BMW M has confirmed that it’s developing a new halo supercar, one that could revive the spirit of the M1 from the late 1970s. Though the company hasn’t released any official details yet, the news has already sparked creative interpretations. Among them is a striking digital study by independent designer Sebastiano Ciarcia, who has envisioned his own version of a next-generation BMW exotic. He calls it the Ethos.

More: BMW Almost Launched An All-Electric Hypercar With 1,300 HP

This digital concept channels the same energy as the striking Nazca C2 prototype from the early 1990s, originally penned by Italdesign. There are also clear influences from the BMW i8 and the Vision M Next concept from 2019, both of which serve as recent milestones in BMW’s design evolution.

A Study in Surface and Stance

The BMW Ethos has a dramatic, low-slung stance with a wide footprint. A glass canopy covers the cabin, while partially exposed rear wheels recall the look of vintage Italian exotics. Up front, Ciarcia reimagines BMW’s signature kidney grille with a cleaner, body-colored design and a small, offset BMW badge. According to the designer, the grille pays tribute to BMW classics from the 1950s, like the 503 and 507.

Another highlight is the LED headlights which are integrated within the front intakes, slightly reminiscent of Peugeot‘s 9X8 Le Mans Hypercar. The sculpted fenders are protruding from the rest of the bodywork, contributing to the athletic profile. Ciarcia describes the surfacing as “a contrast of soft and hard volumes”.

Around back, the Ethos features a slim, full-width LED light bar, an active spoiler, and an aggressive diffuser to tie it all together.

Illustrations Sebastiano Ciarcia

Designed With Future Powertrains in Mind

Although the concept doesn’t display any obvious signs of an internal combustion engine, it isn’t imagined as fully electric either. Instead, Ciarcia envisions a hydrogen fuel-cell setup that could deliver performance on par with a modern hypercar, an approach that leaves the door open for alternative propulsion technologies.

To help bring the design to life, the Ethos has been rendered in a Champagne finish and placed in a setting that feels perfectly suited: the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on Lake Como in Italy. It’s the same venue that BMW introduced the limited-production Speedtop shooting brake this year, following the Skytop from 2024 and 2023’s Z4-based Touring Coupe.

More: BMW Scrapped A 95% Finished Supercar For The XM SUV

When it comes to potential rivals for the Ethos, the designer points to a wide range of high-performance supercars and hypercars, including the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, Aston Martin Valhalla, and Ferrari F80. Perhaps the closest match, though, would be the rumored all-electric supercar from Mercedes-AMG, previewed in 2023 by the Vision One-Eleven concept.

Ciarcia is an Italian automotive designer currently based in Gothenburg, Sweden. A graduate of IAAD, he has worked with several major automakers, including Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Rimac, and Volvo. CarScoops readers might recognize his name from a few years back, when he unveiled an impressive mid-engined reinterpretation of the Lancia Delta.

For more of his work, you can follow Sebastiano Ciarcia on Instagram.

Sebastiano Ciarcia

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A post shared by Sebastiano Ciarcià (@sebastiano_ciarcia)

Tata Motors might not be the first name that springs to mind when talking about global carmakers, but maybe it should. Despite flying under the radar for many, even car enthusiasts, the Mumbai-based company is keeping Jaguar and Land Rover alive in today’s turbulent automotive landscape shaped by tariffs, shifting regulations, and economic unpredictability.

Beyond its stewardship of British luxury brands, Tata builds a wide range of vehicles under its own badge. These include value-driven hatchbacks, compact SUVs, and increasingly, electric cars. Tata has been investing heavily in electrified mobility, offering affordable EVs starting at an impressively low $11,600.

Future Cars: Toyota’s Next Venza Could Be A Sexier RAV4 Coupe-SUV

Now, it has its sights set on taking on the compact SUV segment with a new offering designed to rival the popular Kia Seltos that’s expected to be available in both internal combustion and electric versions. Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming.

