2018 Nissan GT-R
Godzilla likes the snow too. If you’ve ever thought the Nissan GT-R was intended for only dry pavement, you’d be very wrong. It’s one of the best winter sports cars in terms of handling and performance. All you need to do is equip it with winter tires, because the factory-equipped Dunlop SP Sport Maxx run-flat summer tires slide like hockey pucks when the temperature dips to freezing.
The 3.8-liter V6 with 565 horsepower sounds like overkill, but the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive puts control firmly in your grasp…as long as you drive somewhat responsibly. On top of that, you want to make sure you aren’t plowing snow with the front fascia – the GT-R has a minimal 109mm ground clearance.
With this sports-focused monster coupe, you’ll get heated seats, heated outside mirrors and dual-zone automatic climate control. You won’t get a heated steering wheel or some of the finer cold weather appointments, but it’s still a beast in the snow.
2018 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
It makes a great case for being the best winter sports car on the road today. The 2018 Subaru Impreza WRX STi is proven to be a winner on winter rally courses (and summer ones too). It’s a four-door sedan, which seems odd for a sports car at first, but it’s quickly forgotten once behind the wheel.
It packs 305 horsepower under the hood, compliments of a turbocharged 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder BOXER engine. Its Symmetrical AWD system is beyond capable, featuring a Driver Controlled Center Differential for precise front-to-rear torque distribution using limited-slip helical front and Torsen rear differentials.
It’s laden with options straight from the factory. Because the nights get dark sooner, LED steering-responsive headlights are standard on the STi. In the All-Weather Package, heated side mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, dual-zone climate control and heated front seats are included.
When you aren’t busy road-rallying your STi in the winter, you can take it off-roading in the summer. Be sure to use the appropriate tires for the season – the factory-equipped tires should probably be changed out for winter ones once the snow flies.
2018 Audi TTS Coupe
You had to know an Audi quattro model was going to hit the list of best winter sports car contenders. The 2018 Audi TTS Coupe was chosen, but it could easily have been the S5 Coupe also. The TTS wins out because, well, it looks sportier. It has better ground clearance than other models on the list (ahem, the Nissan GT-R). Honestly, the Audi TTS Coupe is a personal favorite too.
You can’t argue with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and can accomplish a top speed of 155 mph. Add to that Audi’s quattro AWD system that grabs traction where there appears to be none, and you have the makings of a champ. Audi Drive Select gives the driver selections for performance based on current conditions, which you’ll appreciate when the roads are terrible.
As a premium model, you can expect a few of the finer things in life inside. Heated seats, heated side mirrors, heated windshield washer nozzles and automatic climate control are all standard. The leather interior is sporty with S-inspired trim and badging, and there are fantastic options including the Audi Virtual Cockpit 12-inch digital cluster display.
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