MVenturasCarChannel

The New 2015 Lamborghini Hurcan On The Streets of Los Angeles

2014-01-22T19:55:00.001-08:00

Here's a good spot from You tuber Jt818. The new Lamborghini Huracan on the streets of Los Angeles. This location looks like it was filmed on Flower and 4th by the Westin Bonaventure Hotel. Just listen to that V10 roar! Official debut will be at the upcoming Geneva motor show in March.

The New Lamborghini Newport Beach Digital Magazine

2014-01-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

Southern California's Lamborghini Newport Beach has just kicked it up a notch in their recent news letter. Starting this month they are moving to a digital magazine format and their first issue is amazing! You do not have to be from California to enjoy this. The digital magazine has a main article on the new Huracan, customer profile with questions and answers, local inventory and service and parts specials.

Go to their blog to sign up.

Pre Production McClaeren P1 visits Beverly Hills

2013-11-03T10:40:00.000-08:00

A sign that the Mclaren P1 is on it's way to the streets, a fully functional Pre Production P1 was spotted in Bevelly Hills yesterday. No rolling chassis here. It looks like it's the same one that was in Dallas Texas at the end of October. Word is its already left the U.S. and is going back to the U.K. It has a very nice dark purple color (amethyst black)which at first I thought it was black. Check out the video I put together on this amazing car.

PERFORMANCE FIGURES CONFIRMED FOR THE McLAREN P1

2013-10-21T19:21:00.000-07:00

Just days after the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster was announced. McLaren has released performance figures of its latest McLaren P1 adding more fuel to the fire of which yet to be released hyper car is the best. It would be neat to have all these cars race just for the fun of it.

QuickStats:

0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 2.8 seconds

Braking from 100 km/h to zero takes just 30.2 metres – less than a third of the recognised stopping distance
The McLaren P1™ reaches 300 km/h (186 mph) in 16.5 seconds – a full 5.5 seconds quicker than the iconic McLaren F1
Bespoke tyres and braking system, developed in conjunction with technical partners Pirelli and Akebono, ensure optimised performance

The question now is the P1 going to beat the Porcsche 918 Spyders Nurburgring lap time.

PERFORMANCE FIGURES FOR THE McLAREN P1™ CONFIRMED AS THE FIRST CUSTOMER CAR IS DELIVERED

Oct 21, 2013

0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in just 2.8 seconds
Braking from 100 km/h to zero takes just 30.2 metres – less than a third of the recognised stopping distance
The McLaren P1™ reaches 300 km/h (186 mph) in 16.5 seconds – a full 5.5 seconds quicker than the iconic McLaren F1
Bespoke tyres and braking system, developed in conjunction with technical partners Pirelli and Akebono, ensure optimised performance
First customer takes delivery of groundbreaking McLaren P1™ from company’s headquarters in Woking, England

Following an extensive testing and development programme, McLaren Automotive has now confirmed the performance figures for the McLaren P1™ in the latest stage in the launch of the groundbreaking model. These figures show that the third model in the range accelerates to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 2.8 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) in 6.8 seconds, and 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 16.5 seconds.

Groundbreaking levels of performance

The McLaren P1™ has been designed from the outset with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on road and track. The confirmation of the performance figures underlines this, and gives further insight into the potential of the latest model from the Woking-based firm.

Fitted with a twin powerplant powertrain generating 916 PS (903 bhp) from the highly efficient 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 petrol engine and the lightweight electric motor, the McLaren P1™ storms from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 2.8 seconds, and hits 200 km/h (124 mph) in 6.8 seconds – quicker than many hot hatches reach half that speed.

The relentless acceleration, delivered as a result of the instant torque offered by the electric motors and the optimised turbos, sees the McLaren P1™ reach 300 km/h (186 mph) in just 16.5 seconds. By way of a benchmark, this is a full 5.5 seconds quicker than the legendary McLaren F1. Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h (217 mph).

Despite these impressive figures, the McLaren P1™ still returns 34.0 mpg (8.3 l/100km) on the EU combined cycle, with CO₂ emissions of 194 g/km. The electric motor offers a range of 11 km (6.8 miles) in full electric mode on the NEDC cycle, which sees emissions drop to zero.

The braking figures are equally as impressive for the McLaren P1™, with the levels of performance provided by the bespoke Akebono system. The specially formulated carbon ceramic discs, coated in silicon carbide, can bring the McLaren P1™ to a halt from 62 mph (100 km/h) in a distance of just 30.2 metres. This figure is even more impressive when compared to the recognised stopping distances, which suggests that more than three times the distance – 102 metres – is required to bring a car to a halt from 100 km/h (62 mph).

An overview of the performance figures for the McLaren P1™ is as follows:

Acceleration
0-100km/h (62 mph) 0-200km/h (124 mph) 0-300km/h (186 mph) Standing quarter mile (400m) V Max	2.8 seconds 6.8 seconds 16.5 seconds 9.8 seconds @ 245 km/h (152 mph) 350 km/h (217 mph) electronically limited
Braking
100-0 km/h m (ft) [sec] 200-0 km/h m (ft) [sec] 300-0 km/h m (ft) [sec]	30.2 (99) [2.9] 116 (380) [4.5] 246 (806) [6.2]
Fuel efficiency
mpg (combined) litres/100km	34.0 mpg 8.3 l/100km
Emissions
CO₂	194 g/km

First customer takes delivery

In a year of celebration for McLaren, this week has seen another significant milestone in an important chapter of McLaren Automotive with the first customer delivery of the groundbreaking McLaren P1™. Series production of the latest addition to the McLaren range commenced over the summer, and the first car, finished in a striking Volcano Yellow and contrasting visual carbon fibre, rolled off the bespoke production line at the end of September – a fitting tribute during the month of the 50^th anniversary celebrations.

The first example of the McLaren P1™ was collected from the McLaren Technology Centre by its UK-based owner.

“We designed the McLaren P1™ from the outset with one clear goal: to be the best driver’s car on road and track. The confirmation of the performance figures underlines this.

“I am very proud of our Woking based team and everything they have achieved with this ambitious project. The handover of the first McLaren P1™ is another milestone in our 50 year history,” commented Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive Ltd.

The production process

A total of 375 examples of the McLaren P1™ will be produced, and will be hand-built in the state-of-the-art McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, England. This £40 million Foster + Partners designed facility is an ultimate embodiment of McLaren values, fusing precise production techniques with hand craftsmanship and incredible attention to detail.

The McLaren P1™ is custom-built by a carefully selected team of 82 technicians in a four-stage assembly process. From start to finish, the build takes 17 days of skilled work. Once running at full capacity, the McLaren P1™ line will see one car completed each day, with production due to run until mid-2015.

Stage 1: Structural Assembly

The bespoke manufacturing process commences with the preparation of the carbon fibre MonoCage chassis. The one-piece MonoCage weighs just 90kgs, and includes the integrated roof structure, an integral roof snorkel and air intake ducts, as well as providing a fully sealed compartment for the battery.

Stage 2: Painting

In total the McLaren P1™ consists of seven lightweight panels, all of which are made from carbon fibre – front and rear clamshells, bonnet, doors, front and rear bumpers. Due to the extended painting processes involved, and to minimise disruption to the facility within MPC used for the 12C and 12C Spider, each McLaren P1™ is prepared and hand painted in a dedicated paintshop in the McLaren Technology Centre while the chassis structure is being prepared.

The complete set of body panels for each McLaren P1™ is painted together to ensure a perfect colour match. This process takes three days, including surface preparation of the carbon fibre panels to ensure flawless paintwork on every single car.

Stage 3: Trim Assembly

The fully prepared carbon fibre MonoCage chassis and the hand-painted carbon fibre body panels are brought together on a dedicated production line within the MPC. This ten-stage process is the most recent addition to the MPC, and sees the sub-assembly of battery, front sub-frame, doors, rear clamshells and bumpers fitted as it moves along the line.

Two dedicated McLaren technicians work on each of the production stages for the McLaren P1™, with each step taking a full working day to complete.

Stage 4: Final Assembly

As each car reaches the end of the McLaren P1™ line, it is then subjected to the same rigorous testing regime and sophisticated quality control procedures as the 12C and 12C Spider models to ensure it meets the required quality and performance levels. This phase of production takes a total of seven days to complete.

For the McLaren P1™, this includes a full day shakedown at a proving ground, testing every element of the car’s performance. The McLaren test drivers and a team of technicians run through the different settings and modes to examine and verify the performance ahead of final delivery to the customer.

Each example of the McLaren P1™ is then put through the Monsoon Test, in which 16,000 litres of de-ionised recycled water is released on to the car to ensure all seals are correctly finished. A complete underbody check and diagnostics review is then carried out, before the final dispatch audit confirmation.

- See more at: http://media.mclarenautomotive.com/release/228/#sthash.e98QhQsH.dpuf

2014 Lamborghini Veneno Roadster Announced

2013-10-20T19:16:00.001-07:00

Love it or hate it Lamborghini is not playing it safe with it;s new design of cars. The latest is the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster. With only 9 being built and with a price tag of just north of 3.9 million U.S. You will be lucky if you see one out in the wild. Where do you think we will see one? Saudi Arabia, Dubai or Beverly Hills?

Quick Stats

750 Horsepower
Reported 0-100 km/h(62.14mph) in 2.9 seconds
Reported top speed of 355km/h (221mph)
carbon fiber monocoque

19/10/2013
Lamborghini Veneno Roadster – a collector's Masterpiece of Engineering and Design

As a further highlight of its 50th anniversary year, Automobili Lamborghini is presenting one of the most exceptional super sports cars of all time. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is an open racing prototype with an extreme design and breathtaking performance. And it is one of the world's most exclusive automobiles – not more than nine units will be built during the course of 2014 and sold at a price of 3.3 million Euros (excl. tax).

The Veneno Roadster is extreme and guarantees an intense driving experience – because open means truly open. There is no roof, just a strong rollover bar for optimum safety. The design is focused on optimum aerodynamics and stability through fast corners – with handling akin to that of a racing prototype. Yet it is fully road legal.

With a maximum output of 552 kW / 750 hp, the Veneno Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds and top speed stands at 355 km/h. The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster is driven by a twelve-cylinder engine with a displacement of 6.5 liters and is equipped with the extremely fast-shifting ISR transmission with five modes, permanent all-wheel drive and a racing chassis with pushrod suspension and horizontal spring/damper units.

