All good things must eventually come to an end; that is the cycle of life and the inevitable end of every object in the universe. Unfortunately, this life philosophy applies to the automobile industry as well. Auto manufacturers have the power to discontinue a car model at any time.
The rule of thumb in ending a particular vehicle's production usually follows the vehicle's underperforming pattern or not getting as many sales as the mother company anticipated. However, sometimes a car may be discontinued despite being one of the best cars ever made and even receiving a massive following. Here is a list of super-nice vehicles that will no longer be in production in 2021.
10 Alfa Romeo 4C
The Alfa Romeo 4C has the classic good looks of Italian cars with its unique design. It is one of those Italian cars everyone wishes they had in their driveway. Though the vehicle is relatively diminutive, it still has some fantastic features that would probably have made it a good sale and an option for many drivers.
It features a straight-four engine that outputs 237 horsepower. The vehicle's handling is quite excellent despite the poor suspension. These fantastic features count for nothing, though, because the 4C will no longer be in production in 2021.
9 Hyundai Elantra GT
The Hyundai Elantra family has stylish new members for 2021. Based on the introduction of the latest models of the Elantra, Hyundai decided to end the production of the Elantra GT. The GT is an everyday car, and with a starting price of just 19,300, the car was one of the cheapest and one of the most reliable family cars of 2020.
Its cargo space and hauling capability are perfect for a family going out for camping or other family activity. Its low fuel economy was also a significant selling point. Unfortunately, the Elantra GT series has been discontinued for 2021.
8 Acura RLX
Honda has proven that they can rub shoulders with some of the auto industry's big names. With excellent vehicles like the Acura NSX, Honda is making big waves in the motor industry. One of their other car models, the Acura RLX, has unfortunately not been getting the love it deserves, and it has to be discontinued for 2021.
On paper, the RLX is a better than average vehicle with its 377 hp output, green energy options and a mix between electric powering and gas powering, and an AWD drivetrain. Most gearheads will miss this hybrid.
7 Honda Civic Coupe Si
Buyers’ tastes have shifted drastically from 2-door cars to the bigger SUVs and crossover cars. This probably explains why the Civic Coupe Si has made this list. Sales numbers for the Coupe Si have been relatively low, partly due to change in customer preference and partly due to Honda's inclusion of too many Civic models.
Despite its average reception, the Coupe Si has some amazing features: the four-cylinder engine with horsepower on the 200-300 range. The vehicle also features a host of technological features such as a blind-spot camera and lane assist tech.
6 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350
I know most people would be surprised to see one of the best cars of the decade on this list. However sad this may be, Ford has decided to discontinue the GT350 for 2021. The decision is quite a surprise because the Mustang features a 5.2-liter V8 engine with 526 horsepower.
The power is transmitted to an AWD drivetrain with a 6-speed manual transmission. In terms of speed, the GT350 tears the track to hit 60 mph in about 4 seconds. With such killer performance statistics, it is a pity that the GT350 is exiting the market.
5 Jaguar XF Sportbrake
The decision to discontinue the Jaguar XF Sportbrake seems like a rushed one considering the car model just debuted in 2018. Nonetheless, the station wagon will be benched for 2021 despite boasting some exceptional features. The XF two trims feature a 4-cylinder engine and a V6 engine that produces 296 and 380 horses.
Paired with AWD powertrains and standard eight-speed transmission, it is baffling that the XF only sold 250 units in 2020. Fans of powerful, fast engines will be disappointed to bid farewell to the Jaguar XF.
4 Mercedes-Benz SL
This one is unexpected for many Mercedes fans. But hey, relax, the SL is not going away for good. The Mercedes-Benz SL is only taking a one-year hiatus, and it will be re-introduced into the market in 2022, hopefully, sleeker and faster; otherwise, why would they take a whole year to redesign it?
The SL would probably cause a massive uproar if it went out for good. Its track-ready convertible version packs a punch with its powerful V6 and V8 engines. At 362 hp and 449 hp in both trims, no car fanatic would be ready to let the SL go.
3 Lexus GS
Lexus created a four-door Sedan and priced it at 51,000 dollars. That is the biggest undoing for the Lexus GS in an era where SUVs are kings and Sedans their subjects. Despite the 467 horsepower output and the exceptional handling, the GS still struggled to rake in sales in 2020 and had to be shown the door.
In all honesty, the Lexus GS still had much to offer. The performance and reliability of the vehicle competed quite well with some of the industry's best automobiles.
2 Chevrolet Impala
The Chevrolet Impala may be a 2-wheel drive vehicle, but its weaknesses on the drivetrain are adequately compensated by a powerful V6 engine that produces a massive 305 horses. With cutting-edge technological features such as Android Auto, a 360 tech safety feature, and a capable entertainment system, one feels the Impala is only getting the Axe due to its low sales.
It is an impressive machine with loads of exciting features that most drivers would love to have. If only the pandemic-affected market were kinder, maybe the Impala would stay.
1 Cadillac CT-6
Yet another Sedan taken down by the SUV wave, the Cadillac CT-6, is a competent vehicle. One of the sedan's standout features is the incorporation of a cruise technology that takes control away from the driver if so desired.
The V8 engine on the CT-6 is also quite impressive, and it cranks out 550 horsepower in a considerably lighter vehicle than most SUVs. The power to weight ratio translates into faster speeds and better all-around performance. The demise of the CT-6 will be a bitter pill to swallow for car lovers.