The automotive world is embarking upon the fastest and most radical transformation of the last few decades. What once felt like a slow, steady pace of evolution is now rapidly turning into a total redesign of mobility as we know it. These aren’t simply ways of moving people around anymore; they are vehicles powered by software and built around electric drivetrains, powered by artificial intelligence, and motivated by changing performance benchmarks.
Looking forward beyond 2025 the industry is pulling two identities, the electric and the hybrid. Electric cars will bring performance redefined: instant torque and whisper-quiet driving. Traditional internal combustion engines, however, will benefit from electrification, bringing with them new levels of efficiency, refinement, and surprisingly advanced performance. This dual nature of old school feel meets new-school smarts will define the hybrid future.
Concurrently, legacy automakers can no longer play it safe. Companies which historically stuck to relatively focused identities are branching out into everything from SUVs and electric sedans to new segments of high-performance vehicles. But this is not simply about survival. It’s about reaching for something more as expectations from drivers, government regulators and technology simultaneously redefine the automobile, not one step at a time but all at once.
1. Ferrari EV
Ferrari’s first all-electric vehicle may just be one of the most important new developments in recent modern brand history. Known for its sonorous naturally-aspirated V12s and a heritage of high-revving brilliance, Ferrari is getting ready to embrace a completely electric future which will likely happen around 2026, replacing sound and emotion with silent, efficient, and potent power delivery.
Key Expected Highlights:
- Around 1000bhp performance potential
- Estimated 330-mile driving range
- Crossover-inspired body design
- Fully electric Ferrari architecture
- Hypercar-level acceleration targets
Early indicators suggest power figures are up in the region of 1000bhp, putting the EV in modern day hypercar territory. On top of this, estimated range is in the region of 330 miles, showing a focus towards practicality as opposed to previous high-performance electric ideas. Body styling is also believed to be in the more ‘cross-over’ territory, merging practicality with Ferraris usual high-performance persona.
However what is particularly interesting is the sheer symbolic status of this particular model to the marque. Electric performance no longer is experimental but a key part of Ferrari, the new age has arrived, performance and innovation are redefined alongside each other within Ferraris current stable.
2. McLaren SUV
The fact that McLaren is even considered to enter the SUV market speaks volumes of the huge strategic shift of a brand that built its reputation with minimal, track-focused supercars. It seems to go against McLaren’s rigid engineering principles of having to be extremely lightweight and extremely fast; yet it is also indicative of the trend across the auto industry, where even a small, specialist performance manufacturer feels the need to diversify into more mainstream body styles.
Key Expectations for the McLaren SUV:
- Performance-first SUV philosophy
- McLaren-style driving dynamics
- Lightweight engineering focus
- Limited compromise on sportiness
- Premium positioning in the segment
This upcoming SUV will have to concentrate on the driving experience more than comfort/luxury to be “McLaren-like” and while specific details are still in short supply it seems as though there will be a clear concentration to ensure practicality and performance-engineering is at the fore front to attempt to keep that “driver-focused” feel to the large vehicle.
This also appears to be a business move as SUV’s typically have a better sales volume and are more profitable than supercar ranges and the income will allow McLaren to continue investing in its existing supercar range, thus helping them retain that “performance” image.
3. Porsche 911 GT2 RS (992.2)
The forthcoming, generation-based 992.2 generation Porsche 911 GT2 RS stays true to the 911 variants pedigree of hypercar focused performance aimed directly at the track. Initial reports of prototypes on test at the Nurburgring, show that the next generation GT2 RS has an extensive new aero package featuring, amongst other modifications, widened bodywork and optimised air flow to enhance straight line stability and cornering performance.
Key Performance Developments:
- Twin-turbo flat-six engine
- Hybrid performance assistance system
- Expected output above 750bhp
- Enhanced Nürburgring aerodynamics
- Track-focused chassis tuning
This is the biggest step up for the new 911, and is the hybrid system being combined with the familiar twin-turbo flat-six engine. It is estimated that combined, they will have over 750bhp and lift the car into another performance tier still, focusing on not only speed off the line, but response and accuracy at load too.
What they are doing, isn’t the de-powering of a high performance car using electrification; what they have proven is that electrification can add to performance without subtracting, and the 911 is continuing to develop from an out and out race car in a form still based on the same iconic shape.
4. Bentley EV
This is Bentley’s first all electric vehicle and the goal here appears to be a redefinition of luxury using high performance electric transport. A big aim of the vehicle, for example, is the ability to rapid charge, gaining around 100 miles of range in a couple of minutes, another aim of making electric motoring as unobtrusive and as luxurious as possible.
