Those of us who say, “We’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” might be caught off-guard and unprepared by what the future holds for 2025 going on 2026. Automakers certainly aren’t waiting to cross the bridge; many are already on the other side eagerly waiting for us to join them. We’re destined for significant transformations driven by environmentally-mindful tech advancements.
It means the most anticipated releases for next year and the next are predominantly electrified cars. We’ll also see more fruits of the underground efforts of companies like Waymo and Tesla towards autonomous driving. Automakers are particularly investing heavily in this area. Cars will become more connected than they already are.
We expect to see the rise of 5G and IoT (Internet of Things), which is necessary for the rapid expansion of real-time data collection and processing systems like AR-HUD (augmented reality head-up display) and AI-powered ADAS (advanced driver-assist systems). Without further ado, here are ten of the most anticipated car releases of 2026.
Chevrolet Corvette Zora
Yes, there’s a Zora planned for release in 2026 to appease those of us insane gearheads not quite satisfied with ZR1’s 800 hp. In fact, Chevrolet anticipates this set of people won’t be content with the 2025 ZR1’s staggering 1,064 hp delivered at 7,000 rpm and 828 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm.
So, the upcoming Zora and those not content with the ZRI deserve each other. It’s coming with approximately 1,224 hp, thanks to the E-Ray’s e-motor. It will debut in late 2025 as a 2026 model with an estimated price tag of $80,000 to $110,000.
Ford Mustang Raptor
Apparently, the Blue Oval wants us to perish the thought of the Mustang being denied the “Raptor” treatment. The F-150 started the “Raptor” movement before infecting the Bronco, and there’s possibly a Ranger Raptor on the horizon.
The idea of a Mustang Raptor sounds like fantasy, but this fantasy is coming to a dealership near you in 2026. Should we expect the 2025 Mustang GTD won’t hold its crown of the fastest Mustang for very long? If the Raptor has to snatch the crown, it will need to exceed the GTD’s 815 hp and 202 mph top speed.
BMW iX3 (Neue Klasse “NK”)
BMW recently unveiled its Neue Klasse (New Class) EV platform, developed with a target for better range, efficiency, and technology. BMW will debut the platform in 2025 to underpin its new electric models, including a sedan and what the company calls a Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).
This platform will form the foundation of the 2nd-gen iX3 scheduled to launch in July 2025, with deliveries commencing later the same year, possibly as a 2026 model.
Rivian R2
Rivian’s next EV is a more compact, cheaper model with an estimated starting price of around $45,000. Rivian introduced it to expand the brand’s portfolio beyond its R1T and R1S trucks and SUVs. It will offer both single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD powertrains as well as a tri-motor AWD.
Though slotting beneath the R1S SUV, the R2 will race to 60 mph in less than 3 seconds and travel for at least 300 miles on a full belly. It made its debut this year, but deliveries won’t kick off until the first half of 2026.
Audi A6 e-tron
The A6 e-tron is a fully electric version of the A6 luxury car, which the company has produced since 1994. Audi will start taking orders this fall in anticipation of the car’s release in the summer of 2025, obviously as a 2026 model.
The A6 has often been offered in sedan and wagon body styles, and the e-tron will be available in Sportback (estate) and Avant (sedan) versions.
Genesis X Convertible
Hyundai’s Genesis X Convertible is one of the most anticipated new cars of 2026, most likely riding on the marque’s eM platform. That would mean an equal emphasis on efficiency and autonomy. This car will showcase the automaker’s capabilities in technology and design.
Genesis unveiled the X Convertible Concept in November 2022, representing the last installment in the X Concept Trilogy. Genesis is bringing the concept to fruition in the form of an all-electric luxury convertible to take on the segment’s finest, such as the new Bentley Continental GT, BMW 8 Series, and Mercedes-AMG SL-Class.
Chevrolet Bolt
The next-gen Bolt will debut in 2025 as a 2026 model, with deliveries kicking off in the final weeks of the year following the launch. It will ride on GM’s Ultium platform, allowing it to benefit from improved range and performance from the Ultium battery technology. The new platform also means the new Bolt will have a roomier interior compared to the previous generation.
Chrysler Crossover
When Chrysler unveiled the Airflow Concept at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in 2022, it introduced it as a prototype of “what the future looks like to Chrysler: sleek lines, sculptured frame, a modern and spacious interior glowing in serene ambient lighting.”
This upcoming electric Crossover is the Airflow Concept brought to fruition. It is scheduled for release in 2025 as a 2026 model. Chrysler described it as the company’s most radical idea, “an intelligent battery-electric SUV that reinvents user experience from the inside out.
Alfa Romeo Giulia
The Giulia is one of the most anticipated cars because it will be thoroughly updated for the 2026 model year. It will have gas and electric versions, boasting multiple performance levels that will reportedly climax at approximately a thousand horsepower.
The upcoming Giulia will also ride on the Stellantis STLA Large architecture, allowing for the various powertrains with performance levels and a wide range of cutting-edge technologies due to the platform’s flexibility. It will retain its fastback design (thank God) and Trefoil front grille, though revised with more aggressive cues.
BMW i8 M
Incredible is an understatement when it comes to the i8 M. Bringing this car to the road as early as next year is a bold move for BMW and a hard jolt for other automakers to wake up. The car looks properly futuristic with its butterfly doors and glowing accents.
It’s a hybrid super sports car that blends performance and luxury. It will reportedly combine a turbo 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver a combined output of approximately 591 hp. That’d mean a significant jump from the outgoing i8’s 369 hp. You can expect the interior to brim with luxury and bleeding-edge technology.
