Marussia B2 Unleashed at Paul Ricard

The words "Russian Supercar" are not exactly ones that command a quickening of the pulse, but I must admit there is a brutalist animal magnetism exuded by the Marussia B2.  It's outrageous in all the right ways, and I can't help but admire it for its unabashed aggression and modernity.  I discovered this rather good Flickr photo set via Jalopnik, and I wanted to share.  The B2 is the second supercar by Marussia, and I think it is far more appealing than its older, tackier, yet more conventional sibling, the B1.  The B2 looks like the Audi R8's steroid-addled cousin, born under the iron curtain, but now flaunting his newfound capitalist swagger.  The matte black mid-section of the car is as menacing and tank-like as the most recent Batmobile, while the glossy body panels provide a flowing and dynamic counterpoint to the rest of the car.  I know little about how well made or how fast the car is (it has a 420hp Cosworth engine), but who really cares?  For the monied poseur, I think the Marussia B2 is a ballsy and eccentric alternative to the increasingly predictable options coming out of Italy these days.

For more photos of the B2 at the Frankfurt auto show, click here