GAME: Configuroto

By Michael Banovsky

A few days ago, during a lull in the world of automotive news, I decided to configure some cars on the Internet. Not because I was going to buy one, mind you – but just to see how fat I could load up a few cars with options…

Pretty soon the bug spread, and Mark Atkinson was configuring a long-wheelbase Ford panel van. Other guys in the office were convinced they could spec out a Buick so it rang in at over $50,000. Then, like a Cold War-era arms race, we were all competing to configure the most over-the-top model.

Configuroto was born.

Here's the game:
Configure a car on the Internet, and add every conceivable option (the car must be on-sale in Canada). Take the total MSRP (options included), and divide it by the number of options you put onto the car. The winner is the person with the lowest overall total after three cars.

For example, on ford.ca, a 2005 Focus ZX5 SES retails for $21,755. Options are a 4-speed automatic ($1,200), leather seats ($860), side impact airbags ($500), power moonroof ($1,000), and a perimeter alarm system ($250).

The total is $26,535, divided by the five options, for a total score of 5307.

The player with the lowest total of three configured models added together is the winner. Don't forget to email your results to your friends - the best way is to put simply: "Ford Focus - 5307", so that your optioning skills are kept secret. Feel free to post your lowest scores using our handy-dandy comment system.

Note: No prizes will be given, except for the immense gratitude and admiration your fellow motorheads will bestow upon you.

Good luck!