Nissan may be navigating through a sea of financial turbulence, but that hasn’t slowed the company’s drive to reinvent one of its most distinctive – and undeniably controversial – models for the electric age: the next-generation Juke subcompact crossover. Despite the challenges, Nissan is determined to push forward into the future of electric vehicles.

More: What If Mazda Built An Inline-Six Sports Wagon From The EZ-6?

The third-generation Juke is set to build on its predecessors’ reputation for quirky design and practicality, with production set to kick off at Nissan’s Sunderland plant in the UK. As part of a broader strategy, Nissan aims to roll out five electric models in Europe by 2026. Interestingly, the same facility is reportedly opening its doors to Chinese state-owned partner Dongfeng, which may produce its own models alongside Nissan’s electric offerings. Talk about multitasking.

Curious about what’s next for the Juke? Read on as we decode what we know, based on Nissan’s teaser images and a few well-placed insider reports.

All The Angles

The new Juke’s styling is poised to continue the nameplate’s tradition of avant-garde design. In a shadowy teaser released by Nissan, its replacement is more angular than the current model, with a swooping coupe-style roofline and intricate, sharp-edged body surfacing.

More: Toyota’s C-HR Returns To America But It’s Nothing Like You Remember

It draws inspiration from the wild Hyper Punk concept shown at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show. That concept featured origami-like geometric shapes and futuristic lighting elements. While the production Juke will be toned down from that show car’s extremes (no scissor doors or exaggerated wings), it retains a striking, “love-it-or-hate-it” character, with key highlights including tri-element DRLs, angular contrasting cladding and hidden rear door handles. 

A More Refined, Tech-Savvy Cabin

While no official photos of the cabin have been released yet, reports suggest a more spacious and refined interior, with improved materials, cargo space, and overall build quality. Design-wise, the cabin may draw inspiration from the tech-focused cockpit of the Hyper Punk concept, featuring a deeply sculpted dashboard and a wrap-around center console that’s clearly oriented with the driver in mind.

On the technology front, the Juke EV should receive Nissan’s latest infotainment system, possibly an evolution of the interface used in the larger Ariya EV, complete with a sizable touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, head-up display, and extensive connectivity options. 

The Fundamentals

Underpinning the new crossover will be one of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance’s dedicated electric platforms. The Japanese automaker has not confirmed the exact architecture. Still, insider reports indicate the Juke EV will utilise the CMF-EV platform, which is the same one that underpins the Ariya and the upcoming third-generation Leaf.

The CMF-EV platform, designed for C-segment EVs, will enable the Juke to accommodate a larger battery and powertrain while improving interior space and packaging, helping to address previous concerns about cramped room.

Amped Ambitions

Unlike the outgoing car, the next Juke will be a purely electric affair. Confirmed details are still under wraps, but industry insiders suggest it could offer a choice of 63 kWh and 87 kWh battery packs similar to the Ariya’s – translating to roughly 250 and 300 miles (400-480 km) of range. On the other hand, Nissan may also try to keep costs down by utilizing a smaller pack in the 40–55 kWh range. 

Also: Nissan’s New Electric Sedan Is As Big As A Maxima, Cheap As A Versa

In either case, the standard Juke EV will likely come with a front-wheel-drive, single-motor setup, producing around 120–150 horsepower (90–112 kW). For those craving more power, a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version could be on offer, likely in a higher-output Nismo variant.

Rivals and Reveal

When it finally hits the market, the new Juke will face off against a growing list of electrified competitors, including the Jeep Avenger EV, Ford Puma Gen-E, Kia EV3, Renault’s retro-inspired 4 EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Citroen C3 Aircross and Peugeot e-2008. It’s clear the market for smaller electric crossovers is heating up, and the Juke will need to bring its A-game.

The current Juke will continue to be sold alongside its electric successor for a while, but the official reveal of the new Juke is expected later this year. While Nissan has confirmed its plans to launch the Juke EV in Europe by next year, there’s no word yet on whether it will be sold in North America. With tariffs looming large, Nissan might be waiting to see how things play out, especially after the U.S. recently signed a deal to reduce the UK’s 27.5% auto tariff to 10% for a quota of 100,000 cars.

What do you think of the Juke’s radical new appearance? Let us know in the comments below.

It’s not every day a Stellantis design chief gives your senior thesis a shoutout on social media, but that’s exactly what happened to John Carioti. While working on his senior project at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Carioti created a stunning Dodge muscle car that caught the eye of none other than Ralph Gilles, Stellantis’ Chief Design Officer.

