Exotic Cars 2017

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 – June 30, 2017

FXX K: The Ultimate LaFerrari

Ferrari closed out 2014 with a bang, introducing us to the successor to the Italian powerhouse’s famed FXX model: the Ferrari FXX K. Unveiled in December 2014, the FXX K is an “uncompromised” rendition of the hybrid LaFerrari, with the name’s ‘K’ derived from the kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) the car employs. While the LaFerrari and the new FXX K utilize the same system, speed is the major factor separating the two. The FXX K produces 1,035 horsepower and more than 664 pound-feet of torque, an 85 horsepower increase over the LaFerrari. This is no doubt due to the new features, including updated camshafts, a modified valve train, redesigned intake manifolds and a modified exhaust system sans silencers for an aggressive growl.There are several other noticeable modifications to the FXX K, the most apparent being the twin profile rear spoiler. Collectively with the mobile spoiler and new front splitter, these additions generate a 50 percent improvement in downforce in low drag configuration and an additional 30 percent increase in the more aggressive downforce configuration. Ferrari has also added four settings the driver can choose from to better control the car’s performance and KERS. Each setting creates a different result; the Qualify setting allows for maximum performance with limited driving time, the Long Run setting creates a more consistent performance output, the Manual Boost setting instantly boosts torque delivery and the Fast Charge setting recharges the car’s battery in a flash.Price: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Estimated $2.7 million Engine: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 Horsepower: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,035 hp 0–60: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBD Top Speed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . TBD Transmission: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-speed dual-clutch automatic Torque: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 664 pound-feet

By Andrew Nabors – May 20, 2017

BMW i8: By The Numbers

A star of the 2009 Frankfurt international motor show, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics coupe has revolutionized the industry. The four-seat sports car will feature the same unconventional yet charismatic design of the concept along with a hefty dose of sports-car performance and excellent fuel efficiency. The BMW i8, as it will be called, is the first in a new line of “i” cars BMW hopes to bring to the marketplace. They will follow the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the BMW Active-Hybrid X6 in BMW’s pursuit of more efficient vehicles without sacrificing the superior driving dynamics for which the luxury brand is known. Part of the concept car’s physical allure also helps it achieve its goal of low fuel consumption through well-developed aerodynamics. The car features surfaces that appear to overlap and interlock in a concept BMW calls “layering.” BMW says the perceptible difference in height between the color-coded layers lends the exterior an even more dynamic and three-dimensional appearance. However, the car’s design does not help ingress/egress, so the new BMW i8 takes advantage of large wing doors that open wide to facilitate entry to both the front and rear chairs. We just hope BMW is going to offer an easy way to close the large doors once all the occupants are seated. The interior was designed around its functionality and uses large, transparent surfaces to give the cabin a bright, airy, and open feel.

By Andrew Nabors – May 05, 2017

The Rolls-Royce Wraith Awaits You

If you thought the Ghost was terrifying, Rolls-Royce resurrected an old Scottish name that's just as ominous. The Wraith is a coupe derived from the Ghost, with emphasis on the driver. The wave of success can be contributed to a departure from the past as the Ghost spawns a new era of cars meant to be driven and not just driven in. Starting at the front, the Wraith is similar to the Ghost until about three-fourths of the way down, where the sloping rear roofline takes over, endowing a grand-touring appearance through a sporty fastback design. The two also share a sense of driving involvement not found in the Phantoms, which often beckon for a chauffeur so that you can lounge in the rear chairs.One good reason to take the helm is the 624-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 engine. It’s the same BMW-sourced engine found in the Ghost, but offers more power in the Wraith and proves that the luxury brand has some excitement in its bones as it whisks its occupants away to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Unfortunately, it’s limited to 155 mph, a little disappointing for a car of this class and of these power levels. Meanwhile, Bentley is setting land-speed records with its Continental, even if they are on ice. Then, there is the eight-speed automatic transmission, which now uses the global-positioning system to monitor the road ahead and select the most appropriate gear, depending on the driving style. For instance, if the driver is having fun around some twisty turns, the transmission will hold the lower gear, staving off the upshift until exiting onto a straight path. As in all Rolls-Royce models, the Wraith is also just a nice place to be. Access to both the front and rear is through a pair of frameless suicide doors. The doors are hefty, so electric assistance can be invoked by buttons behind the A-pillar.As in the Phantom Coupé, the lack of a B-pillar makes accessing the rear painless. Soft leather hides with recessed piping, smooth chrome accents and a new Canadel paneling, which retains the wood’s natural texture and open grains, promising to elicit responses from our more visceral senses. For every antiquated touch of old world luxury, there is also a piece of modern technology. Above is a Starlight Headliner, where 1,340 fiber-optic strands give the impression of looking up at a clear night sky, and below is a bright 10-1/4-inch-long screen controlled by an iDrive-like knob and a touch pad that deciphers characters drawn with one’s fingertip. Then there is the surround sound system, which pumps out 1,300 watts through no less than 18 speakers. The Wraith provides a second car in what appears to be a mini Phantom lineup. It’s not that they are actually much smaller than the Phantom models, just less expensive and sportier. The best part of owning a Wraith is knowing that your car is a piece of artwork by master coachbuilders. The only drawback is the attention it steals from other motorists. Having a curb weight comparable to a locomotive translates into a comfortable ride, and a quiet experience. Price: $304,50 Engine: 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 Horsepower: 624 Torque: 590 foot-pounds 0 - 60: 4.4 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph (limited) Transmission: Automatic

