CATastrophe: Every Jaguar Is Discontinued, Minus F-Pace

If you want a new Jaguar, now might be the time to act. Every model, minus the F-Pace (top left)
is headed to the big car graveyard in the sky.

When was the last time you’ve seen a new Jaguar on the road? If your answer was “I’m not sure”, I’m with you. And apparently that’s the case for most of the rest of the population too, as Jaguar is officially euthanizing every model in its lineup besides the F-Pace SUV.

What's the Plan?

If you aren’t aware of what models the British automaker has on offer for 2024, currently you can get the XE sedan, XF sedan, XF Sportbrake wagon (Europe), F-Type sports car, E-Pace compact SUV, F-Pace midsize SUV, and the I-Pace EV SUV. According to Jaguar’s CEO, Adrian Mardell, these models (minus the F-Pace, presumably) make no money for the company. The last F-Type has already been built. Jaguar had previously said that by 2025 they would be an all-EV brand. It doesn’t appear as if the company will make that milestone, but transitioning by the beginning of the next decade is still within reach. Currently, there are new models in development - a luxury gran tourer and a large SUV.

The JLR conglomerate wants Jaguar to eventually compete with Bentley - which seems slightly ambitious to me since currently, most of Jaguar’s cars are more “entry or midrange luxury” in classification vs. “exclusive high-end luxury”. Under the new JLR strategy, Jaguar would sell less than 50,000 cars annually, making them fairly niche.

So… do you think this is a wise move for Jag? Personally, I’m just gonna say no. The brand is already very niche as is, and with other automakers with a larger footprint (GM, Ford, VW etc.) now rethinking their “all-in on EVs by 2030” strategies, I’m not sure why JLR is convinced that Jaguar, of all brands, can compete by flying even more under the radar with a smaller footprint and even more expensive EV models and one ICE SUV… Time will tell. I drove the I-Pace EV several years back as part of my product development research and walked away mostly impressed. Jaguar is a brand with a rich heritage of performance and racing, we will see if they can build a new legacy looking ahead.

Copyright © 2024 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

We Are Losing Two More Sedans

Both the Chevrolet Malibu and Subaru Legacy will be driving into the sunset soon. Both
vehicles are two of the longer running nameplates in the midsize sedan class - Malibu being one of the originals.

The sedan battle is still cooling off, and as a result we’re losing two more. Subaru has announced that the Legacy will come to an end after the 2025 model year while Chevrolet has also announced that the Malibu will end production in November 2024. The Legacy will not be replaced. I’m surprised that the Malibu will be discontinued, however, as its sales figures actually INCREASED vs. last year. Currently, Malibu is actually the third best selling Chevrolet model behind the Silverado and Equinox, respectively – moving over 130,000 units per year.

Legacy's Story

The Subaru Legacy’s… well, ‘legacy’… Dates back to 1989 in the United States. It was largely responsible for putting Subaru on the map vs. competing brands back in the 90s. However, nowadays the Legacy appears to be more of an afterthought in the minds of buyers, as only just over 25,000 units were moved last year. These days, Subaru is committing themselves to SUVs and electric vehicles, meaning that low sellers such as the Legacy cannot stick around. The Impreza compact sedan and WRX seem to be safe right now. The Legacy’s primary selling point, being the only non-rally/outdoorsy themed vehicle in Subaru’s lineup besides the Impreza, is the fact that it came with standard AWD vs. other vehicles. However, we see now that even standard AWD can’t save you from the “sedanapocolypse”… In the past, you were able to get some pretty sporty versions of the Legacy, however. Modern Legacy play the role of a traditional sedan more than anything else.

Malibu's Story

Malibu has a much longer history. The nameplate was first introduced back in the 1960s as an upscale version of the Chevelle, then became its own standalone model later. After being originally discontinued in 1983, the Malibu name returned in 1997 as a replacement for the Corsica and was sold alongside the Lumina until the 2001 model year, shortly after the Impala was reborn to replace the Lumina for the 2000 model year. Most recently, the Malibu was redesigned for the ninth-generation in 2016 and received a refresh in 2019. An often forgotten about hybrid Malibu was sold until the 2019 model year. You could also get a pretty potent 2.0T engine up until 2022, but now the Malibu only gets a 1.5T engine with 163 HP and a CVT vs. a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Malibu has been produced at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas City, alongside the Cadillac XT4. However, the plant will be retooled to build the Ultium-platform based Chevrolet Bolt in 2025.

I’m not terribly surprised the Legacy is going away, given Subrau’s brand focus and its sales numbers. Its also not a particulary interesting car vs. even many SUVs, if we’re being honest. The Malibu, is a surprise and I’m finding myself rather sad actually. I used to dislike the Malibu when I was a kid, growing up in the 90s and 2000s. It just always looked so “basic” to me… My first car before my Aura was actually a 2005 Malibu Classic, that was actually pretty quick. But to think that the Malibu is the last mainstream American sedan standing and now it’s going away is sad. I suspect it’s because manufacturers make bigger profits on SUVs and trucks, so it of course makes more sense to invest in something that’s going to turn a profit vs. something that will take longer to pay off the development costs. I think a “Gen. 10” Malibu SS with AWD and the GM 2.7 Turbo Max engine would’ve been interesting. 

Nonetheless, will you miss the Legacy or Malibu? The sedanapocolypse rolls on…

Good Car Bad Car sales figures for midsize sedans: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/2023-us-midsize-car-sales-figures/

Copyright © 2024 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Gone With the Wind: Kia Rio Discontinued in N.A.

