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Next-Gen: These Future Cars Will Revolutionize Driving From 2023-2025

The automotive industry changes each year as cars and trucks evolve in design and technology. These future cars are at the forefront of the market due to evolving EV trends. With gasoline engines going the way of the dinosaur, there’s never been a time to be more excited. EV cars are fun to drive and offer an exhilarating amount of performance for the price. Electric powertrains are naturally more powerful than gasoline vehicles and more efficient.

Gasoline engines are going to be phased out of the industry but it will be a slow and gradual phase out. There are still going to be a few new gasoline-powered vehicles that are worth noting. For example, the Toyota Stout is going to offer a comparable alternative to the Ford Maverick. However, the majority of the market is leaning toward electric vehicles. So we looked at the future cars that are going to shape the next three years or more of driving. These vehicles will singlehandedly change the way that we drive, so check them out here.

Photo Credit: Mini USA

2023 Mini Hatchback

In 2023, car enthusiasts can look forward to the release of the Mini Hatchback. This stylish vehicle boasts a compact size that makes it perfect for navigating busy city streets. Additionally, the Mini Hatchback features a fuel-efficient engine, which is great for those who prioritize eco-friendliness. The Mini has always been a different type of car and the 2023 Hatchback promises to continue building on that legacy (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Mini USA

Not only that, but the car also comes equipped with a host of advanced safety features to ensure that drivers and passengers stay safe on the road. Plus, its sleek design is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Overall, the 2023 Mini Hatchback is a top choice for drivers who want a vehicle that’s both practical and stylish.

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Holy Grails: Classic Muscle Cars With Single-Digit Production Numbers

It’s no secret that car fans are mesmerized by limited-edition supercars that were produced in low numbers. Yes, those multi-million-dollar machines are fantastic, but they’re not the only cars with single-digit production numbers. Back in the heyday of the muscle car culture, Detroit made numerous rare muscle cars with lower production numbers than the supercars of today.

As you’ll see on this list, most of the cars on our lists are Hemi-powered models because that option was rare and expensive back then. It was available in a range of Plymouth and Dodge models. Some of these scarce models were rarer than others. But we’re not only talking about Mopar cars exclusively. True, Hemis are definitely known for their exclusivity, but they’re not the only ones. You’ll also find some rare muscle cars from Ford and Chevy as well, so enjoy the rarest muscle cars right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Hemi Convertible – 9 Made

Even though Plymouth had the Barracuda, their first pony car model was introduced two weeks before the Ford Mustang. The Chrysler-owned stablemate Dodge didn’t enter the segment until 1970. The Challenger was immediately presented with the full firepower of Mopar engines. Buyers could get a powerful 383 V8, a big 440, and the famous 426 Hemi (via Sports Car Market).

Photo Credit: Mecum

Since the Challenger was an actual muscle car, the majority of examples sold were coupes. But a convertible was also available. In 1970, Dodge produced only nine convertible Challengers. The Hemi made this model one of the rarest as well as the most powerful muscle car convertible built during this golden era.

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Bigger Isn’t Better: Massive Engines That Somehow Have Low Power

Most car fans know that bigger engines are more capable of producing higher power. They have bigger bores, strokes, and high flow intakes that can feed the engine with more fuel and air. However, modern times have brought the auto world downsizing. These fuel-efficient engines can match a larger V8’s power with the help of turbocharging and modern technology. Yet displacement is still king. If you want a lot of power, the best way to do so is with a lot of cylinders and significant displacement.

However, in the car industry, some huge engines were downright disappointing. They were massive, but somehow pathetic in their power output; even bordering on disgraceful. Today, we’ll discuss those rare kinds of engines that were massive machines with ridiculously low power. Most of them were the victims of tightening emission regulations and low compression approaches. But some of them were simply products of poor engineering. Either way, these engines taught today’s car world a thing or two about not what to do wrong. Check these engines out right here.

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Cadillac 500 CID

The Cadillac 500 CID is a typical example of a massive engine with enormous potential ruined by environmental standards. This mighty power plant was introduced in 1970 in the Eldorado and remained the top engine choice for almost a decade. In 1970, this engine produced a healthy 400 HP and 550 lb.-ft of torque, which made it one of the most powerful engines ever put in a production vehicle. Unfortunately, this lasted only for a year before it began to decline (via Driving Line).

