Articles

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 Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2019

BRABUS: Behind the Scenes

Only a handful of aftermarket tuning shops will consider modifying a Mercedes-Benz. Of those few, no advertiser has graced the pages and digital properties of the duPont REGISTRY longer than Brabus which has been nearly 20 years. Our late friend Bodo Buschman founded BRABUS in 1977 as a small garage in Bottrop, Germany. The Ruhr Valley is home to the nation's industrial heartland, and the residents have a need for speed. After unlocking more power from his own Mercedes-Benz, Bodo realized that no other shop was up to his standards. While AMG was focused on racing, BRABUS offered improved styling, leather, and luxurious amenities not offered by the factory. He and his team were not afraid to venture into unknown territory. Bodo saw an opportunity in the duPont REGISTRY, and never looked back. Although he passed away suddenly in 2018, his son Constantin remains one of our biggest fans. Starting at the bottom, he was taught the fundamentals by watching and helping the master technicians. His father taught him to never disregard a new or untapped opportunity, and that is evident in their rapid growth of BRABUS Marine. They had been asking us to visit for quite a while, so the details were handled by Sven Gramm, Director of Marketing and Communications. His counterpart in the U.S. is Peter Moeller, of German Tuning Corporation. As the U.S. division of BRABUS, they handle all BRABUS and STARTECH imports to North America. STARTECH is a BRABUS company devoted to adding the same level of refinement to Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar/Land Rover, & Maserati. It was decided our trip would start at the Frankfurt Auto Show. Not just to see their display, we were given VIP access to see each car up close. After a week at the World's Largest Auto Show, we were invited to visit their headquarters. Arriving in Bottrop, we quickly realized their facility is a model of efficiency. The campus is comprised of five massive buildings, each with a specialized purpose. Quality over quantity is evident when you walk in the door. We were greeted by Sven, and taken aback by the amazing cars in the showroom. Management offices surround a Brabus 900 S65, Maybach, and a Landaulet. Our first stop was the Coffee Bar, we wanted to get pumped up for what we were about to witness. Newborn Mercedes-Benz models are given white-glove inspections before work begins. A few apprentices are allowed to sort parts and keep the facility clean, but the only hands allowed to touch the cars are those of master coachbuilders. There is nothing proprietary in hiring the best workers available. The engine shop is a quiet place. Watching the delicate assembly of pistons, rods and bearings demand respect from visitors and coworkers alike. From there, these masterpiece motors are bolted to a dyno for break-in. Once every cylinder and turbo have been checked, the engine meets its forever home. While the engine is being installed, the brilliant upholstery takes form. The finest leather in the world is sewn on state of the art machines. A careful eye makes every stitch true to size. This is offered on every interior surface, from floor mats to the roof. Sure it is time-intensive, but you can't rush perfection. Before each car is allowed outside, it is strapped to a 4-wheel dyno for some exercise. The cars are brought up to cruising speeds with varying amounts of load to monitor the CO2 output. After fine-tuning, each BRABUS build beats the world's toughest emissions standards. Building brutal power doesn't have to harm the environment, but that is all we can say for now. It was time for lunch, and we needed a ride. Instead of a taxi, we were chauffeured in a new BRABUS 800. Based on the Mercedes-AMG E63 S, it sends 800 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Our driver was well acquainted with his town, so it was a ride we'll not forget! After lunch, we were able to see the assembly of a BRABUS G V12 900. Only 10 examples will be built, with each one receiving a twin-turbo 6.3L V12. If 1,106 lb-ft of torque doesn't excite you, seek help. Was it the most powerful build in progress, no, and that is what continues to make us wonder how much power can be contained in a street-legal SUV. One building is not like the others. BRABUS has been responsible for much of the engineering of the SmartCar. Not only do they continually build them to be faster and safer, but their engine upgrades also make these little rides very affordable to own. Another building handles innovation and design. Because BRABUS never turns down a challenge, their team is constantly at work solving problems for the world's largest automakers. Engineers and stylists at the big manufacturers get tunnel vision by their corporate overlords. That is where BRABUS steps in with a fresh set of eyes. Very exciting stuff is coming from this crew, and we wish we could tell you more. Because each BRABUS build requires small batches of highly specialized parts, the same methodology can be applied to restoring classic cars. Brabus Classic was started as a side project, and now they received neglected Mercedes & AMG models from around the world. With the ability to make exact replicas of original parts, the end result is often better than showroom condition. In order for your car to be restored, BRABUS Classic subjects it to extensive evaluations. Only historically significant, numbers-matching cars are chosen. From there, the car is completely disassembled with its parts being cataloged. The body is chemically stripped before all rust is cut out, then dipped in a bath of cathodic primer. This ensures it will never rust again. Each nut and bolt is refinished or replaced with a new-old-stock part from Mercedes. If the part no longer exists, BRABUS Classic classic makes an exact replica. The engine and transmission are rebuilt to factory condition and dropped into a fully restored chassis. A BRABUS Classic Six-Star restoration is the German equivalent of Ferrari Classiche or the Lamborghini Polo Storico. We could have spent weeks going over these amazing restorations. We would not be able to show you such amazing builds without the support of our clients. Our hats are off to the Buschman family and every employee who made our trip so enjoyable. If you want a German car with unmatched power and refinement, BRABUS is the only answer. We honestly wish we could tell you what they have in the works, so that's why you will see it first here on duPont REGISTRY Daily. View All Brabus Mercedes Benz For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2019

