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.

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