Cadillac, once a proud and famous automaker in the US, turned to the STS-V a couple of years ago to reclaim its respectability it lost to Mercedes Benz and BMW. At first glance, it seemed like this is the car that would bring them back to the spotlight. It would have, but it didn’t. So what went wrong?

The Cadillac STS-V is still credited as one of the fastest cars manufactured in the US to this day. But it never did gain enough popularity. Boasting a powerful supercharged Northstar engine, it clocked an amazing 0-60 mph acceleration of just under 5.3 seconds considering that this car is tagged with only a 5-digit price.

Power aside, the rest of its feature failed to measure up when compared to its competitors. Some reviewers claimed that the exterior design needed a lot more work. Others said the mechanical parts seem lacking in harmony, that it’s not as smooth as a BMW or a Mercedes Benz.

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Being a fan of the Cadillac, I would really love to see them bounce back. But apparently, the STS-V failed them. However, a new Caddy is in the market right now. But that’s another story…

Warren Mosler, the brain behind the design of the MT900S, hates unnecessary weight as much as power steering. This is evident in this lightweight car weighing only 2539 lbs, approximately 500lbs lighter than an Enzo, a Carrera GT, and a Corvette Z06.

This lightness helps it achieve a faster acceleration than the 3 cars mentioned, clocking in at 3.1 secs from 0-60 mph. It’s cheaper too, that’s why it was sometimes referred to as a “giant-slayer”, the giants being the Ferrari’s, Corvette’s, and other fast but expensive sports cars. Does it deserve the title? In terms of raw power, the Mosler MT900S deserves it, but in other areas, no.

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There’s just enough space to maneuver inside the MT900S, and according to the fortunate few that test-driven the car when it came out, the cockpit is noisy. Power steering is not available, although the steering ratio is designed so that it can be adjusted to compensate for this. If you’re the type of driver that wants nothing but power, the Mosler MT900S is for you. Here’s a detailed article about the Mosler MT900S.

This is a fast car. No kidding, this is a very fast car, perhaps the fastest production car in the world. Although you really can’t utilize all that speed (reportedly reaching 256.18 mph tops) in any public highway, there are some out there who wants bragging rights. Wouldn’t it be cool to say with all honesty that you own the fastest car in the world? This is the car that broke the Bugatti Veyron’s record for top speed.

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The Bugatti Veyron looks better though, but the SSC Ultimate Aero is no pushover when it comes to exterior design. It looks smooth, and that’s no wonder since engineers really made sure that air would flow naturally through its body, with no obstructions. Featuring butterfly wing doors, it seems like its ready to fly once both doors are opened. The engine block is all aluminum. Inside, you’d be entertained by the Azentek Atlas infotainment system.

Lightweight carbon fiber materials keep the weight to a minimum. This, plus the turbo V8 engine helped this car set a new record. The engine is capable of 1180 hp and 1094lbs of torque. The Ultimate Aero only needs 2.78secs to reach a speed of 60mph from a standstill. Here’s a website that offers pricing info on SSC Ultimate Aero TT.

To those who don’t recognize the name, maybe you can recall a car with 2 distinctive parallel stripes running from the hood, to the roof, and on to the back of the car. The Dodge Viper is a popular sports car make and model in the US. Production begun in 1992 with different variations manufactured throughout the succeeding years, culminating in the introduction of the all-new Viper model, the SRT-10, this year.

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Vipers have made numerous appearances on TV shows, music videos, video games, and movies. It’s not only the sleek and sporty look and the pair of stripes, Vipers are also associated with the power of their engines, excellent braking, and world-class handling.

The Viper SRT-10 is no different. In fact, it is a lot better. Almost everything from the interior and exterior designs to the engine is vastly improved. The latest model now sports a new 8.4L V10 engine that kicks with the strength of 600 horses combined. The Viper SRT-10 can go from 0-60 in under 4 secs.

