The 2015 Lincoln MKC is designed to compete in the fast-growing compact luxury crossover segment. PHOTO: FORD
PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE
Change or die. That’s the stakes for any technological-based enterprise. Thankfully, the automakers are proficient at change and coming up with the new goods. Here are some of their goods we can expect to see over the coming year…
Acura & Honda - Acura’s big news for 2014 will be the arrival of the hybrid version of its new RLX flagship. Two “torque vectoring” electric motors deployed to the rear wheels help create the RLX Sport Hybrid SH-AWD. The new Accord-based TLX sedan arrives later.
Honda Fit enters a new era around mid-year 2014: All new design; New 1.3-litre and 1.5-litre engines and CVT; EV and hybrid models; Sedan and crossover spinoffs.
Audi & VW - Here come the new Golf models, in regular, GTI and e-Golf versions. Look also for refreshes to Jetta and Beetle. Audi’s big news is the spring arrival of the new Q3 crossover and A3 sedan. Audi says A3 sedan will be first ever vehicle to launch with 4GT LTE service – a significant step toward the much-anticipated “connected car” future.
BMW & Mini - The new-generation Mini is the first vehicle to utilize BMW’s new front-wheel drive platform (called UKL), which is also destined for the next BMW 1 Series. Mini also gets a new three-cylinder engine.
BMW starts its new “i” sub-brand adventure, with the i3 EV and i8 Hybrid. BMW will also roll out more 2 Series and 4 Series variants.
Chrysler - During 2014 we should see the Jeep’s new subcompact crossover contender and the new-generation Chrysler 200 (both Fiat-based), as well as refreshed versions of Challenger, Charger and 300. We might even see the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe.
Ford - Two Ford icons are set to debut in their new-generation iterations: First Mustang and then Ford F-150. Lots of van action too. The redesigned Transit Connect in both cargo and wagon forms arrives in showrooms early in the year, and later we’ll see the full-size Transit.
General Motors - Lots of truck action coming: the redesigned heavy-duty versions of the Sierra and Silverado pickups; the redesigned Tahoe/Yukon/Suburban/Escalade models; and the re-introduction of the midsize pickups, Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon (they even get a diesel engine option, though not at launch). Cadillac will welcome coupe and V-series versions of the ATS, and the Volt-based ELR. Chevrolet will refresh the Camaro and add a tire-shredding Z/28 model.
Hyundai - Hyundai’s major moves for 2014 include a re-designed Genesis sedan followed by a re-redesigned Sonata. But before they come, there will be a refreshed Elantra.
Infiniti & Nissan - Infiniti’s recently introduced Q50 sedan is the first production car available with a “steer by wire” system, which turns the front wheels by small electric motors, and not a drive shaft. G37 gets re-rebadged as Q60 Coupe and Convertible, and M sedans get rebadged as Q70. A Q70 Hybird joins the fray early in 2014.
Nissan will have many refreshed nameplates (Versa, Frontier, Xterra, Altima) and redesigned nameplates (Maxima, Murano) in 2014.
Jaguar & Land Rover - The new F-type Coupe will be priced lower than its convertible sibling. Later in the year Jaguar will debut, Q-Type, its first crossover. Over at Land Rover, they are preparing a new Range Rover and a redesigned LR2, and maybe even an Evoque convertible!
Kia - The all-new 2014 Kia Soul is in showrooms, and awaits an EV version for late 2014 or early 2015. A new Sedona is coming too. Kia is also working on an Equus-like flagship called Quoris.
Lexus & Toyota - The just-debuted Lexus RC coupe is based on the GS platform and will have no sedan counterpart. Late in 2014 we should also see another totally new Lexus entry, in the luxury compact crossover segment. A refreshed CT200h is already set for sales action. Now that Toyota has redesigned Corolla and revised Tundra and Highlander, it will set its sights on Camry (refresh), Prius (refresh) and Tacoma (redesign). There may even be a fuel-cell vehicle appear from Toyota by year’s end.
Mazda - The Mazda showroom is full of fresh product, including the slick 2014 Mazda3. But things will get even fresher in 2014, with planned updates to the CX-5 and Mazda6, and the overhaul of the Mazda2.
Mercedes-Benz - The luxury compact crossover segment gets more interesting with the coming introduction of the GLA. B-Class Electric Drive will also be unleashed, and we should also soon see a new C-Class sedan.
Porsche - Based on the Audi Q5, the sports-orientated Porsche Macon operates in rear-wheel drive, until the system feels the need to kick in all-wheel drive.
Wrote by: Michael Goetz