The World's Largest Economies

1. United States

New York City, U.S

The American GDP is at $13.812 trillion, making it the world's largest economy. It accounts for more than 25 per cent of the entire world's GDP!

In terms of purchasing power parity too, the United States is the world's leading economy.

However, its per capita income at $46,040, per year, pegs it at the 15th spot in the world.



2. Japan

Tokyo, Japan

Japan, with a GDP of $4.377 trillion, is the world's second largest economy.

However, in terms of purchasing power parity, Japan is ranked third by the World Bank. It's GDP in PPP terms is $4.283 trillion.

Japan's per capita income (annual) is $37,670, making it the 25th highest in the world.



3. Germany

Frankfurt, Germany

Germany is the world's third largest, with its GDP at $3.297 trillion.

But in PPP terms, Germany is the world's fifth largest economy. It's GDP in PPP terms is at $2.752 trillion.

Its per capita income is the 23rd highest in the world, at $38,860.



4. China

Shanghai, China

China, the Asian giant, is the world's fourth largest economy with a GDP of $3.281 trillion; but in purchasing power parity terms it ranks second at $7.055 trillion.

It is the world's fastest growing major economy and its giant strides have taken the world by a storm. Economists predict that over the next few decades, it could topple the US as the world's largest economy.

China's per capita income, however, is still low at $2,630 per year.



5. United Kingdom

London, Great Britain

Britain is the world's fifth largest economy. Its GDP is at $2.728 trillion.

In purchasing power parity terms, the United Kingdom's GDP stands at $2.082 trillion making it the seventh largest in the world.

Britain is a rich nation. Its per capita income is at an impressive $42,740. That would rank it in the 19th spot.



6. France

Paris, France

The French GDP is at $2.563 trillion, making it the world's sixth largest economy; but in terms of PPP, it is the world's 8th largest (GDP in PPP terms, $2.054 trillion).

The per capita income of the French at $38,500 makes them the 24th richest people in the world.



7. Italy

Rome, Italy

Italy's GDP in absolute terms is at $2.107 trillion. That makes it the planet's seventh largets economy.

However, in purchasing power parity terms its GDP is at $1.780 trillion and its rank is 10th.

Italians' per capita income is the 30th highest in the world. It is $33,540.



8. Spain

Madrid, Spain

Spain is the eighth largest economy with its GDP at $1.429 trillion. In purchasing power parity, however, it slips to the 11th spot ($1.373 trillion).

With a per capita income of $29,450 per year, its people are the 36th richest in the world.



9. Canada

Vancouver, Canada

The Canadian GDP stands at $1.326 trillion, making it the world's ninth largest economy.

In PPP terms, however, it stands 14th in the world. Its GDP in PPP terms is at $1.178 trillion.

Its people enjoy a comfortable life with a per capita income of $39,420, which is 22nd highest in the world.



10. Brazil

San Paulo, Brazil

The Brazilian economy too has been growing at a scorching pace. It is the world's 10th largest economy with a GDP of $1.314 trillion.

But in terms of purchasing power (GDP - $1.834 trillion), it is better placed at number 9.

Amongst the emerging economies, it has one of the best per capita income figures -- $5,910. This places it in the 85th spot in the world.



11. Russian Federation

Moscow, Russia

In absolute GDP terms, Russia -- at $1.291 trillion -- is the world's 11th largest economy., but it jumps to the 6th spot in terms of purchasing power parity ($2.088 trillion).

Its per capita income is at $7,650, the 78th highest in the world.

The World's Hairiest Man

Yu Zhenhuan, the world's hairiest man, is looking for love online after breaking up with his girlfriend of three years.

Mr Yu said that online dating agencies are his best shot at happiness, as potential love interests are "shocked" when they see him in person.

"I am being honest with any new partners", he told Zhejiang Online. "I tell them at the start that I am listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the hairiest man in the world.

"My whole body is covered with hair. I tried waxing it off but the pain was incredible, and I tried shaving but my skin was like sandpaper.

"This way many girls are shocked when they see me in person, but at least they see the real me and if they get to know me I hope they will like what they find."

The Guinness Book of Records gave him the title in 2002. Ninety-six per cent of his body is covered by hair, and Mr Yu says that his parents are worried that he won't be able to find a partner.

"I know I am ugly," said Mr Yu, "but I am a good person and I need love like everyone else.

"I feel like King Kong, ugly outside, but with a big heart."

The World's Tiniest Dog

Brandy and Coke: the tiny dog is barely taller than a drinks can

A dog only slightly taller than a soft-drinks can has been named by the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest adult canine in the world.

"Heaven Sent Brandy", a female chihuahua, was given the title of "smallest dog in terms of length" in 2005.

