Auto Odds – 2017’s Most Anticipated Cars
The automobile industry is set for a big year thanks to the scheduled release of a plethora of highly anticipated 2017 models.
The main themes of the 2017 vehicles are smart options and an emphasis on fuel economy. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be confined to economy-class cars. No matter what you’re into – whether it’s commuting around town in a compact, hauling huge loads in a truck, or something more exotic – there’s a 2017 model to get excited about.
Below are a few fantastic choices along with odds on what will be the most anticipated vehicle of 2017. The odds below are based on predicted sales and popularity.
Odds on the most anticipated vehicle of 2017
Mazda 3 : 13/7
Price Range: $15,000 – $30,000
The Mazda 3 has been a consistent best-in-class-type automobile for a while now. Although you can find many other economical vehicles in the price range (like the Kia Forte and Honda Civic), none of them handle or perform as well as the Mazda 3.
This little spitfire comes with a standard 2.0L engine that delivers some power without guzzling fuel. The 2017 version is available in both hatchback and sedan, and three trims. This is one of the hottest selling cars on the market due to its performance and price point. Don’t expect the 2017 model to break that trend.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 3/1
Price Range: $28,780 – $60,420
For the Chevy Silverado 1500, 2017 is a year of change. Not only will it have new paint colors to choose from and repackaged options, Chevy is phasing out the 6-speed automatic transmission for a more sophisticated 8-speed version. You have many different choices as far as style, like the Black Out Edition, the contractor-class Work Truck, the volume-selling LS and LT, the upscale LTZ, and of course the flagship High Country. You can go two-door regular cab, extended double cab, or the roomiest and most popular, the crew cab.
The standard engine will be the same: a 4.3-liter V-6 with 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. On the LTZ and High Country, the engine is a 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. Along with the Ford F15-, this is one of the most popular trucks in North America and the 2017 model is a worthy addition to the Silverado lineage.
Ford Focus RS: 4/1
Price Range: $17,199 – $47,269
Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re driving a rally car, even when they’re stuck on city streets? Hatchback-loving tuners will appreciate this spunky little car that likes to go sideways. Sure, you could just use it for toting around your groceries and kids, but where’s the fun in that? With an average price tag around $35,730 and a 350-horsepower, 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine, it can get you around town fast (but won’t kill you at the pump). You’ll love the angry, raspy, spitting sound that it makes as you rip around.
You can adjust the shocks with the push of a button and pick what driving mode you want: nice and easy for when mom is in the car, or super-aggressive for all other times. When you hit the gas while in Sport, Track, or Drift Mode, the exhaust lets out a roar and causes the car to backfire and pop like a real rally car.
Tesla Model 3: 9/1
Price: $35,000
Who knew that a Tesla would one day be somewhat affordable? This is an eco-friendly gift to the driving world. Since Tesla showcased this new electric sedan to the world at SpaceX, over 115,000 people have put down a deposit. The Model 3 has a bit of all the former models sprinkled throughout like the Model S, Roadster, and the Model X body and interior designs.
The Model 3 houses a ton of lithium-ion battery which gives this electric beauty a 215-mile range and allows it to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in under than six seconds. It’s the silent cheetah of sedans!
It’s also spacious for an electric car. It doesn’t have a lot of room in the back due to the large battery housed directly below, but there’s plenty of headroom: panoramic glass curves over the rear which helps give the vehicle a spacious feel.
Tesla is developing a passionate fan base and this newest addition could change the electric car game forever. But don’t get too excited too early; the car isn’t set to be on the road until late 2017.
Acura NSX Type-R: 17/1
Price Range: $156,000 – $200,000
Not to be out done by the Ford GT (see below), the Nissan GT-R R36 NISMO, or the Porsche 911 GT3, Acura took the 2016 NSX, turned things up to 11, and put an R at the end of the name. They beefed up everything to make the car more aggressive and powerful. It’s now a muscle car packaged in a lightweight, low-ride, sporty design. There is so much carbon fibre on this car that you wonder if it’s ready to fly at high speeds.
No matter where you’re trekking, you’ll get there fast: this baby can go from 0 to 62 mph in just three seconds. So feel free to get your groceries at the next town over. The specs aren’t confirmed, but the rumor is that it will boast a twin turbocharged engine with direct injection.
As for the interior, it’s still nice, but the Japanese automaker got rid of all of the features that don’t focus on performance.
The price shouldn’t exceed $200,000 which makes it affordable for the second tier of the filthy rich. The car is set to be available to purchase in early 2017.
Ford GT: 25/1
Price: $400,000
Formerly dubbed the Ford GT40, the second generation is known simply as the GT. This was a “concept” darling at the 2015 International Auto Show in Detroit, and now it’s available to purchase if you have 400k to throw around. Chump change!
Ford is already gushing that this super-car has “the best power-to-weight ratio of any car on the market.” Although Ford has said that the engine will be more than 600 horsepower, they always under promise and over deliver on horse power.
The rear spoiler is full of tricks, including an air-brake function. The wing can both rise vertically and tilt. And the Gt has an active suspension that lets the car lower itself at speed for better stability and aerodynamics. There is even a button you can press to raise the front end over speed bumps or steep driveways.
Although this car is fast, the focus has been on lap times. Ford isn’t out to grab top-speed honors, but instead develop a car that can handle at high speeds. Watch out, Ferrari!
Photo Credit: By NearEMPTiness (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.
Trevor was Sports Betting Dime’s resident geek (aka: entertainment writer) from 2016-18. He also moonlights as a national film reviewer for other publications. He comes equipped with diplomas in marketing and broadcast journalism with a PHD in couch lounging.
