This week, we previewed the preview of the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco reveal (is it Monday yet?) and talked about updates to the 2021 Mazda3 (ooh, turbo). Audi, Chevrolet, and Lexus also made announcements regarding their respective lineups, including new technologies.
But that’s not everything that was happening in the automotive space.
Hyundai Releases New Images of Upcoming Elantra N Line
The redesigned 2021 Hyundai Elantra was unveiled in April, followed by an announcement the next month that a new performance-oriented N Line model would join the lineup. Unfortunately, the accompanying teaser video and images were of a performance vehicle heavily shrouded in camouflage. The speculation is now over as Hyundai released clearer images this week.
It’s clear the newest member of the 2021 Elantra family will be aggressively distinctive. Not only is the automaker’s signature cascading grille design more angular, but gloss black accents, side skirts, a dual-tip exhaust, and N Line badging further seal the deal. The only actual specification confirmed, though, is that the model will feature 18-inch wheels.
More information will no doubt trickle out in the coming months with the Elantra N Line expected to arrive in dealerships early next year. Don’t be surprised if it’s spec’d much like the Kia Forte GT.
Lincoln Makes Monochromatic Package Available to All
The exclusivity of the Lincoln Navigator — at least with regard to color schemes — is no more as the Monochromatic Package now becomes available to Lincoln’s entire SUV lineup (which is really the automaker’s entire lineup following the death notices of the Continental and MKZ).
As the name would suggest, the Monochromatic Package focuses on four color palettes (Pristine White, Ceramic Pearl, Infinite Black, and newly-added Asher Gray) to give each Lincoln a minimalist appearance. The grille and name badges will appear in the monochromatic tone selected. Body-colored mirrors, lower cladding, and wheel lip moldings will be painted to match based on the vehicle. Additionally, all vehicles will feature black wheel designs regardless of which package color is selected.
Although the Monochromatic Package will be available for all of the company’s SUVs, no vehicle will be offered in all four colors. The Lincoln Aviator, Corsair, and Navigator will be offered with three choices while the Nautilus can only be opted with Infinite Black.
New Color Option for 2021 Toyota TRD Pro Series Vehicles
The Toyota TRD Pro Series lineup takes the heritage of TRD’s racing roots to the outer limits of off-roading. And to complement that outdoorsy nature, 2021 models will debut a new color: Lunar Rock. To replace the outgoing Army Green, Lunar Rock is subtler in hue but remains characteristic of the TRD Pro badge. The new color will be unique to TRD Pro-optioned vehicles, which include the 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia.
Audi Expands EV Lineup With New Q4 Sportback e-tron
When the Audi Q4 e-tron concept debuted at the Geneva auto show last year, the electric vehicle was showcased as a crossover SUV. But when production starts next summer, a second body style will be added as Audi recently unveiled images of the Q4 Sportback e-tron. Although still in concept form, the vehicle exhibits a production-ready design that is notably sleeker than its SUV sibling.
Nearly identical in every dimension, the Sportback model is a miniscule half an inch shorter and features a drag coefficient of 0.26 (which is 0.01 less than the SUV). Both concept vehicles are rated at 300 horsepower with a zero-to-60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. Range based on the European WLTP standard is estimated between 280 and 310 miles depending on drivetrain. In the U.S. market, it will be less than that.
Pricing has not been announced but expect those figures to be released closer to the on-sale date. The Audi Q4 e-tron is slated to arrive in the U.S. at the end of next year with the Q4 Sportback e-tron reaching our shores sometime in 2022.
Jaguar Land Rover Introduces New All-Inclusive Vehicle Subscription Service
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has joined the vehicle subscription game even as luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz opt out. The difference with JLR’s service, called Pivotal, is that the full crossover and SUV lineup will be made available and customers are given the flexibility to upgrade, downgrade, or even pause their subscriptions.
The four subscription tiers (Blue, Indigo, Violet, and Ultraviolet) are priced out based on vehicles available for driving. The lowest tier offers up the Land Rover Discovery Sport, Jaguar F-Pace, and Range Rover Evoque while the highest level gives access to the Range Rover. The monthly fee covers maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance, and access for an additional driver. The vehicles can also be driven for personal use or business purposes and for travel within Europe.
For now, Pivotal is only available in Europe but JLR cited that 18 percent of drivers prefer non-committal subscriptions over vehicle ownership and enjoy the flexibility of experiencing new brands. So, the U.S. and other markets aren’t necessarily out of the question.
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