Key Luxury EV Highlights:
- Ultra-fast charging capability
- Expected luxury SUV body style
- Focus on silent driving comfort
- Blend of craftsmanship and tech
- Long-distance travel comfort priority
The next model to join the range is heavily predicted to arrive in the shape of a luxurious SUV; this time a blend of Bentley’s classic craftsmanship and a brand new electric powertrain. The priority will remain to retain effortless performance, near-silent operation and the capacity for relaxed, long-distance driving. Everything within the design will be aimed at protecting the brands renowned quality without compromising it.
It is easy to see this strategy working perfectly given the understanding Bentley has of its customer base. The strategy isn’t simply about electrification; it’s about retaining and enhancing the comfort, luxury, exclusivity and premium quality Bentley has built its reputation on. This, rather than just raw speed will be the focus.
5. Lexus LFR
The new flagship performance model being developed by Lexus, expected to be called LFR, will be a spiritual successor to the legendary LFA. This model will be heavily influenced by Lexus’s motorsport activities, in particular the racing GT3 model.
Key Performance Focus Areas:
- GT3 motorsport-inspired engineering
- Hybrid performance powertrain
- High-end sports car positioning
- Precision-focused driving dynamics
- LFA successor philosophy
The planned powertrain is a mix of good ol’ fashion combustion and hybrid electric. What is desired is raw performance, modern efficiency, and refined throttle response for improved driving dynamics on both road and track conditions, aiming for an emotionally appealing and technologically advanced vehicle.
Comparisons of benchmark and development testing point to the LFR being in the premier category in the global sports car hierarchy. Rather than a slightly lower performance class, the LFR is more intended as a credible challenger to existing supercars; in other words, a serious, focused engineering exercise by Lexus for its high-performance luxury identity.
6. Jaguar EV
Brand reinvention: Jaguar is completely changing the way of life, by now a fully electric manufacturer and a luxury vehicle maker. The new electric GT saloon is the bedrock of this new personality for the brand; it is not part of the current combustion powered line-up and constitutes the biggest changing to the brand in modern times.
Key Development Focus:
- Fully electric luxury GT saloon
- Brand-wide electric transformation
- Performance-focused engineering
- Extensive prototype testing
- New design and identity direction
Development testing has been particularly severe, with prototypes thrashed on punishing circuits in the name of assessment and improvement of performance and stability, and the emphasis upon a highly engaging driving experience has been maintained by Jaguar even though they’ve abandoned internal combustion for electricity, so they can hope the marque’s traditional focus on power and handling characteristics carry over to their future products.
This represents far more than just the announcement of an new model, it really is an about face for Jaguar’s brand image and a rebranding centered on electric powertrains, modern luxury, and sports focused design, and the electric GT saloon is really the defining point of what the future of Jaguar will look like.
7. Audi RS 6
The Audi RS 6 is about to make a leap into a new dimension, being more than just an estate for the performance division. A saloon body shape will also be produced to broaden the model’s appeal and it will follow the same theme as the estate, continuing with the aggressive and chunkiness. Wide body styling, big proportions and aggressive RS styling details are all expected.
Key RS 6 Developments:
- Estate and saloon body styles
- Aggressive RS design language
- Hybrid-assisted powertrain expected
- Improved efficiency and acceleration
- Retained high-performance identity
The introduction of a hybrid system will be another integral part of the updated powertrain contributing to performance as well as economy. This system will ensure that the RS 6 not only remains able to provide it’s characteristic rapid acceleration and performance but also able to continue meeting increasingly stringent emissions standards. The fusion of internal combustion power and electric assistance is supposed to improve the level of responsiveness but without diminishing the fundamental concept of the performance based performance car.
The direction taken by the RS 6 is a clear indication of how Audi’s performance based cars are evolving to meet present day needs. Despite the evolution in technology, the inherent essence of the RS lineage exhilarating, practical and exciting performance is evident.
8. BMW i3
BMW will bring back the i3 moniker as part of its long-term EV strategy with its next generation of the 3 Series. While the old i3 was a more specialized compact city car this new version should be the first mainstream, rear-wheel-drive based EV from BMW based on a pure EV architecture for sedans with mainstream performance.
Key Focus Areas:
- Revival of the i3 nameplate
- Dedicated next-generation EV platform
- Strong driving dynamics focus
- Expected 500+ mile range target
- Electric 3 Series positioning
The aim of the new BMW i3 appears to be to offer excellent driving dynamics while also offering excellent range. Early indicators estimate range figures in excess of 500 miles on one charge, giving it among the best range of its class. Even so BMW will be attempting to ensure the i3 continues to offer a ‘driver’s car’ feel even if it be an electric one.