The Lamborghini Veneno Roadster brings the aerodynamic efficiency of a racing prototype to the road. Every detail of its form pursues a clear function – exceptional dynamics, optimum downforce with minimal drag and perfect cooling of the high-performance engine. Therfore the Veneno Roadster is unmistakably a Lamborghini; it sticks firmly to the consistent design philosophy of all the super sports cars from Sant'Agata Bolognese. That includes the extreme proportions, as well as the powerfully arrow-shaped front end and the interplay between razor-sharp lines and precise surfaces.

The entire design of the Lamborghini Veneno Roadster has been laid out for perfect airflow and downforce. The front end works as a large aerodynamic wing. The visual division of the rear fenders from the car body is a reference to the world of racing cars and optimizes the aerodynamic flow. The smooth underbody transitions into a substantial diffuser framing the four sizable exhaust pipes divided by a splitter. Large openings serve to ventilate the engine bay and direct airflow to the rear wing. The design of the adjustable rear wing is the product of motorsport experience and extensive aerodynamic simulation to ensure optimum airflow in the interaction of the rear wing with the rear diffuser.

The design of the exclusive alloy wheels is also determined by aerodynamic functionality – a carbon-fiber ring around the wheel rim works like a turbine to deliver additional cooling air to the carbon-ceramic brake discs. The intense paint color "Rosso Veneno" was developed exclusively for the Veneno Roadster, although each single customer will be able to individualize his own vehicle to suit his personal preferences.

The Veneno Roadster is further proof of Automobili Lamborghini's unique competence in CFRP-based lightweight design. A monocoque made from carbon-fiber reinforced polymer forms the basis of the Roadster. All exterior parts are made from CFRP. The Veneno Roadster meets all safety and registration requirements worldwide, and naturally also incorporates a full complement of safety systems from airbags through to the adapted ESP handling system.

Carbon fiber dominates also the interior of the Veneno Roadster. The carbon fiber monocoque is visible inside the car around the central tunnel and the sills. The two lightweight bucket seats are made from Lamborghini's patented Forged Composite. The woven carbon-fiber CarbonSkin is used to clad the entire cockpit, part of the seats and the headliner. Like a hi-tech fabric, this extremely fine-looking carbon-fiber matting fits perfectly to any form and reduces the weight of the vehicle.

The systematic, carbon-fiber, lightweight design of the Veneno Roadster is not only visible, it is also evident on the scales: with a dry weight of just 1,490 kilograms (3,278 pounds), the Veneno Roadster benefits from a power-to-weight ratio of just 1.99 kg/hp (4.38 lbs/hp) which guarantees a performance that is nothing short of mind-blowing. Even the stunning acceleration figure of 2.9 seconds cannot adequately describe it. Despite an aerodynamic setup configured for extreme downforce, the Veneno Roadster possesses exceptionally low wind resistance which allows it to reach a top speed of 355 km/h (221 mph).

Need For Speed Movie Trailer

2013-09-26T04:06:00.002-07:00

It's just hard to gauge a movie just on the trailer alone. You can get an idea of whats the movie going be like but you'll never know until you go. For me, I'm on board just to see all those cool cars on the big screen in a loud movie theater. Yes, they did make replicas of some of the cars used in NFS but to me this is entrainment not a documentary.

Nissan Leaf Nismo RC at Cars and Coffee Irvine

2013-09-21T13:25:00.002-07:00

Image Source:Mventura

Nissan recently brought out their Nismo Leaf RC Concept to Cars and Coffee Irvine. For me, I'm still not used to hearing the word electric race car just yet, but this idea is not totally new. Drayson Racing has already been working on Formula-E cars for some time and are way ahead of Nissan on e-racing.

Quick Stats:

Rear Wheel Drive
0-60 in 6.6 seconds
2,068 lbs

It's great to see that Nissan has had this concept out for a couple years. It's likely that they wont be racing in this Leaf anytime soon. The car is just not ready. But you need to start somewhere.

The Official Porsche 918 Configurator

2013-09-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

Image Source: Porsche
This is what I came up with.

Image Source: Porsche
I like this color!

Getting or not getting that new Porsche 918 Spyder? Either way, Porsche has just recently released an official 918 configurator for you to play with and its pretty cool. With a total of 918 spyders being made, this configurator lets you build your own spyder. We still don't know the true capabilities of this super car but Porsche is claiming a 6:57 lap time at Nurburgring in the 918 using the "Weissach Package". You can check out that lap time in the video below and while your at it, check out a pre-preduction 918 I saw a recently. Prices start at $845,000 U.S.

Ferrari 458 Speciale New Video Release

2013-09-17T04:03:00.002-07:00

I have yet to see this car in person but this great video will hold me over untill I can see one myself.

BMW Powered Rat Rod at Cars and Coffee Irvine

2013-08-25T20:57:00.002-07:00

Image Source:M Ventura

I like Rat Rods. It's like the total opposite of a Hot Rod. Where the hot rod has the nice paint job and shiny chrome bumbers. The rat rod will have a nice rusty patina and whatever the hell the owner wants. It's pretty much anything goes with rat rods. But when I saw the stanceworks rat rod, it never even crossed my mind to put a bimmer engine in a rat rod. Blasphemy? Not for the rat rod.

Quick Stats:

BMW V8 Engine
1928 Ford Model A Pickup
Estimated 300 Horsepower

Image Source:M Ventura

For a more detailed story of how this car came to be go the stanceworks website and hear it from the make himself, Mike Burroughs website. You can also check out the video I made of this awsome rat rod below on my youtube channel.

