The start of a new year offers a chance to look ahead and consider the cars we’re most excited about for 2025. While the ZEV Mandate and upcoming combustion engine ban are pushing the industry toward an electric, or heavily hybridised, future, many of our Oracle Car Finance customers are taking a different route. In fact, 94% of the cars we financed last year were powered by combustion engines—whether hybrid or not—certainly not fully electric.
While the mainstream automotive press is focused on the latest electric vehicles expected for release, we’re shining a spotlight on combustion engine cars for 2025. After all, that’s what our customers are asking us to fund.
So, here’s our roundup of the exciting combustion engine cars to look forward to in 2025:
Porsche Mission X
Back in June 2023, Porsche marked its 75th anniversary with a gift to itself in the form of the Mission X concept car. Porsche has a history of turning its concept cars into production models, so many anticipated that the Mission X would be the next hypercar following the legendary Carrera GT and 918 Spyder.
At the time, it was expected that the Mission X would be a fully electric hypercar, designed to push the boundaries of performance, much like the Lotus Evija aims to do. However, Porsche is likely keen to reclaim its place in the hypercar ‘trinity’ alongside McLaren and Ferrari, meaning it’s expected that their latest offering will be in line with the specifications of its rivals. With McLaren's W1 and Ferrari's F80 hypercars embracing hybrid technology, it seems likely that Porsche will follow suit with a similar powertrain for its upcoming hypercar.
While car enthusiasts have been enjoying the recent launches from Ferrari and McLaren, Porsche has remained tight-lipped. It’s possible that the Mission X is an entirely different concept, or perhaps Porsche has something else up its sleeve to challenge these two brands in the hypercar arena. Alternatively, it could still be their successor to the 918 Spyder. Whatever Porsche is planning behind closed doors in Stuttgart, it’s certain that 2025 will give us some clues about their next flagship performance car—one that promises to uphold their legacy as one of the very best in the game.
Aston Martin Valhalla
The Aston Martin Valhalla is a car that has taken so long to move from concept to production that many have almost forgotten it was ever on the way. First revealed in 2019, and coming after the excitement and anticipation generated by the Valkyrie, Aston Martin had always promised to create a more comfortable and practical sibling—and they’ve certainly delivered on that promise. The Valhalla is unapologetically targeting the latest offerings from McLaren, Ferrari, and Porsche, ensuring Aston Martin’s place among the supercar elite.
The Valhalla, Aston Martin’s first ever mid-engined plug-in hybrid supercar, draws inspiration from the Valkyrie and the brand’s extensive Formula 1 expertise. However, it also brings a level of luxury and refinement unique to Aston Martin, resulting in a truly impressive machine.
With over 1,060 hp from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 paired with a twin-electric motor setup, the Valhalla packs more than enough power to rival the best in the business. But it’s the promise of "unparalleled performance and a revolution in driver engagement" that truly demonstrates Aston Martin’s intent with this car. While the Valkyrie was always destined to be a limited-production track-focused machine, occasionally road-worthy for the brave, the Valhalla’s production run of 999 units and its ability to be driven purely on the road makes it a potential defining model for the brand. Good things really do come to those who wait.
BMW M5 & M5 Touring
When BMW revealed their all-new M5, two key talking points dominated the conversation. Firstly, the staggering 727 hp on offer, and secondly, the fact that it now weighs almost 600kg more than the previous generation. While the hybrid assistance explains the dramatic power boost, a 600kg weight increase between generations is significant. For a brand that prides itself on being "the ultimate driving machine," there were plenty of concerns about how the new M5 would handle that added weight.
Despite the massive power boost of over 130 hp compared to the outgoing model, the added weight has had a noticeable impact on the performance of the once-iconic executive saloon—an icon that, by the way, weighed a tonne less than the new version. The 0-62mph time is actually slower, and no matter how much engineering and technology BMW has employed to counterbalance the weight, it’s clear that it’s always present.
Sure, it’s still incredibly fast, and with adjustable all-wheel drive, the grip is impressive. However, for those who expect a sharp, engaging steering and braking feel when pushing the car to its limits, early impressions suggest you might be left wanting. But then, how many M5 owners will actually be pushing their car to the limit or taking it to the track on a regular basis? Probably not many.
At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a fast, tech-packed, spacious estate that excels in both performance and effortless cruising, the latest M5 is an impressive choice. It’s just not quite what we’ve traditionally expected from an M5.
Lamborghini Temerario
When Lamborghini announced the end of the Huracan, many feared it marked the end of the brand’s iconic essence, with worries that an electric replacement was on the horizon. However, Lamborghini has never been one to follow the crowd, and true to form, they’re charting their own course.
While most manufacturers view hybrid systems as a way to offer silent electric running and improve fuel efficiency, Lamborghini sees it as an opportunity to push power to even more extreme levels. Starting with the 1,000 hp Revuelto, followed by the 788 hp Urus SE, the latest addition to their lineup is the 907 hp Temerario. Given that the outgoing Huracan produced 640 hp from its 5.2-litre V10, the more than 50% power boost for the brand’s ‘entry-level’ offering seems almost excessive. But then again, this is Lamborghini, where excess is often the point.
