Best New Sports & Performance Cars Under $100,000

How It Made The List

The 2025 BMW M4 continues to be a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance coupe with striking design and exhilarating performance. It shares its potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with the M3, offering 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the standard M4, and a more aggressive 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft in the Competition model. Transmission choices remain the same, with a standard six-speed manual catering to purists and an optional eight-speed automatic providing lightning-fast shifts.  

Like the M3, the M4 benefits from a meticulously tuned chassis, adaptive M suspension, and precise steering. This translates to exceptional handling and agility, allowing the M4 to carve through corners with confidence and precision. The available M xDrive all-wheel-drive system further enhances traction and control, making the M4 a formidable machine in all conditions.

For maximum performance, consider the CS model, which comes with a 543-hp variant of the engine. The M4's suspension is tuned for performance, and it'll reward you with stupendous levels of grip on twisty backroads and track days.

How It Made The List

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is more than just a special edition Mustang; it's a purpose-built performance machine designed to dominate the track and ignite the passion of driving enthusiasts. This track-focused variant of the seventh-generation Mustang takes the iconic pony car to new heights, boasting a specially tuned 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine that churns out a thrilling 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful naturally aspirated 5.0-liter Mustang ever produced, a testament to Ford's commitment to delivering exhilarating performance.

Ford Performance has equipped the Dark Horse with a host of performance upgrades, including a TREMEC six-speed manual transmission with a unique close-ratio gear set, a Torsen limited-slip differential, and an optional Handling Package that adds sticky Pirelli Trofeo RS tires, stiffer springs, and larger sway bars.

The result is a Mustang that feels incredibly responsive and planted, capable of carving corners with surgical precision and unwavering confidence. What truly sets the Dark Horse apart is its focus on driver engagement and track capability. The unique chassis tuning, aerodynamic enhancements, and performance-oriented features create a Mustang that feels alive and connected to the driver.

How It Made The List

The Lotus Emira, the brand's final gasoline-powered sports car, enters 2025 with some notable updates and a revised model lineup. Gone are the First Edition models, replaced by a simplified range consisting of the Emira Turbo, Emira Turbo SE, and Emira V6. The Turbo models continue to be powered by a Mercedes-AMG-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but the Turbo SE boasts a significant power bump, now delivering 298 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This makes it the quickest Emira yet, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4.0 seconds.

Visually, the 2025 Emira remains largely unchanged, retaining its sleek and aerodynamic design that draws inspiration from the Evija hypercar. However, new option packages and features allow for greater personalization. These include new wheel finishes, an upgraded audio system, and exterior badging to denote the specific model variant. The Emira V6, powered by a Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V6, continues to offer a compelling blend of performance and value, with 400 horsepower and a choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

How It Made The List

The 2025 Porsche 718 Boxster is a swan song for the gasoline-powered roadster, marking the final year before the iconic model transitions to an all-electric future. But don't think for a moment that Porsche is letting the 718 fade quietly into the sunset. This year, the Boxster lineup is more diverse and exciting than ever, offering a range of trims that cater to every level of driving enthusiast.

At the entry point, the 718 Boxster provides a pure and engaging driving experience with its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of around 4.9 seconds. For those seeking a touch more style, the Style Edition adds unique design elements like 20-inch 718 Spyder wheels and contrasting color accents. The 718 Boxster S steps up the performance with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 350 horsepower and achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds.  

But the real excitement lies in the top-tier trims. The 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 unleashes a glorious naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, producing 394 horsepower and a captivating exhaust note. This engine, shared with the 718 Cayman GT4, delivers a linear power delivery and a thrilling driving experience. You need to go a few dollars over our $100k cap though.

How It Made The List

The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is an American icon that has captivated enthusiasts for generations, and the current eighth-generation model (C8) continues that legacy with a bold mid-engine design and exhilarating performance. This revolutionary shift in design, placing the engine behind the driver, unlocks a new level of handling and agility, making the Corvette Stingray a true world-class sports car.

At the heart of the Corvette Stingray lies a potent 6.2-liter LT2 V8 engine, producing 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This naturally aspirated powerhouse, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, delivers lightning-quick acceleration and a thrilling soundtrack. The Corvette Stingray can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, making it one of the quickest cars in its class.

Beyond its performance credentials, the Corvette Stingray offers a surprisingly comfortable and refined driving experience. The magnetic ride control suspension adapts to varying road conditions, providing a smooth ride even on rough pavement.