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It comes available as a Roadster or a Coupe, both with larger hood scoops for better air induction and more functional hood louvers for better cooling effect to support the bigger and more powerful engine. There are a total of 8 exterior colors to choose from. The famous stripes are still available as option in six different colors. Check this out for more info on Dodge Viper SRT-10.

Okay, forget about the super fast, albeit gas-hungry, sports cars for a while and lets talk about the Lexus LS Hybrid. Hybrids have been around for some time, I mean it’s not really a new concept anymore but a reality. The Lexus LS Hybrid however is one of the most expensive out there. But it’s expensive for a reason.

It exudes a sense of neatness and cleanliness simply by looking at it. There’s a certain glow evident even on the photos which is due to the wet-sanded paint finish. The shape looks professional, simple yet elegant. It will make a nice family car, and it could also fit a career-driven individual. Exterior features are too many to mention here. Check out this site that offers the full specs for the Lexus LS Hybrid.

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Seeing the interior for the first time makes me want to jump right in just to experience the feel of the smooth-looking leather on my skin. The wood trims give it a homely touch, so do the Alcantara headliner and the soft carpeting. Aesthetics aside, there are a lot of hi-tech gadgets to keep everyone happy. There’s the Mark Levinson Surround Sound System with an in-dash single feed 6-disc DVD-CD changer, DVD audio and video playback, a whooping 19 total speakers, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system. Those are for the entertainment system only.

Comfort and convenience systems aren’t even mentioned yet. Do check the link provided above for the complete rundown on the luxurious and comfortable interior of the Lexus LS Hybrid.

Utilizing 2 engines; the traditional gas engine - a 32-valve 5liter V8 engine - and an additional high output electric engine, the LS can produce 438 hp of power and an acceleration rate of 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. That’s quite amazing for a hybrid car. Remember, hybrid cars function differently. If you don’t have any idea how they work, this site offers an article on how hybrid cars like the Lexus LS work.

Most of us may never, in our lifetime, ever drive a Bentley. In fact, I would consider myself lucky if I ever own one of those winged “B” ornaments that stands aloof on the hood of most Bentleys. But if given a chance to drive one of the many models, I’d choose the Arnage. It sports a look that lacks luster and glitz, but one that will never grow old and out of style. The four headlights remind me of old movies and old romances, and the majestic high-ceilinged design is a classic. It looks sturdy and durable, not flashy like most luxury cars and sedans.

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The interior offers comfort that hints of simple pleasures yet caters to most of the hi-tech whims prevalent today. I bet I can sit on one of those leather seats, beer in hand, and listen to a radio broadcast of an NBA game, all the while feeling like I’m safe and warm in a cabin deep in the woods surrounded by the sweet aromas of nature. The Arnage leathers look lustrous, and with the hand-crafted wood panels together with the wool-covered surfaces looks more like belonging to a homely, well-endowed house than a car interior. I could feel right at home.

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It looks good, it can definitely feel good, and apparently, it runs fast as well. The best variant, the Bentley Arnage T, offers a whooping 500hp with its twin turbo OHV V8 engine. This much power produces an acceleration rate of 0-60 in just 5.2 seconds. You don’t believe me? Check this Bently Arnage article on its Specs and Pricing.

Porsche is famous for their superior sports cars and so a lot of people wondered what they were doing when they first unveiled that they plan on building an SUV. After all, sports cars are what they do best, and people were surprised why they wanted to step into a market where competition is fierce, and to some analysts, dwindling. The answer was simply put, they wanted additional earnings to help support their independence and to fund more projects for the development of better and faster sports cars, sports cars that are sought by very rich, but limited, clients.

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Because it was Porsche we are talking about, the resulting vehicle was not just a simple SUV. It had to be fast, it had to be luxurious, and it had to be an SUV that is worthy of the company name. And so the Cayenne was born, a 5-door, 5-passenger, family-friendly fast transport. Outside, it looks elegant, perhaps because it exhibits styles similar to Porsche sports cars, especially the hood and fender treatments.

