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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Antoine Tessier – December 24, 2023

Reflecting on a Remarkable Year and Charting Our Course f...

Dear duPont REGISTRY Group Family and Friends, As 2023 draws to a close, Christian Clerc and I are reflecting on how much duPont REGISTRY Group has achieved so far. In this festive season, we want to take a moment to pause, express gratitude, and share our excitement for what lies ahead. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for us all: 2023 saw not only the birth of our group, but the beginning of our transformation into a complete media and commerce ecosystem. First, we assembled an elite board of directors: Christian, our chairman and former Global President of Four Seasons; Group Vice Chairman Sandeep Chugani, a current partner at Boston Consulting Group; and Javier Villamizar, current operating partner at Softbank Vision Fund. Their combined knowledge of our market is second to none and will help us execute our vision and deliver on our promise. We also reinforced our teams at all levels to support and accelerate our transformation. Our executive team has grown with the arrival of Mike Guy as Director of Editorial and Events and we are actively searching for the best talents. We launched duPont REGISTRY Insurance and our clients can now benefit from a one-stop shop for all their automotive insurance needs—we cover their daily driver as well as their collectibles. Our strong partnership with Hagerty and other carriers put us in a unique position to offer a personalized insurance product attached to a white glove service. We continue the digital transformation of duPont REGISTRY and have begun investing heavily in our platform as well as our extensive proprietary data. We’re already seeing results with an increase in visits and conversions. 2024 will see major redesign of both the front and back ends. Our event business is very strong, Canossa is delivering record growth this year and the brand reputation is now scaling up to new exclusive partnerships and new countries. Finally, Sotheby’s Motorsport is building momentum. Strong with thousands of active bidders and users we are crafting a new way to online auction: “From the start, I have been impressed with the communication and overall professionalism. They put my mind at ease as a seller and what a great tool for a potential bidder/buyer to have. They simply remove much of the worry/question/anxiety involved with a transaction as such.” One of our seller told recently. Our team has an integral role in our success in 2023. Each individual’s hard work, dedication, and passion has exceeded the lofty goals we set at the beginning of the year. Looking Forward to 2024: The coming year is going to be full of challenges, but it’s also full of promise. Our unwavering commitment to excellence remains constant, and that is our most powerful weapon. We will build on our successes, leverage our learnings, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. As with every presidential election year, 2024 will have plenty of uncertainty, but with our current audience and global development strategy, I’m confident we can sidestep the turbulence—and even use it to our advantage. In the coming year, our strategic focus will be on developing our Marketplace to become a completely modern platform that unlocks the power of our ecosystem and enables our clients and dealership partners to transact seamlessly. These are the relationships we value most, and we believe in taking our dealerships with us as we increase our market share. We will soon launch our Preferred program that will unlock exclusive benefits to our dealerships. In this year of transformation and strong growth for duPont REGISTRY Group, we will add new products to our ecosystem around Financing, Leasing, and Warranty, and we will expand our portfolio of iconic brands with new acquisitions that reinforce our leadership in the market. We will also launch a new members-only club that will offer extraordinary benefits and experiences to bring our portfolio of the best and most powerful luxury car brands to life. By harnessing the strengths that define us and adapting to emerging trends, we will continue to be at the forefront of the Driven Lifestyle market. Our vision is not only to maintain our leadership position but to redefine the industry standard of excellence. None of our achievements would be possible without the hard work and dedication of each and every member of the duPont REGISTRY Group family. Your passion, resilience, and creativity are what drives our success. Christian and I have the deepest gratitude for your unwavering commitment and tireless efforts. So, on behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous and restful break. May you find time to recharge, reflect, and return in the new year with renewed energy and enthusiasm. Thank you for your outstanding contributions and for being an integral part of our success story. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Warm regards, Antoine

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 24, 2023

1-of-15 900HP Off-Road BRABUS Crawler For Sale

BRABUS Crawler - A new era of BRABUS off-road power.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 21, 2023

318-Mile 1-of-50 2005 Maserati MC12 For Sale

This is an extremely rare opportunity for any collector to acquire Maserati's greatest supercar creation, the MC12!

