CLUBSPORT
BARRINGTON concours d’elegance
at Arlington Park
CLUBSPORT THE MAGAZINE FOR THE EXOTIC POWER SPORTS AND FINER LIVING ENTHUSIAST
FERRARI F430 SCUDERIA PREVIEW
F430 SCUDERIA THE CHALLENGE STRADALE FERRARI REINVENTS A LEGEND
2008 Bentley Continental
JUNE 2009
Black Edition By Kahn
The New Foose Coupe Black Edition By Kahn
BMW 6 Series
Hamann Pushing Style, Luxury And Power
Number 01 June 2009 USA $4.99 Canada $6.99
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CLUBSPORTS THE MAGAZINE FOR THE EXOTIC POWER SPORTS AND FINER LIVING ENTHUSIAST
Number 1 January 2009 15
23 30 28 38
15
AUTOS
CONTENTS EVENTS & BOATING
Preview 430 scuderia
Introducing Ferrari’s lighter, faster, higher-tech F430, a new take on the Challenge Stradale theme
23
Bentley Kahn Black
Kahn And Bentley make an already hot luxurious ride even better with Kahns Black Edition
28
The Foose Coupe
A hot creation from the renown Foose
30
Hamann 6 Series BMW Bmws new rocket get a revamp that turns heads and enhances styling ques
38
Barrington Concourse D’elegance
Arlington Racetrack hosts the Barrington Concourse D’elegance where the prestige came out to flaunt and show off their Automobiles.
56
The Stylish 520 Sports Coupe
Feel free to bring a crow when enjoying this high performance 520 Sports Coupe.
59
Sea Ray’s New 43 Sundancer
developed for the full spectrum of boaters, experienced and newcomers alike.
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F430 SCUDERA THE CHALLENGE STRADALE FERRARI REINVENTS A LEGEND
Ferrari F430 Scudera BY MARK GILLIES
The great thing about the 430 Scuderia—a faster, lighter, and even more compelling version of the F430—is that Ferrari didn’t have to make it. Automakers create new versions of their existing models to stimulate sales, but with North American waiting lists at two years for the F430, Ferrari didn’t need to drum up showroom traffic. Ferrari people say the primary reason for building the Scuderia is that it showcases the company’s
racing technology in a street car. Another reason is that, historically, Ferrari has built more extreme versions of its entry-level sports car, going back to the F355 Challenge in 1995. And Lamborghini, its northern-Italian rival, has just introduced the Gallardo Superleggera, while Porsche, its perennial competitor, is continually making go-faster versions of the 911.
a snarling 4.3-liter V-8 that makes 483 horsepower. The Scuderia gets an additional 20 horsepower and an engine sound that’s so loud and enticing it causes occupants to giggle in delight. The extra power and noise come from a revised intake manifold, a freer-flowing exhaust, and a slightly higher compression ratio (up from 11.3:1 to 11.9:1), among other changes.
the times that its Formula 1 cars were doing a couple of years ago. Like the F430, the Scuderia has an electronically actuated clutch-pack-type differential that now works in harness with Ferrari’s latest traction-control system, F1-Trac. Carbon-ceramic composite brakes are standard, with front rotors that are 15.7 inches in diameter (up 0.7 inch over the F430’s).
Whatever the reason, enthusiasts who have well-padded b a n k accounts should rejoice, because the 430 Scuderia is a stunning vehicle. The engine in the F430 is a wondrous device,
The F1 automated manual transmission is upgraded, too, with revised software to effect neck-wrenchingly quick shifts. Ferrari says the interval has gone from 150 milliseconds on the F430 to just 60, close to
Further electronic trickery includes a refinement of the F430’s so-called manettino, a rotary dial on the steering wheel that allows the driver to choose a number of regimes for the stability- and traction-
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control systems, gearshift speed, and shock setup. There’s a new position that turns off the traction control but retains the stability system, replacing the “ice” mode of the F430. On the F430, the shocks are set at their firmest in the more extreme, track-oriented manettino settings, but the 430 Scuderia allows the driver to soften the shocks in these racier situations. By a variety of measures, including the liberal use of carbon fiber, a Lexan rear window, and titanium springs and wheel nuts, Ferrari says it has trimmed 221 pounds off the F430, producing a curb weight of about 3150 pounds. It is claimed that the Scuderia shaves 0.4 second off the F430’s 0-to-62-mph time of four seconds flat and that the car laps Ferrari’s Fiorano test track as fast as an Enzo. We couldn’t confirm that claim, but we can tell you the Scuderia is indeed a track weapon, with superb handling balance, great grip, and amazing brakes.
