The thrill of sitting behind the wheel of a sports car, feeling the power of the engine, and experiencing the sheer speed is an adrenaline rush like no other. While the global automobile industry has seen some truly astonishing sports cars, Japan has always had a distinctive edge in this category.
Japanese sports cars are not only power-packed and exhilarating to drive; they also boast a unique blend of style, innovation, and affordability. In this article, we will take a look at 15 amazing Japanese sports cars from the last 25 years that have left a lasting impression on car enthusiasts worldwide.
2000 Acura NSX
A pioneer in many ways, the Acura NSX was the first car to be built with an all-aluminum body. This car was designed to compete with the best European sports cars, but at a much more affordable price. Its 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower was a marvel of its time. The combination of its lightweight body and powerful engine made it a formidable contender on the race track.
Over the years, the Acura NSX has maintained its charm, largely due to its timeless design and remarkable performance. If you ever get the chance to drive one, you’ll instantly understand why it’s considered one of the greatest sports cars to have come out of Japan.
2002 Toyota Supra
The Toyota Supra is an iconic name in the world of sports cars. The 2002 model, part of the fourth generation, was particularly outstanding. Equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, it produced a whopping 320 horsepower, making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
The Supra’s reputation is not just about power, but also about its exceptional handling and driving dynamics. Its sleek body design, coupled with its superior driving capabilities, has made the Toyota Supra a legendary name in the automobile industry.
2000 Honda S2000
Introduced in 2000 to celebrate Honda’s 50th anniversary, the Honda S2000 was a hit among car enthusiasts. This roadster came equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that revved all the way up to 9000 rpm, producing 240 horsepower. The high-revving engine combined with a balanced chassis made the S2000 a pure joy to drive.
The Honda S2000 is known for its perfect 50/50 weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive layout, providing exceptional handling capabilities. Its timeless design and high-performance attributes make the S2000 one of the best sports cars ever produced by Honda.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII is a rally-bred sports sedan that was introduced in 2003. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, it produced a staggering 271 horsepower. The Lancer Evolution VIII was a force to be reckoned with on both the road and the rally circuit.
The Evo VIII was known for its sharp handling and aggressive acceleration. Its all-wheel-drive system, coupled with a robust suspension setup, made it a highly capable and versatile sports car. The Lancer Evolution series is a testament to Mitsubishi’s prowess in producing high-performance vehicles.
2009 Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z, introduced in 2003, marked the return of Nissan’s Z car series after a six-year hiatus. 2009 marked the last year for the 350Z, and like all the years prior, it was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produced more than 300 horsepower. The 350Z was a well-rounded sports car, offering powerful performance, sharp handling, and distinctive styling.
The Nissan 350Z was known for its superb balance and rear-wheel drive, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Its blend of power, handling, and affordability made it one of the most popular sports cars of its time.
2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
The Subaru Impreza WRX STI is another rally-bred sports car that has gained a cult following among car enthusiasts. The 2008 model featured a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine that produced 305 horsepower. The WRX STI was known for its outstanding handling and acceleration, thanks to its all-wheel-drive system and advanced suspension setup.
The Impreza WRX STI’s combination of power, handling, and practicality made it an exceptional daily driver and a capable track car. Its distinctive styling and performance capabilities have made it one of Subaru’s most iconic models.
2009 Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 introduced in 2003 was a unique sports car in many ways. Its standout feature was its rotary engine, a 1.3-liter unit that produced 232 horsepower. The RX-8 was known for its high-revving engine and sharp handling, making it a joy to drive.
Despite its relatively small engine, the RX-8 offered impressive performance, thanks to its lightweight construction and balanced handling. Its unique four-door design, coupled with its dynamic driving characteristics, made it one of the most distinctive sports cars of its time.
2012 Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA, introduced in 2010, was a technological marvel and a testament to Lexus’s engineering prowess. Powered by a 4.8-liter V10 engine, the LFA produced an impressive 552 horsepower. The LFA was not just about power, but also about finesse, offering exceptional handling and driving dynamics.
The Lexus LFA’s combination of power, handling, and luxury made it a standout in the supercar segment. Its distinctive design and limited production run have made it one of the most sought-after Japanese sports cars.
2015 Nissan GT-R
The Nissan GT-R, introduced in 2007, is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars. The 2015 model featured a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produced an astonishing 545 horsepower. The GT-R was known for its blistering acceleration and exceptional handling, thanks to its advanced all-wheel-drive system.
The Nissan GT-R’s combination of power, handling, and advanced technology made it one of the most capable sports cars on the market. Its distinctive styling and performance capabilities have made it a legend in the automotive world.
2016 Acura NSX
In 2016, Acura revived the NSX nameplate with a new model. This time around, the NSX was a hybrid supercar, powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and three electric motors, producing a combined 573 horsepower. The new NSX offered exceptional performance, thanks to its advanced hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive system.
The Acura NSX’s blend of power, handling, and efficiency made it a standout in the supercar segment. Its bold design and advanced technology have made it one of the most exciting Japanese sports cars of recent years.
2017 Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R, introduced in 2017, is a high-performance version of the popular Civic hatchback. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, the Type R produced 306 horsepower. The Civic Type R was known for its exceptional handling and aggressive acceleration, making it one of the fastest front-wheel-drive cars on the market.
The Honda Civic Type R’s combination of power, handling, and practicality made it a standout in the hot hatch segment. Its bold styling and performance capabilities have made it a favorite among driving enthusiasts.
2018 Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ, introduced in 2012, is a lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports car. The 2018 model featured a 2.0-liter flat-four engine that produced 205 horsepower. While not the most powerful car on this list, the BRZ offered exceptional handling and driving dynamics, thanks to its lightweight construction and balanced chassis.
The Subaru BRZ’s combination of handling, affordability, and fun-to-drive nature has made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Its sleek design and driving dynamics have made it one of the most enjoyable sports cars to drive.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata, introduced in 1989, is one of the most iconic Japanese sports cars. The 2019 model featured a 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produced 181 horsepower. While not the most powerful car on this list, the Miata is all about the joy of driving, offering exceptional handling and a fun-to-drive nature.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata’s combination of handling, affordability, and fun-to-drive nature has made it a popular choice among car enthusiasts. Its timeless design and driving dynamics have made it a true classic in the automotive world.
2020 Toyota Supra
In 2020, Toyota revived the iconic Supra nameplate with a new model. This time around, the Supra was powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 335 horsepower. The new Supra offered exceptional performance and driving dynamics, thanks to its powerful engine and balanced chassis.
The Toyota Supra’s blend of power, handling, and distinctive styling made it a welcome return to the sports car market. Its performance capabilities and unique design have made it one of the most exciting Japanese sports cars of recent years.