Fast Cars

High speed production vehicles

By Daryl Dudley

Fast cars rule America. A steadily growing interest in fast and super fast cars has gripped the nation. Instead of watching Formula One racing on television or Nascar racing from the stands, we've started driving our own fast cars.

We've begun buying fast production cars.

Come along as we review six incredibly memorable fast production cars. We'll learn what makes these fast cars great and-and these super fast cars legendary.

The cars we'll review include the: (1) Chevrolet Corvette, (2) Bugatti Veyron 16.4, (3) Mazda Rx8, (4) Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640, (5) Maybach 57S, and (6) Ferrari Enzo.

(1) Chevrolet Corvette (2005). Chevy enthusiasts call it the best Corvette in franchise history. With integrated headlamps, and a growling V8 that pumps out 400 horses, this newly designed Corvette symbolizes power and presence. Over steering was a major problem with previous Corvettes. But Chevy tweaked the powerful V8 and fine tuned the car's rear wheel suspension-making it the most drivable Corvette to ever hit the streets.

Claim to greatness: Chevrolet revived American interest in muscle cars with this new and improved Corvette model.

Price: If you want one of these monstrous muscle cars, you can expect to pay anywhere from $30-$40,000.

What you'll love: Scarin' the heck out of folks when you mash the accelerator.

(2) Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (2007). This record-breaking super car dominated headlines. Even faster than its 2003 predecessor, this Bugatti boasts a top speed of 253 mph. Its monstrous W16 engine turns out a whopping 1001 horsepower, rocketing the Veyron from 0-60 mph in only 2.5 seconds. To prevent the Veyron from taking flight at high speeds, Bugatti designed the rear hydraulic spoiler to create down force.

Claim to legend: The insanely powerful Veyron reassured the American population that vanity is everything.

Price: Snatching one of these speed demons'll cost you at least $1,400,000.

What you'll love: Knowing you own the fastest production car on the planet.

(3) Mazda RX8 (2004). Mazda struck gold with this highly innovative import car. Having appeared in the summer blockbuster film "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift," the Mazda RX8 captured consumer interest with its unique styling and cutting edge technology. One of Mazda's distinctive designs includes the pair of rear suicide half doors. Also impressive are the overhead and rear seat consoles-features rarely found in fast production cars. It's top speed exceeding 140 mph, the RX8 accelerates smoothly by way of a naturally aspirated engine.

Claim to greatness: Impressive styling and strong performance have made the RX8 one of the hottest selling imports in America.

Price: You'll find a nice bargain for these speedsters at just over $22,000.

What you'll love: Speeding to the mall with three frightened passengers.

(4) Lamborghini Murcielago LP 640 (2006). This Italian exotic returned meaner and more powerful than ever. With its beefed up sides, rounded rear and widened grill, the newly designed Murcielago resembles a snarling bull. Few cars can rival this Lamborghini, which blends power with style. Its modified V12 pumps out well over 600 horses. Balancing this beastly horsepower is the beautifully crafted interior. Premium Nappa leather coats the seats and covers the ceiling.

Claim to legend: Its bold restyling and added power has catapulted the Murcielago from superstar to mega star status.

Price: This snarling Italian beast'll cost you at least $315,000.

What you'll love: Parting traffic as you race down the highway.

(5) Maybach 57 S (2005). Mercedes shocked the world with this supercharged luxury car. The Maybach 57 S combines raw power with refinement. An impressively quiet V12 launches the Maybach from 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. Even at its top speed of 172 mph, the cabin remains pleasantly quiet. And owners of the 57 S can listen to crisp, clear music thanks to the Bose Audio surround system. Premium leather and rich woodgrain adorn the Maybach's spacious interior.

Claim to greatness: The Maybach 57 S blurs the line between the luxury car and the fast production car.

Price: If you've got deep pockets, you can nab one of these nice whips for at least $380,000.

What you'll love: Chilling your cognac in the beverage cooler while you drive.

(6) Ferrari Enzo (2003). Owning an Enzo is nearly every car collector's dream. Deep within the heart of this Italian super car lurks a screaming V12-powerful enough to crank out 660 horsepower, and sling the Enzo from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The Enzo's extremely low frame gives it more wind resistance-especially at high speeds. Also, the f1 transmission improves acceleration time.

Claim to legend: The Enzo's awesome power and great aerodynamics make it the hottest Ferrari to ever hit the streets.

Price: If you want one of these extremely rare super cars, you can expect to pay at least $1,000,000.

What you'll love: Hearin' that V12 sing when you push the pedal.

It used to be we could depend on the reputation and reliability of North American cars to meet our standards - but could it be the times are changing? Here in the U.S., overseas models are continuing to rise in popularity. Find out why!

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