10 (Almost) Affordable European Supercars

2016 Maserati GranTurismo Sport

Lots of us dream of buying a high-end European supercar. Or two. But face it: Very few of us will ever have that kind of money. No need to fret, however: Since everything is relative, we've found some of the most affordable new supercars on the market - which only look affordable when compared to the several supercars like the Bugatti Veyron, which starts at $1.7 Million. So which are most affordable? Some of the best are right here, in this Autobytel roundup of 10 (Almost) Affordable European Supercars.

10. Lamborghini Huracan LP580-2 - Just over $200,000

While the Huracan LP580-2 is the cheapest way to get into a new Lamborghini, it’s still the most expensive car on our list of 10 (Almost) Affordable European Supercars, coming in at just over $200,000. The LP580-2’s normally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 is down on power compared to other Huracan models, with "only" 572 horsepower. To help make up for that deficit, the LP580-2 is rear-wheel drive (unlike the rest of the range which is entirely all-wheel drive), making for a lighter and more nimble vehicle. The combination of power and light weight means that the run to 60 mph takes just a tick over 3 seconds. Top speed: 199 mph.

Photo by Newspress USA

9. Ferrari California T - $202,723

At just a hair over $200,000, the California T is Ferrari’s least expensive model. Now featuring a turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 that makes 553 horsepower, the California T can sprint from zero to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds, and it has a top speed of 196 mph. The California is a joy to drive, especially with the top down, and can easily be used as a daily driver (at least in warmer climates). Unfortunately, the California T isn’t quite as nimble or as responsive as the brand’s other models. On the flip side, however, the California T, at $202,723, is a bit less high strung than its siblings, while still retaining all that Maranello magic found in every Ferrari.

Photo by Ferrari

8. Audi R8 V10 plus - $189,900

Audi’s R8 has been one of the most affordable European supercars ever since it was introduced, and the latest model is the best yet. The $189,900 Audi R8 V10 plus is powered by a 5.2-liter normally aspirated engine making 610 horsepower, enough to hurtle the car to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and then up to a top speed of 205 mph. The mid-engine R8 feels comfortable at high speeds, and it shines on twisty roads, where chassis composure is aided by a hint of typical Audi understeer. The standard Audi R8 V10 is down quite a bit in power compared to the V10 plus, but it’s still a very quick car, and $27,000 less expensive.

Photo by Audi

7. Porsche 911 Turbo S - $190,000

The Porsche 911 Turbo S is the first (and only) car on our list of 10 (Almost) Affordable European Supercars to crack the 3-second barrier. Thanks to an all-wheel-drive system and 580 horsepower from a turbocharged 3.8-liter flat-6 engine, the Turbo S hits 60 mph in only 2.8 seconds before going on to a top speed of 205 mph. While the Turbo S doesn’t feel quite as agile as some of the other (lighter) 911s in Porsche's lineup, this car is remarkably easy to use as an everyday driver, and it's confidence-inspiring on twisty mountain roads. If the $190,000 Porsche 911 Turbo S is too expensive for your budget, the standard 911 is a great car that comes in at less than half the price - starting at $89,400, but it would hardly be eligible for supercar status.

Photo by Porsche

6. Aston Martin V12 Vantage S - $185,000

The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is the only 12-cylinder-powered car on our list of the 10 (Almost) Affordable European Supercars. With a 5.9-liter V12 that makes 563 horsepower, the Vantage V12 S hits 60 mph in a relatively pedestrian 3.7 secondss. Top speed is 205 mph, making this the fastest Aston Martin currently available. The V12 Vantage S is good on the road but the best part of the car is the engine (and the sound that it makes), which is best unleashed on a track. While the V12 Vantage S rings in at around $185,000, the V8 version can be had for around $60,000 less, starting at $121,295.

5. McLaren 570S - $185,000

Also coming in at around $185,000 is the McLaren 570S, an "entry-level" McLaren that uses a similar turbocharged 3.8-liter V8 as the rest of the brand’s lineup. In the 570S, the V8 makes 562 horsepower, enough to propel the lightweight English machine to 60 mph in around 3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 204 mph. As in other McLarens, the ride is amazingly smooth for a supercar, and the superb handling inspires confidence whenever you push the carbon-chassis car to its high limits. In some other markets (including Canada) an even more affordable McLaren 540C model is available, but unfortunately it's not currently available here in the US.

Photo by Megan Green

4. BMW i8 - $140,000

The BMW i8 is the only hybrid car on our list of 10 (Almost) Affordable European Supercars, making use of a 228-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine and a 129-horsepower electric motor. Combined system power is 357 horsepower, which can propel the BMW i8 to 60 mph in a very unhybrid-like 4.2 seconds (or around 9 seconds in all-electric mode). Top speed is limited to 155 mph. We're happy to report that the i8 drives more like a supercar than a hybrid. Fuel economy is quite good (76 MPGe and 28 mpg combined), though you’d have to save a lot of money on fuel purchases to justify the i8’s $140,000 asking price.

Photo by BMW

3. Maserati GranTurismo Sport - $133,000

With the run to 60 mph taking 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 185 mph, the Maserati GranTurismo Sport won't be setting any performance records, but that’s missing the point. The best part of the Maserati GranTurismo Sport is its Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V-8, a naturally aspirated engine that produces 454 horsepower. The Maserati's styling is also great. Inside, there's room for four, and the ride is surprisingly composed. With an asking price of around $133,000, the 2016 Maserati GranTurismo Sport is the most affordable way you can tell your friends that you have a Ferrari V8 in your car.

Photo by Maserati

2. Mercedes-AMG GT S - $130,000

The $130,000 Mercedes-AMG GT S is quite a lot of car for the money. Under the hood you get a turbocharged 503-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 that can propel the car to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 194 mph. Inside, you get an interior filled with nice materials and comfortable seats, though the cockpit is slightly cramped. A stiff suspension means ride quality isn’t great. While the handling is great on smooth surfaces, the GT S can get a bit tricky on rougher tarmac. The only thing missing from the experience are the SLS's famous gullwing doors, but believe us: You won’t be thinking of those when you're tearing up one of your favorite roads in the Mercedes-AMG GT S.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

1. Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe - $56,000

Coming in at around $56,000, the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupe is the real bargain in our list of 10 (Almost) Affordable European Supercars. Although the turbocharged 1.8-liter inline-4 makes only 237 horsepower, this Alfa's extremely stiff carbon-fiber chassis helps keep the weight down to get the most from the engine. Weighing in at around 2,500 pounds, the 4C Coupe sprints to 60 mph in only 4.1 seconds, and the top speed is 160 mph. The stiff and lightweight chassis also helps the 4C's excellent agility, which thankfully doesn't come at the expense of good ride quality. This incredibly sporty Alfa makes a good point: You can spend four times this much on a car that's not half as much fun.

Photo by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles