Throughout history, car enthusiasts have always had a soft spot for good sports cars. While some are well-known and established, there are others that have been forgotten over time. In this article, we take a look at some of these forgotten sports cars and explore their unique features and stories.

Uncover the Hidden Gems of the Sports Car World

Renault Sport Spider

Renault's designers and engineers went a little crazy in the early 2000s with the Renault Sport Spider. This lightweight, open-top, mid-engined supercar with scissor doors was a product of the same skunkworks team that brought us the Renault Sport Clio V6. Under the engine cover sat an F7R 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing 148 hp while weighing just 2,050 pounds. From the outset, its main focus was on racing, and it proved quite successful in various one-make racing championships. Only around 1,800 units were ever built, making it a rare sight on the roads.The Renault Sport Spider was a unique addition to the sports car scene, showing that even unexpected manufacturers could produce something special.

Polestar 1

A few years ago, Volvo spun off its tuning arm Polestar into a separate brand with a focus on electric cars. Their first car, the Polestar 1, was a plug-in hybrid that was a sight to behold. It's essentially a production version of the Volvo Concept Coupe revealed over a decade ago, with the perfect proportions and signature styling traits. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter twincharged four-cylinder with a turbocharger and a supercharger, along with a pair of electric motors handling power delivery to the rear wheels, making it AWD. Combined system output is an almost incomprehensible 691 hp, matching the original Lamborghini Aventador. However, it was limited to only 1,500 units worldwide and was quite pricey, starting at around $150,000.The Polestar 1 was a way for Polestar to make a splash and drum up interest, but it was never intended to be a mainstay of the lineup.

Peugeot RCZ

The Peugeot 308 RCZ concept car was a surprise in the late 2000s. Two years later, it hit the market as the RCZ, a direct competitor to the Audi TT. It was FWD and based on the Peugeot 308 platform, with a variety of engines to choose from. Initially, it offered a 200 hp 1.6-liter gas four-cylinder, and later, there was the 270 hp RCZ R. The small FWD sports car market shrank significantly by the 2010s, leading Peugeot to discontinue the RCZ in 2015. There hasn't been a replacement since, which is a disappointment for sports car enthusiasts.The Peugeot RCZ was a stylish and fun car that represented a brief moment in Peugeot's sports car history.

Alfa Romeo GTV (916)

Throughout the '70s and '80s, the Alfa Romeo GTV was a popular sports car. It was RWD and offered with the special Busso V6 engine. Later, the nameplate returned with a car based on Fiat's Type Two platform. The 916 GTV had a unique styling with a low-mounted rear lightbar and angular creases. It was powered by a variety of Twin Spark four-cylinder engines and the Busso V6. Unfortunately, it was FWD like its predecessor and didn't win over as many enthusiasts as expected. Alfa still refuses to bring a sports car like the GTV to market despite numerous promises.The Alfa Romeo GTV had its charm but faced some challenges in the market.

Fiat Coupe

Fiat used the Type Two platform for its own FWD sports car, the Fiat Coupe. With its sharper bodywork and slashed wheel arches, it was often compared to a mini Ferrari. The interior was a joy to look at, with a painted dashboard panel and lovely analog gauges. It was offered with a lineup of four-cylinder engines, but the highlight was the 2.0-liter turbocharged 20V five-cylinder engine, producing 220 hp in its most powerful version. This engine was highly tunable and reliable. However, after the 124 Spider was discontinued, Fiat no longer sells sports cars.The Fiat Coupe was a stylish and powerful sports car that left a mark on the automotive world.

Audi TT

The original Audi TT concept car was a showstopper, and its design still looks timeless today. It was offered with a huge variety of powertrains, including turbocharged four-cylinders, a VR6, a five-cylinder, and even a diesel. It was either FWD or AWD, providing versatility. The TT was a fantastic car to drive and has started its journey to becoming a classic. Sadly, Audi discontinued the TT after the 2023 model year, and there are no plans to bring it back. With the discontinuation of the R8 after 2024, Audi's entire sports car lineup will be retired.The Audi TT was a pioneer in sports car design and left a lasting impression.

Volkswagen Scirocco

The Mk1 Golf was a success, and VW introduced the Scirocco based on the same platform. It had a sporty appearance but shared a lot with the Golf. The third and final generation Scirocco was based on the Golf again but had a completely bespoke body and distinctive styling. It offered a good lineup of powertrains, including a 276 hp four-cylinder in the Scirocco R. However, as the 2010s rolled in, the market for affordable sporty cars shrank, and VW discontinued the Scirocco in 2017.The Volkswagen Scirocco was a fun and sporty car that represented a certain era.

Mitsubishi GTO / 3000GT

In the early '90s, the Mitsubishi GTO (known as the Mitsubishi 3000GT in North America) was a compelling sports car. It had a rounded design that broke away from the boxy trend of the '80s and featured advanced features like four-wheel steering and active aerodynamics. Under the hood was a 3.0-liter V6 available in naturally aspirated or twin-turbocharged configurations. It delivered impressive power and was a serious competitor in its class. Unfortunately, as Mitsubishi focuses on other models, sports cars like the GTO are no longer part of its lineup.The Mitsubishi GTO was a stylish and powerful sports car that left a lasting impact.

Fiat 124 Spider

Before the Mazda Miata, Fiat announced a partnership with Mazda and produced the 124 Spider. It featured restrained retro styling with a few minor references to the original. The 124 was intended as a cruiser, while the Abarth 124 Spider was more of a sports car. Both cars shared about 90% of their interiors. Unfortunately, the 124 Spider didn't sell as well as Fiat hoped and was discontinued in 2020.The Fiat 124 Spider was a unique addition to the sports car market but faced some challenges.

Acura NSX

Called the Honda NSX elsewhere, this car was a direct competitor to Ferrari. It had a mid-engine layout, pop-up headlights, and a Honda powertrain and interior. The 3.0-liter and 3.2-liter VTEC V6 engines were powerful, revving to 8,000 RPM. After a 15-year production run, it ended in 2005. Honda teased a successor in 2016 with hybrid power, but it never really achieved the success it deserved. After the Type S bowed out in 2022, the NSX was retired.The Acura NSX was a unique supercar that tried to prove something different.