A five car shortlist with what’s new, expected timing, and the paint protection plan that keeps a new car looking new.
2026 is shaping up to be a big year for new car debuts
Every year brings new models, but 2026 is packed with launches that feel genuinely special: a supertruck comeback, a compact adventure EV that could go mainstream, and multiple high performance flagships with serious engineering. If you are planning to buy one of the most exciting new cars in 2026, your paint is going to be under attack immediately from rock chips, road grit, bugs, and parking lot scuffs. That is why Paint Protection Film, also called PPF, is the best first upgrade you can do before the first chip happens.
Below are five hype worthy 2026 car releases, what’s new, the most credible timing we know right now, and the simplest PPF plan for each.
The 5 most exciting new cars to look forward to in 2026
1. Ram 1500 TRX
Source: autoevolution
Ram is teasing a New Year’s Day reveal with the tagline “Power will be reborn,” and the expectation is the return of the TRX. Car and Driver points to the Hemi V8 return in the 1500 lineup and a Stellantis CEO confirmation that the TRX is coming back. The prediction is a 6.2 liter supercharged V8 with more than 700 horsepower and the off road focused suspension that made the TRX a legend.
Expected timing
Reveal teased for New Year’s Day 2026, with full details expected right after.
Why this car needs PPF
Trucks sit high, see lots of highway miles, and have a big upright front end that takes direct hits. Add wide tires that throw debris and you get constant sandblast wear on the bumper, hood edge, and lower doors.
Recommended PPF coverage
• Full front: front bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirror caps, headlights
• Rocker panels and lower doors (especially if you run wider tires)
• A pillars and roof leading edge (highway gravel and bug strikes)
• Rear fender flare edges if your setup throws debris
2. Ferrari Elettrica
Source: Careanddriver
Ferrari’s first EV is a watershed moment, and Car and Driver expects it to be unveiled in spring 2026. The Elettrica is expected to take on a sleek SUV like shape, and Ferrari has already talked about a quad motor setup capable of more than 1000 horsepower, with a claimed 0 to 60 time under 2.5 seconds. The real story will be how Ferrari makes an EV feel like a Ferrari.
Expected timing
Expected unveil in spring 2026.
Expected unveil in spring 2026.
Why this car needs PPF
Exotics show every defect. A few chips or a light scrape can be expensive to correct, and even careful owners end up with front end peppering if they do not protect early.
Recommended PPF coverage
• Full body PPF is strongly recommended for long term condition
• At minimum: full front plus rocker panels and lower sections
• Rear haunches and lower rear quarters for tire spray
• High gloss trim pieces and carbon accents
• Full body PPF is strongly recommended for long term condition
• At minimum: full front plus rocker panels and lower sections
• Rear haunches and lower rear quarters for tire spray
• High gloss trim pieces and carbon accents
3. Toyota GR GT
Toyota pulled the covers off the GR GT and Car and Driver calls it the best reveal of 2025. In the U.S., it will be sold through Lexus dealers and sales are set to start at the end of 2026. The headline is a 641 horsepower twin turbo V8 hybrid powertrain paired with a motorsport inspired chassis.
Expected timing
Sales expected to start at the end of 2026.
Why this car needs PPF
Low front ends and wide bodies collect chips quickly, and track capable tires throw debris down the side. If you want the car to keep its sharp, new car look, the high impact zones need protection from day one.
Recommended PPF coverage
• Full front (bumper, full hood, full fenders, mirrors, headlights)
• Rocker panels and lower doors
• Rear quarter impact zones behind the front wheels
• Protection on exposed carbon or gloss aero pieces
4. Porsche 911 GT2 RS
Source: Thesupercarblog
With the latest 911 Turbo S revealed, Car and Driver says a GT2 RS is likely next. Prototypes have been spotted testing at the Nürburgring with wide wheel arches and revised exhaust hardware. The latest Turbo S uses a 701 horsepower flat six hybrid powertrain, and the expectation is the GT2 RS could push performance further while borrowing track focused ideas from the GT3 RS.
Expected timing
Not officially dated, but positioned as the next major 911 flagship step after the newest Turbo S.
Not officially dated, but positioned as the next major 911 flagship step after the newest Turbo S.
Why this car needs PPF
A 911’s front end is low and driven hard. Even one spirited weekend can chip the bumper and hood. Protecting early keeps it looking collector clean while you still enjoy driving it.
Recommended PPF coverage
• Full front with full hood and full fenders
• Rocker panels and rear quarters (tire spray and debris)
• Rear wing and aero edges where hands and towels contact
• Headlights and mirror caps
• Full front with full hood and full fenders
• Rocker panels and rear quarters (tire spray and debris)
• Rear wing and aero edges where hands and towels contact
• Headlights and mirror caps
Rivian has already revealed the R2, and the hype comes from what it represents: a smaller, more affordable Rivian aimed at a wider audience. Car and Driver says the R2 is expected to start around $45,000 and go on sale in the first half of 2026. It is planned with a single motor rear wheel drive version, plus dual motor and tri motor all wheel drive setups.
Expected timing
Expected to go on sale in the first half of 2026.
Expected to go on sale in the first half of 2026.
Why this car needs PPF
This is the kind of SUV people actually use: commuting, weekend trips, camping gear, pets, and real life loading. That means front end chips, door scratches, and rear bumper scuffs show up fast.
Recommended PPF coverage
• Full front protection for rock chips and highway grit
• Lower doors and rocker panels for road spray and gravel
• Door cups and door edges for daily use protection
• Rear bumper top ledge and cargo loading lip
• Full front protection for rock chips and highway grit
• Lower doors and rocker panels for road spray and gravel
• Door cups and door edges for daily use protection
• Rear bumper top ledge and cargo loading lip
Popular Cobia Color PPF picks that match these 2026 builds
Color PPF is the easiest way to change the look and protect the paint in one step. The Cobia Collection is built for paint like depth, premium gloss, and clean satin options, so you can go subtle or dramatic without the typical drawbacks of paint. Below are popular Cobia colors that pair well with the five cars above.
Color PPF is the easiest way to change the look and protect the paint in one step. The Cobia Collection is built for paint like depth, premium gloss, and clean satin options, so you can go subtle or dramatic without the typical drawbacks of paint. Below are popular Cobia colors that pair well with the five cars above.
