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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

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

By Edward Jones – September 27, 2017

Supercar Videos of the Day - Sept. 27, 2017

The big news of the day is the fact that the new 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS has beaten out the Lamborghini Huracan Performante as the fast car around Nurburgring Nordschleife. Thankfully, we have onboard footage of the record-breaking lap down below.Joining the Porsche video for today's Supercar Videos of the Day, we have two other amazing videos. From DragTimes is a video of the McLaren 720S destroying a Tesla Model S P100D (Ludicrous Mode) in a drag race. The other video is of Koenigsegg's Owners Tour 2017, which brought together 19 different Koenigsegg models - the most ever at one time - for a tour of a lifetime.Check each of them out below! 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS On-Board Nurburgring Record Lap Tesla Model S P100D Ludicrous vs McLaren 720S Drag Racing and Roll Racing Koenigsegg Owners Tour 2017

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2017

Supercar Videos of the Day - Sept. 26, 2017

The internet is filled with videos and a lot of them just so happen to star our favorite supercars. In today's version of "Supercar Videos of the Day," we have a selection of our favorite videos that you should check out.First up is a video from TheSmokingTire that stars the triple-turbocharged McLaren 12C from Hypercar Development. Yes, the front end may look like a 650S, but it's truly a 12C.Next up is an official video from Lamborghini. In it we see entrepreneur Kevin Hooks taking the Lamborghini Centenario out for a spin and explains why hard work is truly important.Then we have a video from our friend DragTimes. For this video, they take out a new McLaren 720S and pit it up against a brutal twin-turbo Ford GT Heffner GT1000. Triple-Turbocharged McLaren 12C Kevin Hooks Drives His Lamborghini Centenario McLaren 720S vs Ford GT Twin Turbo Heffner GT1000

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2017

Ferrari 458 Italia vs 458 Challenge

Imitation is the best form of flattery, but sometimes it is difficult to discern who is imitating who. In the case of Ferrari's race cars, the Challenge Series 458 looks very similar to the 458 Italia. Maranello has mentioned that both cars share 90% of their components, but humans also share 90% of our DNA with primates. If your dreams have been filled with track days and podium finishes, a used Ferrari 458 Challenge is a great way to achieve them, but how hard would it be to do it yourself? Let's take a closer look at production car and see just how different they really are. 458 CHALLENGEHow Much? Price: $239,000Engine: 4.5-liter V8 274.5 cu inHorsepower: 570 hp @ 9,000 rpmTorque: 398 lb-ft 6,000 rpmCurb Weight: 2815 lbs0-60: 2.9 seconds62-0 mph: 107 ftTop Speed: 210 mphTransmission: 7-speed Getrag dual clutch F1Brakes: Carbon Ceramic 458 ITALIAHow Much? Price: $239,000Engine: 4.5-liter V8 274.5 cu inHorsepower: 570 hp @ 9,000 rpmTorque: 398 lb-ft 6,000 rpmCurb Weight: 3,274 lbs0-60: 2.9 seconds62-0 mph: 107 ftTop Speed: 210 mphTransmission: 7-speed Getrag dual-clutch F1Brakes: Carbon CeramicThe latest 458 Challenge is a monster on the trackIf you found a great deal on a pre-owned Ferrari 458 Italia for sale, what would it take to go racing? First, you would have to strip the interior of all those fine Italian hides. The 458 Challenge arrives with 2 racing seats, carbon fiber panels, and not much else. You would also need to find a master fabricator to build a roll cage. The Challenge has an FIA approved cage from the factory. All the glass must be replaced with lexan, and you will need a fire system along with telemetry. The 458 Challenge also arrives with these. Omitted in the Challenge cars are several hundred pounds of luxury and creature comforts.You can see where this is going...Each Ferrari 458 Challenge was built by the same crew and is equipped with the same options. Even the wheels are the same width as stock, but the Challenge sports 19" instead of the 20". This is because racing rubber in 20" just doesn't handle the abuse. Suspension parts are shared between track and street, but Challenge cars arrive with spherical rod ends instead of rubber bushings. Many teams have discovered that carbon ceramic brakes look amazing on the street car, but cast iron is more durable. So if you find a 458 Challenge with brake dust, don't be alarmed.Why you should buy a 458 ChallengeThe last real difference between them is legality. The 458 Challenge is a race car. It makes no apologies in terms of insulation or civility. For that reason, it can not be driven on public roads. But if you have the local authorities on your payroll, the 458 Challenge is the easiest way to go racing. Converting a 458 Italia into a track car is a great way to burn cash, so check out these listings from our dealers and get your team back together. Are you ready for a Challenge? Ferrari 458 Challenge For Sale Ferrari 458 Italia For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_278127&feature;=iv&src;_vid=lhEN6E2CCA8&v;=DyyQpM0jWzE

