VIDEO: NEW SPORTSCARS EXPECTED IN 2018

We always look forward to new releases, regardless of whether it's just a facelift, a full-on replacement, or an entirely new car altogether.

2018 promises to be quite exciting in this regard as there is a good mix to keep us going through the year. As always, not all the vehicles will make it to every country but they're definitely worth their time in the sun.

First up is the TVR Griffith and, for those youngsters out there who may not know, this is actually the second generation Griffith. The first was built between 1991 and 2002 before fading into relative obscurity. But it's revival time and TVR have opted to drop a Cosworth modified Ford Coyote 5.0l V8 producing 500hp under its hood. It'll accelerate from 0 – 60mph in 4 seconds and clock over 200mph top speed. It's got all the driver-aids you would expect from a modern sportscar, it's built mainly from carbon fibre and was partly designed by Gordon Murray.
There's a lot riding on this car and, with only 500 being made and prices from £90 000, it better be something as good to drive as it is to look at.

Technically not a 2018 release but new enough still to crack a nod anyway is the Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio, the most powerful Alfa road car ever produced. With 191mph top speed and 0 – 60mph acceleration in under four seconds achieved due to the 505hp from its twin-turbo V6, it's finally breathed some soul into a brand that was desperate to find itself again.

Third on the list is Audi's TT RS Coupe sporting a new 2.5l turbocharged, intercooled, DOHC 20-valve inline 5 motor and 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox. At 400hp, it produces 40hp more than its predecessor while it's 11lb-ft of torque higher too at 354lb-ft. With just a few tweaks to the bodywork and you have a car that's faster and prettier than ever before.

Up next, the Lexus LC 500H is a hybrid sportscar from Toyota's premium brand. It hits 60 from a standstill in 4.7 seconds, go on to 87mph on just electric power and then 168mph when the 3.5l V6 kicks in. The big deal here is its two transmissions: a traditional 4-speed auto as well as a multistage hybrid transmission, although we're not sure how they work together.

Another car that's already available in some markets, the Hyundai i30N is on the hot-hatch attack. The 2.0l turbocharged engine pumps out 275hp and will give almost every hot hatch out there now a run for its money. Considering only 100 have been made so far, best you get your order in now.

A limited run of the Nissan 370z Heritage Edition in celebration of 50 years of Nissan's z models, this one boasts a 3.7l V6 with 332hp on tap as a manual or automatic. It's any available in either yellow with black stripes or black with silver stripes and is probably the last iteration of the 370z before the all-new model is due.

The Kia Stinger should arrive on all shores shortly and it is something to look forward to. 365hp from its twin-turbo 3.3l V6 and 0 – 60mph in 5.1 seconds sounds impressive. It looks downright awesome too.

The Jaguar F-Type has two new options in its arsenal, including a four-cylinder V6, R-Dynamic, 400 Sport, R and SVR models and as a gorgeous coupe or convertible. So many choices.

Another revival and this time it's for Alpine with its A110. This 1.8l turbo 252hp Renault Sports motor pushes this lightweight car to 60mph in just 4.5 seconds – that's fast. Only 1955 copies of this gorgeous first edition will be made available.

And then, Vauxhall (or Opel depending on where you are in the world), have revealed the VXR8 GTS-R – and fans rejoice as it is the most powerful Vauxhall ever created. It's got a supercharged 6.2l V8 under its aggressive-looking bonnet, while it pumps out a whopping 595hp. 0 – 60mph in 4.2 seconds, and you can choose either manual or automatic. Sounds like fun.

Ten years since its launch, the Maserati GranTurismo is getting another update. This time its 4.7l V8 is pushing out 454hp and 384lb-ft of torque – doing 0 – 60mph in 4.5 seconds. The body has been remodelled and includes new bumpers, headlights and more as well as a shiny new infotainment system. It looks good!

And there you have it for now, watch this space for more as the year progresses.