Features

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 – 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

By Edward Jones – April 06, 2017

Our Top 10 Most Sought After Porsche 911 Models in 2017 S...

On duPontREGISTRY.com right now there are 39 different new and used Porsche 911 models available for sale. That's almost double the amount of Porsche 911 models that are currently in the new lineup (21). The models offered on our website range from the furious GT3 RS to the rare 911 America Roadster.With there being so many variants available, I decided to check out our analytics and see which of these models have received the most page views from Jan 1 - April 6, 2017. Below are the results from my research, showing in ascending order which models are the most looked at 911 models on duPontREGISTRY.com.10. 911 Speedster The original Porsche 911 Speedster was introduced back in the late 1980's after enthusiasts essentially begged for it. The first prototype was unveiled at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show. The Speedster is not being created anymore, meaning fans of the car are searching for them left and right.9. 911 Carrera 4S The 911 Carrera 4S has all-wheel drive that makes it an extremely competent car around corners when compared to a rear-wheel drive model. The current 2017 models come with 420 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds with the PDK transmission.8. 911 GT2 Unfortunately, Porsche does not currently have a GT2 in their lineup, but they did for many years. Even though it was based on the 911 Turbo, the 911 GT2 was lighter and more powerful, making it a very sought after model.7. 911 GT2 RS Porsche introduced the 911 GT2 RS variant in 2010 as an upgraded version of the GT2. It came with 612 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque on tap. Production of the 911 GT2 RS was limited to 500 units worldwide when it was revealed, making it a hard find in the marketplace.6. 911 Targa 4S The 911 Targa was revived in 2014 with the Targa 4 and Targa 4S models. It features an electric cabriolet roof, as well as all-wheel drive. Many are picking up this car for nostalgia purposes as it harks back to the classic Targa. Will this model stick around in the lineup? Only time will tell.5. 911 Carrera GTS In January 2017, Porsche announced that their 911 GTS lineup would be entirely turbocharged. The 911 Carrera GTS is RWD and offers an exciting drive.4. 911 R The Porsche 911 R was limited to just 991 examples, this model is one of the hottest 911s on the market. It comes with a six-speed GT Sport manual transmission and an extremely light weight that makes it a Porsche purist's dream car. Getting one of these when they first came out was tough considering they were already sold out before delivered.3. 911 GT3 Named after the FIA Group GT3 class, the 911 GT3 is a high-performance model that has been around since 1999. The current model is lightning quick with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.2 seconds.2. 911 Turbo S Many think of the 911 Turbo S as the quintessential sports car. With a powerful turbocharged engine (540 hp in the current model) and the classic styling we all know and love, it doesn't get any better than this.1. 911 GT3 RS First introduced in 2003, the GT3 RS is a more track-capable version of the already excellent GT3 model. The RS in the model name actually stands for RennSport, which translates to "racing sports" in English.

By Edward Jones – March 31, 2017

Best Ways to Keep Your Car Cool in the Summer

Summer is just around the corner for most of the United States, while we here in Florida are already dealing with heat in late March. When Summer comes around, so do the higher temperatures and a steaming hot car interior. Let's be honest, no one is a fan of getting into a hot car and if there's a way to avoid it, we're going to do it.How can you help your car's interior beat the summer heat? Below are some of the best ways to keep your car cool in the Summer.1. Park in the shade - This is the first thing we all do when finding parking in the summer time and it's also the reason why certain parking spaces are always taken. Another trick is to park in a spot that will get shade later on in the day as the sun moves across the sky. While your sunny spot may be hot when you get out, it could be cool when you leave.2. Crack a window - If you know rain isn't going to be an issue, leave your windows cracked a bit, but not too much as to where someone could break in. With cracked windows, your cabin will have better airflow and the hot air won't stay settled. A solar-powered fan inside your car could increase the airflow within for better results.3. Solar-powered fan - The online marketplaces are full of neat little solar-powered fans that you can keep in your car. Because these fans are powered by the sun, you won't have to worry about batteries losing energy. Also, there are solar-powered window fans that attach to the window and allow fresh air flow, but be cautious with these if you have tint.4. Tint your windows - Speaking of tinted windows, make sure you have them. Good tint installation will reduce the amount of thermal rays that enter your car's cabin. By blocking a percentage of sunlight out of your car, your interior will definitely feel cooler after a hot day if you have good tint. However, check your local laws to see which tint is legal.5. Buy a windshield sun shade - Yes, you may have to take a couple of extra to set up a sun shade or take it down, but it's worth it. The windshield is typically the biggest window on cars, meaning it's what allows the most amount of sunlight in your car. If you block the sunrays coming in from the windshield, you'll notice a cooler interior. Also, you can get some pretty sweet themed ones and even have your car look like it could do the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs.Sports Cars For Sale - duPont REGISTRY

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2017

Spider vs Spyder: What's The Difference?

