Best Supercars & Exotics of 2026

Introduction

While most supercars are out of reach for the majority, they remain the stuff of automotive dreams, leaving an indelible mark on the motoring world each year. As 2025 draws to a close, we look back at the most impressive supercars and exotics that captivated us—vehicles that blend raw power, exquisite design, and exceptional performance. Before revealing our Top 5 Cars of 2025 on New Year’s Eve, we’re highlighting our favorite unobtainable (even for a motoring journalist) supercars that defined the year.

Porsche 718 Spyder RS

The Porsche 718 Spyder RS poses a compelling question: could the best Porsche sports car not be a 911? This Boxster-based powerhouse, affectionately called a “Boxster on steroids,” breaks tradition by housing the 4.0-litre flat-six engine from the 911 GT3 in its mid-engine layout—a move Porsche once hesitated to make with the Boxster and Cayman. The result is a perfect blend of raw power and balanced handling, a feat the 911 took decades to achieve, yet the RS Spyder matches effortlessly. Unlike most convertibles, which feel less rigid, its roofless design enhances the visceral experience, letting drivers fully immerse themselves in the engine’s glorious soundtrack. Sadly, the 2026 next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman will go all-electric, though there’s hope for a future petrol-powered variant.

Aston Martin Vanquish

The 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish, a 614kW twin-turbocharged V12 super coupe priced at $740k, lives up to its impressive specs—and then some. While its powerful V12 is undoubtedly the star, what truly wowed us is that it’s not solely defined by its engine. Built for Aston Martin purists who refuse anything less than a V12, the Vanquish ignores the more powerful twin-turbo V8 option (which lacked the cylinder count to satisfy its target clientele) and instead delivers a driving experience that surprises with its dynamic, responsive handling. Though not as nimble as the Vantage, it behaves more like a sports car than the grand tourer one might expect, blending luxury with thrilling performance.

Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Chevrolet has expanded its Corvette lineup in recent years, adding the hybrid E-Ray and the track-focused Z06—and the latter defies the stereotype of track-ready cars being harsh on the road. While edgier than the standard C8 Stingray and E-Ray, the Z06 feels right at home on everyday roads, retaining the approachable, easy-to-live-with nature of the Corvette range even with the optional Z07 package (featuring a race-inspired bodykit and ceramic brakes). Powered by a 5.5-litre race-derived flat-plane crankshaft V8 (different from the Stingray and E-Ray), it revs higher, sounds like its European rivals, and delivers a punchy 475kW and 595Nm. At over $400k, it’s a genuine supercar in performance and price—yet it feels like a bargain when compared to similar Ferraris that often cost twice as much.

Porsche 911 Carrera

Among the many Porsches driven in 2025—including the awesome 911 GT3, 911 GTS T-Hybrid, and blisteringly fast Taycan Turbo GT—the “Plain Jane” 911 Carrera stands out the most. Much of its appeal stems from the context of its drive: a 1500km road trip through California to the IMSA race at Laguna Seca. Cruising this iconic sports car down the Pacific Coast Highway, winding through Big Sur or covering long highway miles from Los Angeles, solidified it as the perfect road trip companion. It’s a testament to the 911’s enduring brilliance—proving it’s all the sports car you’ll ever need, even as each new generation raises the bar.

Conclusion

The 2025 supercar lineup showcased the perfect blend of power, luxury, and driving pleasure. From the rule-breaking Porsche 718 Spyder RS to the V12-powered Aston Martin Vanquish, the versatile Chevrolet Corvette Z06, and the timeless Porsche 911 Carrera, these vehicles remind us why supercars continue to capture our imagination—they’re not just machines, but symbols of automotive excellence.