10 Future RWD Cars We Can't Wait to Drive

The old Dodge Challenger is rumored to get a new look, and a new name in 2014. The Barracuda name will reportedly be brought back to a car that could be packing a supercharged 6.2L Hemi engine. Following its muscle-car ancestry, the new engine is expected to put out 490- to 540-hp. This powerful engine will debut first in the Barracuda, and then make its way through the rest of the SRT Lineup.

The engine isn’t the only interesting part of the new ‘Cuda. The whole vehicle will be riding on a different platform from the current Challenger. Instead of a big Chrysler structure with several components from Mercedes, the Barracuda is rumored to be using an all new Alfa Romeo D-size chassis.

The new successor to the Aston Martin DBS comes with some styling cues from Aston Martin’s One-77 supercar. The new AM 310 Vanquish will cost $279,995 and will start being delivered to customers early next year.

Thanks to an upgraded 6.0-liter V12 powerplant with 565-hp and 457 lb-ft of torque the new Vanquish will certainly have the performance chops to go with it’s impressive looks.

Back in 2011, Alfa Romeo showed off its 4C concept. By using Alfa’s upcoming 1.8-liter engine, the 4C could see a power rating around 230-hp. Additionally, the Alfa is mid-engined, proving to be a solid competitor to Lotus and Porsche models.

Making the car even more fun will be its expected low weight, which is sure to make the 4C a brilliant performer. Some rumors have the 4C weighing as low as 1,900 lbs, which would make it lighter than even a Miata. Those thinking this car doesn’t matter, since it’s European should cheer up, the 4C is expected to debut in the US as well. Expect it to be priced right around $50,000 – right around Porsche Cayman territory.

Sure, there’s the Jaguar XK, but what about a sports car that’s really all about performance? Jaguar has the upcoming F-Type for that. Based on the C-X16 Concept (above), the new F-Type is a serious performance car.

There are going to be two very different F-Type’s available. The ‘tamer’ model will feature a 380-hp 3.0-liter supercharged V6, while a more powerful F-Type R will use a 5.0L V8 that makes 550 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. With stats like that the F-Type is sure to be a real competitor to models from Porsche.

Lexus doesn’t take any of its vehicles lightly, and with the upcoming IS, the Japanese brand won’t be holding back. Sources at Lexus explain that the new IS will be a revolutionary step for the model, rather than an evolution. Lexus also apparently is going for a much more focused performance attitude with its new IS, and there are some rumors that it could use a modified platform from the Scion FR-S.

In terms of design, the IS will likely drive with a wider, more aggressive stance, and an even more out-there spindle grille. The LFA supercar will be a major inspiration for the new IS. Furthermore, Lexus has established the ES300h as the comfortable vehicle, while the new IS is going to go the sporty route. If Lexus is serious about transforming the IS from a drab sedan, to a luxury sports-car than the new model will be an exciting launch to look out for.

Infiniti‘s G-sedan and coupe is starting to look a little long-in-the-tooth. That’s okay, since the entry-level luxury car will be getting a much appreciated refresh in 2014.

Expect the upcoming 2014 G-series to get flowing design cues from the Emerge-E concept. Additionally, look for the new model to go on a diet, cutting unnecessary weight in the name of fuel economy and performance. In terms of engines, Infiniti has Mercedes-Benz to lean on when it comes to engines. Infiniti could use the German’s four-cylinder engines to cut weight and create a fuel-friendly vehicle.

Furthermore, the new G will be using the same platform as Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class. There have also been rumors of high-powered IPL version of the G, which could use a twin-turbo V6, to make upwards of 500-hp.

With the ATS, Cadillac finally developed a sports-sedan capable of taking on the benchmark set by its German rivals. Still, there’s no answer yet from the American luxury car maker for the German muscle M3, C63 and RS4. A true response will arrive in the form of the ATS-V, a vehicle that will get the same V-treatment that the CTS did a few years ago.

The ATS-V is expected to use one of two potential twin-turbo V6 setups. A 3.6L V6 that makes more than 400-hp is one welcomed option. The other potential engine is a 3.0L V6, but details are scarce on that one. Of course the ATS-V is also expected to come with suspension and braking upgrades in order to make it even more potent on the track.

It’s also nice to know that Cadillac fine-tuned the base ATS’s chassis and steering on the world-famous Nurburgring. That should bode well for the beefed-up sport-sedan when it takes on the Germans.

Mazda‘s been working on the new Miata for quite a while, and thanks to its new SkyActiv philosophy, the new roadster could be quite the surprising car. If the new Miata is developed from the ground-up with the SkyActiv mindset in place, it would weigh at least 220 lbs less than the last Miata. That would mean the new Miata would tip the scales at just 2,200 lbs.

Engine-wise, Mazda is looking to use something that is fuel-efficient, yet sporty. The ideal candidate is likely a 1.8L engine, but there have been rumors that Mazda will go with a 1.3 or 1.5L turbo-charged engine. Expect power to be around 150-hp, and fuel economy to be about 10% better, meaning 24/30 mpg city/highway.

Combine that low-weight with the sublime handling that the Miata is known for and Mazda will have another iconic roadster on its hands. Additionally, thanks to a collaboration with Alfa Romeo, the Italian company will be using the Mazda roadster underneath their own Spider.

Lets face it, a GT3, based on the Porsche’s new 991 would be flat out awesome. Considering the new 911 improves upon the old one in nearly every way, the race-ready GT3 should be a great car. In terms of looks, expect the new GT3 to have the traditional air inlet in the front and the massive rear spoiler.

The new GT3 is not going to be using the 4.0L straight six found in the old GT3, but will instead use the same 3.8L, six-cylinder engine found in the Carrera S. Total engine power has reportedly been raised to 450-hp. Some are estimating that 0-60 times will be around 4-seconds. Now, all we need to know is how fast it can go around the Nuburgring, considering the current 911 Carrera S with the Sport-Chrono package runs the track faster than the current GT3, this new model is sure to be a solid performer.

The upcoming Ford Mustang is expected to make quite a splash. We’ve seen several renderings of Ford’s signature vehicle each showing off a more modern look, thanks to styling cues from the Evos concept. That means that the upcoming Mustang could have a bit in common with the 2013 Ford Fusion, in terms of looks.

This change in design will help the Mustang appeal to a more global market, as well as bring in younger buyers.

Beyond styling, we’ve seen test mules of the new Mustang using feature fully-independent rear-suspension. That would be a huge upgrade from the solid rear-axle that’s currently been place. In terms of power, it’s hard to imagine Ford’s 420-hp 5.0L V8 being put to pasture so soon. However, could Ford bring the EcoBoost strategy to the Mustang’s V6 to replace the V8? Ford is apparently also working on an EcoBoost 2.7-liter 4-cylinder that could certainly make over 300 hp. There are a lot of options here, perfect for a car aiming for global appeal. Overall, Ford seems to be taking a much more modern approach to the Mustang, and that’s something to look forward to.