About Our Selections
Sports cars offer a level of enjoyment behind the wheel that captures the hearts of enthusiasts around the globe. Many of us love these automobiles because their sole purpose is to deliver an exhilarating driving experience over practicality, fuel efficiency, or even passenger capacity.
Fortunately, 2023 has been a great year in the realm of luxurious sports cars. We have seen exceptional specimens ranging from anniversary editions like the Maserati Gran Turismo PrimaSerie to German classics like the 911 with its more purist variant, the Carrera T.
In this list, we bring you our pick of the 10 best luxury sports cars to look out for in 2023.
The Most Notable & Desirable Luxury Sports Cars of 2023
We picked the following models because of their exotic appeal, performance capabilities, and exclusivity.
Mercedes-AMG SL63 Motorsport Collectors Edition
An F1 inspired, limited-edition roadster
What Makes It Special
In early 2023 Mercedes-AMG launched a special-edition SL 63 dubbed the "Motorsport Collectors Edition."
The Formula 1 W13 E Performance 2022 single-seater inspired the German automaker to create a roadster, which they only made in 100 units worldwide. This limited-edition SL features two-tone paint, graduating from high-tech silver metallic to black metallic at the rear.
The SL 63 boasts unique Petronas teal accents along the front bumper, side skirts, and rear diffuser. As a special touch, Mercedes-AMG added the company's star pattern to the car's rear in a nod to the W12's engine cover.
AMG added an aerodynamics package that enhances the car's appearance, giving it larger flics in the front and rear aprons, a more generous rear diffuser, and a reworked lower body for improved aerodynamics, not to mention 21-inch forged wheels.
The AMG Night package adds glossy black to the front splitter, side skirts, mirror caps, and rear diffuser trim strips. Under the hood, nothing changes with the 4.0-liter biturbo V8 and its 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed auto and all-wheel-drive for a 0-60 time of 3.0 seconds and a 196 mph top speed.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 4.0L DOHC 32v Twin-Turbo V8
Power: 577 hp
Torque: 590 ft-lbs @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The current generation of the Mercedes AMG SL63, introduced in 2022, has yet to make any racing achievements. However, it stands out as the most powerful SL Class ever, thanks to its impressive twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8.
The 2023 SL63 combines power, performance, luxury, and advanced technology seamlessly. Adding to its allure is the Formula One limited edition, exclusively available in just 100 units. Mercedes collectors worldwide will certainly covet this special and sportier SL63 edition.
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Bentley Continental GT S
Unmatched luxury with a sporty flair
What Makes It Special
Since its launch in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT has been the brand's best-seller and a benchmark in itself, a car that combines the utmost elegance and distinction with a sporty spirit and the great thrust of a large-capacity engine.
Now, its third generation incorporates a new variant, the GT S, which boasts a sportier aesthetic focused on driving performance.
Currently, it's almost impossible to rival the Bentley Continental in luxury. The closest thing in terms of elegance and exclusivity is the Rolls-Royce Wraith. A more sporty competitor would be the Aston Martin DBS, while on the grand tourer side, the closest thing would be a BMW M850i xDrive.
The new S range keeps the 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine with 550 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The GT S can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 198 mph.
To provide a greater sporting experience, a new exhaust system amplifies the engine's sound when charging on the accelerator. In addition, this model has active anti-roll bars that help minimize body roll in tight corners while improving ride comfort at cruising speeds.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 4.0L DOHC 32v Twin-Turbo V8
Power: 542 hp
Torque: 568 ft-lbs @ 2,000–4,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual clutch
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
Bentley designed the GT3 version specifically for racing purposes. This car version has participated in endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Spa, the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, and the Blancpain Endurance Series. It has achieved podium finishes. Emerged victorious in these prestigious events.
Back in 2011, a prepared Bentley Continental Supersports made history by setting a world ice speed record on the waters of the Baltic Sea. It reached a speed of over 200 mph. Similarly, in 2018, a modified Bentley Continental GT broke records at the Pikes Peak Hill Climb competition within the production car class.
