With so much of the current auto news dominated by pandemic-related change and how the industry is evolving to accommodate these changes, it seems like a good opportunity to talk about something else entirely. Like cars, for instance. So let’s take a look at some of the exciting cars that are coming out in the near and not-so-near future. Let’s look to the future with optimism—toward ten cars and trucks and SUVs that are worth waiting for. Whether you are anticipating the release of an electric truck that can go 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, a dream machine like the 2024 Aston Martin Vanquish, or a 2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, the future is bright, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
2021 Ford F-150
While maybe not as exciting as an Aston Martin, the 2021 model year for the F-150 will bring some significant changes to this best-selling truck. There will be a hybrid model with an electric motor. This is significant because of the improved fuel economy, but also because the hybrid powertrain will double as a generator for power tools, construction tools, lights—anything you would use a generator for. If you do a lot of camping or work construction, or just work around the house, this will be an incredibly useful feature, one that every truck should have. In a few years, expect Ford to launch an electric truck to compete with the Hummer EV SUT, which boasts 1,000 hp. Things are certainly changing in the truck world and for the better.
2022 Hummer EV SUT
GMC looks to be the first of the “big 3” to push an electric truck into production, as it is scheduled to go on sale starting in fall 2021. The buzz surrounding this pickup truck mostly concerns the fact that it is an electric truck, but when you take a look at the powertrain options, you will not believe the numbers this truck boasts. GM claims it will produce up to 11,500 lb-ft of torque. So, yes, that’s a lot of low-end power. That’s an absurd amount of power. GM also promises up to 1,000 hp, and options for 1-3 batteries. The expected range for this beast is 300 miles. Imagine an AT4 model with 1,000 lb-ft of torque and how that would translate to off-road performance.
2021 Hyundai Santa Cruz
While not quite as ground-breaking as an electric truck and without 1,000-lb-ft-of-torque-like performance numbers, Hyundai is jumping into the pickup truck market. While this will not be marketed to the dedicated work-truck crowd, it will compete as a crossover for those with an active lifestyle image. Not meant to tow heavy or haul heavy, it’s meant for people who need the utility of a bed occasionally. Expect the Santa Cruz to go on sale in 2021 and start at around $25,000. The reasonable starting price should make this a hit with those looking for a little more utility from their SUVs. You can expect it to be fairly uniform with not many options to customize. Expect it to be a four-door crew cab, with a choice of four-cylinder engines, such as the Santa Fe’s 2.4-liter and turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, with all-wheel drive. It will compete in the midsize truck segment and feature unibody construction similar to the Honda Ridgeline.
2024 Aston Martin Vanquish
As promised, there’s an Aston Martin supercar hovering on the horizon. Due out in 2023, the next Vanquish is expected to transition to a mid-engine layout. It is expected to produce up to 700 hp, using a hybrid powertrain and a turbo V6. It’s also expected to only cost around $300,000, so either you can buy Tom Brady’s stretch Escalade now, or save your money and wait for the Vanquish. The Valkyrie and Valhalla have served as inspiration for the Vanquish.
2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
While the 2021 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing will not feature the Blackwing V8, it will still be one of the most track-ready sports sedans on the market. Apparently, if a Cadillac is named “Blackwing,” it doesn’t mean it has a Blackwing V8 engine. Instead, the CT5-V Blackwing will have a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that produces around 650 horsepower. The best part, though, is that it will have a six-speed manual transmission. This makes it the only car in its class with a manual transmission. You can expect the Blackwing to arrive later this year, so you won’t have to wait long to get behind the wheel of this exciting CT5-V.
2023 Mazda 6
Mazda’s going full-luxury with the next-generation 6, but only in theory—the price will not reflect their luxury ambitions. Transitioning to a longitudinal-engine platform with an inline-six and rear-wheel drive, the 6 will also feature a 48-volt hybrid system. There’s even talk that the sports sedan will have up to 350 ponies, so this is definitely one to keep your eye on. It is slated to go on sale by the end of 2022.
2021 Ram Dakota
The Dakota is making a comeback under the Ram umbrella and will compete in the midsize truck segment. It will also share its underpinnings with one of its competitors—the Jeep Gladiator. So you know it will be a stout off-roader. But with a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range, it will offer consumers a cheaper option to hit the trails with. Expect the Ram to drop the Gladiator’s live front axle for independent suspension. This is expected to go on sale later this year, so truck buyers will now have another viable option in the midsize truck segment.
2022 Toyota GR Corolla
For those upset about not getting the GR Yaris, a hot-hatch version of the Corolla is coming soon to fill the void. Expect this to be available in 2022, starting at around $30,000. The GR Corolla will feature the same turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine as the GR Yaris, so everyone should be happy. Expect similar numbers for the GR Corolla: 257 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Expect a manual transmission and a stiffer suspension tune than the standard Corolla, bigger brakes, and larger wheels with grippy summer tires.
2021 Volkswagen ID.4
With a range of up to 310 miles, the Volkswagen ID.4 is an electric compact crossover SUV. Aimed at one of the most popular segments today, the ID.4 is an exciting entry, as it claims to be the first carbon-neutral SUV. It will feature rear-wheel drive with a single rear-mounted electric motor. Another version is expected to follow shortly after with dual motors. It is expected to launch later this year in Europe and then to release later in the U.S.
2023 Land Rover Defender 80
If the Defender 80—as it is called by the U.K. media—reaches the U.S. market, it would be a more affordable entry to the Defender lineup. Starting in the $30,000 range, this could be a popular option for those looking for Land Rover’s legendary off-road capability. Expect JLR’s turbocharged engines, possibly a three-cylinder, along with hybrid and plug-in options. It will most likely debut in 2022 and compete against other off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. This will be a welcome entry to the segment as the off-road niche is starting to get more and more competitive with recent entries like the Ford Bronco set to challenge the Jeep Wrangler’s reign.