Image Source:M Ventura

The New 2014 Corvette Stingray Appears At Cars And Coffee Irvine

2013-08-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

The Corvette Stingray
Image Source:M.Ventura

The new (to me) 2014 Corvette Stingray appears at Cars and Coffee Irvine and it was a crowd magnet. It's still a great looking car. Base price is $52,000 and comes with a with 455 horsepower V8 engine.
Taillight controversy aside, it still looks great.

Put some custom wheels on it stat!!

Theres a Corvette in there somewhere

Tesla's Model S...The New Tonka Tough?

2013-08-22T21:25:00.000-07:00

I remember in my youth seeing a Tonka toy truck commercial were an elephant stepped on the iconic yellow dump truck and not breaking it. It blew my mind as a kid and have not had that reaction since. That was until I heard that Tesla Model S broke the testing machines used to test the safety of this electric car. Not having a conventional engine under the hood is a plus. It gives the Model S a longer crumple zone to absorb an impact. Some people may complain about the price of this car. But it looks like you get what you pay for when it comes to safety.

Palo Alto, CA — Independent testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has awarded the Tesla Model S a 5-star safety rating, not just overall, but in every subcategory without exception. Approximately one percent of all cars tested by the federal government achieve 5 stars across the board. NHTSA does not publish a star rating above 5, however safety levels better than 5 stars are captured in the overall Vehicle Safety Score (VSS) provided to manufacturers, where the Model S achieved a new combined record of 5.4 stars.

Of all vehicles tested, including every major make and model approved for sale in the United States, the Model S set a new record for the lowest likelihood of injury to occupants. While the Model S is a sedan, it also exceeded the safety score of all SUVs and minivans. This score takes into account the probability of injury from front, side, rear and rollover accidents.

The Model S has the advantage in the front of not having a large gasoline engine block, thus creating a much longer crumple zone to absorb a high speed impact. This is fundamentally a force over distance problem – the longer the crumple zone, the more time there is to slow down occupants at g loads that do not cause injuries. Just like jumping into a pool of water from a tall height, it is better to have the pool be deep and not contain rocks. The Model S motor is only about a foot in diameter and is mounted close to the rear axle, and the front section that would normally contain a gasoline engine is used for a second trunk.

For the side pole intrusion test, considered one of the most difficult to pass, the Model S was the only car in the "good" category among the other top one percent of vehicles tested. Compared to the Volvo S60, which is also 5-star rated in all categories, the Model S preserved 63.5 percent of driver residual space vs. 7.8 percent for the Volvo. Tesla achieved this outcome by nesting multiple deep aluminum extrusions in the side rail of the car that absorb the impact energy (a similar approach was used by the Apollo Lunar Lander) and transfer load to the rest of the vehicle. This causes the pole to be either sheared off or to stop the car before the pole hits an occupant.

The rear crash testing was particularly important, given the optional third row children's seat. For this, Tesla factory installs a double bumper if the third row seat is ordered. This was needed in order to protect against a highway speed impact in the rear with no permanently disabling injury to the third row occupants. The third row is already the safest location in the car for frontal or side injuries.

The Model S was also substantially better in rollover risk, with the other top vehicles being approximately 50 percent worse. During testing at an independent facility, the Model S refused to turn over via the normal methods and special means were needed to induce the car to roll. The reason for such a good outcome is that the battery pack is mounted below the floor pan, providing a very low center of gravity, which simultaneously ensures exceptional handling and safety.

Of note, during validation of Model S roof crush protection at an independent commercial facility, the testing machine failed at just above 4 g's. While the exact number is uncertain due to Model S breaking the testing machine, what this means is that at least four additional fully loaded Model S vehicles could be placed on top of an owner's car without the roof caving in. This is achieved primarily through a center (B) pillar reinforcement attached via aerospace grade bolts.

The above results do not tell the full story. It is possible to game the regulatory testing score to some degree by strengthening a car at the exact locations used by the regulatory testing machines. After verifying through internal testing that the Model S would achieve a NHTSA 5-star rating, Tesla then analyzed the Model S to determine the weakest points in the car and retested at those locations until the car achieved 5 stars no matter how the test equipment was configured.

The Model S lithium-ion battery did not catch fire at any time before, during or after the NHTSA testing. It is worth mentioning that no production Tesla lithium-ion battery has ever caught fire in the Model S or Roadster, despite several high speed impacts. While this is statistically unlikely to remain the case long term, Tesla is unaware of any Model S or Roadster occupant fatalities in any car ever.

Subaru BRZ tS Released In Japan

2013-08-19T21:59:00.001-07:00

Image Source:STI Inc

STI Releases “SUBARU BRZ tS” in Japan. Only 500 will be made for the Japanese market with no plans to export.Will come with many performance features but still no turbo.

Tokyo, August 19, 2013 – Subaru Tecnica International Inc. (STI)*1 today announced the release of the “SUBARU BRZ tS” which goes on sale on August 19 through Subaru dealerships in Japan.

The inherent handling performance of the Subaru BRZ has been further enhanced by using expertise developed in motorsports while achieving the “strength and nimbleness” driving committed by STI. The “SUBARU BRZ tS” offers a driver “oneness with vehicle” and “agile handling pleasure”.

Exclusive tuning such as the adoption of a large-diameter driveshaft and STI’s unique flexible parts embodies superior handling performance. Driving performance has also been enhanced by the adoption of “brembo” ventilated disc brakes, 18-inch aluminum wheels and a STI designed front under spoiler. The model comes with special features including the “STI” / “tS” ornaments and exclusively-made fender garnish on the exterior as well as a speedometer with an STI logo inside, which evoke driving excitement and pleasure of ownership.

