Honda is doubling down on its electrified future, and it’s starting to look interesting. Twelve months after providing us with a glimpse of its vision for the next generation of EVs, the Japanese automaker has confirmed plans to debut two new electric vehicle prototypes at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Read: Honda’s 0 Series Next-Gen EVs Will Have Thin Batteries And Light Bodies

A teaser image gives us a sneak peek at these two prototypes. On the left sits a car that appears nearly identical to last year’s Saloon EV Concept, retaining its signature design elements like the intricate LED taillight, illuminated Honda script, and the diffuser-mounted slim brake light. However, Honda has labeled it a “prototype” rather than a concept this time, suggesting it’s an evolved version. We can’t tell from the shadowy image what’s changed, so we’ll have to wait for its CES debut to see how Honda has refined the design and engineering.

The SUV Grabs the Spotlight

Perhaps of more interest is the 0 Series prototype pictured next to it. This vehicle adopts the form of a boxy SUV and it looks like a big one too, perhaps similar in size to the Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Kia EV9. It appears to lack traditional wing mirrors, has a lengthy wheelbase, and an almost completely vertical rear window adorned with a wraparound LED light bar. Two extra lights are positioned towards the base of the rear bumper.

Last year, Honda provided a preview of the new vehicles that will form part of the 0 Series family. Set to launch in 2026 alongside the saloon are a mid-size SUV and an entry-level SUV. In 2027, these will be followed up by a three-row, large SUV, while a compact SUV has been scheduled for 2028 and a small-size SUV is in the works for 2029. By 2030, Honda will launch 7 vehicles in its 0 Series globally.

Tech Takes Center Stage

It’s not just these two concepts that Honda will bring along to CES. The Japanese brand will also introduce a new proprietary vehicle operating system to be used by its future EVs. New automated driving technologies are also on the agenda.

Honda’s new EVs are based around a “Thin, Light and Wise,” approach. The brand’s CES display will focus on the ‘Wise’ value and also provide a look at the System on Chip (SoC) underpinnings of the 0 Series models, as well as Honda’s future Software Defined Vehicles (SDV).

Mercedes Benz-Vans has teased a new concept that previews the next-generation V-Class and Vito. It will debut in the spring of 2025 as a “luxurious, highly elegant, and spacious” vision of the future.

The company isn’t saying much else at this point, but the teasers show a stylish van that trades boxy looks for a curvaceous aesthetic. Details are hard to make out, but we can see a prominent hood ornament as well as a revamped greenhouse that eschews hard lines.

More: Mercedes Teases Future Electric Vans With VAN.EA Prototypes

They’re joined by a sloping roof and a heavily stylized body. We can also see metallic accents as well as ornate lighting units.

Little else is known about the concept at this point, but the model will ride on the new Van Electric Architecture known as VAN.EA. It’s modular and scalable, which will allow “clear differentiation between privately positioned vans in the luxury segment and commercial vans in the premium segment.”

The luxury segment is getting more attention this time around and the company said we can expect high-quality family vans, exclusive VIP shuttles, and “spacious limousines catering to the expectations of highly sophisticated customers.” In effect, it sounds like the company wants to grab a slice of the executive van segment, which has been dominated by aftermarket companies.

The redesigned vans are scheduled to arrive in 2026 and Mercedes has previously said they’ll offer front- and all-wheel drive as well as an 800 volt electrical architecture. They’ll also have a 22 kW AC charger and the latest version of the Mercedes‑Benz Operating System.

Some versions will have ranges “well over” 311 miles (500 km) and a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system. A Level 3 system is slated to arrive before the end of the decade, while commercial vans will offer a Level 4 system for robotaxi use.

Renault’s retro-influenced 4, 5 and Twingo have gone down a storm, but the French automaker has very different plans for its other models. The company’s design boss says an army of new EVs launching from 2028 will look forward, not back, and begin a design shift away from traditional SUV shapes.

Design boss Gilles Vidal suggests we look to this year’s Embleme concept, a sporty, low-slung crossover, for an idea of what to expect when the new-generation electric cars arrive on their also-new EV platform.

Related: Renault Embleme Concept Is A Sleek FCEV Crossover With Ultra-Low Emissions

“The cars before the Embleme were maybe a bit misleading, because you see a 5, a 4, a Twingo,” Vidal told Autocar.

“The Embleme is a better representation of what’s next for the brand globally in terms of design, and maybe new silhouettes, for the future: generous shapes, not too minimalistic, but simpler than what we did lately on Scenic.”

Vidal even suggested that wagons, whose market share has been eroded by SUVs and crossovers, could influence future sport-utilities. He described sport wagons as “kind of sexy” and said their low rooflines but large cargo areas made sense for EVs that need to balance the twin priorities of practicality and driving range.

Vidal acknowledged that anti-SUV sentiment, which is particularly strong in the automaker’s home city of Paris, was a consideration during the design process, but believes that maybe the hate was unwarranted.

“There’s still a huge fight against SUVs on principal, but would you say the same thing about MPVs?” he asked Autocar’s reporter. “They are the same weight, have the same engines, the same CO2 emissions. But no-one would ever criticize an MPV, a respectable family product. Who are we to criticize aggressive looking cars?”

But while Vidal’s team is striving to come up with something entirely new and forward-looking to replace Renault’s familiar SUV shapes, that doesn’t mean it is already making plans to cut short the lives of the 4, 5 and Twingo. He described the trio as “timeless” and claimed they’d evolve slowly, like Fiat’s retro 500.

No, this isn’t Polestar’s next model, but instead, it’s the winner of the carmaker’s annual Design Contest, which was held in collaboration with Hot Wheels. The winning design, known as the Polestar TRX, is a futuristic pickup truck that will spawn a real-life Hot Wheels 1:64 scale model.

Most would agree that the electric Tesla Cybertruck has taken pickup truck design to a place we’d never thought we’d see. However, the TRX pushes the boundaries even further, although it does look perfect for a Hot Wheels car. The rugged truck sits on a set of massive wheels and has vast amounts of ground clearance, ensuring it’s well-suited to speeding around a Hot Wheels track and catching some serious hang time.

Read: Entry-Level Polestar 3 Combines RWD With $67,500 Price Tag

The slim bodywork of the TRX features a slim and sharp front fascia with LED daytime running lights reminiscent of other Polestar models. The cabin is exceptionally low but as it’s a concept, Indian designer Shashank Shekhar did not need to make it practical. Out back is a long bed large enough to store a pair of surfboards.

“I’m thrilled to win,” Sheshank Shekhar said. “This will be the first design in my career to be produced, so it’s a big deal for me. I never thought that someday, something I have created would end up as a Hot Wheels car. It has been a great journey, and I’ve had an amazing time so far. Something like this gives you a lot of confidence as a young designer.”

