ON THE TABLE - FEBRUARY 27, 2013

 The Domestic 2 and Sergio Motors. We don't buy into the hype or anything to do with Consumer Reports reviewing vehicles. We know a lot of people out there in ConsumerVille do and so do a lot of our readers. Us? We don't care what they say or think, however, until Ford, GM and Fiat-Chrysler start charting at the top of CR's various auto reports, they will always be considered second-tier automotive choices, especially as presented by the mainstream media.

(GM images)
Chevrolet has released images of the 2014 Corvette Stingray convertible ahead of its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, which will happen on Tuesday, March 5. We like the convertible better than the coupe, at least from the pictures. Expect it in showrooms one year from now.

(Digital images courtesy of McLaren Automotive)
McLaren Automotive has released the final numbers, images and information relating to its McLaren P1™ ahead of the global reveal in just a few days at the 83rd International Geneva Motor Show. The racing-developed Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) gives the McLaren P1 astonishing performance.  Zero to 100km/h will take less than 3 seconds, zero to 200 km/h under 7 seconds, and zero to 300 km/h will be achieved in no more than 17 seconds.  Putting that into perspective, that’s 5 seconds faster than the legendary McLaren F1 road car.  Top speed is electronically limited to 350 km/h.

McLaren has announced a production number of just 375 units of the P1 to maintain a level of "unobtanium" exclusivity saying the P1 "will remain a rarity and, if spotted on the road, an unforgettable sight." No shit.

McLaren has also announced that the P1 will cost from £866,000 on the road "with a specification that fully equips the car for both road and track use."  The insists that the P1 is a legitimate road car that a person can use every day (probably if said person lives in Cote d'Azur, we would imagine), which is why it comes comprehensively equipped as standard with an array of color and trim alternatives from which the customer will be able to choose as well as visible carbon fiber in the cabin.  The options list is limited to only bespoke content that a customer might wish to add through McLaren Special Operations, and fitted luggage (of course).

As previously announced, the McLaren P1 will have the combined force of two highly-efficient powerplants, offering the optimum mix of superb throttle response, day-to-day drivability and top speed. A mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine is substantially enhanced featuring larger turbochargers and a highly effective electric motor, to give a combined output of 916PS (903 bhp) and a maximum torque figure of 900Nm. This ensures instantaneous throttle response through the rev range, more akin to a naturally aspirated engine. Emissions of less than 200g/km on the combined cycle are reduced to zero in full electric drive mode, while the Formula 1-derived DRS and IPAS technologies offer an increase in straight-line speed and an instant boost of power. "One surprising feature is that the car can also be driven solely in electric mode.  In city driving, with an average speed of 30 mph, this could mean up to a 20km range.  More than enough for an owner to enter, for example, a city centre Zero Emissions Zone, have dinner and return home," according to McLaren.

The tires fitted to the McLaren P1 are specially developed P Zero Corsas, which have been developed with McLaren’s technology partner, Pirelli. To stop the McLaren P1, McLaren’s Formula 1 partner Akebono developed a new type of carbon ceramic disc, which has previously seen service in space, but never before used on a road car. Stronger than conventional carbon ceramic, the material dissipates heat more effectively, giving the highly efficient braking system exceptional stopping and cooling capability. The system also boasts significantly reduced weight, and a bespoke ceramic layer coats both friction surfaces to give an attractive mirrored finish.

(Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)

The new Rolls-Royce Wraith that will be introduced in Geneva will be a fastback! Wow. Rolls-Royce has released an illustration with "the three lines that underscore the car’s striking profile." Giles Taylor, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Design Director explains: "The purposeful fastback profile is Wraith’s defining element. Inherent in the graceful line that sweeps from the top of the screen to the very rear edge is the promise of fast, yet effortless touring. Yet, perhaps my favourite aspect is the expressive gesture that comes from the side window graphic, gliding through Wraith’s glamorous coach door. It works with a strong sense of linear purpose from the shoulder line, which has the promise of potential like the athlete in the starting blocks. In contrast, the line that cuts through the shoulder line is a little more artful and adds that certain air of effortlessness to Wraith’s dynamic statement. In my view the most successful designs always come down to three or four lines." Memo to automotive PR folk everywhere: Never give a designer more than three sentences in a press release. If they can't explain it in three sentences, they need to sit down and be quiet.

