These Newly-Designed Pickup Trucks And SUVs Are About To Hit The Market
Henry Ford made the first-ever pickup truck back in 1925, and the useful body style has stayed with us ever since, continuously gaining popularity over the years. In fact, the Ford F150 was the best-selling vehicle in the United States in 2019, with nearly 900,000 units sold that year. It's clear that we love pickup trucks, both old and new. Check out these exciting pickup trucks and SUVs that will pop up on the market within the next couple of years.
Bollinger B2
Bollinger Motors promises that the B2 will be the world's most capable pickup truck. Despite rather simplistic styling inside and out, the B2 is an innovative all-electric pickup.
The B2 is powered by two electric motors that make 614 horsepower in total, resulting in a 4.5-second sprint to 60 miles per hour and a 200-mile range on a single charge. The automaker promises a 7500lb towing capacity, too. The starting price is $125 000, deliveries are expected to begin in 2021.
GMC Hummer EV
General Motors revived the legendary Hummer brand earlier this year with a tease of the upcoming all-electric GMC Hummer pickup truck. The truck was officially presented in October 2020 and will be available for sale starting in late 2021.
The monstrous GMC Hummer EV is a 1000-horsepower innovative pickup truck, some of its features include assisted driving systems as well as a spectacular infinity roof. What's more, the truck will be able to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just 3 seconds. Just like any proper Hummer, General Motors promises outstanding off-road performance.
Lordstown Motors Endurance
The Endurance is an electric pick-up truck unveiled by the American start-up in October 2020. The vehicles are manufactured in an old GM plant in Ohio and are expected to be on the market as early as 2021. What's more, Lordstown Motors claims that the Endurance will have a total power output of 600 horsepower, along with a 250-mile range on a single charge.
The innovative pickup truck features a powerplant in each wheel hub, rather than a battery pack fitted at each axle of the car like most electric vehicles. The electric truck's base price is $52,500.
Rivian R1T
Rivian first appeared on the market at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, back when the automaker unveiled its flagship vehicles: The R1T pickup and the R1S SUV. Both vehicles are fully electric.
The R1T is fitted with four electric motors that will make up to 750 horsepower in total, resulting in a 3-second sprint to 60 miles per hour and a 11000lb towing capacity. Rivian promises that the R1T will be able to drive over 400 miles on a single charge. The truck starts at $69,000 and is expected to land on the market in mid-2021.
Ram 1500 TRX
The TRX is the ultimate, souped-up variant of the 2021 Ram pickup truck. The TRX perfectly blends in with the Durango SRT Hellcat, the Jeep Trackhawk, or the Challenger Hellcat. It's loud, overpowered, and an absolute blast to drive.
The all-new Ram 1500 TRX is fitted with a massive, 702-horsepower 6.2L HEMI supercharged V8 powerplant. In effect, the truck can sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. What's more, the TRX features more aggressive styling than the standard Ram pickup, along with a body that's 8 inches wider than the base model.
Volkswagen Amarok
In the past, Volkswagen teased US buyers with a pickup truck for the American market multiple times. The Volkswagen Tarok and the Atlas Tanoak both made appearances at car shows in the United States, though neither one had made it to production.
Despite teasing the US market with beautiful concept trucks, the executives at Volkswagen say a pickup truck made for the North American market is not planned. According to rumors, if Volkswagen were to bring a pickup truck on the US market it would most likely be based on the Ford Ranger, rather than a large truck.
2021 Ford F-150
America's best-selling pickup truck, the Ford F150, is back for the 2021 model year. This time, the American automaker completely redesigned the exterior of the vehicle, replacing every body panel along the way.
The 2021 Ford F150 starts at $28,940 for the base XL trim. The hybrid trim is available with Ford's 3.5L PowerBoost V6 that peaks at 430 horsepower in total. Inside, the truck features a new high-tech infotainment system and a revised interior design. What's more, Ford promises the new F150 to have the best-in-class available towing as well as the best-in-class maximum payload.
Ford F-150 Electric
Ford teased an all-electric variant of America's best-selling pickup truck, the Ford F150, at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show. Although the automaker hasn't disclosed too many details regarding the upcoming vehicle, it is confirmed that the electric F150 pickup truck will be the most powerful F150 of all time.
The American automaker confirmed that the electric F150 will feature an enormous frunk. What's more, Ford released a video showing the electric pickup truck towing over 1 million pounds of train cars. The truck is expected to appear on the market in 2022, the starting price remains unknown.
