Contents
Overview
German Sports Cars indeed changed the game of the automotive industry. From aspects like performance to looks, now everything is truly German. The fair share belongs to Prussians of what a real sports car should be, even if it means taking them to greater heights. Here are the important pieces of history and automotive all-stars.
1. BMW 328
The German automotive industry was fully committed to achieving technological dominance, years before WW2. Both Mercedes-Benz Grand-Prix Racers and Auto Union made some speed breaking records in the 1930s. This car is sensible for the country’s sports car heritage. The BMW 328 was a unique sports roadster that one can look like a winner. Winning Mille Miglia in 1940, this Beemer is thoroughly modified by BMW and bodied by Carrozzeria Touring, craved its place in the automotive pantheon.
Also Read: The 2022 BMW M4 Competition launched in India at ₹1.44 Crore
2. Porsche 911
Porsche is a truly eternal muse in the German automotive industry. When introduced in the 1960s, the 911 set a benchmark for sports cars and is still followed to this very day. The 911 was the foundation for many other models such as the 935, then 959, and the 911 GT1. Marketed as a track weapon for weekends and a daily driver in 1964. There was a time in history, the 911 based RUF CTR was the fastest production car in the world too. 50 years and counting, the concept of 911 has barely changed. This is why enthusiasts continue to admire this high-performance sports car.
3. Mercedes-Benz 300SL
With a top speed of 163 mph, the Gullwing 300SL was not only a sports car champion but was also the fastest production car of its time. It looked and won the Le Mans, with its potent straight-six, and a rear suspension setup. According to Mercedes-Benz, it was “the world’s first four-stroke production passenger cars to be equipped with output- and efficiency-enhancing direct fuel injection”.
4. BMW 2002
During WW2, BMW was on the brink of disaster but thanks to some luck, smart investing, and clever engineering it started fresh with the Neue Klasse. 2002 is the reason why BMW exists in the first place, and also explains why the Bavarian company is lauded for its sports sedans. 2002 was an experimental piece that went right, equipped with a bigger 2.0-litre engine. It also conquered America, by playing an important role in the brand’s immense popularity in subsequent decades.
5. Audi Sport Quattro
Quattro changed the world of rallying. Back in 1980 Audi took advantage of World Rally Championship’s rule change, allowing four-wheel-drive cars to compete in the championship. The Sport Quattro has a shorter wheelbase and more power designed to conquer Group B. And hence, Audi brought this to its road cars and turned it into world-beating technology. The Quattro all-wheel-drive became an integral part of the brand’s identity.
Also Read: Audi RS6 Avant 2022 Price, Mileage, Features, Engine, Top Speed & 0-60mph
6. Mercedes-Benz W124 500E
Mercedes-Benz equipped a big 5.0L M117 V8 to its mid-sized sedan with some help from Porsche, thus making a high sports sedan benchmark. The W124 500E is remembered as one of the finest family-friendly sports cars. It is praised for its both reliability and daily usability.
7. BMW M5 E60
Being the greatest sports sedan, the M5 E60 launched during BMW’s hardest offensive on the global market. Furthermore to establish dominance, BMW M gambled by redesigning a Formula 1 V10 engine into a street-friendly powerhouse and equipping it with a heavily revised 5 Series sedan and a wagon. When reveled, this got much criticism for its flaws such as SMG automated manual gearbox and reliability issues. But we appreciate this once-in-a-lifetime family supercar.
8. Audi RS2
From the same roots as Quattro, Audi decided to wager its newfound success on its rest of the lineup through the RS range. RS stands for RennSport (or racing sport), and Audi’s first RS car took top-tech and performance directly from racing departments to the streets. The RS2 Avant utilized a turbocharged inline five engine and Quattro AWD, while Porsche lent its production line. This collab set an outline for its future RS cars, which was fast five-door wagons the backbone of high performance Audis. And also setting foundation for one of the most unique lines of sports cars ever to come from Germany.
9. Porsche Carrera GT
Carrera GT was the true definition of Hypercar, as it was high performance, hi-tech, limited production sports car. While Porsche wanted a pure sports car, so they got a V10 enrooted in Formula 1 and Le Mans efforts, mated to a 6-speed manual with a silicon carbide two-plate dry clutch. Then this raft was put into a carbon fiber monocoque chassis inspired by the 911 GT1. Also it was difficult to handle and near impossible to master due to lack of electronic stability. But still, it is one of the most intense automobiles ever created and the last of the analog hypercars.
Also Read: Supercars From The 2000s , Hyper Cars In Year 2000s
10. Volkswagen Golf GTI
A car that denoted performance, the Golf GTI was a moving force for the whole sports car industry. Perfectly engineered and executed, it was an attainable, mass produced sports car for the people. This car shifted the focus from roadsters and small coupés into fun front-wheel drive hatchbacks. Now in its current generation, the Golf GTI has had a lifetime of ups and downs. After the original car and its even greater successor, the third and fourth generation have missed the mark. But from the fifth generation onwards, GTI proved to be nothing short of amazing.