(Image copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photo by Mike Maez.)
Gooding & Company, the auction house acclaimed for selling the world’s most significant and valuable collector cars, is offering a spectrum of leading 1960s and 1970s performance cars from Italy, Germany and the United States at the company's annual Amelia Island Auction on March 8 including this stunning 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Long Nose Alloy, one of approximately 25 alloy-bodied 275 GTBs built. This rare 275 GTB has been certified by Ferrari Classiche and is complete with books and tools. Regarded as one of the most desirable 1960s Ferrari models, this six-carb 275 GTB Alloy will be offered in the US for the first time in over three decades at the Amelia Island Auction. Estimate: $2,000,000 - $2,400,000.

(Image copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photo by Brian Henniker.)
This special 1962 Carrera 2 is an extraordinary, early four-cam example of the legendary model named for the famous Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race.  One of 436 examples built, it is finished in an unusual, factory-custom, bright white paint over black interior. This low-mileage Carrera is a strong performance car, eligible for numerous vintage events, including regional concours, Porsche Club exhibitions and Rennsport meets. Estimate: $375,000 - $425,000.

(Image copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photo by Brian Henniker.)
This 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 being offered is one of Porsche’s quintessential models. One of only 87 RS 2.7s finished in Signal Yellow, this exceptional example has matching-numbers engine, transmission and body panels and was originally equipped with rare and desirable factory options such as a sunroof and power windows. Maintained by leading specialists and richly documented (it was formerly owned by Nicolas Cage), this second-series RS is among the finest examples to appear at auction in years. Estimate: $450,000 – $550,000.

(Image copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photo by Mike Maez.)
One of only 453 street versions of Carroll Shelby’s 289 Cobra (Chassis No. CSX2538/ Engine No. 00041), this example is a wonderfully-outfitted, late-production car that was originally delivered new to Florida. Equipped with dual quads and rack-and-pinion steering, this 289 Cobra is presented in its original color scheme of red over black. A very correct and well-documented machine, this car represents the ultimate evolution of Shelby’s original small block sports car. It is among the finest examples of the iconic Shelby Cobra currently on the market. Estimate: $850,000 –$1,000,000.

(Image copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photo by Alejandro Rodriguez.)
Chrysler 300s were among the most powerful and exclusive American vehicles of the 1950s and 1960s. This specific example enjoyed a dynamic life, beginning when Chrysler engineers hand selected it to be one of six Gran Turismo Specials. A very rare and historic Chrysler letter car with racing history, this 1960 300 F is one of only two GT Specials known to exist today. Driven by legendary Daytona Beach driver Gregg Zeigler, this Chrysler placed first in the famous 1960 Daytona Beach “Flying Mile” Race, marking an important and memorable racing achievement for the marque. With only 11,000 miles from new and in excellent condition from 50 years in careful storage, this significant American muscle car is an extraordinary and very original offering.   Estimate: $225,000 - $275,000.

(Image copyright and courtesy of Gooding & Company. Photo by Alejandro Rodriguez.)
The legendary Yenko Super Camaro was developed by famed Chevrolet racer Don Yenko and gifted engineer Dick Harrell. One of only 54 examples built in the first year of production and approximately 10 cars remaining, this rare machine is possibly the finest 1967 Super Camaro 450 in existence. This car's unique features include a desirable fiberglass Corvette-style “stinger” hood, Rally Sport trim with a center console, Walnut grained steering wheel and an NHRA-approved scatter shield.  Since its restoration by Yenko Camaro expert Dave Tinnell, this ultra-rare Super Camaro 450 has been invited to many exclusive Camaro and Yenko gatherings and is featured in Bob McClurg’s Yenko: The Man, The Machines, The Legend. Estimate: $375,000 - $425,000.

(Photo courtesy of owner.)
This 427 Corvette Sting Ray Roadster was optioned with a long list of rare factory accessories and is the only unrestored 427/435HP known to exist in the rare color combination of Sunfire Yellow over white. Recently honored with a Bloomington Gold SURVIVOR award, this impressively original, matching-numbers Sting Ray has less than 40,000 miles from new with thorough documentation detailing its provenance. This excellent big block Corvette will be presented with its factory hardtop tank sticker, Protect-o-Plate and warranty book. Estimate: $175,000 - $250,000.