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2017

Who Owns the New 2017 Ford GT

It all started back on January 12, 2015 when Ford first revealed the new GT model. Our friend Jerry Villagrana was on hand to capture the new American supercar firsthand. It wasn't until February 2, 2016 that we learned how exclusive the new Ford GT would be. Just a couple of months later in April 2016, Ford opened up applications for the new GT and the configurator as well. People around the world started sending in their applications. How many applications? Ford counted 6,506 applications, and we highlighted a few of our favorites.Right before Christmas, on December 16, 2016, the first 2017 GT rolled off of the production line.It wasn't until January 25, 2017, after the first GT rolled off the line, that Ford officially unveiled the power of the GT. Power of the GT was set at 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft. These power figures makes the GT Ford's fastest production vehicle, ever. Actual deliveries of the GT didn't starting happening a couple of months into 2017, which are highlighted below. Are we missing someone? Be sure to contact us!Jack Roush's GT with Liquid Grey with Ingot Silver Stripes Jack Roush's Ford GT Delivery In-Depth Look at Jack Roush’s New Ford GTAndy Frisella's Arancio Borealis Ford GT Andy Frisella's Arancio Borealis Ford GT Delivery Andy Frisella Reviews His Brand-New 2017 Ford GTJay Leno's Gloss Black GT with Red Stripes Jay Leno's Ford GT DeliveryDave Bannister's Riviera Blue 2017 Ford GT Dave Bannister's Riviera Blue Ford GT Delivery

By Edward Jones – June 09, 2017

Gentlemen's Best Watches for 2017

In 2017, there will be plenty of fine watches to pick from. To make your choice easier, duPont REGISTRY has assembled the best of the best in our 5th Annual Gentlemen's Best feature in our May 2017 issue. Below are the watches featured, so be sure to take a look and learn more about each one buy visiting the manufacturers' websites.Buy This Issue Cuervo y Sobrinos Torpedo Pirata GMTThe Torpedo Pirata GMT introduces a feature that is new to watchmaking: a modular case with interchangeable rings fitted between the case and the bezel. This timepiece houses an automatic movement SW330-1 with a second time zone and date at 6 o’ clock, water resistant to 5 ATM. Its inner circle is displaying the Arabic numerals with CyS logo inside. The sapphire crystal case-back reveals the details of the mechanism. Engraved on the crystal case-back, is a unique logo for this model - 2 swords surround the classic CyS logo.~ $6,500 USD • cuervoysobrinos.com Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider “Pirelli” Automatic SkeletonEpitomizing the perfect combination of ruggedness and reliability, the Excalibur Spider “Pirelli” Automatic Skeleton is a model built for life in the fast lane. The robust 45mm skeleton case with its black DLC titanium elements and contrasting blue touches provides a perfect frame for in-house calibre RD820SQ. Lucky owners of this 88-piece limited edition will enjoy the privilege of being invited tomoney-can’t-buy Pirelli high adrenaline experiences.Starting at ~ $67,000 USD1-888-RDUBUIS Orbita Milano 12 Watch WinderIntroducing the Milano 12, the newest member of the Orbita collection! Boasting a gorgeous 10mm thick smoked, tempered glass case fitted with 4 footed feet, the Milano houses 12 of our critically acclaimed winders and uses an A/C power supply. The case features 6mm thick tempered glass doors, brushed nickel hinges and lock, and a customizable faceplate.~ $12,995 USD • orbita.com REC P51-04REC Watches launched in 2014 with a mission to offer something truly unique to satisfy gear heads and watch lovers together, timepieces that capture the spirit of iconic cars, quite literally. Every single REC timepiece incorporates salvaged, recycled parts of iconic cars. RECOVER, RECYCLE AND RECLAIM – or just REC for short. This Limited-Edition “Raven Black” is a tribute to the Mustang color combination that became popular in the 1960's. Only 250 pieces were made and only a few remain available.Price upon request • recwatchesamerica.com Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton TourbillonDistinctive and modern, the Ulysse Nardin Executive Skeleton Tourbillon embodies the avant-garde design for which the brand is known. Oversized Roman numeral hour-markers and imposing sword-shaped hands seem suspended in midair, while the carbon fiberstyle strap offers a distinctive element. Surprisingly airy thanks to ultralight titanium, this piece blends excellence and comfort in a nearly weightless design.~ $38,000 USD • ulysse-nardin.com Hublot Ferrari Big Bang UnicoHublot has always created models with a distinctive design and this holds true also for its collaboration with Ferrari which began in 2011. The case measures 45 mm in diameter and is available in titanium (1000 pieces) with matching bezel. In reference to the iconic design of the Ferrari seats, the strap comes in black Alcantara on black rubber, with red over-stitching in the style of Ferrari upholstery~ $26,200 USD • hublot.com Audemars Piguet Royal Oak ChronographA sharp take on the two-tone dial with bigger pink gold chronograph counters and optimally designed hour markers, typeset and finishes for better readability. Pink gold case and bezel play off blue hand-stitched alligator strap and “Grande Tapisserie” dial to create a ruggedly dramatic effect.~ $26,200 USD • audemarspiguet.com Richard Mille RM 50-03 McLaren F1Produced in collaboration with the famed Formula 1 constructor, the new Richard Mille calibre is a technical masterpiece offering off-the-chart mechanical performance. The RM 50-03 Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph Ultralight McLaren F1 weighs less than 40 grams – including the new strap – which makes it the lightest mechanical chronograph ever made. This landmark has been achieved through the use of cutting-edge technical materials. The design not only incorporates Titanium and Carbon TPT™, but also introduces an entirely new material into the world of watchmaking: Graph TPT™, more commonly known as graphene. The RM 50-03 McLaren F1 will be produced in a numbered limited edition of 75 pieces and will be available only at Richard Mille boutiques. Each watch will be accompanied by a 1:5 scale model of the McLaren-Honda racing car driven in 2017 by Double-World Champion Fernando Alonso.Price upon request • richardmille.com Corum Golden Bridge RectangleNewly refined rectangular look of the Classic Golden Bridge; beautifully engraved inline movement and finely crafted geometry of 18-karat gold structures representing six Roman numerals surround a completely visible caliber-CO 113. 40 hour power reserve, 5N 18-karat rose gold case, sapphire crystal front and back, water-resistant 30 meters.~ $36,900USD • corum.ch

