New or Redesigned Sports Car Models for 2016

It's that time of year again; the new, 2016 model cars are starting to arrive. Redesigned sports cars for 2016 include the Acura NSX, Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi R8, Audi TT, Buick Cascada, Chevrolet Camaro, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mercedes-AMG GT, and Mercedes-AMG GT S. Read on for a synopsis of the latest and greatest features of these new 2016 models.

Out of production since 2005, the Acura NSX makes its return in 2016. Both the original and its new replacement are powered by 3.5 liter V6 engines, but while the original was known as a lightweight ‘pure’ sports car, the new model features hybrid technology, all-wheel drive, and twin turbos. All these extras might disappoint some drivers who crave the simplicity of what now seems like a bygone era, but the Acura's more than 550 horsepower should help relieve some of that disappointment.

To help lower weight while maintaining strength and rigidity, the NSX has an aluminum, carbon fiber, and high-strength steel body with space frame construction. A paddle shifted 9-speed dual clutch transmission gives the driver control over engine RPMs, and the 3-motor Sport Hybrid Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system can transfer power between wheels to maximize traction. Inside, the traditional instrument cluster is replaced with a color TFT three-meter instrument cluster with reconfigurable graphics.

Alfa Romeo has been lacking a rear-wheel drive sedan for more than two decades, and the Giulia looks to be more than ready to make up for that absence. Introduced in Quadrifoglio Verde (or QV), it gets a turbocharged 3.0 liter Ferrari-derived V6 that can put out 503 HP. Thanks to the use of lightweight materials (including carbon fiber and aluminum composite) Alfa says that the QV has the best weight-to-power ratio, at lower than 3 kilograms per horsepower (6.6 pounds per horsepower), which translates into a curb weight of a little over 3300 lbs.

For the best possible handling, the Giulia has a perfect 50/50 weight distribution. To eek the most out of the available traction a Torque Vectoring system can control the power delivered to each rear wheel individually, and the Alfa DNA driving mode system comes with Dynamic, Natural, Advanced Efficient, and Racing settings. We eventually expect to see four cylinder and all-wheel drive versions of the Giulia.

At first glance the second generation of the Audi R8 might look similar to the old version, but a closer inspection reveals numerous differences. Power is provided by two versions of the 5.2 liter FSI V10 (the V8 is no longer available), making 540 HP in the regular model or 610 HP in the V10 plus model, while weight has been reduced to 3206 lbs, a reduction of over 100 lbs compared to the previous model. The sprint from 0-62 mph takes 3.2 seconds in the V10 plus, while the top speed is 205 mph.

The new Audi R8 features extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics and aluminum, including some new alloys. The previous car’s distinctive side blades make a return, but they are now split into two and separated by a strip of the car’s body. The quattro all-wheel drive system normally sends 100 percent of power to the rear wheels, but can divert up to 100 percent of the torque to the front wheels if necessary, while the S tronic gearbox has a coasting mode that is activated when the driver’s foot is removed from the accelerator at speeds above 34 mph. For even more control, carbon fiber ceramic bake discs and Audi’s magnetic ride shock absorbers are available.

The new 2016 Audi TT pays tribute to its past, featuring the same short overhangs and broad wheel arches as the original, but in a more angular wrapper. The TT Coupe and Roadster are powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter engine that puts out 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, while the TTS (only available in coupe form) manages 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque from the same displacement. All models offer a six-speed dual clutch S tronic transmission, the quattro all-wheel drive system, and the Audi drive select system.

The Audi TT features a virtual cockpit, which uses a 12.3 inch TFT display with 3D graphics to combine the functions of the instrument cluster and central MMI system. The Audi drive select system now allows the driver to adjust the quattro all-wheel drive system, shift points, throttle response, and steering, while the TTS’ standard magnetic ride suspension features dynamic, auto, comfort, and individual modes. Options include Audi connect with online services, auto-dimming and power folding exterior mirrors, and a 680 watt Bang & Olufsen Sound System that uses 12 speakers for 5.1 surround sound.

The 2016 Buick Cascada is all-new for North America, though production of the nearly identical Opel Cascada started in 2013 in Europe. Though most convertibles now use folding hard tops, the Cascada makes due with a soft top. While it might not be quite as solid as a hard top, it does feature thermal and acoustic insulation and can be lowered in only 17 seconds. A sport lowered chassis, StabiliTrak technology, 20 inch wheels, and a HiPer Strut suspension keeps the car on the road and helps tame the 200 horsepower from the turbocharged 1.6 liter engine.

