UPDATE: 2026/09/02 13:10 EST BY SEAN MCMANUS
Aston Martin’s Sports Car Lineup Is Spectacular
We added a section detailing Aston Martin’s current offerings and how the automaker intends to keep itself afloat.
If the 2026 automotive landscape has taught us anything, it’s that nostalgia has taken a back seat. Still, the sports cars and supercars we tested so far this year, like the BMW M2 CS and Lamborghini Temerario, stand among the most hyped offerings. From hyper-expensive electrified exotics to stripped-down track weapons, we have the clinical breakdown of what actually performs on the tarmac.
This article draws its findings from first drive reviews. All facts are correct at the time of writing and have been sourced directly from the brands.
Aston Martin’s Lineup Is Spectacular
While many automakers in the luxury sports car business are supporting themselves with SUVs that enthusiasts never asked for, Aston Martin is doing things a little differently. Of course, we can’t fault those automaker for offering SUVs, since they’re the real money-makers these days, but when brands like Porsche are dropping the 718 Cayman/Boxster in favor of electric models, we can’t help but look to rivals.
Aston Martin has nine current models listed (excluding an F1 car that’s just as cool as its road-going lineup). The lineup includes the Vantage, DB12, Vanquish, DBX, Valhalla, Valen, Valkyrie, Valour, and the Valiant. The first five of those models are pictured in the gallery above. While some of them are older nameplates, a couple of models excite us the most. The Valen is a special build from the Q by Aston Martin program. It uses a 5.2-liter twin-turbo V12 that makes 838 horsepower that can launch the car to 60 mph from a standstill in just 3 seconds before reaching a limited top speed of 214 mph.
Aston has a plan to boost sales and reduce costs, and it’s ironically similar to Porsche and Ferrari’s game plans. The CEO is cutting yearly production in half from 10,000 units to about 5,000 units, but making those units available in more unique, limited variations. Special versions of its cars could bring more money in, despite producing fewer overall.
The Best Sports Cars Of 2026
2026 BMW M2 CS: 3.7 Seconds
2026 BMW M2 CSBMW/Klapped Media
2026 BMW M2 CSBMW/Klapped Media
The 2026 BMW M2 CS attempts to correct the glaring weight issues of the standard G87 chassis. Producing 523 horsepower and 479 lb-feet of torque from a S58 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six, it forces that output to the rear wheels. Unlike lesser sporty cars that rely on synthetic engine noise and soft suspension tuning to fake a sense of performance, the M2 CS delivers a punishingly stiff ride and aggressive negative camber. It corners with violent intent, yet it cannot completely hide its 3,800-lb mass under hard braking. The M2 is the purest of BMW’s compact M breed.
“If you want the finest-driving BMW on sale right now, this is it.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish: 3.2 Seconds
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish heroJared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
2025 Aston Martin Vanquish CoupeJared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
Aston Martin resurrected the Vanquish nameplate by bolting a 5.2L twin-turbocharged V12 to a bespoke bonded aluminum chassis, resulting in 824 hp and 738 lb-ft. It will hit 214 mph, but calling this a dedicated track weapon would be inaccurate. A supercar dressed up as a GT, this is a continent-crushing grand tourer saddled with a brutal power curve. The carbon ceramic brakes are a necessity, not an option, as hauling down this much mass from triple-digit speeds induces noticeable chassis flex. It is unapologetically analog in its power delivery, yet it demands a driver willing to wrestle with its formidable weight.
“The new Vanquish doesn’t feel like a Grand Tourer – it feels more like a supercar disguised as one.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
The Fastest Sports Cars Of 2026
2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray: 2.77 Seconds
2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Coupe heroJared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Coupe rear 3/4Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
Clocking 60 mph from a standstill in 2.77 seconds, the Corvette E-Ray proves that hybrid integration is purely about traction management. Pairing the 495-hp 6.2-liter LT2 V8 with a 160-hp front-mounted electric motor results in a combined 655 hp. It firmly stands as one of the best AWD sports cars we evaluated this year, strictly due to its violently effective off-the-line launch control. However, the E-Ray is compromised at the limit because of the additional 300 lbs of battery and motor over the front axle. It is a straight-line weapon disguised as a mid-engine exotic, but it lacks the organic mid-corner adjustability required of a true driver’s car. Still, it is the smartest Corvette in 2026.
