Aston Martin Vanquish Price: $290,475 - $305,520

Aston Martin calls the Vanquish a “super grand touring” machine, not a super sports car, but it’s so beautiful that we don’t care what Aston calls it. Yes, its sonorous V-12 makes it fast, but many rivals easily out-accelerate it. Standard models make 568 hp, while the upcoming Vanquish S gets boosted to 580 hp. Like to drive topless? Opt for the Vanquish Volante for a truly rare ride. As with all Astons, its little flaws are forgivable since it is one of the loveliest things on four wheels.

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Subaru BRZ Price: $26,315 - $30,515

Don’t let the boy-racer vibe deter you: The BRZ is perfect for purists on a budget. An updated 205-hp version of the 2.0-liter flat-four pairs to a six-speed manual, hardly answering complaints that the rear-drive sports car lacks punch. Output drops to 200 hp with the six-speed automatic. Still, the BRZ is impeccably balanced and satisfying, not to mention slide-happy. There’s not much trunk space and adults will reject the back seat, but once behind the wheel, those objections melt away.

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Chevrolet SS Price: $47,620

Don’t judge the SS by its cover: Ho-hum styling hides a mighty V-8 and track-ready tuning. Chevy’s flagship performance sedan has the 6.2-liter 415-hp engine from the previous-gen Camaro and the Corvette. Rear-drive and a six-speed automatic are standard; we’d pick the six-speed manual, which is a no-cost option. Standard performance bits—front and rear Brembo brakes, magnetic ride control—contribute to exceptional handling. A comfy interior and a 4.6-second sprint to 60 mph are bonuses.

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Maserati GranTurismo Price: $134,625 - $183,809

Maserati’s GranTurismo offers something extraordinary in a high-performance, six-figure coupe or convertible, one that embodies all that is compelling and irresistible about Italian cars. The exterior has curves in all the right places; the interior is lavishly appointed. There is an amazing, 454-hp 4.7-liter V-8 that is good for sub-5.0-second 0-60 runs. The droptop adds weight and lacks the coupe’s stiffness and response, but still looks fabulous.

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Dodge Viper Price: $90,390 - $121,290

The Viper is both all-American and a true exotic, with lots of curves and bulges in all the right places to let you know it means business. The long nose, bodacious body, and predatory stare give the Viper a menacing look, while its 645-hp, 8.4-liter V-10 can catapult it to 60 mph in about three seconds. For the ultimate track monster, check out the Viper ACR. With all kinds of aero aids, special tires by Kumho and carbon-ceramic brakes, Dodge says it is the fastest Viper on a racetrack.

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