Wide Open Baja: Your Adventure Awaits

If you have ever dreamed of blasting across the desert, Wide Open Baja is unlike anything you have experienced. Rob Ward and his team of off-road instructors have been involved in our events for years, so he decided to pull back the curtain on their most exclusive vacation package and share it with some of our team members. Our 3-day excursion was all-inclusive. We started with being transported in a new Ford Raptor that took from the San Diego Airport across the border. We then arrived at Horsepower Ranch, which is located in the hills above Ensenada. Our guide Darren had the chef prepare Sonoran-style Machaca - perfectly aged beef that is sun-dried and rubbed with a secret blend of spices grown on-site. Once inside the hacienda, we were overwhelmed with the history on the walls. Parnelli Jones, Mickey Thompson, Ivan Stewart and many others have left their mark in the dining room. From Paul Newman to Patrick Dempsey, the walls of Horsepower Ranch could tell stories for decades. After dinner, we had a safety briefing that included radio communication to other teams along with contingencies for broken axles and flat tires. Having basic knowledge of their cars from being around them at the event didn’t stop Darren from showing us what to look for and how to keep the Subaru 2.5 liter flat four in its powerband. About the cars: Subaru provides the engines and Wide Open builds everything else. The car is built from thick-wall DOM tubing by fabricators who make TIG welding look like child's play. Fully independent suspension consists of 2-stage coil springs and 3.5" remote reservoir shocks. No sway bars allow for freedom to push deep into corners and smooth out the washboard trails at high speeds. Four corner A-Arms with 22" of travel soak up almost anything. BF Goodrich makes the world's best Baja tire, and their 33" x 12.50 are amazing on pavement or in the sand. Ok, back to the story. After learning how much engineering goes into the suspension, we left Horsepower Ranch to become acquainted with the car. Darren guided us to the historic trails of the Baja 1000. The cars have 5.43 ratio Torsen differentials. This makes 1st gear strictly a granny-low, and it allows these machines to climb steeper than anything you have driven. Ascending a vertical wall, my coworker and I were looking at the sky while relying on GPS and Darren's voice to keep us from falling off the mountain. After the first elevation adventures, the trail transitioned into a high-speed run across the desert. It is littered with obstacles, hairpins and a series of jumps that hide in plain sight. At slow speeds, the car's bouncing is amplified by the washboards, but Darren told us to put the hammer down. Sunset in the high desert The Wide Open Baja car really comes into its own at speeds above 50 mph. As we bounced across the dusty wasteland, it was necessary to minimize brake and steering inputs. The tires are only touching the sand for fractions of a second, so your focus needs to be far ahead. Saturday's lunch was a mom & pop taqueria. After some amazing local cuisine, we took a 15-mile highway trip through picturesque Mexican villages. Our destination was top-secret, and very deep into the high desert. We came up to a mountain spring and Darren said we needed top speed in 2nd gear to make it across...the joke was on us, soaked to the bone in rapidly decreasing temperatures, we came upon the most iconic location in off-road racing. Every guest is required to decorate the windows Mike's Horsepower Rancho is a rite of passage. It takes serious skill and incredible machines to even reach this secluded spot. Every inch of the hotel and bar are covered with signatures and stickers from the world's best racers. It seemed like we were the only ones at this altitude until I came across an old man sitting at the bar. The kind man introduced himself as Mike Jr, the son of legendary racer Mike Leon. Far removed from any urban anxieties, the absolute lack of sound is incredibly peaceful. The proprietor has enough wild stories to last a lifetime, with pictures to prove it. This location made the trip worth it and it should be on everyone's bucket list. View from my room Sitting around a fire, we were surprised to see a group of Honda Enduros appear out of the narrow trails. They joined us to compare stories of how we all got there and joined us for yet another amazing meal. At 9:30 pm, the generator went off and we were cut off from the outside world. It was nice to be disconnected, without a worry in the world. Leaving Mike's on Sunday morning, we were greeted by an arduous 10 miles of rock climbs and nerve-wracking descents. It is the most technical portion of the Baja1000, but our car never skipped a beat. Pushing the machine past what we thought it was possible of, the trail eventually transformed into a high-desert plateau. Running flat out, we briefly hit 77 mph heading toward the Pacific Ocean. After a brief highway run, we headed down a steep canyon to the ocean. Instead of sand, the beach was comprised of round rocks, relentlessly pounded by the Pacific. The water temperature was inviting, but we had a schedule to keep. Sunday night we arrived at Hotel Paraiso Colonet, overlooking the beach in Ensenada. It was nice to have WiFi and cell service again, but honestly, coming back to civilization was a bit of a letdown. Our trip took us through villages and farms that look like something you would have seen in the 1800s. And they were filled with happy people, who lived mostly hand-to-mouth. Nobody was posing for Snapchat or Instagram. Nobody was talking about North Korea or Kneeling. It was a perfect way to get back to basics. Monday was our last day of driving, so Darren saved some amazing trails for us. Some of the big sweeping curves have deep ruts, so the side bite from our BFG tires allowed for incredible grip. After another day on the trails, we arrived at Wide Open Headquarters to get a tour of their new cars. Next year's cars will have integrated iPad and GoPro connections along with even more suspension travel. We would like to thank Rob, Darren, Gary, Miguel and the entire team who provided concierge service around the clock. If you need more excitement in your life, Wide Open will reset your priorities. You won't take anything for granted once it’s over, so don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime. visit wideopenbaja.com " width="680"> Article Originally Published on October 6, 2017

