Events

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

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By Caitlin Duffy – October 29, 2015

Bentley Bentayga to Debut at Power on Ice 2016

Bentley's annual Power on Ice program is one of the best opportunities you'll have to learn the proper ways to take a Bentley vehicle across frigid landscapes. The marque's cars aren't only incredibly luxurious, they're also incredibly capable on most any landscape - and now, with the Bentayga, they're able to tackle most any terrain.Registration for the four day event in Finland opened just a little less than a week ago, and now they've confirmed in a press release today that their newest addition will be among the lineup for guests to test out."Power on Ice is an unforgettable four-day experience that provides the opportunity to push a full range of Bentley cars to their limits," describes the release. "Running throughout February next year, guests will be among the first to explore the Bentayga’s extraordinary capabilities in one of the most beautiful and challenging environments in the world."The Bentayga is the world's fastest production SUV, with a recorded top speed of 187 mph. It's one of the world's most luxurious SUVs to ever be released as well; the world's most expensive car clock is available as an option, and the first example sold went to Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Bentley released an app earlier this month, the Inspirator, that customizes a Bentayga design for you based off of facial recognition software that analyzes subconscious facial reactions to different visual cues.(See Also: Bentley Opens Registration for Power on Ice 2016)Prices start at €11,900 per person, or approximately $13,000 USD at current exchange rates, and the excursion includes a wide array of activities designed to fully immerse you in the Finnish culture.Days are spent learning and practicing different ice driving skills with the Bentley Ice Driving Team, while nights are spent enjoying local cuisine at the Chalet Ruka Peak. After enjoying an exquisite dinner, time can be spent in a smoke sauna before embarking on a "night time husky-sled safari" to visit a reindeer farm.Learn more about registering for this annual excursion at Bentley's website, and find your own Bentley to begin familiarizing yourself with the drivetrain from our exclusive listings.Bentleys For SaleGallery (via Bentley) See More Bentley News

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By Caitlin Duffy – October 26, 2015

Tom duPont & 1929 duPont Speedster at the 2015 Lake Mirro...

Saturday, October 17 was a big day in Lakeland, Florida. It was the 16th Annual Lake Mirror Classic, staged by Ford Heacock of Heacock Insurance.The Classic included “something for every auto enthusiast,” including a new car show; hot rod rally; special club meet areas for Model As, Corvettes, Mustangs and exotic cars; and The Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance.A new feature, sure to be repeated and replicated, was the “Auto-Biography.” Six classic cars were featured on Friday evening and at the Concours on Saturday. One of them was a 1929 duPont 4-Place LeMans Speedster owned by Thomas L. duPont, Publisher of the duPont REGISTRY™. As a part of the program, Mr. duPont drove his automobile onto the awards ramp on Saturday and was interviewed by Ford Heacock and Bill Warner, Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The other five classics were also reviewed, much to the delight of the enormous crowd of “car-crazy” guys and gals who had gathered around the Lake Mirror Park amphitheater.The final achievement of the day occurred when Mr. duPont’s 1929 duPont 4-Place LeMans Speedster was awarded “Best in Show – Classic.” The sleek dark-blue and black open roadster with red wheels made its third trip to the awards ramp to capture this prestigious award.Mr. duPont remarked later, “It was a fabulous day -- a true ‘Auto-trifecta’ that I will not ever forget. Congratulations to Ford Heacock and his team for putting on such a wonderful event. And, thanks for the opportunity for me – and my car – to be recognized in so many wonderful ways. A big thanks to all who came out on a warm, sunny Florida afternoon to enjoy another Lake Mirror Classic in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Happy Motoring!”About duPont REGISTRYFounded in 1984 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, duPont REGISTRY™ produces the leading luxury marketplace publications for automobiles, homes, and boats, as well as the yearly Exotic Car Buyers Guide. For more information, visit the duPont REGISTRY™ website at www.duPontREGISTRY.com

By Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2015

Bentley Opens Registration for Power on Ice 2016

We rarely see Bentleys in bad weather, so we were shocked in 2011 when they took the Continental Supersports Convertible to Finland’s Bay of Bothnia to set a world record on ice.In a YouTube video uploaded to their page Oct. 19, we are giving a small preview of their upcoming “Power on Ice” event, which will be held from January through the end of February. As you are reading this, resourceful British engineers are hard at work transforming the remote arctic tundra into a luxurious retreat.Guests will receive training from the Bentley Ice Driving Team in all their current models. The lodge will offer fireside dining, and drinks will be readily available at the Ice Bar. If you need an AWD adventure with single digit wind chill, more details can be found on Bentley’s landing page.For more Bentley news, stay tuned to Autofluence. If you prefer to pay homage to the 2011 world record ice racer, check out the 2012 Continental Supersports Ice Speed Racer editions for sale:Quartzite Metallic 2012 Bentley Continental Supersports ISR in Chicago, IL See Price White 2012 Bentley Continental Supersports IRS in Warrensville, OH See Price(Source: Bentley, YouTube) See More Bentley News

