The New-Car and Concept Hits, Misses, and Revelations from 2018

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As normal, the 2018 auto shows in Detroit, Chicago, Geneva, New York, and Los Angeles captured the personnel to arguing about that new cars, trucks, SUVs, and theories were hits, which have been misses, and that had us scratching our heads. This ’s a return at some of the highlights and lowlights of the year, together with prospects for all those models and theories in 2019 and beyond.

Genesis Essentia Concept
And also the winner of the “Wait, that’s a Hyundai? ” award goes to this breathtakingly lovely concept car. What a work of art. –Aaron Gold

Star of the New York show, and probably the auto show season. It’therefore precisely the sport grand touring (electric vehicle) layout that Genesis wants so as to develop its luxury brand credibility. –Todd Lassa

OUTLOOK: Production by 2021 confirmed.
Genesis’s limited manufacturing halo is going to be a purely electrical sports car–maybe not an SUV.

Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept
It includes Infiniti’s intriguing VC-Turbo variable-compression motor technologies, and when the next manufacturing Q70 ends up looking like the Q Inspiration, I won’t whine. –Mac Morrison

Beautiful, even should it seem like it cribbed a bit off the Porsche Mission E’s sheet. The one thing I don’t like about this car’therefore sleek, relatively understated styling is that the unlikelihood that it will make it to production without a dozen added ungainly flourishes. –Nelson Ireson

Too bad it’therefore not the true car, since with its own mean, chunky mug, enormous panoramic glass quality that extends down the trunk, its broad, coming back end, and floating four-place seating and games, that is a package that cries lavish and exudes future trendy. –Mike Floyd

After generations of uninspired flagship sedans, the Q Inspiration’s clues guarantee a return to the spirit of the first Q45. –TL

OUTLOOK: An Infiniti flagship that appears something like this can come.
And without the identifying C-pillar “Nakamura kink” curlicue featured on all current versions.

Lamborghini Urus
I came into the Motor City ready to compose a half-dozen jokes at the Urus’therefore expense, but after seeing it in person, I’m clear. –A.G.

MISS: Lamborghini Urus
I am able to provide the Urus a pass since Lamborghini has completed an SUV before, but I could ’t forgive its uninspired, Aventador nose on a Q7 body. –TL

OUTLOOK: Will outsell the LM002 by far.
And a profusion of forthcoming variations and unique editions will keep it at the very top of Lambo’s charts for a long time.

Toyota Supra reaches the perfect balance
Chief engineer Tetsuya Tada states a key goal of the new Supra was that it has to attain a perfect 50:50 front-to-rear fat equilibrium. By the sound of it, the group has pinpointed the brief. The Supra won’t come with a manual transmission, and it can be a surprise to practically no one. –MF

OUTLOOK: The production Supra finally stinks in the ’19 Detroit show.
Together with Akio Toyoda in presence.

Mercedes-Benz G-class
Much like Jeep’s Wrangler, it’s a serious throwback that now doesn’t always need to cause you to feel as if you just bought a used car in the mid-and – rsquo; even 90s. Expect to grin more than when you drive you, or visit you coming your way. –MM

The ever-so-massaged styling keeps the former-generation’therefore rugged looks with some considerations given for new technologies. Plus, the doors have that military-grade noise when they shut. –Billy Rehbock

You may not be able to inform the newest G Class is new at all if you just see it from the outside. The interior, on the other hand, is now much better implemented, from ergonomics to materials to both design. Too bad its starting price is more than a excellent yearly salary. –NI

REVELATION: Dr. Z still likes Detroit
Daimler CEO Dieter Zetsche has a real fondness for The Motor City. He disclosed that the new Geländewagen at the historic Michigan Theater with erstwhile Hummer enthusiast/Governator/failed The Apprentice host Arnold Schwarzenegger. –TL

OUTLOOK: Mercedes won’t attend the 2019 Detroit auto show.
No more Dieter Zetsche this past year. However, at least we’ve Akio Toyoda.

