CTSV is going to be too similar to a C63 in feel and size, compared to the others listed. Go with something different. The new 2013 Viper looks AMAZING. That same neighbor says he might give up his new ZR1 if it's up to his tastes.

 

My budget really is around $120-130k, any more and I better get a good divorce lawyer
My dilemma is that nothing in that price range gives me the same satisfaction the C63 did when I bought it--now, I still love the C, but I want something with a little more pop--the C63 is a decent looking car, but it has never been the reason I bought the car.

I'm looking for a more "exotic" machine that does what the c63 does, all for less than $130k, that pretty much sums it up

 

Plus 100hp. But at the end of the day it is still a chev.

 

Hopefully no kids involved or you will be shopping a Toyota!

That price range is a tough choice. The C63 is really nice car. The Viper idea was a really good one. The 2013 looks amazing and screams exotic.

 

I know you like european and so do I but nothing gets looks like these do and the performance is hang on!! Trust me, I've had plenty before.

 

BAH! Just a Fiat! Like a Panda with nitrous Haha

 

Nothing a few mods + a tune can't fix

 

You've obviously not owned or driven one. They are a handful to drive and very powerful! Great cars!

 

I was just playing around. And I have been in one. 2010 MY I believe. My old 1ton truck was far scarier.

 

More like 50 hp in his case because he has P31. And the CTS-V's heavier weight really makes performance very close to his current car. Slight edge to the CTS-V in straight acceleration.

 

The ZR1 has been mentioned. Personally, I think it's one of the better looking cars. I love the wheels that it comes with. The Viper seems amazing. Huge displacement.

 

But all that plastic. For the price they want for one, they should be able to use better build materials.

 

This. The Viper has the same build quality of my old Lego forts. None.

 

That's good!

Honestly, haven't thought much about the Viper, but it is interesting.
Again, it suffers a little from the same red neck mullet "lottery winning" car (kinda how I think of vettes). Obviously, just my opinion The Viper is a beastly car and definitely more rare then a Corvette.

I was toying around with getting a Shelby recreation done perfectly, aluminum body and all for like $90k--it will be essentially a "new" car with insane performance and a bit more class then a Vette or possibly a Viper.
Something like this:

 

How do you know when it hasn't been out yet? All reports are very favourable.

 

Every iteration of Viper has suffered the same issues. They're all built like crap.

 

definitely is a sweet sweet ride. Recently someone drove one over to a local meet and I was drooling all over it. However, you will need to make sure you are ok with giving up pretty much all the creature comforts you might be used to in the C63. As well, getting in and out of the car is a workout. IMO this is a niche niche car. a beautiful weekend warrior. If you need this vehicle to have some DD ability, you might want to look at other options.

btw. thought about jaguars? the XK / XKR / XKR-S is a beautiful machine and fits perfectly in your price range. Very classy yet sporty.

 

How long is the SLS lease and with how much down payment? 2400 for 2 year lease sounds very tempting.

 

OP: you beat me to it. I was about to pose the same question with the forum.
I am just a bit different than you where I had my C63 for 3 years now but my budget is the same. I am not averse to a slightly used CPO car so I have come up to the following 3 choices (It will be a daily driver):
-Used Aston martin Vantage V12: a bit above my budget especially that I will have to buy on top of the purchase price an extended warranty, I drove the Vantage and the DB9. A very sexy car that makes you feel so special. Overall performance is however below the C63 with a tune. You basically pay for the emblem but the sound is orgasmic.
-used Audi R8 V10: faster than the C and so well balanced but the lack of storage is a big negative for me. Throw in a statis exhaust and this car sings as well. It is a "small" car and does not have the cache of the Aston but still is viewed as an exotic.
-New Black series C: Obviously we all know what the reviews are but I am having a tough time swallowing the price jump for a car that has the same performance of a tune C63. I know, I know, on the track it is better and the BS does look much better and is sold in a limited edition so you can feel a bit better about your purchase. Staying in the MB family is a plus.
-New CLS with PP. With a simple tune, this car will show its tail to both a BSC and a tuned C63 with having plenty of room for 4 if the need arises. I love the way it looks but beauty is in the eye of the beholder. With a cat or resonator delete, it will sound as good as well. Staying in the MB family is a plus. I have not driven it, you did and I am interested in your feedback as it seems you were not thrilled. Maybe the car is too big.
-New 2013 Viper: I have left this one for last as I have been doing a lot of research and I think I have been bitten. The new car will outperform all the other cars above and has a very sweet and exotic look. It definitely has Ferrari DNA which is not a bad thing. Having read and talked to a few people up top at SRT, it seems they are committed to bringing the VIPER to the next level. The quality in the GTS model is supposed to rival the best exotics (the demo cars look that way) and they will be selective on the dealers that will sell the car. In other words, we should expect a higher level of service. Obviously, this is all talk and we will have to see if they deliver but I am very tempted to take a chance.

I can' wait on you guys feedback.

 

The Vantage V12 is the winner for me because of the sound and appearance. It's incredible. Then the Viper.

Your taste in cars is impressive.

 

aston is terrible for resale value, but the craftsmanship is top notch, it is afterall handmade.
cls63 with down+midpipes, air filter, and tune will give you around 700hp at the crank, so it would show it's tail to all four door cars (maybe except the RS6, which we don't get in the US, yet). As i mentioned earlier, the R8 looks to be a very good choice, except for the fact that the facelift is about to be released, but if it doesn't matter to you, that would be a good car. The CLS63 tuned though beats both other cars any day in a straight line, and is much more functional

 

OP you can get those shelby kit cars for much less than 90k .. i saw one being built at a local garage with a 2011 shelby gt500 engine in it, and the total build cost was 55k (thats with a more expensive engine than usual) id say 45k would be a nice one !

 

The new Vanquish...DROOL...

 

I agree that the resale value of Aston leaves to be desired therefore I would buy a slightly used one. Even used, you are still looking at north of 130K .
However, please go drive a DBS and a AMV8S and you will quickly notice that the car is about the same overall power than a C63. It accomplishes it with style and finesse rather than the hammer style of the C. It really depends what you are looking for in your next car. If you value style and exclusiveness over more power, then an AMV8S or AMV12 could be a solution.
If you are like me where I always want more power and let's not forget torque, then the Viper is calling your name.
C63edition1: regarding your CLS comment, I believe the Panamera Turbo would be tough to beat which bring me to 2 other cars I am contemplating as well. A used Panamera turbo or a 997TT is a fast beast as well but it does nothing to the senses. They are extremely go fast mobiles but I feel they lack a soul. I had a 997S and a friend let me borrow his 997TT for a week-end and the lack of sensory feedback was a major let down.

 

emericr, with those power upgrades you think the panamera would still win ? the panamera's *** is maybe the worst ive seen on any car tbh though, (no offense, we r just talking cars here, what you end up buying is completely up to you).
what about new M5/M6, and i think by that time the new RS6 will be out, stock 580hp