Baby Boomers prefer sports cars

People born between 1946 and 1954, collectively known as Baby Boomers, are trading in their family vehicles for something with a little more power -- sports cars. When the nest is empty (and sometimes before), the vehicle of choice becomes a sporty, fast little ride that may be the envy of all who see it.

Baby Boomers tend to have a higher income and/or a surplus in savings after retirement and choose to expend some funds on a car that will make waves. Convertibles are a popular choice among this demographic, as are other roadsters that turn heads. Here are some of the more popular models you'll see cruising the roadways with Boomers behind the wheel, according to statistics from TrueCar.com.

* Chevrolet Corvette: The quintessential American sports car, Corvettes are especially popular among Baby Boomers. Boomers flock to Corvettes more than any other age group, with nearly 64 percent of buyers belonging to the Boomer generation.

* Volvo C70: A turbo-charged, 5-cylinder engine provides enough power to give a thrill to many Boomers. And with a convertible top option, it's possible to have a breeze running through their receding hairlines, too.

* Mercedes Benz SL: If it's status and substance that Boomers desire, then there's no looking beyond a Mercedes. Affluent Baby Boomers can enjoy a V8 engine and plenty of electrical gadgets to make their rides fun.

* BMW 6 Series Convertible: Another premier car for the elite Boomer, the BMW sees 80 percent of its sales going toward Boomers. The 6 series is quick and has understated good looks, which also helps the vehicle serve as a status symbol for those behind the wheel.

* Porsche Boxter: For those who have always aspired to be behind the wheel of a Porsche, the Boxter is small and sporty, perfect for handling the turns on the way to a country winery or maneuvering around traffic in an urban setting.

According to industry experts, Baby Boomers have long driven the direction of the automotive industry. Many desire to stay away from the brands and styles their parents drove, preferring something with more pep and style.

In addition to the makes and models mentioned, CNW Marketing Research, a firm that looks at the reasons behind car purchases, says Boomers make purchases not only for the style of the car but also for the image the brand offers. The firm lists these vehicles as other popular purchases among Baby Boomers.

* Dodge Viper

* Toyota Avalon

* Cadillac DTS

* Chrysler 300

* Jaguar XK

* Lexus LS 600h

* Lexus SC 430

* Audi A8/S8

* Infiniti FX

* Lincoln MKZ

Form and fashion drives the purchase of many Baby Boomers looking for a new vehicle. With more disposable income, many can afford to splurge on a car that is sporty and will garner "oohs" and "ahhs" from others.