Driven World May/June 2023

drivenworld

May/June 2023

BY DUSTIN TROYAN

A butterfly. I was riding my bicycle up Stunt Road yesterday. I know Stunt Road very well. A little too well. Driving it, riding it, hiking around it. It is my “go to” canyon for many things. I was riding up Stunt yesterday. It was about 100 degrees and being out of shape, it was truly a lovely time. My head bent over my handle bars, I noticed a dead butterfly on the white line of the road. There she lay, expired.

When you are riding your bike and you are “suffering” because you are either out of shape or going very hard, your mind can wander funny places. I started thinking about myself in relation to that little butterfly whose life had run out. Perhaps it was because I could barely breathe or my whole body was in shock. I needed something to take my mind off of the heat and my temporary suffering. That poor little butterfly.

This time of year, spring and summer, you see a lot of butterflies. Floating effortlessly wherever the wind takes them. My daughters love butterflies. When we see them, Scarlett will often give them names. I thought about what I would tell her if she saw the dead butterfly on the road.

Most butterflies have a very short lifespan. From a week to a month. Some will go about a year, but for the most part, their lives are very short. I wondered if they realized that. Or, do they operate on a different time than we do? Are they content with their week or their month of life? Did they get it all in? Did they float and fly and land on everything they wanted to before they ran out of time.

A few turns up, I came across another dead butterfly. Same type, same color, same size. Like that, they were both gone. And there I was, dripping sweat trying to survive my out of shape uphill battle with Stunt Road on a 100 degree day. The butterfly.

It really got me thinking about life. Is our life really as short as the butterfly but we just don’t know it. As time speeds up and we get so wrapped up with our phones in our hand that we no longer look at that beautiful butterfly floating before us. We take for granted that we should live to seventy or eighty and that those that don’t got the short end of the stick. That somehow we are guaranteed a long life while we all know many people who went way too young.

I think when I was younger, I felt more like a butterfly, floating around. More free in terms of time and following my passions. I am not complaining, but I was riding up Stunt that day to try to recapture some fitness that I once had. Sure it was hot, sure I am out of shape, but I know I can still do it. Not fast or pretty, but I can still do it. So I did it.

Floating around in space with no consideration of time. I watch my kids play. They just play. They grab their dolls and have no concept of time. Talking to the dolls, the dolls talking back. For hours, they can play. It makes me so happy that they play. Their minds wander and there are no constraints. There are no invisible walls being put up, what they can, can’t or shouldn’t do. They are free when they are playing. Sometimes we have places to go and Scarlett will say, “Can’t I play just a little bit longer...” and of course she can. My dad told me to stay a kid as long as I could. That I had my whole life to be an adult, to take my time and enjoy my youth. Suffice to say, I always listened to my dad and his wise suggestions. I should write a book about them. It might not be politically correct, but it would be the honest to God truth. My father always told us how it was, but that is for another story.

Am I a butterfly? Are you? Floating around, driving around, running around...aimlessly as the wind takes us. Sounds romantic doesn't it? An adventure, that little butterfly has for a week or a month or a year. As the wind blows so she goes and where she ends, on Stunt

Road. If you had to go, it wouldn’t be too bad of a place. Nice view, nice turns, so fragrant this time of year with the wildflowers finishing their bloom.

Recently I lost a business associate. He was exactly my age, days apart. He came down with a cough and it ended up being a very severe form of cancer. Within a few months he was gone. It was so fast. He was here, then he wasn’t. He was a healthy guy who one day started coughing and that was that. It greatly affected and continues to affect everyone that knew him. It hit so close to home for many of us as he was healthy. He was young. He was full of life. Just like that... He will be greatly missed.

I thought about Luis, when I saw that butterfly. I thought about myself, my family, my girls. I thought about what I was going to write as I pedaled up that hill. That I should be so appreciative that I could take a few moments to ride up that hill, in the heat, out of shape with my body screaming to stop, because that butterfly was laying there and Luis is no longer with us. Because I am alive.

I thought about doing what I am supposed to be doing? Am I happy with myself and if, like that butterfly, I only had a few weeks or a few months to live, where would I float to? Where would the wind take me? That I stare too much into my phone and not enough at the sunset at the beach with my family or with my friends. Catching that big wave that has eluded me for years now, that is when I most feel like a butterfly.

