Top Sports Cars 2016-2017: The Best and the Rest
Sports Cars 2016-2017: The Best and the Rest
Check out our choices for the best sports
cars of 2016 and 2017; if it's wearing an Editors' Choice badge, you'll know
that we consider it to be one of the best sports cars available today. You can
see our picks for the best premium sports cars, best muscle cars, best sports
coupes, and best exotic sports cars here, too.
Chevrolet
Corvette
Jaguar
F-type Coupe
Porsche
Cayman GT4
Alfa Romeo
4C
Lotus Evora
400
Mercedes-AMG
GT S
Acura NSX
Audi R8
Dodge Viper
McLaren
540C Coupe
McLaren
570S / 570GT
Nissan GT-R
Dodge
Challenger SRT / SRT Hellcat
Ford
Mustang Shelby GT350 / GT350R
Chevrolet
Camaro Z/28
Ford GT
Lamborghini
Aventador
Bugatti
Chiron
Koenigsegg
Regera
Ferrari
LaFerrari
Chevrolet Corvette
MSRP: $56,395 -
$65,395
EPA: 17 city/29
hwy
Overview: The
mighty Corvette truly competes with the world’s greatest sports cars, no
excuses required.
The powerful Corvette really rivals the
world's most noteworthy sports cars, no reasons required. With a 6.2-liter V-8
making 455 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque (a discretionary sports fumes is useful
for 460 hp and 465 lb-ft), an eight-speed programmed is currently accessible
notwithstanding the standard seven-speed manual. The Corvette sheds its grungy
notoriety and has an inside befitting its stature. Offered as a targa or
convertible, the Corvette is an execution deal that you should drive to accept.
Jaguar F-type Coupe
MSRP: $65,995 -
$165,995
EPA: 15 city/24
hwy
Overview: The
F-type’s sharp handling, bad-ass attitude, and gorgeous styling make for an
extremely desirable coupe or convertible.
The F-type’s sharp handling, bad-ass attitude,
and gorgeous styling make for an extremely desirable coupe or convertible. The
supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 makes 340 hp in base trim while the S gets 380 hp. A
six-speed manual is standard with rear drive; an eight-speed automatic is
optional. All-wheel drive is offered on the S; the automatic is the sole
transmission choice here. The F-type’s firm, well-tuned suspension provides
precision when you want it and gratuitous tail-wagging when you don’t.
Porsche Cayman GT4
MSRP: $85,650
EPA: 18 city/23 hwy
Overview: With its race-bred suspension,
snarling engine, and aggressive aero add-ons, the Cayman GT4 is the track-day
toy we always hoped Porsche would build.
With
its race-bred suspension, snarling engine, and aggressive aero add-ons, the
Cayman GT4 is the track-day toy we always hoped Porsche would build. Lowered by
1.2 inches with dynamic transmission mounts, the 385-hp 3.8-liter flat-six is
offered only with an enthusiast-pleasing six-speed manual—no PDK automatic
here. The Cayman has always been well-balanced and playful, but the GT4 kicks
it up a notch with Porsche’s torque-vectoring system and components pilfered
from the 911 GT3 parts bin.
Alfa Romeo 4C
MSRP: $57,495 -
$67,495
EPA: 24 city/34
hwy
Overview: This is
a sexy, mid-engined Italian exotic carved down to affordable scale, and it's
available as a coupe or with a targa top.
This
is a sexy, mid-engined Italian exotic carved down to affordable scale, and it's
available as a coupe or with a targa top. Powered by a 237-hp turbo four and
weighing less than 2500 pounds, its zippy power-to-weight ratio matches its
zippy steering ratio; sadly, only a six-speed automatic is available. The 4C
practically anticipates road challenges, but the seats are tight, there's
almost no luggage room, and it's so low it's tough to get out of—none of which
matters once behind the wheel.
Lotus Evora 400
MSRP: $90,000
EPA: 17 city/26
hwy
Overview: With its
lightweight chassis of bonded aluminum, supple suspension, and mid-engine
layout, there’s nothing ordinary about the Evora.
With its lightweight chassis of bonded aluminum,
supple suspension, and mid-engine layout, there’s nothing ordinary about the
Evora. A supercharged 3.5-liter V-6 cranks out 400 hp; a six-speed manual is
standard and a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic is optional. Lotus claims a
0–60 time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. For added performance, a
limited-slip diff is offered with the manual.
Mercedes-AMG GT S
MSRP: $130,825
EPA: 16 city/24
hwy
Overview: While
gullwings are no longer part of the design, the Mercedes-AMG GT S is still set
to swoop in and snag buyers away from its archnemesis, the Porsche 911.
