In the automotive world, like any massive industry, news comes fast and often. However, it felt like 2018 had some especially important and industry-changing news come out, from a new Jeep truck to Ford axing nearly their entire car lineup. Did you miss out on some of the biggest stories and want to get up to date before the new year comes? Then keep scrolling to read the eight biggest (and most fun) stories from this past year, in no particular order.
1. Ford F-150 Gets a Diesel Engine
Announced right at the start of 2018, diesel enthusiasts are finally able to get the engine they want in a smaller package. Now coming with a 3.0L Power Stroke, it gets 30 mpg, 440 lb-ft of torque and 250hp. It’s only available on the Lariat, King Ranch, or Platinum editions, so be ready to shell out some cash to get one. If you do, you’ll be able to take advantage of its best-in-class 11,400 lb towing capacity.
2. Ford Cuts Car Lineup to Two Models
On the one hand, the auto industry is moving so quickly toward SUVs and crossovers that it’s surprising other brands don’t do this, on the other hand, seriously? A major car company that doesn’t actually make cars? This one took a while to sink in. The only survivors of the shakeup were the Mustang and Focus Active (similar to the Subaru Crosstrek). If the rumors are true, a four-door Mustang may be coming soon to fill the car void in Ford’s lineup, but for now, it’s Expeditions and Explorers going forward.
3. Toyota Announces Four-Cylinder Supra
While the announcement of the return of the Supra was one of the most unsurprising surprises this year, what we weren’t totally expecting was a four-cylinder option. On top of that, we really weren’t expecting Toyota’s Chief Engineer to come out and say that it would be the model of choice for those looking to 2JZ-swap their new Supra.
4. Chevy Reveals 2019 Blazer
Remember the K5 Blazer? This isn’t that. Chevy turned what was a classic off-road SUV into yet another crossover in a market that’s flooded with them. Yes, like Ford, Chevy can see where the market is headed, but instead of getting rid of underperforming cars, they’re adding yet another crossover that no one was asking for. We just don’t understand why Chevy turned the Blazer into this.
5. Jeep Unveils 2020 Gladiator
People have been asking for Jeep to make a truck for a while, and clearly, they were listening this whole time. The Gladiator looks to be exactly what their fans wanted, with all the Jeep things people want, like Dana 44 axles and removeable doors, and the truck stats it needs, like 7,650 lbs of towing capacity and 1,600 lbs of payload capacity. We can’t wait to get our hands on one of these and take it out to the wilderness.
6. Ford Reveals Cobra Jet Mustang
With the countless drag-strip designed Challengers coming out in recent years, it was only a matter of time until Ford put out a Mustang model to compete with them. Enter the Cobra Jet, with eight-second quarter mile times and a 5.2L version of the Coyote V8 with a 3.0L Whipple supercharger. It even comes with a parachute on the back. It may not be street-legal, but if you want to smoke your buddies with a stock ride on the strip, this might be the one for you.
7. Chevy Debuts 2020 Silverado HD
If a car gets a lot of attention for its headlights, it usually isn’t a good thing, and thus was the case with the 2020 Silverado HD. The whole front grille garnered quite a bit of criticism upon its reveal, and we really can’t blame people for not liking it. The giant Chevrolet bar looks is too big and high, especially compared to how small the lights are. It’ll be interesting to see if or how the design is changed for the 2021 model year.
8. Nissan and Italdesign Reveal GT-R50 Prototype
This may not have been the most important news story this year, but we had to include it because of how gorgeous this car looks. Sure, most heavily-designed concepts like this never see a production run, and Nissan isn’t even hinting at one, but when something like this comes across our screens, we have to highlight it. Who knows? If the response is strong enough, they might even make a limited run.