Gilles, who oversees the styling for brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Chrysler, and Maserati, isn’t exactly a rookie when it comes to spotting standout concepts. The Stellantis exec shared Carioti’s work on Instagram, captioning the post “Once again @ccs_detroit Seniors are Fire! ##.” It’s the kind of exposure that most young designers can only dream of, and it’s safe to assume it can do wonders for Carioti’s career.

More: This Is How America’s Teens Imagine Chrysler’s Future

The [DODGE] project, which was part of an exhibition for the end of the academic year, looks like a worthy competitor to the Ford Mustang GTD,thanks to its oversized aero enhancements. It takes design cues from the Charger Daytona but features a smaller footprint, a fastback tail, and more aggressive proportions.

The front end is a showstopper. A massive chin spoiler leads the way, complemented by full-width LED headlights that flank a narrow pass-through grille. Air is directed through the grille and into a hollow vent on the hood. Given the Fratzog logos, it’s obviously designed for a fully electric powertrain. But hey, if your imagination drifts toward a supercharged Hemi V8 instead, no one’s going to judge you for it.

John Carioti / Instagram

The profile is just as striking, with muscular fenders, sharp creases on the doors, and large alloy wheels. At the back, the design doesn’t disappoint. The LED bar under the active rear spoiler adds an extra layer of visual drama, and the rear deck does away with the windscreen, following the same trend popularized by brands like Polestar and Avatr. Carioti has also presented a version with a fixed rear wing, which perfectly complements the rear diffuser.

More: Forget The C9, This Corvette Concept Reclaims Retro Glory

While Dodge is struggling to sell the electric Charger Daytona and is leaning heavily on the upcoming ICE-powered Charger SixPack, Carioti’s design offers a glimpse into what the future of muscle cars could look like. Sure, the public might not be fully ready for electric muscle cars just yet, but that’s no reason to disregard his vision.

As with most senior thesis projects, the [DODGE] is purely a design exercise with no plans for production. However, it’s a concept that could easily be adapted to house a Hemi V8, tapping into the more traditional, hardcore muscle car fanbase.

Carioti expressed his gratitude to Gilles for the shoutout, and we sincerely hope this marks the beginning of a successful career. With talent like his, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him helping to shape the future of muscle cars (well, yes, and SUVs, it goes with the territory these days…) at a Stellantis design studio.

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The Mini Countryman is typically thought of as a road-focused SUV, but thanks to off-road experts Delta4x4 and the Dakar-winning team X-Raid, it’s been reimagined into something far more extreme, yet still street-legal beast. This radical conversion, currently presented as a digital concept, could potentially be brought to life in limited numbers if enough interest is generated.

More: BMW’s M2 Dakar Concept Is So Good It Hurts That It’s Just An April Fool’s Joke

The two companies recently showed a Mini Countryman X-Raid tuning package, which included a raft of upgrades like new wheels, tires, a suspension lift, and some eye-catching orange decals. These tweaks were only a warm-up, though, and they soon dove into creating a version inspired by X-Raid’s rally-winning desert warriors.

From April Fool’s Joke to Real Project

According to X-Raid, the idea started as an April Fool’s joke, but it quickly evolved into a real project. The highlight of the exterior are the front and rear fender extensions that add 200 mm (7.9 inches) of width to the compact SUV. A bull bar protects the front bumper from minor collisions, while extra LEDs on the grille and roof will turn night into day.

The roof rack provides extra space for overlanding equipment such as snow tracks, a full-size spare wheel, and a couple of tanks. Furthermore, Delta4x4 has added Defender-style storage compartments on the rear side windows, and decorative belts on the hood and tailgate. As a finishing touch, the body is wrapped in a matte gray shade with orange graphics.

Delta4x4 / Facebook

Underneath the Mini Countryman, things are looking even more serious. It now rolls on 18-inch Delta4x4 Hanma alloy wheels wrapped in heavy-duty all-terrain rubber by Loder. Combined with a rally-tuned suspension that adds an extra 50 mm (2 inches) of ground clearance, this SUV is ready for more than just the occasional gravel road.

More: Dacia Duster Soul Of Dakar Concept Could Inspire Future Special Edition Models

X-Raid hasn’t mentioned any performance upgrades, but judging by the rendering, the base model appears to be the fully electric Mini Countryman SE All4. This version comes with a dual-motor AWD setup that produces 308 hp (230 kW / 313 PS) and is powered by a 66.5 kWh battery, providing a range of 212 miles (341 km). That said, the modifications are likely compatible with any variant of the Countryman, including the hybrid turbocharged 2.0-liter engine version.

