These expected launches | The Press

Still battered by supply chain problems and guided by their promises of electrification, automakers are continuing the – slower – evolution of their ranges. Admittedly, heat engines are becoming increasingly rare and small, but exceptions remain as a celebration of an inevitable end. Here are some launches expected by the end of the year.

Charles Rene
The Press

BMW M2

For many BMW aficionados, the M2 is the ultimate interpretation of the manufacturer’s powerful old slogan, “The Ultimate Driving Machine”. This is why the arrival of a new generation, probably its last, is an event in itself. Pending its unveiling, scheduled for October, we know that this M2 will still be entitled to a manual gearbox and also probably to the six-cylinder biturbos (3 L) of the previous vintage with probably a little more than 405 hp advances. The M division of BMW promises various modifications allowing it to lower its weight and ensure a dynamic performance similar to the last M2 CS.

Cadillac Celestial

Presented as a pre-production model on July 22, the Celestiq is in a way an assumed return to the golden age of Cadillac, while integrating an electric powertrain and the latest technologies. We are therefore entitled to a large sedan powered by the Ultium electrical architecture and endowed with an undeniable presence. It will be hand-assembled at GM’s World Technical Center in Warren, Mich., and could cost nearly $300,000. Cadillac promises more details on the production livery by the end of the year with likely shots giving a taste of the final product.

Ford-Mustang

At the dawn of its sixties, the Mustang is about to begin what could be its last chapter written using heat engines. The coupe, born in April 1964, will be presented on September 14 at the Detroit Motor Show, marking the start of a seventh generation. Certainly, the rumors are numerous, but one thing is certain, it will keep its V8 and its manual gearbox, if we trust a tweet from the big boss of the blue oval, Jim Farley. This generation could also inaugurate the arrival of a very first hybrid engine under the hood of the pony car original in addition to keeping the four-cylinder turbo as the entry mechanism.

Ferrari Purosangue

What would have been considered heresy not so long ago will soon become reality. After many years of waiting and dithering, Ferrari will launch its very first SUV, the Purosangue. Seduced by the immense popularity of “super-SUVs”, the manufacturer promises to bolt an atmospheric V12, probably to justify its name of “thoroughbred”. Never mind, we’ll see it for the first time in September. A product that promises, like the Urus at Lamborghini, as the most popular ever produced by Ferrari. For better and for worse.

GMC Sierra Denali Electric

Cousin of the electric Chevrolet Silverado, the electric GMC Sierra will probably be unveiled by the end of the year. The pickup should suddenly increase the playing field of General Motors (GM) in full-size pickups without a combustion engine. No details have been presented for the moment on the technical level. However, we expect a structure similar to that of the electric Silverado unveiled last January with differently constructed liveries and a distinct stylistic treatment. All-wheel drive will therefore be standard with a maximum power of 660 hp for the most opulent version, in addition to a maximum range of up to 640 km.

Honda Accord

Still considered one of the best in a class whose footprint is steadily shrinking, the Honda Accord is preparing to make the transition to its 11^e generation. Review Car & Driver has learned that this new version will be model year 2023, which suggests a possible unveiling by the end of 2022 or the beginning of 2023. If we go by the Japanese brand’s recent launches, the two engines current should remain in the catalog with slight modifications, four-cylinder 1.5 L and 2 L turbo. The hybrid variant should also be part of this changing of the guard. The intermediate will also undoubtedly be inspired by the Civic regarding its design.

Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato

Lamborghini has formalized production of the Huracán Sterrato, an “off-road” version of its mid-rear-engine supercar. Unveiled as a pre-production model in 2019, this Lamborghini on stilts reveals very little about its production version, which should be presented in the coming months. Based on the concept vehicle, it will have an improved ground clearance of 47 mm compared to the standard livery as well as significantly meatier sidewall tires to negotiate with rough roads. The naturally aspirated 5.2L V10 (640 hp) would stay tightly bolted to the center. Yes, we live in a very strange period!

Pagani C10

Without being considered a benchmark in terms of pure performance, the Pagani Huayra remains, more than 10 years after its debut, a sublime intersection between art and the automotive thing. It will soon pass the torch to the C10, whose unveiling is scheduled for September 12. According to the review Coach, this new model should still be powered by a twin-turbo 6L V12 produced by the AMG division of Mercedes-Benz. Spy photos circulating on the web and a sketch image published by Pagani reconfirm that this jewel will remain faithful to its Italian roots with lines free of superfluous elements, to stand the test of time.

Polestar 3

Polestar is set to enter the electric compact SUV arena with its all-new Polestar 3, which will be unveiled in October. The second model in the range – the Polestar 1 being no longer produced – this new registration of Volvo’s sporty brand will logically increase the sales volume of the small manufacturer. The brand will launch it in a two-motor version that can travel up to 600 km in European measurement protocol (WLTP). The North American version will be assembled in the United States early next year. One thing is certain, if Polestar can breathe the very interesting dynamic aspect of the Polestar 2, this new opus could well be very competitive.