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WATCH | Six of the most exciting coupes you could buy

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2020 Toyota Supra (MotorPress)
2020 Toyota Supra (MotorPress)

• Coupes feature two-doors, a fixed roof and a sloping rear roofline.

• We look at six coupes to consider if you're in the market for a sleek two-door cruiser or performance car.

• From the Toyota Supra to the Ford Mustang, here are several coupes to think about. 

The traditional coupe has two-doors, fixed roof and a sloping rear. Then the marketing wizards and added the coupe term to SUVs and sedans. Coupes can be luxurious, long-distance cars that cosset their passengers in ultimate luxury, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe. 

Coupe models are also generally used for performance models, as the two-door configuration and sloping roofline offer sportier styling cues and often weighs less. 

Examples of coupe-based performance models include the BMW M2 and Mercedes-AMG C63 S. Thankfully, there is still a market for the coupe and here we have six of the most exciting models on sale. 

Toyota Supra 

Many have criticised the authenticity of the latest Toyota Supra, a nameplate synonymous with the modified car scene. The DB42 model is underpinned by the same chassis as the BMW Z4. 

It uses a BMW-sourced engine too, the 3.0-litre engine, fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, produces 250kW/500Nm and is coupled to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power is directed exclusively to the rear axle. 

The GR Supra model line-up consists of two models, the GR Supra Track and GR Supra. The Track version is aimed at enthusiasts while the 'normal' GR Supra adds comfort and convenience to its list of specifications.

toyota supra track_calvin fisher

Image: Calvin Fisher

BMW M2 Competition

A car closely linked to the Supra is BMW's smallest 'M' car, the M2. It is only available in two-door configuration uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo based on the power unit from the BMW M3/M4. Peak power is 302kW, peak torque of 550Nm. 

The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h: 4.2 seconds (with six-speed manual gearbox 4.4 seconds), top speed is limited to 250km/h and can be elevated to 280km/h with M Driver´s Package.

Image: BMW Press

Ford Mustang

The Mustang is one of the most well-known car names in history. The latest generation has been a sales success in right-hand drive markets. Locally, Ford's pony car is available in Fastback (and Convertible) body styles with a choice of uprated 2.3-litre turbocharged EcoBoost and 5.0-litre V8 engines matched to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. 

The 'Stang has grown up and its powerful profile now features more refined aerodynamics, and is enhanced with LED lighting technology, and a choice of nine bold exterior hues.

Ford South Africa even shipped 50 units of the Mustang Bullitt, which is powered by an up-rated 338kW version of the rumbling V8. It sends the power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox.

I had one of my best road trips in a Mustang a few years ago. The brawny American muscle car caught attention wherever it was driven and its presence sparked conversations between strangers.

ford mustang bullitt

Image: Wheels24 / Warren Wilson

Jaguar F-Type

Commenting on a car's styling is generally a subjective process. Because I might like an element of it that someone else doesn't like. But when it comes to the Jaguar F-Type, very few people can't be swayed by the British coupe's dazzling exterior. 

The F-Type received a facelift earlier this year and despite being on sale since 2013, designer Ian Callum's masterpiece still turns heads today. 

It is muscular, squat and elegant. Locally, there are a trio of engine options are available, the familiar two-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 221kW/400Nm, called the P300. Jaguar claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of in 5.7 seconds and will reach a top speed of 250km/h.

The popular V6-powered engine is the middle of the range and uses a supercharged 3.0-litre with the nomenclature  P380. It produces 280kW and 460Nm and Jag says it'll reach 0-100km/h in under five seconds. Top speed is 275km/h. Purists will like that the V6 is offered with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive, and benefits from a mechanical limited-slip differential.

The range-topping R P575 uses a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 with 423kW and 700Nm. 0-100km/h is dispatched in 3.7 seconds with a top speed quoted at 300km/h. 

Jaguar F-Type

Image: Motorpress

Audi TT

The original TT is arguably one of the best-looking coupes ever produced. It was radically different from anything else on the road at the time and it's difficult to believe it came out 22 years ago.

Currently in its third generation the German coupe has grown up and looks tauter and more muscular than ever before. Power is derived from a 2.0-litre turbocharged motor and there are performance (TTS and TTRS) versions.

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