If you find yourself in the market for a new vehicle and have a budget ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, it might be tempting to hold off until 2025 for Chevy’s groundbreaking first-ever Corvette SUV. However, if your need for new wheels can’t wait until then, fret not. The upcoming year promises a lineup of exciting and attention-grabbing cars that are well worth saving up for. Some of these models represent a pioneering step in automotive design, while others challenge conventional norms or mark a significant departure from tradition. Regardless, all of them justify every dollar of their estimated Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Prices (MSRPs).
Before you decide to spend your hard-earned savings on a run-of-the-mill ride, take a moment to consider these innovative and unconventional upcoming models that are poised to define their respective segments for years to come.
- Dodge Charger EV Projected starting MSRP: At least $50,000 Industry insiders anticipate Dodge’s introduction of the first-ever electric Charger in mid-2024. The big question remains whether die-hard fans will embrace a battery-powered iteration of a car that was once seen as the last bastion of internal combustion engine (ICE) muscle.Dodge seems determined to redefine the concept of an “electric muscle car.” No other automaker has attempted such a feat, not even the Mustang with its Mach-E, which clearly falls into the crossover SUV category. According to Car and Driver, the entry-level Charger 340 will deliver 455 horsepower, while the midrange 440 will produce 590 horsepower, both powered by 400 volts. And for the most skeptical enthusiasts, there’s the 800-volt Banshee, whose horsepower figures are shrouded in secrecy but promises to outperform the gas-powered Hellcat in all the right places. Plus, it retains the signature growl thanks to a 126-decibel amplifying chamber “exhaust.”
- Volkswagen ID. Buzz Projected starting MSRP: $58,000 The VW ID. Buzz pays homage to an icon, but this electrified reincarnation of the microbus is more than just a nod to rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia. Measuring 16.25 feet in length and approximately 6.5 feet in height and width, the revamped ID. Buzz can comfortably accommodate seven passengers in three rows.While its vibrant colors and two-toned patterns evoke the spirit of the 1960s Haight-Ashbury era, modern technology ensures a comfortable and connected ride for today’s drivers. Already a hit in Europe, this retro-inspired model is set to arrive in the United States in mid-2024 for the 2025 model year.
- Nissan Z Nismo Projected starting MSRP: $60,000 The all-new Nissan Z Nismo, due to hit the market later this fall, may disappoint enthusiasts looking for a manual transmission option, as it’s only available with an automatic gearbox. Nevertheless, this track-ready powerhouse more than makes up for it.Outclassing and outperforming its predecessors, the 2024 Nismo boasts a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine with a robust 420 horsepower. Its aerodynamic design is sleeker than the standard Z, drawing inspiration from the legendary GT500 race car. While you may miss the manual shifter, the nine-speed automatic comes with NISMO-exclusive clutch packs that double your downshift speed.
- Mercedes-AMG C63 Projected starting MSRP: $95,000 When you think of Mercedes-AMG, a 2-liter four-cylinder engine doesn’t typically come to mind. However, for the radical reboot in 2024, Mercedes is taking a unique approach. Instead of a garden-variety V-4, they’re adding an electric motor to the turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0, resulting in a plug-in hybrid with a staggering 671 horsepower.Mercedes achieved this feat by tapping into their in-house speed demons, borrowing the electrically powered turbocharger system from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 race car. This hybrid powertrain promises to deliver an electrifying driving experience.
- Aston Martin DB12 Projected starting MSRP: $248,086 If you’ve been diligently saving for a $250,000 masterpiece that seamlessly combines aesthetics and performance, the 2024 Aston Martin DB12 could be gracing your driveway before the year’s end. This sleek coupe may lack a V-12 engine, but its 4.0-liter V-8, generating 671 horsepower, propels it past 200 mph, with the first 60 mph achieved in a mere 3.3 seconds.While the rear seats may not be suitable for adult-sized passengers, the interior is a masterpiece of premium materials, featuring hand-stitched leather covering nearly every visible surface. Aston Martin proudly bills it as “the world’s first super tourer,” delivering the luxury and comfort that discerning motorists demand from a grand-touring sports car.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No North Headlines journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.