2015 is a promising year with several excellent opportunities to treat all automobile lovers across the world. Here's a list of 10 cars that one can definitely look forward to this year:
McLaren Sports Series
McLaren has announced plans to unveil a new sports car each year. The launch of the McLaren Sports Series, designed as a rival to Porsche-911 and similar models, is fast approaching as its expected launch date is hinted towards the second quarter of 2015. While more significant details are yet to be revealed by McLaren, it is hinted that the upcoming Sports series would be powered by a de-tuned version of the twin-turbo v-8 engine used in the 12C. An estimate of the specifications of this series is given below:
Model: P13
Engine: V8 (Est.)
Horsepower @ RPM: 493 (Est.)
Torque @ RPM: 350 (Est.)
Displacement: 3.8 L (Est.)
0-60 time: 4 sec. (Est.)
Top Speed: 190 mph (Est.)
Price: ~ $200k
McLaren hopes to sell around 2000 to 2500 units of this series per year. The company has also revealed a new image for the future Sports Series car which would be unveiled in April 2015 at the New York Auto Show.
Turbocharged Ferrari 458M
Get ready to play with the turbo charged Ferrari 458M this year. Modified with a dry-sump lubrication, the V8 will have a capacity below 4.0 litres which is powered by a 3855cc V8 engine that delivers a total of 650bhp. One of the challenges facing Ferrari’s powertrain engineers is how to reliably match a 650bhp-plus, 550lb ft-plus torque output to the seven-speed Getrag ‘7DL750’ dual-clutch automatic gearbox employed on all models from the California upto the LaFerrari. Peak torque from the California’s 553lb ft V8 was set at the ’box’s limit and is only delivered in seventh gear. In the six lower gears, it’s limited to 400lb ft. Other aspects of the new 458's engine design are likely to diverge from the California's as well.
Honda NSX
After three years of intensive development work, this next-generation supercar is about to be revealed to the world. A human-centred supercar that responds to the will of the driver, that's what the new Honda NSX is all about.
The new NSX is more like a technological powerhouse. The exact specifications is still a matter of guesswork. The engine could most likely be a direct-injection, mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.5litre V6, with a wider V-angle than the previous Honda units of that configuration. The chassis and body is a mix of aluminium, high tensile steel and composites, although there would be some carbon fibre components too. There are chances that one of the new seven and eight-speed dual clutch gearboxes, recently launched by Honda, might appear in the new NSX. There would be no manual transmission and speculations are there that Honda is targeting a curb weight of around 1400kg. The power output still remains a secret, but it is guaranteed that with three electric motors and a new bi-turbo V6, the power would definitely surge to some figure beyond 500bhp. Honda had previously promised that the NSX would be available at the price of a 911, so one can expect a starting ticket under $155k.
Porsche Cayman GT4
A Cayman with racing spirits has been bred by Porsche and soon, this mighty horse would be on the show soon.
The GT4 is said to be built alongside the 911 GT3 and GT3 RS at Porsche's Weissach facility. The good news is that the Cayman GT4 would offer both manual and PDK paddleshift gearboxes. A potential engine hasn't been confirmed, but with a power of 380-400bhp mentioned, a flat-six of either 3.4 or 3.8 litres in size would be certain. A GT4 badge would obviously come with plenty of weight-saving measures to aid performance. However, a Porsche spokesman has said that they don't comment on future models before their release, so none of the speculations are official. As for pricing, the PDK-equipped Cayman GTS starts at $80,155, so figure on the top-dog GT4 version commanding at least $100k. This is a Porsche, after all.
Alfa 4C Spider
A very pretty car packed with enormous power, that's what best describes this car. Armed with a 240bhp four-cylinder turbo petrol and six-speed dual clutch gearbox with an engine displacement of 1.75litres and a maximum torque of 258Nm at 2100rpm, the Spider gets from 0-62mph in the same 4.5 seconds and rises to a top speed in excess of 155mph. The Spider gets carbon fibre rollover bars, and a steel panel where the rear glass screen is present. The car has a retractable roof rather than a fixed lid, though it is not yet clear whether the lightweight canvas hood is electrically or manually operated.There is also a new central exhaust system that can make more noise at the push of a button. So for the race enthusiasts, take out $83k from your pockets and make your ears prepared for more happiness. This one's got more noise plus no roof!