She is a mere six inches (15cm) from her nose to the tip of her tail and has legs as thin as lolly sticks.

Tipping the scales at a bantam-weight 2lb (0.9kg), Brandy lives in Largo, Florida, with her owner Paulette Keller and her family.

Chihuahuas are the smallest breed of dog in the world, with the average specimen standing between 6 and 10 inches (15 to 25cm) tall and with show dogs weighing no more than 6lb (2.7kg), although pet chihuahuas have been known to reach 10lb (4.5kg).

The tiny dogs and their counterparts such as the pug, shi tzu and pomeranian are currently the subject of controversy in the UK.

Their popularity with celebrities like Paris Hilton and Britney Spears is being blamed for the decline in British breeds, including the glen of imaal terrier and otterhound as well as more well-known breeds like the bloodhound.

World's Smallest Body Builder

At 2'9" (83.8 cm) and a mere one and a half stone, Aditya "Romeo" Dev is the world's smallest bodybuilder.

Using custom-built 1.5kg dumbbells, Romeo, 19, pumps iron daily to prove that small is beautiful.

While most dwarfs have large heads compared to their bodies, Romeo is perfectly proportioned, and despite his diminutive stature has triceps, biceps, calves and thighs that would make many a full-grown man blush.

He was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records in 2006 following three months of intense exercise.

Large crowds regularly flock to watch him at his gym in Punjab, where as well as weight-training and push-ups Romeo is training to be a dancer.

"I've been training as a bodybuilder for the last two years and by now I think I must be the strongest dwarf in the world," said Romeo.

"I have always been fit but since I started working out I have become famous for my strength.

"My size has never stopped me. I train with dumbbells and do aerobics and dance. People are always pleased to see me – I have been invited on TV shows and dance on stage."

Ranjeet Pal, Romeo's trainer and a friend of his family who runs a gym in his home town of Phagwara, says that Romeo has never let his size get in his way. "Romeo trains more or less the same as anyone else and he's much more determined," he said.

"When he first started I insisted he did a month of basic exercises like aerobics, push-ups and basic gymnastics to prepare his body.

"After that I specially made lightweight dumbbells and taught him basic weight-lifting exercises to shape his biceps and triceps. His size and his weight were taken care of so that he never hurt himself."

Romeo is famous in his home country, and his father has spoken of his pride in his son's determination to overcome any difficulties in his path. "He has never been bothered at being so small. He has no inferiority complex. He is the jewel of our family."

Having made his way in to the record books, Romeo says that he wants to dance on stage. "My dream is to travel a lot – I want to perform in London with my idol, Jazzy-B," he says.

The Woman With Longest Legs In The World

The world's smallest man, He Pingping 2ft 5 (73.7 cm), and the woman with the longest legs in the world, Svetlana Pankratova (6ft 4 or 193 cm with legs measuring 4ft 4 or 132.1 cm ), celebrate the launch of the 2009 edition of the Guiness World Records in Trafalgar Square, London. The new edition is out today

Standing at just 2ft 5in (73.7 cm) high, He Pingping, from China, has been officially named the smallest man in the world.

Svetlana Pankratova from Rusia, meanwhile, owns the longest legs in the world, which stretch to 132cm.

Mr Pingping barely came up to Ms Pankratova's knees at a bizarre photoshoot held to mark the launch of the new Guinness Book of World Records.

But the pair seemed rather happy in each other's company as they posed for photos on Trafalgar Square's steps in central London.

In January 2007, Mr Pingping was invited to take part on a television programme in Tokyo, and has since become somewhat of an icon.

It is rumoured he is now so protective of his image, he refuses to have his photo taken unless he is paid a substantial fee.

While Ms Pankratova might have the longest legs in the world, she is not the tallest.

Last month, Sandy Allen, at 7ft 7in (231.1 cm) , recognized as the world's tallest woman, died aged 53.

In July 2007, Pingping, an internet phenomenon, met with the world's tallest man Bao Xishun.

Earlier this month, it was revealed the midget who shot to fame as the world's smallest bodybuilder had been snapped up by a leading US talent agent and was bound for Hollywood.

Chuck Harris, who represents over 10,000 of the world's most unusual acts, is convinced Aditya "Romeo" Dev is capable of becoming one Tinseltown's biggest stars

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The World's Tallest Woman Dies

The world's tallest woman, who towered above her friends and family at a whopping 7ft 7ins (231.1 cm), has died at the age of 53.

Sandy Allen spent her last days at a nursing home in her native state of Indiana, according to pal Rita Rose.

The cause of Ms Allen's death is not known.

In recent months she had been treated in hospital for a recurring blood infection, along with diabetes, breathing troubles and kidney failure.

Ms Allen weighed 6.5lb when she was born.

