The Top Luxury Sports Cars

When people think of top-of-the-line luxury sports cars, they often think of car manufacturers Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari. People think of these manufacturers as producing cars that feature unparalleled performance, features and style.
 
Interestingly, however, these luxury sports car manufacturers were absent from a recent list of the top-10 luxury sports cars that was compiled by Kelly Blue Book, Co. In fact, the company did not even include these manufacturers' models when test-driving various luxury sports cars.
 
If models from Ferrari, Maserati and Lamborghini did not make the recent Kelly Blue Book list, which vehicles did make it onto the list of the top 10 luxury sports cars?

Top-10 Luxury Sports Cars

According to Kelly Blue Book, the top 10 luxury sports cars available in the United States (listed in alphabetical order) are as follows:
  • Aston Martin DB9 Volante
  • BMW 645Cic
  • BMW Z4
  • Cadillac XLR Star Black Limited
  • Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
  • Jaguar XKR Convertible
  • Lexus SC 430
  • Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Roadster
  • Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet
  • Porsche Carrera GT.

Compiling the Top 10 Luxury Sports Cars List

While the list above includes impressive models of luxury sports cars, many may still wonder how the Ferrari F430, the Lamborghini Murcielago or the Maserati GranSport were excluded.

The main factor that excluded these models from Kelly Blue Book's top 10 luxury sports cars list was that the company chose to define "luxury sports cars" as only open-top vehicles. By adhering to the classic definition of a sports car, the company did not even consider the above-mentioned models from Lamborghini, Maserati or Ferrari when compiling its list.

In addition to being an open-top car, for a luxury car to be considered for the top 10 list, it had to feature:
  • excellent craftsmanship
  • high levels of performance
  • superior design.

When test-driving the luxury sports cars, Kelly Blue Book drivers reviewed the following performance features:

  • braking
  • cornering
  • overall handling
  • straight-line acceleration.

Overall Look at Luxury Sports Cars

Looking beyond the Kelly Blue Book list of top 10 luxury sports cars, overall, luxury sports cars are vehicles that are small and sleek and that are designed for precision and control at high speeds. With a focus more on performance and power, sports cars are less well-known for comfort.

In addition to the vehicles included in Kelly Blue Book's top 10 list, some of the other top luxury sports cars include:
  • Audi R8
  • Bentley Continental GT
  • Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
  • Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
  • Ferrari F430
  • Lamborghini Gallardo
  • Lamborghini Murcielago
  • Lotus Elise
  • Maserati Gran Turismo
  • Maserati Quattroporte
  • Mercedes-Benz SL550Saleen S7 Twin Turbo.

Cost of Top Luxury Sports Cars

Automakers that design luxury sports cars keep their focus on performance but also are able to add additional driver comfort. The craftsmanship and design of these vehicles command a higher price.

The manufacturer suggested retail price for luxury sports cars may range anywhere from approximately $44,000 for the Lotus Elise to more than $550,000 for the Saleen S7 Twin Turbo. Other base prices for top luxury sports cars are as follows:
  • $45,800 for the Porsche Boxster
  • $46,200 for the Mercedes-Benz SLK350
  • $79,900 for the Maserati Coupe
  • $110,600 for the Maserati Quattroporte
  • $122,900 for the Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe
  • $192,400 for the Ferrari F430 Spider
  • $206,000 for the Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder
  • $262,600 for the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti F1
  • $345,000 for the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 Roadster.
The actual cost of these vehicles, however, depends on dealer incentives, trim and other packages.

Luxury Sports Cars: Lease or Own?

Before even beginning to test-drive luxury sports cars, serious consumers should determine if they are going to buy or lease a luxury vehicle. Overall cost, financing options, intended use and other factors need to be considered when looking into acquiring a luxury sports car.

For many, the price tags of new luxury sports cars prohibit them from purchasing a new model. However, benefits of buying a new (or quality used) luxury sports car include:
  • eventual ownership of vehicle
  • lower insurance limits
  • no additional car payments after fixed time
  • no limit on mileage or other restrictions.

Some drawbacks to purchasing one of these vehicles include:

  • greater initial out-of-pocket costs (down payment)
  • higher monthly payments
  • possible depreciation.

There are also pros and cons to leasing that consumers need to think about prior to test-driving luxury sports cars. Some of the benefits to leasing include:

  • limited term and the ability to switch out the vehicle for a new model at the end of the lease term
  • little or no out-of-pocket down payment
  • lower monthly payments.

Some of the drawbacks to leasing luxury sports cars include:

  • additional cost at end of term to purchase vehicle
  • mileage cap
  • possible higher insurance rates.

Whether you decide to lease or buy a luxury sports car, it is important to shop around and test drive as many as possible to determine which ones best fit your needs and your budget.