The promise of speed and performance is what makes Sports Cars so appealing. Since the 2000s, fast cars have gotten better and faster. But we're still seeing some broken promises resulting in tarnished egos.
Earning a sketchy reputation is akin to receiving a killer blow. Gearheads rely on critics and social media to decide what car next takes up home in the family garage. Take the Dodge Viper, a '90s icon featuring a monstrous V10 engine and little else. Too tricky for your average gearhead to dive, it got labeled as dangerous. Sales as a result plummeted. Yet, given modern tires, and in later cars an electronic helping hand, you won't find a faster car.
A darker and more lethal sports car worthy of its sketchy reputation is the Toyota MR2 Spyder. This two-seater looks less intimidating than your family cat. Yet, provoke its small 1.8-liter engine mid-corner and end swapping oversteer follows. In this context, the MR2 is about as friendly as a hungry tiger.
However, in most cases there is a hidden truth to why some cars receive a bad reputation. Whether you chose to take heed and walk away, or not, is another matter.
10 2016 Bristol Bullet
Reputations don't come anymore suspect than Bristol Cars. On the face of it the 2016 Bullet had a retro-styled roadster body backed up by some big performance numbers. Under the hood of this British bruisers, Bristol envisaged a BMW 4.8-liter V8 putting down a claimed 400 hp.
Likewise, a claimed to speed 155 mph was enough to wow potential buyers, so too was a sub-four second sprint to 60 mph. However, true to Bristol's vague reputation, the company went bust in 2020 with a sole example. Actual production numbers for Bristol cars has always been sketchy.
9 2008-12 Tesla Roadster
A war or words between Jeremy Clarkson and Elon Musk marred the Roadsters reputation. Built by Lotus, sharing the Elise's chassis, the Roadster broke cover in 2008. Tweaked for full-scale production the Tesla would achieve a 0-60 mph time of 3.7-seconds.
Far from perfect, the Roadster provided a glimpse of Tesla's dominant future. But, tales of exaggerated performance and range figures were ever present. With Roadster production ending in 2012, gearheads are awaiting the model's upcoming revival. This time around, Tesla hopes to avoid the mistakes of the original.
8 2000-09 Saleen S7
Ticking off the supercar boxes one by one, the Saleen S7 was set for great things. Under the hood, 7.0-liter Ford Windsor V8 engines cranked out 750 hp promising a top speed of 240 mph.
Good as the performance numbers are, the Saleen S7 isn't the dream ride you might expect. Getting inside the off-centered driver's seat is a challenge in itself. On the move, things get worse still. Underpowered brakes and whiny race style straight cut 6-speed manual have no place in a road car.
7 2009-15 Ferrari 458 Italia
Ferraris are hot property among gearheads craving an Italian exotic. Unveiled in 2009, the 458 Italia served as a replacement for the carmaker's popular F430. But, those gorgeous lines hide a lethal flaw that left unchecked could see the 458 go up in flames.
The problem arose due to the use of weight saving adhesives in the car's wheel arches. Under heavy use, the glue melts, uniting exhausts and bodywork with fiery results.
6 2006-10 Pontiac Solstice GXP
Year of manufacture is crucial with A Pontic Solstice. The newer, the better. Produced between 2006 and 2010, the two-seater sports car received praise for its roadster character. Throw reasonable performance into the mix, and you've got a winner.
However, the glimmer of success was short-lived. Gearheads soon realized GM bean counters had gambled cheap builds against bigger profits. Under the hood, cheaper cast iron headers would be Pontiac's undoing. Constant heating and cooling cycles lead to regular cracking. A decade later, the Solstice still receives safety recall bulletins for other issues.
5 2022 Mercedes-AMG Project One
Coming soon, the Mercedes-AMG Project One promises to deliver F1 technology in a road car. Overdue for production, the first deliveries will take place in the fourth quarter of 2022. A lot is already known of the 1.6-liter combustion engine and quad motor set-up generating 1063 hp. In theory, the Project One blasts past 60 mph in 2.9-seconds before topping out at 219 mph.
The bad news? High-revving idle speeds of 3000 RPM will no doubt shorten the engine's lifespan. Gearheads can expect big bills with a major engine rebuild at 50,000 kms. As for the greener side of performance? In pure electric mode, the Project One grinds to a halt after 25 kms.
4 2003 Alpina Z8 Roadster
BMW builds some of the finest performance cars on the planet. But when it comes to the hotter Z-badged models, things aren't as clear. In 1999, BMW unveiled the confused Z8. Sports car or GT? Gearheads couldn't decide. For 2003, production switched to Alpina branding with less powerful 375 hp V8 engines.
While the Z8 never quite lived up to expectations, the BMW had other more pressing issues. Aluminum construction made the Z8 lighter at the expense of structural strength. Potholes in particular pose a serious threat to the Z8s struts and frame.
3 2002-06 Smart Roadster
Mercedes co-developed Smart Roadster set out to be a viable small sports car for the urban jungle. But gearheads were less convinced and the Roadster vanished forever in 2006. The problems were twofold. First up, its tiny three-cylinder engine with a turbocharger put out a feeble 80 hp.
Speed wasn't the Roadster trump card taking 10+ seconds to reach 60 mph. As for how it looks, cheap and plasticky is the best we can say about the Smart. Mercedes ambitions met with the cheaper, faster, and more practical MX-5. It was game over for the Smart
2 2004-06 Porsche Carrera GT
Porsche has a well-earned reputation for fast and driver-friendly cars. It hasn't always been that way, the recent Carrera GT attracting less than glowing reviews. The Carrera GT hit the headlines in 2004 thanks to its 200+ mph top speed and sub-four second 0-60 mph time.
Unlike other Porsche supercars, the Carrera GT used a mid-mounted 5.7-liter V10 cranking out 603 hp. While there are more powerful Porsches, this one is lacking in safety features. The absence of driver aids make the Carrera GT every bit as fearsome as its reputation.
1 2010-22 Noble M600
Flat out the Noble M600 will hit 225 mph passing 60 mph in 3-seconds dead. Built on Lee Noble's experience in chassis set up, the M600 rides better than you'd expect from a supercar. This isn't a luxury GT, rather an old-school sports car devoid of driver aids.
Lurking beneath the rear deck, you get a turbocharged 4.4-liter Yamaha/Volvo V8 cranking out 650 hp. For days when slower is safer, Noble has supplied a variable boost level for everyday use. But, we suspect gearheads will opt for the full 650 hp which is a known clutch killer on standing starts.