Thunderhill Hosts Road & Track’s 2025 Performance Car of the Year Shootout

Thunderhill Hosts Road & Track’s 2025 Performance Car of the Year Shootout

Thunderhill Raceway’s West track provided the perfect backdrop for Road & Track’s 2025 Performance Car of the Year shootout. Known for its technical corners, flowing layout, and elevation changes, Thunderhill West challenges cars and drivers alike, making it the ultimate testing ground for performance and precision.

We were thrilled to welcome Road & Track to push these incredible machines to their limits. Here’s a breakdown of the standout moments from each video:

Video 1: McLaren Artura Spider, Porsche 718 Spyder RS, Mazda MX-5, and BMW Z4 Manual

In this showdown of convertible sports cars, Road & Track explored open-top driving experiences for every budget:

McLaren Artura Spider:

With its 630-horsepower hybrid V6 and lightweight carbon tub, the Artura Spider delivered thrilling performance and surprising usability. It’s a McLaren that feels approachable yet retains its signature precision.

Mazda MX-5 Miata:

The Miata remains a timeless icon of driving fun. With its light weight, playful handling, and affordable price tag, it’s a masterclass in car control and proves that you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the track.

BMW Z4 Manual:

The Z4 brought turbocharged six-cylinder power and a manual gearbox to the table, offering long-hood, short-deck roadster vibes. While comfortable and fast, its heavier, more digital feel left some drivers wanting more connection.

Porsche 718 Spyder RS:

As the most extreme Boxster ever, the Spyder RS paired the GT3 engine with razor-sharp handling and open-air thrills. From its ear-piercing sound to its perfectly tuned chassis, it’s a top-tier driving experience.

Each of these cars showcased unique strengths on Thunderhill’s West technical layout, from the Miata’s playful nature to the Spyder RS’s raw precision.

Video 2: McLaren 750S vs. Lamborghini Revuelto

The second video pitted two powerhouse supercars against each other in an epic face-off:

McLaren 750S:

With its lightweight design, 800 horsepower (despite the claimed 740 hp), and razor-sharp chassis, the 750S proved why McLaren dominates on the track. Its balance and predictability under pressure made it a driver’s favorite.

Lamborghini Revuelto:

Lamborghini’s new hybrid V12 supercar brings 1,000 horsepower to the fight with unmatched drama and sophistication. Unlike previous V12 Lambos, the Revuelto delivered sharp handling, refinement, and blistering speed, making it the most composed Lamborghini to date.

Both cars pushed the limits of speed and control on Thunderhill’s fast, flowing corners, with each offering a distinct take on what a supercar can be.

Thank You, Road & Track

A huge thank you to Road & Track for choosing Thunderhill as the home for their 2025 Performance Car of the Year shootout. Hosting this lineup of exceptional vehicles was an absolute honor, and we can’t wait to see what next year brings.

Check out the videos and see these machines in action at Thunderhill West—which car would you take home?