By the time she was 10 years old, she had grown to over 6ft (182.9 cm) tall, and by the age of 16 she was 7ft 1in (215.9 cm).

In 1974 she wrote to Guinness World Records saying she would like to get to know someone her own height.

"It is, needless to say, my social life is practically nil and perhaps the publicity from your book might brighten my life," she wrote.

In the 1980s she appeared for several years at the Guinness Museum of World Records in Niagara Falls, Canada.

At the time she said: "There were days when I felt like I was doing a freak show. When that feeling came too often, I knew I had to come back home."

Since returning to Indianapolis, Ms Allen had used her height to inspire schoolchildren to accept those who are different.

"She loved talking to kids because they would ask more honest questions. Adults would kind of stand back and stare and not know how to approach her," said Ms Rose.

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World's Most Expensive Cups Of Coffee

Vladimir Ilyich Lenin must be rolling over in his grave. Just 17 years after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the one-time capital of communism is now home to the world's most expensive cup of coffee. The average cup of joe in Moscow is $10.19, including service, according to a new survey by the London office of U.S. consulting firm Mercer.

The rest of Europe isn't much kinder--coffee is $6.77 in Paris and $6.62 in Athens. International travelers looking to satisfy their caffeine cravings should look to South America and Africa for relief: At $2.03 per cup in Buenos Aires and $2.36 in Johannesburg, both continents offer relief to cash-strapped java seekers. New York is far from the most expensive, weighing in at a mere $3.75.
In Depth: World's Most Expensive Cups Of Coffee

"The cost of living survey is conducted in stores of international standard, frequented by expatriates," says Nathalie Constantin Métral, a research manager at Mercer's office in Geneva, Switzerland. "We collected the price for a cup of coffee in bars and cafés of international standard frequented by expatriates in Moscow, and those places are very expensive."

The figures are a part of Mercer's annual cost of living survey, which covers 143 cities across six continents and measures the relative cost of more than 200 items in each location, including housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment. The results are used to help government agencies and multinational companies determine compensation allowances when sending employees abroad.

They better up the budget for Moscow trips, if they haven't already. Along with that $10 cup of coffee, an international newspaper clocks in at $6. So along with something to eat, even a modest-spending business traveler has racked up more than $20 in expenses from waking up and starting the day just as he or she would at home.

In addition to purveying the world's most ruinous roast, Moscow topped Mercer's overall cost of living index for the third year in a row, finishing ahead of Tokyo and London. The average monthly rent on a two-bedroom luxury apartment in Moscow costs $4,500. (In Tokyo, where space is at a premium, the apartment rent averages out to $5,128.84 ... but the coffee there is only five bucks, not 10, and the morning paper will only run you $1.40).

Though it can feel expensive at times, New York isn't even among the top 20 most expensive cities, according to Mercer. This year the Big Apple slipped from No. 15 to No. 22 on the list, and is the only American city in the top 50.

What's the most you've ever paid for a single cup of coffee?

Coffee isn't the only everyday commodity that will cost U.S. citizens abroad. A ride on London's tube costs $5.89, the highest mass transit cost of any city on Mercer's list. If you want to buy a CD, don't go to Prague--unless you want to dish out $33.53, on average. Americans traveling to Dublin might want to go on a vegetarian diet--the average burger is $10.12, nearly twice as much as Moscow's $5.75.

Moscow's prices continue to rise across the board, but there is some relief in sight for coffee drinkers. Last year, beleaguered Starbucks (nasdaq: SBUX - news - people ) opened its first location in the Russian capital following a victory in a lengthy dispute with a Russian patent squatter. Muscovites complained about the prices from the get-go, but Starbucks' brew is actually lighter on the wallet than most. According to The Moscow News, the company's notorious lattes ranged in price from 150 to 200 rubles, or $6.42 to $8.56 at today's exchange rates.

Either way, Moscow's elite can afford the costly beverage--the city boasts 74 billionaires, the most in the world.

World's Best Countries for IT

U.S.: Top of the Heap—For Now

The U.S. creates the most supportive environment in the world for information technology firms, according to a study by the Economist Intelligence Unit conducted for the Business Software Alliance. The world's largest economy still does the best job in incubating innovative startups and developing top engineering talent, the study finds. Yet the U.S. is slipping.

The study ranks 66 countries by IT competitiveness, measuring six factors: the supply of skilled workers; the strength of intellectual property laws; the openness of the economy; the development of a tech-friendly infrastructure; government leadership; and an innovation-friendly culture. The countries that perform well in all six, the study found, are those with IT sectors that contribute more than 5% to a nation's gross domestic product.

