Here's the follow-up to our look at Europe's future product as predicted by Automotive News. Yesterday we hit Alfa Romeo through Maybach, so today we'll start with Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz: Lots of activity for 2008, most of which we've already seen (SLR Roadster, S65, all-new C-Class, etc.). Next year we get the C63 (457hp), a CLK convertible, an E-Class update, an SLK restyle and an SL freshen. In 2009 we get a CLS freshen, an AMG E-Class, an S-Class convertible and -- believe it or not -- a small crossover called the GLK.
Mini: The Clubman just debuted in Frankfurt, and we'll see how the small-car brands fares with a larger model. The new John Cooper Works model looks cool (and makes 207 horsepower while weighing 66 pounds less) and the convertible gets a full redesign, to catch up with the coupe, for 2009.
Porsche: Both the Boxster and the Cayman get freshened next year, while the titanic 911 GT2 debuts with 530 turbo-charged horsepower. A full redesign of the Cayenne happens in 2009, while Porsche's first sedan, the Panamera, hits town in 2010 (and yes, the company will still have a "soul" -- along with a stronger bottom line).
Rolls-Royce: Making cars for only the super rich may foster a sense of elitism in your product, but it ain't great for sales (just ask Maybach). Rolls-Royce will respond with a smaller, "cheaper" model for the 2010 model year (watch out Bentley). In the meantime we'll get a Phantom coupe next year to balance out the Drophead Coupe that just hit showrooms.
Saab: There's a seachange going on at Saab, and I've had a glimpse of the new tide rolling in (so have you if you've seen the latest 9-3 SportCombi). By 2009 we'll have an all-new 9-5, a 9-4x crossover and a larger, midsize crossover that all display the new thinking (and styling) at Saab. Best of all -- no more re-badged Chevy's or Subarus!
Smart: The ForTwo debuts next year, and we're getting one in our long-term fleet for a hands on review of the newest, smallest car to hit America. The big question for this tiny car is -- will Americans buy it? As is often the case, everyone is willing to be an environmentalist -- unless it costs them something. Will Americans see the smart product as potentially costing them everything (if an Escalade hits them)?
Volkswagen: Lots going on at VW (which is good, because not a lot is going on with their sales numbers these days...). Redesigned Jetta Sportwagen, along with the Tiguan, a new minivan and a new sporty sedan are set for the next 12 months. Then comes a Rabbit, New (now old?) Beetle, Passat and Touareg redesign before 2010. Oh yeah, they're also going to try that luxury sedan route...again.
Volvo: The C30 was the big news out of Volvo this year. The next big thing will come in the form of a...(wait for it)...small crossover/SUV! Called the XC60, it actually looks pretty good and will be in showrooms by 2009. A redesign of the S60 follows in 2010, along with a restyle of the XC90. And maybe, with the popularity of Chevy's Volt, we'll see the ReCharge concept they just unveiled in Frankfurt somewhere in our future.