While gullwings are no longer part of the design,
the Mercedes-AMG GT S is still set to swoop in and snag buyers away from its
archnemesis, the Porsche 911. There are two models. First is the GT S, with a
503-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and a seven-speed automatic; it has a 0-60-mph
time of 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 193 mph. A second model, the milder GT
with 456 hp, debuts later. With a hatchback design, you could almost argue this
is a sports car that’s practical. Almost.
Acura NSX
MSRP: $156,940
EPA: N/A
Overview: If
you’ve been dreaming of the next NSX, it’s time to wake up: It’s here in the
form of a highly technical and utterly thrilling supercar.
If
you’ve been dreaming of the next NSX, it’s time to wake up: It’s here in the
form of a highly technical and utterly thrilling supercar. With weight-saving
construction, a hybrid powertrain that has three electric motors and a
mid-mounted twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 making a combined output of 573 hp, the
NSX offers pulse-pounding performance paired with everyday usability. A
nine-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive are standard.
Audi R8
MSRP: $164,150 -
$191,150
EPA: 13 city/22
hwy
Overview: Audi’s
luscious R8 is beautiful to behold, easy to live with, and simply marvelous to
drive—all the qualities you’d want in a sports car.
Audi’s luscious R8 is beautiful to behold, easy to
live with, and simply marvelous to drive—all the qualities you’d want in a
sports car. The base engine is a 5.2-liter 540-hp V-10; the V10 Plus makes 610
hp. All-wheel drive is standard, as is a seven-speed automatic. The handsome
interior features a 12.3-inch configurable display in lieu of traditional
gauges; there is also 4G LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Only a
coupe is offered for now; expect the Spyder version this summer.
Dodge Viper
MSRP: $90,390 -
$121,290
EPA: 12 city/21
hwy
Overview: The
Viper is both all-American and a true exotic, with lots of curves and bulges in
all the right places to let you know it means business.
The
Viper is both all-American and a true exotic, with lots of curves and bulges in
all the right places to let you know it means business. The long nose,
bodacious body, and predatory stare give the Viper a menacing look, while its
645-hp, 8.4-liter V-10 can catapult it to 60 mph in about three seconds. For
the ultimate track monster, check out the Viper ACR. With all kinds of aero
aids, special tires by Kumho and carbon-ceramic brakes, Dodge says it is the
fastest Viper on a racetrack.
MSRP: $160,000
EPA: TBD
Overview: The 540C
is McLaren’s entry-level sports car, but its 199-mph top speed makes it
anything but mundane.
The 540C is McLaren’s entry-level sports car, but
its 199-mph top speed makes it anything but mundane. The mid-mounted 533-hp
3.8-liter twin-turbo V-8 drives the rear wheels through a sequential
seven-speed transmission. Despite its lower price, the 540C inherits
performance-aiding technologies from its pricier siblings such as a system that
brakes a rear wheel to help the car around a corner. It’s likely to be offered
only as a special-order, so contact your dealer now before they’re sold out.
McLaren 570S / 570GT
MSRP: $184,900
EPA: N/A
Overview: There
are two members of the 570 family: the 570S and the 570GT; both are set to kick
sand in the face of lesser sports cars.
There
are two members of the 570 family: the 570S and the 570GT; both are set to kick
sand in the face of lesser sports cars. The S is sportier, while the GT is set
up for long-distance-driving comfort. Both models have a twin-turbo 3.8-liter
V-8 making 562 hp and 443 lb-ft, mounted behind the cabin; a carbon-fiber tub
reduces weight and adds strength. A sequential seven-speed gearbox drives the
rear wheels. The S is faster to 62 mph by 0.2 second; both models have a top
speed of 204 mph.
Nissan GT-R
MSRP:
$103,365 - $151,585
EPA:
16 city/23 hwy
Overview:
While fugly to some, as an instrument of pure speed, the GT-R is a thing of
beauty.
While fugly to some, as an instrument of pure
speed, the GT-R is a thing of beauty. A 545-hp twin-turbo V-6 and astounding,
all-wheel-drive grip give the GT-R supercar performance. Its six-figure price
is still a deal compared with anything else so quick. Numerous enhancements
over the years have made it faster and more refined, with 0-to-60 times
dropping below three seconds. Want more? Check out the NISMO version with 600
hp. An updated GT-R goes on sale this summer.
Dodge Challenger SRT / SRT Hellcat
MSRP: $50,190 -
$63,490
EPA: 13 city/21
hwy
Overview: The
Challenger is a major salvo in the Horsepower Wars, offering muscle-car metal
and seriously awesome engines.
The
Challenger is a major salvo in the Horsepower Wars, offering muscle-car metal
and seriously awesome engines. The 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 makes 485 hp and 475
lb-ft; choose either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The aptly
named Hellcat has a supercharged 6.2-liter V-8 good for 707 hp and 650 lb-ft,
with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. The automatic is
faster, hitting 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, while the manual is more fun and still
quick doing 0–60 in 3.9 seconds.
Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 / GT350R
MSRP: $48,695
EPA: 14 city/21
hwy
Overview: The
all-new, all-awesome Shelby GT350 picks up where the Boss 302 left off, with
more power, performance, and poise.
The
all-new, all-awesome Shelby GT350 picks up where the Boss 302 left off, with
more power, performance, and poise. Its 5.2-liter V-8 makes 526 hp and 429
lb-ft. A six-speed manual is the sole transmission; a Torsen rear diff is also
standard. Giant brakes yield eye-popping deceleration while magnetic ride
control keeps handling and ride sharp yet civil. For the ultimate Stang, the
GT350R drops weight by deleting the rear seats and has carbon-fiber wheels.
Both models are 2016 10Best winners.
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28
MSRP: $73,300
EPA: 13 city/19
hwy
Overview: The
legendary Z/28 lives on, but forget the 80s: This one takes its inspiration
from the original Z/28 of 1967.
The
legendary Z/28 lives on, but forget the 80s: This one takes its inspiration
from the original Z/28 of 1967. It’s a serious track car—more than 300 pounds
lighter than a ZL1—powered by a 505-hp 7.0-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed
manual. With a unique suspension and 19-inch wheels, it hugs the track like a
lover, pulling more than 1.0 g on the skidpad and lapping the Nürburgring
faster than a new Porsche 911. It’s not designed for the street—even A/C is
optional—and availability is limited.
Ford GT
MSRP: $400,000
EPA: TBD
Overview: You
can’t buy a Ford GT yet—and probably not ever—but apply now to be vetted by
Ford.
You
can’t buy a Ford GT yet—and probably not ever—but apply now to be vetted by
Ford. Prices will likely begin in the mid-$400,000 range, and the GT has some
of the most stunningly exotic bodywork extant. Highlights include a mid-engine
twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 making more than 600 hp, carbon-fiber construction and
body panels, active aerodynamics, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; a
manual won’t be offered. Projected availability starts this summer; around 1000
cars total will be sold.
Lamborghini Aventador
MSRP: $402,995 -
$533,570
EPA: 11 city/18
hwy
Overview: Brutally
powerful and obscenely flamboyant, the Aventador is unburdened by reality.
Brutally
powerful and obscenely flamboyant, the Aventador is unburdened by reality.
Crazy expensive and crazy fast, it’s capable of amazing performance without
feeling like it’s going to snap-spin into a ditch, which is refreshing in a
supercar. Available as a coupe (or roadster), it has a 6.5-liter 691-hp V-12, a
7-speed automated manual transmission and all-wheel drive. For the ultimate,
the Superveloce has 740 hp and a claimed top speed of 217 mph. In our testing,
it did 0-60 in 2.7 seconds.
Bugatti Chiron
MSRP: $2.5-million
EPA: TBD
Overview: Leaving
the 99.999 percent in its dust, the Chiron is a 1500-hp smackdown of every
hypercar ever produced in the history of time.
Leaving
the 99.999 percent in its dust, the Chiron is a 1500-hp smackdown of every
hypercar ever produced in the history of time. An 8.0-liter sixteen-cylinder
engine utilizes four turbos to make 1500 hp and 1180 lb-ft of torque for what
will surely be epic acceleration; Bugatti claims a top speed of 261 mph. A
seven-speed automatic routes that power through all four wheels. If you have to
ask, you can’t afford it—expect a price of around $2.6 million when it goes on
sale this fall.
Koenigsegg Regera
MSRP: $1,900,000
EPA: TBD
Overview: In Swedish, “Regera” means “to reign,” and
with 1500+ hp and a price of around $1.9 million, the Regera is truly a member
of hypercar royalty.
In
Swedish, “Regera” means “to reign,” and with 1500+ hp and a price of around
$1.9 million, the Regera is truly a member of hypercar royalty. It’s a plug-in
hybrid that uses a twin-turbo 5.0-liter V-8 and three electric motors to
achieve its unreal output. Koenigsegg claims it can hit 62 mph in 2.8 seconds
and 249 mph in 20 seconds. Only 80 Regeras will be produced, so if you don’t have
your order in yet, it’s probably too late. The Regera moves fast, literally and
figuratively.
Ferrari LaFerrari
MSRP: $1,420,112
EPA: 13 city/16
hwy
Overview: Above
sports cars, there are exotic sports cars—and then there’s the LaFerrari.
Above sports cars, there
are exotic sports cars—and then there’s the LaFerrari. While the coupe is no
longer sold, rumors hint at a topless Spider model. Expect it to have the same
789-hp V-12 as its hardtop predecessor, with a 161-hp boost from an electric
motor. That’s right, it’s a hybrid—enabling it to accelerate like a Bugatti
Chiron while achieving somewhat respectable fuel economy. Far prettier than its
predecessor, the Enzo, the LaFerrari is styled like a ground-bound fighter jet.
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