Top 5 Most Amazing Ghost Towns

1. KOLMANSKOP (Namibia): Buried in sand

Kolmanskop is a ghost town in southern Namibia, a few kilometres inland from the port of Lüderitz. In 1908, Luederitz was plunged into diamond fever and people rushed into the Namib desert hoping to make an easy fortune. Within two years, a town, complete with a casino, school, hospital and exclusive residential buildings, was established in the barren sandy desert. But shortly after the drop in diamond sales after the First World War, the beginning of the end started. During the 1950's the town was deserted and the dunes began to reclaim what was always theirs.

Soon the metal screens collapsed and the pretty gardens and tidy streets were buried under the sand. Doors and windows creaked on their hinges, cracked window panes stared sightlessly across the desert. A new ghost town had been born.

A couple of old buildings are still standing and some interiors like the theatre is still in very good condition, but the rest are crumbling ruins demolished from grandeur to ghost houses.

2. PRYPIAT (Ukraine): Chernobyl workers' home

Prypiat is an abandoned city in the "zone of alienation" in northern Ukraine. It was home to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant workers, abandoned in 1986 following the Chernobyl disaster. Its population had been around 50,000 prior to the accident.

Until recently, the site was practically a museum, documenting the late Soviet era. Apartment buildings (four of which were recent constructions not yet occupied), swimming pools, hospitals and other buildings were all abandoned, and everything inside the buildings was left behind, including records, papers, TVs, children's toys, furniture, valuables, and clothing, etc. that any normal family would have with them. Residents were only allowed to take away a suitcase full of documents, books and clothes that were not contaminated. However, many of the apartment buildings were almost completely looted some time around the beginning of the 21st century.[citation needed] Nothing of value was left behind; even toilet seats were taken away. Some buildings have remained untouched. Many of the building interiors have been vandalized and ransacked over the years. Because the buildings are not maintained, the roofs leak, and in the spring the rooms are flooded with water. It is not unusual to find trees growing on roofs and even inside buildings. This hastens deterioration, and due to this, a 4-story school partially collapsed in July of 2005.

3. SAN ZHI (Taiwan): a futuristic resort

in the North of Taiwan, this futuristic pod village was initially built as a luxury vacation retreat for the rich. However, after numerous fatal accidents during construction, production was halted. A combination of lack of money and lack of willingness meant that work was stopped permanently, and the alien like structures remain as if in remembrance of those lost. Indeed, rumors in the surrounding area suggest that the City is now haunted by the ghosts of those who died.

After this the whole thing received the cover-up treatment. And the Government, who commissioned the site in the first place was keen to distance itself from the bizarre happenings. Thanks to this, there are no named architects. The project may never be restarted thanks to the growing legend, and there would be no value in re-developing the area for other purpose. Maybe simply because destroying homes of lonely spirits is a bad thing to do. San Zhi can also be seen from an aeriel view here.

4. CRACO (Italy): a fascinating medieval town

Craco is located in the Region of Basilicata and the Province of Matera. About 25 miles inland from the Gulf of Taranto at the instep of the “boot” of Italy. This medieval town is typical of those in the area, built up with long undulating hills all around that allow for the farming of wheat and other crops. Craco can be dated back to 1060 when the land was in the ownership of Archbishop Arnaldo, Bishop of Tricarico. This long-standing relationshop with the Church had much influence over the inhabitants throughout the ages.

In 1891, the population of Craco stood at well over 2,000 people. Though there had been many problems, with poor agricultural conditions creating desperate times. Between 1892 and 1922 over 1,300 people moved from the town to North America. Poor farming was added to by earthquakes, landslides, and War - all of which contributed to this mass migration. Between 1959 and 1972 Craco was plagued by these landslides and quakes. In 1963 the remaining 1,800 inhabitants were transferred to a nearby valley called Craco Peschiera, and the original Craco remains in a state of crumbling decay to this day.

5. ORADOUR-SUR-GLANE (France): the horror of WWII

The small village of Oradour-sur-Glane, France, is the setting of unspeakable horror. During World War II, 642 residents were massacred by German soldiers as punishment for the French Resistance. The Germans had initially intended to target nearby Oradour-sur-Vayres and mistakenly invaded Oradour-sur-Glane on June 10th 1944. According to a survivor’s account, the men were herded into barns where they were shot in the legs so they would die more slowly. The women and children, who had been held in a church, all perished when their attempt to escape was met by machine-gun fire. The village was razed by the Germans afterward. Its ruins still stand today as a memorial to the dead and a reminder of the events that took place.

