What car's are Exotic

This is a fun debate, especially since it is impossible to settle. Feel free to insert IMHOs in front of every statement

This is my definition of an exotic car (items in order of importance):
* Rare
* Unique styling (doesn't necessarily have to be pretty)
* High performance levels for the type of car
* Expensive when new - 4X average US car price
* History of the company

So for me, just about any Ferrari qualifies (although the 308GT4 might not.) Very few Porsches qualify, probably only the 550 and new Carrera GT (959 loses on #2.) Vettes aren't exotic. Ford GT hits the mark, as does every non-tractor Lamborghini. Viper squeaks in, but isn't really very rare. NSX is close to the borderline because of the conservative styling and high mfg numbers. The Prowler was way too slow, as was the Delorean. The Montreal was the only modern Alfa to get close. BMW M1 and every Aston, Bentley, Rolls and Maybach.

And the more pertinent question, what about Lotus? The Esprit certainly qualifies. But the Seven, Elan, Europa, Elite, Elise and Exige aren't exotics in my book. They just aren't expensive enough.

By the way, some of my favorite cars were listed as non-exotics above. I don't see the term as a value judgement any more than the terms "SUV" or "GT" (both of those are pretty fuzzy these days too). For instance, I'd rather have an Elise than the exotic 328/348 that I could get for the same price. I guess that is one thing that almost all of us can agree on.

I must admit I’m surprised that anyone would miss voting for the Pagani Zonda. After all at almost half a million dollars per car it is certainly expensive. Performance is amazing: top speed of 220 mph and a 0-60 of only 3.6 seconds. I can’t see it not fitting the bill
Perhaps it's so rare that some didn't vote because they didn't know what it was?

ok my take:

Ferraris are all exotic. The 8-cyl ferrari is and has been for a while the entry level exotic car.

Porsches are not exotic, save the CGT and possibly GT2/3.

S2000/NSX, not exotic.

Zonda is a no brainer. It is everything that would make something exotic to the Nth degree.

As for the Elise, it seems exotic to me now only because the cars are not here yet. In 3-4 years we will have to see how many cars actually make it over here and how often they're seen on the street. Also what kind of reception they'll get styling-wise from the public will make a difference in this debate too. IMO for something to be exotic it needs to attract a lot of ooohs and aaahs.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that IMO an exotic also has to have some degree of expensive/frequent maintenance and be difficult to drive, park, etc. This is why the Porsches and Hondas strike out for the most part. They are too much like owning a normal car...too civilized, too easy.

-Steve

ex·ot·ic
adj.
1. From another part of the world; foreign: exotic tropical plants in a greenhouse. See Synonyms at foreign.

2. Intriguingly unusual or different; excitingly strange: “If something can be explained simply, in a familiar way, then it is best to avoid more exotic explanations” (Chet Raymo).
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IMO the car that created the need for the term was the Lamborgini Miura. The characteristics that defined that car define the word exotic for me.

-First it's configuration was mid-engined/rear drive.
-It has two seats.
-It is rare and handbuilt
-It is expensive/nearly unobtainable as a result of being handbuilt.
-It's design inspires awe and elicits the exhaustive study of those who view it.
-Kids should have posters of it on their bedroom walls.
-Comes from a country different than that of the owner.

I view the Elise as a near-exotic. It has many exotic attributes, but it comes up short on the exclusivity front.