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2019

Plycon to Plycar: A Family Tradition

Florida is home to several endangered species, but the Snowbird is not among them. These restless creatures migrate south in the Winter, and the most successful versions like to bring their amenities with them. In the old days, this bi-annual trip was easily accomplished by the railroad. However, the Interstate highway system put an end to the private rail car. In the 1970s, Arthur Pliaconis made a living transporting artwork and furnishings for the wealthy. After realizing the untapped potential of the Snowbirds, he bought a truck and rented a trailer. Treating each customer and their belongings with the utmost of care, one truck evolved into many. Word began to spread west, and Plycon Transportation Group was incorporated in 1982. Because every object arrived safe, business kept expanding. There are no 3rd party hooligans to deal with because Plycon employees are the only ones that touch your property. No job was too big or too small, and occasionally a customer would include a motorcycle or car along with their other property. It wasn't unusual to see an Austin-Healy riding on a purpose-built platform, surrounded by artwork and family heirlooms. Giving cars the same white glove treatment, Plycar was born. This required a nationwide system of warehouses and Arthur realized he had a logistical advantage. His sons Dean, David and Chris were groomed to understand this business from an early age, so they left the home base to run Plycar across the country. Around 1990, Dean opened the Torrance, California location. David keeps the Snowbirds happy in Pompano Beach, Florida, and Chris runs the original office in King's Park, New York. Each facility is massive, and it allows them to temporarily store your car or prized possessions if needed. Arthur passed away in 2006, but he left a legacy that his family has come to embrace. Today they operate over 200 trucks, each one with real-time GPS tracking. In addition to their full-size car haulers, Plycar has the largest fleet of single-car carriers in the nation. This means your prized ride won't be shuffled around at each stop, or leaked on from above. Their attention to detail caught the eye of Porsche North America, and soon Plycar was transporting every VW brand. Lamborghini, Bentley, and their competitors depend on Plycar to deliver new inventory in factory condition. Their reputation speaks for itself, and nothing is off-limits. If the manufacturers trust them, you can rest assured that your car will be safe. To request a quote, click the link below and tell them duPont REGISTRY sent you! Click Here For A Quote Presented by Plycar Automotive Logistics Our enclosed multi-car carriers have the latest equipment, ensuring your vehicle is safely loaded and secured. If our full-sized trailers are not an option, our fleet of single carriers are at your disposal. Plycar takes full responsibility for every move. Our team members are specially trained to meticulously protect and steward high-end vehicles. We do not cross dock or ship part way and hand off your cargo to another carrier to finish the job. Plycar maintains fully staffed terminals in key markets across the United States.

