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Eight cars that make us think spring
Spring is near, and thoughts of warm sunshine and budding blooms fill the daydreams of folks in the North. In anticipation of the season, we've compiled a list of a few cars that make us think spring.
It's no surprise convertibles of many varieties come to mind. This time of year, drivers are vitamin-D deficient, and the antidote to the poisons of winter can almost always be found in a sassy car with a convertible top. We know not everyone can afford the Lamborghini Gallardo LP-550 Spyder convertible we fawned over at the L.A. auto show in November, so we've featured a few less-pricey options below. Remember too that you don't have to give up performance: Our list also includes some small cars we love simply for their carefree, energized attitude.
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1
It's still expensive, we know, but if you love Porsche sports cars, the Porsche 911 Carrera S cabriolet was unveiled in January at the 2012 Detroit auto show. Attendees could be excused for crediting this bright-red beauty with bringing unseasonably warm temperatures to the Midwest, but you'll need to bring money to take one home: The Porsche 911 Carrera cabriolet starts at $93,700, and the S model jumps to $108,000.
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2
Holy horsepower! The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will get you to summer in a hurry with a 5.8-liter V8 engine that produces a whopping 650 hp. Priced well above your average Mustang for obvious reasons, this car will add energy to any road trip for roughly $60,000 (exact pricing has not been released).
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3
Though it doesn't boast quite as much horsepower as the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 is arguably more aggressive looking. And, with 580 hp from its 6.2-liter V8 engine, it's not exactly a slouch on the road either. We expect pricing for this convertible muscle car also to reach the $60,000 mark.
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4
All the fun--minus the menacing looks--of the other sports cars, the Mini Cooper roadster delivers a bouquet of horsepower options from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine: There's the 121-hp Cooper, the 181-hp Cooper S trim level and the 208-hp John Cooper Works variety. Exact pricing is not out yet, but our experts are estimating a base price of approximately $24,000.
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5
As we skip from convertibles to small, carefree rides, we bring you the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. For the 2013 model year, Beetle lovers will be glad to see the return of a diesel-engine option. The new engine gives the Beetle 140 hp and fantastic gas mileage estimated at 29 mpg city and 39 mpg on the highway. For the flower children out there, we're sorry to inform you the bud vase has been eliminated from the dash in keeping with the Beetle's sportier styling. Pricing for the diesel Beetle is expected to be released this summer.
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6
It looks like a toy--how can it not be fun? The Mini Cooper, in its original size and form, is undeniably quick, agile and a favorite go-to jolt of caffeine on wheels. Like the joy that comes from frolicking in spring air, something about these cars makes people giggle and forget all inhibitions. You can pick up your own little pick-me-up for anywhere from $20,200 to $30,600 depending on the trim level you choose.
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7
Built for the impatient, the 263-hp turbocharged Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 prefers to catapult you from point A to point B rather than casually cart you around like so many other small cars. For a mere $23,700, the Mazdaspeed 3 is also a great choice for the frugal driving enthusiast. Hop behind the wheel and have those April showers nipping at your heels while you spring yourself right into summer.
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8
Dodge turned heads with the new Dart at the 2012 Detroit auto show in January, but what parts-division Mopar has done to the car in order to celebrate its 75 years in business will give you whiplash. With interior, exterior and performance kits available, Dart customers can opt for upgrades like a black carbon-fiber hood, a plush interior with seats lavishly upholstered in bright-red leather, or a boost for the 184-hp base model, all the way to 210 hp. Being able to update your car for spring just as you'd update your wardrobe? Now that's refreshing--even if the car isn't on sale quite yet.
