As 2024 comes to a close, the automotive industry has given us an exciting mix of innovation, nostalgia and bold design choices. This year saw a rise in restomods that reimagined classic icons, a continued push toward hybrid technology and a few surprising entries in the electric vehicle space.
Despite EVs continuing to be a controversial and trending topic of discussion in industry conversations, our list only includes one, with our focus on what's been done in the internal combustion and hybrid space this year. As the year unfolded, more and more automotive brands announced extended timelines for their full electrification goals and instead appear to be pivoting to hybridized powertrains. Notably, a few even tapped back into their roots, releasing proper V12-powered vehicles, providing a bit of hope for ICE purists who aren't quite ready to make the shift to electric.
From off-road-ready sports cars to meticulously crafted luxury commissions, this year’s standout reveals struck a balance between performance, design and emotional appeal. Here are our ten favorite car debuts of 2024.
Aston Martin Valiant
Its bold design, V12 engine and manual transmission made the Aston Martin Valiant an easy choice for this list. With a 734 hp twin-turbo 5.2L V12 engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, the car is designed to deliver raw power and precision driving. The British automaker found inspiration in F1 driver Fernando Alonso and as a result created the Valiant to perform both on the road and track. It features a lightweight carbon fiber body and advanced dampers and is limited to just 38 units.
BRABUS Rocket GTS
This year BRABUS outdid itself, creating one of the fastest hybrid production cars in the world, limited to just 25 units. Clocking in at nearly 1,000 hp, produced from a 4.5L V8 biturbo engine and electric drive module, the BRABUS Rocket GTS is a truly remarkable vehicle. Thanks to its detailed craftsmanship and generous amount of carbon fiber, this Shooting Brake, based on the Mercedes-Benz SL has a price tag to match its Hyper GT styling, with costs for a build starting at $1,000,000 USD. One of our favorite elements of the car is its 21-inch Monoblock P wheels, featuring understated carbon aero blades.
Evoluto Peak Analogue 355
Stepping outside the usual restomod territory this year was Evoluto, revealing the "Peak Analogue," a stunning build based on the Ferrari 355 and limited to just 55 units. Designer Ian Callum masterfully blended nostalgia and modern engineering for a car that makes you stop and stare. What's even more exciting about the Peak Analogue is that it features a naturally aspirated 420 hp V8 engine, a reworked chassis and an all-carbon body.
KIA Pride Restomod
That's right, an EV KIA made the top 10 but the reason we chose the "Pride EV" might surprise you. As EV values decline across the board and companies push out their electrification timelines — it's become clear that the world isn't ready to daily drive EVs. However, that doesn't mean there isn't room for exciting experiments and novelty vehicles, which is where we feel the KIA Pride fits. This 1996 KIA Pride features an electric powertrain producing over 100 hp and a 120-mile range but our favorite part about it, the car retains its original five-speed manual transmission making it a charming blend of retro design and future-facing tech.
Lamborghini Temerario
While the industry sits in a state of limbo between ICE and EV, we're getting lots of interesting hybrids, with one of the more refreshing models this year coming from Lamborghini. The Temerario is an exciting proposition thanks to its more nimble profile and uncompromising performance capabilities. The vehicle features a twin-turbo V8 that's paired with three electric motors, producing over 900 hp and capable of hitting 0-60 in just 2.7 seconds. With Lamborghini pushing the timeline of its first EV model out to 2029, we're hopeful to see more exciting hybrid models from the Italian automaker.
Maserati GT2 Stradale
Coming in as possibly the sportiest car on this list is the Maserati GT2 Stradale. While based on the MC20, the GT2 Stradale features some serious updates and is presented as a track-inspired vehicle that offers both performance and customization opportunities. The 640 hp car sheds over 100 pounds from the MC20 and incorporates advanced aerodynamics. What stands out most to us about the car is that despite being capable of 0-60 in 2.8 seconds and pushing top speeds of 200 mph, the GT2 Stradale still maintains the everyday drivability appeal of the MC20 thanks to the refined nature of its cabin.
Nardone Porsche 928 Restomod
In terms of Porsche restomods, it really doesn't get better than Nardone Automotive's Porsche build. While Porsche restomods come a dime a dozen these days, they're generally in the form of a 911 — which is what makes Nardone's choice of using the 928 so refreshing and attractive. The car features updates like a 5L V8 engine, producing 450 hp, a carbon fiber body, reworked axels and a luxury-focused interior that taps into a sense of nostalgia. The highlight of the Nardone 928 is easily its bespoke six-speed gearbox and analog instrument setup and with a price tag of $525,093 USD — exclusivity comes standard.
Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail Commission
This year Rolls-Royce revealed what is only its third Coachbuild Droptail Commission ever, the Arcadia. The vehicle stands out thanks to its incredible craftsmanship that required over 8,000 hours to create. The design language of the vehicle, inspired by Greek mythology, provides a feeling of tranquility through a duotone white finish with silver accents and a continuous wood section — the largest ever featured in a Rolls-Royce vehicle. Its crown jewel is easily its bespoke clock, which took over five months to complete and is said to be the most complex in the brand's history.
RUF Rodeo
Tapping into the Wild West, RUF released its latest vehicle, the Rodeo. The off-road capable Porsche 911 stands out with its vibrant orange finish and Ralph Lauren-inspired interior. We can't help but appreciate its performance upgrades too, ranging from its 610 hp turbocharged flat-six to its sophisticated AWD system. With its carbon fiber monocoque chassis, Integrated Roll Cage (IRC), advanced suspension and custom Goodyear all-terrain tires, the Rodeo presents itself as ready for any adventure.
Toyota Crown Crossover Landscape
Tying off our list is another vehicle that blends luxury with off-road capabilities, the Toyota Crown Crossover Landscape. The vehicle taps seamlessly into the safari trend we've seen throughout the year and comes equipped with lifted suspension, all-terrain tires and a hybrid powertrain that produces a capable 340 hp. The only downside is that it will be exclusively available in Japan, at least for the time being.
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