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Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate
The last great V12 coupe
What Makes It Special
The DBS 770 Ultimate, as the name suggests, is the last model in the brand's V12 lineup. And to commemorate this, Aston Martin has created its fastest and most powerful production model. Available in Coupe and Volante, the DBS770 Ultimate will be an exclusive car, as only 499 units will be sold.
The DBS 770 Ultimate stretches the power of its famed 5.2-liter V12 engine to 770 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque for a 211 mph top speed. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission.
The DBS 770 Ultimate introduces a new steering column, allowing the driver to enjoy a more precise connection to the road and feel what the front tires are doing with the utmost confidence to gauge the available grip accurately.
The rigidity of the front end has been improved by 25% to offer maximum response. Improvements have also been made to the Adaptive Damping System (ADS).
The evolution of the Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate also boasts an innovative design that makes it more attractive and functional. For instance, its shapes provide greater airflow to the radiators, improving thermal management.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.2 DOHC 48v V12
Power: 759 hp
Torque: 664 ft-lbs @ 1,500-5,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera has no top-tier racing titles; however, it has participated in motorsports events like the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup and demonstrated prowess in the British GT Championship and the European Le Mans Series.
Although the DBS Superleggera isn't specifically renowned for its racing achievements, Aston Martin has a motorsport heritage, with some of its models having taken part in racing, including Formula 1.
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The Best Performing Luxury Sports Cars
Sophistication is evident in the following models; however, their impressive performance puts them in this category.
BMW M8
Mind-boggling performance
What Makes It Special
The BMW M8 Competition is among the greatest exponents of mixing sportiness with luxury. Under its hood lies a 4.4-liter V8 engine with dual turbochargers that pumps out 617 horses and 553 pound-feet of torque, making it imposing, technological, and completely radical. The M8's mighty engine is coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system that can disconnect the front wheels if necessary.
The M8 Competition can sprint to 60 miles per hour in 3.0 seconds with a top speed of 190 mph, delivering elegant manners and blistering acceleration. Additionally, this Bimmer's automatic transmission is lightning-quick and incredibly intuitive.
Although the all-wheel-drive system delivers old-school fun since it's biased toward the rear axle, because of the M8's track-focused skills, you might want to try its capabilities in a controlled environment, preferably on a race track.
The M8 chassis provides exceptional grip and communicates with the steering wheel. The M8's agility and responsiveness make it an appealing companion on open or winding roads. The M8 is incredibly quick in a straight line, but because of its size and weight, you'll want to do most of your braking before cornering.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 4.0L DOHC Twin-Turbo V8
Power: 617 hp
Torque: 553 ft-lbs @ 1,850-5,860 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The BMW M8 Competition served as the foundation for the BMW GT3 racing car, dubbed the BMW M8 GTE developed by BMW Motorsport.
This impressive, hand-made racing machine has actively competed in motorsports events like the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, achieving several podiums.
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Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo PrimaSerie
An extraordinary anniversary trophy
What Makes It Special
In 2023 Maserati released a limited production anniversary special edition based on the ICE-powered GranTurismo Trofeo, dubbed PrimaSerie (Italian for "first edition"), to commemorate 75 years of Maserati's grand tourers.
The exclusive 2+2 cabin comes in two color schemes, each with unique decorations and features. Carbon fiber elements and special anniversary badges adorn the wheels and trunk of the vehicle, which is painted a sleek Grigio Lamiera Matte.
The GranTurismo Trofeo's distinctive red emblems adorn the headrests of the perforated two-tone leather seats found inside the grand tourer. Like the console, the dashboard is upholstered in high-quality black leather with bright red stitching.
Taking cues from the Trofeo model, the GranTurismo PrimaSerie is powered by the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine pumping out 542 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque sent to all wheels. The powertrain includes an eight-speed automatic transmission allowing a 0-60 mph time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph.