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Top 10 World's Best Secret Islands Around World

1. Ulleungdo – South Korea

Ulleungdo Island is an ideal place when travelling to South Korea. Though it is a simple paradise on earth but it cannot be ideal for those seeking amusement parks or major resort sites. It is a place where you can relax, walk and watch the world going slowly. Ulleungdo is a quiet fishing town with just few hotels and restaurants for the travelers who visit there.

Hiking is a good way to explore Ulleungdo. It is worth seeing for those wanting to relax for a few days after a hectic travelling itinerary in South Korea.

2. Torres Strait Islands -Australia

The Torres Strait Islands are situated off the Cape York Peninsula in Australia. More than 100 islands form the Torres Strait stretching from the peninsula north to the Papua New Guinea border.

Only 3 of the Torres Strait Islands are open for the public where as other islands are only for the Islanders, who originally came from Polynesia and Melanesia. The population of the Torres Strait Islands is now more than 6000. Each of the Torres Strait Islands has unique cultures and languages.

3. Yaeyama Islands – Japan

The Yaeyama Islands are located in both the southernmost and westernmost inhabited islands of Japan. Together with the Miyako and Okinawa Islands they form the three main island chains of Okinawa Prefectures.

With their tropical atmosphere and rural lifestyle, the Yaeyama Islands are considered to be popular getaway destinations for those wishing to escape from the busy bustling life Japan’s metropolises. These paradise islands have beautiful beaches, snorkeling, diving and relaxation.

4. Socotra Island – Yemen

Socorta Island is considered to be the most alien-looking place on earth”. Split from the coast of Gondwanaland by plate tectonics, the four desert islands that form the Socotra group is a treasure-house of biodiversity, with thousands of plants and animals species found nowhere else on earth. Cucumber trees and the dragon’s blood trees are peculiar and ooze blood-red sap. Socorta Island despite being closer to Africa is administered by Yemen – the Arabian Peninsula, which keeps the islands off the tourist for many reasons.

5. Iles du Salut – French Guiana

The Iles du Salut Island, French Guiana group of French Guiana Northeastern in the Atlantic ocean about 11 Kilometers of Northeast Kourou comprises of three main Islands: Royale, Saint-Joseph and Diable, the site of infamous devil’s Island :”Penal colony” from 1862 to 1953. Originally the entire group was called IIes du Diable by their earlier known settlers; a group of colonists from France retreated to the islands in 1760s from the lowlands around Kou. The archipelago served as an out port for ships to large dock at Cayenne, the national capital.

6. Koh Yao Noi Island – Thailand

Koh Yao Noi Island is located in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, not far from Phuket, one of the last bastions of unspoilt wilderness in the area. It is considered to be the simple refuge from the bigger islands which has received the World Legacy Award in 2002 for its eco-friendly home-stay program. The island is privileged for having old villages, many of them remain just as they have been for centuries and dive in the pristine reefs. The island offers some of the world’s finest diving. In 2010, the island’s first luxury resort ‘Six Senses Hideaway’ at Yao Noi opened, but the company promises its commitment to create enriching experiences in a sustainable environment.

7. Sovalye Island – Turkey

Sovalye (pronounced ‘chevalier’ in Turkish) Island is located just 20 minutes by water taxi from the bustling port of Fethiye on Turkey’s Lycian coast. This is a car free island and no car means no roads and just rugged paths that weave through its forests and along beaches to the ruins of Byzantine and Romans, walls and churches. It is so close to the mainland that it gets overlooked by the excursion boats. There is only boutique hotel in the island. The 12-bedroom hotel which sits right on the rocks by the sea is the perfect base for tourists. Double rooms cost from £40 and the hotel remains open from May to October. The cheerful owner Handan Aydin treats his guests like family friends, leaving out snorkeling gear and dispensing picnics, dinghies and canoes.

8. San Blas Archipelago – Panama

The San Blas Archipelago in Panama South America is scattered of small islands of soft white sand dotted with swaying palm trees and gently lapped by clear blue-green waters. If you find yourself in Panama, and want to go off the beaten path, the San Blas Islands are the best. Forget luxury resorts – the only hotels are home stays in village houses and dinner is whatever the fishermen bring home in their canoes each evening.

The exact number of islands in the San Blas archipelago is unclear, but it is believed there are somewhere between 350 and 400, mostly quite small and home to only a few families, or uninhabited altogether. This is an autonomous region of Panama run by the Kuna people.

