As the year of the hybrid hypercar, 2014 was always going to be hard to match. But there's more than enough to be excited by for the following 12 months, from hot hatches to supercars via V8 saloons and plenty more. Here we'll rundown the cars PH is most excited about for 2015; as always, further contributions are always welcomed...
Ford Focus RS
- Alright, so the Mk3 Focus RS may not reach customers until 2016 but it's more than exciting enough to warrant a mention in this year's preview. Expect full details on the car's spec over the next few months plus hints at the styling and interior. What do we know for sure? It won't have three doors and it will be turbocharged. Other than that it's anyone's guess for the moment.
Jaguar XE - Lord knows what the media and customer launches for the Jaguar XE will be like following the first show. We know about the Ingenium engines, the prices and the specifications; indeed, all that's left to know about the Jaguar XE is how it drives. We're keen to find out just as soon as possible.
Audi R8
- The car that proved Audi could make fantastic drivers' cars is due for replacement. It will share tech with the Lamborghini Huracan and should see hybrid models join the existing V8 and V10. Expect styling influenced by the new TT as well.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS - Everyone knows the recipe for a 911 RS now: more power, more focus, even wider arches and the silliest spoiler available. Given the frankly spectacular 991 GT3, expectations are incredibly high for the Rennsport flagship. A launch early in the year seems likely; expect hacks getting themselves in a state soon after.
Porsche Cayman GT4 - Unless of course they are getting carried away by a super Cayman beforehand. As yet a Cayman 'GT4' hasn't actually been confirmed by Porsche but the amount of images emerging suggest an official announcement can't be far off. A turbo engine is the latest rumour for this Cayman but surely the 911 Carrera S's 3.8 would be perfect? 400hp in a Cayman, hopefully with a manual too...
McLaren Sports Series
- The Sports Series will be revealed in full at the Geneva motor show, following the painfully convoluted #blackswanmoments series of teasers. The 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 from the 650S and P1 will be used in the Sports Series, as well as a carbon tub. Fingers crossed the car keeps attention better than the viral ad campaign
Mazda MX-5 - The big one for PH this year. You know it is. We all love to get carried away with Porsches, Jaguars and McLarens but for cars we may actually buy the Mk4 Mazda MX-5 is hugely significant. What we know so far promises a lot: it looks sharp, it's lighter than the previous car and the latest range of Mazda SkyActiv engines will feature too. With the motor show launch done, MX-5 first drives can't be far away. The Answer to Everything? You bet!
BMW M2 - Expectations are high for the BMW M2. Combine the excellent M235i with an M Division on top form following the M3/M4 and the result should be worth waiting for. It's got the 1 M Coupe to live up to as well... Firm specifications aren't available at present but a detuned version of the M3's twin-turbo straight-six would make most sense, with DCT and manual gearbox options plus the usual array of drivetrain configurability. Something to battle that Cayman?
Ford Mustang
- The Ford Mustang has already made a good account of itself in its homeland and in 2015 we will get to experience it in the UK. What is the Mustang experience like with a four-cylinder turbo? Heck, what is the Mustang experience like in the UK with right-hand drive? We will get the V8 over here too, which should be the ideal engine for testing that line-lock function...
Mercedes-AMG C63 - The outgoing W204 C63 AMG was a watershed moment for Mercedes; finally it had a sports saloon dynamically capable of taking on the M3. Indeed for many the C63's incredible V8 made it the preferable car. No pressure for the replacement then...
There is a smaller but more powerful V8, a standard limited-slip diff and a wealth of configurability options for the drivetrain. Saloon and estate models will be available with standard and 'S' models to choose from as well. Smoky first drive on the way in the next few months.
Jaguar F-Type manual
- Currently the Jaguar F-Type manual is averaging 8.91 on the PH O'Meter. Excitement around this car is massive, and understandably so. The F-Type coupe was our second most popular road test in 2014 and now it will be available with the purist's transmission choice. It's cheaper than the auto as well. Yes, it's not available with the V8 just yet but a V6 S manual coupe should be pretty damn good.
Honda Civic Type R - Is 2015 the year for Honda's return? There's a new NSX and a Civic Type R coming, the cars that have more than any other endeared Honda to the enthusiast. We've been without a Honda hot hatch since 2011 so the turbocharged future is eagerly anticipated. Can it really be better to drive than the Renaultsport Megane? Will those crazy rear lights remain? How far into a drive story before the Golf R is mentioned? Many questions to be answered and most definitely this year. A production spec Type R will be at Geneva so a verdict on the drive isn't far off. Hopefully.