Top 10 Sports Cars of 2011
Sports cars are very essential as they add liveliness to the the automotive scene, which is otherwise choc-a-block full of cars which are built keeping in mind safety, economy and environmental considerations and all this dulls their performance.
Sports cars are aspirational and they have superlative handling, performance and sheer driving pleasure. In this top ten list we have included only coupes and convertibles having room for two occupants though one or two have seats at the rear but for all purposes, the cars on the list are essentially for two people, which is what a true blue sports car is all about.
Top 10 Sports Cars of 2011
Mazda MX-5 Miata ($23,185-$28,670)
This small sports car made its debut in the 1990s and since then has captured the imagination of sports car enthusiasts. The Miata is seen as the perfect modern day re-incarnation of the roadster.
It is cheap to buy and to live with and is fun whenever you get behind the wheel. It has become even more practical with the fitment of a retractable hardtop.
Nissan 370Z ($32,760-$42,210)
The Nissan 370Z comes in two versions: coupe and convertible. It is a car which is very enjoyable to drive and is fun through and through. It has a look which is unique and the way the car handles is just awesome. The power on offer is also bountiful.
BMW Z4 ($48,660-$64,210)
The Z4, when it was launched, created ripples and also featured in the James Bond movie ‘Goldeneye’. The Z4, like the Miata, is in the classic roadster mould and in its latest generation has improved on the already delicious styling and there are more powerful engines on offer.
Chevrolet Corvette ($49,565-111,625)
The Corvette still gives the most bang for your buck in the super car arena. That is why, ever since it was launched, it has always been near the top of the sales charts and a favorite among enthusiasts.
The fiberglass bodied sports car is available right from the base model, which is muscular in its own right, to the very powerful top of the range ZL1.
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class ($54,860)
Mercedes-Benz has completely revamped its most compact sports-oriented car and now with its new aggressive styling, complimented by powerful new motors and better handling, the SLK is ready to challenge other cars in its class.
Porsche 911 ($79,960)
2012 will see the debut of the all-new 911, which has seen stupendous success ever since it saw the light for the first time in 1963.
The car has evolved over the years and for the new year there is even more evolution which sees improved engines and dynamics though it still echoes the style and substance of the first 911.
Jaguar XKR ($103,560)
The Jaguar XKR has always been special and now with a supercharged V8 powerplant the power has been boosted to 510hp. The suspension has been re-tuned and has been made firmer, which has transferred it into a supercar.
Audi R8 ($123,370-$196,850)
Audi’s state-of-the-art sports coupe, the R8, is already a legend. For 2012, it will be joined by its Spyder cousin. The R8 has always been a solid performer with its mighty mid-mounted powerplant and great driveability.
Ferrari 458 Italia ($227,335-$257,100)
The Italia is one of the best Ferraris of all time. Available as a coupe and in the Spider form with a retractable hardtop, this Ferrari is up there with the best super cars with its 562hp V8 engine and superb handling.
Lamborghini Aventador ($388,000)
The Aventador has been built by Lamborghini to replace the Murcielago and that is saying something because the Murcielago itself was a mighty machine.
But with a 700hp V12 mid-mounted powerplant and a 0-60mph time of just 2.9 seconds, the Aventador has already created a niche for itself.
