iRacing offers an extensive selection of sportscars, so choosing which one to purchase when starting can be challenging. Considering the relatively high cost of iRacing compared to other simulators, you should select which cars to invest in based on your interests, driving style, and the series you plan to participate in.
This guide highlights five best-value sportscars for newcomers from the slowest to the fastest classes. Recommendations are based on the performance of these cars and the number of series they are eligible for.
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Mercedes-AMG GT4
The Mercedes-AMG GT4 is the latest addition to iRacing’s lineup of GT4 cars. Released for Season 3 of 2022, it joins the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, BMW M4 GT4, McLaren 570S GT4 and Aston Martin Vantage GT4, rounding out a highly competitive grassroots GT racing class.
Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine limited to 400 horsepower by GT4 balance of performance (BoP) rules, the Mercedes-AMG GT4 boasts the second-largest engine in the class. This gives it a competitive straight-line performance. The front-mounted powertrain provides several advantages, notably neutral and forgiving balance. It understeers a bit on the fixed setup, so open-setup championships are better to get the most out of this car.
The popularity of the GT4 class in iRacing has been rising with the new cars, championships and the updated tyre model introduced in recent years. The Mercedes GT4 is eligible for five championships and several special events, including the Falken Tyre Sports Car Challenge and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge. The GT4 is the slower class in the Falken Tyre Challenge and the faster class in the IMSA Challenge.
Ferrari 296 GT3
Ferrari introduced its new GT3 car in July 2022, with its debut race at the 2023 24 Hours of Daytona. The 296 GT3 features a new design generating 20% more downforce than its predecessor. Ferrari has swapped the 488’s 3.9-liter V8 engine for a 2.9-liter V6 engine, maintaining the same 600 horsepower. The result is a distinctly different sound and smooth power delivery, with turbo lag now a thing of the past.
This Ferrari is one of the most popular cars in iRacing and offers excellent value for the cost. As of the 2024 season 3, it is eligible for 12 championships ranging from the D licence spec-series Ferrari GT3 Challenge to the A licence multi-class IMSA iRacing Series. GT3 cars, including the 296 GT3, also participate in many iRacing special events during the year.
The 296 GT3 is usually in a good spot in terms of BoP. The car feels well-balanced and handles curbs well on the corner entry. Performance on exits depends on how well you can stabilise the vehicle early to minimise the impact on acceleration.
The Porsche Cup Car
The iRacing Porsche Cup Car is very unique. It has it’s own driving style that is vastly different to any GT3, GT4 or prototype machine and many drivers see this car as the pinnacle car on the series. Be fast in the Porsche Cup car and you’ll gain respect amongst peers.
The Porsche Cup car acts as the top tier series for professionals esports. Where drivers can gain the exclusive Pro licence and fight for $250,000 in the Porsche TAG Heuer Esports Supercup.
It’s because of the above that the Porsche Cup is one of the most popular cars to race on the iRacing platform. With a fixed setup and open setup series at C licence, it offers much in the way of competitive grids and as it’s a car that offers single make series you have no BOP to worry about.
Getting on top of the braking in this machine is key to being fast and Coach Dave Academy can help you with that. With setups for the open setup series and many help guides available including coaching courses and telemetry tools, you’ll be well on your way to success with Delta.
Dallara P217
Moving on to prototypes, the obvious recommendation is the Dallara P217, the icon of endurance racing. Almost every high-licence multiclass championship or special endurance event in iRacing features this car, so you get plenty of options to get out on track. In addition, the P217 is a part of the spec LMP2 class, so the BoP is not a concern with this car.
The P217 is built around a carbon fibre monocoque and powered by a 600-horsepower V8 engine. Weighing 930 kg, this car delivers impressive straight-line performance thanks to its powerful V8. Additionally, its substantial downforce ensures exceptional cornering performance.
The car is eligible for six popular championships. For example, you have a popular LMP2 Prototype Challenge championship, the IMSA Endurance Series and Global Endurance Tour for B licence drivers and the IMSA iRacing Series for A licence drivers.
iRacing Hypercar Prototypes
At the top of the iRacing career ladder are the fastest prototypes built according to the Le Mans Daytona h (LMDh) regulations. LMDh vehicles must weigh at least 1030 kg and can produce a maximum of 500 kW combined power from the engine and hybrid system. In IMSA, this class is known as the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP).
The GTP class in iRacing includes five cars: The BMW M-Hybrid V8, Cadillac V-Series, Acura ARX-06, Porsche 963 and the brand new Ferrari 499P, which are all eligible for the same multiclass championships as the Dallara P217.
The GTP BoP varies widely between seasons as iRacing tweaks the stats of these relatively new cars. So picking either your favourite, or what’s fastest season to season is our recommendation. But all 5 are worthy picks on their day. Perhaps see what your team mates or friends want to race before purchasing one.
