10 Cool Future Cars Worth Waiting For

Even in the age of high-speed internet, automated checkouts, and next-day deliveries, certain things still take time. For automakers, building a vehicle from concept to production takes a couple of years. But since we live in the experience age, we get to spy on what these automakers are cooking up. Interestingly, piling up all the information often feels like trying to fit the pieces of an exciting jigsaw puzzle.

Although carmakers had to push production and development plans forward following the Covid-19 pandemic, everything seems to be gathering momentum late in the year. In the last few months, numerous teaser videos, social media posts, leaked images, and revealed spec sheets have gearheads excited about the future again. In case you plan to purchase a new car in the future, here's a list of some cool cars that are worth the wait.

10 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

Trucks have finally joined the electrification party, and it's no surprise that Ford is lighting the way. Brands like Lordstown, Rivian, Atlis, and Tesla have unveiled exciting concepts with futuristic styling, but the F-150 Lightning strikes a more approachable balance of technology and tradition.

2022-Ford-F-150-Lightning6-1 — Via Polestar

Considering the F-Series has been the country's best-selling truck for the last 44 consecutive years, the versatile and remarkably utilitarian Ford F-150 Lightning arguably represents the future of the electric pickup truck. Whether plowing snow, hauling heavy loads, or conquering rough dirt roads, the well-rounded electric F-150 will undoubtedly excite enthusiasts who like to get the job done. The icing on the cake has to be the optional Intelligent Backup Power system that allows the F-150 Lightning to function as a power generator in the house.

9 2022 Ferrari Purosangue SUV

Heads up, Lamborghini Urus, because your Italian arch nemesis is coming in hot. Most enthusiasts never thought this day would come, but Ferrari is raring to toss a high-performance SUV, sorry, FUV, in the ring. Although Ferrari loyalists cringe at the thought of it, the automaker promises to deliver the same Ferrari driving emotion; only this time in multiple locations with more passengers.

As part of Ferrari's new design for the next-generation lineup, the Purosangue 'FUV' will ride on the same flexible front-engine modular platform used on the Roma grand tourer. And since Ferrari plans to distinguish its SUV from the rest, the Purosangue will likely rock a sleek wagon-like stance. Powertrain options are still unclear, but the plan is to generate an output potent enough to dethrone the Urus.

8 2022 GMC Hummer EV

The Hummer EV is an over-the-top, extreme off-road truck positioned as GMC's halo vehicle to transition from the dark gas-guzzling days. The resurrected Hummer features a Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving mode, optional adjustable air suspension, removable roof panels, and a cool four-wheel steering feature that allows the SUV to crab sideways.

The Hummer EV utilizes GM's Ultrium battery-pack technology, capable of supporting up to 350 miles driving range per charge. The only powertrain available is a 1,000hp three electric motor setup that GMC claims will blast the Hummer EV from 0-60mph in just 3.0 seconds. The GMC Hummer EV will bear a whopping $112,595 price tag when it eventually goes on sale.

7 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

Earlier in September, Ford CEO Jim Farley took to Twitter and amusingly urged everyone to "hold on to your butts" because a hotter, wilder, more off-road aggressive Bronco is already in the works. The grille and the headlights from the teaser have everyone pumped up because Ford finally confirmed that the 2022 Bronco is slated to get Raptorized.

As anticipation and speculation pile up, it's interesting to see what Ford does with the legendary Bronco's new lease of life. Leaked news suggests the Bronco Raptor will come in base trim and a Lux Equipment package. The ordering system leak further hinted at three color codes: Code Orange, Eruption Green, and Hot Pepper Red.

6 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL-Class

Although the Mercedes-Benz SL has an exciting legacy that stretches back to the original 300SL Gullwing, the two-passenger hardtop convertible has been a slow seller for the last couple of years. But as the new badge suggests, Mercedes-Benz AMG took over its production, and the refreshed racing-derived model comes with exciting fundamental changes.

