Hybrid vehicles have always been a key piece of the ecological transition of auto manufacturing. The combination of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine is a terrific stopgap to a world beyond carbon emissions for cars. Hybrids improve fuel efficiency and increase vehicle range, which helps reduce CO2 load. However, the electric motor can also improve performance. In the past several years, performance automakers have turned to hybrid technology to increase the speed and power of their cars, most famously with the “Holy Trinity” of the Porsche 918, Ferrari LaFerrari, and McLaren P1.
Now, hybrids have returned to relevance, with Toyota planning to make its entire line hybrid only in 2025. If the largest car manufacturer in the world plans to go all hybrid, that is a huge deal. EV sales have slowed considerably in 2024, which means that pivoting back towards ICE options is an attractive idea for automakers. Genesis has announced that it will roll out a hybrid line in the near future, which walks back its previous claim of an all-electric lineup by 2025. As hybrids become big again, here are eight upcoming vehicles that will make a mark for the synthesized powertrain.
This is a list about upcoming vehicles that have not been completely revealed yet. While we make every attempt to verify facts and back up any speculation, the information provided below may not be entirely accurate or may change prior to a vehicle’s release. We will make every effort to update this content with new developments as they arise. All information contained here was obtained from authoritative sources, including manufacturer websites.
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1 Honda Prelude
The Prelude is a classic sports car that has captivated fans of Japanese vehicles for years. Many examples of the original production run remain on the road, and the classic editions are ripe for modification. Now, after over 20 years, Honda has decided to resurrect the brand. This time, with a hybrid twist.
The Return Of The Prelude Will Come With An Electric Assist
- The Prelude will have a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, dual electric motor powertrain.
- The engine will be the same one that is currently in the Civic Sport Hybrid.
- It’s confirmed that the new Prelude will not have a manual transmission, not even a fake one like some EVs use.
- Performance figures are currently unknown, but it’s unlikely to go much beyond the 204 horsepower of the Civic.
- The car should be on the road in late 2025, for around $30,000.
While the lack of a manual will likely disappoint hardcore motoring enthusiasts, it’s still great to see Honda bringing back a beloved sporty brand. The new design looks sharp, and the electric motors should help make the prelude a fun little car to drive. We’re patiently awaiting its triumphant return.
2 Lexus LX700h
Lexus has a vast hybrid lineup that will likely only get bigger as Toyota moves forward with its EV and hybrid plans. Hybrid SUVs seem to just make sense too. Add some additional torque to move the heavy behemoth, which should make for a more smooth and luxurious driving experience. In most cases, you’d hope to see a bump in MPG as well, but that’s not what Lexus was trying to achieve in this case.
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- With a 20 MPG EPA rating, it is only one mile per gallon more efficient than its standard ICE counterpart.
- The hybrid powertrain will make for better highway driving, more smooth and consistent acceleration and also provide better performance in off-road situations should the owner ever leave the school pickup lane or Starbucks drive-thru.
- The LX700h will have an “Overtrail” variant specially designed for off-roading. This will feature a triple-locking set of differentials, similar to the one available on the Land Cruiser.
- The engine is a twin-turbo V-6, the same one from the LX600, only this time with an electric motor to boost power.
- New power figures range from 409 to 457 horses, as well as 479 to 583 pound-feet of torque.
- It’s likely this will be a six-figure car, with the price of the current LX starting around $94,000. The Overtrail and other high-spec versions could push $200,000.
Lexus has a reputation for delivering some of the most competently built luxury hybrids around. This looks to be no different. The massive Japanese SUV will not be cheap to buy or run (with virtually no relief coming at the pump, despite the hybrid version), but will likely be extremely nice to drive and sit in.
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3 Subaru Forester
Subaru positions its brand as one for tree huggers, dog lovers, and those living outside the mainstream. It even uses the tagline “Love, it’s what makes a Subaru, a Subaru”. So it may come as a surprise that the Forester has not previously been available as a hybrid in America. Here’s some info about the upcoming hybrid SUV.
Despite Its Eco-Minded Branding, This Will Be The First Forester Hybrid In The U.S.
- The Forester hybrid has been available in Europe as the e-BOXER, however this model is not the one coming to America.
- Subaru has created a new hybrid platform for the 2025 year, with a 4-cylinder boxer engine with electric motor assist.
- The engine should produce 158 horsepower all in.
- Price figures have not been released, but expect a jump from the base model’s pricing.
- The larger fuel tank along with the new powertrain should give the Forester over 600 miles of range.
With the Solterra struggling against competitors, it makes sense that Subaru would offer a more ecological option for one of its best-selling vehicles. The new hybrid will be a great offering for Subaru’s loyal fanbase looking to save at the pump and reduce their carbon footprint, but are not ready for a full-blown EV.
4 Ferrari F80
Ferrari will always be among the top names in high-performance automotive engineering. The iconic brand is always looking to make the best hypercar on the market, and it hasn’t pulled any punches with its new F80. Going back several generations, Ferrari has utilized a combination of gas and electric power to make its cars faster, more powerful, harder acceleration, and more enjoyable to drive. The F80 pushes the borders of what’s possible in automotive technology.