9. Penghu Islands – Taiwan

The Penghu Islands, also known as Pescadores in the Portuguese, meaning “fishermen” are an archipelago off the western coast of Taiwan. It consists of 90 small islands and islets covering an area of 141 square kilometers.

In sunny days the beaches and windsurfing seem very impressive. The Penghu archipelago islands have a large number of volcanic hills of basalt magma. Frequent erosions over the years have shaped the current magnificent geological landscape. Magnificent coral reefs surround them, and they’ve become a popular destination for divers, fishermen and snorkelers

10. Langara Island – British Columbia

Langara Island is part of the Queen Charlotte Island group, located within one of the world’s most diverse marine eco-systems. It may be on the border of the stormy Pacific Ocean but the island has plenty of protected inlets and coves ideal for sheltered fishing. The best season for visiting this island is from early May to late September, when you can expect to see dolphins, whales, humpback, porpoises and sea lions while bald eagles and falcons swoop overhead. For the perfect wedding and adventure, book into Langara Island Lodge where you can set out into the wilderness to fish and forage during the day.

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Top 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World

10. Singapore – Singapore

The republic of Singapore is an Island country. It has diverse population 5 million made up various ethnic communities. It is town country which only has a total area of 700 square kilometers. It is ranked the tenth most expensive city in world. The town is small but has a different lifestyle. This is the only country which has no villages as Singapore itself is a city and country as well.

The average one-bedroom rental ranging SIN $ 600 per month or more in the housing area.

The electricity, water and internet cost SIN $ 300 per month or more for single family

Including the very high car prices, the average vehicle tax from SIN $ 1,000 or more annually and the average cost of parking ranges from SIN $ 150 per month.

For meals, Singapore may be said quite friendly range average SIN $ 5 or more to eat and drink.

9. Beijing – China

Beijing is the capital and second largest city in China. One of the densely populated cities in Asia gives convenience of investing to attract many foreign investors to come and invest in China.

Average rent of an apartment in the downtown ranges from RMB7000 (including electricity and water / utility costs)

Dining in Beijing is over RMB20 range for one meal

Daily international newspaper-ranging RMB25, a glass of coffee in a medium restaurant costs RMB 35, and a packet of food including burgers, potatoes and soft drink are more approximately RMB18

8. New York – USA

New York is considered to be the most influential and richest industrial hub in the United States of America. It is the most populous city and is headquarter of all major banks and financial institutions of the world. GDP in 2008 was $1406 Billion, more than entire GDP of India.

New York is the most expensive city compared to all other cities in the US. It is the destination of people from various parts of the world. The population of New York is around 10 million.

Average rent for apartment with two good bedrooms starts around US $ 4000 per month.

Utilities fees range from US $ 250 per family, standard family meals (4 persons) ranged up monthly cost $ 1000.

International paper per issue of US $ 1.8, glass coffee from US $ 3, and packets of food (burger + potato + sodas) for US $ 5.

7. Copenhagen – Denmark

Copenhagen is a distinctive and Capital city of Denmark. It is a place of typical Danish products sales. Its quality of life in this city is one of the best in the world. It has a total population of 667,228 in the beginning of 2009. Copenhagen has a service oriented economy. An important sector is life science and research which plays a major role in the economy of the city

Home rental average-cost in the suburbs of Copenhagen range from US $ 2.500 per month.

Meals are extremely expensive, particularly when eating in a restaurant. Tthe standard per person with two meals plus drinks range more than US $ 80. If you do not eat out for meal, it will cost around U.S. $ 200 upwards for two adults per week.

Monthly costs for electricity, telephone and internet range from a minimum of US $ 200 or more per month.

Cost transport such as taxis quite expensive, short trips use a taxi will cost about US $ 50.

6. Zurich – Switzerland

Zurich is one of the main cities in Switzerland. This city has alpine mountains is a beautiful city for tourist. Lower taxes lead to many investors who invest in stocks.

The cost of apartment rental outside the city without an elevator is starting from US $ 1500 per month.

Utilities fees range from US $ 200 per family, standard family meals (4 persons) ranged from USD800 per month or more

Monthly train pass is US $ 90, oil is very expensive. It costs about US $ 1.6 per liter.

Dining out in the restaurant for two people range from standard to US $ 300, three menus plus wine.

