CARS & CONCEPTS: New or refreshed vehicles from Nissan, Jaguar, M-B and more

The prototype of the next-generation Nissan Z car, shown above, takes many of its styling cues from the first-generation 240Z. As Nissan notes, the hood and teardrop-shaped LED lights are “unmistakable reminders” of the original, as is the car’s sil- houette. The interior, meanwhile, is designed to evoke a classic sports-car feel while offering modern conveniences, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The production car will get a twin-turbocharged V-6 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. An automatic will also be available.

JEEP GRAND WAGONEER CONCEPT

Jeep is using the Ram platform to resurrect the Grand Wagoneer nameplate as the brand prepares to move upstream in the full-size-utility space beginning next year. A concept version of the top-of-the-line Grand Wagoneer — topping out at more than $100,000 — includes a 10.25-inch infotainment screen on the passenger side that is shielded from the driver, which Jeep says is a first for a utility vehicle. The concept includes an “advanced electric-vehicle power- train,” according to the brand, allowing a “zero-emission, near-silent driving experience.” There will also be an entry-level Wagoneer model, although details have not been released.

2022 HYUNDAI TUCSON

The Elantra sedan has been the company’s top seller in Canada, but Hyundai hopes the new Tucson will take over that spot once it launches in the first half of 2021. There will be a 190-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylin- der engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and there will be two hybrid models. Front- and all-wheel drive will be available. Exterior design flourishes include new LED headlights that blend in with the grille unless turned on.

2021 MERCEDES-BENZ S-CLASS SEDAN

The S Class has long been a showcase of new technology and style for the luxury brand. For 2021, look no further than the redesigned sedan’s minimalist interior, which can be equipped with up to five screens, including a 12.8-inch infotain- ment display. Two models will be available at launch in Canada. The 500 4MATIC comes with a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six-cylinder engine, while the 580 4MATIC has a 4.0-litre V-8. Both reach a top speed of 250 km/h, according to Mercedes.

2021 JAGUAR F-PACE

For the crossover’s redesign, a 3.0-litre engine V-6 engine — paired with an eight-speed auto- matic transmission and all-wheel drive — replaces the V-6 and V-8 engines that were sourced from Ford. An 11.4-inch high-definition infotainment display is standard and the system can be updated over the air. Exterior changes include new headlights, taillights and hood. Jaguar sold 1,103 F-Pace crossovers in Canada in the first three quarters of 2020, accounting for 66 per cent of the brand’s total sales in that period, according to the Automotive News Data Center.