BMW produced their 2nd generation 3 Series in 1982, firstly as a coupé, then followed by sedan, cabriolet and touring models.

Like the E21 which precedes it, the E30 comes with a 4 or 6 cylinder in-line engine, going this time from 86 to 192 ch for the standard range. This generation of Series 3 is also the first to offer a diesel engine as well as an all-wheel drive version called 325iX.

Introduced in 1986, was the first M3 sports car driven by a 4-cylinder double camshaft 16 valve 2.3L and 200 hp engine (195 in catalyzed version), which was increased to 215 hp after the the model update in 1999. The Evo I and Evo II versions offer 200 and 220 hp respectively, while the ultimate M3, the Sport Evo, hosts a 2.5L reamed engine producing 238 hp.

First appearing in the early 90s, it's the 3rd generation of the BMW 3 Series to come out of their factory in Munich.

The BMW E36 exists in 5 different body types : coupé, sedan, cabriolet, tourer and a new style at the time for BMW, the compact.

For the engines, like the E30, it has both 4 and 6 cylinder models (petrol or diesel), and an M3 version, with two engine types : 3.0L 286 hp with single vanos, and 3.2L 321 hp with double vanos, available for coupé, sedan and cabriolet bodies.

It's with this generation that BMW first introduced their version of variable valve timing, called VANOS, (VAriable NOckenwelle Steuerung). A real innovative period for BMW, as it's also with this generation that they released their first robotic gearbox, one of the first on the market, the SMG : Sequential Motorsport Gearbox.

The 4th generation 3 Series arrived in BMW dealerships in 1998, first as a sedan, then as a coupe, Touring (station wagon), convertible and finally Compact (3-door).

In the traditional range, this family E46 is equipped with 4 or 6 cylinder in-line petrol or diesel engines producing between 105 and 231 hp. Depending on the model, it could be either rear wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.

The high-performance model, the M3, available as a coupe or a convertible, received a 6-cylinder 3.2L 343 hp, available with a 6-speed manual or a sequential SMG-II gearbox. BMW then wen further offering a lighter version, the M3 CSL with 360 hp and the limited edition M3 GTR with V8 4L producing 350 hp.

The E46 was the first 3 Series to accommodate an engine with Valvetronic technology (variable valve lift), complementary to the VANOS.

The 5 Series is an executive car marketed by BMW since 1972 and offered in sedan or station wagon body styles. Depending on the generation, it is powered by a choice of 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder, V8 and V10 naturally aspirated or turbocharged engines. A hybrid range is also available.

The 5 Series has been available in an M5 version produced by BMW Motorsport since 1985. These high-performance and comfortable GTs deliver power ranging from 286 hp to 625 hp.

Numerous technologies have been introduced over the generations, including ABS anti-lock braking system (E28), ASC traction control (E34), aluminum suspensions (E39), active steering (E60), IAS 4-wheel steering (F10), semi-autonomous driving and remote-controlled automatic parking (G30).

In spite of its high-end positioning, the 5 Series is often acclaimed for its powerful engines and balanced chassis for drifting.

Introduced in 2004, the 1st generation of the BMW 1 Series was composed of 3 and 5 door hatchbacks (E81/E87), a coupe (E82) and a convertible (E88).

The models in the standard range received 4- or 6-cylinder in-line petrol or 4-cylinder diesel engines with power from 115 to 306 hp exclusively driving the rear wheels.

Marketed at the start of 2011 only as a coupé, the 1 Series M featured a 340 hp twin-turbo 6-cylinder 3L engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. During overboost, max torque could temporarily go from 450 up to 500 Nm. This sports car inherited the brakes, the rear suspension and the limited slip differential of the M3 E90.

These E8x underwent two facelifts: one in 2007 for hatchbacks with the introduction of EfficientDynamics technologies (new direct injection gasoline engines, start-stop system, etc.) and one in 2011 for coupes and convertibles.

BMW introduced the 5th generation of the 3 Series in 2005. This time each body got a separate code: sedan (E90), station wagon (E91), coupe (E92) and convertible (E93).

The standard range consisted of 3 Series with inline 4 or 6 cylinder petrol or diesel engines with power ranging between 116 and 306 hp. Some models were offered with all-wheel drive.

Available in coupe, convertible and sedan, the M3, which was released in 2007, received a 4L V8 producing 420 hp. Initially equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, it could subsequently be fitted with the optional 7-speed dual-clutch M DKG. The special editions M3 GTS and M3 CRT used the V8 enlarged to 4.4L which has a power output of 450 hp.

This E9x generation obtained the title of World Car of the Year in 2006 and stood out in particular with the 335i, the first 3 Series with a turbocharged petrol engine, or the convertible inaugurating a retractable hard top.