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2017

Celebrate 30 Years of the BMW M3: “30 Jahre M3” Limited E...

How do you celebrate the anniversary of a car like the BMW M3? You build a monster version of the car, make a limited edition and leave everyone drooling. Case-in-point, the new 2017 BMW “30 Jahre M3” Limited Edition. If that name sounds familiar, it’s probably because you’re thinking of the “30 Jahre M5.” Nappa leather and DINAMICA microfiber cover race inspired seats are complimented by yellow accents including seat belts and special Piano Black Lacquer interior trim and controls. This new model was created to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the legendary M3, which was launched in 1986.Also Check Out: Michael Schumacher's Enzo For Sale BMW has announced that only 500 units of this limited M3 will be produced, with 150 of them hitting the shores of the United States Yes, you read that right, we aren’t being left out. What does the price get you? Special “30 Jahre M3” 1/500 badging located on the M gills, door sill finishers and throughout the interior, 444 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Performance is listed at (0-60 in 3.8 (auto) or 4.0 (manual)). Also included is the Competition Package, complete with Adaptive M suspension and the in exclusive BMW Individual color Macao Blue metallic finish.Price: TBDEngine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinderHorsepower: 444Torque: 406 lb-ft0-60 mph: 3.8 secondsTop Speed: TBDTransmission: 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic

By Andrew Nabors – May 03, 2017

Ferrari California 30: A Classy Convertible

Much like the early-life milestone, the thirty in the California 30 represents a slight transformation of values, which, when combined with the new Handling Speciale option, addresses accusations from purists that it is too suited for cruising the boulevard instead of weaving through tight S-bends. With 70 percent of California buyers new to the brand, Ferrari sees an opportunity to market the model towards loyalists through a lighter, more powerful and more stiffly sprung iteration. The 30 goes for all new Californias, representing a gain of 30 horsepower and 14 foot-pounds of torque, and a loss of 30 kilograms, which amounts to 66 pounds for us Americans. The 4.3-liter V-8 now produces a maximum of 483 horsepower because of new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping, and the loss of weight is due to new aluminum fabrication techniques. In all, Ferrari says the changes enable the California to take 0.1 of a second less to reach 62 m.p.h. But the car really comes to life with the optional Handling Speciale package. It features faster-responding magnetorheological dampers, (normally a standalone option), stiffer springs and a lower steering ratio for quicker responses. With all these performance enhancements on board, it may come as a surprise that the smooth operation of a manual transmission is no longer available. With just two-yes, two-of the 8,000 or so California buyers opting for the manual transmission, it’s easy to see why it has been deemed obsolete. Still, we can’t help but wonder if the model’s new sporty enhancements wouldn’t drive a few connoisseurs or rarity-minded investors to the H-gate. Price: $202,000 Engine: 4.3-liter V-8 Horsepower: 483 0 - 60: 3.8 seconds Top Speed: 194 mph Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch Torque: 372 foot-pounds Pro: Addresses the one chink in the armor Con: The Ferrari manual transmission has officially been retired Ferrari For Sale New York, NY

