2022 Lemon Aid New Car Reviews - Sporty Cars

The sporty car segment is divided between sedan-based coupes like the Dodge Challenger, and purpose-built sports cars such as Mazda MX-5. Sales in this segment are cyclical and driven by novelty. New designs sell well for a few years after introduction, with sales tapering off in subsequent years.

2022 sees second-generation versions of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 twins, and an all-new Nissan 400Z, which debuted as a 2023 model in the spring of 2022.   

Chevrolet Camaro  Dodge Challenger  Mazda MX-5  Toyota 86  
  Ford Mustang  Nissan 400Z  Subaru BRZ 

2022  Chevrolet Camaro

 


 

 

 

What's new
The 1LE option package is now longer offered on the LT trim. 

Comments
The Camaro is built on the same premium architecture that underpinned the now defunct Cadillac ATS. Three main engines, a 2L turbo four, a 3.6L V6 and a 6.2L V8 are offered. In addition, a superharged 6.2L V8 with an astounding 640 horsepower, is a custom order possibility.
The Camaro sends its power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or automatics with eight (2L), or ten speeds (V6 and V8). Exterior styling is very similar to the previous-generation car and explores themes seen first on the 1969 Camaro.
The Camaro's interior can't be mistaken for any other car. The centre of the dashboard houses a very large multi-use touch screen, the heater fan speed and temperature are controlled by big rings surrounding the middle dash vents. The parking brake is actuated electrically. Cabin materials are modestly attractive. What the Camaro's cabin lacks however, is space, which is tight in the front and even more so in the back. 
The 3.6L V6 in the Camaro LT coupe driven by the APA delivered fierce acceleration that was accompanied by a guttural, yet pleasing rumble when accelerating hard. The Camaro's automatic transmission ably funnels the power of the V6 to the rear wheels. Given the speed-gathering skills of the V6, upgrading to the V8 seems pointless. The 2L turbo four is quick but overall a disappointment in this car as it sounds gruff and is reluctant to rev. The six-speed manual transmission hooked up to the 2L has a docile clutch but the gearchange was clunky. Direct, nicely weighted steering and good braking ability and pedal feel. Limited outward visibility.

Pricing
Massive model range despite the Camaro's low sales volume. The only difference between the 1LS and 1LT is a power driver's seat, which seems like a waste of time. The 2L adds leather upholstery, heated and chilled front seats and dual-zone climate control, but is overpriced. The 3LT upgrade includes real alloy cabin trim, a heated steering wheel, a Bose-branded audio system, a memory system, a head up display system, blind spot, rear cross traffic monitors and lane depart monitors, is priced to reflect the value of its content. The performance 1LE package offered on the 1SS, 2SS and ZL1 trims, costs $8495 and adds a variety of performance features such as 20 inch wheels, Brembo-branded brakes and magnetic dampers on the SS models and adaptive dampers on the ZL1. Migrating from the 1SS to the 2SS is reasonably priced. The 6.2L-V8 is priced from $15,085 (1LT to 1SS) to $17,585 (2LT to 2SS) more than a 2L turbo four of the same trim. The supercharged ZL1 costs nearly $22,000 more than a 2SS, placing it in a totally different market segment. Alfresco fans will have to stump up $7000 extra for the convertible.   

Reliability
Not rated as too few have been sold to establish reliability. Numerous complaints regarding defective timing chains on the 3.6L V6. A GM extended warranty recommended if you plan to keep a V6 car longer than the powertrain warranty. 

Specifications


Body Style:  2CP, 2CV
Occupants:  2/2

Engines:
2L-4 T (275 HP)*, 3.6L-V6 (335 HP.), 6.2L-V6 (455 HP), 6.2L-V8 S (640 HP) 

Transmissions: 6M, 8A (2L-4T), 10A (V6, V8, V8 S) *
Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive

City Fuel Economy: 10.9L/100 km
Highway Fuel Economy:  7.8L/100 km
Active Safety Features: Optional forward collision, lane departure, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings
Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000
Current Generation Debut:  2016
Country of Origin:  United States

IIHS Ratings:

Sm. Front Driver: G

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: A

Sm. Front Pass.: NR

Head/Seat: G

Headlight: NR

 

NHTSA Rating:


2022 Dodge Challenger

 


What’s new
For its 14th year in its current form, Dodge has issued a Super Stock model powered by an 807 horsepower, supercharged, 6,2 L-V8 and wide-body versions of the R/T Scat Pack Shaker and T/A 392.

