As 2023 will be wrapping up in just a few short months, we wanted to share our top 10 choices for this past year’s sports cars.
We saw a refresh of some favorites, as well as other sports cars we didn’t expect to make the short list.
These exciting machines transcend the dull compartmentalization of merely transportation; they’re more so works of mechanical artistry, designed to provide an unparalleled driving experience.
Hop in the passenger seat, and ride along with us as we recount what the best in the industry say are the Top 10 Sports Cars of 2023.
1. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata: Timeless Driving Joy in Modern Skin
The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a living legend. Born in 1989, this roadster has defied the ever-changing trends of the automotive world.
The Miata has proven for well over three decades now that rated horsepower is far from the answer to a dynamic and fun driving experience. In 2023, it still lives up to the delightfully playful and dynamic nature of its breed just as much as ever.
You probably know it in the same way we do; an unassuming, lightweight roadster with a perfectly balanced chassis, and an engine that may not boast the most astronomical horsepower figures, but delivers an overall driving experience like no other. The Miata remains steadfast in its commitment to simplicity and driving purity. With its open-top design, it invites you to connect with the road and the elements. In today’s digital hellscape where sports cars are riddled with massive tablets glued to the dashboard, and driver’s aids that delight only lawyers, the Mazda MX-5 Miata stands as a shining beacon of pure, unadulterated driving fun, that’s why we rank it as number one.
Specs:
Engine: 4 Cyl 2.0 Liter SKYACTIV-G
Horsepower: 181@7,000
Torque: 151@4,000
Wheelbase: 90.9 in
Curb Weight: 2,341 lb
2. 2023 Toyota GR86: Affordable Adrenaline
For those who seek an adrenaline rush without emptying their wallets, the 2023 Toyota GR86 beckons. This sporty coupe proudly wears the “driver’s car” badge, boasting a rear wheel drive layout with factory LSD and a well engineered, spirited engine. The GR86 embraces the philosophy that the most fun you can have behind the wheel doesn’t require a six figure investment. (Looking at you Porsche owners)
While the GR86 may not feature the most potent engine (c’mon it’s a 2.4) it strikes a harmonious ethos of balance between acceptable power and outright tremendous agility. This car is all about spirited driving, encouraging you to explore its limits and savor the delightful sensation of extremely precise steering and telepathic throttle inputs. Without any cumbersome AWD, or the lazy engineering of just adding power with forced induction, the GR86 harkens back to the good old days of a linear and focused drive, every time you jump behind the wheel to get groceries, and even more when you hit the canyons or the track.
Specs:
Engine: 4 Cyl Boxer 2.4 Liter FA24
Horsepower: 228@7,000
Torque: 184@3,700
Wheelbase: 101.4 in
Curb Weight: 2,811 lb
3. 2023 BMW M2: Performance Meets Luxury
BMW’s M division has long been synonymous with high-performance vehicles designed for driving enthusiasts. The 2023 BMW M2 continues this tradition by seamlessly blending blistering performance with a touch of luxury. It boasts a potent inline-six engine under the hood and an agile chassis that responds to your every command. The M2 is the embodiment of a true driver’s car, delivering spine-tingling thrills on the track while maintaining a comfortable and luxurious demeanor on the road.
At the heart of the M2 lies its charismatic engine – an inline-six powerplant that produces a symphony of mechanical music while jettisoning the car forward with a lot of gusto. Being rear wheel drive, this combination offers a highly dynamic and engaging driving experience. The M2’s handling is razor sharp, with the suspension striking a delicate balance between being comfortable for daily use and being well up to the task of tackling twisties with ease. Inside, you’ll find quite premium materials, ergonomic controls, and some fancy speakers and screens for the target demographic’s appeasement. Overall it’s a sports car that refuses to compromise on creature comforts while delivering near supercar performance, and with basic modifications, it gets even better.
Specs:
Engine: 6 Cyl Turbo 3.0 Liter S58B30T0
Horsepower: 453@6,250
Torque: 406@2,650
Wheelbase: 108.1 in
Curb Weight: 3,600 lb
4. 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera 992: Timeless Icon Meets Modern Performance
When it comes to iconic sports cars, few names hold as much reverence as the Porsche 911. The 2023 Porsche 911 Carrera 992 continues the legacy of this timeless icon, blending its unmistakable silhouette with cutting-edge performance and technology.