A Limited-Edition Possibility

While the vehicle is still a concept, X-Raid and Delta4x4 have hinted at the possibility of “small-scale production” if customer demand is high enough. Hopefully, the renders will resonate with the more adventurous kind of Mini Countryman owners, bringing the Dakar-inspired build on the road. Despite its wild stance, the company has confirmed that this is a “street-legal package”.

Earlier reports also suggest that Mini itself is also working on a more rugged version of the Countryman, though details about that are still vague at best. For now, we’ll have to wait and see if this wild rendition becomes a reality.

Breaking into the luxury SUV scene isn’t for the faint-hearted, especially when the playing field is packed with legacy heavyweights ranging from Cadillac, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, to Bentley and its ultra-premium peers. But Genesis, the premium division of the Hyundai Motor Group, thinks it has what it takes to stand out. And it’s not just talking big; it’s building big too.

More: Everything We Know About The 2026 Jeep Cherokee

To make that point even clearer, it is putting the finishing touches on the GV90, its most ambitious electrified SUV to date. Recently spotted in public testing, this flagship SUV looks nearly ready for primetime. With the camouflage only hiding so much, here’s what we know so far.

Kerbside Opulence

Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops

You’d be right in thinking you’ve seen this somewhere before, as the GV90 was previewed as the Neolun concept at last year’s New York International Auto Show. Unlike many show cars watered down for production, this one has largely stayed the course. 

Visually, the GV90 comes in well over five meters long and makes no attempt to hide its size. The front is defined by twin horizontally stacked LED light strips flanking a large, crest-shaped panel. Those lighting elements continue just behind the front fenders, tracing the edge where the clamshell hood meets the front doors. Below, a layered chrome pattern decorates the lower front bumper, with additional brightwork running along the rocker panels and wrapping around the rear of the vehicle.

The bodywork avoids harsh creases or busy design tricks, instead relying on clean surfaces and sheer presence to sell the design. Some variants of the GV90 will be available with Rolls Royce-style coach doors, and the two-tiered LED lighting theme upfront repeats within the taillight clusters in the name of continuity.

A Luxury Outlook

Inside, the GV90 emphasizes luxury and comfort. Spy shots reveal four individual massaging seats, with the second row separated by a substantial center console equipped with cup holders, an inductive mobile phone charger, and a large infotainment display. 

Read: What We Know About Mercedes-AMG’s 1,000 HP Super Electric SUV

Up front, expect a colossal pillar-to-pillar OLED instrument cluster and infotainment display, wireless phone connectivity and a host of convenience features to keep up with the Benz’s. Buyers are said to be able to spec the GV90 with radiant heating and an electrochromic glass roof that can block out the sun in multi-configurable ways. A full suite of level 2 semi-autonomous driving aids will be available. 

An Ohm Run

SHProshots

While it was initially believed that the GV90 might ride on Hyundai’s existing E-GMP platform, shared with models like the Ioniq 5 and Kia EV9, recent reports suggest that Genesis is finishing work on a new, exclusive platform called eM. This advanced 800V architecture supports ultra-fast charging, allowing the GV90 to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in about 20 minutes when connected to a 350-kW DC fast charger.

All-wheel drive will likely come standard, with an electric motor on each axle delivering a combined output of nearly 500 horsepower (368 kW) in base models, with higher figures expected in flagship trims. The GV90 is expected to use a 99.8-kWh battery pack, offering an estimated range of over 300 miles per charge. Larger battery options may also be available, pushing that range even further.

More: Everything We Know About Mazda’s Next-Gen CX-5 Hybrid

Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology will enable the premium SUV to be a backup power source for homes and electronic devices. Additionally, the GV90 will feature electronically controlled dampers and an advanced torque-vectoring system to optimize traction and handling.

Rivals and Debut

Genesis is aiming straight at the top of the luxury EV market, with the GV90 positioned to take on a growing field of high-end electric SUVs. Key rivals could include the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Cadillac Escalade IQ, Volvo EX90, BMW iX, and the Lucid Gravity, each bringing its own mix of performance, tech, and brand prestige to the table.

An official debut was originally expected sometime this year, but recent reports out of Korea suggest the timeline has shifted. The reveal may now happen in late 2026, with production scheduled to begin at Hyundai’s dedicated EV facility in Ulsan, South Korea.

