FAST CAR DESIGN

Kia Soul, slated to debut at the upcoming Paris Motor Show in October. The prototypes caught in these pictures are clad in Tomato Red and Clear White.

They also look to be the range-topping trims, as evident by the 18-inch alloys, chrome trims, and the diminutive rearview camera.

A Kia executive told us that the Soul Burner Concept wheels seen on the recent teaser video with the bouncing wheels, the trademark H-grille, and other sporty visual aids will be optional.

The MX-5 Miata is Mazda’s two-seat, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports car. Completely redesigned for 2006, the third-generation MX-5 Miata features bold fender flares, a large grille, standard 16-inch alloy wheels and dual chrome exhaust pipes for a more aggressive look. For the first time, a power retractable hardtop was added for 2007. The best-selling two-seat roadster in the world was first introduced in the summer of 1989 and was redesigned for the 1999 model year.

The 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata adds a driver’s seat height adjuster in the Touring and Grand Touring, an in-dash 6-disc CD changer and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.

The V8 Vantage is Aston Martin’s newest two-seat sports car that bears a strong family resemblance to the DB9 and the Vanquish. The Roadster joined the Coupe for 2007. The interior is all Aston Martin, with much of the styling for the switches and instruments derived from exclusive watches and premium audio gear. The interior makes extensive use of leather and anodized aluminum, and the V8 Vantage features a full complement of custom-fitted luggage. The front-engine rear-wheel-drive V8 Vantage is aimed squarely at the Porsche 911.

For 2008 Aston Martin offers the special edition V8 Vantage N400 to commemorate Aston Martin’s success at the Nurburgring 24 Rennen 24-hour race with the V8 Vantage N24 production race car. Available as either a coupe or a roadster, the V8 Vantage N400 is powered by a 400-horsepower 4.3-liter V8 with either a 6-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission. Sport suspension, lightweight alloy wheels with a graphite and diamond-turned finish, new rocker design, rear-light trim and Magnum Silver mesh grilles differentiate the N400. Interior enhancements include micro-spin alloy trim, perforated leather seats, available contrast stitching and a Nurburgring track diagram embroidered in the armrest.