10 Automotive Things We’re Looking Forward to in 2021

With 2020 at last in our rearview mirror, it’s time to look forward with optimism to the promise of 2021.

And since the events of last year pushed a lot of plans off the 2020 schedule, it means that 2021 is packed with plenty of exciting automotive-related stuff. So let’s countdown ten things that every gearhead should be looking forward to.

10. Ford Bronco Launch

The off-roading world has been anxiously awaiting the return of Ford’s fabled off roader. And while the pandemic delayed the Bronco release to later in the year, we’re hopeful that it will stampede into showrooms by the fall.

9. Car Shows Return

ISCA has released its 2021 show schedule, the Atlanta Motorama is back on, and many other shows and events are returning to our gearhead calendars. And that means local cruise-ins and show-n-shines will (hopefully) be coming back too.

8. Zee-Oh-Six!

For years, the Corvette Z06 has represented a more track-focused version of Chevy’s iconic sports car. And we anticipate it’ll be even more so when the first Z06 of the mid-engine Corvette era hopefully bows sometime next fall. (Keep your flags crossed…)

7. New Sports Cars

And speaking of sports cars, a set of newly-designed options from Nissan and Subaru should appeal to the RWD manual purists out there too. Long in need of a refresh, Nissan’s new Z-car has big shoes to fill and Subaru’s second-gen BRZ adds a little more oomph to the gas pedal.

6. Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford made a lot of headlines when it announced an expanded Mustang line with the (gasp!) four-door (GASP!) electric Mach-E. But the Blue Oval has teased the Mach-E’s performance potential and the four doors will certainly attract more interested car buyers.

5. Movies

Two of the most iconic film cars return in 2021, the ECTO-1 and Aston Martin DB5, in Ghostbusters: Afterlife and No Time To Die, respectively. There’s also the ninth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise to look forward to. (Oh, and did we spy a 1986 GPz900R in the new Maverick trailer!?!)

4. Trucks and Trims

Every truck manufacturer seems to be engaged in a game of perpetual one-upsmanship. And since it shows no sign of slowing down, we can’t wait to see what’s next. From the GMC Hummer EV1 to the Ford F-150 Tremor line, it’ll be interesting to see how many gauntlets are thrown in this segment for 2021.

3. Tesla Cybertruck

Since we’re talking about trucks, the Cybertruck deserves its own line-item on this list. We all thought we were being punked when the wraps were pulled off this slab-sided, angular electric pickup in 2019. But with only a few delays, Tesla still expects for the Cybertruck to arrive late this year.

2. NHRA, NASCAR, MotoGP, Formula 1 & More Racing

While today is admittedly only the first day of 2021, it appears that most (if not all) major race series are planning a robust race season. That of course may change as the year develops, but there’s plenty of optimism for more racing in 2021. (Though it was pretty neat to watch the Indy 500 in August.)

1. Literally Driving Anywhere

We’re not being cynical here. Far from it actually. If there’s one thing 2020 taught us, it’s that we shouldn’t take any moment for granted. Whether it’s a road trip, a blast down a twisty road, or a quick cruise to the parts shop, we’re going to savor the experience a little bit more.

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What are you looking forward to this year? Let us know in the comments section below.

And have a great 2021!