Photo credit: Ann Heisenfelt / AP

Since 11:30 Wednesday morning, police have been searching for a man who attacked a white Jeep Liberty housing a speed camera that was parked in a work zone on the Baltimore Washington Parkway.  Apparently, the man, who appeared to have been in his 60s and was oddly wearing a flannel shirt in 90 degree weather, came storming out of the woods with a shotgun and used the weapon to angrily tap on the vehicle, which startled a contractor who was inside the Jeep.  The contractor hit the horn, and at that point, the man started screaming and smashed the windshield in with a hammer. The man eventually fled into the woods.

No one really knows what his motive was, though a fair guess is that he was pissed at the speed camera.  Now, like many people, I hate speed cameras, but I don’t think that camera on the BW deserved his wrath.  It’s at a work zone, there are plenty of signs warning of the use of speed cameras, and even a radar speed sign that tells you how fast you’re going.  Plus, the fine is only $40 and no points.  What I find more deserving of said wrath are the Honda Odysseys on the BW that drive in both lanes at the same exact speed below the speed limit.  Or the tour buses that do the same thing.  Or the drivers who just cut onto the parkway without looking despite the yield signs and the lack of a merging lane.  Or the people in the shitbox 30 year old Pontiacs that are ALWAYS broken down in one of the two lanes, annihilating any naive hope anyone might have for a pleasant drive.  In other words, unless you enjoy cutting yourself, avoid the Baltimore Washington Parkway.  If the interminable traffic doesn’t get to you, a hammer-wielding lunatic just might.

Source: Washington Post

Recently, I attended the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds in Pennsylvania. Held every May, this show features a vast array of meticulously maintained classic British, European and Japanese cars, exemplary examples of their more modern kin, as well as a beautiful collection of kit cars.  As far as sheer variety in makes, models and years, hands down, this show can’t be beat.

This has become something of an annual treat for me as I can think of few better ways to spend a weekend than by gazing at a gleaming sea of jaw-droppingly stunning automobiles, many of which I guarantee you won’t find at other shows. Plus, participation is open to anyone with an import or a kit car – all you have to do is register, make your car pretty and show up. It’s a great opportunity to display your cherished ride and meet other aficionados of your favorite marques.

I used to come down to show my Saab and hang out with the Saab contingent that makes it out every year. But even though I have a Subaru now, it’s just so much fun that I continue to make the trip to Carlisle (my WRX was parked over by the lone DeLorean, if you happened to be there). Volvo, BMW and Audi clubs also traditionally have a large showing so the weekend is packed with the cars you love, cars you haven’t seen before, your friends from the forums, barbeques – it’s a good time for everyone.  So, if you’re not too far out from Pennsylvania, I definitely recommend heading out there next May to check out the Carlisle Import and Kit Nationals. To tide you over, provided for your viewing pleasure are some of my favorite cars of the weekend. Enjoy!

Lancia Scorpion

Matte black Volvo V70R

Opel GT and Opel Kadett Coupe

Volvo P1800S

Saab 9-3 Viggens

Ferrari 360 Modena and 328GTS

Citroën 2CV and Smart Roadster Coupe

Gorgeous Audi Quattro

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth

Twin-charged Audi A1

Volvo S60Rs

Saab 99 Turbo

Badass Volvos: PV544 and 142

DKW Junior de Luxe - DKW/Dampf-Kraft-Wagen became one of the four companies that comprised the "Audi NSU Auto Union AG" (now known as Audi AG).

Triumph TR8 and TR6s

Saab 96 V4 convertible - must have been a custom job.

Bimmer Beauties

Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

Citroën H Van and DS

Audi A7

Honda Z600 / 600 Coupe

Saab Sonetts

Datsun SPL311 Roadster

Opel GT

Yes, it may be just one of those ridiculously goofy Will Ferrell movies, but if you love stupid humor, it’s a total laugh riot.  Plus, Adam McKay, who directed “Talledega Nights” (another timeless Ferrell flick), is behind the helm of it.

One of the reasons why this movie is so originally epic is that THE true action star is a Prius police car – which gets shot up, doused in cocaine, and serves as the host of a homeless orgy.  If you have a few minutes for a laugh, check out the compilation below of the best Prius clips from the movie:

Source: YouTube

This is the cover of the new Lady Gaga album.