The most important of the six is a country's research and development environment, measured by the number of IT-related patent registrations; this makes up 25% of a country’s score. IT infrastructure—the availability of broadband, secure servers, computer use, and market spending on hardware—accounted for 20%. Another 20% of the score is devoted to human capital, which measured the number of university students as a percentage of the college-aged population; enrollment in science programs; tech employment as a percentage of the total workforce; and the school system’s ability to train tech workers with business skills.

*New to Index

Rank 1 : U.S
Last Year's Rank: 1
Score: 74.6

The U.S. tops the index thanks to its role as a pacesetter in encouraging innovation and developing talent, but Europe and Asia are narrowing the gap. Some of the world's largest tech companies—from computer maker Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) to chipmaker Intel (INTC) to Internet leader Google (GOOG)—are based in the U.S.


Rank 2 : Taiwan
Last Year's Rank: 6
Score: 69.2



Taiwan rises to second place mostly on the strength of its R&D environment and on its ability to nurture technology talent.


Rank 3 : Britain
Last Year's Rank: 4
Score: 67.2



Britain is second in the world behind Norway in support for IT industry development and leads Western Europe overall. Telecom giants Vodafone (VOD) and British Telecom (BT) are based in London.

Rank 4 : Sweden

Last Year's Rank: 7
Score: 66.0



Sweden made improvements in its business environment and IT infrastructure; the country is also a prolific generator of patents.


Rank 5 : Denmark
Last Year's Rank: 8
Score: 65.2



This northern European country rose three places on improvements in human capital and IT infrastructure.


Rank 6 : Canada
Last Year's Rank: 9
Score: 64.4



Canada scores high on most metrics, though it lags on R&D. The country improved three positions mostly on improvements in the area of human capital.


Rank 7 : Australia
Last Year's Rank: 5
Score: 64.1



Second only to Taiwan overall in the APAC region, Australia fell two positions in part because of its low score on R&D, where it ranks 20th.


Rank 8 : South Korea
Last Year's Rank: 3
Score: 64.1



Home to such tech heavyweights as LG Electronics, South Korea scores high for its business environment, and third in the world for support of IT industry. The country ranks second only to the U.S. in the area of human capital.


Rank 9 : Singapore
Last Year's Rank: 11
Score: 63.4



Singapore is second only to the U.S. in terms of development of human capital, and it ranks third in IT industry development; the city-state's legal environment ranks 15th.


Rank 10 : The Netherlands
Last Year's Rank: 12
Score: 62.7



Home to electronics giant Philips Electronics, the Netherlands jumped two places from last year largely on the strength of its business environment and high-quality infrastructure; it scores low on R&D.

The World's Fastest, Ultra-luxury Sedan

German automotive performance specialist Brabus has achieved 205.2 mph (330.6 km/h)in a Maybach 57

German automotive performance specialist Brabus has added to its long list of automotive records by achieving 330.6 km/h (205.2 mph) in a Maybach 57 at the high-speed test track in Nardo, Italy. Labeled the world's fastest and most exclusive ultra-luxury sedan, the high-perfomance Maybach 57 is powered by a 6.3-liter, 730-hp/ 537-kW BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine originally developed for the BRABUS ROCKET, the record breaking four-door car based on the Mercedes CLS series which set a speed record for street-legal sedans of a head-spinning 365.7 km/h (227.2 mph) back in October 2006.

The previous record for the Maybach 57 was set in 2005 at 314 km/h (195 mph) with a 640hp version of the SV12 Biturbo engine. The additional grunt has been added to the turbocharged 12-cylinder engine by increasing engine displacement and developing a crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods and larger pistons to accommodate the increased bore. The engine has also received modified cylinder heads and special camshafts with two larger turbochargers, more efficient intercoolers and a stainless-steel exhaust system with metal catalysts also added to boost performance.

Everything is kept ticking-over by a custom-programmed engine electronics package that also keeps the engine in-line with EURO IV emission limits and limits peak torque to 1,320 Nm (974 lb-ft) is limited by the engine electronics to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft). Not surprisingly the standard 250-km/h (155 mph) speed limit has been removed.

Underneath, BRABUS suspension engineers added an air-suspension module that lowers the ride height by some 15 millimeters (0.6 inches) and also developed forged 21-inch BRABUS Monoblock VI light-alloy wheels specifically for the Maybach that are shod with 275/40 R 21 tires in front and 315/35 R 21 tires on the rear axle.

Earlier this year BRABUS also laid cliam to the title of "The World's Fastest and Most Powerful Coupe".

