Best Selling Sports Cars: August 2010

August 2010 Sales: 150
Change vs. August 2009: -4.5%
MSRP: $47,600 - $58,000
Fuel Economy: 27 mpg Hwy, 19 mpg City

The Porsche Boxster is a two-seater mid-engine roadster reminiscent of the legendary Porsche 550 Spyder. The rear-wheel drive Boxster is offered in two trim levels: Base and S. The Base is powered by a 255-hp 2.9-liter flat six-cylinder engine, while the S boasts a 310-hp 3.4-liter flat six-cylinder engine with direct fuel injection. Both are mated to a six-speed manual transmission; Porsche's PDK seven-speed double-clutch gearbox, including manual shift mode and steering wheel paddles, is optional.

August 2010 Sales: 165
Change vs. August 2009: -12.7%
MSRP: $37,800 - $40,800
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy, 21 mpg City

The Audi TT is the entry-level sports car in the Audi/VW AG selection of performance cars, and is aimed directly at the segment leading cars from BMW and Porsche. The TT blends the original Bauhaus styling with Audi's current modern design theme and advanced technology. All TT's are all-wheel drive and are powered by a 200-hp turbocharged direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic S-tronic as the only transmission choice.

August 2010 Sales: 233
Change vs. August 2009: -9.7%
MSRP: $102,600 - $198,750
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg Hwy, 14 mpg City

The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class models are stately, well-constructed two-seat roadsters, created in small volumes for customers with exclusive tastes. The SL-Class is comprised of three models: the SL550, the SL63 AMG and the SL65 AMG. The SL550 is powered by a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the SL63 AMG boasts a hand-built 518-hp 6.3-liter V8, as well as a seven-speed MCT (multi-clutch technology) transmission not found in any other Mercedes model.

August 2010 Sales: 237
Change vs. August 2009: -61.1%
MSRP: $77,800
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

The 911 Carrera comes as either a coupe or a cabriolet, in either a rear-wheel drive (C2) or an all-wheel drive (C4) configuration. The 911 C2 and C4 are powered by a 345-hp direct-injection 3.6-liter flat six-cylinder engine and the S variants of the C2 and C4 are powered by a 385-hp direct-injection 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine. The track-derived GT3 is powered by a 435-hp 3.8-liter flat six-cylinder engine and comes exclusively as a rear-wheel drive coupe with a six-speed manual transmission.

August 2010 Sales: 293
Change vs. August 2009: -27.1%
MSRP: $18,999 - $29,089
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy, 20 mpg City

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a sporty two door, four-seat coupe with good looks and a roomy interior. It appeals to a large audience with its youthful looks and affordable price. The Eclipse is offered in three trim levels: GS, GS-Sport, and GT. Power is delivered by a 162-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic with Sportronic shift control. A 265-hp 3.8-liter V6 engine powers the GT and comes with a five-speed automatic featuring Sportronic shift control.

August 2010 Sales: 547
Change vs. August 2009: -25.0%
MSRP: $22,960 - $28,400
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy, 22 mpg City

The Mazda MX-5 Miata, is a convertible sports car that is sleek, capable, well-engineered, delightful, and fun. The MX-5 Miata roadster comes in two basic configurations: a soft-top or a power retractable hardtop. Three transmissions are offered, a five-speed manual, a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. The only engine available, a 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder, comes in two power levels, one rated at 167 horsepower with either manual transmission, or 158 horsepower with the automatic.

August 2010 Sales: 627
Change vs. August 2009: N/A
MSRP: $89,800 - $132,600
Fuel Economy: 24 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City

The Porsche Panamera is an all-new model to the Porsche family, bringing sports car performance and untraditional styling to the full-size premium class. The Panamera is offered in three versions, the rear-wheel drive S, the all-wheel drive 4S, and the all-wheel drive Turbo. Each come with a direct injection 4.8-liter V-8, the S models making 400-hp, while the Turbo adds twin-turbocharging for 500-hp. The Porsche PDK double-clutch gearbox is the only transmission choice, and all models are equipped an auto start-stop feature for increased urban fuel economy.

