Best New Sports Cars, Supercars & Exotics 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 Z06 was conceived and engineered specifically for use on the racetrack. Still, the new Z06 has blurred the lines between street cars and race cars, so it's challenging to pick which environment this car is most suited for. While the DNA of every modern Corvette evolved from its racing car lineage, the new Z06 pays attention to real-life usability.

The team in charge of the development of the Z06 are confident that their latest model will elevate the car to true global superstar status; for the first time, Chevrolet is producing right-hand-drive versions of the Corvette to cater to overseas customers.

Everything about the Corvette Z06, from its striking appearance to its wider front and rear fascias, its exotic proportions, and its luxuriously appointed interior, makes it abundantly clear that the Z06 is not just another Corvette. Rather is a car that is fully capable of holding its own in the supercar stratosphere.

The heart of the Corvette Z06 is Chevy's brand-new 5.5-liter LT6 engine. With 670 horsepower, this engine is the most powerful, naturally aspirated V8 in any production car.

Why We Picked It:

The GranTurismo sports car made a triumphant comeback for the 2024 model year, wearing a gorgeous new look that marries old-school and new-school Maserati designs.

The GranTurismo gets a detuned version of the MC20 sports car's twin-turbo V-6 engine. The entry-level Modena trim makes 483 horsepower, but upgrading to the Trofeo boosts power to 542 ponies. Both models are capable of quiet and comfortable cruising. The engine is both characterful and sonorous, and its unique twin-combustion design has roots in Formula 1 racing.

The most powerful GranTurismo model will be the all-electric Folgore (reviewed separately), which makes a combined 750 horsepower from its three electric motors. All gasoline-powered GranTurismo models come standard with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive; a manual transmission is not offered.

With the drive mode set to Comfort, the standard air suspension soaks up bumps admirably and delivers a smooth, even ride. In Sport mode, the GranTurismo transforms into a more focused sports car, with firmer suspension settings, heavier-weighted steering, and a more baritone exhaust note emanating from the tailpipes. The GranTurismo's chassis is dynamically well sorted and a great all-rounder for those who also want some comfort.

Why We Picked It:

The new Aston Martin Vantage is a stunning embodiment of British engineering and design, combining raw power with refined luxury. It's a perfect example of what you can get in the $100k to $200k price range, offering an exhilarating driving experience wrapped in an elegant, yet aggressive package. Aston Martin has given the Vantage a sharp, athletic design, with a sleek, low-slung profile, muscular haunches, and a menacing front grille that hints at the car’s performance potential.

While the 2025 Vantage can't technically be considered all-new, it has so many upgrades and changes that it is fundamentally different from its predecessor. Aston reworked the hand-built, Mercedes-Benz-sourced twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 with bigger turbos, more cooling, modified cam profiles and altered compression ratios, bringing output to 656 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. That's way up from the last version's standard 503 hp and 505 lb-ft (the F1 Edition produced 528 hp). The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission’s shift calibration was updated for punchier in-gear acceleration.

The Vantage is positioned squarely in the sports car spectrum. The ride quality is firm, there's a noticeable amount of road noise, and the V8 growls with satisfying ferocity. The Vantage demands more effort and concentration from the driver than many other vehicles and rewards you with predictably glorious performance.

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 new SL, a smooth and shapely convertible that ditches the retractable hardtop for a fabric roof. No longer a two-seater, the new SL adds a pair of small rear seats, which might not be useful for hauling humans but will hold a couple of roller bags. You'll need to store them there since the eight-cubic-foot trunk only holds one.

This reinvention of the SL makes it slightly more practical, but Mercedes keeps the pendulum from swinging too far toward sensible. Two versions, both AMGs, are available. The SL63 uses the same twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 as the less dear SL55 but raises horsepower from 469 to 577. It rips off runs to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and turns traffic to a blur as soon as you roll into the accelerator. Just be sure to keep the nine-speed automatic in a mode angrier than Eco. To save fuel in that mode, frugal gearbox programming finds the highest gear possible and is reluctant to downshift. The Moderate mode struck a much more satisfying balance.

We chose the SL over the obvious competitor which is the 911 Carrera GTS because the SL is quieter, rides better, and comes with a V-8 backing track. The 911 is quicker, offers a manual, and is a livelier machine, but ultimately the coupe GTS is better so that made our list instead.

Why We Picked It:

The current BMW M8 Gran Coupe offers a very reassuring thought: no matter the driving condition, you have the power, agility, and flawless style that come with a six-figure sedan. Ultimately, that is why this model made our list.

The M8 isn't the last word in precision, driving dynamics or steering feel. In many ways, it doesn't make sense as a driver's car. BUT, for an executive who has to sit in traffic, ferry the kids around once in a while and wants to be able to plant it and still have some fun, the M8 is pretty darn good. All year round.

All M8 Gran Coupes now come in Competition spec: a 617-hp twin-turbo V-8 delivers scorching performance, propelling the M8 Gran Coupe to a top speed of 190 mph with the help of an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.

It’s insanely fast and offers a rear-wheel-drive mode for those moments when you absolutely have to indulge your inner Don Garlits with a smokey burnout. The M8 Gran Coupe's suspension provides a live report of every crevice and crack in the road surface that you’re traversing, but that's the price you’ll pay for its exceptional handling agility. 

Why We Picked It:

The new Porsche 911 is officially here and along with it are some few controversial changes which are likely to spark debates. Perhaps one of the biggest change found in the new GTS is its hybrid system. Unlike traditional plug-in hybrids, the new 911 prioritizes performance over pure electric driving.

The GTS T-Hybrid is equipped with a 3.6L flat-six engine assisted by two electric motors. One eliminates turbo lag by rapidly spooling the turbocharger, while the other provides an extra boost of power. The combined system delivers a whopping 534 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0-62 mph in just 3 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph.

The new GTS model has also received a facelift and now features integrated indicators in the headlights, redesigned bumpers, and new alloy wheels. Inside, the biggest change is the fully digital driver’s display, with all dials visible from within the steering wheel.

Why We Picked It:

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, Audi Sport have released the limited edition RS6 GT inspired by a legendary race car from the 80’s. That race car is the 90 Quattro IMSA GTO, a 700 plus horsepower, all-wheel drive monster which was essentially a word rally car underneath.

Buyers will be able to option a red, black and grey on white livery with the RS6 GT that follows a very similar style to the iconic livery that race car wore all those years ago. No extra power has been added for the GT, with Audi opting to focus on a little bit weight saving instead. With a reduction of 15 kilograms, the RS6 GT will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds, one tenth quicker than the RS6 Avant.

The "regular RS6 Avant" is equally awesome. The 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 roars with 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, praised for its "explosive acceleration" and "supercar-like performance." Car and Driver clocks a 3.6-second 0-60 mph time, leaving reviewers like Top Gear in awe of its "blistering pace."

Motor Trend highlights its "practicality without sacrificing performance," while Autocar appreciates its "spacious and well-equipped" interior.