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Hottest Sports Cars for 2007
ForbesAutos.com
The 2007 model year showcases an especially diverse crop of new sports cars, ranging from $22,000 roadsters (Saturn Sky) to six-figure exotics (Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano).
While sports cars have continually improved and offer more thrills than ever before, modern ones remain style statements to many who buy them. This is especially true now that some sedans, wagons and even a handful of SUVs have performance and handling capabilities that far exceed those of past sports cars. New-for-2007 models are sure to please aesthetes (Bentley Continental GTC) and hardcore purists (Porsche 911 GT3) alike. And at least one — the Jaguar XK — is well-rounded enough to attract both types of enthusiasts: It has stunning looks, a lightweight, all-aluminum body, serious performance and coddling luxury.
The 2007 model year showcases an especially diverse crop of new sports cars, ranging from $22,000 roadsters (Saturn Sky) to six-figure exotics (Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano).
While sports cars have continually improved and offer more thrills than ever before, modern ones remain style statements to many who buy them. This is especially true now that some sedans, wagons and even a handful of SUVs have performance and handling capabilities that far exceed those of past sports cars. New-for-2007 models are sure to please aesthetes (Bentley Continental GTC) and hardcore purists (Porsche 911 GT3) alike. And at least one — the Jaguar XK — is well-rounded enough to attract both types of enthusiasts: It has stunning looks, a lightweight, all-aluminum body, serious performance and coddling luxury.
Bentley Continental GTC
A sexy, new convertible version of Bentley's Continental GT features a soft fabric top that stows neatly under a leather-lined cover for a sleek top-down look. Bentley's usual impeccable interior treatment makes the Continental GTC's cabin a feast for the senses. And with a 552-hp W12 engine and all-wheel drive, it's sure to set the heart racing.
BMW Z4 Coupe
Based on the Z4 Roadster, the new Z4 Coupe appeals to sports- car purists who shun frou-frou convertibles yet value distinctive styling and practicality. The latter is thanks to a decent trunk, comfortable seats and good gas mileage from the car's 255-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel are both available.
BMW Z4 M Coupe
The Z4 M Coupe is a higher-performance version of the standard Z4 Coupe and complements the Z4 M Roadster, which debuted for 2006. Like its ragtop twin, the M Coupe features the same 330-hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine as the vaunted M3, along with styling tweaks, a stiffer suspension, retuned steering system and other performance upgrades.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
The 599 GTB Fiorano is the latest in a long line of front-engine 12-cylinder Ferraris. Its 620-hp 6.0-liter V12 makes the 599 GTB the most powerful street-legal Ferrari ever — good for a sprint to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph, Ferrari says. Italian design house Pininfarina designed the aluminum body. It will be the first Ferrari to feature a self-adjusting suspension that uses magnetic currents to vary damping rates.
Jaguar XK/XKR
Jaguar's flashy and fast XK coupe and convertible are overdue but worthy replacements for the aging XK8. They offer a roomier, higher-quality interior, a more rigid body and improved powertrains. A 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission are standard. The higher-performance XKR versions upgrade to a 420-hp, supercharged V8 and a stiffer suspension.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
Lamborghini takes its exotic, $350,000 Murciélago supercar even further over the top with a thoroughly reworked 640-hp 6.5-liter V12 engine, a retuned suspension and modified looks. The term "LP640" has been added to the name to denote the engine output and its longitudinal, rear position in the chassis (logitudinale posteriore, in Italian). A slick sequential-manual transmission and standard six-speed are available. Transparent glass panels showcase the engine for an added $7,200.
Pontiac Solstice GXP
The svelte Solstice gains a higher-output GXP variant for 2007. Its 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers nearly twice as much as power as the engine in the base model. A sport suspension, limited-slip rear differential, styling tweaks and various other performance improvements complete the package and transform the Solstice from a fun roadster into a serious sports car.
Porsche 911 GT3
Based on the 911 GT3 RSR race car, the $106,000 911 GT3 brings racing technology to the street. A special version of Porsche's 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine produces 415 hp with a redline bumped up to 8,400 rpms. The six-speed transmission and suspension have been modified for all-out performance. Beginning next spring, an even more extreme GT3 RS will feature carbon-fiber components for reduced weight.
Porsche 911 Targa
The new 911 Targa offers open-air motoring without compromising structural integrity thanks to its sliding glass roof panel. The car will initially be offered with all-wheel drive as the Targa 4 and 4S. The former will feature the 325-hp 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, and the latter will come with a 355-hp 3.8-liter version.