Fabric Replaces Leather In This Minimalist interior, with bare metal and paint instead of carpet. The seats have carbon-fiber bases and backs are very to those of the 599.
The so-called race setting is impressive, allowing a driver to mash the throttle out of turns while the electronics decide when and how to apply engine torque. The setting also allows a bit of oversteer before the stability control intervenes to prevent the driver going from apparent hero to immediate zero.
On the road, the Scuderia is equally fantastic, with a tactility and immediacy that few other cars offer. The ride is outstandingly composed if the driver opts for the softer shock settings. The F430 is a brilliant but expensive car. The 430 Scuderia is even better.
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And for those who think the projected price—about $250,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S. this spring—is on the extreme side, well, we reckon it’s worth every cent.
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PROJECT KAHN
Bentley Continental GTS – ‘Black Edition’
gloss piano black steering or a carbon fibre finish steering wheel. Each car Project Kahn is proud to comes with privacy tinted announce the launch of the glass perfectly matched new Bentley Continental to compliment the cars exterior. GTS ‘Black Edition’. The ‘Black Edition’ has an eight-piece body consisting of a three piece rear valance, two side skirts, a two piece front valance and a rear boot spoiler. This kit has been developed by our Project Kahn design team and has undergone many hours of testing not only to ensure safety but also to ensure that a perfect fit is achieved for each car.
feature of the ‘Black Edition’ is the addition of the new ‘Silver Mist’ alloy wheel.
geometrical pattern – the Silver Mist wheel has been designed with the American market in mind.
As the UK’s leading automotive design house, Project Kahn recognises the importance of dynamic cutting edge designs whilst staying true to the original form. Bentley owners can now testify to the exuberance of passion and sumptuous beauty of Afzal Kahn’s designs.
Our elegant and sculpted alloy wheel designs are evolved through skilled artistic innovation, state-ofthe art manufacturing and materials technology and the Silver Mist wheel is just the latest of many innovations from the Kahn Laboratories.
To complete the ‘low to the road’ aggressive stance the ‘black edition’ is fitted with a Project Kahn electronic lowering module. As standard the suspension is lowered by 20mm but this can be adjusted according to the customers’ requirements. Our new Silver Mist alloy wheel enhances the Each ‘Black Edition’ elegant curves of the is fitted with the Project Bentley while embracing Kahn GTS sports exhaust the vehicle’s distinct style. system which provides Embellished with a unique a slight increase in performance whilst accelerating but more importantly emits a unique sound emanating from the car as a deep rumble.
The ‘Black Edition’ package contains a full interior styling programme which includes a bespoke Project Kahn Luxury Leather upgrade and high gloss piano black interior fascia panels with the optional extras of either a high However the most unique
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The New Silver Mist wheel has a 9.5x22” fitment all round with a ‘wide track look on the rear to provide a more sporty and aggressive feel.
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Foose Coupe Features:
The Foose Coupe
A hot creation from the renoun Chip Foose
Hillbank Motor Corporation, Home of Superformance Distribution, Delivers Its First Foose Coupe Irvine, CA - On Tuesday, July 17, Hillbank Motor Corporation, the home of Superformance Distribution and Shelby Distribution USA delivered its first Foose Coupe to its lucky new owner. It was a very proud day for us, said Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance Distribution. We wish the new owner all the best and lots of fun driving. This particular Coupe is the fourth built and only the second available to the public. It features a unique paint scheme featuring a carbon fiber spears on the front, back,
and sides surrounded by flames hand painted by Chip Foose himself. Power comes from a 392ci (6.4L) Hemi V8 producing approximately 500 horsepower and 480 lb-ft torque, with power being sent to the wheels through a 5-speed manual transaxle. The polished aluminum wheels are Foosedesigned, and are wrapped with Pirelli PZero tires. Inside, the Foose Coupe features plush leather seating with 4-point safety harnesses, carbon fiber trim, and a pistol grip shifter. The Foose Coupe debuted
at the 2006 SEMA Show to incredible reviews from the automotive press and community and is available to the public as a signature series limited edition vehicle available through Superformance Distribution. Production will be limited to just 50 vehicles. The Foose Coupe features a carbon fiber monocoque body, independent front and rear suspension, 14-inch, 6-piston Baer brakes, and 20-inch Pirelli PZero tires. Each vehicle is signed by Chip and will be documented in the Foose Registry.
