7- Dodge Viper
As Chrysler's website says, the Viper SRT10 could be the most powerful performance enhancement you can get without a prescription. As the Viper's production winds down, Dodge will not let it fizzle into the automotive history books. The latest car pounds pavement with its 600 hp 8.4L V10 engine that also generates 560 lb-ft of torque. The last significant changes that were brought to the Viper, included a rear axle with a speed-sensing limited-slip differential. This modification along with the engine upgrades in 2008 helped to create the fastest, best ever handling Viper. As the last cars leave the assembly line next summer, enthusiasts need not throw themselves to despair. Rumour has it that the next super-Chrysler will arrive as early as 2012.
8- Audi R8 Spyder
It is tough to overlook this one. The R8 has had such a significant impact on the automotive world that whatever Audi does to it, the masses want to know. After the “shoe-horning” of a 5.2L V10 where the 4.2L V8 was, the chopping of the top seemed like a logical step. Despite sticking with a cloth-top, the R8 Spyder is almost 500 lb heavier than the coupe; this would explain why all R8 Spyders on display feature the V10. Regardless, requiring less than 20 seconds to stow itself away and only 4.1 seconds to reach 60 mph (96 km/h), the R8 Spyder freakin' beautiful!
9- Lotus Evora
This Lotus is actually a significant car in the storied British brand's line-up. Other than being a sensually sculpted combination of many pieces of lightweight materials, the Evora marks the arrival of the first new platform at Lotus since the first Elise in 1995. Fine, that may be a boring detail, but what is not, is that this car carries on the recent tradition of Toyota engines moving Lotus cars. This one marches along with a 3.5L V6 good for 276 hp making the 2 + 2/3 (only 2/3 of a human can sit in the rear) seater reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 5 seconds on its way to a top speed of over 260 km/h.
10- X-Games 15 Rally Ford Fiesta
OK, so not a production car, but you'll have to agree with me that a subcompact car that participated in the last Pikes Peak hill climb event that packs a 463 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is kinda super. If that's not enough, it's AWD, has a 6-speed sequential gearbox, an Ohlins modified suspension and sports Sparco seats and harnesses. Still have doubts? If you do, check your head...
photo:Philippe Champoux
 |
As Chrysler's website says, the Viper SRT10 could be the most powerful performance enhancement you can get without a prescription. As the Viper's production winds down, Dodge will not let it fizzle into the automotive history books. The latest car pounds pavement with its 600 hp 8.4L V10 engine that also generates 560 lb-ft of torque. The last significant changes that were brought to the Viper, included a rear axle with a speed-sensing limited-slip differential. This modification along with the engine upgrades in 2008 helped to create the fastest, best ever handling Viper. As the last cars leave the assembly line next summer, enthusiasts need not throw themselves to despair. Rumour has it that the next super-Chrysler will arrive as early as 2012.
8- Audi R8 Spyder
 |
It is tough to overlook this one. The R8 has had such a significant impact on the automotive world that whatever Audi does to it, the masses want to know. After the “shoe-horning” of a 5.2L V10 where the 4.2L V8 was, the chopping of the top seemed like a logical step. Despite sticking with a cloth-top, the R8 Spyder is almost 500 lb heavier than the coupe; this would explain why all R8 Spyders on display feature the V10. Regardless, requiring less than 20 seconds to stow itself away and only 4.1 seconds to reach 60 mph (96 km/h), the R8 Spyder freakin' beautiful!
9- Lotus Evora
 |
This Lotus is actually a significant car in the storied British brand's line-up. Other than being a sensually sculpted combination of many pieces of lightweight materials, the Evora marks the arrival of the first new platform at Lotus since the first Elise in 1995. Fine, that may be a boring detail, but what is not, is that this car carries on the recent tradition of Toyota engines moving Lotus cars. This one marches along with a 3.5L V6 good for 276 hp making the 2 + 2/3 (only 2/3 of a human can sit in the rear) seater reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in less than 5 seconds on its way to a top speed of over 260 km/h.
10- X-Games 15 Rally Ford Fiesta
 |
OK, so not a production car, but you'll have to agree with me that a subcompact car that participated in the last Pikes Peak hill climb event that packs a 463 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is kinda super. If that's not enough, it's AWD, has a 6-speed sequential gearbox, an Ohlins modified suspension and sports Sparco seats and harnesses. Still have doubts? If you do, check your head...
photo:Philippe Champoux
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