I gotta tell you, I haven’t seen such foolery in a long time so I thought I’d pass it along.  I can’t even begin to wrap my head around this one. Why now a motorcycle?  What the hell does it mean?  Why are her arms the fork?  That can’t be very good for handling.

Is this a response to rumors that she’s had a few mods here and there?  Why does she have hair in her mouth?  How loud is her exhaust?

I have a feeling it’s supposed to be “high art,”  but the cover seriously looks like something I’d make after I’ve had a few and I’m messing around on MS Paint (don’t pretend like you haven’t).

Maybe it’s a good thing for her if no one gets it – no decent musician isn’t a little unhinged.  By that logic, she’s a genius.

However, there’s only one person who could truly rev this album cover over the top and that would be Paula Deen.

Thankfully, someone has already taken care of that.

God bless the interwebz.

Image: Paula Deen Riding Things (there is a website for that).

Yuck.  Photo courtesy of The Hookups.

There are few things in life more frustratingly debilitating for an auto enthusiast than motion sickness.  This mercilessly vile condition is caused by a disconnect between motion sensed by your inner ear and a lack of motion perceived by your eyes (often due to reading).  This confuses the brain which causes many of us to go green in the gills and then inevitably become the subject of an embarrassing story.

Motion sickness is especially, and understandably, tough on rally co-drivers who are responsible for navigating a car from their pace notes in daytime and at night, through twists and turns, and across jumps, gravel and other gut-churning terrain.  And even some of the best drivers on this planet are susceptible to the need, the need to heave.

Sadly, motion sickness can strike at any time, as people who could usually write a dissertation in a speeding Caterham Seven can suddenly and surprisingly become deathly ill while reading a map of the interstate.  But don’t let a weak stomach hold you back from your competitive dreams – fear not, I have you covered.  Whether you’re just starting out as a co-driver in a stage rally, competing in a TSD, or are the designated navigator on a lengthy road trip, these tips from experienced rally co-drivers will help you keep the bile down.

SUPPLEMENTS / MEDICATION

**Please note that I am not a doctor.  If you’re interested in pursuing the following suggestions, please consult with your doctor first about any possible side effects or drug interactions.**

Many co-drivers recommend ingesting some form of ginger before and during a rally to prevent and alleviate any nausea (even Mythbusters concurs).  Ginger supplements (pills) are easily found at stores like Whole Foods, although chewing raw ginger pieces – if you can stand it – seems to be the purest and most effective option.

If you don’t like the taste of ginger, besides the pills, some grocery stores also sell crystallized ginger coated in sugar that you can eat without incinerating your mouth.  Ginger snaps, ginger candy and ginger ale are also recommended but since most varieties contain trace amounts of ginger, the other alternatives mentioned are a safer bet.  My favorite way to consume a lot of ginger is to make ginger tea.  Just boil up a good amount of thinly sliced ginger in water for 10 minutes and add honey to taste.

Now would be an acceptable time to puke.

Other OTC recommendations are Children’s Benadryl and Bonine, which is like a non-drowsy Dramamine.  A commonly used prescription motion sickness preventative is a scopolamine patch.  You put it on behind your ear several hours before your event starts, and it lasts for several days.

Keep in mind that whichever medication or treatment you decide to use, make sure to test it out well in advance of your event.  You never know if it could make you drowsy or affect you in other negative ways.

FOOD

Limit your greasy food intake the evening before and definitely just prior to your event.  However, don’t be afraid to eat altogether as you want to keep your blood sugar level from dropping to the point you get a headache or feel general malaise.  Eat small, preferably bland meals before the drive and bring healthy, innocuous snacks along like granola bars, crackers, and bananas.  Smells can trigger a headache or nausea so don’t eat anything pungent while traveling.

Keeping yourself hydrated with plenty of water (bottled or via CamelBak) will help stave off headaches and nausea.  Note that some people advise against carbonated drinks, claiming that they can upset stomachs, while others encourage their consumption.  I leave it up to you to decide.  But everyone agrees that alcohol is a big no-no – even on the night before.  Sorry!

GEAR

Dress as comfortably as you can.  Tight clothing can induce headaches and increase your discomfort.  If you’re feeling restricted, try to reduce the feeling safely (without removing any safety gear).

One accessory that is popular among co-drivers, sailors and airline pilots to prevent motion sickness is an acupressure wristband.  There’s a type called Sea-Band that is commonly used.  It basically applies direct pressure to a certain point in your wrist, which supposedly alleviates nausea.

