Chicago Auto Show 2010

SPORTS CARS

Sports Cars are all about performance and image. They aren't the most practical or fuel efficient. Most sports cars have two doors and a small cargo area that's covered by either a hatckback or a traditional trunk. Some come in convertible form.

Prices vary greatly from about $15,000 all they way up to $100,000 plus. Engines are all over the board as well. Some are fuel-economy-minded four cylinders while others are fire breathing V8s.

Though there aren't traditional sports-car classes, they do generally fall into three groups: Cool Crusiers, Pony Cars, and Super Cars.

Cool Cruisers. These cars are generally small in size, have front-wheel drive, and come with either four-cylinder or V6 engines. They have small, but useful, back seats and reasonable cargo space.

Pony Cars. You know them as Mustang, Camaro, and Challenger. However, this class of sports car is more than that--think Mazda RX-8 and Nissan 350Z. They are rear-drive V6- and V8-powered performance cars that have the potential to double as super cars in a pinch.

Super Cars. Traditionally the highest-performing cars on the road and the choice of the hard-core enthusiast. Sports cars are have high stickers, but thanks to new technologies, are becoming more useful as daily drivers. Almost all have high-strung V8 engines and fat rear tires.

Below is a list of Sports Cars that you'll be able to see at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show.