The Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster even lands a spot on our list as a long-term open-air companion.

FORBES: Cars That Can Last For 250,000 Miles (Or More)

It was through racing, for instance, that Mazda discovered a gear box problem with the MX-5 Miata.

FORBES: Mazda's Newest Race Cars Are Powered By Chicken Guts

The BRZ, very much by design and very much in the style of the great Mazda MX-5, goes in the other direction, drawing out and exaggerating automotive cues that give the impression of going fast at wholly more sane speeds.

WSJ: 2013 Subaru BRZ Review: It's Thinker Than You Fast It Is | Rumble Seat by Dan Neil

The PENTAX MX-1 features a 4X optical zoom lens offering a large maximum aperture of F1.8 to F2.5 and 28mm wide-angle coverage (in the 35mm format).

ENGADGET: Pentax launches brass-bodied MX-1 point-and-shoot: 12MP with 4X zoom (update: now with hands-on photos)