What programs for photo-editing?

[DeathAlley]

Hey guys, I'm new to editing photos. I use Picasa and Lightroom to edit my photos. What programs do you guys use? When I think mine is the best photo I've ever seen, I always see one that is good enough to be in a car ad. The photo looks unbelievable.

Photo by mazda787:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mazda787/7009738717/

Photo by SMfan:

GT-R Black Edition by SMfan, on Flickr

Here's mine:

Menacing by BlancPlain, on Flickr


Dodge Challenger by BlancPlain, on Flickr

How do I achieve the same "feeling"?

 

[McClarenDesign]

Look in the Photomode section.

 

[BlackSeries]

Gimp.