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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 – March 07, 2019

Top 10 Geneva Supercar Unveilings

This time of the year is my favorite for two reasons. The first reason is that my birthday is March 7th. Secondly, this is when the Geneva International Motor Show kicks off and that means new cars. I'm not talking about new commuter cars or anything, I'm talking about new supercars and hypercars from the automakers we've come to love. Below are our top 10 Geneva supercar unveilings. 10. GFG Style Kangaroo 9. Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster 8. Aston Martin Vanquish Vision Concept 7. Ginetta Akula 6. Pininfarina Battista 5. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster 4. Ferrari F8 Tributo 3. Aston Martin AM-RB 003 2. Bugatti La Voiture Noire Number 1 ... The Koenigsegg Jesko

By Alyssa Mammano – February 28, 2019

Top 10 Mansions for Sale on duPontREGISTRY.com

duPont REGISTRY Homes is a display of the world's finest domestic and international luxury listings. We've compiled an array of the largest, priciest and most significant homes in the world. Here are the top 10 mansions for sale that will absolutely blow your mind. A modern marvel, Los Trancos sets the bar for self-sustainability on a property that is all-encompassing. Boasting 20 rooms with endless amenities, this 32,000-square-foot architectural work-of-art would allow its owners to never have to leave the premises as it caters to one's every need and desire. Not only does it offer five bedrooms and 7.5 bathrooms, it also features a pizza room, disco room with a dance floor, a spa complete with a sauna and massage parlor, a full-size sports court and the jewel of the estate; an ice arena that transforms into a tennis court with a pavilion and its own locker room. The combination of luxuries this home affords cannot be found in any other estate. Source: Rex Real Estate view listing Set on 33 acres of farmland, rolling pastures and mountain views draped in the most exquisite sunsets sits this distinctive French Romantic masterpiece. The estate took three years to reimagine with a boundless budget. In total, it comprises seven separate structures with the main house sprawling a grand total of 32,000 square feet. Of note is the Dolby-certified sound-proof cinema with a remarkable 20'x10' screen. Homeowner Thomas Tull, who was the former chief executive of Legendary Entertainment and owns a stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers football franchise, is listing his family compound to relocate to the Pittsburgh area. Source: Jordan Cohen Luxury Real Estate view listing The Penthouse of this sophisticated Fisher Island high-rise is the ultimate in luxury living with unfathomable amenities. Impeccably curated by Parisian designer Chahan Minassian, the 6,000+ square foot condominium is outfitted in light, bright couture appointments, setting the stage for captivating Atlantic Ocean views. Soaring 20-foot arched ceilings and oversized picture windows allow the outdoors in, and indoor-outdoor living is made exquisite on the expansive wrap-around terraces. Four bedrooms and four bathrooms accommodate family and friends in the most lavish of settings. Source: Dora Puig view listing https://conciergeauctions.wistia.com/medias/srwpkfibd5?fbclid=IwAR15wSn-nRMbsLpLzLqW7LxkoOi6y7h_PuPGc5IIAJtldL5fbP8UH4wirK8 The estate of the late Wayne Huizenga is set to go to auction next month with no reserve. Previously listed for $27 million, lush mature greenery creates a private waterfront setting for the 20,653-square-foot compound. Fronting more than 600 feet of the intracoastal, the mansion boasts a rare offering of deep water dockage and the ability to accommodate a mega-yacht up to 135 feet. Huizenga founded three Fortune 500 companies: Waste Management, BlockBuster and AutoNation. He also owned a trifecta of professional sports teams: the Dolphins, Panthers and Marlins. Source: Concierge Auctions and The Keyes Company view listing Impressive doesn't even begin to describe the incredible architecture of this San Benito River Valley home. A series of peaks mimic the surrounding mountains and ultimately camouflage this estate within its backdrop. Inside, the vaulted ceilings are clad with wood planks running the stretch of the room and culminating where walls of glass begin. The surrounding 10,000 acres make this one of California's premier equestrian estates and afford the utmost tranquil scenery. Set on the property are the 7,900-square-foot main house, three guest homes, five horse barns, four arenas and numerous additional structures. Source: Pacific Union International Inc. view listing Completely reimagined in 2018 by architect Wayne Swadron and Salcito Custom Homes, this award-winning contemporary masterpiece comes fully furnished and turn-key. Encompassing two home sites comprised of more than four acres, the 14,350-square-foot is a rarity among Scottsdale's canyons in the premier Silverleaf community. The artful mansion exudes drama and luxury, not only in its over-the-top finishes, but in its technological advancements, as well. The whole home is under audio and video streaming on true IP with $K quality imaging. Additionally, the surveillance system is backed on a digital server. Source: Silverleaf Realty view listing A newer build modern and minimalistic in design, this clean contemporary was featured as the cover story in Florida Home and Design magazine. The materials used to accentuate this home are unheard of. Italian white oak wood flooring runs throughout, while Bamboo veined limestone highlights architectural features both inside and out. Marine-grade stainless steel and Egyptian Grey hammered natural stone can be found in the sleek kitchen. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open to the 77-foot glass-tiled pool overlooking the waterfront. Owners of this estate are also eligible to join the exclusive Port Royal private beach club. Source: William Raveis Luxury Properties view listing Larger than any of our previous Top 10 Listings, Foxley Green is a modern-day castle spanning 21,630 square feet, with additional structures set on the 80-acre premises. Constructed of solid granite on the exterior, the main house boasts two elevators, an expansive indoor pool and a first-floor master suite in addition to three more ensuite bedrooms. A two-bedroom staff apartment is incorporated within the house, while an additional three-bedroom staff home sits separately on the property. A 3,800-square-foot guest house is also included. Horse stables, trails, a stream, deep pond and meticulous gardens create an enchanting estate home. Source: Moffat Dunlap Realtor view listing Presiding over one of the best waterfront lots in all of Miami, this award-winning Charles Pawley design is wrapped by water frontage on three sides. Dense mature landscaping on the opposite side ensures the utmost privacy and serenity within this unique estate. Yachtsmen delight in the 70-foot concrete dock that can accommodate up to a 120-foot vessel. A seawall and floor-to-ceiling impact glass protect this home, resulting in a tranquil residence for the most discerning homeowner. Enter to an indoor Koi pond and continue through double doors leading to the spacious open floor plan. Six bedrooms and eight bathrooms complete the 8,234-square-foot abode. Source: Brigitte de Langeron view listing Fittingly named, "The Castle by the Sea," this Naples residence is exclusively set among 12 private homes in Bay Colony. Abutting the Gulf of Mexico, separated only by a stretch of white, sugary sand beach, The Castle by the Sea sits just steps from the coveted amenities of the Bay Colony Beach Club and the Ritz Carlton Beach resort. An infinity-edge pool overlooks the beach from the second level of the home and is encompassed within the courtyard, which perfectly frames incomparable Florida sunsets through columns and arched openings. Ornate finishes outfit the interior to perfectly match the masterful architecture. Source: Gulf Coast International Properties view listing

