Grid Cars Detailed

When the developers at Codemasters first stopped by the IGN offices to show us Grid, the latest racing title from the team behind DiRT, they didn't come in the door waving an enormous list of cars. The point of Grid, they said, isn't to collect vehicles - it's to collect wins.

Compared to games like Forza Motorsport 2, which boasts more than 300 cars, and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, which includes about 70, Grid's garage is relatively modest. But if you're a fan of the world's top-performing automobiles, Codemasters in convinced you won't be disappointed with Grid's selection of 45 racing icons.

We recently asked Grid's chief designer Ralph Fulton to choose the top car in each of the game's racing classes and tell us what made it a must-have inclusion for a title that focuses relentlessly on racing. And no, there's not a Volkswagen Golf or Suzuki Cappuccino to be found.

Pro Muscle: Dodge Viper SRT-10

Manufacturer: Dodge

Region: USA

Description: There's nothing subtle about this one, but with an 8.5 liter V10 under the hood there doesn't need to be. This car is pure American muscle.

Prestige Class: Pagani Zonda R

Manufacturer: Pagani

Region: Europe

Description: This purpose-built mid-engine track car is all about performance without compromise – its Mercedes AMG-built engine pumps out 750BHP.

GT1 Class: Koenigsegg CCGT

Manufacturer: Koenigsegg

Region: Europe

Description: The CCGT is the Swedish manufacturer's first entry into competitive racing, and they've rebuilt the CCX into a racing car which combines a phenomenally light weight chassis with stunning power and performance.

LMP1 Class: Audi R10 TDi

Manufacturer: Audi Motorsport

Region: Europe

Description: The Audi R10 is the fastest car in Grid and remains undefeated at the 24 Hours of Le Mans for a reason -- this car is frighteningly fast and reliable.

LMP2 Class: Courage C65

Manufacturer: Courage

Region: Europe

Description: Courage is a leading independent sports prototype manufacturer and the C65 is the shining light in the LMP2 privateer class at Le Mans.

Pro Tuned Class: Nissan Skyline GT-R Z-Tune

Manufacturer: Nissan

Region: Japan

Description: This 500BHP NISMO-engineered Skyline is the ultimate icon of Japanese tuning. Only 20 of these were ever built.