Best sports cars worth the expensive price tag

Dust down your tuxedo and live out your 007 fantasy in the latest Aston Martin Vantage. Its suave design conceals a powerful V8 twin turbo engine underneath. The entry level model produces 503 bhp, reaching 0-62 mph in approximately 3.6 seconds, leaving your passengers both shaken and stirred. Don’t let its sophisticated look fool you though, as the interior can be filled with futuristic tech – provided you opt for a higher spec. If a vintage Vantage is on your mind, then you’re in luck – they’ve been on the UK market since 1972, with the latest version available since early 2018.

McLaren have built a reputation for designing true-to-name supercars. The 570 S is a model that gives you a complement of McLaren’s racing engineering, futuristic tech options and an engine that’ll kick-start your heart every time you put your foot on the accelerator. First launched in 2015, it’s proven to be the most popular trim in McLaren’s range of expensive sports cars. Its engine is a work of art, capable of eclipsing 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds – you’ll never be late to work again. It’s a roadster that values performance over comfort, so keep that in mind before making your purchase.

If performance is what you’re looking for, then you’ll enjoy this rare treat from Honda. The NSX is a supercar that produces 573 bhp and has a top speed of 191 bhp – all that, while being kinder to the planet. A hybrid system that combines a 3.5-litre V8 engine with three electric motors propels the lightweight speed-demon beyond 0-60 mph in under three seconds. It’s not a plug-in hybrid, so if you plan on pushing it to its limits, the emissions gains will naturally decrease. A popular supercar when it was first introduced in 1989, this second generation is bound to win over more fans.

Moving from futuristic to timeless, the DB11 is one of Aston Martin’s most elegant designs. It arrived onto the UK market in 2016 and instantly moved to the top of car lovers’ lists, with a sophisticated exterior and aerodynamic bodywork that’s supremely stylish and functional. Its 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 packs a punch, and you’ll keep your fingers crossed for a long tunnel to truly enjoy its iconic roar. More than just a toy for big-kids, the DB11 is comfortable over long journeys and spacious enough for multiple passengers – just in case you feel like sharing the joy with anyone.

Not every expensive sports car needs to scream to grab your attention, and there are a few that aim to captivate with a more understated attitude. The Audi R8 was first introduced in 2006, and while it may not seem like a supercar at first, it certainly drives like one. The latest generation comes with a 5.2-litre V10 engine which produces 614 bhp – not bad for a car that’s dressed for Sunday lunch. With arguably the best interior of any supercar on the market, the R8 gives you the perfect balance of practical and luxurious, depending on your choice of spec.

Part of the fun of an expensive sports car is the attention that comes with it, and there are few badges that attract attention in the way Porsche does. In 1975, it introduced the UK to the 911 Turbo, and its been on the top of many people’s lists ever since. The latest S model produces a staggering 642 bhp and will comfortably glide past 0-60 in under three seconds. Whether your Sunday drive is on winding country roads or on your local track, the 911 Turbo S is the car for you.

Mercedes is renowned for its comfortable executive saloons, but are its models any fun? The AMG GT most certainly is – its exterior is a blend of playful style and elegance, while its engine delivers a dramatic performance. You still get a reliable car, but thanks to AMG’s role in developing the drivetrain, the driving experience has a joyful supercar feeling to it. The suspension is firm and the tyres are particularly grippy, but you’ll need both of them when driving it around winding bends. Despite the long nose, it’s a mid-engine car and pretty light on its feet. The AMG GT is a practical sports car for the everyday driver who wants long-term value for their money.

There are certain names that spring to mind when you think about genuine supercars, and Maserati is one of them. A grandmaster of Italian engineering, the GranTurismo is a stylish and elegant sports car that has some hidden tech up its sleeve. The Skyhook system is a computer controlled suspension feature, available as an optional extra in case you want to improve the handling – and you just might. The MC shifting is a new six-speed gearbox that manages to reduce your gear changes to 100 milliseconds, provided you can keep up. Less of an everyday sports car and more of a big-kid’s coupe – if the Maserati isn’t on your list, it should be.

Nissan has traditionally tried to step away from the traditions of European supercar styling with its own breed of really expensive sports car. But when designing the GT-R Nismo, it went a step further and seemed to defy the laws of physics with a power-handling dynamic that begs belief. The cabin may not be the most generous, but its 3.8-litre V6 engine certainly is – it’ll produce 562 bhp and reach a top speed of 171 mph. While you can drive it as a regular road car, the GT-R is a racecar at heart, and with only 200 available on the global market, supercar lovers ought to check them out whenever possible.

No supercar list would be complete without everyone’s top expensive sports car brand: Ferrari. The Portofino is a coupe that’s dripping in style inside and out – and if you’re not interested in lavish interiors, simply let the convertible roof slide back and enjoy the sunset skyline. It does have a 10.2-inch infotainment system, though you’ll probably be preoccupied by its 3.9-litre twin turbo engine – a 591 bhp thing of beauty that’s bound to test your skill behind the wheel. Ferrari has turned engineering into an artform, and while it’s been quiet lately, the Portofino might just be its most recent masterpiece.

If there was a wish list for big kids, it would probably look a lot like this one. But supercars are more than a simple purchase – they’re a serious investment, and it’s important to make sure you know what you’re putting your hard-earned money into. Take the time to find out what specs you’re after, and if there’s an expensive sports car that’s caught your eye, allow our reviews and articles to guide you through the next stage.