Would you consider a full-size electric Genesis over the usual suspects from Germany, America, and beyond? Let us know in the comments.

The clock is ticking for the debut of the second-generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio, expected later this year, and not a moment too soon. The current model has been showing its age for a while now, and a fresh update in design, technology, and an EV powertrain option is exactly what it needs.

More: New Alfa Romeo Stelvio Leaks Out Giving Off Strong Mandalorian Vibes

Although Alfa Romeo has yet to release official images, we have already gotten a glimpse of the new SUV through patent filings. Now, independent renderings are giving us an even better idea of what to expect from the next-generation Stelvio’s exterior.

The illustrations come courtesy of digital artists Theophilus Chin and Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa, both well-known for producing impressively accurate previews of upcoming production models. Their latest work is based on earlier spy shots and recent patent drawings, with a few creative touches of color added in.

A Familiar Face with Sharper Features

The new Italian SUV represents a noticeable evolution from its predecessor, but the scudetto grille and updated graphics ensure it is still unmistakably an Alfa Romeo. Up front, split lighting units feature slim daytime running lights and main headlights tucked neatly within triangular bumper intakes. The revised grille also clears enough space for a centered license plate, borrowing a trick from the smaller Alfa Romeo Junior.

Along the sides, the Stelvio looks more refined. A sleeker roofline, bi-tone paint treatment, large alloy wheels, and flush door handles pull the design closer to the coupe-SUV territory without going full fastback. Around the back, the standout feature is the full-width LED taillights that form a triangular shape and stretch partially into the tailgate, echoing the look of the front grille.

Illustrations: Kelsonik and Theottle

Different Takes on the Same Blueprint

The two artists approached the task slightly differently. Kelsonik updated his earlier renderings for Kolesa, refining the design with more accurate details sourced from the leaked patent filings. Theottle, meanwhile, kept a few differences but nailed the proportions, basing his interpretation on the mechanically related Jeep Wagoneer S platform.

The next generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio will share the STLA Large underpinnings with the Jeep Wagoneer S, Recon, and Dodge Charger, allowing it to be compatible with fully electric and hybrid powertrains. This change means that Maserati will be the final brand clinging to the Giorgio platform that originally debuted with the outgoing Giulia and Stelvio models.

More: Before It’s Gone The 2025 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Reminds Us Why Driving Matters

What About Performance?

Initial reports suggested that the high-performance Stelvio Quadrifoglio would go fully electric, but more recent information points to the twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 sticking around. That is probably a good thing for Alfa Romeo loyalists who appreciate a bit of mechanical drama under the hood. With any luck, the new Stelvio will also inherit some of the outgoing model’s excellent chassis tuning, which helped make it one of the most engaging SUVs to drive.

The official reveal of the new Stelvio is expected within the next few months. It will sit above the Junior and Tonale in Alfa Romeo’s growing SUV lineup. As for the next Giulia, it is reportedly scheduled to arrive in 2026, possibly trading its traditional sedan shape for a more crossover-style, fastback design.

It feels like a new electric SUV is being unveiled every other day, and now, Land Rover is jumping on the bandwagon with its own version: a smaller, electric Defender. This upcoming model, which could be called the Defender Sport, was recently spotted during testing earlier this month. Once it hits production, it might look something like this.

Read: This Is Land Rover’s New Defender Baby EV

The renderings of the baby Defender based on recent prototype sightings give us a glimpse into Land Rover’s potential styling direction for the new model. While the prototype we spotted was heavily camouflaged, it was pretty clear the vehicle shares a boxy shape with its full-sized sibling, the Defender.

Exterior Design

Created by Nikita Chuyko for Kolesa, the front end of the vehicle features headlights that resemble those of the current Defender, albeit with a twist, as they appear to have been “cut in half” to match the smaller profile of the baby Defender. Gone is the traditional grille, replaced with a series of non-descript slits similar to those on the larger Defender, along with larger air intakes on either side of the bumper.

Much like its bigger brother, this electric Land Rover also sports flared arches at both the front and rear. The prototype was shown with blacked-out wing mirrors and pillars, except for the color-matched C-pillar, which adds a nice touch of contrast.

The rear of the baby Defender may be the most intriguing part of its design. Much like the controversial new Hyundai Santa Fe, the taillights of the Land Rover have been positioned very far down, sitting just above the bumper. While this gives the vehicle a distinctive look, we think it would look better if the lights were placed a little higher.

