What Supercars have the Best Price to Performance this Year?

With under $200K to Spend, These are the Best Supercars to Buy in 2022

Wow, it’s already 2022 and the past two years have been a decidedly weird blur of strange events like labor shortages, back-orders and sparse microchip production in the automotive sector. But as certain OEM manufacturers have been hit hard missing targets, supercar manufacturers have posted record gains and certain models fly off the shelves. We then asked, what supercars on sale in 2022 are attainable but amount to the cheapest, high performance supercars to buy.

For the sake of the article, it is widely accepted that a supercar today is 500hp+ with a mid-engine and rear-drive transaxle. A proper supercar makes use of more exotic materials, composites and advanced technology to set it apart from the brute force of lesser platforms like say a Mustang, Camaro or even a GT-R. A supercar can be had for under $200,000 (if there are units available) and this list is the most-affordable, yet capable performance vehicles available. 

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C8 – $89,500 (est.)

Yes, we know the Z06 is a 2023 model year and that deliveries and dealer mark-ups could be a circus but this is a supercar-slayer will be on sale Summer of 2022. The Corvette C8 itself was an incredible platform overhaul that has been rumored since the 60s but finally the mid-engine American supercar is actually here.

The upcoming 2023 Corvette Z06 promises to eclipse not only the soft-bellied C7 Z06 it replaced but anything close to its price-point. Derived from the C8.R racecar tech that put the hurt on the field at Le Mans, Sebring 12h and Daytona 24h is coming for fancy Italian, British and German mid-engine offerings. With an incredible sounding flat-plane crank V8, there is no turbo and no supercharger to put out its 670 glorious naturally aspirated horsepower. 

…The upcoming 2023 Corvette Z06 promises to eclipse not only the soft-bellied C7 Z06 it replaced but anything close to its price-point…

The 2023 Corvette Z06 was tested by Chevy to run 0-60mph in an incredible 2.6-seconds. We can hear you Tesla fanbois, but the 2023 Corvette Z06 will catch a Plaid just past the ¼-mile marker and destroy it on the way to a higher top speed.

2023 Audi R8 Performance RWD – $148,700

When the German brand jumped into the supercar arena, critics thought they were mentally unstable. But Audi already had Lamborghini in it’s portfolio, so the risk wasn’t high and they could design a comfortable everyday supercar that was inexpensive. The R8 V10 has gotten good, so good that it could be cross-shopped with a Lambo Huracan for much less for several years now.

For under $150K, you can get the Audi R8 Performance with spicy rear-wheel drive. It’s lighter and more unhinged than the R8 quattro. With a proven 5.2L V10 using no forced induction, you get 562-horsepower and a capable 3.6-seconds 0-60mph and a 205 mph top speed! Zehr gut! 

2022 Acura NSX Type-S – $169,500

The Acura NSX used to make our cut for best supercar value for performance-to-price when it was cheaper. With harsh critiques about the NSX, Acura took the gloves off for the Type-S, the final trim edition for the supercar that should have been available from launch but limited to only 350 units… worldwide!

The 2022 Acura NSX Type-S is everything the enthusiasts wanted. The hand-built vehicle only handled by master technicians, the same talent behind the NSX GT3 car it was inspired by. Up from 560hp in the NSX, the NSX Type-S now boasts 600-horsepower from its combined SH-AWD hybrid drivetrain. The vehicle has aggressively restyled looks, GT3-derived aero and a twin turbo mill equating to performance value will crush many high-dollar supercars. 

…The hand-built vehicle only handled by master technicians, the same talent behind the NSX GT3 car it was inspired by…

 

With a claimed top speed of 191 mph and sub-3s 0-60mph time, overall performance data is murky. But does it matter? All 350 units are spoken for with a reported 700 buyers in the queue, although the website does state: “All orders are pending. Contact your local dealer to get on the waitlist.” 

2̶0̶2̶3̶ ̶L̶a̶m̶b̶o̶r̶g̶h̶i̶n̶i̶ ̶H̶u̶r̶a̶c̶a̶n̶ ̶E̶v̶o̶  2023 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS – $143,050

Say what you want in the comments, but we changed our minds mid-post on opting for the lower cost 2023 Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 RS versus the aging Lambo for affordable supercars. Porsche is dominating in motorsports and Nϋrburgring records with the 911 GT3, GT3 RS, GT2 RS but now for $150K you can buy a mid-engine chassis GT3-powered, lightweight track weapon that promises to embarrass many supercars like the base Huracan Evo that costs $66K more!

First, let’s settle the ‘whether this is a supercar’ argument now. Yes, it has a MR layout and a flat-6 motor that is technically 502hp (detuned to 493hp) with a number of exotic materials to keep it trim at 3,227-pounds. The GT4-RS might not have McLaren or Lambo styling but Porsche builds capable mid-engine cars and this Cayman outruns their Carrera GT and nearly the 918 Spyder after running a shocking 7:04.5 lap on the Nürburgring! The GT4 RS clicks off a 3.2s 0-60mph time and will hit 196 mph… all for under $150K? Shut up and take our money.

