Kenya’s automotive landscape is evolving, with a growing appetite for high-performance machines. Despite our roads’ imperfections, the thrill of driving a sports car remains undeniable. From sleek coupes to powerful convertibles, the Kenyan market offers a diverse range of options.
Below, we delve into the top sports cars in Kenya. We’ll explore their key features, pricing insights, and what makes them a dream for automotive enthusiasts. Join us as we uncover the exhilarating world of sports cars in Kenya.
10. Toyota GT86/Subaru BRZ
Toyota’s GT86 and Subaru BRZ duo is a celebrated sports car thanks to its back-to-basics approach prioritizing the joy of driving over technological wizardry or even ludicrous performance. This modern sports car boasts the classic rear wheel drive configuration, offering a predictable and more engaging driving experience. Its RWD setup makes it a better sports car for controlled drifts and dynamic handling. The earlier versions of the GT86 and BRZ featured a Subaru-sourced naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine.
However, the modern versions of the GR 86 and BRZ boast a larger 2.4-litre boxer engine with 232 hp and 250 Nm of torque. While it can’t match the output of turbocharged or supercharged rivals, the GT86’s engine rewards with a satisfying exhaust note and linear power delivery. Sending power to the rear wheels is a manual transmission, further providing an engaging and more direct driving experience.
9. Mazda Roadster
Also known as the MX-5 Miata, the Roadster is a lightweight and agile sports car introduced in 1989. At the time, it featured pop-up headlights, a 1.6-litre engine, and a five-speed manual transmission. The Roadster has been around for four generations, with the latest versions debuting in 2015. Also known as the ND Roadster or Miata, the lightweight sports car uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 134 hp and 152 Nm of torque.
Mazda also offers a more potent engine in the Roadster RF variant, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 181 hp and 205 Nm of torque. While neither engine matches the output of most sports cars on this list, they have enough power to have fun be it on twisty roads or the track. Fortunately, the Roadster is among the most affordable sports cars for sale in Kenya, with a new base model starting at KSh 2.4 million (before import and taxes).
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8. Audi TT
First introduced in 1998, the Audi TT has been the brand’s go-to affordable front-engine sports car. While it’s no longer available in Audi’s modern lineup, the TT remains a favourite in the used market. In Kenya, the third generation, introduced in 2014, is the more common model. This is the sportiest version of the TT, and it’s available in a variety of configurations including the TTS and TT RS. The latter is the most powerful variant, thanks to its legendary five-cylinder engine with 400 hp and 480 Nm of torque.
While the TT RS is on the pricier side of the cars for sale in Kenya, some well-maintained, low-mileage TT models sell for as low as KSh 1.8 million (that’s before importing to Kenya). Such models boast Audi’s four-cylinder engine with power ranging from 197 hp to 245 hp. While the base TT’s performance doesn’t make it a hardcore sports car, it provides a well-rounded package which combines practicality, performance, and style.
7. Nissan Fairlady Z (350/370)
In the Nissan family, the Z represents the brand’s entry-level sports car. Despite its KSh 4.5 million starting price, the Fairlady Z has a lot to offer for the price. It boasts a mighty twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 powertrain with 400 hp and 475 Nm of torque. In addition, Nissan pairs the engine with either a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic. While both promise responsive acceleration, the manual conveys the true joy of a sports car, connecting the driver with the car.
For those seeking lower-priced sports cars for sale in Kenya, the Fairlady Z’s predecessors, the 350Z and 370Z are great choices. While they don’t have twin-turbocharged powertrains, the naturally aspirated V6 delivered up to 350 hp in the 370Z Nismo and a satisfying high-revving experience. Today, these cars make great sports cars, thanks to their sleek designs and excellent value for money compared to other six-cylinder powered sports cars.
6. BMW M2
Like most sports cars on this list, the M2 perfectly balances performance, driving experience and handling. Revised in 2022, the new M2 continues with its signature M performance, boasting BMW’s revered straight-6 engine with 460 hp and 550 Nm of torque. Unfortunately, unlike most of its rivals, the new M2 commands a steeper starting price of around KSh 6.6 million. However, there are deals to be had for buyers who are willing to consider the first-generation models, especially a well-maintained and low-mileage 2019 M2 Competition trim which can be had for around KSh 4.3 million (before import and taxes).
