To compete in the modern car market, manufacturers always have to come up with fresh releases every year, whether it's making a reiteration of an existing model, refreshing features that might have needed some adjustment or coming out with newer models to compete in different vehicle segments. Manufacturers also tend to introduce new cars in an existing segment that they were already making cars for. Like every year, 2022 had its fair share of new cars that had a notable impact on the global market. Before the year ends, here's a look back at the five biggest car releases that got everyone talking. 

Nissan 400Z Fairlady

Nissan 400Z Fairlady

Z34 Nissan 350Z and 370Z were already quite well known for being fun, rear-wheel drive, entry-level sports cars. They featured the popular VQ35 and VQ37 engines respectively, which are reliable and have a sound note of a well-known instrument from the brass family. Being the true successor to these renowned cars, the 400Z Fairlady, also known as the Nissan Z, is the brand's newest iteration in the fun sports coupe segment. Released around the spring of 2022, the Nissan 400z completely overhauls the classic look, retaining a VQ30 with either a 9-speed Mercedes transmission or a 6-speed manual pushing about 400 HP. It is currently priced at about $39,990.

Toyota GR86

Toyota GR86/Subaru BRZ

Successor to the previous GT86/BRZ/FR-S trio from Toyota, Subaru and Scion respectively, the new GR86/BRZ eliminates all the previous complaints about lack of power from the engine, bumping the 2L flat-four boxer engine to a 2.4L boxer engine. The car also pushes about 224 HP paired with either a 6-speed manual (the only model to get) or an automatic, offering great handling and mid-range power. The Toyota GR86, released around September 2022, is perhaps one of the most improved cars on this list when compared to each model's respective predecessor. In the global market, this car's price ranges from $27,000 to $30,000.

Honda Civic Type R 2022

Honda Civic Type R

The Civic Type R has always been one of the more praised FWD sports cars that came out of Japan, where the older generation FK8 Type R set the record for having the fastest lap around the Nurburgring. But the FK8 had cooling issues and was not the best-looking car in general. The new FL5 Type R, released around October, although has the same powertrain as the previous model, sports improved cooling, a better turbo and exhaust which increases the power to 315 HP. The car also received an exterior overhaul which looks mature. It also eliminates the fake overly styled vents from the last generation, a big plus all around. Currently, its price is about $43,990.

GMC Hummer EV

GMC Hummer EV

Known for their huge form factor, road presence and off-roading prowess, The Hummer H1 and H2 have been running icons until 2010. When the cars were discontinued, many loyal fans were disappointed. However, this year saw the revival of the Hummer in the form of an electric SUV and pickup truck. GMC Hummer EV still retains the form Hummer cars were known for whilst having 1000 HP for the pickup truck version and about 850HP for the SUV models, which GMC claims can do 0-100 in about 3 seconds. This car has been available since the fall of 2022 and is priced at around $107,000.

Lotus Emira

Lotus Emira

After this year's announcement of Lotus going completely electric, the Lotus Emira marks the last gas-powered example from the company. Released in March 2022, the Emira comes with either a 3.5 L supercharged V6 from Toyota or a 2.0 L inline 4-engine from Mercedes Benz paired with a 6-speed automatic or manual. The Lotus Emira, in terms of body language, looks like their electric counterpart, the Evija, where both almost have a supercar-esque design whilst being an entry-level sports car. Lotus Emira is currently priced at about $87,000.