I was talking to a cop at a board meeting, we talked about life and surfing and time challenges. He looked squarely in my eyes and said, “Surfing is good for your mental health...,” When I got out of that meeting, I called my wife, we grabbed the kids and headed to Malibu for a late afternoon surf session. I put the girls on the surfboard and spent time with them in the water. I caught a few waves and it was just where I needed to be, floating on the water with my butterfly wings.

Let the wind take you

Where you need to go

Follow your dreams

More than you know

Close your eyes

Hear the wind

Life is precious

Live again

Every day it goes by go out and play as time passes away

Float on the wind carry you home life is so short your mind roams

Life for this breath the air is pure be your life the end, always near

Live for now be who you want to be satisfy your dreams on butterfly wings

The 2024 Lamborghini Revuelto

Lamborghini is Lamborghini. Bold, awe-inspiring, loud, exciting and... Electric! Say it ain’t so? Lamborghini has gone hybrid? The big, bad V12 that screams like no other engine on the planet is complimented by three electric motors that will help this hyper-car reach an astounding 1001 horsepower. Lamborghini is once again proving that they are truly at the cutting edge of well, everything automotive.

The Lamborghini Revuelot as it is Lamborghini’s first foray into the hybrid market segment will be an instant collector’s item that only the ultra A-list owners and collectors will be able to get their hands on. It is estimated that this revolutionary Lamborghini will be somewhere in the high $800k to low $900k for a starting price. And if pricing of hypercars are as they have been the past couple years, there will definitely be a market adjustment and I would not be surprised to see this car instantly sold out with a price tag of over $1 million. If you have to ask...

If you are a car enthusiast, you have been crossing your fingers and saying prayers that Lamborghini would not, nor ever get rid of the iconic V12 engine as there is truly nothing else like it. To pay homage to the legendary masterpiece, the V12 in the Revuelot is naturally aspirated, 6.5 liters and it is a symphony of hell-fire that screams up to a 9500 -RPM redline. Now that my friends is a sound dreams are made of. The V12 pushed out 814-hp on its own and again with the integrated electric motors, it is over 1,000 horsepower!

To the dreamers, engineers and innovators at Lamborghini, well done and thank you. Keep it Lamborghini and keep innovating.

For more info: www.Lamborghini.com

By Dustin Troyan

Photographed by Lamborghini

drivenworld

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ART DIRECTOR

COPY EDITOR DESIGN

CONTRIBUTORS

Dustin Troyan

Staff

Heather Troyan

Connected Media Group

Dustin Troyan

Greg Grudt

Mike Grudt

Mark Llewellyn

Gwen Banta

Tory Herald

Steve Valline

Steve Geldman

Tommy Huth

Hot Rod Jay Santos

Doug Cambell

Scott Martin

Steve Valline

Steve Geldman

Tommy Huth

Hot Rod Jay Santos

Ken Latka

Richard Morey

Richard Kratz

Mark Llewellyn

Steve Valline

Steve Geldman

Tommy Huth

ADVERTISING / MARKETING

dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

(818) 516-5053

www.drivenworld.com

www.connectedmediagroup.com

www.supercarsunday.com

Driven World Magazine is published twelve times per year by Connected Media Group LLC. It is distributed at upscale locations and events all over California. It is also available online and distributed electronically to highnet-worth individuals as well as members of the car community at large.

All rights reserved. Driven World and Supercar Sunday are registered trademarks of Connected Media Group LLC. No articles, illustrations, photographs, or any other materials or advertisements herein may be reproduced without permission of copyright owner. Driven World Magazine and Connected Media Group LLC, do not take responsibility for the claims provided herein.

Connected Media Group LLC, Driven World Magazine, and its affiliates, contributors, writers, editors, and publisher accept no responsibility for the errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. Connected Media Group LLC does not assume liability for any products or services advertised herein and assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers or editorial information.

Benz by Coastline Motorport

Photo by Dustin Troyan

“Imagine the perfect drinking water found in nature, tumbling down rocky mountain streams and rivers, flowing through pristine subterranean aquifers, chilled, pure and delicious.”

The 2024 Corvette E-Ray

The Corvette, an American icon. The C8 Corvette was truly a game changer for Chevrolet in every way. An entire new vehicle to usher in a new era of American excellence. It put the supercar manufacturers on notice and attracted an entire new market segment, everyone.

