03/13/2006 06:00:00 AM 
(1) 
(1) One of these is VW, who as a consequence of the Moonraker Project, came up with the GX3 concept. The GX3 is part car and part motorcycle. It has a single- seat, three wheels, a top speed of around 125 mph, acceleration of 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and it also achieves a highly respectable 46mpg.
Still in concept form, but VW believe this vehicle could retail for $17k and be in the market as early as 2007.
Then there's the UK's Ariel Atom. A two-seater, that is way more racing than street-car, but apparently can be made street legal in certain states. With no body, no doors, seat warmers, trunk, car stereo or cup holders, it isn't for everyone. This car is now being manufactured in Oregon by Brammo Motorsports.
The car generated a great deal of notoriety and US interest after its appearance on UK TV show Top Gear. On the show, the $40k car recorded a quicker track time than a $600k Porsche. This segment can be seen below.
Clearly, there's something interesting going on here. There's a desire to make the driving experience key and to place fun at the center of the vehicle.
With a generation of drivers growing up with street racing culture and an older generation yearning for the days of youth, both cars should find attractive niches, especially as they are so competitively priced.
It used to be the rule that fun driving experiences were the sole domain of exotic European sports cars, that cost well into the six figures, now it seems, this type of fun is becoming a lot more accessible.
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I guess this is just taking the concept behind the Smart Roadster or the Mini Cooper S to new extremes. Cars with great performances, innovative concept and design, and accessible prices. <br> <br>But yes, this is a visible and important trend. You no longer have to be rich to own an exotic sports car.