(Hat tip to Dustin!)

It's got a 4.4-liter V8 with 400 HP and 450 lb-ft of torque, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 0-60MPH time of 5.4 seconds, but it sure can't outrun the ugly. Making it even more obscene, Ze Germans expect you to pony up $64,725 for the privilege of driving the base model BMW 550i GT. Start talking options and things crack $70k real quick. Der Kaiser hat keine Kleider.

1 AC Cars 427 S/C '66
2 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S '01
3 Acura CL 3.2 Type-S '03
4 Acura DN-X Concept '02
5 Acura HSC Concept '04
6 Acura INTEGRA TYPE R '01
7 Acura NSX '91
8 Acura NSX '04
9 Acura NSX Coupe '97
10 Acura RSX Type-S '04
11 Alfa Romeo 147 2.0 TWIN SPARK '02
12 Alfa Romeo 147 GTA '02
13 Alfa Romeo 155 2.5 V6 TI '93
14 Alfa Romeo 156 2.5 V6 24V '98
15 Alfa Romeo 166 2.5 V6 24V Sportronic '98
16 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA 1600 '65
17 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale '63
18 Alfa Romeo GT 3.2 V6 24V '04
19 Alfa Romeo GTV 3.0 V6 24V '01
20 Alfa Romeo Spider 1600 Duetto '66
21 Alfa Romeo Spider 3.0i V6 24V '01
22 Alpine A110 1600S '73
23 Alpine A310 1600VE '73
24 Amuse Carbon R (R34) '04
25 Amuse S2000 GT1 '04
26 Amuse S2000 R1 '04
27 Amuse S2000 Street Version '04
28 ASL ARTA Garaiya (JGTC) '03
29 ASL Garaiya '02
30 Audi A2 1.4 '02
31 Audi A3 3.2 quattro '03
32 Abt Audi TT-R Touring Car '02
33 Audi A4 Touring Car '04
34 Audi quattro '82
35 Audi R8 Race Car (Audi PlayStation Team ORECA) '05
36 Audi Le Mans quattro '03
37 Audi Nuvolari quattro '03
38 Audi Pikes Peak quattro '03
39 Audi R8 LMS Race Car '09
40 Audi R8 LMS Race Car (Team PlayStation) '09
41 Audi R8 Race Car '01
42 Audi RS 4 '01
43 Audi RS 6 '02
44 Audi RS 6 Avant '02
45 Audi S3 '02
46 Audi S4 '98
47 Audi S4 '03
48 Audi TT Coupe 1.8T quattro '00
49 Audi TT Coupe 3.2 quattro '03
50 Bentley Speed 8 Race Car '03
51 BLITZ ER34 D1 SPEC (D1GP) '04
52 BMW 120d '04
53 BMW 120i '04
54 BMW 2002 Turbo '73
55 BMW 320i Touring Car '03
56 BMW 330i '05
57 BMW Concept M5 '04
58 BMW M Coupe '98
59 BMW M3 '04
60 BMW M3 CSL '03
61 BMW M3 GTR '03
62 BMW M3 GTR Race Car '01
63 BMW M5 '05
64 BMW McLaren F1 GTR Race Car '97
65 BMW V12 LMR Race Car '99
66 BMW Z4 '03
67 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 '09
68 Buick GNX '87
69 Buick Special '62
70 Cadillac CIEN Concept '02
71 Callaway C12 '03
72 Chaparral 2D Race Car '67
73 Chaparral 2J Race Car '70
74 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Concept '88
75 Chevrolet Camaro LM Race Car
76 Chevrolet Camaro SS '69
77 Chevrolet Camaro SS '00
78 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 302 '69
79 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe '97
80 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 '70
81 Chevrolet Corvette C5-R (C5) '00
82 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (C1) '54
83 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe (C2) '63
84 Chevrolet Corvette GRAND SPORT (C4) '96
85 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray L46 350 (C3) '69
86 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C2) Race Car '63
87 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (C5) '00
88 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 (C4) '90
89 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C6) '09
90 Chevrolet Silverado SST Concept '02
91 Chevrolet SSR '03
92 Chrysler 300C '05
93 Chrysler Crossfire '04
94 Chrysler PT Cruiser '00
95 Citroën 2CV Type A '54
96 Citroën C3 1.6 '02
97 Citroën C5 V6 Exclusive '03
98 GT by Citroën '08
99 Citroën Xantia 3.0i V6 Exclusive '00
100 Citroën Xsara Rally Car '99
101 Citroën Xsara VTR '03
102 Cizeta V16T '94
103 Daihatsu Copen Active Top '02
104 Daihatsu Copen Detachable Top '02
105 Daihatsu Cuore TR-XX Avanzato R (J) '97
106 Daihatsu Midget II D type '98
107 Daihatsu MIRA TR-XX Avanzato R '97
108 Daihatsu MOVE Custom RS Limited '02
109 Daihatsu MOVE CX '95
110 Daihatsu MOVE SR-XX 2WD '97
111 Daihatsu MOVE SR-XX 4WD '97
112 Daihatsu SIRION CX 2WD (J) '98
113 Daihatsu SIRION CX 4WD (J) '98
114 Daihatsu SIRION X4 (J) '00
115 Daihatsu STORIA CX 2WD '98
116 Daihatsu STORIA CX 4WD '98
117 Daihatsu STORIA X4 '00
118 DMC DeLorean S2 '04
119 Dodge Charger 440 R/T '70
120 Dodge Charger Super Bee 426 Hemi '71
121 Dodge RAM 1500 LARAMIE Hemi Quad Cab '04
122 Dodge SRT4 '03
123 Dodge VIPER GTS '99
124 Dodge VIPER GTS R Concept '00
125 VIPER GTS-R Team Oreca Race Car '00
126 Dodge VIPER GTS-R Team Oreca Race Car '00
127 Dodge VIPER SRT10 '03
128 DOME-ZERO Concept '78
129 Eagle Talon Esi '97
130 Enzo Ferrari '02
131 Ferrari F2007
132 Fiat 500 F '65
133 Fiat 500 L '69
134 Fiat 500 R '72
135 Fiat Barchetta Giovane Due '00
136 Fiat Coupe Turbo Plus '00
137 Fiat Panda Super i.e. '90
138 Fiat Punto HGT Abarth '00
139 2000 Ford Falcon XR8
140 Ford Escort Rally Car '98
141 Ford Focus Rally Car '99
142 Ford Focus RS '02
143 Ford Focus ST170 '03
144 Ford GT '02
145 Ford GT '05
146 Ford GT (No Stripe) '05
147 Ford GT LM Race Car
148 Ford GT LM Race Car Spec II
149 Ford GT40 Race Car '69
150 Ford Ka '01
151 Ford Mustang GT '05
152 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R '00
153 Ford RS200 '84
154 Ford RS200 Rally Car '85
155 Ford SVT F-150 Lightning '03
156 Ford Taurus SHO '98
157 FPV F6 Typhoon '04
158 FPV GT '04
159 Gillet Vertigo Race Car '04
160 Ginetta G4 '64
161 HKS GENKI HYPER SILVIA RS2 (D1GP) '04
162 Hommell Berlinette R/S Coupe '99
163 Honda 1300 Coupe 9 S '70
164 Honda ACCORD Coupe '88
165 Honda ACCORD Coupe EX '03
166 Honda ACCORD Euro-R '00
167 Honda ACCORD Euro-R '02
168 Honda ARTA NSX (JGTC) '00
169 Honda BALLADE SPORTS CR-X 1.5i '83
170 Honda BEAT '91
171 Honda BEAT Version F '92
172 Honda BEAT Version Z '93
173 Honda Castrol MUGEN NSX (JGTC) '00
174 Honda CITY Turbo II '83
175 Honda CIVIC 1500 3door 25i '83
176 Honda CIVIC 1500 3door CX '79
177 Honda CIVIC SiR-II (EG) '91
178 Honda CIVIC SiR-II (EG) '92
179 Honda CIVIC SiR-II (EG) '93
180 Honda CIVIC SiR-II (EG) '95
181 Honda CIVIC TYPE R (EK) '97
182 Honda CIVIC TYPE R (EK) '98
183 Honda CIVIC TYPE R (EP) '01
184 Honda CIVIC TYPE R (EP) '04
185 Honda CIVIC TYPE R (EP, EU) '01
186 Honda CR-X del Sol SiR '92
187 Honda CR-X SiR '90
188 Honda DUALNOTE Concept '01
189 Honda ELEMENT '03
190 Honda FIT W '01
191 Honda Gathers Drider CIVIC Race Car '98
192 Honda S2000 (EU) '99
193 Honda S2000 (EU) '03
194 Honda S2000 Type V (EU) '00
195 Honda S2000 Type V (EU) '01
196 Honda HSC "The 37th Tokyo Motor Show Concept Car" '03
197 Honda INSIGHT '99
198 Honda INTEGRA TYPE R (DC2) '95
199 Honda INTEGRA TYPE R (DC2) '98
200 Honda INTEGRA TYPE R (DC2) '99
201 Honda INTEGRA TYPE R (DC5) '03
202 Honda INTEGRA TYPE R Touring Car
203 Honda JAZZ 1.4 DSi SE Sport '01
204 Honda LIFE STEP VAN '72
205 Honda LOCTITE MUGEN NSX (JGTC) '01
206 Honda Mobil 1 NSX (JGTC) '01
207 Honda MUGEN MOTUL CIVIC Si Race Car '87
208 Honda N360 '67
209 Honda NSX '90
210 Honda NSX '93
211 Honda NSX '95
212 Honda NSX '97
213 Honda NSX '99
214 Honda NSX '01
215 Honda NSX Type R '92
216 Honda NSX Type R '02
217 Honda NSX Type S '97
218 Honda NSX Type S '99
219 Honda NSX Type S '01
220 Honda NSX Type S Zero '97
221 Honda NSX Type S Zero '99
222 Honda NSX-R Concept '01
223 Honda NSX-R Prototype LM Race Car
224 Honda NSX-R Prototype LM Road Car
225 Honda ODYSSEY '03
226 Honda PRELUDE Si VTEC '91
227 Honda PRELUDE SiR '96
228 Honda PRELUDE SiR S spec '98
229 Honda PRELUDE Type S '96
230 Honda PRELUDE Type S '98
231 Honda RAYBRIG NSX (JGTC) '00
232 Honda S2000 '99
233 Honda S2000 '01
234 Honda S2000 '03
235 Honda S2000 (EU) '01
236 Honda S2000 (US) '99
237 Honda S2000 (US) '01
238 Honda S2000 (US) '04
239 Honda S2000 LM Race Car
240 Honda S2000 Type V '00
241 Honda S2000 Type V '01
242 Honda S2000 Type V '03
243 Honda S2000 Type V (US) '00
244 Honda S2000 Type V (US) '01
245 Honda S500 '63
246 Honda S600 '64
247 Honda S800 '66
248 Honda S800 RSC Race Car '68
249 Honda TAKATA DOME NSX (JGTC) '03
250 Honda TODAY G '85
251 Honda Z ACT '70
252 HPA Motorsports Stage II R32 '04
253 Hyundai Clix Concept '01
254 Hyundai HCD6 Concept '01
255 Hyundai Coupe FX '01
256 Hyundai Tiburon GT '01
257 Hyundai Tiburon Turbulence '99
258 Hyundai Tuscani '01
259 Hyundai Tuscani CCS '03
260 Infiniti FX45 Concept '02
261 Infiniti G20 '90
262 Infiniti G35 COUPE '03
263 Infiniti G35 Sedan '03
264 Isuzu 117COUPÉ '68
265 Isuzu Bellett 1600 GT-R '69
266 Isuzu PIAZZA XE '81
267 Jaguar E-TYPE Coupe '61
268 Jaguar S-TYPE R '02
269 Jaguar XJ220 '92
270 Jaguar XJ220 LM Race Car
271 Jaguar XJR-9 LM Race Car '88
272 Jaguar XKR Coupe '99
273 Jaguar XKR R Performance '02
274 Jensen Interceptor MkIII '74
275 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary '88
276 Lamborghini Countach LP400 '74
277 Lancia DELTA HF Integrale Evoluzione '91
278 Lancia DELTA HF Integrale Rally Car '92
279 Lancia DELTA S4 Rally Car '85
280 Lancia STRATOS '73
281 Lancia STRATOS Rally Car '77
282 Land Rover Range Stormer Concept '04
283 Lexus GS 300 '91
284 Lexus GS 300 '00
285 Lexus GS 300 Vertex Edition (J) '00
286 Lexus IS 200 '98
287 Lexus IS 200 (J) '98
288 Lexus IS 300 Sport Cross '01
289 Lexus IS 200 GT-1 Race Car '04
290 Lexus SC 300 '97
291 Lexus SC 430 (EU) '01
292 Lexus SC 430 (US) '01
293 Lister Storm V12 Race Car '99
294 Lotus Elan S1 '62
295 Lotus Elise '00
296 Lotus Elise 111R '04
297 Lotus Elise 111S '03
298 Lotus Elise Sport 190 '98
299 Lotus Elise Type 72 '01
300 Lotus Esprit Sport 350 '00
301 Lotus Esprit Turbo HC '87
302 Lotus Esprit V8 '02
303 Lotus Esprit V8 GT '98
304 Lotus Esprit V8 SE '98
305 Lotus Europa Special '71
306 Lotus Carlton '90
307 Lotus Motor Sport Elise '99
308 Mini Marcos GT '70
309 Mazda 110S (L10A) '67
310 Mazda 110S (L10B) '68
311 Mazda 787B Race car '91
312 Mazda Atenza Concept '01
313 Mazda Atenza Sports 23Z '03
314 Mazda Atenza Touring Car
315 Mazda Autozam AZ-1 '92
316 Mazda BP FALKEN RX-7 (D1GP) '03
317 Mazda Carol 360 Deluxe '62
318 Mazda Cosmo Sport (L10A) '67
319 Mazda Cosmo Sport (L10B) '68
320 Mazda DEMIO GL-X '99
321 Mazda DEMIO SPORT '03
322 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type R (FD) '91
323 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type R (FD) '93
324 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type RS (FD) '96
325 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type R-S (FD) '95
326 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type RZ (FD) '92
