Top 10 cars for track day driving
Motors which need to be driven with little in the way
WE ARE all for safety here at Sun Motors but there are some cars that just need to be driven fast.
There’s nothing like taking a car on to the track and seeing what it’s made of.
If you’re in the market for a car that you can thrash around — legally and safely — here’s some that’ll be of interest to you. We’ve based our selection on speed, drive quality and looks.
Track cars... the best cars for being driven with nothing in the way
1. FERRARI 458 - BUY USED FROM £79,850. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST HERE
Number one ... 458 is a superb car to drive on the track
When you’re on the track you’re looking to experience more than just your standard car journey, and the 458 certainly delivers. The superb handing and quality of the drive at such high speeds make this Ferrari one of the best for a track day. As soon as you’re given the green light, there’ll be no stopping you, as it’s so quick off the mark.
2. CATERHAM SEVEN 160
Kit car ... Once assembled, you can't beat the thrill of driving a 160
They say that feeling of wind blowing in your hair is nothing more than a state of mind – well, in this car, it’s certainly more than that. You get the real track experience behind the wheel of a Caterham Seven 160, with the open-top and low-centre of gravity. The car parts may be low in price, but when combined kick out great performance on the track.
3. NISSAN GT-R - BUY USED FROM £38,975. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST HERE
Classy ... The Nissan GT-R more than holds its own against other supercar heavyweights
Our man Jake Humphrey took a GT-R out for a spin and was mightily impressed. Nissan is finding online fame by defeating some of the world’s best supercars in enthralling drag races. The GT-R’s twin-turbo V6 engine sends its massive 546bhp to all four wheels, making it ideal for road or track driving.
4. PORSCHE CAYMAN GTS - BUY USED FROM £14,999. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST HERE
Expensive ... They cost a lot to own but don't pass up the opportunity to have a go in one
If you’ve got the money, or indeed the chance to drive a GTS around a track, you should jump at it. The Cayman GTS has 15bhp more than a Cayman S, so you’ll be doing blistering speeds in no time. The stiff suspension in Sport mode is ideal for track driving as the car feels even more agile around tight bends.
5. MCLAREN 650S SPIDER - READ THE FULL ROAD TEST HERE
Supercar ... sounds as good as it looks
The roar of the engine when you start the 650s is enough to get you excited, let alone the performance around a track. With a car like this, there’s only one thing to do – and that’s drive it fast. In Track mode there's more torque in every gear as you upshift under hard throttle – perfect for maximizing performance (and showing off a little).
6. LOTUS 2-ELEVEN - BUY USED LOTUS FROM £8,000
Ideal... A stripped-back 2-Eleven is a great car to experience on a track
You’re likely to find a Lotus waiting for you on most tracks. We’ve gone for the stripped back 2-Eleven, which is ideal for the circuit. The handling is excellent, and the controls and display are minimal so there’s less to worry about when you’re tearing round the bends. You’ll notice the incredibly reactive steering too, no matter what speed you’re travelling at.
7. PORSCHE 911 - BUY A USED 911 FROM £8,490. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST HERE
Stunning ... All 911s are a joy to drive - on the track or road
It’s hard to fault the 911 thanks to its interactive controls and precise handling. In fact, the drive is so thrilling some experts labelled this Porsche: ‘the best sports car on the planet’. That’s perhaps because of the car's versatility. It is a pleasure to drive on the road or track. Brilliantly engineered, Porsche improved its transmission and chassis for better day-to-day use, without losing any of the beauty of its track drive.
8. TOYOTA GT86 - BUY USED FROM £17,000. READ THE FULL ROAD TEST HERE
Smart... GT86s are great cars to drive without costing the world. Just don't sit in the back
The good thing about the GT86 is that it’s great fun to drive, on the road or track, without breaking the bank. It’s not the best performing car on our list but it’s a great drive and offers plenty of excitement. While it may be capable of day-to-day driving, it’s built more for zooming around a circuit. The legroom in the back is terribly tight, so take note of that before buying. Otherwise the fast-steering and rear-drive chassis will keep you happy - GT86 Driver's Club put on track days so you can show off your motor, too.
9. ARIEL ATOM
Destroyer... Jeremy Clarkson famously test-drove the Atom and nearly lost his face in the wind
Jeremy Clarkson famously said the Atom is so quick it can destroy your entire face. Hardly surprising when it does 0-60 in a staggering 2.9 seconds - if you can change gear fast enough that is. The pedals are very close together so be wary of wearing big boots as they can catch on the brake when you’re trying to accelerate. It’s exceptional when turning corners as you can literally see where to place the wheels, because there’s no outer body getting in the way.
10. BMW M3 GTS - BUY USED FROM £6,995.
Classic... M3s are brilliant everyday vehicles and hold their own on a track pretty well too
M3s have long been pleasing drivers on the track and the latest is the fastest so far. It’ll thrill whoever is behind the wheel. To reach its full potential you’ll need the freedom of a circuit, especially with the GTS model, where the focus is fully on the track. The radio, backseats and air conditioning all make way to make the car lighter – giving it the extra bit of oomph. The seven-speed, M-DCT twin-clutch automated manual is the only transmission offered.