First appearing in Europe at the beginning of 1989, the Nissan 200SX S13 succeeded the Silvia S12 coupe by introducing numerous new features.

The pop-up headlamps are still in place, but the car's shape is more fluid and elegant, and the interior has a more sporty feel with its well-designed bucket seats. But beyond appearances, it is especially on the technological level that the gap with the previous generation is the most noticeable.

The 4-cylinder 1.8L turbo now features a twin camshaft and an intercooler, bringing its power to 171 hp, while the rear suspension has been given a sophisticated multi-link system.

Very popular in the drifting world, this 200SX coupe (called 180SX in Japan and 240SX in North America) is among the best choices for beginners.

The Nissan 200SX S14 took over from the S13 in 1994 in Europe. It had larger dimensions and a more rounded shape without retractable headlights this time. Its interior was also more luxurious than the previous generation.

The Japanese coupe featured a 200 hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with NVCS variable valve timing and an NDIS ignition system with individual coils for each cylinder. Disc brakes had 4-piston calipers at the front and ABS.

The car was facelifted in 1996. Known as S14A, it had a more aggressive styling, both on the outside and the inside.

Several special editions were produced during the European career of the 200SX: Z-Edition, Racing Edition, Sportline Edition... This generation was one again called Silvia in Japan and 240SX in North America.

The Nissan Silvia S15 replaced the S14 in 1999 in Japan, this time skipping international marketing, with the exception of Oceania which again distributed the car under the 200SX nameplate.

Compared to the previous generation, the Japanese car got a more edgy design and looked like an outright sports coupe. Its shorter dimensions further emphasized its dynamism.

The Silvia Spec-R featured a turbocharged 2L 4-cylinder engine whose power was increased to 250 hp thanks in particular to a new ball-bearing turbo, and in its high performance version benefited from a 6-speed manual gearbox with a helical limited-slip differential. The Super HICAS system (4-wheel steering) was optional.

The Spec-S had a softer sports-oriented equipment and settled for the 2L naturally aspirated engine which produced 165 hp.

The Nissan Skyline R32 was launched in Japan in 1989. This 8th generation was offered in 2-door coupé or 4-door sedan body styles with straight-4 or straight-6 engines. Among the models, the Skyline GTS-t stood out in terms of sportiness with its 215 hp 2L turbocharged engine.

In 1993, the Skyline R33 took over. Larger and heavier, it used only 6-cylinder engines. The Skyline GTS25t was one of the most popular models of this generation with its 250 hp 2.5L turbocharged engine.

The more compact Skyline R34 was released in 1998, again powered by 6 cylinders. The 25GT Turbo and its 280 hp 2.5L turbocharged engine leaved its mark.

Each of these generations got a GT-R model, driven by a 280 hp 2.6L twin-turbo engine associated with the ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system and Super HICAS for a highly efficient driving experience. Ultimately, all Skylines were mainly reserved for the Japanese market..

The Nissan GT-R R35 is a sports car introduced in Europe in 2009. It is powered by a handmade 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6 engine producing 485 hp at launch, a power that has been increased through many upgrades to reach 570 hp in the standard range.

The GT-R is equipped with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission and an ATTESA E-TS torque split all-wheel drive system. A launch control function can be activated for really quick starts.

This Nissan super sports car is available in different versions: Black Edition, Premium Edition, Gentleman Edition, Track Edition or NISMO. The latter, launched in 2014, features a 600-hp engine, a special aerodynamic package, reworked suspension, a hollow rear stabilizer bar, 20-inch forged alloy wheels and special bucket seats.

Following on from the legendary 240Z of the 1960s and 1970s, the Nissan 350Z was born in 2002. This fifth-generation Z, available at launch in a coupe body and then joined by a roadster, is powered by a 3.5L N/A V6 with varying power depending on the year: 280 hp, 300 hp and 313 hp. Transmission is via the rear wheels with a 6-speed manual transmission and braking is ensured by a Brembo assembly.

In 2009, the 370Z 370Z took over. Shorter, stiffer and lighter, this Z benefits from increased performance with a 3.7L V6 and 331 hp (power reduced to 328 following Euro 5 standards) introducing the VVEL variable intake and exhaust system, while the mechanical gearbox inaugurates Synchro Rev Match technology (automatic heel-toe). The NISMO version went even further with its engine pushed to 344 hp and its reworked chassis.

Introduced in 1989 and spanning 4 different generations, the Mazda MX-5 is an iconic model from the Hiroshima based manufacturer.

Equipped with either only its soft top or a with an optional hard top, this elegant and sporty, 2 seater cabriolet was inspired by British roadsters from the 1960's, that were designed to put pleasure into driving.

Being a fun car to drive, it makes it a very popular choice for drift amateurs, the little RWD Mazda has a selection of reliable 4 cylinder DOHC engines, ranging from 1.5 L to 2 L.