The World's Fastest Car

On Sept. 13, 2007, the Shelby SuperCars' Ultimate Aero became the fastest production car in the world. The event took place on a temporarily closed, two-lane stretch of public highway in Washington State. In accordance with Guinness World Records' strict policies, the car had to drive down the highway, turn around, and make a second pass in the opposite direction within one hour.The Ultimate Aero posted 257.41 mph ( 414.26 km/h) on the first pass and 254.88 mph ( 410.19 km/h) on the second for an average of 256.18 mph ( 412.28 km/h). Official data were collected via a GPS tracking system from Austrian data acquisition company Dewetron. Guinness World Records later verified data for an official top-speed announcement on Oct. 9, 2007. At that speed the Ultimate Aero broke the official record held by the Koenigsegg CCR 242 mph (389.46 km/h) and the unofficial record 253 mph( 407.16 km/h ) held by Volkswagen's (VLKAY) $1.6 million Bugatti Veyron (BusinessWeek, 9/17/07).

And the car could go even faster. NASA's wind tunnel testing facility in Langley, Va., found the Ultimate Aero to be aerodynamically stable at speeds up to 273 mph ( 439.35 km/h). It just ran out of road. "If there was additional straight pavement on which to accelerate, the top speed would have been considerably higher, so if anyone challenges our record there is tons left on the table," says Chuck Bigelow, the brave soul who piloted the Ultimate Aero on its record-breaking run.

Changing Gears, Chasing a Dream

Achieving the record wasn't just a matter of bragging rights, though. For company founder Jerod Shelby it was a business decision. From early on Shelby, who started the West Richland (Wash.) company in 2000, decided that he had to break the production car top-speed record in order to establish credibility for his infant company. "No one is going to buy a $600,000 car they never heard of," he says.

As Junus Khan, his director of marketing, adds: "Being a brand-new player, it was important to do something extraordinary in order to gain credibility and to be taken seriously. Our main goal wasn't just to break the speed record, it was to become a well-known, respected manufacturer of world-class exotics."

Before he was able to realize his dream, Shelby, 39, a former go-kart champ and an engineer by trade, spent 13 years developing patents for medical-device company Advance Imaging Technology in nearby Richland, Wash. One of his patents is for a radiation-free medical device that uses sound waves to scan for breast cancer.

After more than a decade developing breakthrough medical technology, Shelby—who is no relation to legendary auto designer Carroll Shelby—realized that his financial success would afford him the opportunity to pursue his lifelong automotive ambitions. "I always thought it would be great if I could design my own car. So about nine years ago, while eating at an Italian restaurant, I did my first napkin drawing. Amazingly, the final product looks very similar to our early sketches."
Hot Wheels

The final product stood waiting for me on a sunny afternoon in mid-December at a 13-mile loop in the Nevada desert (watch the video). I had previously driven the Veyron, and SSC wanted to get my feedback on the Ultimate Aero. So I went out to Las Vegas to meet Shelby, Khan, and the stakeholders in SSC's first and, so far, only dealership. The guest of honor, a sultry red and black Ultimate Aero, is No. 7 of the 50 Shelby plans to build and is the only customer-ready example that currently exists in the U.S.

The Bugatti and Ultimate Aero are very similar when you look at some of the key performance and hardware statistics. They both contained expensive, lightweight materials such as aluminum and carbon fiber; a mid-mounted engine aided by the use of turbochargers (two for SSC and four for Bugatti); 1000-plus horsepower; 0 to 60 mph times under three seconds; and a top speed above 250 mph ( 402.34 km/h). This is where the similarities end and differing characteristics start to become more apparent.

First off, the Veyron sends power to all four wheels while the Ultimate Aero utilizes a rear-drive setup with no traction control. Yes, you read that correctly—no traction control. In the engine department, Bugatti favored the use of 16 cylinders while SSC made do with eight. The Ultimate Aero's weight, thanks in part to the smaller engine and lack of all-wheel-drive system, comes in at a much lower curb weight than the Bugatti. Most shocking, the $1.6 million Veyron costs more than 2.5 times as much as the SSC.

Bugatti pitches the Veyron as being the best of both worlds—luxurious and civil when you want it to be, and shockingly fast when you feel the urge for speeding tickets. "It's this unique combination between very docile, everyday handling and top speed. So you can drive this car normally like a Golf or Passat, and at the same time, you can overtake [Formula 1 champion Michael] Schumacher with your tie on," says Bugatti communications chief George Keller.
Gaining Traction

The SSC, although surprisingly smooth and comfortable over rougher surfaces, does not pretend to be anything other than an involved driver's car. And it is. There is no power steering, which makes for a killer workout when navigating the car at low speeds, but at the same time makes for a more connected and authentic road feel while traveling at speed and during handling maneuvers.

Regarding Shelby's decision to do without traction control for the Ultimate Aero, it was a move he saw as consistent with pure sports cars that are not interfered with by the electronic nannies seen in many of today's modern cars. There is also a traditional manual gearshift lever to your right, which, in my opinion, makes for a more rewarding and engaging experience in a car of this performance caliber.

