Ultimatecarpage.com update (12-14-06)

[Wouter Melissen]

Dear Ultimatecarpage.com visitor,

Now that 2006 is drawing to a close, it's time to look at the year's highlights. Last year we could suffice with a single 'best of 2005' feature, but this year we have seen so many amazing modern, classic and racing cars that we decided to do three of them; one for every category. More than any year before, we have focused extensively on sportscar racing with in-depth features on the complete Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This week we start off the 2006 reviews with a very well illustrated look at the four most noteworthy sportscars; one for every class.
The most obvious racing car to make in our list is of course the Audi R10, which wrote history by becoming the first diesel engined machine to win at Le Mans. At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Radical SR9. Designed at a very limited budget and with no time for testing, the Rollcentre entered example startled the crowds all around Europe. Sheer rotten luck stopped them from scoring a victory this year.
The GT2 class has been the playing ground for the 911 GT3 for many years, but this season the brand new Ferrari F430 GTC turned the tables by dominating the pace on both sides of the Atlantic. Whereas our other three picks are not very controversial, the Saleen S7R picked to represent the GT1 class most certainly is. We picked it because almost out of the blue, it regained competitiveness in a class dominated by the works prepared Astons and Corvettes.
Next week the finest classic cars shown around the world are up and we will conclude the year with a look at the most exciting new releases.

Audi R10
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2611

Radical SR9
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2751

Ferrari F430 GTC
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...hp&carnum=2742

Saleen S7R
http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/frame...php&carnum=450

Regards,
Wouter Melissen