When it comes to automobiles, branding a model as a "special edition" implies there is something unique about the vehicle, something that makes it posher, faster, better-handling or even just hotter than the stock piece of hardware from whence it came. More often than not, automaker spin doctors use the phrase as a marketing tool, a bit of sleight of hand to breathe life back into a stale nameplate. However, a few special editions aren't simply "lipstick on a pig" and truly deliver on the promise of offering up an extraordinary ride. Here, we've identified the best of the breed. Each brings something to the table — performance enhancements, comfort upgrades, unique colors and other one-off details — not available to the masses and will elevate your status among the automotive elite.
2012 Scion tC Release Series 7.0
Price: $20,905Scion has been infusing its lineup with Release Series rides since 2004. There have been eight xB-based RS versions, six tC and three xD. All feature RS-only paint schemes, interior treatments and numbered badges. But from there the equipment can vary widely, from Toyota Racing Development go-fast gear to custom body kits to trick wheels and elaborate infotainment electronics. Based on the all-new tC, this one features High Voltage yellow paint, a TRD body kit, blacked-out 18-inch wheels, a color-matched interior, a smart-key push-button start and a high-power Pioneer stereo with Bluetooth. Scion will offer 2,200 tC RS 7.0s beginning this summer.
Price: $20,295
2011 Kia Soul Hamster Edition
Price: $20,295This Soul started life as an auto-show project and has graduated to production status, becoming the sixth model in the box-shaped car's line-up. Along with its Molten Red paint scheme and black-matte stripes and graphics, the Hamster features an automatic transmission, power sunroof, fog lights, blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels and color-matched spoilers and bumpers. Inside, Hamster-emblazoned floor mats join leather-trimmed seats and an upgraded audio system that packs a 315-watt wallop. The system features speaker lights that pulse to the beat of the music, which really allows the Hamster to set a lively tone for the daily commute.
2012 Volkswagen Black Turbo Launch Edition
Price: $24,950The Beetle is all-new for 2012, and VW is producing 600 of these Black Turbo Launch Edition models as a coming-out party. The Black Turbo Launch Edition is powered by VW's trusty 2.0-liter 200-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine backed by a dual-clutch automatic transmission. Other nifty features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, fog lights, Bluetooth/iPod connectivity, 3-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red callipers, special cloth seats and an 8-speaker audio system. The car is available via preorder only at vw.com.
Price: $31,720
2011 Mazda MX-5 Special Edition
Price: $31,720The Miata has the balance of a gymnast and the heart of a samurai. The highly tossable 2011 Special Edition is a party celebrating a whopping 900,000 in global Miata sales. The Miata Special Edition is based on the MX-5 Grand Touring model and is fitted with a retractable hardtop. This engaging drop-top features sport-tuned Bilstein dampers, a limited-slip rear differential, HID headlamps, keyless ignition, Bluetooth phone connectivity and two exclusive colors: Sparkling Black Mica and Dolphin Gray Mica. Other special equipment includes black leather seats with gray stitching and polished 17-inch rolling stock. Output is expected to be 750 units.
2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition
Price: $33,355Toyota offers FJ Cruiser Trail Teams Special Edition packages each model year. The 2011 package is easily spotted by its menacing Army Green exterior color and color-matching roof. Other unique touches include a blacked-out grille, mirrors, door handles and bumpers; 6-spoke alloy wheels; BFGoodrich all-terrain tires; trail-tuned Bilstein shocks; rock rails; and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Inside, green fabric seat inserts and door trim complement the exterior. Water-resistant seats and rubber floor mats make it easy to clean the trail out of the FJ Cruiser after the capable SUV hits the dirt.
Lexus IS 350C F-Sport Edition
Price: $55,120Really get your groove on this summer in the alluring special edition from Lexus. Hard-hitting visuals set this ride apart from the stock IS 350C, especially its two exclusive exterior colors — Starfire Pearl and Obsidian — and dark graphite 19-inch forged alloy wheels. Beyond the sheet metal, Bilstein shocks, a special rear sway bar and lowering springs enhance the driving experience. The interior sports black and red leather and heated and cooled seats. Navigation is also part of the Special Edition package. It includes a rearview camera, Lexus Enform and satellite radio. Production will be a mere 175 units.
2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition
Price: $67,500If Darth Vader rolled a Porsche, it would be a Black Edition. Anything that will accept paint is blacked-out on this Cayman — the side air-intake grilles, the twin exhaust tailpipes, the badge on the rear decklid, everything. The third Black Edition offering from Porsche, this Cayman features special 19-inch wheels and a long list of standard equipment designed to make the car a value buy. Power is bumped 10 ponies to 330 horsepower. The run of 500 is slated to hit showrooms in late summer.
2011 Cadillac CTS-V Black Diamond Edition
2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition
Tom Cruise had an F14 Tomcat jet fighter in the 1986 blockbuster movie "Top Gun" to satisfy his need for speed. 'Vette fans can satisfy theirs with this souped-up Z06. The star of this show is Chevy's new Z07 Performance Package, which includes GM's Magnetic Selective Ride Control, ceramic brakes and big wheels. The Carbon Edition also features a carbon-fiber hood, rocker panels and front splitter, and its Z07-spec 20-inch wheels are blacked-out. Buyers can choose from two new Carbon Edition colors, Inferno Orange Metallic and Supersonic Blue Metallic. Act fast if you want into this "danger zone," because only 500 will be offered.
2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Special Edition
Price: $1.6 million, estimatedWhen you've sold just 400 or so cars in seven years, it's hard to tell a special edition from a run-of-the-mill model, especially when run-of-the-mill encompasses 16 cylinders, four turbos and 1,001 horsepower. Bugattis are made to order, so when the company displays cars at auto shows they become de facto special editions. The 2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Special Edition saw action at the 2011 Auto Shanghai. This open-air gem features special blue-shadow chrome alloy wheels and blue carbon-fiber body trim. The cabin matches the body; it's wrapped in blue, featuring brushed aluminum highlights.
Courtesy : Evan Griffey of MSN Autos
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