Polestar gave the runner-up to the Cyber Shaker created by Italian designer Powei Chen. It has a dramatic multi-colored design with purple DRLs and an ultra-aggressive stance. The third concept you see is a classic Le Mans-inspired car designed by Roman Moor and was given an honorable mention.

It’s unclear if Polestar will create a life-size one-off based on the TRX, but last year, it took the three winning designs from the 2022 contest and combined them to craft the Synergy concept, presenting it at the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, Germany.  

In a world where cars are often either all business or all spectacle, Toyota has gone for something a bit different. The automaker has unveiled a one-off electric vehicle designed for the popular Australian children’s music group The Wiggles. Dubbed the Big Red Ute, it combines playful design with Toyota’s off-road heritage, and while it may look like a bit of a gimmick, there’s some genuine engineering at work beneath the colorful exterior.

Designed and developed locally by Toyota’s Product, Planning, and Development division, the Big Red Ute isn’t just a show pony. While this one-off clearly serves a specific purpose, some of its styling elements could hint at the upcoming ‘baby’ Toyota FJ Cruiser.

More: Toyota’s Electric Hilux Goes Beyond The PR Stunt With Real-World Mine Testing

The front end draws from the tough, utilitarian design of Toyota’s classic Cruiser J70, with a playful twist. The headlights, for instance, are LED screens that can display everything from pupils to hearts. Muscular fenders, exposed wheels, and underbody protection reinforce the pickup’s off-road character, while the 3,120 mm (122.8 inches) length keeps it compact enough for the stage without losing presence. The same applies to the chunky tires wrapped around the rainbow-themed 12-inch Turbofan wheels.

The exposed cabin accommodates four passengers, each with their own seatbelt attached to the oversized bull bar. Adding to the fun, there’s an integrated bubble machine at the rear, capable of producing 6,000 bubbles per minute, a feature guaranteed to captivate toddlers.

Toyota Australia

The name Big Red Ute is inspired by the latest song release from The Wiggles, while the colorful livery mirrors the Toyota Hilux featured in the music video.

Despite its toy-like appearance, this one-off is a fully functional vehicle, powered by a 48V electric powertrain, independent coil spring suspension, and drum brakes. Naturally, the top speed is limited to 20 km/h (12 mph), because, really, no “ute” needs to go faster than that on a music stage.

The Big Red Ute made its debut on December 7, when The Wiggles performed in Melbourne. The EV will accompany the band on the remainder of their Australian tour, before joining them for their global tour dates. The Wiggles have been around for three decades, earning the title of “the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group.”

After years of speculation, fans of Mazda’s rotary-powered sports coupes can finally breathe a sigh of relief. If you weren’t convinced by the words of Mazda’s head designer, Masashi Nakayama, the company’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, has stepped in to reaffirm the brand’s commitment to producing a vehicle based on the well-received Iconic SP concept.

More: Mazda On Track For Record US Sales As It Confirms New ICE, Hybrid, And EV Tech

During a wide-ranging interview with Auto News, Moro was asked about a production version of the Iconic SP. He responded, “We still persist in making it happen, and we are marching towards it step by step”. While not exactly a hard launch date, his words are the closest thing we’ll get to a green light for the production version of the Iconic SP. After years of speculation, it looks like Mazda fans might finally get their hands on a legitimate successor to the RX-7 that we all miss.

Mazda’s Vision for the Future

Moro had shown his enthusiasm for the concept right from the start. During the Iconic SP reveal at the 2023 Japan Mobility Show, the CEO described it as a beacon of Mazda’s “commitment to the future”.

As mentioned earlier, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the company’s intent to bring the concept to production from a high-ranking official. Last month, design chief Masashi Nakayama stated, “This concept is not just one of those empty show cars. It has been designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future.”

During the same interview, the Mazda CEO revealed that the company is developing a new hybrid powertrain with two rotors, one that could cater to America’s thirst for power: “The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics”.

The Iconic SP’s hybrid powertrain is an interesting departure from what many expected. Instead of a traditional combustion (rotary) engine, Mazda opted for a dual-rotor engine that serves as a power generator for an electric drivetrain. This hybrid setup produces a combined 365 hp (272 kW/370 PS), which is more than we ever got from the RX-7 and RX-8 models.

A Hybrid with Purpose

The hybrid rotary engine powering the Iconic SP isn’t just a clever throwback. It also addresses one of the most significant challenges in the EV industry today—weight. By using a range-extender internal combustion engine (ICE) to generate electricity, Mazda can use a smaller battery pack, reducing weight and avoiding the cumbersome, energy-hungry batteries found in most BEVs.

Earlier this year, Mazda told Carscoops that a rotary-powered project would reach the market as soon as some “technical hurdles” were overcome.

The Road Ahead

We recently asked Mazda USA about a production version of the concept and received the following reply: “Iconic SP is a design study for future Mazda sports cars. Whether it’s an MX-5 Miata, or any other Mazda vehicle, the people who work at Mazda have a lot of passion for driving and encouraging others to also find that passion through the fun to drive cars that we make and will continue to make.”

Mazda’s rotary engine is coming back in the spotlight, but this time it’s not just a nostalgic callback to the RX-7 glory days. Instead, it’s quietly shaping the brand’s electrified future. Rather than following the well-trodden EV playbook, Mazda is taking an unconventional route by engineering a two-rotor hybrid system to balance power, efficiency, and the ever-tightening noose of emissions regulations.

Mazda’s CEO, Masahiro Moro, recently revealed that the brand’s rotary engine development is accelerating toward a two-rotor configuration, addressing what he described as a critical shortfall of the single-rotor setup: it simply doesn’t generate enough power to meet the needs of the U.S. market.

More: Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Sports Coupe Destined For Production

The news comes on the heels of another revelation, after the brand’s chief designer, Masashi Nakayama confirmed that the Iconic SP has been “designed with real intent to turn it into a production model in the not-so-distant future”. The Iconic SP’s hybrid setup also features a compact, dual-rotor rotary engine working as a range extender alongside an EV drivetrain. When unveiled in October 2023, Mazda boasted the system’s ability to reduce emissions by up to 90% when running on carbon-neutral fuels.

Two Rotors, One Goal: Power and Relevance

In an interview with Autonews, Masahiro Moro spoke about their rotary goals and the challenges of the project: “I want a rotary engine that complies with very stringent emission regulations. That is going to be a significant challenge. We are very close.”

The CEO added: “If we are thinking about the U.S. market, one rotor is not enough. Two rotors are needed to generate more power. We have tested with the single rotor. The next phase will be moving to two. The rotors spin separately in different chambers with one shaft. We need to generate more electricity. Two rotors will generate more power, which is more suitable to U.S. market characteristics.”