You don't need to be Mario Andretti to pilot the Ultimate Aero, but chatting on the cell phone and sipping a latte while behind the wheel is probably a bad idea. And although extremely well-balanced—fuel is stored up front as to counter the mid/rear weight bias from the engine—the Ultimate Aero demands your respect and attention if you would like to remain vertical or out of traction. "We celebrate the Ultimate Aero's unique differences because we did not create this car for everybody. The Veyron is an amazing car, but the Bugatti driver and the SSC driver are two very different people," says Khan.

Flick a switch on the Ultimate Aero's instrument panel, hold down the ceiling mounted starter button, and what can only be described as a lion's roar emanates from all that American muscle resting behind your head. Standing outside of the car at idle, the ceramic exhaust pipes emit a pleasing grumble alluding to the symphony of power that awaits your right foot.
Inside the Car, On the Road

Probably the first thing I noticed after takeoff was all the amusing noises reverberating in the cabin. They're a mix of high-tech happenings and muscular emissions. The twin turbos cradling the engine, for instance, make an awesome pinging sound as the wastegates switch on and off between them. Shelby lovingly refers to them as "the twins." The turbo pinging, along with a ferocious exhaust note, becomes more aggressive as you tear through each of the six forward gears. With a quick flick of the wrist, the Ultimate Aero's transmission precisely clicks into each gear gate as you rapidly climb to triple-digit speeds.

How rapid? How about reaching 60 mph ( 96.56 km/h) in 2.78 seconds in first gear. Like a well-funded brewery, the SSC's power is always on tap. And thanks to massive 14-in. vented and slotted disc brakes up front (eight-piston calipers) and in back (six-piston calipers), the Aero only needs 103 feet to get back down to zero.

The interior is just as well thought out. "You hear feedback about other cars, like the shifter is too far away or the steering wheel is too close," says Shelby. "So we did a lengthy study about different sized bodies and how they fit into cars. We talked to a lot of owners. We would look at a 55 percentile female and a 95 percentile male, and there is a huge swing in arm/leg length, eye level, etc. We came up with an interior that is suitable for men and women of every size."

The specially made Recaro seats are super-snug and effectively keep your body in place while ripping through corners. This is necessary considering the Ultimate Aero literally handles like it's on rails. Like a high-end camera, just point and shoot where you want to go.

A Hand-Built Record-Breaker

SSC is already well on its way to reaching the 50-car production run planned for the Ultimate Aero. The 2007 order bank, which opened more than halfway into 2007, has been put to bed with five cars sold and delivered internationally. And 2008 has already seen eight orders with six-figure down payments to match. Next on the company agenda is a four-door, four-seat, luxury sports sedan aiming at near or above 220 mph ( 354.06 km/h).

When you consider SSC's daunting challenges and its David vs. Goliath situation, it is all the more impressive that they came out on top. And like the founders of many startups, Shelby has been intimately involved in the design and development of his baby. In fact, workers in SSC's assembly plant have become quite used to Shelby turning wrenches alongside them during the 3.5 months it takes to hand-build each Ultimate Aero. "I know the part-number and price of every part on this car, which you will never see at a larger company," says Shelby.

With 1,183 hp and 1,094 foot-pounds of torque, the Ultimate Aero's all-aluminum, twin-turbocharged V8 has more horsepower than any other street-legal production car, another record for which the company is applying.

But wait, there's more.

The car also holds the best-recorded speed for navigating the slalom (73.1 mph), and bests all others in the ever-important weight-to-horsepower ratio (2.33). "A lot of people think that powerful, American supercars are only good at going straight, but our car will out-handle just about anything that you put next to it," Shelby says. "When Road & Track tested a pre-production version of our car, it broke the Ferrari Enzo's slalom course record. It will just take time to get the word out on how capable we are."

Top Speed

On Sept. 13, 2007, American manufacturer Shelby Super Cars' Ultimate Aero achieved a new Guinness World Records top speed in excess of 256 mph ( 412 km/h) on a 2.5-mile stretch of highway in Washington state.

Record Breaker

The Ultimate Aero broke the official top speed record held by Koenigsegg's CCR (242 mph) and unofficial record held by Bugatti's infamous 16-cylinder, quad-turbo Veyron (253 mph).


Front View


Not only is the Ultimate Aero faster than most Japanese sport motorcycles, it also creates g-forces at maximum acceleration similar to what you would experience during takeoff in a fighter jet.

Side View

With a quick flick of the wrist, the Ultimate Aero's transmission precisely clicks into each gear gate as you rapidly climb to triple-digit speeds. How fast? How about reaching 60 mph in 2.78 seconds in first gear.

Rear View

Thanks to massive 14-inch vented and slotted disc brakes up front and in back, the Aero needs only 103 feet to go from 60 mph back down to zero.


