Great recall, Matt. The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid also managed to finish a 24-hour race in 2011--and the team has posted a retraction of the claim on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/P45Competizione/posts/386857568018169

I take no sides in the brand wars--I like both brands immensely for different reasons, and dislike them equally for others. There's no doubt the GT500 is outright quicker than the ZL1, but the ZL1 has a certain special sauce that the GT500 lacks, in my personal experience.

You're both correct. This one looks to be the U.S. Accord, though it's still quite heavily camouflaged. The roofline, A-pillar, and overall proportion look quite similar to the Accord Coupe Concept, as noted.

Actually, the Audi A6 is FWD/AWD, just like the XTS, and it competes for the same buyers.

Fair enough, I guess. Like I said, it's very technically competent; it handles well (the best GT500 yet), it's fast, and it's quick. It just doesn't exude awesomeness like you'd expect 662 horsepower to do, or like other 600+ horsepower cars I've driven.

Precisely--it's all about utility. One car that'll hold a week's grocery run, stuff from the hardware store (within reason), carry tires to the track, and still be fast and compact.

Give it some time. I think this may turn out well. Right now it looks a bit mangled, but that's how it works. Gotta make it ugly before you make it pretty again.

Actually, I like Top Gear and Clarkson both. It's called sarcasm.

Nice Chandler quote.

Some might think so, but in person, the 500 Abarth has a very different vibe. At least to my eye. As for the MINI (would have to be a Cooper S to hang with this crowd), very good call--that one could potentially replace any option on this list, for dynamics/balance and fun.