Porsche 911 Turbo
Despite being larger and more powerful than the car it replaces, the all-new 911 Turbo weighs 90 pounds less. It again features all-wheel drive for power delivery. It's 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder engine features variable-geometry turbochargers that boost output to 473 hp and 502 pound-feet of torque. Porsche claims a top speed of 193 mph and a zero-to-60-mph time of less than four seconds.
Saturn Sky
The sprightly Saturn Sky is a slightly better equipped and restyled version of General Motors' Pontiac Solstice. It features the same 177-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in base form and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in a hotter Red Line version that should sprint to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Value is perhaps the best selling point for the Sky; with a starting price under $25,000, you don't have to spend a lot to get plenty of open-air thrills.
A sexy, new convertible version of Bentley's Continental GT features a soft fabric top that stows neatly under a leather-lined cover for a sleek top-down look. Bentley's usual impeccable interior treatment makes the Continental GTC's cabin a feast for the senses. And with a 552-hp W12 engine and all-wheel drive, it's sure to set the heart racing.
BMW Z4 Coupe
Based on the Z4 Roadster, the new Z4 Coupe appeals to sports- car purists who shun frou-frou convertibles yet value distinctive styling and practicality. The latter is thanks to a decent trunk, comfortable seats and good gas mileage from the car's 255-hp 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel are both available.
BMW Z4 M Coupe
The Z4 M Coupe is a higher-performance version of the standard Z4 Coupe and complements the Z4 M Roadster, which debuted for 2006. Like its ragtop twin, the M Coupe features the same 330-hp 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine as the vaunted M3, along with styling tweaks, a stiffer suspension, retuned steering system and other performance upgrades.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
The 599 GTB Fiorano is the latest in a long line of front-engine 12-cylinder Ferraris. Its 620-hp 6.0-liter V12 makes the 599 GTB the most powerful street-legal Ferrari ever — good for a sprint to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 205 mph, Ferrari says. Italian design house Pininfarina designed the aluminum body. It will be the first Ferrari to feature a self-adjusting suspension that uses magnetic currents to vary damping rates.
Jaguar XK/XKR
Jaguar's flashy and fast XK coupe and convertible are overdue but worthy replacements for the aging XK8. They offer a roomier, higher-quality interior, a more rigid body and improved powertrains. A 300-hp 4.2-liter V8 and six-speed automatic transmission are standard. The higher-performance XKR versions upgrade to a 420-hp, supercharged V8 and a stiffer suspension.
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640
Lamborghini takes its exotic, $350,000 Murciélago supercar even further over the top with a thoroughly reworked 640-hp 6.5-liter V12 engine, a retuned suspension and modified looks. The term "LP640" has been added to the name to denote the engine output and its longitudinal, rear position in the chassis (logitudinale posteriore, in Italian). A slick sequential-manual transmission and standard six-speed are available. Transparent glass panels showcase the engine for an added $7,200.
Pontiac Solstice GXP
The svelte Solstice gains a higher-output GXP variant for 2007. Its 260-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine offers nearly twice as much as power as the engine in the base model. A sport suspension, limited-slip rear differential, styling tweaks and various other performance improvements complete the package and transform the Solstice from a fun roadster into a serious sports car.
Porsche 911 GT3
Based on the 911 GT3 RSR race car, the $106,000 911 GT3 brings racing technology to the street. A special version of Porsche's 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine produces 415 hp with a redline bumped up to 8,400 rpms. The six-speed transmission and suspension have been modified for all-out performance. Beginning next spring, an even more extreme GT3 RS will feature carbon-fiber components for reduced weight.
Porsche 911 Targa
The new 911 Targa offers open-air motoring without compromising structural integrity thanks to its sliding glass roof panel. The car will initially be offered with all-wheel drive as the Targa 4 and 4S. The former will feature the 325-hp 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, and the latter will come with a 355-hp 3.8-liter version.
Porsche 911 Turbo
Despite being larger and more powerful than the car it replaces, the all-new 911 Turbo weighs 90 pounds less. It again features all-wheel drive for power delivery. It's 3.6-liter boxer six-cylinder engine features variable-geometry turbochargers that boost output to 473 hp and 502 pound-feet of torque. Porsche claims a top speed of 193 mph and a zero-to-60-mph time of less than four seconds.
Saturn Sky
The sprightly Saturn Sky is a slightly better equipped and restyled version of General Motors' Pontiac Solstice. It features the same 177-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine in base form and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in a hotter Red Line version that should sprint to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds. Value is perhaps the best selling point for the Sky; with a starting price under $25,000, you don't have to spend a lot to get plenty of open-air thrills.
Latest page update: made by Anonymous, Jul 10 2007, 3:33 PM EDT
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- complete history)
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