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Amazing Sports Cars Under $60,000
Sports cars are all about enjoying the drive. These vehicles have little utility, are not typically fuel efficient, and often have limited occupant space. They tend to be more of a luxury item and can be more expensive than the typical passenger car. Sure, they will still get from point A to point B, but they inspire drivers to find the most interesting route in between. Granted, there are a variety of opinions about what constitutes a sports car, so in this case our scope is 2-door coupes, convertibles and hatchbacks, all with a base price below $60,000. Yes, there are plenty of high-performance sedans, SUVs and even wagons — but for this exercise we aren’t calling them true sports cars. Here’s a look at a selection of engaging and amazing sports cars in America under $60,000 available today, as well as their up-level variants.
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2020 Hyundai Veloster
Starting MSRP: $18,800
All new for the 2019 model year, this new Veloster has updated styling and improved performance. And yes, we’re already breaking our rule of including only 2-door models — the Veloster actually has one door on the left and two on the right. But it’s still more coupe than sedan, so we’re keeping it on this list of amazing sports cars under $60,000. The base Veloster 2.0 is powered by a peppy 147-horserpower engine teamed with a proper 6-speed manual gearbox. This base-level Veloster is well equipped with a 7.0-inch touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, a rear spoiler and 17-inch alloy wheels. Forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist are also standard.
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2020 Hyundai Veloster N
For those seeking a big boost in performance over the standard Veloster, Hyundai offers the Veloster N. For about $10,000 more drivers get a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 275 horsepower and 260 ft-lb of torque, teamed with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. The Veloster N stands out from the standard version with a unique front fascia and grille, dedicated air ducts for enhanced brake cooling, side rocker sills, a rear spoiler, dual exhaust and 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels.
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2020 Chevrolet Camaro LS
Starting MSRP: $25,000
A legend among muscle cars since its introduction in 1967, the Camaro returned to American roads in 2010 after an 8-year hiatus. Now in its sixth generation, the Camaro has matured into a proper sports car, complete with standout styling and an array of powerful engine choices. For the low starting price of $25,000, buyers get a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing a respectable 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 6-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the Camaro comes with LED daytime running lights, keyless open and start, a leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel as well as a 7-inch color touchscreen and the latest high-tech features.
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2020 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
Atop the Camaro food chain resides the extreme ZL1. Priced about $40,000 more than the base version, the ZL1 can be had as a coupe or convertible and boasts a supercharged V8 engine churning out 650 horsepower.
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2020 Fiat 124 Spider
Starting MSRP: $25,390
In 2017 Fiat returned to the roadster market with the 124 Spider — a fitting name in terms of continuity, since it’s the same moniker as the last roadster the Italian marque sold in America decades ago. The 124 Spider shares the same platform as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, although the exterior styling is unique to each model, as is the engine, transmission and other components. Powering the rear-wheel-drive 124 Spider is a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Driving enthusiasts will enjoy rowing through the standard 6-speed manual transmission, although the roadster is available with an automatic. The 124 Spider is balanced and agile, providing great fun on winding roads thanks to precise steering with proper feedback. An integrated windscreen behind the seats, keeps wind noise and turbulence to a minimum, even with the top down.
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2020 Fiat 124 Abarth
For a sportier ride, buyers can upgrade the 124 Spider to the Abarth edition. For about $4,000 more, the 124 Abarth receives a slight power bump to 164 horses with front and rear Bilstein sport suspension, a mechanical limited-slip differential, a front strut tower bar, a Sport Mode selector and a sport-tuned exhaust.
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2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Starting MSRP: $26,580
While the MX-5 is a thoroughly modern 2-seat roadster, it harkens back to a time when sports cars were more about being light and nimble rather than having voluminous power. According to the folks at Guinness World Records, the Miata is the most successful 2-seater sports cars of all time, with more than 1 million MX-5s sold worldwide. Now in its fourth generation, the Miata has a 2.0-liter engine producing 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. With a smooth 6-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive, the current Miata is just as much fun as the original.
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2020 Mazda MX-5 RF
For those who prefer the security of a hardtop, Mazda also offers the MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback). This slick roof retains the styling of a fastback even with the top open. Expect to spend an additional $7,000 to upgrade.
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2020 Ford Mustang
Starting MSRP: $26,670
The Mustang is easily one of the most recognizable and iconic cars in America’s automotive history. With a look reminiscent of the original 1965 Mustang, this pony car was recently refreshed with a lower hood, a wider grille and a new front splitter designed to create what Ford calls “a meaner, leaner” look. The entry-level Mustang uses Ford’s EcoBoost technology to generate 310 horsepower from a small 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and — as an added bonus — it’s rated at 31 mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual gearbox with launch control is standard, as are the LED headlights, hood vents, classic LED sequential tail lights and the latest Ford SYNC communication system.