By Andrew Nabors – May 30, 2017

Top 10 Most Powerful Exotic Convertibles of 2017

Sometimes you just need to go topless. Convertibles seem to be very polarizing to enthusiasts, you either love them or hate them. Sanctioning bodies have all but eliminated them from competition, and Federal crash standards require windshield frames to be made of unobtanium for rollover safety. But a few manufacturers are still willing to build the cars we demand, so let's take a look at the most powerful production convertibles on the market in 2017. 2017 Rolls-Royce DawnAs the long awaited replacement for the Drophead Coupe, the Dawn is not simply a convertible Wraith. It is from the same family as the Ghost, but engineered to be a convertible from tires to the top. Only 20% of components are shared between Wraith and Dawn. The well-insulated top can be raised or lowered at up to 31 mph. Every moving part from the power closing doors to the top itself operates in a silent and graceful manner.• Engine: 6.6 liter Twin Turbo V12• Horsepower: 563• Torque: 605 lb-ft• 0-60: 4.3 seconds• Rolls-Royce Dawn Listings 2017 Lamborghini Aventador SV RoadsterAs the state of the art in V12 powered composite supercars, the Aventador SV Roadster is more of a targa top than a true convertible. It allows for open air motoring once the roof panels are stored in the front compartment. It has full-time AWD with a single clutch automatic transmission. It has 49 more horsepower than the base model, along with improved aerodynamics. The one-piece monocoque chassis is made of carbon fiber, and it is visible throughout the interior.• Engine: 6.5 liters V12• Horsepower: 740• Torque: 509 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.8 seconds• Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Listings 2017 Ferrari 488 SpiderAs a spiritual successor to the 288 GTO, Ferrari is making V12 power with V6 fuel economy. New composites in the chassis allow it to be light and rigid, with only 110 lbs difference between coupe and convertible. The twin turbos have lightweight TiAl compressor wheels for a quick spool up. The first all-new convertible since the 360, the interior is far more ergonomic than any Ferrari before it.• Engine: Twin Turbo 3.9 liter V8• Horsepower: 661• Torque: 561 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.0 seconds•Ferrari 488 Spider Listings 2017 Lamborghini Huracan Spyder & 2017 Audi R8 V10 Spyder Ok, for the sake of repetition we placed these two together. That's because their differences are only external. Audi owns Lamborghini so the drivetrains are identical. It comes down to looks and price. The R8 is 70 lbs heavier thanks to a plush interior and more insulation. Lamborghini offers a deeper exhaust note thanks to high flow mufflers, but both sound the same when the baffles are open. Lamborghini has slightly more aggressive gearing in 3rd to 7th gear which puts more power to the ground, but Audi prefers a lower cruising RPM for the ultimate in ten-cylinder luxury.• Engine: 5.2 liter V10• Horsepower: 602• Torque: 412 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.8 seconds• Lamborghini Huracan Spyder Listings - Audi R8 V10 Spyder Listings 2017 Chevrolet Corvette Z06If you are looking for the latest in fiberglass fashion, the Corvette Z06 convertible starts at $84,445 and offers 29 miles per gallon. One of the few drop-tops available with a manual transmission, it has enough horsepower and torque to get loose at any speed. An innovative stability control system allows drivers to fine-tune the traction, throttle response, and active exhaust to their own liking. A data recorder saves video of your laps along with throttle and G-force data to an SD card in a format that is easily uploaded to social media. It is also activated in Valet mode to catch unscrupulous drivers.