BMW X2
The slick new X2 is a refreshing break in the cookie-cutter SUVs–sorry, SAVs–we’re used to seeing beneath the Bimmer badge. Here, finally, is a BMW ute which manages to prevent both the frumpiness of the X3 and X5 along with the silliness (and uselessness) of those X4 and X6. –AG

MISS: BMW X2
It appears that the artists were tired. So am I.–NI

OUTLOOK: Another Bimmer destined to cut into 3 Series sales.
It’s a crossover. Of course it will cut into 3 Series sales.

Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai’s next-generation Veloster is an evolutionary step in layout and promises to be a genuine hot hatch. The N Performance model is very attractive with 275 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque delivered through a six-speed guide. –BR

The Mark II Hyundai Veloster reminds me of the Mark II Honda CRX. –TL

HIT: Hyundai Veloster N
Give us a very simple car with a huge engine and a buttoned-down suspension and chances are we’ll rave about it, since chances are it’ll be pretty damn great. If it doesn’t torque-steer just like a lubed weasel, the Veloster N ought to be a stone. –AG

OUTLOOK: The Veloster N is a gem.
After all the years, Hyundai has discovered how to song a chassis.

REVELATION: A Trumpchi by another name
GAC has committed to minding its very first model, the three-row GS8 sport/utility, to the U.S. market by the fourth quarter of 2019. –TL

OUTLOOK: 50/50.
Depends on whether President Trump or President Xi wins the transaction warfare.

Volvo V60 station wagon
The second automobile on Volvo’s “60” stage is the biggest, broadest, and important to this selection, the lowest wagon in its category by total elevation, which at this stage includes very little that is sold from the U.S. Volvo isn’t anticipating the crossover- and sport/utility craze to turn soon — after all, the automaker makes purses of cash on the XC90 and XC60 — but when anything on the road draws contemporary customers back to the station wagon, this is going to be the car. –TL

REVELATION: Will wagons create a comeback with non-enthusiasts?
Judging from the amount of these on the show flooring, it surely resembles the station wagon is staging a comeback. There’therefore that the Buick Regal TourX, Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic Wagon, along with also the Volvo V90 that look nice and provide us fans some hope. –Ed Tahaney

OUTLOOK: Probably not.
Buick insists on calling its Regal TourX wagon a “crossover/utility,” and it’s not selling.

Lagonda Vision Concept
Laser projection taillights, completely feasible for manufacturing. Lift up roof on rear seats. Electric vehicle possibilities highlighted. Automobile is span of Rolls-Royce Ghost, but with more interior space than the Phantom. –Robert Cumberford

MISS: Lagonda Vision Concept
My very first impression was, “fine lines, fine proportions. ” But if the car spun on its turntable to where I can see two grownups lounging at the back seat, I couldn’t put it out of my mind that this is a cartoonishly large auto, especially for an Aston Martin. –TL

OUTLOOK: Some version of this has to be led to manufacturing…
… provided that Aston Martin calls it an “SUV. ”

Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept
It appears like an electric notion which Porsche might have attracted back into the days of their first 901-model 911, with none of the bulky body heft of any contemporary car. In that respect, it’therefore the opposite of both the Tesla Model X along with the S.–TL

MISS: Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Concept
Huge knobby tires. It’s really a strange monster. Difficult to grasp its place on the planet. –RC

OUTLOOK: To be generated as a version of this Porsche Taycan.
Watch out, Tesla Model S and X.

Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion Concept
Suicide doors and ultra-flush cottages are cool, but those features also have turned into a de rigueur part of self-driving theories. The disappointing part is that the adherence to three-box layout and this theory ’s more-than-striking similarity to some Tesla Model S.–Basem Wasef

OUTLOOK: The I.D. Buzz deserves more buzz.
The contemporary Microbus makes for a much better VW EV.

