Power brokers in Detroit: Performance and sports cars

If the 420-horsepower S7 simply isn't powerful enough for you, step on up to the new Audi RS 7. A twin-turbocharged V8 engine launches this sexy German beast to 62 mph in less than four seconds and on to a top speed of 189 mph. It will hit dealerships in the third quarter.

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This sportier version of the Audi Q5 compact crossover gets the supercharged V6 engine from other Audi S models. Here it makes 354 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The suspension has been stiffened for better handling. It will go on sale along with the RS 7 in the third quarter.

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Bentley says this new, more potent version of the Bentley Continental GT convertible is the fastest drop-top in the world, maxing out at 202 mph. Its monster twin-turbocharged 12-cylinder engine puts out 616 horsepower and catapults this heavy 2-door to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. Bentley has started taking orders for the Continental GT Speed convertible; deliveries will start in the summer. Pricing has not been announced.

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BMW made subtle changes to its fun little roadster, but everything we love about it remains unchanged. Like before, there are three versions, the xDrive28i with a 240-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, the xDrive35i with 300 horsepower and six cylinders, and the xDrive35is with 335 horsepower. The folding hardtop can now be raised and lowered at speeds of up to 25 mph and can be ordered in two contrast colors: black and silver. A Hyper Orange trim package offers a vibrant new color choice. The 2014 BMW Z4 Roaster will hit showrooms in the spring.

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The M6 Gran Coupe slots perfectly between the M6 coupe and M5 sedan and is perhaps the ideal package for those who want the convenience of four doors but the lower center of gravity and sexier looks of a 2-door. Compared with the M6 coupe, it has an additional 4.45 inches between the front and rear wheels. All of the mechanicals are identical to the M6 coupe. It will come out this summer with final specs and pricing to be announced.

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Easily the most eagerly awaited reveal at Detroit, the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is causing a stir with its angular new styling, filled with vents and grilles, all of which are functional and integral to the car's aerodynamics. The icon of American sports cars gets an all-new V8 engine that puts out 450 horsepower and 474 lb-ft of torque. It will have a starting price of around $50,000 when it goes on sale in the third quarter of 2013.

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This burly sport utility puts an emphasis on sport, thanks to its 470-horsepower Hemi V8 engine. An 8-speed automatic transmission is new for the 2014 model. Chrysler says it shifts more smoothly and improves fuel economy thanks to an Eco mode. Like before, the Grand Cherokee SRT has a sport suspension and bigger brakes. Towing capacity is up considerably, to 7,200 pounds.

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Maserati's all-new flagship luxury sedan is larger and has considerably more interior and trunk space, but weighs nearly 220 pounds less than before, thanks to extensive use of aluminum in the chassis and body. The V8 engine has been downsized, but twin turbochargers boost output to 523 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque. It's good for zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds and an astounding top speed of 191 mph. The only other Maserati to exceed that top speed is the MC12 supercar. A new twin-turbo V6 engine derived from the V8 makes 404 horsepower and can be paired with all-wheel drive.

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The previous E63 AMG was already insane. Now it is even more so. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine cranks out 550 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque — up 6 percent and 3 percent, respectively. Zero to 60 mph whizzes by in 3.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph. The new S-Model is even more extreme. Enhancements to the 5.5-liter V8 boost output to 577 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. That's good for zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph on the S-Model sedan. All-wheel drive is now standard. It will go on sale this summer; pricing has not yet been announced.

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This hypercaffeinated version of MINI's new 2-door crossover has a 208-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, which enables a zero-to-60 sprint in 6.5 seconds. The suspension is 10 millimeters lower and has revised spring and damper rates for a tauter ride. All-wheel drive is standard and prioritizes power to the front wheels. A 6-speed manual transmission also is standard; an automatic with the same number of gears is optional. It will hit showrooms mid-March with a starting price of $35,550.

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Matthew de Paula wanted to be an automotive journalist ever since reading his first car magazine in grade school. After a brief stint writing about finance, he helped launch ForbesAutos.com and became the site's editor in 2006. Matthew now freelances for various outlets.