What is the Best Yet Cheapest Supercar to Buy?

McLaren and Lamborghini used to be on this list but now their “entry-level” Artura and Hurcan EVO have crept past the $200,000 barrier. For that reason, they still offer solid supercar value but seem unattainable for the upper middle-class. In the end, if you can go domestic, the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 is the clear winner here. We predict buyers will be paying double sticker for it and still be happy with how it abuses rival supercars.

2022 Dallara EXP: A Roofless Track Weapon

July 1, 2021 – For those familiar with the world of racing, you may have heard of the Italian race car manufacturer Dallara, and if so, you’ll know that the Dallara EXP is a new car that’s going to push the boundaries of race car capabilities. The company was founded by Gian Paolo Dallara, who previously worked for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, and De Tomaso. You could say he has a knack for race cars, so much so he has been creating his own track shredders.

Before releasing their newest creation, Dallara manufactured a barely road legal Stradale that somehow found its way to sporting a license plate. The company realized the car needed some extreme aero and more power, and if the original Stradale barely met requirements for the street, then this new Dallara EXP would be a track-only weapon. 

The powerhouse putting the EXP in motion is the same 2.3 liter Eco-Boost found in the Ford Focus RS, albeit with more power. A little tinkering from Dallara lands the power output of the 4 cylinder around 492 hp. With outlandish horsepower numbers from modern day supercars, this number may seem pretty small for a track only car. Don’t let that horsepower figure fool you though, as the Dallara EXP has a dry weight of only 1,962 lbs, with 2,756 lbs of downforce at top speed. Even better, the car can pull 2.7 G’s.

No price has been given for the EXP, but it is noted that the Stradale can be transformed into an EXP, and vice versa. The Stradale comes in at around $200,000, but if you’re looking for a track only toy, look no further than the EXP! 

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Redefines the Hypercar

June 29, 2021 – If you’ve ever wondered what a hypercar is defined as, then look no further for a prime example than the new Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro. Shortly after delivering their newest 1,000 hp hybrid road car, the Valkyrie, Aston Martin has stepped it up with a track only, racing regulation free hypercar that is here to eliminate all competition. As Aston Martin puts it, the Valkyrie AMR Pro is “a machine which takes a car designed to win the Le Mans 24 Hours as its starting point, then pushes further to explore extremes of performance unconstrained by racing regulations or registration for road use.” 

Similar to the road legal Valkyrie, the AMR Pro is chock full of mind-blowing capabilities. Neatly nestled inside the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro is a Cosworth-built 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, capable of revving up to 11,000 rpm and putting 1000bhp down to the pavement. You may be thinking that the original road legal Valkyrie posted these kinds of numbers before even adding its hybrid system, a good thought indeed.

Well, the AMR Pro is more than just a powerhouse. Aston Martin set out to achieve the fastest lap times, but this pursuit also involved a plethora of weight saving changes. Firstly, the battery electric hybrid system was removed, along with a host of other weight saving measures. Continuing the technology partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT), Aston Martin has been able to incorporate into the AMR Pro ultra-light carbon fiber bodywork, carbon suspension wishbones and Perspex windscreen and side windows.

With everything combined, the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro exceeds Le Mans Hypercar regulations for aerodynamic efficiency, with Aston Martin claiming track performance close to that of an F1 car.

More details of the Valkyrie AMR Pro including specification and performance are to be revealed later this year. As of now, a target lap time around the 8.5 mile 24H Le Mans is set at 3 minutes and 20 seconds, a number that could put the Valkyrie AMR Pro in first place in an LMP1 race. 40 AMR Pro versions of the Valkyrie will be produced, and with the original Valkyrie priced at $3 million, it seems the sky may be the limit for the price of an AMR Pro!

Steve McQueen’s “Le Mans” Porsche 917 K Heading to Auction

June 25, 2021 – If you’re looking to get your hands on a piece of automotive history, then you’re most definitely going to want to check out this 1970 Porsche 917 K up for auction at RM Sotheby’s. This 917 K doesn’t only have a Le Mans entry in 1970 with the Mike Hailwood/David Hobbs JW Automotive Gulf Racing team, but also starred in Steve McQueen’s Le Mans. 

This Porsche 917 K has quite the history, and aside from starring in movies and racing in the actual 24 Hours of Le Mans, it has had a complete restoration. Going back in time to Le Mans, the car was raced in 1970 and reached 3rd place before it aquaplaned in the rain and sustained minimal chassis damage. The car was retired while the drivers jumped in a spare, and that’s where the rest of the Porsche 917 K’s story continues. The car entered the limelight for the 1971 feature in which they used actual footage from its 1970 Le Mans race. The car was then rebuilt by Porsche for team Shell Heckersbruch, where it competed and performed strongly for the next 3 years.

By 2012, the Porsche 917 K was bought by a noted collector where it received its full restoration. This meant the exterior was once again plastered in its beautiful Gulf-liveried Le Mans coupe specification. The restoration was executed by Paul Lanzante, a top European racing car restorer. Without regard to cost and with access to many period correct parts, the Porsche 917 K was once again basking in the glory of its deep roots in the golden era of motorsport. 