Nissan Frontier
Nissan's midsize pickup truck, the Frontier, is back for the 2021 model year. For the first time in its 15-year-long production run, the midsize truck was completely redesigned. Unfortunately, the Japanese manufacturer did not disclose too many details on the all-new Frontier just yet.
Nissan did confirm that the new 2021 Frontier will receive the same 3.8L 310-horsepower V6 found in the current model, though it is rumored that the base model might be powered by an all-new flat-four. As far as the styling goes, spy shots revealed that the new Frontier will resemble the larger Titan. The 2021 Nissan Frontier will likely debut in early 2021.
Toyota Tundra
The current-generation Toyota Tundra was introduced for the 2007 model year. At first, the Tundra was a promising alternative to the Chevrolet Silverado or the Dodge Ram 1500. As the other pickup trucks on the market kept evolving over the next years, Toyota seemed to neglect the Tundra. Today, the Toyota Tundra feels outdated compared to its competition.
The Japanese manufacturer is working on an all-new Toyota Tundra pickup truck that will likely debut by 2022. The currently-available V8 powerplant will be dropped in favor of a twin-turbo V6 motor, according to rumors.
Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma is one of the most popular compact pickup trucks in the United States. In fact, Toyota sold nearly a quarter of a million units of the Tacoma in 2019, setting a new all-time high record. Currently, sales figures prove that the Tacoma is way better off than the previously mentioned Toyota Tundra.
As Toyota is quite clearly dominating the compact truck market with the Tacoma, an update of the midsize truck isn't as urgent as the revamp of the Tundra. According to various sources, an all-new Tacoma could hit the market as soon as 2022.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Hyundai has been teasing the Santa Cruz pick-up truck concept since the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. Over the last five years, Hyundai did not unveil many details about the unique-looking truck.
In fact, practically the only piece of information confirmed by the automaker is that the production of the Santa Cruz will begin sometime in 2021 at the Montgomery plant in Alabama. The base price is unknown, even the available engine options were not revealed yet. Although the body style remains unconfirmed, the concept featured a 2-door extended cab, pictured here.
Honda Ridgeline
The Ridgeline is a midsize pickup truck built by Honda since 2004, though its current generation was unveiled for the 2017 model year. The Ridgeline is only offered in a crew-cab body style, powered by a 3.5L V6 engine across all 6 different trim levels. The pickup was developed to compete with trucks like the Toyota Tacoma.
As the truck is only a few years old, it is unlikely to be replaced by an all-new generation anytime soon. On the other hand, its sales figures are not too impressive, with just 33,334 units sold in 2019 in the US. A refresh of the Ridgeline is likely on the way, though its successor has not been confirmed yet.
Toyota GR Hilux
The Toyota Hilux pickup truck is another vehicle in Toyota's lineup that will receive a souped-up sporty treatment from Gazoo Racing, the automaker's high-performance division. Toyota made headlines with the reveal of the powerful 261-horsepower Yaris GR a while back, and the sporty version of the Hilux truck looks equally exciting.
Although the Hilux already received a limited-production variant, the GR Sport, an all-new high-performance trim is likely in development. Toyota trademarked the GR Hilux moniker earlier this year, meaning a full-on Hilux GR pickup truck will likely be unveiled soon. According to rumors, it will be powered by a new high-performance diesel V6 motor.
Ram Dakota
The Dakota was a midsize pickup truck produced by Dodge between the 1990s until the early 2010s. Ram is reportedly looking to introduce a midsize truck again to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado or the recent Ford Ranger.
Ram confirmed the plans to introduce a new midsize pickup truck to the lineup, possibly resurrecting the Dakota moniker. According to rumors, it is likely that Ram's new midsize truck will be based on the existing Jeep Gladiator platform. Ram hasn't confirmed an all-new Dakota just yet, though the new midsize truck is expected to be unveiled in early 2021.
Get Ready For An Electric Chevrolet Pickup
According to General Motors' sustainability report released back in July 2020, the automaker is planning to release a full-size electric pickup truck. A fully-electric Chevrolet pickup truck is mentioned in GM's report, as one of 20 electric vehicles that GM is planning to release before 2023.
