With a handful of the teams filling the F1 grid for the upcoming season – including Ferrari and Toyota – having already unveiled their 2009-spec challengers, some have bemoaned the effect the new regulations have had on the cars' appearances. But after looking at this monster, we have no doubt those qualms will quickly disappear in its shadow. And quite a shadow it casts: you're looking at what its creators call the GP Limo.

The concept is fairly straightforward: build a grand prix-style race car, only instead of a single-seater, why not give it room for seven: driver plus six ride-alongs. There have been efforts in the past to create tandem or 1+2 versions of F1 chassis, but this is taking it to the next level, approaching the look of a theme park attraction. Stretching the wheelbase to such an extent is bound to wreak havoc on its handling, but its creators are targeting the Bugatti Veyron's 250-mph top speed. So it may be hideous (and street legal), but between the requisite helmet and the bonkers top speed, nobody will see you riding in it anyway. The project is the brainchild of inventor Mike Pettipas, hailing from – where else – Canada, where they're apparently desperate to fill the void left by the departure of the Canadian Grand Prix. Hate to break it to my fellow Canucks, but this ain't it.


[Source: GPLimos via Autofiends]