A Boxy Stance

Previewed in concept form at the 2023 Delhi Auto Expo, and more recently at this year’s Bharat Mobility Show, the final design largely mirrors the Sierra show car. Its boxy aesthetic sports notable Land Rover influences such as cue a floating roof design, flush door handles and upright stance. Why, you could almost call it a baby Defender and you wouldn’t be wide off the mark.

A gloss black fascia incorporates neatly hidden front headlamps with DRLs that span the width of the front, while lower down, a trapezoidal intake handles cooling duties. Sheetmetal surfacing eschews unnecessary design flourishes and squarish wheel arches combined with chunky cladding cement its all-purpose intent.

Out back, the rear quarter windows wrap around the lower D-pillars before seamlessly intersecting the tailgate glass. Its clamshell hatch design sports a thin, full-width LED taillamp cluster with alloy-effect lower bumper inserts.

Tech-Forward Interior

Step inside, and the focus shifts to connectivity and comfort. The Sierra is expected to be a five-seater and come loaded with digital features including a full instrument cluster, large touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a panoramic sunroof to brighten things up.

Future Cars: Mazda’s New CX-20 Is Coming To Replace The CX-3

Other highlights likely to make the list include ventilated seats and a suite of Level 2 driver assistance systems, giving it a leg up in a segment where such features are starting to become standard.

Powertrains and Platform

Reports from abroad suggest the Sierra will be offered with two separate platforms: the ‘Atlas‘ for petrol and diesel models, and the ‘Acti.EV’ for the electric variant. However, current indications suggest Tata may focus on the Atlas platform, which supports a range of powertrain configurations and simplifies production.

As for what’s under the hood, we’re still waiting on final specs. Some sources suggest the EV version will offer a range of up to 310 miles (500 km), which would be impressive for a vehicle in this price bracket.

Internal combustion models will sport a petrol 168-hp 1.5-litre turbo four and a 2.0-litre diesel, with power sent to the pavement via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. A seven-speed DCT is said to be in the works as well.

Rivals and Reveal

The Sierra won’t be heading overseas, at least not anytime soon. It’s designed to compete in the Indian market against well-established rivals like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Maruti (Suzuki) Grand Vitara, Hyundai Alcaza, MG Astor, and Honda Elevate.

Future Cars: Nissan’s Next Juke Is So Different, You Might Not Recognize It

The production model is expected to make its official debut later this year, with sales to follow shortly after. Pricing and full specifications are likely to be announced closer to launch.

Would Tata find success if it brought the Sierra or something like it to markets outside of India? It’s a question worth asking since there are compact SUV buyers looking for a stylish, yet affordable, option, something the segment is not exactly rife with.

Illustrations Josh Byrnes / Carscoops

The Lexus IS has been part of the automaker’s lineup since 1999, as a rival to the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class. With the current generation in its twilight years, fans of the nameplate are hoping for a new model that could revive the sporty spirit of the original. Independent digital artist Theophilus Chin came up with a new rendering, proposing a sexier future for the Japanese sedan.

The illustrations are based on the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sedan Concept, which sparked speculation about a fully electric successor to the IS. In order to bring the model to 2025 standards, Theottle updated the exterior design using features from the more recent Lexus ES that debuted earlier this year.

More: New Lexus Sedan Gunning For Mercedes And BMW In Europe

The speculative front end in these renderings is sharp and aggressive, with angular LED headlights and sporty, triangular intakes on the sculpted bumper. The small opening on the nose hints at a hybrid powertrain, an interesting shift away from the fully electric concept. But the real win here is the Spindle grille, which has been updated to look much more refined and palatable than previous iterations.

The profile of the car stays true to the radical lines of the concept, maintaining the roofline and proportions of the original. However, it introduces more conventional surfacing, with character lines borrowed from the larger ES. A new set of alloy wheels, standard mirrors, and regular door handles bring the design closer to reality, as if the car were nearing the end of its sketch phase.

Theottle

Lexus

The rear of the car is where things get more interesting. With a ducktail spoiler above a slim, full-width LED bar, this design is a sharp departure from the fastback tail of the ES, offering a more athletic and coupe-like rear end. The shoulders are more pronounced, and the rear windscreen is noticeably sportier. It still manages to look like it could make its way into production without losing that concept car flair.