At first, it was thought that the report mentions the recently-unveiled GMC Hummer EV. It is possible that the report teases an all-new full-size pickup by Chevrolet, internally referred to as the Chevrolet BET Truck. In late 2019, GM CEO mentioned that an electric pickup truck is coming in late 2021, with a promised range of more than 400 miles on a single charge.
Nikola Badger
The Nikola Badger is a concept pickup truck by the Nikola Motor Company. The groundbreaking start-up partnered up with General Motors to turn the Badger into reality, and photos revealing the vehicle inside and out were recently unveiled on the Nikola website.
Nikola promises two variants of the Badger pickup, powered by either a fully-electric drivetrain or an electric/hydrogen powerplant. In its most powerful variant, the Badger will make 906 horsepower resulting in a 0-60 sprint in just 2.9 seconds. What's more, the pickup will have a range of 600 miles on a single charge.
The Ford Maverick/Courier Is Coming And It Will Be Cheap!
According to the latest rumors, Ford might be developing an all-new, small pickup truck. The upcoming truck is said to be smaller than the Ranger currently available in Ford's lineup. Ford's new compact truck will likely be built on the platform of the recently-unveiled Ford Bronco, or the Ford Transit Connect. A crew-cab body style with a short bed is likely, considering the truck's existing competition.
The new Ford Maverick will have a starting price of around $20,000 for the base model, according to various sources.
Fisker Alaska
Fisker accidentally revealed an all-new pickup truck earlier this year. A photo of a pickup truck with the Alaska moniker was posted on Henrik Fisker's Twitter account back in February 2020. The photo was deleted within minutes, and Henrik Fisker clarified that the post was indeed a mistake.
While Fisker officials did not confirm that the automaker was working on an electric pickup truck, the start-up did reveal the Ocean SUV later that year. A pickup truck variant based on the Ocean's platform is likely in development.
Karma Pickup
Karma Automotive teased a pickup truck at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year. Alongside revealing a new lineup of fully-electric sports cars (pictured), the automaker displayed a dark rendering of what appears to be a pickup truck with Karma's logo on the grille.
It is unknown whether the pickup rendering was a teaser of an upcoming vehicle, or if Karma was simply showcasing the versatility of the manufacturer's new platform. Either way, a pickup truck by Karma could potentially be a game-changer. Hopefully, the carmaker follows up with more details soon.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
The new Mustang Mach-E is a controversial move by Ford, as it's the first time in history that the automaker will apply the legendary Mustang moniker to a crossover SUV. The fully-electric, high-performance SUV will hit the market in 2021.
The Mustang Mach-E will start at around $40,000 for the base model, which will be able to drive 230 miles on a single charge. The souped-up Mustang Mach-E GT can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just 3 and a half seconds and an estimated price tag of around $60,000. Deliveries are expected to begin before the end of the year.
Toyota RAV4 Prime
The new RAV4 Prime will be the second-fastest vehicle in the entire Toyota lineup starting in 2021. In fact, it can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just 5.7 seconds. The Toyota Supra is the only car in the manufacturer's lineup that can outrun the new Rav4 Prime SUV.
Toyota began using the Prime moniker exclusively for the plug-in hybrids built by the automaker. The 302-horsepower RAV4 Prime SUV will be able to drive over 40 miles purely on electric power. Pricing starts at $38,100, though many customers qualify for both federal and local incentives.
Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
If you're anticipating the upcoming Hellcat-powered RAM 1500 TRX, you'll be glad to hear that Dodge's selection of completely overpowered vehicles fitted with Hellcat powerplants will increase for the 2021 model year. As if the standard 475-horsepower Durango SRT wasn't crazy enough.
The new Durango SRT will be available with the optional 710-horsepower supercharged V8 motor under the hood. The Durango SRT Hellcat can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds. What's more, the maximum towing capacity is nearly 8000 pounds!
Aston Martin DBX
Aston Martin has unveiled its first-ever SUV which will hit the market for the 2021 model year. The spectacular luxury SUV boasts elegant styling as well as outstanding performance, just like any proper vehicle bearing the Aston Martin logo.
The stylish SUV features a 542-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 motor from Mercedes-Benz under the hood. The Aston Martin DBX will be able to sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4 and a half seconds and reach a top speed of 181 miles per hour. The DBX will start at $189,900 in the US.
Mercedes-Benz GLA
The German automaker has thoroughly refreshed the compact GLA for the 2021 model year. The new base model packs a 221-horsepower four-cylinder motor as well as either a rear-wheel-drive or an all-wheel-drive drivetrain.
