Pour One Out For These Nameplates Because They’re All Getting The Axe In 2024

Logan Carter

December 28, 2023 at 3:00 PM·9 min read

An Audi R8 speeding into the sunset at Laguna Seca Raceway

We are losing some Real Ones this year, folks. Much has been said about the demise of the Dodge Charger and Challenger and Chrysler 300 line, but there are other models that are quietly sinking into automotive history, too.

Writing this makes me sad, as it’s yet another sign of the uncertain world marching onward, but taking an optimistic stance is best to view it as opportunities for companies to innovate and produce new and exciting models that will make new memories for thousands of buyers. At least we hope they’re exciting.

An Audi R8 parked on a race track in front of a gorgeous sunset silhouetting the mountains.

The Audi R8 sufficiently rattled the world of supercars when it was introduced way back in 2008, from its starring role in the original Marvel’s Iron Man, to its impressively docile everyday livability. Following a redesign in 2017, the R8 will forever be remembered as a gorgeous supercar that changed the game for user-friendly performance cars. High points include the original R8’s gated manual shifter and the revolutionary integration of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit as the vehicle’s sole screen.

Audi TT

The Audi TT was another big hit for Audi, if not in a tangible sense then in an intangible elevation of the brand’s prestige and styling. From the launch of the original TT back in the year 2000 which turned the automotive styling world on its ear, to the first adaptation of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit in the Mk. 3 TT in 2014, to the unrivaled and snarly 5-cylinder TT RS that debuted in 2012, the Audi TT was a stylish little sports car that lacked the pizazz of its rivals but still won the hearts of many.

Chevrolet Bolt EV

A Chevy Bolt parked on a rainy road in front of some shops

The cheapest new EV on sale in America ends its run for 2024, despite Chevrolet’s plans to introduce a new model sometime in the future. The Bolt will be remembered as a herculean effort on behalf of GM to produce an affordable EV early in the world of electric vehicles. Bolt was generally a better concept than execution, but the lessons that GM learned from the Bolt will undoubtedly inform its successor.

Chevrolet Bolt EUV

The Bold EUV feels arbitrary compared to the regular Bolt, but the title of EUV undoubtedly swayed some buyers into going for this model. As with the Bolt, Chevrolet plans to release a new Bolt so time will tell if we get both Bolt and Bolt EUV or if Chevy will consolidate.

Chevrolet Camaro

The death of the Chevy Camaro has been looming for some time, but despite Chevrolet’s website offering a section for the 2024 Chevrolet Camaro, we know that production of new Camaros has officially ceased. Any 2024 models are likely to be leftover inventory from the models produced before the end of 2023. Chevy has not confirmed a future for the American icon, but for the sake of enthusiasts everywhere I hope it does. And I am a Ford guy.

Chrysler 300

First launched in 2011, the current Chrysler 300 is an antique compared to modern competitors, but it held the crown of the last remaining full-sized American sedan from the big three. Now the only remaining big American sedans are electrified fancy boys like the Tesla Model S and Lucid Air since the Dodge Charger bites the dust too. After a long and illustrious run, the final big American V8 sedans are retiring to Fort Lauderdale to watch the new kids rise to fame. Unless Chrysler decides to bring it back as an EV, then we shall celebrate accordingly.

Dodge Charger

The Dodge Charger was the drunk uncle you were embarrassed to take in public. Loud, unapologetic, and politically incorrect, the Charger is heading to the great street takeover in the sky where it will keep taking names into oblivion. It had a great run, and brought some serious muscle back to the Charger nameplate, and we hope it comes back in a blaze of glory.

Dodge Challenger

Pretty much all the same stuff as the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger, we’re gutted to see the Challenger leave but excited to see what Stellantis brings in its absence.

Ferrari F8 Tributo

Despite only importing a single 2023 F8 Tributo, Ferrari is officially ending the F8 Tributo’s run. It continued as a Spider cabriolet version, but no more coupes or convertibles will be produced.

Fiat 500X

The 500X was Fiat’s only car available for sale in the United States in 2023, and it heads into retirement for 2024 to make way for its next sole model in the U.S., the 500e. Not a direct replacement by any means, the 500e will be much smaller volume than the 500X which kept Fiat afloat for a few years.

