Regulation killed these iconic cars

Do you remember the hit song “Video Killed the Radio Star”? Well, I wonder if anyone will ever write: regulations killed these cool cars (it even rhymes!)

There’s a lot of change going on and, in this issue, we’re looking at great cars that are no more.

PS.: Last week’s issue had a faulty link. My bad, I had too much caffeine.

Sincerely, Bernardo

Key Takeaways

Don’t have much time? Here’s the summary of what we’re talking about:

• The legendary naturally-aspirated V8 is hanging on for dear life. Will it survive? This issue covers some automotive icons that have disappeared in recent years.

• Though the namesakes will live on, they won’t be the same, ever again.

• That doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road for the V8. However, it will be more expensive.

• We dive into the best and worst models for the Acura MDX.

• We discuss why, after jumpstarting a car, it might not run and the solutions you can apply!
  

KERN’S CORNER

These icons are gone forever

There has been plenty of noise surrounding General Motors lately, both good and bad.

The automotive giant showed excellent figures, causing its stock to spike.

However, it turns out that GM was also spying on its drivers. 

Reading so much about GM got me thinking about the revolution that has taken over the US automotive industry. Mind you, I'm not only talking about GM–I'm talking about the three giants. 

More specifically, it's about how regulations have killed iconic cars and trucks. 

The victims all share one thing. 

The driving force (pun intended) within them is the naturally-aspirated V8.

People love them. Here’s a great article from Car Throttle on why!

This mechanical heart that kept some of the most recognizable vehicles going is now dying, thanks to ever-mounting pressure.

So, which icons are gone? And what will replace them? Let’s find out.

The All-American sedan is gone.

Dodge announced that the Charger would be extinct by the end of 2023. It immediately announced an electric replacement and the possibility of a 3.0-liter inline-6 in 2025. 

(Cue all the Charger using a charger jokes). 

It comes as no surprise, as Dodge was rapidly switching over to electric vehicles, or smaller engines.

However, there's a sense of bitterness behind this decision. The Dodge Charger was one of the last full-size RWD sedans you could buy from American plants. 

While other countries might offer sedans in all shapes and sizes, there was something particular, unique, even, about these cars—a combination of power, comfort, and size that we won't find anywhere else. 

Although, I’m surprised it has such a low rating in Kelley Blue Book.

That's not the only full-size sedan to ride off into the sunset. In parallel fashion, the Chrysler 300C also reached the end of its production run.

Controversial at the very least, the 300C epitomizes an American full-size sedan. Forget the subtle design. The Chrysler 300 was a rolling statement. 

Love it or hate it, this car even earned praise from the most critical of automotive journalists. 

Both the Charger and 300C followed a simple recipe. You could get a massive V8 in front, an automatic transmission in the middle, and power at the back.

They were simple, sometimes rough around the edges, but all the while, somehow perfect.

Muscles deflated but still holding on

GM pulled the plug on the Chevy Camaro's production in 2023, marking several ends.

While I'm sure the Camaro nameplate will live on in some other model, the essence of a V8 and manual transmission will never return. Hence, this astonishing scarcity.

Granted, the Chevrolet Corvette is a powerful reminder of what a US-born sportscar can do. It still has a V8 beating under the hood, but its manual transmission is gone. 

Fun fact, LS-based engines make up half of the V8-powered vehicles you can buy today. Baffling, huh?

That's not to say that the American muscle car has died, but if you want a 2024 muscle car with a V8, you can basically only buy one: the Ford Mustang.

Also, you could just buy the crate engine. Then, fit it into whatever you want.

Even with mounting pressure from emissions regulations and its competition, Ford is adamant. It will keep the Mustang alive (in its V8 form) until 2028 and beyond. 

That's great news but also sad, mainly because there's nothing else. The horizon is barren, devoid of great American muscle cars. 

Yes, the namesakes have survived multiple iterations, but not in the greatest of forms. Does anyone remember the 1980s FWD Charger? 

392 reasons for farewell

Ah, the Wrangler Rubicon 392. This offroader was the perfect answer to both questions, "Why?" and "Why not?"

It pulls out all the stops, with a 0-60 time of four seconds and 450 hp. Granted, it yielded only 14 mpg, but anyone looking to buy a V8 Rubicon doesn't care much about fuel economy.

However, it should come as no surprise as Jeep, a Stellantis-owned brand, also had to respond to changing times.

Along with the other brands and vehicles using the 392 V8, the Wrangler Rubicon also met its demise. At least, as many agree, it's not doing so quietly. 

Check out this video by Scotty Kilmer on the death of V8s, and let us know what you think.

The V8 will live on

The "easiest" way to get a V8 engine is by buying a truck or SUV. Models include the Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra, Silverado, some Ram trucks, and Ford's F-series.

If one looks at it objectively, it's no surprise that these vehicles hold on to the V8. Few, if any, powerplants can replace the V8's performance in terms of towing and hard work.

There are also some performance and luxury brands keeping this iconic engine going. After all, scarcity is at the very essence of luxury. 

To make matters worse, trucks are becoming more expensive. We’ve written about how no one can afford new trucks.

So, the V8 will survive. Of that, I’m sure.

It'll remain the hard-working heart of a pickup truck, hauling, and towing, and in the upper end of luxury. Whichever way, it will survive. The problem will be affording it.

Moreover, if you have one, make sure it remains alive. 

BEST AND WORST

What are the best and worst years for the Acura MDX?

Acura is a perfect combination of reliability and performance. The MDX epitomizes the brand, and people love this SUV, as it brings luxury at a cheaper price.

However, it’s not a perfect car. Yes, even with Acura, there are some years you should avoid.

Read our article on the best and worst years for the Acura MDX. 

Deal of the week!

While the Jeep Grand Cherokee is among the most expensive in its class, you can land some good deals, such as:

• MY IDL Bonus Cash MALPA - $9,250 cash back (Expires: 05/01/24)

• National Lease Bonus Cash - $3,000 cash back (Expires: 05/01/24)

Check them out in the link below!

TIPS AND KNOW-HOW

If you jump your car and it won’t start again, here’s what you must do!

Is your car dead? Have you tried jump-starting it?

Sometimes, the car dies shortly after being jump-started, which can be very frustrating. So, we wanted to find out why this happens.

Read more to find out!

NEWSBITES

Every week, we scour the web for the most essential news. Here’s what you need to know this week:

• There are heaps of unclaimed and unsold EV cars in Europe

• Rolls-Royce wants to build cars more slowly

• Here’s what to do if an unmarked cop car pulls you over