AMG built a new platform to make the SL lighter, smaller, and much more athletic, essentially preparing it to take over from the AMG GT roadster. The AMG treatment will also see the SL receive standard all-wheel-drive, rear-axle steering, a 2+2 seat configuration, a fabric roof, and exciting drive modes.

5 2023 Nissan Z

After holding the fort for too long, Nissan is ready to let the 370Z hang up its gloves. Finally, the much-anticipated seventh-generation Nissan 400Z has arrived. And it's full of surprises. First off, we can't call it the Nissan 400Z but simply the Nissan Z. Still, the new Z houses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 that whips up an excellent 400hp.

Buyers will face a tough choice of either a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters or an exciting six-speed manual with a high-performance clutch. Beyond the transmission, Nissan Z flavors include a Sport trim with 18-inch wheels or a Performance trim with 19-inch wheels. Pricing is expected to range around the $40,000 tag, meaning the new Z will compete with the Audi TT and the new Toyota Supra.

4 2023 Land Rover Defender 80

Here's Everything We Know About The 2023 Land Rover Defender 80 — via TheTorqueReport

Land Rover used to deliver a junior model alongside its mid-size SUVs, and it seems the freshly redesigned Defender is about to receive a smaller, more affordable compact SUV. Dubbed the Land Rover Defender 80, this fantastic SUV will go toe-to-toe with the current Jeep Wrangler and the upcoming Ford Bronco Raptor.

The Defender 80 Is Likely To Find Favor With Those Looking For A Compact SUV, At An Affordable Price, Especially With An Adventurous Bent Of Mind — via MotorAuthority

No matter the trims on offer, the junior Defender 80 will duke it out in its segment with Land-Rover style off-road capability, generous breakover, approach, and departure angles, plus lots of ground clearance. However, the engine, transmission, and interior details are not official, but the excitement of a fierce battle is building up in the compact SUV arena.

3 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

2023 Chevy Corvette Z06 — via Car and Driver

The breathtaking images of the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 first surfaced in September, and now GM plans to make a full reveal later this month. Ahead of the reveal, a teaser video has sparked an internet frenzy over what the Corvette Z06 has to offer.

Since the C8 Corvette Stingray's departure from tradition to a new mid-engine layout, it's not surprising that soundtrack signs from the teaser point to a naturally-aspirated 5.5-liter V8 used in motorsport. The biggest highlight is the suggested 8,600rpm redline that would see the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 register record-breaking power. Other expectations include a convertible trim level, standard rear-wheel drive, and a Z07 performance package.

2 2024 Aston Martin Vanquish

The Aston Martin Vanquish is a rather exciting prospect to look forward to, considering its exquisite design will echo those of its elder, more exclusive siblings. Surprisingly, Aston Martin is willing to bet its legacy of building high-performance, high-end sports cars on a mid-engine future with the next-generation Vanquish.

Since the much-loved V-12 powerplant is already one foot out the door, the 2024 Vanquish could feature an in-house-built hybrid V-6 powertrain. The forthcoming 3.0-liter hybrid powertrain has an estimated 700 hp output, which Car and Driver suggest would make the Vanquish a formidable competitor to the McLaren 720S and the Ferrari F8 Tributo.

1 2024 BMW i8 M

BMW is unwilling to give up on high-dollar hybrid sports cars, despite the disappointments with the last i8 model. But if the BMW Vision M Next concept is anything to go by, then the next-generation i8 M might own the top half of the market.

Everyone expects the BMW i8 M hybrid sports car, or whatever BMW settles on, to arrive with updated styling, a more capable chassis, a massive increase in power, and a more extended driving range. BMW plans to achieve a 591hp total system output, enough for the BMW i8 M to rival the Lexus LC500h, Acura NSX, and the Polestar 1. With BMW raring to make an impact, the i8 M is arguably one of the most promising cars to look forward to in the next few years.