Top 13 Hottest Sports Cars of 2008

Speed and style are still the operative words for sports cars, but they’re getting plusher and more luxurious, thanks in part to an aging consumer base.

Sales of sports cars in 2007 show that the rich are getting richer, and as the average age of sports-car buyers steadily creeps up, more models with added luxury and amenities are rolling into showrooms.

Click through for the list of ForbesAutos Top 13 Hottest Sports Cars of 2008. We’re not going to lie, we’re a bit disappointed to not see the BMW M3 Coupe and Sedan, Mercedes C 63 AMG and the Lexus IS-F on the list.


Top 13 Hottest Sports Cars of 2008:

13. Aston Martin DBS
12. Audi R8
11. Audi TT
10. Bentley Continental GT Speed
9. Chevrolet Corvette
8. Dodge Viper SRT10
7. Ferrari 430 Scuderia
6. Lamborghini Reventon
5. Lotus Elise/Exige
4. Maserati GranTurismo
3. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster
2. Nissan GT-R
1. Porsche 911 GT2

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Hottest Sports Cars of 2008

Speed and style are still the operative words for sports cars, but they’re getting plusher and more luxurious, thanks in part to an aging consumer base.

by Jim Gorzelany
ForbesAutos.com

Sales of sports cars in 2007 show that the rich are getting richer, and as the average age of sports-car buyers steadily creeps up, more models with added luxury and amenities are rolling into showrooms.

The healthiest segment of the small but highly profitable sports-car market is at the extreme upper end. Sales of “ultra-luxury” makes like Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, whose vehicles tend to have longer product cycles, are down by the smallest margin so far this year, 6.9 percent, according Bandon, Ore.-based, CNW Marketing Research.

David Wurster, president of research firm Vincentric in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., sees the high end of the sports-car market holding strong in the coming year. “So-called ’supercars’ costing $200,000 and up are in a different sort of marketplace,” he says. “It’s a good example of the widening gap between the rich and poor in this country — we’re apparently going to see more wealthy people at the top who can afford to own the very best.”

Overall, sports car sales are in a slump, but that’s not stopping manufacturers from releasing hot new models for 2008.

Sales of “premium” sports cars (which include the Audi TT, BMW Z4, and Chevrolet Corvette) are down 10.2 percent during the first 10 months of 2007 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to CNW data. “Upper premium” models (Dodge Viper SRT10, Mercedes-Benz SL, Porsche 911, etc.) are off by 13.5 percent.

In these categories, where models tend to get refreshed every four or five years, significant models for 2008 include redesigned versions of the Audi TT and the Dodge Viper SRT10 Coupe and Roadster; the latter gets a major boost in power, with its massive V10 engine now pumping out 600 horsepower.

Arguably the most anticipated new sports car in recent years debuts next spring as an early 2009 model: The Nissan GT-R will be powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine and be able to reach 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds.

This sleek all-wheel-drive coupe has long been a performance icon in Japan (where it has been called the “Skyline GT-R”) but is just now coming to America. “It will be a true ‘halo’ vehicle for Nissan,” says Francois Gravigny, an analyst with the market research company R.L. Polk and Company in Southfield, Mich. “The Japanese had gotten away from selling high-performance vehicles in the U.S., like the Acura NSX and the Toyota Supra, and Nissan is timing the return to that segment of the market perfectly.”

Among new models for 2008 in the exotic segment are the Maserati GranTurismo, an elegant and civilized near-exotic coupe, and the stunning Audi R8, which is that company’s first foray into the realm of uber-sports cars. The R8’s traffic-stopping looks — we mean that literally; people jumped out of their cars in the middle of traffic to take pictures of it on our test drive — and boasts a 420-hp V8 engine. Its price extends into six figures and Audi has made it clear that the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S is one of its chief rivals. “The R8 is the perfect model that illustrates the Audi’s new performance-based philosophy,” Gravigny says. “It’s the first time any German manufacturer is really going up against the Porsche 911.”

Also new for 2008 is the first modern electric-powered sports car, the low-slung Tesla Roadster. The San Carlos, Cali.-based startup says the car production will be limited to 800 units for its first model year and, pending no further hold-ups (it was originally due to be released this fall but was delayed, reportedly because of transmission problems), the car will enter production next spring.

The Tesla Roadster borrows the ultra-light aluminum chassis of the Lotus Elise and the company says it will run for 245 miles on a charge and reach 60 mph in less than four seconds.

Tesla expects both well-heeled environmentalists and sports-car aficionados to be drawn to the $98,000 Roadster. “A strong motivation for many of our customers is the fact that the Roadster will be the only production car available that produces zero emissions,” says Darryl Siry, Tesla’s vice president of sales, marketing and service. “But the design and performance of the car are each a powerful draw on their own.”

