Here's a list of cars that will make the headline news when they debut this year. Amongst the list, the only affordable ones which caught my eyes are the WRX Coupe, which should pose a direct threat to the sales of RA or even the EVO and the non-turbo ones would prolly run rings around the CJs, there is a link below as well as the RX7 (which i haven't heard anything about the new one at all) and the MEgane SPort 250 which i have to admit is a bloody gorgous car to look at
Whether its top-speed or top-down, these new releases should have you covered. From the Fiat 500 range right up to a $900k Lamborghini, there are 25 confirmed starters in the convertible and sports car race for 2010.
ALFA ROMEO BRERA / SPIDER
Alfa Romeo will update the Brera coupe and Spider convertible in early 2010.
ASTON MARTIN RAPIDE
The race is on for the mantle of sexiest coupe-style sports sedan. Aston Martin will be bringing its effort - the Rapide - to Australia around April for dealers, with the first customer cars showing up in Aussie garages by May or June 2010.
Despite the presence of four doors, there's no mistaking the Rapide for anything but an Aston. The sleek lines and low roofline give the car a silhouette that is more coupe than sedan. It should go like an Aston Martin, too, with a 355kW 6.0-litre V12 and a 6-speed automatic. Pricing for the Rapide will start from $366,000 (plus on-road and dealer delivery costs).
There will also be a range of updates to other models in the Aston range in September.
AUDI R8 SPYDER
Audi's supercar, the R8, will be joined by a top-dropping Spyder model by the end of the year. The $400,000 convertible R8 will likely offer the same choice of V8 and V10 engines as the hardtop model.
AUDI S5 SPORTBACK
The Sports version of the A5, the S5 Sportback - with all-wheel drive to get the power from its 4.2-litre V8 to the ground - will also be in Australia during the second half of the year, and is expected to start at $80,000.
AUDI RS4 / RS5
Audi is keeping mum about the chances of the RS4 and/or RS5 making an Aussie appearance in 2010.
BMW Z4
A speedier model will be added to the Z4 range, with the sDrive35is coming in May. It will feature the same engine as the sDrive35i, but power is up to 250kW and 450Nm, with an overboost function freeing up 500Nm of torque. Expected to cost about $130,000, the Z4 sDrive35is will feature an M Sports suspension package and dual-clutch automatic as standard.
DODGE CHALLENGER
There have been rumours that the retro-inspired muscle-car Challenger will be coming to Australia, however Chrysler-Dodge could not confirm this.
FERRARI 458 ITALIA
The prancing horse stable will unleash the Ferrari 458 Italia in June. The Italian supercar maker says the car has been tuned by Formula One legend Michael Schumacher. The new 4.5-litre direct-injection V8 with an advanced dual-clutch automatic gearbox will help the 458 Italia sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, and 0-200km/h in just 10.4 seconds.
The other figures that Ferrari is justifiably proud of are the fuel consumption (13.3L/100km) and the carbon emission (305g/km) figures, which are impressive, given fact that the 458 is a supercar. The 458 Italia will hit the wallet hard at around $600,000, significantly higher than the F430 it replaces. It will officially hit our streets in 2010, but the chances of owning one before 2012 are slim, as it already has a two-year waiting list.
FIAT 500
Fiat will release the drop-top Fiat 500C in January. The tiny city car will combine practicality with open-top fun, and will be priced at a premium over the coupe, at about $29,000.
The other Fiat 500 scheduled to arrive in Australia in 2010 is the Abarth, developed by Fiat's performance arm. With a 1.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 99kW and 180Nm, it doesn't sound like it'll win many races at the lights. But in sports mode, the 500 Abarth winds up the boost on the turbo, and torque increases to 204Nm. In 2009, a limited edition 500 Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari showed up at the Frankfurt motor show sporting a 1.4 litre turbo with 135kW and six-speed paddle-shift. No word on whether that model will make it to Australia but pricing for the less powerful mode will start in the low-$30k range.