327 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type RZ (FD) '93
328 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type RZ (FD) '95
329 Mazda éfini RX-7 Type RZ (FD) '96
330 Mazda Eunos Roadster (NA Special Package) '89
331 Mazda Eunos Roadster J-Limited (NA) '91
332 Mazda Eunos Roadster J-Limited II (NA) '93
333 Mazda Eunos Roadster SR-Limited (NA) '97
334 Mazda Eunos Roadster S-Special Type I (NA) '95
335 Mazda Eunos Roadster VR-Limited (NA) '95
336 Mazda Eunos Roadster V-Special Type II (NA) '93
337 Mazda Familia Sedan Sport 20 '02
338 Mazda KUSABI Concept '03
339 Mazda Lantis Coupe 2000 Type R '93
340 Mazda 323F '93
341 Mazda Furai Concept '08
342 Mazda2 '03
343 Mazda6 5-door '03
344 Mazda6 Concept '01
345 Mazda6 Touring Car
346 Mazda Mazdaspeed Atenza '05
347 Mazda MX-5 (NA) '89
348 Mazda MX-5 1.8 RS (NB, J) '98
349 Mazda MX-5 1600 NR-A (NB, J) '04
350 Mazda MX-5 1800 RS (NB, J) '00
351 Mazda MX-5 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
352 Mazda MX-5 J-Limited (NA, J) '91
353 Mazda MX-5 J-Limited II (NA, J) '93
354 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) '89
355 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1.8 RS (NB, J) '98
356 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1600 NR-A (NB, J) '04
357 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '00
358 Mazda MX-5 Miata 1800 RS (NB, J) '04
359 Mazda MX-5 Miata J-Limited (NA, J) '91
360 Mazda MX-5 Miata J-Limited II (NA, J) '93
361 Mazda MX-5 Miata SR-Limited (NA, J) '97
362 Mazda MX-5 Miata S-Special Type I (NA, J) '95
363 Mazda MX-5 Miata VR-Limited (NA, J) '95
364 Mazda MX-5 Miata V-Special Type II (NA, J) '93
365 Mazda MX-5 SR-Limited (NA, J) '97
366 Mazda MX-5 S-Special Type I (NA, J) '95
367 Mazda MX-5 VR-Limited (NA, J) '95
368 Mazda MX-5 V-Special Type II (NA, J) '93
369 Mazda MX-Crossport Concept '05
370 Mazda Protegé '02
371 Mazda Roadster 1.8 RS (NB) '98
372 Mazda Roadster 1600 NR-A (NB) '04
373 Mazda Roadster 1800 RS (NB) '00
374 Mazda Roadster 1800 RS (NB) '04
375 Mazda RX-7 GT-LIMITED (FC, J) '85
376 Mazda RX-7 GT-X (FC) '90
377 Mazda RX-7 GT-X (FC, J) '90
378 Mazda RX-7 LM Race Car
379 Mazda RX-7 Spirit R Type A (FD) '02
380 Mazda RX-7 Type R Bathurst R (FD) '01
381 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD) '98
382 Mazda RX-7 Type RS (FD) '00
383 Mazda RX-7 Type RS-R (FD) '97
384 Mazda RX-7 Type RZ (FD) '00
385 Mazda RX-8 '03
386 Mazda RX-8 Concept (Type-I) '01
387 Mazda RX-8 Concept (Type-II) '01
388 Mazda RX-8 Concept LM Race Car
389 Mazda RX-8 Type E '03
390 Mazda RX-8 Type S '03
391 Mazda SAVANNA RX-7 GT-Limited (FC) '85
392 Mazda SAVANNA RX-7 INFINI III (FC) '90
393 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5 - 16 Evolution II '91
394 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe '54
395 Mercedes-Benz A 160 Avantgarde '98
396 AMG Mercedes 190 E 2.5 - 16 Evolution II Touring Car '92
397 AMG Mercedes CLK-GTR Race Car '98
398 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 '00
399 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG '00
400 Mercedes-Benz CLK Touring Car '00
401 Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG '02
402 Sauber Mercedes C9 Race Car '89
403 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R129) '98
404 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 (R230) '02
405 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG (R230) '02
406 Mercedes-Benz SL 600 (R129) '98
407 Mercedes-Benz SL 600 (R230) '04
408 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG (R230) '04
409 Mercedes-Benz SLK 230 Kompressor '98
410 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren '03
411 Mercury Cougar XR-7 '67
412 Mine's BNR34 SKYLINE GT-R N1 VÔΩ•spec base '00
413 Mine's LANCER EVOLUTION VI '00
414 MINI COOPER '02
415 Mini Cooper 1.3i '98
416 MINI COOPER S '02
417 MINI ONE '02
418 Mitsubishi 3000GT MR (J) '95
419 Mitsubishi 3000GT MR (J) '98
420 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL (J) '95
421 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL (J) '96
422 Mitsubishi 3000GT SL (J) '98
423 Mitsubishi 3000GT SR (J) '95
424 Mitsubishi 3000GT SR (J) '96
425 Mitsubishi 3000GT SR (J) '98
426 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 (J) '98
427 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Turbo (J) '95
428 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Turbo (J) '96
429 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 Turbo (J) '98
430 Mitsubishi AIRTREK Turbo-R '02
431 Mitsubishi COLT 1.5 Sport X Version '02
432 Mitsubishi CZ-3 Tarmac '01
433 Mitsubishi CZ-3 Tarmac Rally Car
434 Mitsubishi ECLIPSE GT '95
435 Mitsubishi ECLIPSE GT '06
436 Mitsubishi ECLIPSE Spyder GTS '03
437 Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R '97
438 Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R '99
439 Mitsubishi FTO GPX '94
440 Mitsubishi FTO GPX '97
441 Mitsubishi FTO GPX '99
442 Mitsubishi FTO GR '94
443 Mitsubishi FTO GR '97
444 Mitsubishi FTO Super Touring Car
445 Mitsubishi GALANT 2.0 DOHC Turbo VR-4 '89
446 Mitsubishi GALANT GTO MR '70
447 Mitsubishi GTO SR '95
448 Mitsubishi GTO SR '96
449 Mitsubishi GTO SR '98
450 Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo '95
451 Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo '96
452 Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo '98
453 Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo MR '95
454 Mitsubishi GTO Twin Turbo MR '98
455 Mitsubishi HSR-II Concept '89
456 Mitsubishi i Concept '03
457 Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR '74
458 Mitsubishi Lancer 1600 GSR Rally Car '74
459 Mitsubishi Lancer EX 1800GSR IC Turbo '83
460 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR '92
461 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Super Rally Car '03
462 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution II GSR '94
463 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III GSR '95
464 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR '96
465 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV Rally Car '97
466 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V GSR '98
467 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR '99
468 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR TOMMI MAKINEN EDITION '00
469 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Rally Car '99
470 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS '99
471 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI RS TOMMI MAKINEN EDITION '00
472 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII GSR '01
473 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII GT-A '02
474 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII RS '01
475 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII GSR '03
476 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII RS '03
477 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR GSR '04
478 Mitsubishi LEGNUM VR-4 Type V '98
479 Mitsubishi MINICA DANGAN ZZ '89
480 Mitsubishi MIRAGE 1400GLX '78
481 Mitsubishi MIRAGE CYBORG ZR '97
482 Mitsubishi PAJERO Evolution Rally Raid Car '03
483 Mitsubishi PAJERO Rally Raid Car '85
484 Mitsubishi STARION 4WD Rally Car '84
485 MUGEN S2000 '00
486 NISMO 270R '94
487 NISMO 400R '96
488 NISMO Fairlady Z S-tune concept by GRANTURISMO (Z33) '02
489 NISMO Fairlady Z Z-tune (Z33) '03
490 NISMO GT-R LM Road Going Version '95
491 NISMO Skyline GT-R R-tune (R34) '99
492 NISMO Skyline GT-R S-tune (R32) '00
493 Nissan 180SX Type X '96
494 Nissan 200SX '96
495 Nissan 200SX (S14) '96
496 Nissan 240RS Rally Car '85
497 Nissan 240SX '96
498 Nissan 240SX (S14) '96
499 Nissan 240ZG (HS30) '71
500 Nissan 300ZX 2by2 (Z32) '98
501 Nissan 300ZX 2seater (Z32) '89
502 Nissan 300ZX 2seater (Z32) '98
503 Nissan 350Z (Z33, EU) '03
504 Nissan 350Z (Z33, US) '03
505 Nissan 350Z Concept LM Race Car
506 Nissan 350Z Gran Turismo 4 Limited Edition (Z33) '05
507 Nissan 350Z Roadster (Z33, EU) '03
508 Nissan 350Z Roadster (Z33, US) '03
509 Nissan Be-1 '87
510 Nissan BLUEBIRD 1600 Deluxe (510) '69
511 Nissan BLUEBIRD Hardtop 1800SSS (910) '79
512 Nissan BLUEBIRD Rally Car (510) '69
513 Nissan CALSONIC SKYLINE (JGTC) '00
514 Nissan CALSONIC SKYLINE GT-R Race Car '93
515 Nissan CUBE EX (FF/CVT) '02
516 Nissan CUBE X '98
517 Nissan C-WEST RAZO SILVIA (JGTC) '01
518 Nissan EXA CANOPY L.A.Version Type S '88
519 Nissan Fairlady 2000 (SR311) '68
520 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG (HS30) '71
521 Nissan Fairlady Z 280Z-L 2seater (S130) '78
522 Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX (Z31) '83
523 Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX TwinTurbo 2seater (Z32) '89
524 Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Version R TwinTurbo 2by2 (Z32) '98
525 Nissan Fairlady Z 300ZX Version S TwinTurbo 2seater (Z32) '98
526 Nissan Fairlady Z Concept LM Race Car
527 Nissan Fairlady Z Roadster (Z33) '03
528 Nissan Fairlady Z Version S (Z33) '02
529 Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST (Z33 Option Wheel) '02
530 Nissan FALKEN‚òÜGT-R Race Car '04
531 Nissan GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R '01
532 Nissan GRAN TURISMO SKYLINE GT-R (PaceCar) '01
533 Nissan GT-R Concept (Tokyo Motor Show 2001)
534 Nissan GT-R Concept LM Race Car
535 Nissan GT-R SpecV '09
536 Nissan LOCTITE ZEXEL GT-R (JGTC) '00
537 Nissan March 12c 5door '03
538 Nissan March G# '99
539 Nissan MICRA '03
540 Nissan mm-R Cup Car '01
541 Nissan MOTUL PITWORK Z (JGTC) '04
542 Nissan OPTION Stream Z '04
543 Nissan PAO '89
544 Nissan PENNZOIL Nismo GT-R (JGTC) '99
545 Nissan PENNZOIL ZEXEL GT-R (JGTC) '01
546 Nissan PRIMERA 2.0Te '90
547 Nissan PRIMERA 20V '01
548 Nissan PRIMERA 20V (EU) '01
549 Nissan R390 GT1 Race Car '98
550 Nissan R390 GT1 Road Car '98
551 Nissan R89C Race Car '89
552 Nissan R92CP Race Car '92
553 Nissan SILEIGHTY '98
554 Nissan SILVIA (CSP311) '65
555 Nissan SILVIA 240RS (S100) '83
556 Nissan SILVIA K's (S13) '91
557 Nissan SILVIA K's (S13) '88
558 Nissan SILVIA K's AERO (S14) '93
559 Nissan SILVIA K's AERO (S14) '96
560 Nissan SILVIA Q's (S13) '88
561 Nissan SILVIA Q's (S13) '91
562 Nissan SILVIA Q's AERO (S14) '93
563 Nissan SILVIA Q's AERO (S14) '96
564 Nissan SILVIA spec-R AERO (S15) '99
565 Nissan SILVIA spec-S AERO (S15) '99
566 Nissan SILVIA Varietta (S15) '00
567 Nissan SKYLINE 1500Deluxe (S50D-1) '63
568 Nissan SKYLINE 2000GT-B (S54A) '67
