A new report finds Porsche is in the very early stages of designing a back-to-the-basics 911 that will put a bigger focus on handling and driver involvement than on going around a track as quickly as possible.

The rumored 911 doesn’t have a name yet but British magazine Autocar reports it will be part of the GT range. However, it will forgo all of the aerodynamic add-ons seen on more extreme models like the GT3 RS (pictured) that was introduced in Geneva last March, and it will use the same narrow body as base-model, rear-wheel drive 911s.

“Back-to-the-basics” doesn’t mean Porsche will take on the Mazda MX-5. The 911 lineup will go almost all-turbo in the next few months, but the driver-focused model will reportedly use the same naturally-aspirated 3.8-liter flat-six engine that powers the standard GT3. Tuned to make about 475 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 324 lb-ft. of torque at 6,300 rpm, the six-cylinder will spin the rear wheels via a manual transmission, though it’s too early to tell if it will be a six- or a seven-speed unit.

Porsche has not commented on the report. If the rumor turns out to be true, the driver-focused 911 GT could be introduced as early as next year, meaning it will arrive in time for the 2017 model year.

Images leaked out of a patent office have given us the best look yet at the 2016 Mitsubishi Montero Sport.
The next Montero Sport will be based on the L200 pickup that’s sold in a number of global markets so it will retain the current model’s rugged body-on-frame construction. The front end will get a much more aerodynamic design inspired by the 2016 Outlander and the upcoming Outlander Sport, while the rear end will boast an upright hatch and vertical tail lamps that stretch from the belt line all the way down to the bumper. All told, Mitsubishi appears to have designed the most style-focused Montero Sport ever.

Mechanically, the Montero Sport will be offered with four-cylinder gasoline- and diesel-burning engines borrowed from the Japanese automaker’s parts bin, and a V6 will be offered in select markets. Both two- and four-wheel drive models will be available.

Mitsubishi is expected to introduce the next Montero Sport online this summer, and the SUV will greet the public for the first time next September at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Sport will go on sale globally before the end of the year, but it’s too early to tell whether it will return to the United States.

What’s next?

The Montero Sport will be followed by a brand new version of the full-size Montero that left our shores about a decade ago. Heavily inspired by the GC-PHEV concept, the Montero will be positioned as a Land Rover LR4 for buyers on a budget. It will feature body-on-frame construction, a generous amount of ground clearance and an available plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

Audi has released full details and pricing information for the 2016 Q3, refreshed for the latest model year.
The entry-level, front-wheel-drive Premium Plus trim now fetches $34,625 (including $925 freight), an increase of approximately $1,200 compared to the 2015 model.

Adding Quattro all-wheel-drive to the basic model brings the price up to $36,725, while the FWD and AWD Prestige packages command $39,525 and $41,625, respectively.

The compact crossover has received a new front fascia with redesigned headlights and a new grille, along with revised side skirts and rear lights. Audi’s 18-inch five-arm turbine-style wheels now come standard, while 19-inch ‘Offroad’ double-spoke wheels are available as an upgrade.

All trim levels feature xenon front lighting with LED DRLs and taillights, while the Prestige packages are now equipped with full LED headlights and dynamic rear turn signals. Front and rear parking sensors with a rearview camera also join the list of standard equipment for all variants.

The interior has been outfitted with ‘Alu-optic’ MMI controls, a new cargo cover and other tweaks. Buyers can also choose from a few new exterior and interior colors including Hainan Blue, Utopia Blue, Misano Red and Cuvee Silver.

All packages are still powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque.

The 2016 model is expected to soon begin rolling into showrooms around the US.

Large trucks and buses will soon be required to integrate electronic stability control (ESC) systems.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is promoting the new federal safety regulation, which is expected to save up to 49 lives and prevent 1,759 crashes each year.

“ESC is a remarkable safety success story, a technology innovation that is already saving lives in passenger cars and light trucks,” said US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Requiring ESC on heavy trucks and large buses will bring that safety innovation to the largest vehicles on our highways, increasing safety for drivers and passengers of these vehicles and for all road users.”

The National Transportation Safety Board has recommended such regulations for heavy-duty vehicles since 2011, following a requirement for light vehicles that took effect in 2012.

The technology, which detects when the vehicle begins to roll over or slide out of control, automatically applies brakes and controls throttle position to help counteract dangerous behavior. It is capable of engaging much faster than a human driver, and can brake individual wheels to minimize understeer or oversteer.

The NHTSA estimates that ESC could help prevent more than half of ‘untripped’ rollover crashes, which occur without striking an object or leaving the road.

The regulations will affect heavy trucks and large buses exceeding 26,000 pounds in gross weight. System compliance will be tested using a “J-turn” trial that replicates a curved highway off-ramp, presumably approached at high speed.

General Motors has released a teaser for its next-generation Chevrolet Cruze ahead of a formal unveiling later this month.
The redesigned compact sedan was already unofficially revealed last month, thanks to spy photographs from a photo shoot in Southern California.

The revised styling is consistent with Chevrolet’s latest design language, borrowing design elements from the Impala, Malibu and Volt. A more angular form, complete with a new grille and reshaped fog lights, is visible in the darkened teaser shot.

The 2016 model promises to be both larger and lighter than the current edition, with a range of new technologies, powertrains and safety features. It will be among the first Chevys to offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among other features aimed at young customers.

The Cruze is Chevrolet’s best-selling model, with global sales collectively surpassing 3.5 million units. US sales were up by 10 percent to 273,000 units last year, with 35 percent of buyers new to the brand.

“In every corner of the globe, Cruze has been successful at introducing new and younger customers to Chevrolet,” says Chevy brand chief Alan Batey. “By consolidating design, engineering and marketing efforts, we were able to produce an award-winning, value-driven sedan that won over customers around the world.”

The company will unveil the 2016 Cruze at a Detroit event on June 24.