The Rio represents what Kia initially stood for - affordable transportation. Nowadays, Kia is trending more upmarket.

It has been officially announced by Kia that the subcompact Rio sedan and hatchback line will not return for the 2024 model year. The also-small, but slightly larger Kia Forte will soldier on as the brand’s lone compact sedan offering (it may be called the Kia K4). The Kia Soul also appears to be safe as the brand’s other entry-level offering.

I figured this news was coming soon, as the Rio’s sibling vehicle, the Hyundai Accent, was discontinued last year. I also remember hearing talks while I worked at Hyundai/Kia about dropping the subcompact sedans to focus on electrifying the lineups and on SUVs. The compact sedan segment in particular has shrunk significantly in the last several years.

While not necessarily the saddest loss in the automotive world, this is noteworthy, as “inexpensive cars” are essentially what put Kia on the map back in the 90s. Now granted, those were not particularly good cars in those days vs. today… The current Rio is a solid, affordable entry level car. However, it really highlights a change in consumer tastes and that Kia feels it’s ok to now walk away from their “old bread and butter” to embrace what’s coming. Unfortunately for consumers, what’s coming is more expensive cars…

Like I mentioned previously, if you’ve been paying attention, the compact sedan segment has virtually disappeared in recent years in favor of SUVs. Some have taken the Hyundai route and converted their least expensive offerings into crossovers/SUVs (Venue). There are fewer and fewer new cars that can be had for around $20,000. Couple that with a tough used car market and high interest rates, and buying a car could be a tough task right now…

My advice is to always do your research. Know which dealers are doing markups and what your needs in are. Also, don’t be afraid to negotiate! Especially on cars that might be ending production or slow-sellers, like the Rio.

Farewell Rio - hopefully we won’t have to say goodbye to all affordable cars too soon.

Here's probably one of the last new Kia Rios you'll see on a car lot!

Copyright © 2023 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Say Goodbye to the Mercedes CLS

Production of the CLS will officially end on August 31st, 2023.

Mercedes-Benz has officially confirmed that the CLS will end production after the 2023 model year. There’s only one CLS model you can choose from in the lineup: the CLS450, which has a 3.0L inline six-cylinder engine making 362 HP. If you’re wondering why the CLS is going away, just ask yourself, “when is the last time I’ve seen one of these on the road?” Mercedes is clearly taking this opportunity to focus more on their SUV line and EQ electric vehicles.

I remember when the CLS came out originally back in the 2000s. The styling was very aggressive and elegant - personally, I believe it inspired all of the “coupe SUVs” we see rolling around these days, as well. This car won’t be replaced once it ends production in late August, so if you have the spare change, snag one while you can.

Copyright © 2023 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

2024 Hyundai Sonata - One Last Hail Mary

Sedan sales continue to circle the drain vs. SUVs... But Hyundai is preparing one final push for
relevance with the 2024 Sonata.

Sedans sales are still sliding, and rumors are swirling that Hyundai and Kia might discontinue the Sonata and K5, respectively, after the 2025 model year. This would leave only the Japanese sedans (Camry, Accord, Altima, Legacy) as the sole competitors in the midsized segment. Although the Malibu could get a surprise 10th generation as well…

Until these answers all become clearer, what we do have some certainty on is that there is going to be a refresh for the 2024 Sonata, and it draws inspiration from the redesigned Kona with a full width light bar up front as part of its lighting signature. The overall look for me seems like something out of a Star Wars cartoon/movie now – I worked in product planning a Hyundai/Kia when the current Sonata generation launched and I remember how the LED running lights running up the fender was so dynamic looking the first time I saw it on the pre-facelift. On the inside, there’s now a new steering wheel design complimented by a curved display comprised of two 12.3-inch screens, as we’ve seen gradually creeping its way into other Hyundai/Kia/Genesis products. The powertrain lineup is expected to remain the same: that consists of a base 2.5L inline four-cylinder, a 1.6L turbocharged inline four-cylinder, and a 2.5L turbo inline four-cylinder in the N-Line trims. The hybrid models will also likely carryover, but no PHEV.

First Impressions Matter

How do you like the refreshed Sonata? It looks like they left everything that matters most intact (powertrain, comfort, etc.), while changing the bits that will enhance style the most. I believe I like the non-N-Line look the best this time around (the silver car in the middle picture), it’s very sharp. I see some Lucid Air influence! Also, I think it would be great if Hyundai went ahead and offered AWD on the Sonata like its sibling, the Kia K5. As many of you are aware, I have a Kia K5 AWD with the 1.6T engine and I find it to be a great car – the 1.6T from Hyundai/Kia is one of my favorite powertrains. Pair it with the corporate hybrid system and AWD, like in the Tucson SUV, and I feel like you would have something special for a midsize sedan.

While I doubt that this refresh will move the bar overall for the Sonata in terms of its popularity vs. its SUV counterparts, I do hope it inspires Hyundai to stay in the sedan market a little longer. I’m also looking forward to seeing what the Kia K5 refresh looks like. Although Kia’s refreshes have been a little less endearing to me, as I think their vehicles are as aesthetically perfect as they can get right now.

Here's a look at the front of the pre-refresh Sonata.

And a look at the facelifted rear end - I like the "racing flag" matrix pattern in the taillights, where the outgoing model just had a continuous LED lightbar without any sort of pattern.