Subaru Viziv Concept
Subaru has been working up some really solid notions of late, along with the Viziv is your best yet, using angles at all the proper places up front, chunky fender flares along with a shoot on Subaru’s trademark hood scoop. It’therefore an aggressive, yet modern looking design that Subaru will be well informed to push out basically as-is. –MF

It used to be that Subaru would show a nicely designed concept predicting a prospective model, and the realities of manufacturing would lead to something less than fine. However, the latest Impreza and Crosstrek are pretty attractive, and today it appears that the next WRX/STI might benefit from those compact models’ appears. Better news is that the Viziv Concept tips that the WRX/STI could be offered in wagon form . –TL

MISS: Subaru VIZIV Concept
Six-sided grille frame, five-sided wheel openings front and rear, three-side headlamp openings. Decent looking, but excessively sophisticated surfaces, retro hood scoop, very convoluted elevator gate shape. –RC

OUTLOOK: A WRX/STI worth waiting for, if they do end up looking similar.
Yes, but do enthusiasts buy Subies for your looks? –MF

Cadillac XT4
Has there been a excellent small Cadillac? The former Standard of the World has been trying and failing for the greater part of four years, but it appears like that they finally got it . The XT4 is cute and playful, somewhat bright even, and yet it has the dignity and stateliness of some suitable Cadillac. The XT4 might turn out to be the very first baby Caddy worthy of this title. –AG

MISS: Cadillac XT4
There’s nothing groundbreaking here. The fact that the refreshed CT6 with its 4.2-liter twin-turbo V-8 took center stage at Cadillac’s New York show stand and not the XT4 speaks volumes. –MF

HIT: Cadillac CT6 refresh
Cadillac recovered a good dose of Escala idea design language into the CT6’therefore facelift, while adding the CT6 V-Sport along with the new discretionary twin-turbo V-8. I think that it works. –TL

OUTLOOK: Only among these Cadillacs will live beyond 2019.
And it’therefore not the automobile .

Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept
Tanoak’so enormous mug screams truck, although the manufacturing model would likely have some functional limitations. It definitely looks cool, and the Atlas lineup is built here from the U.S., a truck variant is not out of the question. –MF

How do I love VW’s proposed pickup? Allow me to count the ways. To begin with, I really like how the box cuts into the taxi. It puts me in mind of this old Ford Explorer SportTrac, another sort-of pickup that wasn’t trying to seem just as a miniaturized F-150. I like the way the Atlas’ squared-off styling works on a pickup truck. And I really like the fact that VW is being honest about this being a utility vehicle with a pickup bed, as opposed to a pickup, span. (Are you listening, Honda? ) ) I need this thing to happen. –AG

MISS: Volkswagen Atlas Tanoak Concept
Well, you requested, VW. The business claims its gauging press and public response, and sales data prior to its pickup truck concept gets a green light for production. The very first sport-ute pickup was that the Chevy Avalanche — recall that one? — and the sole real nano, transverse-engine competitor, the Honda Ridgeline, generally does well in its very first year (meaning, possibly 35,000 units) until everybody who wants one gets one, then it settles in under 20,000 each year. Though the VW Atlas Tanoak is a credible looking, almost full sized truck, it’s definitely not likely to do much to utilize VW’s Chattanooga plant capacity. –TL

What in the hell is a Tanoak? I’ll provide VW credit. I highly doubt that title was trademarked and it makes me think about trees, which that there ’s that. –MF

OUTLOOK: Probably headed for manufacturing.
But probably not enough amount to significantly enhance VW’s U.S. sales.

Jeep Gladiator
This can be a hit for numerous reasons: First, that Fiat Chrysler did it (we’ve just been waiting 25 decades!) And second, that they did it correctly. The newest Gladiator promises Wrangler-like off-road capability and open-air fun, and with respectable truck credentials to boot, such as a 7,650-pound tow score and 1,600-pound payload capability. Hell, it’ll also get a diesel option. –AG

Even while the rest of Fiat Chrysler seems to fall into a mire of its own making, Jeep is on a roll with clear-eyed, clever updates to its historic product lineup. Nicely done. –NI

The JL Jeep Wrangler layout is irresistible, and the pickup truck version was completed just perfect. You can also purchase a petrol V-6 model with a six-speed manual transmission. Way to go, Fiat Chrysler. –TL

OUTLOOK: Note to VW: This is how you perform a truck.
Jeep + pickup = bestseller.

