For sports car enthusiasts, winter weather doesn’t have to mean parking your favorite ride. With the right tires and some caution, today’s high-performance coupes, sedans and hatches can be surprisingly capable in cold, snowy conditions.
Here are 11 sports cars for winter driving in 2024.
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Jaguar F-Type
The sleek, powerful Jaguar F-Type is a true driver’s car with excellent handling and acceleration. Opt for all-wheel drive and winter tires; you’ll have one of the most capable winter sports cars around.
The AWD system features Intelligent Driveline Dynamics technology that can vector torque side-to-side for incredible grip and control.
The supercharged V6 makes 380 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, while the howling supercharged V8 cranks out 550+ hp, depending on the model.
With plenty of low-end torque, tenacious AWD grip and dynamic stability control, the Jag F-Type inspires confidence in cold-weather driving.
Nissan GT-R
The legendary Nissan GT-R’s advanced AWD system gives it astonishing traction and control in all conditions.
Its ATTESA E-TS torque split system continually adjusts power distribution depending on road conditions, sending up to 50% of torque to the front wheels when needed.
Add in sophisticated vehicle dynamics control and Nissan’s RAYS forged alloy wheels shod with winter rubber, and snow is no match for Godzilla.
The twin-turbo 3.8L V6 churns out 565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque for explosive acceleration out of snow banks and around icy corners.
With its race-inspired AWD system and electronics, the GT-R is one of the most snow-friendly supercars ever built.
Porsche 911
With rear weight bias and oversteer-happy handling, the venerable Porsche 911 seems an unlikely choice for winter use.
But experienced drivers know that the 911 is remarkably drivable in cold, slippery conditions with proper tires and some caution.
Equipped with Pirelli or Michelin winter tires, an AWD 911 becomes a competent snow vehicle.
The latest 992-generation 911 Carrera S has 443 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, so there’s plenty of power to enjoy.
Extended wheelbases, advanced stability systems, and time-tested poise give 911 drivers confidence in snow and ice.
Audi RS3 & RS5
For compact and midsize-performance sedans with serious winter capabilities, look to Audi’s RS models.
Based on the A3 and A5 coupe/Sportback, these rally-bred rockets feature Audi’s renowned Quattro AWD system and turbocharged five-cylinder engines.
The RS3 packs a 394 hp turbo five with a snarling note, while the RS5 Coupe/Sportback gets a 444 hp version of the iconic 2.9L motor.
Their Quattro systems have a rear torque bias for dry grip yet can instantly send power wherever needed. Lowered sport suspensions, bigger brakes, and performance tires check the “fun” boxes, making the RS3 and RS5 great options for wintry backroad storming.
Dodge Challenger
Most American muscle cars wilt in winter, but the Challenger’s available AWD makes it shockingly capable in snow and ice.
The SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody model is the most outrageous, rocking 797 supercharged horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque.
That much power going to all four wheels will obliterate snow banks and blaze through blizzard conditions.
More mainstream AWD Challenger R/T and GT models are also offered. While heavy and not exactly nimble, a Challenger AWD can’t be held back by typical winter conditions – just be sure to upgrade the tires.
The drift-happy, tail-happy nature takes some acclimation, but this muscle brute has serious snow prowess.
BMW M5 & M3
BMW’s legendary M Division performance models no longer come solely in rear-drive. The latest M5 and M3 sedans now offer AWD, making them great options for winter.
Their advanced xDrive AWD systems have a rear bias for dry grip yet can instantaneously send torque forward when needed.
This combines with rear-biased Dynamic Stability Control, wide performance tires, and adaptive suspensions to give both M sedans tenacious snow traction without sacrificing their RWD heritage and handling balance.
Underhood sit twin-turbo V8 (M5) and inline-6 (M3) engines with gobs of torque, so you’ll never be left wanting for power.
For a thrilling winter canyon carver, go with the M3. If you prefer crushing snow banks under 507 hp, choose the M5.
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Cadillac’s newest performance sedan has already proven itself as a capable cold weather track weapon in winter testing.
The 2023 CT4-V Blackwing has a standard 6-speed manual transmission and an available 10-speed automatic to a 472 hp twin-turbo V6 with 445 lb-ft of torque.
Variable suspension dampers, big Brembo brakes, proper winter tires, and a Performance Traction Management system supplying torque vectoring make this Caddy a legitimate snow machine.
With 50/50 weight distribution and driver-focused dynamics, the Blackwing will be a hoot when the white stuff flies.
Even more snow prowess can be unlocked via the available carbon fiber aero package and stickier summer tires. Just watch those scrape angles in deep snow.
Subaru WRX
With turbocharged boxer power sending torque to all four wheels through a nimble symmetrical AWD system, the Subaru WRX is built for rally-inspired winter fun.
The latest WRX packs a 271 hp turbo-four, advanced torque vectoring capabilities, and a stiffer chassis for whip-fast responses.
The manual transmission features auto rev-matching for smooth downshifts into snowy corners.
SER and Sport trims add big 19” wheels with performance rubber to further enhance snow and ice grip.
The new WRX hasn’t lost its rally genes – this is still the quintessential all-wheel-drive winter canyon carver and the one to beat in winter rallycross.
Toyota GR Corolla
Toyota surprised the world with the spectacular new 300-hp GR Corolla hot hatch. This homologation special debuts for 2023, packing a unique 3-cylinder turbocharged engine, close-ratio transmission, and – most importantly – AWD and limited-slip differentials at both axles for a tenacious grip.
The wide-track chassis and bulging fenders house suitably sticky 18″ tires. While still a new model, the GR Corolla’s slick powertrain, custom driveline components, and torque vectoring give it the pedigree of a winter monster. Initial reviews have praised its traction and controllability in poor conditions.
Lightweight with near-perfect weight distribution and a low center of gravity, this hatch has serious snow credentials for crushing your local rally stages.
Volkswagen Golf R
Few small performance cars love winter as much as the Volkswagen Golf R.
This rally-bred all-wheel-drive hot hatch remains the defining high-strung winter warrior. Understated in appearance, the R packs 315 hp and 310 lb-ft from its turbo 2.0L four-cylinder.
VW’s 4Motion AWD system utilizes a torque vectoring rear differential for incredible grip and adjustability when varying torque from side to side.
This pairs beautifully with the limited-slip front differential for chasing snowy sweepers.
Add in the updated digital cockpit and driver assistance tech, along with adaptive damping and progressive steering, and the latest Mk8 Golf R is magic in frozen conditions. It relishes slippery roads that leave most sports cars floundering helplessly.
Mercedes-Benz GT
The elegant and powerful Mercedes-Benz GT sports car/grand tourer offers a surprisingly capable AWD system.
Complimenting the gorgeous styling and abundant power is 4Matic+ AWD that continually divvies torque fore and aft along with side to side.
In everyday driving, it’s rear-biased for balance, but in poor conditions can immediately send ample power to all four wheels.
Advanced electronics orchestrate oversteer-mitigating torque vectoring along with stability controls.
Winter tires are a must to harness all the performance, but equipped properly, a GT with AWD simply motors through deep snow and impressive ice with the sure-footed nature of a rally car. The GT C’s 550 hp biturbo V8 provides endless traction out of the nastiest situations.
Final Thoughts
When you have the right sports car choice, winter doesn’t have to mean the end of driving fun. With appropriate tires, some added weight over the drive wheels, and careful acclimation to slippery conditions, many top-performing coupes, sedans, and hatchbacks available today have the potential to become your preferred performance car all season long.
So don’t stash your sports car this winter – embrace the cold and snow with one of these options!
