Awesome Rides

The Can-Am Commander side-by-side may look like a golf cart, but it packs a 85 hp Rotax 1000R EFI engine, 11″ of ground clearance, 1,500 lb towing capacity, and 1,928 in³ of cockpit space.

Just in time for the post-blizzard: Gambo Design’s electric Beach Boy concept vehicle is designed for warm coastal regions; dropping the top transforms the car into a roomy deck. (Thanks Kevin!)

Absent since 1970, Shelby is once again making a convertible version of their Mustang-on-steroids. Choose from a naturally-aspirated 430-hp, supercharged 525-hp or insane 624-hp engine.

The 2012 Dodge Charger SRT8 is all about the engine – a new 6.4 L HEMI V8 with 465 hp and 465 lb/ft of torque; other delights include a new front fascia, 4″ dual exhaust and Harmon Kardon stereo.

The GT-R gets a 530-hp 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, improved aerodynamics and a new front end with LED running lights. Upgrade to the Black Edition for 6-spoke wheels and red-trimmed Recaro seats.

The crew stage a robbery, then try to escape from the cops in a Rolls-Royce Ghost and a Mercedes S65 AMG through the Albanian mountains. Switchbacks frazzle, but the straights are pure win.

Final Gear forum members have been having a hell of a time editing pictures of cars (and then some). The rule is simple – invert the upper half of the vehicle. Some of the results almost seem okay.

Interesting video of the Monocycle, a unique 225 hp gas powered monowheel from inventor Kerry McLean; the acceleration and braking is similar to an airplane’s takeoff and landing. (Thanks Rick!)

The Neptune MM2 is a 2 seater sport micro submersible with a 750′ max dive depth; the dry sealed cabin with full life support is accessed through a heavy power enhanced lock down hatch.

Directed by Henrik Hansen, this short film is a glimpse into the mind of legendary custom bike maker Shinya Kimura, who was one of the first proponents of the zero-style motorcycle.

Limited to 987 cars, Porsche’s sexy 2012 Boxster S Black Edition has 320 hp with 273 lb/ft of torque, Bi-Xenon headlights, 19″ wheels, and lots of glossy black paint. Coming this Spring. (Thanks Chris!)

The unconventionally styled Agility Global Saietta is a zero emissions all-electric sports bike that will come in a 50 or 100 mile range; power to weight ratio is 675 hp/ton. Shipments begin in April.

Cadillac’s 2011 CTS-V Black Diamond edition offers 3 coats of aluminum-flaked SpectraFlair paint, 19″ wheels and Brembo brake calipers; interior features Sapele wood accents and Recaro seats.

Farmers of the future, this could be your ride. The ANTS tractor is actually made of two modules – a soldier and a worker – that can function independently or combine to work as one.

The 2012 451 hp, 6.3 L V8 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG maxes out style and performance with the MCT 7-speed sports transmission, new radiator grill, front and rear aprons and twin spoke alloys.

The JetLev Flyer is a water-based jetpack with a top speed of 22 mph and can take its rider up to a height of 33 ft. It will go on sale starting March 2011. Screw sports cars, we want this one.

The 1956 Eldorado Brougham Town Car Prototype had quite an elitist design. While the rear half had gold-trimmed leather seats and amenities, the chauffeur half of the car didn’t even have a roof.

Schmidt Revolution’s tuning kit for the Camaro SS pushes output to 625 hp with a compressor kit and BORLA stainless steel exhaust system; 22″ alloy wheels and a matte black body finish are available.

A cheap vinyl alternative to carbon fiber parts or slick paint jobs. It’s relatively easy to apply and comes in several finishes – carbon fiber, brushed aluminum, matte, even camo.

A street-legal version of the Touareg 3, the Race Touareg 3 has a 300-hp 2.5L TDI engine. Has 18-in wheels with gold finish, Recaro bucket seats and safety cage. Goes from 0-60mph in less than 6s.

The V8 Vantage S has a 4.7L 430hp engine, a 7-speed transmission, paddle shifters and 19-in wheels. Also has a carbon fiber lower front bumper with a larger air intake for the engine and brakes.

Volkswagen says their XL1 diesel hybrid gets more than 260 miles to the gallon with top speed of 100 mph, thanks to the 2 cylinder turbodiesel displacing 800 cc and a battery powered electric motor.

The name doesn’t roll off the tongue, and the interior is garish, but we’ll forgive anything that’s got a 12-cylinder Mercedes AMG 6.0L Bi-turbo 700hp engine and an insane top speed of 230 mph.