7 Race Cars That Are Legal on the Street — Track to Traffic!
Many enthusiasts dream of owning a race car, but that dream often comes crashing down when you realize your newly acquired speed machine is illegal to drive on public roads. Why? Laws generally frown upon hurtling down Main Street in something that looks (and sounds) like it just escaped from Le Mans. However, a few race cars dare to be track beasts and street-legal. Here are 7 race cars that are legal on the street.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is what happens when a sports car stays up all night watching race car highlights. It’s not just fast; it’s razor-sharp as if constantly daring you to push it to the limit. Underneath the hood, it’s powered by a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that screams up to 9,000 RPM, generating 502 horsepower. It’s a precision instrument on the track, cutting through corners with surgical accuracy. However, Porsche ensured it could also survive the rigors of everyday driving. Its suspension has been softened just enough that it won’t rattle your fillings out on a bumpy road, and despite the massive wing, it’s equipped with all the necessary lights and indicators to pass street regulations. Whether
McLaren Senna
The McLaren Senna is named after one of the most iconic Formula 1 drivers in history, Ayrton Senna, and it’s not just a tribute in name. This car is so fast it feels like it could win a drag race against a lightning bolt. With a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pushing out 800 horsepower, the Senna can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds. This thing practically redefines what “blistering speed” means. Despite its racecar DNA, McLaren somehow managed to squeeze enough niceties into the Senna to make it street-legal. It meets all the emission standards and has the proper lighting and safety equipment to be driven on public roads.
Ariel Atom 4
Ever see a car so minimalist that you start questioning whether they forgot to finish building it? That’s the Ariel Atom 4, a car that looks like an exposed roll cage with wheels and a steering wheel stuck on. There’s no roof, no doors, and barely any bodywork. But who cares when it goes like a bat out of hell? Its lack of weight (just over 1,300 pounds) means it can out-handle most cars on the road, and on the track, it’s an absolute weapon. The fact that it’s street legal seems almost absurd, but it complies with all the necessary regulations. Don’t expect it to keep you warm, dry, or safe from the elements.
Ford GT
The Ford GT is a legend reborn, a modern-day supercar that combines brute American muscle with the finesse and handling of a European thoroughbred. It was initially built to take on Ferrari at Le Mans in the 1960s, and this modern iteration carries that same competitive spirit. Powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, the Ford GT churns out a top speed of 216 mph. The Ford GT was first designed as a race car, with its origins deeply rooted in motorsport. However, Ford gave it just enough creature comforts and compliance features to get the GT onto the streets to meet legal requirements.
Lotus Exige
Lotus has always been obsessed with weight—or rather, the lack of it. The Lotus Exige takes that obsession to new heights. This little rocket weighs just under 2,500 pounds, making it one of the lightest street-legal race cars you can buy. But don’t let its featherweight fool you. With its 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine cranking out 375 horsepower, the Exige can sprint from 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds. This car is about as close as you’ll get to driving a Formula 1 car on public roads without wearing a helmet and fireproof suit. It’s small, elegant, and unforgiving if you make a mistake. But for those who appreciate precision driving, the Exige is a dream.
Caterham 620R
If the Caterham 620R looks like it rolled straight out of a 1960s race grid, it did. Based on the Lotus Seven design, the 620R has been upgraded with modern performance parts to keep up with today’s supercars, even though it should be featured in a vintage car parade. Under the hood, it packs a supercharged 2.0-liter Ford Duratek engine and a chassis that weighs just over 1,200 pounds. This power-to-weight ratio makes the 620R a missile on wheels, capable of 0-60 in a mind-blowing 2.8 seconds. The handling is razor-sharp, and while it’s technically street-legal, driving it around town feels a little like bringing a katana to a butter knife fight.
Nissan GT-R NISMO
If you know anything about the Nissan GT-R, you probably know it’s affectionately called “Godzilla” by fans, and for good reason. The GT-R NISMO is the ultimate version of Nissan’s performance monster. It’s fast, but more than that, it’s brilliant. The GT-R’s advanced all-wheel-drive system and clever electronics make it feel like you’re driving a car with a PhD in physics. What’s most surprising about the GT-R NISMO is just how civilized it can be when it wants to be. Sure, it can tear up a racetrack, but it can also handle the daily commute without making you feel like you’re driving a temperamental beast. Its comfortable interior and user-friendly tech make it a supercar you can live with.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
When you think of supercars, names like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren often come to mind, along with their staggering price tags. However, high-performance vehicles aren’t exclusively reserved for the super-rich. There exists a sweet spot where speed, style, and (relatively) sensible pricing converge, offering thrilling rides without completely obliterating your bank account. Hop in as we explore 14 underrated supercars under $100K.
14 Supercars Under $100K That Deliver Breathtaking Speed and Style