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2019

Throwback Thursday: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

Engineers at Mercedes-Benz could see the future in 2011. With an emphasis on fuel economy, their big V8 would be replaced by smaller ones with twin turbos. AMG was started by 2 Mercedes-Benz employees who refused to drive slow cars. Their answer was to stuff the legendary 6.3L V8 into everything. They made such an impact that Daimler purchased them in 2005, and AMG was chomping at the bit to build their own car. So once the ink was dry, they were given a blank check to develop their own supercar. It couldn't be mediocre by any means since it was going to be the successor to the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. What they did was shock the world. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG arrived as a gullwing coupe, a modern interpretation of the legendary 300 SL. As the first car ever built entirely by AMG, they went all out. The legendary 6.3L V8 was blessed with big cams, new valvetrain geometry, variable intake, tuned length exhaust headers, and a dry-sump oil pan. It arrived with 563 horsepower at a screaming 6,800 rpm. Not just for high revving, it made 479 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. It is still one of the highest output naturally aspirated V8 engines to ever be produced. No silly turbos or blowers, it was all motor with an exhaust note more evil than the Ride of the Valkyries. Following the natural evolution of the original SL, we wondered if an SLS AMG Roadster was on the horizon. Our questions were answered when our Publisher secured the rights to order the first Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster for the US. Mr. duPont's collection is not subtle by any means, so he checked off every box. I had only worked here 3 weeks when it arrived. My previous career was in the Corvette aftermarket, so I was unprepared for German precision. I loved my Vettes, but this car left nothing on the table. It cornered with incredible feedback because it had traditional hydraulic power steering. Sure it had a tinge of understeer because of the long nose. That is why the brakes were better than anything I had experienced before. The sleek lines and "Alubeam" silver paint were pleasing in any light. And the most beautiful part was knowing you had Thor's hammer stuffed under the hood. No complicated menus or interface to distract you. It arrived with a 1,100 watt Bang & Olufsen surround-sound that could overpower the booming exhaust. Throttle response was instant, almost as if it was carbureted. No matter who makes it, every modern car has some delay from pedal to intake. This car was and is the end of an era. I have driven newer examples of the SL63 and the S63 cabriolet over the past 8 years, and nothing gets close to the SLS AMG. Don't believe me? Watch Mr. Leno extol its virtues below, then click the link to see all the great offers from our dealers. Shop Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 14, 2019

