A coupe is a closed two-door car body style with a permanently attached fixed roof, that is shorter than a sedan or saloon (British and Irish English) of the same model, and it often has seating for two persons or with a tight-spaced rear seat. The precise definition of the term varies between manufacturers and over time. The term was first applied to 19th-century carriages, where the rear-facing seats had been eliminated, or cut out.
10. 2015 Nissan 370Z — $29,990
2015 Nissan 370Z Coupe © Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
For 2015, the Nissan 370Z Coupe remains one of the most vibrant and dynamic sports cars available in North America, as well as one of the best performance values – with a standard 332-horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine, choice of 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission and $29,990 USD starting MSRP.
Two trim levels are added for the new model year – Sport and Sport Tech, which incorporate content from previously available option packages. This brings the Z® Coupe lineup to four standard models, including the previously available 370Z and Touring grades.
“By added the two new Sport and Sport Tech grades, we’ve eliminated all option packages and streamlined the ordering and purchase process – making it easier for our customers,” said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. “All four models continue to offer the unique combination of performance and style that has made Z® an enthusiast’s dream for more than four decades.”
Other enhancements to the 2015 370Z Coupe include standard Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System on all models and revised suspension tuning. New black-finished 18-inch wheels are offered on 370Z and 370Z Touring models and the Nissan Navigation System is now standard on 370Z Touring.
9. 2015 Dodge Challenger — $26,995
2015 Dodge Challenger © Chrysler Group LLC
2015 model year include:
- The “8” nomenclature has been dropped, now SRT models are no longer called “SRT-8”. They are now called either SRT 392 or SRT Hellcat
- 5-speed automatic transmission replaced by a new 8-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission
- Power output on the 6.4 liter V8 increased by 15 for a total of 485 horsepower and torque increased by 5 for a total of 475 Ib Ft
- A slightly revamped exterior features a new grille with design cues from the 1971 grill/split tail lights, Quad LED ‘Halo Ring” Head lights, LED Tail lights, and a functional hood intake on HEMI models
- Inside, the Challenger gets a 7-inch (780mm) TFT Thin Film Transistor display with over one hundred possible configurations, 8.4-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio with available navigation, and a retro styled gauge cluster
- Six-Piston Brembo High Performance Brakes with Two-Piece 15.4-Inch Vented/Slotted Rotors and 4-Piston brakes rear on SRT8 models
8. 2015 Hyundai Genesis — $26,750
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe © Hyundai Motor Company
For 2015, Genesis Coupe makes its 348-horspower, 3.8-liter direct-injected V6 standard, with new base 3.8-liter V6 manual and automatic transmission models added to its line-up. The high-performance V6 engine in every Genesis Coupe ensures its buyer maximum powertrain performance at a very affordable price point. This critical enhancement ensures Genesis Coupe continues to carry its recognized market success as a rear-drive, high-output performance sport coupe for everyday enthusiasts.
The Genesis Coupe strikes a menacing demeanor, with an aggressively designed front fascia, grille, headlights, LED daytime running lights, fog lights and hood with heat extractor cues. The side view reveals aggressive 18- and 19-inch alloy wheel designs with deep dimensional sculpting. Finally, the rear taillights provide a visual spark via premium LED illumination. Traditional rear-drive sport coupe proportions are clearly evident, with a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs producing a classic wedge-like profile. Genesis Coupe’s bodyside character line is an innovative “Z”-shaped design that integrates seamlessly with a unique, drop-beltline rear window graphic. Heated outside mirrors, fog lights, and LED daytime running lights are standard on all Genesis Coupes.
7. 2015 Subaru BRZ — $25,695
2015 Subaru BRZ © Fuji Heavy Industries, Ltd.
The 2015 BRZ Series.Blue amps up the car’s athletic demeanor with an exclusive combination of STI functional aerodynamic body design, black-painted STI 17-inch wheels and unique interior trim for a striking look. Subaru will offer 500 of these special models painted WR Blue Pearl and 500 in Crystal White Pearl, all with the 6-speed manual transmission and red-painted brake calipers.
