Luxury Auto Direct Magazine

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V8 - 44 - GULF

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All FloorLiners Shown in BMW X5

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Publisher/Editor Rick Castillo national advertising Sales Rick Castillo rick@luxuryautodirect.com

Creative Director Chad Kirby

chad@luxuryautodirect.com

Web Development Josh Powers

josh@luxuryautodirect.com

Malcom Hogan Contributing Writers Stephanie Olivo Sharon Pagano Rick Castillo Angel Torres Contributing Photographers Angel Torres Rick Castillo Danny Henriquez Vince Miniet Michael Torres Subscriptions 1 year – 6 Issues $29.99 2 year – 12 Issues $39.99 813-920-1988 or info@luxuryautodirect.com

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. Luxury Auto Direct Magazine TM is published in the U.S.A 6 times per year by Luxury Direct Media, Inc.. For subscription or advertising rates, call 813-920-1988 or write to Luxury Auto Direct Magazine, PO Box 1058, Lutz, FL 33548. Luxury Auto Direct Magazine TM makes no representation or warranty for accuracy or content. The pictures of automobiles for sale and the written offer for sale are the responsibility of the individual advertiser. All photos become property of Luxury Direct Media, Inc. when printed unless otherwise agreed to by the publisher.


SETTING TRENDS

ONE GENERATION AT A TIME

503SUV

TYPE

for

TYPE

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TYPE

503

The Antera Type 503 is a progressive 5 spoke Italian wheel with an exquisite diamond cut/brilliant silver finish. This unique design is the perfect complement for most passenger cars and SUV’s. Seen below on a Range Rover Sport in 22” Sizes: 9”x20", 10.5"x20", 9”x22", 10”x22"

Claus Ettensberger Corporation is the exclusive importer of Antera light alloy wheels for North America.

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Cyrano

Hamann thumbs its nose at the series turbo

SESTO ELEMENTO

Lamborghini in carbon fiber

McLaren MP4-12C

Formula 1 DNA meets the thrill of open top driving

ASTON MARTIN’S NEW HERO 2013 Vanquish

PURE DRIVING EXPERIENCE 2012 Lotus Evora GX




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HAMANN-Motorsport has really turned the Porsche Panamera into a rocket. Even from the factory the Gran Turismo is already blessed with loads of performance, but this is still not enough for the Laupheim-based refiner. They’re crowning the Panamera as a super sports car with 603 hp/ 443 kW. This is music to the ears of Turbo and Turbo S owners, as this powerhouse is bringing vitality to both models. Already just reading the data sheet your blood pressure shoots up and you get itchy feet: 870 Nm of torque at 2,250 - 4,500 rpm, 3.9 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h and hitting the 200 km/h mark after 12.6 seconds. With the Sport Chrono Package activated the HAMANN Panamera’s ultimately turn into solid fuel rockets and catapult their occupants in a breathtaking 3.7 seconds to 100 km/h or in 12.4 seconds to 200 km/h respectively. At the same time the top speed increases to an impressive 315 km/h and thus it conclusively thumbs its proverbial nose at the series models (Turbo 303 km/h, Turbo S 306 km/h). Fittingly HAMANN-Motorsport has called its bodywork program CYRANO in honour of the French fictional character with a long nose.


16 In order to meet the highly visual requirements

In order to reduce the up-lift forces at the rear

and aerodynamic demands, the HAMANN

axle, the HAMANN engineers developed a

engineers revamped the front of the four-seater

special diffuser rear apron for the sedan from

completely. Larger air intakes in connection

Zuffenhausen. The apron encases the striking

with perfectly integrated daytime running lights

dual tailpipes of the sports exhaust system and

give the Porsche an even more dynamic look.

makes this car’s rear a real eye catcher.

Moreover, the optimized airflow - generated by the redesigned bonnet - reduces the lift at the

To bring the mighty appearance of the CYRANO

front axle even further. Adding 60 mm width to

to a full circle, HAMANN added its new 22-

the front and rear fenders makes the GranTurismo

inch rims: UNIQUE FORGED “GUNMETAL”. The

look even more imposing and are instrumental

design of the extremely light wheel combines

for the powerful overall appearance of the

sportiness and elegance. The recommended

HAMANN customization. The CYRANO side

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skirts were modelled such as to steady the airflow

with 265/30 ZR 22 tyres. The rear is fitted with

across the sides and let the stylish sports car

11.0Jx22 inch rims and 305/25 ZR 22 tires.

appear even closer to the tarmac and stretched.