Audi e-tron GT Concept
With a promised 590 horsepower at peak power, a 0 to 60 mph time of less than 3.5 seconds, and tuning by the marque’s Audi Sport division (with just a little romance from fellow Porsche engineers who have been working around the Taycan by which it shares componentry), this is shaping up to be just one bad mutha of an EV. –MF

Gorgeous, crazy fast, and all electrical, the e-tron GT is apparently the fantasy sedan of the near future. Whether it must worry Elon or perhaps not, the market will no doubt appreciate a valid alternative to Tesla. –NI

OUTLOOK: Watch out, Tesla Model S… along with Porsche Taycan.
Hey, the model name is easier to pronounce correctly compared to “Taycan. ”

2020 Porsche 911 S and 4S
This version of this renowned sports car is as broad as powerful as the previous-generation GTS, and also our very own George Kacher touted its driving abilities when he wheeled the model along the California shore. Some might not enjoy the brand new taillight design nor the broad grille, but the interior is an excellent blend of classic analogue features and electronic luxuries. –BR

Like Jeep with the Wrangler, Porsche was able to thoroughly redesign the 911 without which makes it seem much different, and also the motorist ’therefore controllers stay pretty analog. I forecast the strangely placed CHMSL will soon become a favourite standout design detail. –TL

OUTLOOK: It’therefore that the new Porsche 911.
What do you want to know?

2019 Mazda 3
This could have turned into a Miss, since Mazda doesn’t appear to have remedied the Mazda 3’s just one glaring mistake –that the little back seat. Still, there’so, way more than enough on the Hit facet to tip the balance: The brand new Skyactiv-X HCCI engine (that we attempted , and adored, past year), discretionary all-wheel-drive, along with also the manual transmission. –AG

I’m surprised how polarizing this car is. The back seat might still be cramped, but the hatchback appears sporty and clean. And shades of this late-and – rsquo;80s Mazda 323 GTX, the brand new 3 will likely be provided with optional all-wheel-drive. Is it too early to start dreaming about a hot Mazdaspeed 3 hatch to undertake the Subaru WRX/STI, even if it will never happen. –TL

MISS: Mazda 3 hatchback
This is the rare case where the auto version appears better than the hatchback. It’therefore a shame, too, as that the Kai concept that birthed this five-door was tension and aggression and compact-car menace, but shorn of its fat rhythms and daintier detailing, so the basic design only falls flat to these eyes. It’therefore not unattractive, exactly, but it looks for all the world like an AMC AMX that spent a semester or three researching in Japan. –Erik Johnson

Even with what’s an astounding dash-to-axle ratio for a front-driver, both ’s proportions sense a bit off, which C-pillar is both awkward to check at and to look beyond from the motorist ’s seat. –NI

OUTLOOK: Higher sales for its CX-3, CX-5.
Maybe it’ll draw a few more people into the showrooms.

Rivian R1S along with R1T
Every auto show has its share of upstart brands showing fancy futuristic products which will never see production, but look at what Rivian brought: A full size SUV and a full-size pickup, just the vehicles which show-goers are looking for–they’re powered by batteries. The functionality and scope specifications (400+ mph, 0-60 in under three seconds together with the best battery ) may have sounded fanciful two decades ago, but thanks to Tesla, we know they are entirely realistic. –AG

The pickup and the SUV are clever, sharp layouts which do the 1 thing any new brand ought to perform more than every other in terms of layout: not seem just like anything else. Rivian establishes a clear brand image, especially through the unusual lighting signatures. Provided that these large, brawny EVs live up with their own stats, Rivian ought to be nicely positioned to snap up anything market there is for electrical trucks. –NI

OUTLOOK: The next Tesla?
And is that a great thing?


















































The article The New-Car and Concept Hits, Misses, and Revelations in 2018 appeared first on Automobile Magazine.

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