Design Excellence: The 911’s design has evolved over decades, yet it remains instantly recognizable. The Carrera 992 keeps the classic shape, with its rear-engine layout and sloping roofline. But don’t be fooled by its familiar appearance; this is a 911 that’s ready to redefine your expectations.
Under the rear hood lies a range of potent engines, including a turbocharged flat-six that delivers exhilarating power. With rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive, the 911 Carrera 992 offers dynamic handling and precise steering. Whether you’re carving through mountain roads or taking it to the track, the 911 delivers a thrilling driving experience.
Modern Technology: Inside the cabin, you’ll find a blend of modern technology and luxurious materials. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system provides intuitive control over navigation, infotainment, and connectivity. The digital instrument cluster offers customizable displays, putting essential information right in your line of sight.
While the 911 is a high-performance sports car, it doesn’t sacrifice everyday usability, with ample creature comforts and suspension settings.
Porsche understands that each driver is unique. That’s why the 911 Carrera 992 offers a wide range of customization options. From paint colors and interior materials to performance upgrades, you can tailor your 911 to suit your tastes and driving preferences.
Many other sports cars have evolved, lost their soul, or outright abruptly ended, while the Porsche 911 Carrera 992 stands as an enduring symbol of automotive symphonic perfection. It’s a car that combines the spirit of a legendary nameplate with the innovation of modern engineering, ensuring that the 911 remains a benchmark for performance and style in 2023.
Specs:
Engine: 6 Cyl Twin Turbo 3.0 Liter
Horsepower: 379@6,500
Torque: 331@1,950
Wheelbase: 96.5 in
Curb Weight: 3,354 lb
5. 2023 BMW Z4: Elegance Meets Athleticism
The 2023 BMW Z4 is a convertible roadster that masterfully combines elegance with athleticism. It beckons you to drop the top and embrace the wind in your hair as you conquer winding roads. Its performance is a testament to BMW’s engineering prowess, offering sharp handling and a chassis that communicates every nuance of the road.
The Z4’s retractable hardtop adds an element of practicality, making it suitable for year-round driving. Whether you’re cruising along coastal highways or navigating mountain passes, the BMW Z4 ensures that every journey is an adventure in style and performance.
Specs:
Engine: 6 Cyl Turbo 3.0 Liter B58
Horsepower: 382@5000
Torque: 369@1,550
Wheelbase: 97.2
Curb Weight: 3,457
6. 2023 Nissan Z: Resurgence of an Icon
2023 marks the triumphant return of an icon—the Nissan Z. This legendary sports car pays homage to its heritage with retro-inspired styling while delivering modern performance. Having plucked the 3.0 twin turbocharged V6 engine from Infinity, the new Z gives off a sense of purpose with well balanced performance, reminiscent of its hertage.
The Z’s design is a nod to its lineage, featuring a long hood, sloping roofline, and distinctive taillights. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a driver-focused cockpit designed for simplicity and functionality. The Z’s twin-turbocharged engine provides potent acceleration, and its chassis is tuned for precise handling, despite being a recycled 350z platform. It’s a car that invites you to rediscover the pure joy of driving, blending nostalgia with contemporary performance.
Specs:
Engine: V6 Turbo 3.0 Liter VR30DDTT
Horsepower: 400@6,400
Torque: 350@1,600
Wheelbase: 100.4 in
Curb Weight: 3,486 lb
7. 2023 Toyota GR Supra: Unique Character, Thrilling Performance
The 2023 Toyota GR Supra shares its platform with the BMW Z4 but possesses a unique character and personality. Offering more than generous acceleration and marvelously sharp handling, thanks to its well tuned chassis and powerful inline-six engine from BMW. The GR Supra is a testament to Toyota’s commitment to delivering a sports car that not only offers exceptional performance but also exudes an unmistakable aura of excitement for the driver.
The Supra’s bold and dynamic exterior design, coupled with its muscular stance and striking lines, turns heads wherever it goes. Inside , you’ll discover a rather tight fit, but with BMW material quality. The Supra’s inline-six engine delivers exhilarating acceleration and a soundtrack that stirs the soul. Whether you’re on a winding track or navigating city streets, the Toyota GR Supra promises a thrilling driving experience.
