The 16 Cars We're Most Excited to Drive in 2022
The new year is poised to bring a load of exciting offerings.
By Lucas Bell
Andi Hedrick
With 2021 coming to a close, it's time to start preparing for the onslaught of new vehicles slated to hit dealerships in 2022. Whether it be a naturally-aspirated mid-engine supercar or a fully-electric truck, there are plenty of vehicles we can't wait to get our hands on next year. Here are a few that we're most excited about.
Following the debut of the 11th-generation Civic earlier this year, all attention is now focused on the upcoming Type R. While more reserved in its styling that the outgoing model, the new CTR should retain that spectacular turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, albeit with a slight power bump. A six-speed manual gearbox will be hooked up to the back of the motor, all for an expected MSRP of under $40,000.
Bronco Nation
2022 Ford Bronco Raptor
Since the reborn Ford Bronco first arrived on the scene, fans of the iconic nameplate have been clamoring for a Raptorized version. Ford will answer those pleas next year by way of an upgraded 4x4, complete with larger off-road tires, Fox's Live Wire twin-tube bypass dampers, and widened bodywork. Other tweaks like upgraded differentials and even a rumored new engine will help ensure that the Bronco Raptor honors the F-150 which inspired it.
Based on Subaru's Global Platform and powered by the same 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine as the Ascent, the 2022 Subaru WRX is less Impreza than its ever been. That said, a rocking all-wheel drive system, a six-speed manual gearbox, and output ratings of 271 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque are all things to get excited about. 2022 also brings a revised continuously variable automatic called Subaru Performance Transmission, with up to 30 percent quicker upshifts and 50 percent quicker downshifts, even if they are fake ratios. Let the next-generation of rally antics begin.
From the moment the prototype was first shown back in September 2020, the automotive world has patiently awaited the arrival of Nissan's 370Z replacement. Known simply as the Nissan Z, this upcoming sports car might just be the value proposition of the decade. Under the hood sits the VR30DDTT 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6, producing 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can spec either a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, or a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Double-wishbone suspension up front and a multi-link out back mean the Z should be quite the dance partner. Or at least that is what Nissan says. It also says the Z will be priced around $40,000. Supra beware.
The titular hot hatch from the turn of the century has been reborn, once again sporting the five-door bodystyle of the first-generation model. Regardless of this slight oversight, the new 'Teg is a welcome addition to affordable sporty sedan segment. The 2023 Acura Integra will feature the same 1.5-liter turbocharge four-cylinder as the Civic Si, as well as a six-speed manual gearbox. With an MSRP confirmed to start around $30,000, this is one to look out for.
The quintessential American vehicle is going electric. The Ford F-150 Lightning is undeniably one of the most anticipated vehicles arriving next year, thanks in no small part to the performance it has on offer. Wearing the muscle truck nameplate, the new EV will arrive with no less than 426 hp in base trim, with Extended Range models offering up to 563 ponies at your disposal. Both variants of the truck will make 775 lb-ft of torque, which should be more than sufficient for most owner's needs. Did we mention Ford says the electrified F-150 should do up to 300 miles per charge? Not bad for a base price of $39,974.
2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum from the Lightning, Ford is also expected to roll out the highly-anticipated F-150 Raptor R in 2022. Ford has previously confirmed that this will be the higher-performance variant of the baja-basher that fans have been asking for, though that's about it. We expect the truck will borrow from Ram's TRX formula, utilizing the 5.2-liter supercharged V-8 from the Shelby GT500. In Mustang spec the engine is good for 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque, though that is likely to change in the F-150 package. Either way, a V-8 in an F-150 Raptor is always something to be pumped about.
Chevrolet's latest take on the track-focused Corvette is shaping up to be one of the most special sports cars of the era. Under the hood sits a new 5.5-liter dual-overhead cam V-8 engine known as the LT6. Based on the engine powering the C8.R race car, this naturally-aspirated flat-plane V-8 will deliver 670 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, while revving all the way out to an 8600 rpm redline. That makes this the most powerful naturally aspirated V-8 to ever come to market, and that barely scratches the surface of the Z06's upgrades. It's best to get prepared now.