569 Nissan SKYLINE 2000GT-R (KPGC110) '73
570 Nissan SKYLINE Coupe 350GT '03
571 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (R32) '89
572 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (R32) '91
573 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (R33) '95
574 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (R33) '96
575 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (R33) '97
576 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (R34) '99
577 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R (R34) '00
578 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R M"ɪspec (R34) '01
579 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R M"ɪspec N√ºr (R34) '02
580 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R N1 (R32) '91
581 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R N1 (R33) '95
582 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Special Color Midnight Purple II (R34) '99
583 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Special Color Midnight Purple III (R34) '00
584 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec (R32) '93
585 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec (R33) '97
586 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec (R33) '95
587 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec (R33) '96
588 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec (R34) '99
589 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec II (R32) '94
590 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec II (R34) '00
591 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec II N1 (R34) '00
592 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec II N√ºr (R34) '02
593 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec LM Limited (R33) '96
594 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec N1 (R32) '93
595 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R V"ɪspec N1 (R34) '99
596 Nissan SKYLINE GTS25 Type S (R32) '91
597 Nissan SKYLINE GTS-R (R31) '87
598 Nissan SKYLINE GTS-t Type M (R32) '91
599 Nissan SKYLINE GTS-t Type M (R32) '89
600 Nissan SKYLINE Hard Top 2000 RS-X Turbo C (R30) '84
601 Nissan SKYLINE Hard Top 2000 Turbo RS (R30) '83
602 Nissan SKYLINE Hard Top 2000GT-R (KPGC10) '70
603 Nissan SKYLINE Sedan 300GT '01
604 Nissan SKYLINE Sedan 350GT-8 '02
605 Nissan SKYLINE Sport Coupe (BLRA-3) '62
606 Nissan STAGEA 25t RS FOUR S '98
607 Nissan STAGEA 260RS AutechVersion '98
608 Nissan XANAVI HIROTO GT-R (JGTC) '01
609 Nissan XANAVI NISMO GT-R (JGTC) '03
610 Opel Astra Touring Car (Opel Team Phoenix) '00
611 Opel Calibra Touring Car '94
612 Opel Corsa Comfort 1.4 '01
613 Opel Speedster '00
614 Opel Speedster Turbo '00
615 Opel Tigra 1.6i '99
616 Opel Vectra 3.2 V6 '03
617 Opera Performance 350Z '04
618 Opera Performance S2000 '04
619 Pagani Zonda C12 '00
620 Pagani Zonda C12S '00
621 Pagani Zonda C12S 7.3 '02
622 Pagani Zonda LM Race Car
623 Panoz Esperante GTR-1 Race Car '98
624 Pescarolo Courage C60 - Peugeot Race Car '03
625 Pescarolo C60 Hybride Judd Race Car '05
626 Pescarolo Courage - Judd GV5 Race Car '04
627 Peugeot 106 Rallye '03
628 Peugeot 106 S16 '03
629 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 '85
630 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Evolution 2 Rally Car '86
631 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16 Rally Car '85
632 Peugeot 206 CC '01
633 Peugeot 206 Rally Car '99
634 Peugeot 206 RC '03
635 Peugeot 206 S16 '99
636 Peugeot 307 XSi '04
637 Peugeot 406 3.0 V6 Coupe '98
638 Peugeot 905 Race Car '92
639 Plymouth Cuda 440 Six Pack '71
640 Plymouth Super Bird '70
641 Polyphony Digital Formula Gran Turismo
642 Pontiac GTO 5.7 Coupe '04
643 Pontiac Solstice Coupe Concept '02
644 Pontiac Sunfire GXP Concept '02
645 Pontiac Tempest Le Mans GTO '64
646 Pontiac Vibe GT '03
647 Protomotors SPIRRA 4.6 V8 '04
648 RE Amemiya AMEMIYA ASPARADRINK RX7 (JGTC) '04
649 Renault 5 Maxi Turbo Rally Car '85
650 Renault 5 Turbo '80
651 Renault AVANTIME '02
652 Renault Megane 2.0 16V '03
653 Renault Megane 2.0 IDE Coupe '00
654 Clio Renault Sport 2.0 16V '02
655 Clio Renault Sport Trophy V6 24V Race Car '00
656 Clio Renault Sport V6 24V '00
657 Clio Renault Sport V6 Phase 2 '03
658 Lutecia Renault Sport 2.0 16V '02
659 Lutecia Renault Sport Trophy V6 24V Race Car '00
660 Lutecia Renault Sport V6 24V '01
661 Lutecia Renault Sport V6 Phase2 '03
662 RUF 3400S '00
663 RUF BTR '86
664 RUF CTR "Yellow Bird" '87
665 RUF CTR2 '96
666 RUF RGT '00
667 Saleen S7 '02
668 Scion xA '03
669 Scion xB '03
670 Seat Ibiza Cupra '04
671 Shelby Cobra 427 '66
672 Shelby GT350R '65
673 Shelby Series One Super Charged '03
674 Spoon CIVIC TYPE R (EK) '00
675 Spoon FIT Race Car '03
676 Spoon INTEGRA TYPE R (DC2) '99
677 Spoon S2000 '00
678 Spoon S2000 Race Car '00
679 Spyker C8 Laviolette '01
680 CUSCO SUBARU ADVAN IMPREZA (JGTC) '03
681 Subaru IMPREZA Coupe WRX typeR STi Version VI '99
682 Subaru IMPREZA Premium Sport Coupe 22B-STi Version '98
683 Subaru IMPREZA Rally Car '99
684 Subaru IMPREZA Rally Car '01
685 Subaru IMPREZA Rally Car '03
686 Subaru IMPREZA Rally Car Prototype '01
687 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi '94
688 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi (Type-II) '02
689 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi spec C (Type-II) '04
690 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version (Type-I) '00
691 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version II '95
692 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version III '96
693 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version IV '97
694 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version V '98
695 Subaru IMPREZA Sedan WRX STi Version VI '99
696 Subaru IMPREZA Sport Wagon STi (Type-I) '00
697 Subaru IMPREZA Sport Wagon WRX STi Version VI '99
698 Subaru IMPREZA Super Touring Car
699 Subaru IMPREZA WRX STi Prodrive Style (Type-I) '01
700 Subaru LEGACY B4 2.0GT '03
701 Subaru LEGACY B4 2.0GT spec.B '03
702 Subaru LEGACY B4 3.0R '03
703 Subaru LEGACY B4 Blitzen '00
704 Subaru LEGACY B4 RSK '98
705 Subaru LEGACY Touring Wagon 2.0GT '03
706 Subaru LEGACY Touring Wagon 2.0GT spec.B '03
707 Subaru LEGACY Touring Wagon 3.0R '03
708 Subaru LEGACY Touring Wagon GT-B '96
709 SUBARU 360 '58
710 Suzuki ALTO LAPIN Turbo '02
711 Suzuki ALTO WORKS RS-Z '97
712 Suzuki ALTO WORKS SUZUKI SPORT LIMITED '97
713 Suzuki Cappuccino (EA11R) '91
714 Suzuki Cappuccino (EA21R) '95
715 Suzuki CONCEPT-S2 '03
716 Suzuki ESCUDO Dirt Trial Car '98
717 Suzuki GSX-R/4 Concept '01
718 Suzuki Kei WORKS '02
719 Suzuki MR Wagon Sport '04
720 Suzuki WAGON R RR '98
721 Tommykaira ZZII '00
722 Tommykaira ZZ-S '00
723 Tom's X540 CHASER '00
724 Toyota 2000GT '67
725 Toyota ALTEZZA AS200 '98
726 Toyota ALTEZZA Gita AS300 '01
727 Toyota ALTEZZA RS200 '98
728 Toyota ALTEZZA Touring Car
729 Toyota ARISTO 3.0V '91
730 Toyota ARISTO V300 '00
731 Toyota ARISTO V300 Vertex Edition '00
732 Toyota au CERUMO Supra (JGTC) '01
733 Toyota bB 1.5Z X Version '00
734 Toyota CALDINA GT-FOUR '02
735 Toyota CARINA ED 2.0 X 4WS '89
736 Toyota Castrol TOM'S SUPRA (JGTC) '00
737 Toyota Castrol TOM'S SUPRA (JGTC) '01
738 Toyota CELICA 1600GT (TA22) '70
739 Toyota CELICA 2000GT-FOUR (ST165) '86
740 Toyota CELICA 2000GT-R (ST162) '86
741 Toyota CELICA GT-FOUR (ST205) '98
742 Toyota CELICA GT-FOUR Rally Car (ST185) '95
743 Toyota CELICA GT-FOUR Rally Car (ST205) '95
744 Toyota CELICA GT-FOUR RC (ST185) '91
745 Toyota CELICA GT-R (ST183, 4WS) '91
746 Toyota CELICA SS-II (ST202) '97
747 Toyota CELICA SS-II (ZZT231) '99
748 Toyota CELICA XX 2800GT '81
749 Toyota COROLLA LEVIN BZ-R '98
750 Toyota COROLLA LEVIN GT-APEX (AE86) '83
751 Toyota COROLLA Rally Car '98
752 Toyota COROLLA RUNX Z AEROTOURER '02
753 Toyota DENSO SARD SUPRA GT (JGTC) '00
754 Toyota GT-ONE Race Car (TS020) '99
755 Toyota ist 1.5S '02
756 MINOLTA Toyota 88C-V Race Car '89
757 Toyota MR2 1600 G '86
758 Toyota MR2 1600 G-Limited Super Charger '86
759 Toyota MR2 G-Limited '97
760 Toyota MR2 GT-S '97
761 Toyota MR2 Spyder '99
762 Toyota MR2 Spyder (6MT) '02
763 Toyota MR-S S Edition '99
764 Toyota MR-S V Edition (6MT) '02
765 Toyota PRIUS G (J) '02
766 Toyota PRIUS G Touring Selection (J) '03
767 Toyota RSC '01
768 Toyota RSC Rally Raid Car
769 Toyota SERA '92
770 Toyota SOARER 2.5GT-T '97
771 Toyota SOARER 430SCV '01
772 Toyota SPORTS 800 '65
773 Toyota SPRINTER TRUENO BZ-R '98
774 Toyota SPRINTER TRUENO GT-APEX (AE86 Shuichi Shigeno Version) '00
775 Toyota SPRINTER TRUENO GT-APEX (AE86) '83
776 Toyota STARLET Glanza V '97
777 Toyota SUPERAUTOBACS APEX MR-S (JGTC) '00
778 Toyota SUPRA 2.5GT Twin Turbo R '90
779 Toyota SUPRA 3.0GT Turbo A '88
780 Toyota SUPRA RZ '97
781 Toyota SUPRA SZ-R '97
782 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner '04
783 Toyota 7 Race Car '70
784 Toyota VITZ F '99
785 Toyota VITZ RS 1.5 '00
786 Toyota VITZ RS Turbo '02
787 Toyota VITZ U Euro Sport Edition '00
788 Toyota VOLTZ S '02
789 Toyota WEDSSPORT CELICA (JGTC) '03
790 Toyota WiLL VS '01
791 Toyota WOODONE TOM'S SUPRA (JGTC) '03
792 Toyota Yaris F (J) '99
793 Toyota Yaris RS 1.5 (J) '00
794 Toyota Yaris RS Turbo (J) '02
795 Toyota Yaris U Euro Sport Edition (J) '00
796 TOYOTA MODELLISTA CELICA TRD Sports M (ZZT231) '00
797 TRIAL CELICA SS-II (ZZT231) '03
798 Triumph Spitfire 1500 '74
799 TVR Cerbera Speed 12 '00
800 TVR Cerbera Speed 6 '97
801 TVR Griffith 500 '94
802 TVR T350C '03
803 TVR Tamora '02
804 TVR Tuscan Speed 6 '00
805 TVR V8S '91
806 Vauxhall Astra Super Touring Car '00
807 Vauxhall Calibra Super Touring Car '94
808 Vauxhall Corsa Comfort 1.4 '01
809 Vauxhall Tigra 1.6i '99
810 Vauxhall Vectra 3.2 V6 '03
811 Vauxhall VX220 '00
812 Vauxhall VX220 Turbo '00
813 Volkswagen Beetle 1100 Standard (Type-11) '49
814 Volkswagen Bora V6 4MOTION '01
815 Volkswagen Golf I GTI '76
816 Volkswagen Golf IV GTI '01
817 Volkswagen Golf IV R32 '03
818 Volkswagen Golf V GTI '05
819 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Coupe (Type-1) '68
820 Volkswagen Lupo Cup Car '00
821 Volkswagen Lupo GTI '01
822 Volkswagen Lupo GTI Cup Car (J) '03
823 Volkswagen Lupo1.4 '02
824 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0 '00
825 Volkswagen New Beetle Cup Car '00
826 Volkswagen New Beetle RSi '00
827 Volkswagen Polo GTI '01
828 Volkswagen W12 Nardo Concept '01
829 Volvo 240 GLT Estate '88
830 Volvo S60 T-5 Sport '03

