Ferrari California

Price £150,000 approx
On sale Spring 2009

What’s different? The California is a different kind of Ferrari – the first to use a V8 engine mounted in front of the driver, the first to use direct fuel injection and the first production model to have a retractable hard-top roof. With 460bhp it will be the least powerful Ferrari, but with 2+2 seating it is tipped to be slightly more expensive than the two-seat F430 range

Why should I care? As its name suggests, the California is a comfortable, touring type of Ferrari, although with a 0-60mph of less than 4sec it would be a mistake to conclude the company has gone soft. Expect flashing performance, unusual levels of comfort - and jaws to hit pavements. The California will be revealed at the Paris motor show in October

Consider also
Aston Martin DB9 Volante £122,950
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG £154,375
Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet £106,110

Lexus IS 250 SR

Price £24,990
On sale Now

What’s different? This new SR version of the IS 250 range comes with a full body kit including a front spoiler, a rear wing and 17in alloy wheels. Inside are aluminium kickplates and pedals and heated front seats. Lexus says the value of these extras is more than £3,500 yet the car costs only £913 more than the basic IS 250 from which it is derived

Why should I care? If you have looked longingly at the 5 litre Lexus IS F but cannot afford its £51,105 price tag, the SR will provide some semblance of its meaty appearance for less than half the money, although with just 204bhp it also has less than half the power

Consider also
BMW 320i M Sport £26,115
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Kompressor Sport £27,400
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GS FQ-300 £27,499