Valentine's Day Gift Guide 2019

It's Valentine's Day and that means you're looking to pick up gifts for your significant other. Below are some great gifts to choose from pulled straight from the pages of the duPont REGISTRY magazine. And yes, a subscription to our magazine would make a great gift as well! Of course, you can always buy something for yourself if you are so inclined. subscribe now! Exotic Cars Let's face it, one of the ultimate gifts is a car and nothing is better than a high-end one. Where can you find them? On duPontREGISTRY.com, of course. shop now Corum Golden Bridge Get your significant other the gift of time with this beautiful timepiece from Corum. learn more ONEflight Fly away together on a stress-free private jet flight thanks to ONEflight's extraordinarily simple process. learn more Collection Suites Is your significant other looking to expand their garage? Surprise them with a luxury suite to house their cars in. learn more Elevate Customs Spend time playing some billiards together with one of Elevate Customs' fabulous pieces. learn more HYT Watches HYT Watches has a vast selection of fine timepieces, including one with 1,206 snow-set diamonds. learn more Gateway Bronco Fans of classic Ford will be thrilled to see a Gateway Bronco gifted to them: modern tech and classic styling. learn more Orbita Watch Safe Did you buy your significant other watches? Keep them safe with one of Orbita's safes. learn more Lexani EXTV If your trips are your thing, don't let an ending road stop you. Lexani's EXTV is meant for travel, no matter the path takes you. learn more Skip Barber Racing School Give the gift of racing thanks to the Skip Barber Racing School. Don't blame us learn more Wide Open Baja Sometimes, we just need some time out in the outdoors. Why not spending it flying across the desert in an off-road excursion? Learn more Global K9 Getting a new best friend is always welcome, especially when that best friend can protect you. learn more Shooting Range Industries Trips to the shooting range can be bothersome. Why not put the shooting range in your backyard? learn more Moduline Cabinet Systems Upgrade the garage and keep tools in check with Moduline's expansive cabinet solutions. learn more Autostacker Is your significant other looking to buy another car but doesn't have room? Give them the give of space for an extra car with Autostack. learn more

By Edward Jones – February 11, 2019

Pink, Purple and Red Exotic Cars to Buy Your Valentine

Valentine's Day 2019 is almost here and that means there are plenty of loved ones running around trying to figure out what to get their significant other. The mainstays in Valentine's gifts will always be flowers, chocolates and a nice dinner. Some people like the kick it up a notch and go big when it comes to Valentine's. Below are a nice selection of fitting purple, pink and red exotic cars to pick up for your Valentine for when you really want to go big for a Valentine's Day gift. view all purple cars view all red cars view all pink cars ♥ ♥ ♥ 1941 Cadillac Coupe de Ville Looking for a classic ride on Valentine's Day? Here you go. view listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS German engineering wrapped in a purple case. This is perfect for a track attacker. view listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante The Huracan Performante is red hot in this finish, just like your love. view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 1970 Plymouth Cuda A purple powerhouse for the muscle car-loving person in your life. view listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 1987 Ferrari Testarossa Some people yearn for the 80's. Give them a taste of the 1980's with one of its most iconic cars. view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertibles are cars that keep on giving. What's better than a sunset cruise on the beach with the top down? view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 1965 Backdraft Racing Roadster Let your love roar with this replica by Backdraft, powered by a 427 V8 engine. view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2019

Q&A: Sergio Alvarez's Car Collection and How It All Began

Sergio Alvarez, the CEO and Founder of Ai Media Group, is well-known for his company and his impeccable car collection. He's amassed a following on Instagram through his account @aimotorsports, where he continuously posts photos of his cars. If you aren't following him and are a fan of exotic cars, you're missing out. Here are the cars he currently owns and posts pictures of. • Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black Series • Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series • Mercedes-AMG GT R • Ferrari 458 Speciale • Ferrari F12tdf • Lamborghini Aventador SV • Lamborghini Huracan Performante • Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera • Porsche 911 Turbo S • Porsche 918 Spyder • Porsche Cayman GT4 • Bentley Continental GT3R • McLaren 675LT Spider • Porsche 911 GT2 RS • Porsche 911 GT3 RS • 1985 Pontiac FirebirdComing Soon • Porsche 913 Concept Build • Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 • Ferrari 488 Pista Spider • Porsche 911 Speedster Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari F12tdf and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series We recently had the chance to talk with Alvarez regarding his love for cars and his collection. When did you passion for cars start?: It started when I was 5-years old. I was going back home to Uruguay with my family. We were in a poor area, but we went to a richer part. That's when I saw my first Porsche. That's really the point I can remember where it all started. When I was a teenager, I lived in Brooklyn and worked doing valet. That gave me the chance to drive some exciting cars. His "fleet" ten years ago, including the Trans Am he bought in 1991. What was your first car? I feel in love with the "Knight Rider" television show and the car (KITT). KITT appealed to me because it was a Trans Am, which was an attainable car. That's why my first car was a 1985 Firebird, which I purchased in 1991. I still own that car to this day and I've probably put more money into it than any of my other cars. His Lamborghini Huracan Performante. Which car drives the best? I love the Mercedes-AMG GT R because of its old school rumble, but it comes down to two different categories: a Sunday driver and fun car. My AMG GT R and Lamborghini Huracan Performante are great Sunday drivers. In terms of fun, my Aventador SV is my pick and soon it'll be the Aventador SVJ which is better than the Huracan Performante all around and still tossable around corners. Alvarez checking out the SSC Tuatara. What's your next car? My Aventador SVJ 63 is coming in April, Ferrari Pista Spider in the summer and no date on my Porsche 911 Speedster. I do have my eyes on the SSC Tuatara as well. Hybrid power in his Porsche 918 Spyder. How do you feel about the move to hybrid supercars? I actually prefer the electrification over turbos, it feels more like a naturally aspirated engine. Turbos have come a long way, with engineers cutting out turbo lag but hybrid powertrains just give you that immediate boost. Ferrari 458 Speciale, 812 Superfast and F12tdf in the garage. How have cars influenced your business? I started Ai Media Group ten years ago. As the company became more successful, I bought new cars and started to build relationships. After buying a Ferrari, I started to go to the factory in Maranello. It's there that I met higher-ups in the company. As relationships grew, I started talking to them on how I could help educate them on new buyers, new money. We ended up doing business together and still are to this day. "Couldn't ask for a better way to spend my weekend!" - Alvarez

