Ferrari F430 Scuderia
Starting price: $277,456
Power: 4.3-liter, 503-hp V8
If you can stomach the price, this is a scary-fast, insanely competent (0 to 60 in 3.5 sec), sexy purebred that makes operatic engine sounds unlike any other. Oh yes, and former Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher was crucial to its development.
Purists can argue about the superiority of a mid-engine V-8 Ferrari like the F430 vs. the big front-engine V-12 599 GTB, but my money goes to the playfulness of the mid-engine car. For those who prefer German, the G55 in any guise is unimpeachable, while Range rover is the hottest new entrant. The Corvette, starting at $46,1000, is still the best deal around.