Adam's Autos

Welcome to Adam's Autos! "Where I rate autos to help YOU find an A-Rate ride!" Adam’s Autos is a creative medium dedicated to providing consumers with the appropriate information to make an informed new or used automotive purchase. Additionally, Adam’s Autos highlights and promotes local businesses, alongside a variety of today’s latest automotive trends and topics. I also discuss my own personal cars and projects. So fasten your seat belts! We're going for a ride!

Monday, December 28, 2020

An Assortment of Vehicles That Look Surprisingly Similar - Take 2

While car designs change significantly over time, some do end up looking eerily similar. Let's take another look at some vehicles that could be distant cousins if you squint your eyes enough.

1. Chevrolet Blazer, 4th Gen. Hyundai Santa Fe, Pontiac Aztek: What makes these vehicles look so similar is the their split headlight design and imposing grilles. I've made a separate post on how the Pontiac Aztek has basically inspired this modern SUV trend, so check that one out too. Here's the link: https://www.adamsautos.org/2020/08/its-amazing-that-pontiac-aztek-looks.html

2. BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, Kia Forte: This is an ironic comparison because the Kia is actually the vehicle that came out first! Thus, did BMW copy Kia on this one? Maybe. You can really look at the front grilles and headlight shapes and see similarities.

3. Ford Escape, Kia Sportage, Porsche Macan, Tesla Model Y: All of these vehicles are compact crossovers, but two compete in the mainstream segment and two in the luxury segment. One of these is also an electric vehicle. However, what they all share in common is their basic shape, their front grille designs (even though the Tesla doesn't really have a grill, you can still see the basic shape of one), and their headlight shape and design. If I had to guess, I'd say the Ford, Kia and Tesla are trying to imitate the Porsche, which was released first.

4. 2021 Nissan Rogue, 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Palisade: The 2021 Nissan Rogue and 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander are sibling vehicles, sharing a common platform. However, maybe we should see if the Hyundai Palisade is a distant cousin, because there's definitely a family resemblance there with their split headlight design and bold chrome grille designs.

5. All midsize and large sedans are starting to look like a catfish!: Ok, maybe this one is half-hearted, but still you can't deny it! In an effort to look sportier due to SUV popularity, car manufacturers are making their sedans look a bit "overstyled" in my opinion. I'm not sure if "aggressive catfish" is the right design language to attract new buyers to your product. Let's also not forget the current Toyota Avalon in this group despite it not being pictured...

What are some vehicles that you know of that look similar? Keep an eye out for these models on the roads while you travel!

3-In-1 = Automotive Fun: 3 More New Cars Coming Soon

Let’s talk about 3 more new cars coming soon.

2022 Honda Civic

One of the most popular cars in the world, the Honda Civic was last redesigned in 2016. An all new Civic is due out in 2022 and has been previewed by the Honda Civic Prototype. I’m seeing more automakers show off a “prototype” model that looks very close to production. Lincoln did this with the Navigator and Continental and now Honda has done this with the Insight and Civic. Styling of the 2022 Civic to me looks similar to the ninth generation Accord, which entered production in 2013.

Honda says this new Civic will not be any larger than the outgoing model, but it will handle and perform better than the outgoing model. If true, that’s welcome news, but not because the current Honda Civic drives bad. I’ve driven the current Civic in fact, and it is one of the sportier compact sedans I’ve driven, even in its non-sporty trims. Civic will keep its Si and Type R trims with manual transmissions, so fans can rejoice. A dual-clutch automatic transmission may also be offered; however, the Civic coupe is dead after 2020 and won’t return. Other features that will be offered in the Civic are a digital gauge cluster and upgraded Honda Sensing driver-assist technology.

Powertrains and pricing are still unknown, but something tells me that the Civic’s current 1.5L turbo engine will carry over in some capacity. AWD will not be offered according to Honda.