The Land Rover is the supercharged model with custom rims and some aftermarket trim added, big threatening speakers in the trunk, and paint as Alaska White as the WWE fanbase. We can only assume it's for sale because it turned on him in a surprising act of sudden treachery!

The Continental Speed GT has had some mild chip-and-exhaust work, a grille kit, and custom wheels, but is mostly stock. Like Batista, it probably needs belts, but we assume it face-heel turns on a dime.

[eBay via Celeb Cars Blog]

Not what we drove, believe us. We had a great time at the Dream Cruise, but we didn't have a really great time getting there (or back!) because we drove Bumblebee/Phyllis/Edith, our bright yellow Camaro, and frankly most muscle cars are hell for long trips. Once we got back, dropped Phyllis/Edith/Optimus McBumblebee off, and cabbed it home, we realized the cabs were by far the comfiest yellow cars we'd ridden in all weekend. Which explains our first choice:

Chevy Caprice-or really any big American body-on-frame sedan

Occupants: Up to four down-to-earth friends with extensive cassette-tape collections

Attitude: Relaxed, with ample stops for gas-station souvenirs

Slouchy comfort is the strong suit here. You get big bench seats fore and aft to stretch out on, a sort of floaty wallowy comfort, and a huge trunk for storing enormous 256-ounce collector's drink mugs, petting-zoo T-shirts and silver naked-lady silhouettes. It's unquestionably American without being a grandiose flag-waving statement, and some of them are still mistaken for cop cars in many regions. A great car to use when the trip matters more than the destination, but the drive matters less than the trip, if you will.

Photo Credit: Geocities

Volkswagen Camper Van

Occupants: Two in comfort, but up to four with increasing probability of hippies occurring

Attitude: Face-first and wide-eyed into the eternal now of the North American continent, or other such pseudopoetics

The VW van is really a very serviceable little automobile, within its limits, but those limits are defined as much by metaphysics as physics. Something about its ambling rate of progress, its right-up-front driving position, and of course its heritage, all combine to make this car a spiritual pitfall. People have been known to become cut-rate Ken Keseys after a week traveling in one of these, which is too bad. They really are pleasant and functional little things to putt around in, if your tie-dye inoculation is up to date.

Photo Credit: Motivemag

Mercedes E-Class Wagon

Occupants: Married couple with 2.4 kids

Attitude: Don't Make Me Turn This Thing Around, You Spoiled Ungrateful Brats

The point here isn't Mercedes style or quality or comfort or any of that, though it's nice to have those conveniences and comforts as possible on a family vacation. Any wagon would work just fine here as long as it had, as the Merc does, the rear-facing bench seats for the wee 'uns. The backwards bench is plain awesome to ride in when you're a certain age (roughly 7-65) and your mean dad won't stop at the petting zoo. It's also a good barometer for judging the behavior of your little darlings. Just belt them in, give them some juice, and set out for the other coast. If a Peterbilt rear-ends you and kills you all stone dead, your children were hellions who have learned to give The Finger. If not, they're probably pretty good kids.

Photo Credit: Motorward

Mazda Miata

Occupants: One thoughtful loner or two people who are deeply and genuinely in love and have good nonverbal communications skills

Attitude: "I am just going outside and may be some time"

This is really the only hairshirt option on this list. Usually we love the Miata because of its balance and handling, but if you're the sort who can travel with a single big duffle bag and you're not limiting yourself to Interstates, the Miata is a brilliant tourer. The seats are good for moderately long stints, there's just enough weight that you don't get buffeted by trucks, and you can put speakers in the headrests so your music is audible over the wind noise, mostly. Believe us, driving through the mountains in a nimble convertible with the top down feels transcendent, like getting away with something. Of course, you'll become really familiar with American wheelcovers, and driving through a thunderstorm with the top up feels like spiralling down the Norway maelstrom in a tent, so there are tradeoffs.

Photo Credit: Automotive

Ford Bronco

Occupants: 1-3, plus huge dog with bandanna around its neck (not optional)

Attitude: Roads are nice, but not really necessary

Who wouldn't love a good old Bronc? It's the perfect cross-county ride for people who take the phrase literally. Plus you sit up nice and high, so you can see over bridge railings and the like, and you can roll the rear window down and feel rugged and raffish. And everyone loves them so you'll instantly make friends with the locals, especially when you stop to take snapshots of the petting zoo and your huge dog with the bandanna around its neck jumps out.

Photo Credit: flickr

Infiniti FX35

Occupants: Up to four adults with luggage or two with a darling credenza

Attitude: Before we leave, make sure all the NPR stations are pre-programmed in

There are some people who simply must have an SUV, so if you must, take this. It has the ride height to give you good views, it drives more or less like a car, it returns fair fuel economy, and it can even carry a few tasteful pieces back, for those who are too button-down for kitschy road-trip crap but aren't above a bit of modest antiquing. Just don't bring kids, who tend to leave unsightly smudges on the glass as you drone right past waterparks and petting zoos and giant roadside dinosaurs. Come to think, don't bring us either.

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Cadillac Sedan DeVille, 1994-1999 models

Occupants: One.

Attitude: Stern, plus must be starting in upper Pacific Northwest, Upper Midwest, or Upper Northeast, and be heading for Florida

This is a seriously comfy car: good leather, nicely done LED lights, arctic air conditioning, very smooth Northstar V8. God alone knows why they stopped making it, but it's no surprise because there hasn't been a sane day in this country since Eisenhower. Ashtray's really too small for the cigars, but that's why Christ created power windows. Damn if Rush doesn't sound like he's right in the car with you, and the music would sound okay too if it all didn't sound like some loon bangin' on a can anymore. How many more miles to Fort Lauderdale?

Photo Credit: picasa

Converted School Bus

Occupants: Up to 30, but who's counting?

Attitude: Either "Taking a year off to see a game in every great American ballpark" or "If it's really and truly terminal, this is better than a hospital bed."

Sometimes a transcontinental journey is both a specific goal and a way to say To Hell With Everything. In those cases, see of your local school district has a Bluebird they're not planning on using and go to town with whatever tools and batty ideas you have lying around. The example in our photo is a bit extreme, but you don't have to have a camper van welded to the top. Cutting off the roof aft of the wheel humps to make a porch works, as does adding alfresco seating in the middle section, as is installing a hang-glider launch ramp on the roof. Once you finally trundle it out there, just don't be in a hurry. Be willing to let "across the nation" become "around the nation." And watch for hippies.

