Top ten digital renderings of 2021

We are lucky enough to live in an era of high-powered computers and abundant talent, which gives us access to some amazing digital renderings – essentially, computer-generated illustrations.

Some we have commissioned and published, like the Ford Ranger Raptor and Everest renderings, are future known variants based on a model that has already been unveiled, while others, like the LandCruiser ute, are simply created for fun.

Here are our top ten renderings of 2021.

10. Toyota GR 86 Shooting brake

Everybody loves the Toyota GR 86, and everybody loves a shooting brake, so why not combine the two?

Sugar Design did just that, creating a two-door wagon of the new GR 86, and making us wish Toyota would consider making it in real life.

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9. Subaru Brumby

The Brumby became a favourite of farmers across Australia in the 1980s and ‘90s thanks to its four-wheel-drive grip, reliability, and practical tub.

Back in June, Theottle created a new-generation Brumby, which was basically just a WRX ute. Given how popular models like the Ford Falcon XR6 Turbo ute and Holden Commodore SS ute were here, we think an all-wheel-drive turbo Subaru ute wouldn’t be a bad idea.

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2025 Subaru Brumby rendering by Theo Throttle

8. Subaru Solterra STI

Subaru recently unveiled its Solterra – the company’s first dedicated pure-electric vehicle – and it wasn’t long before a high-performance version was dreamed up.

X-Tomi Design added a body kit, bonnet scoop, and closed-off hexagonal grille to the Solterra, lowering the suspension over black alloy wheels, and painted in Subaru’s trademark World Rally blue with a black contrast roof.

Given Hyundai is cooking up a high-performance electric Ioniq 5 N variant, maybe a Solterra STI isn’t completely out of the question?

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7. Ford Maverick Shelby GT300

The Ford Maverick may not be coming to Australia, but our audience is certainly still interested in the small pick-up – especially when it gets the Shelby treatment.

Brazilian artist Kleber Silva created the Ford Maverick Shelby GT300 by applying Shelby’s iconic GT stripes, Mustang alloy wheels, dual centre exhaust tips, and an aggressive body kit.

The chance of a Maverick from Shelby is slim to none, but we always appreciate seeing cool, high-quality renderings like this one.

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6. Mazda CX-50 Touring ute

In the North American small pick-up market, Ford has the Maverick and Hyundai has the Santa Cruz. So what if Mazda decided to enter the segment?

We created the Mazda CX-50 Touring ute to imagine such a thing, combining the company’s sleek design with the practicality of a tub, aimed at the outdoor enthusiast.

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5. Off-road Ford Everest

Shortly after the Ford Ranger was revealed, we had German artist (and LandCruiser Troopcarrier owner) Sascha Thilmany create a kitted-out version of the upcoming Ford Everest.

Just like one you would see in the Victoria High Country – where a prototype was spied testing – the Everest combines beadlock alloy wheels with hybrid off-road tyres, a bull bar with Warn winch, bash plates, LED spotlights, an awning, and a UHF.

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4. Volkswagen Amarok

The next-generation Volkswagen ute will be based on the recently-unveiled Ford Ranger, meaning we know the basic shape of the new model. Volkswagen’s commercial design team has also released sketches of the Amarok, which, when combined, gives us a fairly good idea of what the new ute will look like.

Another rendering from Sascha Thilmany, this time offering a solid take on what we can expect when the new model lands in late 2022.

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3. Honda Civic Type R

To be fair, Honda made this one easy for us. The Civic Type R was teased wearing a camouflage wrap, which allows us to see the car while the finer details are kept hidden.

Theottle used his skills to strip away the camouflage for us, revealing the new Honda Civic Type R for the world to see, but before the carmaker wanted you to.

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2. Ford Ranger Raptor

It’s the most desirable version of the most hotly-anticipated ute of 2021. The 2022 Ford Ranger Raptor promises some big things, with teaser videos from the Blue Oval sounding very much like it’s being powered by the 3.0-litre turbo V6 from the Explorer ST.

Kleber Silva took the 2022 Ford Ranger and applied the Raptor treatment, with wide wheel arches, decals, black alloy wheels, and the typical F-O-R-D grille up the front.

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1. Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series dual-cab ute

There’s no doubt the 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series unveiling was the event of the year, but it turns out the most popular story was a render imagining the LC300 as a dual-cab ute.

Another one from Kleber Silva, the dual-cab LandCruiser really struck a chord with our audience, as readers considered the practicality and capability of a 79 Series, but with the comfort of a 300 Series.

Following the success of the Ram 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado full-size pick-ups in Australia, Ford has brought an F-150 to our shores for evaluation, so it may only be a matter of time before Toyota looks to bring the Tundra Down Under.

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