Subaru has shelved plans to establish a manufacturing presence in China.
Demand for the Japanese company’s vehicles has continued to rise in the world’s largest automotive market, however the growth rate has been halved between 2013 and 2014.

The automaker is still waiting for the Chinese government to approve a joint-venture proposal. Executives suggest the decision to forgo local manufacturing has been finalized, even if the joint venture moves forward.

“Since the profits are split with your partner, you would have to double the sales to maintain the profits you earn by exporting from Japan,” said Akira Mabuchi, executive VP of Subaru parent Fuji Heavy Industries, as quoted by Bloomberg.

Recent reports suggest the company has also halted plans to move XV Crosstrek production into the US. The decision is said to have been driven by the weak yen, which encourages Japanese automakers to build vehicles at home.

Ford has released a new teaser video for the Focus RS.
The segment shows the performance hatchback drifting on wet and dry tracks in the US and Belgium, however the test car is still camouflaged to conceal its unique front end.

Rumors point to Ford’s 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine as the likely powerplant. If it matches the Mustang’s tune, the mill should be good for 310 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels.

The company recently confirmed that the RS will be available globally, presumably including the US market.

Full details will be disclosed when the RS makes its formal debut on February 3.

Toyota is once again the world’s largest automaker by volume after selling 10.23 million vehicle last year. 2014 marked Toyota’s third-consecutive year atop the global sales charts.
Toyota’s worldwide sales nudged up 3 percent in 2014, thanks in part to strong SUV demand from the United States. Toyota outpaced Volkswagen (10.14 million units) and General Motors (9.92 million units) for the 2014 sales crown.

Toyota’s 2014 sales were led by the U.S. market, where demand increased 6.2 percent to 2.37 million vehicle. Toyota fielded particularly strong interest for its compact RAV4 and larger Highlander utility vehicles.

The automaker also posted sales gains in Europe, China and Brazil.

Despite a strong 2014, Toyota is expecting its sales momentum to subside in 2015 as the company holds the line on building any new factories.

“Their focus is not No. 1,” Peggy Furusaka, a Tokyo-based auto-credit analyst at Moody’s Investors Service, told Bloomberg. “Toyota is more concerned about keeping profitability than chasing numbers. So for coming years, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Toyota selling fewer cars than VW.”

Toyota is predicting a 1 percent decline in sales to 10.15 million vehicles this year. Neither VW nor GM has revealed their forecasts for 2015.

Toyota has released a mysterious teaser sketch for its ‘RND Concept.’
A cryptic announcement does not provide much explanation surrounding the concept, which will be fully revealed in the UK next week — rather than at an auto show.

“The first image released today hints at how the concept’s design marks a radical shift in direction for Toyota, taking the ‘fun-to-drive’ qualities of its cars to a higher level,” the company notes.

Th announcement goes on to say that “manufacturing and product supply” have been established, while “on-the-road pricing” has been finalized.

“Full details of the RND Concept will be announced next week, but ahead of the official unveiling I can say that this is something we are proud of and that will make a valuable contribution to the world we live in,” said Toyota GB president Matt Harrison.

The ‘RND’ name, sketch and executive comments appear to be potential references to the annual Red Nose Day charity fundraising event in the UK.

Arguably the originator of this whole four-door coupe thing, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has spawned a myriad of imitators. Brands from Europe, North America, and Asia have adopted the style to their own offerings, with varying degrees of success. How does the brand from Stuttgart extend the reach and design influence?
By adding three important letters: AMG.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic is both a mouthful and the top of the CLS model range. Hop in as we spend a week with M-B’s swoopy über coupe, er, sedan.

What is it?
A four-door executive saloon as they would say across the pond, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic is powered by one of M-B’s best hand built V8 engines — the 5.5-liter Bi-Turbo V8 that is assembled by the AMG trolls (or are they elves?) in Affalterbach, Germany. As seen under the hood of the CLS AMG S, it produces 577 horsepower between 5,250 and 5,750 rpm, and 590 lb-ft of stump-pulling torque at a rather sluggish 2,000 rpm. That doesn’t mean that this muscle-bound V8 is lethargic, however. Instead, it shows the mill is all-in, without any major exertion, all the way up to 186 miles-per-hour.

While the standard CLS 550 and its V8 are equipped with a new nine-speed automatic transmission, our hot-rod was outfitted with its impossibly refined seven-speed AMG SpeedShift Multi-clutch Transmission (MCT) with paddle shift levers. Able to preload the clutch for the next gear change, it results in smoother and faster shifting and rev-matching under braking. Our charge was also equipped with AMG’s performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system and AMG Limited Slip Differential for sure-footedness under extreme loads and weather.

The CLS 63 rides on AMG’s Dynamic Sport Suspension system, featuring a three-link independent kit with struts and a stabilizer bar in front and a five-link independently variable air suspension with stabilizer in the rear. Driver adjustable with the click of a button, it can go from normal to sport and sport+ settings instantly. Further up on the center console is the AMG Drive Unit control knob where a driver can select comfort, sport, sport+ and manual drive modes that remap the throttle and transmission for specific drive parameters. Once a driver has settled on a favorite drive and suspension mode, the results can be stored and recalled by a simple press of the AMG button at the lower bout of the console.

Steering is through the AMG-tweaked Direct Steer power assisted and speed-sensitive rack and pinion setup.