By Andrew Nabors – August 27, 2018

Ferrari of Houston & Ferrari of The Woodlands: The Perfec...

If you are looking for an Italian exotic in East Texas, you have two choices. Ferrari of Houston, or Ferrari of The Woodlands. Both locations have their own unique clientele, but they are one dedicated team under the leadership of Guiseppe Risi. Buying a Ferrari is a good investment, especially if you buy it from George Foreman. No, not the boxing legend, his son George Foreman IV.Ferrari of Houston: Your One-Stop Ferrari ShopHumble is a small town on the Northside of Houston, and that is where the Foreman children were raised. It is there that their father taught them humility, as the family struggled to make ends meet. Their father retired in 1977, and they were forced to sell much of their estate to put food on the table. But after his comeback in 1987, he taught his 5 sons how to invest in cars. While he was home for the summer, George IV was sent around the country looking for cars his father was interested in. He learned the art of negotiation and how to research every mechanical and aesthetic detail before making a deal.It was helping to build his father's collection that made him pursue an automotive career. But of all the cars he has seen, nothing compares to Ferrari. His passion for the brand is based on the fact that 70 years is a long run for building the perfect automobile. His favorite example is the 70th Anniversary California T. It represents a dedication to history along with incredible power. Now that the Portofino has arrived, he is enjoying the challenge of transitioning his customers into the latest model. Having an Atelier room at each location allows George to satisfy his clients by building their own Ferrari.Because of the unprecedented success of the downtown store, Maranello granted them the freedom to make Ferrari of the Woodlands a truly unique location. The owner of both stores is Giuseppe Risi, who also owns Risi Competizione. The Woodlands focuses on Ferrari's racing history while also displaying multiple Team Wins and Drivers' Championships.The race team is intertwined with salespeople, and it makes for a fun & competitive atmosphere. When a Challenge car is sold, the owner must be fitted for their fire suit, and it is cause for celebration among the employees. Being able to show drivers just how capable their cars are, driver training at Circuit of the Americas is an option for every customer. With plenty of comfy seating, their lounges are a great place to watch the live streams of Ferrari races from around the world.Because their customers are taught to treat their cars as an heirloom, they have significant repeat business from trade-ins. That is why their Ferrari Approved pre-owned & certified pre-owned sales have outperformed many other Ferrari dealers. Mr. Foreman likes to be on the cutting edge of technology, and he said the Lusso T bridges the gap between practicality and power. Many owners use them as daily drivers, without worry of problems that plague lesser brands. It has the performance of a twin-turbo V8, but the boost is only injected when needed. Everyone should have an AWD 600 hp Ferrari with room for 4 adults.Value Your Trade-In HereGeorge learned business and cars from the lives and the legacies of boxing's greatest generation. Carrying this lifetime of knowledge into the showroom has clearly influenced both locations. The team has learned to anticipate their client's needs while fostering a relationship that keeps them coming back. And it is this innate desire to be the best, that is what allows Ferrari of Houston and Ferrari of The Woodlands to keep every other dealer on the ropes.Browse Their Inventories

By Andrew Nabors – August 08, 2018

AEV JK350: What's Coming Next?

