In the 1990s, there were some interesting automotive brands that are now defunct. One such brand was Eagle, which was introduced by Chrysler in 1988 as an enthusiast brand aimed at a younger customer base. The lineup mainly consisted of rebranded models from Mitsubishi, Plymouth, and Chrysler, but the brand had its own identity and charm. However, stock examples of Eagle cars are now hard to find.
Recently, the WD Detailing team discovered an original Eagle Talon TSi that had been abandoned for 12 years. The Talon TSi had a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. As seen in the video, the car is missing some parts, with the main issue being the lack of an engine under the hood. Finding the original turbocharged four-cylinder engine for the Talon is becoming increasingly difficult.
The specific engine in question is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with around 195 horsepower in the all-wheel drive configuration. The front-wheel drive Talon had a slightly lower rating of 190 horsepower due to its more restrictive exhaust system. Models equipped with a four-speed manual transmission had 180 horsepower due to a different turbo setup.
The Talon was essentially a rebadged and slightly redesigned version of the Mitsubishi Eclipse, which was also sold under the Plymouth brand. While they were mechanically identical, the three coupes had their own design elements such as different bumpers, taillights, and wheels. All three cars were manufactured by DSM (a joint venture between Chrysler and Mitsubishi) at their plant in Normal, Illinois.
In its current condition, this black Eagle Talon TSi has potential, despite being far from its factory condition. Not only is it a rare turbocharged all-wheel drive model, but it also doesn’t have significant rust spots on its body. If you owned this vehicle, would you choose to restore it to its original condition or install a more powerful and modern engine? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Are you OK? I just want to check after yet another American automotive icon has succumbed to the current trend (no pun intended) of electrification. First it was the Mustang spawning the all-electric Mach-E, and now the legendary Corvette has fallen prey to Edison’s creation. We’ve hardly had time to adjust to the Corvette moving its engine behind the seats, and here comes electrification to traumatize us all over again. Meet the new Corvette E-Ray. How are you taking it?
We jest, of course. Change is generally good, even though its approach and arrival can be jarring. The Corvette E-Ray, though, softens the blow by improving on just about everything a purely gas-powered Corvette can do. That’s why it’s our cover car this month.
To be clear, the Corvette E-Ray hasn’t added electrons for the sake of fuel efficiency. While it is a traditional hybrid like your parents’ Prius, the E-Ray still sports the standard Corvette’s 6.2-liter V8 making 495 horsepower. An electric motor, though, has been added to the front axle that produces 160 hp. Fed by a relatively small 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery, the hybrid powertrain generates a combined 665 horsepower. Did you notice this Corvette has power going to both its axles? That makes it the first Corvette with all-wheel drive ever produced. Take a breath. Mid-engine, hybrid, and all-wheel drive. The Corvette E-Ray violates just about every tenet we thought we knew about this car. At least it’s not an SUV.
There’s a lot more to learn about the new Corvette E-Ray, so skip ahead to page 12 where we take our time breaking down how groundbreaking it really is. Coincidentally, we’ve got the Corvette’s historic nemesis in this month’s issue, as well. The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS slots between the 911 S and 911 Turbo. Think of it as stronger than an S but not as over-the-top as the Turbo. Fortunately, both the PDK automatic and a seven-speed manual are still available. Jump to page 22 to find out which one we tested for you.
If the Corvette E-Ray and 911 Carrera GTS are too mainstream for you, check out our review of the 60th Anniversary Cunningham Corvette on page 34. It commemorates the three-car team of modified Corvettes that Briggs Cunningham brought to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1960. Cunningham’s campaign back then was successful; car #3 finished first in its class and 8th overall.
Today’s 60th Anniversary Cunningham Corvette starts as a fully loaded 3LT model with Z51 suspension and brakes, 8-speed DCT transaxle, and GT2 sport seats. Then Lingenfelter, perhaps the most accomplished Corvette tuner of all time, lays its hands upon the LT2 V8 until it’s making over 600 naturally aspirated horsepower. Only 60 copies of the Cunningham Corvette will be made, which makes it rarer than any E-Ray or 911 GTS.
