Over the next twelve months, the automobile market is going to get a serious refresh. The many new-model reveals from this year’s Detroit Auto Show and all the announcements made late last year herald incredible metal coming down the pipeline. Some of the reveals and announcements were expected, some demolished expectations. We’re still anxiously awaiting exact details from others. After taking it all in, these are the cars and trucks we’re looking forward to driving the most in 2019.
2020 Toyota Supra
This one should come as no surprise. We’ve seen leaked images and teasers for at least a couple years now, so it was a relief to finally behold the Supra in the metal. Its stats look promising and given Toyota’s recent winning streak, it should hold up to all the hype.
2019 BMW Z4
Driving the BMW Z4 is part and parcel of driving the Supra since they were jointly developed. The final products from each manufacturer are [likely] worlds apart but it’ll be interesting to see the siblings side by side.
2019 BMW 8-Series
Like the Supra, the BMW 8-Series is another ’90s icon making a comeback. Once again BMW will have a top-flight luxury sports coupe/sedan. It’s abut time – the Mercedes S-Class has had it too easy for too long.
2019 BMW X7
Speeaking of a long time coming, BMW finally enters the three-row SUV game. The X3, X5 and X6 are well respected SUVs; it’s easy to assume the X7 will follow suit. But, since the X7 is the Bavarian’s first outing, it’s still up in the air whether it can compete in an already crowded market.
2019 Jeep Wrangler Gladiator
Ever since Jeep teased a possible pickup version of the current-generation Wrangler, it’s been the enthusiast’s conversation topic of choice. It might have sown divided opinions, but there’s no denying its architecture perfectly lends itself to the adventure lifestyl. Maybe even more so than the standard Jeep Wrangler.
2020 Lincoln Aviator/ Ford Explorer
Ford didn’t simply swap badges and emblems on these two SUVs and call it a day. The two three-row SUVs sit on the same, all-new rear-wheel-drive platform and share the same basic architecture, but that’s where the similarities stop. The Aviator aims to tackle the highest echelon of premium owner, while the Explorer will take on adventurous families and, probably, with a lot of success.
2019 Kia Telluride
Kia is another manufacturer really hitting its stride. The automaker went gloves-off with the Stinger sport sedan, and the Telluride will attempt to follow up that success as Kia’s first-ever full-sized SUV. The prospect of a more off-road-focused trim in the pipeline only sweetens the deal.
Subaru STI S209
The Subaru STI S209 is the the first-ever of Subaru’s “S” models to make the leap across the Pacific to our shores. As the highest point in Subaru’s performance hierarchy, it will sit above even the Type-RA, which is saying a lot.
2020 Ford GT500
As one of the most anticipated reveals at NAIAS this year, the new Mustang GT500 drew a big crowd and for good reason. Ford claims the new pony car will pump out over 700 horsepower, but is mum on the exact count. Discovering just how many – and forcing them all to the rear wheels – will be a high point of 2019.
2019 Cadillac CT6-V
Whether Cadillac knew what it was doing or not remains a mystery, but suffice to say the CT6-V is an instant classic. Powered by Cadillac’s new 4.2-Liter Blackwing V8, rated at 550 hp and 647 lb-ft, all 275 CT6-Vs allocated for the US sold out within hours.
Ok, so technically this isn’t a “car” and it was first last month at the 2018 NYC Motorcycle Show, but the Talon is Honda’s first foray into the sport SxS market. And with power from a tuned-up Africa Twin engine paired to the first DCT transmission in the segment, the Talon could be a game-changer.
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