The sporty car segment is, by definition, all about performance. And while the segment is home to a variety of models, ranging from budget-oriented sport compacts to muscle cars to full-on sports cars, they all have a common goal: euphoric performance.
In the sporty car segments, the Volkswagen GTI/R32 and Porsche Cayman are the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM award recipients.
Compact Sporty Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Volkswagen GTI/R32
The latest iteration of Volkswagen’s sporty GTI made its U.S. debut in 2006 in 2-door form; a 4-door version joined the lineup in 2007. For 
2008, Volkswagen has lowered the GTI's suspension by about two-thirds of an inch, giving the car an even sportier look. With an even more enthusiast-focused package, the new 2008 Volkswagen R32 employs a 250-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 engine and all-wheel drive, and the sole transmission offering is Volkswagen's Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), a fully automated six-speed manual transmission with a computer-operated clutch.
The 2008 Volkswagen GTI earns its second consecutive model award after ranking highest in the compact sporty car segment in the 2007 APEAL Study.
Among the seven models in the compact sporty car segment, the 2008 Volkswagen GTI/R32 achieves the highest ratings in six of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle interior
- storage and space
- seats
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
- visibility/driving safety
Additionally, the GTI/R32 scores above the segment average in each of the other four categories.
According to consumers, the GTI/R32’s top three attributes compared to the compact sporty car segment are: the smoothness of the gearshift operation; performance during rapid acceleration from a stop; and the sound of the engine/exhaust during rapid acceleration. The GTI/R32’s bottom three attributes are: the quality of the audio system’s bass; rear-end styling; and ease of using the navigation system.
2008 Volkswagen GTI Prices
2008 Volkswagen GTI Photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Saturn Sky
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Scion tC
Compact Premium Sporty Car Segment
Highest Ranked: 2008 Porsche Cayman
Building on the successful Boxster roadster platform, Porsche reengineered the chassis with a steel roof to create the Porsche Cayman 
coupe, introduced as a 2006 model. With half the chassis flex of the open-top Boxster and sharing identical powerplants, drivetrains, suspensions and brakes, the 2-seat Cayman offered race-worthy performance to rival the car’s iconic big brother, the 911 Carrera. For 2008, the mid-engine Cayman is offered in two carryover versions with minor option changes, plus a new limited-edition model.
Among the five models in the compact premium sporty car segment, the 2008 Porsche Cayman achieves the highest ratings in five of the 10 categories that comprise the study, including:
- vehicle exterior
- storage and space
- seats
- driving dynamics
- engine/transmission
Additionally, the Cayman scores above the segment average in vehicle interior, visibility/driving safety and fuel economy, but below the segment average in audio/entertainment/navigation and climate control.
According to consumers, the Cayman’s top three attributes compared to the compact premium sporty car segment are: rear-end styling; front-end styling; and the smoothness of the gearshift operation. The Cayman’s bottom three attributes are: the audio system’s ability to play the desired format; ease of operating controls while driving; and quietness over harsh bumps.
2008 Porsche Cayman Prices
2008 Porsche Cayman Photos
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Ranked No. 2: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Ranked No. 3: 2008 Audi TT
More Research
2008 APEAL Study Results
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