• Engine: 6.2 liter Supercharged V8• Horsepower: 650• Torque: 650 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.9 seconds•Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Listings 2017 BMW M6Get it while you can, because the 6 Series coupe and convertible have been discontinued. This year will be a longer model run, but the factory will need time to get ready for the next generation. The F12 chassis is a solid foundation with more structural steel than most other convertibles. Because it was launched in 2012, the 4,500 lb weight is comparable to its contemporaries. This will also be your last shot at a manual transmission, as BMW has confirmed the 5 and 6 Series will not offer a stick in the near future.• Engine: 4.4 liter twin turbo V8• Horsepower: 600• Torque: 590 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.7 seconds• BMW M6 Listings 2017 Maserati GranTurismoThe GranTurismo embodies all that is Italian motoring, and a convertible is the most elegant example. The fabric top follows the same lines as the coupe, with plenty of room for 4 adults. It doesn't need any silly turbos or superchargers because the symphony of a high-winding V8 is all you need. A Centennial edition was released to mark 100 years in the business, and it offers the quality of a coach-built classic with modern performance.• Engine: 4.7 liter V8• Horsepower: 454• Torque: 384 lb-ft• 0-60: 4.6 seconds• Maserati GranTurismo Listings 2017 Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Aston-Martin's first carbon fiber convertible packs traditional V12 power with incredible aerodynamics. Instead of a giant rear spoiler, the trunk lid incorporates an aero-duct. It preserves the sensuous silhouette. For proper balance, the 8 speed automatic transmission is rear mounted and connected by a torque tube that runs the length of the cockpit. The top dissapears in 14 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. If the wind is too noisy, the Bang & Olufsen audio is rated at 1,000 watts. If you expect compromise in your convertible, look elsewhere.• Engine: 6.0 liter V12• Horsepower: 576 (metric)• Torque: 464 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.6 seconds• Aston-Martin Vanquish Listings 2017 Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet The original supercar from Stuttgart has come a long way since 1963, but convertible versions haven't always offered powerful drivetrains. It is still a flat-six, but everything about it is made to perform. The latest in turbocharged technology is a dynamic boost funtion that holds the throttle open to keep the turbines spinning. The Sport Chrono package is now standard and it has bumped up the base price. Center lock wheels and all wheel drive are also standard, but the only transmission choice is the PDK automatic.• Engine: 3.8 liter twin turbo flat six• Horsepower: 580• Torque: 516 lb-ft• 0-60: 2.8 seconds•Porsche 911 Turbo S Listings 2017 Bentley Continental Supersports Ok who really needs a convertible with this much power? Using lessons learned on the Continental GT3-R, the long awaited return of the Supersports has been accompanied by praise and astonishment. Quilted leather is stitched by hand to provide comfort at 205 mph. All-wheel drive is standard, as is the need for 98 octane. Don't worry, it will idle on 93 but full power will be restricted. Objects of this size and stature should not be able to move like this, but it would be fun to show up at the drag strip and race for titles.• Engine: 6.0 liter W12 Twin Turbo• Horsepower: 700• Torque: 750 lb-ft• 0-60: 3.9 seconds• Bentley Continental Supersports Listings

By Edward Jones – May 30, 2017

What Cars Celebrities Drive: Beyonce, Oprah, Daniel Radcl...

Celebrities are people too, any they need cars to get around in. And, for some, they have a passion for the automobile and spend their earnings on amassing a car collection. To show off what some of the world's most popular celebrities drive, Digitial EFX Wraps put together an infograph, which can be found below.Also Check Out - How to Wrap a Lamborghini MurcielagoSome of the celebrities featured below include the likes of Tom Hanks and his Scion xB, Kim Kardashian and her Ferrari F430 and Snoop Dogg with his 1967 Pontiac Parisienne. Scroll down below to check them all out.