The GLA 35 AMG has been confirmed to appear later in 2021, fitted with a high-performance 302-horsepower turbocharged flat-four under the hood, as well as the 4Matic all-wheel-drive drivetrain fitted as a standard option. In effect, the 2021 GLA 35 AMG will be able to sprint up to 60 miles per hour in just 5 seconds.
Ford Bronco
Ford has resurrected the iconic Bronco moniker for the first time since the 1990s. The all-new Bronco will arrive for the 2021 model year in both two-door and four-door body variants, with an all-wheel-drive drivetrain fitted as standard. Ford promises exceptional off-road performance, like the new Bronco's predecessor.
The 2021 Ford Bronco starts at just $28,500 for the base model, though the sticker price can easily surpass $60,000. The limited First Edition four-door trim is now sold out completely.
Kia Seltos
The Seltos is an upcoming subcompact SUV sold by the Korean manufacturer. The car is already available on Kia's website, buyers can select from the GT Line trim or the Tech Line trim. The new Kia Seltos features lots of high-tech comfort and safety features, including a 360-degree camera and a head-up display.
The base model is equipped with a 2.0L 146-horsepower flat-four, although an optional 1.6L flat-four that peaks at 175 horsepower is available as well. The 2021 Kia Seltos starts at below $30 000.
Rivian R1S
Rivian unveiled the fully-electric R1S SUV alongside the impressive R1T pickup truck back at the New York Auto Show in 2019. Although the R1T pickup was the center of attention, the potential of the R1S seems to be overlooked.
In its most powerful variant, the R1S packs a powerplant in each wheel, making a whopping 750-horsepower in total, launching the futuristic SUV to 60 miles per hour in just 3 seconds. Production of the R1S will begin in 2021, the SUV is expected to start at $72,500.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is an exciting fully-electric SUV introduced by the German automaker for the 2021 model year. The all-new EQC is fitted with an electric motor on both of the car's axles, able to produce 402 horsepower in total. In effect, the EQC 400 can accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds.
The EQC 400 4Matic starts at $67,900 in the United States. Mercedes-Benz hasn't revealed the single-charge range of the upcoming SUV just yet.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
As the name suggests, the XC40 Recharge is an electric variant of the new Volvo XC40 subcompact SUV. It is also the Swedish automaker's first fully-electric vehicle ever sold. The XC40 Recharge is fitted with an electric motor on each axle producing 402-horsepower in total, as well as an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. In effect, the XC40 Recharge will be able to sprint to 60 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds.
Volvo promises a 200-mile range on a single charge. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2020, though they could be postponed.
Genesis GV80
Until the reveal of the GV80, Genesis was only offering sedans in its lineup. The newly-unveiled GV80 is the first SUV sold under Hyundai's luxury brand. The car's sleek exterior design resembles the new 2020 G90 4-door sedan.
The base model GV80 comes fitted with a 2.5L turbocharged flat-four, paired with a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain. An optional 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 motor is available, too. Both engine variants can be fitted with an optional all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The upscale Genesis GV80 SUV starts at just $48,900.
Tesla Cybertruck
The Cybertruck made headlines when it was unveiled in November 2019. The groundbreaking electric pickup truck shocked the world with its controversial styling. The futuristic, well-performing pickup truck will be available as soon as late 2021.
In its most powerful variant, the tri-motor Cybetruck will be able to accelerate to 60 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds. What's more, Tesla promises that the souped-up truck will be able to tow as much as 14,000 pounds. The $39,900 base model will accelerate to 60 miles per hour in 6.5 seconds. The maxed-out variant of the Cybetruck costs over $70,000.
Land Rover Defender
The all-new, redesigned Land Rover Defender debuted back in 2019 at the Los Angeles International Auto Show for the 2020 model year. The car's production has been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the first units are beginning to pop up in dealerships around the US. The two-door variant of the car, the Defender 90, is said to arrive in US dealers before the end of the year.
A smaller, more affordable variant of the new Defender, dubbed the Defender 80, is reportedly underway within the next few years. Little is known so far, but expect its price to be lower than the current base price of around $50,000.
GMC Yukon
The full-size GMC Yukon and the Yukon XL have received the same major update as the Chevrolet Suburban or the Chevrolet Tahoe. The new Yukon boasts a wide array of new luxurious features, a revised upscale interior, and more. General Motors introduced a new top-of-the-line Denali trim for the 2021 model year, too.
