Top 7 German Sports Cars
With an annual output of 6 million, German car-makers produce some of the most innovative vehicles in the world. German sports cars combine relatively subtle design cues with superb performance, with a wide range of premium equipment thrown into the mix as well. That makes them ideal for drivers who want to outrun other foreign exotic and hi-power muscle cars, but not necessarily attract more eyeballs with garish exteriors.
BMW i8
The BMW i8 is a game-changer in the supercar sector. It combines stunning style and performance with incredible bench-mark-setting running costs. It’s redefined what a supercar can be. It boasts strikingly rugged looks and is underpinned by brutal performance, a 4.4-second 0-62mph sprint and top of the tree handling is up there with the very best sports cars. It boasts near-miraculous fuel consumption figures of 134.5mpg due to the i8’s petrol-electric hybrid. It’s not perfect, a fake engine-noise is piped into the cabin through the speakers and in reality is not as economical as it is on paper. It has a small boot and the rear seats are cramped. However, no other sports car comes close to its efficiency or the futuristic design cues. The i8 is truly special.
Audi R8
The Audi R8 is sometimes tagged as the ‘everyday supercar’. It represents a big leap forward from the previous model in both performance and technology. The original R8 was Audi’s first venture in to the supercar market and the second iteration is now firmly ensconced in that segment. It is available with a V10 engine that delivers 533bhp or 602bhp from the V10plus. The gearbox is a seven-speed S-tronic twin-clutch box with an updated quattro four-wheel drive system. As a result, the 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.2 seconds in the V10 Plus – an identical figure to its sister car that uses the same powertrain, the Lamborghini Huracan. As a supercar it predictably suffers from a lack of storage space and a huge cost of ownership but that does not detract from its awesome on-road presence.
Porsche Cayman
The Porsche Cayman remains one of the very best sports cars you can buy. It features incredibly balanced handling, a great soundtrack of engine noise and great versatile usability. It's basically a Porsche Boxster with a roof, but that extra stiffness provided by the roof to the chassis has resulted in contributing to the development of a sublime sports cars. The current generation is faster and lighter than the original version launched in 2006. A happy result is improved handling and fuel efficiency. Coupled with such great performance; it’s a reasonably practical two-seater that is not earth shatteringly-expensive to run. The engine and all major components are positioned between the two axles delivering perfect handling balance when it is let loose.
Porsche 911
The new generation Porsche 911 is the fastest and most refined iteration of the iconic sports car yet. The new Porsche 911 features turbo-chargers which provide greater performance and efficiency. It remains an incredible driving experience, with amazing grip, poise and comfort. On the interior there is more technology than ever. It was originally launched in 1963, and with over 50 years of development behind it the 911 is still one of the world’s best sports cars.
Mercedes SL Roadster
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The Mercedes SL Roadster is as much of a status symbol now as it has been over its 60-year history, offering a sublime blend of style and performance. There are very few cars that can match the variety of top class features on the Mercedes SL. It comes close to supercar levels of straight-line speed with superb refinement and safety technology you’d associate with a luxury saloon. It treads a fine line between a top-notch sports car and a luxury cruiser; playing both roles so well. It lacks the drama of some sports cars on the market such as the Jaguar F-type convertible, but it sounds great, looks good and is pretty practical considering its sports car DNA.
Audi TT
The Audi TT combines the thrills of a sports car with the Audi brand’s traditional high-quality finish and sharp design. The latest version of the Audi TT is just as stylish as ever but is now more fun to drive than ever before. It’s new dynamic appeal is matched by strong performance and great fuel economy making the range as competitive as it has ever been. An adjustable LCD screen replaces instrument dials creating a ‘Virtual Cockpit’. The overall design, fit and finish is equally cutting-edge and high-quality. It’s Quattro four-wheel drive system adds to the established performance and safety benefits making it no surprise that the Audi TT was crowned 2016 Coupe of the Year at the 2016 Auto Express New Car Awards.
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 blends wind-in-the-hair roadster thrills with an upmarket image. It boasts excellent build quality, stylish design and powerful engines. Despite these benefits, the Z4 is more of a comfortable cruiser than a typically punchy sports car. It’s rear-wheel drive delivers balanced handling and a soft suspension that means it never feels as responsive as competitors such as the Porsche Boxster or Audi TT. The M Sport models feature a stiffer suspension set-up and ride. On the downside the Z4 features a metal roof which takes up too much space and means that there is only a tiny boot space. However, the Z4 consistently delivers a very refined driving experience.