Like its successor, the first-gen model used a straight-6 engine, boasting 410 hp, 50 less than the successor. Besides its German-esque pricing, the M2 is a thrilling sports car, especially thanks to its rear-wheel drive layout and an array of transmissions, including an engaging six-speed manual.
5. Toyota GR Supra/BMW Z4
Reintroduced in 2019, the GR Supra ended the brand’s 17-year hiatus since the discontinuation of its predecessor in 2002. The fifth generation GR Supra is the BMW Z4’s sportier sibling, only available in the coupe style while the Z4 offers a convertible. Both vehicles share platforms, providing enthusiasts with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car. Today, Toyota and BMW equip their sports cars with two powertrains, a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder and a mightier 3.0-litre inline-6.
The latter is the more powerful and fun powertrain, and it’s available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. In addition to their exhilarating performance, these sports cars boast high-quality interiors, with the GR Supra benefiting from BMW’s engineering prowess. Both models are true sports cars, promising thrilling rides that will satisfy both casual drivers and driving enthusiasts alike.
4. Ford Mustang
The Kenyan muscle car scene is steadily growing with the Mustang gracing the Kenyan roads more frequently. Introduced in the 1960s, the Mustang has been among the leading muscle cars in the world. In Kenya, the sixth-gen Mustang, the S550, is among the most common sports cars in Kenya. This version has only two powertrain options: a four-cylinder EcoBoost or the mighty naturally aspirated V8.
Unlike the American models, we don’t get the V6-powered and supercharged models. However, workarounds exist for more power like installing an aftermarket supercharger kit. Fortunately, both powertrains are reasonably potent, with the 2.3-litre EcoBoost in the S550 base trims producing 310 hp and 434 Nm of torque. On the other hand, opting for the GT trim rewards you with the 5.0-litre V8, churning out 460 hp and 569 Nm of torque.
3. Nissan GT-R
In a world filled with mostly rear-wheel drive sports cars, the GT-R is among the few variants that are only available with all-wheel drive. While it ditched the Skyline moniker in the late 2000s, the R35 GT-R has been unchanged for the last 15 years. However, Nissan has made incremental upgrades to the GT-R, making it not only more dominant in the sports car space, but also a model with top-quality performance and build quality.
Powering the modern R35 GT-R is a twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V6 engine, producing 562 hp and 637 Nm of torque. The engine pairs with Nissan’s six-speed dual-clutch automatic, powering all four wheels through the ATTESSA E-TS system. This helps the GT-R deliver exceptional handling and traction, making it a precision cornering and acceleration champion.
2. Porsche 911
The 911 has long been the go-to sports car for most driving enthusiasts. Since its introduction in 1963 as the 901, the 911 has grown to become an iconic sports car with multiple variations and powertrains. Currently in its eighth generation, the 911 is among the few sports cars in Kenya that turn heads whenever spotted out in the wild. The 991 and 992 are the more common models, both boasting modern designs and mighty powertrains.
Among the most common models include the base Carrera, which for a good used model with a Porsche warranty would cost around KSh 8,6 million (before import and taxes). Despite being the base trim, the Carrera has enough oomph from its six-cylinder engine, enabling it to dash from 0 to 100 in just 4.2 seconds. However, pricier models have also graced the Kenyan market, including the 911 GT3, 911 Turbo S, and many more.
1. Bentley Continental GT
Unlike most cars on this list, the Continental GT and GTC are the best luxury sports cars on offer. The lineup perfectly combines luxury and performance, boasting a selection of powerful engines. These include a twin turbocharged V8 and a W12 which unfortunately was discontinued from the option list in 2024. The Continental GT and GTC models stand out thanks to their responsive handling and sharp steering despite their weight and size.
Furthermore, the Bentley contours the Continental GT lineup, giving it an elegant and sleek design to make it stand out from posh rivals like the Rolls Royce Wraith, BMW 8 Series and Mercedes-BEnz S Class coupe. In addition to their design and performance, the Continental GT and GTC are Bentley through and through, showcasing an interior crafted with the finest materials for unparalleled style and comfort.
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