Photos: Seven future classic cars from the modern era

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Audi R8. Although the hubbub around the high-performance Audi R8 exotic sports car is starting to die down now that the model has been out for more than 5 years, we suspect that it will someday increase in popularity again. It has all the key ingredients: relatively low production volume, head-turning styling and amazing performance, and it was the very first car to pioneer now-ubiquitous LED accent lights. While we don't exactly think the R8 will reach classic status anytime soon, we believe that it's a car you'll be seeing at automotive concours events in 20 years.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1/Z28. OK, OK, we admit it: This is an easy one. Of course the limited-production Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Z28 will become collectible. After all, they offer big power, low production volume and a lot of things you can't get in a normal Camaro, such as GM's excellent magnetic suspension system. We don't suggest tucking a ZL1 or a Z28 in a garage somewhere and waiting for values to climb because you'll be waiting for a long time -- and these cars are too much fun to keep parked. But if you keep yours in good shape and don't let it go, we suspect you'll be a hit at vintage car shows someday.

Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Here's a controversial pick: We think the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor will go down as a future classic. It's hard to say for sure, of course, because trucks are rarely as collectible as cars, but this one has all the makings of a collectible. It has bold styling, huge demand when new, a larger engine than the normal model and some serious capabilities -- though in this case, it shines at desert running and off-road prowess rather than track times or quarter-mile numbers. We love the SVT Raptor, and we think someday it will be considered a classic car from the era of big V8s and huge pickup trucks.

Mazda MX-5 Miata. Although we don't believe every Mazda MX-5 Miata will be considered a classic, we certainly think well-kept models will someday see renewed interest and increased values. For any car enthusiast, the reasons are obvious: The MX-5 is a simple, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, 2-seat sports car with a focus on driving pleasure and excitement over just about everything else. Factor in the reality that most early MX-5 Miata models have been heavily modified, and we suspect you'll see increasing collectability as the Miata starts to age -- and as modern cars become more and more complicated.

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring.

The 45th Anniversary Gold Edition, built off of the GT-R Premium model, commemorates the GT-R’s long heritage of world-class high performance. Featuring a special gold paint color, the limited edition model also includes a special gold-tone VIN plate located inside the engine compartment and a special commemorative plaque on the interior center console. The paint color itself is the same “Silica Brass” color that marked the 2001 Skyline GT-R M-Spec (R34 Type). Fewer than 30 of these special GT-Rs are slated for the United States market.

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Audi R8. Although the hubbub around the high-performance Audi R8 exotic sports car is starting to die down now that the model has been out for more than 5 years, we suspect that it will someday increase in popularity again. It has all the key ingredients: relatively low production volume, head-turning styling and amazing performance, and it was the very first car to pioneer now-ubiquitous LED accent lights. While we don't exactly think the R8 will reach classic status anytime soon, we believe that it's a car you'll be seeing at automotive concours events in 20 years.

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