A Look Back at 2018’s Headline-Making Vehicle Introductions

Electrification Milestones

Chevrolet Bolt is among the first to bring a true long-range electric vehicle to the mainstream market.

Range:  Until last year, Tesla was really the only company offering long-range electric vehicles.  But new players like the Chevrolet Bolt (with a 238 mile range) have debuted, and more options are on the way.

Power:  Mission E Cross Turismo from Porsche is a concept study of an electrically-powered “Cross-Utility Vehicle.” Two synchronous electric motors with a system output of over 600 hp accelerate the Mission E Cross Turismo to 62 mph in less than 3.5 seconds and to 124 mph in under twelve seconds. This performance is in addition to a continuous power level that allows for multiple launches in succession without losing performance, which is unprecedented among electric vehicles.

What’s Next?  BMW has stated that every vehicle it sells will include an electrified variant in 2020, with range exceeding 400 miles! 

Powerful, Exciting Hybrids

Lexus LC 500h keeps up with the V8 counterpart and gets 50 percent better gas mileage

Lexus, one of the most experienced hybrid automakers in the business, introduced the LC 500h coupe with a combination of a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 and an electric motor capable of posting the same 0-60 mph time as the V8-driven LC 500. Yet it gets30 mpg in combined city/highway driving, according to the EPA, a fantastic score for a luxury performance coupe and more than 50 percent better fuel economy than the non-hybrid LC 500.

Even Sales Leaders Need a Refresh

While some might leave a best seller alone, Toyota took a bold step in completely redesigning the Camry.

After nearly two decades of sales dominance with the Toyota Camry, Toyota decided it was time to take a risk, and it proved to pay off.  The all-new 2018 Camry appears likely to hold its spot at the top with greatly improved aesthetics inside and out and upgraded driving dynamics.

Luxury in the Affordable Range

Mazda3’s interior delivers far more than its price would suggest.

                 

In the budget-conscious compact sedan and hatchback class, the Mazda3 exceeds expectations to deliver far more than its price would suggest. Mazda pays close attention to the look and feel of materials and consistently receives high scores for its interior in particular.