Mazda RX-8 R3
Priced From: $26,495 (base), $31,990 (R3)
Hot Features: Bilstein shocks; 19-inch forged alloys; leather reclining Recaro seats
But Can You Modify It? Sadly, this is one Mazda that never got its due, simply because the 1.3L Renesis rotary engine is hard to tweak. And without help in that department, it's simply underpowered and fun only when high revved. The R3 model will allow you to enjoy the car as is but with a few extra touches of comfort and cool.
Deep Thoughts: What an amazingly balanced car - the RX-8 R3 is easily one of the most fun cars we've driven in years, but it begs for more power every which way we turn. Keep the car in a lower gear or higher rpm band because you're going to need it. The R3 comes with the plush Recaro recliners that made giving this car up that much harder. If there were more aftermarket support, this would have gone down as one of the greatest Japanese cars of all time, like the RX-7. Nonetheless, still a great car and a blast on the street or track. - JW
Lexus IS 350C F Sport Edition
Priced From: $60,646 (base model: $44,390)
Hot Features: F Sport performance intake and exhaust, front/rear brake upgrades, lowering springs, Bilstein shocks, front/rear sway bars, carbon fiber engine cover AND 19-inch wheels
But Can You Modify It? Look no further than F Sport, gang, but if you must go elsewhere, there are plenty of wheel options out there.
Deep Thoughts: Save all your "guys shouldn't drive convertibles" jokes for another car; the ISC - especially when decked out with F Sport gear - is a two-door coupe we don't mind dropping the top and gas pedal on. It's outrageously quick and has enough torque to make you forget that you've got two doors less than the other IS models (until you look behind the two seats). The C commands great respect on the road because of these upgrades and we pray for the day Lexus blesses us all with a hard top version, simply because it'd put them in full contention with BMW and its lower M-Series cars. - JW
Along With A Few Other Ass Kickers
Nissan 370Z Roadster
Priced From: $36,970
Hot Features: Tighter and lighter than the 350Z Roadster; all-new 3.7L VQ37VHR V6 with VVEL and 332hp/270lb-ft; 6-speed manual gear box with SynchroRev Match; smooth hydraulic one-touch drop top with a more refined look; standard ventilated seats and Sport Package (Touring model)
But Can You Modify It? All signs point to yes, but we think the majority of enthusiasts are gonna gun for the hard top over this.
Deep Thoughts: Equally enjoyable to the hard top in every way, your bonus here is the ability to (cue arrival of Captain Obvious) put the top up or down with the single touch of a button. We found that with the top down and in colder weather, the ventilated and heated seats come in extremely handy. - JW
Subaru WRX STI - Spt Edition
Priced From: Varies depending on accessories added
Hot Features: Factory developed, proven performance parts from Subaru's Performance Tuning line. Oh, how sweet they are.
But Can You Modify It? Pick up a SPT brochure and you'll see easily why modification is welcomed and encouraged.
Deep Thoughts: What better way to enjoy the STI than with Subaru's own infectious brew of engine hard parts, suspension, aero pieces and more? They're factory backed and more important, they make guaranteed performance. - JW
And Here's A Bonus (Just Because We Had To Drive It)
BMW M3 Sedan
Priced From: $54,850
Hot Features: 414hp 4.0L V8 engine; rear wheel drive performance; dual clutch transmission; M Drive; all-season traction (Variable M differential lock); Sam Du-approved styling; makes girls in LA very excited
But Can You Modify It? Shoebetcha. (And pick up eurotuner if you want to find out how.)
Deep Thoughts: I knew the second I'd get behind the wheel of an E90 M3, I'd become the very driver I dislike. Try to understand, I don't dislike them because they own M3s but because they give off the "I'm an asshole" vibe that is all too common in LA. And trust me, you cross those paths - a lot. But when I turned the thing on, I wanted very much to be one of them. Like my previous experiences with an older E46 coupe, once I got on the road and punched it, things suddenly became crystal clear: I was the asshole -and I loved every second of it. The M3 is clear in its definition, a real sportscar (even if it is a sedan) with all the bells and whistles that some Japanese cars don't have, and performs so much better that it's a shame that only few can compare, except in price. Maybe when a coupe version of the IS-F is released, Lexus will have a fighting chance - and they probably will. But until then, BMW can enjoy their view from the top, along with all of its owners, even if they are assholes. - JW