The MX-5 (known as the Roadster in Japan and the Miata in North America) holds numerous records, such as the 2 seater cabriolet with the most units sold in the world, with more than a million sold since its introduction.

Succeeding the 1st generation SA/FB, the RX-7 FC began its career in 1986 in Europe. It was marketed as a coupe and then as a convertible. In terms of engines, the FC was available with a 1.3L Wankel Mazda 2-rotor engine with fuel injection in a 150 hp naturally aspirated version or a 181 hp and 200 hp turbocharged version. This generation introduced innovations patented by Mazda, such as the DTSS (Dynamic Tracking Suspension System) passive-steering rear suspension. Japan got several special editions such as the famous Infini or Winning Limited FCs.

In 1991, the RX-7 FD took over. The rotary engine was modified to adopt a sequential twin-turbo configuration for a total power of 239 hp. The 0 to 100 km/h was announced at 5.3 s and the top speed given for 250 km/h. This last generation was marketed in Europe until 1996 but continued in Japan until 2003 with plenty of limited edition models: Type RZ, Bathurst, Spirit R...

The Mazda RX-8 succeeded the RX-7 in 2003 in Europe. Like its predecessor, it was powered by a Wankel rotary engine but stood out with its 4-door coupe body.

The RENESIS engine of the RX-8 is a twin-rotor (2 x 654 cm³) with intake and exhaust ports located on the side of the housing, producing 192 hp on the Elegance version with a 5-speed gearbox, or 231 hp on the Performance version with a 6-speed gearbox. The latter is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 239 km/h.

For 2010, the model was facelifted with the RX-8 R3, recognizable in particular by its reworked bumpers, redesigned headlamps and a cabin featuring superior finish quality. This ultimate RX-8 has only been on the market for a few months, due to emissions standards that have become too restrictive for the Wankel engine.

Founded in 2003, Tesla is an American car manufacturer specialising in the production of 100% plug-in electric vehicles. The company's first model, the Roadster, is a high-end sports car based on the Lotus Elise S2 chassis, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds and reaching 201 km/h.

Subsequently, the brand will diversify its catalogue in order to reach a wider customer base with the successive arrival of S (5-door sedan), X (family SUV), 3 (4-door sedan), and Y (compact SUV) models. As Elon Musk, the main investor at the beginning of the project and CEO of the company since 2008, likes to remind us, the names of the models in the range form the acronym 'SEXY'.

The brand's products are the best-selling electric vehicles in the world. They are characterised in particular by high-level on-board technology, with, for example, autonomous driving functions implemented in Tesla models since 2014.

Results of a collaboration between Toyota and Subaru, the GT86 and BRZ were launched in 2012 following a series of concepts (FT-86, BRZ Prologue...).

These 2+2 coupes share the same architecture with a 2L DOHC 4-cylinder Boxer producing 200 hp. This square engine (86 x 86 mm) features a variable intake valve timing system (Subaru AVCS) and a dual injection (Toyota D-4S). Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Toyota/Subaru sport coupes are known for their very low center of gravity, which, thanks to their contained weight, ensures a dynamic and fun driving experience.

As a reminder, the Toyota GT86 is sold as a Toyota 86 in Japan, but also in North America (since the withdrawal of the Scion FR-S).

The 3rd generation Toyota Supra was launched in 1986 on the European continent. Previously affiliated with the Celica range, it became a sole model with this version granted with smoother lines. Under its bonnet, this Supra Mk3 housed a 204 hp straight-6 dual-camshaft, 24-valve 3L engine with ACIS (Acoustic Control Induction System). In 1988, the engine was turbocharged and its power increased to 235 hp, then 238 hp in 1990.

In 1994, Toyota introduced the 4th generation. The shapes were more rounded, the retractable headlights disappeared and the rear got an impressive spoiler. On the engine side, the Supra Mk4 had a 3L unit delivering 330 hp with two sequential turbos and an air-to-air intercooler. It was mated to a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. This Supra left the European market in 1996 but was sold until 1998 in North America and 2002 in Japan.

Marketed since 1993 in Europe, the Subaru Impreza is a compact car available in 4 or 5-door sedans and 5-door wagon.

It uses 4-cylinder boxer petrol or diesel engines. The sporty versions, called GT Turbo or WRX depending on the generation, have 2L or 2.5L turbocharged engines combined with permanent all-wheel drive. The most powerful Imprezas are developed in collaboration with STI (Subaru Tecnica International). It should be recalled that the 4th generation WRX STI emancipated from the Impreza range to become a unique sports car.

The AVCS variable valve timing control system or the DCCD controlled center differential are among Subaru's major technologies.