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2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500
For those who love the Mustang and are looking for a serious high-performance machine, there’s the all-new Shelby GT500. With a starting price just above $70,000, the GT500 boasts a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine producing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful Ford production car ever.
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2020 Toyota 86
Starting MSRP: $27,060
Toyota’s 86 is a small rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that shares a platform with the Subaru BRZ. A car that practically begs to be driven with gusto on long and winding roads, the 86 comes with sporty features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED projector-beam headlights, dual exhaust, sport seats and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Power comes from a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque.
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2020 Toyota 86 TRD
If the standard 86 is not special enough, Toyota offers a Toyota Racing Development handling package. Adding $2,320 to the bottom line, the TRD packages adds Brembo brakes, SACHS dampers, ventilated disc brakes, an aerodynamic underbody panel, TRD badging and 18-inch split-spoke alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
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2020 Dodge Challenger
Starting MSRP: $27,995
Like Mustang and Camaro, the Challenger name brings to mind muscle and performance with retro styling to match. One of the largest cars on this list of amazing sports cars under $60,000, the Challenger actually has a usable rear seat and trunk. There are many variants of this classic muscle car; for the base price buyers get a Challenger SXT with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine producing 305 horsepower along with an 8-speed automatic transmission — enough power to have some fun and look good cruising through town.
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2020 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye
It may be almost three times the price of the SXT, but the Challenger Hellcat Redeye is a likely solution when extreme power becomes a requirement. Motivating this beast is a 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine fitted with the largest factory supercharger on any production car. Total output is 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque.
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2020 Subaru BRZ Limited
Starting MSRP: $28,845
The idea behind the BRZ is similar to that of the Miata — a lightweight and balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive and a quick-revving engine make for a delightfully sporty drive. The BRZ is the only entry in the Subaru lineup without all-wheel drive; although the Japanese brand is best known for providing safe, long-lasting family transportation, the company has plenty of experience with high-performance vehicles (World Rally Championship, anyone?). Powering the BRZ is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that generates a more-than-adequate 205 horsepower, teamed with a 6-speed manual gearbox. For 2020 the Limited is the base-level trim of the BRZ, fully equipped with LED headlights and fog lights, dual-zone climate control, heated sport seats with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters and a 7-inch high-resolution touchscreen display.
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2020 Subaru BRZ tS
For those looking to really push the performance envelope of the BRZ, Subaru makes the limited edition BRZ tS. Power remains the same, but with STI-tuned front and SACHS rear dampers and coil springs as well as flexible V-braces in the engine compartment, this BRZ is built for fun at the track. The tS edition also has bigger brakes, lighter wheels and a noticeably large rear spoiler. Prices start about $3,000 higher than the standard BRZ.
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2020 Nissan 370Z
Starting MSRP: $30,090
It’s been 50 years since Nissan introduce the sporty Z-car at the New York Auto Show. The idea behind the Z hasn’t changed much from that original 1970s model, but — as expected — performance has moved forward. As the name 370Z indicates, the Z-car employs a 3.7-liter V6 engine rated at 332 horsepower, available with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. Although the design hasn’t varied much over the last several years, the Z still has that classic sports car look with short overhangs, a wide stance and sleek lines.
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2020 Nissan 370Z NISMO
For a bit more splash and power, customers can turn to the 370Z NISMO edition. It will cost about $15,000 more, but the extra cash adds a NISMO aero kit, sport-tuned suspension, special NISMO wheels and a bump to 350 horsepower.
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2020 Audi TT
Starting MSRP: $45,500
Introduced almost 20 years ago, the TT is currently in its third generation, which features a sleek design styled to tie in with its R8 sibling while keeping the basic shape of the original car. This fun-to-drive Audi is available as a coupe or convertible and gets superior handling and traction from its standard quattro all-wheel-drive system. Power comes from a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 228 horsepower, teamed with a quick-shifting 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
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Audi TT RS
For about $20,000 more, the TT’s performance can be turned up to 11 with the TT RS. Bold styling and a rear spoiler set it apart from the standard TT. Under the hood resides a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine that produces almost 400 horsepower to send this sexy sports car to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds.