For 2024, Chevrolet has again raised the bar with the Corvette E-Ray. The latest iteration of the Corvette will be all-wheel drive and offer a hybrid powertrain. Again, not dissimilar to other supercars utilizing hybrid technology to maximize performance, Chevrolet claims a zero to sixty miles-per-hour in 2.5 seconds and that the E-Ray sprints the quarter-mile in 10.5 seconds. If indeed these numbers are correct, it could be potentially the fastest Corvette ever. Top speed is estimated to be over 180 miles per hour.

Performance is supplied by the E-Ray’s 160-hp front-mounted electric motor and 495-hp mid-mounted 6.2-liter V-8 combine for 655 horses. The E-Ray shares the Z06’s wider rear quarters as well as the amazing carbon-ceramic brakes. There are also many other options that will be available including a performance package. Once again, Chevrolet is gunning for the European Supercar Market and I think they should be worried.

The E-Ray pricing will start at $104,295 for the targa and $111,295 for the convertible.

For more information, visit www.chevrolet.com

By Dustin Troyan

Photography by Chevrolet

Car Culture

by Mark Llewellyn

Stick It Where The Sun Does Shine!

What better way is there to convey your emotions or beliefs than plastering a “bumper sticker” on your car? There it is, you can put it right out there for the world to see. Some are funny, some crude! Some religious, some political/ one thing for sure, there is one out there for you!

Bumper Stickers came about in the late 40’s and early 50’s. Forest P. Gill, a screen printer from Kansas City Kansas is credited with the invention.

They came about originally as souvenirs of travel and sporting events. It was not until the presidential election of 1952 between EisenhowerStevenson that they found their voice as a means of political expression. They even found their way into Hollywood movies, with a scene dedicated to a bumper sticker in the movie “Forrest Gump”! Remember the scene, a pick-up truck with a bumper sticker that says “S*** Happens” starts out into the intersection only to be ran into by another car.

Early bumper stickers were printed on paper. They were screen printed and used daylight florescent inks so they would glow. Vinyl has replaced the paper sticker in most cases due to the fact it holds up so well against the elements.

“Bumper Stickers” have found their way into the American persona. There are many libraries and institutions across the nation that has collections of them. There is no doubt they have become part of the American Pop Culture.

2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 is absolutely unbelievable. To think that you can walk into a dealership and buy a car that delivers 1,025 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 945 Ib.-ft. of torque at 4,200 rpm on E85 fuel and crosses the quartermile trap in an NHRA-certified 8.91 seconds at 151.17 mph...well, that is the stuff dreams are made of. Apparently Dodge wanted to prove that they are the biggest and the baddest and wanted to break records with a production car, and they have done it. A factory car that hits 60 mph in 1.66 seconds...think about that...1.66 seconds! This is indeed the fastest and most powerful muscle car ever produced. Period.

The 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 series production volume will be limited to not more than 3,300 total units, and if you want to talk about collectability, this is a guaranteed collector car that will definitely go up in value...exponentially. Odds are, like the other hyper-rare supercars, the “market adjustment” for the SRT Demon 170 will be six figures. Like the Ford GT and certain Ferraris, Porsches, and Lamborghinis, my guess is you will have to be “someone” to get your hands on one or be ready to write a hefty check. It would be well worth it.

As we approach the end of the internal combustion engine, it appears that Dodge wanted to go out in full glory. Offering a vehicle so over the top that it is, as aforementioned, unbelievable. To get this much performance from the factory with a warranty is unfathomable. If you have ever built a race car or even restored a car, you know how much horsepower costs—this type of horsepower, reliable horsepower, from the factory. Well, to the Dodge team, you dreamed big, and you did it. Well done. And again, unbelievable! For more information, visit dodgegarage.com. n

By Dustin Troyan

Photographed by Stellantis

The McClaren Senna

By Dustin Troyan

The McLaren Senna. Breathtaking. Awe inspiring. Absolutely incredible. If you appreciate any aspect of engineering or sports cars, the McLaren Senna checks every box of “wow factor.” You can’t help but look at it and know that dreams do come true and there are people out there pushing really hard to achieve exceptionalism. McLaren’s offering is a tremendous example of achievement.

