Get ready to rev up your engine! Explore the top 15 of all time, from classic icons to modern marvels, as chosen by CarMax experts.
Iconic Sports Cars of the 20th Century
The 20th century was a wild ride for sports cars, with iconic models that still get our hearts racing today. These cars weren’t just about speed and power; they were statements of style, innovation, and rebellion. In this section, we’ll take a stroll down memory lane and revisit three of the most iconic sports cars of the 20th century.
Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7
The Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 is often referred to as the “RITE” – the greatest 911 of all time. And for good reason. With its lightweight design, potent 2.7-liter engine, and iconic whale tail spoiler, this car was the epitome of Porsche’s performance and design prowess. Only 1,580 units were produced, making it a rare gem among car enthusiasts. The RS 2.7’s racing heritage is evident in its aggressive stance and distinctive ducktail spoiler, which has become an iconic design element in the world of sports cars.
Ferrari 308 GTB
The Ferrari 308 GTB is a sleek and sexy sports car that epitomizes the essence of Ferrari’s design language. Its wedge-shaped silhouette, pop-up headlights, and distinctive air vents make it a styling masterpiece. But the 308 GTB is more than just a pretty face; its 3.0-liter V8 engine produces a staggering 250 horsepower, making it a force to be reckoned with on the road. This car has become an iconic symbol of 1970s excess, with its starring role in the TV show “Magnum P.I.” cementing its place in popular culture.
Lamborghini Countach LP400
The Lamborghini Countach LP400 is the ultimate poster car of the 1980s. Its radical, wedge-shaped design was like nothing anyone had ever seen before – or since. The LP400’s sharp angles, massive rear haunches, and futuristic styling make it a true work of art. And with its 3.9-liter V12 engine producing 375 horsepower, this car is a beast on the road. The Countach LP400 is the quintessential supercar of the 20th century, a symbol of excess, power, and unapologetic styling.
Modern Masterpieces
The 21st century has been a golden era for sports cars, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of performance, design, and technology. In this section, we’ll delve into three modern masterpieces that have redefined the sports car landscape.
Nissan GT-R R35
The Nissan GT-R R35 is a beast of a car that has been thrilling enthusiasts since its debut in 2007. With its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 565 horsepower, this Japanese powerhouse can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 2.9 seconds. The GT-R’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and sophisticated aerodynamics make it a force to be reckoned with on both the road and track. But what truly sets it apart is its accessibility – with a starting price under $100,000, the GT-R is a relative bargain compared to its European counterparts.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a muscle car on steroids. Its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine pumps out a staggering 755 horsepower, making it the most powerful Corvette ever produced. With a top speed of 212mph, this American icon is capable of outrunning many exotic cars. The ZR1’s aggressive styling, complete with massive rear spoiler and aggressive aero kit, is a testament to its unbridled performance. And yet, despite its incredible capabilities, the ZR1 remains a relatively practical daily driver, thanks to its comfortable interior and surprisingly compliant ride.
Audi R8 V10 Plus
The Audi R8 V10 Plus is a technological tour de force, with its mid-mounted 5.2-liter V10 engine producing 610 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. This all-wheel-drive supercar can launch from 0-60mph in just 2.9 seconds, making it a serious contender in the performance stakes. But what truly sets the R8 apart is its everyday usability – its luxurious interior, comfortable seating for two, and advanced infotainment system make it a joy to drive, whether on the track or on the daily commute. And with its sleek, futuristic design, the R8 is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
CarMax’s Top-Rated Sports Cars
CarMax, one of the largest used car retailers in the US, has a reputation for providing high-quality vehicles. When it comes to sports cars, CarMax offers a curated selection of top-rated models that are sure to get your heart racing. But what makes these sports cars stand out from the rest?
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is a beast of a car, period. With a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 engine that pumps out a whopping 760 horsepower, this car is a force to be reckoned with. But it’s not just about raw power – the GT500 is also a handling masterclass, with a sophisticated suspension system that makes it a joy to drive on both the track and the road. And with its iconic design, this car is sure to turn heads wherever you go. So, what makes the GT500 one of CarMax’s top-rated sports cars? For starters, its impressive performance credentials are matched only by its impressive reliability record, making it a great choice for those who want a high-performance car that won’t break the bank.
