Top 10 Petrol Cars For 2024

With all the talk being about electric cars right now it is easy to forget that there are still some fantastic petrol-powered vehicles on the market, or still on their way during 2024. If anything, manufacturers are looking to create a final swansong to the combustion engine and are keen to create something rather special before their hand is forced to electric power only. What this means is that some of the sports and supercars that are available this year are some of the best there ever have been, and all thanks to some of the finest petrol engines around.

Take a look at our roundup of the Top 10 Petrol Cars For 2024:

Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin’s replacement for their excellent DB11 is unsurprisingly the DB12. Whilst the exterior appearance may be more of an evolution of the DB11 and DBS styling, the interior, engineering and capability of the new model is much more than many were expecting. In an attempt to stand apart from other grand tourers the DB12 is what Aston are calling a ‘super grand tourer’. The headline figures of 680bhp, a top speed of over 200mph and a 0-62mph time of just 3.6 seconds are just the beginning.

Everything from the engine to the transmission, the suspension, the brakes and the chassis have been reworked to ensure the DB12 is sharper, more dynamic and more focussed than the previous model. Inside, the whole interior has been given a thorough makeover and manages to blend thoroughly modern technology with sumptuous materials and finishes befitting of the Aston Martin name. The borrowed dated Mercedes Benz system has been replaced with a bespoke in-house system that feels bang up to date and a world away from the DB11.

The DB12 looks set to build on the advancements and the potential that the DB11 showed in a new direction for the brand, whilst their F1 knowledge and technology ensures that they are taking their flagship GT car even further than ever before. With a new Vantage also expected to be announced during 2024, it is an exciting time for the Aston Martin name and we can’t wait to see the new version of that popular and capable sports car. We already have a number of customers awaiting collection of their new DB12’s and can’t wait to hear what they think of the car when they arrive.

Toyota GR Yaris

The GR Yaris homologation special took everyone by surprise when it was launched, even Toyota were not expecting how popular it has become. Built to satisfy the requirements of their rallying programme, the resulting road car was something very special indeed. Small, light, powerful and offering adjustable four-wheel drive, the GR Yaris is a return to what driving should be all about, fun.

Toyota have decided to build on the success with a mid-life refresh and a chance to improve on every aspect that makes the GR Yaris such an in-demand car. With more power from the turbocharged 1.6-litre 3-cylinder engine, a stiffer chassis and revised suspension, the Yaris is more eager to be driven hard than ever before.

If the bespoke body style, lowered roofline and custom all-wheel drive system wasn’t enough of a departure from the standard model before, they’ve taken it even further this time with a race-inspired 8-speed automatic gearbox, lowered seating position, redesigned cockpit for ease of use and even the dashboard has been lowered to for all-important rally stage visibility. Expect this to make the GR Yaris even better and even more in demand when the car goes on sale by summer this year.

Porsche 911 992 Gen II

The 992 generation of Porsche 911 brought the model right up to date with its more modern design, latest technology and its even more usability as a daily driving sports car. The formula largely remains the same for a 911, however constant evolution keeps the model fresh and the yardstick to which other sports cars are compared. The second generation of each model ensures that a mid-life refresh keeps the model up to date and introduces improvements across the range to ensure the 911 remains at the top of its game. Whilst it was, in 911 terms, a big departure from the 991 iteration, the second generation of the 992 is set to bring the biggest change to the 911 lineage yet, Hybrid power.

Porsche’s attempt to ease their loyal fans into the new electric-only era is expected to begin with a Hybrid version of the second generation 992 911. Whilst this may be a doomsday to die-hard fans of the 911, widely regarded as the most brand loyal fans of any make or model, the fact that Porsche have proved their hybridisation capabilities with the Panamera, the 918 Spyder and the Cayenne means they shouldn’t necessarily worry. Any brand who can produce an electric car in the Taycan that can drive, perform and handle like their highly regarded sports cars, are more than capable of ensuring the performance is merely enhanced by the addition of Hybrid power.

Mercedes Benz AMG GT

The AMG GT was originally introduced as a replacement to the SLS, yet has become so much more over the years. Whilst the SLS borrowed styling cues from the legendary gullwing-doored SL of the 1960’s, the AMG GT was a much more usable and less flamboyant grand tourer, or even track monster depending on which model you chose. The new version takes the grand touring concept even further and despite looking fairly similar from the outside, has been completely reworked underneath to the extent that it even comes with the option to be a 2+2.

With a complete overhaul of the engineering, the interior and the powerplant, the latest AMG GT is set to be even more capable yet comfortable than ever before. With all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and the choice of a 469bhp GT 55 or a 577bhp GT 63, the AMG GT has been repositioned according to demand and has evolved from a comfortable supercar to a dynamic super-GT. There’s even talk of there being a version equipped with their plug-in hybrid powerplant from the new SL and the 4-door version of the GT, which will offer around 830bhp and a whole new meaning to the term ‘super-GT’.

Ford Mustang

The fact that at some point a Ford Mustang will have to use anything other than a petrol engine feels like sacrilege. Even having the 2.3-litre EcoBoost option is pushing it a bit. A Mustang will always feel at home with a 5.0-litre V8 under the bonnet and it seems like that’s the way it will remain for as long as Ford are allowed to. The latest generation, the S650, is more of an evolution than revolution and as such remains with the EcoBoost or the full fat V8 to satisfy your combustion engine needs. Not even a hint or a mention of Hybrid assistance.

