Melkus RS2000 — Click above for high-res image gallery
Three years ago Melkus, the historic, East German race car builder, released renderings of a gullwing sports car they wanted to have ready in 2009. It always makes us happy to see the passionate guy make big plans and then get them achieved – on time even – and the Melkus RS2000 is the culmination of that achievement. Based on an Elise, it rides on a Melkus-designed aluminum double-wishbone suspension and wears a glass-fiber reinforced polyester body.
Power comes from the 1.8-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder Elise tuned up to 270 hp that shifts through a short-throw 6-speed transmission. With a curb weight of 950 kg (2,090 pounds) you can get to 60 in 4.9 seconds. Interiors can be customized as you wish, but the car comes standard with more creature comforts than you’ll find in most of its competition, including the Elise. The Melkus’ creation did come with a price: the original estimates were for it to cost €75,000; the actual price is €107,500. But what’s a little inflation between friends.
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The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released its popular Hot Wheels report — its list of the 10 most stolen vehicles in the United States. The report examines vehicle theft data submitted by law enforcement to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC). The report included the top ten most stolen vehicles based on make and model in 2012.
Many of the cars on the list aren’t overly surprising. Vehicles like the Toyota Camry and Ford F-Series are extremely popular, and the sheer number of them on the road means they are more likely to be stolen.
You can help protect yourself from theft by following NCIB’s simple four layers of protection:
Use Common Sense: Lock your car and take your keys. Many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.
Have A Warning Device: A visible or audible alarm can ensure that your car remains where you left it.
Use An Immobilizing Device: For the most part, if your vehicle can’t be started, it can’t be stolen.
Tracking Device: Tracking devices are very effective in helping the police recover stolen vehicles.
Click through to see the most commonly stolen cars last year:
Honda
2012 Total Thefts: 6,947
At nearly 7,000 total thefts, the Nissan Maxima kicks off the list at the number ten spot.
2012 Total Thefts: 9,169
Another Nissan, the popular Altima midsize sedan, made the list with just more than 9,000 total thefts.
2012 Total Thefts: 9,555
The sporty Acura Integra is a favorite among thieves. In 2012, 9,555 were stolen.
2012 Total Thefts: 11,755
The Dodge Ram is one of the most popular pickups in the country. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most stolen.
2012 Total Thefts: 11,799
Nearly 12,000 Dodge Caravan minivans were stolen in 2012. It’s not a sexy car, but thieves seem to target it nonetheless.
2012 Total Thefts: 16,251
As the most popular car in America, it makes sense that the Camry would make the list. The sheer number of them on the road renders a lot of thefts inevitable.
2012 Total Thefts: 23,745
Chevrolet’s highly capable pickup is a major target for theft. Over 23,000 were stolen in 2012.
2012 Total Thefts: 26,770
The Ford F-Series is the best selling vehicle in the country so, like the Camry, odds are that a lot of them will be stolen.
2012 Total Thefts: 47,037
More than 47,000 Civics were stolen in 2012. If you own one of these small sedans, we recommend vigilance.
2012 Total Thefts: 58,596
The popular Honda Accord was the most stolen car in 2012 with a remarkable 58,596 thefts.