Pursuing speed and adrenaline is essential to human nature, and this desire has manifested itself in automobiles. Performance cars are designed to push the boundaries of speed, handling, and acceleration, transforming the ordinary act of driving into an exhilarating experience.
In 2023, the landscape of performance cars is more diverse and exciting than ever. Our performance car list suits every taste and budget, from high-octane muscle cars to sleek European sports and electric cars. This is our pick of the best performance cars for 2023 based on their features, specs, and unique quirks and designs.
- 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1
- 2023 Volkswagen Golf R
- 2023 BMW M2
- 2023 Nissan GT-R Nismo
- 2023 Subaru BRZ
- 2023 Honda Civic Type R
- 2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8
- 2023 Toyota GR Corolla
- 2023 Lucid Air Sapphire
- 2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4
2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Via Ford
Specifications
- MSRP: $55,500 USD / $65,000 CAD
- Engine: 5.0L V8
- Power / Torque: 480 hp / 410 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 17 MPG combined / 12.4L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
The 2023 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback combines the best of the Mustang GT and Shelby GT350. The Mach 1’s Coyote V8 engine is paired with a Tremec 3160 six-speed manual and transmission oil cooler from the Shelby 350 to enhance performance and give it a more enthusiast-oriented driving experience. The Mach 1 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaches 168 mph.
2023 Volkswagen Golf R
Via VW
Specifications
- MSRP: $45,800 USD / $49,900 CAD
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4
- Power / Torque: 315 hp / 295 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 23 MPG combined / 10.2L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 4-year/50,000-mile
Our Take
The Golf R improves upon the GTI in every way possible by including more powerful engines and all-wheel drive. Another highlight is the transmission can be either a six-speed stick or a seven-speed dual-clutch.
Overall, the Golf R is the best hot hatch in 2023 because it perfectly blends performance and handling, tech and safety features, and a luxurious cabin with a sleek German design.
2023 BMW M2
Via BMW
Specifications
- MSRP: $63,195 USD / $76,000 CAD
- Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged I6
- Power / Torque: 453 hp / 406 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 20 MPG combined / 9.8L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile
Our Take
The M2 takes a lot of inspiration from the ground-breaking M cars’ design ethos. It’s a modern take on the classic rear-drive M vehicles from its heyday, focusing more on convenience and fuel economy.
The M2’s manual transmission offers a more enthusiastic driving experience that is becoming increasingly rarer. Thanks to its superior traction and body control, it’s one of the nimblest cars on this list.
2023 Nissan GT-R Nismo
Via Nissan
Specifications
- MSRP: $217,600 USD / $279,000 CAD
- Engine: 3.8L Twin-Turbocharged V6
- Power / Torque: 600 hp / 481 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 2.8 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 28 MPG combined / 12.6L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
The Nissan GT-R Nismo has everything you could want in a supercar. It has a hand-built 3.8-liter V6 engine with two turbochargers. The ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system is responsible for distributing the power.
To optimize ride and handling, this system can split the engine’s output between the front and back wheels. The Nissan GT-R Nismo can sprint from zero to sixty miles per hour in only 2.8 seconds and on to a top speed of 199 mph.
2023 Subaru BRZ
Via Subaru
Specifications
- MSRP: $28,500 USD / $30,495CAD
- Engine: 2.4L Flat-4
- Power / Torque: 228 hp / 184 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 25 MPG / 10.1L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
The BRZ makes daily driving fun. Thanks to its manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, and agile handling, you won’t mind the lack of a turbocharger.
The BRZ’s best quality is its ease of use, but it’s also a car aimed at enthusiasts at a price that won’t break the bank, making it an excellent option for those who value a fun driving experience but can’t afford a higher-end sports car.
2023 Honda Civic Type R
Via Honda
Specifications
- MSRP: $43,900 USD / $50,100 CAD
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged I4
- Power / Torque: 315 hp / 310 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: FWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined / 8.9L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
The Honda Civic Type R has exceptional handling, a powerful engine, aggressive styling, and a unique blend of performance, practicality, and style. It also has several features that make it a track-day hero, including a limited-slip differential, a high-performance suspension, and powerful brakes.
The Type R offers a spacious interior with comfortable seats and a generous cargo area, a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a Bose premium sound system, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies.
2023 Chevrolet Corvette C8
Via Chevrolet
Specifications
- MSRP: $69,000 USD / $87,700CAD
- Engine: 6.2L V8
- Power / Torque: 490 hp / 470 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- 0-60 mph: 3.0 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 19 MPG combined / 12.7L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
The 6.2-liter V8 engine with dry sump lubrication, quick steering, and smooth eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission make the C8 Corvette a joy to drive. Besides its remarkable capabilities, the C8 Corvette has exceptional comfort and luxury features.
The inside of the C8 Corvette offers premium components and finishes. It boasts cutting-edge technologies like a Bose premium sound system, a head-up display, and a digital instrument cluster. The C8 Corvette is available in coupe and convertible body styles.
2023 Toyota GR Corolla
Via Toyota
Specifications
- MSRP: $36,000 USD / $46,900 CAD
- Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged I3
- Power / Torque: 300 hp / 273 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 24 MPG combined / 9.8L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 3-Year / 36,000-Mile
Our Take
With the release of the all-new 2023 GR Corolla, Toyota is boldly moving into the competitive hatchback market. This little three-cylinder rocket has excellent performance and handling, delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
Its compact size, powerful engine, and sophisticated all-wheel-drive system make it a formidable performer on both the road and the track. The GR Corolla has a top speed of 169 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds.
2023 Lucid Air Sapphire
Via Lucid
Specifications
- MSRP: $250,000 USD / $327,000 CAD
- Engine: Front and Rear Permanent-Magnet Electric Synchronous AC Motors
- Battery: Lithium Ion 118.0 kWh
- Power / Torque: 1,234 hp / 1,430 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: AWD
- 0-60 mph: 1.89 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 140 MPGe combined / 680 km per charge
- Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile
Our Take
The Lucid Air Sapphire is a groundbreaking electric super-sports sedan that redefines performance and luxury. With its three-motor powertrain, it reaches over 200 mph. Its carbon-ceramic brakes provide exceptional stopping power, while its track-tuned suspension ensures impeccable handling.
The Air Sapphire’s interior is equally impressive, featuring a spacious and luxurious cabin with premium materials and advanced technology. Its elegant 34-inch floating Glass Cockpit offers a seamless and intuitive user experience.
2023 Lotus Emira First Edition i4
Via Lotus
Specifications
- MSRP: $103,000 USD / $110,000 CAD
- Engine: 2.5L Turbocharged I4
- Power / Torque: 360 hp / 317 lb-ft
- Drivetrain: RWD
- 0-60 mph: 4.3 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 21 MPG combined / 9.8L/100km combined
- Basic Warranty: 4-Year / 50,000-Mile
Our Take
The Lotus Emira First Edition i4 is powered by a turbocharged AMG M139 inline-four displacing 2.0 liters. The V6 model comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but the i4 is only available with an eight-speed automatic.
With the Emira, Lotus has produced its final model powered by a conventional internal combustion engine. With a top speed of 170 miles per hour, the Emira i4 can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.3 seconds.
