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An Automotive Wish List – IF I COULD DREAM
An Automotive Wish List
IF I COULD DREAM
Only God and perhaps Automotive News, know the exact number of cars and individual models available in these United States, but I’m here to tell you: For those enthusiasts with a functioning memory, whatever the number it isn’t enough. Amongst all the tech and engineering wizardry, something very basic is missing on American showrooms. That something? Very basic. Today’s OEMs have forgotten the compelling pull of simplicity, the visceral vibe you and your passengers get when truly connected to the road and not an algorithm. To my mind and eye, virtually any automobile, truck or SUV built over the last 20 years was more interesting in 2005 than its variant built in the last two. What follows is what a few OEMs might do to make our driving – and therefore, our lives! – more interesting.
AN ANALOG MIATA. Mazda is currently building the 4th iteration of its iconic sportscar, and in most respects the platform has never been better. While not yet delivering 200 horsepower, the current 181 will certainly get you in trouble, but it probably won’t put you in jail. And while the standard spec suspension and steering are comfortable and composed, the aftermarket will easily up that composure while not significantly reducing the comfort.
What I’d ask for is a Club Sport variant, one that dispenses with all of the nanny aids of the current ND, and chucks the irksome infotainment screen for the simplicity of an in-dash stereo head atop its (thankfully) simplistic HVAC controls. And for an OEM, suspension mods cost little more than the standard-spec stuff, especially when installed in volume. And a firmer ride won’t turn off the faithful. For those it does turn off…well, they can find a late-model Beetle. Keep the window sticker as close to $30,000 as possible – and ramp up production.
A GENESIS WAGON. The number of wagons currently available in the U.S. would be funny…if it weren’t so sad. Once the mainstay of family motoring, most families today think they need 5,000 pounds and three rows to survive a long weekend. And here’s an update: They don’t. Delivering a level of utility the 4-door sedan doesn’t, while offering the sedan’s roadability which the SUV or crossover doesn’t, a modern wagon could very well be the automotive sweetspot for both young families and empty nesters.
In the absence of a wagon that hasn’t been lifted and cladded, I’d like to invite Genesis, the luxe upstart from parent Hyundai, to import its Genesis G70 wagon as an appropriate way to grow its fan base, going where the others aren’t. Possessing roughly the same footprint as its entry level sport sedan, even in its turbocharged four base form the car is delightful. And if the G70 wagon’s base price didn’t veer too much from the sedan’s $40K to $50K you’d have yourself an in-the-park homerun. And it’d be bought by virtually any age group.
A COMPACT COMPACT PICKUP. I know, the midsize pickup category has exploded, with new and/or refreshed models coming from all the established players, coaxing segment leader Toyota to quicken the pace of its own redevelopment. But all of these entries, with the (possible) exception of the Ford Maverick, are decidedly midsize, and that’s not what I’m looking for – nor does it fit the needs of those looking for light hauling with maximum efficiency.
Instead of today’s Ranger or Tacoma, give us those footprints available in the late ‘90s or early ‘00s. One check of what those trucks are sold for in the pre-owned market will confirm their appeal, and with their smaller, lighter footprints and (perhaps) a hybrid drivetrain, 40 miles per gallon is realistic. And forgawdsake, forego the mandatory crew cab for a 2-door, perhaps with extended cab. What about GM? Bring back the LUV.
A MINI MINIVAN. When, exactly, did the minivan become a maxivan? And why? If you look at the Dodge/Chrysler Caravan in its first generation, you know it was an upright box perfect for both families and tight parking lots. If you wanted more capacity the Chrysler team offered a longer, Grander variant, but it was your option – not one size pretending to fit everyone. And while knowing there’s no going back in terms of the minivan footprint, I think there’s room for something smaller, more nimble and – let’s not forget – more affordable.
Ford attempted this with passenger versions of its Transit Connect, but that compact van lacked any semblance of refinement; it may have worked as a cab, but wouldn’t work for families. Smaller vans are widely available in Europe and Asia – and one of our multinationals should begin importing them.
