Do you want a car as hot as the summer sun?

I've got something in mind, with one prerequisite: Bring money. Lots.

You see, the car I am thinking of for you is the 2008 Aston Martin -- any of the astonishing models offered; all of them are the last word in luxury, performance and, of course, cachet.

Prices range from about $113,200 for the Aston Martin V-8 Vantage, to about $179,000 for the DB9.

So what makes these cars so memorable?

There's that delicious sound of the engine -- unlike any I've ever heard. There's the gorgeous wood, that looks terrific without a lot of gloss to get in the way. There's the muscled, catlike styling that probably will be a classic for decades to come. And, of course, the aroma of all that incredible leather.

But these cars are all about the driving. Acceleration times are so fast you barely have time to take a breath. Hit accelerator and it's "buh bye" time.

The V-8 Vantage is the best way to get an Aston for most people, and they'll be treated to a bravura performance by the 4.3-liter, 380-horsepower V-8 which will hit 60 in less than five seconds, for instance.

Fuel mileage is around 12 to 13 city and 18 to 19 on the highway. You can get a six-speed manual or an automatic clutch manual. And don't think that the lower price means a lesser experience in this incredible car -- that's simply not the case.

The DB9 has acceleration that can be described only as thunderous, given its 5.9-liter, 450-horsepower V-12 engine. Everything becomes a blur as you hit the road, pick up speed and just sit back and relax in one of the most glamorous cars in the world. Fuel economy is 10 to 11 miles per gallon in the city and 16 to 17 miles per gallon on the highway.

New for 2008 on the DB9 is a "Sports Pack" option.