#sedanapocolypse

Copyright © 2023 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Wasp Spray: Say Goodbye to the Kia Stinger After 2023

The Kia Stinger was introduced for the 2018 model year. 2023 will be its last.

It’s been rumored for some time, but now the inevitable is confirmed and the 'sedanapocalypse' rolls on. 

The Kia Stinger is no more after the 2023 model year - its sales have always been lukewarm, but Kia's new EV6 and other popular SUV options likely put the nail in the coffin more than this car having a "Kia" badge on the front did. Still, the Kia Stinger has been a really key model for brand in their quest to turn around their market image since it was introduced for the 2018 model year. The Stinger is positioned as a sporty, upscale, entry-level luxury sedan competitor to the likes of the BMW 3 and 4-series, Audi A4 and A5 Sportback, Volkswagen Arteon and the Cadillac CT5. I’ve also seen some people cross-shop the Stinger with the Dodge Charger, ironically. Its sibling vehicle is the Genesis G70 and it will live on.

To commemorate the Stinger, Kia will release the “Stinger Tribute Edition”, which will feature special interior and black exterior treatments. Only 1,000 units of these special edition Stingers will be built for the GLOBAL market, making it all the more exclusive. Only the 3.3TT V6 with 368 HP will be offered in the Tribute Edition and two colors will be offered – Ascot Green and a new hue called Moonscape matte grey. For the interior, the Stinger’s dashboard and door trim has new carbon-fiber accents and a Terracotta-colored leather seat is standard. On the seats, you will find a new wasp-shaped logo, meant to go hand-in-hand with the “Stinger” name.

Are you sad to see the Stinger go? I have put the link to Kia’s press release on the Stinger Tribute Edition below. I’ll be honest: The Stinger has personally never been my favorite Kia model – that honor belongs to the Optima/K5. But I’ve had several chances to get up close and personal with the Stinger during its run, since I worked in product planning at Hyundai/Kia during its development. I had a chance to drive the Stinger at SEMA 2017 around a quick test track and found it to be quick, but handling was a little ungainly for a ”sports car”. The interior is also more cramped than I expected for such a large car, but with the 3.3TT engine, the Stinger is fast and the Brembo brakes do their job to stop the car effectively. The Stinger rides smoothly due to its long wheelbase, as I learned riding in by boss’ Stinger to lunch, and it also can be a drift machine. I will upload videos soon to YouTube highlighting my experiences with the Stinger and in the drift event that was held at SEMA 2017 as well. (Check back for links soon)

Pour one out for the Stinger! While it might not have *personally* lit my soul on fire, it holds a special place in performance car history and in the evolving identity of modern Kia – which now has no “luxury” sedans left in the U.S. market with the pending demise of the Stinger. The Cadenza and K900 exited the U.S. market a couple years back with no replacements introduced here (Korea got the new K8 and a facelifted K9, however). If you still desire a high-performance Kia, they will still gladly sell you a K5 GT or a new EV6 GT as well – the latter of which essentially takes over the Kia performance crown.

Official Kia Press Release: https://www.kiamedia.com/us/en/media/pressreleases/19754/exclusive-stinger-tribute-edition-celebrates-kias-high-performance-vision

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Last Call: The Dodge Charger & Challenger Make Their Last Stand; Also – Dodge Hornet, Dodge Durango Hellcat, Goodbye Infiniti Q60

For the first time in its existence, Dodge is allowing buyers to order a Challenger Convertible through dealers as part of a send-off to the V8-powered muscle car era of the brand.

There’s been speculation for years about when the Dodge Charger and Challenger will be discontinued or redesigned. Now, we have an official end from Dodge themselves. 2023 will be the final model year of the current Charger and Challenger and each vehicle will have a “Last Call” plaque under the hood that says “Designed in Auburn Hills, Assembled in Brampton” – giving homage to these muscle cars’ roots. In addition, Dodge will release several special edition models with an extra special edition model debuting at SEMA 2022. A few older colors we haven’t seen in a few years will make their return: B5 Blue, Plum Crazy Purple, and Sublime Green. As if this isn’t enough positive news for you, the Charger and Challenger lineups will all be allocated at once to dealers so you have a better shot at getting the exact car you want, plus the Durango Hellcat is back for 2023, with its full 710 HP. Dodge is making sure its V8s go out with a roar, not a whimper as electrification continues to close in.

The Dodge Hornet will be Dodge's first electrified
model and is a twin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale.