August 2010 Sales: 694
Change vs. August 2009: N/A
MSRP: $19,200 - $20,760
Fuel Economy: 37 mpg Hwy, 31 mpg City

New for 2011, the Honda CR-Z looks to combine the fuel-efficiency of a hybrid with the driving experience of a sports car. The CR-Z employs a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and an electric motor to provide 122 horsepower and 128 lb/ft of torque. Three driving modes - Economy, Normal and Sport - allow the driver to use the CR-Z in the fashion that they deem most fitting to their needs.

August 2010 Sales: 823
Change vs. August 2009: -1.7%
MSRP: $30,410 - $40,870
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

The modern Nissan 370Z falls in line with Z's of the past. Designed with performance, style and value in mind; it's a pure sports car in every respect. The 370Z can be had as a coupe or roadster configuration, ranging from mild with the Base and upgraded Touring trim, to the race track inspired NISMO trim. Both, Base and Touring models come standard with a 332-hp 3.7-liter V6, and a six-speed manual transmission. An optional seven-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available on both trims.

August 2010 Sales: 1,135
Change vs. August 2009: +52.1%
MSRP: $48,950 - $109,800
Fuel Economy: 26 mpg Hwy, 16 mpg City

The Chevrolet Corvette is the best high-performance value in America. The Corvette delivers supercar performance for the price of a midsize luxury sedan. The Corvette is a two-seat sports car available as a targa-roof coupe, convertible, or the high-performance Z06 and ZR1 hardtop coupes. The coupe and convertible come with a 430-hp LS3 6.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic with steering wheel paddle shifters is available. An optional dual-mode exhaust increases horsepower to 436-hp.

August 2010 Sales: 1,201
Change vs. August 2009: +119.6%
MSRP: $46,000 - $61,050
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy, 18 mpg City

The BMW Z4 has the classic two-seat roadster look, but features a modern two-piece power retractable hardtop. The result is an elegant looking car that blends the sportiness of a coupe with the enjoyment of a convertible. The Z4 is offered as one of three trims, sDrive30i, sDrive35i, or sDrive35is. Power for the sDrive30i comes from a 255-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The sDrive35i is powered by a twin-turbo, 300-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The new sDrive35is is powered by a twin-turbo, 335-hp 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine.

August 2010 Sales: 3,283
Change vs. August 2009: +190.0%
MSRP: $23,245 - $41,230
Fuel Economy: 25 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City

Unlike the unrefined pony cars of yesteryear, the Challenger features the fuel efficiency, safety, handling, technology and build quality expected in a contemporary coupe. The Challenger is available in three trims: SE, R/T and SRT8. The SE is powered by a 250-hp 3.5-liter V6 with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The R/T's 5.7-liter HEMI V8 features 370 horsepower with the standard 5-speed automatic with sequential shift control, and 375 horsepower with the optional 6-speed manual. The SRT8's 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine is mated to a standard 5-speed automatic with sequential shift control or an optional 6-speed manual, and produces 425 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque.

August 2010 Sales: 5,570
Change vs. August 2009: -11.4%
MSRP: $22,145 - $37,845
Fuel Economy: 29 mpg Hwy, 19 mpg City

The Mustang remains one of the most widely recognized, respected, and desired nameplates in the automobile business. It may be retro inspired, but the Mustang is a thoroughly modern car. Today's Mustang still delivers the bold styling, rear-drive performance and affordability that have been Mustang hallmarks for decades. The Mustang is available either as a coupe or convertible. Each is available with a V6 or a V8 engine. New for 2011, a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 and 412-hp 5.0-liter V8 replace the previous aging powerplants. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a six-speed automatic is optional.

August 2010 Sales: 6,321
Change vs. August 2009: -27.2%
MSRP: $22,680 - $34,295
Fuel Economy: 28 mpg Hwy, 17 mpg City

With design cues evocative of the legendary 1969 model, the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro combines the spirit of the classic American muscle car with the fuel efficiency, safety, handling, technology and build quality expected in a modern performance coupe. The Camaro is available in three trims: LS, LT and SS. The LS and LT are powered by a 312-hp direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 with a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The SS's 6.2-liter V8 generates 426 horsepower with the standard six-speed manual, and 400 horsepower with the optional six-speed automatic with sequential shift control.