09 Rides

The 2009 model year is just around the corner and it looks like it’s going to be another hectic season of change with more wagons, more fuel-efficient vehicles and even more speed. Hang on for a fast ride into the future!

General Motors

Chevrolet’s all-new Camaro arrives early next year in coupe and convertible body styles. A fuel-efficient four-cylinder engine is being touted as the base powerplant, but SS models will feature a Corvette-based 6.2-liter V8. Speaking of the Corvette, the ZR1 shows of its carbon fiber body parts and a thundering 635-horsepower supercharged V8. Only 2,000 ZR1s are planned for the first year. A more practical Chevy is the Traverse, the newest member of GM’s full-size wagon-ute family that includes the GMC Acadian, Saturn Outlook and Buick Enclave. Although not exactly new, a Solstice Coupe joins the roadster in Pontiac’s lineup, which also includes the second-gen Vibe. Finally, the H3T pickup joins the H3 roster for 2009.

Ford

The 2009 Flex leads Ford’s new-for-2009 parade. The boxy wagon is a radical departure from anything the automaker has produced in some time and should generate a strong following. Also arriving this fall is the next-generation Ford F-150 pickup and, from Ford’s sole remaining premium division (both Jaguar and Land Rover were sold to the India-based Tata Group) is the new Lincoln MKS sedan.

Chrysler LLC

The now privately owned Chrysler company — no longer part of Mercedes-Benz — is now actually building the Dodge Challenger for public consumption. That’s the big news since you’ve been hearing about this beast for the last year, at least. Designed to compete against the upcoming Camaro and long-running Ford Mustang, the Challenger will be offered with a choice of mild-to-wild powertrains, including the red-hot SRT8 with 425 horsepower at the ready. Also being released is the newest version of the Dodge Ram pickup, with available storage bins set into the rear fenders. Both new Dodges are in addition to the already released Journey wagon with three-row seating.

Hyundai/Kia

This Korean-based automaker has caused quite a stir with its announcement of the rear-wheel-drive Genesis models. The Sedan will be available with V6 or V8 power, while the sleek-looking coupe will stick with a V6. There’s also a wagon version of the Elantra, called the Touring. Also scheduled for Hyundai-controlled Kia is the Borrego multi-passenger wagon with available V8 power and all-new Kia Koup two-door, featuring a high-output four-cylinder motor.

Volkswagen/Audi

Instead of building a retro-styled Microbus minivan, VW has partnered with Chrysler and will market a version of that company’s latest Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan people mover called the Routan. Currently arriving is the 2009 Tiguan small sport ute, a smaller alternative to the company’s Touareg. Another new product is the Passat CC, a more streamlined version of the sedan and wagon models currently sold here. Over at VW’s Audi division the Q5 sport utility vehicle will provide a more compact alternative to the company’s Q7 model.

Honda/Acura

The arrival of the completely made-over Pilot wagon, now looking a lot more like a sport ute, will be followed by an all-new 2009 Fit mini-wagon with slightly more horsepower and similar fuel-sipping capability to the outgoing version. Meanwhile Honda’s upscale Acura subsidiary has just recently launched its latest TSX sedan and will follow with an all-new TL four-door later this year.

The rest of the pack

From Mazda comes the next Mazda 6, featuring new engines that’s surround by bolder sheetmetal. Another revamped Japanese-based sedan is the 2009 Nissan Maxima, now sleeker looking inside and out.

Nissan has already launched its restyled Murano wagon and will be introducing its hyper-quick GT-R sports car to salivating enthusiasts this summer.

Toyota launched new versions of its Corolla and Matrix earlier this year, labeled as 2009 models. The company will follow up with the Venza, essentially a Camry-based wagon with all-wheel drive optional.

Suzuki will sell the Equator pickup developed (and built by) Nissan and based on its mid-size Frontier truck.

From Germany comes the small-and-tall Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK, a vehicle shown in the movie version of the Sex and the City TV series.

From BMW comes the X6 “Sports Activity Coupe,” featuring four-wheel-drive and to eventually and an optional gasoline/electric hybrid powerplant.

Finally, Volvo’s new Belgian-built XC60 rough-road-capable wagon, which is based on the S40/V50 series, hits the streets for the 2009 model year.

Malcolm Gunn is a feature writer with Wheelbase Communications. He can be reached on the Web at www.wheelbase.ws/mailbag.html. Wheelbase is a North America supplier of automobile news, reviews and features.