15 Current Cars That are Future Classics in the Making

The first full-scale, self-propelled vehicle debuted way back in 1769.¹ From steam-powered trikes to the Ford Model T, the first mass-produced car, the automobile has come a long way. And today’s cutting-edge rides are poised to become tomorrow’s coveted classics.

With the car world rapidly shifting towards electrification, the current crop of gas-powered machines will soon be relics of a bygone era. But which modern cars have that special “it” factor to achieve collector status?

1. 2020-Present Chevrolet Corvette (C8)

The C8 Corvette is a game-changer, marking the first-ever mid-engine layout in the model’s 70-year history. This radical shift enhances handling and gives the ‘Vette an exotic supercar vibe. With its potent naturally-aspirated V8, up to 670 horsepower in the beastly Z06 trim, the C8 delivers blistering performance that’s sure to make it a hit with future collectors.

But it’s not just about raw power. The C8’s sleek, aerodynamic design turns heads, and its luxurious, driver-focused interior coddles occupants.

As the last of the pure internal combustion Corvettes before electrification takes hold, the C8 will be remembered as the end of an era and a surefire future classic.

2. 2021-Present Ford Bronco (6th Generation)

After a 25-year hiatus, the Ford Bronco galloped back onto the scene in 2021, and it’s already making waves in the off-road world. Available in two- and four-door configurations, the new Bronco pays homage to its iconic forebears with retro-inspired styling, a removable roof and doors, and impressive rock-crawling chops.

But don’t let the vintage vibes fool you – this Bronco is packed with modern tech like the Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes and a trick 7-speed manual with a crawler gear.

As Ford’s answer to the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco’s unique blend of heritage, capability, and customization will make it a hot commodity for future collectors.

3. 2017-2023 Honda Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R is the ultimate embodiment of the brand’s racing spirit in a street-legal package. This hot hatch has earned legions of fans with its aggressive styling, track-tuned suspension, and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that cranks out 306 horsepower.

The Type R’s appeal goes beyond its impressive spec sheet. With a slick-shifting 6-speed manual (no automatic here!), limited-slip differential, and precise handling, it’s a driver’s car through and through.

Factor in Honda’s reputation for bulletproof reliability, and the Type R is poised to become a highly sought-after modern classic, especially as the industry shifts away from pure internal combustion power.

4. 2020-Present Toyota GR Supra

When Toyota revived the legendary Supra nameplate in 2020 after a 21-year absence, enthusiasts rejoiced. Co-developed with BMW, the fifth-gen Supra stirs up nostalgia while delivering a thoroughly modern performance.

Its swoopy bodywork pays homage to the iconic fourth-gen model, while a BMW-sourced turbocharged inline-six (335 hp in 2.0 models, 382 hp in 3.0s) provides motivational duties.

The GR Supra is a blast to drive, with sharp handling, a composed ride, and snappy acceleration. And with a starting price under $45K, it’s a relative bargain compared to other sports cars.

5. 2015-Present Dodge Challenger Hellcat/Demon

In an era of downsizing and electrification, the Dodge Challenger Hellcat and Demon are glorious, unrepentant throwbacks to the golden age of American muscle. Packing a supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V8 with 717 horsepower in the Hellcat and a ridiculous 840 hp in the drag-strip-ready Demon, these Challengers are the most powerful production muscle cars ever.

But it’s not just about straight-line speed. With widebody fender flares, massive Brembo brakes, and adaptive suspension, the Hellcat and Demon can handle curves too.

As the last of the breed before Dodge goes electric, these supercharged beasts are sure to be coveted by collectors as the ultimate expression of the classic muscle car formula.

6. 2016-2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4/Boxster Spyder

For purists, the 718 Cayman GT4 and Boxster Spyder represent the essence of the Porsche experience. Unlike lesser 718 models with turbo-four power, these range-toppers pack a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six with 414 horsepower and an 8,000 rpm redline. Even better, they were offered exclusively with a 6-speed manual.

The GT4 and Spyder are more than just their glorious engines, though. With track-focused suspension, sticky tires, and functional aero, they’re built to devour curvy roads and dominate lap times.

Considering Porsche’s air-cooled 911s are now worth big bucks, it’s a safe bet these special 718s will be the next big thing for Stuttgart enthusiasts.

7. 2016-Present Ford Focus RS

The Ford Focus RS is a veritable giant slayer in the hot hatch world. Packing a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, this pocket rocket can sprint to 60 mph in under 5 seconds.

But the real magic is in the RS’s trick all-wheel-drive system with dynamic torque vectoring, which enables physics-defying cornering prowess.