OTHER TIPS

If at all possible, avoid being navigator if you’re coming down with something.  Even if you’re lucky enough to possess an iron stomach, a cold can easily invite motion sickness.

If you’re starting to feel queasy, get as much ventilation as you can.  Letting in cool, fresh air will help bring your temperature down and eliminate any smells that could be triggering your nausea.  Breathe slowly and deeply.  Also, looking up at the horizon whenever possible will help your body resolve the disjunction between the motion you sense and the lack of motion being registered by your eyes.

However, if you’re downright certain that, despite all of the above, you will be tossing your cookies, bring some Ziploc bags along so that you don’t have to stop the driver to yak.  Ziploc bags keep it all safely in one place, and they’re see-through too so you can gross out your driver (or the passengers).  For maximum effect, drink something brightly colored beforehand to weird out everyone in the car.

Finally, if you’re prone to vomiting, consider an open-face helmet!

Photo courtesy of Race-Dezert.com

Got any tips of your own?

** Special thanks to pro rally co-driver Dave Shindle for several invaluable suggestions. **

Yugo Girl!

Today is Malcolm Bricklin’s 72^nd birthday, and to celebrate this jubilant occasion, I am presenting my review of a book written about perhaps the most reviled of his infamous business exploits: the Yugo.

I recently had the pleasure of reading Jason Vuic’s “The Yugo: The Rise and Fall of the Worst Car in History.” And just so you know, I thought it was a total hoot. It’s been ages since I last found myself transfixed by a book, owing in no small part to the clever prose of Mr. Vuic and his obvious enthusiasm for the Yugo and its hilarious cast of supporting characters

The tale is peppered with anecdotes that will make you cackle gleefully in public and get the side-eye from old ladies on the train. It will inspire you to torture your coworkers with a relentless barrage of Yugo jokes. Your resulting revelry in everything Yugo will have phones hanging up on you, doors closed in your face. But, oh yes, it’s worth it.

Vuic begins by telling a tale of the brave pioneers who first brought the Yugo state-side. The first person to show an interest was a Californian who had originally sold used Fiats in his home country of Czechoslovakia, where it was illegal to run a business selling used cars, and people could only privately sell their cars once their cars hit 5,000 kilometers. So he only bought and sold the same color and model Fiat so as not to arouse suspicions. He purchased the red Fiat 600s new, then drove around like mad, competing in road rallies in his efforts to reach the requisite distance – no small feat as the country only had 10,000 kilometers of paved roads. After he moved to California, he succeeded in importing the Yugo 45; then Malcolm Bricklin purchased from him the California distribution rights to the marque, acquired the rights for the other forty-nine states, and founded Yugo America.

Now, I knew of Bricklin before reading the book. I knew that he was the first person to import a Subaru to the United States, and in his varied career built a strange, gull-winged, fiberglass car called a Bricklin SV-1. And to my delight (and to yours, I guarantee it), the book goes into Bricklin’s entrepreneurial endeavors in great detail, which truly made for entertaining reading. It paints Bricklin as the quintessential dreamer – someone with wild business ideas a logical person would chortle at (for example, Vuic claims that the Bricklin SV-1 cost $50,000 to produce, but sold for $7,500 new). A man in whom reason was entirely absent. A man who was well acquainted with lawsuits and bankruptcy, but who also made millions and had (and perhaps still has) an extravagant and generous life. The book reserves several choice anecdotes for Bricklin and his love of excess. For instance, when he founded Subaru of America, the headquarters in New Jersey had a helipad (he loved helicopters), a collection of bonzai trees, a waterfall, and his desk was a James Bond-inspired contraption with monitors and secret cameras, while his second in command had a desk covered in fur.  Bricklin also was portrayed as having a fondness for cowboy boots and turquoise jewelry, which I find somewhat disturbing for a fellow Philadelphian.

Bricklin SV-1

Vuic also describes the bleak process of Yugoslavian car-buying in the 1960s.  A buyer could only choose one of two cars – the Fiat 1300/1500 or the Fiat 750.  Buyers had no ability to choose the car’s color or its features.  They had to purchase whatever was allotted to them several months after ordering.  Other stories involve the workers at the Zastava manufacturing plant in Yugoslavia (now Serbia) who tossed back sljivovica brandy (truly vicious stuff) at breakfast, lunch and during work, which probably explained why brand new Yugos came out of the factory with rust.

