Model Year 2009 - New Looks For New Car Sales

Each year come autumn, automakers can shrug off mistakes of the previous model year, and look forward to the start of a fresh new model year.

Fall 2008 is particularly interesting, since the industry sustained a historically poor year for new-car sales. Consumers get to see how each automaker responds, how auto executives plan to rebound, or how others see it fit to stand pat.

For what the industry calls model year 2009 - which begins in 2008, of course - what might we expect in terms of new cars?

What we'll see in 2009 was actually designed the previous year and, often, years before that. Early indications are the industry, from America to Europe to Asia, plans to unveil a significant amount of new products.

Many are designed to address record-high gas prices, but some automakers still hope to sell new horsepower-heavy sports cars. Here's a look at what's new, or not, for 2009.

New Models Causing a Buzz

Following are changes that have attracted some industry buzz and media attention.
Hyundai is rolling out its Genesis sedan and coupe, gearing to compete directly with European luxury imports. With its 290-horsepower V6, or even a 375-hp V8, the South Korean automaker ventures into a market segment it's never explored.

Mercedes-Benz will deliver its BlueTec diesel engine to several sport utility vehicle models. By the first quarter of '09, the GLK, a new crossover SUV, is expected to arrive.

Toyota unveils its Venza, a brand new model. It's based on the Camry platform, and industry journalists struggle to determine whether it's a wagon, or crossover SUV. Buyers can choose from four-cylinder economy, or V6 power.

On the American front, Ford's Flex already is selling for those who need space but want a crossover instead of a minivan; and its unique styling and ceiling window have attracted attention. Old-timers might want to check out the new glass roof option for the Mustang.

New Cars and Models to Cause Head-Scratching

Some new products can trigger a "Say, what?" reaction.

Chevrolet is introducing a hybrid version of its big Silverado pickup, and it will be interesting how many buyers trust its power.

Chevy also blows off fuel efficiency with its new 638-horsepower Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1.

Cadillac follows suit with its new 556-horsepower, V8 engine in the CTS-V.

Strangely, Kia introduces a V8 sport-ute, the Borrego. And Saab will push a 280-horsepower beast that is essentially a station wagon, the Turbo X SportCombi.

Much of what is new follows the Silverado trend, that is, known names coming out in hybrid versions. These include the Cadillac Escalade, Chrysler Aspen SUV, Dodge Durango, and GMC Sierra pickup. It's as if the industry wants to give SUVs one last chance, with gas-sipping engine options.

Perhaps most surprising are automakers that are changing little, despite the miserable 2008 model year. Those would include Buick, Mercury, Jeep, Lexus, Scion, Smart, Land Rover and Volvo. Hummer is just adding the new H3T pickup version to its H3; and Saturn simply added an upgraded hybrid option to the Vue.

Keith Jajko is a freelance writer focused on cars and tidbits to help sell your car or get cash for cars. See his work at http://www.cash4usedcars.com or http://blog.cash4usedcars.com

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