Supercars are the titans of sheet metal. The rock stars of the automotive world. Metallic knights in shining armor that make even the best mass-produced sports cars look weak and inadequate. They are the stuff dreams are made of, and the display floor at the Frankfurt Motor Show was absolutely packed with them. But these five, shown after the jump, drew the most leers from salivating journos:

2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc

What is it? A 250-mph roadster made of porcelain (wink). It takes exclusivity and luxury to a whole new level of cost and absurdity. Which is what Bugatti does nowadays.

What’s hot? Just look at it! While we’d take issue with Bugatti boss Wolfgang Durheimer’s assertion that it boasts “subtle aesthetics,” there’s no arguing that the handcrafted panels look incredible. And the very idea of porcelain parts is bonkers.

What’s not? OK, it’s not as if the body panels are made of actual porcelain, so it won't shatter if you bump it. But at the same time, the Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc is intended as a static work of art, which is an unbelievable waste of an ultimate car.

How much and when? If you have $2.37 million burning a hole in your pocket, you can have it any time.

2011 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale

What is it? Possibly the final hurrah for the Gallardo before it's replaced; it’s a Gallardo based on the automaker’s Super Trofeo race car.

What’s hot? It has the same 562 horsepower V10 engine and aerodynamic refinements as the Super Trofeo.

What’s not? With the release of the Aventador, the Gallardo is feeling a little old. Only 150 Super Trofeo Stradales will be made.

How much and when? Given that the 150th anniversary it’s meant to commemorate hasn’t much longer to run, this latest Gallardo will go on sale before the year’s end. Price yet to be confirmed.

2011 Ferrari 458 Spider

What is it? Ferrari chopped the roof off the 458 Italia, instantly creating the must-have supercar of the show.

What’s hot? Ferrari has engineered a folding metal hardtop that weighs less than a soft-top and disappears in just 14 seconds into a resculpted rear end that features specially configured – and very cool – extra ducting for the engine.

What’s not? With so few compromises over the regular coupe version, the extra noise (specially configured for top-down appreciation) and simply gorgeous looks, it’s hard to think of a bad word to say about the 458 Spider.

How much and when? Ferrari has pegged the 458 Spider at almost $315K. A high entry fee, but you do get a 4-year warranty with it. That's, uh, cool. Right? Deliveries will depend on the usual supercar pecking order, but expect a fair wait if you don't have your name down already.

2012 Lotus Evora GTE Road Car

What is it? It’s a road-going Evora with the fun bits borrowed from the GT racer.

What’s hot? It has 420 horsepower, lots of torque and various aerodynamic tweaks. It’s also 165 pounds lighter than a standard Evora, thanks to lightweight, carbon-fiber panels and other weight-loss techniques. With extra power and less weight we can expect it to go like stink.

What’s not? It’s only a limited edition. And word is that Lotus reckons to sell it for six figures.

How much and when? Pricing and availability are yet to be confirmed.  

2012 Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe Black Series

What is it? A Mercedes C-Class Coupe with an engine the size of a small planet. It’s been tuned for the ultimate driving experience.

What’s hot? Zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, 517 horsepower and hood vents the size of dustbins. AMG Black Series cars are rare and wild beasts that everyone should experience at least once.

What’s not? The uninitiated will think it’s a C-Class Coupe that’s had an unfortunate encounter with an aftermarket styling catalog. Subtle it is not.

How much and when? If you want one, you’ll have to wait until 2012, and expect it to be very expensive.