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 17, 2023

Ed Bolian's Grigio Silverstone Ferrari 430 Scuderia Up Fo...

Along with securing consecutive Championships in Formula 1 and unveiling the F430 as the predecessor to the 360, the mid-2000s proved to be a strong point for the Ferrari brand. No stranger to stripping down options to create the ultimate race-inspired look and feel, Ferrari introduced the 430 Scuderia as the track-focused version of the F430 platform. Now regarded as the most collectible Ferrari of its era, the 430 Scuderia continues its uprise in market popularity and value amongst Italian prancing horse purists willing to pay a pretty penny for a pristine example. Known more commonly for his passion, no obsession, for Lamborghini supercars, VINwiki founder and well-known YouTuber Ed Bolian joined forces with Sotheby's Motorsport to auction off his beloved 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The question often asked about the 430 Scuderia is, "What makes it different from the regular Ferrari F430? What makes the Scuderia the ultimate everyday track-ready supercar includes race-specific upgrades like lightweight bodywork, driveline tuning for more torque, carbon ceramic brakes, and a base carbon fiber interior design with bucket seats. In total, the Ferrari 430 Scuderia ditches more than 220lbs over its regular-production sibling. Finished in Grigio Silverstone over Rosso leather, the car is among few Ferraris favored by Bolian. Acquiring the vehicle in poor cosmetic condition, he soon tended to lackluster paint and separating interior components. Adding nearly 7,000 miles in his first week of ownership alone, Ed's enthusiasm for the Scuderia shines in his high praise of the model's engine, interior, and overall driving experience. The Ferrari 430 Scuderia's 502 horsepower naturally-aspirated V8, slick-shifting F1 automated gearbox, and tasteful optioning present its next owner a truly rewarding ownership experience ahead. Its high-revving powertrain is responible for a 3.3-second 0-60mph time, and an overall top speed of 198mph. Current service records report the 430 Scuderia recieved new valve cover gaskets and spark plug tube seals, reattachment of 430 Scuderia emblem, replacement of missing rear grille screws, and repair of leather strap for securing spare tire (front trunk). Now showing an odometer reading of just 43,551 miles, this Ferrari is sold with both a clean Georgia Title and clean Carfax report. Now available for bidding on SothebysMotorsport.com, Ed Bolian's 2009 Ferrari 430 Scuderia lot will most definitely have a lot of eyes on it so be sure to keep yours open throughout its auction time. In the meantime, be sure to sign up to be a bidder so you're ready to go. Visit SothebysMotorsport.com

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 13, 2023

Cartainers Offers Display, Storage, & Transport Solutions...

The Cartainer Ceres 001 goes way beyond simple storage. Any avid car collector or enthusiast can agree that the protection and preservation of classic cars, supercars, and hypercars is key for ensuring that your investment grows as the market continues to strengthen. Whether you own a Concours-winning Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing or a track-ready Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the specialists at Cartainers have the quintessential solution for those looking to store and display their prized possesions. At the forefront of Cartainers' state-of-the-art system is the Ceres 001, designed to be sleek and eye-catching while your vehicle stays hidden from outside elements. What truly separates Cartainers from traditional storage options is the ability securly transport the Ceres 001 anywhere you want to go with customizable integrated tie downs. The Cartainer Ceres 001 comes equipped with cutting-edge smart technology for an easy and intuitive experience for owners. It doesn't matter if your vehicle is in transit or showcased, the smartphone app gives you the power to remotely manage all the Cartainer functionalities. Effortlessly operate the electric ramp and sliding doors, personalize lighting effects to your taste, and keep tabs on temperature, humidity, and VOC levels. Plus, you can always stay informed about your vehicle's location thanks to our GPS system with cellular connectivity. The Cartainer Smart Control system offers upgraded security ammentities like 24/7 interior and exterior camera monitoring, automated door locking systems, and facial recognition access. The Cartainer Ceres 001 is thoughtfully engineered for transport trucks, standard rollback trains, and container ships. Its design allows for seamless top-of-stack transportation, and is robust enough to be stacked up to three units high, enhancing its versatility and efficiency in logistics. For those owners looking to take things to a whole new level, Cartainers offers the unique opportunity to customize you Ceres 001. From customizable chassis colors, bespoke flooring options, and interior lighting options, Ceres 001 is designed to match anyone's individual style. Discover the state-of-the-art automotive display and storsage solutions from Cartainer by clicking the link below. Discover The Cartainer Ceres 001 Source: Cartainers

By Gabriel Vega – December 08, 2023

Bentley And Ducati Collaborate To Build A Batur-Inspired ...

