There's a selection of new cars to look forward to in 2022 – Callum picks two from the bunch
In times of uncertainties and unknowns, I often introspect and reflect about myself. This soul-searching exercise inevitably relates to my purpose in life, and the roadmap ahead. It’s a moment when my faith is tested and stretched as I’m forced to confront my motives and intentions. In my fits of existential questioning, I often find solace in my interests, which ignites deep passion within me.
A life orientated around hobbies is as good an antidote for the more toxic parts of existence than anything. In respect to my fanaticism with cars, I wonder what reasons compel me to be so captivated by them. Thinking deeply about this, I have deduced several points that denote why I like cars as much as I do. Some are obvious, others less so.
The first reason is the technical details. This has as much relevance to mass market cars as it does to supercars and hypercars, how manufactures push the limits of research and development in the pursuit of improvement in every department is an area that does intrigue me. From components and materials to aerodynamics and electronics and everything in between, the process of how a car is produced fascinates me to the brink of obsession.
Of course, one of the most luring aspects is the internal combustion engine (ICE). Perhaps one of the reasons it resonates with me is that its fundamental characteristics make it feel like a living thing. The noise that comes from the exhaust, the vibrations that surge through the car, it all computes with my central nervous system, it’s something I instinctively understand and intuitively connect with.
This equation mutates somewhat with the emergence of the electric, digital and autonomous era, the traits of the car are more complex, nuanced and layered. For me, an electric car is something that you like with your head, and not your heart. The bond is more robotic, functional but less engaging. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing, it’s just a different interpretation of what a car is, a more sustainable version.
Of course, to the hardcore petrolheads, it’s not the same. Nothing will ever replace the ICE. As a car fanatic, I do empathise with that melancholic feeling, the unavoidable grief that is yet to come is going to be hard to bear when the production of the ICE does cease. But it’s essential that the conversion happens, as the consequences are too disastrous to discuss here should it not.
Another reason for my fanatical interest in cars is that they are a source of escapism from the more negative subjects of the time that we live in. There comes a stage where I reach saturation point from the bleakness and need an outlet that boosts my positivity, cars provide that surge for me. And the simpler reason is that I just like cars. Even with a car as mediocre as my own 2012 Vauxhall Corsa SXi, I can’t comprehend how much I like driving, I just love doing it!
The enjoyment I get from it is unlike anything else, that unique feeling is undiminished since I was a kid, and it shines brighter than ever today. It’s why I’m excited for the cars to come in 2022, and there are many to look forward to. Here I shall preview my two most anticipated cars in the year ahead. And for the record, there are many cars that could have been selected, I found it hard to narrow the contenders down to two candidates, but here is the two I’ve chosen to write about.
Mercedes-AMG Project One
As car fanatics know, hypercars are the ultimate expression of what a car can be. They are projects of what is possible when a carmaker holds nothing back. Ambition is infinitum, resource is infinite. Bespoke hypercar company Bugatti encapsulates that extravagance to a tee. But no hypercar has thus far featured a Formula One car engine. Merely contemplating that prospect is a bold statement, actually doing it would elevate the hypercar game to a whole new level.
Well, Mercedes is doing just that with a car called the Project One. The actual power unit itself is the same 1.6-litre V6 hybrid engine as in the Mercedes-AMG F1 W07 from 2016. Although its configuration is set to be tweaked for road use, its track credentials are expected be the exact same. The powertrain features the same hybrid technology, so with Variable AMG Performance all-wheel drive, it has an electric range of 25km. It’s an incredibly exciting prospect.
Mercedes have chosen not to reveal the hand of the Project One just yet as the exact details aren’t all disclosed, but ballpark figures paint a picture of what it will be like. The power unit will produce over 1000bhp and the car shall reach speeds over 200mph. The drive system includes four electric motors which are capable of producing 50,000rpm, although to make it road legal, the red line limit will be curtailed. This power is set to go through an eight-speed paddle shift transmission.
"It’s a very serious piece of kit that literally resembles a race car for road use"
That statistical teasing is tantalising to say the least, and the expertise and input from the Mercedes-AMG Formula One Team factory in Brackley and Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth means the Project One could well be a hypercar gamechanger. The exterior design is sculpted on aerodynamics and features big air inlets at the front, a roof-mounted air intake and an elongated fin that extends down the mid-engine concept.