Sporting a full black leather interior, the Cayenne is a model of luxury. Several options, although a bit expensive, are being offered like the moon roof and panoramic roof system. GPS is standard so are the BOSE surround-sound stereo system and the single-disc in dash CD changer which can play audio CD’s and MP3 and WMA encoded CD’s. This link offers full specifications of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo.

Alfa Romeo colorful sporting history is very evident in the 8C Competizione. The name itself is a product of history. The term 8C was used in the 30’s and 40’s to refer to cars with the then revolutionary 8-cylinder engine produced by Vittorio Jano. “Competizione” pays homage to the 1950 sports coupe 6C 2500 Competizione which participated in the famous Mille Miglia Race. A product of the extensive experience of Alfa Romeo in the racing circuits, the 8C Competizione also carries with it years of engine research and advanced technology.

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The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione looks “clean”. Choosing aerodynamics and performance over aesthetics, the designers made the shape of the car virtually uncluttered so that nothing may disturb the overall harmony. This mindset goes beyond the shape as well; air wraps were added to let air flow naturally, unhindered by unevenness and corners. Extensive mathematical modeling and wind tunnel tests were used to determine the best placement, shape, composition, and position of the different exterior parts.

The 8C Competizione interior extensively uses composite materials. Even the anatomical seats were made from carbon fiber that can be adjusted to fully cater to the driver’s physical characteristics. This car is also designed to be user-friendly. It offers a relaxed driving position and instruments are always visible. The different controls can be reached without your hand leaving the steering wheel. Follow this for pricing and other info on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

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The Bentley Azure is 4-seater convertible of elegant look and feel. It offers an excellent open-top experience while still offering the well-known and much admired Bentley’s classic style and craftsmanship. The cabin and the rear section were given facelifts though to promote a more opulent and luxurious seating area.

The Azure’s roof offers superb sound insulation because it is constructed with a triple-layer fabric design. It can be folded easily into a neat package that rests in a panel in the back seats’ rear. The whole process takes less than 15 seconds. Very luxurious with its hand-polished wood, smooth leather, and soft, thick carpeting, the interior of the Azure also features hi-tech control and entertainment systems.

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Powered by a 6.75liter twin-turbo V8, the Azure Bentley is indeed a very powerful car. Despite its heavy weight, acceleration is still impressive thanks to an amazing 875Nm of torque. It can accelerate to 60mph from a standstill in just 5.9 seconds. Body stiffness was given priority during the design process to ensure safe handling and excellent stability. Body roll is minimal and the steering is ok. The suspension is excellent thanks in part to the active dampers that reduce vertical movements. More facts can be found in this Bentley Azure Specs and Pricing website.

A 5-passenger, 4-door sedan, the Audi A8 is nicely equipped, inside and out. It features the Quattro all-wheel drive system for excellent control even when driving on wet roads during heavy rains. On warmer weather, it is equipped with a manual side and power rear sunshades to keep the sun from invading the inside of the car. The electronic entertainment package is highlighted by the Bang and Olufsen advance sound system, with its retracting subwoofers in the dashboard. It also comes with iPod-ready integration so you can play your favorite playlists. The 10 airbags offers a higher level of safety than most cars. Did I mention the front seat ventilation and massage? It sure is a nice addition to the already impressive features.

The automatic transmission system transfers power from the 6.0L/450-hp/428 lb-ft DOHC 48-valve W-12 the 4 wheels. It can achieve an acceleration of 60mph from a stand still in less than 4 seconds.

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It is also worth mentioning the two other safety features. One is the blind-spot warning system that is useful yet subtle. The other is the lane-assist system which gives a warning when the driver crosses a lane without signaling. The warning is delivered by vibrating the steering wheel. Want to know more? Check out this 2008 Audi A8 Specs and Pricing website.