By the second half of the 1970s, Cadillac’s mighty 500 V8 lost all of its power. The engine was installed in other models like Fleetwood. As time progressed and US manufacturers introduced low-compression engines, this mighty unit delivered only 190 to 210 HP and almost 200 lb.-ft of torque less than the 1970 model. Of course, its performance was pathetic as well.

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The 10 Most Expensive Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever Sold

Harley-Davidson is perhaps the most well-known and world-renowned motorcycle brand in the world. There have been hundreds of different Harleys on the road. The modern-day Harley-Davidson brand has defined the motorcycle world as we know it. The price of a new Harley Davidson is as expensive as a brand-new car and sometimes even more.

But some Harleys reach insanely high sales prices that other motorcycles can only dream of. We looked at Harley-Davidsons that broke records for high price tags. There were rare models such as the original Harley race bike and others that are just valuable in the motorcycle community. These Harley-Davidsons are far outside the price range of the average rider, and you won’t see them sitting in front of your local Starbucks. Check out the most expensive Harleys ever right here.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1912 Harley-Davidson 8A Twin – $236,500

This motorcycle features a V-twin engine with a capacity of 61 cubic inches and a top speed of 60 mph. The 8A Twin had the design and functionality of a classic motor from the period coupled with twin-engined performance. The comfortable seat and functionality of the trunk are notable features of the bike, as are the fat tires (via Hot Cars).

Photo Credit: Mecum

The 8A Twin took the V-Twin engine style to the next level. The side-mounted shift lever is the groundbreaking feature that set the bike apart. The bike was in excellent condition, with all original parts and a beautiful vintage aesthetic. Back in 1912, motorcycles were still a new thing but Harley Davidson changed the game with the 8A Twin. Although motorcycle design changed from the early days of the 8A Twin, the unique design was unlike anything else. To this day, the V-Twin motor is the defining characteristic of any Harley Davidson motorcycle.

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Back To The Future: Why ’80s Muscle Cars Are Gaining Huge Popularity

The car collecting world is certainly a crazy place as evidenced by the recent surge in value for ’80s muscle cars. Some cars turn into extremely sought-after objects overnight, commanding high prices and becoming out of reach for most enthusiasts. But many other vehicles never achieve worldwide acclaim despite being rare and old. It seems that the classic car community has no rules. However, by now we can safely predict what cars have good chances of being the next big thing and which vehicles will never achieve classic car status.

Interestingly, in some cases, a car’s specifications, technology, or design, have nothing to do with its popularity. That often has to do with the moments in history or people’s recollections of specific cars or classes. That’s why ’80s muscle cars have gained so much popularity in recent years. Today, we’re going to break down all the major reasons why the classic car world has recently seen this shift.

Foto Credit: Auto WP

Availability

Many collectors know that 1960s muscle cars are rare, which is a big reason why they’re so valuable. But ’80s models are more common and still around despite being 30 to 40 years old. The ’80s models are also built better than their 1960s counterparts, so they survived the years in better condition. Also, some thoughtful owners paid more attention to keeping these cars in top condition. So collectors now have 1980s models with few miles and in perfect shape for sale. It is almost impossible to find a 1967 Camaro RS with 3000 miles on the clock.

Photo Credit: GM

Yet there are 1987 Camaro IROC with similar mileage for sale at auctions every once in a while (via Automobile Catalog). If we look at the production figures for ’80s muscle cars, we can see that most of them were bought in vast numbers, like the Fox-body Mustang. This famous Ford sold 2.6 million copies in 14 years on the market. Of course, a lot of them were crushed, rusted, or discarded over the years, but such a high number suggests that there are still a lot of similar models around the market.

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Classic Old-School Car Features That Gen Z Will Never Know

Growing up as a kid in the 1970s to 1990s was a different time. During this era, the automotive industry was constantly changing. Certain features that we found inside a car were still new and revolutionary, like the first airbag or the first shoulder seat belts. Remember manual crank windows? Yes, those were actually a thing long before power windows became the norm.