BMW M4 GTS
The BMW M4 GTS is a track-focused monster, designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling on the most demanding circuits. With a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine that produces 425 horsepower, this car is built for speed. But it’s not just about going fast – the M4 GTS is also a highly capable corner-carver, with a range of advanced technologies like adaptive M suspension and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. So, why does CarMax rate the M4 GTS so highly? For one, its exceptional performance is matched by its advanced safety features, making it a great choice for those who want a high-performance car that’s also safe and reliable.
Mercedes-AMG GT C
The Mercedes-AMG GT C is a grand tourer like no other. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower, this car is a force to be reckoned with. But it’s not just about raw power – the GT C is also a masterclass in refinement and luxury, with a sumptuous interior and advanced features like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. So, what makes the GT C one of CarMax’s top-rated sports cars? For starters, its exceptional performance is matched by its exceptional comfort and practicality, making it a great choice for those who want a high-performance car that’s also suitable for daily driving.
Racing-Bred Road Cars
Racing is in the DNA of some cars, and for those who crave the thrill of the track, these road cars are the ultimate adrenaline fix. Born from the passion of competition, these vehicles bring the excitement of racing to the open road. But what makes a car truly worthy of being called a racing-bred road car?
Porsche 911 GT2 RS
The Porsche 911 GT2 RS is a monster of a car, born from the German manufacturer’s successful GT2 racing program. This rear-engine beast boasts a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six engine, producing a staggering 700 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The result is a 0-60 mph time of just 2.7 seconds, making it one of the quickest production cars on the planet. With its aggressive aerodynamics and stripped-back interior, the GT2 RS is a racing car in disguise, perfect for those who want to experience the rush of the track on their daily commute.
Ferrari 488 GTB
The Ferrari 488 GTB is a thoroughbred racing car, descended from the legendary Ferrari 458 Italia GT3. This sleek, Italian stallion is powered by a 3.9-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 661 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. The result is a car that can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 205 mph. With its advanced aerodynamics and F1-inspired technology, the 488 GTB is a racing car for the road, designed to deliver the ultimate driving experience.
McLaren 675LT
The McLaren 675LT is a highly focused, racing-bred road car, born from the successful McLaren 675 Longtail. This British bullet boasts a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, producing 666 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The result is a car that can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, and reach a top speed of 205 mph. With its lightweight construction and advanced aerodynamics, the 675LT is a true racing car for the road, designed to deliver the ultimate thrill for driving enthusiasts.
Most Affordable Sports Cars
For many, the idea of owning a sports car seems like a distant dream, a luxury reserved for the wealthy and privileged. However, the truth is that you don’t have to break the bank to get your hands on a high-performance vehicle that can put a smile on your face. In this section, we’ll explore the most affordable sports cars on the market, proving that speed and style don’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is often referred to as the “people’s sports car,” and for good reason. With a starting price of around $26,000, it’s an attainable dream for many enthusiasts. But don’t let its affordability fool you – this little roadster packs a big punch. Its 2.0-liter engine produces 181 horsepower, making it a force to be reckoned with on the open road. Plus, its agile handling and rear-wheel drive make it a blast to drive, whether you’re carving up mountain roads or simply cruising through the city.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is another affordable option for sports car enthusiasts, with a starting price of around $28,000. This sleek coupe boasts a 2.0-liter engine that puts out 205 horsepower, making it a formidable opponent on the track or twisty roads. But what really sets the BRZ apart is its rear-wheel drive layout, which provides an unparalleled level of control and precision behind the wheel. It may not be the most powerful car on the list, but its handling prowess makes it a joy to drive.
Toyota 86
Last but not least, we have the Toyota 86, a sports car that’s both affordable and accessible. With a starting price of around $27,000, it’s an attractive option for first-time buyers or those on a budget. But what makes the 86 truly special is its dedication to the driving experience. Its 2.0-liter engine produces 205 horsepower, and its rear-wheel drive layout provides a level of connection to the road that’s hard to find in this price range. Plus, its lightweight design makes it a blast to toss around corners and push to the limit. Whether you’re a seasoned track rat or just starting out, the Toyota 86 is a great choice.