SEMA News—April 2020
INDUSTRY NEWS
Photos courtesy SpiedBilde, Brian Williams. Reuse or reproduction without the copyright holder’s consent is prohibited.
Panamera Sport TurismoPorsche will update the Panamera Sport Turismo for its ’20 model year, and this prototype was spotted hitting German roads. The Mercedes AMG GT rival will receive subtle revisions, including an altered taillight design with an LED strip linking both units. The changes will bring it in line with the Cayenne and 992-generation 911. Porsche is also planning to introduce its first mild hybrid powertrains for the Panamera Sport Turismo. The S and 4S models will make use of the same 2.9L twin-turbo V6. However, like U.S. market versions of the Audi S6 and S7, the two variants are likely to adopt a 48-volt electrical architecture, which will enable fitment of a mild hybrid system. |  |
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’21 Maybach S-ClassSpies in northern Sweden caught another look at the Mercedes Maybach S-Class. Maybach is the top-range Mercedes model these days, with an add-on in exclusivity and style, and the next-generation S-Class will be the best example of that. Equipped with a new front grille and modified exhaust pipes, painted in two-tone color and with the added space of nearly one meter, the Maybach will become the crown jewel of Mercedes-Benz and will try to rival the likes of Rolls-Royce and Bentley. The Maybach S-Class will remain available as S560 and S650. An automatic transmission will be standard, and four-wheel drive will be available as an option. |  |
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Corvette C8 Plug-In HybridThis upcoming Corvette C8 plug-in hybrid contains an orange charging harness protruding from beneath the front cargo cover. Other than those cables, the exterior does not seem to contain any other visible differences from the Corvette C8 with the Z51 package. The C8 PHEV is expected to be analogous to the current Stingray model but with hybridized power. It’s currently unclear what the powertrain will look like (it sounded like a V6), though the electrified hardware is expected to aid in performance rather than fuel economy. It will launch either in late 2020 or early 2021. |  |
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’21 Bronco Four-DoorHere’s a look at the upcoming Ford Bronco while cold-weather testing. Upright front and rear ends along with upright pillars give way to short overhangs—elements that suggest an off-road-oriented nature. The prototype also has a solid amount of ground clearance. Much like the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco will be available in both two- and four-door configurations. Powertrain details are a bit scarce at the moment, but a likely option will be the 2.3L EcoBoost mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission from the The Bronco is expected to be unveiled this spring and go on sale several months thereafter.
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