Delightful (and devilish) dozen: what to drive when styling and performance are paramount

2015 Ferrari 458 Italia

Base price: $237,259 coupe, $261,162 convertible

After being with us pretty much unchanged for five years, this Italian thoroughbred still looks every bit as good as the day it was launched. The rear-wheel drive mid-engine, aluminum-bodied Ferrari has a 4.5-liter V-8 engine that is rated at 562-horsepower, and it propels the coupe version from 0-60 mph in just 3.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 202 mph. The Spider by its very design is less aerodynamically efficient, although possibly even more beautiful, which means its top speed is slightly lower at 198 mph. Both versions of the car feature the same Getrag seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which means both the coupe and the Spider get gas mileage of around 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. Although some rivals have more power and speed than the 458 Italia, few can match the incredible Formula One-inspired handling that is such of feature of the Ferrari. Part of the credit for that should go to the suspension, which has double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, coupled with E-Diff and F1-Trac traction control systems. Some cars can top the 458 in specific individual areas, but it hard to think of more stunning-looking car or a better overall package than the Ferrari 458 Italia.