Performance
On the road, the Challenger is a re-interpretation of Muscle Cars of the past. Vivid acceleration with the 5.7L V8, incredible thrust from the 6.4L V8 on the Scat Pack version and mind-bending verve with the Hellcat models. The manual transmission has a smooth, docile clutch and a precise gearchange. The 3.6L “Pentastar” V6 provides lively performance. The eight-speed automatic transmission works well with any of the available engines. Predictable handling is allied to a very comfortable ride for a sporty car. The Challenger’s great weight leads to some body roll in tight corners. The brakes stop well but lack staying power. The cabin is very "school of Chrysler" and features Chrysler's excellent infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard. Comfortable front seats and adequate rear seat space for a car of this type. Logical controls are purloined from Chrysler's universal parts bin. The roomy trunk has a high sill. 

Comments
The Challenger is a retro-flavoured traditional “Pony Car” based on the platform that underpinned the previous-generation Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger. The long-hood, short deck proportions and Coke-bottle shape recall the 1970-1974 Charger (and related Plymouth Barracuda), but with sleek, modern surfacing. The Challenger is bigger than the Mustang and Camaro in key dimensions. Power units include a 3.6L V6, a 5.7L V8, a normally-aspirated 6.4L (Scat Pack) and a supercharged 6.2L (Hellcat). Power reaches the wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, or, on V8 models, a six-speed manual. The SXT and GT trims are offered with all-wheel drive.

Pricing
Massive model range for a low-volume vehicle with a large number of variants at the top of the model range. The base model, the SXT, is nicely equipped. Migrating to the GT trim is reasonable value. All-wheel drive can be had from $3200 on the GT to $3400 for the SXT. Moving from the V6 GT to the V8 R/T costs $3495. Equipped similarly to the R/T, the Scat Pack 392, with another 110 horsepower, cost $12,455 more. The Wide-Body model, offered in several models, is priced at $8000. The Hellcat models are impressively expensive but high-performance buyers are undeterred. The $1695 Driver Convenience Group package on the SXT adds blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, xenon headlamps and remote starting, and is good value. Adding active cruise control and forward collision warning can be added to the SXT via the $895 Technology Group. The equipment can be added to the R/T for similar money. The same equipment on the Scat Pack is marginally less expensive. 


Reliability
Not rated, insufficient data. The powertrain warranty on the high-performance models is only three years/60,000 km. 

Specifications


Body Style:  2CP
Occupants:  2/3

Engines:
3.6L-V6 (303 HP)*, 5.7L-V8 (375 HP), 6.4L-V8 (485 HP), 6.2L-V8 S (Hellcat 717 HP, Hellcat Redeye 797 HP, Super Sport 807 HP) 

Transmissions: 6M, 8A* 
Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive*

City Fuel Economy:  12.4L/100 km
Highway Fuel Economy:  7.8L/100 km
Active Safety Features: Optional forward collision warning, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and adaptive cruise control

Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000 (3/60,000 only on SRT8, Scat Pack and Hellcat)
Current Generation Debut:  2009
Country of Origin:  Canada

IIHS Ratings:

Sm. Front Driver: M

Mod. Front: G

Side: G

Roof: A

Sm. Front Pass: NR

Head/Seat: A

Headlight: NR

 

NHTSA Rating:


2022 Ford Mustang

 


What’s new
Few changes of notes

Comments
The cabin features a twin cockpit design with the driver's side dominated by large format gauges for speed and revs. The dash centre stack contains a large touch screen that can be bypassed in favour of more conventional audio and climate controls. Interior materials are unimpressive and disappointing at this price point. Ford's European designed vehicles have elegant, carefully finished cabins, but its U.S. designed vehicles like the F-150 and Mustang are distinctly underwhelming in terms of design and materials.  
Engine choices include a 2.3L turbo four with either 310 or 330 horsepower, a 460 horsepower 5L V8 and a 760 horsepower supercharged 5.2L V8 that powers the GT500. Not offering a smaller engine with about 250 horsepower is a lost opportunity. The Mustang is equipped with an independent rear suspension, which does enhance performance and ride but does little for packaging, as rear seat leg and head room are very tight for what is a large car.  

Pricing
The 2.3L turbo four is standard with the 5L-V8, optional. On the 2.3L, the Premium package adds enhanced cabin trim, including more luxurious door panels, real alloy trim, power front seats, heated and ventilated seats and a plethora of other features at a reasonable price. Compared with the base four, the base V8 costs nearly $12,000 more. The Premium package on the GT (5L-V8) is overpriced. Opting for the convertible body style costs from $5330 to $6330 on 2.3 turbo cars and $5780 on the GT V8 Premium. The Mach 1 coupe is priced more than $25,000 higher than the GT coupe, with the hyper-performance Shelby priced at over $100,000. 
Reliability
Above average reliability predicted. All engines are unproven.