Photo Credit: hackedgadgets

Acura NSX

Occupants: 1-2

Attitude: Understated, underappreciated, and well over the speed limit.

There may be better and faster grand-touring cars, but we just love this thing. Honda couldn't convince people their exotic really was an exotic, but we get it. Most know its reputation as a very balanced car, even with "only" 300 horsepower-less than the FX35. But it's also a supremely comfortable car, with some of the all-time great seats. It'll only hold two carry-ons in its "trunk," but you're not going camping in an NSX; have the coincierge send your clothes out to be cleaned and pressed while you take dinner. If we were to make a serious attempt at a fast but sane personal transcontinental record, this car would be hard to pass up.

Photo Credit: gotbroken

Mustang GT

Occupants: 1-3

Attitude: One man drives while the other men scream

We repeat: Muscle cars are terrible long-distance transportation. But if we had to pick one, it'd be the Mustang GT, with its combination of good outward visibility, ride quality, driver comfort, and survivable back seat room. If you have to play Third Cylon in a muscle car, as we did on our recent Detroit trip, this is the muscle car to do it in. But seriously, after the first gas stop, you'll be thinking about trading it in on a nice '94 Sedan DeVille.

But whatever you go in, go! We've given you the best states to drive across, discussed the worst, and now a list of vehicles and ideas. Now get out there on the road and make our country a great destination again. Those petting-zoo animals ain't gonna pet themselves!

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

The deep bass of the American V8-powered GTbyCITROËN concept certainly sounds better than the UFO-esque sounds pumping out of it in Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, but will it sound this knarly when it begins it's limited-number production run? We might just have to start forgiving the French if that's going to be the case. (Hat Tip To @asianmartin!)

Okay, so the likelihood of you heating up like a lobster is fairly slim thanks in part to special filters in the panoramic glass roof that help to block 90 percent of the sun's infrared rays and 96 percent of the burn-causing UV rays. Ford claims this is the equivalent to wearing a 50 SPF sunscreen, so if you're feeling the desire to perspire, grab the 2010 Mustang Convertible and get your burn on.

There is no way to get used to the size of Ferrari’s 612 Scaglietti. While most Ferraris—indeed, most supercars—tend to be larger in life than imagined, the Scag is a monster. Longer than a Mercedes-Benz E-Class and wider than an S-Class, it is the size and shape of a ballistic missile, especially in dark gray.

The size is a direct consequence of the car’s dual functions of high-speed handling and four-person capacity. Inside are four bucket seats intended to carry in comfort four actual people with eight lower extremities. This is unlike most 2+2’s where the comfortable ratio of humans and legs tends to be an unevenly distributed one to one. And while—unlike the Espada’s very comfortable rear seats—I have never had the opportunity to actually sit in a 612, those who have describe the rear seats as up to the task.

The other factor in the 612’s immense length is the engine, which is mid-mounted. But unlike with the traditional mid-engined layout—where the engine is between the cabin and the rear axle—the Scag’s 5.7-liter V12 sits low behind the front axle, similar to the supercharged V8 in the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. And like the SLR, the 612 has a nose—or substitute your favorite metaphor based on human anatomy—any self-respecting Frenchman would be proud of.

Mounting an engine midships is done to reduce weight in a car’s extremities, lowering its moment of inertia. This comes in handy when you take a corner fast, so I called Nino Karotta, the only person I know who has actually driven a 612 Scaglietti (if you’ll remember, Nino was the guy who showed us how to become a Formula One driver in one day).

The 612 he drove was in an environment rather alien to a leviathan GT—the Hungaroring, a racetrack in a dusty valley on the outskirts of Budapest, home to the Hungarian Grand Prix. He described the experience as similar to what happens when you take any very powerful but heavy car to a track. That while it’s very fast, capable of huge powerslides and much better composed than, say, a large V12 Benz, it is ultimately too soft and too heavy for proper track work. Unlike, he said, the Ferrari 599 GTB, which he drove on the same day and described as a sharp, violent track animal.

We had better find a more suitable environment for the 612 then. And remember: we’re looking for family use here. So let’s head to Regent’s Park, 487 acres of Central London flanked by white stucco houses where rich people live and exercise.

While Central London is perhaps not the perfect location to strecth a 550 HP grand tourer’s legs, nothing beats it when it comes to arriving home. The car is understated, elegant, majestic, no Italian waving of hands apparent in its flowing lines, inspired by a one-off Ferrari 375 MM its namesake Sergio Scaglietti created in 1954 for Italian neorealist film director Roberto Rossellini’s wife Ingrid Bergman.

An elderly couple then arrive in a Citroën C3—this is a very small French car—and maneuver into the space in front of the Ferrari.

They turn out to be the parents of the Ferrari’s owner, a dapper man who has by this time emerged from his house. My mate Máté and I are soon in the midst of a family cavalcade, admiring the lovely Ferrari.

Also in tow is a young girl, Orelia by name, who climbs down from her grandmother’s neck. This is it then: a real, live kid who actually rides in the back of a Ferrari! Our conversation as I remember it:

“Hi Orelia, my name is Peter.”

“Hi Peter.”

“So how is it riding in a Ferrari’s back seats?”

“It’s great. I sit there with my two sisters.”

Roominess? Check!

“And when you go for a ride, do you go real fast?”

Substituting for words, she offers a huge, jubilant nod. We wave our goodbyes. A few steps later, her father reaches down to pick a white strand of thread out of the Pininfarina logo on the left fender.

Gentlemen, a Jalopnik midlife plan is emerging here. Make a quarter million bucks, get a Scaglietti and a fine woman, sire children, then transport them in style and at speed.

And if you have dogs (or elephant guns), go get that Maserati Quattroporte wagon.

Photo Credit: Balázs Fenyő (Ferrari 599 GTB), Máté Petrány and the author (612 Scaglietti)

There's been news of a GT-R coming to GT1 for some time, but this past week finally made it true thanks in part to both Nissan's motorsport division, NISMO and Gigawave Motorsport. Though news of Godzilla's GT1 debut was impressive, it wasn't the only new entry in the field. Matech Racing also brought out its new Ford GT1, which, along with the GT-R GT1, is first to meet the FIA's new 2010 regulations. Two days and 49 cars attended the test day event at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France including a multitude of GT1 Corvette C6.Rs, Saleen S7Rs, Maserati MC12s as well as GT3 Porsche RSRs and Ferrari F430s.

During the vehicle reveal press conference, Hans Reiter of Reiter Engineering, best known for their Lamborghini Gallardo GT3, gave the press this little jewel of info;

"As some of you may know, Lamborghini has recently released a new version of the Murciélago, SV version, 670 hp, 6.7 litre, and this will be our car for the GT1 World Championship. Unfortunately, the car is not ready yet as the car was only launched in March, but should be ready for the second part of the season."

Look for the first race of the FIA GT series to kick off at Silverstone next month which will feature the FIA GT Championship, FIA GT3 European Championship, GT4 European Cup and finally, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.

[via FIA GT]

Teamspeed member, Peloton, took his $440,000 2005 Porsche Carrera GT in for its four year check up and was nice enough to share in the carnage. Just take a peak at the engineering techno-marvel, carbon fiber monocoque chassis and sub-frame as well as the super trick inboard coilover suspension set up and you'll immediately know why the CGT was (and is) so special.

The carbon fiber monocoque tub and related sub-frame were developments from the 911 GT1 motorsports program and helped pave the way for future exotics like the Enzo Ferrari. Besides the obvious racing-inspired technology, the chassis also benefited from the use of carbon fiber by being stronger, lighter and more safe; ultimately providing the driver with more direct chassis feedback and a more exciting driving experience.

Porsche engineers used a development of the 911 GT1 suspension system in creating the Carrera GT, giving split second response and confidence-inspiring behavior. The CGT utilizes pushrod suspension with double track control arms with coilovers operated by stainless steel pushrods and pivot levers, separating the suspension guidance from the spring action. This system is attached directly to the carbon fiber monocoque chassis for intensely detailed driver feedback. Negative acceleration is provided by the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system with cross-drilled 14.96 inch discs at all four corners.

The engine is another technical marvel that's worth mentioning. Originally developed as a 5.5 liter by Porsche's racing division for a still-born Le Mans Prototype (LMP) program in 1999, it was shelved for a number of years to free up engineering resources to develop the Cayenne SUV. Once Porsche realized it had a stupendous engine just sitting around and with their new LMP program utilizing a 3.4 liter naturally aspirated V8, they decided to go full bore to create the Carrera GT. The original 5.5 liter V10 was put to use in the Carrera GT concept shown at the 2000 Geneva Motor Show, but the production version received a 68-degree V10 enlarged to 5.7 liters.

An interesting bit about the engine is that it's a functional load-bearing piece of the overall chassis structure and the block has been built so strong, that there is zero distortion to the cylinder bores. In order to keep the engine low in the chassis, Porsche engineers looked to keep the engine as short as possible and did so by eliminating cylinder liners, instead coating the cylinders with a nickel and silicon solution that improves the overall durability of the 8,000 rev per minute engine. Another thing Porsche's engineers applied; a dry-sump lubrication system, that helps improve overall engine height, weight and reliability. As with other modern Porsches, the Carrera GT is water cooled and features a motorsport-inspired closed-deck architecture allowing for the cylinders to be cooled by internal water chambers. These goodies, all combined, help the Carrera GT produce 605 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and peak torque or 435 lb-ft.

Helping transmit the German-bred horsepower to the ground is the first usage of the Porsche Ceramic Composite Clutch (PCCC), which we can see in a couple of the above images. The PCCC is a very compact unit, helping to keep the center of gravity low and also providing a positive effect on the engine's overall dynamics. Typically, the ceramic composite clutches used in motorsports have a relatively short life span, but the PCCC features a twin-plate dry clutch, carbon fiber and silicon carbide design, providing strength, lightness and an extended service life.

Sitting above all of the technical giz-bang wizardry is a ball-shaped birch/ash wood shift knob set there to remind Carrera GT drivers of the balsa wood shift knob that sat in the 1970 Le Mans-winning Porsche 917. Oh yeah, that's Bruce alright.

(If you've got a Supercar Teardown story you'd like to share, please email us at autoinsider@jalopnik.com and we might feature yours in an upcoming installment)

[via teamspeed, youtube]

When the sheet was pulled off of the 2010 BMW 5-Series GT we gasped a little. No lie. We questioned the abomination and immediately started to reminisce about the introductory scene in Tim Burton's Batman Returns. BMW thought you might have had the same thoughts and has now presented us with proof that the 5-Series GT was in fact designed. With loving care. By a person. Coulda fooled us.

[via carbodydesign]

We'll give credit to BMW for not actually naming the thing the Progressive Activity Sedan, because we're more fatigued with BMW's constant naming of products than we are with their constant creation of sub-categories of the automotive world (this is in the upper midrange segment according to BMW).

We noticed a little anger towards BMW at the design when the first BMW 5-Series GT Concept photos came out and we're not sure people who hated it will find these professionally shot photos any more compelling. We like the concept behind the hatch and we're glad they at least included numerous photos showing off the way it works. Self-congratulatory press release below the jump.

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo.

• With the future still offering sufficient room for an exciting new driving
experience, BMW has once again defined a brand-new vehicle segment:
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is the series-based adaptation
of the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) in the upper midrange segment,
offering an impressive outlook on the extension of the BMW 5 Series by a
new, additional concept.