This model should be among the ‘best of both worlds’ driving experiences that BMW has to offer, bridging the gap between its legacy combustion engined history and the electric powered future ahead. BMW aims to retain that emotional driving experience that it’s sedan line-up has become so known for, even while also meeting with modern electric expectations. With it the i3 is a significant symbolic and mechanical step.
9. Volkswagen ID.2 GTI Club Sport
VW’s redefinition of the iconic GTI badge for the electric age represents a significant shift in the German manufacturer’s approach to its performance hatchback. While the regular ID.2 GTI is the basis for this redefinition, a wilder, Club Sport variant is expected for those who truly desire more speed.
Key Performance Direction:
- Electric GTI performance evolution
- ID.2 platform foundation
- Club Sport high-performance variant
- Sharper handling characteristics
- Accessible hot hatch identity
As the name would suggest the ID.2 GTI Club Sport should produce more power and have more performance-oriented handling than the regular version. The goal from Volkswagen will be to retain the GTI DNA of accessible performance despite moving to an electric powertrain and will focus tuning on driver feedback, maneuverability and response rather than pure straight line speed.
It’s also the best way of ensuring that the hot hatch element lives on in an electrified VW range. It’s trying to retain an emotional connection and passion for driving whilst meeting new efficiency and emissions targets and it will be the Club Sport which carries the GTI’s heritage in this transition.
10. Range Rover Velar EV
The upcoming Range Rover Velar generation will also fully embrace electrification, thus placing Land Rover at the forefront of electric luxury SUVs. With the entire segment undergoing electrification at an astonishing pace, this will only enhance the Velar’s stance in the mid-size luxury SUV category.
Key Development Focus:
- Fully electric Velar architecture
- Premium SUV positioning
- Balance of comfort and performance
- Modernized Range Rover design language
- Electrified luxury experience
The tests of the Velar EV point to the balancing act between luxury comfort and exciting handling, and even being a Range Rover focused luxury SUV engineers are making it clear they will attempt to keep the vehicle fun to drive to maintain the Range Rover heritage of competent, refined on road capability. They will need to make it feel agile, while still maintaining the expected silent smooth operation a combustion engine replacement could bring.
The move towards electric power signifies a move away from, and transition towards a different future for the Range Rover family and is one of the new directions of Range Rover. This transition is being executed in order to make the marque more modern, whilst retaining the core principles it is based upon, being luxury, refinement and all-terrain expertise. The Velar EV therefore is likely a transitional step towards an electric Range Rover.
11. Land Rover Defender Sport
The range of the Defender family is also growing, the addition being a compact electric vehicle called the Defender Sport. With the addition of this model to the family, the well known and strong design language of the brand, is now being delivered into a smaller package. The Defender Sport aims to extend the Defender family, whilst retaining the original ruggedness.
Key Focus Areas:
- Compact electric Defender SUV
- Entry-level model positioning
- Rugged design in smaller form
- Urban-friendly usability
- Retained off-road DNA
Expected to take the place of one of the models in the range, the Defender Sport, would bolster the Defender brand’s offering across several vehicle sectors. Land Rover is likely to use this opportunity to tap into an urban market in addition to existing range, whilst retaining the core design characteristics associated with the Defender family. The introduction of this new offering will therefore expand Land Rover’s potential customer base, without diluting the Defender marque’s credentials.
The objective for this variant is to balance true off-road capability with all-terrain practicality. While the Defender Sport should feature a more compact and city oriented platform it is still likely to be built using a similar robust engineering philosophy associated with the Defender range. This will enable the model to be true to its name in the current electric market place.
12. Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai is also gearing up for a redesign of its perennially best-selling SUV the Tucson in hopes to significantly revamp its look as well as the place it occupies in the lineup. Its future model will feature a boxier, more rugged approach, with styling cues influenced from Hyundai’s full-sized SUVs worldwide. The strategy is part of Hyundai’s intent to present a tougher, more authoritative road presence with the Tucson.
Key Design Directions:
- More boxy SUV design language
- Rugged and bold exterior styling
- Increased road presence
- Inspired by larger Hyundai SUVs
- Modern global design alignment
The main objective of this redesign is to bring the Tucson in line with modern automotive design language as viewed in global markets. Initial observation of prototype styling cues indicates a move toward more upright, structured and self assured styling. This new design language will give the Tucson increased presence while ensuring it retains its practical and family oriented character.
The overall impact of the update is a reiteration of Hyundai’s global design language. It attempts to combine the need for the SUV to remain practical and functional with a more dynamic and assertive design.
