BUYING GUIDE to New Sporty Cars

The sports car class aims at enveloping race car-type performance into a street-legal passenger car. Sports cars also have a more aggressive look, which can be attributed to lower ride heights and sportier wheel and tire combinations. Most importantly, sports cars have robust engines that produce more than enough power to not only transport you around town, but to bring a smile to your face while driving around your favorite twisty road.

Price Range: $16,095-$44,170

Models

Arguably, the hottest talk for 2009 is the new tenth generation Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The Evo X, as it's widely known, will be built on Mitsubishi's newly developed Lancer chassis. If the initial reports are any indication of this car’s performance, the Evo X for the money, should be the best bang for the buck in performance sedan (or coupe for that matter). The Evo X will come correct with an all-aluminum 2.0-liter turbocharged & intercooled inline four cylinder engine mated to a twin-clutch paddle-shifted transmission. That’s right—no pesky clutch pedal to modulate while in traffic. And if there’s one thing you’ll love more than anything, it’s the 295 horses lurking under the aluminum hood. All-wheel-drive (AWD) is standard, and with that much power on tap, you’ll need it.

Not ones to rest on their collective laurels, Subaru presumably felt the heat, and have stepped up to the plate with the new for 2009 Subaru WRX STI. The STI will again bring out the polarized internet cognoscenti in regards to its styling. Subaru opted to offer the new STI in a 5-door wagon rather than the more conventional 4-door sedan. One thing you can’t argue is power. The STI produces 304 horsepower and should cost around $32k.

Coming from Germany, the $22,100 Volkswagen GTI is only slightly changed for 2009. Known for engines that "deliver smooth, progressive power and torque and a lot of driving fun," according to Automobile magazine, the GTI is equipped with a 200hp 2.0L I-4 engine this year. Volkswagen has also added a four-door hatchback to the GTI lineup and lowered the ride height about an inch, allowing for a more aggressive stance.

The Chevrolet Corvette is the sports car in its purest form. This all-American muscle car has incorporated more European styling in recent years, with headlight and front fascia treatments reminiscent of the Ferrari F430. But, starting at $46,110, you can have one at a fraction of the price. The 2009 Corvette offers up a 430-hp 6.3-liter V8, better interior materials, stunning looks, and excellent handling. Edmunds.com gives praise to the Corvette saying, "The handling is spot-on, the powertrain is smooth and scary-fast, the look is classy and the ergonomics are top-notch”.

Convertible Sports Cars

If it’s the wind through your hair and blue sky above that you want, then here are some convertible sports cars you should look at.

The Audi TTS Convertible is all new for 2009. At $36,800, it comes standard with a 200hp 2.0-Liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine which provides seamless power delivery and that solid and unmistakable German feel.

The Mazda MX5 Miata at $21,220, comes standard as a soft-top convertible, but there is an optional retractable hardtop for 2008. From our experience, we’d opt for the hardtop because soft-tops, no matter what material, simply do not last. The hardtop Miata starts off at $25,035, which is well worth the price, especially if you live on the east coast.

Honda's S2000, the convertible that offers razor-sharp handling and bulletproof reliability is back for it's last year as a 2009 model. At $34.300, it’s only $50 more than last year’s model. The rev-hungry drop top provides excellent structural rigidity, giving the car confidence inspiring control. Referring to the S2000’s handling, MSN Autos said, "The S2000's long-hood, short-trunk design places the cockpit well back in the vehicle and creates a 50/50 weight distribution that contributes to its excellent handling."

Also for 2009, a new CR version is added to the lineup, offering even better handling than that of the base model S2000. CR stands for Circuit Racer, which pretty much means that this car is ready for your local racetrack, but is still tame enough for daily use. Sticky Bridgestone RE070 tires can be found under each fender, along with revised damper and spring rates, which both contribute to the increase in grip. The CR model can be had for $36,300, but does not come with audio or A/C. If you want it, it’s offered for another $1000.

Sporty Car Safety Guide

With an ongoing concern for safety, many features considered to be a boon in emergency situations are being offered on vehicles in the sporty car segment. Often, anti-lock brakes (ABS) and side airbags are standard on such cars, but are, at the very least, available as options. Traction control is a more advanced feature that stops the spin of a wheel and insures maximum contact between your tires and the road. Augmenting this feature is an Electronic Stability System that also keeps your tires in maximum contact with the road by coordinating the ABS, Traction Control, and the "yaw" of your vehicle (how much a car rocks side-to-side). The individual systems are combined in an effort to reduce tire spinning, skidding, and traction less cornering. All features, if not offered as standard, can considerably boost the overall price of vehicles in this segment.