Gen Z has grown up in an age where cars and trucks are covered in technology from top to bottom. Nowadays, cars even have built-in internet connectivity inside them. Those old-school car features of the past have since been forgotten by a new generation of drivers. Most of these car features such as antennas and bench seating will never be a part of the auto industry again. We looked back at the classic car features that Gen Z drivers will never know about. Take a walk down memory lane right here.

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Manual/Crank Windows

Manual or crank car windows were the norm for many years before power windows became popular. They were operated by a hand crank that you had to turn to roll the windows up or down. Many people found them to be a hassle and preferred the convenience of power windows. However, there are some advantages to manual windows, including that they are less likely to break and are more affordable to repair (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Pinterest

Using manual windows could be a workout for your arms, especially if you had to roll them up and down repeatedly. On hot days, they could be particularly difficult to operate due to the heat expanding the metal tracks. Nevertheless, there was something satisfying about being able to control the airflow with a simple turn of the crank. Overall, while they may seem outdated now, manual windows were a reliable and straightforward way to operate car windows.

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Hits and Misses: The Best and Worst Pontiac GTOs Ever Made

Even though the Pontiac brand is just a distant memory in the automotive industry, the legacy of the famous brand is kept alive through its cars. Most notable among those are its iconic GTOs. The GTO was the first proper muscle car, singlehandedly establishing a whole new and popular class of vehicles. The car’s combination of great design, solid underpinnings, and power brought power to the masses and created the most significant muscle car legend.

However, despite being such an influential and fantastic machine, the GTO had its share of cars that carried that infamous nameplate but never deserved it. So today, we’ll make an interesting parallel between the five best GTOs and the five worst cars under that name. Check out the GTOs that made those three letters so iconic and those that almost ruined it right here.

Foto Credit: Auto WP

1964 Pontiac Tempest GTO (Best)

In the early 1960s, Pontiac had a ton of success on drag strips across America. That performance aspect became a powerful marketing tool since a new generation of buyers wanted fast cars. Pontiac understandably wanted to capitalize on its success. But the company was reluctant to invest in a sports car built from scratch. All of their production models were big, heavy vehicles. However, a young engineer named John DeLorean thought of a genius idea. Install a big and powerful 396 V8 into a light, intermediate Tempest two-door body to quickly (and cheaply) create an actual performance machine (via Car and Driver).

Foto Credit: Auto WP

The result was the Tempest GTO, an option on the intermediate Tempest model. For just $295, buyers would get a high-performance 396 V8 with 325 HP in standard trim or 348 HP in the famous Tri Power form. Manual transmission, unique trim, GTO decals, and dual exhaust were all part of the package. Since the car was light, the Tempest GTO had a convincing performance. Even the Corvette owners weren’t safe from the Tempest GTOs lurking at stoplights across the country. Pontiac’s sales manager wasn’t particularly fond of the model and thought that the GTO package didn’t have perspective. His estimate of a maximum of 5000 examples per year was drastically surpassed by official sales figures of over 32,000 copies. It was clear that the GTO was a hit amongst younger buyers and that a star had been born.

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The Dark Side Of Popularity: Hot Cars That Are Actually Tough To Sell

The used car market has gained traction like never before after the recent viral pandemic. Due to chip shortages and driver nostalgia, cars that were once nearly worthless are now worth thousands more than before. But even with the popularity of this new used car market, there are still some popular models that are incredibly hard to sell.

Vehicles like the Acura SLX come to mind. There are also once-popular cars like the Isuzu Trooper and Toyota Prius that are tough to sell nowadays. Buying a car that’s going to be hard to sell is also a very bad investment. You’ll hardly ever be able to recoup the money that you spend on a shoddy vehicle. We looked at some of the most popular cars that are the hardest to sell on today’s market here.

Photo Credit: Jalopnik

First-Generation Toyota Prius (1997-2003)

The first-generation Toyota Prius was made from 1997 to 2003. It was the first mass-produced hybrid electric car and used both gasoline and electricity to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The Prius was a compact car that could seat up to five people. The first-generation Prius had a futuristic design and a unique shape. It had a similar size to the Toyota Echo, which came in at a much cheaper price (via Hot Cars).