The new GranTurismo is an innovative take on a marquee model, encapsulating the brand's values of high performance, luxurious interiors, and classic styling.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 3.0L DOHC 24v Twin-Turbo V6
Power: 542 hp
Torque: 479 ft-lbs @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Maserati GranTurismo hasn't really made a name for itself in the world of motorsports or racing accomplishments.
Although Maserati has a history of participating in racing and motorsports, the GranTurismo model has predominantly been marketed as a grand touring car rather than a specialized racing vehicle.
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Porsche 911 Carrera T
A modern purist
What Makes It Special
The goal of the 911 Carrera T is to offer Porsche customers a more purist alternative to its 'access' variant, a car with sportier tuning, a lighter weight, and special equipment.
Putting it in perspective, the new Porsche Carrera T 2023 is something similar to a GT3, but, of course, with a big difference in cost and performance.
The 911 Carrera T is a commitment to purism—a conscious waiver for greater driving enjoyment. The silhouette of the 911 Carrera is unmistakable thanks to the iconic, elegantly sloping roofline, which has shaped the DNA of the Porsche brand since 1963.
The powertrain comprises a six-cylinder twin-turbo boxer engine with 385 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque and rear-wheel-drive, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph.
Being a variant with a more purist approach, it received some improvements compared to the conventional Carrera, with a curb weight of only 3254 pounds, 100 pounds less than the base Carrera.
The Carrera T features a seven-speed manual, Torque Vectoring, the Sport Chrono package, and a sports suspension with a 10mm lowered suspension.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 3.0L DOHC 24v Twin-Turbo V6
Power: 379 hp
Torque: 331 ft-lbs @ 1,900 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed manual, 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Porsche Carrera 911 T has not won any racing awards. Although it's a competent car, it's relatively new and less well-suited for racing than other models in the 911 lineup.
The Porsche 911 Carrera T is lightweight, pure, and exciting. It's the lightest model in the 911 series, partly because of its manual transmission and lack of rear seats.
The six-cylinder boxer engine's note has been amplified for a better in-car experience. The Porsche 911 Carrera T comes standard with the Sport Chrono package and the PASM sports suspension.
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Audi RS5 Competition Plus
Exciting growl meets performance
What Makes It Special
The RS Competition Plus adds more equipment and exclusive details that affect the aesthetic and dynamic departments. This version offers slight improvements in its 0–60 mph times, and the top speed is no longer restricted, reaching 161 mph.
Under the hood, the same 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 is still present, developing 450 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system transmits power to all four wheels, and a sports differential with a specific adjustment gives the rear axle a more prominent role, especially in the "dynamic" driving mode.
In addition, Audi has optimized the software of the eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (torque converter type) so that it reduces gear change times to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 3.8 seconds. That's one-tenth less in each case compared to a base RS.
While power and torque remain the same, the engine's sound has improved thanks to a specific sports exhaust system with matte black tailpipes. Additionally, Audi removed more than 17 pounds of sound deadening between the engine and the driver for a total weight savings of 35 pounds.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 2.9L DOHC 24v Twin-Turbo V6
Power: 450 hp
Torque: 442 ft-lbs @ 1,900–5,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Audi RS5 has participated in motorsports, including the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) touring car racing series. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that produced 480 hp powered the RS5 Turbo DTM when it debuted in 2017.
In its debut year, the car won 12 races, clinching the driver's championship for Jamie Green. The RS5 Turbo DTM remained competitive in 2018 and 2019, securing the manufacturer's championship in both seasons. However, Audi announced their departure from the DTM in 2020 after the season concluded.
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The Best Looking Luxury Sports Cars For 2023
Sports car manufacturers constantly seek to innovate by offering models with impressive performance, refinement, and striking looks.
Ferrari Roma
Stunning and minimalistic prancing horse
What Makes It Special
The Ferrari Roma is a high-performance grand touring car ideal for long-distance trips because of its utmost sophistication but without the usual sense that the car is out to get you that comes with driving other Ferraris. In other words, this is a more "civilized" Ferrari.
