Car Buzz

Iconic Concepts and New Arrivals

Watch out for new models in 2021

FROM FAMILIES…TO FAST!

Jeep Grand Wagoneer Another icon is set to return in 2021. The Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be a larger and classier set of SUVs and, while we’ve only seen the Grand Wagoneer concept—which has bold styling and an extravagant interior—Jeep says the production-ready versions of both the Grand Wagoneer and the regular Wagoneer will reach showrooms next year. While details have not yet been released, plug-ins and hybrids could be in the works, fitting with the company’s stated plans to ensure that every model line in the Jeep brand has a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid version by 2022. With three rows of seats, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will provide families an opportunity to live the Jeep lifestyle, which hasn’t been possible since the old Commander was around. For more information, see https://www.jeep.ca/en/grandwagoneer Nissan Z Proto Nissan is proving that sports cars are not dead, as it reveals the Nissan Z Proto, a teaser to the production model and an update to the long-standing 370Z. A twin-turbocharged V-6 engine coupled with a six-speed manual transmission powers the Z Proto. That powertrain has been confirmed for the production Z. The model will be a welcome addition for Nissan since the start of the previous “fifth-gen Z33” in 2009. When the production Z arrives in 2021, it is likely to be called the 400Z. As in the 1990s, the new Nissan Z and the Toyota Supra may again be close rivals.

For more information, see https://www.nissan.ca/experience-nissan/future-and-concept-cars/z-proto.html

FROM LUXURY TO FUEL-EFFICIENT AND OFF-ROAD MACHINES

2021 Toyota Rav4 Prime

Toyota’s plug-in hybrid powertrain technology delivers electrifying driving fun, and in the RAV4 Prime, this translates into over 300 horsepower and impressive acceleration, plus a range of almost 1,000 km. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime joins the RAV4 Hybrid as the second electrified RAV4—Toyota’s best-selling model. With RAV4 Prime’s launch, Toyota’s electrification strategy has grown from a single, niche model in 2000—the Prius—to a selection of 10 vehicles in a range of market segments. For more information, see https://www.toyota.ca/toyota/en/vehicles/rav4

2021 Cadillac Escalade While production has not yet begun, pre-orders are running high for Cadillac’s largest and most luxurious SUV. The cabin’s most noticeable feature will be the curved Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED) display with 38 inches of total diagonal display area. It includes a 7.2-inch driver information centre, 14.2-inch instrument cluster display and 16.9-inch infotainment screen. Available screen views include navigation with live street views, four-camera bird’s-eye surround view, night vision and a trailering integration package with nine camera views. And for the first time, the Escalade will also offer a 3.0L inline-six Duramax turbodiesel engine.

For more information, see cadillaccanada.ca/en/suvs/escalade New Ford Bronco As noted and anticipated in the January 2020 issue of Signals, images and videos of the production model of the Bronco have finally been released and are no longer simply concepts. It has been a quarter of a century since the last Ford Bronco rolled off the line, and Ford has finally brought the brand back, with the unveiling of three new off-road-oriented SUVs under the Bronco name: the 2021 Bronco, which will come in a two- and a four-door version, and the smaller Bronco Sport. The new Broncos are engineered for hard, off-road driving and include features designed to make it easier to get far from civilization and even stay there for a while. More than 100 factory-backed accessories will be available, including kayak, ski/snowboard and bike racks, and a tent that mounts on the standard-equipment roof racks and supports up to 600 pounds, with or without a sunroof in place. For more information, see https://www.ford. ca/bronco/