In the world of sports cars, popular brands often overshadow other incredible cars that deserve attention. These underrated sports cars, with their powerful engines and futuristic designs, showcase remarkable engineering. Get ready as we highlight these hidden gems that car enthusiasts should celebrate.
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Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Often overshadowed by the more popular Japanese sports cars of its era, the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 was a technological marvel in the 90s. It came equipped with a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, and four-wheel steering. Despite its innovative features and a potent engine that could produce 320 horsepower, it never quite achieved the fame of its contemporaries.
Porsche 944
Living in the shadow of the iconic 911, the 944 is frequently overlooked. It brought a near-perfect weight distribution and a finely tuned suspension system, offering an exceptionally balanced and enjoyable driving experience. Its turbocharged variant could churn out up to 250 horsepower, showcasing Porsche’s engineering prowess in a more affordable package.
Mazda RX-8
While the RX-7 has a cult following, its successor, the RX-8, often doesn’t receive the accolades it deserves. Equipped with a unique rotary engine that delivers a high revving experience and a well-balanced chassis, it provides a pure and engaging drive. Its distinctive four-door, freestyle design adds a practical touch to its sporty credentials.
Nissan 300ZX
This 90s sports car brought a twin-turbo V6 engine that could generate up to 300 horsepower, making it a force to reckon with during its time. Despite its powerful performance and advanced technology, it didn’t quite receive the limelight, often overshadowed by the more renowned sports cars of its era.
Toyota MR2
Often eclipsed by the Supra, the MR2 is a compact, mid-engined sports car with a nimble and dynamic driving experience. Its lightweight structure, coupled with a potent engine, especially in the turbocharged versions, made it a true driver’s car, delivering both fun and agility in a compact package.
Alfa Romeo 4C
The 4C is a lightweight sports car that offers a raw and visceral driving experience. Its carbon fiber chassis and turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 237 horsepower are a testament to Alfa Romeo’s dedication to performance and innovation. Despite its prowess, it often takes a back seat to more mainstream sports cars.
Lotus Evora
Despite being among the few true driver’s cars available in recent years, the Evora often gets overlooked. Its Toyota-sourced V6 engine, combined with a finely tuned chassis and lightweight construction, provides an exhilarating driving experience. Lotus’ focus on driving purity is evident in the Evora, making it a hidden gem in the sports car world.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai isn’t traditionally known for sports cars, which perhaps led to the Genesis Coupe being underrated. Offering powerful engine options, including a 3.8L V6 with 348 horsepower and a well-balanced rear-wheel-drive platform, it brought a noteworthy performance that was often overlooked due to its brand pedigree.
Jaguar XKR
The XKR, with its supercharged V8 engine that produces up to 510 horsepower in later models, is a potent blend of power and luxury. However, it often gets overshadowed by brands with a more established sporting pedigree despite offering a great balance of performance and comfort.
Volvo V60 Polestar
Traditionally, Volvo is not known for sports cars, but the V60 Polestar is a departure from the norm. Its turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder engine, coupled with a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, provides a unique and underrated sporting experience, blending performance with practicality.
Audi S5
While the RS models get most of the attention, the S5, with its balanced performance and luxury features, is often overlooked. Its V6 engine, which churns out 349 horsepower in recent models, and quattro all-wheel-drive system make it a potent yet understated choice in the sports car market.
Cadillac ATS-V
Despite offering a twin-turbo V6 that produces 464 horsepower and a finely tuned chassis, the ATS-V often gets overlooked in favor of its European counterparts. Its blend of power, handling, and luxury features make it a strong contender that deserves more recognition.
Peugeot RCZ R
This French sports coupe brought a 1.6L turbocharged engine with an impressive 270 horsepower. Its distinctive bubble-top roof and double-bubble rear window, coupled with its agile handling, made it a unique and underrated choice in the sports car segment.
Subaru SVX
In the 90s, Subaru introduced the futuristic-looking SVX. With a unique window-within-a-window design and a potent flat-six engine producing 230 horsepower, it was quite an innovative car. However, it never quite caught on, making it a rare and underrated gem in the sports car world.
BMW Z4 sDrive35is
Despite sharing underpinnings with the more flamboyant Toyota Supra, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is remains a hidden gem. Powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, it generates 335 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Its sleek, convertible design and sharp handling make it a joy to drive, yet it often flies under the radar compared to its Japanese cousin. Customers appreciate its refined interior and smooth power delivery, though some wish it had a more aggressive styling cue to match its performance.
Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400
The Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 boasts a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Its elegant curves and aggressive front fascia give it a distinctive presence on the road. However, it’s frequently overshadowed by competitors like the BMW 4 Series and Audi S5. Reviewers praise its comfortable ride and powerful engine but criticize the infotainment system as outdated. Despite this, it offers a luxurious and spirited driving experience that some enthusiasts believe deserves more recognition.
Acura NSX (Second Generation)
The second-generation Acura NSX combines a hybrid powertrain with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering a total output of 573 horsepower. This setup allows for lightning-fast acceleration and impressive handling, enhanced by its futuristic design. Yet, the NSX struggles to capture the market due to its high price point and the overshadowing heritage of European rivals. Customers laud its technology and performance but often wish for a more visceral exhaust note and emotional appeal.
Fiat 124 Spider Abarth
Based on the Mazda MX-5 Miata chassis, the Fiat 124 Spider Abarth offers a distinct Italian twist, equipped with a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine producing 164 horsepower. Its retro styling cues and sport-tuned suspension make it a fun, agile roadster perfect for spirited weekend drives. Despite its charm, it remains underrated, possibly due to Fiat’s low visibility in the sports car market. Owners appreciate its blend of performance and style but note a niche appeal that may not resonate with all sports car buyers.
Chevrolet SS
The Chevrolet SS is a sleeper sports sedan that packs a significant punch with its 6.2-liter V8 engine, generating 415 horsepower. It features a subtle design that belies its performance capabilities, offering a spacious interior and modern amenities. Marketed poorly and with limited production, the SS never gained the traction it deserved. Enthusiasts who know it love its blend of everyday usability and potent performance, though many wish it had a more distinctive design to set it apart from less powerful sedans.
Nissan 370Z Nismo
The Nissan 370Z Nismo tweaks the standard 370Z’s formula with a more aggressive styling package and a tuned 3.7-liter V6 engine, pushing out 350 horsepower. It’s a purist’s sports car with rear-wheel drive and a manual transmission option, offering engaging handling and performance. Despite its capabilities, it’s often overshadowed by newer models with more technology and turbocharged engines. Loyal fans appreciate its raw, analog driving feel, though it’s often critiqued for its dated interior and lack of modern tech features.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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