The Senna, which was named after the famed and legendary Brazilian Formula 1 driver Ayrton Senna, is truly a race car that can be driven on the street. It would be more at home on the race track, but, why wouldn’t you drive a Hypercar everywhere you could? The Senna was offered at about a million bucks, but to get one...well, there is always demand for adjustments. And, due to the low production numbers, it is an instant collectible that will only increase in value, probably better than most stocks. The Senna is powered by a twinturbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that generates 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. A zero to sixty time in the two second range and a top speed of 208 miles per hour, there is not much that can keep up with the Senna in a straight line or on a road course. And, if you are picking up a few groceries, they will look great on your passenger seat.

The Senna is a work of art that is one of the most capable cars ever produced. You cannot help but stare at it. As you walk around the car, it draws you in with its awe inspiring design. I have been around a lot of cars in my life and it is safe to say that seeing a Senna in person is the only way to truly appreciate the accomplishment McLaaren made. n

Photography by Steve Geldman

Join us for coffee and donuts at Lavaggio on Saturday, June 17th, 2023. Space is limited to 45 cars so you must RSVP. If you wish to invite a friend please let me know and I will check availability.

We hope to see you Saturday and we are looking forward to a wonderful morning!

Event Details: Saturday, May 13th from 9-11am.

For more information/RSVP: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

Lavaggio- The Art of Auto Detailing www.lavaggio.net

818-584-3240

30205 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills, Ca. 91301

You are invited to Cars and Coffee at Lavaggio

Photography by Ken Latka - TMPCC.ORG

The Mustang Mach1

By Dustin Troyan

Photography by Ford

The iconic Mustang Mach 1 is back after 17 years! Mustang enthusiasts are very excited about the opportunity to own a Mach 1 or to add on to their collection, and the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is a package that is hard to beat.

Similar to the 1969 Mach 1, the 2021 Mach 1 model is placed above the GT line and just below the Shelby GT 350. Offering styling and performance unique to the Mach 1, this may just be the best value in a Mustang you can buy. With limited-edition styling and high-performance options, this is a daily driver track car that can compete with other sports cars much beyond the Mach 1 price point.

The Mach 1’s powerplant is a specially calibrated 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 480 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 420 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,600 rpm. Mach 1 will get you from standing to 60 miles per hour in a breath over four seconds. The Mach 1 comes standard with a Tremec™ 3160 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed SelectShift™ automatic transmission. The huge 15in front-disc brakes will stop you on a dime.

Ford offers many different configurations for the Mach 1. With its custom-styling packages and performance packages, the Mach 1 will definitely become collectible just as the previous models have. Well done, Ford! For more information, visit ford.com. n

Cars and Coffee at Lavaggio

Cars and Coffee at Lavaggio was hosted by Dustin Troyan and sponsored by Lavaggio and it was an incredible success. It was a beautiful Saturday morning and the Lavaggio parking lot was filled with some truly amazing cars and awesome people. The variety of cars on display was on par with any car show or concours for that matter. From members of the Classic Chevy Club of Southern California and the Television Motion Picture Car Club in attendance, to car community members in some of the rarest and most exotic of cars…the Lavaggio parking lot was awe inspiring.

If you are a Porsche fan we had some of Porsche’s finest in attendance, including: a 959, 918, GT3RS and the brand new GT4RS. There was literally millions of dollars in just a handful of Porsches, not that anyone is paying attention to that. There were a wide variety of classic Chevys, Ferraris, Hot Rods, classic and modern BMWs, Ford Mustangs and many other makes and models.

Car enthusiasts came from all over Southern California to attend the inaugural Cars and Coffee of 2023 and there everybody who attended was so happy for the event season to be back in full swing. If you are a car enthusiast you know how wonderful these events are and the perfect excuse to see your friends and exercise your vehicle.

Another interesting note about the event was that we had such a wide variety of cars on display from the attendees. From classic Americana to the best that the European manufacturers have to offer and even classic 4x4s. There was something for everyone and as they say, variety is the spice of life.

If you wish to attend the next Cars and Coffee at Lavaggio, please email: Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com

By Dustin Troyan

Photography by Ken Latka - TMPCC.ORG

TipsFor Maintaining & Protecting Your Ferrari

From the Mattioli Automotive Group

DETAILING

In addition to keeping a car looking its best, consistent detailing is an important step in protecting a vehicle’s finish. Contaminants such as dirt, pollen, tree sap, and bird droppings can scratch and deteriorate painted surfaces if left over long periods. Given the value of a Ferrari, It is important to ensure that “best practices” are followed when performing a car wash; here are just a few from Mattioli Automotive Group’s (MAG) very own detailing specialists.