By Edward Jones – December 17, 2018

2018 duPont REGISTRY Holiday Gift Guide

Do you have someone in your life that wants some luxury goods but hasn’t put together a list yet? The 2018 duPont REGISTRY Holiday Gift Guide is here to help. The sections below will take you to handpicked luxury items, goods, experiences and services that will take your holiday to the next level. buy this issue now

By Andrew Nabors – November 13, 2018

Top 10 Manual Transmissions Of 2018

Shifting your own gears was the only way to drive before 1939. GM's Hydramatic automatic transmission was launched by Cadillac and Oldsmobile, and the rest is history. Nowadays it is rare to see any car with three pedals and a shifter. Lamborghini and Ferrari haven't offered them in years, and it seems like everyone else might follow their lead. But if you enjoy a proper heel-toe blip as much as we do, here are our top sticks for Model Year 2018. 10. Jaguar F-Type Although a manual is not offered on the wild SVR series, you can have a six-speed with 380 horsepower V6 in the F-Type S. Fun, fast and 24 MPG, oh and the price will surprise you also! Jaguar F-Type For Sale 9. Cadillac ATS-V Coupe & Sedan Cadillac's smallest car packs a massive punch thanks to a twin-turbo 3.6L V6. It has 464 horsepower and 445 lb-ft of torque sent through the Camaro's six-speed. But the latest Tremec transmission is augmented by active rev-matching. The computer anticipates the rpm of the next gear, which makes the clutch action much quicker. Jaguar F-Type For Sale 8. Camaro ZL1 The fastest & most powerful Camaro ever built can be had with a 10 speed automatic or a six-speed manual. If you have 650 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque, you don't really need six gears. The ZL1 can start in 2nd gear without a problem, and you can use 2nd,4th, and 6th without stressing the big 6.2 liter LT4. Find Your Camaro Here! 7. Porsche Boxster/Cayman GTS Porsche's mid-engine twins have 365 horsepower and perfect weight distribution. The 2.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder offers 25 mpg and a perfect clutch pedal. The same chassis and powertrain, the Boxster is convertible and the Cayman is a hardtop coupe. Cayman GTS for Sale Boxster GTS for Sale 6. Audi A4 Sedan & A5 Coupe/Cabriolet Audi hasn't forgot about us. If you need the ultimate grip of quattro AWD, the A4 sedan and A5 two-door offer 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque along with a six-speed manual. Audi A5s for Sale 5. Dodge SRT Challenger Hellcat If you don't need the 797 horsepower of the Hellcat Redeye, the "base model" Challenger Hellcat offers 717 horsepower and 656 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed with this much power is a recipe for fun. Your Hellcat Is Waiting For You 4. Corvette ZR1 Corvette's first two years were automatic only, but it has offered some form of manual since 1955. The latest ZR1 is no exception. It ups the game by offering a 7-speed manual along with 755 horsepower/715 lb-ft of torque. It is mounted at the rear axles and it has separate cooling circuits for the gearbox and differential. Corvette ZR1 For Sale 3. Ford Mustang Ford has always offered a bulletproof manual transmission in the Mustang, and the upcoming GT500 is no exception. The Roush Stage 3 we had as a press car had a cueball shifter and perfect ratios. Browse Mustangs For Sale 2. BMW M Series If you like shifting, BMW offers six-speed symphonies in the M2, M3, M4 and even the M6 GranCoupe. The greatest feature of manual BMWs is that they hold their value better than automatic versions. See All BMWs for Sale 1. Porsche 911 GT3 Touring This subtle GT3 doesn't have any of the wild aerodynamics of the GT3 RS, but it does have a small Gurney flap on the rear deck lid. You would be hard-pressed to spot it at a distance because it is easily mistaken for a normal Carrera. But it has 500 horsepower, six gears, and a leather interior. It is the successor to the 911.R, which was built on the 991.1 Chassis. The 991.2 GT3 Touring Edition is the ultimate factory sleeper. It has 339 lb-ft of torque with a 9,000 rpm redline and does without AWD. It is not a limited production model, so don't fear the dealer markup. If you need 7 gears, the Carrera T is a retro-inspired lightweight cruiser. Find Your Porsche 911 Here Tell us which one you want in the comments below and stay with us for all your automotive news!