In addition, “GT PACKAGE” model which is suitable for motorsports enthusiasts is released. The model features a STI designed dry carbon rear spoiler, black colored “BBS” designed 18-inch aluminum wheels and “Recaro” designed front bucket seat.

-Mechanism- 225/40ZR18 (92Y) tires (Michelin Pilot Super Sport) STI designed 18-inch x 7 1/2J aluminum wheels (silver) brembo front 17-inch opposed 4-pot ventilated disc brake with “STI” logo brembo rear 17-inch opposed 2-pot ventilated disc brake with “STI” logo STI designed rear suspension link with pillow ball bush (trailing link front, lateral link front inside & rear inside) STI tuned strut and STI coil springs for front suspension STI tuned damper and STI coil springs for rear suspension STI designed flexible tower bar, front STI designed flexible draw stiffener, front STI designed large-diameter driveshaft Exclusively-tuned VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control) Exclusively-tuned filter for Sound Creator®*2

-Exterior- STI designed front under spoiler STI designed front fender garnish with “STI” logo Exclusively-made “STI” ornament (front & rear), “tS” ornament (rear)

-Interior- Exclusively-made front seat with “STI” logo and red stitch [Alcantara®*3 (gray punching) / leather (gray), “STI” logo, gray stitch, front seat heater, SRS side airbag] Exclusively-made leather lapped steering wheel (with “STI” ornament and red stitch) STI designed leather shift knob (manual transmission) / select lever (automatic transmission) with “STI” logo Exclusively-made speedometer with “STI” logo Exclusively-made speedometer visor [Alcantara® (black), black stitch] Carbon tone instrument panel STI designed push engine switch with “STI” logo (red) Exclusively-made aluminum side sill plate with “tS” logo STI designed leather access key cover (red)

-Equipments for GT PACKAGE- STI designed 18-inch x 7 1/2J aluminum wheels (black) STI designed dry carbon rear spoiler (2 angle adjustable) Recaro designed front bucket seat [Alcantara® (gray punching) / leather (gray), “STI” logo, gray stitch, SRS side airbag]

*2: Sound Creator® is the registered trademark of MAHLE Filter Systems Japan Corporation. *3: Alcantara® is the registered trademark of Alcantara S.p.A.

Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T sells for a record 27.5 million at auction

2013-08-18T22:48:00.000-07:00

A rare Ferrari sets an auto auction record selling for a total of $27.5 million. The proceeds will go to charity. The1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T (North American Racing Team) was sold by RM Auctions in Monterey California. What's amazing is that it's sole owner liked driving this prancing pony. No garage queen here.

Saturday 17 August:
The Saturday auction is all set to become another night of exciting sales, as a number of hugely significant and very valuable cars cross the podium. The undoubted highlight of the entire sale and one of the most anticipated lots to come to auction in recent years, is the 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider, one of only 10 cars in existence and which has been in the same family’s ownership since new. Estimated to sell for in excess of $14,000,000, the N.A.R.T. Spider will not only be one of the most valuable Ferraris ever to be sold at auction, but is also likely to be one of the most valuable cars ever sold at auction. With the sale proceeds generously being donated to charitable causes close to the late owner’s heart, all eyes are on this the remarkable car during the Monterey festivities.

The NEW BMW M4 Coupe Concept at Pebble Beach

2013-08-17T03:00:00.002-07:00

Image Source:BMW AG

The color of this BMW M4 concept is "Aurum Dust"(exclusively developed for this model) and that color and car got a lot of attention at this years Car Week in Monterey, California.

“The BMW Concept M4 Coupe reflects the BMW M philosophy in ideal form: It combines motor racing genes and unrestricted everyday suitability in a highly emotional overall concept. For four generations, the BMW M3 has put motor racing on the road and the BMW Concept M4 Coupe consistently continues to pursue this fundamental idea. The new model designation “M4” refers – like all other BMW M automobiles – to the series on which this concept car is based,” explains Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President BMW M Division.

Image Source:BMW AG

Quick Stats:

Carbon Fiber front wind splitter, roof and rear diffuser
Twin/Quad tail pipes
Eninge: Not known yet
20'' light alloy wheels

Although no performance specs were given, I'm pretty sure that BMW would not release this coupe without some umph. Until that happens What engine will it come with and what do you think of the color? Be sure to check out the M4 promo video they put at the end of this blog.

Image Source:BMW AG

BMW M4 PROMO VIDEO

Saudi Arabian Lamborghini Aventador With DMC Body Kite

2013-08-14T15:57:00.001-07:00

DMC Molto Veloce Carbon Fiber Body Kit.
Image Source: DMC Website

When you chase exotic cars in Southern California, you really don't know what you may come across. A Saudi Pagini Huayra in Beverly Hills, The Gas Monkey Ferrari F40 rebuild in San Diego or whatever shows up at Cars and Coffee Irvine. This last Saturdays C&C event had plenty of everything as usual, but for me the stand out car was the Saudi Aventador. Not only did it have the cool Saudi License Plates but was decked out in a German designed DMC body kit. I would not be surprised if they were in town working there way up to car week in Monterey later this week.

