Andy Reid | Jun 10, 2020
According to most experts, the first supercar was the 1966 Lamborghini Miura. The Miura was a road car like no one had ever seen, a mid-engine, V12-powered machine developed purely to be the highest performance car in the world.
The Miura delivered on that performance promise, and sparked a war between manufacturers that continues today. Now, all the cars from this era had a number of compromises in order to deliver their performance. The biggest of those compromises were driver and passenger comfort, and limited usability.
As someone who has loads of time behind the wheel of a Miura, and has owned two examples of its period rival, the Ferrari Daytona, I can say the idea of using these cars as daily drivers is too ridiculous to contemplate. All exotic cars from this era are uncomfortable, difficult to drive in stop-and-go traffic, and lack virtually every amenity we take for granted today.
But fast forward to the 21st century, and all this changed. Today, there are genuine exotics that can easily be used as daily drivers, and they aren't all from Germany either. Now, if you doubt me on any of these picks, know that I have extensive time behind the wheel of every car on this list. I'm not saying these cars are affordable to service, as most of them aren't. But each will easily handle a drive to the supermarket, golf club, or even a cross country trip with relative ease.
Not all of these are the fastest cars in the world. But all are rare, with exciting styling, and offer a level of performance which puts them solidly into the exotic car category. We're living in what might very well be the last golden age of performance cars. So if you've always wanted to own an exotic, it's time to take the plunge. There's never been a better time to be an enthusiast.
BMW i8
In 2014, I was on the first wave of the i8 press launch, and I loved this futuristic machine from the moment I saw it. The car handles as good as it looks, and while not the fastest car on our list, with a zero-to-60 time of only 4.1 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, it’s plenty fast enough for the real world.
Sure, other cars on this list might have a top speed in excess of 175 mpg. But where, outside of a race track, can you do that kind of speed without risking losing your driving privileges? Hybrid drivetrain or not, the BMW i8 does a lot of things well, and the radical styling makes it look like it was designed yesterday.
If you’re the type of person who wants an exotic that’s also sensible and eco friendly, the i8 might be just the ticket.
Shop BMW i8 InventoryMercedes-Benz AMG GT
In my opinion, the AMG GT is the most amazing modern-day Mercedes. Sure, there are newer models that outperform it, but the almost-retro styling of the GT puts it in a different class than any other car Stuttgart manufacturers.
There is a sense of drama in the design that’s somehow conservative and exciting at the same time. The interior styling and materials in the SLS are also top-notch, and deliver on the promising sheet metal. Overall, this is an elegant supercar. The driver of the SLS AMG isn’t someone who needs the flashiest ride, but one that’s serious and civilized. How serious? 0-60 in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 193 MPH serious. How civilized?
The AMG GT is a car that can easily be used on the track, yet never stops being a proper Mercedes.
Learn more about Mercedes-Benz powertrain options in our guide.
Dodge Challenger Hellcat
Yes, an American muscle car made this list. If you think the Hellcat lacks supercar credentials, just because it was born in Detroit, then you don’t understand what a supercar is.
The Challenger Hellcat is ridiculously fast. This amazing car is able to go from zero to 60 in 3.7 seconds, 170 in under 28 seconds, and cover the quarter mile in 11.8 seconds. Top speed is 199 mph. Honestly, I don’t care what you think — those are supercar numbers. Combine that with the fact that the car will seat four, handle the grocery store parking lot as easily as it dominates the race track, and have the lowest service costs on this list makes it the perfect example of an daily driver exotic.
This car is for the person who values performance over status, and would be happy to see European cars in their rear view while blasting AC/DC.
Shop Dodge Challenger Hellcat InventoryAston Martin DBS
Upon its release in 2007, the DBS was Aston’s top-of-the line V12. It’s a tremendous car, and the magnificent exterior styling is some of legendary designer Ian Callum’s best work. With the finest of leather, and one of the most beautiful gauge clusters ever put in a car, the interior is just as good.
Then, you have the performance. With four-second zero-to-60 times, and a top speed in excess of 190 MPH, it’s a quintessential British supercar. So what kind of owner is a DBS suited for? Well, James Bond drove one in two films, which is enough to put me on that list. I mean, who doesn't want a car that makes you feel like you’re 007?
Shop Aston Martin DBS InventoryMaserati GranTurismo
Our list had to have at least one Italian. I considered Ferraris, but the Maserati is an easier car to use as a daily driver, and is possibly the best deal on an Italian sports car available today.
The Granturismo is beautiful in a way that seems reserved for Italian cars, in that it has that something extra many manufacturers struggle to find. Frankly, it’s one of those cars that’s so stunning looking, amazing sounding, and usable, that you find yourself overlooking the expensive repair bills. Like many Italian cars, the GranTurismo grabs your heart, and makes you forget about the potentially dire consequences.
Is it the fastest car on our list? Nope. But who cares? It’ll sprint from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds, and hit a top speed of 180 mph. To put it into perspective, those figures make this car faster than any classic exotic car ever built. Plus, the looks more than make up for the lack of pace. The interior is also as spectacular as the Aston’s, and the car is a joy to drive. The Maserati GranTurismo is for the person who wants an Italian car that’s just as beautiful, but more subtle, than a Ferrari.
Shop Maserati GranTurismo Inventory
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