As far as the history of automotive evolution is concerned, the turn of the 21st Century brought about developments that are related to today's models. Car technology advanced in leaps and bounds in the early 2000s, automakers battled each other to deliver the latest innovations that guarantee efficiency and practicality. This is a decade that left the auto industry with affordable cars that offer tons of fun.

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Many car enthusiasts endear the 2000s car models for their performance value and aftermarket support. Their space within the collector world is still shaping up, but that doesn't make them any less appealing to avid enthusiasts. This article looks at some of the sports cars from 2000 that appear top of almost everyone's list.

10 Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise
Via carbuzz.com

Although the Elise debuted as early as 1996, it features modern roadster technology that ensures minimum weight and production costs. The Elise boasts an aluminum chassis with a fiberglass body shell atop that collectively contributes heavily to the car's cornering ability and decent top speed. To gain a competitive edge at the turn of the Century, Lotus partnered with GM to build the Series 2 Elise.

Lotus Elise
Via classicdriver.com

The Elise S2 is one of those cars perfectly built to prove that the 2000s was a fantastic decade. The car packs a naturally-aspirated 1.8-liter Rover K-Series inline four-cylinder engine that churns out 120bhp at 5600rpm and 124lb-ft maximum torque at 3500rpm, sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

9 Porsche 911 Turbo (996)

2005 Porsche 911 Turbo (996)
Via rmsothebys.com

The 911 is one of the best German classics that every collector should consider. The first 911 996 models were marketed from 1997, boasting Porsche's complete breakthrough in overall layout and engine development. Porsche unveiled an all-new chassis platform and water-cooled engines for the 996 lineups that were entirely different from the predecessors. The 996 features bi-xenon headlamps, an electronically adjustable rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, glove box, and center-mounted cup-holders.

2005 Porsche 911 Turbo (996)
Via hagerty.com

The Turbo model of the 996 made its debut for the 2001 model year, packing a water-cooled intercooler and twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter six-cylinder boxer engine rated at 414bhp and 415lb-ft peak torque. The car has an all-wheel-drive system fitted with either a five-speed Tiptronic or 6-speed manual transmission.

8 Ferrari 360

Ferrari 360
Via mecum.com

Ferrari built the 360 models to succeed the F355 model. The Ferrari 360 uniquely incorporates an all-aluminum space-frame chassis that made the model 40-per cent stiffer and 28-per cent lighter than the previous model. The 360 houses a 3.6-liter V8 engine that delivers 395bhp.

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Ferrari 360
Via ferraris-online.com

Ferrari offers the 360 with a gated six-speed manual transmission that sent all the power to the rear wheels, helping it sprint from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. Before production ceased in 2005, Ferrari built the 360 models as the Modena, Spider, special edition Challenge Stradale, and a one-off Barchetta. The Challenge Stradale is the high-performance version made as a road-legal model from the factory.

7 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Dodge Neon SRT-4
Via carbuzz.com

Before Daimler Chrysler's tuner group Street and Racing Technology (SRT) developed the sport compact Neon SRT-4. The SRT-4 is the Dodge Neon's turbocharged variant, designed to attract the younger auto-generation that grew up around tuner cars.

Dodge Neon SRT-4
Via caranddriver.com

This 2000s favorite packs a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engine that made it the second-fastest stock production model in the Chrysler/Dodge lineup after the iconic Viper. The initial model generates 215bhp and 245lb-ft peak torque, while the slightly upgraded 2004 model peaks at 230bhp and 250lb-ft maximum torque. Despite a short production run, Dodge manufactured over 25,000 SRT-4 units.

6 Ford GT

Ford GT
Via forbes.com

The first-generation two-seat GT supercar model debuted for the 2005 model year in conjunction with Ford's 2003 centenary that witnessed the Thunderbird and Mustang nameplates' revival. Although this GT model is similar to the iconic GT40, it features a bigger, taller, and wider outward appearance.

Ford GT
Via okmustangclub.com

Under the hood, the Ford GT boasts an all-aluminum longitudinal rear-mounted 5.4-liter supercharged Ford Modular V8 that develops 550bhp and 500lb-ft maximum torque. The car is fitted with a six-speed Ricardo manual transmission that pushes it to accelerate from 0-60mph in an impressive 3.3 seconds. The Ford GT achieves a top speed of 205mph.