5. Geneva – Switzerland

After Zurich Geneva is the second most populous city in Switzerland. Geneva is a global and financial city. There is a worldwide centre for diplomacy and the most important international co-operation centre with New York because of the presence of numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the Red Cross and the United Nations.

Average rent for apartment with three bedrooms starting around US $ 3000

A three family meal cost around US $ 1200 per month

Health-insurance cost is quite expensive to US $ 800.

Local accommodation costs around US $ 400 up to 650 (per room in a hostel or rental individually per flat), food monthly cost of about US $ 450, transport by tram or bus around US $ 100-170, books and support materials for learning about US $ 100, other costs of US $ 400 other. So the cost for his/her monthly needs about USD $ 1500 to 1800.

4. Moscow – Russia

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is ranked fourth most expensive city in the world. This “Red Bear” city is a 25% contributor to the Russian domestic oil. Sport areas, recreation and clothing are expensive in this city.

Average rent for apartment, not yet furnished with two luxurious bedrooms, is starting around US $ 4500

Utilities fees range from US $ 250 per family, standard family meals (3 persons) cost ranges from US $ 500 upwards monthly

International paper per issue of US $ 5.5, glass coffee from US $ 9 (most expensive cup of coffee compare to other countries), and package food burger + potato + sodas US $ 5.

Dining-out costs will increase the normal monthly family expenditure to 2-3 times.

3. London – UK

London is considered to be the most important and financial center of the world. It is famous for its safe and luxuries life. It is the centuries old financial hub connecting Western economies with the eastern ones. With a GDP of $565 Billion it is Europe’s richest and most exciting city. Central London is home to the headquarters of most of the UK’s top 100 listed companies and hundreds of Europe’s top 500 companies. London is the only city of UK among top 10 richest cities of the world.

Living in the UK particularly London is very expensive compared to other places in the World. An average two bed room apartment in central London will cost you from 1,500 to 2,000 pounds per month. However this cost varies from zone to zone. Living in zone 1 for students is extremely expensive. Dining in a restaurant will cost around 10 pounds per person with one cheese burger, snacks and a soft drink. Transportation cost is also very high. A bus fare from one stop to another is 2.20 pounds. However if you buy week or monthly bus pass that will cost you less . One day oyster pass costs you 4 pounds, whereas one week oyster pass will cost you 17.80 p0unds.

2. Paris – France

One of the most beautiful cities of the world is Paris famous for its architectures and historical buildings. Paris is considered to be the second largest city of Europe. Its GDP is €552.7 billion (US$813.4 billion) in 2008, produces more than a quarter of the gross domestic product (GDP) of France. The Paris region receives 45 million tourists annually, 60% of whom are foreign visitors. The city contains numerous world famous institutions, populous parks and iconic landmarks. It is also called the city of fashion.

1 sandwich will cost you around €5. Pizza between €8 and €10, 1 small coffee €1 at the bar, €2 sitting down, 1 full meal (starter, main dish, dessert, not including drinks): between €15 and €20 depending on the area.

1 beer in a café: €2 to €4, and 1 seat at the cinema: €9.

One bed room apartment in city center will cost 870 € per month where as 3 bed room apartment will cost 2,116 € in city center.

1. Tokyo – Japan

Tokyo is considered to be the costliest city in the world. It is the capital city and financial hub of Japan. The City has an area of 2187 km square and there are more than 13 Million people live in Tokyo. It is the most populated and industrial city in the world. The city often hit by earthquakes so it’s not allowed to build a skyscraper. The cost of living in Tokyo is very expensive.

Average rent for apartment not furnished with two luxurious bedrooms starting around US $ 4.500

International paper per issue of US $ 1, a glass coffee from US $ 5, and package food of burger + potato + sodas for US $ 5.

The cost of eating out, in an expensive restaurant meals ranging from ¥ 13,000 / $ 108 / £ 55 without drinks, while the restaurant of medium range ¥ 4000 to 9000 yen ($ 33 – $ 75 / £ 17 – £ 38), and a cheap average of 4000 yen ($ 33 / £ 17 to less than 2000 yen ($ 17 / £ 8.40).

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Top 10 Fastest Cars in the World

1. Bugatti Veyron:

267 mph, 0-60 in 2.5 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle 8 Liter W16 Engine with 1200 hp, base price is $1,700,000. The Super Sport version is $2,400,000. The speed was tested again on July 10, 2010 with the new 2010 Super Sport Version: the Bugatti Veyron once again claims the title of the fastest car in the world at 267 mph.