Indeed, the best tales are reserved for the car itself, but I don’t want to give too much away as the book offers a plethora of amusing, and consistently surprising, stories of its tortured existence. I grew up in the eighties and was just old enough then to remember the almost universal contempt for the car; however, I was too young to recall Vuic’s description of Yugo’s initial, seemingly unbelievable appeal when Yugo-mania seized the United States and lines actually formed at dealerships to purchase the car.  At one point, Chrysler even offered to buy the company.  The Yugo actually became the “fastest-selling first-year European import in US history.” Quite impressive for a car that was sold brand new in the US but was essentially a fifteen year old Fiat 127.

However, as expected, the book inevitably describes (in thorough detail) the precipitous decline in sales and eventual winding down of the company in the United States. An abysmal review in Consumer Reports triggered the downfall, and a fatality that occurred when a Yugo GV was blown off the Mackinac Bridge in Michigan destroyed what little reputation the company had remaining.  The breakup of Yugoslavia and the resulting dearth of Yugo parts drove the company further into disrepair.  The coup de grace was a NATO bomb that was dropped through the roof of the Zastava plant.

Although we all know what became of Yugo in the United States, I guarantee that you will find yourself quite surprised by the story behind the car and absolutely astounded that anyone with any sense would want to bring it here.   At the 50th time I told her a Yugo joke, one of my friends whined, “Why write a book about the Yugo?”  Well, to be honest, I don’t think many of us know much about the car -  I personally don’t know anyone with a Yugo or anyone who has ever admitted to owning one (any former Yugo owners among you?) – but there’s a hilarious, absolutely bonkers story behind its arrival in the states that deserves to be heard.  Vuic is an effective, skillful writer who does a terrific job conveying the Yugo’s story in a way both car enthusiasts and history buffs will enjoy.   If you’re looking for a page-turner, pick this one up and laugh loudly – you won’t be disappointed.  At the very least, this book will inspire in you a new found appreciation for any car you drive.

What do you call a Yugo with brakes?  Customized.

Got any good Yugo jokes?  Post ‘em here!

A person is selling on eBay what he claims to be the beloved motorhome of Lars von Trier, acclaimed director of such family friendly hits as The Idiots and Antichrist.

The vehicle is a 1992 Dethleffs Advange, with 74,520 miles. The “buy it now” price is $150,000.

Von Trier is known to have a deathly fear of flying, adding some credibility to the listing, which describes the vehicle as: “Lars´ only way of travel for a period of more than 10 years…” Yet not only was it a means of transportation, but also an incubator of creativity.  Adds the listing, “Some of Lars´ biggest ideas went from idea to script in this vehicle.”

One downside, though: the smell. The director states, “Looking forward to get rid of the smell of Diesel. Hope a potential buyer likes this smell, as Diesel has been poured over the floor several times.”

Apart from the odor, the disturbing and baffling pouring of fuel inside one’s own travel and living quarters, and of course the price, it’s totally worth it because it’s not only a vehicle, it’s also a home. In other words, it’s a house you can race. Plus, it was Lars von Trier’s racehouse. Even better. And if you’re a fan of his, this is your chance to own the very place that may have inspired his scenes of appalling torture, mutilation, and graphic Willem Dafoe sex. A total win-win!

Act quickly – bidding ends February 21st…

Ford Mustang in Hamburg, Germany.  Photo courtesy of Jan Riggert.

It’s February and we’re in the heart of Winter 2011.  For car enthusiasts, it’s very easy to dismiss this season as a time of dreary dormancy.  When the grey skies and the bleak landscapes make even the cherished weekend drive unwelcome.  When the air is too agonizingly frigid to endure with the roof tucked away and the windows down.  When you long to pitch your keys after frantically scraping your windshield in the quiet hours before dawn and your thoughts incessantly turn to the salt feasting on your vehicle.  Sitting behind the wheel, your breath visible, you find that even your car starts begrudgingly, chugging to life with the reluctance of a teenager waking on a weekend morning.  In winter, the sleek, silvery hides of the cars we’ve fondly lusted over in the warmer months are locked away, sheltered from the elements, and the bronzed, bikinied goddesses of the tuner meets are in hibernation.  Winter is a terrible time for car enthusiasts.

Or is it?