By Tom duPont – May 05, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Publisher's Letter - March 2017

Dear Reader,The Scottsdale Auction Week was, as expected, over the top! Every auction day (or night) was punctuated by new records for all types of automotive art on wheels. When the records weren’t being broken, there were hangar parties, receptions, seminars, exotic car displays in VERY exotic locations and of course, the duPont REGISTRY™/LIVE “After Party” at the absolutely stunning W Hotel in downtown Scottsdale.Across all the auctions, the top 10 cars (all European marques) sold for a cumulative $44,000,000; averaging $4,400,000 per car. This was a staggering pace for the rest of the cars that followed, earning another $215,800,000 for the sellers (total $259,800,000). Surely, another $201,000 has sold off the block to break the $260 million ceiling.Importantly, the weather was not Arizona-perfect, but that didn’t deter the excitement— the crowds were huge. Even the duPont REGISTRY™/LIVE AFTER PARTY gala at the W hotel was packed. Poolside and barely under shelter, it was another great finish to a very busy, and wet, Friday, followed by a super Saturday and the Sunday Finale in the Sun.So, January is over and the year is off to a rock-solid start. Stay with us each month and at each event. Can’t wait that long? Go to our Facebook page, our blog site “Autofluence.com” or duPontREGISTRY.com for the latest up-to-date information on the fabulous world of classic, luxury and exotic automobiles, and the very finest accessories.Happy Motoring,Thomas L. duPontPublisher/Chairman

By Edward Jones – May 02, 2017

Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) Explained

In this article, you'll learn the answers to: What is a Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned Car? How does a car become Ferrari Certified Pre-owned? What do you get when buying a Ferrari Certified Pre-owned car? What Ferraris can be Certified Pre-Owned? What is a Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned Car?Want to know what a Ferrari Approved is? It's a certified pre-owned Ferrari certification program that the Italian sports car manufacturer created in order to give buyers peace of mind when it comes to buying a used vehicle that has been registered within the past 14 years.How Does a Car Become Ferrari Certified Pre-OwnedIn order for a car to be Ferrari Approved, it must pass a long list of checks, including a detailed inspection by Ferrari technicians, maintenance history verification, and more. The inspection that these used certified Ferraris undergo are very thorough and include 101 different checks. If the technicians find any defects, they will repair them only with original Ferrari spares. Once the car passes, a document is drafted up that will be presented to the new buyer showing proof of the inspection.What You Get When Buying a Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned CarWhen buying a Ferrari certified pre-owned car, buyers are not only ensured that the car their buying is in good condition, but also that they will be covered down the road through program benefits. Each Ferrari Approved car comes with a 12-month certified pre-owned warranty, as well as 12 months of roadside assistance. The warranty covers a myriad of defects, and each repair will be completed by Ferrari technicians using original spare parts. As for the roadside assistance program, this includes breakdown assistance in any location. Once the car is recovered, Ferrari will take care of travel, accommodation costs and transport to an official Ferrari dealership. During the time of repair, Ferrari will provide a replacement rental car.What Ferraris Can be Certified Pre-Owned?There are many cars that can be Ferrari Approved, even the latest Ferrari models. Whether it's the F430 or its successor, the 458 Italia, or even the new 488 GTB, as long as it had been registered within the past 14 years, it can be a part of the Ferrari CPO program. View Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned Cars For Sale Ferrari For Sale Chicago, IL

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2017

Top Ten 600-700 Horsepower Production Cars

Our job is to help find new homes for the world's most powerful cars, so we have a finger on the pulse of automotive performance. Of all the new listing we receive, horsepower from the factory seems to have reached a plateau just above 600 horsepower. Of course, hypercars can put more power to the ground, but we have covered them Ad Nausem. So let's take a look at the unsung heroes of the horsepower wars to see how they compare.Yes, the top-level Italians make well over 700, and that's great. But these underdogs are not seeking everyone's attention, they are the logical evolution of everyday cars. No, we didn't include the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon because everyone else is. These cars are on the lot and ready to go. so tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Audi RS7: 605 hp Cadillac CTS-V: 640 hp BMW M6 Competition Package: 600 hp McLaren 675LT Spider: 666 hp Lamborghini Huracan Performante: 640 hp Bentley Continental GT: 633 hp Corvette Z06: 650 hp Aston-Martin DB11: 600 hp Dodge Viper ACR: 645 hp Nissan GT-R Nismo: 600 hp

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