Interior


Upon sitting inside, you will immediately notice that such record-breaking performance does not come at the expense of luxury. From the headliner to the doors, seats and dashboard, the cabin is completely enveloped in Alcantara, a plush suede-like material. The bolstered Recaro seats fit like a glove, are surprisingly comfortable, and were designed especially for SSC to provide maximum support while engaged in cornering maneuvers. Amenities like a 10-speaker stereo, GPS navigation, and rear-backup camera are also found inside the cockpit.


Engine


With a staggering 1,183 hp and 1,094 ft-lbs of torque, the Ultimate Aero's twin-turbocharged aluminum V8 produces more emissions-legal horsepower than any other production automobile in the world (another record for which the company is gunning). The car also holds records for navigating the slalom (73.1 mph), and in the ever-important weight-to-horsepower ratio (2.33).


Aerodynamics


Before setting out for the top speed record, SSC hung out at NASA's Langley wind tunnel facility for aerodynamic testing. The Ultimate Aero, with its lightweight carbon-fiber body, was found to be aerodynamically stable at speeds up to 273 mph. SSC plans to explore this when a long enough strip of road can be found for testing.


Superior Weight-to-Power Ratio


Doors, hood, trunk open: At 2,750 pounds, the Ultimate Aero's 1,183 hp makes for the best weight-to-power ratio in the business (2.33). The carbon-fiber body weighs just 130 pounds minus the hood, doors and trunk lid. And the chassis weighs just 375 pounds. Thanks to the use of aluminum, the massive twin-turbocharged V8 weighs just 422 pounds.


Hand Built


SSC will build just 50 Ultimate Aeros over the next three and a half years. Each one costs nearly $600,000 and takes three and a half months to hand-build in the company's manufacturing facility in southeastern Washington state.


Jerod Shelby


Shelby, 39, is a former go-kart champ who has been building engines and suspension setups in his garage since before he could shave. After spending 13 years developing patents for a medical supply company, he took a chance to live his dream and start his own car company.

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The World's Top Financial Centers

A biannual British survey serves up no surprises. In spite of recent crises, New York and London are still on top of the heap

The keys to becoming a top global financial center are pretty straightforward. Ready access to capital, a solid regulatory regime, and a large pool of professional talent all underpin any city's attempt to break into the world's money elite. That's the finding of the latest Global Financial Centers Index, a biannual survey undertaken by British consultancy Z/Yen Group for the City of London.

Not surprisingly, heavy hitters such as London, New York, and Zurich dominate the top 10. Despite the fallout from the global credit crunch, these financial centers still score high on everything from professional services to standard of living, relegating upstarts from the Middle East and Asia to the second tier of the world's most important economic hubs.

"Once a city has been established, it's hard to break its hold on financial markets," says Geoffrey Wood, professor of economics at City University's Cass Business School in London. "You throw regulatory stability and respect for commercial law into the mix and it's no wonder cities like London remain ahead of the rest."
Truly Global Financial Centers

To figure out where each city ranked, Z/Yen Group surveyed more than 1,200 professionals in the financial-services industry and combined their responses with other metrics such as cities' average salaries and the amount in corporate taxes companies have to fork over. Since the last report, published in September, 2007, the top 10 financial centers have remained roughly unchanged, with Tokyo and Sydney swapping places to finish ninth and 10th, respectively.

Leading the pack are London and New York—the only truly global financial centers in the ranking—whose liquid financial markets, educated workforces, and business-friendly legal environments check all the boxes for what it means to be an economic hub.

Recent uncertainty related to the British government's response (BusinessWeek.com, 2/17/08) to the collapse of mortgage lender Northern Rock (NRK.L) and proposed tax increases on foreign workers (BusinessWeek.com, 2/12/08) has dented investor confidence in Europe's leading financial center. This year, for the first time, London's banking sector was rated below its New York counterpart, which helped more than halve the city's overall lead.

Political Stability Immensely Important

Not that New York gets away scot-free. The city's central role in the credit crunch, coupled with the added regulatory burden of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, caused the U.S. financial capital to lose points in the most recent index. In fact, Washington consultancy The Santangelo Group reckons the U.S. has lost more than $30 billion in financial business due to the increase in government regulation.

Further down the ranking, the triple play of capital, regulations, and talent helps explain why some tiny tax havens, such as Jersey, the Cayman Islands, and the Isle of Man, outstrip larger cities like Shanghai, Mumbai, and Johannesburg in the league tables. City University's Wood posits these small places have bested some of the world's largest cities because, "Political stability and legal certainty are immensely important if you're looking to create a world-class financial center," he says.