• With its stylish appearance and comfortable driving experience, the BMW
Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo transfers the characteristics of a classic
Gran Turismo to a very special four-door vehicle with four seats. These
features so typical of a Gran Turismo are then enriched by the highest
standard of intelligent, versatile functionality.

• The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space,
comfort and variability. In a combination never seen before on any other car,
the characteristic features of a prestigious sedan, a modern and versatile
Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo are all united in this
unique Concept Car.

• Besides the typical BMW proportions, the coupe-like roofline accentuates
the elegant yet sporty character of the car and the sheer length of the
car's body. In addition, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo has four
frameless doors and elegant aluminium highlights.

• The luxurious interior is surprisingly generous considering the coupé-like
silhouette of the car, creating a spontaneous feeling of well-being for driver
and passengers. This impression is further enhanced by a comfortable
entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, and the panorama
roof providing a particularly pleasant travel experience.

• The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is highly versatile: a flexible
interior comprising the rear seats, the partition wall wall, and the luggage
compartment allows the adjustment of the interior individually to personal
requirements - from a separate luggage compartment, like in a sedan, all
the way to a loading capacity of 1,650 litres or almost 58 cubic feet with the
rear seats folded down. This flexibility is rounded off by a two-piece tailgate
with separate openings for additional convenience.

• The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo addresses a demanding and
modern target group - discerning individuals who attach great importance
to genuine style, luxurious comfort and flexibility in use. This gives BMW
the opportunity to win over customers who today drive either a sedan, an
SUV or an wagon model in the respective competitive segments.

• The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo extends the BMW's model
range by an intelligent, new and indeed unparalleled vehicle concept for
modern mobility at highest standard. Through its unique combination
of elegance, space, comfort and variability, the car creates a powerful
impression of relaxed presence. Indeed, these new characteristics enrich
Sheer Driving Pleasure to an even higher standard and appeal to additional
target groups. And last but not least the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran
Turismo authentically visualises premium quality and a new standard of
sporting performance borne out by the car's dynamism and efficiency.

Interior design:
• The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a spacious and
luxurious ambience with inspiring and modern interior design. As the
world's only combination of variable spaciousness and uncompromising
premium quality, this new concept car also stands out through the most
sophisticated materials and excellent quality of finish. Supreme harmony
in interior design, reflected by the trim surfaces extending from the front to
the rear doors, creates a modern symbiosis of the two seats at the front and
the seats at the rear. The panorama glass roof, in turn, further intensifies
the light and generous ambience inside the car, while the stylish cockpit
emphasises the sheer width of the vehicle through its horizontal lines,
black panel technology and a fully integrated 10.2-inch Control Display.

• Supreme seating comfort, ample headroom and elbow room in the front
provide the standard of a luxury performance automobile, the slightly
elevated seating position ensures an optimum overview and makes access
to the car particularly comfortable. Tilted slightly to the front, the instrument
panel, finally, optimises the degree of control comfort on the driver's seat.

• Convenient and ergonomically optimised access as well as significant
freedom of movement characterise the generous atmosphere on the rear
seats. Extending all the way to the rear, the centre console in the concept
car emphasises the length of the interior. Outstanding variability, in turn,
is ensured by single seats at the rear infinitely adjustable fore-and-aft,
their backrests folding forwards individually and under electric power at
the touch of a button and the adjustable backrest angle ensuring further
comfort and style.

• With the rear seats in their regular position, the BMW Concept 5 Series
Gran Turismo offers the passengers at the rear the same legroom as
in the BMW 7 Series and virtually the same headroom as in the BMW X5.
In this configuration, luggage compartment capacity is 430 litres or
15.1 cubic feet. The partition wall behind the rear seats separates the
passenger and luggage compartments from one another in terms of both
acoustics and climate conditions, like in a sedan. If necessary, the rear seats
move fore-and-aft by up to 100 millimetres or more than 3.9" - so that
with the seats moved as far forward as possible, the occupants still enjoy
the same legroom as in the BMW 5 Series Sedan, with luggage capacity
increasing to 570 litres or almost 20 cubic feet. Then, once folding down
the rear seat backrests and the partition wall, the luggage compartment
further increases in size to its maximum capacity of 1,650 litres or nearly
58 cubic feet. The firm cover on the luggage compartment may be
stowed away in the floor of the compartment, again in the interest of extra
convenience.

• The two-piece tailgate allows unique variability in loading the luggage
compartment: Opening the small, sedan-like tailgate beneath the rear
window enables the driver and passengers, in combination with the closed
partition wall, to load the luggage compartment without creating any
drafts into the passenger compartment or changing the temperature the
passengers wish to enjoy. To conveniently load bulky objects, in turn, all the
driver has to do is open up the large tailgate similar in its configuration to
that of a Sports Activity Vehicle.

Exterior design:
• The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the modern, up-todate
interpretation of a Gran Turismo with four doors and all the prestige of
a Sedan and the variability of a Sports Activity Vehicle. The proportions so
typical of a BMW are borne out in particular by the long engine compartment
lid, the long wheelbase, the coupé-like roofline, and the greenhouse
moved far to the rear.

• The dynamic character of the car's front-end design is accentuated by the
large BMW kidney grille positioned low down and standing upright at the
front, as well as the large air intake. Tilted to an angle, extending far round
to the side and highlighted by a striking surround, the dual round headlights
give the front end of the car a particularly modern look. The corona rings of
the daytime driving lights, finally, come for the first time in LED technology.

• From the side, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo clearly visualises
its innovative character, the striking waistline and the coupé-like roofline
accentuate the elegant look of the car and the sheer length of the body.
Following the example of a sporting coupé, the BMW Concept 5 Series
Gran Turismo comes with four doors and frameless windows. The
aluminium surrounds on the side windows are milled out of one solid unit
and holding the elegantly designed exterior mirrors as yet another important
design feature. Yet a further striking element on the side is the exciting
re-interpretation of the famous "Hofmeister kink" so typical of BMW at the
rear end of the window graphics.

• Horizontal lines at the rear emphasise the width and sporting character of
the car, further accentuated by the waistline extending from the side
into the rear panel, a three-dimensional chrome bar and the flared wheel
arches. The outer rooflines merge into the air spoiler and encompass the
rear end in its sporting fastback design. And as yet another feature typical
of BMW, the L-shaped rear light clusters come with horizontal rows of
lights extending far round into the side of the car.

A genuine BMW offering new options and features in truly fascinating style
and diversity - this is the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo.
Introducing this trendsetting concept car, the world's most successful
manufacturer of premium automobiles is establishing a brand-new segment
in the automobile market, enriching the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of
BMW by a new facet and carrying over that unique BMW style to another
type of vehicle.

As in the case of the BMW X5 as the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle and
the BMW 1 Series, to this day the only rear-wheel-drive premium compact
car, BMW, through outstanding innovation, is once again developing new and
progressive market segments and giving additional target groups that unique
experience of the BMW brand.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is the production-based rendition
of the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) in the upper midrange segment,
offering an outlook at the extension of the BMW 5 Series by a new, additional
vehicle concept. For the first time in the automobile market, this concept
car combines the looks and appearance of a prestigious Sedan, a modern
Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo. Indeed, perhaps the most
outstanding feature of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is this
unprecedented combination of stylish elegance, luxurious comfort, and
impressive diversity.

As the name alone indicates, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is the
ideal car for long journeys while still offering a magnificent driving experience
also in everyday traffic on short routes. The design of the body alone also
presents all the dynamics and efficiency of a BMW dedicated to sporting performance.
Apart from the proportions so typical of the brand, the design language
again characteristic of a BMW comes out clearly from every angle.

An intelligent concept for modern mobility.
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo conveys an up-to-date image of
modern mobility. The focus in particular is on the demands and requirements
of the discerning motorist who expects generosity, appreciates an exclusive
ambience, and enjoys all the benefi ts of a variable interior.

Precisely with this in mind, the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo meets
all these demands, representing the special status and elegant style of an
upper midrange model with individual flair oriented to the driver's personal
needs and preferences.

This provides the potential to win over new target groups for BMW, with
the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo being a truly unique and attractive
offer for the dedicated motorist wishing to retain classic features such as
presence, luxury and premium quality while nevertheless living out a versatile
and spontaneous lifestyle and remaining open to innovative concepts. The
car therefore also reflects new demands made by the modern motorist
wishing to enjoy a vehicle in perfect harmony with all kinds of situations and
requirements in life - both in a prestigious professional world and in dynamic
leisure time activities.

The interior of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo combines spaciousness, personal luxury and an exquisite choice of materials to provide a genuine premium experience.
The four doors allow convenient and ergonomically ideal
access to all seats, the driver-oriented design of the cockpit again in typical
BMW style demonstrates truly sporting performance, and the slightly elevated
seating position promotes the driver's superior control of the car.
Unique design also at the rear provides a modern, exclusive and generous
ambience. With the seats being adjustable to many different positions, both
legroom and the seat angle may be set to the individual preferences of the
passengers. Headroom is virtually the same as in the BMW X5, giving both
the driver and front passenger as well as the passengers at the rear a genuine
experience of first class comfort.

Large side windows emphasise the bright and generous ambience within
the car, as does the panorama glass roof previously available only in the
BMW 5 Series Touring and the BMW X models.

Luxurious comfort and impressive variability.
Depending on the driver's and passengers' priorities, legroom at the rear may
be increased to the same level as in the BMW 7 Series or the capacity of the
luggage compartment may be upgraded to that of a BMW 5 Series Touring.
The unique variability of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo comes,
among other things, from the rear seats adjustable fore-and-aft by up to
100 millimetres or more than 3.9". A further option is to adjust the backrest
angle individually according to one's personal requirements, either in the
interest of maximum seating comfort or for additional space in the luggage
compartment.

Using all the space available at the rear, legroom is roughly the same as in
the BMW 7 Series and luggage capacity amounts to 430 litres or 15.1 cubic
feet. With the rear seats moved to the front and the partition wall opened up,
in turn, luggage capacity increases to 570 litres or almost 20 cubic feet. And
even in this position legroom in the rear still meets the substantial demands
made of an outstanding sedan in the upper midrange segment.

After completely folding the rear-seat backrests as well as the partition wall
leading to the luggage compartment, the driver and passengers are able to
load particularly large and bulky objects into the rear. With the fi rm luggage
compartment cover being stowed away in the fl oor of the luggage compartment,
maximum luggage capacity in the loading area extending all the way
through is no less than 1650 litres or nearly 58 cubic feet.

The seat backrests fold down both electrically and by means of a button on
the side panel of the luggage compartment, the partition wall, after being
released, following the respective movement of the rear-seat backrests.
This ensures absolute convenience in adjusting luggage capacity to current
requirements even during the process of loading the car.
The option to fold down the rear-seat backrests individually provides even
greater variability, especially as the rear partition wall also splits up into
two sections, likewise folding down according to current requirements.

Optimum visibility and comfortable access thanks to the elevated
seating position.
On the front seats both the driver and front passenger benefit from a slightly
elevated seating position. This semi-commanding seating position, as it
is called, offers an optimum overview all around the car, like in the BMW X
models. And the particular configuration developed for the BMW Concept
5 Series Gran Turismo serves furthermore to provide very convenient and
ergonomic access to the car.

