The Continental: A Maserati by Fendi, a Diesel A6 for the U.S., and More Diesel Hybrids

The Continental: A Maserati by Fendi, a Diesel A6 for the U.S., and More Diesel Hybrids: "

Each week, our German correspondent slices and dices the latest rumblings, news, and quick-hit driving impressions from the other side of the pond. His byline may say Jens Meiners, but we simply call him . . . the Continental.

Maserati is coming back strong. Company sources confirm that a lot of new product will hit dealers beginning in late 2012. The procession starts with the sixth-generation Quattroporte, which will be followed by an SUV derived from the Jeep Grand Cherokee—and built in the U.S. (just like the Chrysler TC by Maserati). A more compact sedan is also in the works. If it manages to hide any Chrysler roots, the concept of a compact, powerful, and super-luxurious Maserati sedan is quite appealing. Less appealing is the idea of a diesel engine, but diesels for the SUV and the compact sedan can’t be ruled out entirely.

We will get treated to more insights into the company’s strategy before the new Maseratis are launched. Expect some more info out in October. Before that, at the Frankfurt auto show, the Italians will show two variations of the GranTurismo convertible styled by Fendi. Yep, a convertible styled by a handbag maker. Ahem. Would you really care to be seen in one of those?

A Designers Moves Up at VW

Luc Donckerwolke, chief designer of VW’s Spanish subsidiary SEAT, will be leading the Volkswagen Group’s Advanced Design from August 1st, reporting directly to VW chief designer Walter de’ Silva. The 46-year-old designer previously worked on various Audi and Škoda models before joining Lamborghini in 1998, where he became chief designer in 2003. The Murciélago’s exterior is entirely his proposal. In 2005, Donckerwolke moved to the struggling SEAT brand, where he created a new, dynamic, and angular styling language.

Donckerwolke will need to coordinate the future design themes of all of the VW Group’s brands, a formidable task for the hard-core car enthusiast, whose own collection consists of a Lamborghini Miura, a Lamborghini Espada, and a Fiat 850 Coupé.

Audi A6 Models for the U.S.

An Audi source has confirmed to me that the A6 Avant station wagon won’t come to the U.S., but an A6 sedan with the 3.0-liter turbo-diesel will. Expect a “clean diesel” with 225 to 250 hp, such as on the Q7; in the long run, however, there is hope for Europe’s twin-turbocharged 3.0 TDI. This 313-hp powerhouse is an awesome engine and takes the A6 into sports-car territory.

Another Diesel Hybrid

One reason Europeans don’t quite get hybrids is the fact that nonhybridized diesels typically get even better mileage than gasoline hybrids, without the cost penalty and complexity of the electrification. If you do a hybrid, go all the way, says Peugeot: the French company has announced a second diesel hybrid after the 3008 Hybrid4 compact MPV. The 508 RXH is based on the 508 station wagon; it is powered by a 200-hp diesel-electric powertrain that drives all four wheels. The hybrid module is supplied by Bosch. The RXH is the most expensive and most versatile of the 508s. Fuel economy in the European combined cycle will be close to 60 mpg, says Peugeot. By the way, Volvo plans to offer a diesel hybrid as well. Don’t count on it coming to the U.S., even though gasoline hybrids would pale by comparison.

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