Awesome Cars

Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead a reunion of all-stars from every chapter of the F&F franchise for Fast Five; Dwayne Johnson joins returning favorites for this ultimate high-stakes race.

The first with the “Charger” name, it was used as a show car in 1964. Now restored, it has a 600+ bhp Hemi V8 engine and automatic transmission. The bad-ass look has been there since the beginning.

You’ll need an old 1987-1993 Mustang to the Mk4 Roadster kit car. Then, you’ll need about 200 hours of your spare time to convert your old pony car into this luscious classic Cobra replica.

Ford has updated their 2012 drag-racer Cobra Jet with a supercharged 5.4L V8, modified suspension, low-drag racing brakes, new black anodized wheels and a stickier set of Goodyear racing slicks.

BMW’s compact 2012 Series 1M Coupe has been officially unveiled; it boasts a twin-turbo 3.0L engine with 335 hp, 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and top speed of 155 mph. (Thanks David!)

On Jan. 21 and 22, 2011, Gooding & Co. will host the Scottsdale Auction, boasting a mouth-watering collection consisting mostly of vintage vehicles. Execs, tycoons and princes, save the date.

As if the stock 525hp engine wasn’t enough, the Challenge Extreme Audi R8 V10 Spyder has a 710hp turbocharged engine, better suspension, tires and brakes to help tame the beast.

Tuning expert Brabus have unveiled their custom kit for the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG. The Widestar kit includes a carbon fiber body, ultralight forged wheels, and electronically adjustable suspension.

Audi’s stalwart sedan is shorter, lower to the ground and weighs 176 pounds less than the 2011. While it tops out with a 295hp 3.0 liter V6, the 8-speed auto still does 0-to-60 in 5.5 secs.

Inspired by luxury yachts, STARTECH and Land Rover’s Defender 90 Yachting Edition features navy leather seats/dash, an Alcantara-covered headliner and polished wood floor panels. (Thanks David!)

The mean looks of the previous version are gone, replaced by unexpected curves and edges. A new Boxer engine and other high-tech safety and entertainment features are in the cards as well.

If you liked the 6-Series preview, you’ll love it even better with the top down. The 650i ragtop has a 400hp, 4.4L V8, and a 0-to-60 time of 4.9 secs with either the manual or 8-speed automatic.

The lightweight Cayman R bests the Cayman S, bulking up its 3.4 liter V6 to 330hp, and 120 lb. weight loss to provide 0 to 60 times around 5 seconds flat, lower with the 7-speed Sport Chrono.

How can Marc Cameron and Mark Brown improve on their prior light graffiti car images? With enhanced light, cleaner lines and more elite motors, like the Ariel Atom and Ferrari 458 Italia.

Disney has released the first official trailer for Cars 2: World Grand Prix: looks like Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater will experience lots of international intrigue. In theaters Summer 2011, in 2D and 3D.

The 392 HEMI V-8 in the 2011 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 pumps out a supremely beefy 470 hp and 470 lb/ft of torque, in addition to having highly damped shocks, 20″ rims and a throatier exhaust.

Somehow, it’s a relief and a comfort to know that on the other side of the world in Shanghai there are feisty and annoyed lady drivers saying no (and perhaps worse) to authority. Hilarity ensues at :26.

Faster than a V12 Ferrari, the Nemesis (based on a rebuilt Lotus Exige) does 0-100 in 8.5 seconds and can reach 170 mph. Earth-friendly bonus: it’s powered entirely by 100% green electricity.

Designed by a team from MIT, this 100 hp, 4 cylinder vehicle converts from a street legal automobile to a Light Sport aircraft in 30 seconds and easily stores in a garage. (Thanks Ron!)

The Lancia Stratos HF was a leader on the 1970s rally circuit. This one-of-a-kind remake apes the original’s styling, but built from components from a modern Ferarri 430, along with a zesty 4.3L V8.

Belgium’s Gillet Vertigo supercar is back, and this time with a new 4.2L V8 engine sourced from Maserati packing 420 horses and promising even more extreme performance: all for just $265K.

The flowing, dynamic lines on Darko Nikolić’s Wings of Nike concept car design reflect a retro-modern style that combines the sport spirit of 50’s F-1 cars with the visual appeal of 30’s vintage limousines.

UK auto-maker Morgan Motor Company is working on a modern remake of the classic 3-Wheeler, sold from 1909 to 1953. The featherweight can go 0-60 in just 4.5 secs on its 1800cc Harley engine.