Where do you see car culture going in the future?

[isaacstenegard]

Hi yall
My name is Isaac
I am a car design student and I am making my Thesis project around car culture.
I’ve been thinking about where car culture might be headed. The industry’s shifting fast, electrification, autonomy, shared mobility, tighter regulations etc, and while that all makes sense environmentally and practically, I wonder what it means for those of us who see cars as more than transport.
Cars have always been tied to identity, creativity, craftsmanship, and community.

But what happens to all that when cars become digital tools or services?

I have my personal opinions as a major petrolhead of course, but I would love to hear you guys thoughts on a few topics.

• What keeps car culture alive for you?
• How do you think it could (or should) evolve in the next couple of decades?
• If the cars of the future are shared or autonomous, where does that leave enthusiasts?
• Would you want a car that’s more open, something you could personalize, repair, or even help shape as part of a larger community? Think open source, Caterham etc.

No agenda here, just trying to start a good conversation about how to keep what we love about cars alive in a changing world.

I you could also write just your age and country, (optional of course) it would greatly help me as I can the cite it in my research.

Thanks!

[nickbutt2000]

Hey Isaac, great topic. For me, car culture stays alive through the sense of freedom and personal expression that cars offer. Even as we move toward EVs, autonomy, and shared mobility, I think enthusiasts will still find ways to connect—whether through track days, classic car communities, or modifying whatever platforms are available. If future cars become more like digital devices, I hope manufacturers keep them open enough for personalization and hands-on creativity. Enthusiasts will always exist; the tools might just change.

[InvalidNick123]

I think car culture will always survive because people love expressing themselves through their rides, even if they're electric. for me, the most important part is being able to actually work on and repair your own car instead of it being a locked digital box.