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Design: Stylized and Conceived by Chip Foose Builder: Metalcrafters, Inc. Vehicle Type: Limited Edition, Mid-Engine, Rear Wheel Drive, 2 Passenger, Door Coupe Engine: 6.4 L (392 cu.in.) Mopar Hemi V-8, Iron Block, Aluminum Heads or 5.4 L DOHC, 32-Valve, 90-Degree V-8, Ford GT Aluminum Heads Fuel Delivery System: Individual Hilborn Throttle Bodies with Velocity Stack Air Intakes (8), AEM Electronic Fuel Injection Transmission: ZF 5-Speed Manual Transaxle Body and Chassis: Carbon Fiber Monocoque Cabin on Modular Steel Space Frame Suspension: Front: Independent, Unequal Length Control Arms, Inboard-mounted Koni Coilover Shock Absorbers Actuated by Rocker Arms. Rear: Independent, Unequal Length Control Arms, Koni Coilover Shock Absorbers Brakes: 6-piston Baer Monoblock Calipers, 14� Cross-drilled and Vented Rotors, Tilton Series 75 Master Cylinder Steering: Woodward Rack and Pinion Tires/Wheels: Front: 225/40 ZR 18 Pirelli PZero on 20 x8 Foose Polished, Rear: 315/35 ZR 20 Pirelli PZero on 20 x12 Foose Polished
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Bmws new rocket get a revamp that turns heads and enhances styling ques
Hamann’s New Monster
The 6 Series BMW
BMW’s
POWERHOUSE
(from Hamann Press Release)
Design and technology rejuvenation: The HAMANN tuning program for the new BMW 6-series When it comes to exclusively refining BMWs, HAMANN-Motorsport is one of the first addresses. Again, the Laupheimbased company gives proof to this by introducing its latest refinements for the new BMW 6-series. By developing an entire tuning program not only for the coup, but also the
convertible, HAMANNMotorsport renders an additional sportive and individual touch to the face lift already applied by BMW. Already the design elements create this impression and increase the aerodynamics as well. The front and rear spoiler reduce the buoyant forces of the HAMANN 6-series which has a significant effect on the car’s handling and agility. This is also achieved with an additional pair of side skirts which significantly calms the air flow between both axles. The roof- and rear
spoiler also ensure the necessary surface pressure on the asphalt. Mainly on country roads with winding sections, the HAMANNaerodynamic package unfolds its strengths and generates pure enjoyment of driving. At HAMANN-Motorsport, the individual wishes of our customers are also top of the list. This has been taken into account when designing the tuning package for the BMW 6-series. Due to the large interest in different optical programs, our designers developed another aerodynamics package
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called EDITION RACE. This turns the BMW in an impressive sports car, as it consequently emphasizes the broadening components. New front wings, 4-part wing broadening in the back and enormous side skirts transform the BMW 6-series into an automobile which looks like a race car from the German Touring Car Masters or other touring car championships. But there is even more to the HAMANN sport tuning elements under the bonnet. When developing the 6-series programs, our technicians rather concentrated on evolution
ing for something
in 9,0Jx21 inches with tires
measuring 255/30ZR21 and 10,5Jx21 inches with tires measuring 295/25ZR21 in the back. Prices starting at 7,620 euros.