Powered by a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter BOXER engine, the Subaru BRZ marked a return to the fundamentals of sports car design, emphasizing low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. The BRZ Series.Blue boosts the car’s aerodynamic performance with black STI front, side, and side-rear under spoilers, which contribute to additional front downforce. Additional underbody panels, while not seen, reduce the coefficient of drag (Cd) from 0.28 to 0.29.
The BRZ Series.Blue cabin features an exclusive design scheme. The leather and Alcantara upholstery includes blue leather seat bolsters and head restraints. Blue stitching accents the seats and the blue and black leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as the shift lever boot and leather-wrapped parking brake handle. The blue motif carries to the center console kneepads and door trim, accented by an embroidered silver BRZ logo on the front seatbacks. Carpeted floor mats also pick up the BRZ logo and blue stitching. The finishing touch is a red illuminated engine start / stop button with an STI logo.
All BRZ models for 2015 feature new, larger stainless steel exhaust tips, a new shark fin roof antenna and simulated carbon-fiber center dash panel.
6. 2015 Scion FR-S — $24,900
2015 Scion FRS © Toyota Motor Corporation
Enhanced Handling and Stability Refine the Winning FR-S Formula. 2015 Scion FR-S advances the look and feel of driving/
The 2015 Scion FR-S uses a 2.0-liter, flat boxer engine in a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration that delivers an impressive 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. With its low center of gravity and lightweight body, the FR-S earns its reputation for great handling. These dynamics are further enhanced for 2015 with a more rigid front suspension and re-tuning of the rear shock absorbers. The enriched damping results in less body roll and a more communicative driving experience.
Drivers choose between a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Rev Management® technology. Both models benefit from a standard Torsen® limited-slip differential which helps maximize traction by allocating power to the rear wheel with the most traction and contributes to nimble cornering performance.
For 2015, a new streamlined shark-fin antenna provides better aerodynamics. The smooth shape of the FR-S enhances the track-ready design, balanced drive and exceptional fuel economy for its class. The 2015 FR-S is rated by the EPA an estimated 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway with the automatic transmission and 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the manual transmission.
The rich heritage behind the FR-S inspires every angle of its high-octane styling. For 2015, the FR-S exhaust tips have been updated with a larger diameter and sit more flush with the rear bumper. The new tips complement the low, wide rear fascia that also features aerodynamic lower treatments and sharply angled lights. These rear details of the FR-S contribute to the overall aerodynamic shape and well-built design that drivers love. Approach the vehicle from the front and find a menacing look with a low stance, aggressive front bumper and angular headlights with projector-beam halogen lamps.
5. 2015 Honda Accord — $23,775
2015 Honda Accord © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
The 2016 Accord marks a further advancement of the 9th-generation Accord lineup. Building on the foundations established by the 2013 model, the more sophisticated, sportier, yet highly fuel efficient 2016 Accord features a further refined design, a more rigid body and upgraded chassis, and upsized wheels and tires on select models. All 2016 Accords can also now be equipped with Honda Sensing™ as a standalone option on all trims except Touring, which features Honda Sensing™ as standard equipment. Further changes include the expanded use LED exterior lighting, and new premium features and technologies, including the first combined application of Apple CarPlay®1 and Android Auto1 to a Honda model and among the first high-volume cars to apply the two systems in the marketplace.
Additional new available features for 2016, depending on model and trim, include remote engine start, front and rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, rear seat heaters, and a 60/40 split and folding rear seat. The Accord Coupe, depending on trim, also feature new exterior color and interior fabrics and decor.
The Accord Coupe both get a major facelift for 2016. In place of the previous wrap-around front bumper is a more sharply creased and intricately structured front fascia, the lower portion of which tucks into large intake-like meshed areas that house new LED fog lights (Sport trim and above). The Accord Coupe boasts more sporting and aggressive front and rear fasciae, a new grille, and restyled headlights and taillights.
4. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro — $23,705
2015 Chevrolet Camaro © General Motors
The 2015 Camaro Z/28 is the most track-capable model in its history, building on the legacy of the original SCCA Trans Am-series contender introduced in 1967. While the new Camaro Z/28 is not intended to compete in a specific race series, it is solely focused on track capability. In fact, its unique exterior is designed like a race car to produce downforce that presses the car against the track for greater grip – up to 1.08 g in cornering acceleration – and faster lap times.