This might resemble a Jeep Wrangler. It has similar lines, and it even shares a few dozen parts. But American Expedition Vehicles has far surpassed the factory's (and the world's) expectations. Being an event manager, I have driven every flavor of the Wrangler. From death wobble to fake carbon fiber, I thought I had seen it all. But this year's Baltimore Auto Show changed my notions of what the aftermarket is capable of.Dave Harriton began modding his and his friends' cars in a small garage in Missoula. From basic repairs to fixing factory imperfections, his work made an impact. By thinking outside the box, he and his team have become an OEM supplier, located just outside Detroit. Their Brute is the ultimate truck bed conversion for the JK Unlimited. The thick-wall construction is rust-proofed on all sides and capable of hauling anything you need.What really shocked me about their builds is the quality of the products, and the engineering behind it. All AEV vehicles ride on their DualSport suspension. Offroad shocks and springs will beat you up on the street unless it has their logo. One of their managers threw me the keys, and asked me to make it act like a typical modded Jeep.The DualSport is not a generic lift kit. Dave and his team reverse-engineered every moving part under the frame. Nobody else has ever taken the time to produce progressive-rate coil springs along with shocks that are valved to match. Their brackets and track bars don't keep the factory caster angles, they improve it to be more stable in any situation. The roll-center remains at the stock ride height, which negates almost all body roll. Even if you can't afford their kit please don't combine brand X springs with brand Y shocks, you will be asking for an unstable and unsafe ride.Going hammer down on a HEMI powered JK350, it launched out of the hole like John Force, with the cornering abilities I would compare to a Cayman GT4 Clubsport. This is not hyperbole, the factory could have done this, but the big automakers have bean counters to keep the budget on target. Try as I might, the harder I pushed, the more I was rewarded.Every AEV build starts with a stamped front bumper of 3/16" steel. It is powder coated on both sides and integrates a Warn 9.5cti winch. It is the only Jeep aftermarket bumper to meet DOT crash standards. That's because the fabricated steel ones everyone else makes do tremendous damage to both cars in a wreck. Their rear bumper holds 5 gallons of water, and the rear tire carrier is mounted directly to the frame. That is because it holds a full-size spare, brake light, rearview camera, and their 10.2-gallon fuel caddy. These parts are made in the USA and made from the best steel and alloys in the world.What does this mean for Jeep's new JL chassis? AEV is building a few wild creations for SEMA, but I will let Mr. Harriton tell you all about it in the clip below. If you are interested in anything for your Jeep, click the link below get ready to be amazed.American Expedition Vehicles

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2017

G-CODE Eclipse: The Ultimate Concealed Holster

Would you put a generic car cover on your prized ride? If only the best will do, choose the one that fits like a glove. G-Code has been in the holster business for 20 years, which is how they have developed the ultimate in concealed carry. They began as a supplier to the Armed Forces & Law Enforcement, but now we can experience their innovations for everyday carry. The latest in the INCOG holster lineup is the Eclipse. As a revolution in the world of IWB (In Waist Band) holsters, it arrives with several adjustable & customizable features.First off, the clip mounting point is offered in 3 or 4-hole designs for different depth. The adapter has six holes that offer a variety of bolt patterns to the clip. Not only does it have 3 vertical alignments, the slotted holes on the clip allow for canted angles.Shirt guards are offered in full, half, and RMR cut for high-mounted optics. The top screw controls the tension of the holster to your weapon, and it allows you to set it to your liking.The Super MoJo adapter is patent-pending, and it holds the clip in a correct orientation in a straight draw, or reverse it for cross-draw. The mounting clip itself is angled a few degrees inward to keep the holster close to your body. This allows for lightning fast presentations, even from deep cover.My usual carry piece is an officer's model 1911. Most holster manufacturers build generic 1911 examples, but this one-size-fits-all mentality is the result of mass-production, and they are nothing but dangerous. In my case, a normal 1911 holster won't be secure because of the small frame, and that's why G-Code has molds for over 55 weapons. Almost every possible version of Glock, Sig, Springfield, and 1911 are guaranteed to hold securely in place- No Rattles!The inner lining is Kydex, which will not scratch or mar the finish of your piece. Lefty shooters are just as welcomed, as the entire design can be mirror imaged for southpaws. The holster itself is offered in 6 colors, with 15 choices of powder-coated colors for the adapter. The Eclipse will last you for years, so why not order it exactly to your liking? G-Code also has a full line of mag carriers & CC accessories. Their stack belts and chest rigs offer convenience and durability, plus they make a fashion statement at the range. Your safety is worth more than $75, so contact G-Code for an Eclipse of your own. G-Code holsters are made to order in Jacksonville, North Carolina. They carry a Limited Lifetime Warranty, so if it fails for ANY reason, a replacement will be free of charge. If you want the ultimate in concealed carry, click the link below for more details.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2017