Specs: See BMW Z4
8. 2023 Porsche 718 Boxster: The Standard For Precision and Excitement
Porsche’s ‘entry level’ sports car, the 718 Boxster, once again sets the standard as the epitome of precision and driver excitement. It marries the thrill of open air driving with the performance pedigree of the iconic German manufacturer. The Boxster’s miraculously responsive steering and perfectly balanced suspension transform every drive, whether on winding country roads or the racetrack, into an unforgettable experience that’s sure to leave at least a smirk on your face.
Porsche’s history of engineering excellence shines through in the 718 Boxster. Its chassis is a masterpiece of balance and poise, offering remarkable agility and confidence inspiring handling. Inside the cabin, you’re greeted with a driver-focused cockpit adorned with high quality materials, and a host of fancy technology features. The 718 Boxster seamlessly combines the thrill of top down driving with the precision of a sports car engineered for the more discerning enthusiasts.
Specs:
Engine: 4-Cyl Turbo 2.5 Liter DJUA 9 Turbo
Horsepower: 365@6,500
Torque: 317@1,900-5,000
Wheelbase: 97.4 in
Curb Weight: 3,020 lb
9. 2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06: An American Legend Reborn
The Chevrolet Corvette has always symbolized American automotive performance, and in its C8 generation, it continues to shine as one of the most accessible supercars of 2023. With its mid-engine layout, aggressive styling, and supercar performance, the Corvette has undergone a transformation, firmly establishing itself as a modern American legend. Its affordability, relative to its European counterparts, makes it a very enticing option for those who crave the performance and sound of a Ferrari, without the egregious ticket to ride.
The Corvette’s design is both futuristic and aggressive, boasting aerodynamic features that enhance its performance capabilities. Under the hood, it houses a potent V8 engine that produces thunderous power, propelling the car to blistering speeds. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a driver-centric cockpit with high-quality materials and advanced technology features. The Corvette not only delivers exhilarating performance on the track but also provides comfort and style for daily driving. It’s a testament to American engineering and an emblem of uncompromising performance.
Specs:
Engine: V8, 5.5 Liter LT6
Horsepower: 670 hp @ 8,400 rpm
Torque: 460 lb-ft @ 6,300 rpm
Wheelbase: 107.2 in
Curb Weight: 3,686 lb
10. 2023 Subaru BRZ: Focused on Driving Dynamics
Like the GR86, the new BRZ places a fanatical emphasis on driving dynamics. Engineered to excel on twisty roads, it offers an engaging and rewarding driving experience. The BRZ doesn’t rely on overpowering the road with brute force; instead, it prioritizes finesse, precision, and the art of cornering. It represents a pure and unfiltered connection between driver and machine.
Subaru’s dedication to driving dynamics shines through in the BRZ’s lightweight construction, low center of gravity, and responsive handling. Its boxer engine delivers a balanced power-to-weight ratio, ensuring nimbleness and agility in corners. Inside the cabin, you’ll find a driver-focused environment with supportive seats and intuitive controls. The BRZ encourages spirited driving, making each journey an immersive experience. It’s a reminder that a sports car doesn’t need excessive power to deliver thrills; it needs precision and a commitment to the art of driving.
Specs: See GR86
2024: A Thrilling Year Ahead…?
2024 promises to be a year of innovation and exhilaration, albeit riddled with the evermoving goalposts of people trying to ban fun. These top 10 sports cars of 2023 encapsulate the essence of what driving enthusiasts yearn for: passion, precision, and pure fun behind the wheel. At this point, we’re just happy to be able to have a solid list of performance oriented cars available on the market, in a world full of lithium dishwasher cars made with child slavery.
Whether you find yourself drawn to the timeless charm of the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the unadulterated excitement of the Toyota GR86, or the luxurious performance of the BMW M2, there is a sports car in 2023 poised to fulfill your desire for thrilling journeys. The return of the Nissan Z, the enduring appeal of the Porsche 911, and the blend of elegance and athleticism in the BMW Z4 offer additional choices for those seeking a sports car that aligns with their individual tastes.
The Toyota GR Supra’s unique character, the precision of the Porsche 718 Boxster, and the attainability of the Chevrolet Corvette showcase the diverse array of options available to sports car enthusiasts. Subaru’s dedication to driving dynamics shines through in the BRZ, providing a unique and engaging experience for those who savor the art of driving.
These top 10 sports cars of 2023 embody the very essence of what driving enthusiasts yearn for: passion, precision, and pure fun behind the wheel. These sports cars not only represent the pinnacle of automotive performance but also extend an to invitation for you to partake in the timeless thrill of driving something far less akin to a home appliance.