Analysts hope an infusion of new models in the years ahead, combined with a market shift as aging Baby Boomers’ transportation needs change and their disposable income increases, will breathe new life into the broader end of the sports-car segment. “The sports car market will improve a bit in terms of volume as America ages and can afford them,” says Vincentric’s Wurster. “There’s a lot of guys waiting out there for their kids to graduate college so they can indulge themselves.”

According to the Power Information Network, the sports car segment is still dominated by the youngest group of buyers with an average age of 42. But that average has been steadily inching up in recent decades. The average Porsche buyer’s age rose from 42.7 years old in the 1970s to 51.2 in the 1990s, according to CNW data. The average Corvette buyer was 38.1 in the Nixon/Carter era, yet rose to 49.6 in the Bush/Clinton period.

Upward age creep could be one reason sports cars have been gaining computer-controlled suspensions, advanced chassis-control features, dual-clutch semi-automatic shifters, and luxury-car convenience features. “As people get older, and the population of this country is clearly getting older, they want more amenities and comfort,” Wurster says. “But you can still go and buy yourself a Lotus Elise and get a car with no amenities if you want to be a true-blue sports car guy.”



Technorati Tags: Cars, Car, Auto, Automobile, Vehicles, Technology, Auto News, News, Automotive, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Audi, Porsche, Nissan, Mercedes, Lotus

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2008 Dodge Viper

Dodge Viper. A grand big center stage car from Chrysler Group i.e 2008 Dodge Viper, 600-horsepower, 8.4-liter V10 engine with 560 lbs of torque will make other models like 500-horsepower Corvette ZO6 and 500-horsepower BMW M6 search for corners. Dodge Viper sport car enthusiastic will no longer wait for the new 2008 Dodge Viper



Chrysler primarily focused on the Dodge brand Dodge Viper in the final press conference at 2007 North American International Auto Show at Detroit and as expected their highlight was on official curtain raiser for the 2008 Dodge Viper.

2008 Dodge Viper would zoom from 0-60mph in just under 4 seconds and 0-100-0mph in 12 seconds. Now, that is impressive. The problem for the Dodge Viper is that it is outrageously powerful and not just powerful. Once you zoom on the road with the new Dodge Viper expect the world to follow behind you, i.e the power of 600 hp. Now Dodge Viper is going to be interesting war of horsepower and more auto rockets Dodge Viper could be seen in near future Dodge Viper.

The increased horsepower of Dodge Viper comes from extra 0.1 liter of displacement, new cylinder heads of Dodge Viper and variable valve timing for Dodge Viper. The other prominent cosmetic change in new Dodge Viper include new and improved hood that has a larger scoop for air intake and louvers thus improving engine cooling fro Dodge Viper. 5 body colors of Dodge Viper will be added in 2008 Dodge Viper which will take the total color count to 8 now for latest Dodge Viper. The interior styles of Dodge Viper are going to be wide with 5 interior color of Dodge Viper combinations and a choice of bezel and center console finishes.

In conclusion, the Dodge will Dodge 'ing' you with the Dodge Viper. Preliminary action of Dodge Viper will rise the competition of sport car. Lambo, Ferrari, Japanese icon GTR Skyline EVO 10, you name it...

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Chevrolet Camaro convertible

Starting MSRP: NA


Vehicle type: sports car

EPA fuel economy: NA

Available engines:
400-hp, 6.0-liter V-8
302-hp, 3.6-liter V-6

Available transmissions:
six-speed manual
six-speed automatic


Drop-top continues comeback of legendary marque
From Chevrolet

The Camaro convertible concept is based on the 2006 Camaro coupe concept, with only minor changes required to accommodate the convertible body style.

"The Camaro convertible concept instantly evokes an emotional response," said Ed Welburn, vice president of global design for General Motors. "It's a vehicle that you want to make room for in your garage."

The convertible embodies the strong heritage of the original 1967 to 2002 Camaro muscle car while appealing to a new generation of customers who seek a distinctive statement in a new car.

Chevrolet has announced production plans for the Camaro coupe, which will go on sale in 2009. A production convertible model will be added later that year.

Like the Camaro coupe concept, the Camaro convertible blends a dramatic, forward-looking design that is mindful of the brand's storied heritage.

The convertible is motivated by a V-8 engine that sends power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission.

"There is an undeniably fun spirit with the Camaro convertible concept," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "The promise of fun made by the convertible top is reinforced with the Camaro's 'let's go' stance. It's a car that begs to be driven."

Additional design details include a tonneau cover over the folded top, "halo" headlamps, LED taillamps and a rear spoiler.

