Issue 1274
November 20, 2024
 

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@PeterMDeLorenzo

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Monday
May132019

MAY 15, 2019

(McLaren)
It's hard to believe, but McLaren Automotive, the luxury British sportscar and supercar company, has hand-assembled its 20,000th car at its McLaren Production Centre (MPC) in Woking, Surrey. The 20,000th car built was a right-hand drive 600LT Spider in Chicane Grey (above) from the brand’s Sports Series lineup. Launched only last summer as the next chapter in the McLaren ‘Longtail’ story, all production slots for the Coupe variant have already been filled. This latest production milestone comes eight years after the first McLaren road car left the Production Centre in July 2011. While McLaren’s production reached just over 4,800 cars in 2018 to meet rising global demand, output will remain around 5,000 a year into the next decade before increasing to 6,000 before the end of the current Track25 business plan in order to maintain exclusivity. The McLaren Production Centre was designed by Foster + Partners and took 14 months to build from breaking ground in 2010 to July 18, 2011, when the first car, a McLaren 12C, was approved for shipping.
(Porsche images)
In the latest development from the "Bring Money" File, Porsche has opened up the order banks for its 2020 Cayenne S Coupe. Like the standard Cayenne S, this model uses a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine delivering 434HP (324 kW) from 5,700 to 6,600 rpm and 405 lb.-ft. of peak torque from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. Power reaches both the front and rear axles via an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive. Zero to 60 mph takes 4.7 seconds with the standard Sport Chrono Package or 4.6 seconds with any of the optional Lightweight Sport Packages. Top track speed is 164 mph. The Coupe has a roofline that is 0.78 inches (20 millimeters) lower than the standard model, a more heavily raked windshield and rear window, and an increased rear track width of 0.70 inches (18 millimeters). The new Coupe body style also includes a fixed roof spoiler that sits above the rear window and an adaptive rear spoiler that extends by 5.3 (135 millimeters) inches at speeds above 56 mph. 
The Cayenne S Coupe receives upgraded standard equipment as compared to the standard Cayenne S. In addition to the Sport Chrono Package, it includes 20-inch alloy wheels, eight-way Sport Seats, a panoramic fixed glass roof and a 2+2 seating layout, although customers can choose a rear bench seat with three seatbelts at no additional cost. In compensation for the lower roofline, the rear seats sit 1.18 inches lower in the vehicle.
As with the other Cayenne Coupe models, Porsche is also offering three optional Lightweight Sport Packages. The new packages add a suite of body modifications in a variety of materials and colors. These packages also introduce new performance focused features to the Cayenne family, including a carbon fiber roof and new 22" GT Design wheels made of forged aluminum. The same packages add special interior appointments, including Houndstooth cloth seat centers. Cayenne Turbo Coupe models equipped with these packages also gain a Sport Exhaust. 
  The new Cayenne S Coupe will arrive in the U.S. in the fall, 2019. Starting MSRP for the Porsche Cayenne S Coupe is $88,600 excluding $1,250 for delivery, processing and handling.
(McLaren images)
Is it our imagination or is McLaren churning out one car after another that are starting to blend together? No, it's not our imagination, but the British supercar manufacturer says that its latest machine
 "redefines the rules of Grand Touring with a unique new car for a new McLaren audience." The new McLaren GT "delivers classic Grand Tourer attributes of competition levels of performance and continent-crossing capability, yet is lighter, faster, more engaging and more usable," according to McLaren PR minions. McLaren claims that this is the first true Grand Tourer in the McLaren product family, alongside existing Sports, Super and Ultimate Series. The details? The GT shares McLaren Speedtail design influences, with a lightweight body. McLaren claims that the GT "delivers outstanding ride comfort and segment-leading cabin refinement." It has a total stowage capacity of 20.1 cubic feet with rear luggage bay accessed via a front-hinged, full-length glazed rear tailgate, available electrically powered, with room for bags as well as golf clubs or skis. McLaren claims that the new infotainment system is its most sophisticated to date, featuring industry-standard HERE® navigation mapping and real-time traffic information. McLaren says that the GT uses a new, Proactive Damping Control suspension system that provides remarkable levels of comfort. It is combines with a hydraulic steering system to help deliver McLaren-level driving dynamics. Braking and steering at lower speeds in the GT are optimized for everyday ease of use and the ride height and ground clearances are engineered for urban usability. The GT is powered by a new 612BHP 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 with 465lb ft of torque and a broad, flat torque curve delivering true supercar performance: 124mph in 9.0 seconds and a top speed of 203mph. Orders are being taken now for delivery toward the end of 2019. How much? $210,000 (USD).
(BMW)
Yet another missive from the ever-expanding "Bring Money" File: BMW is introducing a 2020 M5 Edition 35 Years, which celebrates (obviously) 35 years of the BMW M5. Based on the current M5 Competition, the most powerful M5 ever produced, the 2020 M5 Edition 35 Years will be limited to 350 units globally, including just 35 for the U.S. market. The U.S. spec cars will be produced in September and October of this year, and feature exclusive BMW Individual exterior and interior appointments. The exterior is finished in BMW Individual Frozen Dark Grey II metallic paint with a special pigmentation to create the appearance of a silk matte surface finish. The 20-inch M light alloy Y-spoke design wheels are finished in Graphite Grey and are exclusive to this model. The M compound brake system calipers are finished in high-gloss black, another visible feature unique to the M5 Edition 35 Years. The badge is purposely deleted from the trunk as well. In the interior, M Sport seats for the driver and passenger are finished in BMW Individual Merino black full leather with contrasting beige stitching. The center console, door trim sections and instrument panel area are finished in a shimmering, gold anodized aluminum carbon structure, another exclusive to the M5 Edition 35 Years model. Door sill plates and the center console door bear the engraving “M5 Edition 35 Jahre.” The 2020 M5 Edition 35 is equipped with a high-revving M TwinPower Turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 617HP and 553 lb-ft. of torque. Performance? 0 - 60 mph in 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 189 mph. How much? $128,995 including destination and Gas Guzzler tax. 
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