High Performance Weekend Track Car

We don't yet have reliability information on the new Camaro. Otherwise the SS 1LE seems a strong contender. Big discounts and incentives lately. The new ZL1 is even stronger, but probably well above your maximum even with discounts and incentives.

I greatly enjoyed both the Mustang GT350 and BMW M2 in overly brief drives. I don't normally care for Mustangs, but the GT350 won me over and then some. The M2 is my favorite current BMW, but might not have enough power for you. Either is about as reliable as a Ford or a BMW gets. Plus better outward visibility than in the Camaro, good seats, and a livable ride. But you can't get a HUD in either. I'd drive both--you might decide you like one of them enough to do without the HUD.

Moving in a more grand touring direction, the Q60 Red Sport also drives very well, but even with 400 horsepower might not provide the performance you're seeking, and I don't think a HUD is available.

A heads up display is something that you won't find in many sports cars. It's more of a Luxury Commuter car feature for safety reasons. So if you can go without that "Essential" feature you'd really open up your options. I would suggest the Mustang GT350 as well. This car is worth well more than it sells. The new mustangs have an updated suspension system so they can corner about as well as any other sports car out there. It's not like the ancient muscle car suspension that has been on mustangs for years. Take it for a test drive.

Another car you may not have thought of however is the Ford Focus RS (way different than the one pictured) IF you can find one, as they are very rare and sell quickly. It has near similar straight line performance to a mustang, but it's in the turns where this thing can do literal magic--which is what it's all about on the track.