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.

Tesla’s Model Y isn’t just a hit, it’s a phenomenon. Consider that in 2023, it didn’t just dominate the EV segment, it topped global car sales outright, shifting a staggering 1.23 million units, according to JD Power. To put that into perspective, it outsold long-standing juggernauts like Toyota’s RAV4 (1.03 million) and the Corolla (1.01 million), relegating them to second and third place respectively.

Not bad for a five-year-old design that, let’s be honest, is starting to look a bit tired. Enter the Model Y codenamed project “Juniper,” a long-awaited refresh aimed at keeping Tesla’s golden child ahead of the pack.

Fresh Face, Familiar Silhouette

Launched in 2019 as a slightly taller, longer and more family-friendly sibling to the equally popular Model 3, the Model Y has enjoyed plenty of incremental improvements over the years, but its exterior hasn’t seen any changes. The Juniper update aims to freshen up its looks, bringing sharper styling inspired by last year’s updated Model 3 Highland. Tesla isn’t rocking the boat too much as the familiar egg-like silhouette remains, but spy shots and leaks suggest notable updates to both the front and rear.

Illustrations: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Camouflaged prototypes and leaked images have offered clues about Tesla’s design direction. Early test cars teased some daring ideas, including split headlights and a Cybertruck-inspired full-width LED light bar. However, more recent leaks suggest Tesla is gravitating toward a cleaner, more understated aesthetic.

In particular, our exclusive rendering draws on a leaked infotainment display image from a prototype spotted in China. It showcases a redesigned front end with slimmer headlights, a cleaner—albeit more generic—nose, and a sculpted bumper devoid of side intakes, all borrowing heavily from the updated Model 3. If this is indeed the final design (and we strongly suspect it is), it’s a sharper, more refined evolution. That said, it still sticks to the same old “Model 3 after a helium party” aesthetic, complete with its puffer-fish-style greenhouse. Some things, it seems, are just part of the Tesla DNA.

More: Trump Reportedly Wants To Kill $7,500 EV Tax Credit, And Tesla Might Be Cool With It

Moving to the rear, more changes are expected. A full-width LED taillight bar with a frosted finish will replace the existing design, while Tesla’s badge will give way to “TESLA” lettering, a trend we’ve seen across other models. The panoramic roof, a signature feature of the Model Y, will be maintained enhancing its light-filled cabin. Spy shots also suggest the rear license plate holder may move to the bumper, streamlining the tailgate for a cleaner overall appearance.

Practical Efficiency Gains

Besides its cleaner and sharper styling, the updated design is expected to deliver aerodynamic improvements, boosting efficiency, much like the related Model 3, which saw its drag coefficient drop from 0.225 to 0.219.

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There’s also speculation about a larger 95 kWh battery pack, which could extend the Model Y’s range beyond the current 81 kWh version. However, even if this rumor proves true—and that’s a big if—it may be limited to certain markets, such as China, while other regions could retain the existing options.

Similarly, the electric motors are expected to carry over from the current model, with outputs believed to be around 295 hp (220 kW / 299PS) for the Standard RWD variant and 384 hp (286 kW / 389 hp) for the dual-motor Long Range AWD, though no one really knows for sure as Tesla doesn’t communicate trivial things like specifications. The Long Range variant is also anticipated to offer a paid Acceleration Boost option, a feature Tesla has already begun rolling out for the updated Model 3 in select markets. Again, no official figures but this upgrade usually brings the LR very close to the Performance variant.

Performance And Rumors Of Plaid

The Standard and Long Range versions of the Model Y will be joined by a Performance trim, mirroring the lineup of the Model 3. In its current configuration, the Model Y Performance is estimated to deliver 456 hp, but it may adopt the newer dual motors from the Model 3 Performance, which would raise output to 510 hp.

With the current Model Y Performance already clocking a 0–60 mph (96 km/h) time of 3.5 seconds, the potential upgrade could shave off a few tenths, nudging it closer to the 3.0-second mark. However, as with many Tesla stats, these figures come with an asterisk—namely, the inclusion of a rollout.

