The coming of the new century meant new beginnings. It was a transformative decade for the automotive industry as hybrids and electric vehicles emerged. Some sports cars, like the Ferrari Enzo and Buggati Veyron, reached iconic heights, but some faded into obscurity despite this. Here, we explore ten forgotten sports cars from the 2000s that continue to turn heads among enthusiasts and the general public.
Noble M12 GTO
The Noble M12 GTO was introduced in 2000. It was a British Sports Car with a twin-turbocharged Ford Duratec V6 engine that produced about 310 horsepower. The car exhibited a lightweight design and minimalistic interior. Despite its brilliance, limited production numbers and a lack of mainstream recognition have made the M12 GTO a hidden gem in automotive history.
Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-8 was launched in 2003 and was rightfully the successor to the RX-7. It features Renesi’s very own rotary engine. The most popular thing about the RX-8 was the “suicide doors,” which were unique rear-hinged doors. It runs on a 1.3-liter rotary engine and produces up to 238 horsepower. Although it struggled with reliability issues and fuel efficiency, the RX-8 remains a beloved choice for enthusiasts who appreciate its quirky character and exceptional handling.
Honda S2000
The Honda S2000 was produced from 1999 to 2009. It was a true driver’s car of the time, but it often gets overlooked today. It has a 2.0-liter F20C engine, which produces 240 horsepower. It was famous for its ability to rev up to 9,000 RPM. The S2000’s perfect balance, precise steering, and engaging manual transmission made it a favorite among purists. Despite its acclaim, the S2000’s understated design and Honda’s focus on practicality over the years have led it to be somewhat forgotten in the broader sports car landscape.
TVR Tuscan
The TVR Tuscan was launched in 1999 and continued for most of the early 2000s. It was a British sports car with a wild side. Its design was a head-turner, characterized by swooping lines and an aggressive stance. Under the hood, the Tuscan packed a range of inline-six engines, producing up to 400 horsepower. Its lack of electronic driver aids meant it was a beast to handle, appealing to those who craved a raw and unfiltered driving experience. However, TVR’s financial troubles and limited production numbers have kept the Tuscan under the radar.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5)
While the name Corvette is engraved in golden letters in the history of Sports Cars, the progeny C5 mostly doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. It was produced till 2009. The C5 Z06 featured a 5.7-liter LS6 V8 engine, generating 405 horsepower. It was a performance bargain, offering supercar levels of speed and handling at a fraction of the price. With a 0-60 mph time of just 3.9 seconds, the C5 Z06 was a true American sports car icon. However, this model remains an underrated powerhouse overshadowed by subsequent Corvette generations.
Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise, particularly the Series 2 model, was introduced in 2001 and spoke volumes about the philosophy of “adding lightness.” With a weight of just around 1,600 pounds and a mid-mounted 1.8-liter engine sourced from Toyota, the Elise offered razor-sharp handling and pure driving joy. Its minimalistic approach focused on performance rather than luxury, which limited its mainstream appeal. Yet, for those in the know, the Elise remains a symbol of uncompromised driving purity that turns heads wherever it goes.
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
Although primarily a 90s icon, the Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 continued production into the early 2000s, and its advanced technology kept it relevant. Featuring a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and active aerodynamics, the 3000GT VR-4 was ahead of its time. It offered 320 horsepower and a suite of revolutionary electronic features for its era. Despite its technological prowess, the 3000GT VR-4 was overshadowed by simpler, lighter competitors, making it a rare sight on today’s roads.
Porsche 911 (996) Turbo
The Porsche 911 Turbo of the 996 generation, produced from 2000 to 2005, is often overlooked due to the controversial “fried egg” headlights design. However, beneath its polarizing exterior lay a beast of a machine. The 996 Turbo featured a 3.6-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, producing 420 horsepower and achieving a 0-60 mph time of just over 4 seconds. It combined everyday usability with supercar performance, but its styling and transitional role in the 911 evolution kept it from being as celebrated as other models.
BMW Z8
The BMW Z8, produced from 2000 to 2003, was a striking roadster that paid homage to the classic BMW 507. Its aluminum chassis, body, and a 4.9-liter V8 engine borrowed from the BMW M5 delivered 400 horsepower and a refined driving experience. The Z8’s retro-futuristic design and limited production numbers make it a highly desirable collector’s car today. Yet, its initial high price and niche market positioning meant it didn’t achieve mainstream popularity, leaving it a beautiful yet forgotten sports car of the 2000s.
Subaru WRX STI (GD)
The Subaru WRX STI, particularly the GD generation (2000-2007), is well-remembered by rally fans but often overlooked in broader sports car discussions. With its 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine producing 300 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and rally-bred suspension, the WRX STI was a performance icon. Its aggressive styling, including the massive rear wing and superb handling, made it a favorite among enthusiasts. However, its practical interior and the rise of more luxurious sports cars have pushed the WRX STI into the background for many.
15 Most Reliable Cars Ever Made — Why They Never Quit
Some claim that the dependability of autos has decreased. Modern cars have a shorter lifespan than some cars manufactured between the 1970s and the 1990s, but some new and used cars today are good enough to last for at least ten years and up to 500,000 miles. When these vehicles break down, most problems are relatively simple, and many don’t have serious difficulties. Here are 15 of the most reliable cars ever made:
15 Most Reliable Cars Ever Made — Why They Never Quit