Will The Production Model Look Anything Like The Renders?

As promising as these illustrations are, it’s worth noting that we can’t exactly count on the production model looking exactly like these renders. Production cars are subject to the harsh realities of packaging constraints, and things are bound to change as the design gets finalized.

Lexus has kept things under wraps for now, with camouflaged prototypes still a ways off. However, given that the current IS has been around since 2013, and has already seen two facelifts in 2017 and 2020, we can reasonably expect that a new version is on the horizon.

More: Another V8 Sports Car Is Facing The Chopping Block

Lexus recently released the Climax and Ultimate Editions of the IS 500 in Japan and the US, signaling that the naturally aspirated V8 engine’s days are numbered. But Toyota’s commitment to hybrids and multiple powertrains suggests that the next IS will offer hybrid options, and possibly even a fully electric variant.

Competition in this segment is only getting fiercer, especially with electric and range-extender sedans gaining ground in markets like China. The new IS will have to face off against the likes of the Audi A5, BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse 3-Series and i3, and even the ICE and electric versions of the next Mercedes C-Class.

Subaru might be gearing up to bring back a familiar nameplate, and for fans of quirky utility vehicles, this one’s worth paying attention to. We’re not talking about the possible return of the STI, but something even more unexpected: a modern take on the Brat or Brumby, depending on which side of the planet you’re on.

This small pickup truck was a fixture in North America from 1978 to 1987, remembered as much for its utility as its unmistakably odd charm. If it’s coming back, though, expect some big changes.

Toyota May Be the Key to Subaru’s Pickup Revival

A new report out of Australia claims that Subaru is actively exploring a revival of the Brat, and perhaps unsurprisingly, it could be brought to life with the help of Toyota. The world’s largest automaker is reportedly developing a small truck of its own, and Subaru could piggyback off that effort by sharing the same underpinnings. The two brands have a long history of collaboration, from the BRZ and GR86 twins to recent efforts like the bZ Woodlands and Trailseeker EVs.

Whether this joint project leads to an all-electric pickup remains unclear. While Toyota originally floated the idea of a fully electric compact truck, current market conditions suggest a combustion-powered or hybrid option is also on the table. Either way, affordability appears to be the common goal.

More: Forget The Slate, Toyota Wants To Make A Cheap Small Truck For America

It’s a mystery what the new-age Brat could look like. Heck, we don’t even have a good idea of how Toyota’s pickup will look like. Toyota did preview an electric concept called the EPU back in 2023, but whether that design translates into a production model remains to be seen.

Obviously, it’s all very speculative at this point. And if this project is real, it might end up channeling more four-door Subaru Baja than two-door Brat when all is said and done.

Regardless of how Subaru goes about styling the new model, it seems inevitable that it will be much larger than the original. That’s a shame, but beggars can’t be choosers, I suppose. Odds are, it’ll end up somewhere in the same size class as the Ford Maverick or Hyundai Santa Cruz, compact by today’s standards, but still a far cry from the tiny trucklet it once was.

Now, it’s important to note that Subaru has not confirmed a revival of the Brat, and CarsGuide has only received word of the project “through the grapevine.” As is so often the case, we recommend taking this report with a grain of salt, at least until Subaru makes some kind of announcement, or perhaps follows the lead of Toyota and drops a mysterious teaser image of the new model.

Read: Subaru Is Having Second Thoughts On EVs

If the Brat does make a comeback, expect it to feature all-wheel drive, as you’d imagine from Subaru. The Australian website speculates that it could be electric (though as we mentioned, we’re not so sure about that), powered by dual motors putting out a combined 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque.

The report also claims Subaru could reveal plans for its new truck as early as this year’s Tokyo Motor Show in November.

Illustrations Carscoops.com / Josh Byrnes

Volkswagen’s van lineup is already one of the most expansive in Europe, covering everything from compact urban haulers to full-size electric people movers. And now, there’s a strong chance the family might be getting a new member, this time, a smaller electric MPV aimed at reviving a body style that’s mostly disappeared from the mainstream.

