With 16 models of plug-in cars on the market right now, we take a look at upcoming cars. Some of these speculations are ours alone and in no way reflect manufacturers roadmap.
Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid.
Mitsubishi Outlander 2014Probably one of the most anticipated car for 2014 is Mitsubishi’s Outlander plug-in hybrid, PHEV. The Outlander has matured enough and the 2013 series impressed us a lot. Our initial drive was from the Colorado Springs airport to the Broadmoor Hotel. What particularly impressed me was that for once, here is an affordable SUV that handles well, doesn’t float and doesn’t feel bloated. I was impressed by how light the doors felt closing without sounding cheap. The Mitsubishi Outlander should sell like hot cakes.
Honda EVs and PHEVs.
One company who is set to impress us a lot and still flying under the radar bleep is Honda. If you put the pieces together, Honda’s Accord Plug-In Hybrid and Fit EV are clearly showing the company is working on a few EVs and PHEVs. This is our opinion and doesn’t reflect what Honda is planning. Still, Honda has been pumping out the engineering that made it so famous decades ago. Honda is working on a few front at the same time, PHEV, EV and of course, the obligatory hydrogen fuel cell development. Watch for a few
Tesla Model X.
Would we get lynched without mentioning a Tesla somewhere? Rightfully so, the Model X will be as bit as successful as the Model S. Never underestimate the US’ appetite for SUVs, or Crossovers, or whatever name the industry will give us for these big cars. I’m holding my breath for the next Roadster, although it most likely won’t come this year. Hopefully, Tesla will announce it.
Welcome Subaru to hybrid land!
Probably one of the best news bit in 2013 was that Subaru was finally ready to give us a hybrid, the XV Crosstek Hybrid. Ah, the joy of a tough as nail Subaru that will be easier on our gasoline budget. And maybe this is just what we needed, as we start to see hybrid platform giving that much needed extra performance boost. Subaru has the only “off-road” hybrid on the market.
The Not So Obvious Ones.
We’re still waiting for the onslaught of performance hybrids. So far, it seems the Honda CR-Z is the closest thing that resembles a performance hybrid, at least without dropping half a million dollars or more on a LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Porsche 918 or hybrid Lamborghini.
The Acura NSX is an obvious choice here, although its price might set it slightly out of reach for many. How about the inevitable electrification of Corvettes, GT-Rs and Lancer Evolutions? Here are three cars that beg for a hybrid boost. We’re pretty sure at least one of them will be announced this year.
Anything else we forgot you are looking for?
