Future Cars! 2017 and Beyond

Future Cars! 2017 and Beyond

2018 Lexus LS

What's Next: Cars
What's New: Based on the LF-FC concept (pictured) that wowed visitors at last year's Tokyo Motor Show, Lexus' next-generation LS flagship is scheduled to debut in early 2017 (possibly at January's 2017 Detroit auto show) and go on sale in the fall as a 2018 model year. Expect most of the concept's radical L-Finesse design to carry over to the production car, as Lexus has no intentions of the next LS blending in. The new LS will no longer reside on the small side of the segment or lack the back-seat comfort and amenities of its European counterparts. Our sources tell us that the LS' longer wheelbase (comparable to the Benz S550's 124.6 inches) will allow rear-seat passengers to not only stretch out but also enjoy what promises to be Lexus' most opulent interior ever. In terms of powertrains, we hear a new generation of engines is in the cards—a naturally aspirated V-8 and/or a twin-turbo V-6 are likely candidates—with the LC 500 coupe's 10-speed auto a sensible partner.
What's Not: A face only Vader could love.
When: Fall 2017
How much: $75,000 (est)

Jeep Wrangler Pickup

What's Next: Trucks and Vans
What's New: After years of iterating, Jeep is finally doing a Wrangler-based pickup. It'll most likely be based on the next-generation Wrangler Unlimited chassis, stretched even farther to get the proportions right. (Crew Chief 715, a Wranger Unlimited-based concept from the 2016 Jeep Easter Safari, is pictured.) Expect upgrades to towing and hauling capabilities. Don't, however, count on a convertible.
What's Not: It will likely use the same engine and transmission as the next-gen Wrangler, probably an updated 3.6-liter V-6 with an eight-speed auto or a six-speed manual.
When: 2018 or later
How Much: $30,000 (est)

 

Audi e-Tron Quattro SUV

What's Next: SUVs
What's New: Audi recently confirmed it will begin production of its first all-electric SUV by 2018. Likely called Q6, the electric SUV is expected to offer more than 300 miles of range and should look similar to the Audi e-Tron Quattro concept (shown) unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt show.
What's Not: Although its powertrain is all-new, it'll likely ride on VW Group's MLB2 platform shared with the three-row Q7 crossover and other models.
When: 2018
How Much: $80,000 (est)

Volkswagen T-Cross

What's Next: SUVs
What's New: Volkswagen will bring out an all-new subcompact crossover to slot below the Tiguan. VW hasn't divulged the real name yet, but our best guess at what to expect comes from VW's latest small crossover concept, the T-Cross Breeze, which made its debut in February at the Geneva Motor Show. Expect a production model to feature bold styling cues like the concept but without the option to drop the top.
What's Not: Like the concept, the production model will share its underpinnings with the smallest cars on Volkswagen's flexible MQB platform, the super-mini Volkswagen Polo hatchback. That'll make it smaller than the Golf-based T-Roc crossover, which is also expected to head to market.
When: 2018 (est)
How Much: $20,000 (est)

Volkswagen CrossBlue

What's Next: SUVs
What's New: VW is plotting a new three-row crossover to compete with the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. We don't know the official name or the model yet, but a production version should borrow liberally from the styling cues of the VW CrossBlue concept (pictured) . Although the 2013 concept only featured room for six, the production model will seat seven passengers.
What's Not: The midsize crossover will ride on Volkswagen's MQB platform. As far as powertrains go, it could lift the 3.6-liter V-6 engine from the Passat, or it could offer a 2.0-liter turbo-four. Traditional hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions are both possibilities. The new model is intended specifically for the North American market and will be produced at Volkswagen's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
When: Late 2016
How Much: $33,000 (est)