Awesome Rides

The current gen Viper is officially obsolete, but it’s still a sight to behold, even when it’s just revving up and burning rubber. Add operatic music and run it in slow motion and you’ve got a winner.

Subaru is back with the latest update of their sporty STI, with improved suspension and handling, while still cranking out 305 hp from its 16-valve turbo-4. (Thanks, Colin!)

Lamborghini worked with Swiss watchmakers Blancpain to make the Gallardo LP 570-4. Its 5.2L V10 engine outs 570hp, propelling its 2954lb body from 0 to 60mph in 3.4s. Top speed is 199mph.

Ron Patrick converted a 1350hp T58-8F helicopter engine and installed it on his Beetle. His car has appeared on TV and is a hit at hot rod shows. He also installed jet engines on his wife’s scooter.

We test drove the new Nissan Juke recently, and the sport cross proved to be a tight little ride; waist up, sports car with a 1.6L 188 hp engine; waist down, SUV with 17″ wheels. Coming October 2010.

Looking very much like a convertible version of the 599, the SA Aptera is perfect for a sunny day outing, but don’t let its leisurely style fool you. It’s got a 611-hp V12 and goes 0-to-60 in 3.1 secs.

N is for Nurburgring: Aston Martin’s 2011 Vantage N420 Roadster has a 420 hp 4.7-liter V-8, top speed of 180 mph, custom side strakes and 19″ diamond turned alloy wheels, all for a mere $145K.

Mini’s Scooter E Concept is powered by an integrated electric motor in the rear wheel and features a smartphone adapter which operates as vehicle key, display and central control element.

Inspired by a motorized Radio Flyer he saw on TV, Toby Hall built a man-sized version using a Berrien Buggy chassis, a 1641cc 4-cyl. engine, a couple of bomber seats and of course some red paint.

Maserati’s GranTurismo MC Stradale combines the best elements of the GranTurismo S with the race-spec GT4: a near-competition tuned chassis, 450 hp engine and optimized aerodynamics.

We first saw the One-77 almost two years ago in concept form. Now, Aston Martin is showing off an actual car, to go into production in 2011, with an incredible 750-hp 7.3-liter V12 engine.

The French automaker teases our eyeballs with their Blade Runner-esque 100% electric sports car of the future, powered by a pair of 125kW motors capable of pushing the equivalent of 340-hp.

The Focus ST has a turbocharged 247hp 2.0L engine, but people have focused more on its looks. The dominating front grill and ‘Tangerine Scream’ color has been divisive, to say the least.

Scheduled for the 2010 Paris Auto Show and 2014 availability for USD $180K, the sleek Lotus Elite will offer a 5.0L V-8 with a front engine-rear drive platform boasting 612 hp and 530 lb/ft of torque.

While it’s not hitting until sometime in 2011, BMW has dropped some pics of their next 6 coupe, which, other than some grill and door styling, doesn’t look much different from the 2010 model.

Got a passion for hot air ballooning and Aqua Teen Hunger Force? The guys at Adult Swim are offering up this awesome Meatwad balloon for you to get tore-up and pass out in the hot sun in.

After extensive testing, the VW Rollgolf is finally ready to roll. Over. We love the Monty Python-esque music, but we can’t help but think of this song whenever the car rights itself.

Joining their C-Questers, the new C-Explorer personal submarines from U-Boat Worx hold 1-5 passengers, can dive to 3,280′ and will debut here in October at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show.

The Great Escape is a 1963 BMW R60/2 customized by Blitz motorcycles of France. Blitz kept its 600cc engine, stripped off the fender, added 18″ tires and painted the body and engine matte black.

Placed somewhere between a Carrera S and GT3, the new wide-track Carrera GTS out-guns the standard Carrera by 23 horses, with its 3.8-liter, 408-hp power plant. It sure looks purdy, too.

One of only two drivable prototypes of the XP-833 Banshee concept car. The XP-833 was designed by John DeLorean in 1964 for then employer Pontiac as a competitor to the Mustang. More info on eBay.

The 2010 Audi TT RS is officially coming to the US. The TT RS has a 2.5L 5-cylinder engine that generates 360hp and 332lb-ft of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Forget about part one. This is Gymkhana 3 – nothing but a jaw dropping, adrenaline-pumping and tire-punishing run through l’Autodrome de Linas by the one and only Ken Block.