Then again, excess is exactly what Lamborghini is all about. The sharp, angular styling remains, now with a more aggressive edge inspired by the Revuelto, but it’s the power and performance that truly stand out. With a 4.0-litre V8 and a triple-motor setup, the Temerario rockets from 0-62mph in just 2.7 seconds and has a top speed exceeding 210mph—there’s nothing ‘entry-level’ about it. This is especially true when you consider the extensive customisation options, allowing customers to configure the car exactly to their liking. With half a dozen of the larger Revuelto already delivered to our customers last year, we’re excited to see the first examples of the Temerario being funded this year as well.
Audi RS5
With the rise of EVs and the continued presence of combustion engine cars, Audi has shaken up its lineup and naming conventions. Previously, the A4 and A6 were the executive saloons, with the A5 and A7 serving as their coupe counterparts. Now, however, Audi has decided that even-numbered models will be electric, while odd-numbered models will feature hybrid combustion engines. It may sound confusing, but at least they’ve simplified things by dropping the even more perplexing 35, 40, and 50 power variants for each model.
With BMW leading the way into flagship hybrid performance cars with the latest M5 (see below), Audi fans are keen to see how the brand will approach the new RS5. The outgoing RS5 has been a sleek luxury coupe, but the new RS5 will be an estate, or ‘Avant’, stepping in to replace the RS4. While a new RS4 is likely on the way, it will be fully electric—confusing, right?
Expected to feature a V6 engine like the S5, the RS5 will incorporate a plug-in hybrid system similar to that in the Panamera, producing around 550hp. While the 100hp increase may mainly offset the extra weight of the hybrid setup, it’s likely to make the RS5 significantly faster than before.
Audi has always excelled at producing powerful estate cars, and with BMW back in the game with their M3 and M5 Touring models, Audi will need to step up its game even more. Without giving too much away about the M5 (see below), Audi may have the perfect chance to show how it’s done and reclaim the top spot in the performance estate car market. Let’s hope 2025 brings a sense of familiarity in that regard, especially with so many changes happening across the industry.
BMW M2 Competition / CS
What truly defines an ‘M’ car is alive and well in the latest M2. Still powered purely by a combustion engine (for now), this car remains a driver’s dream, even offering a manual gearbox option. The M2 has always been one of the most affordable ways to experience serious performance, and the previous generation earned a loyal following for its accessible sports car capability.
While the latest generation has seen a noticeable price increase—though what hasn’t these days—it also delivers a substantial boost in power, now offering 476hp from its incredible twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, over 100hp more than its predecessor. However, what’s still missing is the anticipated follow-up model that typically comes after an M car—the Competition version.
Rumours and spy shots of a potential CS variant, the more extreme, performance-focused version of the M2, have been circulating among automotive journalists, but nothing has been officially confirmed yet. Whether BMW opts to skip the Competition model and go straight to the CS is still unclear. What’s certain, however, is that fans of the current M2, who’ve showered it with praise, will be eagerly awaiting a version that’s even more powerful, lighter, and able to push the limits of the M2’s chassis. As one of the few performance cars in 2025 that will be powered purely by a combustion engine and offered with a manual transmission, the M2 Competition/CS could very well be the last of its kind.
Porsche 911
The long-awaited second iteration of the latest Porsche 911 models was unveiled last year, but it wasn’t quite the rollout Porsche enthusiasts are accustomed to. Typically, mid-life updates for the 911 start with the more affordable models, followed by the GTS, and eventually the GT variants. This time, however, Porsche did almost the exact opposite.
The first models to receive the updates were the GTS with its e-hybrid technology, followed by the base Carrera and—surprisingly—the updated GT3. Even the typically late-arriving Carrera T has already been given the 992.2 treatment. Despite it being nearly eight months since that initial launch, there’s still no sign of the updated Carrera S, Carrera 4/Carrera 4S, or even the Turbo and Turbo S variants.
With the GTS becoming the first in the 911 lineup to feature hybrid technology, the base Carrera continues to rely solely on a combustion engine. It’s anticipated that the GTS will be the only non-'Turbo' model to incorporate hybrid assistance, while the Turbo variants are expected to see a significant power boost thanks to this technology. The rest of the range will likely receive more subtle updates, similar to those seen in the Carrera. 2025 is expected to bring the full lineup, and Porsche enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the next developments. As the most popular model we fund year after year, we’re equally excited to see what’s next.
Audi RS7
Following Audi’s recent model naming overhaul, the upcoming RS6 will be fully electric and, for the first time in years, could also be offered as a Saloon in addition to the Avant estate. The all-new A6 has already garnered praise for its design, technology, range, and handling, showcasing a bright future for Audi's EV saloon range. Meanwhile, the new RS7 will continue with a combustion engine.
Audi’s partnership with sister company Porsche has consistently paid off, as seen with the E-Tron GT and its high-performance RS variant. As future Audi models continue to integrate more hybrid technology, the updated Panamera will ensure the RS7 delivers exceptional hybrid performance to the masses.
While it’s still unclear whether the RS7 will adopt the full 4.0-litre V8 hybrid system from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid or opt for a V6 like the upcoming RS5, one thing is certain: high-performance Audi models, whether electric or combustion-powered, are here to stay—for now.