sportscar

A sports car is a passenger vehicle engineered for high performance, agility, and responsive handling rather than cargo space or comfort. Key aims are strong acceleration, precise steering, and good cornering grip. Most sports cars are two-seaters or 2+2s, with reduced weight and compact overall dimensions to improve dynamics.

Engineering priorities include lightweight construction, low drag and downforce, and balanced weight distribution. Common configurations feature rear-, mid-, or rear-mid engine layouts, rigid chassis, and suspension tuned for sharp feedback. Powertrains range from high-revving naturally aspirated units to forced-induction engines, paired with manual or dual-clutch transmissions.

Performance characteristics vary widely, with horsepower from a few hundred to over a thousand in extreme models. 0–60 mph times often fall in the under-five-second range, and top speeds exceed 150 mph in many modern examples. Daily usability differs across models, with many offering strict sports-focused interiors and limited cargo space.

The category traces its origins to early roadsters and lightweight sport cars of the early to mid-20th century. Postwar development emphasized track performance and road-going enjoyment, leading to iconic models and brands. The line between sports cars, grand tourers, and racing cars is not always sharp, and definitions differ by region and market.

Notable contemporary examples span multiple brands, including Porsche, Ferrari, McLaren, and Chevrolet. Collectibility and value are often tied to design, engineering heritage, and performance benchmarks. The term is also used to describe race cars built for sports car competitions, such as endurance racing.