December 2017

December 22, 2017: Just as we were about to write a few road tests and put this issue to bed, an unexpected call changed everything. It forced us stop what we were doing and start making phone calls to verify what we’d been told as the long-term implications were potentially devastating. Not only was Ford planning to eliminate 10,000 — 10,000! — engineering positions in its product development area, it had canceled the clean-sheet design for the 2021 Mustang and was considering whether Lincoln had a future. It’s a story you’re not going to find anywhere else, and one that may make you question whether Ford can remain a viable, and full-line, automaker. The lack of vision continues with the early release of photos of the 2019 Jeep Cherokee and Honda Insight. Both are scheduled to be revealed at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, but their early appearance runs the risk of draining any remaining excitement from the event. On the racing front, Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne made a number of moves to bolster Ferrari’s bargaining position as F1 owner Liberty Media prepares its technical and budgetary package for 2021 and beyond. However, complaints about the American owner’s plans and threats of a breakaway series are — at best — premature, and fail to take into account the necessary changes that must be made to put F1 on solid ground. Our Virtual Collection subject are the stunning designs of Intermeccanica, a small-volume maker based in Italy that built American V8-powered sports cars for would-be Enzo Ferraris. Toyota’s RAV4 Hybrid isn’t Italian or powered by an American V8 or sporty, but it sure is angry. We ask why a pleasant, quiet and  fuel-efficient small SUV looks like it wants to rip the head off anything that moves.

December 8, 2017:  The JL Wrangler made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, and proved to be a well thought out update of the Wrangler formula. Crisply styled and deftly detailed, the JL looks more comfortable and capable than ever, but isn’t quite the materials laboratory early reports suggested. Another L.A. debutant, Subaru’s three-row Ascent SUV is conservative and conventional, but that’s a good thing.  It’s predecessor, the Tribeca, was both undersized and polarizing, while the Ascent would make Ward and June Cleaver proud. Next up is the Lincoln Nautilus, an MKX refresh that swaps its dual-wing grille for the new corporate face. We like the look and the new name, but have to wonder why the similarly upgraded MKC still has letters and not a name. Nissan, on the other hand, did more than change the name of its smallest crossover. It replaced it completely, dropping the uniquely styled Juke for the more conventional Kicks. Unfortunately, it also got rid of those things that made the Juke such a, er, kick to drive. If you absolutely must have aggressive styling and turbocharged performance in your SUV, there’s always the Lamborghini Urus. More purposeful than beautiful, it combines luxury with on- and off-road capability, but in a way only a maker of high-end sports cars could.  Morgan, meanwhile, teased its Aero GT, a run-out model of its Aero 8 line. Powered by a now out of production BMW V8, the Aero GT brings lessons learned from Morgan’s racing program to the road. Renault’s Alpine A110, on the other hand, resurrects the French sporting brand with an all-aluminum two-seater that evokes Alpine’s most famous creation. It’s a thoroughly up-to-date sports car with retro looks and, unfortunately for Americans, no chance for importation. On the more mundane side, Ford has updated the Transit Connect in Europe, and at least some of the upgrades will be coming here in 2018. The small commercial hauler/minivan may not be the most exciting vehicle around, but remains a strong seller. The same can’t be said of our other people haulers. They represent the apex of 1960s counterculture style, and now are sought after icons. Which makes them perfect additions to our Virtual Collection.