Exciting New Models to Watch For in the Second Half of 2023
A week ago, we reviewed the top 10 new models from the first six months of 2023. You can bet the second half of the year will be filled with as many exciting debuts, possibly more. It will all start around mid-July with the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the U.K.
We’ll obviously take a look back at this prestigious event in a couple of weeks, but for the time being, here are some of the anticipated new models to watch for between now and the end of 2023.
Acura ZDX and Honda Prologue
The all-new Honda Prologue, set to become the Japanese automaker’s first fully electric vehicle in Canada, will be officially unveiled sometime in the next few weeks. Ditto for its luxurious cousin, the Acura ZDX (no relation with the late crossover bearing the same name). Their platform and battery will come from General Motors thanks to a partnership between Honda and the American automaker, but their design and driving dynamics will be typical of Honda/Acura products.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N
On July 13 in Goodwood, Hyundai will reveal its extremely anticipated high-performance electric crossover, the IONIQ 5 N. The bar will be raised in more ways than one, and even higher than the 576-horsepower Kia EV6 GT. Look for electrifying acceleration and impressive feats both on the road and on the track.
Cadillac Escalade IQ
Cadillac will try to please Mother Earth’s friends early next month by unveiling a zero-emission variant of its full-size SUV called Escalade IQ. GM’s Ultium platform will underpin the vehicle. Given its larger-than-life status, it’s reasonable to envision a three-motor system similar to that of the GMC Hummer EV, which can produce up to 1,000 horsepower. Don’t expect the same type of off-road capability, however. By the way, the Escalade IQ is one of three new EV models that Cadillac plans to show in 2023 and start to build next year.
Alfa Romeo
On August 30, just days away from the Italian F1 Grand Prix, Alfa Romeo is expected to unveil a new supercar. Rumour has it the model will be called 6C, take inspiration from the classic 33 Stradale and feature a six-cylinder engine—presumably the twin-turbo V6 found in Alfa’s Quadrifoglio models, but with more power and torque. Production will likely be limited, and the company has said it won’t be a spinoff of the Maserati MC20.
Jeep Recon
The Recon will become the first-ever all-electric Jeep in North America when it enters production in 2024 as a 2025 model. We’ve already seen the concept, and the production model will debut later in 2023, hopefully with all of the important specs such as power, range and charging capability. As for off-road performance, expect nothing short of amazing.
Mazda CX-70
Following the launch of the brand new 2024 CX-90, Mazda will strike again with a smaller, two-row variant called CX-70. This one will also be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering superb levels of performance and efficiency. A debut is going to take place by the end of 2023, but the first units will likely arrive in dealerships early next year.
MINI Cooper and Countryman
MINI has already previewed the next-generation Cooper hardtop. All signs point to the company officially introducing the production model later in 2023, most likely for the 2025 model year. The electric MINI will ride on a whole new architecture resulting from a collaboration between BMW Group and China’s Great Wall Motors. Production will take place at a Chinese plant, while the conventionally powered hatchbacks will still come from the Oxford factory in the U.K.
Additionally, a new generation of the MINI Countryman is just around the corner, and it will offer both conventionally powered and fully electric models side by side. Production is set to begin in late 2023 at the BMW plant in Leipzig, Germany.
Tesla Model 3
The best-selling electric car in the world will get key styling revisions and technological updates for 2024—what Tesla calls “Project Highland.” The front end of the Model 3 will lose some curves and adopt sharper lines, not to mention new-look headlights. Some sources claim we’ll see it rolling off the line in California and China as early as this summer. Watch out!
Volkswagen Tiguan
The third-generation Tiguan is right around the corner. Currently in the final stages of development and testing, it will make its global debut this fall and go on sale next year, likely as a 2025 model in Canada. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine will be back (possibly with more power) and a plug-in hybrid system could be offered, as well. Volkswagen’s top executive for North America made that wish clear recently.
