Most Popular Sports Cars on MSN

6. Mitsubishi Eclipse

The Eclipse is Mitsubishi's sporty coupe and convertible that received updated styling for 2009 to tie it closer to the look of its high-performance sibling, the Lancer Evolution. Since its introduction almost 20 years ago, the Eclipse has changed its shape and style several times. The current version is available as an ES or GT, the latter getting the benefit of a 3.8-liter V6 that produces 265 horsepower to drive the front wheels.

7. Lamborghini Gallardo

The Gallardo is a two-seat mid-engine V10-powered sports car that joined the Lamborghini line as a 2004 model, and in just two years became the carmaker's top-selling model of all time. Sales should continue to grow as a higher-performance Gallardo comes out for 2009. Called the LP560-4, the new name says it all. The 5.2-liter V10 engine is positioned longitudinally (Longitudinale Positore) and produces an impressive 560 horses. The 4 in the name refers to the Viscous Traction all-wheel-drive system (first introduced on the Diablo VT in 1993), which relies on a viscous coupling in the transmission to distribute torque between the front and rear axles.

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8. Nissan 350Z

Nissan brought back the legendary Z car in 2003 after the iconic sports car spent seven years cooling its wheels. Available in coupe or convertible, the Z is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 306-horsepower. For the hard-core enthusiast, Nissan also offers the NISMO 350Z, which features a more aerodynamic look, a specially tuned suspension, Brembo brakes and lightweight forged-alloy wheels. NISMO is Nissan's performance products division. Later this fall look for a new Z car to arrive with a larger motor and more power.

9. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Introduced in the summer of 1989 as a 1990 model, the MX-5's quick steering, go-kart-like handling and sporty styling have helped the roadster land a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the best-selling two-seat sports car in the world. Following the trend of retractable hardtop convertibles, Mazda has added one to the MX-5 lineup. The retractable top adds only 75 pounds without reducing cargo room. Prices start around $21,000 for a 2008 Miata.

10. Nissan GT-R

The GT-R is Nissan's legendary high-performance all-wheel-drive coupe, and the all-new fifth-generation 2009 model is the first GT-R ever offered for sale in the U.S. Powered by a 480-horsepower 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 430 lb-ft of torque while meeting ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards, the GT-R has a top speed of almost 200 mph. All this power is channeled to the pavement via the electronically controlled ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system. The 6-speed, dual-clutch rear transaxle bangs off shifts incredibly quickly and helps the GT-R reach 60 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds.

Discuss:  What attributes of a sports car are most appealing to you? Is it power, handling or something else?

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