2. Top 10 Fastest Cars

257 mph, 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010 until recently it fell behind the Bugatti Veyron, taking the #2 spot.

3. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo:

248 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass. It will make you want to show it off non-stop.

4. Koenigsegg CCX:

245 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is aiming hard to be the fastest car in the world, but it has a long way to go to surpass the Bugatti and the Ultimate Aero.

5. McLaren F1:

240 mph, 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. Check out the doors, they looks like bat wings, maybe Batman needs to order one and paint it black

6. Koenigsegg Agera R:

233mph, 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0-liter V8 Engine with twin turbo’s, housing 1099 hp. Base price is $1,600,000. If you're into snow sports, the Agera R can be fitted with a Ski Box as well as winter tires, not that I would take one on a ski trip or anything like that. While the Agera R has a massive theoretical top speed, it is actually electronically limited to 233 mph.

7. Gumpert Apollo:

224 mph, 0-60 in 3.0 secs, 4.2 liter V8 Engine that houses 650 hp. Base price: $450,000. Gumpert claims that the Apollo was designed such that it could drive upside-down in a tunnel with speeds at 190 mph or above. Of course, no one has tested this yet.

8. Noble M600:

223 mph, 0-60 in 3.7 secs. Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 Engine with 650 hp. Base price is $330,000. The Noble M600 also happens to be a very cool car. Its inconspicuous design sports a slender and contoured body which does not scream out for attention at every second of the day.

9.Pagani Zonda Clinque Roadster:

217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. Twin turbocharged AMG V12 engine that produces 678 hp. Base price is $1,850,000. The Pagani Zonda Clinque Roadster is a limited-edition, with five ever produced. It is the quintessential exotic and exclusive supercar.

9. Ferrari Enzo:

217 mph, 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 were ever produced; the price goes up every time someone crashes.

9. Jaguar XJ220:

217 mph, 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still has what it takes to make the list.

10.Ascari A10:

215 mph, 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0 litre BMW V8 S62 Engine with 625 hp. Base price: $650,000. The company planned to produce 50 of these supercars at its factory in Banbury, England.

10. Pagani Zonda F:

215 mph, 0-60 in 3.5 secs. Mercedes Benz M180 V12 Engine with 650 hp, base price is $667,321. With a V12 motor, this baby can do much better.

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Top Ten Most Expensive Cars in the World

1. Bugatti Veyron $1,700,000

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 is the most powerful, most expensive, and fastest street-legal production car in the world, with a proven top speed of over 400 km/h (407 km/h or 253 mph). It reached full production in September 2005. The car is built by Volkswagen AG subsidiary Bugatti Automobiles SAS and is sold under the legendary Bugatti marque. It is named after racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatti firm. The Veyron features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders.

According to Volkswagen, the final production Veyron engine produces between 1020 and 1040 metric hp (1006 to 1026 SAE net hp), so the car will be advertised as producing "1001 horsepower" in both the US and European markets. This easily makes it the most powerful production road-car engine in history.

2. Ferrari Enzo $1,000,000

The Enzo Ferrari, sometimes referred to as the the Ferrari Enzo and also F60 is a 12-cylinder Ferrari supercar named after the company's founder, Enzo Ferrari. It was built in 2003 using Formula One technology, such as a carbon-fiber body, F1-style sequential shift transmission, and carbon-ceramic brake discs. Also used are technologies not allowed in F1 such as active aerodynamics. After a maximum downforce of 1709 pounds (775 kg) is reached at 186 mph (301 km/h) the rear spoiler is actuated by computer to maintain that downforce.

3. Pagani Zonda C12 F $741,000

The Zonda C12 F debuted at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show. It is the most extensive reengineering of the Pagani car yet, though it shares much with its predecessors including the 7.3 L V12. Power is increased to 602 PS (443 kW/594 hp) with a special clubsport model producing 650 PS (478 kW/641 hp). The company promises a 3.2 second sprint to 60 mph (97 km/h, a top speed over 374 km/h (225 mph) and it will be the queen in braking from 300 km/h to 0 (186 mph to 0). The Zonda F clubsport has a power to weight ratio of 521 bhp/ton (384 W/kg) . Compare, for example, the Enzo Ferrari which has a power to weight ratio of 483 bhp/ton (356 W/kg).