The following are some of my favorite winter photos from around the Web.  If you’re bemoaning the winter blues, take a look at these and get out and drive.  Winter is no reason to stay inside.

BMW 325ix in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Photo courtesy of Nelson Vargas.

VW MkV GTI in New York City.  Photo courtesy of Motoring Con Brio.

Mazda MX-5 in Japan. Photo courtesy of Dohan.

Mitsubishi Evolution IX in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of Andrew @ Barros Photography.

Volvo PV544 in Finland. Photo courtesy of Anssi Koskinen.

Porsche 944 Turbo (951) in Wisconsin.  Photo courtesy of Neos Design.

Subaru Impreza WRX in Hungary.  Photo courtesy of Zoltán Kontra.

Have winter shots you’ve taken that you would like to share with RideLust?  Email me your winter photo, your name, location (if desired), and some details about your car, and I’ll post the photo on the site.

My dog possesses a remarkable talent – the ability to projectile vomit. I’d put him up against any grade schooler or member of GWAR in terms of quantity, color and surprise factor. My dog will do it at any time most inconvenient for me – while I’m eating dinner, when I’m walking him past a school bus full of kids stopped at a red light, on my pillow at 3 a.m. – you name it. I’m a conscientious dog owner and had the vet check him out numerous times, and there’s never anything wrong with him. Normal dogs vomit every now and then – he just does so like the Bellagio fountains.

As car rides are one of my dog’s hallowed activities, I was rather concerned that the back of my WRX would wind up looking like a frat house bathroom. My car has cloth seats and although my dog will happily “clean up” after himself, his vomit leaves stains and odors that linger. Additionally, as those of us with cloth seats know, dog hair sticks to cloth like Velcro, which is particularly annoying for me as my dog is white and the interior of my car is black. Suffice it to say, after my dog enjoyed a few trips in the WRX, I did some research on preventative measures, which I detail below.  Please note that these are my own recommendations and I did not receive any compensation from the manufacturers listed.

To protect your car’s fabrics from vomit, slobber and any other fluids, my first suggestion is to spray down the interior fabrics with a water-repellent solution. I personally use 303 High-Tech Fabric Guard, which was recommended on a number of detailing forums for potential high mess situations.  Often used for waterproofing and protecting convertible tops, this spray adds a coat to fabrics that causes liquids to bead on impact – making it easy to wipe up a mess. Pick a nice, sunny day to do this and leave your windows open to facilitate the drying process. Make sure your car is immaculate before you spray, and test the solution first on a small area for color fastness before applying it to your entire car. The spray should be reapplied every few months for maximum protection.

I picked up a set of floor liners from Weathertech that were specially fitted to my car. I wanted the floor of my car to be as protected as possible from not only dog vomit, but road salt, mud, sand, and spilled coffee. The floor liners completely cover the floor of the car, preventing all of the above from making any contact. I also noticed that the stock fabric mats collected vast amounts of dog hair, requiring almost daily vacuuming to avoid eyesore status. The floor liners resulted in a definite improvement in dog hair accumulation. All-weather/rubber mats should also do the trick. Just make sure to empty out your mats regularly to keep the car spotless.

Another suggestion is a decent car seat cover. A good, waterproof, seat cover will keep your seats dry, and mostly dirt and hair-free. In my opinion, the best kind looks like a hammock as it stretches from the back of the front seats to the back of the rear seats.

I’ve used the versions that only cover the back seat, from the headrest to the bottom of the seat, and I don’t recommend them as they don’t protect the floor area. The usual places where I check for dog accessories were charging up to $100 for hammock covers, but I found this $14 cover on Amazon which I’ve been using for almost 2 years. It’s waterproof and extremely durable. My dog is about 35 lbs, but if you have a heavier dog, or multiple dogs, the straps holding it in place may need to be replaced with something sturdier – an easy task for anyone with a basic knowledge of sewing.  But if you own a Clifford-sized dog, you may want to check out a site like Orvis, which sells premium, but very sturdy canine travel accessories.  The cover I have has saved the WRX many times and without a doubt is the best $14 I’ve ever spent.

When he’s good, I let him drive home.

