Best Supercars for Under $200k

Why We Picked It:

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is a top-tier variant of the 718 series. Powered similarly to the top-tier 911, it marks the first time competition technology has been applied to a street vehicle with a longitudinal engine.

Regarding aerodynamics alone, the GT4 RS outperforms the 718 Cayman GT4 by 25%. It does this with the help of an aerodynamic package, including fully faired bottoms and two hidden NACA air intakes beneath the vehicle.

In light of the constraints and environmental requirements that make developing a car like this more challenging, it's clear that we are discussing a competition engine technology incorporated into a street car.

The new 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the most powerful mid-engined sports car Porsche has ever made (not counting supercars), thanks to its naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine with a displacement of 4.0 liters.

It produces 500 horsepower at 8,400 RPM (10 less than the GT3 to keep respect) and 331 lb-ft of torque at 6,750 RPM.

Why We Picked It:

The current generation Chevy Corvette C8 Z06 looks intimidating and athletic, and it has all the makings of General Motors' answer to European supercars.

Aggressive bumpers, similar to those found on the competing Corvette C8.R, give this generation of the Z06 a more robust stance. The prominent front splitter, massive air intakes, and sportier skirts are just a few of the design features of the Z06 Corvette.

After all the 2023 Corvette Z06 has been through, its engine is still the winner. The Z06 is based on the current Corvette C8.R, but instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it has a 5.5-liter LT6 V8 with a flat crankshaft and double overhead cams.

This engine features a flat-plane crankshaft, dual overhead camshafts, and direct injection. It produces 670 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 GM engines ever.

The C8 Z06 has an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and sends power to the rear wheels.

Why We Picked It:

The highly regarded GT-R, also known as "Godzilla" or the "supercar killer," has maintained a winning formula since 2009 and has never failed to impress us.

Throughout the whole Nissan GT-R development process, Nissan broke with tradition. A properly sized 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine powers the GT-R, producing an amazing 565 horsepower and 467 lb-ft of torque when mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The engine is powerful regarding the closed base monobloc and the ladder frame for further reinforcement. The GT-R's engines are hand-assembled by a master craftsman, whose signature can be found on a little but noticeable plate because assembly is just as important.

The engine of the Nissan GT-R is positioned rearward in the chassis on the Premium Midship platform to enhance handling. An independent rear transaxle is created on an all-wheel-drive vehicle thanks to this innovative design, which also places the transmission and transfer case at the back of the vehicle.

Why We Picked It:

With its upgraded engine, reworked chassis, and remarkable aerodynamic improvements, the Vantage F1 Edition is a track-focused road car based on the Vantage as an Official Safety Car. The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition is now the company's highest offering in the Vantage portfolio.

The Vantage F1 Edition has 525 horsepower, up 25 from the standard model. While the F1 Edition Vantage's maximum torque of 505 lb-ft is identical to that of the standard Vantage, the F1 Edition's 8-speed automatic transmission has been modified to reduce torque less drastically while moving up.

Reduced vertical body roll at high speeds and over bumps while still feeling comfortable at low speeds results from a revised suspension that includes updated dampers and increased structural stiffness for the front.

The full-width front splitter, front dive planes, and underbody turning vanes are all unique to the F1 Edition, while the rear diffuser is borrowed from the standard Vantage.

Why We Picked It:

With its introduction as the final combustion engine from the brand and its simultaneous replacement of the Elise, Exige, and Evora, the Lotus Emira arrived with a before and after. This mid-engine, two-seater will come with two powertrain options to help achieve this.

The top of the line is the already well-known 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine from Toyota, which top executives at the company continue to recommend. It will produce 400 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque when combined with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission in the Emira. Offering four distinct car modes and a thrilling ride thanks to its supercharged V6, the Emira V6 is an appealing vehicle.

But the major news is that the Emira now comes with a four-cylinder turbo engine. It is equipped with the same 2.0-liter AMG M139 turbocharged inline-four engine found in vehicles like the Mercedes-AMG A 45 and CLA a 45. That Emira's was tuned for a combined 360 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, though.

