When it comes to racecars for the road, or just out-there stuff, it's amazing how many crazy creations come from less well-known corners of Europe. They're not conventional exotica, more like esoterica. Here's a look at some of the different ways that gearheads in the Old World get their kicks.
Koenigsegg
The only Swedish supercar. There are a couple of models, but the CCX is slated to go on sale in the United States. The CCXR Limited Edition is also a contender for the title of world's fastest production car, by following the well-worn path of light weight and tremendous power from its mid-mounted, supercharged 4.8-liter V8 engine. A snip at 1,500,000.
Peak Power: 1018 hp
Peak Torque: 740 lb-ft
0-62 mph: 2.9 sec.
Top Speed: 250+ mph
www.koenigsegg.com
Ariel Atom
Where most carmakers put some kind of body over their frame, Ariel (from the west of England) decided to keep weight down a little more. Windows? Who needs them? The Atom is now in its third incarnation and is available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged GM Ecotec four or a 2.0-liter Honda four. This 1,400-pound car is the giant-killer. Depending on the track, it will lap faster than a Porsche Carrera GT. The Atom is available in the U.S. at $76,667. Make sure you buy a crash helmet too.
Peak Power: 280 hp
Peak Torque: 250 lb-ft
0-60 mph: 2.8 sec.
Top Speed: 155 mph
www.arielatom.com
Spyker
Those crazy Dutch guys. Spyker competes in sports car racing and even ran its own F1 team in 2007, but its road cars are currently not so hardcore. However, they still have Audi-sourced engines set into lightweight aluminum bodies, cost a small fortune and look somewhat wacky. Perfect example: the C8 Spyder, which has a mid-mounted 4.2-liter V8. Yours for just $269,995.
Peak Power: 400 hp
Peak Torque: 354 lb-ft
0-62 mph: 4.5 sec.
Top Speed: 187 mph
www.spykercars.nl