You can never know whether any forthcoming vehicle would come in terms with expectations, and manufacturer’s promotion and hype. However, if a certain car, SUV or truck model, which gained much reputation with its predecessors, is said that will get a great redesign and system improvement – it really stirs up the atmosphere of the automobile world. What are the improvements? Mass reduction? Advanced technology? Fuel economy? Questions torment those who wait to see it. Here is our list of 5 cars we think are worth waiting for.
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Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk (2017)
Grand Cherokee is a known name, almost self-explanatory, standing for high quality, performance, and as Jeep’s bestselling vehicle. Trackhawk will have great both off-road abilities and street performance, with an optional Hellcat engine addition.
Trackhawk will have a similar skeletal makeup with the Mercedez-Benz M-class automobiles, a supercharged Hellcat 6.4-liter V-8 engine, and a four-wheel drive. The Grand Cherokee will be able to reach 60 mph in less than 4 seconds, with its 650 pound-feet of torque. A possible setback: torque in lower gears could be electronically limited, due to Hellcat torque bombs. The estimated arrival of the Trackhawk is mid-2016, with a $65.000 price tag attached to it.
Honda Civic Type R (2018)
Honda’s Type R is expected to be here in 2018, with an early 2017 introduction. Type R is the highest performance version of the legendary Civic. Honda was very successful with their S2000 roadster model in 2009, and has not made a real performance car since then. The Type R should really give more excitement to the current Civic model, help recovering Civic’s credibility and revitalize the brand. However, the 2017 Type R has to wait, for Honda has recently put out the 2015 model, based on the current Civic, but with a new turbo engine.
The Type R will be a hatchback, unlike the traditional 2-door-coupe and 4-door-sedan body styles (in which regular Civics are made), and will sit comfortably on 19-inch wheels. Great cars deserve great “shoes”, and it will have 235/35 tires designed specifically for this model, but if you feel that the stability might be increased, you can find some top-of-the-quality tyres online. The 2017 Type R will be sold for $30.000, and will not be sold in the US.
Porsche Small Sedan (2017)
An automobile perfect for driving in Europe and world’s metropolitan areas. Based on the Audi-developed MLB architecture, it promises high performance. It is to have a six-cylinder engine (turbocharged), ranging from 300 to over 400 horsepower. With a 2nd generation MLB architecture, the platform is shared with many upcoming Audi models, but the 2017 Small Sedan will be 4-wheel drive only. There will be a diesel version for Europe. Perhaps a plug-in hybrid, as well? Porsche’s Small Sedan will not be seen on the streets before 2016, while the minimal price expected is $50.000
Volkswagen Beetle Dune (2016)
The Dune Bug returns! The first Volkswagen Beetle was made in 1938, and has become a legendary vehicle, a synonym for Volkswagen. The Beetle Dune will have Volkswagen’s standard PQ35 platform, 1.1-inch wider tracks, flared fenders (2.2 inches of extra width), and two more inches of ground clearance. It will be powered by a 210-hp, 2.0-liter, direct injected turbo four engine.
The four-wheel-drive version is not planned. This vehicle is really an easy way for Volkswagen to expand its appeal, but without engineering a new automobile. May we say that is what makes a classic car design? It will certainly be appealing for its unusual and uncommon personality. The Beetle Dune arrives in early 2016, and could be yours for about $20.000.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 (2016)
We can call it the Boss 302’s successor more than the recent Shelby model, but naming it Shelby allows Ford to sell it for a higher price. GT350 shares an S550 platform with the 2015 Mustang, but has a stiffer suspension. Laid on 19-inch tires, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and a nice looking center hood vent. The engine? A 5.0-liter V-8, with the lower rotating mass that should allow it to rev past 8000 RPM and deliver about 550 horsepower. It lands in 2016, with a $50.000 price.
Test drives and early reviews by people who were lucky to enjoy a test drive, show us that these vehicles are among the most anticipated ones for the next few years. What is your personal choice?
