fullsize Titan a modest facelift for ’20. However, changes on the outside will be limited to a revised grille, lights and tailgate design. Modern connectivity features are also expected as the company upgrades, providing what looks to be a large infotainment system across its lineup, but the Titan’s looks to be the largest system offered on a North American Nissan model yet.

Other interior changes concern revised switches and materials that look to be more upscale. Rumors surround a V6 finally being added to the half-ton model and the XD diesel being dropped for the ’20 or ’21 model year.

Nissan
Nissan

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