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10 coolest cars of Fast & FuriousOur favorite Fast & Furious cars, from the ultra-obscure to the iconic.
By Erik Sofge of MSN Autos
Summer is a magical time, a season filled with daylong cookouts, relaxing getaways, harrowing car chases and tons of ground-pounding explosions. At least, that's how the hottest quarter of the year plays out on the big screen. And although computer-generated special effects have all but overtaken this perennial gathering of blockbuster-hopefuls, summer movies are still a showcase for the hottest rides. From whip-smart product placement and marketing stunts to prop-house triumphs, here's a look at our 10 favorite vehicles, both real and make-believe, from Hollywood's busiest season.
• What are this summer's blockbuster movies?
View Slideshow: Summer's Best Car Shows
'The Avengers' | Acura NSX Roadster Concept
It wasn't yet officially summer when "The Avengers" showed up to detonate box-office records. But how could we leave Acura's NSX Roadster off this list, especially since it generated buzz months before the movie's release. Its appearance was intended to gauge consumer interest, according to Acura. With the movie cruising past $1 billion in record time, it's safe to say that the public is interested in anything related to "The Avengers."
• Would you rather have the old or new NSX?
• If roadsters are your thing, check out these.
'Dark Shadows' | 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda Convertible
Tim Burton's remake of the 1970s cult-classic soap opera was impaled by critics and largely ignored by audiences. And yet, that cherry-red Barracuda was mesmerizing. The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda was the ride of choice for the similarly badass witch played by Eva Green. If you're into overanalysis, it was a sign of the times; 1970 was the model year the 'Cuda went from sleekly muscular to unapologetically stocky, and menacing as hell.
• The '70 'Cuda is one of the greatest muscle cars ever.
• Is there a modern-day equivalent?
'Men in Black 3' | 1964 Ford Galaxie 500
In the third installment of this alien-hunting franchise, the present-day agents drive a Ford Taurus. That's all well and good, but when Will Smith's Agent J time-travels back to 1969, that period's Men in Black are issued a much classier company car. The 1964 Galaxie 500 was well-received in its day, a racing-inspired car that was most impressive in its 500XL trim, where, among other things, it sported a V8 engine.
• You think this is a good road-trip car? Try one of these.
• Would you buy a Taurus SHO?
'Men in Black 3' | Monocycle
Whether it successfully upstages the '64 Ford Galaxie 500 or simply makes for good tie-in merchandising, let's agree that the gyroscopically stabilized monocycles in "Men in Black 3" are extremely nifty. Single-wheeled bikes aren't completely unfeasible — you can buy one, right now, from Hammacher Schlemmer — but they probably won't hit a top speed of 100 mph or zip along the sides of buildings.
• One wheel is sort of ridiculous. But two can be fun.
• If two wheels are too few, maybe these open-air rides are more to your liking.
'Hit and Run' | 1967 Lincoln Continental
Imagine a world where Jay Leno not only collected obscenely beautiful cars, but drove them — and drove them hard — in movies that he also wrote, directed, produced and starred in. Some small version of that alternate reality is unfolding this summer in "Hit and Run," in which actor-comedian Dax Shepard powers around in his own cherished 1967 Lincoln Continental, in the movie he wrote, directed, etc.
• This Lincoln is one of the most lustworthy cars ever. Here are some others.
• Here are some other cool classics for summertime.
'The Dark Knight Rises' | Lamborghini Aventador
It's the eternal question: Does Batman enjoy playing the part of billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne, or is it exhausting having to burn around Gotham in a Lamborghini Aventador? For the final movie in Christopher Nolan's trilogy, The Dark Knight manages to stop punching people long enough to be seen in this appropriately sinister gunmetal harbinger of automotive justice, with its V12 engine and 700 vengeful horses.
• If you like the Aventador, check out these other super sexy vehicles.
• Compare the Aventador with your favorite supercar.
'The Dark Knight Rises' | Camouflage Tumbler
The Tumbler is back, and in the camouflage paint scheme from its first appearance in "Batman Begins." The original Tumbler helped cement the updated tone of the rebooted Batman — it was brutally efficient, all hard angles, and was blazingly fast, like the bastard offspring of a Lamborghini and a battle tank.
• The Tumbler might be unattainable, but these tough trucks are all for sale.
• If you like AWD vehicles, but don't need one that's battle-ready, try these.
'Gangster Squad' | 1949 Jaguar XK120
This crime drama set in the 1940s and '50s, about the Los Angeles police's attempts — both legal and less so — to repel an invasion of East Coast mobsters, will most likely feature scores of classic cars. But it'll be hard to top this XK120. Along with its irresistible design, the XK120 had maximum speed of 120 mph, faster than any standard production car at the time, a feat no doubt helped by its aluminum body.
• Look at the classic vehicles you might see in this film
• Check out a modern XK.
'Total Recall' | Dodge Federal Police Cruiser
Is it a remake of the Arnold Schwarzenegger camp classic or a new take on the Philip K. Dick story? Whatever — Total Recall has flying cars! And they stick to the ceiling. Though most of those airworthy automobiles will no doubt be fully computer-generated, this prop car has appeared at conventions, a Dodge-approved vision of tomorrow's hovering police presence.
• Flying cars are a reality.
• Check out this video if you doubt us.
'Dredd' | Lawmaster
Our final selection rolls into theaters at the very tail end of summer, and not a minute too soon. This is Hollywood's second attempt at the Lawmaster; the one driven by Sylvester Stallone in 1995's "Judge Dredd" looked impressively similar to the one in the classic British comic book, but the darn thing flew around. This time, the heavily armed police motorcycle has a more modern feel, like a naked bike girded for war.
• Here are some other, more attainable badass bikes.
• If two wheels aren't you thing, try these road warriors.
For more information on any of the vehicles in this slideshow, click the links below:
Based out of the Boston area, Erik Sofge is frequent contributor to Popular Mechanics and Slate.com. He specializes in everything scientific and technical.
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