2017 Cadillac Escalade CEO by LCW Automotive

Limousines do not have easy lives. They must be inviting and luxurious for the passengers, and rugged enough for daily abuse. In the old days, reverse engineering a production car into a limo was done by cutting and inserting longer body panels for a stretched ride. But considering the complexities of modern cars and SUVs, who in their right mind would want to undertake such a task? That's what LCW does. Cadillac's Escalade ESV is already plush from the factory, but for an executive who demands only the best, LCW has focused their coachbuilding prowess into the Escalade CEO. Only a handful of builders are master certified by Cadillac, and that designation carries a lot of weight- literally! Starting at the top, the roof is skinned and replaced by a new insulated panel with 3" of additional headroom. Suede lines the upper body panels while incorporating all factory heat and A/C systems. The window sills are all hand finished hardwood with several coats of Sayerlac for years of UV resistance. The partition between driver and passengers is fabricated from aluminum alloy and hides a 40" TV that rides on a silent gas pressure shock. A fabric partition is also included and operated by remote control. A hands-free intercom will keep you connected to your driver. Rear-facing jump seats are standard, but the optional content will blow your mind. Used Cadillac Escalade For Sale | duPont REGISTRY The jump seats can be omitted in favor of a custom cabinet of hardwood with tambour doors. An electronic drink dispenser will keep your favorite beverages on tap while the 14 speaker audio and satellite TV keep you entertained. A smoke extractor can be added to the HVAC system if you would like to enjoy a cigar on your commute. A soft ride air suspension system will keep potholes from disturbing your peace of mind. The main seats are covered in European leather with contoured orthopedic memory foam. Machined aluminum aircraft tables fold away once your work is done. To make sure the CEO has years of trouble-free operation, all of the electronics and amplifiers are mounted in a proprietary cool box behind the rear seats. This keeps the relays and transformers from overheating on long trips. A steel reinforced storage box behind the rear seats has plenty of luggage space for the passengers. This is a vehicle that the owner can drive or be driven in. They could drive it to the golf course with some friends or have someone drive them around while they're relaxed in the back, enjoying a glass of champagne with friends for a special occasion. For over 40 years, LCW has been building the most luxurious limos on the road. If you find yourself near San Antonio, stop by for a private tour and see for yourself what sets them apart from the competition. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – November 29, 2016

Over 1,000 Ferraris Set to Break World Record at Ferrari ...

Something unprecedented is being planned for this weekend in Used Ferrari Daytona Beach, Florida. The historic high banked turns of Daytona International Speedway will be host to over 1,000 Ferraris in order to break the world record for the largest parade of Ferraris.We were curious why the track's owner, Jim France, took a vacation to Maranello last year. Now, we can gather that this trip was probably intended to plan the details of the event. Taking place December 1st to 4th, this Sunday will see the first Ferrari Mondiali in the USA. At the Ferrari Mondiali, a plethora of event will be taking place, including the record-breaking lap and the anticipated Finali Mondiali 2016.We invite you to join us along with Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The prestigious dealer has devised two packages for the weekend (Scuderia Shields not included). For the world record breaking parade around the track, $255 includes a parking pass and entry to the event. But if you want the VIP experience it will set you back $2,500 . That price includes: Round Trip Vehicle Transport to/from Daytona* 3-Night Stay at the Hampton Inn Daytona Speedway Ferrari Weekend Premium Hospitality Pass Guinness World Record Attempt Pass | December 3, 2016 | 6pm Parking Pass Ferrari Paddock Lunch Pass Finali Mondiali Dinner | December, 3, 2016 | 8pm Guest Fee: $750 per person** Here is a preview from last year's Ferrari World Challenge Finals Only the best cars in the world are chosen to attack the 31-degree banks of this hallowed track, so we look forward to being there with you. For more information and to purchase tickets, please head over to Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale here. Stay with us for complete coverage, live from the world center of racing.Learn More*Vehicle transport will be provided from the dealership to the Daytona Speedway. Your vehicle will be left clean and ready for you in the Ferrari Paddock. ** Guest fee includes Ferrari Premium Pass, Paddock Lunch for 4 days and the Finali Mondiali Dinner.

