Just because sports cars aren’t as commonplace today as they were in decades past, that doesn’t mean you still can’t find fun on four wheels, and if our BuzzScore rankings how the BuzzScore ratings work are anything to go by, some of the best V6 coupes on sale today ought to put a huge grin on your face any day of the week. While V8s are gradually going the way of the dodo, a V6 coupe is hardly a compromise, as proven by great options like theNissan Zfor JDM enthusiasts, or, if you have deeper pockets, theFerrari 296 GTB.
By shedding a couple of cylinders, V6 coupes are lighter, more fuel efficient, better for the environment, and with some very clever engineering, they can be just as powerful as a V8, without any of the downsides (unless you really miss that V8 growl). TheMcLaren Artura, for instance, leverages hybridization to reach parity with its eight-cylinder predecessors, while theMaserati GranTurismoadopts turbochargers and genuine motorsport know-how. So, without further ado, here is CarBuzz’s list of the best V6 coupes you can buy in 2026!
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; we consider only traditional 2-door coupes with V6 engines for this ranking.
1
2026 Nissan Z
Base Trim Engine
3L VR V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
9-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
400 HP @6400 RPM
Base Trim Torque
350 lb.-ft. @ 1600 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
19/28/22 MPG
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Say what you will about the Nissan Z being something of a parts-bin special, with its Infiniti-based 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and a platform that dates back to the 2003 Nissan 350Z—the fact that it exists at all is a minor miracle. It’s a proper sports car, too, with 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque. Granted, its softer suspensionlends well to day-to-day drivingand grand touring, instead of turning it into a super sharp track weapon.
The standard Z, especially the base Sport trim, ends up feeling like a fast cruiser. It sounds pretty good, rides well, is quiet on the highway, but it can still be entertaining when hustled just below the ragged edge on a windy road. If you just want something fast and comfy, the Z delivers. If you want a track monster, you either get the Nismo, or look to another brand.
– Jared Rosenholtz, Former Editor-at-Large, CarBuzz
Plus, the clutch pedal is light with a long travel, and the shift action of the Nissan Z’s six-speed manual isn’t as satisfying as we’d hoped. In that case, the nine-speed auto isn’t a bad choice. And, if you want more speed, skip the Sport trim and pick the Performance model, which gains you 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, Akebono brakes, and downshift rev-matching, all of which transforms the Z’s driving experience.
2
2026 Nissan Z Nismo
Base Trim Engine
3L VR V6 ICE
Base Trim Transmission
9-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
420 HP @6400 RPM
Base Trim Torque
384 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
17/24/19 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
If you feel the regular Z is too soft, theNissan Z Nismoought to fix that. It now features more track-focused tuning, including stiffer suspension with less body roll and a sharper cornering feel, allowing you to carry more speed through the bends. The downside, however, is harsher ride quality and compromised everyday comfort on rougher roads. At least you also get more power, now up to 420 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque.
The chassis stays flat no matter how hard you try to unsettle it, and we’re going to pull out our Little Book Of Automotive Clichés for the steering and describe it as telepathic. There’s no learning curve to the steering, the weight is damn near perfect, and the Z Nismo goes where it’s pointed. The steering is so good, BMW and Porsche should be taking a long, hard look at the Nismo as well as their older models.
– Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz
Another massive upgrade over the base car is the Nissan Z Nismo’s re-calibrated transmission logic for the nine-speed auto, boasting quicker upshifts and downshifts for much snappier acceleration and superbly satisfying throttle blips when you’re playing with the paddle shifters. With a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds, the Nissan Z Nismo offers you bespoke 19-inch RAYS alloy wheels, Recaro bucket seats, re-tuned steering, and a throaty exhaust for added zest.
3
2026 Ferrari F80
Base Trim Engine
3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
1,184 hp
Base Trim Torque
627 lb-ft @ 5,550 rpm (ICE Only)
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
Despite the fanfare surrounding Ferrari’s previous halo cars—like the F40, Enzo, and LaFerrari—the Ferrari F80 didn’t make a huge splash, but that doesn’t mean Ferrari’s super-fast hybrid hypercar isn’t worth checking out. It’s not a V8 or a V12; instead, it has a 3.0-liter twin-turbo 120-degree V6 mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Plus, it’s also all-wheel drive, courtesy of a hybrid unit that gives you not one, but three electric motors.
Combined, this hybrid powertrain produces an eye-watering 1,184 hp, while the V6 engine alone makes 627 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to get you from 0-60 mph in a mere 2.1 seconds, while a 0-124 mph sprint takes only 5.7 seconds. Plus, with a long enough strip of tarmac, you can hit a top speed of 217 mph thanks to the Ferrari F80’s design, no doubt heavily wind-tunnel-based, offering you an almighty 2,205 lbs of downforce at 155 mph.
4
2026 Maserati GranTurismo
Base Trim Engine
Nettuno 3L ICE
Base Trim Transmission
ZF 8-speed automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
483 HP @6500 RPM
Base Trim Torque
443 lb.-ft. @ 2500 RPM
Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
18/27/21 MPG
Base Trim Battery Type
Lead acid battery
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
Some may lament the loss of the old GranTurismo’s Ferrari-based V8 engine, but the new Maserati GranTurismo and its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, while it may fall short in exhaust noise, certainly exceed it in raw power. You get 483 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and this all-Italian V6 coupe has been praised for its strong power delivery, wide torque band, and rapid acceleration.
But if you’re on your own and want to have some fun, Sport mode hardens things up properly and the engine starts to snarl, the transmission wants to coax aggression from the engine and pop through its much more eager programming. It’s best enjoyed using the paddles to change gear while getting into the rhythm and getting accustomed to the brakes.
– Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz
It certainly helps that the revived Maserati GranTurismo is equipped with a very responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and pundits have also praised just how much grip you get from the standard all-wheel drive system. It’s no sports car, though, as it’s tuned solely for touring in comfort and luxury, with a suspension designed to be relaxed, smooth, quiet, and absorbent—though you can engage Sport mode to sharpen things up if you want to push harder.
5
2026 Ferrari 296 Speciale
Base Trim Engine
3.0-L V6 twin-turbo Plug-in Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
868 hp
Base Trim Torque
557 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
If you feel the “regular” Ferrari 296 GTB isn’t quite fast enough, you could always spend more money and get the Ferrari 296 Speciale instead. It shares the same underlying plug-in hybrid powertrain as the standard 296 GTB, but after some development work, it now produces an astounding 868 hp and 557 lb-ft of torque, and thanks to the F1-based MGU-K electric motor filling in the torque gap, there’s no turbo lag, and the engine is lighter still.
Overall, the Ferrari 296 Speciale is 132 lbs lighter (dry weight) than the standard 296 GTB, owing to the extensive use of titanium components, carbon fiber, and lightweight engine parts, with some inspiration drawn from the Ferrari 499P Le Mans race car. Elsewhere, the Speciale offers a whopping 20% more downforce thanks to its aggressive aerodynamic add-ons, uprated carbon ceramic brakes, and the naturally short wheelbase lets you dart around with ease.
6
2026 Ferrari 296 GTB
Base Trim Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
819 hp
Base Trim Torque
545 lb-ft @ 6250 rpm
Fuel Economy
TBC
Infotainment & Features
7 /10
You might not have thought this possible years ago, but Ferrari has indeed created a plug-in hybrid, though the Ferrari 296 GTB is no Prius. With a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that’s mated to an F1-derived MGU-K electric motor, it’s easily one of the fastest V6 coupes you can find today. Between the engine and the hybrid unit, the Ferrari 296 GTB cranks out an impressive 819 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque, managing a 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.9 seconds.
It’ll do 0-124 mph in only 7.3 seconds, before topping out at 205 mph. Even though it may not be a V8, Ferrari’s all-new V6 emits high-frequency notes that sound similar to a naturally aspirated V12, and it sounds remarkable at higher revs. The combined powertrain is responsive, too, thanks to the motor’s instantaneous torque, delivering strong low-end thrust, mid-range pull, and relentless power all the way to its 8,500 rpm redline.
7
2026 McLaren Artura
Base Trim Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Plug-in Hybrid
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
671 hp
Base Trim Torque
531 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
Fuel Economy
TBC
Infotainment & Features
5 /10
Speaking of the 296, here comes its closest contender: the McLaren Artura. It, too, features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and, just like the Ferrari, a plug-in hybrid system. However, not only is the McLaren Artura more affordable, it’s also less extreme, as it produces a far more “modest” 690 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque. This is enough for the Artura to hit 0-60 mph in under 3.0 seconds, and it’ll do a quarter-mile in 10.7 seconds.
The fact that it’s a hybrid isn’t a deterrent, either. McLaren’s signature carbon fiber tub, as well as the Artura’s rear-wheel drive setup, ultimately means that it’s fairly lightweight for a PHEV, tipping the scales at just 3,303 lbs. It has all the hallmarks of a proper McLaren, too, showcased by the Artura’s immediate throttle response, extra-sharp transmission shifts, superb grip, an exceptionally quick steering rack, great brakes, and an electric motor that erases any turbo lag.
8
2026 Maserati MCPura
Base Trim Engine
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
630 hp
Base Trim Torque
538 lb-ft
Infotainment & Features
8 /10
Formerly known as the MC20, the new, nearly identical Maserati MCPura is a gorgeously elegant gentleman’s supercar when compared with the more flamboyant mid-engine Ferraris and McLarens featured earlier. As expected, it also features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, though it boasts an F1-derived pre-chamber combustion system with twin spark plugs for improved performance, and there is no hybrid unit.
The absence of hybridization means thatthe MCPura feels purerand more unadulterated, since many rival mid-engine European supercars are going hybrid. Then again, it’s not as though you’re missing out, with 621 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque—enough to hit 0-60 mph in under 2.9 seconds. The best bit here is how light the Maserati MCPura is, thanks to its carbon fiber monocoque and the simple RWD setup, weighing just 3,252 lbs.
9
2026 Lotus Emira
Base Trim Engine
3.5L Supercharged V6 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
6-Speed Manual
Base Trim Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
400 hp
Base Trim Torque
310 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
TBC
Infotainment & Features
6 /10
Finally, something different. If you’re tired of high-tech track toys, the Lotus Emira offers an old-school sports car formula with all the creature comforts you’d want in a modern car. While you can spec an optional AMG-borne 2.0-liter turbo-four, it’s the Toyota-sourced 3.5-liter supercharged V6 engine that’s the star of the show. This way, you could pick either a six-speed manual or a six-speed auto, both of which are quite good.
Another old-school feature is hydraulic steering, which is exceedingly rare these days. McLaren uses the same electrohydraulic steering system in the Artura. Oh, how lovely it feels in one’s hands! The communication is sublime, and the feedback from the pointy front end is even better. So, this is what Gen-X is talking about when they say they miss hydraulic steering?
– Gerhard Horn, Senior Editor, CarBuzz
With the manual gearbox, you get 400 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, which is enough for you to manage a 0-60 mph run in 4.2 seconds, before hitting a 180 mph top speed. The Lotus Emira, despite all odds, remains lightweight, weighing in at only 3,175 lbs, compact, and featuring a hydraulic steering rack with natural, untainted feedback. Easily one of the best V6 coupes here, the Emira feels lively, fun, and engaging to drive, even at lower speeds.
Sources: Nissan, Ferrari, Maserati, McLaren, Lotus