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2017

Aston-Martin Vanquish Zagato Preview

With the departure of the One-77, the V-12 Zagato is just in time to take the reins as Aston Martin’s flagship supercar. Could this be a new trend for the brand? The Aston Martin V-12 Zagato pays tribute to the 1961 DB4GT Zagato, wears handsome, handcrafted aluminum and carbon-fiber body panels and will be available in a limited production run of 150 units available on a first come, first-served basis. With all this goodness, it may be hard to imagine it’s based on the entry-level Aston, albeit the V-12 version.(See Also: Ferrari's 70th Anniversary Models)Yet the two will share near identical performance specifications and dimensions, including a 5.9-liter V-12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 420 foot-pounds of torque, and a top speed of 190 miles per hour. Aston Martin doesn’t downplay the similarities, calling the new Zagato the pinnacle car of the Vantage range. It will do little to diminish the car’s importance, however, since Aston-Martin admits the V-12 Zagato expands on the modern materials and processes pioneered on the One-77. One thing it doesn’t take from the One-77 is the million-dollar price tag.Price: $510,000 (estimated)Engine: 5.9-liter V-12Horsepower: 5100 - 62: 4.2 secondsTop Speed: 190 mph (limited)Transmission: 6-speed manualTorque: 420 foot-poundsPro: Build a velvety-smooth VantageCon: Pass over the V-12 Vantage S’senhancements

By Andrew Nabors – April 22, 2017

BMW M6 By The Numbers

Take a look at this new M6. First impressions? Big car, and looks it—193 inches from its kidney pout to chunky tush. Weight makes for a comfortable ride, so its 4,500 pounds to be precise. Which means it’s probably going to drive heavy. So a nice relaxed cruiser. But no hard-driving bruiser. How wrong first impressions can be. Here is one of the most thrilling, most agile, most responsive, most fun cars to hit showrooms this year.(See Also: Swiss Ferrari Collection) A car that’s essentially a two-door version of BMW’s hallowed M5, yet one that steers better, brakes harder and feels less demanding to drive fast. And compared to the last-generation M6 with its howling V-10 engine and seemingly incredible bulk, this all-new version which adopts most of the M5’s greasy bits, is as different as night and day. Pop the hood and there in all its glory is BMW’s magical 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8. To fully describe its technical advancements requires a service manual longer than War & Peace. All you need to know is that, just like with the M5, it cranks out a towering 560 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a newly-developed seven-speed double clutch automatic and overly-complex launch control set-up, the M6 can blast from standstill to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, hit the 100 mark in 9.2 and run to an easy 155 before the computer calls game over. Through the twisties the car seems to shrink in size, darting through curves as if running on rails. Select ‘Sport Plus’ and the Servotronic speed-sensitive steering gains just the right heft and precision to telegraph back everything that’s going on at the front. Exit the bend, pour on the power, and the big V-8 with its instant tsunami of power will fire you to the next one. Boy, this car is fun. Opt for the Convertible and that big canvas top can drop in 19 seconds flats, and on the move at speeds up to 25 mph. Go for the Coupe and you get a cool carbon fiber roof. With either car, you’ll be over-joyed.LIST PRICE: $106,995 (coupe), $113,995 (convertible)ENGINE: 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8HORSEPOWER: 560 hp @ 5,750-7,000 rpmTORQUE: 500 lb-ft @ 1,500-5,750 rpmTRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic0–60: 4.3 secondsTOP SPEED: 155 mph (limited)PROBased on an M5 yet feels even more involvingCONSystems choices for the driver that would challenge Einstein

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2017

Why is the Ferrari FF so Fantastic?

Ferrari has made big strides in new directions recently, specifically with the California and now with the FF (Ferrari Four). The California was the first Ferrari to offer a hardtop convertible mechanism, dual-clutch automated manual transmission, and a front-mounted V-8. The FF is the first Ferrari to offer all-wheel drive and a wagon-like design (Europeans will call it a shooting brake, which does make it sound better). Despite the hatch out back, the Pininfarina-penned coupe is endearing, although some may refuse to call it outright beautiful. What everyone will like is the Enzo-based 6.3-liter 651-hp V-12 engine out front. It can send the FF and up to 28.3 cubic feet of cargo inside from zero to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 208 mph. LIST PRICE: $330,000 (estimated)ENGINE: 6.3-liter V-12HORSEPOWER: 651 hp @ 8,000 rpmTORQUE: 504 lb-ft @ 6,000 rpmTRANSMISSION: 7-speed DCT0–60: 3.7 secondsTOP SPEED: 208 mphWEIGHT: 4,145 lbLENGTH: 193 inchesTIRES: Front: 245/45ZR-18, Rear: 285/40ZR-19 (estimated)PROFour seats, four-wheel drive,practical wagon(shooting brake makes it sound better)CONIs Ferrari taking a stepin the wrong direction?