The German carmaker currently fields the compact Caddy, the Ford-based Transporter, the in-house developed Multivan, and the all-electric ID. Buzz. But those might soon be joined by a more compact, electric alternative that could quietly take over for the aging Touran.

More: Here’s What’s Coming To VW’s 2026 Lineup

Over the last decade, SUVs have more or less steamrolled minivans off the European market. Buyers swapped sliding doors for high ground clearance, leaving few traditional MPVs standing. Despite the trend, VW seems to think there’s still a case to be made for family-friendly vans, especially considering the format’s continued popularity in markets like China.

According to a report from Autocar, insider sources say VW recently dusted off some old minivan concepts as part of early-stage planning for a new model. Among them is the Budd-e, a study first shown back in 2016 at CES. Built on the MEB electric platform, the Budd-e was VW’s early attempt at blending heritage cues with forward-looking tech.

The Budd-e measures 4,597 mm (181 inches) long, which makes it slightly more compact than the standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz by 115 mm (4.5 inches), yet longer than the second-gen Touran by 70 mm (2.8 inches). It’s sized just right for the compact MPV segment, with dimensions that promise decent cabin space without overwhelming urban streets.

Thanks to a flat EV floor and short overhangs, the Budd-e’s interior packaging could be far more efficient than the Touran’s. Its microbus-inspired silhouette doesn’t just serve as a nostalgic throwback, it also helps maximize usable space. VW designers would also have more freedom to experiment with the seating layout, while sliding rear doors would add a dose of everyday practicality.

A More Affordable Alternative to the ID. Buzz?

More importantly, the new compact van would be more affordable than the ID. Buzz that starts from around $60,000 in America, targeting family buyers and taxi fleets. The UK publication describes it as a “no-nonsense, high-utility electric vehicle with sliding rear doors and strong day-to-day usability”.

More: VW’s Future EVs Might Run On A Platform It Didn’t Even Build

The minivan project has yet to receive the green light from VW’s top brass, and remains in early development stage. Still, if it does get the green light, production could start closer to 2028. The choice of underpinnings will largely depend on the launch date, as the EV could either ride either on an evolved version of the current MEB architecture or the upcoming SSP.

Volkswagen also plans to phase out the ID naming strategy in favor of more familiar nameplates. So if this model does come to life, don’t be surprised if it wears the Touran badge once again, this time powered by electrons rather than diesel.

There’s still life in the hot hatch world, and Peugeot isn’t letting electrification dull its edge. The brand is bringing back the GTi badge, and this time, it’s going on an EV.

Peugeot has confirmed it will launch a GTi version of the all-electric E-208, marking the return of its storied performance line. The new hot hatch is set to make its debut at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 13, and it could pave the way for future GTi variants across the French automaker’s lineup.

The E-208 GTI will be the automaker’s first performance-focused electric vehicle and targets buyers who want something engaging to drive. Peugeot boss Alain Favey said relaunching the GTi brand will help it “reconnect” with its past and history while also establishing a link between its road cars and its involvement in the World Endurance Championship.

More: VW Promises A Whole Family Of ‘Mind-Blowing’ GTIs, But There’s A Catch

“I’m in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the E-208 as soon as possible,” Favey told Autocar. “We’ve made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced. We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car.”

The return of the GTi will effectively replace the short-lived Peugeot Sport Engineered (PSE) badge. The latter was only applied on the 508 in sedan and SW forms, despite initial plans of an entire lineup of electrified performance variants.

The GTi version of the E-208 could borrow powertrain components from the Abarth 600e, Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce, and the upcoming Opel Mokka GSE. The mechanically-related SUVs generate from 237 hp (177 kW / 240 PS) up to 278 hp (207 kW / 280 PS) from a single electric motor. Power is transmitted to the front wheels with the help of a limited-slip differential.

More: Stellantis Turns Small SUV Into An Electric Rally Weapon

Given that the Peugeot E-208 is a bit smaller and lighter, it should be pretty nippy, perhaps capable of hitting 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 6 seconds. The model will most likely benefit from styling and chassis upgrades, communicating its sporty character.

