Best Japanese Sports Cars in 21st Century are Honda S2000, Mazda MX-5, Subaru BRZ, Lexus LFA, Nissan GT-R Nismo, etc.
Although Japanese carmakers were late to the sports car party compared to Europe and America, it wasn’t long before their influence was felt worldwide. Japan has established a reputation for creating some of the most reliable and cheap sports vehicles on the market. In terms of aesthetics and dynamic performance, some of Japan’s best models can even compete with their international rivals.
Best Japanese Sports Cars
The classic Toyota 2000GT of the 1960s and the famed Skyline GT-R of the 1990s were both born in the twentieth century. Japanese carmakers and their sports vehicles had gained a well-deserved name in the industry by the time the twenty-first century dawned. They’ve had a lot of hits in the last two decades, but narrowing down the top five for our list wasn’t easy. However, because they are not immune to the rare blunder, there have been numerous misses. So keep reading for a look at the five best JDMsports vehicles of the twenty-first century.
1. Honda S2000
The S2000 was one of the hottest Japanese sports cars available throughout its 10-year manufacturing run, having been introduced in 1999 to commemorate Honda’s 50th anniversary. The lightweight roadster had the performance to justify the $34,995 MSRP, with over 120 hp/liter from a naturally aspirated I-4 engine.
It received wonderful reviews from leading motoring publications due to the engine’s high output/high redline, dexterous handling, and sweet-shifting gearbox. It was more complex and pricey than the Mazda MX-5, and it now sells for far more than its original asking price.
2. Mazda MX-5
The tiny and lightweight design of the MX-5 Miata has proven to be a winner, impressing consumers, critics, and journalists for four generations. It provides pure and thrilling driving experience, in addition to being economically priced, thanks to a superb front/rear weight distribution and convertible body type.
Although the MX-5 has become more sophisticated and powerful over time, it has remained consistent in its ability to produce spirited performance as a lightweight RWD roadster. It’s no surprise that it’s on everyone’s top list and has earned a slew of prizes, including the title of world’s best-selling roadster.
3. Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ, also known as the Toyota GT86 and Scion FR-S, was co-developed by Toyota and Subaru and made its début at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show. The BRZ is powered by a naturally aspirated 2-liter flat-4 engine that produces 197 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque and is built in Subaru’s main factory.
The lightweight BRZ is one of the greatest handling Japanese cars, with a low centre of gravity and a 53/47 front/rear weight distribution. The second-generation Subaru BRZ, which will make its debut in 2020, is even better, with a new engine that produces more power.
4. Lexus LFA
The Lexus LFA required the greater part of a decade to create as a test bed for new performance-related automobile technologies. The production version was introduced in October 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show, after numerous concepts had been shown over the years.
Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) components account for more than half of its mass, and a proprietary 553 hp V10 mill provides power. A circuit-tuned variant, the Nurburgring Edition, was released before production ceased in 2012, boasting greater power, a stronger suspension, and a massive rear wing.
5. Nissan GT-R Nismo
Nissan’s in-house performance division designed the GT-R Nismo, a track-focused and race-ready variation of the Nissan GT-R (R35). The regular version’s 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 is tuned to produce 600 horsepower and 481 pound-feet of torque.
Lighter parts, a Nismo-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes, and other aerodynamic improvements were provided to the new car to improve performance. The GT-R Nismo is a boldly styled, well-balanced, and nimble car that accelerates to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds and tops out at 205 mph.