“Don’t sleep on the E-Ray just because Chevy has a newer, shinier Corvette in the showroom.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible: 2.80 Seconds
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible heroJared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 Convertible rear 3/4Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
Hitting 60 mph in 2.80 seconds in a rear-wheel-drive convertible is an engineering anomaly. The Corvette ZR1 Convertible utilizes a 5.5L twin-turbocharged flat-plane-crank V8 that produces an absurd 1,064 hp. It ranks at the absolute pinnacle of the fastest sports cars we tested, but that speed is conditional. Achieving that launch requires perfect tarmac surface conditions, optimal tire temperatures on the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rubber, and zero mechanical hesitation. Anything less, and the ZR1 obliterates its rear tires in a cloud of expensive smoke.
“For the first time in my life, I want a Corvette over a McLaren or a Porsche.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
The Most Expensive Sports Cars Of 2026
2026 Lamborghini Temerario: $382,654
Lamborghini Temerario front quarter shot from aboveLamborghini
Lamborghini Temerario rear quarter shot from aboveLamborghini
wThe Huracán replacement abandons naturally aspirated purity for a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 paired with three electric motors, yielding a combined 907 hp. At nearly $400,000 with essential options, it dominates the expensive sports car category. The V8 revs to a blistering 10,000 rpm, deliveringa shrill, mechanical shriekthat attempts to compensate for the loss of the V10’s soul. The plug-in hybrid architecture is effective for torque fill, but the brake-by-wire system lacks the progressive, organic bite required for deep trail-braking.
“The Temerario is arguably the most exciting Raging Bull in decades, if not all time.”
– Brett T. Evans, Motor Journalist, CarBuzz
2026 Aston Martin DB12 S: $272,000
2026 Aston Martin DB12 SIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
2026 Aston Martin DB12 SIan Wright/CarBuzz/Valnet
The DB12 S is Aston Martin extracting the absolute maximum output from the AMG-sourced 4.0L twin-turbo V8, pushing outputs to 690 hp and 590 lb-ft. Priced at $272,000, it commands a massive premium over the standard DB12 for its revised suspension kinematics and extensive carbon fiber treatment. While the bespoke infotainment system finally drags Aston Martin out of the technological dark ages, the ride quality is perhaps far stiffer than it ever needed to be. It corners flatter than the standard DB12, but it sacrifices the intrinsic touring comfort that defines Aston Martin. We do believe that Aston Martin went too far, but the DB12 S is better for it.
“The DB12 S is a hardcore flavor of DB12, and the DB12 is already everything an Aston Martin grand tourer should be, and a bit more.”
– Ian Wright, Motor Journalist, CarBuzz
2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series: $224,900
2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680Mercedes-Benz
2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 rear 3/4Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
The Maybach SL 680 is a cynical exercise in brand exploitation. It utilizes the same 4.0L twin-turbo V8 found in the AMG SL63, producing 577 hp, but wraps it in excessive sound-deadening materials and softer suspension tuning. Basically, Mercedes-Benz stripped away the aggressive handling characteristics of the AMG platform to create a two-door luxury barge. This SL is proof that sports cars don’t need to be brutal.
“This is among the most comfortable convertible vehicles we have ever driven, especially in the available Maybach driving mode, which is softer and more relaxed than Comfort.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
The Most Luxurious Sports Cars Of 2026
2026 Aston Martin Vantage S
2026 Aston Martin Vantage SAston Martin
2026 Aston Martin Vantage SAston Martin
The Aston Martin Vantage S tightens the chassis of the standard Vantage and offers a sharper turn-in and a more aggressive rear differential calibration. The interior is draped in Bridge of Weir leather and knurled aluminum switchgear. However, during sustained high-speed driving or track sessions, the transmission tunnel and center console become uncomfortably hot, radiating excess heat directly into the cabin. It is a visually stunning piece of automotive design, though. This car is every bit as special as the $200k price tag implies.
