Sports Car reviews

With electrification gaining a strong foothold in the car industry, we’re bound to see an increase in the number of supercars that harness the power generated by a battery pack and a pair of e-motors.

Drako’s GTE ups the ante with a quad-motor setup and the complete lack of differentials. Instead, the supercar uses a smart algorithm that sends just the right amount of torque and power to each wheel, for what Drako calls the ultimate driving experience. Let’s see what that means, shall we?

The 2021 McLaren 620R is the range-topping version of the Sports Series, the company’s entry-level lineage of sports cars. Essentially a road-legal version of the 570S GT4, the 2021 620R slots above the 600LT. Design-wise, the 2021 620R is almost identical to the 570S GT4. It also features the same engine, but because it’s not restricted by racing regulations, the V-8 boasts more power.

Rated at 610 horsepower, the 2021 620R is the most powerful Sports Series vehicle ever created. It’s also the quickest, but it lags behind its siblings when it comes to top speed. With production limited to 350 units, the 2021 McLaren 620R costs almost $300,000. Let’s find out more about this supercar in the review below.

The arrival of the facelifted 2021 Jaguar F-Type also comes with the launch of the F-Type First Edition. Limited to the facelifted F-Type’s first-year production run, the F-Type First Edition offers a smattering of refinements that includes exclusive features inside and out, including a choice of three paint colors and plenty of premium touch-ups in the cabin. The only real downside is that the 2021 F-Type First Edition could set you back at least $90,000.

The 2021 Jaguar F-Type has been quietly revealed via Jaguar’s media page – although there was no live stream or any cool stunts, we have to admit that the 2021 model does offer significant improvement over the current model, including revised exterior lighting, updated technology inside, and a decent uptick in power output as well. Check out our full gallery down below!

The Jaguar F-Type is, arguably, one of the best-looking sports cars on the market today and one could even go so far as to say it’s one of the best lookers of the decade. While this might be true, it has also been on the market since 2013, and we all know that it’s due to be replaced in 2020. We’ve finally seen the first prototype of the 2021 Jaguar F-Type being tested, and we have to admit that there’s going to be some serious changes taking place. Expect a similar silhouette with an all-new face and rear end. There’s also a certain rumor about the V-8 engine that you don’t want to miss out on, so be sure to check out our drivetrain section to learn more about that.

Update 12/2/2019: Fresh on the heals of its debut, the Jaguar F-Type Coupe has been leaked on social media. We’ve updated this speculative review with those leaked images and what we know about it so far. Check it out in our special “updates” section below.

The all-new Toyota Supra A90 is an aftermarket tuner’s dream, and it hasn’t taken long for the world’s best tuners to build programs for the returning sports car icon. As you know, AC Schnitzer typically specializes in building aftermarket kits for BMW models but, since the Toyota Supra is a BMW at heart, AC Schnitzer is able to show it some love. AC Schnitzer’s program for the sports car is as all-encompassing as it gets. There’s a full line of upgrades to the Supra’s exterior, interior, engine, and a lot of mechanical parts in between. AC Schnitzer hasn’t rolled out the full price list for this new program, but you can bet it won’t be cheap.

Back in June of 2019, we received confirmation that a next-gen Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ were in the works Then, in September, we learned that the new BRZ and 86 twins may take a re-tuned version of the Subaru Ascent’s 2.4-liter Flat-Four as their main source of motivation. Fast forward to the end of October 2019, and here we are looking at a random Subaru BRZ prototype undergoing the rigors of testing on none other than the Nurburgring. This begs the question of what Subaru has under its sleeve. Right away, I’m here to tell you that it’s not the next-gen BRZ, as that’s still at least a couple of years away. Based on the camo, this appears to be a hotter version of the BRZ, one that could be offered as a special edition or maybe even as a new range-topping model to hold us off until the next-gen BRZ arrives. Even better yet, we think this prototype is being pushed around the track by the Ascent’s 2.4-liter flat-four. After all, what better way to test the reception of a sport-tuned engine than to unleash it in a go-faster version of the current model.

Update 11/28/2019:The special edition Subaru BRZ that’s planned to debut sometime in 2020 was spotted testing on the Nurburgring being benchmarked against the Alpine A110 of all things. Check out the new images and learn more in our Spy Shots section below!

If you like the Targa top in your Corvette, you must know that Porsche did it first, in 1967. Now, the 992-generation of the ageless Porsche 911 continues the tradition and the latest Porsche 911 Targa will be introduced as a 2020 model year car and will feature the 444 horsepower 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six seen on both the Carrera S and the Carrera 4S. Expect it to cost at least $135,000, some $22,000 more expensive than a Carrera S. Blame it on that roll hoop that’s drenched in history.

Once upon a time, there was a road race through Sicily’s narrow, winding roads that awarded those that proved to be unphased by angry locals, that sometimes drew guns on the competitors, and the perilous condition of the tarmac in many areas of the Circuito delle Madonie. That race was the Targa Florio, launched in 1907 by rich entrepreneur Vincenzo Florio, that became a sort of a favorite for Porsche and its drivers, the brand from Stuttgart winning the race 11 times in less than two decades. How is this relevant to a 2020 Porsche? Read on to find out.

Update 11/27/2019: The Porsche 911 Targa was spotted doing some cold weather testing in Sweden. Check out the new images and a bit of new information below.

The BMW M3 has been around for a while now, first entering production in 1985 as a high-powered go-faster variant of the ever-popular BMW 3 Series. The latest F80 generation dropped in 2014, essentially setting the benchmark for all other fast four-doors to match, and now, there’s a new generation in the making. Dubbed internally as the G80, the next M3 is shaping up to be quite the ultimate driving machine, so we gathered up all the rumors we could find and put ‘em right here in the following speculative review.

Update 11/14/2019: The BMW M3 was caught out on a fall drive with new headlights and a revised decklid.

The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera is the beneficiary of a significant aftermarket program from noted tuner Wheelsandmore. The tuner’s latest enterprise comprises two separate software updates to the DBS Superleggera’s 5.2-liter V-12 engine. The more significant of these two updates elevates the V-12’s output to levels you didn’t expect from the already potent DBS Superleggera. Aston’s resident thrill seeker is already a handful on its own, but with Wheelsandmore’s new software upgrades, there’s a case to be made that you should hold on for dear life when you’re riding shotgun in this supercar.

Maserati is ending production of the current-generation GranTurismo by rolling out the GranTurismo Zeda, a one-off creation that commemorates the model’s more-than-a-decade-long run in the market. The Maserati GranTurismo Zeda comes with a lot of exclusive touches, none more prominent than a unique paint finish that separates its aesthetics from just about every GranTurismo model that has hit the market in the last 12 years. There are currently no plans to offer the Maserati GranTurismo Zeda to the public, but a limited-production run in the future hasn’t been ruled out quite yet.

Nissan unveiled a Time Attack-spec Nissan 370Z built by Z1 Motorsport in conjunction with Nissan Motorsport that is bound to take the world of time attack racing by storm. With 750 horsepower on tap thanks to a pair of Garrett turbochargers, this 370Z is one of the craziest you’ll ever see. The widebody is made entirely out of carbon fiber, the interior is bare, and, to shed even more weight, the body was acid-dipped. In other words, the guys at Nissan and Z1 Motorsport stopped at nothing in their mission to turn what many consider an outdated sports car into a record-breaking track beast.

The Toyota Supra has arrived at the 2019 SEMA Auto Show, and in true form, we’re not just talking about one Supra at SEMA. Nope. There are multiple Supras in attendance at SEMA, each wearing a different alter-ego. One of these models is called the Supra Heritage Edition. It’s the most subtle of the Supras in SEMA, but it’s also the one that we identify with the most. Part of the Supra Heritage Edition’s appeal is its connection to the aftermarket tuning world. Toyota created it as an homage to the tuning scene, something that past versions of the Supra were all very familiar with. Granted, the Supra Heritage Edition doesn’t boast any of the over-the-top madness that past custom Supras could claim, but as a celebration of the relationship between the nameplate and the aftermarket tuning scene, the Supra Heritage Edition is as good as it gets.

The 2021 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is an upcoming high-performance variant of the 982-generation Cayman that’s rumored to debut in 2020. Essentially a more aggressive and powerful version of the existing 718 Cayman GT4, the 2021 will be the first of its kind and the first modern 718 to feature the "RS" badge. This car has been in the rumor mill ever since the first Cayman GT4 was introduced in 2015, but it took Porsche around four years to turn it into reality. Better late than never, I guess.

The 2021 718 Cayman GT4 RS is more than just a rumor now. The car has already been spotted on public roads with some camouflage on its body, but also with a beefed-up exterior. It features bigger vents in the front, a big rear wing, and many small details that set it apart from the already familiar GT4. Just like the latter, the 2021 718 Cayman GT4 RS will feature the 911’s 4.0-liter flat-six under the hood, but in a more powerful setup. Let’s find out more about it in the review below.

Lightweight sports car manufacturer Donkervoort is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its founder, Joop Donkervoot, by releasing the D8 GTO-JD70, a limited edition version of the D8 GTO that the automaker says is capable of pulling “more than 2G of lateral acceleration in corners, even in its standard trim and on its standard tires.” As exciting as that sounds, not everyone will get the chance to own the D8 GTO-JD70. Production is limited to just 70 units with each model priced at €163,636 before taxes. That converts to around $182,000 based on current exchange rates. Those lucky enough to score one of the 70 available units will get their hands on their limited edition rides beginning in the spring of 2020.

Subaru’s 2.0-liter engine, aka the EJ20, in Subaru terms, has been around since 1989 when it was introduced in the JDM-spec Subaru Legacy. Now, after 30 years, it’s time to lay a legendary engine to rest, so Subaru has decided to produce a special edition WRX STI known as the EJ20 Final Edition. It will be limited to just 555 models, but that doesn’t matter, because this beauty is available in Japan only at the price of 4,110 million Yen – about $38,000 at current exchange rates. Subaru will stop taking orders on December 23rd, but there’s a lot more to it than that, so let me fill you in on the finer details.

The Aston Martin Vantage just moved in its second generation for the 2018 model year and there are solid signs that the new coupe is a big hit with sports car enthusiasts. Following rave reviews about its looks and performance, customers rushed into dealerships and purchased the entire production run for 2018 in just a few days. The Vantage hasn’t been this popular since it was first introduced in 2005! With both the road-going coupe and the race-spec GTE model out in the open, it’s time to look at another version that Aston Martin may launch soon. The Volante is at the top of our list, with an introduction likely to take place in late 2018 or early 2019.

The convertible model has been part of the Vantage heritage since 2006. It was actually launched as the Roadster, but the Volante name (Aston Martin talk for cabriolet) could be used on the new model. Just like its predecessor, the new convertible will have the same features inside, out, and under the hood, but will provide customers with infinite headroom for those hot summer days. The Volante will enable the Vantage to better compete in its niche, offering a proposition to the highly popular Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet and the gorgeous looking Mercedes-AMG GT C Roadster.

Updated 10/23/2019: After Aston Martin released the first official "spy shots" of the Vantage Volante, the sports car was also spotted testing around the Nürburgring.

In 1965, Ford won the World Manufacturer’s Title in the GT ranks with the Cobra Daytona Coupe. But you wouldn’t have found the aerodynamic Kamm-tailed endurance racer on almost any bedroom wall around that time. Instead, everyone was hooked on Shelby’s new roadster - the Cobra 427. Sporting the ’side-oiler’ big block 7.0-liter V-8 good for at least 500 ponies, the revised Cobra was five inches wider than the AC Ace-based examples before it, handled slightly better due to an all-new chassis with independent suspension, and was one of the fastest cars you could register in 1965. With a 0-60 mph time of four seconds flat and tires that would go alight at the lightest depressing of the gas pedal, the 427 was unruly but that’s what made it a legend.

Think about what American cars you have loved throughout your life. It’s almost certain that the Cobra 427 was (or still is) in amongst your favorites. With rounded, flared arches, a gaping mouth and a scoop on the hood, and a pair of racing stripes traversing the (usually) blue paintwork, the baddest Cobra found its place in the history books from the moment it entered production. It was as loud as a pack of lions - if lions were ever to attack in packs - and more unruly than a teenager who’s going through a phase that’s "totally not a phase". The first 50 cars made were Competition or Semi/Competition-spec while the other 260 copies built until late ’67 were tuned to be more street-oriented, although even this can be considered a stretch. That’s why probably no other car can boast with such a wide variety of replicas quite like the Cobra and, naturally, most try to copy the look of the Cobra 427.

Porsche is currently gearing up for the release of the next generation 992-era 911, offered as a follow-up to the current 991-era 911. Per usual, Porsche will offer a variety of body styles and equipment levels, including high-end speed and unlimited headroom with the up-and-coming 911 Turbo Convertible.

Updated 10/21/2019: The 992-gen Porsche 911 Turbo Convertible was caught testing on public roads again and, while it doesn’t sport that cool red top we saw last time, there are some small changes that tell us this baby is ready to debut. Check out the new pictures and the details in our Spy Shots section below!

Porsche’s a big fan of letting the world know about its motorsport roots. After all, the brand’s success on the race track is something that deserves to be put out there, and the same applies to any sort of motorsport-related Porsche anniversary.

Meet the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 Sports Cup Edition, a limited special-edition model that features a motorsport-inspired design and an interior that’s been luxed-up by Porsche’s very own Exclusive Manufaktur to mark the 15th anniversary of the customer and club sport series “Porsche Sports Cup Germany.”

The Porsche 911 GT3 has been around since 1999, continuing Stuttgart’s habit of unleashing high-performance spec iterations of its iconic sports car originally started in the ‘70s with the incredible Carrera RS. Now, with the imminent arrival of an all-new 911 (also known as the 992 generation) by the end of 2018, we’ve been waiting for details on the next GT3. Luckily, it looks like we got just that, as our spy photographers snapped a few shots of a possible undercover 992-spec GT3 out and about undergoing some cold weather testing. As such, we drew up a quick speculative review on what to expect.

Update 10/07/2019: The Porsche 911 GT3 has been spotted doing some on-road testing, only this time, it was spotted wearing the touring package. Check out the new 911 GT3 Touring in our spy shots section below.