Our sampler was equipped with various extras including 19-inch titanium AMG sport wheels, the Mercedes-Benz premium package with ventilated front seats, a multi-contoured driver’s seat, power folding mirrors, keyless entry and electronic trunk closer, as well as a driver assistance package that included assists for Distronic Plus with Steering, Active Blind Spot, Lane Keeping, Cross Traffic, Pre-Safe Plus, and Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian recognition.

And should all this performance hoo-hah not be your particular cup of tea, entry into the standard CLS 400 V6 Bi-Turbo lineup starts at a pauper-like $65,990, followed by the CLS 550 at $73,200. All-wheel-drive 4Matic models can be had with a $2,500 up charge.

What’s it up against?
Competitors in this arena include such other luxurious rides as the BMW 650i GranCoupe, the Audi A7, and Porsche’s Panamera. They are interspersed with high performance variants of the same from their respective performance divisions.

How does it look?
Being an innovator has a downside to its natural up: The cars tend to become dated rather quickly due to the pushing of the design envelope. As innovative as it was during its first-generation that began in 2004, it staled after seven years, to be replaced in 2011 with generation II that carries on today. Sharply creased lines add a freshness that had, like Elvis, left the building in the previous model. Through this second-gen, Mercedes has continued to further refine and tweak here and there, for a look that remains as contemporary as its competition.

For 2015, the CLS 63 AMG has been further chiseled and now features futuristically designed front LED headlamps that cut around a turn for best forward visibility and then redirect before the turn is completed for a further glimpse up the road.

Aside from the front-end revisions, the CLS 63 still incorporates the signature narrow sideview glass and swoopy roofline that spurred development of like-models from other brands. Other than a smallish trunk lid spoiler, red brake calipers and AMG-specific badging, you would have tough time distinguishing this from an anything-but average standard CLS.

And on the inside?
Further refinement occurs inside with the addition of a pedestal-mounted eight-inch display that sits atop the dash, rather than in it as it did in years past. We’re not sure it’s as elegant a solution as the former in-dash version, but it does bring it in line with other models of the Mercedes persuasion, including the new GLA and CLA models. Black ash wood trim helps to personalize it further and go along with the Designo (M-B’s design studio) bits and pieces that include a black Dinamica headliner and black semi-aniline leather with contrasting silver seat belts.

The multi-contour driver’s seat with moveable bolsters and lumbar support offered a variety of ways to get comfortable for a cross-country stint behind the three-spoke AMG sport wheel. Together with the passenger seat, they were both heated and ventilated for year-round comfort. Rear seat legroom was also good, but was only suitable for two in the back unless a third rider wanted to straddle the rear seat console (not recommended).

But does it go?
The phrase hot-rod isn’t one you would necessarily apply to a luxury European sedan, but in the case of the CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic, there’s definitely no getting around it. And why wouldn’t you? It is one of those rare creations where the high-performance Gods conspire to make magic on four wheels in a combination that is beautiful, with breathtaking performance to boot.

The jewel-like precision of the 5.5-liter Bi-Turbo presented us not with a dainty purr, but instead with a pugilist’s punch that resulted in neck-snapping acceleration. With a growl every bit as loud and boisterous as a NASCAR Sprint Cup entry, it’s a ride that seeks commands attention wherever it goes. And who doesn’t like attention? But that’s not all this car is about. In normal conditions, whether on city streets or highways, it acted like a docile kitten that was always just a steak-bite away from becoming a full-blown leopard devouring its next meal.

Acceleration was whiplash-inducing and managed to frighten several passengers during our week with this AMG sled. In place of the cylinder de-activation system found in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, ours was equipped with an ECO Stop/Start system that shuts down the engine at idle and then instantly fires it again as the foot is lifted from the brake pedal. Annoying from time to time, we aren’t quite sure if it helped us to achieve the 17.7 mpg average we saw from this brute that the EPA says is good for 16 city/ 22 highway.

Speaking of torque, at nearly 600 lb-ft, the CLS 63 AMG had enough to pull a freight train and go from zero to 60 mph in 3.7-seconds. Conversely, it had the braking power that was strong enough to stop one, as well. Sure, we exaggerate, but it was the kind of power that impresses.

Leftlane’s bottom line
Mercedes-Benz continues to refine a design that launched a bevy of imitators, poseurs and wanna-bes. With a swoopy design that offers good looks without a hint of what may lie beneath, the CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic does its best as a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG S 4Matic base price, $106,550. As tested, $116,510.
Designo Diamond White paint, $795; Premium Package, $3,740; AMG forged titanium wheels, Driver Assistance Package, $2,800; Destination, $925.

Honda has released a teaser for the next-generation Pilot, due to make its official debut at the Chicago Auto Show.
The teaser sketch shows significant changes to the Pilot’s exterior design, stepping away from the current model’s blocky form in favor of a more streamlined profile with sweeping lines.

Additional details remain scarce, though Honda vaguely promises new technology, improved safety, ‘class-leading’ fuel economy and enhanced versatility.

“Honda continues to fortify its light-truck lineup in 2015, this time turning our eye to the fast-growing family SUV segment,” said Honda VP Jeff Conrad. “The new Pilot will raise the bar in a segment it helped to create, with more innovation, style, premium features and family utility than ever before.”

The 2016 Pilot will be unveiled on February 12.