7 Cars and Trucks That Only Exist in an Alternative Universe
Do automakers sometimes lack imagination? Are they really offering the vehicles consumers want and need? We at The Car Guide often ask ourselves these kinds of questions. And we're not alone.
Many digital artists and illustrators have fun imagining what certain models would look like in some other configuration or with a different style. Artificial intelligence can also produce unique creations. We've picked out a few recent examples of vehicles that seemingly come from an alternative universe and could spark debates. Keep scrolling to see them and tell us what you think.
- Also: Redesigned 2026 Subaru Outback is Larger and More SUV Than Ever
- Also: Mansory Takes On Cybertruck, Madness Ensues
Now more of a conventional SUV than a rugged, high-riding wagon, the new 2026 Subaru Outback features a polarizing exterior, especially in Wilderness trim. Still, should the company draw inspiration from it and resurrect the Baja compact pickup to rival the Ford Maverick? Why not?
This AI-rendered Tesla Cybertruck SUV is far less offensive than the pickup, don’t you think? Rivian has the R1T and R1S, so maybe Elon Musk's company should do the same thing. That said, there are many other issues and flaws to correct on the Cybertruck before it comes to that.
Kia’s first-ever pickup, called Tasman, is aimed at South Korea, Australia, the Middle East and Africa, but not North America. It has that boxy shape people look for, but the unique treatment given to the front grille, the lower body and especially the wheel arches definitely raises eyebrows. Would it fare better as the Jeep Wrangler fighter illustrated above? We’re not so sure.
A four-door Ford Mustang has fuelled rumours for several years, especially since the publication of a sketch by a Ford designer in 2022 and the presentation of another draft at a dealer meeting in Las Vegas in 2024. Big boss Jim Farley himself has alluded to such a Mustang. Oh, and Ford has applied to register the name “Mach 4” with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in February. The rendering above could be an accurate preview.
When Acura brought back the Integra, reactions varied widely. While some people embraced the hatchback body style, others cried foul, asking “where's the coupe?” Well, for those fans, here's a two-door-only Integra Type S that also happens to feature more muscular fenders and a race car-like rear wing.
The new Dodge Charger Daytona also polarizes enthusiasts, not because of its looks (which are quite sharp) but rather because of its electric powertrain. Gas-burning variants are on the way, however, as are four-door models. In a different universe, Dodge would also have a Charger wagon and a cabriolet, the latter in response to the Ford Mustang Convertible.
Speaking of drop-tops, how many among you actually miss the old Volkswagen Golf Cabrio? Prolific digital artist X-Tomi Design has come up with a modern interpretation based on the sporty Golf GTI, which benefits from a number of enhancements for 2025. Too bad the North American model doesn’t get the same power boost as its European counterpart.
