The Discontinued Sports Sedans for 2025 We Are All Sad To See Go

With the end of 2024 fast approaching, that means a range of loved models will cease rolling off the production line, such as the Lamborghini Huracan. September represents the start of the 2025 model year, so any vehicles set to be axed at the end of the 2024 model year will now have run their course. Several high-performance sports sedans were part of the 2024 class to finish their production runs.

Many high-end performance models are meeting their end at the moment due to the rising star of electric and hybrid-powered vehicles, meaning cars that run purely on gas are being phased out by manufacturers. HotCars decided to look at the sports sedans that we'll all miss now they're gone.

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Will Leave A Hole In The Sports Sedan Market

2024 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

(Source: Alfa Romeo)

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio made waves when it splashed into contention in 2015, the mid-size sedan designed to take the fight to established models like the BMW M3 and the Audi S4. Wanting to make an impression from the outset, Alfa made sure its new baby wouldn't be left standing by its seasoned rivals.

An all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 was built to power the sedan. Producing 510 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, the Giulia could hit 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. These stats put the Alfa in another league to its rivals, with the M3 only having 425 hp and the S4 wading into battle with just 333 hp. Even the American Cadillac ATS-V could only muster up 464 hp, leaving the Giulia way out in the lead.

Part of its blistering pace came courtesy of the rapid-fire eight-speed automatic gearbox, which channeled the V6's meaty power to the rear wheels. Not only did this mean that the Giulia was nicely balanced from a handling perspective, with the weight better-distributed front and rear, but skids were possible for those brave enough to switch off the driver aids.

The engine is even relatively efficient due to the addition of cylinder deactivation, which works by shutting off the right bank of cylinders at high speeds. This helps to save fuel, as the car is already up to speed and doesn't need the extra grunt to maintain it. The feature is automatically disabled when Race mode is enabled.

The Giulia Quadrifoglio Offers A Range Of Enhancements To Boost Cornering Ability

Aside from the juicy V6, Alfa's engineers worked hard to make sure the Giulia Quadrifoglio didn't flop over as soon as it met a corner. A fully independent active suspension setup ensured each wheel could perform to its full potential, while a mechanical limited-slip differential was present to control the power given to each driven wheel under acceleration and braking.

This works alongside an advanced torque vectoring system to ensure each wheel is given the exact grunt it can handle at any one time, helping to reduce wheelspin. These processes also boost the overall balance of the car, with both understeer and oversteer kept well under control. While not necessarily making the car more fun to drive, it certainly boosts its pace around a lap or when attacking a back road.

Alongside the mechanical setup of the Giulia Q, it also features an active front splitter that can increase downforce at high speed, increasing grip and stability. From a driving dynamic perspective, the Giulia Q was a match for anything its rivals could offer. Teamed with its typical Alfa good looks, it was a truly spellbinding package.

Plenty Of Standard Equipment Heightened Giula Q Ownership Experience

Alongside the performance-boosting stuff, the Giulia Q also has a wide range of equipment as standard. A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability headlines the features, while the interior was given a proper sporty feel.

Aluminum and carbon fiber are present throughout the cabin to make it feel more purposeful, something further heightened by the addition of a bright red engine start button. The seats are also designed to be comfortable and supportive, the components are made with leather and Alcantara material.

All in all, the Giulia was a strong option for those who didn't want to take the usual route into a German-made sports sedan. Production of the car ended in June 2024, with Alfa set to focus on EVs and hybrids going forward.

Audi S4 Is Another Potent Sports Sedan Waving Goodbye

2024 Audi S4

(Source: Audi)

Speaking of German sports sedans, one of the Giulia's biggest rivals is also leaving US shores. The Audi S4 will be discontinued after over two decades of continuous service, with Audi also looking to an EV future. While not quite in the same league in terms of performance when compared to the Giulia, the S4 is not to be underestimated.

Its legendary Quattro all-wheel-drive system ensures it can use every pound of power it has in any weather condition, making it more usable all year round when compared to its rivals. Its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 brings 333 hp and 368 lb-ft to the party. While significantly down on the Alfa, the S4 can still hit 60 mph in a rapid 4.7 seconds.

To ensure the S4 is as agile as possible, an Audi Sport-tuned differential was used to maximize the potential of all four wheels, while an adaptive suspension system was also thrown in. A trick dynamic steering system also makes a welcome appearance, which changes how direct it is depending on the speed of the vehicle.

While the S5 model will continue for a while longer, 2024 is the end of the road for the sports sedan variation of Audi's performance range. Buying one now could be a smart investment, as it will likely become a future classic.

Maserati Ghibli Is Another Victim Of The EV Revolution

2024 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo

(Source: Maserati)

Another Italian stallion, namely the Maserati Ghibli, was killed off in 2024. Positioned more on the luxury side of the sports sedan market, the Ghibli was available with a range of engines. The GT Hybrid came with a four-cylinder powerplant, though the true powerhouse was the Trofeo variant.

This came with a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8, which offers up 570 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. Combined with a traditional rear-wheel drive layout, the Ghibli could smoke its tires with the best of them. Working with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the Italian sedan could hit 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds.

In terms of luxury, the Ghibli contains a range of nifty features that aim to improve the quality of life of its owners. Soft close doors mark a relaxing start to any journey, while an air quality sensor measures the toxicity of the air outside and alters the interior air to compensate.

Sporty, but still comfortable, seats ensure it can transport its passengers in comfort whether they want to cruise or explore the potential of their vehicle through the twisties. Like its Stellantis Giulia Q cousin and the S4, the Ghibli is being retired to make way for Maserati's future range of EVs. These three sports sedans won't be the last to fall victim to the new age, so enjoy them while they're here.

Sources: Alfa Romeo, Audi, Maserati, Bonhams