DRIVEN TO EXTREMES

I really like driving in the USA. First of all because the road signage is great! It’s hard to get lost because every change of direction is flagged well ahead of the junction; the street signs are clear, and the ‘next cross street' is clearly marked, so you can move over early, for your exit.

However, I couldn’t help taking this photo of two extremes.

First, the bold brash Corvette ZO6. The supercharged, 6.2L V8 engine pumps out (SAE-certified) 650hp, mated to an 8-speed paddle shifter. The all-American sportscar is selling really well, and prices start at just USD$79,000!

Here’s a convertible parked next to another, familiar icon of American roads – a humungous, black SUV. I half expected to see security men whispering into their coat sleeves to jump out, but no – it was a regular family on vacation with two kids and a dog!

Talking of Corvettes, GM scored a coup at the Sebring 12 Hour Race this year, with a ZO6 as the official pace car. It certainly looks fast!

More extreme situations. This sign of an almost deserted Interstate 405 near LAX is very rare indeed. Most days it’s the world’s biggest parking lot, and this shot definately contrasts with the next.

Flying in over Los Angeles from Orlando, Florida last Friday night the 405 was just a ribbon of headlamps and tail lamps, bumper to bumper. This shot from the LA Times captures the scene perfectly.