The Best Sports Cars For 2024

This week has seen the best weather we’ve had so far this year with warm Spring sunshine and temperatures in the low 20’s. As a direct result many people look to change their car to something more fun to drive and with a bit more sporting credentials to enjoy on a country road blast and in the glorious weather.

Where as a supercar offers excessive amounts of power and exotic looks, most would be out of place driving quickly on a country road. The problem is that most supercars are either too wide, too incapable of dealing with the less than perfect road surface, or too low to prevent scraping on the winding country lanes hidden dips and troughs.

This is where the sports car comes into its own. The sports car genre was created just for this very purpose and offers the perfect blend of purposeful handling, just the right amount of power and ultimately a fun driving experience. A sports car puts a smile on your face by the experience it offers, rather than a wince ever time you get to a bumpy section or see a tractor coming the other way.

So what are the best sports cars on sale to enjoy the best of the Spring and Summer weather with? Keep reading to take a look at our guide of the Best Sports Cars for 2024?

Porsche 718 Cayman

For many years the Porsche Cayman has been the yardstick to which all other sports cars are compared to. Its blend of precise handling, predictable control and consistent power delivery are something that Porsche have perfected to arrive at the complete package they have today. Not only does it impress with its performance and driving experience, but it looks great and offers all the creature comforts and technology you could need. Whether you are looking at the entry level model, the well-equipped GTS or the range topping GT4 and GT4 RS models, the Cayman can be specified to suit your tastes for extra comfort and driver aids or for ultimate driving pleasure and handling ability.

With a wide range of trim levels to choose from, as well as a seemingly infinite list of customisable options, the latest Cayman offers something for everyone and for a wide range of budgets too. Starting at just over £51,000 for the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder ‘base’ 718 Cayman offering just under 300bhp, to a starting price of £123,000 for the 4.0-litre straight-six 500bhp track focused GT4 RS, you can have your Cayman exactly the way you want it. With the next generation of Porsche sports car looking like it could be all-electric, or at a push, hybrid assisted, the current generation looks like it could be one of the all-time greats.

Porsche 718 Boxster

If your sports car vision includes being able to remove the roof, then Porsche also has you covered. The 718 Boxster offers everything the Cayman does yet has the ability to experience the glorious weather by brining it into the cabin too. Looking arguably even better in convertible form than as a coupe with the roof up or down, the Boxster is perfect recipe of sports car with its top down abilities. With the same trim levels and engine options as its coupe sibling, as well as the majority of the same options too, it can also be tailored to exactly what type of sports car you require.

Starting with the same ‘base’ offering in terms of engine size and power output as the entry level Cayman the range starts at £53,800 and rises to £123,000 for the impressive 718 Spyder RS, with the same 4.0-litre 500bhp as the Cayman GT4 RS. The latter, intended to be used the majority of the time without the roof and comes with a roof that is purposefully lightweight and fiddly to fit to encourage the bygone era of the original roof-less roadsters. Without the roof the sound of the last combustion engine to grace the definitive sports car of the modern era is ever present, and makes the driving experience even greater.

Lotus Emira

Whilst the future of the Lotus brand may be all-electric, comfortable, and high technology, with the brand identity of handling precision being a subliminal bonus, at least they gave us one last hurrah with the Emira. It may not be quite as stripped out and basic as Lotus products of old, but with today’s bumpy roads and reliance on technology that isn’t such a bad thing. Not just that, but by borrowing styling cues from the flagship 2,000bhp electric Evija hypercar, it has looks to certainly turn heads wherever it goes. Looking even better in person than it does in images, it looks like a cross between a mini-McLaren or Ferrari from certain angles and is well proportioned and purposeful in its stance.

Equipped with either a Toyota derived 3.5-litre V6 or an AMG sourced 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, the Emira returns to the basic formula of a sports car, even offering a good old fashioned manual gearbox too if you opt for the former. Whilst the handling and performance are almost as good as the way it looks, the addition of a touch of luxury, technology and refinement means the interior is also a great place to sit and remains comfortable even on long journeys. Starting at just over £81,000, it may be more pricey than Lotus fans of old might expect, but its driving abilities and handling capabilities are sure to impress that same fanbase.

Audi TT RS

The Audi TT took the sports car market by storm when it arrived just before the turn of the century. A design blend of curves and straight lines, the Bauhaus inspired Audi sports car has been a huge sales success for the company. None more so than in the UK with a third of global sales being delivered on our shores. It may have recently been axed as the company moves towards a TT and R8-less future, but after 25 years and 3 different generations, it looks just as good now as it ever has done.

For thrills and driving fun then look no further than the flagship of the range, the TT RS. With the brand’s famed Quattro all wheel drive system and an iconic 5-cylinder engine producing almost 400bhp, the TT RS offers supercar pace with the reassuring confidence of seemingly limitless grip. With the famous Audi refinement and luxury to the interior, it also manages to offer comfortable cruising capability and the ability to offer roof-down motoring with the option of the roadster. You may not be able to order a brand new one anymore, but the popularity of the model means there should be an abundance of nearly new models still available for some time yet.

Alpine A110

The original Alpine A110 from the 1960’s earned a reputation as one of the rally worlds all time great cars. Its combination of low weight and nimble handling meant that it was one of the finest driving cars of its era, proved by its success on the rally stages of Europe. When the modern version was launched in 2017 it looked to not only offer retro style influences and profile for the modern day, but also focused on weight saving and handling feel rather than power and outright performance. A recipe that means that the modern day A110 also remains one of the finest driving cars of today.

