Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cyl hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include the Mazda Miata, and Pontiac GTO. Our Recommended picks are the Acura RSX, Ford Mustang, Honda S2000, Mini Cooper, Nissan 350Z, and Scion tC.

The expected 2006 replacement for the high-performance SVT Cobra turns out to be a rather unexpected super-performance '07 called Shelby Cobra GT500. It reaches showrooms in summer of '06 with an estimated 450 hp and a $40,000 Ford-suggested starting price--a mere $5000 above the last 2004 SVT Cobra. Named for Carroll Shelby, who created the first performance Mustangs in the late 1960s, the GT500 has been previewed as a concept coupe, but a convertible version is likely down the road if Mr. Shelby has a say. Ford's SVT performance division created the new Shelby under Hau Thai-Tang, formerly lead designer for the '05 Mustang.

Though Ford is still tweaking specifications, that 450 hp should be the minimum on tap, matched by at least 450 lb-ft of torque. It's supplied by basically the same supercharged 5.4-liter V8 used in the exotic mid-engine Ford GT. The concept GT500 carried a beefed-up 6-speed manual transmission, but a heavy-duty automatic may also be available by sale time. Springs and shock absorbers are uprated, but the chassis is basically stock Mustang GT--which means a live rear axle instead of the independent rear suspension enthusiasts favor. Ford makes no apologies, saying it works just as well and lightens both the car and its price tag. To handle its thumping power, the GT500 gets uprated disc brakes with 14-inch cross-drilled rotors in front and 13s in back. Curb weight is pegged at about 3600 pounds, about 200 up on a regular Mustang GT coupe.

Visual changes are not strictly cosmetic. The hood, for example, is bulged to clear the supercharger, and the stock GT's foglamps move down to a new under-bumper fascia, leaving a larger grille for better engine cooling. A unique decklid spoiler provides 80 pounds of stabilizing downforce at 120 mph, Ford says, and there's an aerodynamic "diffuser" in a new rear bumper. Wheels will be 18-inch alloys specific to the GT500. Nostalgia buffs will note chrome snake emblems on the grille and front fenders, bright "Shelby" lettering above the taillamps, lower-body racing stripes, and wide dorsal stripes running up and over from the front chin spoiler to the back bumper. Inside, the GT500 will sport unique trim touches, upgraded materials, new seats with stiffer side bolsters, and a thick-rim 3-spoke steering wheel.

Ford says it will build as many GT500s as buyers will take, which could be a lot. But shouldn't there be something between the 450-hp Cobra and the 300-hp Mustang GT? We think so and Ford may agree, having hinted earlier at a possible new Mach 1. Don't be surprised if this shows up as a 2006 curtain-raiser for the mighty Cobra.

Meantime, mainstream Mustangs may get various tweaks aimed at improving ride comfort and reducing noise, vibration and harshness. Timing is unclear, but a leading industry trade paper recently quoted Ford officials as more or less promising some chassis "upgrades" fairly soon.