The incoming performance cars we're most excited for

There is a lot of new metal yet to be released Down Under that deserves your attention. And with the end of 2021 fast approaching, we thought it was worth detailing what you can look forward to before year’s end. Of course, it’s worth noting that the Covid-19 pandemic could impact some launch times.

HYUNDAI i20 N

There is no beating around the bush. Hyundai is gunning for the Ford Fiesta ST. While it isn’t a full-blown rally homologation special, the i20 N has been endowed with enough mechanical firepower to take on the hot hatch ranks. That includes a 150kW/275Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder which is tasked with a relatively lithe 1190kg.

Grunt is sent to the front wheels via a mechanical limited-slip differential and a six-speed manual gearbox. An overboost function grants short spikes in torque to 304Nm while the quoted 0-100km/h time is 6.4 seconds. And if you need further proof of Hyundai’s intentions, it’s priced just $200 more than the $32,290 Fiesta ST. Game on.

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Toyota GR 86

Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room. There is no turbo option. However, that might not be such a bad thing with the latest Toyota 86 (and Subaru BRZ) gaining a beefed-up 2.4-litre boxer four-cylinder engine. More importantly, the FA24D’s extra displacement (now 2387cc) has not only added 21kW, but a significant 45Nm – the latter is also spread of a much more even torque curve than the old 2.0-litre unit.

Overall figures come in at 173kW and 250Nm, hauling the 1270kg GR 86 to 100km/h in a claimed 6.3 seconds. Both a three-pedal and automatic version continue with power being sent to the rear wheels. The cabin has also received a much-needed overhaul. With the BRZ expected by year’s end, we’re hoping the GR 86 makes it to Oz in 2021, too.

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BMW M240i

And breathe… a sigh of relief is required given that the halo BMW 2 Series continues with a 3.0-litre straight-six turbo up front. However, it’s now equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive to help translate the B58’s 285kW/500Nm to the ground. There’s also an eight-speed ZF torque-converter automatic and electronically controlled rear differential. It’s worth noting that the weight, based on the CLAR architecture, has risen to 1690kg.

While it isn’t a full-fat M car, the all-paw M240i will sprint to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds. It’s also not priced like a Motorsport division product at $89,900 and it will resume war with the likes of the Audi RS3 (due in 2022) and Mercedes-AMG A45 S. Spy shots have been snapped of what looks to be an M2 replacement, so don’t lose hope for that. And if big four-door sedans are your thing, the M5 CS is due here imminently, while the xDrive versions of the M3/M4 are on their way.

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C8 Chevrolet Corvette

The hype is going to be hard to match with this one – not to mention the protracted launch due to the demise of Holden in Australia. Our cars will now be sourced through the newly formed GMSV. However, the first mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette has the gubbins to make sure it lives up to the preamble. With a 369kW/637Nm 6.2-litre LT2 V8 and claimed sub-3.0 second 0-100km/ times, it’s not hanging about.

Prices start at $144,900 for the entry level 2LT, while the 3LT commands a $160,500 price tag. Add $15,000 to both specs for the convertible versions. According to GMSV, all Corvettes destined for Australia will have a front lift kit and the Z51 performance package as standard. We’re hoping good things come to those who wait.

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992 Porsche 911 GT3

It’s hard to improve on perfection, but somehow the gurus at Weissach manage to pull it out of the bag every time. The 992 generation isn’t merely a visual nip and tuck with a new interior, either. It gains significant upgrades to the front axle via double wishbone suspension – which is modelled off the RSR Le Mans racer. Speaking of track-inspired, the swan neck rear wing is also hard to miss as the new GT3, with a host of aero upgrades, generates 50 per cent more downforce than before.

If the outlandish rear wing isn’t to your liking, then the Touring (now also available with a seven-speed PDK) could be yours for $369,600. Or, if going the whole hog is more your style, the first-ever GT3 Touring 70 Years Australia Edition is available from $494,400. As with all Porsche GT products, if you wait, you’ll probably miss out. All are powered by the glorious 4.0-litre flat six.

The Taycan Cross Turismo and Cayenne Coupe Turbo GT are also slated for Q4 2021.

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McLaren Artura

This is a very big step for Woking. The hybrid part isn’t a big departure, but a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 certainly is different to the mix of 3.8- to 4.0-litre V8s the marque has been offering. Yet don’t think the cut in cylinder count will impact on performance too much with combined system outputs of the M630 unit coming in at 500kW/720Nm. And with all-wheel drive traction, it’ll blast to 100km/h in just 3.0 seconds and 200km/h in 8.4sec. It’s safe to say the Ferrari 296 GTB better deliver.

The Artura is based on McLaren latest carbon-tub architecture (1498kg) and with a 7.4kWh battery underneath the fuel tank powering an electric motor, it can drive up to 30km without engaging the internal-combustion engine. Pricing for the Artura has been released with the bent-six hybrid coupe commanding a $449,500 sticker from October this year.

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Notable mentions

It might, and we mean might, get here before the turn of the calendar, but the Nissan Z is on its way. Recently revealed in production guise, the Z pairs retro-chic styling with a manual gearbox, rear-drive dynamics, and twin-turbo V6 grunt. Also expect a new Nismo GT-R to land at some point, too.

Elsewhere the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe, Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition, Audi S3, Audi RS e-tron GT, Hyundai Kona N, Lamborghini Sian, Maserati MC20, Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series and the Polestar 2 will also grab the spotlight before 2022.

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