FIAT PUNTO
Fiat will also be sticking its Abarth nameplate on a Punto to be released in the third quarter of 2010. Called the Fiat Grande Punto Abarth SuperSport, it will be fitted with a 1.4 petrol turbo engine producing 111kW through a 6-speed gearbox. The Abarth 'essesse' can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds, and it looks the part too. Fitted with a sports kit and deep-dish inspired wheels, the car is bound to be a hit with the hot-fours enthusiasts
JAGUAR XK
Jaguar will release the updated XK and XKR in January. The sporty coupe has more power: 375kW and 625Nm in the new supercharged XKR, and 283kW and 515Nm in the XK model. It will be available in a range of coupes and convertibles, with prices ranging from $224,800 to $278,300.
LAMBORGHINI MURCIELAGO LP670-4 SV
The Murcielago LP670-4 Super Veloce is expected by February. The output of the 6.5-litre V12 has increased to 500kW (670hp - hence the name) and the car is also 100kg lighter. This sees the all-wheel drive LP670-4 sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds. Pricing is expected to sit around $899,000.
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP550-2 BALBONI
The Gallardo LP550-2 Balboni will be out in January. The Balboni will have a slightly-detuned 550 hp (410kW) 5.2-litre V10 and the big news is that it will be rear-wheel drive - the first non-AWD Gallardo. The Balboni will be limited to 250 units globally, so you'll have to be quick to get your order in for this one. Pricing for the rear-drive special is expected to be slightly less than the all-paw model, which currently sells in Australia for $475,000.
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP570-4 SUPERLEGGERA
There are also whispers of the new LP570-4 Superleggera coming in June. Details are scarce about this model, however if the name is anything to go by, this super-lightweight Lambo will be 425kW (570hp) and all-wheel drive. Pricing is unknown.
LEXUS LFA
The first of five LFA supercars destined for Australia could conceivably sneak in at the end of 2010, but it's more likely to arrive early in 2011. Equipped with a 4.8-litre V10 that churns out 412kW at a screaming 8700rpm, this exotic Japanese supercar will be capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds.
Only 500 of these circa-$750,000 super-coupes will be produced.
LOTUS EVORA
In late January, Lotus will release its first all-new model in more than ten years. The Evora will make use of a Toyota-sourced 3.5-litre V6, producing 208kW and 350Nm to power this super-light two-door coupe (it is a Lotus, after all). If you're after a fuel-efficient sports car, the Evora may be for you. With a claimed combined fuel-use figure of 8.7 litres per 100km and a carbon emissions figure of 205g/km, the Evora will be available in both 2-seater ($149,990 plus on-road costs) and 2+2($156,990 plus on-roads) configurations.
LOTUS EXIGE S
Also from Lotus in 2010 is the face-lifted Exige S. The 2010 Model Year Exige S features a restyled front end and a larger rear wing, giving the car a more muscular stance. Out March 2010.
MASERATI GRAN TURISMO CONVERTIBLE
Italian maker Maserati will release the new convertible Gran Turismo. Originally named the Gran Cabrio, the car will be officially called the Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible. Monikers aside, the drop-top GT will be powered by a 4.7L V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission. Maserati claims the long wheelbase allows enough space to comfortably seat four adults.
Out in the third quarter, it is likely to cost a touch under $350,000.
MAZDA RX-7
There has been word of an all-new RX-7 - based on the MX-5 platform - being produced in 2010. The sports car is said to feature a rotary engine, producing a naturally-aspirated 201kW. Likely to debut (if it does come to fruition) in 2010 in Japan, there is still the slimmest of hopes that the new RX-7 will make it down under in 2010.
MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG GULLWING
The big news for Mercedes-Benz is the return of the 'Gullwing'. The design of the SLS AMG is inspired by the 1950s 300SL, with a long bonnet and gull-wing doors. It is powered by 6.2-litre V8 engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
AMG grunt slingshots the SLS from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds. This, along with dramatic styling and a dramatic price tag - estimated at $500,000 - ensures that the SLS AMG will make a splash when it makes its Australian debut in June/July of 2010.
MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS CONVERTIBLE
The Mercedes-Benz drop-top version of its E-Class will be out early in 2010. The E-Class Cabriolet could well be the first convertible that won't allow your hair to get messy. A clever windscreen air deflector is fitted for reduced drag, which impedes the flow of air into the cabin. The car will feature a fabric folding roof, saving weight over the metal origami-style top. It will make use of the same engine line-up as the current model, and will be priced at a premium over the hard-top model - approximately $95,000.
MINI JCW WC50
Australia can expect just 10 John Cooper Works World Championship 50 (or JCW WC50) Minis in 2010. With a very small global production run of just 250 cars, the limited edition commemorates John Cooper's Formula 1 World Championship victory in 1959. On Aussie streets (if you get the chance to see one!) by the second quarter of 2010.
NISSAN 370Z ROADSTER
The 370Z Roadster will arrive in March 2010, fitted with a lightweight folding canvas roof. Performance will be slightly duller than the coupe, thanks to an extra hundred kilos from the soft-top. Mechanically, the car is the same as the hard-top coupe. The 370Z Roadster will be fitted with a 3.7-litre V6 engine and a 7-speed automatic transmission or close-ratio 6-speed manual. Pricing is anticipated to be higher than the $68,000 tag on the hardtop.
PEUGEOT RCZ
Peugeot will release the sporty RCZ coupe, which is the first-ever Peugeot to lose the zero or double-zero from its name. The RCZ is a 2+2 seater coupe with a remarkable glass and aluminium double-bubble roof.
A number of variants are expected, including a 147kW 1.6-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder that offers 255Nm of torque - which is boostable to 275Nm. Other engines are likely to include a de-tuned version of the 1.6-litre offering 115kW and 240Nm, as well as a 120kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. A hybrid version is also on the cards, but not for 2010. The coupe is expected to be cheaper than its main target, the Audi TT, at about $60,000. The RCZ will be in Australia in between July and September 2010.
PORSCHE 911 TURBO
For Porsche purists, a new 911 Turbo arrives early in the year. The new model is faster, lighter, and more fuel-efficient, and it will feature the first all-new engines since the 911 Turbo debuted in 1974. The extra speed comes from a power increase from 353kW to 368kW, and fuel consumption is down as well as emissions. Pricing is not yet finalised, but the coupe is expected to cost about $360,000 without any options, and the cabriolet should set you back $385,000 in standard guise.
PORSCHE BOXSTER SPYDER
The new Boxster Spyder will be out in the second quarter of 2010. Powered by a 235kW horizontally-opposed 3.4-litre 6-cylinder engine, the Spyder is 80kg lighter than the Boxster S, making for improved acceleration and better fuel consumption. Fitted with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK automatic gearbox, the Spyder is designed to be driven topless. But if need be, there is a manually-operated soft-top. The expected pricing is just over $140,000, and it will be on sale in Australia in May 2010.
RENAULT MEGANE RENAULTSPORT 250
The hot-hatch Megane RenaultSport 250 Coupe boasts a 186kW turbo-charged four-cylinder engine. It will be pitted against the reigning hot hatch king, the VW GTi.
RENAULT CLIO 200 SPORT
Continuing the hot-hatch theme is the Phase 2 Clio 200 Sport. In March, we'll see the Clio's nimble new incarnation, which will include some new limited editions, including a Gordini model - a more luxurious level of RenaultSport.
SUBARU WRX COUPE
For those awaiting the Impreza WRX Coupe, you'll have to wait just a little longer. Subaru Australia says that it should be on sale sometime in 2011.
VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO
VW's Scirocco coupe is unlikely to make it down-under next year, if at all.
http://www.caradvice.com.au/44565/renau ... fications/
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/04/suba ... g-in-2010/