2022 Infiniti QX55

Infiniti has been missing from the “crossover coupe” game for many years now since the FX ended production, but that changes for 2022. The new QX55 SUV is a crossover coupe that will compete with vehicles such as the also-coming-soon Audi Q5 Sportback. Overall, the QX55 is based on the QX50 crossover, but obviously, it’s more sleek styling sets it apart along with other cues such as a larger grille up front and most notably, standard AWD. Common between the two SUVs is Nissan/Infiniti’s variable-compression turbo four-cylinder engine, good for 268 HP. I’ve actually driven this engine in the QX50 and I found it to be responsive, though the engine has a very unique sound to it… Not sure I liked it, but some might. The QX50 rode smooth, but I wouldn’t call it “fun” – it definitely was focused more on a “luxurious-feeling” driving experience. Infiniti’s dual-screen infotainment system required somewhat of a learning curve to look at both screens. The bottom screen has all your radio controls and hard buttons, but at least Android Auto/Apple CarPlay are now standard in the QX55. I like the interior styling of the QX55, but definitely adjust your radio and other essential controls before you start to drive in these new Infiniti cars I say.

Faux leather seats are standard in the base trim, but in mid-trim models will have real leather seats and top-trim Sensory trims will have semi-aniline leather. This is a trend that seems to follow suit in other Infiniti models, as well as across other luxury automakers, such as Lincoln. Pricing is unknown at this time, but I would say its safe to bet that the QX55 will likely cost more than a QX50, like other coupe-crossover SUVs. For good measure, a FWD 2021 QX50 starts at $37,950 ($39,950 for an AWD model).

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

Originally shown as a concept earlier this year after Ford unveiled its new Bronco (see this Adam’s Autos link about the Bronco- ), Jeep is now putting a V8 under the hood of its popular Wrangler. Specifically, it’ll be getting FCA’s 6.4L Hemi V8 with 470 HP. This is the same engine that’s found in the Dodge’s vehicles Jeep’s own Grand Cherokee SRT. Jeep says the Wrangler 392 will hit 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds. Wild for a Wrangler! It’ll only be offered in a four-door Rubicon model, but it’ll sit one inch higher than a regular Rubicon, have Fox shocks with Dana 44 axles, and ride on 33-inch all-terrain tires. In order to be strong enough to accommodate the V8, Jeep had to strengthen the Wrangler’s body with additional steel. Other standard and available features on the Wrangler 392 will be leather seats, FCA’s 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment screen with Jeep’s Off-Road Pages, and of course – plenty of aftermarket accessories.

Expect to see the Wrangler Rubicon 392 early next year, and in Wrangler fashion, it won’t come cheap. Prices will likely be in the $60,000+ range… No word from Jeep on a Gladiator Rubicon 392. Personally, that’s the one I’d be most interested in.

Which of these new cars are you looking forward to the most?

Update 3/1/21: Its official - the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Launch Edition will cost $74,995. WOW! I bet they're going to sell every one of these too and it'll hold its value well because it's a Jeep Wrangler, after all.

3-In-1 = Automotive Fun: 3 New Cars Coming Soon

New cars are always on the horizon, but let’s talk about 3 in particular that are coming soon.

2021 Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer

A hotly anticipated revival, the 2021 Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer will be the largest and most luxurious Jeeps offered. Last time the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer names were used by Jeep was for the 1991 model year. The concept that was revealed looks fairly close to what the production model may look like I imagine. However, no wood panels are to be found – sorry! Two body lengths will be offered and competitors will be other large luxurious SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator and Range Rovers. The concept vehicle is a plug-in hybrid, but something tells me we can expect to see HEMI engines under the hood of this big SUV too. Inside the Grand Wagoneer concept interior, you’ll find teak wood, large touchscreens (including a 10+ inch touchscreen for the front passenger), and a 23-speaker McIntosh sound system. There’s even a map of Detroit printed in the Grand Wagoneer’s panoramic glass roof.

Pricing is expected to start around $60,000 for Wagoneer models and top out at over $100,000+ for Grand Wagoneer models. Jeep also showed off the Wrangler 4xe Plug-In Hybrid the same day as Grand Wagoneer, but we still have yet to see the redesigned 2021 Grand Cherokee. The Grand Wagoneer is expected to arrive next year.