We don't get to enjoy the splendors of the rally-bred GR Yaris here in the States. This is something that we've collectively struggled to forgive Toyota for, and it appears that they've finally heard our calls for action. The automaker has begun teasing the upcoming GR Corolla as of late, which appears to draw from the learnings of that aforementioned forbidden fruit. The teasers point towards the same turbocharged 1.6-liter G16E-GTS three-cylinder engine as the Yaris, which produces 268 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The hatch's GR Four-branded all-wheel drive system has also been confirmed by teaser images. All signs point towards something really enticing,
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL
After a bit of a misstep with the last iteration of the iconic roadster, Mercedes-AMG is back with a new take on the SL for 2022. This SL is a vehicle of firsts for the nameplate: It's the first SL to arrive exclusively as an Affalterbach-enhanced product, the first to come with all-wheel drive, and the first to feature four-wheel steering capabilities. Bolstered by an available air suspension with a hydraulic anti-roll system, the SL should be a tremendous cruiser. Thanks to a 4.0-liter twin-turb0 V-8 under the hood with up to 577 hp on tap, it won't be a slouch either. It doesn't hurt that it's a looker, too.
2022 Lotus Emira
The Lotus Emira will be the last internal-combustion-powered car to ever leave the grounds at Hethel. Thankfully for all of us petrol fans, it appears that Lotus have devised a proper send-off. Replacing the much loved Evora, the new Emira will do battle with the Porsche Caymans and Alpine A110s of the world. Underneath the wider new bodywork, customers will have the choice between two engine options: A Toyota-sourced supercharged 3.5-liter V-6, or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from AMG. The former will be available with either a six-speed manual or a traditional automatic. The Lotus-tweaked AMG engine will only come mated to a dual clutch unit. Outputs are said to range between 360 and 400 hp, while torque peaks at 317 lb-ft. That's a lot of performance for $74,900.
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With the debut of the G42 Generation 2 Series earlier this year, BMW fans are patiently awaiting the arrival of the updated M2. The new sports coupe is expected to be powered by the same turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six as the M3 and M4, known as the S58. Output should fall right around 400 hp for the standard car, while a hotter Competition model could see that figure get nearer to 430 hp. As with previous models, expect wider bodywork and upgraded suspension components to go along with the new engine. Seeing how this thing looks ripping around the Nordschleife, we can't wait for summer to get here any faster.
As General Motors embraces its all-electric future, Cadillac's first exclusively battery-driven vehicle aims to redefine the company's look. If the concept is anything to go off of, the 2023 Cadillac Lyriq is certainly a step in the right direction. Slated to be offered in both single motor and dual-motor configurations, the Lyriq is underpinned by GM's Ultium battery technology. While specifics are still scarce, GM notes that customers can expect a battery pack measuring in at around 100-kWh, providing more than 300 miles of range.
Watching the ultimate example of excessive American opulence be reborn as an EV isn't something most of us predicted. Watching that electric truck arrive with 1000 hp and 9046 pounds of mass to move around suddenly made it make sense again. The 2022 GMC Hummer EV is just as untoward as its predecessors, though now with less of an impact on the planet. That is until you take this near five-ton behemoth out to your favorite trails, which you most certainly will. Even the mighty Earth will bend to demands of the Hummer EV, as it Crab Walks through any terrain in open-air glory. If you aren't the least bit curious about how thing thing drives, we've got some questions for you.
New for the 2022 model year, the electric Kia EV6 will join the Hyundai Ioniq 5 on the automaker's new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This sleek crossover isn't as attractively styled as the retro-inspired Hyundai, but the Kia remains an intriguing offering in the growing segment. Slated to be available in either Standard or Long Range trims, the EV6 is capable of returning over 300 miles per charge. The entry level EV6 will feature a 58.0-kWh battery pack and a single electric motor on the rear axle, which provides just 167 hp. That said, the range-topping EV6 GT packs a ridiculous 576 hp thanks to a dual-motor setup. That will make this the most potent Kia product yet, which in itself is worth investigating.
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2022 Ferrari Purosangue
Despite years of ensuring the Tifosi that an SUV would never leave Ferrari's Modena facility, the world is changing. As 2022 draws nearer, so does the debut of the Ferrari Purosangue. Designed as a replacement for the GTC4Lusso, this "Ferrari Utility Vehicle" is slated to be underpinned by the automaker's new front-engined GT platform. This platform was introduced alongside the Roma, and has been designed to incorporate all-wheel drive. This is likely the result of the automaker's future hybridization plans, which the SUV will certainly be a part of. Based on this spy video of the SUV doing some track testing, it appears that the 296 GTB's twin-turbocharged V-6 will serve duty in the SUV. It is possible a V-12 could join the lineup as well, though that's yet to be seen. Ferrari have been tremendously tight-lipped surrounding the Purosangue, but we can't help but be intrigued by the proposition.
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Lucas Bell Born and raised in Metro Detroit, associate editor Lucas Bell has spent his entire life surrounded by the automotive industry.