10 CRAZY FAST SPORTS CARS FROM THE 2000S
The 2000s were a nice era for automotive enthusiasts, a decade where the wild progression of the 1990s met bold design and refinement to create some of the fastest sports cars ever seen. This was a time when manufacturers pushed the limits of speed, power, and performance, giving rise to a new breed of vehicles that redefined what was possible on four wheels.
From the racetrack to the streets, these machines not only set new benchmarks in acceleration and top speed, but also showcased the latest advancements in automotive technology. The thrill of driving was taken to new heights, as each car brought its own unique flair to the table.
Among the standout performers of this era were icons like the Nissan GT-R, Dodge Viper, and Chevrolet Corvette, each earning a place in the pantheon of automotive greatness. The Nissan GT-R, often dubbed "Godzilla," emerged as a technological marvel with its twin-turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system, delivering breathtaking speed and agility. The Dodge Viper, with its monstrous V-10 engine, offered raw, unbridled power that demanded respect and admiration.
Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 became a supercar killer, blending American muscle with sophisticated engineering to produce a sports car capable of challenging the best of Europe. These legends, along with several other remarkable machines, defined an era where speed and performance were paramount. Join us as we explore some of the craziest and fastest of that time.
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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers, and other authoritative sources, including KBB, J.D. Power, and Edmunds. Each model is ranked by its top speed.
2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
Top Speed: 165 MPH
A legendary icon that earns its place on this list for its advanced engineering and cult status among automotive enthusiasts, the 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R is the final iteration of the famous chassis. Chosen for its plethora of cutting-edge technology and racing pedigree, the R34 GT-R represents the pinnacle of Nissan’s performance capabilities in the early 2000s. Revered for its handling prowess and turbocharged power, this model was a marvel of its time. Its inclusion in this list is a nod to its influence on the sports car world and its lasting impact on car culture, solidifying its status as a must-have in any crazy 2000s car collection.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 2.6-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 330 HP |
| Torque | 293 LB-FT |
| Driveline | All-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 165 MPH |
The 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, particularly in its V·Spec II Nür and M·Spec Nür configurations, shows why they are included on this list. Named after the Nürburgring, where it was rigorously tested, the Nür variants feature an enhanced RB26DETT engine with larger, steel-bladed turbochargers for improved durability and performance. This all-wheel-drive beast delivers exceptional acceleration, with a 0-60 MPH time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 165 MPH. Beyond the numbers, the R34’s sophisticated ATTESA E-TS Pro system and advanced aerodynamics provide remarkable handling and stability.
2005 Acura NSX-R
Top Speed: 175 MPH
The 2005 Acura NSX-R earned its place among the fast sports cars of the 2000s due to its lightweight performance. While many sports cars chase higher horsepower figures, the NSX-R took a different route, focusing on reducing weight and enhancing responsiveness. This meticulous attention to weight savings and handling precision makes it a standout in an era dominated by brute force, offering a driving experience that emphasizes balance and agility.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.2-liter V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 290 HP |
| Torque | 224 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 175 MPH |
An all-new iteration, the NSX-R takes the meticulous NSX platform further with even finer tuning. This second iteration of the NSX-R, available exclusively in Japan, incorporated extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the body, including a large rear spoiler, vented hood, and deck lid, resulting in a 220-pound additional weight reduction.
The NSX-R's 3.2-liter V-6 engine was hand-assembled, ensuring each component was balanced for optimal performance. Despite maintaining the same official power output of 290 HP, the NSX-R's engine delivered a more responsive and free-revving experience. The result was a machine capable of lapping the Nürburgring as fast as a Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, despite being significantly underpowered.
2007 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Top Speed: 180 MPH
The 2007 Dodge Challenger SRT8 deserves a spot on our list of the craziest fast sports cars of the 2000s for its rather brute styling and raw performance. Reviving the legendary Challenger nameplate, Dodge equipped this modern muscle car with serious firepower, paying homage to the muscle car era while introducing newer technology. The SRT8's aggressive looks and thrilling performance made it an instant classic, capturing the essence of American muscle and setting the stage for even more powerful models down the road.
