Fasten The Seatbelts And Sit Back For CariCarz’s Eight Best Fastbacks Of 2022

The performance coupe genre is more diverse than ever. Regardless of the build, be it sporty or elegant, they always offer an explosive driving experience.

Four-, six- or eight cylinders, front, middle or rear mounted engines, with these two-door head turners, they’re nearly impossible to compare.

Fret not, to indulge all the gas monkeys out there, CariCarz has fastened another hot list, and this time it’s all about the best fastbacks on the market right now.

1. Ford Mustang Mach 1

An entertaining machine with plenty of power and a glorious sound, the Mustang Mach 1 comes with a 454 bhp, 5-litre V8 engine that’s married to a ten-speed automatic transmission.

For this updated model, it has received some tweaks for the better. Notably, a modified air intake and manifold, a revised exhaust system and some significant chassis updates.

Speaking of which, the subframes are new front and rear, with a stiffer anti-roll bar, subframe bushes and springs providing more precision.

Plus, the toe-links have also been upgraded, with the MagneRide dampers and electric power steering rack retuned to suit the new components.

Thus, the result is a more sophisticated performance coupe, with more polish and precision than the standard 5.0. 

2. Aston Martin Vantage

After 11 years of its predecessor’s debut, Aston Martin finally unleashed the all-new Vantage, featuring a revised version of the DB11’s structure.

Under the hood, lurks an Aston tweaked version of Mercedes-AMG’s 4-litre twin-turbo V8, boosting 503 bhp and 685 Nm of torque, and does 0 to 100 km/ in just 3.6 seconds.

Cumulatively, the Vantage handles well, but when put against its paces on less than perfect roads, it becomes a little ragged once it approaches the limit. 

Notably, on smooth and dry asphalt, the Vantage’s power is its advantage, but on anything other than perfect surfaces or in damp or wet conditions it can struggle to put the power down.

However, as it stands, the Vantage is an entertaining steer with a delicious soundtrack and a practical cabin.

3. Lexus LC 500

This particular coupe can be considered as the most overlooked out of the many, even though with its stunning looks and a chassis full of advanced technology.

Interestingly, Lexus built the LC Coupe with a front suspension designed from scratch to allow for the Sinewy bodywork to sit only just above the 20-inch wheels.

Mounted at the front is Toyota’s superb naturally-aspirated 2UE-GZR V8 engine that revs up a healthy 470 bhp.

Overall, its innovative chassis, charismatic drivetrain, superb quality and concept car outlook combine to create a car that drives even better than it looks.

4. Nissan GT-R

Fierce and sinister looking, the 2022 Nissan GT-R is a powerful and tenacious-handling sports car that earns its nickname, the Godzilla.

Its standard twin-turbo 3.8-litre V-6 makes a whopping 565 hp, and is hooked up to a six-speed automatic gearbox. 

With an all-wheel drive that churns all that power to the ground, the GT-R is able to launch itself from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in a mere 2.9 seconds.

In case that’s not enough, there are also the Track Edition and NISMO models with a tuned-up engine that makes 600 hp.

Collectively, the ride is firm but not grueling and, thanks to active sound cancellation, the thrum of its engine doesn't punish the eardrums when cruising on the highway.

5. BMW M4 Competition

Look beyond its design and the BMW M4 Competition is one of the best performance coupes money can buy. 

Weighing in at 1,725 kg, it is quite an increase over the F82’s 1,570 kg, however, its new 3-litre S58 straight-six has plenty of power to make up for it. 

Outstandingly, in rear-drive form, said setup packs up to 503 bhp and 649 Nm of torque that goes from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds.

Power is delivered in a manageable, linear fashion, with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

That said, with its impressive chassis stiffness and also the grip, it makes anyone that’s at the helm very confident. Money for performance is what this car is.

6. Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

Ostensibly, the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 is simply the Cayman that everyone has been asking for since the 718’s introduction.

The engine is the same 4-litre flat-six as found in the GT4, but with a subtle detune controlled power back to 394 bhp. 

Also, the same could be said of the chassis. It comes with a standard Sports PASM damper package lowering the ride by 20 mm, active engine mounts and a torque-vectoring limited-slip differential.

Driving-wise, it handles superbly. The powertrain’s response, flexibility and power are magnificent, and the brakes are reassuringly strong.

All of these characteristics are underpinned with a balance so cleanly communicated and refined, which makes it one of the best Porsches out there. 

7. Porsche 911 Turbo S

Since its origin, the 911 Turbo’s identity of whether it is a coupe or supercar has been an enigma, but if it could talk, it would say that its true form is actually a coupe with a supercar soul.

Differentiating it this time around is that behind the supercar-beating performance, the new 992-gen 911 Turbo S has an extra layer of nuance to its package, courtesy of Porsche’s GT Division.

Speaking of the former, at its heart, albeit located in its tail is a twin-turbo 3.7-litre flat-six that develops 640 hp of maximum power. 

Along with its spine-tingling yawps at stratospheric rpm, the engine delivers neck-snapping acceleration. After all, the 911 Turbo S is supposedly the fastest Porsche out there.

Helping it to achieve that historic status is standard all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic that ranks among the best.

8. Bentley Continental GT V8

Although it's designed to turn heads upon arrivals, the 2022 Bentley Continental GT is also a great car at making the journey memorable.

Significantly, the Continental's cabin is truly grand, with fine leather, gorgeous wood, and handsome metal trims. 

These are all mixed with modern technology, plentiful amenities and enough cargo space for those who wouldn't deign to pack light.

In its chassis lurks the 542 hp V8 that is married to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The coupe launches from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 3.4 seconds.

Furthermore, the Continental GT boasts a well-balanced chassis with just the right amount of athleticism for twisty canyon roads along with a smooth ride.

To sum up, all these selections from 2022’s crop of coupes are great to drive, each with their own distinct identity.

From the tyre-shredding hooligans of Ford and BMW to the sophistication of Porsche and Bentley, and everything else in between, spoilt for choice is an understatement at best.