The sports car segment has shrunken considerably in recent years. However, offerings from premium brands still provide options to choose from for buyers still interested in exciting two-door muscle cars or luxury-oriented grand tourers, from the Corvette Stingray Convertible to the Ferrari SF90 Spider.
Most of these are V8 convertibles that combine an eight-cylinder powertrain as a standalone ICE engine or combined with electrification in some form, with the ability to raise and lower the roof for open-top motoring thrills. We feature some of the best V8 convertibles for 2026 below, ranked by their respective BuzzScore ratings from highest to lowest.
Vehicles are assigned a BuzzScore in relation to their direct segment competitors, and as such, vehicles in this list, while similarly scored, do not necessarily compete directly against one another. Find out more about how the BuzzScore ratings work here. These lists are continuously updated with the latest BuzzScores and vehicles as they become available. We rank these models from highest to lowest BuzzScore.
1
2026 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible
Base Trim Engine
6.2L V8 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed auto-shift manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
490 HP @6450 RPM
Base Trim Torque
465 lb.-ft. @ 5150 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
16/24/19 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
The latest Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible is currently ranked as the best V8 convertible on our list for 2026, with a BuzzScore ranking of 8.8 out of 10. The C8-generation Corvette represented an all-new chapter for the Chevrolet two-door model, transitioning from a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive muscle car setup to a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive platform akin to European supercars. This V8 convertible still retains the core feature of any Corvette, with the powertrain being a 6.2L naturally-aspirated V8 from the latest series of General Motors’ small-block V8 engines. The Corvette Stingray Convertible shares identical components with its hardtop coupe counterpart, but adds a power retractable hardtop roof to add the option for open-top driving.
2
2026 Lexus LC Convertible
Base Trim Engine
5L V-8 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
10-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
471 HP @7100 RPM
Base Trim Torque
398 lb.-ft. @ 4800 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
15/25/18 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Also ranked high among our list of the best V8 convertibles for 2026 is the flagship two-door model of Japanese luxury brand Lexus. The non-hybrid version of the LC in convertible form, the LC 500 Convertible, continues to be made available for the 2026 model year. Power under the hood remains the same as previous years, consisting of a naturally aspirated V8 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel-drive configuration only. For buyers eyeing premium build quality and refinement in a convertible in this segment, combined with a strong reputation for reliability, the Lexus is a great choice to shortlist.
3
2026 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible
Base Trim Engine
5.5L V-8 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed auto-shift manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
670 HP @8400 RPM
Base Trim Torque
460 lb.-ft. @ 6300 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
12/19/14 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Another Corvette model is among our best V8 convertibles for 2026. The Corvette Z06 serves as a more potent version of the C8-generation Corvette Stingray, featuring a 5.5L naturally-aspirated V8 in its mid-engined configuration, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. As with other convertible variants in the C8-generation Corvette Stingray lineup, the Corvette Z06 Convertible uses a power-folding hardtop roof versus a fixed unit to allow it to transform from two-door coupe to convertible with ease.
4
2026 Mercedes-AMG SL63
Base Trim Engine
4L AMG V8 Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
9-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
603 HP @5750 RPM
Base Trim Torque
627 lb.-ft. @ 2500 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
One of the most powerful two-door Mercedes-AMGs currently available also makes our list of the best V8 convertibles of 2026. The current generation Mercedes-AMG SL (a convertible variant of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe) is available in multiple powertrains, but the top-line Mercedes-AMG SL63 Roadster is worth highlighting, with its twin-turbocharged V8 powerplant allowing it to generate up to 903 hp in total, making it one of the most powerful roadsters currently on sale. Minor updates have been applied for MY2026, consisting of an updated center console design and expanded body color/interior upholstery options that are available through the exclusive MANUFAKTUR factory customization program.
5
2026 Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible
Base Trim Engine
4.0-liter V8 Plug-In Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Dual-clutch Auto
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
771 hp (net)
Base Trim Torque
738 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
For buyers who desire performance and high-end luxury, the latest Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible is a worthy candidate among our selection of the best V8 convertibles for 2026. Now in its fourth generation, the Bentley Continental GT serves as the latest in the British luxury marque’s grand tourer nameplate, with the Speed variants bringing a 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain that generates 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque combined. Continental GT Speed Convertibles don’t differ significantly from their coupe counterparts when it comes to powertrains and features, but this four-seater performance grand tourer now features a power-folding roof targeted towards buyers of V8 convertibles.
