NAME and SHAME! WHICH Automaker Has HYPED Up Its All-new Vehicles Only To Deliver FLOPS?

Agent 001 and I were catching up today, discussing a couple things. First, we were chatting about the all-new Jeep Wrangler and some distinct styling points that have us taking second and third looks at it, particularly its side profile. Second, we discussed the latest raging fires in southern California — we hope all the Spies are safe!

Lastly though, we touched upon an interesting subject. Automakers and their all-new vehicle launch hype. Simply put, some set expectations better than others. 

What we want to do though is really shine a light on those automakers that have really, really disappointed in the market. These are the vehicle manufacturers that have you believing that their all-new product(s) will reshape an industry, however, when the vehicles hit the showroom it's essentially a blip on the radar screen. 

Can you think of an automaker that fits this bill?

What say you, Spies? Can you NAME and SHAME the auto builders who have consistently HYPED up their products only to have them FLOP in the free marketplace?

cidflekken - 12/8/2017 3:24:54 AM

+4 Boost

The car (not brand) that immediately comes to mind is the Lincoln Continental. At least to me, I feel like that was one of the, if not the, most hyped car of the past decade. It was going to signal the renaissance for Lincoln, for American luxury, and stare down all of the European and Japanese luxury brands. Well, not even close and, today, we barely hear a peep about the car. To date I think I've seen 3 on the road in a very luxury-car oriented town.

Second to the Continental might be the Genesis G90, the supposed German killer. I've seen all of 2 on the road and it's basically an afterthought today, despite all of the hype surrounding the car and the Genesis branding.

Ironically, a 3rd car in the same class as the Conti and G90, the CT6 might fit the criteria here as a hyped flop. Again, billed as an S-Class conqueror, yet shows no traits to do so, and barely blips on the sales radars.

MDarringer - 12/8/2017 8:43:02 AM

-8 Boost

A typically bigoted answer from a German-car bigot.

The demographics of WHO is buying the Continental show it to be a home run. The average income matches that of Navigator buyers which has been an anomaly for Lincoln. Moreover, their education level is also quite high (doctors...lawyers...).

As for sales, the Continental is selling at projection.

Let's not even talk about the Genesis G90 because even if you HAD driven one, you'd never allow yourself to consider that the Koreans are building a tremendous car. No, only cars designed in der fuhrer's land will do for you.

I get it.

cidflekken - 12/8/2017 1:36:30 PM

+8 Boost

LOL.
No, you don't get it, Darringer. You allow your 13-year-old insecure little inner child to be upset b/c someone doesn't agree with your opinion and you lash out. And the only rationalization you can come to, to justify the failures of your beloved brands is "bigotry". Typical internet troll work. I bet you were really banging on your keyboard as you were typing that out, too, weren't you? And reallllly slamming down on that period every time you ended a sentence, right?
Keep calling me a "German car bigot". You have NO idea and I just laugh at you.

MDarringer - 12/8/2017 4:04:54 PM

-4 Boost

@cidflekken and when the bigot in you is confronted he becomes a bully. #TYPICAL

cidflekken - 12/8/2017 6:53:48 PM

+4 Boost

Darringer, please already. Are you for real? You call me a bigot and now *I* am the bully? Wow. Keep living in your own reality because that's the only place that it's true. The bullier is calling the bullied a bully. That's quite, quite rich.

bnilhome - 12/8/2017 8:27:06 AM

+2 Boost

When I think of the modern day version of the Pontiac Aztek, I think of the Lexus RX. I like Lexus as a carmaker and believe they make really good cars, but the design of the RX is still hideous even after seeing it on the road for a year.

MDarringer - 12/8/2017 8:44:00 AM

0 Boost

Except that the RX isn't a flop.

Truthy - 12/8/2017 11:53:00 AM

+3 Boost

I like Cadillac and wish them success. However, they have had some of the best concepts in recent years going back to the Ciel. While the CT6 is very nice, the resemblance to those concepts is only passing.

Dr550 - 12/8/2017 3:32:52 PM

+3 Boost

Agree. Bob Lutz was too focused on BMW and performance instead of luxury and a smooth ride.

PUGPROUD - 12/9/2017 7:51:54 AM

+1 Boost

All of them at one time or another. Its a tough business predicting tastes and consumer reactions and all auto manufacturers have tried to make lemonade out of lemons. Harder to name one that hasn't?

2ndbimmer - 12/9/2017 10:31:25 AM

+1 Boost

Maserati. It gets hyped as a luxury vehicle, when in fact all the parts are cheap. If you have ever closed a trunk Ghibli, you will know what I am talking about. 1/80" sheet metal that rattles.
The only thing Maserati does well, exhaust note.

MDarringer - 12/9/2017 11:10:49 AM

-1 Boost

The Ghibli and Qporte are literally Chrysler 300s with a minor reworking of the front suspension. The LX was a cheapo platform when Mercedes forced it on Chrysler and was dated as well and that was THIRTEEN years ago. Them Sergio raped it down to create the supposedly all-new Giorgio. The Qporte, Ghibli, and Giulia are indeed flops.