Japan has always carried the reputation of making some of the most well-built cars in the world, and this is especially true of their more recent models. These cars are filled with new ground-breaking technology and sporting dashing futuristic designs while costing less than their rivals. And they cover every single car niche there is, and more. Big baller SUVs teeny fuel-efficient hatchbacks, and even some insane hypercars.Despite the fact that Japanese cars can cater to unlimited individuals, JDM icons are what gained the car community's attention. JDM sports cars are notorious for being highly tunable, having a bonkers but beautiful design, and driving like nothing else on the road.Nowadays, Japanese manufacturers continue to push the limits of how many features can be packed at a low price, and their newer budget cars seem to be almost impossible for foreign manufacturers to compete with. Here are 10 Japanese cars set for release next year that we're most looking forward to.
10 Toyota Mirai
The Mirai is Toyota's take on a fuel cell vehicle. This means that instead of running on gasoline, diesel, or electricity, the Mirai runs on hydrogen, and can reach 402-miles on one tank. So how much does it cost to fill up? Nothing.
When buying a new Mirai, Toyota will gift you a $15,000 voucher or 3 years' worth of free hydrogen; after that expires, it will cost about $100 to fill up your tank. The 2022 Mirai is a distinguished gentlemen-like cruiser with a flamboyant design, futuristic interior, but no interest in performance. This hydrogen-powered car might be the future of the automotive world.
9 Acura NSX Type S
The NSX Type S is the revival of Acura's 1990s NSX sports car. The twin-turbo mid-engined sports car has a 3.5-liter V6 shooting out 600 hp to the rear wheels. Due to its sturdy 1705 kg bodyweight, the Type S reaches 60 mph from a standstill in just 2.5 seconds.
Well, with the $170,000 price tag, insane performance figures, and only 350 units being manufactured, the NSX Type S will not just be beating its other hypercar rivals, but it will also be in extremely high demand.
8 Toyota GR Corolla Hatch
Yes, Toyota is making another hot hatch. Much like its already impressive brother, the GR Yaris, it will likely also feature its sibling's 257-hp 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine.
That means that the Honda Civic Type R and Golf GTI will be receiving a new rival, and maybe this one will be taking the throne. With prices being unannounced, we estimate that the GR Corolla will cost around the $45,000 mark and feature an AWD system much like the GR Yaris as well.
7 Mazda 6
The new Mazda3 pleasantly surprised all petrolheads, therefore the Mazda6 has some big feet to fill. Mazda will be ditching the previous 6's FWD drivetrain and swapping in a more engaging RWD one. The Mazda 6 sports-sedan will feature either a classic four-stroke gas, turbodiesel, or Skyactiv-X spark-controlled compression ignition.
And on top of all that, the sleek Mazda will be offered with a rather punchy inline-six, and the prices will start from about $40,000. We'll just have to wait and see if it'll give its German rivals a run for its money.
6 Acura Integra
Acura has only teased us with these 2 shots of their new Integra revival, and the world is buzzing like crazy. At first, everyone thought it would be a modernized Integra coupe, but that couldn't be further from the truth. In the past few days, Acura sent out this new picture of the Integra revealing it will be a 5-door hatchback.
But don't worry, Acura promises it will still be an absolute blast to drive. The new Integra will deem as a replacement for the ILX, and compete with its brother which it's based on, the Honda Civic. Some performance versions like the Integra Type S or R will be available in the near future for an even more fun experience.
5 Subaru WRX STI
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The Subaru WRX has left quite a confused look on Subie fans' faces, especially due to its Honda Civic-like rear end. It has been confirmed that the new 2022 WRX will feature a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four with 271 hp and a six-speed manual gearbox.
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For a base model WRX, that's pretty powerful - that makes you wonder what the STI will pack... And for that exact reason, hardcore Subie fans can forgive the bland minimalistic design of the WRX because the STI might send almost 400 hp to all four wheels.
4 Toyota GR 86
The ultimate affordable sports car. The previous-generation Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S was an absolute gem to drive but lacked a bit of oomph in the power department. We are happy to report that that is no longer a problem.
The new rev-happy naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine delivers 228 hp to the rear wheels. Sporting a sexy new design, manual gearbox, and sticker price still below $30,000, the fun boy racer competes against the Mazda Miata F/D.
3 Lexus IS-F
Lexus' new 472 hp IS 500 F Sport Performance model is already out and making a huge impact on the performance sedan segment. The IS 500 has a 0-60 of just above 4 seconds, and an even more hardcore performance monster is around the corner, the IS-F.
Nothing has been made official by Lexus, but we can predict the new IS-F will feature a big twin-turbocharged V8, produce much more than 500 hp, extremely ferocious styling, and might even spank the new BMW M3. We can only cross our fingers and hope this won't be the last big V8 brute Lexus will produce.
2 Honda Civic Type R
With the new 2022 Honda Civic already being revealed, hot hatch fanatics are waiting in anticipation for the new Type R's official reveal. Numerous camouflaged Type R's have been spotted driving about and we are grinning non-stop about what is to come.
Honda has confirmed some information about the new hot hatch, like the 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-banger that will squeeze out more than 310 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque, the previous triple exhaust tips layout, and the no-so-subtle wing. This might be the new hot hatch dominator the world never knew it needed.
1 Nissan Z
The car every JDM fanboy is drooling over at the moment - the new Z. Underneath the latest retro-designed Nissan Z (yes, just Z) is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 pumping out 400 hp. Everything about the Z answers petrolhead's cries for help.
No more boring color schemes; since the Z comes offered in the new Seiran Blue, and Ikazuchi Yellow. And no more mandatory disengaging automated transmission, since a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox will be available. The 2022 Nissan Z will give other JDM sports cars like the Toyota Supra a run for its money.