6
2026 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
Base Trim Engine
5.5L V-8 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed auto-shift manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
1064 HP @7000 RPM
Base Trim Torque
828 lb.-ft. @ 6000 RPM
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
For Corvette buyers who want the most power and biggest powertrain available, look no further than the latest Corvette ZR1. Serving as the flagship performance model of the C8-generation Corvette, the ZR1 continues the nameplate’s tradition in the Corvette’s history of elevating Chevrolet’s sports car to the same performance capabilities of track-oriented variants of European equivalents, like the Porsche 911. The C8-generation Corvette ZR1 uses the same 5.5L LT-series V8 as in other C8 models, but pairs it to a pair of turbochargers that allow it to generate 1064 hp in total and achieve a 0–60 mph acceleration time within 2.3 seconds. If buyers aren’t still satisfied, the ZR1X variant brings an electric motor to this V8 powertrain that adds all-wheel drive and even more horsepower.
“As with previous generations, the C8 ZR1 builds upon the formula of the Z06, taking that car’s stellar handling and adding supercar (in this case hypercar) levels of output… the ZR1’s LT7 V8 adds two turbochargers to the mix, totaling 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque.”
– Jared Rosenholtz, Editor-At-Large, CarBuzz
7
2026 Aston Martin Vantage Roadster
Base Trim Engine
4.0-l V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
656 hp
Base Trim Torque
590 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
8.5 /10
Those eyeing a grand tourer with an open-top can consider the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster among the best V8 convertibles of 2026. Simply referred to as the Roadster versus other open-top Aston Martins that are named ‘Volante’, the latest Vantage Roadster uses the same 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine as its Vantage Coupe sibling, alongside the same eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. While this V8 is not a fully British powertrain as previous Vantage Roadsters have used, being an engine sourced from the Mercedes-AMG division, we commented in a previous test drive that Aston Martin’s adjustments to make it more suited to their sports car platform make it more exciting behind the wheel than in its German applications.
“Under the hood is a Mercedes-AMG-supplied 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that has been tuned by Aston Martin to suit the Vantage… Aston told us it’s more “punchy” than before, and it certainly delivers. The excess of torque is available early and is seemingly limitless, while the 656 horses are best described as being urgent.”
– Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz
8
2026 McLaren 750S Spider
Base Trim Engine
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
740 hp
Base Trim Torque
590 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Fuel Economy
TBC
Infotainment & Features
6 /10
British supercar brand McLaren also makes our list of the best V8 convertibles for 2026, with their entry taking the form of the current McLaren 750S Spider, building upon the existing performance qualities of the preceding 720S Spider. Bringing a retractable roof to this McLaren supercar, the 750S Spider retains the same sloping body as its hardtop counterparts, along with the mid-mounted 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine capable of 740 hp and 0–60 mph within 2.7 seconds. Despite the inclusion of the powered roof mechanism and components, McLaren has ensured added weight has been kept minimal in the Spider, which weighs just 108 lbs heavier compared to the 750S Coupe.
9
Ferrari SF90 XX Spider
Base Trim Engine
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 Plug-in Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed F1 DCT
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
1,016 hp
Base Trim Torque
590 lb-ft @ 6000 rpm
Fuel Economy
TBC
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
The limited edition Ferrari SF90 XX Spider also makes our list of the best V8 convertibles. The convertible, aka ‘Spider’ version of this track-day-oriented variant of the SF90 has better aerodynamics (including a fixed rear spoiler for greater downforce), a carbon fiber hardtop roof, and various weight reduction measures applied to the cabin. Power from the twin-turbocharged V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain has also been increased, with a total output of 1,016 hp (30 hp more than the standard SF90). Though the SF90 XX Spider is no longer available, given its limitation to just 599 units globally, buyers can try to find ones that occasionally appear on the used supercar market if they want this hardcore variant of the SF90 Spider.
10
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster
Base Trim Engine
7.4L Twincharged V8 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
7-Speed Single-clutch semi-automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
1,600 hp
Base Trim Torque
1763 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Economy
TBC
Infotainment & Features
6 /10
The lineup of American performance brand Hennessey primarily consists of bespoke models produced at limited allocations, one of which includes one of the best V8 convertibles produced in the past decade. The Venom F5 Roadster is a variant of the brand’s F5 Coupe, employing the same lightweight, carbon fiber body, but now with a removable carbon fiber hardtop roof for whenever drivers want to open the interior to hear the V8 soundtrack more clearly.
“The Roadster version takes the Coupe’s speed, exhilaration, and awe, plus a sprinkling of respect-inducing fear, to a new, truly visceral level that brings owners closer to the Venom F5®’s extreme performance. “
Prominent data figures distinguish the Venom F5 Roadster among other premium and exotic convertibles, including its power output of 1,817 hp from its 6.6L twin-turbocharged V8, making it one of the fastest and most powerful two-door V8 convertibles ever produced. With power routed to the rear wheels through a semi-automatic transmission, the Hennessey is not to be taken lightly by those lucky enough to acquire one of these all-American sports cars.
Sources: General Motors, Mercedes-AMG, Lexus, Bentley, Aston Martin, Ferrari, McLaren, Hennessey
