TAG Heuer is obviously best known for their watchmaking, but also have rich history with auto racing. They’ve also released a new line of TAG Heuer accessories, and this racing jacket is probably the coolest. Designed to be identical the jacket Steve McQueen wore in the film Le Mans – this slick jacket embodies both the spirit or racing and the seventies. It just may be tough to get your hands on one as it appears they are currently only being sold at select TAG Heuer boutiques.
Lamborghini launched the Super Trofeo GT series in 2008 and four years later the fastest one-make race series is still going strong. If you’re not one of the 58 drivers racing worldwide in this Lambo exclusive series, you can still try to get your hands on the limited edition street versions of the Gallardo Super Trofeo. The Lamborghini Super Trofeo Stradale features a 570hp V10, lightweight aluminum, carbon fiber body kit, will hit 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds, and has a top speed of 199 mph. Only 150 of these “Rosso Mars” red Gallardos will be produced, and I was lucky enough to see number 5 in person and snapped some shots with my iPhone.
We write about a lot of fast cars, but what about the guys who can really drive them? You don’t have to be huge Formula One fan to enjoy the documentary Senna, but it’s a must-see for race enthusiasts. All audiences will appreciate this look into the life of Brazilian rock-star driver Ayrton Senna, who despite being an international sensation always seemed to keep up his humility and charm. Ayrton Senna was a man who had relentless passion for racing, which was only matched by his love for his church, family, and home country of Brazil. Even with his vast success, Ayrton still faced adversity as a Brazilian driver in the European-dominated world of Formula One Racing in the 1980′s – and this film does a superb job of illustrating the career of the short-lived 3-time F1 World Champion.
While a 1966 Shelby Cobra may cost upwards of $5.5M, you can still get the style and performance of the iconic sports car for much less. Factory Five Racing makes replica kit cars that maintain nostalgia while adding modern engineering, safety, and technology. These replica’s are meant for racing and there’s even an entire racing series dedicated to them. Kits start at $15k but you’ll need to supply your own engine, brakes, wheels, and paint. But when all is said and done, you’ll have a homemade race car that will hit 0-60 in under 4 seconds if it’s paired with some proper power.
To the young guys out there: one day you might be driving a mini-van so make sure you own an impractical car at least once in your life. To the older guys out there: Aren’t you tired of being practical?
However old you are, the Lotus Exige will make you feel like a kid when you’re behind the wheel. This track-carving-scalpel-on -wheels seats two and loves to be driven. As a result of only weighing only 2k lbs the car is lightning quick and nimble. It only takes 240 hp to hit 0-60 in 4 seconds, and that quickness can be used through the turns thanks to the cars extraordinary suspension. Regardless of what speed you’re going, you’ll still feel like a race car driver in the Exige. It’s low to the ground, small, loud and stripped to the essentials – constantly reminding you that you got a special car for $65k.
You’ve just won the lottery and need a sports car. The speed limit in your neighborhood is 40 but you can now afford some tickets. The Lamborghini Murcielago SV (Super Veloce) is as unnecessarily awesome as a legal street car gets, packing 670 horse power and hitting 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds. It’ll top out at 212 mph - at which point, they’ll take your license. The best part is, it’ll only take a portion of your winnings, $450,000.
If you want to own a race car but aren’t a billionaire take a look at the Ariel Atom. For around $65,000 you will be passing foreign supercars with this open wheel and cockpit racer. The car is built around pure function and it’s to go really fast. No roof, doors, and windows (don’t even think about AC or stereo), keep the curb weight below 1,400 lbs creating an excellent power to weight ratio. The car is powered by a Honda V-TEC engine and has an optional supercharged version which produces 300hp. The performance of the car is amazing, 0-60 is sub 3 seconds and the stiff lightweight chassis enables tons of grip through turns.
You’ve just shelled out some hard earned cash for an iPad, now you need some cool games. Need for Speed has been a great racing game franchise for over two decades and Need for Speed Shift for iPad is no exception. Tilt your iPad left and right to drive your dream car in HD on tracks all over the world. Move your left thumb to switch between the gas and break and use your right thumb to change gears. Winning the various modes of competition gives you cash to upgrade your ride or buy a new car, making you want to play more and more. The racing is very lifelike and the tilt controls are properly calibrated for the iPad. Overall, the gameplay is very comparable to that of the console version, making it a bargain at $14.99
When something is done right, it really holds up. The iconic shape of the Porsche 911 is still leaving the production line and awing car enthusiasts after 40+ years. Always being the benchmark for road-going sports cars, Porsche does not disappoint with the new 2010 Turbo. The 911 model line saw a slight refresh in 2009 with increased power, small styling and cosmetic changes, and better fuel efficiency. If the standard or S models don’t raise enough hairs, then step into the Turbo and hold on tight. The twin-turbocharged six cylinder boxer engine produces a frightening 500 hp and 480 ft.-lbs of torque, and when matched with the optional PDK transmission it will rocket the car to 60 mph in a mere 3.2 seconds. With a starting price of $133k (expect to pay a lot more with any options) and a top speed of 194 mph you will be the envy of every male you whiz past on the highway.