Its retro inspired looks offer a somewhat familiar nod to the past, yet the latest A110 is thoroughly modern and features the latest in race-derived weight saving engineering. Though it may only offer a Nissan derived 1.8-litre turbocharged engine with 250bhp, its kerb weight of little over a tonne means that it is plenty to offer a fantastic sports car experience for anyone who gets behind the wheel. Starting at £54,500, the A110 offers one of the best ways to enjoy sports car thrills and enjoyment to rival the very best in the game for one of the least expensive comparative prices. With a range to cater for comfort to track thrills too, from the A110 ‘Grand Touring’ to the A110 S or even the R, it can also be enjoyed just the way you want it.

Porsche 911

The Porsche range certainly isn’t lacking choice when it comes to providing the ultimate sports car and for over 60 years the 911 has been at the very top of most people’s lists. For 6 decades it has evolved and regenerated to become one of the most complete sports cars of any decade, and the latest 992 generation is certainly no exception. If you want to know the way a sports car should handle, driving a 911 will tell you everything you need to know.

Whether it is in base 911 Carrera form, £97,000 and 380bhp from a turbocharged 3.0-litre 6-cylinder engine, or range topping GT3 RS, £192,600 and 520bhp from a 4.0-litre 6-cylinder engine, the 911 can offer you exactly what you want from a sports car. Coupe or Convertible, 2- or 4-wheel drive, comfort and luxury or stripped out and racetrack focused, there is something in the 911 range for everyone. As well as an extensive list of options to specify it exactly the way you want it, as long as your pockets are deep enough.

Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra was one of the most legendary cars to come out of Japan in the late 1970’s to late 1980’s. Popular with car modifiers and more recently the ‘JDM’ scene, its appreciating price point and cult status is only gaining more momentum as the years go by. In 2019 Toyota decided to rejoin the sports car scene with a modern version of the icon for the 21st century. Loosely based on styling influences of the original car, the all-new Supra followed the basic recipe of front engine, rear wheel drive and curvaceous bodywork from the long bonnet to the muscular rear wheel arch form and ducktail rear spoiler.

Thanks to a collaboration with BMW, the latest Supra features 4- and 6-cylinder turbocharged engines and running gear as well as the platform from the latest Z4. Handling and suspension set up as well as the aerodynamics have been fettled by Toyota’s in house Gazoo Racing division, those famous for the GR Yaris, meaning that although underneath they share a lot of parts, the Supra offers a completely different side to sports car driving than its German relation. What it does mean however, is that if you like the performance and feel of the mechanicals, you can also get it in convertible format in the shape of the BMW Z4.

Aston Martin Vantage

Aston Martin have recently launched their latest version of the Vantage for 2024 and beyond, and while that may have taken a considerable leap in both power (30% more to be precise), performance, and as a result, price, its escalation to supercar status means that the previous model is a very tempting sports car prospect indeed. Launched in 2018, the Vantage utilised the stunning design, interior comfort and luxuriousness, with an AMG engine as well as Mercedes Benz running gear and interior technology. Whilst this may seem strange for those familiar with the Aston Martin brand, what it did mean is that it was proven equipment that was reliable and meant Aston martin could focus on getting the rest right.

With a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine producing just over 500bhp, the familiar AMG burble is ever present at low speeds and its growling V8 soundtrack is a welcome treat to your ears when you accelerate. Its ability to offer grand touring levels of comfort and luxury means there aren’t many others that can remain so relaxing at any speed. With handsome proportions and a muscular appearance, the Vantage looks stunning, the way a Aston Martin should. Rather than dilute the brand, it seems like the addition of Mercedes Benz equipment for this generation was exactly what they needed to produce one of the finest sports cars money can buy.

Jaguar F-Type

The Jaguar F-Type is another model that has fallen victim to fast approaching all-electric future and is not long for this world. The F-Type will be the last of 75 years of combustion engine sports cars for the brand yet remains one of the most stylish and impressive as it nears its end. Creating a successor to the iconic E-Type, widely accepted as one of the most beautiful cars of all time, was never going to be an easy feat, however the F-Type has been a huge sales success for the company. With just enough design inspiration to make a nod to the historic model yet looking thoroughly modern and offering the very latest technology and luxury through their Range Rover brand connections, the F-Type offers the complete sports car experience.

From the entry level 4-cylinder engine to the supercharged V6 and impressive V8’s, the F-Type remains sophisticated and refined throughout, with the perfect blend of stunning looks, nimble handling, and long-range cruising ability. Whilst it has been on sale for a decade now, the F-Type hasn’t dated at all and remains a worthy sports car option whether you manage to get hold of one of the very last of the lineage, or an earlier model for a fraction of the list price when new.

BMW M2

Technically a compact Coupe rather than an out and out sports car, the performance, handling, and capability of the latest M2 ensures that it remains a viable alternative to enjoy the finer weather in. Whereas the M3 and M4 models continue to get larger and heavier whilst remaining fantastic drivers’ cars, the M2’s proportions and kerb weight remain small enough to offer a hint of what an M Car was created for. Its lighter weight, smaller size and driving thrills mean that it can still offer the fun of the original M3 without having to compromise to suit today’s modern requirements.

The M2 remains aggressive and muscular with its styling, offering a hint to the performance on offer immediately. With a 3.0-litre straight-six offering 460bhp mounted at the front and with rear wheel drive, the M2 maximises driving thrills and handling capabilities hewn by decades of the M Performance division’s engineering experience. Despite the obvious power reserves it manages to remain predictable and controllable and offers a driving experience to rival any sports car when the roads get twisty. With a price starting at £65,000 it also manages to offer a price point to rival them too, if you don’t get too carried away with the options list that is.

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