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Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.1-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 425 HP |
| Torque | 490 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 MPH |
Delving deeper into the 2007 Dodge Challenger SRT8, it's clear why this vehicle stands out. Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V-8 engine producing 425 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, the SRT8 delivers supercar level acceleration, going from 0 to 60 MPH in just 4.7 seconds.
Its rear-wheel-drive setup, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission, ensures all that power is effectively put on the pavement. The Challenger SRT8's performance credentials and bold design paved the way for the even more potent Dodge Hellcat, which would emerge in the following generation with over 700 horsepower.
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2002 BMW M5
Top Speed: 186 MPH
Making an appearance on this list as one of the most unsuspecting yet outrageously fast sports cars of the 2000s, the E39 BMW M5 needs more eyes on it. Selected for its combination of luxury, performance, and understated aggression, the M5 epitomizes the concept of a "sleeper" car that hides its ferocious capabilities behind a refined exterior.
This entry is not just about raw speed; it’s about the perfect blend of executive comfort and sports car thrills that BMW has mastered. The M5’s ability to deliver exhilarating performance while maintaining a sophisticated, unassuming presence earns it a well-deserved spot among the craziest cars of its era.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 4.9-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 394 HP |
| Torque | 369 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 186 MPH |
The M5 was one of the fastest sedans of its time. What truly sets the M5 apart is its ability to offer blistering speed and dynamic handling while retaining the comfort and luxury expected of a BMW 5 Series. The M5’s discreet appearance belies its high-performance nature, making it an ideal choice for those who crave speed without sacrificing refinement.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG
Top Speed: 186 MPH
Luxury cars set a standard, but performance luxury cars go beyond that. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG is a stunning example of German engineering and luxury combined with high performance. Selected for its refinement and power, the CLK63 AMG represents the pinnacle of what Mercedes-Benz and AMG can achieve together.
With its sleek design and roaring V-8 engine, this car offers a unique driving experience that marries comfort and speed. Its inclusion here highlights the diversity of fast cars from the 2000s, showcasing that blistering performance can come with a touch of elegance.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.2-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 7-speed automatic |
| Horsepower | 481 HP |
| Torque | 465 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.6-seconds |
| Top Speed | 186 MPH |
What truly sets this car apart is its ability to mingle high performance with luxury features, offering a comfortable ride without compromising on speed and agility. This beautiful concoction is why the CLK63 AMG deserves a spot on this list, representing an era where luxury and performance coexist seamlessly in the automotive world.
2009 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon
Top Speed: 191 MPH
The 2009 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon makes this list as one of the craziest fast sports cars of the 2000s, offering an absurdly cool combination of performance and practicality. Known for its luxury and power, the CTS-V was already a wild ride, but transforming it into a wagon and retaining the option for a manual transmission elevates it to another level.
This unconventional choice by Cadillac showcases their willingness to push boundaries and create a vehicle that caters to enthusiasts who want rowdy performance without sacrificing utility. The CTS-V Wagon's unique blend of speed, power, and practicality earns it a spot among the most exciting and unconventional sports cars of the decade.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.2-liter V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 556 HP |
| Torque | 551 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 191 MPH |
Equipped with Magnetic Ride Control, Brembo brakes, and 19-inch aluminum wheels, the CTS-V Wagon offers not only straight-line speed but also exceptional handling and braking performance. This combination of supercar speed and everyday usability makes the 2009 Cadillac CTS-V Wagon an extraordinary and memorable car from the 2000s.