Speaking of next year – if you hadn’t heard, FCA is merging with Groupe PSA in Q1 2021 to form “Stellantis”, the world’s fourth largest automaker. This is a pretty cool merger in my opinion, consisting of brands such as Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Opel, Dodge, Peugeot, and many more. FCA has also stepped up their reliability it seems, and is now winning quality awards with their Dodge, Ram and Jeep brands. We’ll see if any new EVs come from this new merger, if product quality continues to improve, and also if Peugeot is able to make a resurgence in the U.S. any time soon as a result. I predict that some of their models may come here as rebadged Chrysler models, as that brand is desperately in need of some more products.

2022 GMC Hummer EV

GM is reviving the HUMMER brand under the GMC portfolio as the GMC HUMMER EV. If you recall, the HUMMER brand was dropped during GM’s 2009 restructuring, along with fellow brands Pontiac, Saturn and SAAB. HUMMER used to be a poster child for gas guzzling SUVs in the 2000s, but that’s all about to change now. The HUMMER EV was first teased in an ad featuring Lebron James earlier this year. Since then, we’ve gotten other ads and information that have revealed more info on the upcoming EV super truck. Its reported that the HUMMER EV will have 1,000 HP and 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque, making it go 0-60 in 3 seconds. Other features include modular sky panels, Adrenaline Mode, Crab Mode four-wheel steering, Ultra Vision camera and super-fast charging. Also, Epic Games Unreal Engine will be used to run the infotainment system in the HUMMER EV – the same engine used for Fortnite if you didn’t know.

The HUMMER EV will be released in the fall of 2021 with a full official reveal in October 2020. It’ll compete with the likes of Rivian’s new R1T. We’ll see if GM can become the king of this new “outdoor adventure EV super truck segment” similar to how they run the full-size SUV segment. Something tells me Chevrolet will also release an EV truck in the future too, no doubt.

Update: Here’s the official GMC HUMMER EV! It’ll also have GM’s next generation Super Cruise system and the Launch Edition will have a price of about $112,000. More affordable models will launch in the coming model years. Expected EV range is 350 miles.

2022 Hyundai Tucson

Maybe its just me, but I see some SAAB in the rear end of this new Tucson...

Crossovers are of course very popular, so a full redesign for Hyundai’s Tucson compact CUV should only attract more buyers. The 2022 Tucson incorporates some design cues from the Hyundai Vision T concept and further implements Hyundai’s design strategy where every vehicle has its own style. I imagine the upcoming Santa Cruz pickup will feature some of this design language, too. The new Tucson will be available with gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. All gas models will use a 2.5L four-cylinder with 178 HP and 182 lb.-ft. of torque. Hybrid models will use a 1.6L turbo paired with the SUV’s hybrid system to make a combined 229 HP and 258 lb.-ft. of torque. AWD will be offered on some models. Tucson’s main selling point over its rivals will undoubtedly be its styling. Its bold and futuristic, with LED running lights and headlights on some models that seamlessly blend in with the grill and a full LED light bar at the rear. Inside, you can find an 8-inch or 10.3-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Its sporty and unique and I personally think that’s great. If all that is not enough for you, a Tucson N-Line performance model will be released too and will offer the same 2.5L turbo inline-four cylinder with 290 HP found in the Sonata N-Line. Expect the 2022 Tucson to launch in the U.S. in the early part of 2021.

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Other noteworthy mentions include the 2021 Kia Sorento, VW ID.4, Tesla Model S Plaid, Lucid Air, Tesla Cybertruck (this thing looks weird lol), Nissan Z Proto, and the 2023 Ford F-150 EV. Tell me about what new cars you’re anticipating most!

Opinion: 5 to 6 Seconds 0-60 MPH Isn’t Really THAT Slow

I’m seeing more and more people talking about how 0 to 60 in 5 seconds is “slow”. In my mind, this really isn’t slow. Think about it – a lot of sporty cars from the 2000s ran 0-60 in 5 seconds or 6 seconds. Now, we have many regular cars like the Camry V6 and crossovers are this quick nowadays.

