7 cars that'll cause a ruckus in 2015 (audio)

Car enthusiasts have a lot to look forward to this year with the launch of some cracking new releases

1) Honda NSX

The first Honda NSX was a revered product of the 1990s. Besides being capable of slaying much more expensive Italian exotics such as the Ferrari 348, it sported a chassis tuned by the late great Ayrton Senna. It was very reliable, reasonably affordable and much lamented when it finally bowed out in 2005.

Now the NSX is back. Set for release towards the end of 2015, this next-generation model will come armed with a twin-turbo V6 engine supported by no less than three high-torque electric motors. There's also a grippy all-wheel-drive system, a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission and lots of gravity-cheating composite body panels. Think of it as the working man's Porsche 918 Spyder.

2) Porsche Cayman GT4

The car Porsche said it would never build is, in fact, going to see the light of day. Destined to further undermine its bigger 911 brother, the GT4 will be fitted with all manner of chassis and suspension tweaks to make it the most dynamic Cayman ever.

It'll also be rip-roaringly quick. Scour the internet and you will read juicy rumours of a turbocharged engine whooshing out 335kW - or a high-revving normally aspirated lump with similar muscle. Either way the new GT4 is bound to be a pearler.

3) Mini John Cooper Works

A Mini with a pants bulge, the all-new John Cooper Works has arrived to gnaw on the heels of the Audi S1. Although more rotund than the model it replaces, it packs a bit more wallop thanks to a turbocharged 2-litre engine nicked from the BMW parts bin.

A rudeboy bodykit differentiates it from its lesser brethren, as does an electronic differential lock for extra-keen cornering. There's also a bespoke Brembo brake kit for eye-popping stopping power. Yep, it's poser chic with punch.

4) Audi R8

Everybody loves the R8. Male. Female. Young. Old. It's a rare breed of supercar that makes people smile. Partly because it's not a Ferrari or Porsche and partly because it looks like a supercar should, what with those crazy sideblades, exhibitionist glass engine cover and "I'm-coming-to-devour-you" front grille design. Problem is that the R8 is now starting to feel somewhat long in the tooth.

This is why Audi is expected to drop an evolutionary new model at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Drawing on Audi's recent racing exploits, it will be significantly lighter, stiffer, faster and around 10% more fuel-efficient than the model it replaces. Other highlights include a revised interior and laser headlamps. An electric version is also on the cards.

5) Alfa Romeo Giulia

Can Alfa take on the evergreen Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class or BMW 3 Series and win? Probably not, but that doesn't mean it won't give it a bash. This is why it's gearing up to launch a new Giulia saloon (pictured below) in June - the month in which the Italian firm celebrates its 105th anniversary.

Bound to earn a few hip-hip-hoorays from the Alfisti, this 159 replacement will ride on a rear-wheel-drive chassis adapted from the Maserati Ghibli. Fancy. Other Turinese delights include a vast range of engines (there are rumours of a Maserati-sourced V6 joining the fray), active roll control for more precise cornering plus all the usual suave Italian styling cues.

6) Mazda MX-5

Sure, it broke cover at the end of 2014 but we still can't wait to sample the latest incarnation of Mazda's bestselling roadster which is destined to arrive on our shores later in the year.

This new MX-5 is far more assertive in the looks department - probably to try to quell all those gay-hairdresser jokes that have haunted its résumé since the original made its debut in 1989. It's also 100kg lighter than the car it replaces, 10mm wider and 20mm lower - which should make this Mazda even more of a treat through the twisty bits. At the moment it ships with two engines, a weedy 1.5-litre and a meatier 2-litre. Hmm, here's hoping we get the latter.

7) Mercedes-Benz GLE

What do footballers, gangsters and knobs in general have in common? The BMW X6 of course. The pointless coupé-aping version of the BMW X5 that is big on brashness and very little else.

For many years this has been their default ride of choice. Well, not for much longer because Mercedes has just whipped the sheets off something it hopes will steal the X6's sales. It's called the GLE and it looks pretty much identical. Same side profile. Same cramped aft chambers. Same inbuilt reluctance to go anywhere remotely off-road. Watch it sell like hotcakes.