The new Yukon is fitted with a four-corner air ride adaptive suspension, a first in its entire class. The 2021 GMC Yukon can tow up to 8,400 lbs in its most powerful configuration. The car starts at $50,700.
Cadillac Escalade
The full-size Cadillac Escalade has received a major update for the 2021 model year. As the Escalade's sales have been declining, it was high time for General Motors to freshen up the beloved Escalade.
The new Escalade is packed with high-tech features. It is the first vehicle in its class to offer semi-autonomous driving assistance. Some of the other impressive features include a 38-inch curved display, a 36-speaker audio system, and an augmented-reality navigation system. The 2021 Cadillac Escalade starts at $77,490.
Kia Pickup Truck
Kia confirmed to be developing its first-ever pickup truck... for the Australian market. Although the automaker confirmed to be working on an all-new truck, it will only be available in Australia. The pickup truck will likely debut in 2022 or 2023.
Although it has been over a year since the initial announcement by Kia, little is known about the manufacturer's upcoming pickup truck. It is unknown what kind of engine options will be available, what body style the truck will have, any of its technical specifications, or even the starting price.
Buick Envision
Buick has been struggling with a lack of interest in the past few years. The Buick Regal, as well as the Cascada, were both discontinued within the last two years due to low sales.
Hopefully, the all-new 2021 Buick Envision will boost the sales figures. The new midsize SUV features lots of advanced safety and comfort features, including automatic emergency braking systems, a high-definition rear vision camera, and lane-keep assistance. The SUV will be powered by a fuel-efficient 2.0L flat-four engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Alfa Romeo Tonale
The Tonale is a stylish SUV concept first presented by the Italian automaker at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. Despite an initial promise to introduce the vehicle in 2020, the development of the Tonale was delayed until further notice. The Alfa Romeo Tonale would be the automaker's first plug-in hybrid ever.
Unlike its larger cousin, the Stelvio, the Alfa Romeo Tonale would be more affordable and could become the automaker's entry-level SUV. The Tonale could compete with the BMW X2 or the Mercedes-Benz GLA.
Ferrari Purosangue
Lamborghini completely reimagined the high-performance, luxury SUV with the release of the stunning Urus. As the demand for upscale SUVs does not seem to be plunging anytime soon, Ferrari will likely reveal their own ultra-luxurious SUV in the coming years. Recent spy shots of a camouflaged crossover spotted testing in Maranello prove that the Purosangue may be a lot closer than we think.
Ideally, Ferrari's SUV will be powered by a state-of-the-art V12 motor. Unfortunately, a hybrid V6 or V8 is more likely. Ferrari hasn't disclosed any details about its upcoming crossover, though spy shots prove that the car is likely in development already.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
As of late 2020, little is known about the upcoming Jeep Grand Cherokee. A quick peek at the current-generation is enough, however, to realize the urgent need for a major update of Jeep's flagship SUV. A brand new Jeep Grand Cherokee will reportedly enter production in the third quarter of 2021. No further details have been released so far.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, the souped-up variant of Jeep's flagship SUV, makes 707 horsepower from its monstrous, supercharged 6.2L V8 engine. In effect, the Trackhawk can shoot up to 60 miles per hour in just 3.5 seconds.
The Honda CRX Was A Fine Sports Car In The Eighties
The Honda CRX is one of the most interesting compact cars in recent memory. The model was built from 1983 to 1991 and was based on the Civic, but with only two seats. With light, nimble and precise steering, the CRX was a real bargain buy sports car with front-wheel drive and up to 140 horsepower.
Among car fans, the CR-Z hybrid is often considered the successor to the CRX, but it never managed to achieve the same mass appeal as the lightweight, two-seater hatch everyone wanted to purchase. Honda replaced the CRX with the Del Sol for the 1992 model year, and fans the world over mourned the car's passing.
The Dodge Magnum Was Revived For A Short Time
It seems like only yesterday that the Dodge Magnum appeared in showrooms. The Magnum name was revived in 2004 as a station wagon on the Chrysler LX platform. It was equipped with a full-size, V-8-powered engine, and a rear-drive station wagon that took car lovers by storm.
It even had a high-performance SRT version but it didn't live long enough to receive a Hellcat variant. The Dodge Magnum was replaced by the Dodge Journey.