Guess what – we’re still not done with the Dodge news! During their “Speed Week” this week at the M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, Dodge unveiled the Hornet compact crossover, which is basically a twin of the Alfa Romeo Tonale. It’s the first all-new Dodge model in almost a decade. While Dodge says that it will be going electric in the future, the future really is here now, because the Hornet can be had with a plug-in hybrid powertrain unlike other Dodge branded vehicles to date. Borrowed from the Alfa, the Hornet will have a fully-independent suspension and torque-vectoring AWD. Every Hornet can be optioned with an available Track Pack, which includes 20-inch wheels, upgraded dampers and unique/sportier styling. In the base Hornet GT, you will find a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder making 268 HP and 295 lb.-ft. of torque paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission – likely the same ZF unit used in other FCA/Stellantis products if I had to make an educated guess. In the plug-in hybrid R/T model, a 1.3T engine is used and coupled with a 121 HP electric motor for a total system output of 288 HP and 383 lb.-ft. of torque. 0-60 MPH according to Dodge happens in 6.1 seconds, and there’s a “PowerShot” feature that allows for an extra 25 HP and instant torque for 15 seconds. As for the battery pack that’s used in the Hornet, it’s 12 kWh in capacity and the vehicle has a 7.2-kW onboard charger. EV range will be around 30 miles and on a Level 2 charger the vehicle can recharge in around 2 and a half hours. Overall, I’m excited for the Hornet. Yes, it’s a rebadged Alfa Romeo Tonale that’s riding on the Jeep Compass platform. But I had a 2018 Compass, and I quite enjoyed having that SUV, but it just needed more power (rumor is that the Compass is getting more power for 2023). The plug-in hybrid powertrain and 2.0T in the Tonale/Hornet should do the trick and make the vehicle drive a lot more spirited. Every Hornet will have a 12.3-inch digital gauge display and 10.3-inch infotainment display on the interior. Hornet GT pricing will start at $29,995 before destination and the R/T will start at $39,995.

Hornet Press Release: https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=24070&mid=5

Dodge also unveiled the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept with its new “Banshee” powertrain. Its not known how much horsepower the powertrain makes, but Dodge claims that this new electric Charger will be faster than a Hellcat. The Charger Daytona SRT will also have the PowerShot feature previously mentioned that’s in the Hornet, allowing for briefly increased acceleration and passing power. If you’re worried about sound, the Charger Daytona SRT will have a Fratzonic Chambered Exhaust system with sounds equivalent to that of a Hellcat. As for other features and design cues, the Charger Daytona SRT takes styling cues from the original Charger Daytona and it also uses the Fratzog logo from Dodge models in the 1960s and 1970s. Additionally, inside the vehicle there’s a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 16-inch digital gauge cluster and mood lighting.

Other Sports Car News

The Infiniti Q60 was introduced for the 2017 model year. 2022 will be its last.

In other sports car news, Infiniti announced that the Q60 Coupe is not long for this world. 2022 will be the final model year for this car. That’s a shame, because it’s a beautiful vehicle. Infiniti says that the Q50 sedan will remain in production for 2023, but that the company will be focusing on building SUVs and electric vehicles moving forward. No surprise there – grab one while you can.

Are you excited about Dodge’s upcoming “Last Call” and electrified models? Also, are you sad to see the Q50 go away? While the sedanapocolypse continues, the electric future should give us hope for performance.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Maxima, Out - Nissan Drops the Maxima

Another one bites the dust. Another sedan that is.

Nissan has officially announced that it will end production of the Maxima after the 2023 model year. However, the company also says, “stay tuned for future Nissan Maxima news” and that they are focusing on electric vehicles moving forward. So, it’s likely that an upcoming electric sedan from Nissan could revive the Maxima name and perhaps even shock some new life into the “4 door sports car” moniker that the nameplate has long tried to portray.

Large sedan sales have largely been in decline due to changing consumer tastes. In case you hadn’t heard or notice, trucks and SUVs reign supreme these days, along with electrification efforts. After the Maxima is dropped, virtually the only competitors left in the full-sized four door sedan segment in North America will be Toyota with the upcoming Crown and Stellantis with the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300.

I must say, while many enthusiasts shun the current Maxima because it’s only offered with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), I actually quite like it. Will you miss it when it’s gone? Let’s see if we do get a Maxima EV in the next few years.

Speaking of EVs - perhaps it’s worth mentioning that the Nissan Leaf is also likely ending production sometime this decade according to Automotive News. It will receive a refresh for the 2023 model year.

2023 Nissan Leaf - also reportedly on death row.

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The Chevy Spark has (Officially) Lost Its Spark - 2022 Marks the End

The Chevrolet Spark is one of the smallest and cheapest new cars sold in America. Its also one of the few remaining small cars available with a manual transmission.

The least expensive vehicle in America, the Chevrolet Spark, will end production this summer. It first debuted back for the 2013 model year and even had an EV variant at one point. The base price of the Spark is $14,595 after destination and that will get you a 1.4L engine with 98 HP and one of the last remaining vehicles on the market with a manual transmission (a 5-speed manual to be exact) AND manual roll-down windows as well. Opting for the CVT adds $1,100 to the base price. I’ve played with the Build Your Own tool and I see the Spark comes in some interesting color combinations. But with 98 HP on tap, I’m sure this won’t get you anywhere super fast.

This is how I'd get my Spark (if I had to get one) - in the Activ trim with Blue Glow or Crimson paint, a manual transmission and a few options, like the Summer/Winter floor mats and sport pedals. It really looks like this Activ trim should've had AWD, however... That would've made the Spark more unique among subcompact cars.

Until we see if Chevrolet introduces any other sedans (likely electric on the Ultium platform), the Malibu will be Chevy’s last 4-door car standing. I doubt it’ll last longer than another year or two. Beginning with the 2023 model year, the Trax will be the cheapest Chevy on offer, and as you can imagine, it sells in greater numbers because it’s a crossover and that’s what’s popular with buyers right now. I’m honestly surprised the Trax still exists too, given the newer Trailblazer is now on sale.

Well, perhaps we’ll see another EV model in GM’s electric future revive the Spark name.

