BMW readies for launch of its most important model, the BMW 3 Series at Paris Motor Show in October. In its 7th generation, it will usher in a new platform and more electrification across the range.
BMW will for the first time introduce a fully electric version, which will sit on the same platform and be badged i4. Based on the Vision Dynamics concept from the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, it’s set to arrive in 2020 and will have an all-electric range of up to 700 Kilometres.
Before that, two plug-in hybrid variants will be launched to satisfy consumers’ growing appetite for PHEVs. The first, expected to be badged 325e, will feature the same powertrain as the MINI Countryman PHEV, which comprises a 110kW 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and an 82kW electric motor.
It’s likely BMW will also roll out a second, more powerful plug-in hybrid, badged 330e, which will make use of a 2.0-litre turbo and electric motor to develop around 209kW. The pair will also be compatible with BMW’s inductive charging tech, which launches with the larger 530e later this year. More details to follow
Carlos Sainz Jr Switches to McLaren for 2019
McLaren will announce Carlos Sainz as Fernando Alonso’s replacement later this week, ESPN understands, opening the door for Pierre Gasly to step up to Red Bull next year.
McLaren confirmed Alonso will not continue in F1 beyond 2018, ending months of speculation about his future. McLaren had been making contingency plans for Alonso’s departure and was in talks with Sainz and Daniel Riccardo about a 2019 seat.
The Riccardo talks were unsuccessful though the Australian announced his shock move to Renault for next year, taking Sainz’s place as Nico Hulkenberg’s teammate in the process. Sainz had been at Renault this year on loan from Red Bull having been unable to secure a step up to the senior team from Toro Rosso.
Riccardo’s imminent departure meant Sainz and Gasly were the favourites to fill the void. Sources have told ESPN that Sainz will be confirmed on a two-year deal at McLaren, meaning Toro Rosso’s Gasly looks set to be the man to make the jump and partner Max Verstappen in 2019.
Honda Updates The Civic for 2019
The Honda Civic will receive a major update for MY 19. A new front ‘wing’ finished in piano black instead of the chrome bar, more angular front bumper with chrome accents for the fog lamp housings and a chrome strip for the rear bumper.
Rounding off the list of cosmetic updates are new designs for the alloy wheels. There’s also now a ‘Sport’ trim on offer internationally, with 18-inch wheels, a splitter-style rear bumper, rear spoiler and added black detailing for the fascia.
Inside, the Civic facelift gets Honda’s updated seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This aside, there are expected to be no changes to the Civic’s interior.
Also standard on the Civic facelift is Honda’s sensing suite of safety features, which includes a collision warning and mitigation system with automatic braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and more.
Honda is expected to introduce the Civic facelift with a 104kW 1.8-litre petrol engine, along with the 1.6-litre Earth Dreams diesel engine, making 90kW and 300Nm – the same engine that’ll also be powering the CR-V. Additionally, Honda could also pair the diesel with a nine-speed automatic, just like the CR-V.