Get behind the wheel of the M4 and prepare for explosive acceleration and razor-sharp handling. Power comes from a 425-hp twin-turbo inline-six, with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. The Competition package makes 444 hp, but for the ultimate M4, there’s the GTS with 493 hp. The GTS is only offered with the automatic and as a coupe; the regular M4 offers a convertible option. All versions have the legendary performance of the M cars that came before it.
With its race-bred suspension, snarling engine, and aggressive aero add-ons, the Cayman GT4 is the track-day toy we always hoped Porsche would build. Lowered by 1.2 inches with dynamic transmission mounts, the 385-hp 3.8-liter flat-six is offered only with an enthusiast-pleasing six-speed manual—no PDK automatic here. The Cayman has always been well-balanced and playful, but the GT4 kicks it up a notch with Porsche’s torque-vectoring system and components pilfered from the 911 GT3 parts bin.

Don’t let the boy-racer vibe deter you: The BRZ is perfect for purists on a budget. A familiar 200-hp 2.0-liter flat-four goes with a six-speed automatic. An updated 205-hp version of the engine pairs to a six-speed manual, hardly answering complaints that the rear-drive sports car lacks punch. Still, the BRZ is impeccably balanced and satisfying, not to mention slide-happy. There’s not much trunk space and adults will reject the back seat, but once behind the wheel, those objections melt away.
Maserati’s GranTurismo offers something extraordinary in a high-performance, six-figure coupe or convertible, one that embodies all that is compelling and irresistible about Italian cars. The exterior has curves in all the right places; the interior is lavishly appointed. There is an amazing, 454-hp 4.7-liter V-8 that is good for sub-5.0-second 0-60 runs. The droptop adds weight and lacks the coupe’s stiffness and response, but still looks fabulous.
There are two members of the 570 family: the 570S and the 570GT; both are set to kick sand in the face of lesser sports cars. The S is sportier, while the GT is set up for long-distance-driving comfort. Both models have a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V-8 making 562 hp and 443 lb-ft, mounted behind the cabin; a carbon-fiber tub reduces weight and adds strength. A sequential seven-speed gearbox drives the rear wheels. The S is faster to 100 kmh by 0.2 second; both models have a top speed of 328 kmh.
As a favorite of rappers, superstar athletes, and million- and billionaires, the Continental has something for everyone with Louis Vuitton valises full of cash. Offered as a four-seat coupe or convertible, you have a choice of three twin-turbo engines: There is a 500-hp V-8, a 521-hp V-8 S, and a 582-hp W-12; all feature an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. Prefer your Conti GT in an ultra-performance version? Check out the GT3-R coupe with its 592-hp V-8; only 99 will be sold here.


GT3-R:
Above sports cars, there are exotic sports cars—and then there’s the LaFerrari. While the coupe is no longer sold, rumors hint at a topless Spider model. Expect it to have the same 789-hp V-12 as its hardtop predecessor, with a 161-hp boost from an electric motor. That’s right, it’s a hybrid—enabling it to accelerate like a Bugatti Chiron while achieving somewhat respectable fuel economy. Far prettier than its predecessor, the Enzo, the LaFerrari is styled like a ground-bound fighter jet.