I believe the main issue here is that we now live in a world where we have Teslas and Porsches that do 0 to 60 in 2 SECONDS or so, making a 5 to 6 second 0 to 60 SEEM slower. But keep in mind – many of those EVs and supercars that are that fast cost well over six figures, which is well outside of most normal individual’s budgets. I’m willing to bet that if you bought something like a Honda Accord Sport with its 2.0 turbo engine and floored it, that most of your passengers will be surprised at how quick it is for a mainstream vehicle.

Let's Talk EV News!

EVs are growing in market share. Let's discuss a few in this post!

Let’s talk about some EV news!

First up, Hyundai Motor Group has 23 new BEVs planned for release in the next several years. All of these vehicles will ride on the company’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and be sold under the Hyundai, Kia and Genesis brands. This platform is rear-wheel drive (RWD) based and HMG plans to sell 1 million EVs by 2025. Both SUVs and sedans will be built on this platform and the first vehicle ride on the E-GMP will be part of the new Hyundai Ioniq family of EVs.

Second, Tesla has paused production of the Model X and S. This pause will last from December 24th to January 11th. Interest in the Model 3 and Y is likely higher due to the lower cost of those cars (relatively speaking). Keep in mind also that the government EV subsidies have expired for Tesla, so any help you’d get bringing down the cost of a $100,000+ Tesla is virtually evaporated. That’s why the Model 3 and Y are more attractive.

In other EV news, the Mercedes-Benz EQS is an upcoming EV sedan that will compete with the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S. Jaguar is also planning an all-electric version of the XJ sedan. A part of me was wondering, “why does every new EV have to be a crossover?” I feel that Lincoln and Cadillac should consider throwing their hat into the EV luxury sedan game rather than giving up entirely on sedans. That’d be cool!

Would you ever buy an EV?

Update 2/16/21: Jaguar has cancelled the upcoming XJ EV sedan. And after being delayed for some time, Mercedes-Benz has decided to delay the EQC EV SUV indefinitely for the U.S. market due to changes in the market. The market for electric vehicles is still developing and quite frail in terms of charging infrastructure, so I think when this changes some more and we have more mass access to charging stations, we'll see the EQC here. Its a sharp SUV, but sales of EV SUVs in the U.S. have been quite insignificant minus the Tesla Model X and Y.

Friday, December 25, 2020

Happy Holidays!

From my family to yours, Merry Chrysler! I mean... Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I also pray you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and will have a Happy New Year.

Check out this classic Cadillac wagon at McDonald Cadillac in Saginaw, MI. Very festive I must say!

Monday, December 21, 2020

The Volkswagen Passat is Dead after 2023

The midsize VW Passat isn't long for this world as the company pivots to EVs and SUVs.

Volkswagen has stated that its Passat sedan will be no more in the United States “by the end of the decade”. It looks as if its demise will come sooner than later - by the 2023 model year. Its worth noting that an all-new Passat is already under development on the company’s MQB platform, but now Americans won’t get it. As you may guess, the primary reason for the Passat’s departure is… wait for it… growth in SUV popularity. Especially given the success of the VW Atlas family, which is actually quite a solid line of SUVs I must say. VW also plans to go all-in on electric vehicles and is retooling its factory in Tennessee to build EVs. However, I feel there’s other reasons that the Passat is going away in the U.S. that VW is hesitant to acknowledge...

I believe the most understated reason the Passat is going away is that the current Passat isn’t really the most "interesting" vehicle per se... While it is very roomy, it doesn’t feel quite as upscale as past Passats and it also doesn’t really offer anything super impressive or unique over its competition. Passat also only offers one engine, down from three several years back – a 2.0T making 174 HP, which is way less power than competing 2.0L turbo engines which routinely make 250+ HP. Now, I’m sure that there’s going to be some “Passat enthusiast” out there that’s been buying them since they came out back in 1990 that’ll be crushed that the Passat is going away, but I’m just not convinced this car is a major loss for Volkswagen at the moment. At least not in the American market given its sales vs. VW's SUVs.

Is it just me, or does the name
"Arteon" sound like a Pokemon?
Like Umbreon? Jolteon? Beautiful car, regardless. Hope
VW sells every one they make.