By Steve Chapman Jr – October 31, 2016

Exotic Pumpkins For Halloween

Hey guys, it's Halloween. Do you know what that means? Pumpkins and spooky stuff. Normally, people carve orange pumpkins to celebrate the day and go trick-or-treating (depending on age), but why not driving around in an exotic pumpkin? No, I'm not talking about a pumpkin from some far off land that you can only get at an organic food store. I'm talking about supercars, luxury car and sports cars all donning an orange body.Below are a few "pumpkins" for you to cruise around in on Halloween. While they won't be scaring anyone, they'll turn more heads than most costumes.2017 Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Beverly Hills Edition in Orange Metallic 2016 Aston Martin Vanquish in Montana Orange 2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera Edizione Technica in Arancio Argos (Pearl Orange) 2010 Lotus Exige S 240 in Chrome Orange 2015 BMW M4 Coupe in Sakhir Orange Metallic 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 in Arancio Borealis 3-Layer (orange) 2017 McLaren 570S Coupe For Sale in Volcano Orange 2008 Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Orange 2009 Audi R8 Coupe in Metallic Orange 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider in Rosso Dino (orange) 2017 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6X6 2015 Lamborghini Aventador Roadster in Arancio Atlas Pearl Effect 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Lava Orange

By Andrew Nabors – October 20, 2016

Revealed: duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8

Everyone has been asking about the wild Audi R8 from our booth at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas. Last Thursday we unveiled one of the most powerful cars in the world. Below is the text from our press release:The car you see here is not exactly what it appears. On the surface, it’s an Audi R8- but this is no ordinary R8. Instead, it’s a specially-built, twin-turbocharged Audi R8 that is more than capable of holding its own against the latest generation of million-dollar exotics by just about every measure of objective performance. More than that, though- this is the first ever example of an ultra-limited run of duPont REGISTRY-branded ultra-luxury cars that are meant to represent the current state of the art of bespoke supercar manufacturing.“This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this,” says Will Chapman, VP and Director of Special Projects at the world-famous duPont REGISTRY media brand that’s best-known for showcasing premium automobiles as well as fine luxury homes and yachts. “We’ve always distinguished ourselves by simply presenting products to buyers without distractions. It’s just been the buyer and the seller, and we’ve simply been a vehicle, if you’ll pardon the pun, to make that interaction possible. We’ve never stepped outside of that role to point to a product and say ‘This is the one we would buy,’ and that’s very exciting.”Fitted with upgraded hardware developed by Speedriven- a high-performance tuning firm located in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois- Audi R8s fitted with the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition performance PKG can deliver performance that challenges the limits of credibility. A zero-to-sixty sprint, for example, can be completed in about 2 seconds. From a standing start, the car will cross the finish line at the end of a quarter mile drag strip in about nine seconds at more than one-hundred-and-fifty miles per hour- and the car is still accelerating.“You can see how consistent the power delivery is in our dyno videos,” explains Speedriven’s Jo Borras. “The shifts happen so fast that the straps holding the car back never slacken. That just shows how effectively all of that power is getting to the ground, thanks to the drivetrain upgrades built into the duPont REGISTRY performance package. It’s a very efficient package.”The efficiency that’s built into the Limited Edition duPont REGISTRY Audi R8 isn’t the kind of efficiency that’s built into, say, a Toyota Prius. It’s an efficiency of purpose. This is a car that’s been built to set the standard for real-world performance, and Chapman believes it’s an emphasis on drivability that sets this offering apart. We wanted to deliver an ‘extreme’ level of performance, but we wanted it to be as accessible as possible, so that a driver could get in the car and have a thrilling experience without getting in over their heads.”To that end, the cars are shipped to Speedriven in Chicago, where the R8’s V10 engine, transmission, and magnetic ride suspension are pulled out of the chassis, and its transformation begins. Speedriven tears down the Audi’s 