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New Porsche Boxster Spyder to shake off car's 'Chick Car' image

The all-new Porsche Boxster Spyder is set to hit the market in February with a price tag starting about $60k US. With 320 horsepower and lowered suspension adding to its already impressive performance, the new model will likely appeal to a broader aficionado and performance crowd and shake some people’s perception of it as a ‘chick car’. Enjoy this video from duPont Registry, and let us know if you want to get an early spot on a list.

Spyker C8 Aileron a delight for all the senses

Though not exactly a speed demon, the forthcoming 2011 Spyker C8 Aileron, is definitely poised to take its place as one of the most beautiful exotic cars ever produced. The company describes its buyers picking the Aileron as an ‘and’ car, rather than an ‘or’ car – meaning that they will have a Ferrari, Bentley, or Lamborghini AND the Aileron. While the others easily surpass the Aileron in performance, the Spyker is tops when it comes to design, beauty, craftsmanship, and exclusivity.

The latest Spyker model continues the airplane design motif, now with a focus on turbine jet engines, rather than the propeller queues on the smaller C8 Spyder and Laviolette coupe. It also continues its absolutely stunning interior, complete with diamond-tufted hides, aviation-style switchgear and exposed stainless steel shift linkage. It has 400 horsepower on tap from an Audi-sourced 4.2-liter V8 that drives the rear wheels through a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission.

I was able to drive a pre-production model thanks to Spyker of Tampa Bay and their Manager, Chris Warren. The ride and handling are definitely in the grand-touring category, which is exactly what Spyker is looking for. While my drive in the million-dollar prototype was only on city streets, the car seemed very responsive and absorbed bumps and pavement undulations with confidence. It’s not quite as responsive as a Ferrari 599 GTB, but more spry through the twisties than the much-heavier Bentley Continental GT.Pricing is likely $225k and up, and annual Aileron production could be in the 100 to 200 range, so the car will always have exclusivity. And the novelty of the stunning design will ensure it is the center of attention in any valet line. First deliveries are targeted for summer 2010, so call us now for help getting to the top of the list. (Photos © Tom LaPointe)

Video of Tom LaPointe automotive photography

Jay Leno video with the new McLaren MP4-12C - he loves it!

Check out this great video from my friends at duPont Registry of Jay Leno touring the McLaren facility and seeing how the new MP4-12C. From the racing side to how the carbon fiber tub is created for left- or right-hand drive.

Jay says he loves the car and gives us a walkaround tour of it, and hints clearly that he wants to have the first one। This car is going to be a superstar। Look for upcoming articles in which I detail different aspects of a product and brand that is sure to be a celebrity must-have. Read about Jay Leno and other celebrities and their cars.

Cash for Clunkers will likely help prop up exotic market?

You may be wondering why I think the government’s Cash for Clunkers program (CARS) has an impact on exotic car shopping, purchase or ownership. After all, you’re probably not going to accept a meager four grand for your 8-MPG Ferrari F50 or 11-MPG Lamborghini Murcielago that is worth six figures even in this economy, so where is the upside when the closest thing you have to a clunker is a two-year-old Escalade.

Here’s the logic. Of all the stimulus measures, few put money directly into the economy. With the billions spent on road-building, the same contractors who already had business will likely get the business, not the ‘little guy’. The same few materiel suppliers benefitted from it, but the general main street population doesn’t see anything different than a few months of construction inconvenience and then a smoother road. With save our homes, a few individuals will keep their home and the BANKS will avoid more home ownership issues.

Not only is the CARS program is the only one that put ‘today’ cash into the local economy, but it is the only one with a leveraged return: for every few grand Uncle Sam donated for a down payment, $20,000 to $30,000 was transacted. Regional truckers moved the cars, local detailers cleaned the cars, local gas stations fueled the cars, many local banks provided loans, local and state tax coffers got a shot, and dealer personnel earned a few bucks in commissions and support salaries. Even at face value, the (likely) $3 billion pumped $15 billion to $205billion into real circulation, and buyers spent 75% of that. That translates to as much as half a billion of revenue changing hands in each state – not shabby, since Florida was battling a $2 billion shortfall.

More than that, the waters have been chummed for more buyers who didn’t qualify but got an itch to put something new in their driveway or saw their neighbors with new cars, so there is plenty of collateral business transacting in dealer showrooms. That results in a lot of trickle-UP economics. All of this cash flow is headed directly for local businesses—electronics retailers, home stores, pizza parlors, and even grocery stores. All those local and national proprietors will get closer to black ink for the quarter.

The people who profit from that black ink are the ones who typically spend their money on luxury items. Agree or disagree with the long-term impact of the stimulus, but the CARS program is making a difference today for a LOT of people. Hopefully more than a few of those who profit from the trickle-UP will be able to find their way into exotic car stores AND take home a new toy.

