2019 was a great year for the auto industry. We're seen hundreds of debuts that included awesome supercars, cool sports cars, roomy SUVs, and innovative electric vehicles.

Several iconic nameplates, including the Volkswagen Golf, Porsche 911, and Toyota Supra, spawned new generations, while crazy-looking models like the Tesla Cybertruck made their global debuts. But the industry also had its share of not-so-spectacular debuts and we're here to discuss just that in a list that features the worst debuts of 2019.

Jaguar F-Type

blue Jaguar F-Type Coupe parked on a summit
Jaguar

Sure, the 2021 F-Type features a brand-new face with horizontal headlamps placed lower in the fascia and redesigned bumper vents, but the grille is the same. What's more, the F-Type's front end lost its uniqueness through this facelift, as it now looks similar to the Audi R8. Sadly, these front end revisions aren't backed by notable updates to the profile and the rear end. The same goes for the interior, where highlights include just a larger infotainment display.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder and the 3.0-liter V-6 engines actually carry over with identical outputs. The base mill generates 295 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, while the V-6 cranks out 374 horses and 339 pound-feet of torque.

The second notable change is that the F-Type R now features the more powerful engine from the SVR. Good for 567 horsepower and 516 pound-feet, it generates an extra 25 horses and 14 pound-feet over the old R powertrain. The most disappointing news is that Land Rover's hybrid system didn't make it in this model.

2020 Jaguar F-Type specifications

Engine:

supercharged, 5.0-liter V-8

Power:

567 horsepower

Torque:

516 pound-feet

0 to 60 mph:

3.6 seconds

Top speed:

186 mph


Check out more details on the 2021 Jaguar F-Type

Ford Mustang Mach-E

It's also an appealing vehicle design-wise, while its cabin feels modern and it's packed with state-of-the-art technology. In many ways, it's a more appealing option to the Tesla Model X. So what's it doing on this list?

Well, we feel like Ford rushed the development and market launch of the Mach-E. The American company has fallen behind in the EV market and it's desperately trying to catch up on the competition. The Mustang Mach-E is the result of this effort, but things might go sour once the Mach-E hits dealerships.

Ford didn't take too long to put the Mach-E together and this may results in various issues once these SUVs hit dealerships. Tesla went through similar troubles with the Model S and Model 3 in the past and Elon Musk's company has far more experience in this field. Expect some recalls for the Mach-E in its first years on the market. Also, the use of the Mustang and Mach-E monikers are very controversial, as purists feel they're not appropriate for the SUV and that they dilute the legacy of the pony car.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E specifications

Drivetrain:

dual electric motors

Power:

459 horsepower

Torque:

612 pound-feet

Range:

up to 300 miles

0 to 60 mph:

less than four seconds

Top speed:

at least 130 mph


Read our full review on the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Essentially a slightly larger GLC with a new front fascia, the EQC isn't a bad idea. It has enough unique styling features to stand out in the company's SUV lineup and it's just as luxurious as any other Mercedes-Benz in the right trim. But it's not what it should be in terms of performance. The EQC falls behind the Tesla Model X and it won't be able to compete with the upcoming Ford Mustang Mach-E either.

Now I'm not trying to say that it sucks. On the contrary, this is a solid rating for a modern EV, but it falls behind the range-topping versions of the Model X and the Mustang Mach-E. The former for instance, comes with 762 horsepower on tap, while the range-topping Mach-E will offer 459 horses and a whopping 612 pound-feet.

Mercedes-Benz EQC specifications

Drivetrain:

dual electric motors

Power:

402 horsepower

Torque:

564 pound-feet

Range:

up to 200 miles

0 to 60 mph:

4.9 seconds

Top speed:

112 mph


Now you may argue that the EQC isn't far behind the Mach-E, but it's actually notably slower.

Even the Jaguar I-Pace, which generates a bit less oomph at 394 horses and 513 pound-feet, hits 60 mph quicker, in 4.5 clicks. When it comes to top speed, the EQC will do only 112 mph, far less than any other competitor.

Range is also an issue. The EQC is able to return only 200 miles per charge. That's 30 miles less than the least efficient Mustang Mach E and 100 miles less than the most efficient version of the Ford. The Model X delivers at least 305 miles per charge, while the I-Pace is good for around 240 miles.

Read our full review on the 2020 Mercedes-Benz EQC

Bugatti La Voiture Noire

This is pretty cool, but Bugatti is overdoing it at times in a desperate attempt to link the supercar to its vintage, iconic models. The Centodieci for instance, inspired by the EB110, is a cool attempt, but the La Voiture Noire is just a pathetic attempt to revive the iconic 57 SC Atlantic.

