What鈥檚 new, notable or just plain interesting in the auto world? The Auto Sleuth tells all鈥�

Hyundai rocks the midsize-utility-vehicle class

The 2024 Santa Fe looks nothing like the outgoing version. The squared-off body with chunky fender openings reminds the Sleuth of the Ford Expedition blended with overtones of the Land Rover Range Rover.

The Santa Fe鈥檚 interior, which seats five, is equally appealing, with a curved instrument cluster and infotainment display. Sustainable and recycled materials are used for the door panels and seat coverings.

Most of the new Santa Fe鈥檚 powertrain options haven鈥檛 been revealed, other than the returning turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder that produces 281 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. But it鈥檚 a safe bet that one or more hybrid systems will also be added to the list.

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Chevrolet toughens the Traverse for 2024

The brand鈥檚 full-size utility vehicle with seating for up to eight passengers will enter its third generation as mostly new. The front design displays Chevrolet Silverado- and Blazer-looking grilles that will vary depending on the trim level.

Every Traverse will employ a turbocharged four-cylinder that makes an estimated 315 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The engine, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission, replaces the current 3.6-litre V-6 rated at 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet. All-wheel-drive will continue to be available.

New for 2024, the off-road-oriented all-wheel-drive Z71 trim will have a unique suspension, special terrain mode powertrain setting with hill-descent control, increased ride height and off-road tires mounted to 18-inch wheels.

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Ford鈥檚 upcoming 鈥淔lash鈥�

It鈥檚 a well-guarded secret for now, but it appears that the automaker鈥檚 battery-electric F-150 Lightning pickup will eventually spawn a special high-performance version.

Ford CEO Jim Farley teased the idea when he and Formula One Red Bull driver Daniel Riccardo partially unveiled what appeared to be a modified F-150 Lightning.

Ford also recently registered the Flash name with the U.S. patent office, leading to further speculation that an EV pickup is in the works that will produce more than the Lightning鈥檚 optional 580 horsepower.

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Is Mazda planning a rotary-engine sports car

Speculation is that the automaker will at some point install such a powerplant in the next-generation MX-5 (Miata) roadster.

There are plans for a rotary engine that will function as a range-extending generator for the Mazda MX-30 EV. Mazda鈥檚 R&D people are developing an updated version of the rotary that will improve fuel efficiency and reduce tailpipe emissions.

It鈥檚 speculated that a redesigned rotary engine could also be part of an upcoming plug-in hybrid system for Mazda鈥檚 mainstream models.

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Surprise, more Polestar EVs

The electric-vehicle brand, which is a subset of Volvo, is expanding its current lineup 鈥� the Polestar 1, 2 and 3 鈥� to include the Polestar 4 hatchback-sedan for the 2025 model year.

For 2026, the automaker will launch the Polestar 5, a luxury-oriented sedan, which is based on the 2020 Precept concept car. It will use the platform developed for the Volvo EX90 electric utility-style vehicle.

The Polestar 5鈥檚 all-wheel-drive power system consists of front and rear electric motors with a projected net output of 884 horsepower. Details about maximum range and battery charging times are unknown. Following the 5鈥檚 arrival, a Polestar 6 roadster is expected to debut for the 2027 model year.

TRENDING

Trending down: Reeves Callaway III, 1947-2023 鈥� The son of Callaway Golf Co. founder Reeves Callaway Jr., was best known for modifying Corvettes with performance-enhancing equipment that became available through Chevrolet dealers.

From 1989 to the present day, Callaway Corvettes continue to compete at North American and European racetracks.

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Trending up: Electric Triumph sports car 鈥� The brand, which was once known for its TR-series of roadsters, is now owned by BMW. Makkina, a London, England-based design company that works with BMW, recently showcased the TR25 concept.

The single-seat vehicle is inspired by a modified version of the TR2 that attained a class-record top speed of nearly 125 mph 200 km/h) back in 1953. The new TR25 uses a BMW-supplied 184-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels. Production is doubtful, but The Sleuth can hope.

鈥� written by Wheelbase Media. If you鈥檙e interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today! Like us on and follow us on