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2015

Monticello Motor Club Team Challenge: No Experience Required

Just about 90 minutes from New York City is a 4.1-mile race track that is more than just a place to race: it's a luxury destination offering amenities such as private race lessons, fine dining, race car rentals, an off-road course and much more. This is the Monticello Motor Club.One of the most exciting experiences that Monticello Motor Club (MMC) offers is their Team Challenge. This event is built for teams of 5 to 50 people, who will then go on to compete against other teams in multiple high-speed driving challenges on their race track and karting track.On the race track, participants will get a chance to race an awesome variety of cars, like the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe and Porsche Cayman.The challenges include: Autocross: race around a course to get the fastest time. Points are awarded depending on the team's time. Launch and Stop: Points are awarded according to the teams' ratio of their 0-100 mph time to their stopping distance. Track Driving: Teams race through the track, gaining points for their official track time. Karting Enduro: Relay-style race, points are awarded based on finishing positions. Off-Road Driving: Drivers are actually blind-folded and directed through the course by their teammates. Teams work together to get the fastest time, while avoiding cones. Aside from these challenges, teams will also get hot laps with the MMC drivers in real race cars, photos, gift bags and meals prepared by their Culinary Institute of America-trained chef. All of these make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for drivers of all experience levels.Want to give your clients a day they'll never forget? MMC's Team Challenge is a great alternative to golfing, dinner or fishing when it comes to showing your company's clients a good time. Not only does it already include fine dining, it also offers them something they've never experienced before. There's no way they'll forget their time with your company after a day like this.What's more, the Team Challenge can be used by companies as a team building experience, allowing employees to work together and bond in a way they've never had the chance to before.Interested? It's only $1,900 per participant and no experience is required to take part. Space is limited for each event, so be sure to act quickly. Click the button below to learn more, or visit monticellomotorclub.com.More InfoGallery duPont REGISTRY

By Caitlin Duffy – October 01, 2015

5 Best Winter Driving Academies for 2015-2016

Every year, a handful of the world's top manufacturers offer an exclusive learning experience to the few who choose to test their skill behind the wheel. It may only just be October, but winter plans for this winter are already underway.Winter driving academies and programs pop up anywhere from Colorado to Finland, offering enthusiasts a chance to study the form of expert drivers as they traverse ice and snow, taking luxury performance cars into conditions most people are afraid to drive through. Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and more all organize such an event every winter, with a few doing so in more than one location.(See Also: duPont REGISTRY Live at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2015)Typically, they'll last for anywhere from one to four days, and a full experience is built around the lessons. Of course you spend plenty of time on the slick practice roads, but attendees also regularly enjoy the finest lodging and dining you could imagine. If you're thinking that you'd like to learn how to power slide a Bentley across a frozen lake, below are just a few of the upcoming events for this winter. Check them out, sign up for the one that you like best and enjoy winter driving in luxury.BMW Driving Experience: Snow Basic Training From theory to practice, the BMW Driving Experience will take you on a two day journey in Sölden, Austria to become a "snow pro." The first day covers classroom-style instruction of the theory behind how you drive, and the second has you practice maneuvers such as braking, drifting and swerving on iced over and snow covered terrain. Register NowLamborghini Winter Accademia Learn how to handle the Aventador and Huracan on ice and snow in one of two programs held in Livigno, Italy. The "Intensivo Program" offers a one-day intensive course focused on dynamic driving techniques and performance handling. The "Avanzanto Program" is a two-day course for drivers to test the limits of the cars and themselves. Events are scheduled for Feb. 19-22, 2016 and Feb. 21-24, 2016. A special "Pilota Lamborghini Las Vegas" event is scheduled for Nov. 7 and 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Register Now Aston Martin on Ice Two events in two locations will provide Aston Martin enthusiasts with the chance to drive an Aston Martin fitted with 2,000 spikes as a professional teaches different driving techniques. Both scheduled for Feb. 1, 2016, one will take place in Lapland, Sweden, while the other will be in Crested Butte, Colorado. The Swedish event is slated to last four days, while final dates for the Colorado event have yet to be confirmed. Register Now Bentley Power on Ice Six groups of enthusiasts will gather for four days in Finland at the edge of the Artic Circle, close to the Russian border, to test every limit of the British marque's all-wheel-drive vehicles. Learn how to drift sideways without losing control and enjoy the thrill of an extreme sport, all while sitting in warm, leather clad luxury. The first event runs from Jan. 27-30, 2016, and the sixth from Feb. 15 - 18. Register Now AMG Winter Sporting Join experts from Mercedes-AMG in Arjeplog, Sweden, just below the Arctic Circle, for a chance to tame the freezing temperatures in a class suited to your level of experience. Dates run from early January, 2016 to March, with four separate locations offering four different experiences. But regardless of whether you stay at the AMG Lodge, the Hotel Kraja or somewhere else, the driving will leave you exhausted from excitement at the end of each day. Register Now See More Event Coverage