The aerodynamically optimized design helped the Camaro Z/28 log a 7:37.47 lap on Germany’s legendary Nürburgring road course – four seconds faster than the Camaro ZL1, and faster than published times for the Porsche 911 Carrera S and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.
Additional contributors to the car’s track performance included greater stopping power – the Z/28 features Brembo carbon ceramic brakes capable of 1.5 g in deceleration, and consistent brake feel, lap after lap – and reduced curb weight. The naturally aspirated Z/28 weighs 300 pounds less than the supercharged Camaro ZL1, with changes ranging from lightweight wheels to thinner rear-window glass. In fact, 100 percent of the un-sprung mass (suspension, wheels, tires and brake system) has been changed from the Camaro SS, dramatically enhancing the balance and overall driving feel of the Z/28.
“The Camaro Z/28 is an uncompromising performer that’s bred for the track – and every one of its unique components supports the goal of faster lap times,” said Mark Reuss, executive vice-president, global product development. “It takes the Z/28 back to its racing roots and adds to the strong lineup of Chevrolet performance cars.”
3. 2015 Ford Mustang — $23,600
2015 Ford Mustang © Ford Motor Company
Loaded with innovative technologies and delivering world-class levels of performance and style, the 2015 Mustang is ready to take on the world.
“Ford Mustang inspires passion like no other car,” said Raj Nair, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “The visceral look, sound and performance of Mustang resonates with people, even if they’ve never driven one. Mustang is definitely more than just a car – it is the heart and soul of Ford Motor Company.”
Mustang’s impact goes well beyond the 9 million-plus cars sold in its 50 years of continuous production. It has made thousands of appearances in film, television, music and video games, and is the world’s most-liked vehicle on Facebook. For the first time, Ford will bring Mustang to customers in key parts of Europe and Asia.
“We crafted this car with the goal of creating a contemporary interpretation of Mustang – an American automotive icon that symbolizes optimism and freedom for millions of people around the world,” said Jim Farley, Ford executive vice president, Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln.
2. 2015 Kia Forte Koup — $18,590
2015 Kia Forte Koup © Kia Motors Corporation
2015 Kia Forte Koup continues to offer an impressive collection of features in a fun-to-drive two-door version of its award-winning sedan sibling. The Forte Koup is offered in two trim levels, EX and SX, with two engine and transmission choices. The EX comes equipped with a 2.0-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, and the SX comes standard with a powerful 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 201 horsepower and 195 lb.-ft. of torque. Both the EX and SX come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offer an available 6-speed automatic featuring steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters1.
1. 2015 Honda Civic — $18,290
2015 Honda Civic Coupe © Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
The Civic Coupe has a sporty, athletic, and aggressive look. A bold front grille and headlights adorn the front end, while stylish taillights help you stand out from behind. Add to that its stylish wheels and you’ve got the sleekest Coupe yet. Beautifully designed wheels enhance the style of the Coupe. EX-L models up the ante with 17-inch alloys.
With countless technological innovations and legendary, race-inspired engines, Honda has always roared ahead of the curve. Honda’s Earth Dreams™ Technology™ continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides an outstanding driving experience. The CVT allows the engine to always operate at the most efficient rpm level, enabling maximum efficiency under all driving conditions. The Civic makes driving so much more fun with sports car-inspired paddle shifters (EX, EX-L with CVT). Mounted on the steering wheel, the paddles operate in two distinctive modes, standard and sport.
The Drive-by-Wire throttle system helps enhance the driving character of the Civic Coupe. With smart electronics connecting the throttle pedal to the throttle butterfly valve in the intake manifold, the engine response can be optimized to suit the driving conditions and to better match the driver’s expectations.
Every 2015 Honda is equipped with a rearview camera, three years before required by the NHTSA as a safety feature. Those without navigation have a single-angle rearview camera, while navigation-equipped models offer three camera angles to choose from: wide view, normal view, and an overhead view of the rear bumper.