instead of revolution. Basically, the sport limousine has a good motorization, therefore we put a special focus on the performance enhancement for the 630i, 650i and the diesel 635d. Adapting the motor management with up to 21 hp more and the powerful torque increase can be felt immediately when accelerating. Moreover, HAMANN customers can look forward to the Vmax abolition. This enables the 650i to boost the maximum speed from 250 to 270 km/h. The HAMANN sport exhaust system renders an earthy and impressive sound. The stainless steel muffler with its four round tail pipes can be optically perked up with metal catalysts, sport fan manifolds and a middle pipe set. The rim programme is also impressive in terms of dimension and diversity. No matter if you are look-
sporty, elegant or noble HAMANN offers varying wheel-designs and sizes. The designation HM EVO reveals a one-piece wheel with 20 inches. Its modern style is underlined with its black-lacquered varnish, diamond-grinded hub star and a discreet recess. Five extended and vaulted triple spokes display the optical and technical finesse. The recommended front wheel-tire combination is 8,5Jx20 inches with tires measuring 245/35ZR20 and 10,5Jx20 inches with 285/30ZR20 tires in the back. One of the technical highlights of the offered tuning program is the 21inch model called HM EVO FORGED. Manufactured in forge technology, it is extremely l i g h t a n d improves the handling, acceleration and braking characteristics by its reduced un suspended masses. The front wheel tire combination is offered
The extended product program of HAMANN’s sport accessories includes progressively coiled chassis springs for lowering the chassis, a height adjustable coil-over and a sport braking system. HAMANN tunes the interior with a 3-spoke sport steering wheel with an air-bag, a black instrumental dial with a scale up to 300 km/h as well as matching pedals, leg rests and hand brake handles made of aluminum. control systems, gearshift speed, and shock setup. There’s a new position that turns off the traction control but retains the stability system, replacing the “ice” mode of the F430. On the F430, the shocks are set at their firmest in the more extreme, track-oriented manettino settings, but the 430 Scuderia allows the driver to soften the shocks in these racier situations. By a variety of measures, including the liberal use of carbon fiber, a Lexan rear window, and titanium springs and wheel nuts, Ferrari says it has trimmed
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221 pounds off the F430, producing a curb weight of about 3150 pounds. It is claimed that the Scuderia shaves 0.4 second off the F430’s 0-to-62-mph time of four seconds flat and that the car laps Ferrari’s Fiorano test track as fast as an Enzo. We couldn’t confirm that claim, but we can tell you the Scuderia is indeed a track weapon, with superb handling balance, great grip, and amazing brakes. The so-called race setting is impressive, allowing a driver to mash the throttle out of turns while the electronics decide when and how to apply engine torque. The setting also allows a bit of oversteer before the stability control intervenes to prevent the driver going from apparent hero to immediate zero. On the road, the Scuderia is equally fantastic, with a tactility and immediacy that few other cars offer. The ride is outstandingly composed if the driver opts for the softer shock settings. The F430 is a brilliant but expensive car. The 430 Scuderia is even better. And for those who think the projected price—about $250,000 when it goes on sale in the U.S. this spring—is on the extreme side, well, we reckon it’s worth every cent.
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Barrington Concours d’Elegance
At Arlington Park
The term ‘concours’
refers to organizing and administering an open competition. The term ‘Concours d’Elegance’ is a French title referring to a competition of elegance between automobile owners. The Barrington Concours d’Elegance follows that description above and beyond. This year’s “Legends and Legacies” was hosted by the Barrington Area Conservation Trust and Hospice of Northeastern Illinois. It was evident that many long hours were spent so that one
had over 100 rarest and finest automobiles and motorcycles to enjoy. Automotive historian and writer, Jonathan A. Stein, the Chief Judge for this event, returned for his second year with Barrington Concours d’Elegance. It is Mr. Stein’s expertise that qualifies him to select and manage the most qualified team of judges. One of the most outstanding exhibits was the 1937 BMW 328 racecar owned by Fred and Sherry Egloff since 1967. The legend behind this rare vehicle dates back to World War II in 1940. It is said that when
Holland was invaded by the Nazi’s, original owner and racecar driver, Peter Nortier, drove the car a great distance to hide it in a small town. The following year, the war became more intense, so Nortier rescued his vehicle and drove it 85 miles at top speed to an art museum near the National Palace at the Hague. He covered his car and it was not discovered for the remaining three years of the war. Thusly, the vehicle has been nick-named “The Car That Escaped The Fuhrer”. Adolph Hitler, had he been able to discover this racecar, would have surely taken ownership.
