In the auto industry, the end of the year typically signals the death of vehicles whose selling numbers just didn’t reach the benchmark that executive set. In 2016, it was the Dodge Dart and Chrysler 200. The following year, the Chevy SS and Jeep Patriot got axed. And, in 2018, it was announced that Ford was killing off all car models except for the iconic Mustang.
Though the end of the line for vehicles that were mainstays in the lineups of some of the most popular brands can seem like a downturn for the auto industry since consumers don’t buy passenger cars at the rate that they once did, it also marks the beginning of new models that will hit dealerships in the upcoming calendar year. While we had to say goodbye to a few classic models in 2018, even more, highly anticipated ones are set to debut in 2019.
Ford Ranger
When the Ranger made its debut in 1983, it was such as hit that the Ford Motor Company produced the truck on the same platform for 29 years. Even after the Japanese models hit the U.S. market, the Ranger was still synonymous with affordability and durability in the compact truck segment. But that ended in 2011, a time when more and more consumers opted for the larger F-150.
However, the Ranger is back and looks better than ever. This new incarnation, which will hit dealers in the first few months of 2019, can be had with a 2.3 L turbo four-cylinder that churns out 310-hp and 350-lb-ft of torque.
The main difference between this Ranger and versions of old, though, is that it won’t be offered as a standard work truck. Instead, the two configurations available is an extended cab with a six-foot bed or a crew cab with five-foot bed.
Jeep Gladiator
It may look like just a rebadged Wrangler with a short bed, but the all-new Gladiator is everything purists want in a Jeep pickup. And with its 1,650-lb payload, it’s like the old Jeep Scrambler on steroids.
Chrysler has teased the public with Wrangler-based concept trucks for the past two decades, but this one is actually coming to fruition. Named after the original full-size pickup Jeep produced from 1962-1988, this Gladiator will go on sale April 2019 for a price that has not yet been made public, though it will most likely be in the low $30,000 range.
Toyota Supra
The old Toyota Supra featured everything that car enthusiasts wanted in a sports coupe. It was lightweight, fast and had an affordable starting price. And it was the decision to reintroduce this iconic vehicle in a new form that has the automotive world abuzz.
For the all-new Supra, Toyota partnered with BMW to make available powerplants either a 3.0 L turbocharged inline six or a turbo four-cylinder, all of which are connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Because it hasn’t officially been announced, it’s difficult to say when the Supra will be available and how much it’ll cost. But, whatever the price tag, it’ll most likely be worth every penny.
If you purchase one of these soon-to-be released models, or any other vehicle, and need to get it inspected, give Andy’s Auto in Bridgeville a call at 412-478-9304. We got you covered.
