Who would have thought a term that for so long was largely associated with minicabs and the Toyota Prius would be such a buzzword in the world of sports and supercars? Now, more than ever, we’re approaching a golden age of new technology that might well see a renaissance of sports car models that use hybrid technology not just for efficiency but also for performance.
You might notice one or two models on this list that aren’t on sale any more, but don’t think it’s a dying breed – rather, it’s just about to come on-stream.
Porsche 911 GTS
Porsche has been on a long march towards integrating hybrid technology into its iconic 911, but it’s now finally coming into play in a potentially more interesting form than we expected.
Unique to the GTS, Porsche has introduced a brand new powertrain system that combines an essentially new 3.6-litre flat-six with an electrically assisted gas turbo. This tech is similar to the one you’ll find in a new-age AMG, but it has the added ability to capture unused energy and put it back into the battery.
In addition, the eight-speed PDK box now also integrates a further electric motor (in a housing that was always designed to fit one in), creating a unique and fascinating take on a hybrid powertrain. Peak figures are rated at 533bhp and 610Nm, making it more powerful than before – all while offering better fuel consumption and, crucially, better response.
All that’s left is to see if the wait was worth it when we drive it next year.
porsche.com
Mercedes GT63 S E Performance
Mercedes-AMG has taken a slightly different route with its hybrid-assisted sports car flagship, creating a much, much more powerful offering in the process. The new GT63 S E Performance generates a peak power figure of 805bhp and 1.050Nm of torque through another variation of its bespoke AMG-designed hybrid system.
In this case, in addition to a twin-turbocharged V8 engine under the bonnet, there is an electrified rear axle incorporating an electric motor, two-speed gearbox and lithium-ion battery pack. This system is far more potent than the 911’s and will no doubt have a bigger effect on the GT’s overall driving experience, but don’t count Porsche out just yet, as the next Turbo is set to feature its own upgraded system.
mercedes-benz.co.uk
BMW i8
The BMW i8 might be long dead in terms of production, but we’d bet that if it were launched today, it would be just as fresh as it was back in 2014. This groundbreaking hybrid sports car used a combination of a high-performance three-cylinder petrol engine and electric motors to offer comparable performance to a basic Porsche 911 Carrera of the early 2010s, which admittedly wouldn’t still apply today.
Yet the i8 was still a wonderful car to drive and featured other high-tech aspects such as a nearly completely carbon fibre construction, dihedral doors and even a tiny set of rear seats. Yet despite its advances, the i8 didn’t sell especially well in its period, even in open-top Spider form.
However, like so many progressive models like this, we suspect it’ll continue to be popular as we move into the future, so it’s best to watch those values closely before they inevitably go up.
bmw.co.uk
Honda NSX
Another one that’s only recently bitten the dust, the Honda NSX did what it always has done – introduce a whole new generation of sports car technology in a package that was wholly underappreciated by customers in a position to buy it. Featuring a clever and powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engine combined with four electric motors, the NSX was a miniature Porsche 918 Spyder for one-sixth the price.
Slow sales ultimately limited its exposure, and like the original NSX that came before it, it trudged away with a trickle of sales in global markets. The final edition was upgraded for American buyers, picking up the Type S moniker reserved for the US’s high-performance Acura models—the brand it sold under in North American markets.
honda.co.uk
On The Way: Honda Prelude 2025
Hybrid super and sports cars have so far been only in the realm of the rich, but Honda’s hoping to change that with a reincarnation of the Prelude. Destined to feature a tweaked version of the hybrid petrol engine found in the current Civic, Honda’s hoping the new Prelude will inspire a new generation of car enthusiasts towards compact coupes in the modern era.
So far, it’s only been revealed as a near-production concept. But the new model is set to be offered globally, and unlike Toyota’s GR86 or the Mazda MX-5, it won’t have a detrimental effect on fleet CO2 averages due to that hybrid powertrain.
This means Honda will be able to sell as many as it wants and needs, hopefully sparking a new generation of enthusiasts with a more sustainable yet no less enjoyable package.
honda.co.uk