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In 1967, this legendary BMW was purchased at a European auction by an East Coast collector, Pat Braden. Fred Egloff then purchase the vehicle, sight-unseen, and has maintained the elegance of the vehicle and has displayed it at numerous concours and exhibitions. Another outstanding vehicle to watch for in upcoming Concours d’Elegance exhibits is a 1968 Alfa Romeo Duetto which is an actual Duetto and not a “boat tail spider”. This is the last true sportscar which was made by Alfa Romeo and is owned by Steven R. Crowley of Westchester, Illinois.
This Duetto is equipped with manual brakes, mechanical clutch and throttle linkages, manual steering and a 1600 cc carbureted engine. Most all of this equipment in subsequent production, began being replaced in after 1967.
This Alfa Romeo Duetto was originally purchased in Germany and brought to the United States. It had several owners on the East Coast and landed in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Crowley bought the vehicle in 1986 and brought it to his home
outside Chicago. Crowley worked on the car and drove it, winning the 1996 Alfa Romeo Challenge in 1996. He then chose to give the vehicle a rest until 2003 when he decided that, since the body was stressed, it was time to give this vehicle a thorough restoration. The menu of work he proceeded to have completed was coachwork, interior, engine tuning and mechanical completion. All work has been done by award winning providers; each having an outstanding track record of their
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previous work and Alfa Romeo experience. This 1968 Alfa Romeo Duetto made it’s new debut in 2008 at the Alfa Romeo Owners Club National Convention in Chicago winning the “Pat Braden Peoples Choice Award”. You can look forward to this vehicle being presented and highly appreciated for years to come. The showcase of vehicles was outstanding ranging from a 1902 Oldsmobile Model R through a 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351, and many, many makes and models in between. Another vehicle to be
noticed was the 2004 Ferrari 360 Spyder. This bright yellow Spyder is owned by Leonard Mauceli of Barrington, Illinois and also Naples, Florida. It is a 3.6L V-8 with a top-speed of 200 mph. We look forward to viewing this outstanding Ferrari in years to come.
Augusta 350S. All in all, the Barrington Concours d’Elegance was an elegant and most enjoyable event for any automobile or motorcycle aficionado.
And, for those who may favor vehicles with only two wheels, there were the most outstanding motorcycles to be appreciated. These ranged from a 1938 Harley Davidson Motorcycle & Sidecar, to a 1972 MV CLUBSPORT-MAG.COM June 2009
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Award Winners Best in Show
1935 Mercedes 540K Cabriolet A Joe and Angela Cantore, Oak Brook, IL
People’s Choice
1932 Duesenberg Model J LeBaron Dual Cowl Phaeton
Philip J. Kuhn III, Lake Forest, IL
Best Long-Distance Touring Car 1960 Chrysler New Yorker
Paul and Janet Burt, Lake Forest, IL
Most Elegant Closed Car
1935 Amilcar Pegase Roadster
Malcolm Pray, Greenwich, CT
Peter Fino, Itasca, IL
Tom Chandler, Elkader, IA
Concours Couture Awards
1952 Mercedes Benz 300AConvertible
1963 Studebaker Avanti R-1 Coupe
Fin Fatale Class
Nothing but the Twins
Jim Lichter, Park Ridge, IL
Best in Class 1931 Pierce Arrow 43 Sedan
Christopher and Delphine Diekman, Swisher, IA
Tall Grass Award of Distinction 1952 Glaspar G2 Sportscar Tom Chandler, Elkader, IA
Not for the Road Class
Best in Class 1964 Elva-Porsche MK.7 Roadster
Most Elegant OPEN Car
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Philip J. Kuhn III, Lake Forest, IL
Bobby Rahal, New Albany, OH
1931 Duesenberg Model J Convertible Sedan
1963 Cheetah
Most Innovative Design
1965 Lotus 23C Sports Racer
1936 Chrysler Imperial Airflow Rex and Kathy Barrett, Roselle, IL
Most Melodious Car
1972 Ferrari 365 GTD/4 Daytona Coupe Diana and James Spencer, West Pennant Hills, NSW, Australia
John Mayer, Berwyn, IL
Tall Grass Award of Distinction John Weinberger, Hinsdale, IL
Horseless Carriage Class Best in Class 1912 Mercer 35J Raceabout
Dr. Herbert and Delores Lederer