The Porsche 928 Was Iconic
The 928 is one of the best Porsche road cars ever assembled. Originally intended to replace the company's iconic 911, this model combined the power, poise, and handling of a sports car. Furthermore, the car qualified as a 2-door 2+2 hatchback, having two small seats in the rear.
The rear seats in this fan favorite could be folded down to create a larger luggage area, and both the front and rear seats featured sun visors for the driver and their passengers. The modern 911 is a wonderful GT car, but we'd still love to see a new 928.
The Jeep Wagoneer Might Be Revived
Ah, the Grand Wagoneer, the Jeep that was marketed for the 1963 to 1993 model years. Various versions of the Wagoneer were manufactured in the US and other nations by Kaiser Motors, American Motors, and lastly by Chrysler.
The model had a sophisticated station wagon body design that was more carlike than any other 4x4 on the market. Long after the car was discontinued, there were rumors of the Jeep would be revived.
The Nissan 240SX Was One Of The Best Drifting Cars
The Nissan 240 SX is a great car cherished by those who love an excellent drifting experience. Of course, it was never marketed to the drifting community during its release.
With 140 horsepower and 152 pound-foot of torque, it had the noise and speed that made any driver feel they're handling more power than usual. Nowadays, Nissan offers only two performance cars: the 370Z and the GT-R. The 370Z is about as old as a new car can be, the GT-R is out of reach for the pocketbooks of most casual car buyers.
The Pontiac Fiero Caused Too Many Fires
The Fiero's mission was to help General Motors meet stricter fuel economy standards as well as draw in new customers to Pontiac. The auto company added new models, such as the GT, and for 1988, the Formula, along with a new, compact 60-degree 2.8-liter V-6 engine rated at 140 horsepower.
However, over 200,000 cars were recalled in the early nineties due to engine-fire risks. Despite its problems, the Fiero was credited with drawing first-time buyers to Pontiac. There's a slim chance Chevy won't be reviving the Fiero, which is a shame.
The Cadillac CTS-V Sports Wagon Had A Ton Of Horsepower
A near-600-horsepower station wagon? This is something soccer dads can get behind. No body style was better suited to the CTS' edgy design than the wagon and it really showed with the Cadillac CTS-V Sports Wagon.
Sadly, Cadillac put the kibosh on the idea of the CTS-V Sports Wagon’s return. A new model, the CT5, was announced to replace the CTS, and Cadillac then announced an expected CT5 V series as a new addition.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Lasted For 10 Generations
The Mitsubishi Evolution was based on the Lancer. Through 10 generations, the Evo challenged all comers on the road, leading to an epic rivalry with Subaru and its Impreza-based WRX.
But, the auto company decided to move towards eco-friendly products, leading to the model being discontinued. Of course, car fanatics would be thrilled if the team at Mitsubishi decided it was time to re-introduce the Evo. It was the STI's biggest competition with its big wing and a rally-minded design concept.
Alfa Romeo GTV/6 Was The Most Innovative Car
The Alfa Romeo GTV/6 featured some modifications that allowed it to fit a V-6 engine. Its interior furnishings and suspension systems also helped to ensure it became a market leader in its class.
The main selling points of the Alfa Romeo was a V-6 combined with corner steering that excited drivers with a base-price that wouldn't necessarily break the bank. After a 15-year run from 1972-1987, the world could use more Italian fastback coupes, and the GTV/6 was arguably one of the best in its class.
The Chevrolet SS Rivaled Europe's Finest Sports Sedans
With a 6.2-liter V8 engine and 412 horsepower, the Chevrolet SS had precise steering and neutral handling. What most people don't know is that it's a rebadge. The model is the second and last significant restyled iteration of the final fourth generation of the Holden Commodore to be manufactured in Australia.
Compared to the preceding Pontiac G8, the SS featured a stiffer chassis thanks to greater use of the medium to high-strength steels adopted for the updated VF Commodore. Chevrolet shut down the Holden assembly plant, meaning we probably won't see a new SS for a very long time
The Acura Integra Type R Was A Pure Performance Car
In the late nineties, the Acura Type R was one of the purest performance cars on the American market. With a four-cylinder engine, 195 horsepower, and a balanced chassis, the Integra Type R was much like the Honda CRX from the eighties, but better in all aspects.
