5 cars most expensive in the world

5. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo - $555,000

The Saleen S7 uses a 7 liter 750 HP V-8 engine. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds.
Saleen's S7 Twin Turbo has fallen to the 5th place from last years first spot in most expensive car list. Mainly because all four nameplates ahead of it are new. However, the S7 still remains to be one of the more recognizable supercars on the list.
Made in U.S.
4. Leblanc Mirabeau - $645,080

Leblanc Mirabeau features a mid-engine that can output over 700 HP and is capable of reaching 230 mph / 370 km/h top speed.
Leblanc is rapidly ramping up the production of its new Mirabeau supercar, which, with its power and potential, should belong to a race track. Hopes are to make this powerful supercar street-legal for the U.S. roads by the end of 2006 or early 2007.
Made in Switzerland.
3. SSC Ultimate Aero - $654,500

SSC Ultimate Aero uses a 1,046 HP V-8 engine.
This is not just the most expensive, but it is also the fastest American car. Automaker SSC has estimated that this supercar is capable of reaching 260 to 273 mph on the racing track. And apparently its not the end of Ultimate Aero capabilities. SSC has already announced the Ultimate Aero TT model, which features an even more powerful engine.
Made in U.S.
2. Pagani Zonda Roadster F C12S 7.3, Clubsport version - $667,320

This Pagani Zonda features an engine that puts out 650 HP, which makes it more powerful than its predecessor Pagani Zonda F and much more powerful than the older Pagani Zonda C12 S.
Pagani is a boutique Italian race car maker that specializes in building radical-looking sports cars. This expensive new model has helped the Zonda remain in 2nd place on the most expensive car list, where it ended up in year 2005.
Made in Italy.
1. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 - $1,192,060

Bugatti Veyron 16.4 uses a 16-cylinder, 1001 HP engine.
With its incredibly powerful engine, acceleration times and price, Veyron isn't just most expensive, but also most fascinating car in terms of performance and luxury. With its notorious production delays finally over, Bugatti's superstar Veyron is now already for sale in Europe and the company is working hard to bring it to the U.S. market.
Made in France.

Rossi distinguished by Italian government with award

Valentino Rossi receives award from Italian Foreign Ministry

Reigning MotoGP World Champion Valentino Rossi was received in the Villa Madama in Rome last night by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where Minister Franco Frattini awarded him the first ‘Winning Italy Award’. The Italian star was praised for his vast number of race victories (103 to date) which has seen the Italian national anthem played on five continents.

Personalities such as Vito Ippolito (President of the FIM), Carmelo Ezpeleta (CEO of Dorna), and MotoGP legend Giacomo Agostini were all present, as were ambassadors of the various countries in which the World Championship takes place and personal invitees of Rossi. The highlight of the evening was the award by Minister Frattini to Rossi of a trophy with the inscription ‘Winning Doctor, ambassador of Made in Italy’. Rossi then took questions from the media and spoke on the present and the future.

“Since I returned to Italy I have distanced myself from some people, and now I have returned to surround myself with real friends,” said Rossi. “I am again enjoying the sport and the desire to compete, so I think I will continue for some more years. The trick to staying on top for a long time is having fun. This is the motivation I prefer and avoids controversy. When I was younger I was entertained by that.”

With the media not missing the chance to ask questions about a possible future at Ducati, Rossi was more clear than ever on the subject. “An Italian on an Italian bike would be nice, yes. But I think I want to stay with Yamaha, which is also a little bit Italian. I would feel like a traitor if I acted any other way, because I feel very good with them.”

Rossi then looked forward to the 2010 World Championship, and said: “The young riders in Stoner and Lorenzo seem to me to be more prepared than the old adversaries of Biaggi and Gibernau. Who do I fear the most? Perhaps Stoner, but only because Jorge is injured and will need a few Grands Prix to fully recover.”

Concluding, Rossi gave praise and recognition Giacomo Agostini, whom he embraced at the end of the ceremony.

“I do not know if I will ever overtake him,” said Rossi. “To go where he has been requires a courage which is not comparable to that needed today.”