Pickup trucks, SUVs will dominate the 2018 debuts
Enthusiasts, fear not! There are some cool cars coming in 2018, maybe even the long-rumoured mid-engine Corvette. But, as consumers continue to bypass the cars in favour of pickups, crossovers and sport utes, the bulk of new vehicle introductions next year will be pickups, crossovers and sport utes. As we’re about to turn the page on 2017, here’s a look at what’s (mostly) for sure in the pipeline for calendar year 2018.
AUDI Q8
Audi is fleshing out its lineup with the new Q8, complete with “groundbreaking drive system technology.” Shown last March at the Geneva Motor Show as a “sport concept study,” the production version could be powered by a 3.0-litre TFSI V6 with an electric-powered compressor and an effective mild hybrid system for recuperation. The starter generator positioned between the crankshaft and the transmission handles recuperation and can work in the opposite direction as an additional electric motor. The 48-volt electrical system assures the supply of electrical power.
BMW Z4
Shown as a concept during Monterey Car Week last August, the production version of the Concept Z4 is expected to arrive late in 2018 as a 2019 model. The front-engine, rear-drive sports car is the result of a partnership with Toyota, which will have that company resurrecting the Supra name for its version.
Along with the classic roadster design cues, such as a long wheelbase, a low-slung, stretched silhouette and a compact rear end, the Z4 is expected to ditch the retractable hardtop in favour of a power soft-top.
CADILLAC XT4
With companies such as BMW and Mercedes inundating the luxury crossover market, Cadillac’s meagre lineup — XT5 and Escalade — is looking a little sad. Hence a much-needed expansion, courtesy of the upcoming XT4. The compact XT4 will slot in below the XT5, duking it out with the Audi Q3, BMW X1, Lexus NX and others.
It’s likely the XT4 will be a 2019 model built on the same platform underpinning the just-revised Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain. Just as likely, at least one engine will be a turbocharged 2.0-L fourcylinder, which, in the ATS coupe, pumps out 272 horsepower.
CHEVROLET BLAZER
Having downsized the Equinox and upsized the Traverse, Chevy has a space in its lineup for something mid-size, which is to be filled with the new Blazer, likely as a 2019 model. Unofficial sources say the reincarnated Blazer will be built on General Motors’ C1 platform, which also underpins the GMC Acadia. It’s likely the Chevy will use the same engines: a 2.5-L four-cylinder and a 3.6-L V-6.
CHEVROLET SILVERADO
The 2019 Silverado makes its public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit next month. New from the ground up, the pickup reflects feedback from more than 7,000 people on what they wanted in their next truck. That includes an expanded range of models, more engine/transmission combinations and more technology and convenience features.
FORD ECOSPORT
The subcompact crossover is finally coming to Canada and the U.S. Going up against the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-3 and Nissan Qashqai, the EcoSport will, Ford says, emphasize fun, capability and connectivity. Power comes from either a 1.0-L EcoBoost three-cylinder with standard auto start/stop and six-speed automatic transmission, or an available 2.0-L Ti-VCT fourcylinder and all-wheel drive.
Interior features include available Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, plus an available eight-inch voiceactivated touch screen.
HYUNDAI KONA
Hyundai’s stylish Kona will be hitting dealerships sometime early in 2018. The “cute ute” is more than 300 millimetres shorter than the Tucson and will be offered with both front- and all-wheel drivetrains. Base engine is a 2.0-L four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional will be a turbocharged 1.6-L four with 177 hp hooked up to a sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission. The Kona will come with a full suite of safety and connectivity technologies.
RAM 1500
Keeping up with Ford’s F-150 and the new Silverado/Sierra twins, the Ram 1500 is getting a major overhaul for the 2019 model year. Though FCA remains mum on the upgrades, there are spy photos out there showing a very camouflaged Ram undergoing tests. The pundits parsing these photos say the 1500’s styling and engineering will be more evolutionary than revolutionary.