Hagerty predicts this year's future classics

HAGERTY ANNOUNCES ITS ANNUAL 'HOT LIST' OF FUTURE COLLECTOR CARS
The World Leader in Classic Car Insurance Predicts the Ten Most Collectible 2013 Model Year Cars of Tomorrow

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (January 29, 2013) – The launch of a new vehicle always causes excitement and debate among car enthusiasts, and the models debuting at the recent North American International Auto Show were no exception. While automakers raved about the latest technology and performance statistics, the vehicles' long-term desirability among future collectors was rarely mentioned.

Always in search of future collectibles, Hagerty has unveiled its annual "Hagerty Hot List" of cars that speak to driving enthusiasts. Chosen by its team of experts, the selections are made up of mass-produced vehicles available for sale as a 2013 model with an MSRP of less than $100,000. Special consideration was given to newly launched versions not appearing on previous Hagerty Hot Lists that will likely become collectible in the next 20 years.

"This year's Hot List is comprised of vehicles from a wide variety of market segments and manufacturers, but they all share one thing in common – a certain 'cool' factor that will be remembered by car enthusiasts for many years to come," says McKeel Hagerty, President and CEO of Hagerty. "Well-preserved examples will be sought-after well beyond their contemporary peers have been used up and recycled."

The 2013 Hagerty Hot List (along with base price):

SRT Viper ($97,395) – The redesigned coupe has more power than ever with its 8.4 liter V10 engine, 640 horsepower and absurd 600 lb-ft of torque – "the most torque of any naturally aspirated engine currently produced," according to Chrysler. We applaud the Viper as one of the last living examples of the once-celebrated mantra of "there is no replacement for displacement."

Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 427 ($75,925) – 2013 marks the 60th anniversary of the Corvette and Chevrolet is celebrating with its "fastest and most capable Corvette convertible yet." Nothing screams "American Muscle" like a 505 horsepower beast that will do zero-to-60 in 3.8 seconds, coming from a good old fashioned pushrod V8 engine. Corvette values tend to favor the last model year of each generation making the 60th anniversary year a worthy example to keep in your garage.

Audi RS5 ($68,900) – It's purely subjective, but we think the basic Audi A5 is one of the handsomest coupes on the market. It just oozes good taste in the way that big BMW coupes like the 3.0CS and 635 CSi used to. Add to that a potent 414 horsepower, 4.2 liter V8 and you've got the makings of a truly great coupe.

Porsche Cayman S ($63,800) – For Porsche purists, the introduction of the Cayenne Diesel (2013 SUV) was a departure from everything Porsche felt the brand stood for. The Cayman S is Porsche's atonement for the sin of the diesel Cayenne. This version is more powerful, more efficient and lighter than previous versions of the Cayman. Say hello to the 911's little brother.

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Convertible ($59,545) – Make no mistake, we are living in a modern day horsepower race led by American pony cars. Priced near the top of its segment and equipped with a 580 horsepower supercharged V-8, Chevrolet's "most powerful production convertible ever" will likely be limited to hardcore enthusiasts and command a premium when they surface years down the road.

Tesla Model S ($58,570) – Electric cars themselves are nearly as old as the light bulb. The Model S defies the stereotype that electric cars are just for people trying to kick the petroleum habit. A nearly-silent zero-to-60 time of five seconds gives new definition to a "sleeper" car.

Mini John Cooper Works GP ($39,950) – With a top speed of 150 mph, the John Cooper Works GP is being hailed as "the fastest Mini ever built," according to the company. The turbocharged engine boasts 211 horsepower and will reportedly hit 60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. Mini enthusiasts will need to secure theirs quickly as merely 500 units will be sold in the United States.

Subaru BRZ ($25,495) – One of the lightest sport coupes in the current market, the Subaru BRZ's precision handling sets it apart from the crowd. Often thought of as a 'quirky' carmaker specializing exclusively in all-wheel drive models, the rear-wheel drive BRZ injects some tire-smoking adrenaline into the Subaru brand. Its twin is the equally impressive Scion FR-S.

Volkswagen GTi ($23,995) – If sales hadn't flourished so much over the years, we would describe the GTi as having a cult-like following. The most successful compact sports car in the world has come a long way since the debut of the first Golf GTi in 1976...and the 2013 version may be the best yet. Fun, cool and practical for less than $25K. Ja, Bitte!

Ford Focus ST ($23,700) – Ford used to save its best small cars for the European market. Thankfully, those days are over. We believe this four-door hatch with over 250 horsepower and performance handling is an undeniable bargain under $25K that will attract collectors many years down the road.