Specialty Vehicle Engineering makes similarly special versions of popular General Motors products. The company is probably best known for its modern-day Yenko Camaros and supercharger packages for GM trucks and SUVs. Did you know the company was born in 1970 from the founder’s background in drag racing? Learn more about this special tuner in our exclusive interview with its founder on page 42.
This month’s issue is packed with so much more, including our update on how America and F1 are getting along (spoiler: swimmingly) and some amazing watch coverage that includes Panerai’s Navy Seal line and a list of timepieces that inspire us. So welcome to summer and let’s get started.
2022 was an excellent year for the automotive industry. It saw new leaps and bounds for electric and hybrid cars. Some cars had new tech like wireless charging, voice activation, and even air purification systems. And while 2022 was great for new features, the year was not so kind to American car manufacturers. 2022 Consumer Reports had mostly Asian manufacturers in the top spots (Think, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda). Only Lincoln made the top 10, with Buick in the 11th spot.
But just because a car didn’t make it in the top 10 doesn’t mean that it’s not reliable. New technology can be the culprit for a car not being on the list, not necessarily mechanical maladies. So if you’re worrying that your car isn’t in the top 10, don’t fret. There are still many things to love about American cars.
Updated on June 14, 2023: Since 2022 is gone and half of 2023 has been swept under the rug, we have decided to refresh and update this list of reliable American cars. The original 2022 models have been left, so you know what vehicle to look for in a slightly used car. However, we have added some of the top 2023 American models to give you some extra choices.
Three-quarters shot of a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hybrid charging
Jeep has never really been high on reliability lists. In 2022, they ranked 23 out of 24 car manufacturers, almost putting them dead last. The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokeeis the highest on Jeep’s list of reliable cars. The Jeep Grand Cherokee 2022 has been redesigned with better fuel economy, a more luxurious cabin, and more refinement. This car is a great midsize SUV that is predicted to last a long time, but you might be better off with some of its other competitors, such as KIA, Hyundai, or Honda, given Jeep’s overall reliability record.
142022 GMC Yukon: 73/100
GMC
Front and side view of a 2022 GMC Yukon Denali
Placing just two spots above Jeep at 21 out of 24 car manufacturers is GMC. GMC is another one of those companies with average reliability over the years, but the 2022 GMC Yukonis one of GMC’s more reliable cars. This three-row SUV is quiet, comfy, and has excellent towing capacity (7,500 – 7,900 pounds). The newly redesigned independent rear suspension offers a smoother ride and better handling. When maintained, it is predicted to last 200,000 to 250,000 miles, making it a decent choice if you’re looking to buy a new SUV or if you need something to haul your boat and motorcycle around.
132022 Tesla Model Y: 73/100
Tesla
A front 3/4 outdoor shot of a 2022 Tesla Model Y
Tesla has always been at the cutting edge when it comes to new technology in its cars, but they are the relatively new kid on the block and have some things to figure out. The 2022 Tesla Model Y is no exception to this rule. Tesla came in at 19 out of 24 manufacturers, which isn’t the best. Most of the problems come from paint, weatherstripping, rear-hatchback, and its climate system. Many people who buy these cars are thrilled with them, but you can expect to pay more in overall maintenance costs due to new technology. Overall, it is one of the few fully electric vehicles on the market right now, and that alone can save you money in the long term.
Front and side view of a 2022 Ram 1500 Longhorn Limited
Placing much higher on Consumer Reports’ list is the 2022 Ram 1500. Ram placed at 16 out of 24 manufacturers, making it a more reliable option than the GMC Yukon. And obviously, this is a truck on a list of cars, but the high-ranking American cars are slim on Consumer Reports lists, so we elected to include it. The 2022 Ram 1500 dropped pounds to improve fuel economy and add more passenger room. It can last anywhere from 200,000 to 300,000 miles depending on your use. And with an average annual repair cost of $691, it won’t break the bank for quite some time.