With a price tag surpassing $2 Million, the Bentley Batur is poised to become one of the brand's most exclusive vehicles ever, with just 18 units planned for production. It's also the brand's most powerful production vehicle to date, generating 730 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged W12. To celebrate its arrival, Bentley partnered with Ducati to produce a limited run of 500 Batur-inspired motorcycles, known simply as the Ducati Diavel for Bentley. As its name suggests, Ducati's latest utilizes the Diavel V4 as its base. However, Bentley and Ducati's designers worked together to thoroughly re-style the bike. The standard color is a Bentley-sourced shade of Scarab Green, which contrasts against the Dark Titanium satin-finished rims. Its air intakes, front mudguard, fairing, and gas tank feature subtle nods to the Batur. Besides being interchangeable with a passenger seat, its tail draws inspiration from the car's rear end. Like the Batur, this limited Diavel model relies heavily on carbon fiber for its fenders, side panels, and tailpiece. Its engine, exhaust, and radiator covers also count on lightweight material. In keeping with this sporty theme, its seats feature Alcantara with contrasting red stitching throughout. However, despite its many exterior changes, the bike's 168-horsepower V4 Granturismo 1,158 cc engine remains unchanged. Ducati plans to build 500 total units of its Bentley-inspired Diavel, most of which will feature the aforementioned color scheme. However, 50 are reserved for Bentley Mulliner customers, the carmaker's high-end customization department. This smaller batch will get added customization flexibility, meaning customers can change the color of its saddle, front brake calipers, and rims. Should they want to go further, Ducati will allow them to paint its bodywork to match their car or in one of a selected range of Mulliner colors. Alongside the motorcycle itself, Bentley and Ducati also designed a Capsule Collection. This also allows buyers of this limited motorcycle to order a matching helmet and jacket. While Bentley and Ducati unveiled their latest creation today during Miami's Art Basel show, the brands have yet to announce when their creation will go on sale or, more crucially, how much it'll cost.

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 07, 2023

Rodin Cars' 1,013HP FZERO Hypercar Begins Its On-Track Te...

The Rodin Cars FZERO hypercar recently made its track debut on the picturesque South Island of New Zealand, entering a crucial test and development phase. Following its global reveal last year, the New Zealand-designed-and-manufactured hypercar is now showcasing its expertised and innovative technology on the track. A key milestone for Rodin Cars, the FZERO's rollout onto the brand’s test track signifies the ambitious nature of this project. Following the success of the FZED single-seat track car, the FZERO represents a more ambitious effort for Rodin Cars. Designed and developed from their state-of-the-art facility near Mount Lyford, the facility showcases three test circuits and a high-tech production site. The brainchild of technology billionaire and avid racer David Dicker, the FZERO features a bespoke twin-turbocharged V10 engine, the RC.TEN. Dicker himself took the FZERO for its inaugural run, expressing pride and satisfaction with its performance and durability. "The test went very well, and we’re thrilled as the FZERO project advances into its next phase. It’s truly a unique car," said Dicker. The FZERO, with its closed-cockpit design, promises to rival the performance of track-only hypercars from Aston Martin, Gordon Murray Automotive, and Mercedes-AMG. It aims to deliver an exceptional driving experience, characterized by raw speed and dynamic performance. At its heart is the twin-turbocharged 4.0L V10 RC.TEN engine, producing 1,013 brake-horsepower at 9500rpm with just 11psi of boost. This powerhouse propels the FZERO to a top speed of 224mph. Initially developed in the UK, the RC.TEN’s development has since been brought in-house at Rodin Cars, with plans to offer it as a crate motor for motorsport applications. In partnership with LINK Engine Management, the RC.TEN will be featured at the Performance Racing Industry Show in Indianapolis in December 2023. Source: Rodin Cars

