2005-2010 Cadillac BLS
Classical example of GM badge-engineering. The Cadillac BLS was a compact sedan/wagon built exclusively for northern Europe; almost all were sold in either Russia, Scandinavia, Germany, or the Baltic states. It was based off the GM Epsilon platform, which consisted of the Saab 9-3, Chevrolet Malibu, Opel Vectra, and Saturn Aura sedans, and was built in Sweden. In its top spec, the BLS was powered by a 2.8L turbocharged V6 making 250hp and a 6-speed manual, making for a decent driving experience. Curiously, it was never sold in America, which was especially odd since the American Cadillac market was void of a compact car on their lineup at the time. The BLS received average reviews but sold poorly, with less then 10k of them ever leaving the factory.
Sure the MacGuffin was a little contrived, and perhaps the driving scenes were disproportionate to the drama (remember that Frankenheimer brought us Grand Prix--arguably the greatest racing movie of all time), but I think it was very well acted for an action movie, and the score is phenomenal.
Such a nasty car, I like it!1996-1999 Tatra 700
The 700 was the very last passenger vehicle made by the Czech marque Tatra, and it replaced the aging 613. What set this land yacht apart from it's competitors more than anything else was not the fact that it's Czech, but it being rear-engined, rear-wheel drive, and air-cooled. Measuring in at over 202 inches long and weighing 1800kg, it was roughly the size of a long-wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W140). Two engines were available: a 3.5L V8 and a 4.4L V8, making 198 and 231 horsepower respectively; the 4.4L produced well over 300 lb-ft of torque, allowing the 700 to reach speeds of 156mph. Strangely, this car was only offered with a 5-speed manual, unconventional for a flagship luxury cruiser. Unfortunately, the 700 did not sell nearly as well as it's German rivals, the A8, W140, and E38, due to it being virtually unknown and having odd proportions. Just 75 of these were ever built in its 4-year lifespan.
They're odd ducks. They have an air-cooled V8 in the rear, centered over the axle with the engine case housing the ring and pinion assembly with the differential. The right hand axle passes directly beneath the center main crankshaft bearing rather than under the oil pan flange mounting surface like almost every other vehicle with the engine above the driven axles. It allowed the engine to be positioned lower in the chassis while maintaining a reasonable angle on the halfshafts.
Those headlights were regarded, presumably widely even, as REVOLUTIONARY in 2001. And now? Who sings a song for the VS?
Or anyone silly enough to buy one after they went out of warranty.