What’s less clear is which vehicle will house this new powertrain. While the description vaguely mirrors the single-rotor setup of the Mazda MX-30 e-Skyactiv R-EV, a more likely candidate is the dual-rotor hybrid drivetrain of the Iconic SP. With 365 hp (272 kW/370 PS) and an emphasis on efficiency, it seems better aligned with Moro’s aspirations for a vehicle that marries performance with sustainability.

Could the Rotary Engine Do More Than Charge?

While the CEO clearly referred to the twin-rotor rotary engine as a power generator, a patent drawing filed in June 2024 hints that Mazda may be exploring alternative applications for the technology.

The patent, reported by Japanese media Best Car, outlines a two-seater sports coupe featuring a rotary engine mounted behind the front axle, which delivers power to the rear wheels via a rear-mounted transaxle gearbox. The system also includes hub motors in the front wheels, drawing energy from a battery pack located behind the seats. Unlike the range-extender configuration, the electric motors can be switched off, allowing the rotary engine to act as the sole power source.

More: How Mazda’s SUV Lineup Became The World’s Most Confusing Family Photo

This setup would mark a significant departure from the range-extender approach, offering a more traditional sports-car feel, something rotary purists would no doubt celebrate. However, such a design would face the same emissions hurdles Moro mentioned, unless Mazda doubles down on carbon-neutral fuels to make it viable for production.

Mazda’s Multi-Path Approach: Rotary, ICE, and Beyond

Mazda’s rotary developments aren’t happening in isolation. In May 2024, the automaker reaffirmed its dedication to internal combustion engines (ICEs) during the Multi-Pathway Workshop, collaborating with Toyota and Subaru on next-gen powertrains. Prototypes on display included both a twin-rotor range-extender system and a compact single-rotor engine, underscoring the brand’s determination to keep ICE technology relevant in an increasingly electrified world.

You might have heard that Jaguar has a new concept. Actually, that’s underselling it. Jaguar has a new everything. The automaker wants to reposition itself as a more expensive, more exclusive brand and has scrapped its entire existing model line and come up with a suite of new badges and logos.

New logos won’t save the company from oblivion, but Jaguar is hoping a trio of new cars might, and today we were introduced to a concept designed to shows us how they could look. The Type 00 is a two-door coupe that previews a four-door electric coupe we’ll see in production form at the back end of 2025 and on the street a few months later.

Related: Radical Jaguar Type 00 Concept Previews Make-Or-Break MY26 Electric Sedan

Two more cars will follow before 2030, all riffing on the same new design language. None will look anything like today’s Jaguars when you see them heading towards you. Type 00’s square face shows no evidence of the classic E-type oval grille or the boxier, mesh-filled version seen on more recent cars that can be traced back to the 1968 XJ.

The clean surfaces and lack of curves are both modern and modernist, recalling the minimalism of cutting edge 1930s and ’40s product design and architecture. But Jag’s designers couldn’t help but make a few nods to the company’s past masters.

Though you could hardly call it a retro design, the long-hood, short-deck proportions are ripped straight from the original E-type coupe’s blueprints. And the vertical panel between the fender and the 23-inch front wheel also comes from the same Jaguar icon. Fortunately the track width to body ratio is not borrowed from the E-type – the concept’s huge rims are pushed right out to the edges of its swollen arches, and then some.

More: Everything We Know About The $130K Jaguar Type 01 Electric Sedan

It’s a brave, ambitious bit of design, no doubt, and not everyone will love it. So which camp are you in? Do you love or hate Jag’s new design direction? Take part in our poll and then drop a comment below to tell us what you like or loathe about the Type 00.

Reinvention is no small feat, especially when you’re Jaguar. After years of grappling with identity crises, the storied carmaker has decided it’s time to go big or go home. And by “big,” we mean an ambitious leap into the electric era, marked by the unveiling of its Type 00 Concept, a coupe that previews Jaguar’s new design direction. Yet, the true spearhead of this electric rebirth will be an “electric four-door GT,” set to debut in late 2025.

Backed by a polarizing rebranding effort, this upscale EV represents Jaguar’s intent to redefine its identity and woo buyers with cutting-edge technology, all while setting its sights on the exclusive Bentley crowd. But will this high-stakes gamble cement Jaguar’s legacy, or is it destined to become yet another forgotten footnote in automotive history?

More: Radical Jaguar Type 00 Concept Previews Make-Or-Break MY26 Electric Sedan

If the concept‘s name is anything to go by, the production version may adopt the moniker Type 01—a nod to its zero-emissions credentials and its role as the first of Jaguar’s revamped lineup. This GT will be the first in a three-model offensive, followed by a luxury SUV and and a yet-to-be-revealed offering, completing the brand’s transformation by 2029.

A Bold New Look

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

One year out from its official debut, we’ve pieced together everything we know about Jaguar’s upcoming four-door GT, including some exclusive renderings we created. These images are based on the company’s own teasers of the camouflaged prototype sedan infused with the styling DNA of the Type 00 concept.

Jaguar’s new “Copy Nothing” motto certainly sets ambitious expectations, but some familiar shapes came to mind when we first saw the prototype. On one hand, it radiates Bentley vibes; on the other, some might unkindly see shades of a chopped Chrysler 300C, though that impression likely owes more to the heavy camouflage and faux grille than any actual design intent.

What Lies Beneath the Wraps?

As you would expect, our renderings aim to uncover what’s hidden beneath the zebra-style camouflage. The transition from concept to production means saying goodbye to some of the dramatic flair of the Type 00. The butterfly doors? Gone. The exotic proportions? Toned down. But don’t despair; this four-door GT is still poised to command attention. Think sportier than a BMW i7 but more commanding than a Porsche Taycan, with a low-slung stance, fastback tail, and a striking dash-to-axle ratio that screams classic grand tourer.

Up front, Jaguar’s new face is likely to feature a fully covered grille, slim LED lighting, and functional intakes for aerodynamics. The side profile will flaunt large wheels, possibly up to 23 inches, as hinted at by the concept, and the brand’s quirky new detail: a “hand-finished brass ingot” with a laser-etched leaper logo doubling as a camera cover. Subtle? Not really. Stylish? You bet.

More: Callum Turns Jaguar C-X75 Into The Street-Legal Supercar It Was Meant To Be

One feature likely to make it to production is the absence of a rear windscreen, following a trend popularized by models like the Polestar 4 and Avatr 12. A body-colored glazed panoramic roof could be offered as an option, catering to those who aren’t entirely sold on the idea of shutters replacing glass.