Ferrari Continues To Show That Hybrids Rule The World Of Speed
- The F80 uses a V-6, much to the chagrin of old-school motor enthusiasts, with three separate electric motors.
- The V-6 can produce a staggering 820 horses. The electric motors provide another 296.
- 0 to 60 mph time is a stunning 2.15 seconds. 124 MPH comes in under six seconds.
- New electric turbos produce zero lag, meaning acceleration will be among the most ferocious ever in a road car.
This appears to be the new benchmark for hybrid hypercars. Video game numbers with bonkers styling, it is everything Ferrari promised and more. All hail to the new king.
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5 Lexus LFR
Not much is known about Lexus’ new speed demon. We know it appears to be a spiritual sequel to the LFA, which was widely considered among the best supercars of the 2010s. It has a similar low-down, front-engined sporty styling, and a huge wing at the back. Lexus has a good track record with these kinds of cars. Here’s what we know.
The Japanese Giant Plans To Take On All Its Rivals With This Hybrid LFA Successor
- The LFR actually is not even technically the official name. There is no official name. However, Toyota has also not denied the car will be called LFR.
- Based on the GR GT3 concept, the LFR will have a V-8 hybrid powertrain.
- If the LFA is any indication, expect over 600 horses for the encore.
- Testing has been conducted at the Nurburgring and Sebring Raceway.
The LFR appears to be another brick in the wall of elite hybrid super and hypercars. We can’t wait until there’s more information about this machine, especially some kind of design reveal.
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6 Subaru Crosstrek
Another Subaru vehicle comes on the list, this time the Crosstrek. The small crossover is popular with families and pet owners, and once again aligns with a brand that should be pushing a more ecological set of vehicles. Here’s what we know about the new hybrid.
The Subaru Crossover Will Once Again See A Hybrid Powertrain
- The Crosstrek will use the same hybrid platform as the Forester.
- Subaru previously sold a hybrid version available from 2013 to 2016. There also was a plug-in hybrid sold in 2018.
- The Indiana factory that produced the Legacy will now produce the new hybrids, as the Legacy will be retired in 2025.
- There will be a “Wilderness” variant of the Crosstrek which is built for off-road adventures.
The Crosstrek hybrid making a return is good news for a brand that is struggling in the EV space. As hybrids become relevant again, expect to see more brands convert their popular models to hybrid to help achieve emissions goals and hit green targets.
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7 Porsche 911 T-Hybrid
The Porsche 911 is, according to some, a glorified VW Beetle (cough… Jeremy Clarkson… cough). However, to others, it is the pinnacle of performance in automotive engineering. The point is, that the 911 has essentially kept the same design philosophy for over 80 years, a big engine in the rear of the car delivering power to the rear wheels. The style has barely changed too, you’d almost accuse the designers of laziness if the cars weren’t so damn good. However, there’s now a change in the 911. Electric power.
The Most Unchanged Sports Car Of All Time Has Gone Hybrid
- The T-Hybrid will have a turbocharged hybrid powertrain. Like the F80, it uses an electric turbocharger that will prevent lag.
- 0 to 60 comes in 2.9 seconds, with that instant torque from the electric power giving a leap down from 3.2 seconds in the old 911.
- All in horsepower is 532 between the two engines, up over 50 horses from the previous 473.
- Prices will start at $120,100 and go all the way up to $186,000 for 4WD models and Targa models.
- Fuel efficiency is unchanged in the hybrid model.
A hybrid 911 is probably a sign of the apocalypse. However, the figures seem to make sense for it to happen. It’s a pure power move, following from Porsche’s 918 hybrid hypercar. While it may make baby boomer heads explode, we can see why Porsche made the decision to bring a hybrid powertrain to the 911.
8 Lamborghini Temerario
Yet another performance entry has made our list here with the raging bull of Lamborghini. The Temerario (meaning “fierce” or “courageous”) follows classic Lambo naming conventions. Temerario was also the name of a historic fighting bull. Even Lamborghini is not immune to the pressures of modern automaking, bringing in hybrid powertrains to the fold. However, much like for Ferrari, Porsche, and McLaren, this electrification is not for fuel efficiency, it is for power. Pure power.
Lamborghini Has Finally Caved To The Hybrid Mafia
- This is the second hybrid that Lamborghini has made, after the Revuelto.
- The Temerario has three electric motors, working in tandem with a V-8 engine.
- All in, the Temerario produces 907 horsepower, which is only 94 below the Revuelto, despite four fewer cylinders.
- Lamborghini claims 2.7 seconds 0 to 60, barely 0.2 seconds slower than the Revuelto.
- Prices should start around $290,000.
- There will also be a “ALLEGGERITA” version, which will be 25kg lighter, for even more ballistic performance.
Lamborghini knows speed, power, and style, and is not usually one to chase trends. However, the undeniable performance of hybrid hypercars has gotten its attention. Hybrid performance is a new standard for these old speed demons.
Hybrid cars are making a comeback in two significant ways. As EVs flounder, they’ve become an important part of automakers’ brand portfolio once again. However, they’ve also become a staple in performance motors. The instant torque and power from electric motors is the perfect thing for speed and acceleration. It also means that performance automakers are able to meet emissions standards they may not have been able to meet with big V12 engines. The future for the hybrid looks a lot brighter than we once thought.
