Sports Cars
In the 1980s many thought the sports car could become extinct, but it is now back with a vengeance. Every major car manufacturer today has its own interpretation of the sports car, and legions of small specialists build nothing else. Ranging from cutting-edge concepts to shameless attempts at evoking the past, the golden rule is that they should always be fun.
Ariel Atom, 1996
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 1,998 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
This is as stripped down as a car gets: a steel frame hung with the bare essentials, and bodywork positively prohibited. The Atom is still in production.
Vauxhall VX220, 2000
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 1,998 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 150 mph (241 km/h) |
Also branded as an Opel and a Daewoo, the VX220 was developed by Lotus Cars and based on the Elise chassis, but with a GM engine.
Lotus Elise 340R, 2000
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 1,795 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 130 mph (209 km/h) |
The car was designed in collaboration with Autocar magazine and developed from the Elise. Just 340 examples were produced, all finished in black and silver.
Lotus Elise, 2000
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 1,792 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 145 mph (233 km/h) |
Praised for its extremely light weight and wonderful handling, the Elise exceeded all expectations. In 2000 Lotus introduced a restyled version of its Elise to meet European crash regulations.
Lotus Evora, 2009
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 3,456 cc, V6 |
| Top speed | 162 mph (261 km/h) |
With legendary Lotus handling and 2+2 accommodation, Lotus hoped this car would find fans among performance-loving drivers with young families.
Ginetta G50 EV, 2009
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | Electric motor |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
Shattering the illusion that electric power is for wimps, the G50 EV is a low-emission vehicle that also delivers a thrilling drive.
Ginetta/Farbio F400, 2002
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 2,967 cc, V6 |
| Top speed | 185 mph (298 km/h) |
From Farboud to Farbio to Ginetta, this car had a difficult birth, but has always been impressive. With its carbon-fiber chassis, it weighs just 2,205 lb (1,046 kg).
MG TF, 2002
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 1,795 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 127 mph (204 km/h) |
Re-engineered to improve its stiffness and crash protection, and then relaunched in 2002, the MG F was renamed the TF in tribute to the 1950s MG.
BMW Z4, 2002
| Origin | Germany |
| Engine | 2,996 cc, straight-six |
| Top speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
With a straight-six engine up front and rear-wheel drive, the Z4 is a rare chance to experience the thrill of a classic 1950s-style sports car.
Mercedes-Benz SLK, 2004
| Origin | Germany |
| Engine | 5,439 cc, V8 |
| Top speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
The SLK was revised in 2004 to update its styling and improve its performance. This Mark II R171 version was named one of the “Ten Best” by Car and Driver.
Mazda MX-5 MkIII, 2005
| Origin | Japan |
| Engine | 1,999 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 131 mph (211 km/h) |
Known as Miata in the United States, this car is perhaps the most perfect mass-production sports car ever conceived; even beyond its 20th birthday it still sells well.
Pontiac Solstice, 2005
| Origin | USA |
| Engine | 2,376 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 120 mph (193 km/h) |
This European-style roadster from General Motors was a hit at launch, but production ended just four years later when the Wilmington, Delaware, factory closed.
Porsche Cayman, 2006
| Origin | Germany |
| Engine | 3,436 cc, flat-six |
| Top speed | 171 mph (275 km/h) |
More than just a Boxster with a roof, the Cayman captures the spirit of the original 911, and arguably offers all the performance you could need.
Audi TT, 2006
| Origin | Germany |
| Engine | 2,480 cc, straight-five |
| Top speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
In its original form, the TT captured attention with its striking retro look. The latest version remains faithful to that classic coupé style.
Alfa Romeo Spider, 2006
| Origin | Italy |
| Engine | 3,195 cc, V6 |
| Top speed | 144 mph (232 km/h) |
With a direct lineage going back to the 1950s, the Spider is an icon, even though the latest version has given in to front-wheel drive.
Caterham Superlight 300, 2007
| Origin | UK |
| Engine | 1,999 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
Descended from the 1950s Lotus Seven that inspired a legion of imitators, the Caterham is the rightful heir to the original. It had the fastest 0-60 mph acceleration when launched.
KTM X-Bow, 2008
| Origin | Austria |
| Engine | 1,984 cc, straight-four |
| Top speed | 136 mph (219 km/h) |
The first car to be produced by this motorcycle manufacturer offers little more comfort than a two-wheeler, but it provides just as much of a thrill.
Tramontana, 2007
| Origin | Spain |
| Engine | 5,513 cc, V12, twin-turbo |
| Top speed | 202 mph (325 km/h) |
A monster in all respects, the passenger seat is an optional extra and is mounted directly behind the driver. Just 12 cars are built each year.
It is a quote. The Definitive Visual History Of The Automobile 2011