112022 Ford Maverick 78/100
Ford
Front three-quarter shot of a light blue 2022 Ford Maverick Hybrid speeding in a free highway
Ah, yes, another truck on our list of cars. Unfortunately, the highest-ranking car on Consumer Reports for Ford was a truck. Go figure. Ford ranked 18 out of 24 car manufacturers, putting two spots below RAM. These trucks can last for up to 14 years and 200,000 miles, making them a good choice if you want a truck that will last a long time and has a lot of power. It even has a hybrid option that gives it decent MPG at 42 in the city and 33 on the highway. Outscoring every pickup in its class, the 2022 Ford Maverick is a small truck that can be bought on a budget and can withstand time for years to come.
10Cadillac XT5 2022: 79/100
Cadillac ranked in between Ram and Ford at 17 out of 24 manufacturers. With a nice mix of luxury and reliability, the 2022 Cadillac XT5 is at the top of Cadillac’s most reliable cars for the year. Consumer Reports placed it in its top 10 most reliable cars of the year, with a reliability rating of 89 out of 100. And while it doesn’t have the same appeal or drivability as one of Cadillac’s sedans, it is still a sleeper in terms of comfort and reliability. You won’t get Mercedes-level luxury, but you’ll get a pretty standard SUV that will last you for years to come with proper care and maintenance.
A front 3/4 action shot of a 2023 Chevrolet Traverse
Chevy ranked 20 out of 24 car manufacturers, according to Consumer Reports. The most reliable car out of Chevy’s lineup is the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse. It is a three-row crossover that gives the Ford Explorer and Honda Pilot a run for their money. Consumer Reports gave it a reliability rating of 82 out of 100, making it one of the more reliable cars on this list. It is predicted to last 12 to 17 years and upwards of 200,000 miles. On the road, the 2022 Chevy Traverse offers a smooth ride that you won’t complain about but won’t brag about, either.
82022 Chrysler 300: 83/100
Chrysler
Side view of a Chrysler 300s
Chrysler wasn’t included in 2022’s Consumer Reports since it was acquired by Stellantis in 2021, so we’ll take its 2021 information and see where it ranks. In 2021, Chrysler ranked 12 out of 28 manufacturers. That makes Chrysler, in general, pretty reliable. And one of the most reliable Chrysler cars is the 2022 Chrysler 300. Chrysler’s flagship luxury sedan offers plenty of room and comfort for your average buyer. Reports state that the 2022 Chrysler 300 can last up to 200,000 with minimal repairs needed. This makes it a great choice if you’re looking for luxury and reliability.
72022 Buick Encore: 84/100
Buick
2022 Buick Encore GX parked in front of a building
Coming in at the second-highest spot on the list is Buick. Buick ranked 11 out of 24 manufacturers for 2022. And coming in as one of Buick’s most reliable cars is the 2022 Buick Encore. The 2022 Buick Encore is a subcompact SUV that is a size smaller than the Toyota RAV4 or the Honda CR-V. The 2022 Buick Encore is expected to reach 200,000 miles with regular maintenance and is predicted to be reliable for many years. This car is meant to blend luxury with a small carbon footprint. This car is perfect for a small SUV that is easy on gas and the eyes.
The 2022 Lincoln Corsair came in at 10 out of 24 manufacturers, with a reliability rating of 87 out of 100. The Corsair has plenty of standard features, a silky smooth ride, and a base 250 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine with upgradable options for more power. This is a luxury vehicle, though, which means it comes with new technology that could be prone to breaking down. With a predicted 10-year price of $11,000 in regular maintenance fees, this car could put you back more than others on this list. Either way, if you bought one, it could be a solid choice.
52023 Chrysler 300: 77/100
Chrysler
Shot of the 2023 Chrysler 300s’ rear
The 2023 Chrysler 300 has been improved upon from the previous years (maybe not as much as the 2021 model), giving it the top place for an American car on the list of large cars, ranking number 2/4 overall. The 300 has long been one of those luxury cars that families across the nation have gone to for cross-country trips, which they still do, but with the addition of the smaller 3.6-liter V-6, it is now a very reliable in-town daily driver. One that will not break the bank when it comes to guzzling fuel.
