The Best Sports Cars for 2021

If you’re looking for a way to add a little joy to your life, a sports car is one of the most fun ways to do it. The best sports cars combine luxury, good looks, and power in one tight package, and while they’re usually expensive, anyone who owns one will likely recommend them regardless.

Foreign and domestic automakers include premium entertainment features, as well as comfortable seats and storage space. Today’s sports cars also come in several styles, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Here are the best sports cars.

In one look

Toyota Supra

The best

Why you should buy this: It’s a fun, everyday-driving coupe that doesn’t skimp on performance.

Who is it for: Those who want a fun sports car that they can drive every day.

How much it will cost: $49,990 and up

Why we chose the Toyota Supra:

We spent years waiting for Toyota to resurrect the Supra nameplate, and the wait was worth it. Introduced at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show, the fifth iteration of this hallowed coupe boasts a well-balanced chassis and head-turning looks. The Toyota emblem is a bit misleading, however. It shares its underpinnings and many parts with the BMW Z4.

That means the Supra’s power comes from BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six, an engine turbocharged to develop 335 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The power moves to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission that also carries a BMW part number. Toyota has not yet announced plans to make a manual transmission available.

Although the Supra is less powerful than the Z4, it still does the benchmark sprint from zero to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, which is very quick. Toyota claims a 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, which makes the Supra enjoyable to drive on the road and track. This is exactly how a sports car should feel.

Technology is part of the equation, of course. Toyota splits the Supra lineup into two trim levels named 3.0 and 3.0 Premium, respectively. The list of standard features includes a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, Alcantara upholstery, adaptive suspension, forward collision warning, launch control and paddle shifters. 3.0 Premium models get an 8.8-inch touchscreen, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay (but no Android Auto), a 12-speaker audio system, wireless phone charging and a color head-up display. It also receives heated and leather-covered seats.

Ford Mustang Shelby GT350

The best muscle car

Why you should buy this : This is a great performance deal.

Who is it for : Track day enthusiasts

How much it will cost : $60,440 and up

Why we chose the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350:

In many ways, car enthusiasts have the never-ending rivalry between Mustang and Camaro to thank for the ultra-high-performance muscle cars we see today. What was once a horse war has now become a battle for faster lap times. It’s a weird world we live in where a Camaro (in Z/28 form) can match a Porsche 911 GT3. The Mustang is also on the sports car front lines, thanks to the formidable Shelby GT350 model.

While it’s true that Shelbys of years past owe their performance to their engines, the GT350 is only partially defined by its powertrain, which is more impressive considering it’s one of the best engines that Ford has ever built. Engineers squeezed 526 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque from a purpose-built 5.2-liter flat-crank V8 engine. No forced induction or electrification, just the most powerful naturally aspirated engine Ford has ever produced – one that redlines 8,250 rpm. If you’re craving more power, Ford also makes the 760-horsepower Shelby GT500.

Beyond its engine, the GT350 sets itself apart from the standard Mustang with a lowered suspension, Ford’s MagneRide magnetic shock absorbers, Brembo brakes and a model-specific lightweight six-speed manual transmission. It also receives a complete body kit that improves cooling and downforce, ensuring it’s ready and willing to hit the track lap after lap.

The fact that around $60,000 grants you performance that rivals some of the fastest sports cars in the world is baffling. Comparing the Shelby GT350 to any previous Mustang is like comparing a cheetah to a dachshund. Sure, they can both run, but that’s where their similarities end.

Aston Martin DB11

The best grand tourer

Why you should buy this : This is a sports car that won’t leave you exhausted at the end of a long drive.

Who is it for : James Bond wannabes

How much it will cost : $198,000 and up

Why we chose the Aston Martin DB11:

The DB11 is Aston’s first clean sheet design in over a decade, and it shows. While it still looks like an Aston Martin and has the performance to back up those looks, this is a distinctly 21st century automobile.

Whether you choose Aston’s 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 or Mercedes-AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the DB11 has plenty of muscle. The “entry-level” V8 model makes 503 horsepower and 513 lb-ft. Aston says it will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 187 mph. Step up to the V12 and get 600 horsepower and 516 lb-ft, which shaves 0.1 seconds off the 0-60 mph sprint and allows for a top speed of 200 mph.

The bodywork is stunning and makes no compromises on aerodynamic performance. Downforce is important for generating tire grip, but Aston didn’t want to spoil the DB11’s sleek lines with protruding spoilers and splitters. So the designers created channels in the bodywork to direct the airflow around the car in the most advantageous way possible.

The DB11 is also a true grand tourer, capable of covering long distances at high speed without tiring its driver. In contrast to the spartan interiors of some sports cars, the DB11’s cabin is truly luxurious. The car is designed for spirited driving, but the ride remains quite comfortable.