Photo Credit: Toyota

It also had innovative features like a dashboard display that showed the driver how much fuel and battery power was remaining. When the 2008 recession hit, the Prius offered consumers a smart economical choice. The mid-2000s were the best time to be a Prius owner because the car hit its peak. The first-generation Prius was a groundbreaking car that helped pave the way for future hybrid and electric vehicles. However, the trademark egg-shaped design didn’t appeal to everyone. Some drivers thought that Toyota could have put a bit more effort into the design of the car.

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The Last Of Us: The Best Cars To Own Before The Fuel Runs Out

As you probably know, the era of fossil fuel-burning cars is slowly coming to an end. After over 100 years of gasoline and diesel consumption in passenger vehicles, the industry and car community will soon go electric. This won’t just change driving dynamics everywhere, but also the urban landscape forever. The change will put gasoline-powered cars into museums. The sad truth is that EVs are not as nearly as fun to drive as gas-powered models even though they have fantastic acceleration figures. The problem is in the detached driving feel of new electric models and the fact that all EV cars are very heavy.

That being said, it’s time for us to compile the list of cars we recommend you own or drive before it is too late. These vehicles are designed for sheer driving pleasure, speed, and performance. They are cars that will convince you that the ideals of driving are not behind the wheel of an EV, but behind the thumping fossil-fueled engine which roars and spits fire through the exhaust. Here are the cars you should drive before gasoline-powered cars become extinct. Enjoy them right here.

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Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The success of the regular Vantage inspired Aston’s engineers to think further. What if they took the standard V8 Vantage and installed the mighty V12 engine from the top-of-the-line DBS model? There was only one way to find out. Soon, prototypes roamed around Aston’s headquarters (via Edmunds).

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Engineers were surprised at how good the new car turned out to be. The V12 engine with 510 HP transformed the nature of this compact sports car and made it a British muscle car with fantastic road manners. The acceleration was brutal as well as the top speed. Also, the big V12 didn’t affect the weight distribution or balance. In an era of robotized automatic transmissions, the V12 Vantage left the factory with a six and later seven-speed manual, which proved to be the enthusiast’s choice. This is one of the last old-school sports cars and a definitive future classic that maintains a high value.

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Future Stars: The Best Modern Muscle Cars To Invest In

There’s no denying that the original classic muscle cars from 1964 to 1971 commanded high prices due to boomers’ interest in buying the cars from their youth. However, today’s car enthusiasts need to move on and concentrate on the present and future. That means finding a new class of modern muscle worth investing in and preserving. Car fans have already seen a significant rise in prices for muscle cars of the ’80s and early ’90s.

So the next logical step is that modern muscle cars from around the last 20 years will be valuable someday. That conclusion is entirely rational knowing that the 2000s brought us many exciting and fast muscle cars. In truth, this era of muscle cars raised the bar regarding performance and road holding. We looked at the top modern muscle cars that smart drivers are investing in now right here.

Photo Credit: Stelantis

Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Inspired by the wild SVT Cobra Rs from the ’90s, the 2003 model was not given the “R” designation. This is because it wasn’t as limited in production. It was available to the general public rather than just racing drivers and private teams. However, this SVT Cobra was a very important model for the Mustang dynasty since it featured two firsts. One was the first factory supercharged engine. The other was an independent rear suspension. SVT took the standard 4.6-liter block and mounted different heads and a supercharger to get 390 HP and 390 lb.-ft of torque (via Car and Driver).

Photo Credit: Net Car Show

The engine is called “Terminator,” and rumor was that it has more than the advertised 390 HP. Ford equipped the SVT Cobra with an independent rear suspension similar to the first Ford GT to handle all that power and torque. This helped stability at high speeds and made this Mustang handle like a dream. Its 0 to 60 mph time took only 4.7 seconds, making the SVT Cobra a drag strip terror. Ford offered this model in 2003 and 2004, producing around 20,000 of them in a coupe and convertible form. Despite being almost 15 years old, the cars still hold high prices on the used car market.

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