The term 'sporty car, for short' can be summarized by two crossword solutions: ALFA (4 letters) and TBIRD (5 letters). ALFA is an acronym for Alfa Romeo, an Italian luxury car manufacturer founded in 1910. The Alfa Romeo brand is known for its sporty cars, such as the Giulia and 4C models. TBIRD is an acronym for Ford Thunderbird, a two-seat sports car manufactured by Ford Motor Company from 1955 to 2005. The Thunderbird was known for its sleek design and powerful engine, making it a popular choice among sports car enthusiasts.