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
EMW 327/3 Fixed Head Coupe
1952 Glasspar G2 Sportscar
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Armin and Annette Birkholz, Wayne, IL
Best in Class 1960 Cadillac Eldorado Two-Door Coupe Jim Rudnick, Cary, IL
Jim Simpson, Peru, IL
1939 Indian Sport Scout Bobber
1960 Chrysler 300F
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Best in Class 1935 Packard 1201-819 Coupe Convertible
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Rod and Terry Antrim, Palatine, IL
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
1934 Ford Model A
Michael J. Belica, Winfield, IL
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
1930Auburn 8-95 Phaeton Sedan
Larry Smith, Bloomfield Hills, MI
1910 American Underslung Traveler John W. Rich, Sr.,
Best in Class 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Mike and Ivy Guarise, Barrington Hills, IL
Second place
Frackville, PA
From the Ashes Class Best in Class 1955 Mercedes 300SL Coupe
Jim and Gail Manz, Mundelein, IL
James H. Anderson, The Woodlands, TX
1959 Indian Royal Enfield Chief
In All Their Glory Class
Chuck and Sharon McCarthy, Barrington, IL
First place 1967 Nickey Camaro 22 2 Door Coupe
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
The Tarantolo Family, Custer Park, IL
David Uihlein, Cedarburg, WI
Hagerty’s Youth Judges Awards
(Twin-Cylinder Motorcycles) Best in Class 1950 Vincent Series C Black Shadow
Tim Holcroft, Lake in the Hills, IL
Ford 500 Fairlane Skyliner Convertible
1905 Pierce Great Arrow
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Tracy Francoeur Hurst, Chicago, IL
Tall Grass Award of Distinction 1957
Art and the AutomobileAward 1937 Graham Convertible
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Third place 1964 Amphicar 770 Convertible
1937 Packard Le Baron Town Car
Dave and Marlese Lindsay, Manawa, WI
Tall Grass Award of Distinction 1953
Joe and Sharon Kemper, Hawthorn Woods, IL
1938 Indian Chief Irwin and Al Byers, Warrenville, IL
The British Invaders Class
Best in Class 1954 Standard Triumph TR2 Roadster Nancy and Jeff Kelley, Coldwater, MI
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Uniquely American Class
1962 MGB Roadster
Robert H. Libman, Chicago, IL
1950 Austin A90 Atlantic Convertible
1964 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
Tall Grass Award of Distinction
Tall Grass Award of Distinction Anthony and Johanna Colletti, Inverness, IL
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Brooks R. Amiot, Owings Mills, MD
Tall Grass Award of Distinction Jim Rugowski, Appleton, WI
1945 MG TC Midget Open Roadster Tom Wilson, Zionsville, IN
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The 520 Sport Coupe Power, Luxury and room for all
I don’t remember seeing so many curves since the last time I drove up the Pacific Coast Highway from Santa Barbara, California, to Big Sur, or the corniche winding above Monte Carlo. Or seeing so much usable space for easy living on anything short of a 60-foot motoryacht. But here I am on a gorgeous, blue-sky summer afternoon on Lake Michigan, skimming along at an easy 25 knots on the new Cruisers 520 Sports Coupe (view photo gallery) with two other people on board, thinking there was room for many, many more — not only to enjoy the beauty of the day but also to bask in the styling of the boat. Then I turned the wheel over hard and the three, yes, three, Volvo Penta IPS drives did their thing
and we carved wide arcs in the lake, breaking out in smiles all around. This is a boat, I thought, that my family would love. Not only is there room for everybody (I have four children), but also because they’d love to be on it, cruising into Catalina or Key West, Florida, or Newport, Rhode Island, simply because the boat looks so good. Cruisers has been making well-crafted, reliable yachts for more than 50 years in Oconto, Wisconsin, now producing 13 models from 30 to 56 feet. The new 520 Sports Coupe is the latest and most innovative. “It’s in a class of its own,” says Cruisers product manager Jon Viestenz. Indeed, the triple IPS installation, the standard hardtop and creative (and moveable) cockpit seating add up to
a special boat. And that’s before you get to all the curves.
