What exactly defines a High Performance Sports Car? The classic definition of a sports car—a low-slung vehicle, typically for two occupants, boasting considerable power and agile handling, often wrapped in an aesthetically pleasing design—serves as a starting point. However, the landscape of automotive excellence is far more nuanced. Many vehicles challenge this simple categorization. Consider the Lamborghini Countach, not celebrated for its driving dynamics, or the Mazda Miata, admired for its balance rather than outright power, or even the Mercedes 500E, a sedan masquerading as a sports machine, and the Plymouth Superbird, a muscle car pushing the boundaries of conventional taste.
The realm of high performance sports cars exists above mere “sports cars.” Hypercars, with their stratospheric capabilities, often transcend the sports car definition, though many supercars comfortably qualify, especially when considering that a mere 300 horsepower was once a benchmark of exceptional performance. Grand tourers, designed for continent-crossing comfort, are distinct from sports cars, although their roadster and coupe counterparts can embody the sporty essence depending on their focused engineering and responsiveness. Sometimes, sheer automotive artistry elevates a car to sports car status, exemplified by the breathtaking Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300 and the iconic Lamborghini Miura. Other vehicles, like the Alpine A110, cemented their sports car credentials through motorsport victories and track prowess. Rarity plays a minimal role in this definition, as evidenced by both the ultra-exclusive Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic and the mass-produced Datsun 240Z appearing in discussions of great sports cars. However, certain models like the Chevrolet Corvette and Porsche 911 consistently hit all the essential marks: significant sales figures, profound cultural impact, high performance engineering, and timeless styling that continues to captivate generations.
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF
To delve deeper into this subjective yet passionately debated topic, a panel of twelve automotive experts was convened. Their mission: to select their top 50 high performance sports cars from an extensive list exceeding 150 models, ranging from Abarth to Zonda. Interestingly, some highly regarded vehicles, including the Ford GT, Saleen S7, and McLaren 600LT, surprisingly received no votes. Conversely, models like the AMC AMX, first-generation Chevrolet Camaro, and De Tomaso Pantera garnered fervent support, yet ultimately fell short of making the top 50 cut. Discussions were lively, particularly concerning Shelby models, yet the experts achieved unanimous agreement on the top five high performance sports cars. The final ranking presented here reflects refinements made by Robb Report editors, ensuring a balanced and authoritative perspective.
From their origins over a century ago as explorations in design, engineering, and motorsport dominance, high performance sports cars have consistently evoked powerful emotions. Evaluating these automotive masterpieces involves navigating the interplay between objective performance metrics and subjective emotional responses. The ongoing discussion about which high performance sports cars are truly the greatest is set to endure, evolving alongside the continuous redefinition of what these exhilarating machines represent. The allure of the high performance sports car lies not just in its specifications, but in its ability to stir the soul and ignite passion in drivers and enthusiasts alike.
