The U.S. auto sector is going through major disruption as the rise of autonomous vehicles, the end of the electric vehicle tax credit, and the impact of tariffs on the supply chain add new wildcards. These are some of the upcoming model introductions that could create some buzz.
Ferrari (RACE) plans to introduce its first fully electric production model. The EV features in-house-developed electric motors, producing over 1,000 horsepower and enabling a 0-62 mph acceleration speed of 2.5 seconds. The Elettrica will have a range of over 323 miles and a top speed of 192 mph, powered by a 122 kWh battery pack. The Elettrica will be primarily all-wheel drive, although the front motors can be switched off to create rear-wheel drive by selecting the proper e-Manettino mode. The automaker said a uniquely engineered sound system that uses real powertrain vibrations will create a novel, emotive electric Ferrari sound, which will set it apart from other electric vehicles
Rivian (RIVN) is expected to start deliveries of the R2 electric SUV in the first half of 2026. The R2 is described as a mid-size, 2-row SUV positioned below the R1S, targeting a roughly $45K price to go after mass-market EV crossovers like the Tesla (TSLA) Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E.
The 2026 Ram 1500 TRX is being positioned as a return of the “apex predator” super-truck. The 1500 Hemi TRX is being built on the latest Ram 1500 platform and designed specifically for extreme off-road performance. The new TRX will pack the same supercharged 6.2-liter V-8, which was dubbed the Hellcat. Production is expected to start in early 2026. The new 1500 TRX will compete with the Ford F-150 Raptor R, Chevy Silverado ZR2/Bison, GMC Sierra AT4X, and halo trucks such as the GMC Hummer EV.
Other new car models to watch in 2026 include the new BMW i3 series, next-gen Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Raptor, updated Hyundai Palisade, new Jeep Cherokee hybrid, and potentially the Tesla CyberCab.
As for the U.S. auto industry as a whole, Cox Automotive projects 2026 U.S. new-vehicle sales of about 15.8 million SAAR, a decline of roughly 2.4% from the 2025 level. S&P Global Mobility’s broader industry outlook points to U.S. light-vehicle sales easing to about 15.3 million units in 2026 after roughly 16.1 million in 2025.
Auto stocks: General Motors (GM), Ford (F), Stellantis (STLA), Tesla (TSLA), Toyota Motor (TM), Honda Motor (HMC), Nissan (NSANY), BMW (BMWYY), Mercedes-Benz (MBGAF), Hyundai-Kia (HYMTF), Subaru (FUJHY), Mazda (MZDAY), Volkswagen (VLKAF), Audi, Volvo (VLVOF) (VLVCY), and Porsche (POAHY).