A grammar debate earlier this morning brought up a curious problem. If marketing executives get paid to intentionally spell incorrectly, is it our duty to correct them? Is the spelling truly incorrect? Our fans like to hit us with the hardest questions to test our automotive knowledge and the argument between the "spider" and "spyder" always seems to come up. Mechanical questions are easy, but diving into spelling and semantics can be tricky. Our showroom is one of the few places you will find an Audi R8 V10 Spyder in close proximity to a Ferrari 360 Spider. English is Germanic in origin, so why does Audi choose to be different? Several theories exist as to how the insect became automotive. Before gasoline powered our commute, a Spider was a two-person carriage with a convertible roof. More than just a Surrey with a fringe on top, it had four bows holding the fabric, with two straps on each bow. This made the top look like 8 legs of a spider hanging over the small body. It had to be open to the breeze because the exhaust fumes from horses can ruin a nice evening. Porsche was the first manufacturer to release a "Spyder" on the iconic 550 Spyder. Chevrolet must have seen a parallel between Porsche's air-cooled sports car and their own because it was bestowed upon turbocharged Corvairs as the "Corvair Monza Spyder". Things got worse when the Monza was resurrected as a re-skinned Vega, and its hardtop version was the 1976-80 "Monza Spyder" That's right, Chevy used a great name on a disco-era rust bucket. If you can't afford a Porsche 918 Spyder, Lamborghini built a topless version of the Gallardo at a much more reasonable price and used the "spyder" moniker on that one. But Spider has remained synonymous with Italian performance, and that might be for another reason altogether. A conversation on ClubScuderia sheds some light on English translations. Italians might pronounce Spyder as "Speeder" meaning a fast car. It is probably irrelevant at this point because everyone from Alfa to Zagato have built Spiders and Spyders, so here are just a few from our dealers: 10. Ferrari 355 Spider 9.McLaren MP4-12 Spider 8. Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder 7. Ferrari F430 Spider 6. Audi R8 Spyder 5. McLaren 650 Spider 4. Ferrari Scuderia Spider 16M 3. Lamborghini Huracan Spyder 2. Ferrari 488 Spider 1. Porsche 918 Spyder

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Publisher's Take on the Hypercar Market i...

Welcome to this year’s dream-book/reality check-list and trip in the fast lane. The annual duPont REGISTRY Exotic Car Buyers Guide is all of the above and more. Needless to say, we can’t cover all of the exotics present in today’s world, but we can give you that quick glimpse that will take you further into dramatic styling, advanced engineering, and incredible performance known as the real world of exotic automobiles. So, enjoy the “flights” of fantasy or the actual stimulus to your “buying gland” as you consider your next purchase (or investment) in automotive and performance art. Speaking of investment … let’s not forget the blistering records set recently for 50-60-year-old exotic automobiles. The two stand-outs (so far) are the $27.5 million 1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4 NART Spider and the $35+ million 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R formula 1 Race car. Is there a chance that this year’sIs there a chance that this year’s Exotic Car Buyers Guide contains the future $100 million car? Maybe. But, alas, it is all in the eye (pocketbook) of the beholder. However, I don’t think that we will have to wait over 50 years to reach that magical milestone. Regardless of the timing, here are a few of the “greats” that will most assuredly bring you great satisfaction in driving, and most likely in your wallet as well: Pagani Zonda Revolucion: It may be time to bid a sad farewell to the Zonda. The Revolucion is what Zonda calls the “apex of the celebration of performance,” and what we will call sorely-missed. Boasting 800 horsepower from a 6.0-liter V-12 and a six-speed magnesium transversal gearbox, it truly is performance revolutionized. LaFerrari: There’s no doubt that Ferrari is a manufacturer of legends. The LaFerrari embodies the architecture that will remain in our hearts for years to come and engineering that is surely an enthusiast’s dream. An astonishing 6.3-liter V-12 hybrid engine is seamlessly crossed with the unique design we’ve seen evolve for the past 30 years of limited-edition releases.Porsche 918 Spyder: We have long awaited the successor of the Carrera GT and are glad to be presented a hybrid of a different class. The combination of two electric motors and a 4.6-liter V-8 producing 887 horsepower has us anxious to drive. The 918 utilizes some of the most innovative technology for a superior ride and boasts numerous sport modes to let you unleash its full potential. Oh, and let’s not forget the little red button. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series: The words “Black Series” coming from Mercedes-Benz already makes our hearts jump. But add those words to the end of a model already meant for high-grade performance, and we can’t possibly hide our excitement. Simply put, a 6.2-liter V-8 producing 622 horsepower and technology that is, well, just menacing on the track. Corvette Stingray Z51 C7: The Stingray is simply a supercar. It is the definition of American performance. It is a direct injected V-8 developing 460 horsepower and an astounding 29-mpg fuel consumption. The classic LT1 engine has been designed to have 90 horsepower more than the original. The new Stingray truly brings American performance to a whole new level.Happy Motoring,Thomas L. duPontPublisher/Chairman

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2017

Top Green Supercars for St. Patrick's Day 2017

Today we celebrate St. Patrick's Day by eating corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and Shepard's Pie, as well as enjoying a few drinks. What exactly are we celebrating? It is believed that on March 17, St. Patrick was buried at Downpatrick, and on this day we celebrate his life. It's traditional to wear green on St. Paddy's Day, because the green in the Irish flag is associated with the Irish Catholics. Naturally, we decided we would find a few supercars that would be perfect to celebrate the holiday in.2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS View Price and More2016 Lamborghini Aventador SV View Price and More2017 Audi R8 View Price and More2014 Ferrari 458 Spider View Price and More2016 McLaren 675LT View Price and More2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato View Price and More

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