Copyright © 2022 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

The Kia Cadenza and K900 say Adios to the U.S. for 2021

Top: Cadenza
Bottom: K900

Kia has officially dropped its two most luxurious sedans in the United States for 2021, the K900 and Cadenza. Both sedans sought to be alternatives to vehicles like the Buick LaCrosse, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES, Cadillac XTS/CT6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and BMW 5 and even 7 Series. Tall ambitions! 

This decision by Kia comes as no big surprise if you've followed sales figures for both of these models. They sell in very, very, very low numbers, and at least from my observations/travels, I've noticed that most of them seem to be sold in the southern United States. If you want some sales figures, the K900 sold a mere 305 units in the U.S. in 2020 while the Cadenza sold 1,265 units. For comparison sake, the Kia Stinger sold 12,556 units in 2020 - down from 13,884 in 2019. This would make both the Cadenza and K900 two of the most RARE new cars in North America with those sales numbers - even more rare than a Stinger, Genesis or Alfa Romeo product, which you already hardly ever see! I have a hunch that the K900 may even become a collector's item someday... You never know.

This is all not to say that the Kia K900 and Cadenza are bad cars. In fact, its the opposite - they were quite nice! But that's the problem too: outside of their home market of South Korea, they were too nice for their brand. People just don't hear "Kia" and associate "luxury" or "$50,000-$60,000+ executive sedan" with the brand. That's partially why Kia is updating their logo and other branding after all of these years. And of course, part of the blame can be attributed to the popularity of SUVs like the Kia Telluride, overlap with Genesis in the Hyundai-Kia-Genesis portfolio, plus the industry push towards electrification to a degree, too. When pressed with the question "do I want a $50,000 car or SUV", we now clearly see that consumers are far more likely to take the SUV or truck route these days - hey, they may even jump for an EV at that price if they're really bold! And that's before you even get to the whole Kia brand image issue I just mentioned... 

For those very same reasons, I speculate the Stinger may not be long for the U.S. market either. I mean, it faces all the same issues theoretically as the K900 and Cadenza in terms of being the "right car paired with the wrong brand". We'll revisit this topic in roughly five years and see where we stand. Until then, have you ever seen a K900 or Cadenza on the road? See below for how I'd buy my ideal Kia K900 and Cadenza while the build tool is still active on Kia's website for them. 

Farewell Kia luxury sedans. Perhaps we'll see a couple more of you on the road post-new car depreciation hit.

If you want to check out sales figures for these models and others, go to GoodCarBadCar.net. Lots of useful info there. Here's a link to the Cadenza's sales numbers: https://www.goodcarbadcar.net/kia-cadenza-sales-figures-usa-canada/

Here's how I'd get my K900 and Cadenza before they're all gone - top of the line and every option. Brown leather is a must.
I imagine there's serious incentives on these to bring the price down given their bad sales numbers.

__________________________________________________

Update 3/3/21: Images of the 2022 Kia K8 sedan have leaked on the internet! It features Kia's new logo and design language seen on vehicles such as the new Carnival MPV. While this is essentially the replacement for the Cadenza, and personally I like it, I wouldn't hold my breath about it coming to the U.S... Especially given the Cadenza's astoundingly low sales numbers for 2020 and the fact that when Hyundai pulled the Azera (their large 4-door sedan) out of the U.S. market, it never came back.

2022 Kia K8

Copyright © 2021 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Opinion: Chrysler Doesn't Have to Die

There's been rumors swirling that Chrysler may be hanging on by a thread since really its hardly a full brand anymore. In the U.S., Chrysler only has the 300, which is extremely old now, and the Pacifica minivan, which Chrysler is milking into 3 different models: the Pacifica, Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid and Voyager. Considering how complete Chrysler's lineup was in the 2000s, this is sad... And the pending FCA merger with PSA as Stellantis is not helping Chrysler's future. Buick's lineup was in a similar position in 2009 - they made only the LaCrosse, Enclave and Lucerne. But Buick rebounded to have a full lineup just a few years later and is now focusing on SUVs in today's market. In my opinion, Chrysler doesn't have to die. Here's what I'm thinking...

Chrysler needs a new Aspen
with their current design language.

Chrysler's lineup is missing one key thing: CROSSOVERS! Its been several years since the 200 sedan left the lineup and sedans aren't even hot like that anymore. Clearly SUVs are the answer. And what I'm not quite sure about is that its not like FCA didn't have the platforms or vehicles to give Chrysler a crossover before now. They could've made a compact Chrysler crossover based off of the Jeep Cherokee's platform, or even a new midsize SUV based off of the Durango (which they already did in the 2000s - the Aspen... just revive the name!). In reality, Chrysler's future should be relatively bright, not bleak, because the Stellantis merger will give FCA access to even more global platforms to make new Chrysler vehicles. Imagine a Peugeot-based entry-level luxury crossover as a Chrysler! I think that'd be cool, and that's the demographic space I honestly believe Chrysler needs to be playing in to be playing in for success moving forward (along with a dose of electrification, for good measure).

I hate to hear about car brands potentially being on the chopping block. Its part of what has motivated me to become a market analyst in the automotive industry. I'm hoping that Chrysler and all of FCA's current brands, like Dodge as well, get a fair shake after the FCA-PSA merger is complete.

UPDATE 2/15/21: Stellantis says that all of the brands under its portfolio will get a shot at being successful. However, that must not include the SRT performance division, because word is that SRT has been disbanded by Stellantis.

Copyright © 2021 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Toyota News: Goodbye Crown and Land Cruiser, Hello 2022 Tundra

 

Toyota may drop some famous model names while redesigning a popular one.