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2020 BMW Z4
Starting MSRP: $49,700
After a three-year hiatus, the Z4 roadster returned to the U.S. market last year. Featuring the classic kidney grille and the long clamshell hood stretched over bold wheel arches and a short trunk lid, this new Z4 has all the lines of a classic BMW roadster. Built on a platform shared with the new Toyota Supra, the Z4 is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbocharged engine producing 255 horsepower, teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission good enough for a 5.4-second sprint to 60 mph. This entertaining roadster features M sport seats with multiple power adjustments as well as a 10.25-inch display screen.
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2020 BMW Z4 M40i
Buyers looking for more performance from the Z4 roadster can upgrade to the M40i. Priced about $13,000 more than the standard Z4, the M40i stands out with an aerodynamic kit, LED headlights and 18-inch M Double-spoke wheels. Power is bumped up to 382 horses from a TwinPower 3.0-liter engine, which brings the time to 60 mph down to 3.9 seconds.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
2020 Toyota GR Supra
Starting MSRP: $49,990
For more than 20 years, Supra enthusiasts have longed for the return of Toyota’s top sports car. It’s finally back, although not without controversy among some Supra loyalists, since the Japanese automaker partnered with BMW to develop the chassis and engine. Supra’s design was inspired by the fourth generation Supra with a prominent center grille flanked by large air intakes. The double-bubble roof design pays tribute to the 2000 GT while reducing drag by lowering the center of the roof without impacting headroom. Under the hood sits a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger producing 335 horsepower. Lots of low-end torque means readily-available power, and the stiff platform allows suspension tuning that is both performance oriented but also comfortable for a sports car.
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2021 Toyota GR Supra
For those willing to wait, Toyota has announced that the Supra will get a boost to 382 horsepower for the 2021 model year. In addition, the Supra will be made available with a 255-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine.
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2020 Porsche 718
Starting MSRP: $57,500
This German automaker has a rich history of sports car racing — in the 1950s and ‘60s the company campaigned the legendary 718 lightweight mid-engine sports car. In the spirit of that original, Porsche renamed the mid-engine, 2-seat Cayman (coupe) and Boxster (roadster) to the 718 Cayman / 718 Boxster. With the new name came a newly-developed 2.0-liter turbocharged engine produces 300 horsepower powering the 718 Boxster and Cayman, while the Boxster S and Cayman S upgrade to a 2.5-liter turbo producing 350 horsepower. Chassis tuning and stronger brakes provide great fun on road and track — hallmarks of a Porsche
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2020 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 / Boxster Spyder
While the standard 718 is no slouch, Porsche also offers the high-performance GT4 and Spyder variants to the 718 lineup. Priced slightly under $100,000. With more aggressive styling, upgraded suspension and more go-fast updates, the GT4 and Spyder bump up to 414 horsepower. These high-powered variants sprint to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds, boasting a top speed approaching 190 mph.
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2020 BMW M2 Competition
Starting MSRP: $58,900
The letter M is our favorite when it comes to BMW, since it’s the moniker affixed to the highest-performing variants of the German automaker’s lineup. The M2 is the “entry level” M , but it fully deserves that special letter — in fact, it might even be our favorite. For 2019 BMW has made the M2 even better and changed the name to M2 Competition. To go with the new name, power from the 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo engine has been bumped to 405 horses, which means this sporty coupe can now hit 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Not only quick, the M2 offers impressive handling, sporty styling inside and out as well as an excellent soundtrack from its quad exhaust outlets.
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2020 BMW M2 CS
The next logical step up from the M2 Competition would probably be a race car, and that’s practically correct. BMW has introduced the M2 CS, which is tuned and optimized for the racetrack while still suitable for everyday driving. Power comes from a 3.0-liter M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine producing 444 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque — an increase of 39 horsepower over the M2 Competition. Expect a bump of about $25,000 to move up to the CS.
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2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
Starting MSRP: $58,900
After years of rumors about a mid-engine Corvette, Chevrolet introduced the eighth generation of this legendary sports car last year and it is indeed the first mid-engine Corvette in history. The mid-engine design of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray offers more performance, technology and luxury than previous generations. The new car features better weight distribution with a rear weight bias to improve both straightline and on-track performance, as well as better responsiveness and sense of control with the driver positioned closer to the front axle. While there will likely be other power options in its future, the new C8 Corvette currently sports the all-new LT2 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. No manual transmission will be offered — instead the engine gets teamed with a quick-shifting dual-clutch 8-speed automatic gearbox.
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2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible
Joining the mid-engine Corvette coupe will be an open-top version that adds about $8,000 to the price. The first Corvette to ever feature a hardtop convertible, the C8 design stores the hardtop within the body and retains the same storage capacity as the Corvette Coupe.
