10 Best Limited Series Modern Sports Cars – TopSpeed

The models below are just a few that often slip under the radar – some are low-production models, and some are special editions of otherwise well-known models. We stuck with relatively modern performance cars and coupes, but there are many to choose from in history, if budget allows. Take the BMW M3 GTR – a sports coupe based on the E46 M3 that was built in just six examples. It was a homologation special, with a V8 engine that bucked the M3 trend. The models below range from the attainable – the Pontiac Solstice Coupe – to the extremely rare and pricey Lamborghini Reventón.

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10

Pontiac Solstice Coupe: 1,266 Units

Specs

The Solstice was one of defunct brand Pontiac’s last hits before the end was in sight, following the 2004 Pontiac GTO muscle coupe. Bob Lutz helped bring the Solstice sports car to market in just four months and it was priced at around $20,000, starting in model year 2006. The convertible Solstice was about 400 pounds heavier than a

Mazda MX-5
, but in 2007 the range was expanded to include a much more powerful 260-horsepower, turbocharged variant: the GXP. Still, all Solstices were convertibles until 2009 when a coupe was revealed. This coupe was built in just 1,266 examples of a wider 67,000 model run – a tiny percentage. GXP coupes are even rarer.

9

C4 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport: 1,000 Units

Specs

As the C4 Chevrolet Corvette generation was in its last year, about to be superseded by the superior new C5, there was a parting gift: the Grand Sport. Gran Turismo gamers will recognize the Admiral Blue exterior and white stripe, the red fender slashes, and the black wheels. However, under the skin was a new LT4 V8, with a mandatory manual transmission. A coupe and convertible were offered at a ratio of 810 to 190, but the exterior styling touches were universal, meaning that some may be put off. It’s still a C4 Corvette though, which means that prices are relatively affordable still.

8

Subaru Impreza 22B STi: 425 Units

Specs

This sports sedan is based on Colin McCrae’s iconic, first-generation Subaru Impreza, but this is no ordinary STi. Built in just 400 examples for Japan and a further 25 or so for other markets, the 22B is the ultimate Impreza, constructed to celebrate both Subaru’s 40th anniversary as well as its third consecutive manufacturer’s title in the FIA World Rally Championship.

Its official power output is muscular but is reported to be heavily underrated, with a real power output of over 300 horsepower. Either way, the 22B is a rally-spec Impreza STi with upgraded Bilstein suspension, wider bodywork, larger wheels, a new clutch, and various other parts to make it the ultimate – and expensive – road-legal rally car.

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7

Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R: 300 Units

Specs

Ford had already produced a couple of Mustang Cobra R models associated with its Special Vehicle Team (SVT) arm, but the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra turned up the heat even more for the SN-99 generation ‘Stang. Equipped with a 5.4-liter version of the Ford modular V8, the year 2000’s Cobra R is powerful and also the only Mustang Cobra for this year, since the 1999 Cobra’s overrated engines caused the standard model to skip a model year.

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The supercharged Terminator Cobra from 2003 is legendary, but this model is also a great fast Mustang with a similar output. Its cylinder heads are modified versions of those used in the Ford GT, and the big wing and power-bulge hood are big clues to this being a Cobra R.

6

Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima: 103 Units

Specs

This is our wildcard. But it’s the last new Maserati sedan with an engine from Ferrari, as the Italian brand bid farewell to the turbocharged Ferrari/Maserati F154 engine in style. Maserati said it was the fastest sedan in the world at the time, with a top speed of 207 mph. Based on the compact Ghibli, it’s a powerful sedan with the blessing of rear-wheel drive. It is based on the ‘Trofeo’ track-focused Ghibli.

A Levante V8 Ultima was also produced, in 206 units, twice the number of Ghibli 334 Ultima sedans. We love the Persia Blu paint and the fact that it’s a Ferrari-powered sedan with rear-wheel drive. Nowadays, Maserati is using its new 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine, developed in-house, but still inspired by a Ferrari design.

5

Aston Martin One-77: 77 Units

Specs

Its name gives it away, but the Aston Martin One-77 was built in that many examples – not 107, but 77. Built between 2009 and 2012, the grand tourer has an epic engine – a Cosworth-designed, naturally-aspirated V12 sending its power to the rear wheels. Unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, it must have looked stunning thanks to its long, sculpted design – DB9 from the front, that changes drastically towards the rear. Despite its carbon fiber chassis, the car is heavy at 3,600 pounds, although its epic engine can propel the 77 in under four seconds, hitting about 220 mph. Only its price tag will put you off.

4

BMW 3.0 CSL: 50 Units

Specs

BMW‘s 1970s 3.0 CSL is a homologation legend that earned its unofficial ‘Batmobile’ title due to the combination of a double rear wing setup and quirky body kit. Decades later, the German brand previewed the car you see above with a concept, called the Hommage R. It previewed the production BMW 3.0 CSL that was to come and in 2022 the real thing arrived in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BMW ‘M’ division.

It’s based on a BMW M4, although the body panels and many parts are bespoke. Underneath was the most powerful six-cylinder M car engine – tuned up to 553 horsepower, which is 50 horses more than an M4. Its rear-wheel drive and manual transmission setup let you know about the car’s heritage and focus.

3

Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R: 44 Units

Specs

The number ‘400’ references this rare Skyline’s power output – but that’s only part of the story. When this special-edition R33 Skyline GT-R was produced in 1995, the engine was bored out to 2.8 liters from 2.6 liters, and a host of upgrades were made to the powertrain, ranging from the pistons, rods, and cams, to the turbochargers. Upgrades included the exhaust, brakes, and wheels, to a new aggressive body kit, with the characteristic front bumper that featured extra intakes. Few were produced and today the 400R is a unicorn, which sells for unicorn prices.

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2

Lotus Evora GTE: 25 Units

Specs

A GT3 / LM GTE class homologation paved the way for the rarest Lotus Evora. Built only to satisfy the entry homologation requirement, the 2015 Evora GTE was a lightweight racecar for the road. It weighs 2,800 pounds – about 200 pounds less than a standard Evora – while its engine made around 160 horsepower more than a regular model. Not many come up for sale often and this model is vanishingly rare in the US, but what’s not to like about an ultra-limited-run, lightened, racing homologation Lotus?

1

Lamborghini Reventon Coupe: 20 Units

Specs

It could have been the Lamborghini Veneno – with 13 examples made – but the Reventón is the one that arguably gets passed by too often. This model, based on the Murciélago, is inspired by the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fighter plane and this is clear in its muted, almost-matte gray exterior paint and jagged styling. Inside, multiple screens continue the aviation vibe, but the powertrain is the same as the Murciélago LP-640, which is still a potent setup. Only 20 units were made from 2007 (as coupes) and later 15 convertibles were also produced, with a slightly different powertrain.

Some limited-series or limited-production models were missed, and to be honest, many boutique supercar and hypercar manufacturers routinely build cars in small numbers. This list features some of the strays that may get forgotten. Some, like the Reventón above or the GT-R Nismo 400R, will remain expensive curios that are rarely seen in daylight. Others, like the Pontiac Solstice, are easier to find and even buy. Buy a Solstice while you can, or a 1:43 scale model of one of the other cars on the list.