Sports sedan

[6][7] From the 1960s, the term sports sedan was increasingly applied by manufacturers to special versions of their vehicles that allowed them to enter production cars in motor races.

Some of the earlier examples were the Alfa Romeo 1900,[8] Renault R8 Gordini,[9] Triumph Dolomite,[10] Lotus Cortina,[10][11] and BMW 1800 TI.

However, with other transmission types and drivetrain layouts have become more widespread for sedans in general, and increasing adoption of front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive in motorsports such as touring car racing and World Rally Championship, many sports sedans such as Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have also used these.

Some manufacturers share similar engines and interior features as sports sedans in coupe and convertible body styles; therefore, some rankings of this market segment include those versions.

However, since the 2000s, the domestic brands have begun producing sports sedan models such as the Cadillac CTS and Lincoln LS.