Lamborghini Twin Turbo

Lamborghini Twin Turbo

The past decade has been an unprecedented time in the history of automobiles. Many companies have succumbed to the financial pressures of the bad economy, some closing their doors for ever. Here's my list of favorites for the last decade.

2001 Dodge Viper
More power than most drivers can handle, the Viper is unsophisticated yet drop-dead dangerous. Driving one will keep you busy, but for purists nothing else will satisfy.
• 8.0-liter, 450hp V10
• Six-speed manual transmission
• EPA (city/hwy): 11/20 mpg
• Base: $69,225

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
One of the most popular street racers ever sold, this amazing little car isn't just fast. It's also top-notch fun. According to Car and Driver, "everyone who drives this car always gets out with a smile."
• Turbocharged 2.0L, 227hp flat-four
• 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission
• 19 mpg city
• Base: $24,520-$25,520

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Basically a street-legal rally car, the first US-version of this nimble and quick rush-hour racer had promise, but one year later the 2003 models were released with many refinements. These included 17" Enkei wheels, Brembo Brakes, and Bilstein shocks.
• Turbocharged 2.0L, 271 hp flat-four
• 5-speed manual transmission
• 19 mpg city
• Base: $28,987-$30,062

2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra
40th anniversary edition of one of the meanest American muscle cars ever made. The 2004 version had more power, was more agile, and that nasty supercharger whine could be heard far and wide!
• Supercharged 4.6L, 390 hp V8
• ¼-mile: 11.74 sec @ 120.8 mph
• 17/24 mpg
• Base: $34,860

2005 Porsche Cayman S
While it resembles a coupe version of Porsche's Boxster, the Cayman is a whole different animal. Much stiffer suspension, 15 more horsepower, and lowered body components all add to the Cayman's striking performance.
• 19/27 mpg
• 6-speed manual transmission
• 291hp, 3.4L flat-6 boxer engine
• 0-60 mph: 4.9 sec
• ¼-mile: 13.4 sec
• Top speed: 172 mph
• Base: $58,000

2006 Nissan 350Z
Descending from the family of Z-cars Datsun first produced in 1969, the 2006 Nissan 350Z is both amazing fun and fairly economical. With plenty of power, the machine glides nimbly in and out of traffic, its rear-wheel drive thrusting the pilot down range at blinding speeds. Nice ride!
• 3.5-liter, 300 hp V6
• Standing ¼-mile: 5.6 sec
• 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission w/OD
• ETA (city/hwy): 20/26 mpg
• Base: $27,900

2007 Chevrolette Corvette Z06
For 2007, Chevrolet pulled all the stops. The 2007 Z06 delivers the fastest and most advanced Corvette ever built.
• 7.0-liter, 505 hp LS7 V8
• 0-60 mph: 3.7 sec
• Standing quarter mile: 11.7 sec @ 125 mph
• 15/26 mpg (city/hwy)
• $37,800

2008 Porsche 911 Turbo
Few mechanical devices approach the esoteric as does the 911. For 2008, this legendary demon ignites the street with a zero-to-100 speed of just 7.8 seconds - with the automatic transmission!
• Twin-turbo, 480 hp flat-6
• 0-60 mph: 3.5 sec
• Top speed: 193 mph
• Base: $136,500

2009 Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4
The Italian supercar maker's best selling model ever, the Gallardo got a major power upgrade for 2009. The Audi suspension and chassis provide amazing balance and drivability.
• 5.2-liter, 560 hp V10
• 0-60 mph: 3.7 sec
• 12/20 mpg (city/hwy)
• $203,000

2009 Tesla Roadster
While not a Lamborghini, I felt the Tesla needed to be included. PayPal and Tesla Motors founder Elon Musk offers up this Lotus Elise-based electric with 248hp. Although a full charge takes about 36 hours with the included 120-volt cable, a 240-volt cable is available for $1500.
• 0-60 mph: 4.1 sec
• ¼-mile: 13.2 sec @ 103 mph
• Est. 240 miles between charges, which cost around $5 each.
• Base: $109,000

2010 Cadillac CTS-V
For the past several years, GM has been striving to build the ultimate sports coupe. With the new CTS-V, they have achieved the greatness that they were seeking. Driving one leaves you breathless, although far out in the lead. Blends well with freeway traffic, effortlessly leaves the competition in the dust!
• Supercharged 6.2-liter, 556 hp LSA V8 (same engine as Corvette ZR1)
• 6-speed dual-disc manual transmission
• 0-60 mph: 4.0 sec
• ETA (city/hwy): 12/18 mpg
• Base price: $60,720

Sources: http://www.topgear.com, http://www.MotorTrend.com, http://www.CarandDriver.com , http://en.wikipedia.org, http://www.topspeed.com, http://www.rsportscars.com, http://www.thecarconnection.com, http://www.egmcartech.com, http://www.edmunds.com, http://www.internetautoguide.com, http://www.automobilemag.com