Rivaling the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo in the WRC, the Impreza won the manufacturer's title in 1995, 1996 and 1997, and Colin McRae, Richard Burns and Petter Solberg won the driver's title in 1995, 2001 and 2003 respectively.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was introduced in 1992 as a homologation car to compete in the World Rally Championship. It was a sports sedan derived from the Lancer, sold for nearly 25 years on a total of 10 "evolutions".

The Lancer Evo was powered by 2L turbocharged straight-4 engines with a power output ranging from 250 to 300 hp. These models featured full-time four-wheel drive and some versions had an AYC (Active Yaw Control) controlled rear differential and/or ACD (Active Center Differential).

Before being officially marketed in Europe from the Evo 8, these Mitsubishi models were sold in some countries as Carisma GT Evolution.

These machines went down in the WRC history in the hands of Tommi Mäkinen, who won the driver's title from 1996 to 1999, and offered Mitsubishi the manufacturer's title in 1998 with the help of Richard Burns.

Called Toyota Altezza in Japan, the 1st generation Lexus IS was released in 1999 as a premium sporty family sedan. It was joined in 2001 by the SportCross station wagon.

The IS, with its elegant and edgy design, was characterized by its clear-covered taillights that inspired the famous aftermarket "Lexus lights". The instrumentation of the instrument panel in a chronograph watch style was also distinctive.

Unlike the Japanese versions which could receive a 4-cylinder engine, the Lexus in Europe only had 6-cylinder ones: a 2L of 155 hp on the IS 200 and 3L of 213 hp on the IS 300. Power was transmitted to the rear wheels (4-wheel drive option exclusively in Japan).

ISs could benefit from various equipment options in some markets, such as the Luxury Pack (heated seats, GPS, etc.) and the Sport Pack (Torsen differential, sport suspensions, etc.).

Heir to the Honda Sports of the 1960s, the S2000 was launched in 1999. This sporty roadster was powered by a high performance 4-cylinder 2L double camshaft VTEC engine developing 240 hp in Europe mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox.

On the chassis side, the S2000 featured a particularly rigid X-frame for a convertible and, thanks to the front mid-mounted engine, showed remarkable balance.

Owing to its contained weight of 1,245 kg, it was capable of excellent performance with a 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 s and a top speed of 248 km/h.

Several updates were made during its career, including the world premiere in Japan of the VGS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering), which allowed the steering ratio to vary according to vehicle speed.

The Honda Civic has been on the market since 1972 and is now in its 10th generation. This Japanese compact car uses straight-4 engines, available throughout its career in gasoline, diesel or gasoline/electric hybrid variants.

Practical and economical, the Civic nonetheless boasts a number of remarkable sports versions in its range, with, for the European market, the S (SL), 1.5i GT (AH), 1.6i-VT (EE), 1.6 VTi (EG and EK) and 1.8 VTi (MB), or Type R (EP, FN and FK).

This Honda features major technologies developed by the manufacturer, such as the low-emission CVCC engine, VTEC (and i-VTEC with VTC) progressive electronic valve timing and lift control, and the IMA hybrid system.

Through the years, Honda created several lines of models based on the Civic body, such as the CRX coupe and Shuttle wagon.

Marketed in Europe since 1984, the Suzuki Swift is a Japanese compact urban car that has been produced in 5 generations.

It is equiped with 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder engines, some of which are available in gasoline, diesel or gasoline/electric hybrid, with 2 or 4-wheel drive transmission.

Recognized for its urban qualities, the Suzuki does not forget to be sporty, as shown by the Swift GTI from 1986 to 1996 powered by a 1.3L 101 hp engine and the Swift Sport since 2006 with a 1.6L 125 hp and 136 hp engine, and more recently a 1.4L turbo engine delivering 140 hp.

Over the course of its career, the Swift received several technologies from the manufacturer, such as the SCVT continuously variable transmission, the AllGrip electronically controlled 4WD system with selectable driving mode, and the SHVS micro-hybridization system.

It was 1983 when Toyota released in Japan the Levin and the Trueno AE86, affiliated respectively to the 5th generation Corolla and Sprinter models.

These "twin sisters", mainly distinguished by their front end with fixed rectangular (Levin) or pop-up headlights (Trueno), house a 4 cylinder 1,6L twin cam engine that produces 130 hp. Which also benefits from the variable admission system T-VIS, developed to favor torque at low speed on multi-valve engines.

Available in the GT, GTV and GT Apex packs in Japan, these light RWDs came with independent MacPherson type suspension at the front and a rigid axle with 4 tie rods at the rear. In Europe, Toyota marketed its Corolla AE86 only using the Levin base as a 2 door coupe or 3 door fastback depending on the country.

Very popular in rallying and drifting, these cars were made famous by the manga, "Initial D" and the exploits of Japanese driver Keiichi Tsuchiya.