Reshaped by electrification, stricter noise and emissions regulations, and new technologies, modern performance cars are evolving rapidly, leaving behind the large engines and manual transmissions we car enthusiasts cherish. As a reaction to this changing industry, certain models produced today could become sought-after collector cars in the decades to come. Whether they represent the last of an engine type or capture turning points in manufacturers’ history, these vehicles possess characteristics that enthusiasts and collectors tend to value most. From manual sports cars to naturally aspirated supercars, here are the 10 performance cars that stand out as potential big-ticket collectibles and that could get serious attention in the near future. Lexus LC500 Lexus Over the past few years, luxury grand tourers have rapidly shifted toward turbocharging and hybridization, and rare are grand tourers keeping naturally aspirated engines. The LC500, with its naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, is one of the last still standing. Offering a stylish design that still remains relevant today, the LC500 blends genuine performance with Japanese craftsmanship and reliability. In a way, it offers an emotional appeal that few modern cars do. As naturally aspirated engines disappear, the LC500 could become a prized symbol of the final era of traditional Japanese grand touring. Toyota GR Yaris (Special Editions) Toyota Developed as a homologation model for the World Rally Championship (WRC), the GR Yaris is one of the most exciting performance cars Toyota has produced in decades. Though it looks like a standard Yaris, the GR Yaris only shares the front and rear lights, door mirrors, and the antenna. With a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged engine developed with the input of the marque’s vast motorsports experience and its GR-Four 4WD drivetrain that reflects the car’s rally nature, the GR Yaris stands miles apart from your typical hot hatch.Toyota has well exceeded WRC homologation rules that required a minimum production volume of 25,000 units, and though the GR Yaris isn’t a rare car, it is claiming a 99% customer satisfaction rating. This strong reception and the car’s clear motorsport DNA have helped the GR Yaris hold value, and special editions like the 2026 GR Yaris MORIZO RR (Japan-exclusive, limited to 100 units) and the Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä special editions (limited to 100-unit each) could make the manual hot-hatch a prized possession among collectors. Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Cadillac Combining a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 producing a monstrous 668-hp with a 6-speed manual transmission, the CT5-V Blackwing is one of the most attractive American performance sedans. At a time when most manufacturers are moving away from large-displacement engines and manual gearboxes, the Blackwing offers an increasingly rare powertrain combination in modern cars that could also mark the final chapter of the traditional American muscle sedan. The rare engine configuration, paired with attractive performance numbers and relatively low-volume production numbers, could potentially make the CT5-V Blackwing a highly desirable model to muscle car collectors in the future. Porsche 911 GT3 (992 Generation) Via: Porsche The 992-generation 911 GT3 is widely considered to be the pinnacle of Porsche’s naturally aspirated engineering. Featuring a motorsport-derived 4.0-liter flat-six and paired with a 6-speed manual, the GT3 delivers a pure driving experience that is becoming increasingly rare to find in modern performance cars. Porsche has slowly introduced electric power to its 992 lineup, fitting their latest T-Hybrid technology to the GTS and Turbo S models. The 911 lineup probably won't be going fully electric any time soon, but it likely won't remain naturally aspirated either. With this growing hybridization, the 992 GT3 could stand as one of the final great naturally aspirated Porsche track machines. Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae Via Lamborghini The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae represents the final evolution of Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated V12 flagship before the Italian manufacturer’s transition to a hybrid V12 powertrain for its successor, the Revuelto. The Ultimae is the most powerful Aventador ever made, producing 769 horsepower (780 cv) at 8,500 rpm, accelerating to 62 mph in 2.8 seconds and offering a top speed of 221 mph. The Ultimae marks the end of an era that began in 2011, and the end of Lamborghini’s pure V12 supercar lineage. Its limited production number of 600 units (350 coupes and 250 roadsters) will likely make the final Aventador a sought-after collectible in the near future. Porsche 911 Dakar Claire-Kaoru Sakai, Ayesh Seneviratne / HotCars Inspired by Porsche’s 1984 Paris-Dakar victory with the 953 and the manufacturer’s rich rally background, the 911 Dakar is one of the most unconventional variants of the 911 ever produced. The rally-ready 911 features raised suspension and all-terrain capability with a special “Rallye” driving mode, skillfully blending sports car performance with off-road capabilities. With a production limited to just 2,500 units, the 911 Dakar is a rare and unique concept, making it one of the most collectible modern 911s today and in the decades to come. Models with special “Rough Roads” or Martini liveries could be some of the more sought after Dakars. Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato Lamborghini By pairing traditional supercar performance with off-road capabilities, the Huracan Sterrato pushes the boundaries of what a supercar can be. The Sterrato keeps its naturally aspirated V10, but comes with rally-inspired suspension, a protective bodywork, a roof scoop and off-road capabilities among some of the more notable upgrades. With a production run limited to 1,499 units, the Sterrato is one of the most unusual Lamborghinis ever built, and among the last to feature the brand’s beloved V10 engine, now replaced by the Temerario and its hybrid V8. The Sterrato offers a rare and adventurous side to the Huracan that was not seen before in a Lamborghini lineup, which could help it gain cult status among collectors. Lotus Exige Final Edition Lotus Looking a few years back, the 2021 Lotus Exige Final Edition marked the end of Lotus’ long-running analog, lightweight, sports car trio that began with the Elise in the 1990s. With its supercharged 3.5-liter V6, sharp handling, and minimalist philosophy, the final Exige represents the ultimate evolution of Lotus’ “for the drivers” motto. The Elise-Exige-Evora trio all received final edition models, but the more powerful Exige Final Edition truly marks the end to classic Lotus engineering. The production is estimated at less than 250 units and alongside the Final Edition Elise and Evora, the final Exige could likely become a prized collectible as the brand is already knee-deep in its drastic transition to electric vehicles and new, heavier platforms. Porsche 993 Porsche With a production run that started in 1993 and that ended in 1998, the 993-generation 911 holds a special place in Porsche history as the final air-cooled iteration of the iconic sports car. The 993's vintage design, its mechanical purity, and analog driving feel make the last air-cooled Porsche an era-defining icon before water-cooled engines took over. Older air-cooled 911s models are already finding their fair share of popularity among collectors, but as the years pass, the 993 could gain even more attention as one of the more desirable and historically significant air-cooled 911s. Ferrari SF90 Stradale Ferrari Adding Ferrari’s latest hybrid V8 supercar to this list may not be something that everyone will agree with, but let’s take the following points into consideration. The SF90 Stradale marks a turning point in Ferrari’s history as the Italian brand’s first plug-in hybrid production supercar. Combining a twin-turbo V8 with three electric motors, the SF90 Stradale delivers a combined power output of over 1,000 horsepower, also a first for a production Ferrari. The supercar also introduced all-wheel drive to Ferrari’s mid-engine lineup. The SF90 represents Ferrari’s transition into the electrified era of high-performance cars. Though its powertrain may not be appealing to all, as a production model that marked the beginnings of many technological shifts, it could hold lasting historical significance for Ferrari collectors in the future.