Our reporters empty their notebooks to round up this week's gossip from across the automotive industry
This week's industry gossip includes news of a possible return of the Panamericana name for Porsche, the next-generation Ford Ka, and what models could get Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’.
New Ford Ka
The next-generation Ford Ka will arrive in late 2016 or daly 2017, according to company sources.
The current Ka was developed in a partnership with Fiat, but it is understood that the new Ka will be a stand-alone Ford product.
Read more: Ford Ka review; Ford Edge SUV to launch in 2016
Audi A3 could get ‘virtual cockpit’
It is feasible that Audi’s ‘virtual cockpit’ technology will appear in smaller models.
The fully digital instrument cluster, regarded as one of Audi’s signature pieces, has been rolled out in the new Q7 and A4 and is likely to be available in the soon-to-be facelifted A3.
“We are looking very carefully at the interface so it can be integrated into smaller cars,” said head of electronics Ricky Hudi.
Read more: Audi Q7 review; Audi A4 review
F-Pace and C-X17 designed together
Jaguar designed the F-Pace and the C-X17 concept alongside one another rather than creating the production car after the concept.
Jaguar design chief Ian Callum said: “The C-X17 was done at the same time we were designing the F-Pace.
“For us, C-x17 was a really nice verification of what we were doing.”
Read more: Jaguar F-Pace full details; Jaguar F-Pace to spawn SUV family
Ingenium 2.0-litre diesel engine replaces 2.2-litre SD4 in Land Rover Discovery Sport
The 2.2-litre SD4 diesel engine that powered the Land Rover Discovery Sport at launch is no longer available.
Instead, the Ingenium 2.0-litre engine from the Jaguar XE in two states of tune is now the sole engine choice in the seven-seater.
Land Rover says all examples of the Discovery Sport with the old 2.2 engine have now been sold.
Read more: Land Rover Discovery Sport TD4 180 review; Jaguar XE 2.0d 180 Portfolio review
Porsche Panamericana name to return?
The Panamericana name could be in line for a return; Porsche has applied for a trademark for the name.
It last appeared on a concept car that was shown at the 1989 Frankfurt motor show and was designed to investigate a way to dramatically renew the looks and styling of the 911.
Read more: Porsche 911 facelift full details; The first, worst, fastest and best Porsche 911 GTs
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