To be sure, Western Europe and North America face plenty of competition in finance. Asian stalwarts Hong Kong and Singapore ranked third and fourth, respectively, in the latest index, while up-and-coming Chinese powerhouses Shanghai and Beijing posted strong gains in both banking regulation and overall investor confidence.
Old-Timers Won't Give Up Without a Fight

Mark Yeandle, Z/Yen Group's associate director and author of the survey, believes the growing pool of capital associated with emerging markets means these financial centers will only grow in prominence. "We could see Dubai, for example, jumping up into a higher position," he says. "There's no reason why it can't easily reach the top 15 [from its current 24th place]."

In the short term, though, it's hard to see these Asian and Middle Eastern cities catching their more developed counterparts. Already holding decades-long head starts in the banking and professional service industries, cities such as Geneva and Chicago won't give up their titles as leading financial centers without a fight.

1. London

Plentiful capital, an abundance of qualified professionals, and a stable regulatory environment helped Britain’s capital snag pole position in the global financial centers survey. But there are growing concerns over the British government’s nationalization of beleaguered mortgage lender Northern Rock and a proposed $60,000-per-head tax on foreign nationals who have lived in Britain longer than 7 years. That, combined with the city’s aging infrastructure, could see London lose the top spot as the battle to attract investment becomes tougher.

2. New York

The regulatory impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act hasn’t dented the Big Apple’s global competitiveness. Indeed, the U.S.’s financial capital is gaining ground on the top spot, currently occupied by London. For the first time, survey respondents ranked New York’s banking sector more highly than that of the British capital. While issues surrounding the subprime mortgage mess remain a concern, market players seem to have reacted favorably to the U.S. government’s response and still rank New York as the world's No. 2 financial center.

3. Hong Kong

The rise of China as a global financial powerhouse has given Hong Kong—already an economic heavy hitter—even greater importance. The city’s location places it at the heart of Asia’s booming economy, while its historic position as a global financial center has allowed Hong Kong to tap into ever-increasing flows of foreign capital. With these benefits, though, come underlying costs. China’s rapid growth makes the previous British colony highly susceptible to the fluctuations in the developing country’s economy.

4. Singapore

Hong Kong (No. 3) hasn't totally cornered the Asian market. Singapore, the smallest country in Southeast Asia, boasts world-class banking services and globe-beating infrastructure. The city also was one of the only places to gain points in the latest Global Financial Centers Index, predominantly due to a perceived improvement in professional services. By offering the second-lowest corporate tax rate of the cities surveyed, Singapore has wooed foreign companies looking for the biggest bang for their buck.

5. Zurich

Home to some of the world’s leading financial institutions, Zurich has made a name for itself as the No. 1 center for private banking and asset management. Strong regulatory stability and a well-earned reputation for privacy have given this Swiss city an edge over many global competitors. Yet the fallout from the subprime crisis, particularly the multibillion-dollar writedowns at giant UBS, has dented Zurich’s hard-won status.

6. Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s perceived dowdiness has often limited companies from attracting talent to Germany’s financial capital. That reputation, though, is starting to change—epitomized by the traders pictured here dressed up for Carnival—as Frankfurt scored highly on both its ability to retain top professionals and its overall standard of living. These improvements, coupled with the city’s strength in professional services, underpin Frankfurt’s place in the top 10.

7. Geneva

Located on the banks of Lake Geneva, this Swiss city's beauty outshines that of many drab financial centers. Mirroring Zurich’s (No. 5) financial pedigree, Geneva ranks highly for asset management, private banking, and regulatory issues. And it has also come under scrutiny as the credit crunch has taken a whack at Switzerland’s leading financial institutions.

8. Chicago

The U.S.'s second financial hub, after New York, has more going for it than Lake Michigan and the Chicago Cubs. In fact, the Midwestern city remains the world-leading commodities and derivatives hub, and scores high for its business environment and overall competitiveness. The fallout from the subprime crisis, though, could take its toll on growth prospects. But as long as demand for futures contracts and professional services continues, Chicago will stay ahead of rivals.

9. Tokyo

Japan’s capital has gradually recovered from its economic woes of the '90s and now boasts the world’s second-largest stock market by capitalization. Strong capital inflows are combined with top-class amenities, such as the largest number of Michelin-rated restaurants in the world, to make the city a world-beater. Such benefits, though, are offset by poor access to top international talent and long-term regulatory difficulties that could hurt Tokyo’s future competitiveness compared to other Asian cities.

10. Sydney

A high quality of life and advantages in English-language markets mean Sydney remains integral to the plans of the world’s financial elite. Located in the booming Asia-Pacific region, the Australian city has profited from the Asian economic boom to become a leading banking center. Despite its relative isolation, Sydney also can attract top talent through its almost year-round sunshine and unbeatable cultural scene.