What Powertrain Will It Have?

The mini Defender EV is likely to be built on Jaguar Land Rover’s new EMA platform, which will also underpin the next-gen Range Rover Evoque, Velar, and Land Rover Discovery Sport models. This platform is designed to support an 800-volt electric architecture, meaning it’ll come with the capability for 350 kW fast charging.

We expect the baby Defender to come with all-wheel drive as standard, with twin-motor configurations likely aimed at retaining the off-road prowess that’s synonymous with the full-sized Defender.

What Rivals Will The Baby Defender EV Have?

The baby Defender EV’s most direct rival will be a smaller version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, also in the works for production. The ‘Little G’ will be available exclusively with an electric powertrain, though specifics about its setup are still under wraps at this stage. While the practicality of all-electric off-roaders remains up for debate, we’re definitely excited to see these two newcomers hit the market.

When Can We Expect It?

Land Rover is likely to launch the new baby Defender EV in 2027, as a 2028 model, with the smaller G-Class expected to arrive around the same time, if not a bit earlier. As for pricing, expect the mini Defender to be significantly more affordable than the current Defender, which starts at $60,800 for the four-door Defender 110 and $56,900 for the two-door Defender 90.

Lexus isn’t exactly known for rushing into things, but when it moves, it tends to do so with quiet confidence. Now, it looks like the Lexus family is set to expand once again with the addition of a new all-electric three-row SUV. We’re getting an early sense of what it might look like, and it’s shaping up to be an interesting electric counterpart to the brand’s existing offerings.

More: Toyota And Lexus Will Launch 15 EVs By 2027 And That’s Just The Start

The new model, likely to be called the TZ, will share its underpinnings with a Toyota-branded sibling known as the bZ5X. It’s expected to fill the role of a three-row alternative to the gas-powered Lexus TX, stepping into a space that’s growing fast in the EV market, where size, range, and badge cachet all matter.

To show how this new model may look, designer Theophilus Chin, also known as Theottle, has taken the Lexus Electrified SUV concept unveiled back in 2021 and made some production adjustments to it. While we won’t know how the TZ looks until Lexus starts testing some prototypes out in public, it would make sense for the brand to base it heavily on this concept.

A Familiar Face With Slight Tweaks

At the front, Theottle’s rendering swaps out the concept’s dramatic headlights for more conventional units, ones more in line with the current Lexus design language. The lighting elements below them, along with the shape of the front bumper, remain untouched, suggesting Lexus might not stray too far from its conceptual roots.

Moving along the sides, a few practical changes appear. The flush door handles of the concept are gone and have been replaced with more traditional hardware. A new set of wheels has also been added, and normal wing mirrors have been installed. It’s all standard production-car stuff, but necessary if this thing is going to hit a dealership lot.

The most obvious change made to the rear of the TZ is the fitment of smaller taillights that do not stretch as far down the rear quarter panels. Despite this, we think the rear of the new three-row Lexus still looks a little busy, and we hope Lexus’s designers come up with something more attractive than this.

Read: Lexus Kills Off The RC And RC F Coupes After 11 Years

Little is known about the production model, but in 2023, Lexus applied to trademark the TZ450e and TZ550e names, indicating that at least two electric models are being prepared. Lexus could use the same 77 kWh battery offered in the new RZ, but given the size and expected weight of this three-row SUV, it seems likely the TZ550e will need a pack with increased capacity. For comparison, the Kia EV9, one of the few EVs in this segment already on sale, offers a choice between 76.1 kWh and 99.8 kWh battery packs.

Talking about the RZ, the entry-level version is the RZ 350e that features a single electric motor at the front axle with 224 hp (167 kW) and 198 lb-ft (269 Nm) of torque and has a 357-mile (575 km) range. The RZ 500e packs two electric motors that deliver 375 hp (280 kW) for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 4.6 seconds and has a lower estimated range of 311 miles (500 km).

For the 2026 model year, Lexus added the RZ 550e F Sport to the lineup. It produces 402 hp (300 kW) from its dual-motor setup and accelerates to 100 km/h (96 mph) in 4.4 seconds. That added performance, however, comes at a cost as range drops to 280 miles (450 km). Since the TZ will be larger and heavier than the RZ, to quote Jaws‘ most iconic line, Lexus is gonna need a bigger boat – em, I mean battery.