Toyota is a company that plays it very safe with their cars. They rarely outright discontinue products I’ve noticed. However, it appears as if there a couple of models that are making an exit soon in Toyota’s portfolio. One is the Land Cruiser, which might exit the U.S. market after 2021. If this is true, this marks the end of one of the longest running nameplates in America. This is akin to the Chevrolet Suburban line ending production! Toyota sold its first Land Cruiser in America in 1958. Its worth noting that Lexus will continue to offer the LX, the Land Cruiser’s luxurious cousin.

Toyota may also drop the Crown sedan, which we don’t get in America, but is their longest-running model in their global portfolio. The Crown is a large, four-door RWD sedan used as a police car, taxi, personal vehicles and more in Japan. Think of it as Japan’s “Ford Crown Victoria”. As you can imagine, sales for the Crown these days are poor due to SUV demand, even in Japan. Rumor is that the Crown name might be reborn on a new crossover based on the Highlander. That ought to make fans of the Crown very, very happy I’m sure…

Finally, a new Tundra is on the way. We know this because it’s been spotted testing in camouflage. It seems like the 2022 Toyota Tundra will have a new interior design, front end design, and other new styling elements. Its rumored that the new Tundra will come with a twin-turbo V6 engine. I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a hybrid model at some point with eAWD (or 4WD), since Toyota seems to be going big on this setup lately, like on the RAV4 Hybrid. Offering a twin-turbo V6 powertrain and an eAWD setup would allow Toyota to compete with the new 2021 F-150 Hybrid while potentially offering class-leading fuel economy figures.

Toyota seems to be more about slow innovation than groundbreaking statements in my opinion. Hate it or love it, this is a strategy that has worked well for them thus far. It’ll be interesting to see how dropping historic nameplates such as Land Cruiser and Crown while continuously innovating for an electrified future will shift the company.

Copyright © 2021 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

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.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

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

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Opinion: Buick’s 2019 Lineup was as ‘Cool’ as Modern Buick Will Likely EVER Get; The Regal GS, TourX, and Cascada Might Become Collectibles

Buick actually had some cool models in their lineup for 2019 (top picture) and still for 2020 as well. The Regal GS is my favorite modern Buick. But for 2021, this won't necessarily be the case... It'll be interesting to see how the brand evolves in 2021 and beyond.

Buick – a brand generally synonymous with “old people”. I admit, I have a soft spot for the brand. My mother has had several Buicks in my 26 years on this Earth now, including a V8 Buick Lucerne – likely the last big V8 Buick sedan of my generation. Her other Buicks were the Terraza minivan and Regal Turbo, which we still have. My grandparents also had a 3.9L V6 Lucerne.

What has stuck with me about these cars is just how interesting they were, brand image aside. The Terraza had AWD, a DVD player and a great sound system. I remember going outside in the summer and watching movies in the back seat until the battery died. The V8 Lucerne had GM’s Magnetic Ride Suspension, Harman/Kardon audio, and enough power to make it feel like you were powering a luxury jet. The Regal Turbo also has plenty of power, navigation, Harman/Kardon speakers, an adaptive suspension and has razor sharp handling. All of them rode smooth. Very classic Buick with a modern twist.

Extra thoughts from
my Snap story haha.

That’s why whether we want to acknowledge it or not, Buick’s 2019 lineup was the pinnacle of modern Buick “cool”. Simply due to the diversity of the lineup. You could get a convertible, a station wagon, a large luxury sedan, a sport sedan, a performance luxury sport sedan, and an assortment of entry to mid-luxury level crossovers from BUICK of all brands. But from 2020 on, that’s all going to change. The LaCrosse and Cascada convertible are now discontinued, and Buick has announced that the Regal line will end production after the 2020 model year. This essentially means that from 2021 onward, Buick will be an SUV-only brand. Ford’s Lincoln brand is also poised to take a similar direction.

Consider This

Now, a couple of points are worth noting. Of course, the market is naturally shifting towards SUVs and trucks these days with gas prices low and fuel economy ratings on those models higher than ever, so it makes sense that Buick is evolving with the times. Double down on the fact that Buick says most of their vehicle sales are now SUVs. But that also makes sense, because they only sell/stock a few cars vs. SUVs on their dealer lots these days whenever you drive by one and they offer fewer sedans in their lineup. Another point is marketing. I believe good marketing and advertising can totally make or break a product/brand, and Buick’s “Experience the New Buick/that’s not a Buick/S ‘YOU’ V” campaigns do little to explain WHY people should buy a new Buick over, say, a Lexus, Audi, or even an in-house GM brand like Cadillac.

Diversity Matters

Buick in my opinion was very unique and kind of its own ‘cool’ within the GM portfolio prior to 2020. The brand combined the luxury/sport niche image well. However, for 2021 on the brand will largely become synonymous with “stuffy” as they only make the one thing EVERYONE is making these days – SUVs. And to clarify, I don’t have a problem with SUVs! I have three myself vs. one sedan. But I do have a problem with a lack in diversity. Whether it comes to society or cars.

This situation does present a silver lining in a way however for a few models in modern Buick’s lineup – the Regal GS, Tour X station wagon and Cascada convertible. I feel these cars will become collector’s items someday. This is because the Regal GS is one of the last midsized sporty sedans on the market with a V6 engine and AWD, and its not a common vehicle. Ditto the Regal Tour X and Cascada, which I only see occasionally on the road. Plus, the design of the Regal sedan (being a lift back like an Audi A5) and the niche market for convertibles and station wagons with car enthusiasts will bode well for these models as they age. Additionally, none of these cars were made for very long (three to four model years max - hardly a full product cycle) and they are actually rebranded Opels, which was sold by GM to Groupe PSA who’s merging with FCA, if you recall. Time will tell how these cars are remembered.

SPOTTED: 2021 Buick Encore GX

Moving forward, Buick’s lineup will likely consist of the Encore, Encore GX, Envision, another Envision-sized midsized SUV (likely the rumored Enspire SUV), an electric SUV or two (I’m guessing), and the Enclave. Pretty BLAH if you ask me. But it didn’t have to be this way, and up until recently, it wasn’t. Buick had a little vitality and its own swagger if you will. But people can’t get past the “old person’s” image of the Buick badge, similar to how Kia is still seen as “cheap” to some people. But if consumer’s tastes change again, maybe we’ll see some more life come back into the Buick lineup at some point.

Until then, I’m going to encourage my mother to keep her 2013 Buick Regal Turbo until the wheels fall off. Its a fantastic ride.

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

Lexus Discontinues the GS 300 for 2020; LQ Flagship SUV Is Coming (UPDATE 4/24/20: Lexus GS Is Dead after 2020 MY)

Lexus doesn't sell a ton of the GS, which is probably why the base GS 300 model is dropped now. Could this be foreshadowing the discontinuation of the entire GS line?

UPDATE 4/24/20: The Lexus GS will officially be discontinued after the 2020 model year. I had a feeling this was coming. The rear-wheel drive GS has been in a sales slump and constantly outsold by the front-wheel drive ES, which is also significantly cheaper. This, before you factor in the whole crossover SUV and truck trend we have going on. A special 2020 Black Line Edition will be offered as a send off. R.I.P. #Sedanapocalypse

For the 2020 model year, Lexus has dropped the GS 300 from the GS line. This was a base model that started at $47,885 with 241 HP. Lexus says that this model only accounted for a small percentage of GS sales, so people were going for the higher GS 350 and GS 350 F Sport models. The GS 350 starts at $52,420 for 2020 and makes 311 HP. The GS 350 F Sport rear-wheel drive starts at $53,785, and the AWD model at $55,530. The GS F is powered by a 5.0L V8 with 467 HP and 389 pound-feet of torque.

The Lexus GS sells in pretty low numbers, and if you visit a dealer, it doesn’t even look like they stock many. I noticed this at my local Lexus dealer near Ann Arbor. Its rumored that the Lexus ES may offer AWD in the future (finally) and given that both the IS and GS sedans are older designs now while the ES is all new, this could be a reason for the sales slump. The 2020 Lexus ES makes just nine HP less than the GS 350 at 302 with its 3.5L V6 and costs $7,000 less (albeit, its FWD vs. the GS with RWD). Time will tell what happens to Lexus’ sedan lineup as SUV sales continue to grow and sedan demand continues to cool off. A RWD sport sedan will likely always have a following. But something tells me the GS might be on its way out the door in the future...

Lexus LQ SUV Coming Soon?

Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept - this will likely inspire the design of the upcoming LQ SUV.

In other Lexus news - it looks like there’s going to be a new top SUV coming to the Lexus lineup. The upcoming LQ will slot above the LX, which is an ancient design that competes with the likes of the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade. The LQ likely will be far more modern than other  Lexus SUVs, and may even make up to 600 HP. Its basic design was previewed a few years ago by the LF-1 Limitless concept from 2018, but the LQ isn’t likely to arrive until the 2022 model year with base prices starting in the $80,000 to $100,000 range.

Are you a Lexus fan and which model would you get? I’m looking forward to some new life being injected into Lexus’ lineup. Personally, I find Toyota and Lexus cars to be very practical and always reliable, but kinda boring to drive and overstyled all at the same time... Their infotainment system in their cars also needs an overhaul (in particular Lexus).

Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

ICYMI - Sedan Edition

ICYMI: The Ford Taurus, Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Cruze, and Chevrolet Volt are all officially discontinued. Ford extended Fusion production through part of 2020, and GM did the same for the Impala and CT6.

Copyright © 2019 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

So, Why Are Crossovers Taking Over?

Crossovers are practical, and practical just makes sense to many more than just a few.

While this picture may look like a mess, aside from low gas prices, this is actually a visual representation of EXACTLY why crossovers and pickup trucks are whooping sedans all up and down sales charts these days. Packed in the top pictures, there are 2 closets worth of clothes, musical instruments, boxes and more. I highly doubt that I could’ve fit all of this in one go in my Saturn Aura, but my Compass made moving myself far more manageable. All this without even utilizing the 2,000 lbs. allowed for towing, having 4WD, and while still getting 27.3 MPG. Insane.

Call them corny, bloated, boring, etc. etc., but a CUV does have its merits and practical uses over a conventional sedan. I don’t see this trend fully reversing any time soon... Yes, perhaps not preferred news for sedan lovers and hardcore driving enthusiasts, but automakers and consumers alike are acknowledging CUV and light truck strengths more and more.

Think of it in terms of a stereotypical “nerdy guy/girl” scenario: While being sensible, down to earth and practical may be viewed as ‘boring’ to some initially, when it’s all said and done, these same qualities are actually quite attractive, and ultimately seal the deal for many people.

