With the summer heat sneaking its way into May quicker than a BC fire (too soon?) it’s time to start driving with the top down. Of course with the great weather also comes the chance to start driving in luxury and comparing the best sports cars. If you’ve won the lottery, were born into a wealthy family, or have just been wondering what to do with those stacks of cash really taking up too much space as of late, these cars offer a chance to experience some of the best driving. We’ve compiled the fan favourites of this year in no particular order, but it’s worth reading to the end for a surprise return of a fan favourite to the sports car scene.
5. Mustang Bullitt
Image Credit: Ford
If the name ‘Bullitt’ sounds weirdly familiar, it should. This Mustang model is designed to honour the 1968 film Bullitt featuring the legendary car chase with Steve McQueen through San Francisco. This classic model hasn’t seen production since 2009, but has made its return well-known. The Bullitt features 480 horses under the hood and 420 lb-ft of torque. It really shines in particular with its ability to get moving fast with only minimal adjustments and no worry of losing any responsiveness from the brakes or steering.
4. Subaru BRZ
Image Credit: Subaru
Don’t let the price point fool you into thinking the BRZ is any kind of slouch when it comes to being a part of the sports car world. Of course, it doesn’t have the same level of performance compared to other sports cars (more than half the horsepower of the above Bullitt), but it does use every little bit of its engine to give you a true sports car experience on a budget (for all you money-conscious mid-life crisis subscribers out there). The 2019 flavour has 209 horsepower with 156 lb-ft of torque for you to play with and plenty of tech inside to keep the car party going—responsibly of course.
3. Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Image Credit: Chevrolet
After it’s redesign around 2014, the Corvette started to turn heads even more with its sleek, sharp reinvention and blistering quick acceleration and power. In fact, this year’s model was so good Car and Driver gave it a 5-out-of-5 star review. The main attraction is the supercharged 6.2L V8 engine that churns out 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. This is a car you’ll feel your organs squish into your body when you press the gas pedal and every second is glorious.
2. Porsche 718 Boxster
Image Credit: Porsche
Porsche has always been known for luxury, but their cars are no slouch when it comes to speed and handling. This year’s Boxster model also received a Car and Driver 5-star review, so you can trust that this year’s model puts the competition on their toes. Able to reach a top speed of around 270 km/h, and with its excellent low centre of gravity and adaptive suspension, it drives like the wind. Which is to say fast. Very fast.
1. Toyota Supra
Image Credit: Toyota
In an exciting bit of news, the first Toyota Supra model in over 15 years will be released to the public this summer and it’s coming in hot. It’s bringing 335 horsepower, 365 lb-ft of torque from a single-turbo, 3.0L, straight-six engine to the table and dinner is served. For years, fans of the older models have been clamouring for another Supra. Many of the older models have even become highly valuable and sought after. But with the recent joint partnership with BMW, the revival is real. Interestingly, it won’t have a stick-shift transmission until later in production, but the crisp handling and modern interior will satisfy many until then.
There you have it: five cars of various price points that will appease your sports car need on any level. Most sports cars advertise their “0-60” time, but if luxury and comfort matter more to you be sure to investigate what each car interior offers and how comfortable it is. If you’re looking for something that’s more within your price range for this year’s models check out our top 10 most affordable cars of 2019 post for more info.