Best 2011 Performance Car for <$50k

By John LeBlanc As the new 2012 models start to infiltrate new car showrooms, here are my top picks of remaining 2011 models that may still be lingering on dealer lots:

BEST: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

Like its main rival, Subaru’s ($38,898) WRX STI, the $41,998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution’s sole reason for being was to win races in the World Rally Championship. But with both Japanese automakers now out of the WRC, it may be easy to forget what a performance beast the Evo GSR continues to be. Matched to a five-speed manual box, a turbocharged, 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine powers the Evo GSR to the tune of 291 hp and 300 lb.-ft. of torque. Aided by the Mitsu’s key party trick — Super All Wheel Control, with an active centre differential, yaw/stability controls, and Sport ABS — the four-door sedan can spank off 0-100 km/h in the mid-5 second range all day long.

NEXT BEST: Nissan 370Z Nismo Coupe

From the same automaker that makes the zero-emissions Leaf electric vehicle, comes the balls-to-the-wall $46,898 370Z Nismo. Power for the Nissan’s 3.7-litre V6 has been bumped to 350 hp and 276 lb.-ft. of torque — up 18 hp and 6 lb.-ft. over the cooking Zed car, enabling the NISMO version to get from 0-100 km/h 0.2 seconds quicker than the regular 370Z’s 5.4 time.

Also consider:

2011 Subaru WRX STI ($38,898) — For drivers who demand the most performance, the STI’s price difference over a cooking WRX is easy to justify. 2011 Mini John Cooper Works Clubman ($38,900) — Drivers will relish the JCW’s track-ready suspension, huge brakes and lighter alloy wheels.

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