How It Made The List

The 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman marks the end of an era, as it's the final year for this beloved sports coupe before it transitions to an all-electric future. But Porsche isn't letting the 718 fade away quietly; instead, they're celebrating its legacy with a diverse and exciting lineup that caters to every type of driving enthusiast.

For those seeking a pure and balanced driving experience, the base 718 Cayman provides a compelling entry point. Its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers 300 horsepower, propelling the Cayman from 0 to 60 mph in around 4.9 seconds. The Style Edition adds a touch of flair with unique design elements like 20-inch 718 Spyder wheels and contrasting color accents. Stepping up to the 718 Cayman S unlocks a more potent turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

But the real thrills begin with the higher-tier trims. The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 unleashes a glorious naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine, producing 394 horsepower and a captivating exhaust note that will send shivers down your spine. This engine, shared with the 718 Spyder, delivers a linear power delivery and a raw, visceral driving experience that's becoming increasingly rare.

How It Made The List

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (often abbreviated as "QV" for "Quadrifoglio Verde," which means "green four-leaf clover") is a high-performance version of the Giulia sedan, produced by the Italian automaker Alfa Romeo. It was first unveiled in 2015 and represents a significant part of Alfa Romeo's revival plan, marking its return to the high-performance sedan market.

The Giulia QV is equipped with a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which is based on a Ferrari design. This engine delivers an impressive 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just about 3.8 seconds. The top speed is around 191 mph. The Giulia QV offers a dynamic driving experience with responsive handling, thanks to its rear-wheel drive (or available all-wheel drive in some markets) and well-tuned chassis.

The twin-turbo V6 engine receives much praise for its power and responsiveness. Its Ferrari-derived technology is a highlight, offering exhilarating acceleration and a thrilling exhaust note. Still going strong all these years, it is still the benchmark driver's car in this segment, even though its getting a bit long in the tooth in many other ways.

How It Made The List

The 2025 BMW M2 Coupe is a compact performance machine that delivers driving thrills in a focused and engaging package. Under the hood sits a potent twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, now generating 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque (442 lb-ft with the optional 8-speed automatic). This power is sent to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic, allowing the M2 to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.9 seconds.  

Beyond its impressive straight-line speed, the M2 Coupe excels in the corners. A sport-tuned suspension, adaptive dampers, and a responsive steering rack provide exceptional agility and feedback. The M2's compact size and balanced chassis make it a joy to toss around on winding roads, delivering a pure and connected driving experience. Its aggressive styling, with flared fenders, a wide stance, and quad exhaust tips, further emphasizes its performance capabilities.

With its combination of thrilling performance, sharp handling, and everyday usability, the 2025 BMW M2 Coupe is a compelling choice for enthusiasts seeking a pure and engaging driving experience.

How It Made The List

The Lexus RC F is a luxury coupe that aims to deliver a balance of performance and refinement. Under the hood lies a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 engine, a rarity in today's turbocharged world, producing a respectable 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. This power is routed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission, allowing the RC F to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a claimed 4.2 seconds. While not as explosive as some of its German rivals, the RC F offers a linear power delivery and a satisfying engine note that's sure to please enthusiasts.  

The RC F's handling is tuned for a blend of comfort and agility. It's not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to carving corners, but it offers a composed and confident driving experience. The adaptive variable suspension adjusts to different driving conditions, providing a comfortable ride in everyday driving and firmer handling when pushed harder. The RC F's styling is aggressive, with a large spindle grille, sharp lines, and a prominent rear spoiler.

How It Made The List

The 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing solidifies its position as the ultimate expression of Cadillac performance, a true driver's sedan that pushes the boundaries of capability and excitement. Under the hood roars a hand-built, supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine, unleashing a monstrous 668 horsepower and 659 lb-ft of torque. This power is channeled to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual transmission, a rarity in this segment, allowing for a visceral and engaging driving experience. For those who prefer lightning-fast shifts, a 10-speed automatic is available as an option.  

But the CT5-V Blackwing is more than just brute force. Its chassis has been meticulously tuned to deliver exceptional handling and agility. Adaptive dampers, an electronic limited-slip differential, and performance-tuned steering work in harmony to provide a thrilling driving experience on both road and track. Massive Brembo brakes provide confident stopping power, while Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires deliver tenacious grip. The CT5-V Blackwing's aggressive styling, with its aerodynamic elements, quad exhaust tips, and optional carbon fiber packages, further emphasizes its performance potential.