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a true sports car in every sense for an estimated price of $75k. Equipped with a 2.0 litre engine rated at 167 horsepower (when paired with either the five-or-six speed manual transmission), Mazda makes use of efficient SkyActive architecture tailored to a sports-car application. A 1.5litre engine would be available in other markets but that has been deemed too small for the U.S. There are no crash test results for the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata, nor have earlier versions been tested. Despite this lack of data, the car’s rigid structure, standard airbag complement, potent brakes, and nimble handling should make the most of both accident survival and accident avoidance. Available upgrades for the 2015 Mazda MX-5 include a Suspension Package, automatic climate control, Bose audio, and Bluetooth connectivity, though some of these upgrades are only available on higher-trim variants, such as the top-tier Grand Touring model.
The one new addition to the 2015 MX-5 range is the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition, which goes on pre-order sale through a special microsite the morning of May 20, 2014, running through May 31. Only 100 examples of the 25th Anniversary Edition will be sold, though Mazda will allow up to 250 registrations through the microsite.
Special features for the MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition include hand-selected pistons, connecting rods, and flywheel to yield a smoother, more free-revving engine; a standard Soul Red Metallic paint job with Brilliant Black A-pillars, windshield surround, side mirrors and PRHT; 17-inch Dark Gunmetal alloy wheels; Almond leather seats and door trim; satin chrome trim; leather-wrapped steering wheel, armrests, and shift boot; red contrast stitching throughout the interior; and aluminum alloy pedals. All 25th Anniversary models will also feature special embroidering in the leather headrests and logos in the stainless steel door sill plates. A badge on the driver’s front fender indicates the car’s 1/100 serial number.
Honda Civic Type R
Honda Civic Type R, the most extreme and high performing Type R in the 22 year history of the red 'H' badge, will feature a 2.0 litre petrol engine producing more than 276bhp. This would make the new Civic hot hatch more powerful than any of the previous Civic series, Integra, Accord and even the NSX. It is said to have a Euro 6 compliant direct-injection turbocharged engine for the first time. The concept of the Type R is to be the complete driver's car and its strength lies in the synergy of functionality, versatility and its dynamic design. Prices would be announced closer to its sale date this year.
Bentley's SUV
Bentley's much anticipated SUV continues to turn up showing off its muscular body around Europe with its launch inching closer. This massive vehicle promises to hit a top speed of more than 200mph and deliver lightening fast accelerations along with outstanding dynamics for an SUV. The SUV, codenamed as “Falcon”, is expected to sport two different engines. The entry-level model would be powered by a twin-turbo V8, while the more expensive models may carry massive W12 powerplants. The SUV's global debut is expected to release in late 2015 as a 2016 model. Prices are estimated to start at around $210k.
Mini John Cooper Works
Based on the recently designed Cooper Hardtop, the new JCW is the most powerful Mini ever developed as of 2015. The model would make its official debut this January at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show which is scheduled to be during January 12-25. Designed to have an aggressive styling and the most powerful engine fitted in a Mini of 2015, a decent amount of luxury and a host of customization options can be attributed to this car.
The brand new JCW retains the turbocharged, 2.0litre, four-cylinder engine of its predecessor, but the beefed up hatch now benefits from significantly more power. The four-banger makes 228 horsepower at 5200rpm and 320Nm of torque from 1250rpm in the 2015 JCW. It is also the quickest, needing only 5.9 seconds to charge from 0-60mph with the six-speed automatic transmission, making it 0.3 seconds quicker than the previous model. Top speed has also been updated, being 7mph higher than last year's model at 153mph. The 0-60mph sprint also makes the JCW a lot more quicker than its closest competitor, the Ford Fiesta ST, which needs nearly a second more to achieve the same benchmark.
Jaguar XE
This sexy new cat is preparing to pounce on the BMW 3-series, which is currently the king of the jungle.
The XE, an all new Jag, will be full of advanced technology, starting with its aluminium structure to help reduce weight and aid fuel economy. Powertrains will include a turbo four, a supercharged V6 and a diesel engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission would be offered and a manual would appear later. Jaguar won’t let BMW, Audi and Mercedes have all the fun in the compact super-sedan range. Expect the same 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 from the other Jaguar models to find its way into a Jaguar XE R model in the next few years.
The interior adds to the ambience too, with a recognizable Jaguar design, and a new eight-inch high-definition multimedia touchscreen in the centre console - a welcome replacement for the tired system in the current JLR lineup. As expected, it allows all manner of connectivity, from apps, mobile wifi, voice control, and a sync for your smartphone. There’s also an optional head-up display and modern graphics.
There is also an option to start the XE from your mobile, as well as set air-con and other functions remotely, which is quite handy.
Prices of the XE is yet to be announced. If Jaguar has proven anything over the last few years, it is that it can build very competitive cars that match their competitors in power and usually win in looks. Fortunately, the XE is no exception, and it appears the German sedans are about to get a run for their money.
Upcoming cars for the year 2015
Latest Comments
McLaren
Jaguar xe is the best of the lot.