The Glory (2008 Maserati GranTurismo S)

Every once in a while,  a car comes along that totally demands your attention, no matter what angle you look at it.  The Maserati GranTurismo S is one of those cars.  Personally, I believe this car should only be sold in black, as to me it seems to be the only color worthy enough to accentuate all the gorgeous curves of this Italian goddess.  Don't think that this car is just here to win a beauty pageant though, because when you hear the screams of the 434hp being pumped out of its 4.7L V8, you know that this car was destined for glory.

Lost In Translation (2006 Dodge Viper SRT-10)

Previously when we featured the Chevrolet Corvette Z06, we touched on the fact of its undeniable American heritage, the kind that has spanned decades.  When you come across the Dodge Viper, it has managed to etch its name amongst the greats of American automotive history, but what it lacks is the heritage of the Corvette.  Many of Mopar's faithful will argue this point until they are blue in the face, but again, what is most important is that the Viper is its own beast, worthy of its own classification.  Its got a beautiful design that rivals that of cars costing three times as much, and when you factor in the fact of an 8.3L motor pumping out 510hp, you're pretty much hard pressed to find anything to complain about.  So yes, the Viper does lacks the history of the Corvette, but what it doesn't lack is an identity, and when you have that, who needs heritage?

Before The Storm (2006 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 C6)

Ah, the Chevrolet Corvette, America's iconic super car that has graced the pages of pop culture for decades - some love it, some despise it.  No matter what side of the fence you're on when it comes to opinions on this car, you can't deny the fact that the Z06, a step up from the standard Corvette, is a monster on four wheels.  The 7.0L V8 that hides underneath its hood, boasts that of 505hp of pure American muscle car goodness.  I for one love this car, as it oozes everything that it is to be American, and there's no denying that heritage.  America, I salute you.

The House Of The Rising Sun (2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8)

When the Dodge Challenger made it's triumphant return to dealer showrooms in 2008, MOPAR fans everywhere rejoiced.  Being paired with its sister, the Dodge Charger, helped to further distinguish and drive home the fact that Dodge, even after its lackluster sales, was finally back.  Couple that with the geniuses in the Dodge marketing department finding means to pull at the heart strings of car buyers with its purely American infused advertising campaigns, and you have all the ingredients for a major success story on your hands.  The SRT-8 is the ultimate performance version of the Challenger, and includes the legendary 6.1L HEMI V8 motor, pushing out an incredible 425hp.  In a world where the message seems to be pushing that of "being green" and driving more fuel efficient vehicles, car fans can take solace in knowing that the era of the muscle car, has finally returned.

If You're Not First, You're Last (Jeff Gordon & Jimmie Johnson's Chevrolet Impala's)

The National Association for Stock Car Racing, or more well known by the acronym NASCAR, is one of the most viewed professional sports in the United States, second only to that of professional football.  It all began back in the 1920s, at the height of the Prohibition period, when Bootleggers would modify their cars in order to outrun the law, while making whiskey and moonshine runs.  Fast forward to today, and it's now the beloved passion of some 75 million people.  If you're one of those people, then you already are well aware of who Jeff Gordon (#24) and Jimmie Johnson (#48) are.  To the rest of the world, they are two of the most popular modern day drivers of NASCAR, and their official endorsements can be seen on just about every product at your local store.

Paint It Black (2008 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG)

Most people tend to associate Mercedes-Benz with that of ultimate luxury and style, the sort of creation that seems to garner a model that retains an almost timeless design.  A high-performance subsidiary of the brand though is known as AMG.  One such model that received AMG's almighty stamp of approval, is that of the C 63, which boasts a 6.2L V8 engine that pumps out a blistering 480hp.  The sheer power of this car is incredible, and the angry exhaust note is there to remind you that it means business.  So honestly, what's not to love, luxury, performance, and a gorgeous design.  Simply put, the automotive gods have blessed us once again. 

The High Road (Honda Integra Type-R DC5)

Ponder the term "Type-R" for a few moments, and you may be greeted with the sound and image of high rpm Hondas, racing around tracks throughout the world.  It all began when Honda started prepping models for various race conditions, and eventually over time through their hard work and success, they began producing "Type-R" models for a mass audience.  The Integra "Type-R" is one of those very models, and it's track prowess is legendary amongst circuit racers.  Not only does it have the DNA of Honda's racing heritage weaved throughout it, but it looks good even when it's parked.  Unfortunately, the Integra met its demise in 2006, though to this day, it's still rivals many newer and more recent performance based cars, which is proof in itself, of Honda's genius.

This Must Be The Place (2004 Honda S2000 AP2)

Ever since I first laid eyes on the Honda S2000, I was in love.  So much to the point that years later, I took the plunge and purchased one, thus making my dream, a reality.  Honda did such a fantastic job on the design of this car, as it has the looks of a higher end exotic, without the high entry cost.  You'll be hard pressed to find many people who aren't fans of this car, which is easily understandable when you consider the numerous awards that it's been garnered throughout its lifespan.  Sadly though, Honda chose to cease production of the S2000, during the summer of 2009.  It may no longer be with us, but one thing that is certain, is that the Honda S2000 will forever be remembered in the history books of automotive greats.