“The Aston Martin Vantage S puts supercar performance into one of the most tastefully designed coupes on the market.”
– Ian Wright, Motor Journalist, CarBuzz
2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Roadster
2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Roadster heroJared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
2026 Aston Martin Vantage S Roadster rear 3/4Jared Rosenholtz/CarBuzz/Valnet
Chopping the roof off the Vantage S adds roughly 130 lbs of structural bracing and folding top mechanism to an already heavy vehicle. The Roadster retains the interior acoustics and sensory luxury of the coupe, and this allows for unimpeded access to the V8’s exhaust bark. The folding fabric roof operates quickly, but when stowed, it compromises trunk capacity.
“Aston Martin may be performing poorly in Formula 1 in 2026, but its road cars have never been better.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
The Most Practical Sports Cars Of 2026
2026 Audi RS 6 Avant: 19.9 cu-ft
The Audi RS 6 Avant remains the default option for when you need to transport cargo at 190 mph. With the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 pushing 621 hp in the Performance trim, it accelerates its massive frame with relentless efficiency. Despite its aggressive bodywork and massive carbon-ceramic brakes, the RS 6 cannot defy physics: it is still a bulky wagon, and you feel it fighting itself on a twisty road when you push past 8/10ths. Even so, the average driver will not be left wanting when it comes to both practicality and performance. This is the only real family sports car.
“The Audi RS 6 Avant packs a venomous twin-turbo V8 into a corner-hunting chassis.”
– Ian Wright, Motor Journalist, CarBuzz
2027 Audi RS 5 Sedan: 11.7 cu-ft
Transitioning from the B9 Sportback to the new B10 Sedan platform, the 2027 Audi RS 5 integrates plug-in hybrid technology to pass tightening emissions standards. Producing 630 hp from a hybridized V6, it offers undeniable straight-line speed and four-door practicality. Expectedly, the integration of the hybrid system adds some extra curb weight. Merging the previous RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Sportback, this new iteration offers generous rear legroom and traditional sedan utility, all while being a fast, highly capable commuter. This Audi is fun!
“This new RS 5 has given me a glimmer of hope that Audi Sport’s best days are not behind it.”
– Roger Biermann, Managing Editor, CarBuzz
2026 Dodge Charger Sixpack R/T: 22.7 cu-ft
Dodge abandoned the legendary Hemi V8 in favor of the 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six, producing 420 hp in the Sixpack R/T trim. From a spec perspective, the inline-six is a superior engine: it provides a broader torque curve and faster spool times. Practicality is high thanks to the massive four-door body and spacious cabin. Having experienced this car in all its glory in the snowy Appalachian mountains, we’re confident this might just be all the sedan you’d ever need,even without the Hemi.
“In four-door R/T guise, the Dodge Charger can be your year-around family car – it doesn’t have to compromise.”
– Christopher Smith, Senior Editor, CarBuzz
2026 Subaru WRX Base: 12.5 cu-ft
Powered by a 2.4L turbocharged flat-four producing 271 hp, the base Subaru WRX is entirely outgunned by everything else on this list in terms of raw output. However, its practicality and all-weather capability are indisputable. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides mechanical grip that allows you to extract 100% of the engine’s potential in the rain or snow. The interior materials may be cheap and the dual-screen infotainment system laggy, but this is a car that ticks just about every box. It shows that fun doesn’t cost a fortune.
“I’d fallen just a little in love with the most humble WRX money can buy. Honest, quick, and a remarkably well-judged bargain.”
– Seyth Miersma, Director of Communications, Valnet Group
Sources: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru