Cars to Watch Out For in 2021

Every year, there’s excitement about new products on the horizon. Cars are no exception.

We take a sneak peek at some amazing 2021 cars and their mind-boggling features.

Quick Quirks:

• 1996: John Howard became PM and the last Ford Bronco was made, now it’s back
• BMW’s kidney grille has grown to an ‘elephant’s lung’ grille
• Audi 2021 entry can move something heavier than a Q7, faster than an R8
• You won’t get bored of Hyundai’s ambient lighting for at least 64 days
• Nissan adds another grandchild for its famed1969 240Z

Ford Bronco

(source: motor1.com)

Dollars: Starting at $US29,995
Release Date: US only: June 2021
Top Feature: Monster-truck(ish) 35-inch tires are available as standard.

About:

1996: The Atlanta Olympics were held, Melbourne hosted its first F1 GP, John Howard was sworn in as PM - and the last Ford Bronco rolled off the production line.

After a 25-year absence, the legendary, famous and infamous Bronco is back. It’s undoubtedly Ford’s biggest recent announcement and huge news for 2021 cars - and the entire auto industry.

The 2021 Bronco maintains its heritage as a true off-roader. To prove this, rubber floors with drains and marine-grade vinyl seats are available. Ford also includes its Terrain Management System - G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) which has different drive modes. A 2.3-litre four-cylinder and 2.7-litre turbo V6 with 310 hp are the engine choices.

POI: June 17, 1994: A white Ford Bronco carrying suspected murderer O.J. Simpson gave Ford immense exposure when a low-speed car chase ensued.

BMW M3

(source: drishtimagazine.com)

Dollars: From $144,900
Release Date: March 2021
Top Feature: Giant grille

About:

Numerous 2021 cars have people commenting, ‘it looks weird’. The M3 is one of the weird-looking 2021 cars. Starting with the front grille, it appears to have been cartoonishly scaled up from the subtle BMW kidney grilles of the past to an ‘elephant’s lung’ grille.

Moving on, the M3 in top trim delivers a massive 375kW 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six. BMW’s anticipated laser headlights are also available.

The ‘M Drive Professional’ system allows drivers to select different drive modes, some aimed at the race track. They include lap timers and records of various data such as acceleration and even powerslides.

POI: In top trim, the M3 is aimed at performance rather than luxury. Proving this, the M3 punches 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds, offers multiple ‘race track’ settings and the above mentioned 375kW engine.

Audi RS E-Tron GT

(source: hypebeast.com)

Dollars: $163,000 (speculated)
Release Date: Mid-2021 in Europe
Top Feature: Despite its weight, it’s faster (0-100kph) than the famed R8

About:

Another of the hugely anticipated 2021 cars, the all-wheel-drive electric high-performance tourer is finally here - in 2021. The E-Tron GT comes with a beastly 440kW / 830Nm from its dual motors which can throw it from 0 to 100kph in 3.5 seconds. (A Lamborghini Huracán claims 3.4 seconds).

Being part of the VW group (along with Porsche, Lamborghini and others), the E-Tron GT shares a lot with the Porsche Taycan. For example, the twin-motor electric drivetrain, lithium-ion battery, two-speed gearbox and four-wheel-drive system.

Some may see this as a negative, but sharing numerous components with the likes of Porsche is pretty positive in our books. The RS E-Tron GT seems aimed at a more subtle driving enthusiast than the Porsche.

POI: Weight. Firstly, a 2020 Audi Q7 weighs around 2060kg - the RS E-Tron GT comes in at a massive 2300kg - but still punches 0 - 100kph in 3.5 seconds.

Hyundai Tucson

(source: motor1.com)

Dollars: Starting at $29,640
Release Date: First half of 2021
Top Feature: Ultra-modern interior and tech suite

About:

This is the 4th generation of Hyundai’s popular midsize SUV. At first glance, the grille and running lights are most noticeable. Hyundai has blended the headlights and LED running lights into the horizontal-triangle-plane-wing shapes of the grille. The effect is stunning and looks nothing like previous models. We’re hoping the Aussie models get it.

Around the back, the taillights also got a revamp. Like other 2021 cars, the Tucson gets a full-width lightbar - a trend from the 80’s that’s making a huge comeback in auto design.

The Australian version is 130mm longer and 15mm taller than previous models which continues with the auto industry’s ‘growing car’ theme seen in many 2021 cars.

Hyundai has added its HTRAC all-wheel-drive system which allows more terrain drive modes, like mud, sand and snow. ‘E-Handling’ also improves stability in adverse driving conditions. It sounds great but if past and present Tucson drivers are any guides, it’ll spend most of its time on the tarmac.

POI: Hyundai has put a lot into the interior, for example, ambient mood lighting with 64 colours to choose from.

Nissan 400Z

source: carbuzz.com)

Dollars: Around $70,000 (speculated)
Release Date: Possibly delayed
Top Feature: Keeps in line with its lineage

About:

‘Finally’ and ‘It’s about time’ are heard constantly from Nissan Z car enthusiasts. The famed ‘Z’ series that helped prove Japanese automakers could design sports coupes like the Italians (but with more reliability) lives on. It’s one of the 2021 cars that’s getting huge attention.

The original Z, the 240Z, came out over 50 years ago back in 1969. Due to their popularity, the old Z cars are rising in value. The new 400Z keeps the squared, muscular rear and sharp-sporty front. The headlights too pay homage to the Z cars of the past with a more rounded look rather than the angular-angry look of most cars today.

Although unconfirmed, the 400Z is said to have a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with 400Hp. There’s also rumours of an all-electric version but apparently not for a few several years.

Nissan has had some rough years recently - both financially and within upper management. However, with Nissan’s huge cult following behind cars like the Skyline, Silvia / 200sx and 180sx and the hall-of-fame GT-R, the new 400Z could (hopefully) signal a turn to better times.

POI: The 400Z has many ancestors. Here’s it’s linage:

• 1969 - 240Z (the first ‘Z’) - 151Hp
• 1974 - 260Z - 139Hp
• 1975 - 280Z - 149Hp
• 1979 - 280ZX (first ‘ZX’) - 145 hp
• 1981 - 280ZX Turbo - 180Hp
• 1984 - 300ZX (Z31) - 200Hp
• 1990 - 300ZX Twin Turbo (Z32) - 300Hp
• 2003 - 350Z (Z33) - 287Hp
• 2007 - 350Z (new engine) - 306Hp
• 2009 - 370Z (Z34) - 330Hp

2021 Cars Conclusion:

2021’s cars may have some amazing and innovative features, but they do share one thing in common with all model years - excitement. Manufacturers are backing their products with longer warranties too as innovation makes cars more reliable.

The automotive industry is an expert at innovative design. If your car is looking a little dated and the excitement has long worn off, get a quick quote and start the ball rolling on a new car.