If Jaguar’s flamboyant Miami Pink and London Blue shades caught your eye, better get used to them. These colors are part of the brand’s new “Exuberant Colors” identity, alongside other quirky branding elements like the “Device Mark” Jaguar lettering and the monogrammed “Maker’s Marks.”

Interior Minimalism Meets Luxury

Inside, expect a blend of high-quality materials, minimalist design, and plenty of high-tech features. The concept offers a clear glimpse of Jaguar’s ambitions, though some of its more extravagant elements will be dialed back for production. Among the standout features could be a digital cockpit, with expansive screens for both the driver and front passenger that cleverly disappear when not in use.

More: Bentley Confirms First EV For 2026 But Pushes Back EV-Only Goal By 5 Years

As for materials, Jaguar appears keen to set itself apart from rivals. Think woven textiles, brass, alabaster, and even travertine stone, all chosen to create a unique sensory experience that feels a step above traditional luxury. A four-seater layout seems like the most practical and fitting option for this four-door GT, which is also expected to offer a reasonably large boot for added usability.

Under the Skin: EV-Only DNA

Unlike other brands that have recently scraped their EV-only plans, Jaguar’s commitment to electrification is unwavering. The GT will ride on the Jaguar Electric Architecture (JEA), an EV-dedicated platform promising sharp handling and supreme comfort. While official specs remain under wraps, we know the automaker is targeting a WLTP range of up to 770 km (478 miles) and ultra-fast charging that can add 321 km (200 miles) in just 15 minutes, reducing waiting times. Power? Jaguar isn’t saying, but we’re pretty sure it’ll pack enough punch to compete with Porsche and AMG’s electric heavyweights.

Premium Price Tag, Premium Ambitions

Jaguar is unapologetically repositioning itself as a super luxury brand, and the four-door GT will reflect that. Reportedly priced north of £100,000 ($127,300), it’s aiming to rub shoulders with Bentley, not BMW. It’s a daring move, we’ll give them that, as it doubles the price point of Jaguar’s outgoing lineup, but likely a necessary step for a brand determined to break free from its mid-market luxury struggles.

It’s also worth mentioning that the new Jaguar will be manufactured in the UK, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to its British roots. Stay tuned, as more details about the four-door GT are expected to emerge in the lead-up to its unveiling, roughly a year from now.

Finally we can stop talking about Jaguar’s new logos and get back to talking about its new cars. And there’s plenty to talk about because the automaker today revealed the Type 00 concept and it’s as polarizing as the new brand marks and fashion-show Instagram ads.

Previously referred to as the Design Vision concept, the Type 00 (say ‘zero zero’) is a confidently modern two-door coupe that previews a four-door production GT set to debut in late 2025. ‘Type’ is a reference to Jag’s iconic E-Type and the recently axed F-Type, and the two zeroes refer to the EV’s lack of tailpipe emissions and its status as car zero in the reinvented automaker’s lineup.

Related: In Wake Of Controversial Campaign, Jaguar Boss Said It Had To Shake Things Up

Available technical details are few, but Jag does confirm that the car rides on its new JEA electric platform and that it’s targeting 478 miles (770km) WLTP and 430 miles (692 km) of EPA range. And if that’s not enough to complete your journey, you can add 200 miles (321 km) of range in 15 minutes.

For info about charging speeds, motor specs and battery sizes we’ll have to wait. This month’s concept unveil at Miami Art Week was all about establishing the very different look of the next generation of Jaguars, and getting us comfortable with the idea of Jaguar as a true luxury brand, rather than a premium one.

Gone is the mesh-filled, squircle-shaped radiator grille, something even the i-Pace EV featured, and in its place comes a starkly modern face with a slatted rectangle containing the controversial jaGuar lettering and flanked by two ultra-slim LED lights.

The back end is equally industrial looking, the fat rear fenders separated by another rectangle filled with horizontal slats. This time the slats are slimmer and there are more of them, plus horizontal light bars top and bottom. And as predicted, the Type 00 has no rear window – the liftback hatch panel is the same Miami Pink color as the rest of the bodywork.

Jaguar also showed a second car painted in London Blue, a reference to the brand’s British roots and its 1960s heyday, and also a nod to the pair of E-types that appeared at the sports car’s 1961 launch. Jag’s purposely limits specific mention of its most famous car to that reference, but the Type 00’s proportions, particularly evident in the cab-backwards profile and rear three-quarter views are clearly intended to remind us of the iconic E-type coupe, without falling into a retro rabbit hole.

More: Jaguar EV Concept Says Bye-Bye Rear Window, Hello Air-Con Vents

But there are also obvious hints of Range Rover in the design and it’s easy to see why JLR creative boss Gerry McGovern and his team would want to do that. Jaguar is part of JLR and has struggled to find sales and its own identity, two things Land Rover has had no trouble achieving. The Type 00 feels like the Range Rover coupe that Land Rover could never build using that branding.

The brown-colored piece of trim ahead of the door contains pop-out cameras to help when parking, and is fashioned out of brass, a material that’s repeated on the interior on the steering wheel’s bottom spoke and a 3.2-meter (126 inches) spine running the length of the cabin. Other key materials are stone and textiles. Wood and leather? Sorry, that was old Jag.

Notably missing from the interior images despite being a mainstay of every new car is any kind of digital screen. Jag says they’re hidden them in the dashboard and, like the stowage areas, glide out on electric power when needed. Drivers can also change the cabin lighting and look of the digital displays by retrieving one of three totems hidden behind a door on the front fender (the Range Rover-esque filler panel located just behind the 23-inch front wheel) and placing them inside the center console.

That last bit is concept car nonsense, but much of what we can see on the Type 00 will transfer to the production sedan scheduled for reveal this time next year and on sale in the first half of 2026. And the same ideas and design language will show up on two more vehicles Jag will introduce before the end of the decade, at least one of which will be an SUV/crossover.

What do you think of the Type 00? Is Jaguar heading in the right direction? Was it right to be so radical? Or has it signed its own death warrant? We want to hear your thoughts so drop a comment below.

Lamborghini isn’t getting cold feet about its electrification plans even as other luxury brands backtrack on their own promises in response to a global slowdown in the EV market, the CEO says.

Stephan Winkelmann told reporters the firm’s fourth model line, an electric crossover previewed by the 2023 Lanzador concept was still on track to debut before the end of the decade. Though he did add that the end of the decade was far enough in the future that the company still has some flexibility.

Related: Lamborghini Is In No Rush To Build An Electric Supercar

“We have enough time to decide if we need to accelerate or delay the introduction of the electric cars,” he told Autocar magazine. “So far, we are not thinking about delaying anything: we said we want to have our first electric car by the end of this decade, and this is something which we will continue to foster, because we said it has to be an additional car – a fourth model.”