Koenigsegg CCX Shows up at Lamborghini Newport Beach

2013-08-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

The Koenigsegg CCX (Competition Coupe X) is not from the future. It's from Sweden.

You never know what will show up to a Lamborghini Newport Beach Cars and Coffee Event. The most recent car meet had a Koenigsegg CCX appear and it was a show stopper. The V8 powered Swedish hyper car is a work of art on wheels. Just looking at how smooth the doors open is amazing.
Check out my video I made of this hyper car.

Rolls Royce Wraith unvailed at the Geneva Motor Show

2013-03-04T21:56:00.000-08:00

The Rolls Royce Wraith will make it's debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show but for now here's some great pictures from Rolls Royce. It will have a V12 Engine with a reported 0-60 in 4.4 seconds. Doors will be called "Coach Doors" but we just call them suicide doors in the states. I guess if your paying around $250,000 on up for the Wraith, coach doors sounds better. Another stand out feature is the Satellite Aided Transmission or SAT. The Wraith will use satellite data and adjust to the road conditions ahead. Very cool but will it take away anything from the driving experince? What say you?

Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) – a new technology

“From powertrain engineers to our director of engineering, everyone instinctively realised the affinity of Satellite Aided Transmission to the Rolls-Royce brand – and particularly to Wraith. It’s an effortless system that knows the car’s location and reads the mind of its driver. It selects the optimum gear as though it were a skilled pilot changing a manual ‘box himself.” Philip Harnett, Product Manager, Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Abundant power comes effortlessly thanks to Wraith’s powerful V12 twin-turbo engine married to an eight-speed automatic transmission. But Satellite Aided Transmission technology takes the powertrain to a new level of effortless delivery, one that perfectly suits the Rolls-Royce brand.

Satellite Aided Transmission uses GPS data to see beyond what the driver sees; it anticipates his next move based on location and current driving style, then selects the most appropriate gear for the terrain ahead. Corners, motorway junctions and roundabouts are all anticipated in advance, meaning Wraith is constantly poised to deliver on its promise of performance.

A more polished, effortless driving experience and even better response brings a new, more dynamic dimension to the famous Rolls-Royce trait, waftability.

With eight years experience as electronic and systems engineer with the BMW Formula 1 team – and subsequent experience in the BMW engine development department – Product manager Philip Harnett was instrumental in bringing the technology to Rolls-Royce Wraith.

Source:Rolls Royce

Satellite Aided Transmission

Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) – a new technology

A more polished, effortless driving experience and even better response brings a new, more dynamic dimension to the famous Rolls-Royce trait, waftability.

Rolls-Royce Wraith

March 2013

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, March 2013

“I am delighted to unveil a new Rolls-Royce model that promises to draw superlatives from its audience. In launching Wraith we present the boldest design, the most dramatic performance and most powerful Rolls-Royce that has ever played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.

Naturally, the starting point is luxury, refinement and exclusivity, traits that have made Rolls-Royce the world’s pinnacle luxury brand for the last 109 years. But this is also a car defined by a timeless elegance, one that encapsulates a sense of power, style and drama - and just a hint of the noir.

The launch will revive one of the most famous Rolls-Royce names first used in 1938 and one which perfectly expresses the character of our new car. Wraith alludes to an almost imperceptible force, something rare, agile and potent, a spirit that will not be tethered to the earth. And I can assure you that performance delivers on the promise of its dramatic exterior styling, while of course remaining steeped in hallmark luxury, refinement and exclusivity.

Our new car will boldly shape the years ahead for Rolls-Royce, building on the success of Ghost, bringing more new customers to the marque. For Wraith is the ultimate gentleman’s gran turismo; it is the car we believe our great founding forefather and adventurer the Honourable Charles Rolls would have chosen to drive were he alive today.”

McLarens P1 Spotted Out In The Wild

2013-02-20T19:36:00.000-08:00

Some lucky bloke (Shmee150 on YouTube) was luck enough to come across the McLaren P1 out in the wild while riding around in a Ferrari 458 Spider. What are the chances of that! This comes on the Heels of McLarens announcement that it will be powered by a 903 horsepower Hybrid V8.

Source:McLarenAutomotive

IPAS?DRS? Source:McLarenAutomotive

What do those buttons do?

That little blue button to the right and the red to the left, may be the reason that the interior of the P1 was not shown to the public at earlier previews(unless your Jay Leno perhaps). The DRS is used for the Drag Reduction System and the IPAS (IPAS on the pun that could be used here) is the Instant Power assist.

PAS and DRS optimise performance and throttle response

The power available via the petrol engine and electric motor is further enhanced on the McLaren P1™ through two steering wheel-mounted buttons which activate the DRS (Drag Reduction System) and IPAS (Instant Power Assist System).

The Drag Reduction System used on the McLaren P1™ is a technology similar to that employed on Formula 1 cars. Speed is increased by reducing the amount of drag on the rear wing and, where the MP4-28 has a moveable flap on the rear wing, the McLaren P1™ has a wing that reduces in angle to lower drag by 23%. The system immediately deactivates when the button is released, or if the driver touches the brake pedal.

IPAS is designed to deliver power rapidly for high performance acceleration, and provides 179PS of instant additional power. In developing the IPAS technology for the McLaren P1™, power delivery was prioritised over energy storage. This is achieved through a groundbreaking, lightweight battery pack, which offers greater power density than any other automotive battery pack on sale today.

Look for more detials at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in March and Nice job to Shmee150 on the P1 video.