42023 Tesla Model S: 78/100
Tesla
Three-quarter view of the Tesla Model S
Based upon the statistics over the last couple of years, ranking number 4 out of 15 in the luxury compact car segment is a good feat for an American car. Tesla is a company that has grown to success within a couple of years and will continue to grow as long as they offer reliable and safe models. The 2023 Tesla Model S features an electric motor for the front axle, and one for the back, to help accelerate the car from 0 to 60 in under two and a half seconds. The best part; the Tesla Model S has a range of up to 405 miles on a single charge.
A yellow Ford Maverick being driven on a country road
It seems like the same models are repeatedly on the list printed out by Consumer Reports every year unless there has been a significant facelift. The 2023 Ford Maverick Hybrid shows this by again appearing as the number one American small pickup in overall score ratings by Consumer Reports. The Hybrid Maverick Hybrid came in number 1 out of 12 in the compact truck segment, featuring a 2.5-liter engine combined with an electric motor to create a front-wheel-drive truck that produces up to 191 horsepower.
22023 Lincoln Corsair: 84/100
Lincoln
Front 3/4 view of a white 2023 Lincoln Corsair
The 2023 Lincoln Corsair is not as common as the Lincoln Aviator or Navigator, but the data shows that it is a much better buy if you can handle having a compact SUV because it was able to gain a ranking of 5 out of 37. The Corsair has a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine or a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional for an added cost.
12023 C8 Chevrolet Corvette: 87/100
Mecum Auctions
A front 3/4 outdoor shot of a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette 3LT Convertible
Not much can be said about the Chevrolet Corvette that you do not already know. If you don’t, you have some significant reading to do. The one thing that may not be common knowledge is that out of all the American vehicles on the market, the Corvette has one of the best overall rankings from the people at Consumer Reports. The C8 also topped the list for the most satisfying car of the year. It received an overall ranking of 87 out of 100, achieving number 1 out of 24 sports cars that they tested. So, what could possibly be better than a fire-breathing sports car that can shoot 0 to 60 in under 3.0 seconds while still giving you the ride expected out of a top-notch sports car?
The global automotive industry can change dramatically from one country to another. Between 80 and 90 million new cars are sold every year in the 195 countries of the world. More than half of these cars (54 percent) are located in Asia, as is the majority of the world’s population (59 percent). Other regions such as the United States and Canada account for only 5 percent of the world’s population, but 19 percent of vehicle sales.
The industry has many faces depending on where you are. Some are quite developed in terms of technology. Other countries are lagging behind in terms of regulations and the importance of the sector within the GDP.
Who Is Ahead?
The European Union and the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Korea, and China are very well positioned. They have a strong regulatory, trade, tax, manufacturing, and R&D structure. That’s why almost all the new cars that are presented come from these markets.
Both automakers and consumers can take advantage of the best conditions to sell, buy, and drive cars. The authorities are moving in harmony with the industry to improve development and innovation, although in Europe, the 2035 lawsuit is now holding court.
The Stellantis Factory In Tychy, Poland
Who Is Working Hard?
Behind these markets are countries working hard to become attractive for foreign investment. India, Southeast Asia, North Africa, South Africa, and some Latin American markets are improving their automotive landscape by introducing more efficient and flexible regulations and making it easier for automakers to invest.
However, there are still issues related to import taxation and population income that make it difficult for developed economies to keep pace. Brazil, for example, has a strong manufacturing hub, but is unable to adopt the latest technologies because most consumers cannot afford them. However, India is close when it comes to regulations.
The BMW Rosslyn Plant In South Africa
The Worst Countries For The Automotive Industry
Countries with the poorest automotive industries are usually those isolated in terms of trade, or where local production is nearly impossible due to lack of infrastructure and support from local authorities.
This is the case of Iran, for example. Its economy is largely blocked by international sanctions which make it almost impossible to import new and competitive cars at competitive prices. It is also very difficult to produce locally due to a lack of components and access to international technology. All cars produced in Iran today are rebadged older-tech models no longer produced in Western economies.
A large part of the African continent is also experiencing great difficulties. The heavy presence of used car imports puts new cars in a very difficult position, considering the very low income of the population. Most Africans cannot afford a new vehicle. The result? The streets are filled with polluting cars and old technology.