Lamborghini’s entire three-model lineup – the Urus SUV and the Temerario and Revuelto supercars – are now all equipped with hybrid engines, a move customers appear to have accepted. But the company never made a promise to junk all of its combustion drivetrains by any set date, a decision that has proved wise.

Rival brand Lotus, on the other hand, had vowed to go all-electric in 2028 and Bentley said it would do the same by 2030. Both have this year announced radical changes to their plans, Lotus revealing that it’s now working on range-extender hybrids and Bentley pushing back its all-EV switchover to 2035.

Lamborghini’s sister brand, Porsche, has also ripped up its electrification strategy and admitted that it will now re-engineer some EVs currently in development to also offer hybrid drivetrains. Lambo could well benefit from that U-turn – its next Urus due in 2029 was supposed to be EV-only, but we’d be surprised if it turns up without a combustion (hybrid) option.

India has long been associated with budget-friendly sedans and SUVs, but Mahindra’s latest offerings are set to break that mold. The cheekily named BE 6e (pronounced “be sexy”) and XEV 9e are two fully electric coupe-SUVs with modern styling and advanced technology features, set to reach Indian dealerships in 2025.

Both of these EVs, which sound like they were named during a late-night brainstorming session with Elon Musk, are strikingly similar to the concepts revealed in 2022. The BE 6e boasts a more aggressive stance, with sharp lines and ultra-slim LED headlights, while the larger XEV 9e opts for a slightly more conventional, yet still modern, approach to styling.

More: Mahindra XUV 3XO Debuts In India, Still Based On The SsangYong Tivoli

The SUVs have an identical wheelbase of 2,775 mm (109.3 inches), but occupy different segments due to a 419 mm (16.5 inches) difference in length. The XEV 9e is the largest of the two, measuring 4,790 mm (188.6 inches) long, which is 39 mm (1.5 inches) longer than a Tesla Model Y.

SPECS

Moving inside, the BE 6e has a fighter jet-inspired cockpit with dual 12.3-inch screens, joined by an augmented-reality Heads Up Display. Other cool features include the Tron-inspired ambient lighting on the center console, the seats that resemble gaming chairs, and the door straps with “pull to open” lettering. The boot has a capacity of 455 lt (16.1 cubic feet), with an extra 45 lt (1.6 cubic feet) in the frunk.

The XEV 9e, meanwhile, features a more luxurious setup with triple 12.3-inch screens, an illuminated panoramic roof, more premium materials and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with Dolby Atmos. Its elongated rear overhang allows for more interior space, including a 665-liter (23.5 cubic feet) boot and a 150-liter (5.3 cubic feet) frunk.

High-Tech Underpinnings

Both models ride on Mahindra’s new INGLO electric architecture, with a rear-wheel-drive layout. The platform has semi-active dampers, a five-link rear suspension, and brake-by-wire technology.

Power comes from a single electric motor producing 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) or 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS), depending on the trim. The most potent versions accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.7-6.8 seconds.

More: Mahindra Thar Roxx Is A 4-Door Wrangler Clone Starting At $15.5K In India

The LFP batteries have a capacity of 59 kWh or 79 kWh, likely sourced from the VW Group. The largest option offers a range of up to 533 km (331 miles) for the XEV 9e and 550 km (342 miles) for the BE 6e, measured under the WLTP protocol. Furthermore, when connected to an 175 kW fast charger, the battery can go from 20-80% in under 20 minutes.

The EVs feature Mahindra’s Artificial Intelligence Architecture, running on the sixth generation Adreno GPU and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip. Safety equipment includes seven airbags, Level 2 ADAS, 360-degree cameras, blind-spot monitoring, and remote parking, something that you don’t often come across in India-bound vehicles.

Pricing and Availability

And that leads us to pricing. The Mahindra BE 6e starts from Rs 18.90 Lakh to ($22,400), while the larger XEV 9e is a bit more expensive, starting at Rs 21.90 lakh ($25,900). These are introductory ex-showroom prices, as the company will announce the detailed trim structure at a later date.

According to Autocar India, deliveries of Mahindra’s electric coupe-SUVs are expected to begin in February or March 2025. In terms of rivals, the BE 6e will battle the Tata Curvv.EV, while the XEV 9e will compete with the Tata Harrier EV and Safari EV.

Mahindra is set to further expand its EV lineup in 2025 and 2026, rolling out more offerings from the BE and XEV series.

Mahindra

Kia has quietly introduced a new EV3 concept known as the Study Car. It’s billed as a “vision for the next generation of eco-friendly vehicles.”

While electric vehicles are green by design, the study goes a step further as it incorporates natural and recycled materials inside and out. In total, the company used “22 recycling and natural material technologies” to replace 69 parts on the EV3.

More: Kia EV3 Introduced As An Affordable EV With EV9-Like Looks

Starting outside, plastic recovered from scrapped vehicles was used to make the concept’s bumpers and liftgate. They’re joined by a composite material that uses natural fibers as well as biopolymers derived from nature. This is used on the roof, rear spoiler, and mirror caps.

The eco-friendly upgrades continue inside with the use of “non-edible natural materials.” While that may sound a bit odd, the center console and steering wheel are wrapped in Apple Skin. It’s a leather-like material that is made by pulverizing apple waste from the food industry.

If apples aren’t your thing, the wireless smartphone charger is wrapped in mushroom waste-based leather. This isn’t a new idea, as Cadillac used Fine Mycelium on the charging mats and the door pockets of the Sollei concept.

Getting back to the EV3, there’s eco-friendly door trim and a dashboard that uses recycled plastic from things such as water bottles. Rounding out the highlights are special windows and taillights as well as tires that use natural rubber.

The Study Car was recently shown at the Namyang Research Center during the Eco-Friendly Materials and Vehicle Exhibition. Kia credited an unnamed official as saying, “The EV3 study car is the result of our responsible research toward sustainable resource circulation. We will continue to expand and develop low-carbon and recycled material technologies to secure the eco-friendliness of key vehicle materials.”

Jaguar has unveiled its overhauled branding identity, marking the beginning of its EV-only era. The British marque showed off its slick new logo ahead of the December 3 reveal of the Jaguar Design Vision Concept—a precursor to a production luxury electric sedan that will follow in 2025.

The company says the reinvention is grounded in the philosophy of its founder, Sir William Lyons, who famously declared, “A Jaguar should be a copy of nothing.” The updated design language and graphics aim to communicate Jaguar’s transformation, both stylistically and in terms of its ambition to reclaim its place in the luxury market.