New Lambo Spyder is a ROCKET

For years, people have asked me why people buy Ferrari over Lamborghini, or vice versa. I always described the different image each car represents, with Lambo being ostentatious looks with great performance, and Ferrari more of high-performance art on wheels that also has the benefit of 16 F1 Constructors Championships and hundreds of sports car races. And as much as Lamborghinis pin my cheeks back during acceleration and yank my guts around in the curves, I’ve always had a little bit more passion for the Cavallino Rampante. But with the launch of the LP560-4 Spyder, I would probably have buyer’s remorse if I couldn’t have one of each.

The performance capability of the LP is mind-numbing – 0-60 in 3.5 seconds and a quarter mile time of 11.5 seconds at an amazing 128 mph. Yikes! Throw in a 201 mph top speed and that’s supercar territory. The rear-mid engine sports car sports a 5.2-liter, 40-valve V10 that pumps out a massive 552 horsepower and just under 400 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels.

Properly equipped (you want e-Gear, carbon-ceramic brakes, and heated power seats), prices will top $250k, but VW/Audi engineering and reliability eliminate most traditional objections to Italian sports cars, as long as there’s enough in the bank account to cover the check.

Give us a call if you are interested in putting one in your garage!

2009 24 Hours of le Mans Looks to be a Thriller

There is a good chance that this year's 24 Heueres du Mans, scheduled for June 13-14, will be the end of an era. With the global financial meltdown as a backdrop, it is likely that the diverse field of new and old competitors will be greatly changed next year, as funding sources get thin, and manufacturers merge or (even worse) disappear.

A noteworthy victim will likely be the Corvettes, which have been a staple at the endurance classic for a decade in the GT1 class. They were already slated to downsize to the GT2 class, but the General Motors Bankruptcy will likely end their run. This year's GT1 class will feature four Vettes (two factory), as well as a privateer Lamborghini Murcielago and Aston Martin DB9 competitors.

The GT2 class has dramatically changed face this year. For the first time in ages, Porsche doesn't make up the majority of cars in the field - a role assumed by a plethora of Ferrari F430 GT vehicles. An Aston Martin Vantage and Spyker fill out the category.

There is plenty of diversity in the LMP1 and LMP2 (leMans Prototype) classes, as Audi and Peugeot battle it out with diesel power against a host of other major marques, including Aston Martin with three closed-cockpit cars (pictured above), Mazda, and Porsche. There is also a host of European one-off competitors, including Creation Judd, Ginetta Zytek, Oreca, Pescarolo, and more.

As in previous years, SPEED TV will run a good portion of the race on cable starting at 8:30 am eastern Saturday. And they are upping their coverage with live streaming with SPEED radio on the web, as well (http://www.speedtv.com/). There is a GREAT race primer that Aston Martin created: http://www.newspress.co.uk/LINKS/57867ast/57867ast.pdf

I predict another overall and LMP1 win by Audi, though Peugeot and Aston will give them a run for their money. The Porsche RS Spyders are my favorite for LMP2 with the Vettes and a Ferrari on the podium in the GT classes. Enjoy the competition, as next year's race will likely have a whole different look.

RM Auctions' Ferrari sale blasts price record

According to a release from RM:

RM Auctions, in association with Sotheby’s, made history this past weekend at Maranello, as the sale of a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa set a new world record for the highest price achieved by a motor car at auction. One of just 22 pontoon-fendered Testa Rossas produced, this wonderful example of one of the most significant racing cars in history attracted global media attention and spirited bidding. When the gavel fell, 0714 TR sold for €9,020,000 or approximately USD $12.2 million, surpassing the previous world record set by RM in 2008 for a 1961 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder.

Ferrari to leave F1??

After 60 years of continuous participation in Formula One competition (more than any other marque), Ferrari may not participate in the 2010 season as a result of FIA equipment rule changes that Ferrari feels are inappropriate.

Ferrari piggybacked the information on a financial press release this month, but it's sure to rock the racing world.

According to the press release, "The Board considers that if this is the regulatory framework for Formula 1 in the future, then the reasons underlying Ferrari’s uninterrupted participation in the World Championship over the last 60 years – the only constructor to have taken part ever since its inception in 1950 – would come to a close.

"The Board also expressed its disappointment about the methods adopted by the FIA in taking decisions of such a serious nature and its refusal to effectively reach an understanding with constructors and teams. The rules of governance that have contributed to the development of Formula 1 over the last 25 years have been disregarded, as have the binding contractual obligations between Ferrari and the FIA itself regarding the stability of the regulations.

The same press release showed Ferrari profits are down by about 10 percent of the same period last year, but saving more than $100 million on its F1 team are sure to reflect on the bottom line...unless Fiat plans to use those funds to bolster any takeover of Chrysler or GM's Opal division.

Time will tell, but I will miss the Scuderia gang on the starting grid, and hope the differences can be worked out.