My suggestions will get your car much cleaner, but mess is inevitable. Nothing will completely dog-proof your car, save leaving your best friend at home, and you don’t want to do that.  To keep your car consistently clean, you will have to do some regular maintenance. Keep a bottle of upholstery cleaner (I like the 303 Cleaner and Spot Remover for upholstery), glass cleaner and some paper towels in the trunk. I bought a pack of lint rollers from a warehouse club and keep one in the trunk and one in the glove compartment (note – 3M sells a “Fur Fighter” product which I’ve tried, but it’s not as effective as a lint roller nor is it particularly cheap). I also store a few bottles of water in the trunk for emergencies, which have also come in handy for cleaning muddy paws and unexpected interior disasters.

If your car gets stinky, a little Febreze spray will get the smell out, but you shouldn’t have that problem as long as you shake out the seat cover once a week, hose it off when necessary, and do a little preventative vacuuming of hair and dander. As long as hair isn’t deeply embedded in the fabric, a standard car vacuum/dustbuster will be sufficient to remove it. If hair does get trapped in the fabric, I find that this static hair remover from Meguiars works wonders at dislodging hair. But if your car looks like a hair tornado just whipped through it, and you don’t have an outlet in your garage for a hose-equipped home vacuum, your best bet is to use a gas station vacuum. With a few bucks in quarters, you will get everything out.

Luckily, I have never experienced anything worse than dog hair and puke in my car (which, thankfully, did not make seat contact thanks to my hammock cover).  But for those who have seen the abyss, wet/dry vacuum cleaners may be a good investment.  At my old apartment, I had white, wall-to-wall carpeting, and one terrible evening, I got home from work to a canine diarrhea disaster.  I drove to a home goods store in a panic and picked up a Bissell SpotBot, which got all of the of the stains and smells out.  That device is a godsend.  If your car has a cloth interior and you seriously think that you will be encountering especially vile liquid messes, look into a deep cleaning, wet/dry vacuum cleaner. There are such vacuums sold specifically for cars, but I think even a regular one would be extremely helpful if you have access to an outlet.  If all else fails, of course, call a detailer.

I hope you find these tips useful. At the very least, a seat cover, fabric guard spray, and regular vacuuming will further harmonious dog and human coexistence.  Feel free to make any suggestions of your own – as every day brings a new mess, I know that your fellow dog-owners will appreciate them.

Car class champion Nasser Al-Attiyah

For the third year in a row, Volkswagen claimed top honors at the 2011 Dakar Rally, which wrapped up this weekend. In fact, the turbo-diesel Race Touareg 3 utterly dominated the car class of the rally, giving VW the podium for the second time since last year’s victory in the Touareg 2.

The winner, Qatari driver, Nasser Al-Attiyah, became the first Arab driver to win the Dakar Rally. Al-Attiyah is currently a driver for the Barwa Rally Team in the Production World Rally Championship, and was the 2006 PWRC champion in a Subaru WRX STi. He finished second overall in the 2010 Dakar Rally to VW teammate and WRC champion, Spaniard Carlos Sainz, by a nail-biting two minutes and twelve seconds.  Sainz was off to a strong start early in the 2011 race, but his car suffered mechanical problems which hurt his chances at the title. Sainz finished third overall in the car class.

In the motorbike class, the overall winner, for the third time, was Spaniard Marc Coma. Russian Vladimir Chagin swept the truck class for a record seventh time, and Argentine Alejandro Patronelli managed a victory in the quad class despite a broken hand. Es muy macho.

Quad champion Alejandro Patronelli

The 5,900 mile rally-raid is widely considered the most dangerous race in the world, and this year was no exception with one fatality in Argentina resulting from a collision between a farm truck and a Toyota Hilux driven by a competitor. Although many in South America are opposed to the race due to safety concerns, the danger is clearly one of the main draws for spectators. Dakar Rally director, Etienne Lavigne, has hinted that the race may be expanded into other countries in South America next year, in addition to Chile and Argentina.

Results – Car Class

1. Al-Attiyah  -  VW -  45:16:16
2. De Villiers  -  VW  -  46:05:57
3. Sainz  -  VW  -  46:36:54
4. Peterhansel  -  BMW  -  47:00:04
5. Holowczyc  -  BMW  -  49:27:37
6. Miller  -  VW  -  50:10:58
7. Dos Santos  -  BMW  -  52:06:23
8. Lavielle  -  Nissan  -  53:13:34
9. Spinelli  -  Mitsubishi  -  53:39:53
10. Kahle  -  SMG  -  60:28:12

Sources: Yahoo Motorsport; Redbull.com; Dakar.com; Buenos Aires Herald