17 Special eye catchers are the new alu wheels with special suspensions or a lowering module for the air suspension that lowers the Panamera’s center of gravity up to 30 mm. At the same time, the handling of the sports car is notably improved. The powerful enhancement of the Panamera Turbo will soon be offered by HAMANN as the core part of its customisation program. Included in this upgrade - which is still under development - is a rear sports muffler as well as a new engine


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management system. The result is a performance increase by 80 hp and a torque that has been enhanced by 120 Nm. HAMANN completely redesigns the interior of the Panamera and turns it into a Five-Star VIP Lounge. The factory-installed interior has been replaced with the finest leathers. The HAMANN aluminium pedal system shines brilliantly in the footwell and complements perfectly the medical applications of the car’s serial production interior. Whether it is double clear-coat finish, leather, or Alcantara – what ever your heart’s desire, it is available upon request. From personalized foot mats to complete interior leather finish, everything is made with the highest degree of craftsmanship and precision. Individually designed and integrated into the vehicle by masters of their craft. ■ ■ ■


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Automotive Accessories ™

Extreme-Duty Floor Protection. The FloorLiner™ accurately and completely lines the interior carpet giving “absolute interior protection” Deep channels carry fluids and debris to a lower reservoir, away from your feet!

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Accessories available for: Acura • Audi • BMW • Buick • Cadillac • Chevrolet • Chrysler • Dodge • Ferrari • Ford • GMC • Honda • Hummer • Hyundai • Infiniti • Isuzu • Jaguar • Jeep • Kia • Land Rover • Lexus • Lincoln • Maserati • Mazda • Mercedes-Benz • Mercury • Mini • Mitsubishi • Nissan • Oldsmobile • Plymouth • Pontiac • Porsche • Saab • Saturn • Scion • Subaru • Suzuki • Toyota • Volkswagen • Volvo • And More! pay regular shipping within the 48 contiguous states, when shipped to the same address on additional sets of floor mats or a cargo liner when purchased in combination with a set of front floor mats; or additional sets of Side Window Deflectors when purchased in combination with a front set of Side Window Deflectors; or an additional ClearCover ; or *an Weadditional PlateFrame . WE GUARANTEE YOUR SATISFACTION. If you are not satisfied with your order, call to return your unused product within 30 days for a complete refund, less shipping & packaging. Prices subject to change without notice. ™


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MudFlap

Introducing, the WeatherTech® No-Drill MudFlap! Featuring the Patent Pending QuickTurn™ hardened Stainless Steel fastening system. The No-Drill MudFlap set literally “mounts-in-minutes™” in most applications without the need for wheel/tire removal. Most importantly - without the need for drilling into the vehicle’s fragile painted metal surface! Contoured specifically for each application and molded from a proprietary thermoplastic resin, the WeatherTech® No-Drill MudFlap will offer undeniable vehicle protection. Check for our latest applications at weathertech.com; there are new applications every month.

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800-441-6287

Specialists in Original Equipment and Aftermarket Automotive Accessories

©2012 by MacNeil IP LLC


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Lamborghini is redefining the future of the super sports car with a unique technology demonstrator. Boasting an extremely lightweight construction thanks to advanced carbon-fiber technology, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento has an overall curb weight of just 2,202 lb – including V10 power unit and permanent all-wheel drive. This makes the Sesto Elemento a unique demonstration of the technological expertise of Automobili Lamborghini.


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Innovative carbon-fiber technologies are being used here for the first time in an automotive application. As a 100 percent subsidiary of AUDI AG, the Italian carmaker also benefits from the undisputed expertise of the German manufacturer when it comes to lightweight construction. With its amazing output of 570 hp, sensational power-to-weight ratio of only 1.75 kilograms per hp and 0-62 mph acceleration of only 2.5 seconds, the Sesto Elemento guarantees unparalleled driving fun. At the same time, fuel consumption also drops because of the extreme lightweight engineering applied throughout. The name of this technology demonstrator is derived from the periodic table, where carbon is classified as the sixth element. Thus, the Sesto Elemento demonstrates the worldwide leading expertise of Lamborghini in carbonfiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) technology. The super sports car brand from Sant’Agata Bolognese is the only vehicle manufacturer in the world to have mastered the complete CFRP process across a range of technologies, from 3D design through simulation, validation, production and testing – all in a state-of-the-art industrial process that stands for the very highest quality standards.