It’s a very serious piece of kit that literally resembles a race car for road use. I think it’s the purest example of that principle yet. The philosophy is pervasive across every aspect of the Project One and the interior is no exception, it’s a functional, purposeful setting with no frivolous flourishes that dilute its motorsport DNA. It does have the Mercedes-AMG F1 look and feel, especially so with the steering wheel and pedals, which can be adjusted for preference.
The ergonomically designed layout reflects that theme using innovative materials contoured into a futuristic style, so it does mean that the Project One has a unique aura, even among hypercars. It’s effectively a Mercedes-AMG F1 car for road use. The development has been worked on in prototype testing for several years, which does outline how complex the process has been to take racing technology and modify it for road use. But with the prospect it presents, it’s surely going to be worth the wait.
Porsche 992 GT3 RS
It’s no secret that I am a Porsche 911 fan. I respect that some people aren’t so enamoured by it. Detractors often point out that every new generation that comes out is the same as the previous one and that it’s boring as a result. Not only is this casual flippancy a ridiculous stereotype to castigate the Porsche 911 with, but this lazy portrayal is perhaps the most significant reason of its disinterest in some quarters. It’s not that it’s disliked, just that a certain faction is bored of it.
In many instances, this indifference is more a misunderstanding of its philosophy. The Porsche 911 is based on the concept of evolution. From one generation to the next, every aspect subtly changes, but it never strays far from the fundamental blueprint that has served it so well right from the original Porsche 911 in 1963. That sort of functionalism is unique in the car industry, sure it’s not as exotic as more flamboyant brands, but the test of time has demonstrated how comprehensive it is.
The portfolio has spawned the GT department, which creates the most hardcore 911s. So, the fact that one of my most anticipated cars of 2022 is the Porsche 992 GT3 RS probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. This type of 911 goes beyond the realms of everyday usability, it’s very much a track weapon that can also be used on the road. The GT and RS philosophy is different to that of the standard 911 range. Originally, it was strip out weight, and add more power.
That formula has become more sophisticated as motorsport technology has advanced. Aerodynamic considerations and technical changes now play a significant role in the upgrades the GT division installs on the Porsche 911. As of right now, the 992 GT3 RS is still under wraps, and detail is undisclosed. There are some redacted statistics though that shed some light on what to expect.
"The 992 GT3 RS will be the most serious track weapon the GT division has ever made"
Yet when I think of the sensational 992 GT3, how the GT department at Porsche intend to make the RS version even more intense, engaging and exciting is apparent by way of making it even faster and thereby a much more intoxicating experience. The car has not been officially unveiled but spy shots have spotted the prototype versions of the 992 GT3 RS in testing at the Nürburgring.
Despite the extensive camouflage, the latest images likely show production ready exterior bodywork elements, such as final spec wheels, bonnet and, most noticeably, the huge rear wing. The front and rear bumpers are concealed from view, but do reveal small glimpses of design. Of course, it’s evident that these modifications come from Porsche motorsport, and it looks like the 992 GT3 RS will be the most serious track weapon the GT division has ever made.
The extensive Porsche motorsport parallels are distinctly perceptible. While it’s expected to feature the same powertrain combination as the 992 GT3 – the atmospheric naturally aspirated engine and seamless PDK transmission – what units specifically is as yet unknown for certain. What’s clear is that the GT department are relentless in their pursuit of adding more performance to GT and RS models, to improve and better on previous generations. I look forward to seeing the result of their meticulous attention when the 992 GT3 RS production model is revealed.
PostScript
You may have noticed that my most anticipated cars in 2022 are produced by the same two companies as my cars of the year in 2021. This is something I've also realised, and I have contemplated my partisanship. However on reflection, my selection of the Mercedes-AMG Project One and Porsche 992 GT3 RS are justified by dint of their significance. Both are ultimate versions of what Mercedes and Porsche can manufacture, thus this rationale is reason enough for me to write about them!
Photos: Daimler AG, EVO
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