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 06, 2023

AC Cars Unveils The Chassis Of The New Cobra GT Roadster

The incredible new sports car masterpiece revives a true legend. AC Cars, known for its historic Cobra sports car, has embarked on a thrilling journey with the introduction of the AC Cobra GT Roadster. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Britain's oldest active vehicle manufacturer, heralding a new era of excellence in the sports car domain. The AC Cobra GT Roadster is not merely an evolution but a revolutionary leap in the world of high-performance vehicles. At its core lies a bespoke, precision-engineered chassis that sets a new benchmark in automotive design and construction. This unique platform is the result of meticulous development by AC Cars, focusing on integrating cutting-edge components while upholding the highest safety standards. The chassis for the new roadster was revealed recently, offering a glimpse into the advanced engineering that underpins this sensational vehicle. This new model stands unparalleled in its category. It is equipped with state-of-the-art materials and construction techniques, having undergone comprehensive testing and development processes. The rigorous assessments in real-world and virtual environments ensure that the AC Cobra GT Roadster surpasses the expectations of today's supercar enthusiasts. Innovation and tradition harmoniously blend in the AC Cobra GT Roadster, retaining the iconic aesthetics of the AC Cobra lineage, yet it propels the brand into the future with its groundbreaking design and construction. David Conza, CEO of AC Cars, emphasizes the brand's commitment to innovation. "Our goal was to create an experience akin to driving the original AC Cobra but with a sophistication that was unheard of in the 1960s," he says. This approach reflects the company's vision to offer high performance and exclusivity, coupled with enhanced driver engagement, refinement, and safety. The AC Cobra GT Roadster's design, particularly its lightweight structure and exceptional torsional rigidity, is optimized for an open-top car. The collaboration with leading industry suppliers and the utilization of extensive automotive and motorsport sector experience have culminated in this automotive masterpiece. Its completion ensures that the new AC Cobra GT Roadster lives up to its promise and legacy. The AC Cars of today is deeply entwined with the original AC Cobra. All period chassis of the iconic 1960s AC Cobra were manufactured at the company's Thames Ditton factory in England. However, recognizing the limitations of traditional chassis designs in terms of safety and performance, CEO David Conza initiated the development of a car that meets the demands of the 21st century. The unveiling of the bespoke chassis for the AC Cobra GT Roadster allows enthusiasts and clients to appreciate the sophisticated engineering and complexity involved in this new sports car. AC Cars is now welcoming orders for this extraordinary vehicle, promising an ultimate driving experience and historic revival to its valued customers. View All AC Cobras For Sale Image Source: AC Cars

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2023

duPont REGISTRY Group Names Javier Villamizar and Sandeep...