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2005 Dodge Viper
Top Speed: 193 MPH
Arguably the best descriptive name for a sports car ever, the Dodge Viper stands as a symbol of raw, unadulterated American muscle. Chosen for its visceral driving experience and iconic status, the Viper stands out for its aggressive styling and performance. Dodge's approach of fitting a massive engine into a sleek coupe chassis resulted in a car that embodies brute force and track-ready capability. The Viper's presence here is not merely about numbers; it’s about the unapologetic attitude and sheer excitement it brought to the sports car world, making it an unforgettable part of the 2000s automotive landscape.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 8.0-liter V10 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 450 HP |
| Torque | 490 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 MPH |
What sets the Viper apart is not just its speed, but the way it delivers performance; raw, untamed, and exhilarating. Despite its niche appeal and significant depreciation over the years, the Viper’s blend of power and character cements its place among the craziest fast sports cars of the 2000s.
2008 Ford Mustang GT500
Top Speed: 200 MPH
The 2008 Ford Mustang GT500 roars into this list as a quintessential muscle car that keeps an air of classic American styling with the benefit of modern engineering. Chosen for its raw power and iconic heritage, the GT500 exemplifies the spirit of the Mustang lineage while pushing the envelope in performance.
With a supercharged V-8 engine under its hood, this beast not only captures attention with its aggressive looks but also delivers thrilling speed and a breathtaking driving experience. Its place on this list is cemented by its ability to provide a nostalgic nod to the past while embodying the advancements of the 2000s.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 5.4-liter supercharged V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 500 HP |
| Torque | 480 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 MPH |
The GT500’s transformation into the Super Snake, with enhancements like a new fiberglass hood, carbon-fiber components, and larger brakes further elevates its performance. These modifications include adjustable shocks, stiffer springs, and larger anti-roll bars, making the Super Snake a true animal on the road. Despite some challenges, such as its significant weight and traction issues, the GT500’s remarkable straight-line performance, coupled with its enhanced handling and braking capabilities, secured its position on this list.
2008 Porsche 911 GT2
Top Speed: 204 MPH
Like many sports car lists, this one ends with a Porsche at the top. The 997 generation 911 GT2 secures its place as the epitome of "crazy fast" sports cars from the 2000s. Chosen for its blistering speed and track-focused design, the GT2 is a high-performance marvel that pushes the boundaries of what a road-legal sports car can achieve. Limited to just 194 units in the U.S., this twin-turbocharged beast is not only a testament to Porsche’s engineering excellence but also a rare and highly coveted vehicle. The GT2’s exceptional power, precision, and exclusivity make it one of the coolest cars of the new millennium.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 3.6-liter twin-turbo flat-six |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 530 HP |
| Torque | 502 LB-FT |
| Driveline | All-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 204 MPH |
The 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 is a track weapon disguised as a road car, with a performance pedigree that is second to none. Its aggressive aerodynamics, including a revised front lip and a distinctive rear wing, enhance both its appearance and performance. With its brutal acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and limited production numbers, the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 stands out as one of the most exhilarating and exclusive sports cars of the 2000s, embodying the very essence of "crazy fast."
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2006 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Top Speed: 212 MPH
The 2006 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is an iconic entry on this list. Selected for its remarkable balance of power, speed, and technological sophistication, the ZR1, often referred to by its nickname "Blue Devil," epitomizes Chevrolet's pursuit of creating a supercar killer. Developed under the internal code name due to its anticipated exceptional capabilities, the ZR1 pushes the boundaries of what a sports car can achieve, blending raw power with precise handling. Its presence on this list is not just due to its impressive performance metrics, but also because of its status as a game-changer in the sports car arena of the 2000s.
Performance Specifications
| Engine | 6.2-liter supercharged V8 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 638 HP |
| Torque | 604 LB-FT |
| Driveline | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 212 MPH |
Upon its release, the C6 Corvette ZR1 quickly lived up to its formidable reputation. The heart of this beast is the supercharged LS9 V-8 engine. The extensive use of carbon fiber and advanced materials on the car, including carbon-ceramic brakes and Magnetic Selective Ride Control, not only reduced weight but also enhanced performance and handling. The ZR1's cutting-edge technology and engineering make it a deserving entry on this list, showcasing what Chevrolet can achieve when it pushes the envelope in the pursuit of high-performance.
2024-06-23T11:12:01Z dg43tfdfdgfd