2008 Future & Concept Cars

"Gladiator" was the name of Jeep pickups in the 1960s, but this concept actually harkens back further to the more militaristic Jeep Truck of the 1950s. In essence, the Gladiator marries a Wrangler front end with a very small extended cab and a seven-foot cargo... more

The awesome 2008 Chrysler Firepower is getting closer to completion.... more

The GT3 RS is a Porsche 911 for those with no fear. We didn't get the 996-series GT3 RS, but Yankee speed freaks soon will be able to flog the 997-series follow-up. The RS is lighter than the already svelte GT3 thanks to the use of carbon fiber for the car's h... more

We love wagons and, while it may not be the most exciting estate in the world, we're excited to report Volkswagen will finally revive the Jetta Wagon later this year. Known in Europe as the Golf Variant, it's being shown at the Geneva Auto Show, and we should... more

Ferrari will boost power in the F430's 4.3-liter V-8 to 520 hp for the street-legal F430 Challenge Stradale arriving in fall 2007.... more

Look for the new Subaru Impreza WRX in late 2007 with more focused chassis dynamics and a much-needed cabin upgrade. Hard-core rally geeks must wait until early 2008--the same time that the next Mitsubishi Lancer Evo debuts--for the STI version.... more

Besides a more aggressive, squared-off look, thanks in part to 300C designer Ralph Gilles, Chrysler's next minivans also will feature--at last--roll-down windows for the sliding doors. The new models are coming in mid-2007.... more

Owners of the next, aesthetically relaxed 7-series might not have to spend half their time defending their cars' looks, but they'll still be kept busy deciphering the big car's electronic doodads. The future BMW supersedan will include a head-up display, four-... more

Get ready for the new Dodge Avenger with this preview.... more

Based on a stretched version of the Santa Fe platform, this new seven-seat model will be powered by a 290-hp, 3.8-liter V-6 and feature a sliding second row. The Honda Pilot-sized SUV won't be called the Mesa, as rumors have suggested; a different name, possib... more

A V-8 version of the current IS sedanthat will go head-to-head with the next-generation V-8-powered BMW M3. The ISF will use the 4.6-liter V-8 from the new LS460 and should also feature that car's new, eight-speed transmission, probably with paddle shifters. N... more

A micro minivan/crossover in the vein of the Mazda 5, the Rondo seats either five or seven and will be powered by a 158-hp four-cylinder or a 185-hp V-6. The Rondo will be sold as the Carens in the rest of the world. With the ability to accommodate more people... more

The current Japanese-market Cube (below) won't come here, but the next-generation model probably will. Nissan has made it clear that the Versa will not be the only subcompact car it sells in America, and the company surely is looking enviously at the street cr... more

The new A4 takes aim at BMW's 3-series, beating it in size and electronic gadgetry. Whether it'll beat it in driving dynamics is a question we'll have to wait to answer.... more

The Fairlane will be the production version of the vaguely retro-looking, three-row crossover/wagon concept (shown above) from the 2005 Detroit auto show. Ford will replace its ancient, deeply uncool Freestar with the Fairlane in 2008.... more

A two-door H3 with a bed, this truck would boast excellent off-road capability and offer a practical cargo area when it goes on sale in 2009. After the loss of the H1, Hummer is desperate to expand its lineup beyond the H2 and the H3. A pickup serves as a good... more

A new generation will bring a welcome shift in design for the next XJ, which desperately needs a more muscular look to match its athletic moves. The present iteration has an extremely capable chassis, but its interior and exterior designs are stuck in the past... more

Jaguar is dumping retro design for the new S-type in exchange for a contemporary feel inside and out. The four-door sedan will be a reskin of the current car and offer a roomier interior and more cargo space. The styling may be different, but the targets--the... more

A convertible version of Chrysler's next Sebring sedan--out this fall--sharing engine and transmission options (including an available six-speed automatic) with the four-door. A Karmann-designed folding hard top and a fabric roof will both be available. The fr... more

Playing to what's popular, the next CTS will sport Escalade-style chrome grille slats and wheels as well as a Chrysler 300-like, high-beltline, low-cut greenhouse. A coupe will follow a year after the sedan. The CTS-V will swap its Corvette engine for a more p... more