Europe has long been celebrated as the birthplace of the modern sports car. Its rich automotive heritage is evident in the thrilling coupes and roadsters that grace roads worldwide today, echoing the legacy of German and British icons from decades past. This legacy continues vibrantly as European manufacturers persistently innovate, crafting exciting and stylish high-performance automobiles. Let’s explore ten of the finest Foreign Sports Cars that exemplify this enduring tradition and discover the unique allure each offers.
1) 2015 Porsche Boxster
The 2015 Porsche Boxster has garnered widespread acclaim for delivering uncompromising roadster performance at a more accessible price point compared to its esteemed 911 sibling. The open-top Boxster’s agile chassis provides exceptional road grip, inspiring driver confidence. It boasts two potent engine options: a 2.7-liter six-cylinder producing 265 horsepower, and a more powerful 3.4-liter six-cylinder variant generating 315 and 330 horsepower in the Boxster S and GTS trims, respectively. These engines propel this foreign sports car with remarkable vigor. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard, appealing to purists, while Porsche also offers a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automated manual for those prioritizing lightning-fast gear changes.
2) 2015 BMW Z4
The 2015 BMW Z4 presents itself as a compelling alternative to the Boxster, yet it also carves out its own niche within the sports car market. Equipped with a standard retractable hardtop, the BMW Z4 distinguishes itself as a more versatile, year-round foreign sports car option. Its suspension is tuned for a balance of performance and comfort, making it a refined sport roadster capable of delivering exhilarating driving experiences when desired. The Z4’s engine lineup is equally impressive. Entry-level models feature a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower, while the sDrive35i variant upgrades to a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder delivering 300 horsepower. For ultimate performance, the sDrive35is amplifies the 3.0-liter engine’s output to 335 horsepower and a robust 332 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual, and an eight-speed automatic, depending on the specific model.
Photo by BMW Media
3) 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia
Hailing from Maranello, the 2015 Ferrari 458 Italia is an automotive masterpiece, a purpose-built exotic foreign sports car that unequivocally asserts its high-performance credentials. At its heart lies a high-revving, 562-horsepower 4.5-liter V-8 engine, positioned behind the driver for optimal weight distribution and responsiveness. A seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission channels this power to the rear wheels. The Ferrari 458 Italia’s meticulously engineered chassis responds instantaneously to driver inputs, ensuring exceptional handling and control. Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds, the Italia firmly establishes itself as one of the quickest and most sought-after automobiles globally.
4) 2015 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works
In stark contrast to the Ferrari 458 Italia’s price tag, the 2015 MINI Cooper John Cooper Works offers a more accessible entry point into the realm of foreign sports cars. This MINI Cooper John Cooper Works edition, a subcompact hatchback, represents the most performance-oriented iteration of the model, featuring upgraded suspension and braking systems. Under the hood resides a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 208 horsepower. Paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission, this powertrain grants the lightweight MINI spirited acceleration and nimble handling that resonates with sports car enthusiasts.
5) 2015 Audi R8
The 2015 Audi R8 embodies the visual appeal of an exotic foreign sports car, and thanks to shared engineering with Lamborghini, it delivers a high-performance experience that lives up to its striking aesthetics. The Audi R8 features a mid-engine layout and standard quattro all-wheel drive, endowing it with exceptional grip and enhanced stability at high speeds. The base engine is a 4.2-liter V-8 producing 430 horsepower. For those seeking even greater performance, a 5.2-liter V-10 engine is available, churning out 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. The V10 Plus trim elevates performance further with a 550-horsepower version of the V-10 engine.
6) 2015 Lamborghini Aventador
The 2015 Lamborghini Aventador is an automotive marvel designed for unadulterated performance. This foreign sports car is not for the faint of heart; extracting its full potential demands exceptional driving skill. Engineered for brutal speed, the Lamborghini Aventador can reach speeds exceeding 200 mph. A massive 6.5-liter, twelve-cylinder engine resides behind the cockpit, unleashing a staggering 691 horsepower and 508 lb-ft of torque through a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission. All-wheel drive and launch control are standard, enabling the Lamborghini to achieve 0-60 mph in under three seconds.
7) 2015 Jaguar F-Type
The 2015 Jaguar F-TYPE marks Jaguar’s re-entry into the foreign sports car arena after a hiatus of several decades in the compact performance car segment. The Jaguar F-Type is a compact and stylish offering with engine options including a 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 (available in 340- and 380-horsepower variants) and a potent 5.0-liter supercharged V-8 generating 495 horsepower. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard across the range. The supercharged V-8 version of the Jaguar F-Type boasts a top speed approaching 190 mph. Initially launched as a convertible, a coupe version joined the lineup for 2015, expanding its appeal.
8) 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Mercedes-Benz, renowned for its engineering prowess, showcases its capabilities with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG supercar. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG coupe holds the distinction of being the first vehicle entirely developed in-house by AMG, Mercedes-Benz’s high-performance division. While its iconic gull-wing doors are visually striking, they are just one facet of its appeal. An all-aluminum chassis contributes to a low curb weight, and a hand-built 6.2-liter V-8 engine delivers an impressive 583 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automated manual transmission is standard, propelling this foreign sports car to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds.
9) 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C
After a 20-year absence from the US market, Aston Martin… Correction: Alfa Romeo, made a triumphant return with the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C. This aggressively styled two-seater, offered in both coupe and convertible variants, generates 237 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from a 1.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A six-speed automated manual gearbox transmits power to the rear wheels. While its power output might seem modest compared to some rivals, the 4C’s true strength lies in its lightweight construction. Extensive use of carbon fiber in its design allows the 2015 Alfa Romeo 4C to achieve a remarkably low curb weight of just 2,465 lbs. This lightness translates to a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.3 seconds, making it a genuinely thrilling foreign sports car.
10) 2015 Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise, completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, elevates the concept of a hardcore foreign sports car. This exceptionally minimalist coupe achieves an incredibly low weight of just 1,931 lbs, making it one of the lightest cars available. The Elise’s stiff suspension and rigid chassis prioritize track performance over everyday comfort, appealing to drivers who prioritize pure driving engagement above all else. The 2015 Lotus Elise features a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower and 133 lb-ft of torque. The Elise S variant enhances performance with a supercharger, boosting output to 217 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just over four seconds. Both models are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, catering to driving purists.
