High-performance cars still what many buyers want

While reading today's column, one could say, "Are the carmakers crazy? Or, "what are they thinking, continuing to build high-performance cars?"

Answer: The auto manufacturers simply cannot stop offering vehicles buyers want to buy. If there is a market, why not supply it?

As you will see in the following, there is still demand for cars offering excitement. And, the excitement does not only reign in Detroit. Reach on ...

NISSAN Z. The company, which introduced the 240Z in 1970, is coming out with the latest "Z" version, the 370Z. It is scheduled for dealer showrooms this month and offers impressive performance standards: 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, 100 mph in 12.8 seconds. Road and Track magazine says, "The 370Z continues to offer the style and performance of European sports cars at a fraction of their price."

HONDA NSX. "A Honda V-8 may be dead in the water. But a V-10? That's another matter," writes Hans Greimel in Automotive News. He adds that Honda wants 10 cylinders for the company's upcoming super sports car, the NSX. Honda expects to sell 1,000 units a year in the U.S., starting with its debut in 2011.

FORD MUSTANG. The pony car gets a makeover designed to make it look smaller. Power is not neglected - a V-8 in the 315 hp range with a racing performance engine in the 400 hp area.

CHEVROLET CAMARO. So far, production is scheduled to start next month on the much-awaited Camaro with a base price of $22,995. The SS model is rated at 422 hp with a higher price tag.

DODGE CHALLENGER. The last we heard was the 2009 Challenger would start with an MSRP of $21,995. Exact production start-up is uncertain at this time.

Now, if you are getting the idea - horsepower, speed and overall performance and value are still foremost in buyers' minds - and the automakers are responding. Yes, so-called "green" cars will be built with volumes to meet demand. Here is further evidence of future excitement in motoring ...

CHEVROLET CORVETTE ZR1. For the first time, Corvette will exceed 200 mph, with the ZR1 hitting 205. Other noteworthy performance facts: 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds; 620 horsepower. Car and Driver calls Corvette "the best high-performnance sports car on the planet." Compare the ZR1 price of $105,000 with the following.

LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP560-4. The 2009 model will have a V-10 engine developing 522hp with a top speed of 202 mph. The $210,000 roadster accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds.

MERCEDES AMG. Not to be outdone, the newest AMG version sports 661hp. The Black series has an estimated list price of $300,000.

BUGATTI VEYRON. Already, 210 units have been sold at a $1.7 million price. The upcoming 2010 model, called the Veyron 16.4 Grandsport. will match the top speed of the Veyron's 253 mph. Only 150 units will be assembled demanding a price of $2,2 million.

So, let's stop picking on Detroit for attempting to meet competitive requirements. Satisfying customer needs and demands will lead to much-needed profitability.

George Spaulding is a retired General Motors executive and distinguished executive-in-residence emeritus at the School of Business and Economics at the College of Charleston. He can be reached at 2 Wharfside St. 2A Charleston SC 29401.