• Use the proper products: Ensure that the soap and other cleaning products being used have been formulated specifically for automotive use. Excessively strong chemicals and detergents will not only strip the wax off but can also dull the finish on paint and trim.

• All Towels are not equal: Microfiber towels offer low friction and can absorb more than seven times their weight in water, making them less abrasive and more effective than other towels. It is best to use a separate towel for each function (i.e..washing, drying, applying chemicals, etc). Also, towels should never be used if they are contaminated or have fallen on the ground; washing your towels often will help ensure that they are free of debris.

• Two bucket Technique: To help prevent the re-introduction of dirt and contaminants It is best to employ the “two bucket technique” when washing your car. One bucket should contain the diluted soap and a second bucket should have clean water. After each pass with the soap, rinse contaminants off of the sponge in the clean water before re-introducing into the soap solution again.

• Nooks and Crannies: Dirt and water can gather in the seams of the doors, trunk, and hood. It is important to clean and dry these areas thoroughly to prevent dripping onto clean surfaces.

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: Water evaporates quickly in direct sunlight which can result in watermarks.

Is your Ferrari in need of a thorough and professional cleaning?

Feel free to reach out to one of the MAG’s four service centers to schedule a complete detailing service.

PROTECTIVE FILM

Stones, road debris, chemical stains, and UV damage are all potential dangers when exposing your prized Ferrari to the road and the elements. But owners can save themselves from headaches and costly refinishing bills simply by installing protective film over their immaculate finish. This nearly invisible film can be applied just to the most vulnerable surfaces or the entire vehicle depending on your needs and driving habits.

Protect your Ferrari against road hazards and the harsh elements before it's too late. The Mattioli Automotive Group contracts several of the top protective film installers to perform the service in our facility and can guarantee timely turnaround and flawless results. To learn more about protective film options for your Ferrari, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers.

CERAMIC COATING

Ceramic Coating is another popular option for protecting paint and other vehicle finishes. When compared to protective film, it can be a more comprehensive and economical alternative. Ceramic coating is a special chemical compound that is applied to various vehicle finishes to form a permanent bond with the surface. The result is a 9H+ hard coating that repels water and offers protection from UV rays, chemicals, oxidation, and corrosion. It can be applied to paint for protection against light scratches, wheels to prevent the build-up of brake dust, and glass for increased visibility in wet weather.

The MAG contracts several of the top ceramic coating specialists to perform the service in our facility and we can guarantee timely turnaround and flawless results. To learn more about ceramic coating, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers.

Keep your Ferrari ready for your next drive.

The most common dangers for Ferrari owners are steep driveways and parking curbs. Even with the optional lifter, which is available on newer models, there are still some obstacles that are too big to maneuver over unscathed. To add protection against marring the underside of the front bumper, many owners elect to install a skid plate.

This sacrificial piece of durable plastic polymer is precision cut to fit precisely on to the underside of the front bumper. The result is a nearly invisible layer of protection against costly paint and autobody repairs.

To learn more about skid plates for your Ferrari, or to schedule an appointment please contact one of the MAG’s four service centers. Each MAG location stocks an extensive inventory of skid plates for various models and can complete the installation in a matter of hours.

The phrase “if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it” has never been more accurate than with regards to automotive batteries. When a battery is in a discharged state for an extended period of time the lead sulfate crystals inside the battery begin to increase in size. The bigger the crystals get, the harder they are to dissolve which ultimately blocks the chemical reaction that allows the battery to charge, and eventually leads to battery failure.

For this reason, Genuine Ferrari offers Battery Re-conditioners which are designed to maintain a battery’s charge and combat the growth of sulfate crystals. A Battery Re-conditioner should be utilized any time a vehicle is parked for long periods of time. This is especially vital for new vehicles which contain more electrical components that put a drain the battery.

For specific questions regarding the use of the Ferrari Battery Re-conditioners or to order one for your vehicle, feel free to reach out to one of Mattioli Automotive Group’s four service centers.

Over time, environmental factors and harsh chemicals can take a toll on the interior components of a mature Ferrari resulting in sticky buttons, controls, and trim pieces. The only remedies to this condition are to replace the deteriorated components or have them re-finished. Either way, the process is very involved. Thankfully, the Mattioli Automotive Group’s service centers are very experienced with this issue and can help advise owners of their options when restoring their interior to like-new condition. If your Ferrari is in need of interior trim restoration, we invite you to reach out to one of MAG’s four service centers to learn more or schedule a service appointment.

Mattioli

Ferrari South Bay Service 23305 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505

(877) 887-9183

service@ferrarisouthbay.com

www.ferrarisouthbay.com

M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Ferrari Beverly Hills Service 2110 Cotner Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90025

(888) 849-9726

service@ferraribeverlyhills.com

www.ferraribeverlyhills.com

M - F 7:30am - 5:00pm

service@ferrariwestlake.com www.ferrariwestlake.com

M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Ferrari Silicon Valley Service 2750 El Camino Real Redwood City, CA (888) 875-8963

service@ferrarisiliconvalley.com www.ferrarisiliconvalley.com

M - F 8:00am - 5:00pm

Automotive Group’s service centers are happy to help with any inquiries about these and other services offered to help protect and maintain

BATTERY MAINTINENCE

"STICKY INTERIOR TRIM"

Porsche Day at Supercar Sunday

Supercar Sunday, as many of you know, is one of the longest-running and largest car shows in America—for that mat- ter, possibly the world. Every Sunday for over 20 years, car enthusiasts have shared passion, friendship, and camara- derie. Everybody is welcome, and what you will find at the weekly car show is a tremendous sense of community and respect. It is an incredible event because of the people. The second Sunday of every month is Porsche Marque Day, where we feature all Porsche models, from early air-cooled cars to the current latest and greatest, electric, and of course, the Porsche super/hypercars. As Supercar Sunday is presented and sponsored by Porsche Woodland Hills, we always have new models on display, brand ambassadors, and experts to chat with. The general manager as well as the owner of Porsche Woodland Hills are at the event in their personal Porsches. There are always giveaways for the attendees and complimentary breakfast items.

We like to joke that at Supercar Sunday you never know what type of car is going to show up. This also applies to the Porsches. We get some of the rarest Porsches in Southern California showing up and often in multiples— from the 959s to the Carrera GTs, concours winning 356s, and even cus- tom cars by Singer, RWB, Emory, and others. And of course, we have works in progress, barn-find Porsches, and even race cars that are trailered in. If you are a Porsche owner or enthusiast, this is a must-attend event. Mark your calen- dar, call your fellow Porsche-philes, and we will see you at the show!

For more information, visit supercarsunday.com or contact Dustin@connectedmediagroup.com. n

By Dustin Troyan Photography by Staff

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster

The Lamborghini SVJ Roadster may just be the ultimate convertible. A very limited edition with only 800 units being produced for the global market, this is the roadster to own if you mean business.

“The Aventador SVJ Roadster inherits all the power, performance, and ground-breaking aerodynamic technologies of the coupe but with its own iconic presence and prowess,” says Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Automobili Lamborghini Stefano Domenicali. “It is as fundamentally exciting to drive as the Aventador SVJ but with an added exclusivity: the option of open air. With the same extraordinary performance roof on or off, the Aventador SVJ Roadster incorporates the dynamism of the coupe with the unique spirit of a Lamborghini roadster.”

The SVJ Roadster, beyond its aggressive looks and incredible presence also has the heart to back up its SVJ name. The SVJ stands for Super Veloce Jota. Super Veloce means “super fast” in Italian. Jota was a name first given to a one-of-a-kind extreme-performance version of the classic Lamborghini Miura back in 1970. Translation: This is a track-prepped, street-racing machine that has the best of Lamborghini’s heritage and technology. It is “the package.”

The SVJ boasts the most powerful series production V12-engined car produced by Lamborghini, outputting 770 hp at 8,500 rpm. Lamborghini technology is at the cutting edge of handling, breaking, safety, and acceleration, and the SVJ Roadster is the very best option for those who demand exclusivity, performance, art, and innovation. The SVJ Roadster is perfection. n

Looking Back

The BMW i8 Roadster

The 2019 BMW i8 Roadster is truly a unique vehicle. The i8 is a plugin-hybrid that is kind of a supercar of sorts and also not. Yes, it is a hybrid. Yes, it is a sports car. Yes, you can drive it daily. Yes, people take pictures of the car everywhere you go. But is it a street legal race car? No. For 2019, the i8 is offered in the Roadster version, which is really cool. I had driven the coupe, and the Roadster is a totally different experience. And it just photographs so well. As all things BMW, everything on the i8 works wonderfully--the sound system, the infotainment system, and the driver comfort features. It is truly a great car to drive. I put about 400 miles on the car, and I smiled the whole time. As the weather was perfect, the top was always down and I found myself finding every excuse to drive the car. It was that much fun!

What makes the i8 special is that there is simply no other car like this currently offered from any manufacturer. Critics might say that the car is not fast enough (it is plenty fast); that it might not handle as well as other supercars; and that it might not offer the mileage that other hybrids offer, but, I firmly believe that this was a passion project for BMW. What does that mean? It means that they are giving you a taste of what is to come, and the i8 is for the enthusiast who wants to define who they are by their own standards and expectations. The i8 checks off so many boxes when it comes to the coolness and technology that you can’t help acknowledge that BMW did something special just by creating it. An exercise in design, form, and function because they could. Yes, all of the safety is there, the creature comforts, everything you expect from BMW. But in my humble opinion, the i8 was produced for no other reason than BMW wanted a “thing of beauty.” I think they nailed it. The more you look at it, the more you fall in love with it. It is a very special concept indeed. For more info: dustin@connectedmediagroup.com n

By Dustin Troyan

Photography by Dustin Troyan

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae

There is absolutely nothing better than the scream of a big engine, revving to its limit taking you into another world. A world of emotion, fear, speed and dreams. Some might argue that Lamborghini appreciated and pushed the envelope more than any other car maker to achieve the ultimate emotion in driving. Part of that emotion is of course the sound. And, as we push toward electric, that is going away. There is no replacement for displacement, but there is also the sound of that big motor working perfectly, like a fire breathing dragon. The Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae is the last of the breed. The last of the big, huge, awesome, incredible, mean, gasoline guzzling, pure, honest V12 engines that Lamborghini will make. A sound like no other car in the world, you know it when you hear it, you love it, you cannot believe it is street legal and you want it.

From

Lamborhini

“The Aventador LP 780-4 denotes the final, purest, timeless naturally-aspirated production V12 Lamborghini,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It delivers the essential twelve-cylinder experience in terms of inimitable design, engineering solutions and the most emotive driving experience, and is the definitive Aventador concluding an extraordinary era. It is the last of its kind: it delivers the maximum power and conclusive performance expected from Lamborghini’s current V12 engine, combined with our inimitable flagship’s design DNA. The Aventador was destined to become a classic from launch, and the Aventador LP 780-4 is the most beautiful expression of timeless design and technical solutions in a final edition: Ultimae.” For more information: lamborhgini.com. n

By Dustin Troyan

Photography by Lamborghini

Car Culture

by Mark Llewellyn

Remembering the “Hood”

Way before “Al Capone” and the “Crypts”, the only thing that ruled the hood was a hood ornament!

They were the decedents of the motometer. The motometer was a thermometer that screwed into the top of the radiator cap. The driver could see the mercury rise in the motometer and knew if the car was running hot. Over time, the motometer became a work of art. But with the invention of dash gauges, the motometer was no longer needed.

In an effort to keep the artistic look in the automotive design, hood ornaments were developed as a replacement to the motometer. In Europe, the hood ornaments were referred to as a “Mascot”. Much effort was put into the design and creation of the hood ornament. The 20’s thru the 40’s saw “art deco” works of art created for the ornamentation of the automobile. Designs included things such as winged goddesses and graceful birds. Soon these designs became logos for the manufacturer. Remember the Indian Chief on the Pontiacs? The longest lasting design is the “Spirit of Ecstasy” which sculptor Charles Sykes created in 1911 for Rolls Royce, and is still used today.

The 50’s saw the auto maker’s move to a more smooth design for the hoods. The hood ornament resembled things like jet planes and rockets.

The 60’s saw the decline of the hood ornament. Today they now are reserved for large luxury vehicles, whether foreign or domestic. The ornaments themselves have become collector’s items. An original Bugatti Elephant is worth over $3,000!