Gunther Werks Porsche 993 Speedster Proves Yet Again That Carbon Fiber Is King

Feb. 22 – Gunther Werks is back in action, and their newest open-top, air-cooled creation is here to steal your heart — the Porsche 993 Speedster. For those unfamiliar with the magic behind Gunther Werks name, they are master crafters within the world of the Porsche aftermarket, perfecting their builds with none other than carbon fiber. The 993 is familiar ground for Gunther Werks, but this new Speedster is here to prove yet again that carbon fiber is king. 

This new creation is summed up by Gunther Werks as an “open-air model that not only heightens the experience with the rush of wind through your hair, but also pushes the boundaries of performance to build a stronger, lighter, faster car.” The reengineered Porsche 993 Speedster has already gone on to put down the fastest air-cooled lap around Laguna Seca at just 1:30.99, but what exactly have they done to the car to make it lighter and faster?

The biggest problem Gunther Werks had to overcome with the Porsche 993 Speedster is the removal of the roof. The roof of any car is key in keeping torsional rigidity, so with it gone the engineers had to employ advanced reinforcement. Most of this reinforcement has been cleverly concealed by the new carbon fiber Speedster top and tonneau cover. Beyond chassis strength, the 993 Speedster has also gained improved aerodynamics. An updated front fascia integrates a carbon front splitter that drastically improves aerodynamics. The rear of the Porsche 993 Speedster features a revised duck tail with a ram air scoop, along with 3d printed exhaust tips. Other modifications to the exterior include aluminum side view mirrors, lightweight door handles, and an updated front led reflector system. If you haven’t already noticed, Gunther Werks takes every detail into account when it comes to weight savings.

The interior of the Porsche 993 Speedster includes a new carbon fiber dash, a redesigned pedal assembly and a revised carbon fiber floor panel system. The front windscreen also sits lower, with an option to delete it completely, so Gunther Werks accommodated this by developing a hollow carbon fiber seat shell featuring lightweight cushions. The seats themselves also sit lower that the original 993, reducing drag and lowering the center of gravity. 

Technical specifications haven’t been revealed yet, but the Porsche 993 Speedster is promised to have an increase over the original 435 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. Gunther Werks continued partnership with Eisenloht Racing and JRZ Suspension also means that the Speedster with feature an all-new advanced dynamic suspension system.

25 of these beautifully reengineered Gunther Werks Porsche 993 Speedsters will be developed, with a price of $675,000 before other options are applied. 

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Model Revealed With 502 HP

Feb. 17 – Another year of knowledge gained at the race track has led Porsche to their newest iteration of the 911 high-performance model, the all-new 2022 Porsche 911 GT3. This incredibly high-revving, naturally aspirated engine is shared with the 911 GT3 Cup, with a double wishbone front suspension adapted from the 911 RSR. Through extensive use of lightweight materials, refined aerodynamics, and the newly equipped front suspension, the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 aims to once again raise the bar. 

At the heart of the all-new Porsche 911 GT3 is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter, six-cylinder boxer that revs to a screaming 9,000 rpm. Combined with 6 individual throttle bodies, the engine is able to provide extremely sharp throttle response, putting its 502 hp and 346 lb-ft of torque to the ground immediately. The engine, which is almost identical to the 911 GT3 Cup, Porsche’s track-only race car, proves just how quick Porsche is to pass down their racing knowledge to their street cars. Attached to the engine is a seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission, while a six-speed manual transmission is also available. Together, the engine and PDK transmission can launch the 911 GT3 to 60 in 3.2 seconds, and hit a top speed of 197 mph. 

The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 isn’t only about engine performance — lightweight materials keep the car light and agile, ready to tear up the track. The new GT3 is based on the 911 Carrera body, making the front track width increase by 1.9 inches. However, the use of several lightweight materials makes the GT3 weight the same exact weight as its predecessor. The hood, rear wing, and fixed rear spoiler are all made up of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Even the glass used for the windows is lightweight and noise insulated.

Moving to the chassis and brakes, the double wishbone front axle of the new 911 GT3 was taken from the 911 RSR and 911 GT3 Cup and adapted for road use. This is a milestone for the 911, and the new front axle allows for more direct and precise steering, allowing for improved stability while cornering. As for braking, the standard braking system incorporates cast iron discs that are 28-mm larger than the previous model, and 17 percent lighter. The brakes are also able to deal with very high heat thanks to special cooling channels and new developed ventilation.

The interior of the 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 continues the connection to Porsche’s racing experience. A GT3 Multifunction Sport steering wheels is standard equipment, with an included drive mode switch for the first time. Four-way Sports Seats Plus are also standard, while 18-way Sport Seats Plus and even a carbon fiber bucket seat option are available. 

The new Porsche 911 GT3 is set to be released in the U.S. as a part of the 2022 model year, with dealers getting them as soon as Fall 2021.