By Edward Jones – November 12, 2018

duPont REGISTRY December 2018 Issue Uncovered

It's the last month of the year and that means 2018 is on its way out of here. To send the year off, we've put together one heck of a Holiday issue for our readers. On the front is the new Porsche 911 Speedster that was born out of a concept car and the brand's effort to revive iconic models. Throughout the pages are hundreds of exotic, classic and luxury cars for sale by dealers and private owners. There are also plenty of other services and goods featured in the pages that are perfect for the luxury lifestyle. And being a holiday issue, it wouldn't be complete without a luxury gift guide. Check it all out down below! Buy This issue now Porsche 911 SpeedsterPorsche is going ahead with production of the 911 Speedster concept that they unveiled not too long ago. The car is coming in as a limited production model, with only 1,948 examples planned to be produced. That number is a reference to June 8, 1948, the day when the Porsche 356 “Number 1” received its operating license. learn more HYT WatchesExtreme alchemists, HYT’s Hydro-Mechanical Watchmakers have turned utopia into reality – mixing mechanics and liquid within a wristwatch. While truly addicted to nonconformism, they have drawn upon the strictest codes in Fine Watchmaking – and felt entirely free to shatter them. view website CasoroCasoro Jewelry Safes provide impeccable security for your most prized possessions. Our unique, fashionable home jewelry and watch safes have become popular with distinguished clientele all over the world. view website Collection SuitesA massive private property harboring the most exclusive suites for elite collectors. An upscale sanctuary for those who seek the perfect space close to the heart of the city, yet secluded for enhanced privacy. view website Corum WatchesSince 1955, Corum has adopted creativity and boldness as its guiding principles. It is pursuing the path traced by the founders, more loyal than ever to the iconic collections while enriching them with a powerful modern touch bearing the hallmark of innovation and technological breakthroughs. view website Stärke Revolution SpeedsterThe Stärke Revolution Speedster was born out of a collective passion to create a classic, iconic body design reminiscent of the Roadster’s from the 1950’s combined with the modern day performance and comfort we all demand.view website ONEflightOur slogan clearly states, “You Don’t Need to OWN, You Just Need to FLY”. In definition, we take the burdens and costs of ownership out of the equation while you enjoy the comfort of your private jet flight at rates that represent true operating costs as you would if you owned the jet yourself.view website EUROCAREUROCAR in Orange County, CA welcomes you to our ever expanding luxury inventory of Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bentley, Porsche, Maserati, Rolls Royce. Buy with confidence from the most trusted online exotic car dealership. Offering the best internet prices, creative financing, great customer service plus same day delivery to nearby cities. view website Revology Cars“The concept for Revology Cars came to me many years ago, while I was working at Ford Motor Company. It was sparked by a question I would often be asked at auto shows: “Why doesn’t Ford bring back the original Mustang?”” view website The HangarTHE HANGAR® is a product of a lifelong passion for motorsports, aviation, music, wine, art, and an appreciation of the finer things in life, while also creating an exclusive social setting for collectors to interact, build new friendships and strengthen old ones.view website Genovation GXEThe Genovation GXE was designed first and foremost to change perceptions regarding the product essentials required to be considered a high-performance vehicle: Eight, ten or twelve cylinders – Check; turbocharging – Check; a “here I come” exhaust note – Check; rear weight bias – Check.view website OrbitaTheir watch safe models share security features that stem from 35 years of experience developing high-security safes for military use in high-risk locations. Bristling with the latest means of proven defenses, Brown Safe’s luxury watch safes boast a protection feature set like no other.” view website Starwood MotorsStarwood Motors’ passion and continued inspiration for all things automotive is evident through all of their people and our many dealer and custom services. They take pride in connecting people and cars, two things they all love there… because, after all, what they’re doing here is something much bigger; Starwood Motors is creating an unprecedented experience for our customers all over the world with custom Wranglers. view website duPont REGISTRY Holiday Gift GuideThis year's gift guide is filled with gear, goods and services that are perfect for the luxury lifestyle. This includes, but isn't limited to high-end watches, massage chairs, private garages, clothing, recreational items and much more. Be sure to pick up this issue to learn more. Lexani WheelsToday Lexani offers an expansive range custom alloy wheels, Lexani brand tires, luxury automotive grilles, and RBP off-road products. And since the inception of our Lexani Motorcars division, an extension of our purposeful quality and exquisite design, our mission remains intact. Build compelling designs coupled with precision quality and enthusiasts will follow. view website Shooting Range IndustriesThe MCSATS are completely customizable, from the number of lanes to interior amenities. Other satisfied customers include the Air National Guard of Nevada and New York, and consequently, more orders have been placed. If you have thought about owning or opening a range, ShootingRange Industries has the solution. view website Confederate MotorcyclesContinuing the tradition established by Matthew Chambers in 1991, Confederate Motorcycles builds strikingly innovative and powerful working art. Our clients deserve nothing less than the best and we will continue to strive to always exceed their expectations. view website Marshall Goldman Motor SalesYou are about to discover what thousands of automobile enthusiasts and satisfied clients already enjoy. Marshall Goldman Motor Sales has been in business for 40 years and has well over 300+ years of combined knowledge from a highly experienced staff. view inventory Excell AutoFounded in 2010 and servicing luxury and exotic vehicles in Miami, Broward, and Palm Beach, Excell Auto Sport & Service, has quickly become the most referred shop in South Florida. Excell Auto’s ability to perform modifications and customizations of customer vehicles allows them to offer a wide range of opportunities that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else. view inventory Prestige ImportsPrestige Imports has been in South Florida for over 30 years in North Miami Beach. The secret to our success is prompt courteous sales and service coupled with an unsurpassed knowledge of new and pre-owned motorcars and also unbeatable prices.view inventory The Dream Car Museum is ClosingCome in and enjoy seeing over 100 cars, 20 motorcycles and over 500 pieces of memorabilia. If you have been thinking of adding to your personal collection, or you want to build a museum, mancave, or garage of your own – each and every item on display is for sale! learn more Fort Lauderdale Collection SouthWe are privileged when a client decides to allow us to play a role in the choice of that “perfect” Luxury car or exotic sports car. Sometimes, the client is a well-known friend, at other times a first-time visitor who is just browsing through our select luxury cars and exotic sports cars. view inventory buy this issue now

