Auto Trends

Mitsubishi

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X is infamous for its high performance potential at an incredibly low cost. How does $32,000 sound for about 300 all-wheel horsepower from an I-4 turbo? With this potent combination, the Lancer is capable of 0-60 times in the mid 4 second range.

If the body style of the Lancer is not to your taste, then perhaps you would prefer the sportier appearance of the 2007 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. While not quite as fast as the Lancer, its 3.8 V-6 can take it from zero to 60 in about 6.1 seconds… and with a base price of $24,000, that is not too shabby!

Nissan

Nissan has a nice sporty line up these days and the 2008 Nissan Nismo 350Z is a nice performance choice for the laymen who likes to go fast, while going to and from work in style. The “Z” features a non aspirated 3.5 liter V-6, with an impressive 315 horsepower. Its zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds is not too bas either for its price of $37,000.

Just as neat in many ways in the 2007 350Z VQ35HR Roadster. It has all the same goodies and performance as the Nismo for the most part, but a price tag that will be a little easier on the wallet at $28,000.

Pontiac

With the loss of the Firebird, Pontiac has been without one of its most potent sources of performance. The newly refined 2008 Pontiac GTO however has allowed them to stay in the limelight. The 6-liter 400 horsepower V-8 high tech engine commands attention and rockets the rather large 3,700lb car from 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds. Now that is raw power over matter! At just $33,000, the GTO is also your best value out if the Pontiac line-up as far as pure performance potential.

Porsche

You can’t really go wrong with almost any model of Porsche, but if you were hard pressed to buy the fastest one available, then the 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 would have to be your choice. $160,000 could buy you a low level home these days, but it can also buy you a GT2 complete with a H6 Turbo engine capable of 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. Its 525 horsepower and 3400 curb weight catapult this refined beauty beyond what most cars could ever dream of.

$160,000 is a little steep for many when it comes to a car, so if you are not willing to shell out the really big bucks just yet on a new GT2, then the 2007 Porsche Cayman S at $58,000 is about as low as you can go with Porsche and still come close to a 5-second 0- 60 potential.