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Top 10 Future Classics

Speaking of incredible rides - Here is a list of what MSNAutos touts as 10 future classics. Enjoy!

What makes a car a classic? Original and stunning design that translates into lasting beauty is a good start and can be all it takes to elevate a machine to this status. Exceptional performance, technical brilliance, landmark innovation and historical significance can also be key factors. Rarity or production in small numbers is another definite plus.

We looked hard at cars sold in the U.S. over the past five to 10 years that have a shot at becoming classics and highly collectible items. Some are obvious choices, others should be slam dunks — but a few of our picks might surprise you. Conversely, we omitted a few divas. And some inhabit the fringe and live for just a fleeting moment, in automotive terms. Only time will tell which of these will eventually stand out, quirks and all.

Go to MSN to read the entire article.

The Ferrari 599 GTO

It's nice to dream about cars we know we'll never own so let's add this Ferrari 599 GTO and place it right at the top! It might get rough though because Ferrari is reportedly only going to produce 500 of these bad boy.

This machine looks unreal....

Ferrari is reportedly taking pre-orders for an ultra-high-performance version of the already impressive 599 GTB. The vehicle, referred to as the 599 GTO on Ferrari’s ordering information, is rumored to be inspired by the 599XX track-only model that launched earlier this year at the Geneva Auto Show.

Not only would the 599 GTO get a more powerful V12 engine with anywhere from 680 to 700-hp (up from the standard car’s 611-hp rating), but it would also weigh anywhere from 100 to 150-lbs less. We expect a more light-weight race-inspired interior as well as carbon fiber body parts to help reduce the weight.

With just 500 models set for production the asking price would be closer to the $400,000 mark.

The 2010 Ford Mustang Unleashed

One of America’s favorite muscle cars has a new exterior design, a new world-class interior featuring well-crafted materials and updated technology including SYNC and cutting-edge navigation.

Check out the new 2010 Ford Mustang:

Camaro sales still hot

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Chevy has a legitimate hit on its hands with the new Camaro. For the second straight month, Camaro sales have topped sales for the Ford Mustang.

With all the talk about fuel efficient vehicles, it's nice to see Americans embracing cars that bring back the romantic vision of cars that marked American in the 20th century.

VW to purchase Porsche

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News broke over the weekend the VW will purchase Porsche.

Porsche SE’s controlling families will agree Thursday to accept an offer by Volkswagen to buy its sports car business Porsche AG for roughly 8 billion euros ($11.28 billion), Der Spiegel reported Saturday.

Germany’s leading weekly magazine wrote that the rival Porsche and Piech clans, which own 100 percent of Porsche SE votes, will approve the two-stage takeover at a supervisory board meeting on July 23.

There are several hurdles to the deal, however, including some tax issues, so we may not see this deal close as soon as initially reported.

Porsche Panamera Turbo sets fastest lap by a sedan

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The Cadillac CTS-V held the record for the fastest lap by a sedan at Nürburgring since May 9, 2008, but now that time has been beaten by the Porsche Panamera Turbo. Of course, as pointed out by AutoGuide.com, the Caddy costs about half of what you'll pay for the Porsche.

That said, Porsche has to be pleased by the performance of this beautiful sedan.

History of the Corvette Z06

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Here's a great photo of a sexy girl with a killer red Corvette Z06. The high-performance Corvette Z06 has a fascinating history.

Corvette’s legendary Zora Duntov first brought forth the concept of Z06. Though the Automobile Manufacturers Association had encouraged a ban on racing in 1957, which the GM chairman strongly supported, Duntov knew customers would continue to race Corvettes. In the midst of planning for Sting Ray production, Duntov suggested it was in Chevrolet’s best interest to continue with parts development to benefit racers. Thus, Duntov and colleagues created “RPO Z06” as a special performance equipment package.

The RPO Z06 package first offered on ’63 models included a 20 percent larger diameter front antiroll bar, a vacuum brake booster, a dual master cylinder, sintered-metallic brake linings within power-assisted Al-Fin drums cooled by front air scoops and vented backing plates, larger diameter shocks and springs nearly twice as stiff as standard.

These Corvettes came to be known as known as the “Big Tanks” because the package initially had a 36.5-gallon gas tank versus the standard 20-gallon for races such as Sebring and Daytona. At first, the package was only available on coupes because the oversized tank would not fit in the convertible.

The Z06 was resurrected in 2000 and has been around ever since. The photo above has a recent model, and a beautiful model to go along with it!

Chrysler will keep the Dodge Viper alive

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The new Chrysler is off to a fast start as it decides to reverse a decision to kill off or sell the Dodge Viper nameplate.

Chrysler Group LLC announced today that production will continue for the legendary Dodge Viper SRT10.

Originally slated to cease production in December 2009, the Chrysler Group Conner Avenue Assembly Plant — the exclusive home of Dodge Viper production since 1995 — will continue to build the V-10 powered sports car. Chrysler Group is no longer pursuing a sale of the Viper business assets.

“The Dodge Viper has successfully captured the hearts and imagination of performance enthusiasts around the globe,” said Mike Accavitti, President and Chief Executive Officer, Dodge Brand. “We’re extremely proud that the ultimate American-built sports car with its world-class performance will live on as the iconic image leader for the Dodge brand."

Hopefully this decision bodes well for the new company. The Dodge Viper is an impressive performance vehicle, and the new Chrysler needs signature vehicles for branding purposes.