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Polestar has come a long way from its origins as Volvo’s performance division, evolving into a standalone electric vehicle manufacturer. But with this shift in direction, it raises the inevitable question: Will future Volvo models get high-performance variants like BMW’s M division or Mercedes’ AMG lineup? Well, independent designer Jordan Rubinstein-Towler has ventured into this very idea with his creation, the 240R, which is a high-performance, retro-futuristic take on his own Volvo 240 concept.

A Nod to the Past with a Twist

In keeping with the spirit of the original design study, the Volvo 240R blends the unmistakable boxy shape of the old 200 Series with modern styling. The R version introduces a sporty bodykit—think deeper bumpers, side skirts, a subtle diffuser, and a ducktail spoiler. It’s like the 240 got a solid workout, but still managed to keep its classic personality.

More: Modern Volvo 240 Design Study Proves Boxy Can Be Sexy Again

The renders speak for themselves. Rubinstein-Towler’s design work strikes a perfect balance with black and body-colored accents on the revamped parts, delivering that classic yet contemporary look. To really emphasize the performance angle, the car rolls on new black five-spoke alloy wheels, an homage to Volvo’s sporty heritage.

In one of the renderings, the sedan poses next to a Volvo 240 racer that enjoyed great success in touring car championships back in the ’80s. Likewise, the wagon is joined by the Volvo 850 R from the mid-90s.

Modern Interior, Retro Vibes

But the 240R isn’t just about looking fast on the outside—Rubinstein-Towler has also done some work on the interior. Highlights include the blue upholstery that brings a splash of color to the retro-inspired bucket seats, along with a fresh new steering wheel design. The digital cockpit, while updated, keeps things minimalist with a few smaller displays, paired with physical controls to preserve that tactile feel on the center console.

Illustrations Jordan Rubinstein-Towler

Power to Match the Looks?

Now, if this car ever made it to production, what’s going to power this modern interpretation of the classic ‘brick’? Since the modern reimagining of the Volvo 240 is an electric vehicle, the (fictional) 240R would also be expected to run on a zero-emission powertrain.

A quick peek into the Geely parts bin—Volvo’s parent company—shows that a high-performance electric car is well within reach. Take the Twin Motor Performance version of the new Volvo ES90, for instance; it produces a combined 671 hp (680 PS / 500 kW). That’s plenty of power for both a high-performance sedan and wagon.

Speaking of the ES90, the electric liftback sedan recently debuted as a direct rival to the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE. From Rubinstein-Towler’s renderings, it looks like his 240R proposal could slot in just below that model, potentially filling the gap left by the soon-to-be-discontinued S60/V60.

More: Volvo Doesn’t Need Wagons Anymore, Says SUVs Are The Future

Such an offering would compete against the upcoming BMW Neue Klasse i3 and the electric Mercedes C-Class. BMW M has already teased a high-performance version of the electric sedan, while Mercedes is expected to release an AMG version sooner or later.

Hopefully, Volvo’s design team is paying attention to the innovative concepts emerging from independent designers. Perhaps they’ll find some inspiration for future models – assuming they’re not too busy figuring out how to make their SUVs even more ubiquitous.

Illustrations Jordan Rubinstein-Towler

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Alfa Romeo is gearing up to retire the current-generation Giulia sedan after a decade of service. But before you start tearing up, don’t reach for the tissues just yet. Production may be winding down in the next few months, but the Giulia will still be hanging around in North America until 2026. And before you get too sentimental, the nameplate is definitely sticking around for the long haul.

Read: 2027 Alfa Romeo Giulia Will Be A Crossover, Abandoning Its Sedan Roots

The Italian automaker is already hard at work on a next-generation Giulia, set to launch alongside an all-new Stelvio. Both models are expected to make their debut sometime next year.

What Will the New Giulia Look Like?

Given that prototypes of the new Giulia have yet to be spotted out in public, it’s a little difficult to know what it’ll look like. Recent reports suggest that Alfa Romeo is considering a drastic shift, with the next Giulia potentially evolving into a fastback-style crossover, something in the vein of the Peugeot 408 or Kia EV6.

We toyed around with renderings of this sedan-crossover hybrid a couple of months ago, but digital artist Theophilus Chin (also known as Theottle) had a different approach. On Instagram, he posted a question: “What if Alfa Romeo reskins the Giulia while riding on the talented Giorgio RWD platform?”

A Fresh Take on the Current Giulia

Chin’s renderings show what the new Giulia could look like if Alfa Romeo decided to stick with the current chassis, extending its life rather than moving to the STLA Large platform. It’s a theoretical take, sure, but one that’s interesting, if not entirely practical.