4. Koenigsegg CCX $600,910

The Koenigsegg CCX is the latest supercar from Koenigsegg. CCX is an abbreviation for Competition Coupe X. The X commemorates the 10th anniversary of the completion and test drive of the first CC vehicle in 1996. The CCX is intended to be more suitable for the U.S. market and thus engineered to comply with US regulations. The CCX is powered by a Koenigsegg designed and assembled, all aluminium, 4700 cm³ DOHC 32-valve V8 based on the Ford Modular engine architecture enhanced with twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system, 1.2 bar boost pressure and an 8.2:1 compression ratio. The engine produces 806 hp (601 kW) and 678 lbf.ft (920 Nm) on 91 octane (U.S. rating) gasoline, 850 hp (634 kW) on 96 octane (Euro rating) gasoline and 900 hp (671 kW) on biofuel.

5. Porsche Carrera GT $484,000

The Porsche Carrera GT is a supercar, manufactured by Porsche of Germany. The Carrera GT is powered by an all-new 5.7 litre V10 engine producing 612 SAE horsepower (450 kW). Porsche claims it will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62.5 mph) in 3.9 seconds and has a maximum speed of 330 km/h (206 mph), although road tests indicated that in actuality the car could accelerate from 0-60 in under 3.5 seconds and to 0-100 in 6.8 seconds and has a top speed of 335-340km/h (209-212.5mph).

6. Mercedes SLR McLaren $455,500

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is a sports car and supercar automobile co-developed by DaimlerChrysler and McLaren Cars. It is assembled at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England. Most people presume "SLR" to stand for "Sportlich, Leicht, Rennsport" (German for "Sport; Light; Racing"). The car's base price is £300,000 or $455,500. The SLR has a supercharged 5.5 (5439cc) litre dry sumped 90 degree V8. It produces 466.8 kW at 6500rpm (626 hp) and 780 N·m (575 ft·lbf) torque at 3250 - 5000 rpm.

7. Maybach 62 $385,250

The Maybach 57 and 62 were the first automobile models of the Maybach brand since the brand's revival by DaimlerChrysler. They are derived from the Mercedes-Benz Maybach concept car presented at the 1997 Tokyo Motorshow (which was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan). DaimlerChrysler attempted to buy the Rolls-Royce/Bentley marque when Vickers offered the company up for sale. When this attempt failed (they were outbid by BMW and Volkswagen respectively) they introduced the Maybach as a direct challenger in 2002. Both models are variants of the same ultra-luxurious automobile. The model numbers reflect the respective lengths of the automobiles in decimetres; the 57 is more likely to be owner-driven while the longer 62 is designed with a chauffeur in mind. The engine is a Mercedes-sourced 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12, generating 550 hp.

8. Rolls-Royce Phantom $320,000

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is a luxury saloon automobile made by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a BMW subsidiary. It was launched in 2003 and is the first Rolls-Royce model made under the ownership of BMW. It has a 6.8 L, 48-valve, V12 engine that produces 453 hp (338 kW) and 531 ft·lbf (720 N·m) of torque. The engine is derived from BMW's existing V12 powerplant. It is 1.63 m (63 in) tall, 1.99 m (74.8 in) wide, 5.83 m (228 in) long, and weighs 2485 kg (5478 lb). The body of the car is built on an aluminium spaceframe and the Phantom can accelerate to 60 mph (100 km/h) in 5.7 s.

9. Lamborghini Murcielago $279,900

The Lamborghini Murciélago is a GT and supercar automobile made by Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. and designed by Luc Donckerwolke. It was introduced in 2002 as the successor to the Diablo. The body style is a two door, two seat coupé. The LP640 version was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2006. It features a 6.5 L engine, now producing 640 bhp, improving performance substantially. There were also a few minor external changes, primarily to the low air intakes.

10. Aston Martin Vanquish $255,000

The Aston Martin V12 Vanquish is a supercar manufactured by Aston Martin since 2001. It rose to fame after being featured as the official James Bond car in Die Another Day, the twentieth James Bond film. In the film, the Vanquish has the usual Bond film embellishments, including active camouflage which rendered the vehicle virtually invisible. The Vanquish is powered by a 5.9 L (5935 cc) 48-valve 60° V12 engine, which produces 343 kW (460 hp) and 542 N·m (400 ft·lbf) of torque. It is controlled by a fly-by-wire throttle and a 6 speed 'paddle shift' or semi-automatic transmission. A special V12 Vanquish S debuted at the 2004 Paris Auto Show with the power upped to 388 kW (520 hp) and 577 N·m (426 ft·lbf).

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