Equally impressive is the RS’s everyday livability. With a spacious hatchback body, comfortable seats, and modern tech, it’s a car you can commute in during the week and then tear up backroads on the weekend.

8. 2015-2021 Audi TT RS

The Audi TT RS is a unique beast, combining the style and luxury of a fashionable coupe with the performance of a supercar.

Under its sleek hood lies a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five, a configuration that harks back to Audi’s rally glory days. With 400 horsepower and quattro all-wheel-drive, the TT RS can rocket to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds.

But the TT RS is more than a straight-line missile. Its precise handling, beefy brakes, and slick-shifting dual-clutch transmission make it a joy to pilot on twisty tarmac. As Audi shifts its focus to EVs, the TT RS will be remembered as one of the brand’s last great gas-powered performance machines.

9. 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a rally legend with a history of dominating dirt and gravel stages worldwide. The tenth and final iteration, the Evo X, brought the nameplate into the modern era with a more refined chassis, a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (291 hp, 300 lb-ft), and a quick-shifting dual-clutch transmission.

But don’t let the Evo X’s civility fool you – it’s still an absolute monster when pushed. With its sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, active yaw control, and beefy Brembo brakes, the Evo X can tackle any road with confidence.

10. 2009-2021 Lotus Evora

The Lotus Evora is a pure, unfiltered sports car that prioritizes driver engagement above all else.

With its mid-engine layout, lightweight composite body, and finely tuned suspension, the Evora delivers scalpel-sharp handling and a telepathic steering feel. Power comes from a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter V6 with 416 horsepower in later GT410 models.

While the Evora may not have the straight-line speed of some rivals, it more than makes up for it in the corners. This is a car that rewards skill and technique, encouraging drivers to push their limits and savor every apex.

11. 2016-Present Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND)

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the quintessential roadster, a lightweight two-seater that prioritizes nimble handling and top-down fun over outright speed. Now in its fourth generation (ND), the Miata remains true to its roots with a compact footprint, rear-wheel-drive, and a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (181 hp, 151 lb-ft).

But the ND Miata is more than just a nostalgia trip. With its sharp styling, modern tech, and refined interior, it’s a thoroughly contemporary take on the classic roadster formula.

12. 2015-2023 Dodge Viper (5th Generation)

The Dodge Viper is an American icon, a no-holds-barred supercar that prioritizes raw performance over creature comforts. The fifth and final generation, produced from 2015-2017, went out with a bang, packing an 8.4-liter V10 with 645 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque.

With its manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, the Viper demands respect.

But the Viper is more than just a straight-line brute. With its race-tuned suspension, massive brakes, and sticky tires, it can hold its own on any track.

As the last of the breed before Dodge pulled the plug, the fifth-gen Viper is destined to be a prized possession for collectors who appreciate old-school American muscle.

13. 2022-Present Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX is a rally-bred icon, a turbocharged all-wheel-drive sedan that’s equally at home on gravel roads and twisty tarmac. The latest generation, introduced for 2022, packs a new 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder with 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT.

But the WRX is more than just a numbers car. With its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, torque-vectoring, and sport-tuned suspension, it delivers surefooted handling and endless smiles on any road.

14. 2022-Present Cadillac CT4-V/CT5-V Blackwing

The Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing are the ultimate expressions of the brand’s performance potential. The CT4-V packs a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 with 472 horsepower, while the CT5-V ups the ante with a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 making 668 hp.

Both come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, a rarity in the luxury sport sedan world.

But the Blackwings are more than just muscle cars in disguise. With their sophisticated Magnetic Ride Control suspension, electronic limited-slip differential, and available carbon-ceramic brakes, they can tackle any track with ease.

15. 2016-2023 Jaguar F-Type R

The Jaguar F-Type R is a stunning two-seater that combines classic British elegance with modern performance. Under its long hood lies a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 with 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel this feline to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

With its rear- or all-wheel-drive and quick-shifting 8-speed automatic, the F-Type R is a grand tourer par excellence.

But the F-Type R is more than just a pretty face. With its adaptive suspension, torque vectoring, and available carbon-ceramic brakes, it can carve up twisty roads with aplomb.

As one of the last V8-powered Jaguars before the brand goes electric, the F-Type R is sure to be coveted by collectors who appreciate its unique blend of style and substance.

So there you have it – 15 modern cars destined for future classic status. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these future classics, cherish it, maintain it, and above all, drive it like it’s meant to be driven.

Because, in the end, that’s what makes a true classic – the memories and emotions it evokes every time you fire up the engine and hit the open road.

Source:

1. Live Science