A little off-topic here as well, but I've wanted to pick up a cheap small car like a Civic or something, remove all body panels/doors/hood/roof/pass seats/carpet (pretty much any non-essential items), and use it like a dune buggy kind of thing. Then mod it so it looks more like a buggy. Would be MUCH lighter so the 4 banger should have no problems launching it.
The only thing holding me back is a place to play - I need a bigger yard...