2019 Sports Cars

Sports cars continue to evolve as automakers strive to create the ultimate fun-to-drive machines. They’re getting faster, more cutting-edge, more high-tech and more efficient with each generation. Options are plentiful no matter what your budget is. Sports cars typically follow this formula: rear-wheel drive, two doors, low-slung, and lightweight, though many automakers deviate from this formula all the time with great results. If you have a bit more cash to spend and go the supercar route or want something exotic, these cars represent the pinnacle of what the automotive industry is capable of in terms of technology, engineering, and design.

Pros and Cons of Sports Cars

Pros: If you’re looking for driving purity and fun, there’s nothing better than a sports car. Though many sedans and hot hatches offer sporty driving dynamics and gobs of power, a purpose-built sports car is always going to give you that extra edge and engagement. There is also a sports car for every budget: Whether you have $20,000 to spend or $150,000 and more, there is a capable machine for you. Stylish and often avant-garde, sports cars often push the boundaries of design and make a loud statement about who you are.

Cons: Sports cars are generally far less practical than other types of vehicles with their smaller trunks, less headroom, cramped cabins, and sometimes only two seats. They are often more expensive to operate as well because they usually require premium gasoline and demand higher insurance rates. Many sports cars are also not four-weather vehicles and require some extra care and attention to drive safely. Because they can be flashy and stand out more on the road, they also tend to get more attention from the authorities.

What’s New in Sports Cars for 2019?

The highly anticipated Toyota Supra will finally be unveiled. This sports car marks the return of the legendary Supra nameplate. This two-seater is powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine that will output more than 300 horsepower. We have already driven an early prototype of this two-seater, and our initial impressions were really good. The Supra feels focused, responsive, and precise. There’s a lot of hype to live up to, so Toyota has its work cut out for it.

The BMW Z4, which shares a platform and many other parts with the Supra, was also overhauled for 2019. The biggest change is the new style and the fact it’s no longer available with a retractable hardtop.

A new-generation of Porsche 911 has debuted and although the German automaker hasn’t messed around too much with the iconic sports car’s formula, it has received important updates and refinements all around. The 8th-generation 911 has more power, is more efficient, and gets a bunch of interesting tech like night vision assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Prices for the 911 have also gone up.

Aston Martin has been making big moves, refining and modernizing its lineup. The Aston Martin Vantage has been completely overhauled and is aiming to find fans with a younger audience. With a menacing new look and improved driving dynamics, it devours corners with poise and purpose. The Vantage is powered by an AMG-sourced twin-turbo V8 with 503 hp. The DB11 is now also available with the same V8 in addition to a V12. The DBS also got a new Superleggera model, the most performance-focused and muscular model — 715 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque from a 5.2L twin-turbo V12, and it looks gorgeous. The British brand has also debuted its AMR line to battle AMG. The DB11 AMR is faster, nicer to drive and a touch more dramatic. Of course, there’s still the Valkyrie hypercar that’s on the way.

Mercedes-AMG has a new hypercar called the 1 (it used to be called the Project 1), which has more than 1,000 horsepower. The AMG GT line has also been refreshed. This entire line of cars is simply remarkable to drive.

Perhaps one of the most important sports cars of the modern era, the Mazda MX-5 Miata got an important refresh for 2019: It finally got the power bump that people have been asking for — output from the naturally aspirated four-cylinder is now 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. Bringing it up to speed in terms of tech, the lightweight roadster also gets a backup camera for the first time. Of course, there is also the RF available with its retractable fastback. Lightweight, nimble, engaging, pure, and fun at any speed, the Miata is an icon — it has a focus and joyfulness that is rare in this segment.

The Dodge Challenger is getting so old, but it hasn’t stopped people’s love for this iconic muscle car. Besides the Demon, the limited edition insane drag strip special, the RedEye has also arrived as the closest thing to a Demon with 797 hp. From there, the Widebody gets the Demon’s fenders and some suspension upgrades.

Keeping with the muscle car theme, the Ford Mustang Bullitt has returned offering drivers more than just nostalgia. The Chevrolet Camaro Turbo is now available as a track-focused 1LE model, giving the most affordable version of the sports car the go-fast goodies. More importantly, the whole Camaro lineup got refreshed for 2019 — although the looks are a bit controversial, there are tangible improvements that should help sharpen performance.

Other Important Sports Cars

The Subaru BRZ is mostly unchanged for 2019 with the exception of some special edition models. The Toyota 86, which shares a platform with the BRZ, is also unchanged.

The Porsche 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster are still segment-leading in terms of refinement and engagement, while the Jaguar F-Type lineup was recently refreshed. While the Jaguar still sounds incredible and looks gorgeous, there is also a new four-cylinder model that is more affordable. The twin-turbo V6 and V8 models are still available.

What’s Coming in Sports Cars?

One big trend we will see going forward is more hybrid or fully electrified sports cars. Electrification isn’t just reserved for improving fuel economy these days, and sports car makers are starting to tap the technology to bolster performance.

Hypercars are becoming more and more hyper. Expect 1,000 hp output ratings to become pretty normal.

Perhaps one of the worst-kept secrets in the automotive world, the mid-engine C8 Corvette is on the way and is hoping to finally make the Corvette into a real supercar killer.

The Tesla Roadster will make a return in 2020 as the world’s quickest accelerating car. The Nissan 370Z is also in dire need of a new model and a new GT-R is said to be on the way as well. Hyundai is rumored to be developing a supercar with the 911 in its crosshairs.

The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 has been confirmed and will debut soon. There are a ton of rumors about what will happen with the Audi R8 — it could be killed, it could get a twin-turbo V6, it could get a carbon fiber hypercar version, there’s really no knowing. It did get a version that is rear-wheel drive, which is less expensive and more thrilling to drive. Alfa Romeo is also said to be developing a new sports car or supercar.