"Camaro has always represented the American ethic that style and performance don't belong exclusively to the wealthy," said Brian Smith, exterior designer. "Camaro has always been everybody's sports car, and these new concepts demonstrate its spirit is relevant for a new generation."

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2008 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Review

The new Quattroporte Sport GT S is unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show for its worldwide preview. The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s flagship car sportiness. Exclusively for those looking for a sporting edge in a luxury sedan, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.

This result was obtained with the introduction of single-rate dampers and a new “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10 mm lower at the front and 25 mm at the rear, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers. The lower ride height and greater rigidity in the suspension system have led to a noticeable reduction in the roll and pitch angles, in the weight transfer and also to a slight increase in lateral acceleration. In everyday driving, this translates into limited body movements, with significant improvements in terms of agility, as well as travel speed through and traction coming out of curves. The result is a car that feels very much like a coupé to drive.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S also boasts another major new development: a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses composite dual-cast discs, the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.

Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The dual-cast disc consists of a cast iron braking surface and an aluminium hat, making it possible to combine the advantages of heat-resistance provided by cast iron with the lightweight properties of aluminium. In particular, the use of aluminium, which is generally 20% lighter than cast iron, made it possible to increase the diameter of the front discs up to 360 mm, while maintaining the same weight. In addition to improving the performance of the braking system, other advantages created by the dual-casting of these materials include greater driving comfort, less wear on the discs and pads, and better component performance.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also features new mono-block, six-piston front brake callipers and new tyres have been developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20). The larger rear ground footprint allows optimum use of the V8’s 400 hp, whilst the new tyre mix helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.

The fuel economy is also remarkable: it uses 9% less fuel compared to the Quattroporte DuoSelect (non-urban driving).

The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a more aggressive look. The black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic element of sporty Maseratis, is joined by a series of significant aesthetic elements: the side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes are also in black, whilst door handles are in the same colour as the body of the car.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with dark-chrome 20", seven spoke alloy wheels.

Even the interior reflects the muscular character of the car, thanks to a meticulous selection of materials which celebrate the sportier nature of the latest evolution of the Maserati flagship vehicle. The interior finish features carbon-fibre with aluminium treads.

The front seats offer an advanced level of lateral support and are distinguished by the new design of the seat and backrest. Thanks to a more cosseting shape, they ensure an excellent level of comfort as well as support for the upper body and legs in sporty driving.

The interior of the Quattroporte GT S combines the traditional Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara, which covers the central sections of the seats, the door panels and the rim of the steering wheel. Available in five colours (Beige, Pearl Beige, Grigio-Gray, Nero-Black, and Blu Trofeo), Alcantara, beside giving customers a further personalisation option, also offers better grip.

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2007 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR

What it Is
New Cars: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Preview – It’s hard to imagine that a 600hp, rear wheel drive, V10 American muscle machine might not be enough for some people, but Dodge aims to please with an American Club Racer (ACR) edition of the 2008 Viper SRT10. The improvements to the ACR will come in the form of handling improving tweaks, not more power. With additional weight saving reductions, additional air-flow management, enhanced braking, lightweight wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, the Street and Racing Technology (SRT) division at Dodge are looking to widen the gap between the venom-spitting sports car and the Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

"http://static.kickapps.com/kickapps/images/3 898/p hotos/PHOTO_683380_3898_262169_ap_420X315.jpg " alt="2007 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR" title="2007 L.A. Auto Show: 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR" width="380" align="top"


Why it Matters
If you’re looking for a high-powered, rear wheel drive, American sports car under $100,000, your choices are the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ford Shelby GT500, or the Dodge Viper SRT10. With 90 more hp than last year, the Viper beats the other two competitors by nearly 100 hp, but rumors are the Corvette will be enjoying nearly 200 extra ponies in the upcoming ZR-1 which means it will outpower the Viper by the same 100 hp margin. Improving power and handling now will give the Viper an edge to keep enthusiast’s interest while Chevy readies the ZR-1 to hit the streets.

What’s Under the Hood
Under the hood, the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR is identical to the non-ACR version. Both are powered by a new 8.4-liter aluminum V10 that produces 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft. of torque. Power is then run through a Tremec 6-speed manual transmission and a GKN Viscolok speed-sensing limited-slip differential. Braking is improved over the Viper SRT10 by utilizing StopTech lightweight, two-piece, slotted rotors reducing unsprung weight and rotating mass. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires which are DOT-approved, street legal race rubber, are mounted on aluminum Sidewinder wheels to get the power to the ground.