The Mustang manages to appear sharper and more modern in appearance, both inside and out, yet retains its old school charm and offers the occasional nod to its historic past. But why change too much to a winning formula. It may now have the requisite plethora of screens instead of a dashboard and an abundance of driver aids and assistance systems, but the recipe of big engine at the front, rear wheel drive, a comfortable place to sit and a Coupe or Convertible bodystyle remains as present as ever. Long may it continue.

McLaren 750S

McLaren went through a phase of releasing new models on such short production schedules that it was difficult to keep up with which model name meant what. These days the legendary engineering remains however more of an emphasis has been put on building the cars right and ironing out any niggling issues. McLaren somewhat quietly introduced the 750S late last year and is said to have built on every single part of the 720S in order to improve the whole package that bit further. Everything from the performance, handling and ride quality, to the refinement and every day usability has been reworked to ensure a more complete car that hopefully will raise the brand’s dependability.

The 720S was already the finest car McLaren had produced and a seriously impressive supercar with incredible performance. The 750S almost unbelievably improves on that performance, whilst also being easier to live with and even more comfortable on long journeys. It is the attention to detail that impresses most with a McLaren and if they can manage to solve the niggles that frustrate their owners, the 750S will go down as one of the greatest supercars of them all.

Porsche 718 Spyder RS

Porsche took a lot of people by surprise when they unveiled the 718 Cayman GT4 RS, a car they never said they would produce as it would tread on the toes of their 911 GT products. With the same naturally aspirated 4.0-litre engine as the 911 GT3 squeezed in, it offers almost 500bhp in a smaller and lighter package. The 718 Spyder RS is even more of a surprise as effectively the convertible version of the GT4 RS yet more comfortable, a roofless Touring version of the GT4 RS in some respects. Whilst it features less aerodynamic aids than the GT4 RS and is a more comfortable set up, the engine and running gear remain the same and the Spyder is actually the lighter car of the two, for an addictive cocktail of power and precision.

The 718 Spyder RS shows the potential and the possibilities of the 718 chassis and how a great combustion engine can make a very special car indeed. The lack of roof means that you can hear the race inspired naturally aspirated engine noise even more so, not quite the same as being able to hear a louder electric motor whine instead. There is a certain degree of ‘giving the people what they want’ with the final iterations of a lot of combustion engine cars, and Porsche have pulled off a masterstroke with the Spyder RS. With an all-electric version of the 718 being rumoured, this could be the pinnacle of the combustion engine.

BMW M2

Whilst everyone is looking at adding hybrid assistance to their performance models recently, BMW stuck fast with the latest version of their M2 performance coupe. Not just that, but the twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder petrol engine now produces 460bhp, offers a manual transmission and adaptive M suspension making the latest M2 a seriously impressive sports car. The previous generation was widely regarded as a return to what an M car was all about, the new version takes every aspect that bit further.

The aggressive looks may not be to everyone’s taste, but the bulging wheel arches, carbon fibre roof, quad tailpipes and wide stance give hints to the potential within. Inside, the wraparound curved screen highlights the latest BMW technology, whilst the abundance of carbon fibre, optional M carbon bucket seats and M steering wheel make the inside a special place to sit. The improvements to the dynamics and increase in power mean that the M2 is more capable than ever, whilst the proven combustion engine makes exploiting the power even more enjoyable, especially with what is likely to be the last M car with a manual gearbox.

Range Rover Sport SV

The latest Range Rover may offer the option of Hybrid power and there is a fully electric version on its way, but it will take a lot to beat the roar and sense of power from a V8 combustion engine powered Range Rover. The pinnacle of the previous generation of Range Rover Sport was the SVR and was the perfect blend of luxury, power and noise from a burbling 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. These days the Range Rover Sport has taken the luxury and refinement that bit further, and whilst the engine size may have shrunk, there is nothing small about the power on offer from a 635bhp twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine that now sits under the bonnet.

A lot has been done to take the dynamic abilities of the latest Range Rover Sport that bit further, and the flagship model now features the option of lightweight carbon fibre wheels, carbon ceramic brakes, carbon fibre shrouded active exhaust system and what Land Rover call their 6D Dynamics air suspension system to eliminate body roll and pitch. With rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, the Lamborghini Urus and the Aston Martin DBX 707 on the market, the Range Rover Sport SV has been further enhanced to compete with the very best.

Audi R8

Not exactly new but since the Audi R8 may not be much longer for this world, it means it is the perfect time to appreciate one of the finest engines on the market. With its sister car, the Lamborghini Huracan, due to be replaced by a Hybrid powered model later this year, sadly there have been no plans mentioned for a new version of the R8 in the Audi line up. With the discontinuation of the R8 and also the TT, Audi Sport’s offerings are going to be missing two iconic models that will be sorely missed by performance car fans.

When the R8 was introduced, many critics thought the Audi badge didn’t belong on a supercar and that it was a lot of money to pay for a car with a less prestigious badge than most exotic car brands. Fortunately, the R8 was and still is exceptional to drive and the naturally aspirated V8 and V10 engines that it came with throughout its lifetime are exquisite. The R8 soon made a name for itself and are as user friendly and as easy to drive as any other Audi RS model. These days the Lamborghini derived 5.2-litre V10 has more than 600bhp on offer and offers a sound and an experience that few other cars can match. With the combustion engine ban ever approaching, it may just be the very last of its kind and the perfect opportunity to go out with a bang.

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