Both the Integra DC5 and Acura RSX were featured as car options in the video game Need For Speed: Underground. With the Civic Type R in the United States, car fanatics are waiting for Acura to come back to the affordable performance realm.
The Buick Grand National Restored Faith In Muscle Cars
The car that restored faith in the muscle car movement in the eighties was the mighty Buick Grand National. With 276 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque, this was more powerful than any of its rivals.
Unfortunately, the model only lasted for a year as General Motors only made around 500 of these cars. However, it was a notable model because of the auto company's use of a V6 engine over the traditional V8. Here's hoping that resurrection happens down the road.
The Mazda RX-7 Had A Long Run In The Car Industry
The Mazda RX-7 had a run of over 20 years from 1978 to 2002. Its low curb weight was just under 2,500 with the engine placed just behind the front axle.
Furthermore, the weight distribution was amazing and added great stability, with a 1.1 to 1.3-liter Wankel rotary engine under the hood. After years of begging for the return of this class automobile, Mazda confirmed that the rotary engine is back. Now we just have to wait for the car company to announce the vehicles glorious return.
The Chevrolet El Camino Went Through Five Generations
A car that looks like a truck but drives like a car? The El Camino was an odd design choice but one that caught on with certain demographics of automobile enthusiasts. The SS model has long been a fan favorite thanks to its 454 V8 under the hood. The El Camino has gone through five generations starting in 1959 with a production end run in 1987.
After the 1984 model year, production was moved to Mexico, and in 1987, the El Camino discontinued thanks to outstanding sales of the Chevrolet S-10 pickup. Chevrolet debuted an El Camino concept in 1995 based on the full-size Caprice station wagon, but production was canceled due to the rise of the SUV.
The Subaru Brat Was A Trendsetter
The last time Subaru produced a pickup truck was from 2003 to 2006, with the Baja. But, in 1978, the auto company offered the trendsetting Brat, the first small pick-up truck with all-wheel drive.
Outside of its off-road capabilities, the Brat was known for its two truck-bed jump sets. Although Subaru hasn't given fans a new concept pickup truck, it wouldn't be a surprise if a Brat-like model returned. There needs to be a modern version, ASAP, but sadly, the Baja doesn't count.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Was A Sports Compact Car
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a sport compact car developed and sold between 1989 to 2011. The first two generations share the automobile platform and parts with the rebadged Eagle Talon. This two-door, four-seat coupe was exciting to drive, and in its highest performance form, it was an all-wheel drive, turbocharged, manual coupe.
However, in 2006, the auto company redesigned the model, which was supposed to be a return to the Eclipses of the past. Sales were abysmal and the vehicle was discontinued, possibly forever.
The Porsche 944 Helped The Company In Hard Times
The Porsche 944 was the car that helped Porsche survive through its lean years. A new 2.5-liter slant-four engine that was developed from the 928's V8.
The 944 shared the 924's profile while maintaining a design aesthetic that made it look like a smoothed-out 924 Carrera GT. On the other hand, the 944 is underpowered in most guises, as parts are expensive. This vehicle was never a cheap option with a starting price of $50,000.
The Toyota MR2 Was An Affordable Sports Car
One of the most compact and affordable sports cars is the Toyota MR2. Introduced in 1984, the model was sold until 2007. With a mid-mounted engine this option was one of the most sought after vehicles in its class.
A Supra successor has long taken its place so maybe it's time for Toyota to bring back another beloved sports car. It would likely have a more significant impact on the market than its predecessor, the Toyota GT86.
Volvo P1800 Was Driven By A Famous Actor
The Volvo P1800 was originally a coupe, then it was altered into a shooting-brake for the duration of its production. Marketed as a stylish touring car, the P1800 became widely known when driven by James Bond actor, Roger Moore.
Volvo's really worked to clean up this type of model lineup in recent years. The XC90 and the S90 are both excellent cars with great interiors. However, it would be nice to see the Swedish automaker to take a chance and build a P1800 sports coupe again.
Honda S2000 Was Reliable And Great To Drive
The Honda S2000 is one of the greatest roadsters in the world. Not only is it reliable, but good looking, and fantastic to drive. It had the stuff sports-car fantasies are made of including a front-engine, rear-drive layout; a six-speed, and close-ratio manual transmission.
The Honda S2000 featured an aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an output of 240 horsepower. The car disappeared after the 2009 model year and it's questionable if Honda will once again attempt to feature its sporting roots and issue a new version of the S2000.
