Two years after going on sale in the U.S., the Ford GT is finally available in Canada for '06. Ford calls it, "the pace car for an entire company," as it represents the best of what Dearborn has to offer. It's a retro-inspired super-car that's significantly less expensive than its foreign competitors.

Only 200 GTs will make it to Canada this year, modified by Markham, Ontario-based automotive supplier, Multimatic Inc., to meet Canadian standards.

The GT pays tribute to the original Le Mans-winning GT40 racecar. But, while looks are retro, the Wixom, Michigan-built GT is cutting edge, with a space frame, independent suspension and a body that's made entirely of lightweight aluminum. Like the GT40, the new GT has doors that cut up into the roof for easier entry. Scoops on the rear fenders channel fresh air to the engine.

The GT wears 19-inch BBS wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Super Car tires.

The supercharged 5.4-litre V8 is based on the largest of Ford's modular engines, though it uses 85 percent new parts to produces an amazing 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, delivered through a Ricardo six-speed manual gearbox. All GTs wear Ford Blue alloy valve covers, imprinted with "Powered by Ford."

Those lucky enough to drive a GT experience American muscle at its zenith. Sure there's far more exotic exotics out there, but for the best high-end play toy from this continent, look no further.

Heritage, super car performance

Other exotics carry more panache