Ford Transit Connect

The Ford Transit Connect was a car I loved seeing on roads when it first came to the U.S., it was just so euro funky and small compared to the Econolines of the day. As Ford introduced the full-sized Transit and other small competitors cropped up from Ram, Nissan and Chevy, it started to blend in. The Transit Connect gave many small businesses a compact solution to their cargo carrying needs, but it must make way for the future.

Jeep Cherokee

After reintroducing the Cherokee in 2014 with controversial styling that was quickly amended, Jeep has decided to put the nameplate to rest once more. Trailhawk editions were cool, but the Cherokee lagged behind competitors in the crowded small SUV segment.

Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade shared a lot with its Stellantis sister the Fiat 500X, so it makes sense that it gets the ax for 2024, too. The Renegade offered subcompact SUV buyers a rugged option that found thousands of new homes across the country, but never was a big hit in the rankings. I love the idea of a Renegade Trailhawk, but the platform’s bad mileage and reliability issues doubtlessly sealed its fate.

Kia Rio

The Rio was one of three new cars available in 2023 with a base price below $20,000. The death of the Rio stings since it’s not likely to be replaced, and when average new car prices are higher than ever, it’s a sign of the times.

Kia Stinger

The death of the Rio stings, but the death of the Stinger just hurts. It was one of the cars that put Kia on the map as a serious competitor with real performance chops, plus it looked great and wasn’t a high-riding hatchback masquerading as an off-road vehicle. Stinger sales were low for a while, so as sad as it is to say goodbye, it was time.

Mazda CX-9

Mazda’s first three-row crossover has been snagging comparison test wins since its introduction, but Mazda is inching up-market with the introduction of its all-new, rear-wheel-drive-based CX-90 three-row. While it is sad to see this engaging crossover take its final bow, at least its understudy is ready for action.

Mazda MX-30

The MX-30 was a curious car from day one. It had a tiny electric-only range, unconventional doors, cost more than it should, and thus did not find many homes in the U.S. It was only available for sale in California, and as a native Californian I never saw more than a handful on the roads over its lifetime.

McLaren 720S Coupe and Convertible

A McLaren 720S wearing a Gulf livery parked by a body of water

The 720S may be dead, but its replacement is here and is already taking names. Its replacement is the 750S which looks nearly identical and offers more performance than the outgoing car.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Convertible

A Mercedes C-Class Coupe driving down a beautiful road with a body of water and mountains in the background

The C-Class was redesigned for 2023 but the coupe and convertible body styles got an extra year on their lease on life while the CLE was finishing development. I am a huge fan of the styling of the W205 C-Class body especially in A205 cabriolet form and C205 coupe form. Don’t be surprised if you find an article from me talking about why I bought one. Its successor seems like it follows a similar recipe so let’s hope it does.

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

A bright blue CLS class parked in front of an office building

The CLS was a game changer from its inception. It introduced the “four-door coupe” concept and everyone else was left scrambling to produce their own version of this sleek sedan. With the introduction of the AMG GT 4 Door which was dynamically superior to the CLS, it makes sense that Mercedes is choosing to lay the CLS to rest. First-gen CLS-Classes are some of the most beautiful cars on the market, fight me.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe and Convertible

A red E-Class cabriolet parked at a golf course

The new E-Class is ready to take on the world, but these coupe and convertible versions will be replaced by the new segment-straddling CLE-Class that also replaces the C-Class coupe and convertible. I always loved the A238 E-Class convertible’s long, flat deck, but the new CLE looks pretty good too.

Mercedes-Benz Metris

The Metris was a solid hauler that could ferry more folks than a minivan and take more cargo than you might think, but it is overdue for a replacement. Thank you for your service, mighty Metris.

Nissan Maxima

The Maxima has been living on borrowed time for a few years now, with an exterior that still looked fine but an interior that transported you back in time, in a derogatory way. I had one as a rental car a while back and it was fine, but the interior was so beyond-dated that I could not imagine anyone buying one new.

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

A Panamera Sport Turismo in white driving on a beachside street

The weirdly named wagon variant of the impressive Porsche Panamera did not survive the model’s update for 2024. It didn’t make much practical sense considering the regular Panamera was cheaper and had almost the same interior space, but we’re still sad to see this wonderful wagon go. I still geek out whenever I see one on the road, and that’s not likely to change with the model’s demise.