2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
The 2008 C63 is the fifth AMG model based on Mercedes' compact rear-wheel-drive C-Class sedan.

We have only one problem with the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. It's our conscience. See, performance cars like this push all our gearhead buttons: big power, neck-straining thrust, racy looks and sounds, and sheer, extroverted extravagance. Yeah, nobody needs to roar from 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds or tail-slide around corners like a greased eel. But the C63 will do that and more--and it feels so good! This is how addictions start, and the newest baby AMG will hook most anyone who loves to drive fast and hard.

But oh, that pesky guilt. "Are you crazy?" says a nagging voice in the back of our mind. "It's a gas guzzler. EPA mpg is only 12/19 city/highway. Don't you care about your country's energy dependence or about global warming, you self-indulgent lout? And look at all the stares you get. Nice people don't show off. You want to attract the cops or something?" It's enough to make you sign up for therapy.

Of course, the C63 isn't the only car that sets off these head-and-heart battles. We're no less conflicted by the Audi RS4, BMW M3, or Lexus' new IS-F, each a heated-up premium compact aimed at the same select audience.

Wait a minute. Select audience. Hmmm. That means low sales--Mercedes thinks the U.S. will take a modest 2,000 C63s a year--so hot rods like this make little difference to the planet or gas supplies. And with a base price of $53,800, plus $825 destination, the C63 is the bargain of the bunch, especially considering its hand-built engine and many unique components. Forget therapy. Gimme the keys!