Lamborghini Hurricane Evo

The best exotic car

Why you should buy this : For its mix of intelligence and madness.

Who is it for : Trendsetters

How much it will cost : $261,274 and up

Why we chose the Lamborghini Huracán Evo:

Lamborghini may be the stuff of childhood dreams, but for decades its cars were more stylish than substantial. This is no longer the case.

The Lamborghini Huracán Evo combines bedroom poster looks with serious technology. It’s an updated version of Lambo’s entry-level Huracán (hence the name “Evo”) with added technology. Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) uses data from a set of sensors to predict the driver’s next move and configure the car accordingly. LDVI monitors everything from acceleration and lateral G-force to how quickly the driver’s foot hops between the pedals. If the driver abruptly switches from the accelerator to the brake, LDVI assumes that the car is on a track and about to enter a corner. The system uses this information to adjust things like suspension and torque distribution to prevent the driver from crashing. This means you can enjoy serious speed without sweaty palms.

The Huracán Evo is still a serious supercar. A 5.2-liter V10 produces 640 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque in all-wheel-drive models, allowing zero to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed north of 200 mph, according to Lambo. For 2020, the automaker also released a rear-wheel drive model. It produces less power than the all-wheel-drive version (610 hp and 413 lb-ft), but will allow you to satisfy your inner wanderer.

Infotainment systems are often an afterthought in supercars, but that’s not the case with the Huracán Evo. A central touchscreen is easy to access and features crisp graphics. The system can also record video and data trails from lap times so you can find ways to improve your driving (or just show it to your friends). Apple CarPlay is included, and Android Auto is expected to be added at a later date. Amazon Alexa compatibility was added for 2020.

Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ

The Best Affordable Performance Car

Why you should buy this : Because power isn’t everything in a sports car.

Who is it for : Those who want to master the basics.

How much it will cost : $28,845 and up (BRZ); $27,060 (86)

Why we chose the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ:

Although they have different names, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially the same vehicle. Both illustrate that sports cars aren’t all about straight-line speed and jaw-dropping performance. Manipulation is also part of the experience. If you want the perfect idea of ​​driving a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, look no further than this Japanese duo.

They are lightweight, compact, rear-wheel drive and offer a six-speed manual transmission. The result is crisp, balanced handling that you can’t quite get this side of $30,000. They use the same flat-four engine, which Subaru designed and tuned to 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. You won’t win many drag races but the four-cylinder is eager to rev and it contributes greatly to the driving experience.

There are compromises. If you often drive long distances, you’ll probably find that bucket seats hurt your back. Look elsewhere if you need space; It’s a 2+2, not a true four-seater, which means the rear seats are for occasional use. Sports cars aren’t supposed to be practical, though. Grab a passenger, load up your gear for a weekend and head out to your favorite mountain spot.

BMW M5

The best sports sedan

Why you should buy this : You want power without compromising space or luxury.

Who is it for : Those who want to fly under the radar

How much it will cost : $102,700 and up

Why we chose the BMW M5:

Who says a sports car has to have two doors? Certainly not us. The layout generally makes more sense, as two-door cars are often more agile and lighter than four-door models, but there are some fantastic sedans on the market that can embarrass many coupes. The latest BMW M5 stands out as the best of the lot.

Purists howled when they first heard rumors that the M5 was ditching rear-wheel drive in favor of all-wheel drive; say that’s not the case! They calmed down when they learned what BMW had in store. The M5’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine sends 600 horsepower to all four wheels in its standard configuration. There’s no manual transmission option, so your only choice is the eight-speed automatic. From there, you have the option to select a mode called 4WD Sport that channels more power to the rear wheels or simply disengage the front axle entirely to return all 600 horsepower. In other words, the M5 gives you the best of both worlds and doesn’t resort to a gimmicky drift mode.

Despite its enormous weight and understated appearance, the M5 can accelerate to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The car’s creators used subtlety in its design to create a sophisticated and elegant vehicle with a secret wild side. As with all BMWs, the M5 has the highest quality construction and materials. The interior is luxurious and spacious and includes amenities you’ll only find in the most premium sedans. But don’t let the lavish experience fool you – this car is a speed machine that can show your passengers what it feels like to drive a Ferrari Portofino.

How we test

Our team of automotive experts take no shortcuts when evaluating cars. We put every vehicle through a rigorous review process that leaves no detail untouched. The unit uses its expertise to judge each car in context relative to its category and price range. We will also test entertainment features and add-ons as well as security features.

Our test drivers spend hours driving in different environments to put features and handling to the test. We know what details other consumers may not want to check. Our test drivers put each vehicle on the ropes on common roads such as highways, city alleys and back roads, as well as on off-road or racing tracks where applicable.