The Cascada features the Easy Entry system that tilts and automatically slides the front seats forward for convenient access to the second row; for more storage, the 50/50 rear seats can be folded flat. Once inside, an electric seatbelt presenter slides forward, putting the seatbelt buckle into your hand. OnStar 4G LTE with a Wi-Fi hotspot is included (with a 3GB/3-month trial), as is the Buick Intellilink system and navigation.

The all-new sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro makes its debut in 2016. While it appears similar to the outgoing model in pictures, the new generation is lower and slimmer, with improved aerodynamics and cooling. Perhaps more importantly, it’s also 200 pounds lighter. The 2016 Camaro features an available 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that puts out 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, while normally aspirated V6s and V8s are still available.

To reduce unsprung weight and improve handling, the suspension is made from aluminum, as are all the wheel options. The optional Magnetic Ride Control can adjust the dampers to the road conditions, while Sport, Track, Tour, and Ice/Snow modes alter the traction control, stiffness, shift feel, and throttle. Active Rev Match on SS versions with the 6-speed manual transmission anticipates downshifts with throttle blips to match RPMs for smooth shifting that won’t unsettle the car. The Camaro SS also comes with Brembo brakes and auxiliary radiators, engine cooler, and transmission cooler, all of which is optional on LT versions.

Over the years the Mazda MX-5 Miata has gained a considerable amount of weight, but the 2016 model has gone on a bit of a diet, coming in about 150 lbs lighter than the previous generation (though still 182 lbs heavier than the original) at 2,332 lbs with the manual transmission. The new model is also a bit smaller, quicker, and more nimble. The torquey 2.0 liter 4-cylinder SKYACTIV-G engine puts out 155 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque, and combined with the standard SKYACTIV-MT 6-speed manual transmission now achieves fuel efficiency that is 25% greater than before. The engine has also been moved closer to the center of the vehicle, in order to improve the center of gravity and achieve a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution.

All MX-5 models get a USB input, Bluetooth wireless phone pairing and audio streaming. Smart keyless entry, a nine-speaker BOSE audio system with headrest mounted speakers, and a Brembo/BBS package (with lightweight forged 17” BBS wheels, Brembo front brakes, red painted calipers, a rear bumper skirt and side sill extensions) are available on some models. Some trims also include Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety technologies, which includes blond spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front lighting, lane departure warning, high beam control, and rain-sensing wipers.

The Mercedes-AMG GT is a front mid-engine sports car that features lightweight aluminum construction. Though somewhat reminiscent of the old SLS AMG, the GT is smaller, and lacks the gull-wing doors that distinguished the previous model. Powered by a newly developed twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter AMG V8 that puts out 462 horsepower, and backed by an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed transaxle, the new GT can hit 62 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds and continue on to a top speed of 189 miles per hour. Thanks to the rear-mounted transaxle, weight distribution is 47% front and 53% rear.

Standard safety equipment includes Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Adaptive Brake, and Attention Assist, while Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Parktronic, PRE-SAFE, the Lane Tracking package with Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist, and Traffic Sign Assist are available. A composite brake system with 14.2” brake discs all around is standard, while a lightweight ceramic high-performance brake system is available as an option with 15.8” front discs and 14.2’ rear discs. A selectable exhaust system can be fitted, with fully variable exhaust flaps that allow the driver to vary the engine sound, from quiet and relaxed to powerful and emotive.

The Mercedes-AMG GT S is a more extreme version of the regular GT, one that is ready for the race track. Featuring an extra 48 horsepower compared to the regular version (for a total of 510), the GT S is also slightly heavier, picking up 66 lbs for a not-so-svelt curb weight of 3,454 lbs. Despite the weight handicap, it can sprint to 62 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 193 miles per hour. The seven-speed dual clutch transmission in transaxle configuration at the rear axle helps allow for a near-perfect 47% front and 53% rear weight distribution.

The GT S comes with a performance exhaust system with variable exhaust flaps that allow the driver to vary the engine sound from quiet and civilized to loud and yobbish. The suspension’s damping characteristics can be adjusted, with Comfort, Sport, and Sport plus options. The AMG Dynamic Plus package uses dynamic engine and transmission mounts that can be made stiffer for better performance or softer for more comfort, stiffer springs and dampers, more negative camber on the front axle, and a Race driving mode. The optional ceramic high-performance brake system uses lightweight 15.8” rotors in the front and 14.2” rotors in the rear.