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!
Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.
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| 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.
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| 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. |
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.
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| 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.
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?
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| Genesis needs SUVs, and the GV70 is a sharp one that seeks to build on the growing success of the GV80 and compete with the likes of the BMW X3. |
At last, the 2022 Genesis GV70 has been revealed! For those of you unfamiliar with Genesis, it’s Hyundai’s luxury brand. Genesis really needed some SUVs in their lineup given how popular they are now. The midsize GV80 is just starting to go on sale in the U.S., and is receiving very positive reviews. The compact GV70 will compete with vehicles such as the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Cadillac XT4 and Tesla Model Y.
Various trims will be offered, including a GV70 Sport model. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Genesis’ new 3.5L twin turbo V6 under the hood of that one. I expect the 2.0T or new 2.5T to be one of the standard engines. RWD and AWD will be offered. The new Genesis design language looks good here, with split headlights and taillights as well as a big crest grille. Inside, the interior looks minimalistic and luxurious with a giant touchscreen, in typical modern-car fashion.
Tell me: Are you looking for a compact luxury crossover?
This is the Korean spec model, but I’m sure we’ll know more about the
American-bound GV70 in the coming months. Until then, Genesis continues to
bring the heat and I might just have to add this to my shopping list down the
road!
Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.
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| The Ford Edge is an old product now, but its receiving some fresh updates for 2021. |
Bigger is better, right? Ford definitely thinks so, evident in the fact that they decided to kill off all of their cars in favor of SUVs and trucks. But that’s old news now. What’s new is a standard 12-inch touchscreen in the 2021 Edge. This giant new screen will run Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus more USB/USB-C connections for good measure.
Pricing for the 2021 Ford Edge hasn’t been announced, but I imagine it’ll be similar to the 2020 model (‘20 MY base price: $31,100). No word if the 2021 Lincoln Nautilus will receive any similar updates. Other changes to the 2021 Edge include a couple new colors and new wheel designs. I find it funny that Ford would make changes like this to a car so late in its product cycle, but it does keep the Edge fresh and more “luxurious-feeling” going against newer rivals such as the Chevy Blazer and Honda Passport.
I’ve already reviewed the current-generation Ford Edge model
(when it was called the ‘Sport’ instead of the ‘ST’). Here’s the link so you
can read more of my thoughts: https://www.adamsautos.org/2018/09/2018-ford-edge-sport-in-depth-review.html
Copyright © 2020 Adam's Autos, All Rights Reserved.
I want to take a moment to do two things with this post. First, on this Labor Day, I want to thank all of our essential workers for their dedication to their jobs in this unusual year. Whether you’re a healthcare worker or a grocery store bagger, you are appreciated. Thank you. For those of us that have the day off, please enjoy the day with your loved ones responsibly.
Second, I want to encourage everyone to vote this year. We know that there's a lot to consider on every ballot, so just recognize your rights and exercise them. Let your voice be heard and be the change.
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| The 2021 Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport are looking to shake up the off-roading scene and rekindle some nostalgia. |
Ford has taken the wraps off its highly anticipated Bronco
and Bronco Sport SUVs, so let’s talk about each briefly and then I’ll show you
which one I’d consider for myself.
Bronco:
The revived Ford Bronco is aimed at the Jeep Wrangler and is built on a high-strength steel platform. There will be two and four-door models and engines offered will be a 2.3L turbo inline four-cylinder making 270 HP and 310 lb.-ft. of torque and a 2.7L turbo V6 making 310 HP and 400 lb.-ft. of torque. While the 2.7L V6 will have a 10-speed automatic, the 2.3L I4 will have a 10-speed automatic or an optional 7-speed manual transmission. Broncos will only have 4 wheel-drive with an independent front suspension and a solid rear axle. The advanced 4WD setup has a two-speed electric transfer case with a heavy-duty Dana rear axle and available front and rear locking differentials. The roof and doors on both the two and four-door Broncos can be removed for a “drop top style” ride. Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment will be standard and includes several preloaded trails and allows users to share their off-road journeys as well. Of course, many skid plates, rock rails and other accessories will be offered through Ford (and I’m sure aftermarket as well as time passes).
