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What If Alfa Romeo Facelifted The Current Giulia?

  • Alfa Romeo plans to introduce a next-gen Giulia alongside an all-new Stelvio in 2026.
  • These renderings show a complete reskin of the current Giulia sedan on the Giorgio platform.
  • Current Giulia sedan production ends soon, but it remains available in America until 2026.

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

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

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

What Will the New Giulia Look Like?

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

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

A Fresh Take on the Current Giulia

 What If Alfa Romeo Facelifted The Current Giulia?
Illustrations Theottle

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

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

More: Toyota bZ86 Coupe Study Imagines An Electric GR86

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

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

 What If Alfa Romeo Facelifted The Current Giulia?
Illustrations Theottle

The Future of the Giulia

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

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

Toyota bZ86 Coupe Study Imagines An Electric GR86

  • Independent artist Theottle imagined a fully electric Toyota bZ86 sports car study.
  • The concept uses GR86 proportions while integrating Toyota’s EV styling language.
  • It has been imagined with a 338-hp dual-motor setup, offering over 326 miles of range.

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

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

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

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

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

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Illustrations: Theottle

A Familiar Rear with a Fresh Twist

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

More: Mazda Inline-Six Rumor For New GR Supra And RX-7 Sounds Too Wild To Be True

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

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

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

Mercedes-AMG Super SUV: What We Know About The 1,000 HP EV

  • Mercedes-AMG’s electric SUV draws design inspiration from the Vision AMG concept.
  • Built on the AMG-EA platform, it will offer up to 1,000 hp from three axial-flux motors.
  • Expected to debut in 2026, it will directly compete with the upcoming Porsche K1.

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

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

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

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

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

 Mercedes-AMG Super SUV: What We Know About The 1,000 HP EV
Illustrations Kolesa / Nikita Chuyko
 Mercedes-AMG Super SUV: What We Know About The 1,000 HP EV

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

Power, Performance, and Ambition

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

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

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

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Baldauf for Carscoops

2026 Tesla Model S: What To Expect From The Facelift

  • Tesla’s VP of Engineering has all but confirmed that an upgraded Model S will arrive later this year.
  • These independently made illustrations envision an extensive facelift inspired by the latest Model Y.
  • The large electric sedan debuted in 2012 and underwent facelifts for the 2017 and 2022 model years.

The Model S has been a cornerstone of Tesla’s lineup for well over a decade, debuting in 2012 as the brand’s first fully in-house-developed EV after the Lotus-based Roadster. Over the years, it has evolved through numerous updates, mostly to keep up with the advancements in technology. But at this point, calling it “dated” feels almost cliché.

While most other automakers would have already mapped out a successor by now, Tesla appears to be content with rolling out yet another refresh later this year. However, don’t expect a full redesign; this will likely be another facelift at best, rather than an all-new generation.

More: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor

Tesla’s VP of Engineering, Lars Moravy, all but confirmed the news recently, hinting at an upcoming upgrade for both the Model S and Model X. Speaking on Ryan McCaffrey’s Ride the Lightning podcast, Moravy said:

“Just give it a minute. We’ll get there. The upgrade a few years ago was bigger than most people thought in terms of architecture and structure. We’ll give it some love later this year; we’ll make sure it gets some of the stuff we’ve been putting in 3 and Y. Everyone here has a little place in their heart for S/X. They are not going anywhere anytime soon.”

Sharper Looks and Efficiency Tweaks?

The Model S originally launched in 2012, three years after its concept debut. It has since undergone two significant revisions, one for the 2017 model year and a more extensive refresh in 2022. While it has maintained a familiar silhouette over the years, the 2026 update could bring more noticeable changes, particularly in exterior design.

Though no official details have been confirmed yet, these updates could bring it more in line with the smaller and significantly more popular Model 3 Highland and Model Y Juniper, both in terms of styling and technology.

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Illustrations: Nikita Chuicko for Kolesa

Independent digital artist Nikita Chuicko (a.k.a. Kelsonik) has created speculative renderings of the 2026 Model S for Kolesa, drawing inspiration from the 2026 Model Y. The illustrations depict the sedan with a redesigned front end featuring split LED headlights and sharper bumper intakes. At the rear, it sports a full-width taillight cluster with the “indirect lighting” introduced earlier this year on the Model Y, along with a prominent diffuser.

More: Should Tesla Give The Model 3 A Juniper Update?

Besides giving the EV a fresh look, the redesigned elements could also improve aerodynamics, potentially extending its range. Based on comments from Tesla’s VP of Engineering, the company seems to believe the 2022 Model S already brought significant structural updates, ones that could carry over into the 2026 version. However, Tesla engineers may still find ways to boost efficiency with smaller tweaks, such as updated wheels and brakes.

Interior Refinements Could Be Subtle but Impactful

The last major Model S update delivered a complete interior overhaul, but even minor refinements can enhance quality and usability. If Tesla follows its approach with the Model Y Juniper, the revamped Model S could introduce subtle but welcome additions, such as ambient lighting or a front-facing bumper-mounted camera.

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What About the Powertrain?

Unless Tesla surprises us, we don’t expect any meaningful changes to the powertrain options. Currently in North America, the lineup includes the All-Wheel Drive trim, offering a 410-mile (660 km) range, a 130 mph (209 km/h) top speed, and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 3.1 seconds with rollout. The high-performance Plaid variant features a tri-motor setup producing 1,020 hp, a 348-mile (560 km) range, a 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed, and a blistering 1.99-second 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint with rollout.

More details about the 2026 Model S should emerge in the coming months. Still, the big question remains: will this be another mild update, or will Tesla implement a comprehensive redesign to help reverse declining sales?

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