The New Ferrari F150/F70 Spy Shot

2013-02-06T05:03:00.000-08:00

Marchettino was able to get video of the new Ferrari Enzo Replacement on the track. Not much has changed physically from the previous photos I've seen but what really matters is whats going on inside that counts. Looks like the Ferrari's FXX Programme is paying off. Look at my video below for a quick comparison.

Pushing The Mclaren P1 to the Limit

2013-01-24T19:58:00.001-08:00

How could you not look at that and not say "wowzers!" or something to that effect. Source:Mclaren

Today, McLaren has released a video of the P1 hitting the track. It is still not known what type of engine it will have but rumors point to a twin turbo charged V8, that will shoot out a blue flame of awesomeness (I'm kidding of course). The price may set you back just a little over 1 million dollars (I'm not kidding).

I can only imagine how this car will be pushed to the limits. No doubt that for 2013 the 3 cars that will be compared and debated about are the Mclaren P1, The Enzo F150, and the Porsche 918.

The new players for 2013.Source:Ferrari

The new players for 2013.Source:thefastlanecar

THE McLAREN P1™: THE NEXT STEPS TOWARDS PRODUCTION

Jan 24, 2013

Development of the McLaren P1™ continues ahead of its next global appearance
Film released of the McLaren P1™ undergoing testing, available to view and embed from the official McLaren Automotive YouTube channel – http://youtu.be/VW2LOgchfno
XP development cars shown carrying race track-inspired camouflage

The McLaren P1™ was unveiled to the world as a design study at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, and was met with the glare of a thousand camera flashes. Since then, development of the technology beneath the carbon fibre skin has continued at great pace. The team at McLaren Automotive has continued the relentless testing programme for the car. The goal being: to produce the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.

The latest short video gives the most detailed view yet of the production McLaren P1™. Leveraging five decades of skills and knowledge gained through the company’s involvement at the pinnacle of motorsport and through Formula 1 techniques and processes, the McLaren P1™ promises to raise the supercar performance bar.

Using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) aerodynamic modelling and bespoke Formula 1™-derived dynamics simulation tools, outstanding performance against aggressive targets was established even before the first prototype builds. Detailed analysis has continued hand in hand with physical testing to accelerate the further development of the McLaren P1™.

A dedicated team of McLaren engineers, technicians and racing drivers are running a fleet of XP-codenamed vehicles, around the clock in some of the most demanding conditions, and on roads and circuits across the globe. The rigorous testing procedures for the McLaren P1™ have seen the development team working closely with McLaren Automotive technology partners on bespoke components and developments, including Akebono on a highly-efficient braking system, Pirelli on high performance tyres and Mobil 1 on leading cooling, lubrication and hydraulic fluids. As all these activities converge on the final specification, a remarkable vehicle is emerging. The McLaren P1™ is set to deliver truly outstanding road and track dynamics and performance, coupled with levels of driveability and refinement unprecedented in such a supercar.

The obsession to detail which McLaren is known for carries through with the work being done by the McLaren P1™ development team. This fascination that everything should be designed for a reason has filtered down even to the striking camouflage being worn on the development cars. Designed in-house by the team behind the shape of the car, the graphic incorporates the outlines of famous circuits from across the world, each of which is significant in the history of the brand.

The race is now on for the McLaren P1™ ahead of the next public appearance…

Source:Mclaren

2014 Rolls Royce Wraith Teaser Released

2013-01-23T05:02:00.001-08:00

Source Image:Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce has released a teaser of their up and coming Wraith. The stand out feature I've seen on spy shots for this car is the rear door for the passenger. To me it looks like a suicide door type of arrangement and I think it looks good. Something different from Rolls Royce. Can't wait to see more of this car at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013.

What's going on with rear door? Looks intresting.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today publishes the first official image of its new model Wraith, which will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2013.

The graceful silhouette gives expression to a bold and thoroughly contemporary luxury motor car. Flowing lines hint at the extraordinary power and dynamic promise of the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, yet also highlight design cues that can be traced through the model generations.

Rolls-Royce Wraith evokes the pioneering spirit and lust for adventure that drove company forefather the Honourable Charles Rolls - the consummate gentleman racer. But like Rolls, Wraith will also be steeped in the trappings of luxury and opulence.

When Wraith is present, for that fleeting moment, the world will stand still.

50 years of McLaren

2013-01-21T18:38:00.001-08:00

Copyright McLaren Automotive Limited.

2013 looks to be a good year for high performance cars. The SRT Viper is coming out, a new Ferrari (f150) will be revealed, the new Mclaren P1 and Porsche 918 may be out by the end of the year (I'm hopeful).We also have Three car makers celebrating some significant anniversaries. Aston Martin celebrates 100 years of car making, Lamborghini celebrates 50 years and Mclaren will celebrate a 50 year anniversry on September 2nd 2013. Way to go guy's, now go out there and keep pushing the envelope in making cool cars.

2013: Celebrating 50 years of McLaren

‘Life is measured in achievement, not in years alone.’

When a 27-year-old Bruce McLaren penned those words in 1964, his new company, Bruce McLaren Motor Racing Ltd, was less than a year old.

In those days, Bruce’s vision was shared by fewer than half a dozen loyal souls, who slogged across the world to race his self-made cars. Nowadays, the McLaren Group employs more than 2000 people, all of whom still share Bruce’s ideals of combining sportsmanship with solid engineering practice and cutting-edge technical expertise.