By Andrew Nabors – September 29, 2015

duPont REGISTRY Live at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2015

As a great kickoff to our fall show season, we joined forces with Barrett-Jackson for their annual Las Vegas auction. Last year felt like only a few weeks ago when we arrived on Sept. 23.First in was the latest in radical Wranglers from Starwood Motors. This 2015 model featured their signature exterior finish along with a host of suspension upgrades. Lamborghini Las Vegas arrived next with a bright green Huracan and blue Aventador Spyder.Because we try to remain prepared for any bad weather, Argo ATV delivered a new eight wheel drive amphibious vehicle. They asked us what we needed for a proper show display, and our response was 5,000 watts of audio along with a KC light bar.For more shock and awe, Lumilor Labs, the same company that built the heartbeat Lexus RC F , brought a wild chopper featuring their electroluminescent paint. When 18 volts are applied to the patented paint, it makes for a brilliant display. Always on-hand are our friends at Z-Clip, whose carbon fiber wallets are always a hot commodity. The Ronald McDonald House Collector Car Charity brought their new red Corvette Z06, which is being raffled off on Dec. 12.For those who like to party south of the border, Wide Open Excursions brought a new Baja Challenge car. Powered by a naturally aspirated Subaru boxer behind the rear axle, these rugged rigs have over 18” of suspension travel. If you prefer to keep your tires closer to the ground, TireStickers.com was showcasing their sidewall enhancing graphics on the Starwood Jeep.A special announcement from the auction block was the naming of a new event next year. Barrett-Jackson will be at the Mohegan Sun Casino Resort in Connecticut from June 23-25. In the meantime, we will see you in Scottsdale in January. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more coverage of Barrett-Jackson events.Gallery See More Event Coverage

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By Caitlin Duffy – September 28, 2015

Gulf 918 Spyder Unveiling at Roche Bobois Atlanta

At 9:18 pm on Sept. 18, a 918 Spyder sporting one-of-a-kind livery had its sheet pulled back amid a stunning showroom in Atlanta's prestigious Buckhead neighborhood.Guests to the showroom of Roche Bobois Atlanta included clients of the French designer furniture company, members of the local Exotic Car Meet and select V.I.P. guests, as well as the same one-off Porsche 918 Spyder that appeared on the cover of the October duPont REGISTRY issue.It's the only car approved by both Gulf Oil LP and Porsche Cars of North America (PCNA) painted in the official Gulf racing livery. It sports a "2" on its sides, an homage to the impressive Porsche 917 victories at the 1970 and 1971 Le Mans races.After enjoying refreshments in the showroom and complimentary copies of the October duPont REGISTRY, guests gathered close as the cover on the cover car was pulled back, phones and cameras at the ready. The 917's theme continued throughout the Roche Bobois event that night, as the film "LeMans" was screened on the building's roof after the 918's unveiling.Sponsors for the event included Fifth Third Bank's Private Banking Division, Avion Tequila, The Atlantan and Missoni Home, with catering by Reethof Hospitality and music from DJ Mix Master David. Check out the photos of this event in the galleries below and the video above, and learn more about the Gulf 918 Spyder Weissach in our October issue. Buy This Issue NowGallery by the Atlantan (Source: Roche Bobois, Vimeo) See More Event Coverage

By Caitlin Duffy – September 21, 2015

Supercar Launches Leaving Cars & Coffee Italy

This past weekend saw some incredible car shows happening all around the world as gear heads rose with the sun to attend their closest Cars & Coffee events.Italian enthusiasts near Turin had the opportunity to visit Cars & Coffee Italy on Saturday, Sept. 19, and with a turnout that included models from all makes and generations, it was a beautiful show in an even more beautiful setting.YouTube channel NM225 Car HD Videos shared a video today of the parade of supercars leaving the event, with each taking a turn launching, revving and/or doing a small burnout before heading off into the rolling hills of northern Italy's countryside.The official Facebook page for the event also shared a look at all the cars that arrived, with live updates happening the day of the event and a first recap gallery added Sept. 20. Take a moment to check out the photos from this Cars & Coffee event below and the video above, then browse our exclusive listings to find a supercar for the next Saturday morning car show near you.Browse ListingsGallery (Source: YouTube, Facebook) See More Cars & Coffee News

By Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2015

1952 Rolls-Royce Phantom IV by Vantage Motorworks Wins Tw...

Being invited to Pebble Beach is an honor that many collectors and owners will never experience, no matter how prestigious their cars may be. Winning an award elevates your car's notoriety to a level that only a handful of vehicles have ever reached. Winning two awards at the same showing is almost inconceivable. But it happened this year to one of the rarest Rolls-Royce models.Only eighteen examples of the Phantom IV were produced between the 1950 to 1956 model years. This was the twilight of the coachbuilding era, and while the bodies of HJ Mulliner are probably more well known, there’s no denying that Hooper’s Sedanaca de Ville limousine is the Phantom to have.As reported by Romania-Insider Aug. 17, this 1952 Phantom IV is owned by Ion Tiriac and has a half-century of awards under its belt. To make sure it was up to the rigorous standards of the Pebble Beach Concours, it was handed over to one of the most renowned Rolls-Royce restorers in the world, Vantage Motorworks of Miami, FL. Richard Gorman and his team of experts went through every system and surface of this Phantom, knowing full well that their attention to detail could result in history being made.History is something we are proud of also, as Vantage Motorworks has been a fixture in the duPont REGISTRY from day one. For over three decades we have worked together to find new homes for pristine classics and collectibles that Vantage has offered for sale. Mr. Tiriac’s spectacular Pebble Beach double award winner is another fine example of the automotive artistry that passes through the doors of Vantage Motorworks.To see Vantage Motorworks' incredible classic vehicles for sale, click the button below.View Inventory(Source: Vantage Motorworks, Romania-Inside.com) (Photo Source: Nadia Comaneci Facebook Page) See More Dealer News

By Edward Jones – August 24, 2015

The Majestic Run 2015 Recap - Five Days of Automotive Bliss

The 2015 Majestic Run is a five day, all-inclusive road rally specifically designed for car and driving enthusiasts. It offers a chance to drive some of the most scenic roads in the Rocky Mountain West along with the shared experiences and camaraderie of new friends. The rally started on August 14 at Vehicle Vault, the premier automotive gallery and museum located in the Denver suburb of Parker, Colorado. The first day started fast, on a 160-mile cruise through the Arkansas River valley to the lunch stop in Salida, Colorado. Drivers then wove through forested roads, up and down the 12,000 plus feet elevation of Independence Pass, before descending into the mountain town of all mountain towns - Aspen - where rally drivers were treated to an incredible dinner and cocktail experience at Brexi Brasserie and a night’s stay in the ever luxurious St. Regis Hotel. Day two started at breakfast and one of the most Majestic valet car ports in Aspen. After a quick gas up, the rally was off through the mountains, over one incredible pass after another, up and down hills and valleys, through national forest and desert canyon, to lunch at the Wine Country Inn in Palisades, Colorado on the western slope. Fueled up from lunch, the rally decided to pick up the pace, driving 60 miles of perfect - and perfectly deserted - canyon roads to the Gateway Canyon resort. The Gateway Canyon is remarkable and unmistakable. It is truly a destination. Rally drivers spent the evening eating, drinking and on a private tour of the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, and spent the night in one of the 10 best resorts in the world according to most travel experts. Day three was designed for serious drivers as curves were hugged on over 200 miles of twisty-turvy canyon roads and majestic mountain highways, with just enough well maintained straights and valleys to make sure top speeds were reached. The destination - back up into the mountains and south to Durango. Durango gave drivers a chance to chill for a bit. Lunch at Grassburger and cocktails at the famous Diamond Belle Saloon in the Strater Hotel were followed by a private 5-course meal, featuring fine wines and shockingly hilarious word games that made everyone blush just a little bit. After that night, everyone knew each other just a little bit more. After a cool night’s sleep in the luxurious Strater Hotel, rally drivers embarked on the longest day of driving in this year’s rally. Drivers were treated to more mountain passes and National Forest highways on their way from Durango to Taos, New Mexico, for a private lunch at a French fusion café and then on to Santa Fe. Mountain weather was in full change-mode as the rally participants experienced sun, clouds, wind, rain and even a little snow and small hail. No damage was seen, but stories were made and a few of the drivers were tested. Dinner and Hot-Wheels races were won and lost at the San Francisco Street Grill in Santa Fe before racking out at the famous La Fonda hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza. The last day began with some good natured hijinx, in the form of some unexpected car decorating from resident tricksters. The rally then took off on a beautiful cool day over the last few mountain passes, before crossing back over into Colorado and to the smooth roads home. Now all there is to do is clean off the bugs and plan for the 2016 Majestic Run. Get all the information at www.majesticrun.com and follow them on Facebook at @MajesticRun and Instagram at @majesticrun. Sponsored by:

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