Specifications


Body Style:  2CP, 2CV
Occupants:  2/2

Engines:
2.3L-4 T (310 HP, 330 HP)*, 5L-V8 (450 HP)*, 5.2L-V8 S (760 HP)

Transmissions: 6M, 7 dual clutch, 10A* 
Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive

City Fuel Economy:  11L/100 km
Highway Fuel Economy:  7.4L/100 km

Active Safety Features: Standard forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane departure warnings and a lane keep assist system. Optional adaptive cruise control 


Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000


Current Generation Debut:  2015
Country of Origin: United States

IIHS Ratings:

Sm. Front Driver: NR

Mod. Front: NR

Side: NR

Roof: NR

Sm. Front Pass: NR

Head/Seat: NR

Headlight: NR

 

NHTSA Rating:


2022 Mazda MX-5

 


 

What’s new
Kinematic Posture Control (KPC), which applies the inner rear brake very lightly during spirited cornering and more so when accelerating through a corner, enhancing both comfort and stability, is a new feature for 2022. The gray soft top on the GT has been replaced by a blue one and there have been some minor trim changes inside, including brighter faux-metallic trim and a new Terracotta Nappa leather choice. The top on the RF GT Exclusive is now painted black instead of body colour.

Comments
Power from the 2L inline four found under the hood of various Mazdas finds its way to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. The MX-5 is a delight to drive. Its 2L inline four enjoys being wrung out and makes a joyful noise when extended. Unlike super high-performance cars, the MX-5 can be driven very enthusiastically without exceeding normal speed limits and without anyone taking any notice of how much fun the driver is having. Crisp handling, sufficiently compliant ride, strong brakes with good pedal feel and a precise gearchange allied to a docile clutch combine to deliver phenomenal driving pleasure. MX-5 denizens are treated to comfortable seats and enough room for even larger people to be comfortable. Surprisingly deep trunk. The operation of the electrically-driven targa top on the RF model is a wonder to behold. 

Pricing

A great number of variants are available for 2022 for such a low-volume car. There is no price supplement for automatic transmission. With air conditioning, alloy wheels, keyless start, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors and a cellphone interface, the base model, the GS soft top, is nicely equipped. The manual-transmission GS-P adds heated seat, an underhood brace, a sports suspension with Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential, a Bose-branded audio system and an accoustic windshield, but is overpriced. The Sport package available on the manual-transmission GS-P adds impressively fierce Brembo-branded brakes is no bargain. The range-topping GT adds leather seating, a lined convertible top, navigation, adaptive headlamps and a variety of comfort and convenience items at a price that reflects the value of the content. The retractable hard-top model, sold as the RF, is a $3000 option on the GS-P and GT trims. 


Reliability
Above average reliability predicted for the Mazda.

Specifications


Body Style:  2CV, 2TG

Occupants:  2

Engines:
2L-4 (181 HP Mazda)* 

Transmissions: 6M, 6A* 
Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive

City Fuel Economy: 9.0L/100 km 
Highway Fuel Economy:  6.6L/100 km

Active Safety Features: Mazda: Standard forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking front and rear and blind spot and rear cross traffic warning. 

Warranty: 3/Unlimited, 5/Unlimited (Mazda), 


Current Generation Debut: 2016
Country of Origin: Japan

IIHS Ratings:

Sm. Front Driver: NR

Mod. Front: NR

Side: NR

Roof: NR

Sm. Front Pass: NR

Head/Seat: NR

Headlight: NR

 

NHTSA Rating:


2023 Nissan 400Z  

NEW

 

What’s new
After 12 years on the market in its previous form and a hiatus during 2021 and 2022, the Nissan Z car is renewed for 2023.

Comments
Like the recent Pathfinder update, the new 400Z is not a new car but a thorough update of the previous-generation Z that debuted for 2009. The windshield and sharp rearward angle of the roof where the two meet are the same as previously. but all other panels are new and the car looks sleek and modern. Only the coupe is available to start but a convertible should follow at some point. Inside, the driver faces a crisply-marked TFT gauge package that is located in a chunky dash which features a large infotainment display locate right in the dashboard. The infotainment system is manipulated by two knobs in the display unit as well as an array of small buttons at its base. Three conventional knobs control the climate functions and the top centre of the dash is decorated by three small, circular gauges. The rest of the cabin looks quite chic, with a very interesting curve-topped centre console and better looking materials than before and there are some striking two-tone colour combinations available. Given the car is just a rebody, cabin and cargo space are unchanged. 

The previous 3.7L, normally-aspirated V6 has been replaced by the 3L turbo V6 also seen in the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport. The 3L produces 400 horspower, and sends power to the rear wheels via either a six-speed manual transmission or a new nive-speed automatic. 