Why We Picked It:

Porsche is recognized as a manufacturer of some of the world's top sports vehicles because of its exceptional agility, balance, and performance in challenging road and race conditions.

The 911, which retains the essence of its original generation despite having completely different capabilities and dimensions, proves that Porsche has mastered the art of gradual progression.

It's the same with the GT3 but uses an aerodynamic and straightforward visual approach to help you attain the best time possible on the circuit.

Under its hood, the 2023 Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 has a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine (B6). Even so, it now produces 510 horsepower and 346 lb-ft of torque.

Furthermore, it retains its engine's fantastic sound even with additional exhaust filters due to the strict environmental regulations in Europe. Nevertheless, you must rev up to 8,400 RPM to get all of the engine's juice.

Why We Picked It:

The AMG GT R was designed on the Nürburgring, and it features bigger front and rear fenders and a wider track by 57 millimeters to improve its handling. With its massive rear double diffuser and spoiler, this vehicle looks far more intimidating than the AMG GT S.

External air curtains and a more prominent front entrance improve ventilation. It has the general appearance of an AMG GT3 racing car, which is not bad. The V8 engine benefits from increased cooling due to the larger openings. The front skirt conceals a venturi tunnel, one of many active aerodynamic features. Opening and closing the vertical louvers will change the airflow. The AMG GT-R also features a carbon fiber roof.

With improved turbos under increased boost pressure, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 now produces 585 horsepower and 513 lb-ft of torque. As before, a transaxle seven-speed dual-clutch transmission distributes the engine's output to the vehicle's rear wheels. Changes to the software and gear ratios have improved performance and handling.

Why We Picked It:

In 2015, McLaren released the 570S, a mid-engined supercar. Although it is McLaren's entry-level Sports Series model, the McLaren 570S is nevertheless an impressive and enjoyable vehicle.

There are 562 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque available from the 570S's 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine. The power from this motor is transmitted to the back wheels using a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

For a supercar, the 570S is surprisingly frugal on gas, with an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the interstate. Part of the car's low gas consumption is due to its modest weight of only 1,313 kg (2,895 lbs). As a result, it is quick to react and nimble.

The 570S's suspension is likewise finely calibrated, contributing to superior handling and ride quality. As far as supercars go, the 570S is surprisingly accommodating and functional. There's plenty of room inside for both your legs and your head. There is also a respectable amount of storage space in the trunk, measuring 15.2 cubic feet.

Why We Picked It:

The second-generation Honda NSX Type S is a hybrid sports car with improved handling and striking good looks sold in the United States by Honda's luxury and performance arm, Acura. Torque vectoring, adaptive suspension, and a carbon fiber monocoque chassis are some of the cutting-edge features of the new NSX. The end result is a thrilling time behind the wheel.

Technology upgrades, such as Sport Hybrid Super Handling All Wheel Drive (Sport Hybrid SH AWD), allow the next-gen NSX to reach these performance levels. In addition to improving acceleration, braking, and cornering skills, hybrid electric motors also provide optimal energy efficiency.

This supercar is propelled by a 3.5-liter 24-valve twin-turbocharged V6 DOHC engine positioned in the rear midships and mated to a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. The NSX is one of the most powerful hybrid sports cars on the market thanks to its engine, linked to two AC motors on each axle, providing 600 horsepower and 492 pound-feet of torque.

Why We Picked It:

The McLaren GT is a true supercar in every respect. The GT's rear wheels receive power from a mid-mounted V8 twin-turbo engine that generates 612 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed automated transmission. It has a carbon monocoque chassis and can seat two people.

McLaren claims the GT is the most comfortable and practical of their road cars. The McLaren GT was designed for a niche market of automobile enthusiasts who value sophistication over flash.

McLaren's GT is reminiscent of Frank Stephenson's MP4-12C from the '00s in terms of overall design, but it also has its distinct personality. If there is such a thing as a "normal" McLaren, the GT is the most understated model in the current McLaren lineup. The GT's power is impressive without going to the extremes of, say, the Elva.

The GT is majestic in appearance, limited in availability, and lavish in amenities. It has diabolical acceleration and remarkable agility for its size, and it acts somewhere between posh on the highway and sporty in the curves.