Every year, Road & Track editors gather to test and evaluate the best new performance cars, and 2025 is no exception. With a diverse lineup of ten contenders, ranging from high-performance supercars to refined grand tourers, the competition was fierce. The cars were tested on the Thunderhill West track and the winding roads of Napa Valley to assess their speed, handling, and emotional appeal.
Each vehicle in this lineup represents the cutting edge of automotive technology, combining power, design, and innovation to push the limits of what modern cars can achieve. The winner will be announced on January 16, but until then, here’s a detailed look at the top competitors for the 2025 Performance Car of the Year award.
1. Aston Martin Vantage: A More Refined Beast
The 2025 Aston Martin Vantage brings an updated twin-turbo V-8 with 656 horsepower, offering a potent mid-range punch that ensures strong performance on both road and track. While its performance is undeniable, the Vantage leans more toward grand touring than its predecessor, especially in its softest suspension setting.
This shift means that while it remains exhilarating to drive, its focus has broadened to include comfort and usability. Despite a firmer ride in Sport Plus and Track modes, its character has subtly changed, making it a more balanced, all-around performer.
The revised suspension setup and improved adaptive damping enhance the car’s composure, allowing it to carve through corners with confidence. The interior is as luxurious as ever, ensuring that drivers remain comfortable during long journeys while still enjoying the visceral thrill of its powerful V-8.
2. Bentley Continental GT Speed: Luxury Meets Performance
The Bentley Continental GT Speed continues to defy expectations by offering incredible speed and agility in a luxury package. With a hybrid-assisted twin-turbo V-8 producing 771 horsepower, the GT Speed delivers effortless acceleration and an unshakable sense of composure.
Despite its significant weight, advanced chassis technology allows it to handle surprisingly well on twisty roads while maintaining its hallmark refinement. The combination of a 48-volt anti-roll system and rear-axle steering ensures remarkable agility, making the GT Speed feel far lighter than its actual mass suggests.
The interior is a sanctuary of opulence, featuring the finest materials, high-tech driver aids, and state-of-the-art infotainment systems. Whether cruising on highways or attacking tight bends, the Continental GT Speed remains a benchmark in the world of grand touring performance.
3. BMW Z4 M40i: A Purist’s Delight
The new BMW Z4 M40i, now with a six-speed manual transmission, is more than just a convertible—it’s an enthusiast’s dream. Unique chassis tuning, staggered wheels, and an engaging inline-six engine make this the sharpest and most enjoyable Z4 yet.
The manual gearbox transforms the driving experience, providing a level of connection between driver and machine that enthusiasts crave. The precise steering and balanced chassis allow the Z4 M40i to remain agile and engaging on winding roads.
While it may not be a dedicated track car, its playful nature shines brightest on mountain roads, where the joy of shifting gears and hearing the sonorous engine note make every drive memorable.
4. Lamborghini Revuelto: Electrified Exhilaration
With its naturally aspirated V-12 and hybrid powertrain, the Lamborghini Revuelto delivers a staggering 1001 horsepower. The electric motors enhance low-end torque while preserving the V-12’s thrilling high-revving nature.
Improved transmission and sharper steering make it a more refined yet still exhilarating machine, proving Lamborghini’s commitment to electrification without losing its raw appeal.
The Revuelto’s handling has been meticulously fine-tuned, allowing it to remain stable at high speeds while still providing an engaging, responsive feel through corners. The aerodynamics have been optimized to maximize downforce, ensuring confidence-inspiring grip even in the most extreme driving conditions.
5. Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo: A Grand Touring Masterpiece
Maserati’s GranTurismo Trofeo prioritizes a balance between comfort and performance. While its twin-turbo V-6 is eager and produces a beautiful soundtrack, the handling remains more composed than razor-sharp.
The GranTurismo excels in long-distance cruising, with a refined cabin that isolates occupants from road imperfections while still allowing them to enjoy the thrilling soundtrack of its turbocharged V-6. It thrives as a fast, comfortable grand tourer rather than a track-focused weapon, making it an appealing choice for those who appreciate a refined yet engaging drive.
Also Read: Top 10 Sports Cars That Offer Incredible Speed and Performance
6. Mazda MX-5 Miata Club: Lightweight Fun
Mazda continues to perfect the formula with the latest MX-5 Miata Club. Though its 181-horsepower engine may seem modest, the Miata’s lightweight chassis and precise handling make every drive an absolute joy. With new enhancements like a limited-slip differential and improved stability control, the Miata remains the ultimate budget-friendly driver’s car.
It’s a car that embodies the “less is more” philosophy, delivering excitement through simplicity rather than raw power. The Miata proves that sheer driving pleasure doesn’t require astronomical horsepower figures—it simply requires an engaging, well-balanced platform.
7. McLaren Artura Spider: Hybrid Performance Refined
The McLaren Artura Spider combines hybrid technology with a twin-turbo V-6 to create a thrilling, responsive driving experience. The electric motor smooths out power delivery while maintaining impressive acceleration. Thanks to its carbon fiber construction, the Artura remains rigid and lightweight, providing an exceptional balance of comfort and performance.
The Spider variant adds an extra layer of driving pleasure by allowing occupants to experience the symphony of the powertrain with the roof down. This car’s ability to seamlessly transition between relaxed cruising and all-out performance makes it a standout among hybrid supercars.
8. McLaren 750S: The Ultimate Daily Supercar
An evolution of the acclaimed 720S, the McLaren 750S improves upon its predecessor with better suspension tuning and enhanced refinement. While the added power is welcome, it’s the subtle chassis tweaks that make this supercar more livable for daily driving.
The 750S blends its otherworldly acceleration with newfound usability, making it a legitimate option for those who want to experience supercar thrills without compromising comfort.
9. Mercedes-AMG GT 63: A High-Tech Performance Marvel
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 brings cutting-edge technology to the performance car world. Its semi-active anti-roll stabilization system allows for impeccable handling without sacrificing ride comfort.
With 577 horsepower from its twin-turbo V-8, the GT 63 seamlessly blends luxury and speed, making it a formidable competitor in this year’s lineup. The car’s high-tech chassis makes it one of the most dynamically capable grand tourers available.
10. Porsche 718 Spyder RS: Pure Driving Bliss
The Porsche 718 Spyder RS takes inspiration from the GT4 RS, offering one of the most engaging driving experiences on the road.
Its high-revving flat-six engine and lightweight construction make it a joy to drive, while its precise steering and cornering ability ensure it remains composed even in the most challenging conditions. The Spyder RS delivers an intoxicating blend of mechanical precision and emotional appeal, solidifying its place among Porsche’s greatest driver’s cars.
With a lineup featuring everything from hybrid supercars to classic roadsters, the 2025 Performance Car of the Year competition is one of the most exciting yet. Each contender brings something unique to the table, whether it’s raw power, luxury, or driving engagement.
While only one can claim the title, every car here showcases the pinnacle of automotive performance and innovation, proving that the future of performance cars remains as exciting as ever.
Also Read: Top 10 Affordable Electric Cars You Can Buy in 2025