2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The ZR1 is a high-water mark for Corvette performance that - given the macro trends in oil prices, the U.S. economy, and the fortunes of General Motors - almost certainly will never be achieved again. Here is a car that convincingly answers the question: How much power is too much power? The engine breaks into a roar above 3000 rpm or so. In the wet, this car overwhelms its traction control in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear. Cabin finally tamps down its resin-smelling, plasticene origins, but it's still not as nice as even that of a Nissan GTR. Joe Lorio, Senior Editor