FAST COMPANY
Speed into the New Year with a high performance four-wheel resolution
BY HEATHER BREWSTER
 |
 |
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL600 Roadster Sticker shock: $132,775 Under the Hood: 510 HP twin-turbo charged V12 engine 0-60: 4.4 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Hot Point: Remember the 1956 SL Roadster? The new SL600 helps celebrate 50 years of history with this updated classic. For those with an affinity for hot-off-the-line, vintage sports car and horse power, take these hot wheels for a test drive in Horse Country. Get It: 8545 Leesburg Pike Route 7, Vienna, Va., (800) 283-5038; www.tysonscorner.mercedescenter.com |
Lamborghini Murciélago LP640 Sticker shock: Starting at $330,000 Under the Hood: 640 HP V12 engine 0-62: 3.4 seconds Top Speed: 200 mph Hot Point: When you're punching out at a whopping 8,000 rpm in this "raging bull," you know you've reached the pinnacle of high performance. With a body built almost entirely of carbon fiber, and an even more aggressive appearance, the LP640 might not be the most practical car on the block, but it certainly makes a strong case as the crème de la crème of '07. Get It: 45235 Towlern Place, Dulles, Va., (703) 478-3606; www.fwash.com |
|
|
| 2007 Tesla Roadster Sticker shock: $100,000 Under the Hood: 100% electricnoncombustion engine with solar power option 0-60: 4 seconds Top Speed: Over 130 mph Hot Point: Go green and leave your friends red with envy. At a cost of only once cent per mile, this "alternative sports car of the future" has an expected distance of 250 miles on one charge. Be a true car enthusiast and enthusiatically say "no" to big oil with this energy efficient and fun ride. Get It: (650) 413-4000; www.teslamotors.com |
2007 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible LT2 Sticker shock: Starting at $52,000 Under the Hood: 6.0L V8 400HP 0-60: 4.1 seconds Top Speed: 198 mph Hot Point: Corvette debutted in 1954 with its Blue Flame inline-6 and 2-speed automatic - we're pretty sure the 2007 version has some upgrades, like the 18 mpg city/28 mpg hwy rating and convertible top. In fact, the kind people at Chevrolet tell us this is the fastest, most technologically advanced Vette in the brand's 53 year history. Get It: 5929 Georgia Avenue, N.W., (202) 723-0100; www.curtischevy.com |
 |
 |
| 2008 Audi R8 Sticker shock: Estimated to be around $110,000 and $130,000 Under the Hood: 420 HP V8 engine 0-62: 4.6 seconds Top Speed: 187 mph Hot Point: Talk about hands on, with a maximum of only 15 cars per day being built at the plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, specialists have time to inspect each individual part in this Leman-inspired sports car. You shouldn't wait to get your hands on it as well. Get It: Rockville Porsche Audi 1450 Rockville Pike, Rockville, Md. www.rockvilleporsche-audi.com; 301-881-0900 |
2007 Bentley Arnage RL Sticker shock: Starting at $212,990 Under the Hood: 400 HP 6.75 Liter V8 engine 0-60: 5.7 seconds Top Speed: 179 mph Hot Point: Who says you can't mix business with pleasure? The Arnage is a mobile office with communication services, a computer and writing desk, modern game consoles and LCD screens. Plus, hey, it's a Bentley. Get It: 7020 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Md., (888) 802-5533; www.euromotorcars.com |
 |
 |
| 2007 Jaguar XK Sticker shock: $75,500 Under the Hood: 300 HP V8 engine 0-60: 5.9 seconds Top Speed: 150 mph Hot Point: No need to wax philosophical about hidden corrosion, the XK is layered with the stuff during the final stages of production then placed into an oven. When the wax melts, it seals cracks that might become problems down the road. Butcher, baker, candlestick maker? Go for candlestick maker. Get It: 1592 Springhill Road, Vienna, Va., (800) 730-2861; www.rosenthaljaguar.com |
2007 Lexus LS460L Sticker shock: $71,000 Under the Hood: 380 HP V8 engine 0-60: 5.4 seconds Top Speed: 130 mph Hot Point: The ultimate way to avoid the District's questionable "parallel parking" rules. The LS460L is equipped with an intelligent park system, not to mention the world's first and only eight-speed transmission. Plus, with an internal 30 GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD) Navigation system capable of holding 2,000 songs, those boring Beltway commutes can become … slightly less boring. Get It: 15625 Frederick Road, Rockville, Md., (301) 340-0900; www.355.com |
|