Pricing
No pricing details are available in early April 2022. 

Reliability
Not rated, insufficient data. Predicted reliability is above average. Rapid tire wear.  

Specifications


Body Style:  2CP
Occupants:  2

Engines:
3L-V6 T (400 HP) 

Transmissions: 6M, 9A* 
Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive

City Fuel Economy: 12.3L/100 km
Highway Fuel Economy:  8.6L/100 km

Active Safety Features: Standard forward collision warning, including pedestrian, autonomous emergency braking and blind spot, rear cross traffic and lane depature warnings. 

Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000


Current Generation Debut:  2023
Country of Origin:  Japan

IIHS Ratings:

Sm. Front Driver: NR

Mod. Front: NR

Side: NR

Roof: NR

Sm. Front Pass.: NR

Head/Seat: NR

Headlight:NR

 

NHTSA Rating:


2022 Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86  

NEW

What’s new
Subaru BRZ:  The second-generation BRZ went on sale early in 2022. The new BRZ has a marginally longer wheelbase, is slightly longer than before and a substantial 60 mm lower. The flat-four engine grows from 2L to 2.4L and from 205 to 228 horsepower. Subaru's Eyesight active safety system is newly available on the BRZ. Toyota GR86: the GR86 went on sale in the spring of 2022.    
Performance
The previous BRZ, compact and relatively light, was a delight to drive and the second-generation car should continue that tradition. 

Comments
The BRZ is powered by a normally-aspirated, port and direct-injected version of the 2.4L flat-floor engine block that is the basis of turbo engine that is standard on the Ascent. The engine produces 228 horsepower, 23 more than the 2L flat-four it replaces. Poswer reaches the rear wheels via either a conventional six-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. The new 2.4L nestles in an adapted version of the Subaru Global Platform with rear-wheel drive rather the the all-wheel drive system Subaru is known for. MacPherson struts and a multi-link rear suspension return for 2022. Power assist for the steering is now provided electrically. 
Styling is a busier, fussier spin off the design of the first-generation BRZ. It is immediately identifiable as a BRZ, but not really attractive or compelling in any way. The new design incorporates modern styling cliches like the jagged piercing in the front fascia under the headlamps as well as the de rigeur gills in the front fenders. People will not buy the BRZ for its looks but for the way it drives.  
The cabin is all-new, but, like other Subarus, a very conservative design. The twin-cockpit look of its predecessor is replaced but a very horizontally-oriented dashboard which incorporates an average-sized infotatainment screen into the top portion of the dash centre stack. Climate controls use a straightforward three-dial system that are back-lit to show temperature and other functions. A row of piano keys under the main HVAC dials control minor functions such as rear defrost. Subaru maintain a vestigial rear seat on the BRZ redesign though it would be difficult to imagine anyone even getting into the rear seat, let alone being comfortable there. 
Subaru's Eyesight active safety system, incorporating forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a lane keep assist system, will be offered. Generally the Eyesight system is only offered with automatic transmission. Subaru Canada were unable to confirm that this will be the case with the new BRZ. 

Pricing

BRZ : Automatic transmission is a $2400 option but includes the Eyesight active safety suite as well. Moving from the base trim to the Sport-Tech, which adds leather and suede seating, heated seats, blind spot and rear cross traffic warnings and a number of minor items, is reasonable value.

GR86 : Automatic transmission is a $2400 option on both the base and Premium trims. The automatic transmission option adds adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning, sway control and a stop texting nag feature when the car in front of you moves forward and you don't. With larger wheels, blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, adaptive headlights, leather and alcantara seating and heated seats, the supplement demanded to migrate to the Premium trim is a fair one.  

Without anything to show for its additional price, the Toyota GR86 is priced $400 to $1995 higher than the Subaru BRZ.



Reliability
New car, not rated. New engine is unproven.

Specifications


Body Style:  2CP
Occupants:  2/2

Engines:
2.4L-flat 4 (228 HP)

Transmissions: 6M, 6A*
Drive Layout: Rear-wheel drive

City Fuel Economy:  11L/100 km
Highway Fuel Economy:  7.7L/100 km

Active Safety Features: Forward forward collsion warning, autonomous emergency braking, active cruise control, lane departure warning and a lane keep assist system. Optional blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors


Warranty: 3/60,000, 5/100,000
Current Generation Debut:  2022
Country of Origin:  Japan

IIHS Ratings:

Sm. Front Driver: NR

Mod. Front: NR

Side: NR

Roof: NR

Sm. Front Pass: NR

Head/Seat: NR

Headlight: NR

 

NHTSA Rating: