WOKING, UK (January 10, 2023) – Luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive and APL, the high-performance athletic footwear brand, have released a new drop of the APL McLaren HySpeed™ in three new striking colorways. Continue reading
Author: moto+match (Page 170 of 220)
Another excellent in-depth analysis from Fourwheel Trader. Is it time to buy?
Okay, Toyota made a million 4×4 pickups (or Hilux elsewhere in the world) and a good portion of them ended up on these shores. But finding a decent pre-Tacoma one, well, that’s not so easy. Most owners took advantage of their bombproof reliability and drove them to their dying day. Others succumbed to rust and a few more got chopped, bagged and otherwise modded. So coming across an all-original fifth-generation (fourth in the US), low-mileage extended cab with minimal flaws deserves a closer look.
This one comes from 1994, the last full year of production (which ceased partly through 1995, replaced that same year with the Tacoma). It has the preferred drivetrain of the 3.0-liter V6 and 5-speed manual. While not the more sought after SR5, it is a Deluxe, with standard AC (reportedly working), cruise control, and AM/FM stereo (factory unit still in tact).
The previous two generations of the 4×4 Pickup have seen impressive gains in value with the fourth gen (aka Marty McFly) being named to Hagerty’s Bull Market list for 2023. There’s no reason to think that the 1989 to 1995 models, kept in the condition this one is, won’t follow suit. Either way, it’s a great little truck. The owner is asking $25,000 but open to offers. It’s listed here (and elsewhere) on Craigslist.
ATLANTA (January 9, 2023) – Porsche Cars North America, Inc. (PCNA) today announced that the Porsche Experience Center Atlanta (PEC) will open a second driver development track to the public on April 1. The second track, designed by Tilke, effectively doubles the length of the existing driver development course, offering 90 minute driving experiences in Porsche sports cars with one-on-one instruction from a Porsche Drive Coach. The new track can be driven on its own or in combination with the existing track and adds features inspired by some of the world’s best roads and racing turns. The project is a cornerstone of a multi-million dollar investment in further developing the headquarters campus of PCNA. Continue reading
SEALY, Texas (January 9, 2023) – Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer, and high-performance vehicle creator, has unveiled a new, lighter-weight, track-focused version of the Hennessey Venom F5 that has been comprehensively re-engineered for increased agility, uncompromised handling, and high downforce. The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe is an apex predator on a racing circuit – it is the most powerful and visceral pure-combustion hypercar in the world.
The Venom F5 Revolution Coupe is based on the Hennessey Venom F5 Coupe – the two share nearly identical DNA – yet distinguishing the Revolution Coupe from its sibling are its comprehensively reworked aerodynamics, suspension, engine cooling, and digital telemetry. The engineering team also focused on reducing mass. Thanks to a systematic focus on weight reduction, the race-honed model tips the scales below 3,000 pounds – it is the lightest Venom F5 model.
Honed by Chief Engineer John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy, the Revolution capitalizes on every bit of his 38 years of performance car development with GM and his exemplary racing career – Heinricy has more than 240 professional races under his belt, including 35 grueling 24-hour races and multiple race / championship wins. He also holds three FIA Speed Records and has over 1,000 laps of the Nürburgring to his name.
“I led engineering on some of the most extreme cars to come out of GM, including the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V, but nothing compares to designing, developing, and refining a race car for the road like the Venom F5 Revolution. From the outset, we designed the Venom F5 hypercar to be ultra-light and monstrously powerful, with dynamics to match. So, taking these ingredients and adding track-focused aerodynamics, suspension, and gearing, enabled us to create a machine that is the ultimate visceral and emotional driving experience.”
John ‘Heinrocket’ Heinricy, chief engineer
Mirroring all other Venom F5 models, mid-mounted in the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is Hennessey’s celebrated twin-turbocharged, 6.6-liter, ‘Fury’ V8 engine rated at an astonishing 1,817 bhp. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a robust automated single-clutch gearbox calibrated for competitive use. With such low mass, the Venom F5 Revolution Coupe promises phenomenal acceleration. Carbon-ceramic brakes are fitted as standard and feature muti-piston calipers, ensuring fade-free stopping power on the road or circuit.
Most visible to those checking out the Revolution Coupe is its full-width rear-mounted carbon fiber wing. The adjustable appendage (that allows the owner to adjust the angle of attack through a range of degrees) is fitted with end plates that stop the high-pressure air on top of the wing from spilling underneath – increasing downforce without extending the width of the wing. The end plates also generate vortexes that guide airflow and improve aerodynamics and stability. As a result, the rear wing delivers more than 800 pounds of downforce at 186 mph (300 km/h) and over 1,400 pounds of downforce at 249 mph (400 km/h).
A significantly larger front splitter, crafted from carbon fiber, complements the rear-mounted wing and rear diffuser. The front splitter prevents air from flowing under the F5 Revolution Coupe, which creates a low-pressure vortex beneath the vehicle (aiding downforce). At the same time, the extended rear diffuser guides air out from the hypercar’s smooth underbelly. Dive planes, positioned on the front fascia in front of the wheels, aggressively channel airflow to shift the aerodynamic balance forward – adding grip to improve turn-in. In addition, the Revolution features a new roof-mounted central air scoop that delivers fresh cool air to the F5’s engine bay, which effectively helps lower component temperatures.
The double-wishbone suspension, with more aggressive alignment settings, is fitted with adjustable dampers that may be calibrated trackside with simple tools – thus optimizing the suspension system for the particular road course, racing circuit, or track. In addition, new forged alloy wheels present a larger contact patch for improved cornering grip and enhanced braking. Lastly, Venom F5 Revolution owners are offered a digital on-board track telemetry system capable of measuring an array of data points. These include lap times, splits, cornering G-forces, and more. The system allows the driver to monitor the telemetry in real time, or the data may be saved for later analysis or archiving.
“The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe combines our outstanding 1,817 bhp V8 ‘Fury’ combustion engine with our lightest and most capable chassis. The hypercar, which is astoundingly fast, is at home on a racing circuit where utmost handling is paramount – it offers the nimbleness of a fighter jet, yet with a powerplant like a Saturn V rocket!”
John Hennessey, company founder and CEO
The Revolution Coupe is the third model to join the Venom F5 family. Each of the 1,817 bhp variants shares the same decathlete mission – uncompromised acceleration, braking, and handling – yet all have been individually engineered for a specific mission. The F5 Coupe targets ultimate top speed, while the open-roof F5 Roadster delivers the most visceral open-air experience. The new F5 Revolution Coupe dials track performance to an entirely new level.The new Venom F5 Revolution Coupe will make its global public debut at the Miami Motorcar Cavalcade Concours d’Elegance on January 15, 2023. Priced at $2.7 million and limited to just 24 units, exclusivity is a given. In advance of the official release, many of the Revolution models have already been sold to passionate hypercar fans. With only a handful remaining, buyers may apply to own a Venom F5 Revolution at HennesseySpecialVehicles.com. Alternatively, potential buyers can call Hennessey on +1 979.885.1300, or contact the company’s network of U.S. and international retailers.
It’s one of only 77 Porsche 911 GT2-based racing cars that Porsche Motorsport offered up as a “birthday present,” paying homage to the “Moby Dick” 935 of 1978. This one features exposed carbon fiber bodywork and has been carefully stored in as-new condition, with only 49 kilometres on the clock. Bidding has been active and currently sits at €325,000 with six days left. It’s in Oegstgeest, South Holland, Netherlands and can be found on Collecting Cars.
STUTTGART (January 9, 2023) – Today, the Porsche crest is one of the most popular trademarks in the world. Since 1952, it has adorned every sports car from Zuffenhausen. But how did the idea for it come about? The traces lead back to New York City in the early 1950s.
Now a familiar symbol the world over, the sports car manufacturer’s coat of arms first adorns a Porsche in 1952. Inspired by the Stuttgart city seal, the coat of arms features a rearing horse in the center and is framed by the contours of a golden shield. The city name above is flanked by the state colors – red and black – and stylized antlers, which come from the Württemberg-Hohenzollern coat of arms. Above everything else, the Porsche lettering acts as a protective roof.
Less well known is how the quality seal came about. The hood of every Zuffenhausen sports car has featured the Porsche lettering since 1948. The idea of applying a genuine trademark to the 356 doesn’t come to fruition for another three years. In March 1951, Porsche and Ottomar Domnick, a Stuttgart doctor and original Porsche customer, approach German art academies with a design competition and the chance to win 1,000 deutsche mark. But none of the designs win them over. The idea then gains traction in New York City, far from the sports car manufacturer.
Max Hoffman gives the final push
It’s ultimately Austrian-born Max Hoffman, the owner of the Hoffman Motor Company, who gives the final push. Hoffman specializes in the import of European sports cars and has already made a name for himself in the automotive industry. Whatever he presents in his showroom, which was designed by top architect Frank Lloyd Wright, usually develops into the next big thing on American roads.
Shortly after importing the first Porsche 356 to the US, he wins an award for the most interesting car at Concours d’Élégance in Watkins Glen, New York. But the aesthete sees more potential in the winning vehicle. At a business dinner with Ferry Porsche in New York in late 1951, the importer puts the topic back on the agenda: a quality seal needs to be developed that’s visually appealing – a symbol that creates even more identity.
His plea sets the wheels in motion. On December 27, 1951, Ferry Porsche writes down the following: “Steering wheel hub featuring ‘Porsche’ and the Stuttgart coat of arms or something similar.” Back in Germany, he commissions Porsche designer Franz Xaver Reimspieß to design a trademark that symbolically reflects the company’s roots as well as the quality and dynamism of the products.
Fifth stage of evolution
The result lives on today. In 1952, the coat of arms debuts on the steering wheel hub of the 356, before adorning the hood of a Porsche starting in 1954 and the hubcaps as of 1959. Now in its fifth stage of evolution, the coat of arms has undergone minor revisions to keep it contemporary, but has never lost its essence.
Every so often, a carmaker puts out a model that is an answer to a question no one was asking. But once experienced, it becomes unforgettable. The MINI Coupé, Land Rover Evoque Cabriolet, and the recent Porsche 911 Safari are good examples of that.
The Crossblade was a concept car at the 2001 Geneva Auto Show, a less-is-more design study. However, after overwhelmingly positive public response, Smart—in a surprisingly bold move—produced 2,000 units the following year. Its turbocharged three-cylinder Mercedes-Benz powerplant was tuned by Brabus and never have 70 horsepower felt so bonkers.
For perhaps obvious reasons, they were never sold in the US but a handful did manage to come over. Every couple of years one of those comes on the market. This one—complete with US title—is all the more unique in that its zaniness was kept to less than 1,500 kilometres. Find it on Cars and Bids with bidding currently at $30,000. Auction ends January 9th at 1:38 PM EST.
WALWORTH, Wis (January 6 2023) – The legendary 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE, known as the “Black Ghost” in the Detroit street racing scene of the 1970s, was unveiled today at Mecum Kissimmee 2023, the World’s Largest Collector Car Auction®, as the headlining consignment for Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic, which will be held this May 12-20 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
Godfrey Qualls, a Detroit police officer by day and mysterious street drag racer by night, dominated the Motor City power scene with his black 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T SE adorned with the “Gator Grain” roof treatment and white tail stripe, and powered by the 426 Hemi engine. After serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, Godfrey ordered the car new at Raynal Brothers Dodge in Detroit, with it arriving on December 5, 1969. He put it to good use, rumbling to local hangouts, including the famed Woodward Avenue and Telegraph Road, ready to trounce any contender. With a win secured, the pair would then disappear into the darkness for weeks and months at a time. The vanishing of Qualls’ triumphant Dodge Challenger earned it the nickname “Black Ghost.”
In 1975, with numerous victories achieved and a mythical legend bestowed, the “Black Ghost” again went off the grid; however, this time it was gone from the Michigan streets for decades. Godfrey went silent, too, neither sharing stories nor boasting of his victories in the “Black Ghost.” That left his son, Gregory, to learn of his dad’s midnight Mopar escapades from family and friends.
That changed in 2014, when Godfrey invited Gregory to his house; the pair went to the garage, uncovered the black Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T and spent the afternoon cleaning the classic gem. However, that new bonding time would soon be cut short, when Godfrey’s prostate cancer returned in 2015 and made its way into his bones. By December of that year, he was hospitalized and fighting for his life. With days to live, Godfrey requested his son retrieve a special envelope from his home and bring it to the hospital. Inside was the car’s paperwork, and after 46 year of ownership, Godfrey signed ownership of his beloved “Black Ghost” over to Gregory.
“We all love a good car story, but this is nothing short of an all-American muscle tale forged in the heart of the Motor City,” Mecum Vice President of Consignments Frank Mecum said.
“When you have the combination of a Purple Heart-awarded military veteran and a unique ’70 Challenger with the mythical street racing of a clandestine Detroit cop, the muscle car, drag racing and Mopar enthusiasts take notice.”
The car earned such a revered place in history and hearts that it became the driving inspiration behind one of Dodge’s most recent special edition Challengers: the 2023 Dodge Challenger Black Ghost. Just 300 of the Redeye Widebody car will be built in total, and one of them is on display at the Mecum Kissimmee Auction right now.
Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic, the flagship auction for the family-owned enterprise, will feature an estimated 3,000 vehicles, daily Road Art selections, the Mecum Midway of food, exhibitors and various live entertainment acts, the Dodge Thrill Ride, and, of course, the ceaseless high-energy Mecum auction action.
Those interested in consigning a vehicle for auction at this year’s Spring Classic may find complete details about the consignment process and pricing at Mecum.com and are encouraged to submit a Request for Position form now to take advantage of pre-auction marketing opportunities.
Mecum has reinvented its bidder registration process, making it easier than ever for collector car enthusiasts to bid on their dream car, both from home and at the auction. Options for in-person, telephone and internet bidding start at $100, offering bidders the opportunity to get in on the Kissimmee auction action in whichever way suits them best.
For more information on Mecum Kissimmee 2023, Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring Classic in Indianapolis and all other Mecum auctions, visit Mecum.com. Mecum’s website is updated daily with the latest consignments and includes detailed descriptions and photographs of the vehicles to be offered. For schedule information, to consign a vehicle or to register as a bidder for this and all Mecum events, visit Mecum.com, or call (262) 275-5050 for more information.
Schedule:
Dana Mecum’s 36th Original Spring ClassicIndiana State Fairgrounds
1202 East 38th StreetIndianapolis, IN 46205
May 12-20, 2023
Admission: $20 in advance online, and $30 at the door and online after May 12—per person, per day; children 12 and younger receive complimentary admission
Preview: Gates open daily at 8 a.m.Auction: The vehicle auction will begin on Friday, May 12 through Thursday, May 18 at 10 a.m. and on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20 at 9 a.m., with Road Art to be offered 30 minutes prior to the vehicles
TV Schedule on MotorTrend: To be announced
(All Times Eastern)
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Road Art®, MyMecum® & The Bid Goes On® are registered trademarks of Mecum Auction, Inc.
$20,250 – 23,000
Collector status: Buy and drive sparingly
2023 may be the last year to get into a quality Alfa Romeo GTV6 (or GTV-6 domestically) for under $25,000. What could easily be had for well under 10 grand not that long ago has caught the attention of collector-enthusiasts.
Much of the interest has to do with its 2.5-liter Busso V6. Many reviewers have dubbed this the greatest V6 of all time and there was likely no better home for it than under the GTV6’s bonnet. It proved itself under the demands of Group A rallying but also held its own against on the B-roads against the likes of the BMW 635CSi. While not the outright fastest, the Busso, along with the GTV6’s perfect 50/50 weight distribution, makes for spirited driving. And then there’s the sound. In the GTV6, we have what may be the command performance of the Alfasong.
Exceptional examples, particularly the very limited Balocco and Maratona editions, have eclipsed $30,000 and there’s no sign of cooling. But some well-sorted GTV6s do occasionally turn up on auction sites for within our 2023 parameters