What it Looks Like
The Viper is already a sports car that appears to be in a perpetual strike stance whether moving or standing still. The cross-hair grille looks ready to sink it’s fangs into anything that dares get in its way. The 2008 Viper’s menacing looks are enhanced with a redesigned hood featuring functional hood scoop and louvers. The ACR version also features a “fanged” windsplitter, front drive blades and an adjustable rear wing that makes it about the meanest looking thing on the road and should strike terror in the rearview mirrors of more than a few soon to be passed victims.

What’s Inside
Dodge doesn’t list what if any extras the Viper SRT10 ACR interior comes with, instead, they list what can be deleted. A “Hard Core” package is available where an additional weight savings of 40-lbs can be gained by deleting the audio system, underhood silencer pad, trunk carpet and tire inflator. A lightweight cover replaces the radio and can be fitted with the included lat timer and the door speakers are replaced with carbon fiber panels. Now owners just need to decide if it’s easier to diet and lose 40-lbs or just learn to hum along to the 560 hp V10.

What Dodge Says
Dodge bills the Viper SRT10 ACR as the “ultimate purpose-built, street legal track car.” The track has always been the only place an enthusiast could really let out the reigns on the Viper so enhancing its track characteristics is the next logical step. The Mopar builder also says that “Aerodynamic improvements, racing suspension and weight savings equal unmatched performance for under $100,000.” Super car performance and still coming in under a 100 large is a combination that’s hard to beat.

What We Think
With 600 hp and no computer controlled handling inputs, the Viper is a pure driving enthusiast’s car, and can instantaneously become more than a handful in even the most capable driver’s hands. Anything that improves handling in this wild beast can only be a welcome improvement and we’ll never turn down better braking. Yet, when we think of the Viper our thoughts immediately turn to the horsepower numbers and when we hear Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, we have to admit that we are a little disappointed there aren’t a few more drops of horsepower inducing venom running through the V10.

More 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR Photos

Vernon Heywood
MyRide Associate Editor

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2008/2009 sports cars to watch out for...

Sorry for not posting earlier. Here's my top 6 future cars I am impatiently waiting for (listed in order of importance).

1. BMW M3
This speedster, now outfitted with a long-awaited V8, will retail for about $53,000. Sticker shock?
Drive the M3 virtually here.

2. Lexus IS-F
With 400+ horsepower emanating from its V8, the IS-F is the fastest Lexus ever! (It's also my favorite Lexus, second to the LS 600hL) With an aggressive body kit and sleek pearlescent blue-purple paint, this ferocious IS could be coming to my father as a courtesy rental car next time he brings his RX 300 for service...

3. Nissan GT-R
The new iteration of the famous Skyline, this car has been captured by many spy car photographers alongside a 2006 Porsche 911 Turbo, considered to be a benchmark car. This automobile already has been booked to appear in Need For Speed: ProStreet and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue.

4. Subaru Impreza WRX STI
This hotly expected version of the 2008 Impreza will only be available in the ugly hatchback style, though is is still aggressive to the power of 10. Bristling with spoilers and hood scoops, still only little is known about the new uber-Impreza.

5. Audi TT Coupe
The best-looking TT so far, this mini-rocket is quite luxurious, like any other Audi. Beneath the more-aggressive exterior lies a 250-hp V6.

EDIT:
After a comment about this post, I have decided to add another car to this uber-quintet of sports cars: the Hyundai Genesis Coupe.

6. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The concept version of the next-gen Tiburon, this 300 hp speedster will provide thrills worthy of an Evo/STI with a price good enough to make generous parents buy their college-bound kid a Genesis Coupe, rather than the traditional used clunker.

Image from:
http://www.sempson.com/i/SportsCarRender.jpg

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2008 Aston Martin DBS co-stars in newest Bond flick

The latest James Bond movie, Casino Royale, is set to open this week with Daniel Craig portraying the suave British spy for the first time. Of course what would a Bond movie be without a bevy of Bond girls? For Casino Royale, sexy French actress Eva Green is Vesper Lynd and sultry Italian Caterina Murino is Solange. But one other “co-star” is just as sexy and head-turning – the 2008 Aston Martin DBS. With stunts such as doing seven consecutive cannon rolls, the Aston Martin DBS is set to wow audiences in the film.

The Aston Martin DBS is only the latest car to be the Bond-mobile.Ever since the very first 007 movie (Dr. No, 1962, starring Sean Connery), the cars are as memorable as the Bond girls - from the Sunbeam Alpine in Dr. No to the stunning Aston Martin V12 Vanquish in Die Another Day that features invisibility cloaking device and an artillery of guns and missile launchers popping out from nowhere. ForbesAutos.com recently released a list of the top ten Bond-mobiles. It’s a veritable wish list of some of the best sports cars ever.

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