By Edward Jones – October 11, 2018

The Ferrari F430 - Owners Perspective

WHO IS DANIEL HURLBERT AND WHY DID HE BUY A FERRARI F430 Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I’ve been a car guy ever since I could drive. My first car was a 71 Nova I bought for $2k. I’m actually a huge muscle car fan and have had a 71 Nova, 71 Cutlass, 70 Chevelle, 98 Mustang Cobra, 2004 Mustang Cobra, 2008 Mustang GT Currently, I’m working for my 3rd tech startup as their CTO (Chief Technology Officer) I’m basically a software nerd turned software programmer turned software manager and finally software executive. I started looking for a new fun car as I was not enjoying my 2nd Subaru STi that much. I began looking at the new GT350 and loved it, but found it hard to palette a $65k Mustang! So I started looking at other options and stumbled on Ferrari 360s. They still had belt maintenance and frankly were kinda slow and starting to look slightly dated. So I moved on to a new Corvette Z06 but didn’t like the depreciation risk. I then looked into the F430’s and fell in love with it. I got super lucky and found my car in less than a week and it was in San Antonio so very close. It had all the right options, right price and the dealer was easy to work with. I called them on Thursday, negotiated, then drove down there the next morning and bought it. EXOTIC CAR BUYING PROCESS I researched all the common problems, maintenance schedule, insurance, and the Ferrari F430 price & specs. Even then was still very nervous about buying such an expensive car, and buying a Ferrari! I assumed all the horror stories about “Italian engineering” were true and it was going to just fall apart. TEST DRIVING A FERRARI The test drive went well. I noticed a sound which turned out to be the wheel bearing. I suspected it was the case but didn’t really care. It was only my 2nd time driving a Ferrari. View All Ferrari F430s For Sale on duPont REGISTRY F430 Scuderia F430 Spider F430 Challenge LEARNING WITH THE HELP OF THE FERRARI COMMUNITY I joined the FCA, signed up on Ferrari Chat, and started looking for YouTube videos and any other resources. I was displeased with the current YouTube videos on F430’s especially with respect to Ferrari F430 maintenance. Plus many of the other YouTubers were frankly hard to connect with. Either they were SO rich that their lives were in another world, or they were not friendly. So I started my own channel out of frustration. Plus it was an excuse to go do things with the car. I find the traditional car shows to be boring. It’s not a show car so I have 0 expectations that it would ever do well at a show. However, Cars and Coffee or other informal car shows are very fun. Sell Your Ferrari: Get a Cash Offer People have been very nice, very few negative reactions. Lots of questions. Many are personal (how much do I make, how much did it cost) and many seem to be about money. However, lots are just about the myths of Ferrari’s.ex WHAT I LOOKED FOR IN MY FERRARI F430 Exhaust Support Components The stock exhaust mounts are known to cause the manifolds to fail. Supposedly swapping to certain aftermarket designs resolves this issue. Exhaust Manifolds The stock manifolds are prone to failure, even the MKII versions from Ferrari. The best solution is to replace them with aftermarket headers. The second solution is to change the exhaust mounts. If you don’t see aftermarket headers, it’s highly likely you will eventually need to replace the manifolds. Replacing manifolds: Weak Motor Mounts Normal wear items, prone to failure after some time. Mine may need to be replaced. Electronic Differential Not really a common problem, but if it fails, it’s very expensive. Carbon-ceramic brakes (CCM) A great option, super pricey to maintain or replace. Brake pads and rotors (any experience, resurfacing) Just look for normal wear on rotors, make sure pads have a decent amount of life. Look for hard breaking that may point to a car that was tracked hard. Wheel bearing (what was your experience replacing this?) Wheel bearings are somewhat prone to failure, especially if the car sees lots of track time. Mine had a bad bearing when I purchased it. You can identify if it’s bad by seeing if the rotor moves when the wheel is off, or you can hear if it’s really gone bad. It is a reasonably easy item to replace and not too expensive. Checking bearing: Replacing bearing: Other Issues Tail lights Very common - tail lights rattle apart and break the studs. Check all tail lights by lightly moving them up and down. If you can move it a lot, it may be broken. You can also hear if they