More: YAWN! Leaked Photo Explains Why Jag Abandoned Boring Electric XJ Project

The refreshed identity centers around four core design elements. First is the “Device Mark”, a minimalist new logo rendered in a distinctive typeface, notable for its symmetry and restraint. Then comes the “Strikethrough,” a horizontal graphic motif that seems destined to leave its mark (pun intended) on future models. Then we have the “Exuberant Colors”, which show Jaguar’s association with art. Finally, the “Makers Marks” are two symbols – Jaguar’s traditional leaper, and a new monogram incorporating the letter j (and, possibly, r, though we can’t be sure since, with that font, it’s basically an inverted “j”).

These visual updates will debut on the upcoming concept vehicle and trickle down to the trio of all-electric production cars Jaguar has promised to launch before 2030.

Professor Gerry McGovern, Jaguar’s Chief Creative Officer, said: “This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience. We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

Jaguar’s Chief Creative Officer, Professor Gerry McGovern, describes this rebranding as a return to the brand’s roots, with an eye fixed on the future. “This is a reimagining that recaptures the essence of Jaguar, returning it to the values that once made it so loved, but making it relevant for a contemporary audience,” he said. “We are creating Jaguar for the future, restoring its status as a brand that enriches the lives of our clients and the Jaguar community.”

Meanwhile, Managing Director Rawdon Glover called the transformation a “complete reset,” adding that the team had to be “fearless” in its execution.

To accompany the unveiling of the Jaguar Design Vision Concept, the brand will host a series of gallery exhibitions in Miami across two separate locations. The displays will feature works of “ground-breaking emerging artists who share its ethos of Copy Nothing”.

The 2022 Citroen Oli concept introduced the brand’s new styling language, but it turns out it was more than a design exercise. The next generation of the Citroen C4, which is already under development, will reportedly look like the quirky concept, with only a few toned-down features.

The current Citroen C4 was originally introduced in June 2020, and received a mid-lifecycle in October 2024, including the longer C4 X bodystyle derivative. The crossover with the aerodynamic silhouette has a hard time competing with well-established rivals in the compact segment like the VW Golf and the Toyota Corolla, making Citroen look for ways to further distinguish it.

More: 2025 Citroen Ami Gets Funkier With Bulging Eyes And 2CV-Style Gills

According to French media L’Argus, the Citroen Oli concept is a good candidate for evolving into the next C4, with its boxy SUV stance and funky elements deemed quirky enough to help it stand out from the crowd.

The concept has already served as an inspiration for the design of the C3 and C3 Aircross, the facelifted C4 and C4 X, and the upcoming C5 Aircross. Still, the new C4 is expected to be a lot closer in terms of footprint and proportions and reportedly end up with around 70% of the concept into the production version.

The C4 will most likely trade the flat and vertical windshield of the Oli with a more aerodynamic solution in favor of efficiency. The sloping roofline and the fastback-style tail might be carried over, although we don’t expect Citroen to go as far as to keep the concept’s pickup conversion abilities. Other changes could include redesigned bumpers, smaller wheels, and more conventional lighting units.

The new model will most likely ride on the Smart Car architecture, which already underpins the Citroen C3 and C3 Aircross, the Fiat Grande Panda, and the Opel Frontera. This would allow Citroen to offer a choice between EV and ICE powertrain options, continuing the example of the current model that rides on the CMP / e-CMP platform. It would also result in competitive pricing, potentially making it one of the cheapest offerings in the segment.

L’Argus reports that the Citroen concept was originally intended to result in a production model, that would be manufactured in Slovakia alongside a Peugeot derivative. Plans were frozen in 2021, but the new CEO, Thierry Koskas, gave new life to the project in 2023, to reposition Citroen as a budget-oriented brand.

According to the latest information, the new Citroen C4 could arrive in 2027, which sounds like a stretch given that the first examples of the facelifted C4 will reach dealers in early 2025. French media speculate that Stellantis might keep the costs low by producing the Citroen C4 in Morocco, alongside a reborn Fiat Multipla sibling.

The Morocco facility, is currently home to the Citroen Ami, Opel Rocks Electric, and Fiat Topolino, with a capacity of 200,000 units per year. However, thanks to a recent investment it has been upgraded to produce vehicles based on the Smart Car architecture, which will eventually increase its production capacity to 450,000 units per year.

Mazda wasn’t just teasing us. We now know from comments made by the Japanese automaker’s design boss that last year’s Iconic SP concept car, or some form of it, will make it to showrooms.

Masashi Nakayama stopped short of giving an ETA for the car, opting to leave us guessing by saying that it would go into production in the “not-so-distant future.” That phrase is open to interpretation, but we take it to mean it’ll be on the street within three years.

Related: Mazda Confirms Iconic SP Sports Coupe For Production

But what kind of powertrain do you think it will have, and is that the same one you’d choose if you were heading up the engineering team? The Iconic SP concept put Mazda’s rotary tech back into the spotlight, but unlike the late, great RX-7, the SP doesn’t use rotary power to drive the wheels directly. Instead, the bi-rotor combustion engine charges a battery pack which drives the wheels, a bit like the setup on Mazda’s range-extender MX-30.

Mazda claims the electric motors produce a relatively modest (by performance EV standards) 365 hp (272 kW / 370 PS) and that the rotary engine can be adapted to run on carbon-neutral fuel, chopping emissions by as much as 90 percent. The automaker also confirmed that the powertrain was not just motor show razzmatazz, telling us that a rotary-powered project would be on sale once “technical hurdles” were overcome.

Rotary engines seem like a great option for range extenders because they spin smoothly – Audi showed just such a range extender concept, the A1 E-Tron, in 2011. But the way we see it, traditional Mazda fans hoping for a something that feels like an old RX-7 are going to be disappointed by what is essentially an EV with a rotary generator.

We’re guessing many of you would like to see Mazda flip the idea on its head and produce a sports car in which the wheels are driven directly by a rotary engine, but one with hybrid electrical assistance to help make more torque and cut fuel consumption and emissions. Or maybe you’d like to see something totally different under the SP’s hood – though looking at how low it is, your combustion options might be limited to boxer engines.

This is all presuming Mazda brings the SP to market as a modern interpretation of the RX-7 that went out of production in 2002. But the other possibility is that the SP was giving us a sneak look at the styling of the next MX-5. That would make sense of the lowish power figure, though the MX-5 is unlikely to go down the EV route, and will almost certainly move to hybrid power instead. In which case, perhaps the range-extender rotary engine will turn up in a totally different car.

But that’s all conjecture. What we know for sure is that Mazda is going to sell a car that looks like the Iconic SP, and what we want to know is what you think should be under the hood. Leave a comment below and give us your thoughts.

Update 11/21: While the internet is busy debating Jaguar’s or rather jaGuar’s polarizing new logo and rebranding, the British carmaker has quietly revealed the first official image of its upcoming concept car—a preview of the production electric vehicle discussed below. Angular and unapologetically dramatic, the design offers a glimpse of what’s to come ahead of its debut early next month. Love it or hate it, Jaguar seems determined to make us pay attention.

