Iconic Cars Depart in 2025 as Automakers Embrace SUVs and Electric Vehicles in Changing Market

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Jaguar F Type
Jaguar F Type

The arrival of the 2025 model year ushers in significant changes: fresh additions in showrooms and the farewell of several familiar names. As the automotive industry shifts towards electric vehicles (EVs) and SUVs, some iconic performance cars, dependable sedans, and economic models are being left behind. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s retiring—from beloved muscle cars to practical sedans and quirky compacts.

Performance Icons Exiting the Stage

Chevrolet Camaro

After a storied history, the Chevrolet Camaro is officially retiring. Following a farewell edition known as the Panther, the legendary muscle car won’t be part of Chevy’s future lineup. While Chevrolet remains tight-lipped about what might follow, the absence of this American classic leaves a notable void for enthusiasts of high-horsepower muscle cars.

Nissan GT R
Nissan GT R

Nissan GT-R

Known affectionately as “Godzilla,” the Nissan GT-R’s retirement marks the end of an era. Over its long tenure, the GT-R impressed with blistering acceleration and precise handling. However, newer rivals have surpassed its performance. While fans hope for a future R36, for now, the GT-R’s iconic reign has concluded.

Jaguar F-Type

The Jaguar F-Type, celebrated for its sleek design and roaring V8 engines, is also leaving the stage. With its crackling exhaust and sharp roadster styling, the F-Type delighted car enthusiasts for years. Its departure symbolizes Jaguar’s shift towards electrification and a move away from traditional sports cars.

Toyota GR Supra 2.0

Toyota’s GR Supra lineup is slimming down, with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder variant being discontinued. This leaves the 3.0-liter six-cylinder version as the sole Supra offering. While this ensures a focus on higher performance, fans of lightweight, affordable sports cars will miss the 2.0 variant.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio and Stelvio Quadrifoglio

Both of Alfa Romeo’s high-performance Quadrifoglio models are being phased out. The Giulia Quadrifoglio, known for its sharp handling and Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V6, and the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, an SUV that offered a thrilling driving experience, are departing as the brand redefines its lineup. These Italian-designed performance machines will be sorely missed by enthusiasts.

Sedans Saying Goodbye

Chevrolet Malibu

Chevy’s last sedan, the Malibu, is leaving the lineup. As SUVs dominate, Chevrolet is focusing exclusively on trucks and SUVs—apart from the Corvette. The Malibu’s exit marks another step in the decline of the traditional four-door sedan in the U.S. market.

Infiniti Q50
Infiniti Q50

Infiniti Q50

The Infiniti Q50, a luxury sedan known for its balanced design and premium features, is also departing. Competing against brands like BMW and Audi, it struggled to maintain its appeal in recent years. Infiniti’s shift towards SUVs signals the end of an era for this model.

Volvo S60

Volvo’s elegant S60 sedan, praised for its Scandinavian styling and safety features, is being retired. Despite its comfortable ride, shifting consumer preferences towards SUVs have sealed its fate. Volvo’s focus now lies in electrified and SUV-dominated lineups.

Subaru Legacy

The Subaru Legacy, a reliable, all-wheel-drive staple, is also disappearing. Despite its longevity and practicality, the shrinking sedan market has forced Subaru to discontinue this model, highlighting the industry’s shift to larger, more versatile vehicles.

Maserati Ghibli

The Maserati Ghibli, designed to compete with premium performance sedans, is bowing out after a lackluster run. Despite its Italian flair and V8-powered editions, it struggled to match rivals like BMW and Mercedes in performance and cachet.

SUVs and Crossovers Retiring

Ford Edge

The Ford Edge, once a popular midsize SUV, is being discontinued. While it remains available in other markets like China, Ford has no plans to replace it in the U.S., signaling the end of its era in North America.

Cadillac XT4
Cadillac XT4

Cadillac XT4

Cadillac’s smallest SUV, the XT4, is stepping aside as the brand pivots to EVs. Its replacement, the Cadillac Optiq, will lead Cadillac’s electrified entry-level offerings. The XT4’s retirement opens the door to a new generation of electric SUVs.

Fisker Ocean

The Fisker Ocean, a promising electric SUV, is leaving the market prematurely due to Fisker’s bankruptcy. This failure highlights the challenges smaller startups face in competing with established automakers in the rapidly growing EV market.

Economical and Compact Cars Departing

Mitsubishi Mirage

Known as America’s most affordable car, the Mitsubishi Mirage is being discontinued. While it offered basic transportation at a low price, its minimal features and unremarkable performance limited its appeal. Its retirement signals the end of a true budget-friendly car in the market.

Mini Clubman
Mini Clubman

Mini Clubman

Mini’s quirky Clubman, with its signature rear barn doors, is being retired as the brand realigns its lineup around EVs. Though not a top seller, the Clubman’s unique design will be missed by fans of Mini’s unconventional approach.

Mini Electric (Cooper SE)

The current Mini Electric is also ending production, but a fully revamped electric Cooper is expected to debut next year. While the outgoing model struggled with limited range, the upcoming version promises improvements in design and performance.

Other Departures

Ram 1500 TRX

Known for its off-road capability and supercharged V8 engine, the Ram 1500 TRX is being replaced by the upcoming RHO, which will focus on sustainability. The TRX’s retirement marks the loss of one of the most powerful trucks on the market.

Nissan Titan

Nissan’s Titan pickup truck is exiting the lineup after struggling to compete with heavyweights like the Ford F-150. Its departure reflects Nissan’s focus on more popular models and its pivot towards electrification.

Audi A5 Coupe and Convertible

Audi is discontinuing the coupe and convertible versions of the A5, leaving only the Sportback in the lineup. This move aligns with Audi’s broader shift towards electrification.

These discontinuations reflect the ongoing transformation of the automotive world as manufacturers pivot to electrification and respond to changing consumer preferences. Whether it’s a performance icon or a practical sedan, each of these models leaves a lasting legacy in the industry.

By Annie Linardos

I'm a journalist student and completed my masters in Journalism and Mass Communication. With a strong track record as an intern at Mathrubhumi News and The New Indian Express as a reporter and content writer, I'm creative, motivated, and have a keen eye for the truth and attempting to use the expertise and talents to contribute to the emerging field of journalism. I have also been working as a freelance writer and have the capability of producing interesting and bold articles.

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