Bronco Sport:
The Bronco Sport is aimed at the Jeep Renegade, Compass, and Cherokee among other “rugged” compact crossovers, such as the Toyota RAV4 Adventure and RAV4 TRD Off-Road. Unlike its big brother Bronco, the Bronco Sport is only offered as a four-door model. Trim levels are shared with the larger Bronco and are called Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and the limited run First Edition. Lower trims will have Ford’s 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cylinder engine making 181 HP and 190 lb.-ft. of torque. Badlands and First Edition models get a 2.0L EcoBoost turbo I4 making 245 HP and 250 lb.-ft. of torque. Both engines have an 8-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco Sport will have an independent front and rear suspension, and on the Badlands and First Edition models you will get an advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear-drive unit and differential-lock. Drive modes are called “G.O.A.T.” (which means ‘goes over any type of terrain’ - this is also found in the bigger Bronco) and include Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. Mud/Ruts, Trail Control, and Rock Crawl drive modes are included in the Badlands and First Edition models. Ford Co-Pilot360, which is Ford’s active safety package and ADAS, is standard across the Bronco Sport lineup.
Ford seems to be turning the Bronco into its own family within the Ford lineup. Reservations for the Bronco and Bronco Sport can be made for $100 on Ford’s website. You can build your dream Bronco Sport now. Speaking of which…
How I Would Buy It: 2021 Bronco Sport
The bigger Bronco isn’t quite my style, but here’s how I’d
get a Bronco Sport.
-Trim: Outer Banks
-Exterior Color: Alto Blue ($395)
-Interior Color: Ebony/Brown Leather Seats
-Features: 4WD, power passenger seat, reverse sensing system, heated
seats, heated steering wheel, cargo mat, Sync 3, SiriusXM Radio, front and rear
floor liners, class II trailer tow package ($495)
-Price: $35,095
Verdict: To me, this trim strikes the best value in the Bronco Sport lineup, since it has everything I’d personally want. 4WD, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, leather seats, and rugged looks make for a compelling package, along with sharp blue paint. Jeep would be smart to offer larger engine choices in the Compass, specifically.
Will you be reserving and buying a Bronco, and are you excited
for its return? The off-roading game is about to get interesting!
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| SPOTTED: Ford Transit Connect and Bronco Sport prototypes |
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| Perhaps one of the most controversial vehicles ever, the Aztek seems to have inspired some modern SUV designs. |
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| Throwback: The Pontiac Aztec and Buick Rendezvous were similar, but the Buick came across as more conventional. |
For those of you that need a refresher: the Pontiac Aztek was an SUV produced between the 2001 and 2005 model years that was based on GM’s U-body minivans (the Chevrolet Venture, Pontiac Montana, and Oldsmobile Silhouette). It came standard with a 3.4L V6 engine and could be optioned with AWD and even a lifestyle tent that attached to the rear of the car. Its largely considered one of the ugliest vehicles of all time and holds the dual distinction to many as being the car that began Pontiac’s final decline into oblivion by 2010. A part of me feels the Aztek was ahead of its time on the crossover trend. Buick also made a version of the Aztek called the Rendezvous starting in 2002, although its styling wasn’t quite as… “controversial” let’s say. The Aztek was replaced by the Pontiac Torrent for the 2006 model year and Rendezvous was replaced by the Buick Enclave after the 2007 model year.
And that’s where we get to the meat of this post. For all the hate the Aztek got in the 2000s, there are a lot of SUVs now that emulate its once-bizarre styling. In particular, the split headlight trend that is going on now in the industry is worth noting.
Look at Hyundai’s entire SUV lineup for example:
The 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee:
The face on the new Chevy Blazer and Trailblazer, also GM
products:
Somewhat the Genesis GV80:
BMW X7:
2021 Nissan Rogue:
Lynk & Co:
And the new Mazda CX-30, which actually is a good looking crossover, BUT - it has a ridiculous amount of black lower body cladding like the Aztek had:
Bonus - Let’s not forget the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which ripped its rear styling directly from the Aztek:
And there are/will be others I’m sure. But to me, this just shows us two things. For one, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Because this whole split headlight and large grille trend is DEFINITELY NOT my cup of tea… But hey, it’s a look that sells! So, there must be something the masses like about it – maybe because it looks more aggressive/rugged. And two, society really does move in “waves” as I call it, or trends. This might be a trendy look now, but 10 years from now, who knows? Maybe we’ll all love sedans and coupes again.
Until then, thank your lucky Azteks for your high-style inspired SUV. Walter White would be proud.
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| Seen in Metro Detroit - The 2021 F-150 and Mustang Mach-E |
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The 2021 Ford F-150 (top) will feature a desk in the front seats that can be used when the shifter is folded away. The Ford Mustang Mach-E (bottom) will feature a 15.5-inch touchscreen and B&O premium audio. Both vehicles will offer Ford's next generation Sync 4 infotainment software. What are your impressions of each? Is using the Mustang name on an EV SUV too controversial?
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