Nearly every carmaker (with the exception of Porsche) has undergone some form of radical change throughout their vehicle's history. Whether it be differences in appearance or build-quality, you can almost guarantee that change will happen.
Perhaps it's just us, but we feel there's a lot that's left to be desired with some of the newer sports car designs. Yes, there are those that we like a lot, but there are even more that we have major critiques of.
To illustrate our point, we've gathered up five of the best-looking sports car redesigned for 2021, as well as five of the worst that are soon to be released.
10 Cool: 2021 BMW M3/M4 Facelift
Earlier this year, BMW unveiled its re-worked line of M-models, specifically the M3 and M4. Everything was fine with the new cars, but there was one exception: the kidney grills. As has become a small joke in the BMW circles, it seems that every year BMW makes their front-grill bigger and bigger.
At first, we agreed with the sentiment; thinking they should've just stayed with the classic design. However, our mind has progressively changed on the subject. After seeing them in various photos, videos, and in-person a handful of times, we can confidently say that the 2021 style grows on you. All we're waiting for are the aftermarket mods and tunes!
9 Cool: 2021 Lexus IS
Since the early-2000's, the Lexus IS-series of vehicles have served as a wonderful base-line for modifications, tuning, and simple commuting. Very soon, Lexus will be giving the IS a much-needed facelift for the 2021+ models.
Pictured above are some of Lexus' latest IS models: including the IS 300, IS 300 AWD and IS 350 F Sport. Sure, they may not have the good ol' Toyota 2JZ's anymore, but at least they still look badass!
8 Cool: 2021 Jaguar F-Type R
What Jaguar had done with the original 2014 to 2020 F-Type sports car was amazing as is. We didn't think they could do much better until we saw the redone front-end of the 2021 F-Type.
Not much has changed with the F-Type other than the obvious headlight differences. Still, it'll definitely have all the modern amenities that are standard in new cars - Probably more, too.
7 Cool: 2021 BMW M5
To preface this, we will admit that we're serious BMW fans. Nonetheless, our bias won't affect our objective judgment on whether a certain model 'tickles our fancy' or not. Just like the new M3/M4, the redesigned M5 also has our undivided attention.
Unlike the new M3 and M4, however, there was no "warming up" necessary. From the get-go, we knew this M5 would be a hit. If not for updated looks then for its awesome power at the very least.
6 Cool: 2021 Nissan 400Z
For a little while there, it felt like Nissan was never going to transition away from the 350Z/370Z models. Now, though, we know the successor is well on its way: the 400Z.
Maintaining the same size, style, and general shape, the 400Z looks to be the modern-day 370Z. Rather, a current-day 240Z. Since so much of the car seems to take after the JDM antique, it makes sense why so many see the resemblance.
With everything we've seen thus far, the 400Z is quickly becoming one of our most anticipated sports cars to date!
5 Ugly: 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
As the old saying goes, "if it ain't broken, don't fix it." Though a bit blunt, it remains as true as ever; a philosophy that more carmakers should adhere to.
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is one such instance of failing to follow the signs. Instead of leaving what was well enough alone (the previous S-Class), Mercedes gave it a 'makeover', if you could call it that.
All they did was decrease the size of the headlights, replace the grill, and shrink the brake lights as well. All of which were for the worse - Opting for the 2021 style over the far superior 2020 version.
4 Ugly: 2021 Cadillac CT4-V
We've never been the largest proponents of Cadillac's, though, we will concede that their V-line sports cars are usually pretty good. Unfortunately, we can't say the same for the 2021 CT4-V.
Where the CTS-V, ATS-V, and CT5-V's succeeded in their aesthetics, the newer 2021 Cadillacs fall short. The CT4-V, for instance, is morphing into another boring sedan, rather than a sporty luxury sedan.
The headlights have been scrunched up to near obfuscation and the curves don't bother to be different from the base-line CT4. All of it just screams "cheap" to us...
3 Ugly: 2021 Nissan Skyline Sedan
When Nissan announced the return of the Skyline model just a short while ago, we were excited to see what was in store. What we didn't expect (or want) however, was more of the same. Of course, that's just what we got.
Rather than the new Skyline being a fresh, interesting take on the classic sports car, we got a poor substitute. No, your eyes aren't deceiving you, that's an Infiniti rebadged as a Nissan with new taillights - That's all. It feels almost as insulting as it is devoid of creativity.
2 Ugly: 2021 Subaru BRZ
Now that the A90 Toyota Supra has hit the market, Toyota and Subaru have had to decide to do with their middle-of-the-road alternative: the BRZ/86.
"Did they go with the cool prototype designs or leaks? Maybe even a mini-Supra?" Nope! None of that. In what appears to be an effort to distance the BRZ/86 from the Supra, its looks were radically changed. What remains is unrecognizable...
1 Ugly: 2021 Maserati MC20
Finally, we have a brand new supercar from a company that really needs a win: the Maserati MC20 – the successor to the 2004 Maserati MC12.
The problem with the MC20 isn't so much the car itself, but how it stacks up against its predecessor. Compared to the MC12, a direct competitor to the Ferrari Enzo, the MC20 has none of the same features.
Where the MC12 looked like a racetrack that snuck onto the roads, the MC20 is indistinguishable from any other midsized supercar. Heck, we'd go so far as to say the Corvette C8 destroys this car in terms of aggressive looks.