The electric transition is accelerating, but the internal combustion engine has not said its last word. This is at least the opinion of BMW which, without contesting the need to drastically reduce greenhouse gases, places a lot of hope in other sources of energy such as synthetic fuels. This preamble largely explains the return of the M2 to the catalog. A rather sharp second generation since it is powered by the turbocharged 3.0L inline six-cylinder to which BMW attaches, at the buyer’s choice, an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.

To take full advantage of the engine’s resources, the chassis and ground connections have been optimized. Pilot-assisted suspension is standard, along with progressive power steering and an electronically controlled differential. As for the interior, it is largely inspired by the M3/M4, but also the i4 M50. The traditional instrument cover is replaced by a large horizontal digital panel combining a 12.3-inch instrument screen and a 14.9-inch infotainment screen.

Ford isn’t throwing in the towel either. The automaker is offering a seventh-generation Mustang this year. And for good reason, the Mustang is currently the best-selling car in the world. The blue oval brand is revising its copy, but retaining the main attributes that have made this model so successful so far.

The convertible version remains (a rarity these days), as does the naturally aspirated 5.0L V8. The latter is offered on the GT version while the other trim levels still adopt the turbocharged 2.3L four-cylinder. This engine is associated exclusively with an automatic gearbox. Manual transmission services are retained only by the V8 engine.

Among the many changes made to this model, the interior presentation will undoubtedly be the one that will attract the most attention. The fully configurable instrumentation block inspired by game consoles is juxtaposed with a 13.2-inch central screen slightly curved towards the cockpit. In addition, for drifting enthusiasts, the Mustang inaugurates a new device that is particularly aimed at novices. The latter will be able to experience, in complete safety, the drifts of the rear axle when accelerating.

Still on the performance front, Acura will take the Type S version of its Integra to the streets this summer. This heavily Civic Type R-derived livery will also inherit the supercharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine. This will produce 320 hp and will drive, via a manual gearbox, only the front wheels.

This spring, General Motors (GM) is launching a major offensive in the urban utility category. This niche, where a third of sales are made in Quebec, welcomes a redesigned Encore GX that inaugurates Buick’s new aesthetic codes. This urban utility also adopts a refreshed interior. To seduce customers fond of small sweets and refinement, an Avenir version enriches the catalog of this utility vehicle.

For its part, Chevrolet reintroduces the Trax in its starting lineup. Completely transformed, this utility has nothing to do with its predecessor. The newcomer puts on a fuller body (more stylized too) which benefits its passengers and their luggage. On this subject, the Trax gives the occupants of the rear seat 7.6 mm more for their legs, while the volume of the trunk increases by 12%. Under the hood, there is a 1.2L three-cylinder (137 hp) that sends its power to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

The GM duo will find the Subaru Crosstrek on their way, which is also getting a makeover this spring. This is the third generation of this model. In addition to the new plastic (inside and outside) of this vehicle, note the presence of a reinforced chassis and a direction offering a better feeling to energize the behavior. In addition, modifications have been made to the all-wheel drive to improve its running speed. This drive mode is coupled with a torque vector and more efficient electronic management. Under the hood, Subaru retains the same mechanicals as the previous generation (2L and 2.5L), but these now only mate with the continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Clearly, the manual gearbox is gone.

Since the Crosstrek derives quite closely from the Impreza, no one will be surprised to learn that the Subaru compact is also subject to the same modifications. First unveiled just over 30 years ago, the Impreza now wears a single uniform (five doors) and is loaded with new safety features. Like the Crosstrek.

Finally, in the midsize pickup segment, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon are both getting a complete overhaul this season. The dimensions are revised upwards, the cabin is enriched with the latest technologies and the hood now opens only to accommodate a 2.7L four-cylinder engine supercharged by turbocharger. It retains exclusively the services of an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power and torque vary depending on the livery.