To reimagine the car, Theottle started off by pasting the body of the Xiaomi SU7 onto the skin of the current car before making a series of significant alterations to it. It’s an odd choice, we admit, but somehow, it works.

More: Toyota bZ86 Coupe Study Imagines An Electric GR86

While the SU7 looks very different than the Giulia, it does have some sexy lines and creases, many of which have been retained in these renderings. However, the front end has been overhauled, and now includes identifiable Alfa Romeo headlights that form part of the triangular-shaped grille.

There’s also a lot to like about the rear, which sports LED taillights reminiscent of those on the current Subaru WRX. However, this time around, they’re linked by a light bar for a more modern touch.

The Future of the Giulia

If the reports are to be believed, the new Giulia will be underpinned by Stellantis’s STLA Large architecture, already being used by the new Dodge Charger. All-electric versions will be offered, but Alfa Romeo has also said it’s working on different hybrid options.

Recent statements from the brand also indicate flagship Quadrifoglio versions of the new Giulia and Stelvio could retain six-cylinder engines, perhaps related to the beloved 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 these models currently use. We’ll see if that comes to fruition, but for now, it’s just a thought.

There’s no shortage of chatter about the expanding future of Toyota’s GR lineup, which is expected to include an array of high-performance sports cars ranging from a new Celica and MR2 to the next Supra and even a GR supercar. While many of these machines will be powered by traditional gasoline engines and hybrids, an independent digital artist has introduced a completely electric twist to the mix.

Enter the Toyota bZ86, a fictional creation by digital artist Theophilus Chin. The idea behind the this coupe study is to retain the sporty proportions of Toyota’s current GR86, but with an entirely new, electrified twist.

More: These Are All The Future Sports Cars Coming From Toyota GR

Despite borrowing the GR86’s general shape, the bZ86 adopts a completely different design language. In keeping with its electric nature, Chin took inspiration from the recently revealed Toyota CH-R+ crossover and the facelifted bZ4x, resulting in a sleek, futuristic look.

At the front, the electric sports car features a hammerhead-like nose, flanked by sharp headlights and wide bumper intakes. The side profile is aggressively sculpted, with a bi-tone finish on the roofline and side skirts adding a touch of flair. And, of course, the oversized charging port on the front fenders leaves no doubt—this coupe needs to be plugged-in.

Illustrations: Theottle

A Familiar Rear with a Fresh Twist

The rear of the bZ86 borrows heavily from the CH-R+ crossover, with its full-width LED taillights and sloping rear glass. While the plastic cladding on the rear bumper may not be to everyone’s taste, it’s balanced out by the addition of a sporty diffuser. That said, the placement of the license plate holder could use a little more subtlety.

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Since this is purely a digital concept, there are no hard specs to go on. However, the dual-motor setup from the C-HR+, which puts out a combined 338 horsepower (252 kW / 343 PS), could easily serve as the basis for an electric equivalent of the GR86. Pair that with the crossover’s 77 kWh battery pack, and you could expect a range north of 326 miles (525 km) in a more aerodynamic coupe form.

Despite the cool factor of the project, Toyota Gazoo Racing has no plans of introducing an electric sportscar – at least in the near future. The truth is that most buyers will be better off with the upcoming gas-guzzling Celica, MR2, GR86, and GR Supra, temporarily leaving the concept of electric mobility to the hands of family-focused SUVs.

While the bZ86 is an undeniably cool proposal, Toyota Gazoo Racing has no plans to bring an electric sports car to life—at least not anytime in the near future. For now, most enthusiasts will have to do with gasoline-powered options, such as the upcoming Celica, MR2, GR86, and GR Supra, leaving the world of electric mobility to Toyota’s family-friendly SUVs.

Last month, Mercedes-AMG previewed the all-electric super SUV it’s currently working on. This new model is being developed alongside AMG’s first in-house electric sedan, and much like that car, is bound to court controversy. After all, many enthusiasts are accustomed to AMG models with thumping V8 engines, and this is partly why the four-cylinder hybrid C 63 has been a flop. However, the German brand believes electric is the future, and it’s cooking up something rather special.

Prototypes spotted by our spy photographers, along with official images released by Mercedes, were heavily covered in body cladding and camouflage, obscuring most of the design details. However, there’s a chance the EV, which is rumored to receive the GT SUV moniker, will have many similarities to its sedan counterpart that’s tipped to draw inspiration from the 2022 Mercedes Vision AMG Concept.