All we’re given for now is a cropped view of the rear and the sides. The first thing you’ll likely notice is the complete absence of a traditional rear window, à la Polestar 4. But the design drama doesn’t stop there. The center section of the rear is filled with horizontal slats (think window air-conditioner vibes—though probably best not mention that to Gerry McGovern), which potentially conceal the taillights. Either that, or Jaguar has been flipping through Elon Musk’s playbook and is busy reinventing how cars fundamentally work.

Adding to the above, Jaguar released two more cryptic images today. These appear to show a retractable side trim piece featuring the new leaper logo, with what looks like a camera hidden behind it.

More: Jaguar Design Boss Tells Media They Weren’t “Sniffing The White Stuff” During Logo Rebrand

In a statement that reads like a crash course in marketing jargon, Jaguar described the concept’s rear detail as a preview of its “design vision,” complete with “bold forms and exuberant proportions.” This study, we’re told, will serve as the foundation for Jaguar’s newly christened design philosophy dubbed “Exuberant Modernism.” Why settle for modern when you can be exuberantly modern?

The official teasers above are followed by our rendered interpretation of what the full rear might look like below.

Original article follows below.

Jaguar is about to undergo a radical reinvention as an ultra-luxurious, EV-only brand and these images give us our first look at what’s in store when the rebirth reaches the showroom next year. Three photos of a long, low sedan that looks like mashup of Porsche Taycan and a BMW i7 – or a Chrysler 300 if you’re feeling mean – show Jag’s still unnamed four-door GT in prototype form and covered in camouflage.

Related: Jaguar’s Planned Rebirth Includes Targeting A Wealthier Market

But we don’t have long to wait before Jaguar gives us a clearer idea of what the production car will look like when it goes on sale in 2025. The British luxury brand is to unveil a concept version of the new EV called the Design Vision Concept at Miami Art Week on December 2. While the name is still under wraps, Car&Driver discovered a U.S. trademark application for “I-Type,” which could be linked to the brand’s first EV effort, the I-Pace.

We can already see from the official spy shots that the new car has a squared-off nose and flat hood to give it real presence, but don’t expect to see that trapezoidal grille when the camo comes off. Intel suggests Jaguar is determined to make a break with its recent design themes as it moves upmarket towards Bentley territory.

The images also show short windows and bulging rear fenders to emphasise the car’s sporty character, but there’s one aspect of the exterior we can’t see and that’s the rear. Autocar reckons there’s a good reason for that, and it’s that showing us the back end now would spoil the surprise on December when we’ll discover that the sedan has no rear window, a trick Polestar employs on its new 4 crossover.

More: Jaguar Starts Over With New Branding, Electric Dreams, And A Big Question Mark

Perhaps the most eye-opening of the three shots is the profile image. It shows a dramatically swept-back windshield and huge area of sheetmetal between the door and front wheel giving the Cadillac Celestiq rival the proportions of a traditional rear-wheel drive combustion sedan. And Jaguar clearly wants us to remember that it’s made a few great examples of those over the years, even as it’s moving into new territory.

Hopefully we’ll get a look at the interior when Jaguar reveals the concept and find out more about the kind of spec we can expect from the production car. So far Jag has only said that it will have more than 567hp (575 PS), be capable of covering in excess of 430 miles (692 km) and cost more than £100,000 ($127,000).

Jaguar has promised two further EVs (including at least one SUV) based on the same JEA platform before the end of the decade. But the brand’s EV revolution comes at an awkward time and you have to wonder if there are few suits at Gaydon getting cold feet and wondering if they made a mistake in killing off its entire lineup this year.

Bentley has just pushed back its own EV-only switch from 2030 to 2035 in the face of a lack of demand for electric cars in the luxury sector and Porsche recently revealed it would build combustion versions of future cars that were originally conceived only as EVs.

While many Western carmakers have eased off on concept cars since the pandemic, Chinese brands are showing no signs of slowing down. Chery’s latest effort, the Hunting Wild, previews what could be the next chapter for their Fulwin series sporting an aerodynamic that straddles the line between a wagon and a minivan paired, all paired with next-generation solid-state battery technology.

The concept measures 5,053 mm (198.9 inches) in length, 2,010 mm (79.1 inches) in width, and 1,560 mm (61.4 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm (122 inches). For comparison, that’s the same length as BMW i5 Touring but with a noticeably wider stance and a wheelbase stretched to limousine-like proportions.

More: CATL’s New Battery Could Give Hybrids More Range Than Some Full EVs

At least in conceptual form, it’s an interesting design—even if, as with many Chinese models, there are a many familiar styling elements borrowed from elsewhere. Up front, a black trim piece integrates everything from split-LED headlights to an illuminated Chery emblem and ADAS sensors. Below that, the bumper features an active grille and sculpted side cooling intakes.

The futuristic aero-optimized wheels measure 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear. Other highlights include the frameless windows, the lack of door handles, and the large rear wing. Chery designers added Fulwin logos on the headlights, wheels, side gills, and full-width LED taillights.

Chery hasn’t released interior photos yet, but the spec list paints a picture of a tech-filled cabin. Highlights include a 15.6-inch infotainment display, AI-powered voice controls, a sprawling 23-speaker sound system, and reclining rear seats with leg rests. Topping it off is a color-changing dome skylight integrated into the panoramic roof.

In terms of the electrified powertrain, information from Chinese media is contradicting. Either way, the real star is the 800V solid-state battery, expected to deliver significantly improved driving range. Solid-state batteries have been touted as the holy grail of EV tech for years, and while they’re not quite here yet, Chery’s ambitious timeline suggests production readiness by 2026.

The chassis is reportedly equipped with a dual-chamber air suspension, Brembo brakes, and four-wheel steering. Additionally, the concept is expected to feature advanced self-driving capabilities.

The Chery Hunting Wild concept will make its first public outing on November 15, at the 2024 Guangzhou Auto Show. Judging from the fact that solid-state battery technology is still under development, we don’t expect a market launch earlier than 2026. When it does enter production, the model will rival the likes of the Zeekr 001, Neta S Wagon, and Nio ET5T.

BMW’s Neue Klasse initiative marks a pivotal chapter for the Bavarian brand, with at least six fully electric models set to launch by 2028. Among these, the BMW i3 sedan stands out as one of the most anticipated—a fully electric counterpart to the popular 3 Series. It’s scheduled to hit showrooms in 2026, a year after the iX3 SUV. Now, for the first time, we’ve caught a proper prototype undergoing real-world testing.

