I was oscillating between two possible topics for my opinion column this week. First, my thought that rugged, off-roady SUVs and trucks have replaced sporty cars as a means of flaunting one’s wealth, machismo and/or fashion sense … and why it means our choices as driving enthusiasts are waning. But then I started yelling at a cloud and got distracted. Second, a detailed thesis on why car horns should go back to the ah-oooo-gah noise and how it’s a travesty that it went away as an industry standard. But then I realized everyone would be on board with that and I’d be singing to the choir.
So instead, I started thinking about any hot takes I might have about the various car brands. Turns out I could come up with quite a few. So here you go, one thing every carmaker does really well. Some may not be entirely serious … or actually positive. Feel free to add some of your own entries in the comments below.
Acura – Going for it. The sensible thing probably would’ve been to make dull cars for sensible-minded luxury shoppers who couldn’t possibly care about the handling benefits of SH-AWD and whatever results from the brand’s focus on “Precision Crafted Performance.” Instead, we get a new generation of Type S models, a reborn Integra and a clear intention to make interesting cars.
Alfa Romeo – Being fully committed to making cars for people who like to drive. Good for them. Even the non-sporty Lusso trim level I recently tested on the Giulia was still incredibly responsive and fun to drive. Ditto the Tonale plug-in hybrid.
Audi – Sound systems. Maybe this is more a shout out to Mr Harman and Mr Kardon, but the sound systems of the last two Audis I’ve driven, the S4 and Q8 E-Tron, left such an indelible impression (as did the one in my old Allroad), it’s hard not to shine the spotlight on them.
BMW – Grilles. My god, man, they’re magnificent. Whether they’re enormous, have a bunch of unidentifiable black plastic stuff inside or resemble a Pontiac, they’re all just pure genius. Round of applause.
Bugatti – I’ve never driven one. I imagine it’s the cupholders.
Buick – Making cars people buy but no one wants to read about.
Cadillac – Moving on from great names of its past. Why would you want something called Eldorado when you can have an XT5 or a Hypnotiq? Wait, that’s a blue liqueur for college girls in 2004. Lyriq. That’s it. Lyriq.
Ferrari – Screaming V12 engines. Same as it ever was.
Ford – Going boldly into the future. You don’t get the impression there’s actually a plan that’s coherent and entirely thought-out, but Ford is clearly not afraid to put resources behind what could be next.
Genesis – Interiors. Genesis designers manage to minimize visual clutter and create compelling organic designs without losing the Hyundai Group’s exceptional functionality. Hooray for distinctive color combinations, too
GMC – Making an EV that’s offensive to environmentalists.
Kia – Compelling design regardless of price tag, including not keeping colorful interior options exclusive to upper trim levels.
Lamborghini – Making cars that are really pointy.
Land Rover – Wait, do I need to create separate entries for Defender, Discovery and Range Rover? Whatever, I’ll just put “confusing people” here and move on.
Lexus – The new GX design. People really dig it, which in recent post-Spindle Grille memory, is only the second time after the LC that people have heaped praise upon a new Lexus design. (Though honestly, I’ve been more keen on their cars and SUVs than most others).
Tesla – The Supercharger Network. It has always been Tesla’s ace in the hole … we’ll see what happens when other carmakers can take advantage of it.
Toyota – Hybrids. Toyota offers a ton of them and they collectively lower the amount of CO2 that otherwise would’ve been pumped out by gas-only engines. Now, are they the best hybrids? Maybe not in terms of refinement and drivability, and the Sequoia and Tundra don’t really seem to benefit from their hybrid powertrains in terms of real-world fuel economy, but in most cases, they are definitely the versions to get when shopping for a RAV4, Camry, Corolla Cross, etc.
Volkswagen – Hiring accountants who have never been in a car before to design the interior controls and infotainment system. Such a bold and unique choice.
Volvo – Timeless design. The XC90 is eight years old and still looks minty fresh. The rest of the lineup should be able to soldier on in a similar manner. Not only did designer Thomas Ingenlath nail it from the beginning, his successors have been smart enough to not futz too much with a good thing.