Part 2
ICE & The Future
Despite the rapid advancement of electric vehicle technology, internal combustion engines (ICE) continue to play a critical role in the global automotive market and are expected to remain relevant for a very long time yet. Audi, for example, are the latest premium brand to rethink their approach to a future comprising of purely electric vehicles only. The German car manufacturer has announced that it will keep offering ICE models for longer than initially planned, as, in their opinion, the car market isn’t quite ready for a world of only battery-powered vehicles just yet, which is contrary to the view expressed by car makers only a couple of years ago.
Right now it seems that the future trajectory of ICE technology is still ascending; in short, we haven’t reached peak petrol (gasoline) yet. Advances in fuel economy improvements and sustainability initiatives will enhance further efficiencies. The key technological developments include advanced combustion strategies, alternative fuel integration (hydrogen, e-fuels, biofuels) and combustion / electricity hybridisation approaches. Future tech reveals that ICE, when coupled with sustainable fuels, could offer a viable pathway to near-zero carbon emissions, while at the same time retaining the existing infrastructure.
Hybrid Thrills
All this information in other words suggests that we could see a car industry comfortably mixing up fully-electric, hybrid and internal combustion power sources. That should suit everybody, especially the makers of the planet’s finest luxury vehicles. Who can imagine a silent-running Lamborghini Urus (see here) or a stealthy Ferrari (see our current stock here)? Bentley Motors have already adopted hybrid technology in some of their models which really does improve their product’s efficiency without diluting the thrills.
Perhaps the best example of this is the news that Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR, part of the huge Toyota empire) have just announced the world premiere of two new models for 2026: The GR GT and GR GT3, (both pictured) publicly displaying prototypes currently under development. These flagship models embody TGR’s philosophy of building ever-better motor-sports-bred cars and continued use of ICE.
Conceptualised and developed as road-legal race cars, these two fine sports models demonstrate the commitment to endowing the car with a high level of dynamic performance but also to achieve a high level of hybridisation. The GR GT is equipped with a hybrid system that pairs a new 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbo engine and a single electric motor. In addition to a maximum system output of 641bhp (650PS / 478kW) or greater, plus a maximum system torque of 850Nm or greater for exceptional performance, an unrelenting focus was placed on three key elements: a low centre of gravity, low weight with high rigidity and the pursuit of aerodynamic performance.
The Year Ahead
Hybrids help reduce tailpipe emissions, supporting global carbon reduction efforts and we should all be on board with that. Around the world carbon taxes are increasing and drivers are bearing the brunt of it so it makes absolute sense to go for hybrid cars at this stage, which offer a compliant and sustainable alternative to ICE only.
Hybrids may evolve into extended-range electric vehicles which is something that is already featured on some mainstream cars. This is likely to be the hybridisation route in the coming year. The thinking is to use a small petrol generator to maintain battery charge indefinitely, in car. Car manufacturers like the giant multi-brand Stellantis are exploring this hybrid-electric blend for 2026. Hybrids will continue serving as a bridge between petrol and EV mobility, supporting buyer choice and the industry’s gradual shift to full electrification over the coming decade or so.
Small Footprints
Sustainability extends beyond motive power. These days it includes eco-friendly materials and economy practices. We have all seen it with the plethora of man-made materials with difficult names replacing leather. For this, manufacturers are increasingly using recycled plastics, bio-based leathers, and lightweight composites in vehicle interiors and exteriors to reduce carbon footprints. For instance, car makers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are committing to carbon-neutral production by 2026, incorporating renewable energy sources into their assembly plants.
Cars That Drive Themselves
From what we hear, drivers are deeply suspicious of this technology. They are reluctant to let go of the steering wheel. Nevertheless, autonomous driving technology will have greater levels of competence by 2026 and beyond, with many vehicles achieving Level 3 or even Level 4 autonomy. That really is hands-off territory if only in certain conditions like motorways (autoroutes) or heavily mapped urban areas. This is all thanks to advancements in sensors, AI and mapping, thus reducing human error which is responsible for a majority of vehicular accidents, according to statistics. Lidar, radar, and high-definition cameras will become standard, providing 360-degree environmental awareness.
Level 4 systems will enable 'eyes-off' operation in pre-defined zones, such as city centres or main highways. Mercedes-Benz’s Drive Pilot, already at Level 3, will expand to Level 4 by 2026, integrating with traffic systems for smoother navigation. Further, the forthcoming 2026 Tesla Model Y, (current model pictured) will for example feature an enhanced ‘Full Self-Driving’ suite using neural networks trained on billions of miles of data, allowing supervised autonomy on most roads. Obviously this is cars as transport rather than a lifestyle choice, but the industry has to cater to most after all.
Safety
In the very near future, cars will incorporate AI-driven features like predictive collision avoidance and driver monitoring to detect fatigue. Advanced driver-assistance systems (known as ADAS routinely) will become mandatory. This alone according to the manufacturers, will reduce accidents by as much as thirty percent. Materials like high-strength steel and airbags will evolve, with pedestrian detection using ultrasonic sensors. Emergency call systems (already in use in the case of accidents or personal security in some premium vehicles). Overall, we hope, motoring will become safer, greener, and more enjoyable.
Just Like Home
During 2026 and beyond, cars will evolve into rolling family entertainment centres with advanced connectivity such as we enjoy in our own homes. 5G technology will enable lag-free streaming, real-time navigation and overlays on windscreens for navigation purposes. Infotainment systems, powered by the usual suspects ‘Android Automotive’ and ‘Apple CarPlay’, will support multi-screen setups for passengers alone. Voice assistants like ‘Amazon Alexa’ will handle tasks from booking services to adjusting climate control. This is one aspect that has come on in leaps and bounds as anyone who can remember the early days of voice activation will recall.
OTA
Over-the-air updates coming in the next couple of years will refine features allowing owners to update their car’s technology on the fly, improving audio quality, access to charging points or updating navigation. We learn that secure access to personal data will be addressed, reducing public concern about the dangers of hacking.
In Summary
For consumers, the choices will empower personalised experiences, while the industry navigates challenges like charging infrastructure and regulation. The road to 2026 and onward promises not just high-tech vehicles but smarter, more sustainable personal transport. Thankfully then the gloomy pall that has been hanging over the motor industry like a dark cloud post Covid will start to clear and let some sunshine in. The car makers do seem more buoyant about the prospects, although they may perhaps never return to the mass vehicle output of the past.
Also in 2026, MHH International will continue to export premium cars from the UK to as many as twenty-seven destinations around the world, including Kenya and New Zealand. With a comprehensive service, Vat-free options, after sales service and a wide range of new and used vehicles from most prestige car builders, 2026 might just be the year to purchase that dream car. See our website for details and we look forward to hearing from you.