In the design of the cockpit, the structure of horizontally arranged, cascadelike
surfaces finished in different materials and colours strongly accentuates
the width of BMW's new concept car. The displays and controls are clearly
separated from one another, grouped together according to their functions.

Through its design, the instrument panel enhances the very good visibility
already provided by the elevated seating position, giving the driver a clear view
from above of the control elements for the lights and the start/stop button
on the middle level strongly inclined to the front. As the final important feature
in this context, the horizontal orientation of the entire cockpit additionally
accentuates the generous character of the interior.

Elegant interior design accentuating the unique feeling of space.
The trim bar stretching out as an exciting arch throughout the entire width
of the instrument panel continues into the door linings, the impression
of a fully enclosed space around the occupants created in this way being
further enhanced by the harmonious design and finish of the trim surfaces
on the front and rear doors with their perfect blend of shapes and colours.
The interaction of ascending and descending lines and contours throughout
the entire length of the interior creates a homogeneous impression optically
connecting the front and rear seats. All lines and the surfaces finished with
the most sophisticated materials taper out to the rear behind the rear seats,
giving the interior its particularly comfortable and spacious character.
The dynamic flow of lines not even interrupted by the B-pillar additionally
emphasises the length of the interior crucial to the feeling of space and
generosity. And last but not least, this feeling of length is supported by the
centre console in the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo extending all the
way to the rear.

The elaborate design of individual elements on the door panels adds
further exciting effects, from the very beginning bringing out the overall design
context without any interruption between the front and rear areas.
A more precise look reveals the subtle play of surfaces in the door linings,
with individual elements changing not only in shape, but also in their function.
The middle section on the door lining around the front seats, for example, is
strongly contoured and also forms a kind of legrest. Then, moving back to the
rear, these contour lines become even stronger, the surface turning to the
inside within itself. Finally, this surface now concave in shape leads on to the
armrests on the rear seats.

Special concept of materials and colours within the interior.
The colour and materials concept for the interior further enhances the impression
of personal luxury and the interplay of surfaces and lines. All surfaces
within the interior are finished in high-quality natural leather, the surfaces on
the seats and the door armrests forming the comfort zone in Glacier White
leather. This creates the impression of a bright brand extending round the
lower section of the instrument panel, the cool and elegant colour giving
particular emphasis to the generous und luxurious feeling of space.
The bright surfaces in the comfort zone are surrounded by a dark, warm
reddish brown, this special colour referred to as Copper Brown providing
a smooth link to the exterior paintwork.

The superior impression of modern luxury is further enhanced through the
use of authentic materials such as polished metal elements milled out of one
piece and ceramic units. The superior quality of the interior finish is borne out particularly by the solid wooden trim with metal inlays extending generously across the instrument panel.

Instrument cluster with colour display in black panel technology.
The instrument cluster of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is made
up of a high-resolution colour display in black panel technology presenting
the four round instruments in traditional sports car style as well as status
and function displays, navigation data, information from the Check/Control,
feedback from various control units and service interval information in the
traditional style of a sports car.

Introduced for the first time in the new BMW 7 Series, black panel technology
ensures particularly precise and, at the same time, sophisticated presentation
of the instruments and displays. In its rest mode the entire panel forms
a homogeneous black surface, the numbers on the circular instruments then
being generated electronically when activated, together with all the symbols
on the Display.

The iDrive Control Display arranged in typical BMW style on the same level
as the instrument cluster is integrated in the dashboard in a central position as
a free-standing element. The Control Display forms one common design
unit with the black panel in the central section of the dashboard housing the
controls for the audio system and air conditioning. For optical purposes this
unit is separated by the horizontal trim bar with its central ventilation grid and a
storage box. A further point is that in the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo
the special look of black panel technology continues into a homogeneous
surface in the centre console.

Proportions: dynamism in typical BMW style combined with the
elegance of a Gran Turismo.
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo re-interprets the experience of driving a BMW,
the luxury and variability of the interior coming together to form a modern rendition of superior generosity. This offers both the driver and his passengers unique opportunities in enjoying the driving experience, the new flair of the car forming an ideal match with fascinating features typical of BMW, in particular uncompromising premium quality and interior design ensuring Sheer Driving Pleasure of the highest standard.

The body design of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo likewise
ensures an exciting balance of innovation and tradition. The concept
car stands out at first sight as a genuine BMW, just as the overall look of
the exterior clearly alludes to the extension of BMW's model portfolio made
possible by this unique automobile. Indeed, the BMW Concept 5 Series
Gran Turismo enters new terrain in the history of the BMW brand and has no
competitors throughout the entire world of motoring.

In its exterior dimensions the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo fits in
perfectly between the BMW 7 Series and BMW's various SAV models. In
its length of 499.8 centimetres or 196.8", it is second only within the BMW
model range to BMW's Luxury Performance Sedan, while the car's height of
155.5 centimetres or 61.2" is exceeded significantly only by BMW's X models.
The characteristic look of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo so typical
of the brand results in particular from the car's proportions, the long engine
compartment lid, the long wheelbase and the greenhouse moved far to the
rear bearing out the dynamic performance characteristics of a BMW also
through the car's design.

These features are combined with innovative elements highlighting the unique
qualities of the new concept, the extra-large passenger cell clearly bearing
testimony to the luxurious variability of the interior. The coupé-like roofline
extending into the air spoiler at the rear, in turn, represents the sporting
elegance of a genuine Gran Turismo.Paintwork in Fluid Cuprite, a new colour developed specifically for this concept car, again highlights the unique design and look of the
BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. The extremely fine surface flair
reminiscent of liquid metal most impressively models the various surfaces
on the body under all kinds of light conditions through its powerful contours.
And to provide an appropriate supplementary touch, the brake callipers and
the inner surfaces on the exhaust gas tailpipes are finished in a new colour
called Copper.

Front view with that forward-pushing motion.
The front view of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is characterised
in particular by the strong presence of the low-slung BMW kidney grille, the
large air intake, and the characteristic dual round headlights. The BMW kidney
grille is slanted slightly to the front, its upper edge marking the foremost point
on the body. In its presence, the kidney grille is further accentuated by the
surrounding surfaces intentionally moved further back.

All contour lines flowing along the engine compartment out of the side panels
aim at the kidney grille at the front of the car. The air intake, in turn, is lower in
the middle where it extends beneath the kidney grille. And last but not least
the contours on the headlight units taper out smoothly towards the middle of
the car.

Just as the size of the BMW kidney grille clearly demonstrates the engine's
significant demand for cooling air, the power dome in the middle of the engine
compartment lid emphasises the sheer power and muscle of the engine
itself. The outer flanks of the engine compartment lid facing downward form
a cascade-like contour together with the widely flared wheel arches, giving the
front view of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo a particularly wide and
powerful look. This impression is further enhanced by the foglamps positioned at the
outer edges of the air intake, while the all-aluminium bars separating the
two outer elements on the air intake and extending beyond the foglamps
further enhance the sheer look of width at the front through their horizontal
orientation.

Dual round headlights typical of BMW, unique LED corona rings.
The dual round headlights typical of a BMW come with new contour
lines and a new technology for the daytime driving lights on the
BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. lanted to a distinctive angle and extending far into the side panels, the headlight units are highlighted by surrounding bars, the headlights themselves
cylindrical in shape bordering at the top on a matt headlight cover. This
particularly emphasises the unique look of the front end again in typical
BMW style with its clear, almost penetrating focus.

Apart from the direction indicators, the corona rings for the daytime driving
lights come for the first time as LED units generating a particularly homogeneous
and bright light adding new and attractive features to that particular
look so typical of BMW.

Side-view: coupé-like roofline and waistline emphasising the sleek
elegance of the car.
Appropriate lines along the side create the harmonious symbiosis of the front
end, the side view and the rear section so typical of BMW design also on the
BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. The dominating feature from the side
is the waistline characteristic of a BMW extending from the outer edge of
the headlights and moving back at the same level as the door openers along
the entire length of the car, rising up slightly in the process and continuing into
the contours of the rear light clusters.

The equally striking sill-line continues into the upper edge around the air
intake at the front and the contour in the rear air dam, this interplay of the
waistline and the sill-line making the car look lower and more crouched down
on the ground and emphasising the dynamic wedge of the body.
The roofline consistently tapering out and ending in the rear air spoiler
conveys a feature typical of a modern coupé to a four-door automobile in the
guise of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. The innovative character
of the car's design is indeed a visual expression of the many features and
qualities the car has to offer. With its sporting flair, the BMW Concept 5 Series
Gran Turismo leaves an even greater and more positive impression through
its spacious and generous interior.

Both front and rear the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo comes with
frameless doors, a feature of particularly sporting cars now to be admired for
the first time on a four-door BMW. The door cutout bars are another special feature, forming one unit across both entry areas and thus corresponding with the overall harmonious flair
conveyed by the door panels inside the car.Large, significantly flared wheel arches symbolise the sporting potential of the car: The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo comes on 21-inch
light-alloy rims offering a particular touch of elegance through their multi-spoke design.

Yet another feature of particularly sporting cars is the small mass of the body
above the front wheels, keeping the side panels particularly low and long.
This effect is further intensified by the horizontal lines of the car borne out by
the waistline as well as the joint and contour line on the engine compartment.

The "Hofmeister kink" re-interpreted in modern style .
The design of the side window graphics also presents a re-interpretation of
a characteristic BMW feature: On the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo
both the shaft covers and the window surrounds are made of one piece, this
three-dimensional shape giving the frame made of aluminium a particularly
sophisticated and dynamic look around that famous "Hofmeister kink".
The exterior mirrors also represent a new design element, with the mirror base
forming part of the shaft cover starting on the foot of the A-pillars and thus
blending particularly smoothly and harmoniously with the side panel of the car.
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers a brand-new rendition of
the counter-swing in the bottom corner of the rear side window frame so
well-known as the "Hofmeister kink". In this case the inner radius of the "kink"
is particularly large, the outer radius strikingly small. This creates an exciting
contrast to the roofline moving down smoothly and gently to the rear specifically
at this point.

Powerful rear end.
The design of the rear end offers a particularly striking impression of this
unique concept with its exceptional strengths and features. The two outer
rooflines as well as the shoulder lines merge into the air spoiler on the tailgate,
giving the rear end in its fastback style a kind of surrounding line and at the
same time adding a compact touch to the overall design of the car.
The entire rear view of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is split by
horizontal lines highlighting the width and powerful stance of the car. At the
same time this creates an attractive interplay of convex and concave surfaces,
the negatively slanted surface above the chrome bar between the rear light
clusters bearing the BMW logo offering an additional sporting effect.
The rear end reaches its full width around the wheel arches, the exhaust
tailpipes positioned far to the outside also directing the eyes of the beholder
to the wheels. The distinctive light edge in the lower part of the bumper adds
a further touch, while a diffuser finished in black marks the gap between the
rear panel and the road.