5.2 liter aluminum V10 block completely before it goes into the CNC machine to be bored out and blueprinted. High-strength pearlitic cylinder sleeves reinforce the lightweight block, and all-new, forged internals go back in. Once that’s finished, the engine is ready to handle up to three times the amount of horsepower the V10 rolled out of the factory with- which is a good thing, because Speedriven has equipped the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8s with a pair of massive, billet-wheel, ball-bearing turbochargers that utilize the latest and greatest in compressor and turbine wheel technology to deliver a smooth, responsive power curve that may just make you forget that “turbo lag” was ever a thing.Helping to get all the power from that beefed-up engine to each of the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi’s rear tires will be a heavily reinforced version of Audi’s own S-Tronic clutch system fitted with upgraded friction plates, steels, and heavy-duty billet aluminum clutch baskets. Those upgrades make for lightning-fast gear changes and consistent standing-start launches. Dennis & Richard from Gas Monkey GarageMassive power, however, calls for massive planning to make effective use of it. To that end, Speedriven has fitted the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Audi R8s with a custom-built set of lightweight, forged aluminum wheels with 20” up front, and a wide, shorter set of 18” wheels in the rear- and that staggered wheel set up is just one of the keys to this car’s mind-bending speed. “We needed to be able to get a certain amount of sidewall flex into the tires,” added Jo. “You need some flex and some softness at the rear to grip the road. There’s a lot of torque going to the front of the R8, thanks to its Quattro all-wheel drive, but with more power comes more weight transfer to the rear, so you need more and more grip to keep the launches predictable.”“Smooth. Consistent. Predictable.” Those were the words that kept coming up when we were talking about what this car needed to be,” explains Chapman. “We didn’t want to make it too easy to drive, because when you have a car that’s too computerized the experience becomes very sterile, and that’s not a rewarding experience. What we wanted was to strike a balance, and deliver a car that the client could climb into and immediately drive it fast. You don’t have to have be a Formula 1 or IndyCar driver to get that fast 0-60 or quarter-mile time you read about in the magazine- but if you do have some talent, and you decide to dedicate some time to getting to know the car out on a racetrack, then you will be able to have that kind of ‘next level’ encounter. That’s the magic. That’s the balancing act.”Sports Cars For SaleWith power and performance like that, the duPont REGISTRY Limited Edition Performance PKG equipped Audi R8s will be very special cars. To ensure that their special-ness isn’t lost on the casual observer, however, each of the limited edition run of twenty-five cars will feature exclusive duPont REGISTRY badges on the outside, as well as “dR” center caps and a custom “dR” fuel filler cap machined from a solid bar of aluminum while, inside, each of these cars will carry special, laser-etched, “Limited Edition 1 of 25” dash plaques. As slick as those are, it’s what’s in the R8’s glass-covered engine bay that really grabs attention.Topping off the race-ready, SD-built 5.2-liter engine is a bespoke, CNC-machined billet aluminum intake manifold armed with massive fuel injectors aimed directly into each of the Audi’s ten cylinders. Parked alongside a “standard” R8 with its factory-supplied plastic intake manifold, it’s immediately obvious that this duPont REGISTRY special means business. “Once the Speedriven guys made it clear that it would be necessary to change out that factory part, though, we decided to go with a billet piece instead of a sheet metal intake. It’s overkill, in a way, but it was a decision that’s very much in keeping with the rest of the car. We wanted to do the job right, and we wanted these cars to stay true to their Audi heritage. That’s all-wheel drive. That’s turbochargers. That’s aluminum. We’re putting all of that Audi racing tradition front and center here, and we’re using our tradition of showcasing the world’s finest cars in the duPont REGISTRY to bring these special cars to the attention of people who can truly appreciate what they are, and what they’re capable of.”For more information, pricing, and options, please contact Speedriven at 708-477-3230 or email info@speedriven.com. We are aiming for consistent 8-second passes in the quarter-mile, and you will see it first here on Autofluence.

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