Every year is exciting for automotive fans as it brings new models of some amazing cars. Sadly, 2021 saw a bit of a slowdown in major releases due to how production in 2020 was affected by the pandemic. This has led to delays, as the vaunted Aston Martin Vanquish is now not expected to hit until 2023 at the earliest. But there are still several top models scheduled to be in showrooms by the end of 2021 and a few in early 2022.

Updated November 2021: If you want to purchase a sports car in 2022, you'll have plenty of brand-new options to choose from. We've updated this list with more of the models we're looking forward to most, as well as removed the ones that have been delayed or cancelled.

The sports car offerings are excellent, with many of them buzzed about for some time and finally ready to be released. They range from the expensive hypercars to more affordable but still top-notch entries that promise to give owners some excitement on the road. A few may end up delayed a bit longer, but the majority should be spotted on the streets in 2022 and a reason to get excited about sports cars revving back to life.

11 2022 Audi R8

2022 Audi R8 Coupe and Spyder
Via: Audi

Already been hailed by early reviews, the 2022 Audi R8 may be six figures but worth every penny. Now being called the R8 V10 Performance RWD, the rear-wheel-drive R8 variant develops 562 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque from the familiar 5.2-liter V-10, with the Performance variant able to get 602 hp.

via: Drivetribe.com

While this isn't the fabled 1000-hp all-electric model long-promised, this R8 is set to beef up an already powerful experience for a great ride.

10 Porsche 911 Hybrid

2022 Porsche 911 Hybrid.
Via motorauthority.com

Porsche is expected to go full hybrid by 2030, but the 911 is still expected to have an internal combustion engine (and, thankfully, manual transmission). Porsche is keeping details under wraps for now, with the possibility the Hybrid gets delayed until 2023.

the 2022 Porsche 911 Hybrid
Via fossbytes.com

But the company seems intent, even though this won't be a fully electric version. After all, a regular engine is key to what makes the 911 work, although a hybrid version would enhance an already amazing sports machine.

Related: 10 Future Sports Cars Worth Waiting For

9 2022 Subaru WRX STI

2022 Subaru WRX STI
Via moneyinc.com

While it won't have too many physical changes, the 2022 Subaru WRX STI will enhance the car's performance. The 2.4l flat-four is set for over 400 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque.

2022 Subaru WRX STI on the road
Via reddit.com

That's a major upgrade, aided by the WRX STI using a new platform that will strengthen the undercarriage and better handle the road. While there are concerns if it can measure up to its hype, the new WRX promises to be its most advanced model yet.

8 Lotus Emira

Lotus Emira Laguna Seca on track quarter front
Via: Lotus Cars

The Lotus Emira will be available with different engine and gearbox options. One option buyers could go with is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine built by AMG. It’s based on the engine found in the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Lotus Emira - Fornt Quarter View
Via Lotus Cars

Another option is the one that'll be installed in the First Edition — a supercharged 3.5-liter Toyota V6. This is the same unit as the one found in the Lotus Exige. In the First Edition, this engine will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission. Other models fitted with the V6 will be available with either an automatic or six-speed manual gearbox. For an additional $2,400, a dual-clutch transmission is available, but any self-respecting driving enthusiast should get the stick shift.

7 2022 Toyota GR 86

Toyota GR 86
Via CAR Magazine

While developed in conjunction with the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GR 86 is set to be even better. While a 2.4L four-cylinder may sound low-key in today's sports world, the low weight will help the GR 86 hit 228 hp, a good upgrade from the previous model.

2022 Toyota GR 86
via Toyota

It can go zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds, and being in a manual transmission is a bonus. It still has the nice interiors of the previous models but upgrades the tech and safety features. It's a great example of the GR 86 proving you don't need to be a supercar to be a fun sports ride.

Related: 8 Sports Cars Everyone's Sick Of Seeing On The Roads

6 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

2023 Chevy Corvette Z06
Via chevrolet.com

After being rumored for a while, it appears the Corvette C8 Z06 is finally going into pre-production to be available by mid-2022. It's no surprise Chevy is taking its time making it work as the C8 Z06 will have a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-plane V8 derived from Corvette's C8.R race car.

2023-Chevrolet-Corvette-Z06 Rear Side View
via Chevrolet

This will provide more than 600 hp with word that the body will now be wider than the concept models. It looks as if this model of the C8 could be its best yet.

5 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL

2022-mercedes-amg-sl
via Mercedes

The next-generation of the SL class will be built by the AMG division, hence the change in nomenclature to Mercedes-AMG SL. There will be two versions, the SL55 and the SL63, however, they're both powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that sends its power to all four wheels via the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive system.

2022-mercedes-amg-sl-sl55-sl63-roadster
via mercedes

The 2022 SL is also bigger than ever before, and is no longer a 2-seater. That's right, the grand tourer will now be sold as a 2+2, but we suspect the rear seats won't be the most spacious and comfortable place to spend time.

Related: Here's Why Teslas Aren't As Good As Everyone Thinks They Are

4 Nissan 400Z

Nissan 400Z front three quarter
Photo Courtesy of Car Buzz

After a decade, the Nissan 370Z is finally on its way out and the 400Z is prepared to blaze a new trail for the model. It's being called a "Subaru crusher" with a twin-turbo V6 capable of putting out 444 hp with a curb weight of 3252 pounds but also a manual transmission to make it easy to use.

Yellow 2022 Nissan 400Z
Via Pinterest

Plus, it finally has an infotainment system to enhance the experience while going for less than $40,000. It's long overdue the Z got an upgrade, and this could be a sensation.

3 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

The rear of the 718 Cayman GT4
Via Porsche

You expect Porsche to put out some stunners, but the 718 Cayman GT4 RS could be a sensation even by their standards. Scheduled to hit sometime in late 2021, this new offering will boast at least 500 horsepower, a nice upgrade from the previous GT4's 414 hp thanks to a hot flat-six.

Combined with reduced weight, it means some sensational speeds and looks absolutely fabulous on the road. No longer the "Poor Man's 911," this should be a stunning ride when it hits the streets.

2 Hennessey Venom F5

Via Hennessey

New videos show the road tests underway for the Hennessey Venom F5 and that it may be even better than expected. The Venom is hitting 200 mph by reports, and that's using only half of its twin-turbo V8's reported 1817 hp. It could be the fastest car yet, with a supposed height of 311 mph if it gets going.

Venom F5
Via: Auto Express

It will be an exclusive buy, yet those stunning looks make it stand out even among the other Bugatti offerings. Obviously, testing is still going to make sure all that tech works, but the Venom appears to have a serious bite for fans of top-notch supercars.

1 Audi RS3

2022-audi-rs3-sedan-108-1626371924
via:Audi

The Audi RS3 is a beast! This little sedan is more than capable of keeping up with much more expensive supercars, thanks to its 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 395 horsepower. All that power goes via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to all four wheels, as per usual in Audi's performance-oriented models, Quattro all-wheel drive is standard.

2022-Audi-RS3-sedan-1
via: Audi

The new Audi RS3 even has drift mode, which should help keep things fun once owners grow tired of its 3.8 second 0 to 60 mph time, which, by the way, is 0.1s quicker than its rival, the Mercedes-AMG A45 S.