Whether it’s an open-topped roadster or a low-slung coupe, many buyers want a car that will deliver driving thrills on a winding road or even a race track. Here are CarAdvice’s top five picks for a segment where great vehicle dynamics and impressive performance count:
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Willing, free-revving 2.0-litre engine; Brilliant manual shift action; Agility and stability through corners; Quality ride; Good pricing
Some major ergonomics issues in the cabin; Lots of hard plastics; Engine doesn't sound very sporty; No standard reverse-view camera on any variant
Epic power, fair price, sounds awesome.
Could have cooling issues on track days, manual only.
Great rear-drive dynamics; Looks premium; Keeping the coupe tradition alive
Small infotainment screen; Firm urban ride; Tight rear seat
Torquey, lag-free turbo engine; Well-sorted handling and communicative steering; Looks the business; Purists will welcome the clutch pedal; Growly tailpipe noises reflect the car’s enthusiasm;
Gear shift a bit grabby, but assured it will free up; Screen and dash don’t thrill; Seat adjustment limited to fore/aft slide; Ride is track sharp (but can be moderated);
It doesn't need a turbo!; Raw and pure sports car; Back seats fold down for more practicality; Tight handling
Lacking safety tech; Cabin features are dated; Exhaust could sound better
Excellent touring manners; Flexible powertrain on-road; Real sports car mojo; Red-hot once you hit the track
No quicker than the Boxster S for 0–100km/h; No PDK yet; Quite thirsty
More performance from the new twin-turbo six; Better dynamics from a stiffened chassis and tweaked suspension tune; Precise handling; Sounds glorious at full noise; Plenty of standard kit
Ride on the firm side for around town; Cramped back row; Warranty
Handsome styling; Upmarket interior; Decent road manners; Improved value and price sharpening
Lacks substantial upgrades; Full S line gear costs extra; No adaptive dampers as standard
Blisteringly quick when you want it to be; Rear-biased AWD oozes confidence; Nine-speed auto a delight; So too the 3.0-litre turbo V6; Adaptive dampers at their peak when driven hard...
... but a touch brittle in their softest setting; Engine drones at city speeds; Infotainment now a generation behind
Fantastic handling reflexes; Cabin fits like a glove; The right balance of background tech and analogue driving; An evolution of the Supra, not a nostalgic repeat
Squat design hampers visibility; Connected tech features dormant in Australia; Touchy brake pedal when driving enthusiastically; Bloody ugly steering wheel
Effortless and energetic engine delivery; Dynamic competence with outstanding braking/cornering; Smart, modern interior with comfortable, multi-adjustable sports seats
New decluttered infotainment needs familiarisation; Attention-getting option prices; Big-mouthed frontal look
Stunning to look at; As quick as the Performante to 100km/h and faster than it on some sections of the Nardò test circuit; There isn't a better exhaust note thanks to the V10 NA; It's got rear-wheel steer and torque vectoring for the first time; Miraculous handling prowess and astonishing grip; Improved interior and latest connectivity make it a genuine daily for those with big bucks; Cheaper than a Ferrari 488 GTB
We didn't see the options list, but you can bet they won't be cheap; We're yet to test ride comfort on local roads; Fuel economy and emissions numbers haven't been released – does anyone care?
Astonishingly quick in seemingly any conditions despite 2WD; Chassis control amazing no matter how you push; Ride comfort over crappy roads; Roomy cockpit; High levels of feedback make this car a breeze to drive fast
Exhaust note is getting better, but can't compete with the NA-powered Lambo Huracan Performante Spyder
Still the bad-arsed hot rod of the super sports car set; GT C an ideal fit for the road; GT R still the manic track beast; Digital instrumentation an improvement
Clumsy cabin layout; Frustrating infotainment usability; Pricing is up $10–$13K across the range; They're quite thirsty
Uncompromising performance; Unrivalled street appeal; Best V8 engine in existence; Brilliant ride and dynamic capabilities; Very much a race car you can happily drive daily
Options, options, options; Interior feeling its age; Lift kit needs to remain on at higher speeds; Sounds insane, but it's no 458
