The Ford Focus ST, Audi SQ5 TDI and new 2020 Volvo XC90 headline this week’s news.
This week in the automotive industry saw a new Ford Focus ST we won’t get in North America, an Audi SQ5 TDI we won’t get in North America, and a new 2020 Volvo XC90 with a new electrified powertrain we’re not sure we’ll get in North America. So there you have it. Let’s take a look at some of the forbidden fruit unveiled this week that is sure to break our hearts over here.
New Ford Focus ST Gets More Powerful EcoBoost Engine
2019 Ford Focus ST | Photo: Ford
The redesigned Ford Focus ST was unveiled last week and features an updated EcoBoost turbocharged engine with more power than ever before. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder will develop 276 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Because the Ford Focus ST’s main market will be Europe, there’s also a 2.0-liter EcoBlue diesel engine with 187 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
There are currently no plans to bring the Focus ST to North America which is just a shame.
Check out our full story on the new Ford Focus ST.
Audi SQ5 TDI Gets Hybrid System and 516 Pound-Feet of Torque
2019 Audi SQ5 TDI | Photo: Audi
The Audi SQ5 is getting a second turbodiesel engine that pushes the torque numbers up a notch. Introduced in 2017 with a 349-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, the SQ5 will be joined by a TDI version with 349 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque of torque.
The new Audi SQ5 TDI won’t just be fast, it will also be more fuel-efficient thanks to a mild hybrid system that can reuse the energy generated when braking to power certain electrical components. A lithion-ion battery stored beneath the cargo area stores the energy.
The SQ5 TDI can reach 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds and has an average fuel economy rating of just 6.7 liters per 100 kilometers.
Read the full Audi SQ5 TDI story here.
2020 Volvo XC90 Gets Better Fuel Economy and Android Auto
New Volvo XC90 Inscription T8 Twin Engine in Birch Light Metallic
Calling the 2020 Volvo XC90 a significant redesign would be pushing it, but Volvo’s top SUV does get a few changes for the upcoming model-year.
The front has been lightly redesigned, but it’s inside that new owners will notice the most changes. The 2020 XC90 now features Android Auto along with Apple CarPlay, Oncoming Lane Mitigation and Cross Traffic Alert, with automatic braking.
The interior can be configured to host four, five, six or seven passengers in most markets. No word yet on specific versions planned for North America.
Check out the 2020 Volvo XC90 here.
New Hyundai Tucson N Line Set For Geneva Debut
Hyundai Tucson N Line | Photo: Hyundai
We don’t have a lot of info about the new Hyundai Tucson N Line set to be announced at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show. We do know that it will be a sportier product line for the Tucson nameplate.
The N Line will be mostly cosmetic with sportier interior and exterior design accessories planned for the Tucson. Expect more agressive front and rear styling, and a range of “N” emblems inside and out. Larger wheels will surely be part of the package.
Hyundai also has a 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain in the works which could be unveiled in Geneva.
Check our our full coverage here.
Rivian R1T Truck and R1S SUV To Start At Around $90,000
Rivian R1T | Photo: Rivian
Little by little we are starting to get a complete picture of the Rivian R1T electric truck and R1S EV SUV which will go into production later this year.
After securing a 700-million dollar investment from Amazon, Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe offered more info on pricing for his two new luxury electric vehicles.
There will be three battery options for both Rivian models, all over 100 kWh, and range will reach 400 miles or 640 kilometers. The top-of-the-line Rivian R1T and R1S will sell for about $90,000, making them significantly more affordable than the Tesla Model X.
Check out the full story here.
