JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — GMC has just introduced its full line of heavy-duty trucks for 2020 at a media drive event in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Engineers at the event emphasized that the new trucks are the most capable heavy-duty truck they’ve ever built, and promised world-class towing capability, out muscling the likes of Ford Super Duty and Ram HD with a class leading maximum towing capacity of 35,500 pounds.

PHOENIX — The Lincoln Aviator is an all-new three-row luxury SUV 2020 that positions itself between the larger Navigator and the smaller Nautilus SUVs. The Aviator name was previously used from 2002 to 2005, when it was essentially a Ford Explorer gussied up to look like a Lincoln Navigator. Buyers saw through what Lincoln was attempting and the vehicle never caught on.

NASHVILLE — For two generations, the Nissan Versa held its own in the sub-compact car segment not with flashy styling nor lavish interiors, but with an affordable price, roomy cabin, and competent handling.  Priorities led to cars with tall/narrow profiles and interiors awash in hard plastic.  For 2020, the Versa arrives for its third generation keeping all owners appreciated while slapping on some fancy new clothes.
   

PHOENIX — The Kia Niro is an attractive, compact five-door hatchback that seats five-passengers. It’s surprisingly roomy, comfortable and easy to drive. For the record, Kia calls the Niro a compact crossover utility vehicle. Having been on sale nationally for a few years as a traditional gasoline and plug-in hybrid, what is new for the Niro lineup is the pure, 100 percent, all-electric model that, right now, is offered for sale in only 12 states.

SAN FRANCISCO — Subaru could have radically changed the Outback for 2020.  The design team explored options from super sleek wagons to upright crossovers that would make the proverbial outhouse look aerodynamic.  Yet, when they discussed what current and potential owners wanted, it was obvious the shape should look like, well, an Outback.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. — For 2020, Hyundai has just introduced its all-new three-row mid-size SUV. The Palisade is basically the mechanical sibling to the impressive Kia Telluride, introduced earlier this year, and placing at the top of our SUV ratings. In addition to the Telluride, the new Hyundai flagship Palisade competes with class rivals such as Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Traverse, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Nissan Pathfinder.

INDIANAPOLIS — It looks much like any other Range Rover.  It’s huge, with a big grille and streamlined bodysides that end in the model’s traditional trailing rear flanks.  Body color trim, LED headlamps, and 20” wheels give no clue to anything different.  It’s quite handsome in its bold Britishness, but looks like another Range Rover.  Squint your eyes to notice that big grille conceals a surprise.  Deftly hidden on the driver’s side is a door, behind which there’s a port for a power plug.  Yep, it’s a plug-in hybrid.

PHONEX — I’ve always had a soft spot as well as a passion for old vehicles. I guess they are a fresh breeze of the past, blowing through our minds to remind us of truths of times long forgotten. Some of those vehicles were nothing more than shooting stars, debuting to raves then quickly flaring into oblivion, to be completely forgotten. Others, like the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen, introduced in 1979, are an immediate conflagration, developing a rock-star presence and a cult-like following that burns on. The word “legendary” could easily preface its name.

MIAMI — For over four decades, the BMW 3 Series has been considered to be the benchmark in the sport sedan segment as well as serving as the German automaker’s best-selling model. BMW reports that more than 15 million 3 Series models have been sold worldwide since it arrived in the U.S. in 1976 as a replacement for the iconic BMW 2002 sedan.

MIAMI — If somebody ever would give me $200,000 with the stipulation that I had to spend it all on my next car, at least I know now where I would start. I would head for the nearest Mercedes-Benz showroom and asked the first salesman to take me to the 2019 AMG S63 Coupe. I just might stop shopping there. Though there is no such thing as a “perfect” automobile, a designation that likely would vary from person to person, the S63 Coupe comes as close as any with high marks in performance, appearance, technological features, comfort, and prestige.