Like the rest of Maranello's offerings, the Roma is an exclusive luxury sports car. Its performance, history, and refinement puts it above many of its closest competitors in terms of exclusivity.
The chassis of the Roma and the Ferrari Portofino are identical. However, the Ferrari engineers managed to reduce the weight by 440 pounds compared to the Portofino.
Under the bonnet of the Roma lies a 620-horsepower, 3.9-liter aluminum V8 engine turbocharged for maximum performance. The engine is mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends all the car's power to the rear wheels.
The Ferrari Roma isn't the most powerful model in Ferrari's lineup, but it still possesses supercar-level acceleration and top speed. The dry weight of under 3,245 pounds contributes to the 199 mph top speed and 3.4 second 0–60 mph sprint time.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 3.9L DOHC 32v V8
Power: 612 hp
Torque: 560 ft-lbs @ 3,000 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Ferrari Roma has not competed in motorsports in its short history; thus, it has no racing achievements. Since this is, a grand tourer is better suited for long-distance driving and everyday use.
However, it's still a very fast car, with a top speed of 205 mph and a 0-60 time of 3.4 seconds. It has also been praised for its handling and performance.
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Jaguar F-Type R Coupe
The angry feline
What Makes It Special
In 2014, Jaguar unveiled the F-Type, and the automotive industry lauded the work of then-Jaguar Design Director Ian Callum. Many people saw this new Jaguar as a modern reincarnation of the classic E-Type, one of the most aesthetically pleasing sports cars ever built.
After Callum's retirement, a new wave of Jaguar design professionals took over to create the new F-Type R. The result was a slightly sharper look and chassis, but it retained its endearingly old-school vibe. There are no hiccups with the F-Type.
The 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine produces 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which puts the F-Type R in supercar territory. So much so that the Porsche 911 Turbo, the Audi R8 V10, or the Mercedes-AMG GT S would have to be considered close competitors in size and power, and that was the point with the Type-R for Jaguar. This vehicle could easily compete with German cannons.
While the F-Type R's features a Quiet Start system, which minimizes engine noise, you can make this angry cat growl when put into Sport mode (or by pressing the sports exhaust button).
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L DOHC 32v Supercharged V8
Power: 575 hp
Torque: 516 ft-lbs @ 3,500 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Jaguar F-Type won the 2015 Pirelli World Challenge GT Championship. In 2016, it won the Blancpain GT Series Endurance Cup with the F-Type SVR.
In 2017, Jaguar won the FIA World Endurance Championship GTE Pro class with the F-Type SVR.
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Lexus LC 500
A space vessel for the road
What Makes It Special
The LC 500 is immediately recognizable as a Lexus. With a remarkable dynamic character, the Lexus LC represents the brand's most passionate exercise in design.
The design must also be functional: the elegant shapes provide greater aerodynamic stability, and the air intakes favor engine and brake cooling.
The LC offers a mechanical range that no other coupé vehicle in the luxury segment does: It's available with a high-performance V8 engine or with a hybrid powertrain.
Lexus outfitted the LC 500 with 471 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels to go from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds. The Lexus LC quickly reaches the redline thanks to forged connecting rods, titanium intake, and exhaust valves.
When you step on the gas, the LC 500 V8 reveals its sporty character in a progressively increasing power curve. With 471 horsepower at 7,100 rpm, the V8 emits an impressive soundtrack.
This sound is amplified inside the cabin thanks to a special resonance tube. In addition, the Lexus LC has an active exhaust that roars as a sports car would.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.0L DOHC Dual VVT-i 32v V8
Power: 471 hp
Torque: 398 ft-lbs @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Lexus LC500 is a powerful vehicle that was not explicitly made for racing. Instead, it falls into the touring car category, focusing on providing comfort, luxury, and performance. Consequently, it doesn't possess the level of handling and aerodynamics of a race car.
There hasn't been any indication from Lexus so far regarding their interest in pursuing modifications. The LC500 primarily serves as a flagship vehicle for the Lexus brand rather than aiming to be a contender in racing competitions.