Future Sports Cars

The 2011 Saab 9-3 may borrow some styling elements from Saab's Aero X concept, which is shown here. See more pictures of the 2010 Saab 9-3.

2011 BMW X4: Imagine a junior edition of the new X6 crossover based on the redesigned X3 SUV and you have the newest all-wheel-drive Bimmer. The X4 looks good to go, even though the jury is still out on its big brother.

2011 Cadillac CTS: The CTS Coupe Concept that dazzled auto show attendees is poised to become a reality for model-year 2011.

2011 Chevrolet Camaro: It's been a long time coming, but Chevrolet's reborn ponycar was on track for an early-2009 debut. It's a great nostalgia trip, but will it be spoiled by unstable gas prices?

2011 Mercedes-Benz Ocean Drive: Mercedes-Benz seems ready to add a four-door convertible based on its big S-Class sedan. It should be much like the recent Ocean Drive concept except in name.

2011 Saab 9-3: The premium compact car from this Swedish brand is redesigned to be even more compact. It's an unexpected move, but it could mean more driving fun with higher mpg.

2011 Volvo S60: Volvo's two mainstream sedans merge into one curvy new premium compact. The redesigned S60 majors in high style and high tech, but can it sell when the brand's future is so uncertain?

2012
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: A timely redesign promises fresh looks, more power, and slight dimensional gains for the pioneer hideaway-hardtop sports car. The next SLK-Class should also be easier on gas, but the real shocker is a rumored all-electric version.

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera: It won't look very different, but the next generation of the iconic rear-engine sports car will be leaner, meaner, cleaner, easier on gas, and even more agile. Inevitably, the new 911s will cost more too.

2012 Porsche 928: Is Porsche about to do a coupe spinoff of its first-ever sedan? The odds seem to favor a "two-door Panamera," but not until the economy picks up.

2012 Porsche Boxster: Porsche's mid-engine convertible will lighten up and shift down to 4-cylinder power for better fuel economy with no loss in performance. The redesigned Boxster won't look very different, but its prices probably will.

2012 Toyota Celica: Toyota's once-popular sporty coupe is set to be reborn as a low-dollar, high-mpg Mazda MX5-fighter with rear-wheel drive and a Subaru powertrain. Goliath teaming up with David? Yup, and it could be just the start of a beautiful friendship.

2013
2013 Jaguar XE: Jaguar’s next true sports car is finally on the way, with V6 power, lightweight engineering, and a bodacious body. The XE is still subject to changes, but current intel points to a strong new rival for premium two-seaters like BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster.

2013 Porsche Boxster 356: Volkswagen now calls the shots at Porsche and is eyeing a new 4-cylinder sports car to slot in below the Boxster. This “new 356” won’t be cheap, but it looms as another profit-plumper for Europe’s largest automaker.

2013 Volkswagen BlueSport Roadster: It seems VW’s long-promised sports car will finally happen. Patterned on the recent BlueSport concept, the mid-engine 2-seat ragtop shapes up as affordable driving fun with high mpg and low emissions. Too bad it’s some four years away.