5 Chevrolet Corvette (C6) Z06

Via corvsport.com

The sixth-generation Corvette C6 model is easily distinguished by its exposed headlamps, a feature last utilized in the 1962 model. Chevrolet built the Corvette Z06 variant alongside the road-legal Grand Sport, C6 RS, 427 Convertible, and R1 models. Despite the outward resemblance, the Z06 is distinguished through its larger rear and front fenders and a front bumper with an intake inlet scoop.

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Chevrolet Corvette (C6) Z06.
Via motorauthority.com

The Z06 is the lightest of all Corvettes and boasts the largest displacement small-block engine. The Corvette Z06 packs a naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter LS7 V8 engine that generates 505bhp at 6300rpm and 470b-ft peak torque at 4800rpm. The car accelerates from 0-60mph in 3.6-seconds.

4 Honda S2000

2008 Honda S2000 CR
Via thecarconnection.com

Honda unveiled the S2000 model as the company celebrated its 50th anniversary. To commemorate the tradition of the S800, S600, and S500 models, the S2000 features a two-liter displacement engine. The car's 2.0-liter inline-four engine produced 240hp, at the time, the highest power-figure produced per liter by a naturally-aspirated engine car.

Honda S2000
Via autoblog.com

The Honda S2000 boasts electrically-assisted steering, independent double-wishbone suspension, integrated roll hoops, 16-inch wheels. Honda provided the S2000 with a standard electrically-powered vinyl top and an optional aluminum hardtop from 2001. Significant changes were made in 2004 when production moved to Suzuka, including a new 2.2-liter engine variant.

3 BMW M3 (E46)

BMW M3 (E46)
Via carscoops.com

BMW M GmbH built the M3 lineup as the high-performance version of the highly-rated BMW 3 Series. The E46 model is considered the fourth generation of the 3 Series, available in coupe, saloon, convertible, wagon, and hatchback body styles. However, the M3 model featured convertible and coupe body variants only.

BMW M3 (E46)
Via carscoops.com

BMW introduced electronic rake-force distribution, satellite navigation, LED tail-lights, and rain-sensing wipers in this generation. The E46 M3 packs a 3.2-liter S54 M-Tuned engine with six electronically operated throttle bodies. Like all other 3 Series variants, BMW provided this model with a six-speed manual or 6-speed SMG transmission.

2 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Via mecum.com

The E55 AMG is a rare 2000s model, with only 653 examples ever built. Mercedes-Benz designed all the models to house a 5.5-liter V8 engine that produces 354bhp and 391lb-ft peak torque. These models also feature AMG sports suspension, sports seats, sport steering wheel, brakes, 18-inch monoblock staggered wheels, and body shell modification.

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
Via caranddriver.com

The car also features HID Xenon headlights, automatic climate control system, power glass sunroof, power rear sunshade, multifunction computer, black birdseye interior wood trim, and Bose premium sound system. After several road tests, the E55 AMG delivered a range of 4.8-5.3 seconds to accelerate from 0-60mph.

1 Spyker C8 Laviolette

Spyker C8 Laviolette
Via dupontregistry.com

Despite borrowing visual cues from the 1999 Spyker Silvestris V8 concept car, the Spyker C8 unveiled in 2000 featured changes to incorporate a unique glass roof construction. Spyker built the Laviolette model as the second C8 after the Spyder model, which was later rebranded to Spyder SWB. Similar to the Spyder, the Laviolette packs a 4.2-liter Audi V8 that develops 395bhp.

Spyker C8 Laviolette
Via carscoops.com

Later in 2008, Spyker introduced an optional long-wheelbase version to maximize customer demands for a more spacious interior. The Laviolette LWB features a 3.9-inch longer wheelbase, utilizing the same powertrain as the base model. A road-legal variant of the Laviolette GT2-R racing car, the Laviolette LM85, was also unveiled in 2009 with a 4.2-liter engine variant capable of 395bhp.

NEXT: Ranking The Fastest American Performance Cars Of The 2000s