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2017

Brabus Builds A Mean AMG GT-S

The exclusive sports program for the two-seater car was designed to increase its speed and power. BRABUS accomplished this through the PowerXtra B40-600 performance kit, a “plug-and-play” module. This module includes a new mapping for the ignition and injection systems, while also increasing boost pressure for the two turbochargers. An extra 90 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque is added, resulting in a total power output of 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. An AMG GT S with BRABUS’ performance kit installed can rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds, topping out at 201 mph. Complementing the added power are a series of physical upgrades offering functionality and style.On the outside, there are new carbon fiber components. These include a front spoiler, side air intake covers, rear airfoil, diffuser and more. The diffuser also highlights the four tailpipes of the BRABUS sports exhaust system, which is fitted with butterfly valves for separate exhaust settings.Inside, BRABUS offers exclusive carbon scuff plates with stainless-steel inserts, pedals made of various metals, aluminum paddle shifters, a backlit BRABUS logo and more.They can also install new upholstery, using materials such as fine leather and Alcantara. As always, if you are looking for your next Mercedes-Benz, be sure to check our dealers for great offers.Price: TBDEngine: Biturbo 4.0-liter V8Horsepower: 600Torque: 553 lb-ft0-60 mph: 3.6 secondsTop Speed: 201 mphTransmission: TBD

By Andrew Nabors – April 05, 2017

Porsche 918: The Eco Friendly Hypercar

Are you a tree or curve hugger? Porsche engineers think you can be both, and they come together in the form of the Porsche 918 Spyder. It is the two-seat mid-engine Spyder that should make exotic car types, as well as the eco-poseurs in egg-shaped runabouts, turn green—the latter with envy. This plug-in hybrid sports car is powered by a 500-hp V-8 along with a pair of electric motors that contribute another 218 hp and driving both the front and rear axles. Together, they can launch the 918 Spyder from a standstill to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds while delivering up to 78 miles per gallon. Top speed is 198 miles per hour.For the ultimate high-performance tree embracing experience, Porsche drivers flogged the 918 Spyder around the Nordschleife—the notorious 12.9-mile “Green Hell” section of the Nurburgring race circuit that swoops, dives, and twists through the forests of the Eifel Mountains—in less than seven and a half minutes per lap. Those lap times are better than those of the limited-production Porsche Carrera GT. Like that vehicle, the 918 Spyder is a rolling showcase of Porsche’s knowledge and capabilities. The V-8 internal combustion engine derives from the 3.4-liter power plant of the victorious RS Spyder race car and can rev to 9,200 rpm. The electric motors draw power from a fluid-cooled lithium-ion battery that is primarily charged by plugging into the power grid. Recharging also occurs when the brakes are applied and the kinetic energy produced is regenerated into electricity.Porsche For Sale MiamiA button on the steering wheel allows the driver to choose from four driving modes, including E-Drive for total electric power up to a 16-mile range, Hybrid for efficient everyday dual-mode driving, Sport-Hybrid, a full-on Race Hybrid. Adding to the fun is a push-to-pass button (E-Boost) that supplies an extra jolt of electric power for overtaking. The carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic body is not only lightweight (the 918 weighs only 3,285 pounds), but also extremely rigid thanks to its racing roots. The exterior styling pays homage to the 917 LeMans racers while blending in the aerodynamics of the current RS Spyder. The streamlined headrest fairings behind the cockpit house retractable intakes for the engine. Inside are contoured bucket seats, a multi-function steering wheel, a floating center console with touch-sensitive controls, and a trio of free-standing circular dials supply readouts of road speed, engine speed, and energy management. A Range Manager display maps out driving rangebased on power mode and shows the nearest refueling sources.

Exotic Cars 2017

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