When I saw the boat for the first time, standing on the dock at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, I did a double- take, and then took another hard look, from stem to stern, trying to find any straight lines on the 52-footer. I couldn’t. I probably missed one somewhere, but this yacht has a sculpted European look where one curved surface flows gently into another, all complementing each other, so the overall impression is one of style and movement and fun. No hard edges here, no jarring sur-
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faces, just gentle hints of motion and fresh air. The transom is rounded, with an enormous swim platform and access to the cockpit from both sides. The extended hardtop is rounded on top with a semicircle on the aft edge and there’s even a curved stainless-steel grab rail along the sides of the hardtop for safety going forward. Three large vertical slanted windows in the hull under the hardtop give the boat a sense of forward motion, even when it’s sitting at the dock. There are also several distinct seating and lounging areas, both up top and down below. In the enclosed bridge deck, there’s seating for two at the helm station, and three on the adjoining curved settee on the port side. There’s room for at least
three or four more on the port side curved settee. That’s seating for about a dozen, comfortably, and that’s just up top, before anybody goes to the sun pad on the bow or to the enormous salon below. If you want to have a party on the dock, invite a dozen more. In other words, invite your friends and have them invite their friends. But its under way that the
Cruisers really stands out, with the three IPS pod drives, each with dual forward-facing propellers, providing exceptional maneuverability and performance. We took the boat out on Lake Michigan in the late afternoon when there was just a 5-knot breeze and perhaps a 1-foot chop under cloudless blue skies, a perfect summer afternoon.
We cruised along in the upper 20-knot range, looking, without much success, for other wakes to cross, and then opened the boat up to its top speed of 35.6 knots, or almost 41 mph — a very respectable showing for a 52-foot yacht with room for tons of people on board. I’ve always felt that top speeds in yachts of this nature are pretty much for bragging rights (as opposed to the top speed in a Cigarette,
because of their reduced noise and exhaust levels, but it’s around the dock that they really shine. Indeed, it’s hard to beat the confidence of simply turning the joystick to move the boat sideways into a slip that, in this case, was perhaps 55 feet long, between two other new Cruisers waiting to go out.
say) because nobody is going to go that fast in real-world cruising conditions. The Cruisers is nothing if not user-friendly. The helm station has two matching seats with bolsters that can be raised or lowered, plus a comfortable built-in nonskid footrest. for handling lines.
then down six steps, with a large stainless rail on the port side for safety. Prepare to be amazed: The salon is huge, with a lot of interior volume. There even was extra headroom for me, and I’m about 6 feet 2 inches tall. There are curves everywhere here, too, in the large galley to port and an innovative sofa to starboard, which includes two pieces that convert into matching
The IPS drives make long-range cruising easier
You go below through a large sliding door and
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lounge chairs. The full-beam master stateroom aft has a centered queen berth, just like home, and a love seat to port where a couple could sit and relax, read or enjoy their morning coffee or a nightcap. A makeup table, or desk for a laptop, is on the starboard side. The head has a large enclosed shower and a stylish European-style round bowl sink. The VIP
cabin forward has a raised queen berth with steps on each side for access and a big oval hatch overhead that lets in lots of light. All in all, the Cruisers 520 Sports Coupe has a lot to offer, at the dock and under way. From the very first, you’ll certainly enjoy all the room — and all the curves.
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Sea Ray’s
43 Sundancer When a builder introduces a 43 express that’s the first production boat to boast a revolutionary drive system and more than a few state-of-theart creature comforts, you assume the company had experienced boaters in mind when it developed the design. After all, most buyers of any boat this size have laddered their way up from smaller cruisers. Yet Sea Ray claims its new 43 Sundancer(view photo gallery) was developed for the full spectrum of boaters, experienced and newcomers alike. The technological sophistication, performance and livability of the 43 will appeal to many, and the innovative Zeus drive system will make it easy for those with little or no helm time to learn their craft quickly.
The 43 I tested at Sea Ray’s massive facility in Palm Coast, Florida, was the prototype, the first off the line. But if I didn’t know that, I wouldn’t have believed it. Many builders consider the prototype an in-house test platform. They use it to discover and iron out any bugs before the model goes into full production. But for some builders, Sea Ray in particular, a prototype is the first production hull. It’s expected to be ready for prime time, since wrinkles have been ironed out in extensive preproduction workouts. That was the case with this 43. In a nutshell, the detailing and workmanship of the boat I tested bordered on a custom build, which is not surprising, as Sea Ray has a lot riding on this model. The company made its mark with the Sundancer series over 30 years ago, and this line has been setting the standard for express cruiser design since then.