Visually, the Performance variant is likely to distinguish itself with a slightly more aggressive body kit featuring a vented front bumper, rear spoiler, red brake calipers, and unique wheels (hopefully equipped with all-season tires) paired with a lowered stance. An adaptive suspension system and, perhaps, a dedicated track mode could also be part of the package.

As for the rumors of an even more powerful Model Y Plaid, we’re not biting. While Tesla could theoretically produce an absurdly fast version of its family-oriented crossover, such a model feels more suited to the Model 3 than the practical, family-focused Model Y. And let’s be totally honest—a 510-hp Performance variant is already more than enough for most of you out there.

Improved Interior Yet Divisive Changes

The interior of a prototype Model Y Juniper caught in China (Photo Weibo)

Interior updates for the Model Y are set to prioritize better materials and improved build quality, addressing criticisms while aiming to rival the increasingly feature-rich Chinese EV competition. Tesla is also expected to refine ride comfort, handling, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) with targeted chassis and suspension adjustments. As usual, the recently refreshed Model 3 provides a solid blueprint for what to expect.

Recent spy shots reveal a new design for the steering wheel, an improved infotainment touchscreen display with thinner bezels, and carbon-style trim on the center console – just like on the Model 3 Highland. However, some functional changes will surely prove divisive. Tesla plans to replace the traditional wiper stalk with a fully automatic system, move the turn signal controls to steering wheel buttons, and relocate gear selection to the touchscreen, with additional touch buttons placed behind the rearview mirror on the roof.

Other upgrades include multi-color ambient lighting, dual wireless charging pads, and improved front seats with heating and ventilation sourced from the Model 3. Rear passengers will also benefit from a heated bench and an 8-inch touchscreen for climate and media controls. While these changes aren’t groundbreaking, they bring the Model Y more in line with competitors that are increasingly offering premium cabin features as standard.

China’s Six-Seater Model Y?

A few months ago, reports surfaced that Tesla might be developing a six-seater Model Y specifically for the Chinese market. This version is said to feature a longer wheelbase and a more spacious cabin compared to the three-row U.S.-spec model, catering to the growing demand for roomier family-oriented vehicles in China.

Finally, Tesla may enhance the misleadingly named self-driving capabilities of the Model Y with the Juniper update, potentially incorporating new sensors and more advanced software.

When To Expect It

New sighting of model y juniper !? pic.twitter.com/1EXPdLEKoD

— BensonTYC (@bensontsao0214) November 7, 2024

According to some sources in China, limited production of the Model Y Juniper has quietly begun at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory, with full-scale manufacturing expected to ramp up soon. The same sources suggest that Tesla has restricted smartphone use within the facility to minimize the risk of early leaks. However, Elon Musk has repeatedly stated that Tesla won’t launch the facelifted Model Y in 2024, hinting at a 2025 debut.

It’s possible that Tesla may prioritize the Chinese market initially, with North America, Europe, and other regions following later. Much of the timeline could also depend on Tesla’s ability to clear out existing inventory of the current Model Y before making room for the updated version. In any case, a global market launch is anticipated sometime in the first half of 2025.

Key rivals of the Tesla Model Y in the US market include the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, VW ID.4, Nissan Ariya, and in the near-future, the Rivian R2.

Should I Buy The Current Model Y Or Wait For Juniper?

That’s the big question popping up every 2.3 minutes on Tesla forums and Reddit threads these days. If you ask us, it really comes down to three key considerations:

A) Are you willing to risk losing the $7,500 federal tax credit, which could disappear when the new administration takes over in January, along with current offers such as 0% APR for 60 months (with 20% down for qualified buyers) and steep discounts on demo cars and existing inventory?

B) Can you hold out for a few months (potentially even more than six) for the Model Y Juniper to arrive in the U.S.?

C) Do the updates—including controversial ones like the turn signal buttons and gear shifter placement—feel significant enough to justify waiting?

If you answered “no” to at least two of those questions, you might be better off buying now. Otherwise, waiting could make more sense as you can compare the two and see which one you like more, possibly scoring an even better discount on leftover pre-facelift models.

Additional reporting by John Halas

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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