Friday 2nd January 2015

PH 2015 - Reasons to be cheerful

A new year is here; let's look ahead to some of the cars we've got to enjoy in 2015

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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...

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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.

 

[Sources: CAR, Autocar, Autoblog]

[renaultgeek]

Has the hot hatch world not moved on to the "hyper hatch" by now? Civic is a bit too late to the game, especially with the focus RS coming.

[Clivey]

How come when I tried to add my comments (twice) to this story, they ended-up in a separate thread in General Gassing?

ETA my original post:

There's some nice metal here but I'd like to see some more NA 6-cylinder engines in relatively affordable performance cars. - I'm already missing them after 3 months with a turbo 4-pot...damn emissions legislation & taxation bks has a lot to answer for! frown

Hopefully, BMW manage to further refine their turbo sixes (making them feel naturally-aspirated) & give them something like the glorious top-end rush of the S54. Fingers crossed for the M2!

[DanielSan]

Errrrr, there is the New NSX as well, that's certainly more interesting than another Mustang.

[Clivey]

DanielSan said:

Errrrr, there is the New NSX as well, that's certainly more interesting than another Mustang.

"Another Mustang"? What's wrong with it?

Personally, I find a real, affordable, NA V8, RWD muscle (OK; pony) car much more exciting than an ongoing rumour of another hybrid "thing".

[kambites]

And every single one of them with EPAS? No thanks.

[redroadster]

renaultgeek said:

Has the hot hatch world not moved on to the "hyper hatch" by now? Civic is a bit too late to the game, especially with the focus RS coming.

With the amount of time Honda has been testing the civic if it does not beat any other front wheel drive hatch it they will have egg on there faces, however with the current generation of 4 wheel drive hatches audi /merc they are all ready losing the battle.

[Benbay001]

DanielSan said:

Errrrr, there is the New NSX as well, that's certainly more interesting than another Mustang.

IMO the mustang is the by far the most intertesting of that list.

[Vee12V]

Don't forget the rumours of a 400bhp Exige V6 and Evora.

[Ecosseven]

MX-5 and Mustang for me. Both iconic and affordable.

[only1ian]

MX5 please alfa spider...

[zeduffman]

Clivey said:

How come when I tried to add my comments (twice) to this story, they ended-up in a separate thread in General Gassing?

ETA my original post:

There's some nice metal here but I'd like to see some more NA 6-cylinder engines in relatively affordable performance cars. - I'm already missing them after 3 months with a turbo 4-pot...damn emissions legislation & taxation bks has a lot to answer for! frown

Hopefully, BMW manage to further refine their turbo sixes (making them feel naturally-aspirated) & give them something like the glorious top-end rush of the S54. Fingers crossed for the M2!

I'm hoping someone will get around to using hybrid power with a performance NA engine, LaFerrari/918 style. Then you get the economy and low emissions when you're dawdling, and razor sharp throttle response and decent noise when you're not.

Some turbo engines sound good, but they don't always suit the car they're sitting in.

[Clivey]

zeduffman said:

I'm hoping someone will get around to using hybrid power with a performance NA engine, LaFerrari/918 style. Then you get the economy and low emissions when you're dawdling, and razor sharp throttle response and decent noise when you're not.

Some turbo engines sound good, but they don't always suit the car they're sitting in.

There are still several problems with hybrids, e.g. the weight of the battery packs (the hypercars use exotic construction to compensate)...plus, they don't exactly go hand-in-hand with other desirable-to-enthusiast features like hydraulic steering or a manual gearbox. A hybrid powertrain would work brilliantly on something like a Nissan GT-R though.

After CH's first drive in the 918, I can't help but remember his comments along the lines of "How good would it be without all the hybrid nonsense?".

[Sway]

Can you please stop reinforcing the stupidity that is assuming that the engines in the Sports Series, 650S and P1 are the same.

They may share the same capacity and number of cylinders, but they're fundamentally very different.

[iloveboost]

Clivey said:

There are still several problems with hybrids, e.g. the weight of the battery packs (the hypercars use exotic construction to compensate)...plus, they don't exactly go hand-in-hand with other desirable-to-enthusiast features like hydraulic steering or a manual gearbox. A hybrid powertrain would work brilliantly on something like a Nissan GT-R though.

After CH's first drive in the 918, I can't help but remember his comments along the lines of "How good would it be without all the hybrid nonsense?".

I agree on a track they would be a little faster designed without a hybrid system, As designed I think they'd be worse road cars without the hybrid system, as there are many advantages that minimise the weight disadvantage.
The next GT-R may use a hybrid/KERS powertrain like the P1. Also they could just tune the engine to 650ps, and give it a weight reduction on the same chassis.

[Clivey]

iloveboost said:

I agree on a track they would be a little faster designed without a hybrid system, As designed I think they'd be worse road cars without the hybrid system, as there are many advantages that minimise the weight disadvantage.
The next GT-R may use a hybrid/KERS powertrain like the P1. Also they could just tune the engine to 650ps, and give it a weight reduction on the same chassis.

Unfortunately in the case of the 918, I suspect we'll never know. Another point I'd like to make is that I don't think these systems will age well; I doubt we'll be looking upon them in years to come as we do with conventional ICE-powered classics.

I do see the plus points of hybrid powertrains but I think it'll be a while before we have any truly compelling affordable performance cars so equipped.

[bubney72]

Oh yeah wow, really cheering stuff.........

[Chicane-UK]

New MX5 looks really sharp!

[paranoid airbag]

After going in a "fast" (well faster than mine, but so is a milkfloat) diesel, for regular cars it's a shame there aren't more hybrids. This, but without the awful sound any time I press the throttle and inability to rev, please. I really wouldn't mind the constant generator-thrum so much.

Apologies for non-PH content. New MX-5 does look good.

Edited by paranoid airbag on Saturday 3rd January 00:18

[Derek Chevalier]

DanielSan said:

Errrrr, there is the New NSX as well, that's certainly more interesting than another Mustang.

I wouldn't hold my breath

[NorrisMcWurter]

I wish the tesla Model X was more exciting as a car and featured here, as it's arguably the most important thing happening to cars in 2015.
Broad, practical appeal is hard to get excited about though.