The Russian Case
Russia is also heading towards a difficult situation. As Western automakers have abandoned this market after the invasion of Ukraine, local production is shrinking to a handful of small companies that lack the technology to compete in global markets.
AVTOVAZ Plant In Russia
Furthermore, it is slowly becoming a satellite market for Chinese manufacturers, which means that consumers will not have much choice in the foreseeable future.
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
BAC, the Briggs Automotive Company, ended 2022 by building its 150th Mono and expanding its retail network around the world. This year, the company will continue to grow, with the bespoke manufacturer expanding its dealer network with three new locations across the US.
The three new dealerships will be Philadelphia, Greenwich, and Newport Beach. BAC partnered with RDS Automotive Group to operate the facilities, including servicing and aftersales. The expansion will make it easier for customers to access the BAC Bespoke process, a customization program offered for the Mono.
Mercedes-Benz becomes the first automotive company to receive certification from California state to sell standard-production vehicles equipped with Level 3 conditionally automated driving. Basically, this means that certain Mercedes models can be driven in the largest US automotive market without interaction between the driver and the machine under certain conditions. The driver must still be ready to take over if the system disengages, though.
The automaker’s Drive Pilot system will be available as an option on the 2024 S-Class and 2024 EQS models and the first cars equipped with the tech are expected to be delivered to customers in late 2023. The same system made the German brand the first automaker in the United States to offer Level 3 automated driving back in January this year when Drive Pilot was certified for use in Nevada.
The BMW Welt in Munich boasts the Brand & Customer Institute, which is the only one of its kind in the automotive industry. It allows chosen partners and employees to immerse themselves in BMW Group’s brands, including BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, and BMW Motorrad, which has had its own brand room since January 2022.
BMW Motorrad’s brand room was named “Brand Architecture” in the “Spatial Communication” category of last year’s Red Dot Award: Brands & Communication Design. The “Red Dot Design Award” has been adjudicating for the awards since 1954, with the red dot symbolising quality and excellence and becoming internationally recognised.
BMW Motorrad received the iF DESIGN AWARD as the latest recognition, which has been a globally accepted symbol of excellent design since 1954 and is one of the leading global design awards. The BMW Motorrad brand room was able to win over the 133 independent and international experts on the jury for the award for its excellent architectural design and an emotionally crafted brand training programme, making it one of the leading design honours.
The design challenges for the BMW Motorrad brand room were significant because of the small area of 38 square metres, which required the immersion of imaginative brand concepts in inspiring architecture. The solution was a multi-sensory interior design that harmonised with the iconic glass facade of the existing building and supported the interactive experience in the space. The result was an experience that excited curiosity and creativity in visitors who could explore the BMW Motorrad brand and its world.
The customers and fans of BMW Motorrad know that the brand embodies an active lifestyle and experience-oriented attitude, which is the brand promise of “Make Life a Ride.” In the BMW Motorrad brand room designed to cater to personal experiences, the brand’s thematic focus areas are offered through fascinating brand access points that serve as interactive immersion experiences. The BMW Motorrad brand room is a place of communication and dialogue, analogous to a motorcyclist gathering around the campfire that provides a perfect backdrop for training sessions.
In essence, the BMW Motorrad brand room is a holistic experiential concept, featuring elements that appeal to all the senses, including sound, light, and natural materials. The combination of unique features and holistic design makes the BMW Motorrad brand room a memorable and creative experience.
BMW has made it easy to experience the BMW Motorrad brand among other BMW Group brands in the BMW Motorrad brand room at BMW Welt Munich since January 2022. The Brand Mover Training immersive experience in the BMW Motorrad brand room gives visitors all the insight into the brand and its customer types and values through interactive training sessions that simulate all the senses.
If you are interested in BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment, you can find the press material in the BMW Group PressClub, accessible via www.press.bmwgroup.com. You can also contact Sarah Bauer, Corporate, Product and Innovation Communications, at +49-151-601-94180, or via email at Sarah.Bauer@bmw.de.
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