Read: First Look At Mercedes-AMG’s 1,000 HP Electric SUV Flagship

With this in mind, artist Nikita Chuyko created illustrations for Kolesa based on the test mules and recent renderings of AMG’s Taycan fighter, offering a preview of what the new SUV might look like. If it ends up resembling these images, it will certainly stand out in the Mercedes lineup, though we’re not entirely convinced it’ll be for all the right reasons.

The front of the SUV showcased here is dominated by a faux grille, which is to be expected in an EV, while the headlights are connected by a light bar. They also sport the Three-Pointed Star DRLs coming to a slew of new Mercedes models.

For as interesting as the front of this rendering is, the rear end is even more so. Taking cues from the Vision AMG Concept’s styling, it sports a wraparound LED taillight design, which brings to mind the Kia EV6 – an interesting choice, though one that works better on the Mercedes.

Power, Performance, and Ambition

Moving away from the design, the GT SUV is expected to mirror the size of the 2022 Vision AMG concept, stretching about 5.1 meters (200 inches) in length, with a wheelbase pushing over 3 meters (118 inches). That’s a bigger footprint than the gas-guzzling AMG GLE 63, putting it in the same league as the fully electric EQS SUV flagship.

Under the skin, the new AMG electric SUV will be built on the brand’s proprietary AMG.EA platform, featuring an 800-volt electrical system for faster charging and greater efficiency. It will also sport newly developed axial-flux electric motors from the British company Yasa, potentially delivering more than 1,000 hp. That kind of power will make it a serious contender against other electric crossovers like the Lotus Eletre R, which puts out 905 hp.

A release date hasn’t been announced yet, however it’s likely that the production version will debut in 2026, with sales kicking off later that year or early 2027, depending on the market, just ahead of its Porsche K1 rival. In theory, it’s a serious competitor for any luxury electric crossover, but its commercial success depends largely not just on its tech or power figures, but its design as well.

Baldauf for Carscoops

Volkswagen has confirmed that a fully electric ID.2 GTI is coming next year, but it seems that an even smaller hot hatchback might be in the works. A VW board member has revealed that an ID.1 GTI could happen, given there is enough customer demand.

While the ID.2 GTI will carry the torch from the soon-to-be discontinued Polo GTI, a possible ID.1 GTI could serve as a successor to the Up! GTI. The smallest member of the future GTI lineup would also be the most affordable, making hot hatch thrills accessible to a wider audience.

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When asked by Autocar about the possibility of an ID.1 GTI, Volkswagen Brand Board Member for Technical Development Kai Grunitz said: “It could happen because we’re using modules from the MEB platform. So it could. But it depends on various factors, including the reaction of customers to this car.”

However, Grunitz mentioned the potential overlap with the slightly larger ID.2 GTI that will launch in 2026: “Also we have the ID.Every1 and we have the ID.2all, which will get a GTI version. Having everything in the ID.1 would mean it’s not necessary to have everything in the ID.2. The ID.2 is larger and has a lot more functions and more value. It’s the same as with the Up! and the Polo. So we will see.”

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

It seems that the sales performance of the upcoming ID.2 GTI might determine whether the ID.1 GTI gets made or not as VW is dipping its toes on the performance EV market. Given that the strict emission regulations have drastically increased the R&D cost for ICE-powered hot hatches, the fully electric equivalents seem to be the only way forward in this segment.

VW Has All The Right Ingredients For A Small GTI

The ID.1 and the ID.2 will ride on the same MEB Entry architecture, with a single-motor, FWD layout. In the ID.Every1 Concept the powertrain is good for 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW), but the ID.2all Concept had a more potent motor generating 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS). The latter sounds like a great fit for a small and lightweight ID.1 GTI, transforming it into a pocket rocket.

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Besides the extra power, VW engineers could add a limited-slip differential, a stiffer suspension, and stronger brakes, enhancing the handling credentials of the small EV.

Of course, the performance-focused version of the ID.1 would also benefit from a sporty redesign. Our exclusive rendering borrows styling cues from the ID.GTI concept, transforming the city car into a hot hatch. Modifications could include a new set of alloy wheels, sportier front and rear bumpers, deeper side skirts, a rear spoiler, and GTI emblems.

Given that the launch of the VW ID.1 is scheduled for 2027, a GTI version is at least two or three years away. Hopefully, customers will embrace this new era of performance, motivating automakers to invest in hot versions of their city car and supermini offerings.