On September 2^nd 2013, the McLaren Group will celebrate its 50^th anniversary.

If we were to follow Bruce’s words to the letter, there’d be little time for recollection, but on the eve of our half-century there’s surely time for the briefest of breaths and the opportunity to take a look behind us at the sweeping vista built up in the indelible shadow of our founder:

Our Formula 1 team has become a global household name; since our arrival in the sport, at the 1966 Monaco Grand Prix, we have won more races (182) than any other constructor, started from pole position 155 times and scored 151 fastest laps. In 2012, we achieved the fastest-ever time for a Formula 1 pitstop (2.31s at Hockenheim), recorded our 58^th consecutive points-scoring finish, an all-time record, and have now led more than 10,000 racing laps.

The exploits of our greatest world champions will always bring F1 to life: Emerson Fittipaldi ignited the passion of his native Brazil; James Hunt created as many headlines on the front pages as on the back; Niki Lauda and Alain Prost turned sport to science; the burning intensity of Ayrton Senna will live on for ever, while Mika Hakkinen and Lewis Hamilton will always be remembered for their raw speed and fearless aggression.

Our legacy in North American sportscar racing is writ equally large: in the heyday of the mighty CanAm series, we steamrollered the opposition, lifting five successive championship trophies (1967-1971) and winning an incredible 43 races in our iconic, thundering V8-engined sportscars.

We went to the Indy 500 for the first time in 1970, returning with greater strength until we won the USA’s most famous motor race in 1974 with Johnny Rutherford. We repeated the feat with Rutherford in 1976, too.

Today, every single car in Formula 1, the Indycar Series and NASCAR relies upon McLaren Electronics’ standardised ECUs to control their engines and feed data back to the garage.

Introduced back in 1993, the McLaren F1 road car has lost none of its unique appeal and is still considered by many to be automotive world’s definitive supercar. To this day, it remains the fastest naturally aspirated production car in the world. In GTR racing guise, it won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, also scooping third, fourth and fifth places on its debut in 1995.

The next roadcar project was with German manufacturer Mercedes-Benz, and saw the successful build of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, which became the best-selling carbon-based car ever.

Since its launch in 2010, McLaren Automotive has developed into a world-class road car manufacturer, successfully developing and building the 12C and the 12C Spider high performance sports cars. Both models exploit our unparalleled understanding of carbon fibre and electronic driver systems to create a groundbreaking product of unequalled weight, strength, performance and driveability.

In a return to our sportscar roots, the debut of the 12C GT3 was an unqualified success, scoring 19 victories on its competitive debut in 2012. In September, as Vodafone McLaren Mercedes crossed the flag to win in Monza, McLaren’s GT cars also took top spot at races in British, French and Spanish championships – an incredible achievement.

Fittingly, this year, McLaren Automotive stands poised to open its 50^th global dealership ahead of the worldwide launch of the P1™ – our newest model and a machine that’s set to rewrite the definition of the modern supercar.

Away from the track, McLaren leads the world in the application of Formula 1 technology and expertise to other industries. McLaren Applied Technologies helped British cyclists, rowers, sailors and canoeists win 15 gold medals last summer. We worked alongside Specialized to design Mark Cavendish’s world championship-winning S-Works Venge bicycle. Working with Birmingham Children’s hospital, we have improved the monitoring of sick children in intensive care. McLaren has also designed systems to help the Bay Area Rapid Transit railway in San Francisco to run more efficiently and to reduce the CO₂ emissions from plane movements at airports.

It’s all a long way from that small south London lock-up back in 1963. But Bruce wouldn’t wish for us to merely look backwards without looking forwards, too.

Accordingly, echoes of our past will reverberate throughout a series of unique events and celebrations to be held across our anniversary year.

From the McLaren 50 logos we’ll proudly sport on our team shirts, through our specially commissioned heritage video features, to the launch of our new MP4-28 Formula 1 car with Jenson Button and Sergio Perez on January 31^st, every lap, every corner, every mile and every road we take will be an opportunity to revel in McLaren’s present while recalling our 50-year past.

The New Mclaren P1 Gets Airborne (sort of)

2013-01-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

The yet to be released Mclaren P1 made its Los Angeles debut this week. Not only did I get to see this amazing car in daylight but I got to see how it was taken away. By crane service! The crane operator was pretty smooth. Check out the video I made of the crane picking up the P1.

100 Years of Aston Martin

2013-01-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

Centenary Edition Vanquish. Source:Aston Martin Website

Today Janury 15 2013, Aston Martin celebrates 100 years of making cars. Very impressive for an auto maker to be around that long. To celebrate Aston Martin will making a limited run of 100 Centenary Edition Models of the V8 Vantage, DB9, Rapid and Vanquish coming out this year. What I like is all the sweet sweet extra's that will go in to the Centenary Vanquish.

The Sweet Sweet Extras

Interior will be a deep soft black leather with contrasting silver stiching,similar to what was in the Aston Martin One-77. It will come with a presentation box(I can imagine a black leather lined cigar type box with the logo on top)that will have two glass keys, solid silver cuff links,a roller pin and Bang and Olufsen headphones. The unique paint finish on this car adds another 18 hours in making the car. I am hopeful that living in Southern California will increase my chances of seeing one in Beverly Hills. Until then I will have to do with what I've already seen. Check out my Videos on two unique Aston Martins I have came across.