Impressive function: two tailgates in one.
With the rear panel of the car appearing to start directly beneath the rear
light clusters in order to convey a sporting impression, the low loading sill on
the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo is not visible at first sight.
Another innovation crucial to the superior function of the car is likewise only
recognisable when opening the tailgate: To stow away luggage, the tailgate
may be opened either in full or only around the rear window. If only the lower
section is swivelled upward, the driver and passengers will load the luggage
compartment in the same way as in a sedan, naturally benefitting in the
process from the far lower loading sill. Since in this case they only open the
luggage compartment as such, the passenger compartment will not suffer in
the process from drafts or any other effects of bad weather.
The need to open the complete tailgate pivoting above the rear window arises
only when stowing away particularly large and bulky objects.
The L-shape of the rear light clusters typical of a BMW is re-interpreted on
the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, with the two rows of light following
a dynamic sweeping motion. The rear lights extend far into the side panel,
emphasising the full width of the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo also in
the car's night design.´

The lights fed by LED illumination units provide a homogeneous light effect
with the brake lights and direction indicators positioned behind the rows of
lights and being illuminated even more brilliantly when activated.
The rear light clusters are connected to one another by a chrome bar
continuing from the waistline at the side into the line extending into the rear
lights and thus accentuating the width of the rear end. Yet a further innovation
is the integration of the third brake light in the rear fin again so typical of BMW.

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo:
new momentum in a demanding market.
Presenting the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW is once again
proving its outstanding competence in the development of innovative vehicle
concepts. The world's most successful manufacturer of premium cars follows
the challenges created by the need for up-to-date mobility.
This new car concept addresses a demanding target group seeking to
combine stylish elegance, luxurious wellness and impressive variability in
individual style with the demands and requirements of their active lifestyle.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo offers precisely these qualities,
enhancing the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of the brand by a new dimension
thrilling the true connoisseur also beyond BMW's existing target groups.
The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo clearly reveals the full bandwidth of
its qualities when compared with the demands made of an up-to-date grand
tourer. With its elegant look, the sophisticated ambience of its comfortable
and spacious interior, as well as its generous and variable transport capacities,
the BMW Concept 5 Series is simply perfect for a wonderful travel experience.
And since BMW's innovative power is also borne out by an extremely
efficient drivetrain, this new concept car will also ensure appropriate economy
in today's world.

The BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo thus stands out as a modern
interpretation of the Gran Turismo segment so rich in tradition, cars which at
all times have combined particularly superior long-distance driving qualities
with a truly comfortable interior.

Stylish elegance, luxurious spaciousness, and impressive versatility all
come together in the BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo in unique style.
Features never before combined in one car in this way make the new concept
a truly progressive innovation serving ideally to set new standards in the
most demanding upper midrange segment. Establishing a new vehicle segment in this process, BMW is consistently continuing its successful development strategy. Qualities typical of the brand once are again carried over into a new market with an innovative concept
unique to world over. Hence, BMW is using all the innovative power of the
brand to give new customers that unique thrill of Sheer Driving Pleasure and
to continue the ongoing growth of the BMW brand in a lasting, long-term process.

[Source: BMW]

What we've been referring to as the Progressive Activity Sedan has now been revealed as the BMW 5-Series GT Concept prior to the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. It blends the styling characteristics of the 2009 7-series and the CS Concept that made its debut in Shanghai two years ago.

The wheelbase is close to the 2009 7-series sedan's 120.9 inches allowing for an extremely roomy interior space with a large capacity rear cargo area. The kidney grille up front shares the proportions of the 7 series along with the shape of the tail lamps. The headlights take more than just a little influence from the now canceled CS Concept. The coupe-like roof line finishes off in a hatchback-style trunk area with a pretty neat closure. The full hatch opens to reveal a large cargo area, but a secondary smaller tailgate opens to reveal a convenient pass through for smaller items.

We'll bring you more information as it becomes available. Stay tuned for the latest in the 2009 5-Series GT Concept saga a.k.a. the biggest elephant in the room.
(Hat Tip to Jaime!)

[via bmwblog]

This video, which eerily reminds us of the video at the entrance to Biff's Casino in Back to the Future 2, tells of the history and future plans for Jack Roush's favorite car, the Mustang.

By the time the 2010 Mustang hits showroom floors, ROUSH Performance expects to have a total of 35 performance aftermarket parts available; from their ROUSHcharger supercharger system that helps awaken the stock Mustang GT's output to a nightmarish 445 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque; full exhaust systems; brake upgrades; suspension systems and lower springs; larger wheel and tire packages; and interior/exterior accessories including a light bar for the convertible models.

After our own ROUSH Mustang Blackjack review last year, we're sure this one will attract a lot of unwanted attention.

Press Release:

ROUSH® Performance has always been a leader in the high-performance parts industry, but never before in the history of the company have they been this far ahead on developing parts for a new model car.

Starting in early March, ROUSH® will have 35 different parts available for the new 2010 Ford Mustang, right around the same time that initial deliveries of the vehicle begin showing up on the Ford dealer lots.

"I am very proud of how quickly our engineering teams have been able to develop these new products for the 2010 Mustang," said Jack Roush. "Ford has created a beautiful new car, and with the addition of the ROUSH® parts an owner can have a vehicle that performs just as nice as it looks. Its simply amazing to think that a customer can buy a ROUSH part for his new car the same time it is being driven off the transporter at the dealer lot."

Among the initial parts that will be offered by ROUSH®, are:

* Suspension Packages
* Brake Kits
* Resonator Exhaust & Tips
* Lowering Springs
* Interior Accessories – floor mats, sill plates, pedals and more
* Wheel / Wheel & Tire Packages
* Convertible Light Bar

The famous 445 horsepower, 400 lb.-ft. of torque ROUSHcharger® is expected to be available just a couple of weeks later in mid-March. As before, installation of this supercharger will not void any Ford factory warranty on the new Mustang. For those who really want to make their new pony gallop with the maximum horsepower, a non-calibrated version of the R2300 ROUSHcharger® will also be on the shelf around this same time.

For customers looking to enhance the exterior styling, the ROUSH® body kits and other painted components will be available for purchase in mid-April.

The ROUSH® high-performance parts program has been one of the highlights for the company. Even in the face of a challenging economy, the sales of ROUSH® parts still grew and had a record year. It is anticipated that the early availability of the 2010 Mustang parts will provide another boost to the program this year.

[via Roush, wcf]

We have CarScoop to thank for pulling many of these photos off of the truly annoying Panamera minisite. In them, we can see a few new, intriguing details. First of which is the Turbo’s wing, which appears to extend upwards from its cubby at the base of the rear glass before the wings extend outwards to the edges of the glasshouse. That sounds pretty neat and we can’t wait to see video of it in action.

Also interesting is the hybrid drivetrain. That model will premiere some time during Spring 2009, so in the meantime we can only look at the battery location and hope that the extremely rearwards location will lend the vehicle some shadow of the 911s character.

Our favorite model is the brown version. Somehow the unfortunate color combines with the awkward shape to cancel out the negative aspects of both. If we were forced at gunpoint to purchase a Panamera, it’d be a brown one with a white interior.

Everyone was up-in-arms when the Porsche Cayenne SUV was first revealed, but the utility vehicles have been widely embraced and the looks have aged well. But a Porsche sedan? The dentist/plastic surgeon set will go nuts for it because it's an expensive Porsche they can move the family in, but we're less than pleased with the design. From the front it looks too busy, from the profile it looks too long and from the rear it looks too dumpy. Perhaps this is one of those vehicles that gets better with age, but we're not sure if we'll be alive when that much time has passed.

PORSCHE PRESENTS FIRST PHOTOS OF THE PANAMERA GRAN TURISMO Worldwide Debut in Spring 2009 ATLANTA

November 24, 2008 —- Three-quarters of a year prior to market launch, Porsche has released the first official photos the new Panamera. Porsche's unique four-seater was conceived and designed as a four-door grand touring sports car, combining numerous talents in typical Porsche style: sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a Gran Turismo. Joining the 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars as well as the Cayenne SUV, the Panamera is Porsche's fourth model series.

The Panamera designers have succeeded in positioning it as a brand-new and truly different model while retaining the looks of a typical Porsche. Through its proportions, the Panamera stands out in its market segment: measuring 76 inches wide and 55.8 inches in height, it is wider and lower than comparable four-door models. The unmistakable GT silhouette is created by the car's overall length of 195.7 inches and short, sporting overhangs. In its styling and details, the Panamera follows the design philosophy refined over decades on the 911 and successfully implemented on the Boxster, Cayman and Cayenne. Pure Porsche DNA and comfort for four.

Through its design language, the Panamera establishes a new segment. The symbiosis of sports car DNA derived from the looks of a coupe, the unique interpretation of the classical saloon body and the benefits of a variable space concept give the new Porsche a truly unmistakable appearance. For instance, Panamera comes with strongly contoured air intakes instead of a conventional radiator grille. Striking wheel arches and the long and sleek engine compartment, with the distinctly contoured wings flanking the flat front lid, create the typical 911 "landscape" Porsche customers have appreciated for over 45 years. V-shaped seams along the hood and a rear window that tapers like an arrow to the rear also are characteristic of a sports car. Muscular shoulders over the rear wheels, the sweep of the coupe-like roofline and visible tailpipes again bear the thoroughbred Porsche DNA. An elegant roof arch extends over the generous interior.

Thanks to the unique and sporting architecture of the interior, the car's occupants are able to experience a cockpit-like atmosphere from all four seats. All occupants enjoy supreme comfort in both the front seats and the two contoured rear seats. The luggage compartment easily takes all passengers' luggage; the Panamera's variable space concept with folding rear backrests enables driver and passengers to adjust the luggage space to individual requirements. Finally, the coupe tailgate in the sporting rear end combines everyday usability with stylish elegance. Panamera built in Leipzig; powerful engines hail from Zuffenhausen Porsche has developed powerful and up-to-date engines for the Panamera, reflecting the qualities typical of the brand; the V-engines come with six and eight cylinders and output ranges from 300 to 500 horsepower. Some engines use turbocharging technology and Direct Fuel Injection, making them both fuel-efficient and very powerful. Power flows to the wheels through either a manual six- speed gearbox or Porsche's seven-speed PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe, or Double-Clutch Gearbox.

In addition to rear-wheel drive, the top version of the Panamera comes with even more sophisticated all-wheel drive, available on other models as an option. Porsche also is preparing a fuel-efficient version of the Panamera with hybrid drive. Further details on engines, transmissions, performance, prices and equipment will be disclosed next spring.

The Porsche Panamera will be built at Porsche's Leipzig plant, where a 237,000-square-foot production hall and a logistics center currently are under construction. While the Panamera engines are built at Porsche's main plant in Zuffenhausen, painted bodyshells will be supplied by Volkswagen's Hanover plant. The Leipzig plant will then assemble the Panamera for final delivery, with an annual sales target of about 20,000 units. Porsche is once again cooperating with German suppliers, with some 70 percent of the car's components being created in Germany.

The Panamera will make its world debut in spring 2009 and the first models will be at U.S dealers in the fall of next year. Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) is based in Atlanta, Ga., is the exclusive importer of Porsche sports cars and sport utility vehicles for the United States. It is a wholly owned, indirect subsidiary of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, PCNA employs approximately 250 people who provide Porsche vehicles, parts, service, marketing and training for its 202 dealers. The dealers, in turn, provide Porsche owners with best-in-class service. Throughout its 60-year history, Porsche has developed numerous technologies that have advanced vehicle performance, improved safety and spurred environmental innovations within the automotive industry. The company continues to celebrate its heritage by adding to its long list of motorsports victories dating back to its first 24 Hours of Le Mans class win in 1951. Today, with more than 28,000 victories, Porsche is recognized as the world's most successful marquee in sports car racing. PCNA, which imports the iconic 911 series, the Boxster and Cayman sports cars and the Cayenne sport utility vehicles for the United States, strives to maintain a standard of excellence, commitment and distinction synonymous with its brand. ###

[Youtube.de]