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.

The Sedan Apocalypse Is REAL - GM to Close Several Plants

Layoffs during the holiday season are never good news. The fact that it all but confirms the sedan apocalypse is a double whammy.

There’s quite a bit to say about this, since there’s so many layers, so let’s just cut straight to it.

General Motors has announced they’re shutting down several assembly lines in North America. Plants that are closing include Oshawa Assembly in Canada, Detroit-Hamtramck in Detroit, Lordstown Assembly in Warren, OH, Baltimore Operations in Maryland, and Warren Trasmission Operarions in Warren, MI. Over 15,000 employees will be laid off as well.

With these shut downs, come the loss of many once-popular nameplates as well. The Chevrolet Impala, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Volt, Buick LaCrosse, Cadillac XTS, and Cadillac CT6 will all end production in 2019. The prior generation Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra will also phase out in  2019. While the old trucks ending production is no surprise, GM’s sedans going away is somewhat disappointing.

All of GM's vehicles slated to end production in 2019 - mostly 4-door cars.

By now, you have probably noticed that crossovers are taking over. GM’s future strategy calls for them to focus on more trucks and CUVs, like Ford. But unlike Ford, most of these GM cars aren’t that old in their respective segments - most are actually pretty recent products. The oldest of these models going away is the XTS, and it just got a facelift for 2018. Chevy’s Cruze also got a facelift for 2019, and the CT6 as well. The Buick LaCrosse was redesigned in the last few years, and the Impala is a sharp, well-rounded large car that gets good reviews. Since the market is also shifting towards electrification, you would think the Volt would stick around, perhaps becoming a crossover eventually or becoming an autonomous test vehicle in the future. But apparently not so. It seems like although GM is claiming they’re preparing for the future, there’s got to be something deeper... They’ve invested so heavily into some of these products it’s kinda baffling they’d kill them ALL off.

...And perhaps no car embodies this more than the Cadillac CT6. Simply put, it’s a damn good car. One of my favorites coming out of GM right now. I’ve had a few opportunities to get in the CT6, and I see the 2019 facelifted model driving around regularly where I live. It’s a surprisingly agile and fun car to drive given it’s large size, especially with the 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 404 HP. And let’s not forget that there’s a 4.2L 550 HP twin-turbo V8 model that was shown! Cadillac says this model is still on track to enter production, but that means it will only see production for a few months before being killed off. So, then what happens to that V8 under it’s hood? That’s a “Cadillac-exclusive” engine after all! What will be the new “top-of-the-line” Cadillac sedan if the upcoming CT4 and CT5 are smaller ATS and CTS replacements? Why invest so much money in getting something right just to pull the plug on it? So many questions... But this sounds like an old pattern GM has been been criticized about for a long time now. See - Pontiac G8 and late 2000s Saturn.

Nonetheless, I guarantee you that the CT6-V will be a future classic.

Connecting the Past to the Present and Future

The closing of Detroit-Hamtramck is ironic in particular, as there was an entire neighborhood there before it was built in the 1980s. The Poletown Neighborhood was diverse, containing both African-Americans and Caucasians. Many of the whites that lived there were actually first-generation Polish immigrants and Albanians in America. While the neighborhood was considered to be industrial working-class and in decline by the time the plant was scheduled to be built, thousands of people and hundreds of businesses were displaced in the process, despite protests. In the time since this, Detroit-Hamtramck has churned out some interesting flagship models, such as the Cadillac DTS, and most recently, the Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse.

Fast-forward to today, and in places such as Lordstown, Ohio, residents are feeling left out after President Trump promised manufacturing jobs would return during his visits. Some politicians are also pushing back against GM’s job cuts, since the company received a tax break last year and also accepted bailout money back in 2009 (which the company did pay back). President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on all imported cars previously, and doubled down on those threats following this announcement. This would hit Buick pretty hard, since as I noted on my Adam’s Autos Facebook page awhile ago, most of Buick’s lineup is foreign. The only two models made in America are the Enclave and LaCrosse - one of which is on the chopping block remember... Given that most cars have globally sourced parts, a full-on tariff may only result in higher prices, slower sales and more job cuts - thus displacing communities again. But it’s funny how history can repeat itself, huh?

End of an Era

Although I went and got a new car that’s not a sedan (*cough* crossover) this year for my own  specific reasons, I’m personally sad to see several of these models go. Especially the CT6. Its very well-rounded and unique, and it looks like it will continue production in China with a new "Tripower" engine as well... I don’t think I’ve been this disappointed since Oldsmobile went away... The CT6 V-Series model is an instant collectors item already, and once all of these models and various others drop after 2019, you won’t be able to get a full-size, mainstream American sedan from any manufacturer except FCA (300, Charger). I’m going to boldly predict based on sales trends that the Charger will be the final full-size sedan on sale in the U.S. and that the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry will duke it out until the very end for midsize sedan king. But we’ll see how things progress.

Who would think this day would come so soon? Are you surprised? Perhaps we shouldn’t be, as Cruze sales are down almost 30% - an omen perhaps. For now, get them while the going is good, and pour one out for your favorite large GM sedan. My eye is on the Cadillac CT6 V-Series for my garage someday, as it may very well be the last V8 American sedan from Cadillac for who knows how long.

The sedan apocalypse is VERY REAL, and coming to a town near you. #sedanapocalypse

Copyright © 2018 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.