Most extreme SUV

Although based on the generic design framework of standard SUV's the Knight XV is so out there as almost to defy classification. For a start it's sheer size... about 2x as big as a Hummer (seen here compared to a H2)


Having seen an H1 many years back it's hard to fathom just how truck like this must seem to be. I also had the pleasure of being driven around in an H2 when I weighed 290+ and my driver was around 300 and we had plenty of elbow room.

The cost, over a half a million bucks, takes it far past other SUV's and then the spec: as high as you like with all bar a nadge of the toughness of an actual military vehicle on which it is based. For more info inc spec click HERE The official site is HERE

Remy Martin Louis XIII Cognac

With the standard version going for big bucks (see image above) at around £1500 a bottle how about the Remy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl, at $35,000 cognac for 1.5l? The bottles alone are collectors items and many are sold with the idea of an investment rather than something to enjoy as a (using the Yank term) 'sipping liquor'.

While there are, I am sure, many for who have personal preferences, most agree that of all the Cognac's, this is generally accepted as the best. Not that I have these kinds of bucks on hands for drinking it still seems something of a shame to put it away and hope that it makes me a few more bucks.

Land Speed Record

Thrust SSC
This is a British centric blog post. We not only hold the current record (763mph) but look to be the first team to 1000mph with the Bloodhound project. Unlike earlier posts one suspects there's more to come yet so it's not a 'concord moment'.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

Much like the acclaimed SR-71 this car has also been described as 'a Concord moment'. At one time, since passed, the most expensive road car it is, for now, our fastest. Wiki lists this as being 267.85 (as driven by Bugatti's test driver) but all SS models are limited to a mere 250+ to save the tires.

Lockheed SR-71

Lets start with the stats:

• Crew: 2
• Payload: 3,500 lb (1,600 kg) of sensors
• Length: 107 ft 5 in (32.74 m)
• Wingspan: 55 ft 7 in (16.94 m)
• Height: 18 ft 6 in (5.64 m)
• Wing area: 1,800 ft² (170 m²)
• Empty weight: 67,500 lb (30,600 kg)
• Loaded weight: 170,000 lb (77,000 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 172,000 lb (78,000 kg)
• Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney J58-1 continuous-bleed afterburningturbojets, 32,500 lbf (145 kN) each
• Wheel track: 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m)
• Wheel base: 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m)
• Aspect ratio: 1.7

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 3.2+ (2,200+ mph, 3,530+ km/h, 1,900+ knots) at 80,000 ft (24,000 m)
• Range: 2,900 nmi (5,400 km)
• Ferry range: 3,200 nmi (5,925 km)
• Service ceiling: 85,000 ft (25,900 m)
• Rate of climb: 11,810 ft/min (60 m/s)
• Wing loading: 94 lb/ft² (460 kg/m²)
• Thrust/weight: 0.382

Of these two stand out. Speed; Mach 3.2 and operational height (85,000 feet). I believe the OH is in level flight as, without checking, it has been exceeded. The technology used in it's creation was very advanced for it's time. It is, as has been said of Concord, a vehicle for which one may ask - why has nothing better been created? We peaked, then took several steps back. Of course, one might guess something IS out there (a super fast stealth) but by virtue of it's very design we have yet to see or read about it. Maybe, but until then this could be called one of our 'best of the best'.

What this blog is about

It's my aim, from time to time, to add what many might see as the absolute pinnacle of mans creative juices. Whether it's the best jet fighter, fastest car or finest work of art. I'll include recommendations by experts in those areas, personal favorites and submissions. From time to time it will include specifically British 'best of the best' but will not focus on UK only creations.