Spotted on public roads in Germany, the camouflaged tester doesn’t stray far from the visual language of the Vision Neue Klasse concept presented in 2023. Predictably, however, the production model dials down the concept’s more dramatic flourishes in favor of something more road-ready, without losing its edge. BMW itself has described the styling as “clear, elegant, and timeless,” with subtle nods to the clean(er) lines of the E30, the 3.0 CSL, and even the 2002.

More: BMW’s Neue Klasse Design Is Coming To All ICE Models

At the front, the EV keeps the concept’s signature shark-nose profile but adapts it with larger, more conventional-looking LED headlights nestled into a wide, a wide yet relatively low-slung kidney grille—a welcome departure from the disproportionately oversized grilles that have plagued recent BMW designs. Another notable detail is the hood, beneath which lies a secondary trunk (or frunk), seen ajar during testing.

From the side, the prototype’s flared wheel arches could almost be mistaken for a high-performance M car if it weren’t for the no-nonsense wheels and high-profile tires clearly built for testing duties. Other production-ready elements include a more conventional greenhouse, functional mirrors, pop-out door handles, and subtly reshaped bumpers.

At the rear, provisional high-mounted taillights hint at the final design but are expected to be replaced by sleeker LED clusters as the car inches closer to production readiness.

SH Proshots

BMW Vision Neue Klasse Concept

High Tech Interior

The prototype’s interior remains under cover, but we know that production model will debut BMW’s full-width Panoramic Vision display, stretching across the base of the windshield. This will be paired with an unconventionally shaped infotainment touchscreen. While the Vision Neue Klasse concept featured colorful, avant-garde materials in its four-seat configuration, the production car is expected to tone this down in favor of a more traditional, practical five-seat layout—because, as always, function has to follow form when the rubber meets the road.

Powertrains And Range

The new i3 sedan will be the second model to leverage BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, debuting just after the iX3 SUV. An entry-level single-motor variant is rumored to deliver around 300 hp, while dual-motor configurations will up the ante for those craving more grunt.

At the top of the lineup, a halo model from the BMW M division could redefine performance EVs entirely, with rumors swirling around a quad-motor system producing a staggering 1,341 hp. If that sounds ambitious, so too does BMW’s claim that its next-gen batteries will enable over 800 km (500 miles) of range while offering lightning-fast charging capabilities. These technological strides are essential if BMW hopes to edge out not just Tesla but a growing list of challengers from Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and beyond.

More: BMW’s Next ICE M3 Is A Mild Hybrid, Not A PHEV Like The Heavyweight M5

Interestingly, the i3 sedan will coexist with the combustion-powered 3 Series for the foreseeable future, reflecting BMW’s measured approach to electrification. Its direct competitors will include the Audi A4 e-tron, the forthcoming electric successor to the Mercedes C-Class, and—inevitably—the Tesla Model 3, the world’s best selling sedan.

As development of the Neue Klasse models accelerates, expect to see more prototypes emerge on European roads in the coming months.

SH Proshots

Volvo, a brand synonymous with safety and Scandinavian design, has long balanced practicality with understated style—a tradition likely to continue with the upcoming battery-electric ES90 flagship sedan set to debut in March 2025. But what happens when that future is reimagined through a daring retro lens?

Independent designer Jordan Rubinstein-Towler has taken it upon himself to offer a thought-provoking answer to that hypothetical question with his fictional 2026 Volvo 240 concept. This reimagined version serves as a modern homage to the brand’s iconic, boxy past, while seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology and premium design elements to bring the classic silhouette into the 21st century.

More: BMW’s E30 M3 Reimagined As A Modern Neue Klasse Tribute

As much as Volvo has turned not just a page but an entire chapter in its design evolution in recent years, ask any buyer—or better yet, an auto enthusiast—what the most iconic Volvo design is, and chances are they’ll say the 200 Series.

The original Volvo 200 Series, produced from 1974 to 1993 as the successor to the equally angular 100 Series—both the work of designer Jan Wilsgaard—has since achieved cult status. It’s often hailed as the indestructible automotive equivalent of the Nokia 3310: sturdy, unkillable, and unapologetically utilitarian. But in Rubinstein-Towler’s vision, this stalwart is reimagined for a very different era, one where charm must coexist with cutting-edge connectivity and aerodynamic finesse.

Classic Meets Contemporary Design

Illustrations Jordan Rubinstein-Towler

Building on the retro-racing ethos of his earlier Polestar 4040 concept, which itself paid homage to the motorsport legacy of the Volvo 240, Rubinstein-Towler’s 2026 interpretation rethinks the roadgoing sedan and wagon. While the proportions and upright stance are unmistakably faithful to the original, the concept injects contemporary flair. Boxy headlights and the trademark black-pillared greenhouse nod to the past, while the execution feels anything but dated.

Modern design elements, like Volvo’s signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlight graphics, streamlined alloy wheels, and taut, clean surfacing, bring the fictional 240 firmly into the 21st century. Meanwhile, subtle aerodynamic flourishes, such as slim bumper intakes and neatly integrated side gills, elevate its efficiency beyond the brick-like aerodynamics of its predecessor.

Tech-Forward Interior with Retro Flair

Illustrations Jordan Rubinstein-Towler

The independent designer, who many of you may remember for his awesome Acura Integra Type R concept, took the time to create a minimalist interior for the fictional Volvo, adding high-tech features and sustainable materials. Here, he strikes a sweet balance between nostalgia and innovation, imagining a cabin that manages to be retro without veering into kitsch.

Unlike the portrait infotainment display of modern Volvo offerings, the 240 adopts a more conventional and much slimmer, horizontally-arranged, digital cockpit, accented by tactile physical controls—a restrained but welcome rejection of the touchscreen glut. The four-spoke steering wheel, a deliberate callback to the 200 Series, and fabric-upholstered seats with a distinctly Scandinavian vibe tie the cabin to Volvo’s legacy.

What It Could Be Based On

The 2026 Volvo 240 was designed as an EV, something that is evident from the fully sealed grille and the absence of exhaust pipes. The mid-size sedan could, in theory, ride on the Geely-sourced SPA2 platform shared with Volvo’s EX90 SUV, leveraging a hefty 111-kWh battery pack and dual electric motors producing up to 510 horsepower (380 kW / 517 PS). The potential for such a powertrain adds a sense of plausibility to the otherwise speculative project.

Electric Dreams?

And yet, as is the fate of most independently-designed concepts, this reimagined Volvo 240 will likely remain a digital fantasy. Still, it’s hard not to imagine how a production version might disrupt the market. In an alternate universe, this retro-inspired EV could seamlessly replace the S60 and V60, injecting some much-needed character into the midsize segment—perhaps even giving BMW’s forthcoming Neue Klasse a proper rival.

What do you think; should Volvo take a second look? Head over to the comments and have your say.

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