Favey added that, apart from the E-208, Peugeot will consider launching a new combustion-engined GTi if that’s what customers want.

“We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well,” he said. “We don’t exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there’s absolutely nothing planned in that sense.”

Thanos Pappas contributed to this story.

The market is full of small SUVs though not all of them seem equally prepared for the present. Jeep just introduced a new generation of the Compass in Europe, joining the entry-level Avenger and the well-worn Renegade.

More: Jeep Won’t Say If The New Compass Will Ever Come To America

Now one of the oldest models still hanging around in the segment in markets outside the US and Canada, where it was discontinued in 2023, hasn’t exactly aged like fine wine. That lingering shelf life prompted independent designer Marco Maltese to imagine what a fresh take might look like.

The current Renegade debuted all the way back in 2014. And while it’s had a few facelifts and tweaks over the years, its styling now looks more like a holdover from a past era than anything contemporary. Jeep has confirmed a new generation is on the way, scheduled for 2027 with a US starting price below $25,000. But Maltese didn’t feel like waiting around, so he rendered his own version, in the form of a more angular, forward-looking design that still leans into the Renegade’s rugged personality.

Bringing The Renegade Up To Speed

Illustrations Maltese Design

The digital concept keeps the original Renegade’s compact footprint but trades its rounded edges for a sharper, more angular design. Its profile is defined by crisp surfacing over pronounced fenders, giving it a futuristic stance that’s further emphasized by a rising window line. The 3D model shown rides on large alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile tires, though an off-road-focused Trailhawk version is also envisioned, equipped with proper all-terrain rubber.

More: Jeep Renegade Willys Edition Is A Nostalgic Throwback For Brazil

Up front, the classic round headlights are gone. Instead, Maltese opted for semi-circle LED graphics, now a common sight on everything from the Land Rover Defender to a growing list of Chinese SUVs. Jeep’s signature seven-slot grille remains, flanked by hefty plastic bumper cladding that nods to the brand’s off-road lineage.

At the rear, things stay fairly upright. The redesigned tail evolves the Renegade’s original shape with slimmer LED taillights and a beefy skid plate that echoes the front bumper’s rugged look.

A Look Inside

Illustrations Maltese Design

Even though this is just a digital concept, Maltese didn’t stop at the exterior. He also drafted an interior with a modern digital cockpit and thoughtful storage compartments throughout the dashboard and center console, borrowing a few clever packaging cues from the smaller Jeep Avenger.

New Underpinnings With An Emphasis On Electrification

When Jeep finally unveils the next Renegade, it won’t just be a new shell on an old frame. The model is expected to ditch the FCA Small Wide 4×4 platform in favor of Stellantis‘ newer architecture. The STLA Small platform looks like a strong candidate, with its flexibility for combustion, mild-hybrid, and full-electric powertrains, all while helping keep production costs in check.

More: Which New Stellantis Compact SUV Would You Actually Buy?

Looking at its mechanically related siblings, the next Renegade could be offered with Stellantis’ turbocharged 1.2-liter engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. This setup also opens the door to an all-wheel-drive version, thanks to an electrified rear axle, similar to what’s used in the Jeep Avenger 4Xe. In addition, a fully electric powertrain has been officially confirmed, following the path already taken by the Avenger and Compass.

When it arrives in 2027, it’ll face a different landscape depending on where it’s sold. In the US, the Renegade will be one of the few remaining small SUVs in a market increasingly obsessed with size. In Europe, however, it’ll go up against a far more crowded segment filled with contenders like the Dacia Duster, Peugeot 2008, Citroen C3 Aircross, Opel Frontera, VW T-Cross, Hyundai Kona, and plenty of others.

So, what do you think of this unofficial Renegade reboot? Does Maltese’s vision strike the right balance, or would something closer to the Compass’s design language feel more at home?

Thanks to Maltese Design for sharing his project with us.

Maltese Design

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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A post shared by John Carioti (@john.carioti)

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.