Automopedia’s 10 Most Anticipated Cars for 2010
Next week, we creep a bit closer to the end of everything in 2012. Until that time we can enjoy looking forward to new automobiles headed into dealerships come 2010. Automopedia is super excited with these returning models, award-winning imports and advances in hybrid technology joining the cars of America next year. Some are on lots already, other won’t be available until 2011 (we cheated a little, they’ll still be for sale late 2010, ok?!) – have a look at the top 10 cars we are most excited about next year.
10. Chevrolet Cruze
Chevy’s Volt hybrid/plugin will allegedly be available next year. But we do know for certain GM has its Cruze ready to go in 2010-2011. Cruze will include a turbocharged 1.4-liter Ecotec engine that produces 138 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque. Connected to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, GM predicts the Cruze will be able to obtain a fuel economy rating of 40 mpg highway. Set to go on sale in the third quarter of 2010, the Cruze will likely be priced from $16,000. Frankly, we’re just happy to be rid of The Cobalt…we are rid of Cobalt, right?
9. Fiat 500
By late 2010 Fiat will return to American Soil. As part of the deal with Chrysler, and by that we mean their buyout/take-over of Chrysler Dodge Jeep, Italy’s Fiat wants to bring their tiny, European cars back Stateside. One of their more popular little devils, Fiat 500, is rumored to pop onto Yankee lots within the next 1-2 years.
8. Cadillac Converj
The Cadillac Hybrid version of GM’s Volt gives us more butterflies in our tummies than it’s Chevy counterpart. This sporty gas/electric ride is sexier than the chick from Private Practice cruising in her cougar mobile. Good Ol’ Bob Lutz-y told fans earlier this year that Volt/Converj “is scheduled for production in November/December 2010…will let commuters travel up to 40 miles on electric power. The engine kicks in after its battery is drained by about 70 percent to sustain the battery’s remaining charge to keep the car running for several hundred miles.”
7. Mazda2
Mazda fanatics must have been good little boys and girls this holiday season - just last month Mazda made it official that their popular overseas model, Mazda2, will come to the US-of-A late next year. No official word on the US-spec 2 – it’s Japanese/Euro counterpart includes 1.3 and 1.5 liter gasoline/petrol engines as well as two diesels – a 1.2 and 1.6 liter. It was also voted World Car of the Year in 2008. “Bringing Mazda2 to North America completes the bookends in our lineup,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North America, in a press release.
6. Ford Fiesta
The US was supposed to have it already, but we will have to wait another year for the official 2010 launch of a 2011 Ford Fiesta. Still, the Fiesta movement has been a powerful one – and your cries have been answered. In line to replace the Focus, Fiesta lovers have crusaded cross-country in their import rides, begging Ford to built models in our homeland. Stay tunes, faithful Ford shopper.
5. Mercedes SLS AMG
Our obsession began with its gull-wing doors, and continued with its over 600 horsepower 500 lb-ft of torque. With a clocked 0 – 60 acceleration or 3.5 seconds, and a top speed ranging fro 195 mph to 208 mph, the limited edition Mercedes Benz will undoubtedly be parked outside your psychiatrist’s or eye doctor’s office by the end of 2010.
4. Toyota Prius
Parking spaces around Philadelphia are ready for the next Philly Car Share model – 2010′s Toyota Prius. An all-electric plugin model won;t be around until 2011-2012, but for now the new Prius is already rolling off dealer lots in Los Angeles, Vermont, New York and any other place where snobby, smug, fake-eco-friendly people live. According to Toyota’s official press release: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., unveiled the all-new 50-mile-per gallon rated third-generation Prius hybrid vehicle today at the 2009 North American International Auto show. The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.
3. Volkswagen Golf GTI
Why are we so happy about the 2010 VW GTI…why not?! It did receive Automobile Magazine‘s 2010 Auto of the Year award, and it is still 2009! Volkswagen hatchbacks have always been a fav of ours at Automopedia, even that one we were stuck in on an icy Quebec highway in the middle of a blizzard. It’s also one of the cheaper imports, with pricing around $22,000-24,000. With a 30 mpg rating, 2010 is going to be a shining year for Volkswagen drivers.
2. BMW ActiveHybrid
BMW is promising some of the most advanced hybrid cars between 2010 and 2013. On the top of that list is the ActiveHybrid models, including the X6 and 7-Series. They ain’t cheap – about $100,000 will get you into an all new BMW 7-Series. But come on, it’s a BMW! How can you not fall in love when reading this out of Beamer’s press release: The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Sedans feature BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and hybrid electric motor.
1. Rolls Royce Ghost
Rolls Royce – The car that almost ended Marty McFly’s music career – and the toy of billionaires world wide. 2010′s Ghost is haunting and seductive, and actually in direct competition with our #2, BMW 7-Series. The brand new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12 engine, with 563 horse power/0-60 in 4.7 sec/top speed of 155 mph, comes with head-up display, a lane departure warning system, high beam assistance, and active cruise control with stop & go technology. Santa, can you fit this under my tree?
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