Autobytel 2012 Sports Car of the Year

by Michelle Naranjo

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January 1, 2012

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3 min. Reading Time

With performance in mind, sports cars are changing quickly to meet increased performance needs and match current fuel economy demands.

The need for speedy and agile driving machines has not diminished in this age of lowering fuel consumption. High horsepower and torque are no longer being sacrificed. Due to improved engineering on both engines and aerodynamic design, the sports car dream is alive and well. The traditional designs remain in spirit in all three finalists for the Autobytel 2012 Sports Car of the Year. Read on to see which three high-performers made the list.

Autobytel 2012 Sports Car of the Year Winner: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

With more than a tip of the hat to its heritage the 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is Autobytel's 2012 Sports Car of the Year.

As Autobytel's own Sue Mead says, "This horse loves to run and we loved to drive it." The 2012 Mustang Boss 302 has a five-setting shock adjustment lets drivers choose the firmness of the road feel from a softer, cruising mode all the way up to race-handling rigid. Again, Mead says, "Ford is taking its Mustang line-up back to the future with a no-apologies sport-performance heritage model. It’s not an “Apprentice.” It’s not a “Manager.” It’s the . Specifically, it’s the 2012 Mustang Boss 302 that comes with a beastly 444-hp., 302 cubic inches, and a 5.0-liter street-legal dose of V8 adrenaline. Hold onto your hair, Donald Trump, it’ll blow your head back to the Recaro racing seats!

We love it because, at an MSRP of just about $40,000.00, the sports car dream just became attainable.

Autobytel 2012 Sports Car of the Year Finalist: 2012 Nissan GTR

Coming in as a finalist for the 2012 Autobytel Sports Car of the Year at a more price but not stupifying for a "supercar" is the 2012 Nissan GT-R.

The 2012 Nissan GT-R is a 2-door, 4-seat Coupe, available in 2 trims and is admirable for its power and agility without the heavy pricetag. As with most sports cars, this isnt a normal sedan with a speedy option: this is a full-blown driver's car that happens to have a backseat.

Autobytel 2012 Sports Car of the Year Finalist: 2012 Porsche 911

As a finalist for the Autobytel 2012 Sports Car of the Year, it just wouldn't be normal to not have the 2012 Prsche 911.

The 2012 Porsche 911 has what seems unlimited trims and options and it truly an icon in the category.

Autobytel Wants to Hear from You

The editorial staff of Autobytel has chosen the previous three sports cars as the best of what we have seen for 2012, and while there are many others in this class that probably deserve some kudos as well, we'd love to hear which one of the previous three you would choose for yourself.

See the Autobytel 2012 Car of the Year and the Autobytel 2012 Truck of the Year.