This is an all-new boat, including the hull, which was developed specifically for the Zeus pod drives. This propulsion comes standard with the 43, which is the first production boat to showcase the technology. Sea Ray partnered with CMD Marine (the joint venture formed by Cummins MerCruiser Diesel and Mercury Marine to produce and market Zeus), offering its boats as test platforms during the development of the drives.
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Unless you’ve spent the last five years shipwrecked on a desert island, you already know pods have taken the marine industry by storm as more and more manufacturers develop new models specifically for this type of propulsion. Until recently, the only big player in the pod-drive field has been Volvo Penta’s IPS, but that’s about to change. Sea Ray and CMD are betting that Zeus will give IPS a run for its money. CMD’s choice of the 43 Sundancer as the first pro-
duction platform for Zeus was a savvy choice. Running the 43 was both fun and easy. With its electrohydraulic joystick control, handling around the dock was a no-brainer. With minimal instruction, it won’t take an inexperienced boater long to figure out how to twist the stick to activate the pods and direct the boat to exactly where he wants it to go. Teenagers, with their video game expertise, will dock like pros as soon as they eyeball that stick.
While the MerCruiser SmartCraft diagnostic and vessel view displays at the helm will give you all the information you’ll ever need to know — including ongoing fuel burn, amount remaining and suggested throttle settings for peak performance — it will also provide data your mechanic will appreciate. The Sundancer’s performance is just one of its finer points. Because I’m a professional charter skipper, I tend to evaluate boats based on their ability to enhance
the comfort and convenience of passengers. I don’t think many people will find the 43 difficult to get around on or enjoy. For instance, boarding is a snap, thanks to the aft gate, which is hefty and fitted with a substantial positive lock, and the molded-in step that leads into the cockpit. Transom seating, with ample stowage underneath, allows three or four passengers to watch the wake unwind when the boat is underway, although the entire cockpit can com
fortably seat many more. (I particularly like the dual bolstered seats near the helm that adjust electrically — sweet.) The wet bar — which includes an icemaker, two-burner Kenyon electric stove, refrigerator/freezer, sink and overhead flat-screen TV — is tucked into the cockpit without infringing upon the seating or the cocktail-party-size deck area. To top it all off, the boat comes with a complete canvas enclosure for the cockpit. When you
crank up the reversecycle air conditioning system (three compressors totaling 24,000 BTU are powered by a standard 11.5-kW Onan genset), the cockpit becomes a comfortable, climate-controlled area. Of course, some owners still like a little sun on their backs along with a cool place to relax. For those people, there are two motorized skylights set into the 43’s hardtop, plus a motorized side vent adjacent to the helm. One high-end feature is the swim platform. It’s a massive hydraulic Marine Lift unit that has the capacity to hold a PWC or RIB. Plus, it can be partially submerged in the water, so you can float, rather than haul, your water toys aboard. Having seen the top-ofthe-line nature of the topside of this boat, I expected equal quality and attention to detail below. That was all there, but there were other touches that were downright surprising. The aft cabin, for instance, is a true stateroom with a locking door instead of a curtain or sliding panel. It took a nifty bit of design know-how to transform that space into a private place for two passengers. Our test boat featured two single berths, but a double is available. A head compartment with shower is adjacent.
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The forward master stateroom has changing spaces on either side of the queen-size berth, but making it up will require you to stretch, as the bed takes up the whole forward section of the cabin. There’s an adjacent communicating head with shower and a third, separate shower room next to it. That makes three showers on this 43-footer, not counting the wash-down at the transom. I like the 43 Sundancer. It shows the extra attention to detail Sea Ray owners have come to expect from this brand. They won’t be disappointed with the builder’s newest launch. I think the boat is impressive for another reason, too. We’re living in an uncertain economy these days, yet this company has chosen this year to introduce an all-new boat that incorporates revolutionary technology, convenience-enhancing features and top-shelf workmanship. In my mind, those things seem to reflect the builder’s optimism and confidence in the fact that true quality will find its market.
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