Whatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s new, notable or just plain interesting in the auto world? The Auto Sleuth tells allsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½¦

New look and four-cylinder hybrid power for Toyota Land Cruiser

The Land Cruiser hasnsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™t been sold in Canada for about three decades, but the redesigned off-road-capable vehicle will arrive here for 2024.

The five-passenger Land Cruiser gets bodywork inspired by previous-generation models sold in the United States. Propulsion will be provided by a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder hybrid system sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” also installed in the Tacoma pickup sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½” rated at 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Power to all four wheels is directed through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Trim levels include the base 1958 (named for the year of the Land Cruisersa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s arrival in North America), a mid-level version and the well-equipped First Edition outfitted with additional off-road content, such as more aggressive tires and Toyotasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s Multi-Terrain Select system with variable traction settings.

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The retirement party continues for the Challenger and Charger

The Mopar parts division has its stamp all over the final limited editions of Dodgesa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s gasoline-powered coupe and sedans.

Both Mopar Special Editions are based on the wide-body R/T Scat Pack option that includes the 485-horsepower 6.4-litre V-8. The Charger comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but the Challenger can be ordered with a six-speed manual. Each model gets adaptive (variable) shocks, carbon-fibre rear spoiler plus unique interior treatments.

Standard with both variants is a black paint scheme with matte black stripes, black 20-inch wheels and blue brake calipers. The Mopar Special Editions will be limited to 20 vehicles each for Canada. Production is set to begin this fall.

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Porsche preps the third-generation Panamera

What is likely to be the final gasoline-powered version of the automakersa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s four-door luxury hatchback will launch for the 2024 model year.

The physical changes are mostly subtle and reportedly include a redesigned grille, bumper and headlights. The interior is treated to a digital driversa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s display and enlarged infotainment screen inspired by the Porsche Taycan electric car.

Slated to return is the Panamerasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s base turbocharged 2.9-litre V-6 and optional turbo 4.0-litre V-8. There will also be plug-in hybrid variants that offer a choice of turbocharged V-6 or V-8 engines. The Sleuth doesnsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™t expect a fully electric Panamera anytime soon.

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A midcycle refresh is coming for the F-150

Fordsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s popular fullsize pickup will receive a few modest revisions for the 2024 model year, including a new grille, headlights and taillights, plus new dashboard displays.

Although the usual gasoline engines are expected to return, there are rumours that the current 3.3-litre V-6 gasoline-electric hybrid option could be expanded to include a plug-in version.

According to Ford, the current 318-horsepower hybrid powertrain accounts for 10 per cent of total F-150 sales as well as more than half of the compact Maverick pickup sales. There appears to be no plans to update the electric F-150 Lightning that was introduced for 2022.

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Could a Honda S2000 roadster make a comeback?

The Sleuth hears rumours to that effect, but he doesnsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™t believe a repeat is in the cards for the sweet little roadster that was available here from model years 2000 through 2009.

Back then, early S2000s came with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder linked to a six-speed manual transmission, while the engines in later models were bumped to 2.2 litres. Should a new S2000 become a reality, it will likely be built using Hondasa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s upcoming electric vehicle platform and will be one of 30 EV models to be produced for global consumption by the end of the decade.

There are also rumours that a battery-electric replacement for the Acura NSX is in the planning stages.

TRENDING UP:

Carlos Ghosn documentary sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½“ In 2018, the high-profile former CEO of the Renault/Nissan/Mitsubishi Alliance was charged in Japan with financial-related crimes and was free on bail following several months of imprisonment.

While under house arrest, Ghosn was smuggled to his home country of Lebanon where he currently resides. The story of his getaway is the subject of Wanted: The Escape of Carlos Ghosn, a four-part series on Apple TV+.

Fordsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s gullwing door plans sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½“ A recent patent application filed by the automaker suggests that a future utility-type vehicle could be offered with a passenger side door that swings up above the roof.

Based on Fordsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s schematic, the clamshell door would replace both the traditional front and rear openings and would be hinged across the roofsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s midsection. Also shown is a fold-down step thatsa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½™s incorporated as part of the rocker panel.

sa¹ú¼Ê´«Ã½“ written by Wheelbase Media

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