Audi R8
Highlights: With exotic looks, a capable engine range and bearing the wildly successful R8 nameplate, Audi wants to conquer the best in the supercar market. Sporting an all-aluminum body, the R8 has two engine options: a 4.2-liter, 420-hp V8 and a 5.2-liter, 480-hp V10.
Base price: $110,000 (est.)
What’s next: New model.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: This big German has the attributes to come up huge in the supercar realm.
Cadillac XLR
Highlights: Six-speed auto gets added to base and XLR-V models. Ultra-Luxury Platinum model and Passion Red special-edition models are new, each adding unique interior and exterior details.
Base price: $78,495
What’s next: Facelift comes in ’09 and an overhaul for 2011.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: A refined, luxury roadster with Corvette spirit.
Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Highlights: Ferrari’s latest V12 coupe, the 599 stays in touch with Ferrari’s heritage in a sleek all-aluminum body. An impressive 612 hp comes from the 6.0-liter Enzo-derived engine.
Base price: $280,000 (est.)
What’s next: New model, nothing major planned.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Insanely fast and unique Ferrari-goodness.
Jaguar XK
Highlights: Introduced earlier this year with extensive use of aluminum, the new XK boasts best-in-class rigidity in coupe form, while the convertible sees a 50 percent improvement over the old car. A 4.2-liter, 300-hp V8 is standard. XKR, packing a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 good for 420 hp with stiffer springs, larger brakes and 20-inch wheels, will bow by year’s end.
Base price: $75,500
What’s next: End-of-the-year appearance by XKR.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Performance and responsive handling have Jag headed in the right direction.
Porsche 911
Highlights: Four new versions for 2007: 415-hp track-focused GT3 model; 480-hp 911 Turbo (available now); Targa 4 and Targa 4S versions coming with sliding glass roof, glass rear hatch and all-wheel drive. Familiar 325-hp 3.6-liter flat-six powers the Targa 4, while the 4S uses Porsche’s 3.8-liter that makes 355 hp.
Base price: $73,195
What’s next: Porsche’s long-awaited double-clutch gearbox (PDK).
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Remains one of the greatest driver’s cars ever.
Saturn Sky
Highlights: Red Line has a 2.0-liter, 260-hp turbocharged engine, stiffer suspension, StabiliTrak.
Base price: $24,195
What’s next: Supercharged in 2008.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: Looks even better than the Pontiac Solstice and is sportier.
Volkswagen Eos
Highlights: Volkswagen joins the hard-top convertible craze with its four-seater Eos with integrated sunroof. Engines include a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and 3.2-liter, 250-hp V6.
Base price: $28,620
What’s next: New now.
AutoWeek‘s opinion: A sunroof-equipped hardtop is cool and will lure the young contingent.
Also to consider
Acura TSX; BMW 3-Series coupe, Z4, 6-Series; Chrysler Crossfire, Sebring; Dodge Viper; Ferrari F430, 612 Scaglietti; Ford Mustang Shelby GT500; Honda S2000; Lamborghini Murcielago, Gallardo; Lotus Elise, Exige; Maserati Quattroporte, Coupe/Spyder/Gransport/Sport Spyder; Mazda MX5; Mercedes-Benz CL-Class; Nissan 350Z, Z Roadster; Pontiac Solstice; Porsche Boxster, Cayman; Spyker C8 Laviolette/Spyder; Volvo C70.
