After the disaster that 2020 was, everyone is looking forward to 2021. As with most other things, companies have had to adapt to the changes and think of new ways to shows us their latest models. And although the constant drive for more eco-friendly automobiles makes the engineer’s job harder, we are glad to tell you that speed has not left the show and that there are more awesome cars on the way. Here are some very fast cars you can expect to make an appearance sometime in 2021.

Nissan 400Z

Let’s start with a good old Japanese 1960s tribute. It comes in the form of the Nissan 400Z, which is the successor to the 370Z which was made for over a decade. Not only that but the 400Z brings back the shapes of the first Fairlady Z – the Datsun S30 240Z.

Just like the Z32 300ZX – another iconic Z-model, it will feature a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. It’s the same engine used in the Infiniti Q50 and Q60 Red Sport. It produces 400 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 350 pound-feet (475 Nm) at 1,600-5,200 rpm. The best thing is, power goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual. The 0 to 60 mph sprint is expected at around 4.2 seconds. The latest Z-car is also expected to be capable of over 165 mph (266 km/h).

Read our full speculative review on the Nissan 400Z

Porsche 911 GT3

The most powerful normally-aspirated 911 has actually become the only model that does not feature forced induction. The latest version of the track-focused 911, in the form of the 992, is officially coming out in 2021 and is just a few months away. It still has the tried and tested 4.0-liter flat-six engine which revs to 9,000 rpm.

Moreover, despite having a now mandatory Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF), it will still produce over 500 horsepower. Probably one of the best features of the GT3 is the fact it has a lever for the PDK gearbox resembling a traditional gear knob. Although it’s not a manual, this is a much closer experience than having to work the paddles behind the wheel. The 0 to 60 mph sprint is expected to be in around 3.0 seconds, on the way to a top speed of around 196 mph (315 km/h).

Read our full speculative review on the Porsche 911 GT3

BMW i4

The brand’s first fully-electric four-door-coupe is expected to come out towards the end of 2021. The i4 will have a starting price of around $ 50,000 which makes it a direct competitor to the likes of Tesla Model 3. The production version i4 also shares most of its design with the concept. Yes, this includes the enormous kidney grille, which in the i4’s case isn’t a grille, as it is an EV, but it’s there nonetheless. The 80-kWh battery allows the electric coupe to go more than 370 miles (595 km) on a single charge. A couple of power levels will be available, the most powerful of which will produce 525 horsepower, which will allow a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint of around 4.0 seconds, on to a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h).

Read our full speculative review on the BMW i4

Alfa Romeo GTV

red Alfa Romeo GTV
Alfa Romeo

It’s a good time to be an Alfista as the brand seems like it’s on a row, bringing long-awaited exciting models as well as resurrecting old nameplates. After the 8C and Giulia, it’s time for the GTV to make another appearance. The luscious performance coupe will come out in 2021 and will boast serious hardware. It will be based on the Giulia but will have a sleeker more coupe-like roofline. The base version will have 503 horsepower from the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6, but there will be a 600+ horsepower version with E-boost. The top of the line version will feature all-wheel-drive too.

The GTV promises not only the typical Alfa Romeo stunning looks but a 50/50 weight distribution between the axles. The sprint to 60 mph is expected to be in around 3.2 seconds and the top speed - at least 190 mph (307 km/h).

Read our full review on the Alfa Romeo GTV

Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Initially, Porsche’s EV shooting brake was supposed to come out at the end of 2020, but its launch was postponed by a couple of months. Its 50-liter increase of cargo capacity adds a bit of extra practicality over the Taycan. At the same time, it retains the same powertrain featuring a 79-kWh to 96-kWh battery depending on the version. Just like its super sedan counterpart, the Cross Turismo’s base version will produce 530 horsepower and 475 pound-feet (640 Nm), while the top-of-the-line Turbo S model will give you 761 horsepower and 774 pound-feet (1,049 Nm).

The Taycan CT will boast a maximum range of 256 miles (412 km) on a single charge. The 0 to 60 mph time is expected to be slightly slower than the standard Taycan at 3.9 seconds for the base model and 2.9 seconds for the Turbo S. The top speed is 155 mph (250 km/h) and 162 mph (260 km/h) respectively.

Read our full speculative review on the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

Audi RS E-Tron GT

Any resemblance with the Porsche Taycan shouldn’t be surprising, as the RS E-Tron GT shares most of its components with the Porsche. In fact, it sits on the same platform. Still, Audi has gone through the trouble of developing their own three-chamber air suspension and a new steering setup unique to the RS E-Tron GT.

In addition, the E-Tron GT can be charged to 80 percent in just 20 minutes and also features an industry-first wireless car charging setup. In addition, a two-second over-boost function will increase the power output to 650 horsepower. This allows for a 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 2.7 seconds. The top speed is expected to be around 155 mph (250 km/h) – 162 mpg (260 km/h) just like on the Porsche Taycan. A less powerful, non-RS, version is also expected to come out a bit later.

Read our full speculative review on the Audi RS E-Tron GT

Lucid Air

Lucid promises some truly epic stuff on the way. The self-proclaimed Tesla-slayer is coming up with the Air, which is expected to be on sale from April 2021. The brand first gave us the top of the line Dream model, which boasts 1,080 horsepower and up to 500 miles (805 km) of range. The sprint to 60 mph will take just 2.5 seconds. The Lucid Air is said to be capable of nearly 200 mph (322 km/h).

The price of the Lucid Air Dream will be just over $ 161,000 but less powerful and more affordable versions of the Air will come out by 2022, and the base one will have a $70,000 sticker price. An SUV called Gravity will make an appearance sometime next year and will share a platform with the Air. The EV from Lucid is said to make a big step towards refining the self-driving vehicle.

Read our full review on the Lucid Air

Rivian R1T

Another start-up company wanting to take a piece of the progressively-growing EV market. Rivian joins the party with the R1T. In June 2021, the Launch edition will be available. It is expected to have a range of 400 miles (644 km) thanks to a 132-kWh battery pack, and a 0 to 60 mph time of around 3.0 seconds. At the same time, the EV truck can tow up to 11,000 pounds (4,990 kg) thanks to four electric motors – one for each wheel. Combined, they produce 754 horsepower.

The R1T is not afraid of off-road either. The truck features adaptable air-suspension which allows you to adjust the clearance height from eight inches (20.3 cm) to 14 inches (35.6 cm) and allows you to go through three feet of water. The R1S is coming sometime next year and will be a three-row SUV based on the R1T.

Read our full review on the Rivian R1T