Granted, Bugatti deserves credit for remodelling the Chiron's body, but the Atlantic-inspired features make it slower to 60 mph and decrease its top speed compared to the supercar it is based on.

Why not make it an electric production model since you've already tested the technology, especially since Bugatti claims it took two and a half years to complete this one-off? But despite not being very inspired or beautiful, and despite being slower than the Chiron, the La Voiture Noire was sold for an incredible €11 million ($12.2 million as of December 2019).

Bugatti LaVoiture Noire specifications

Engine:

quad-turbo, 8.0-liter W-16

Power:

1,497 horsepower

Torque:

1,180 pound-feet

0 to 60 mph:

2.7 seconds (est)

Top speed:

236 mph (est)


Read our full review on the 2019 Bugatti La Voiture Noire

BMW X6 Vantablack

The German automaker teamed up with Surrey Nano Systems to have an SUV painted in Vantablack. This is a very special coating that absorbs 99 percent of the light that hits it, so it looks incredibly black. It also hides most of the design features of the body, so the X6 looks flat from certain angles. This also makes the headlamps, the taillights, and the grille stand out even more, as if they're just floating over a pitch black background. The X6 Vantablack is a black hole on wheels. Pretty cool right?

But there's a big problem here.

While Vantablack is commercially available, you can't buy it unless you have a company and a well documented project for it. The folks at Surrey Nano Systems wouldn't sell you a can of Vantablack if their lives depended on it. So what's the purpose of this one-off car then? Reportedly BMW may want to use it to camouflage test car, but I don't think that's going to happen. Simply because it would be far too expensive compare to wrapping a car the traditional way. Thanks for nothing, BMW!

BMW X6 Vantablack specifications

Engine:

3.0-liter inline-six

Power:

335 horsepower

Torque:

332 pound-feet

0 to 60 mph:

5.4 seconds

Top speed:

130 mph


Check out more details on the 2019 BMW X6 Vantablack

BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition

BMW does that as well. But while Bugatti bothers to alter the body and create unique features for almost each model, BMW likes to paint i8 electric sports cars in various paints and call them limited edition. They've been doing it for years and we already have a tradition in listing the i8 among the worst vehicles launched in a calendar year.

Limited to 200 units, this i8 features a grey metallic paint with copper accents and matching details inside the cabin. Does it have more power, extra features, and upgraded technology? No, it's just a "here's a fancy paint with fancy trim that will cost you extra" i8 that people will probably buy because... why not. Oh, it's supposed to be send-off for the i8, which is actually good news. Too many special editions, too fewer updates for this five-year old hybrid.

BMW i8 Ultimate Sophisto Edition specifications

Drivetrain:

1.5-liter three-cylinder and electric motor

Power:

369 horsepower

Torque:

420 pound-feet

0 to 60 mph:

4.4 seconds

Top speed:

155 mph


Read our full review on the 2019 BMW i8.

BMW 7 Series facelift

It has plenty of engine options, it's packed with state-of-the-art technology, it's as comfortable as they get, and it can almost drive on its own. But BMW made a big mistake when it created the mid-cycle facelift. It made the headlamps skinnier and pumped the grille until it reached the size of a BMW SUV.

The 7 Series' grille is almost as big as the X7 and that's not even a compliment. Cars shouldn't have grilles this big, especially if they're supposed to be elegant. An even bigger problem here is that it seems the 7 Series started a trend, because the upcoming M4 will also feature a massive twin-kidney element. A couple of years from now BMW front fascia will probably be just a massive grille and tiny headlamps. And that's not cool!

BMW 7 Series specifications

Drivetrain:

3.0-liter inline-six

Power:

322 horsepower

Torque:

332 pound-feet

0 to 60 mph:

4.8 seconds

Top speed:

155 mph


Read our full review on the 2020 BMW 7 Series facelift

Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition

That's exactly what Nissan did with the 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition. Launched in 2009, the 370Z is cool but awfully dated as of 2019. Its future is also uncertain. But Nissan wants to keep it in dealerships and came up with a way to keep enthusiasts interested.

So what's this special-edition 370Z celebrating? It can't celebrate 50 years of the 370Z, obviously, so Nissan linked it to its spiritual successor, the 240Z. Introduced in 1969, it became a successful import and an equally successful race car. In 1970, it even managed to win the SCCA championship, a feat it repeated in 1971. To celebrate this, Nissan slapped a livery inspired by the winning car on the old and tired 370Z. No engine updates, same performance as the regular coupe. What a waste of livery!

Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition specifications

Engine:

3.7-liter V-6

Power:

332 horsepower

Torque:

269 pound-feet

0 to 60 mph:

4.6 seconds

Top speed:

155 mph


Check out more details on the 2019 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition