Inspired by the "Cars that you didn't know exist, but probably should" thread, I'm going to start one about cars that DON'T exist, but you wish they did - models that you think the factory should have put out, or models that they did, but would have been much better with a certain option or two - but for whatever reason, didn't.
I'll start:
Late model GMC Denali EXTENDED CAB Denali pickups - they're all four door double cabs, with short beds. I have a 2001 GMC Sierra C3 extended cab truck, I'd like to retire it and get a new Denali, but I can't stand double cab trucks. I like an extended cab, with a regular size bed.
Cadillac ATS-V, with an LS V8. It'll fit, GM even says so - but they never put it in that chassis, just the blown V6.
New Bronco, with the "baby Zilla" 6.8L V8, and a manual trans. And a Bronco pickup option. Use the 4 door chassis, but with an extended cab and a pickup bed. Ford won't do it because they're afraid it'll steal sales from the Ranger - and they're right, it would.
I've always wondered why GM didn't come out with a smaller Blazer to compete with the original Bronco back in the mid-late 60's, they didn't bring the Blazer to market until '69, and it was full-size.
Ford just failed with the Bronco II - weak drivetrain, IFS, rear windows curved up into the roof. It was a good size, if they had given it decent hardware and a removable roof it would have made a better successor to the original Bronco.
I'd go with an even cheaper change for the ATS-V. Change the instrument cluster to something that wasn't pulled from a 1998 Buick Regal. That ruined the whole car for me, which says a lot.
Years ago I saw a blurb in Motor Trend(?) about a Jeep rally car concept based on one of their cute utes. I always thought that would be a great add to the portfolio. WRX, Lancer Evo, and Jeep Rally whatever duking it out. What a sight that would be.
In reply to earlybroncoguy1 :
There is no such thing as a GMC Denali. Denali is a trim level in several models, including the Sierra Truck lines
I say this all the time: The Ford Mach E should have been a Lincoln. The current Lincoln styling would have worked real nice on that body shape and it would have been the perfect attention-grabbing halo the brand needs.
Oh and they could have given us a 4 door rwd performance sedan on the Mustang platform but no, we got a tarted up Fusion.
I've been waiting on this one. Nissan 510.
In reply to Datsun310Guy :
Yes, please.
Peabody
MegaDork
12/20/22 10:58 p.m.
A simple 2dr hatch with a manual trans would be nice.
Tom1200
UberDork
12/20/22 11:08 p.m.
A small car that is quiet inside; I love hot hatches but a boomy interior adds nothing to the experience.
A minivan (or something with an equivalent low load floor) that could tow 7500 lbs.
Miata coupe? Lighter, stiffer, quieter, safer, more-focused, no clunky/heavy/bulky/expensive folding hardtop mechanism, what's not to like? Sure the top doesn't come down, but that's what motorcycles and bicycles are for.
Thankfully my FR-S is a reasonable substitute!
NickD
MegaDork
12/21/22 6:33 a.m.
Factory-built ZZW30 MR-2 with the 2ZZ-FE
I drive a 2022 Jeep Gladiator which has a 3.6 V-6. There are lots of people out there who doing all kinds of V-8 Hemi swaps to get BIG HP #'s. I think the truck would be great if it had the 5.7 Hemi that was in my old RAM 1500. It wouldn't be a hot rod, but would make towing a bit easier. That with the 8-speed transmission already in the Gladiator would make for a really nice ride, but at the end of the day I still enjoy it as-is and will until it falls apart no matter when that happens.
Mazda would've had much better vehicles if they had put real engines in the RX7/RX8 instead of spinning triangles of no torque, no reliability, and excessive noise in them.
2023 Honda Accord Station Wagon, without all the lane assist etc stuff, powered by the 3.5L V6 with a factory turbo and an optional MT.
ddavidv
UltimaDork
12/21/22 7:22 a.m.
A German car that is reliable and easy to work on.
STM317
PowerDork
12/21/22 7:29 a.m.
Large sedan/wagon with modern Mustang underpinnings. A modern Fairmont basically.
Reborn SVT Lightning using parts off new 2020+ GT500.
Take a 2021 regular cab, short bed, 2wd XL or XLT truck. Monochromatic paint, 20" Ford Racing wheels with the GT500 Predator V8 and DCT. Slap some GT500 15" Brembos, 3" front and 5" rear lowering kit, beefy sway bars, rear traction bars and a trick set of HD Bilsteins or even retrofit Magneride. Side exhaust to top it off an pay homage to the Gen 2 Lightning with valved exhaust.
A $150k performance pickup truck that could slay supercars would be amazing to see on a showroom floor again.
Peabody
MegaDork
12/21/22 9:09 a.m.
Tom1200 said:
A small car that is quiet inside; I love hot hatches but a boomy interior adds noting to the experience.
Drive a Spark. It's not a hot hatch without some help, but it is a hatch, and a quiet small car.
German style hot rod wagon with a rear biased AWD system with Honda reliability and easy to work on.
STM317
PowerDork
12/21/22 9:32 a.m.
KyAllroad said:
German style hot rod wagon with a rear biased AWD system with Honda reliability and easy to work on.
Taycan Sport Turismo GTS?
buzzboy
SuperDork
12/21/22 9:54 a.m.
The 2nd gen Fusion uses the same subframe mounts as the S550 Mustang. I've seen at least a swap or two on the interwebs. Ford could have given us a 2015 Ford Galaxie(Falcon? Fairlane?) using off the shelf parts!
I just want a 1/4 Ton, 4 door, 6' bed pickup with a modern engine and manual trans. Jeep almost did it, but neutered the Gladiator with a 5' bed. Toyota almost did it with the 3rd gen Taco, but that drivers' seat is not a fun place to spend time. Maybe bring me a Toyota J70?
Peabody
MegaDork
12/21/22 10:08 a.m.
Peabody said:
A simple 2dr hatch with a manual trans would be nice.
Add a small 4 cylinder manual trans pickup to the list, too.