23/02/2025 · 6 months ago

The 8 Best Naturally Aspirated Sports Cars You Can Still Buy Today

It’s an interesting time to be an automotive enthusiast. Not long ago, turbochargers were mostly reserved for a handful of European brands. Now, it seems like nearly every automaker has embraced turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines. Hybrid powertrains have also gained traction, offering impressive efficiency and, in some cases—like the Hyundai Tucson—delivering substantial power with minimal reliance on the engine. Even the supercar world has adopted hybridization, with icons like the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1 showcasing electrification’s performance potential.

The shift toward turbocharging and hybridization is largely driven by evolving emissions standards and efficiency demands. But don’t worry—there are still plenty of automakers, both big and small, committed to the naturally aspirated engine. In fact, as technology has advanced, so have naturally aspirated powertrains, continuing to offer linear power delivery, high-revving excitement, and an unfiltered connection between car and driver.

In this list, we’re showcasing ten of the best naturally aspirated sports cars you can still buy today. From affordable performance machines to high-end supercars, these vehicles prove that pure, unassisted internal combustion still has a place in the modern automotive landscape.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Edmunds. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP.

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2025 Subaru BRZ

Current MSRP: $32,265

Subaru

The Subaru BRZ is proof that Subaru excels in two areas: building reliable daily drivers and crafting fun-to-drive sports cars. This ultra-lightweight, affordable coupe delivers an unfiltered connection between car and driver, making every drive an engaging experience.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat 4-cylinder

Transmission

6-speed manual

Horsepower

228 hp

Torque

184 lb-ft

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

5.5 seconds

Top Speed

140 MPH

Designed with enthusiasts in mind, the BRZ features a driver-focused cockpit and remains one of the few modern sports cars still offering a manual transmission. While its horsepower and torque figures may seem modest on paper, the car’s lightweight design ensures that every bit of power is put to good use.

2025 Toyota GR86

Current MSRP: $32,265

Amee Reehal | TopSpeed

The Toyota GR86 is the corporate counterpart to the Subaru BRZ and a proud member of Toyota’s GR performance lineup. With a curb weight of just 2,800 pounds, it doesn’t need excessive power to deliver an engaging and balanced experience on the road or track.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat 4-cylinder

Transmission

6-speed manual

Horsepower

228 hp

Torque

184 lb-ft

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

5.4 seconds

Top Speed

140 MPH

New for 2025 is the Hakone Special Edition, adding Brembo brakes, upgraded dampers, and stylish 18-inch wheels for enhanced performance and aesthetics. While staying true to its sporty, driver-focused nature, the GR86 doesn’t sacrifice modern convenience, offering features like Apple CarPlay and heated seats.

2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Current MSRP: $30,515

Mazda

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a longtime staple in the affordable sports car hall of fame. Debuting over 30 years ago in the 1990s, the Miata has stayed true to its original formula—lightweight, naturally aspirated, and built for pure driving enjoyment—while incorporating modern styling and technology.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 2.0-liter 4-cylinder

Transmission

6-speed manual

Horsepower

181 hp

Torque

151 lb-ft

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

5.5 seconds

Top Speed

139 MPH

Like others on this list, the Mazda Miata doesn’t rely on massive power to deliver thrills. With a curb weight of just 2,500 pounds and a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, it offers a balanced, engaging driving experience that rewards skill over brute force.

2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Current MSRP: $64,875

Youtube.com/@StangMode

As the price climbs, so does the cylinder count and overall power. The Dark Horse made our list for its unbridled performance at a reasonable price, but for those looking for a more budget-friendly option, the GT Premium remains one of the last truly affordable naturally aspirated V8s.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8

Transmission

6-speed manual

Horsepower

500 hp

Torque

418 lb-ft

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

4.1 seconds

Top Speed

166 MPH

The Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the most track-oriented Mustang Ford offers outside of the Shelby lineup. While the newest generation leans heavily into technology—with a sweeping digital dashboard and a suite of racing apps—it still stays true to its pony car roots.

2025 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Current MSRP: $69,995

Link Image

The Chevrolet Corvette remains one of the most iconic American performance cars to date, and the 2025 C8 Stingray takes that legacy even further with its shift from a front- to mid-engine layout and the addition of a flat-plane crank for its naturally aspirated V8.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V-8

Transmission

8-speed automatic

Horsepower

495 hp

Torque

470 lb-ft

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

2.8 seconds

Top Speed

184 MPH

True to Chevrolet Corvette’s driver-centric focus, the C8’s interior is arguably the most driver-oriented it’s ever been, with nearly every button angled toward the driver for intuitive control. The Stingray continues to offer impressive value, positioning itself as a more affordable alternative to European competitors without compromising on power or performance.

2025 Porsche 718 Cayman

Current MSRP: $74,795

Porsche

The 718 Cayman remains a true testament to the brand's commitment to naturally aspirated performance. This mid-engine, four-cylinder sports coupe delivers the kind of unbridled Porsche driving experience that turbocharged engines can’t replicate.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat 4-cylinder

Transmission

7-speed automatic

Horsepower

394 hp

Torque

317 lb-ft

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

4.4 seconds

Top Speed

182 MPH

While the Porsche 911 is the more powerful, tech-packed flagship, the 718 Cayman brings the focus back to basics, offering a more classic Porsche driving experience. What makes the Cayman’s engine so special is its use of air induction through the flat-four, which not only delivers a thrilling soundtrack but also enhances performance with a more linear power delivery.

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2025 Lamborghini Huracán

Current MSRP: $249,865

Lamborghini

We didn’t say everything on this list was going to be reasonably priced. The 2025 Lamborghini Huracán screams performance, thanks to its naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V-10 that churns out 602 horsepower. The engine produces a thrilling exhaust note and impressive acceleration, with a blistering 0 to 60 MPH time.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10

Transmission

7-speed automatic

Horsepower

602 hp

Torque

413 lb-ft

Driveline

All-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

2.8 seconds

Top Speed

161 MPH

While the Lamborghini Huracán is nearing the end of its lifecycle, it still commands attention with its bold presence and relentless power. And for those looking to take things even further, Lamborghini has pushed the limits of the V-10 with the off-road capable Sterrato version, proving this powerhouse can conquer more than just smooth roads.

2024 Ferrari 812GTS

Current MSRP: $433,765

Ferrari

While many supercar and hypercar manufacturers are shifting towards hybrid powertrains or fully electric setups, Ferrari is not backing down on naturally aspirated engines. Yes, they do offer hybrid and PHEV options, but Ferrari’s commitment to pure, unassisted performance is clear in their most powerful models.

Performance Specifications

Engine

Naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V-12

Transmission

7-speed automatic

Horsepower

788 hp

Torque

529 lb-ft

Driveline

Rear-wheel drive

0-60 MPH

2.7 seconds

Top Speed

211 MPH

Take the 812 GTS, for example. Powered by one of Ferrari’s most magnificent naturally aspirated V12 engines ever built, it delivers an astonishing amount of power and performance. This beast can accelerate to mind-boggling speeds, matching or even surpassing the acceleration of some electric cars, all without the aid of any hybrid or electric assistance.

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