Most notably, Passat lacks an AWD option, which the larger and more luxurious (and personally, I must say STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL) VW Arteon fastback sedan and virtually every SUV these days does offer. Offering a redesigned Passat with AWD would ultimately cannibalize Arteon sales during a time where sedan sales are already sliding. Others have keenly noted that we also get a “watered down, Americanized Passat” vs. other areas of the world, such as Europe, which gets a very nice Passat (because sedans are not declining quite as fast in other world markets unlike the U.S.). However, we get the same Arteon as the rest of the world, making it a nicer alternative to the American Passat sedan if you’re willing to pay a little more. Honestly, I’m surprised VW is letting the Passat hang on that long into the decade. Something tells me we may get a “farewell edition” in 2022/2023. In the meantime, deals should be sweet.

The 2021 VW Passat starts at $22,995. Will you miss it when its gone? #Sedanapocalypse

Update 2022: The VW Passat is officially dead in the U.S. - production at VW's Chattanooga plant ended in early 2022. The factory will now turn to producing the ID.4 electric CUV.

The Jaguar XE and XF Sportbrake Wagon are Dead in the U.S. after 2020

Jaguar becomes the latest brand to drop two cars in the U.S. market.

If you haven’t heard, the Jaguar XE sedan and XF Sportbrake wagon are dead in the U.S. market after 2020. The reason why is pretty simple and its one we’ve heard many times now – sedans and wagons just can’t keep up with SUV sales. SUVs are the clear preferred vehicle of choice for buyers these days, along with trucks. I honestly rarely ever see Jaguar sedans on the road, so I can’t say I’m surprised about this.

The existing Jaguar E-Pace compact crossover and a refreshed 2021 XF midsized sedan will take over for the compact XE sedan after its discontinued. The price of the XF sedan has also been cut by $7,105 to $45,145 and it loses its V6 engine, further lowering the price. An all-electric XJ sedan is supposed to be coming in the future, so stay tuned. #Sedanapocalypse

SPOTTED: Rare Rides Take 9 & New GM Cars

In another installment of rare rides, let's look at some recent GM cars that have come out and also some older ones and custom rides.

In the first picture, you can see the new C8 Corvette, Cadillac CT4 V-Series (due to the clear taillights), Buick Encore GX, and the new Chevy Tahoe/Suburban headlights at night.

In the second picture, I spotted a variety of vehicles, including an old Jaguar, the Tesla Model Y, Saab 9-7x, new Ford F-150, a Pontiac Wave sedan from Canada, and the Bentley Bentayga among other rides (including a Daewoo).

In the final picture, we have an assortment of custom cars, including a Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum, a Rolls-Royce and a Corvette. I must say, I like the custom Chevys here the best. The Dodges are pretty... Ummm, let's just say fabulous. In the wrong ways I feel. The Jeep Wrangler doesn't look overly bad, but isn't quite my style in neon green.

Have you seen any custom or rare rides lately?

Volvo Wagons: Throughout the Years

Volvo's wagons are very nice vehicles and a solid alternative to SUVs. Here's how Volvo's wagons have evolved throughout the years. I really like the V90 and I'm usually no big fan of wagons.

Friday, December 18, 2020

GMC SUV Barrage

Apparently all of the GMC SUV owners decided to get pizza this night. Hungry? Howies! You also get to see how the Acadia has changed in its design (in the rear at least.) #Acadia #Terrain #GMC

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Cadillac Escalade: Throughout the Years

Here’s a visual collage of the Cadillac Escalade throughout the years - from 1999 to 2021. For good reference, I also included the Escalade EXT truck. Quite a transformation, but its still king of the hill. The 2021 Escalade in the final picture I saw at McDonald Cadillac in Saginaw, MI.

Bonus: Look at the photos below of the Cadillac Allante, Eldorado and CTS for another visual of how Caddy's design language has evolved throughout the years. The Allante was partially assembled in Italy by Pininfarina and then flown over to Detroit for completion. It was a very expensive model for GM to produce and its quite rare to see one these days.