Top 10 cool car screen stars
Lucky for us, Speed Racer doesn't have to worry about high gas prices.
Americans love to see cars burn rubber on TV and in the movies, even if driving one in real life might soon cost more than chartering a jet.
Macho cars, evil cars, even talking cars -- they've all played a huge role in Hollywood over the years. So, in honor of the Mach 5's arrival on the big screen tonight in "Speed Racer," let's take a look at 10 sweet rides from pop culture days gone by.
The General Lee: Today, the Confederate flag seems creepy. But back in the '80s, I loved the Dodge Charger that brothers Bo and Luke drove on "The Dukes of Hazzard." I even wanted my mom to paint the doors of our station wagon shut so I could enter the car through the windows.
KITT: KITT rocked. The scene-stealing star of the 1980s TV show "Knight Rider," KITT was sleek, black and loaded with weaponry. And it spoke with a droll New England accent. Plus, KITT helped introduce the world to the World's Greatest Actor, David Hasselhoff.
The Batmobile: I like both the Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan versions of Batman's car, but I have special affection for the 1960s TV show version. First, it was a convertible (it never rains in Gotham City?), and second, it shot out fire when it accelerated. Awesome.
Christine: Christine is a sharp 1958 Plymouth Fury with a liking for classic rock 'n' roll and a jealous streak. In Stephen King's novel and John Carpenter's stellar movie version, Christine runs down anyone who messes with her owner, teen nerd Arnie Cunningham. If only I could have found someone so devoted to me in high school …
Aston Martin DBS: A James Bond car just has to make this list. Daniel Craig drove this one in "Casino Royale," the best Bond movie in a long time.
Old-school Chevy Nova from "Death Proof": Kurt Russell gave the performance of a lifetime as a charming serial killer in this flick, but he may have been overshadowed by his souped-up Nova -- his weapon of choice.
The Bluesmobile: Mount Prospect found a spot on the pop-culture map when Jake and Elwood (Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi) drove an old village police car in the 1980 film "The Blues Brothers."
Herbie, the Love Bug: Disney's Herbie might be the most successful car star ever, having starred in a successful film franchise and a television series. In its first major misstep, the Volkswagen Beetle with a mind of its own appeared opposite Lindsay Lohan in 2005's "Herbie: Fully Loaded."
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: Dick Van Dyke hams it up (in a good way) in this beloved family film, but the real star is the titular car with the ability to fly, float and make your dreams come true.