duPont REGISTRY Group announces the nomination of Javier Villamizar and Sandeep Chugani to its Board of Directors. These dynamic additions will bring decades of invaluable expertise, credibility, and strategic guidance, and further strengthen the Group’s expansion. “We’re thrilled to have Javier and Sandeep join our Board,” says Christian Clerc, Chairman of duPont REGISTRY Group. “Their profound track record of advising and guiding companies will be paramount to our success as we continue building our luxury automotive ecosystem.” Villamizar has extensive experience in technology and telecom ventures, bringing his unique perspective from the financial and technology industry. Chugani has over three decades of experience in senior operating roles and retail consulting, specializing in growth strategies. Together, they will play a key role in the expansion of duPont REGISTRY Group’s products and services. “These impressive partners have been tremendous resources to our team, and I’m confident that they will be an invaluable asset to our Board,” adds Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group. “Their professional acumen for the consumer and luxury markets will be vital as we seek to expand the ecosystem through new product development and acquisitions, allowing us to truly deliver on being the one-stop shop for the ultimate luxury car experience.” Javier Villamizar, currently an Operating Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers, leverages his operational expertise to support global expansion within the SoftBank Vision Fund's portfolio. His diverse career spans entrepreneurial ventures, successful roles at Motorola, and key contributions to Brightstar's expansion into over 30 markets, culminating in his impactful involvement in Greensill's global technology and telecom practice. “The duPont REGISTRY is a strong and trustworthy brand and I am honored to be a part of this vision to build on top of it a transactional digital marketplace for the luxury consumer space,” explains Villamizar. In Chugani’s 18 years at Boston Consulting Group, he has led the Miami and New Jersey offices, the company’s North American retail sector, and its global transformation practice. His focus areas span operating models, organizational effectiveness, and large-scale transformation. On the Board, Chugani will play an integral part in matters of diligence and strategic direction as the company continues to expand its portfolio and cater to the high-end automotive lifestyle. “I’m honored to join the duPont REGISTRY Group Board of Directors. Luxury cars right now are at the nexus of culture, business, and growth. It’s an incredible time for the sector, and I am thrilled to bring my experience in transforming organizations and help the leadership team put an even sharper strategic lens to their already strong plans,” says Chugani. The duPont REGISTRY Group offers unique experiences and products tailored to car enthusiasts across every stage of their journey – as they grow from dreamers to collectors. Today, the ecosystem includes duPont REGISTRY, Sotheby’s Motorsport, Canossa Events, Cavallino, and FerrariChat. For media inquiries, please contact: media@dupontregistrygroup.com About duPont REGISTRY Group: At the heart of the Driven Lifestyle division lies the duPont REGISTRY Group, the world’s leading luxury ecosystem that encapsulates the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle. Built by some of the biggest names in the luxury automotive space, duPont REGISTRY Group represents a vibrant community of hundreds of thousands of members nurtured over nearly four decades. Its portfolio includes duPont REGISTRY, Sotheby’s Motorsport, Canossa Events, Cavallino, and FerrariChat.

By Gabriel Vega – December 05, 2023

Lucid Motors Announces Updated Air Pricing And New Config...

Late last year, California-based electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors announced plans to introduce an entry-level version of its Air sedan known as the Pure. At the time, the carmaker expected its least expensive model to start at around $87,400 without including any additional destination fees. Meanwhile, the Air Touring, positioned just above the Pure, crossed the six-figure mark with its $107,400 base price. As has become a broader industry trend since that November 2022 announcement, the prices of EVs from a variety of brands have seen a fairly consistent downward trend. Tesla, for example, the brand that kicked off the discounting frenzy, chopped as much as $40,000 off its Model S Plaid. Other carmakers soon followed, Lucid Motors included. Fast forward almost exactly a year and the Lucid Air Pure RWD arrived with a $77,400 starting price, a full $10,000 less than expected. Still, it generates 430 horsepower and offers up to 419 miles of range. The aforementioned six-figure Air Touring now costs $85,900, benefiting from an even greater $21,500 discount. Lucid says that its 620-hp output remains unchanged while it now covers up to 411 miles, down from 425 miles due to an updated EPA range testing protocol. While the carmaker has yet to announce pricing for the Air Grand Touring, it did state that its 819-horsepower sedan would also get a reduced base price while adding new features. This leaves the $249,000 Lucid Air Sapphire as the brand's range-topping product, now positioned well above its other offerings in price and performance. Alongside its pricing announcement, Lucid unveiled it will now offer greater flexibility when configuring a car, regardless of its trim level. Whereas previously higher-priced Air models like the Grand Touring meant you had to live with a glass roof, now its metal counterpart is an option. In contrast, previously walled-off options like massage seats are now available even in the entry-level Pure trim. A new Comfort and Convenience package for the Air Pure and Touring adds features like a heated steering wheel, heated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone climate control, and power rear window shades. However, this package also adds a power trunk and heated wipers for the pricier Touring. Alongside introducing its new package, Lucid is also reducing the price of its Sealth Appearance option, which adorns this sedan's exterior with dark trim and badges. Lucid's latest price reductions align with its recent unveiling of the Gravity SUV and its sub-$80,000 base price. And while the carmaker plans to begin deliveries of its family-hauling volume seller next year, its more attainable sedan lineup should help the California brand combat slumping sales figures and a cooling luxury EV market.

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