are breaking sometimes. Not a big deal, but buy from 3rd parties - WAY cheaper than buying directly from Ferrari. Installation is super easy. Replacing tail light: Ball Joints Well known that they don’t last long. The chrome plating wears off and then they rust. There is a good aftermarket design that lasts MUCH longer Clutch life Mixed info on clutch life on the web, it’s hard to know what is real and what’s BS. Ranges from 10k to 50k. Supposedly has a lot to do with how you drive it - avoiding reverse, minimal stop and go traffic, etc… Sticky parts Almost all Ferrari’s get this after time. The coating on the buttons starts to melt and become sticky. You can remove it yourself but if you are a perfectionist, you need to get them sent out. FERRARI F430 MAINTENANCE AND UPGRADES Clutch Replacement I think my clutch should be good for another 20k miles so it’s a ways off. However, when it’s time, there is an aftermarket kevlar clutch that sounds like it’s much better and lasts a LOT longer and it’s cheaper. So it’s highly likely I’ll give that a go. Oil Change (brand, interval to change, interval to inspect) Video: Interval: 5k miles or yearly Pennzoil Euro Platinum 5w-40 - 10 quarts Filter - Ferrari filter Brake Fluid (brand, interval to change, interval to inspect) Castrol React SRF Racing fluid Inspect occasionally if not racing/tracking, prior to every track day otherwise If tracking a car, every 60 days is recommended, otherwise annually Part 1: My admission of error: Part 2: Transmission/Trans fluid Annual change or 10k miles Mobile 1 75w-90 Engine air filter Ferrari Filter Replace 5k or annual Cabin air filter I just replaced it when I bought it because it looked dirty. I would say replace as needed. Tires New Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Discount Tire $2,540.18 So far they have 7k miles and 2 track days. Probably will last through the summer. Tire size Front 245 - 30 ZR19 Back 305 - 30 ZR19 Tire pressure Front - 28-32 Back - 28-32 Fuel - Do you use premium? Is ethanol a factor? 93 octane - preferably a major brand I don’t really worry about the ethanol content but if it was very high, I would be concerned about it gumming up some of the fuel system. Interior Use Chemical Guys leather cleaner on most of the interior as it’s almost all leather Pros/Cons - what do you like/don't like? CON- Ashtray cover broke. CON- Fairly simple interior, not a lot to it PRO- Surprisingly comfortable, very nice materials PRO- Exotic car performance and sound New Kenwood stereo/ Bluetooth mic Stereo that was in the car broke after only a few months… Had to get a replacement. Just went to a local shop that has done work on exotics before. I probably should have done it myself but I just wanted it working again so Meg would be happy. $580 total Invisible Mask - Cost, process $167.90 2nd Installation: 1st installation F430 ENGINE TUNE Performed by Eurocharged ATX The tune leaned up the fuel curve a little bit. It was running very rich and we could safely lean it out more without any risk. Gained 27hp and makes 447whp now. Absolutely recommend it! Was only $1500 and it removed some hesitation that would occur occasionally, got more horsepower, and it shoots flames now. All pluses in my book.INSURANCE Removes any CEL caused by cat-delete Pre-tune: After tune: Sound comparison: Shooting flames: Exhaust headers (what and why were they replaced) Stock manifolds are prone to failure, so I wanted to replace them. As a side effect, aftermarket headers increase the horsepower and removes the pre-cats which also changed the sound dramatically! It’s now MUCH louder. Header wrap Not sure if it makes much of a difference, but it was reasonably easy to install (WEAR GLOVES!) and it was only $80 vs $1500 for a header blanket. TRACK DAY INSPECTION Show a screenshot of this: http://northeasttrackdays.com/ntd/tech_form.pdf Link to it and reference the site. “Here is a sample inspection sheet…” They were looking for any safety concerns My brake fluid was >60 days old and therefore needed to be changed (thus I changed the fluid) I had a small oil leak from the transmission but it was not enough to be a concern. Tires OK, brakes (pads, rotors) are fine. Dropping off the F430 to get inspected at Ferrari of Austin: COTA track day part 1: COTA track day part 2: F430 SERVICE RECORDS Error codes, check engine light. If so, what was done? Only 1 CEL since I owned it - it was because when I screwed on the gas-cap it pinched the little rubber strap that holds the cap to the car so it did not seal correctly. I ran a scanner, saw the code, and re-did the gas cap. Cleared CEL and it never came back. Of note - new Ferrari owners are freaked out because all ODBII Ferrari’s have the CEL show up for about 20 seconds after starting Has your F430 been to an official Ferrari dealership for service? Yes, but not since I’ve owned it I have receipts from the last owner if those would be of interest. Refer to my documentation spreadsheet Was the Ferrari Certified Warranty an option with your car? No Would you like one? Sure, if it was the right price. But honestly the car is fairly reliable so I’m not sure it’s a big concern. Maintenance is more of the cost issue. WASH AND DETAIL Products used. Sponges, special cleaning tools you like to use. Drying towels. Etc… Mothers car wash for full wet washes Microfiber mitt 1 bucket method sometimes - use grit guard 2 bucket method occasionally - 1 clean bucket, 2nd bucket with rinse water and grit guard Mothers wheel brush with Chemical Guys Diablo Gel wheel cleaner for wheels Chemical Guys waffle drying towel Mothers silicone drying blade Optimum no-rinse (or no-rinse with wax) for rinseless washes Great for when it’s not very dirty Can do it in the garage easily Use lots of microfiber towels - change to clean area of towel constantly Use second towels for drying Can use on all of the car including wheels if not too dirty Featured in multiple videos of mine, for example: When I first bought it I had it professionally detailed Polished and color corrected Single-pass as the paint was already thin in spots so better safe than sorry Car had a ceramic coat put on Detailer Identified that the rear of car has been re-sprayed, front has not Front paint is very thin from probably too much polishing in the past Cleaned up a lot of swirl marks Ceramicoat still beads up water wonderfully over 6 months in now EXOTIC CAR FINANCING ISO Options: My career: Lender USAA Applied for loan online, called to verify loan and negotiate rates… Got 2.99% What did you learn? Any advice? Cars over 10 years they aren’t super fans of long loans. Loans of that amount may not be easy to get unless you have excellent credit and a decent history with your bank. I was able to get mine set up easily. USAA is very easy to deal with. Best rates I saw elsewhere was around 5% Discussed in this video " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> Loan process Down payment, payment options Car was $94k, traded in STi at $28k (owed $9,870) and put $5381 in cash down so loan was for exactly $75k INSURANCE Provider USAA Cost $870/6 months What's covered Normal car insurance just like any other car. However, I put higher limits for non-insured / under insured motorists as likely other people’s policies won’t cover the car fully. ($100k vs was only at $50k before) What's not covered HPDE is questionable / probably not covered Mileage restriction? 4k / year Anything else buyers need to know? Make sure you have enough uninsured and underinsured motorists coverage in case someone else is uninsured or only has a small cap. I called to verify they would value the car fairly if it was totaled. This ended up being a lengthy conversation but the conclusion is that they would check the values of other F430’s for sale on the market for comparables as there is no real blue book value on the car. This is great for me as I bought at the low end of the F430 market so likely they would value my car much higher. However, if you have a pristine car that is on the upper end of the scale, that could be a problem and you may need to have a predetermined value. USAA didn’t offer that. Featured in my early video TOP TIPS FOR NEW F430 BUYERS Don’t let higher miles scare you Make sure it was actually driven! Cars that sat around rot and have lots of problems Try not to worry, it’s impossible not to but try. Don’t be afraid to work on the car if you are mechanically inclined. It’s actually an easy car to work on Be ready for more expenses as you will likely have them right away. What are the top 5 things you like most about your Ferrari F430? I have a video on this coming out in a few days… The performance balance The look - classic flowing lines, not datjed The feeling when driving it Sharing the experience with car lovers Meeting new friends What are the top 5 things you dislike most about your Ferrari F430? Low ride height Getting in and out Stupid people The Ferrari Tax The worry (by far the biggest thing) Invisible Mask - Cost, process $167.90 2nd Installation: 1st installation View All Ferrari F430s For Sale on duPont REGISTRY F430 Scuderia F430 Spider Ferrari F430 Challenge

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