“The Lamborghini Sesto Elemento shows how the future of the super sports car can look – extreme lightweight engineering, combined with extreme performance results in extreme driving fun. We put all of our technological competence into one stunning form to create the Sesto Elemento,” comments Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It is our abilities in carbon-fiber technology that have facilitated such a forward-thinking concept, and we of course also benefit from the undisputed lightweight expertise of AUDI AG. Systematic lightweight engineering is crucial for future super sports cars: for the most dynamic performance, as well as for low emissions. We will apply this technological advantage right across our model range. Every future Lamborghini will be touched by the spirit of the Sesto Elemento.” Lamborghini drives the technology development in its two research centers the ACRC (Advanced Composite Research Center) and the ACSL (Advanced Composite Structures Laboratory) through collaborations with organizations such as Boeing, with the resulting technology secured under a host of patents. The basis is an extremely solid, stiff, safe and lightweight carbonfiber structur: the monocoque cell of the Sesto Elemento. The entire


25 front frame, the exterior panels and crash boxes are also made from CFRP. The Sesto Elemento’s major suspension components and the rims are made from carbon fiber. The tailpipes are made from Pyrosic, which is an advanced glass-ceramic matrix composite, able to reach and stand very high temperatures up to 900° celsius. Even the propeller shaft is made of CFRP. Uncompromising dynamics from the very first glance: the design of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento displays the sensuality of high performance and possesses the elegance of pure, unadulterated power. The Sesto Elemento lifts the design DNA of the Lamborghini brand to a new level and integrates the functional consistency of carbon-fiber technology into its

design language. A clear strength of the CFRP technology is the reduction and integration of components – something that has been used to its full extent in this innovative technology concept. The hi-tech material is visible everywhere. The Sesto Elemento is finished in a new, matt-shimmer clear coat, meaning that the CFRP structure can be seen throughout. Yet the Sesto Elemento is not just black; during the final stage of production the carbon fiber parts receive a newly developed and patented coat. Nano-Technology makes it possible to add fine crystals with a red shimmer. Surfaces covered with this type of finish glow red and deliver an outstanding effect. Further, the surface is particularly robust.


26 On a Lamborghini, every single line has a clear function; the two vertical ribs at the front, for example, improve the stiffness of the component and guide the cooling air directly to the radiator behind them and to the brakes. This guarantees the thermal wellbeing of the components even under the toughest race track conditions. The cooling air flows through two red triangular openings in the hood beneath the front windscreen and through large outlets in the side panels behind the front wheels. Sharply cut headlamp units complete the front end. Reduction is the name of the game here, too – alongside the bi-xenon lamps, there are four LEDs in each unit. The low front end looks incredibly dominant, with the partially double-lipped front spoiler pushed way out front and distinctively formed air intakes. The Sesto Elemento’s rear overhang is extremely short and, again, defined by optimum aerodynamics. The generously dimensioned

spoiler is perfectly matched to the diffuser and a further air deflector in the center, thus guaranteeing maximum downforce for extreme cornering speeds and excellent high-speed directional stability. The Pyrosic tailpipes are directed upwards through the engine cover panel, which also incorporates ten hexagonal openings and two air scoops behind the roof for delivering fresh air to the V10 power plant. The minimalist approach has also been applied to the interior, starting with the seats. Lamborghini has dispensed completely with the conventional seat frame. In fact, the whole internal structure is obtained and defined directly from the Forged Composite tub, that on one side plays a functional role and on the other side is the base for the optimally formed seat cushions, upholstered in hi-tech fabric, which are affixed directly to the carbon-fiber monocoque. The correct ergonomics are provided by the steering wheel, which can

be adjusted for height and reach, and by the pedals, which can be electrically adjusted longitudinally. Of course, the designers of Lamborghini Centro Stile also dispensed with interior trim in the classic sense. The dominant visual feature throughout is the functional CFRP material – on the floor and roof of the monocoque, on the doors and also on the cockpit and center console. Even the electronic control unit for the engine is mounted in plain sight – a very special kind of hi-tech aesthetic. The triangular cut-out is also evident as a design feature – wherever material can be removed in the interest of weight reduction. The controls are presented in a highly concentrated format. The instruments provide information primarily on engine and road speed, as well as all parameters relating to engine condition. Only three piezoelectric buttons grace the center console – one to start the engine, one to shift into reverse gear and another one for the lights.


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The fascinating heart of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento is familiar from the Gallardo LP 570-4 Superleggera. In the Sesto Elemento too, the V10 unit is mounted “longitudinale posteriore” – longitudinally behind the driver. The 570 hp output equals 419 kW, all of which is available at 8,000 r/min. The pulling power is just as impressive – with the torque curve peaking at 540 Nm and 6,500 r/min. The V10 offers 5,204 cm3 of displacement, delivering a specific output of 109.6 hp per liter of displacement. The highlights of this long-stroke engine with an aluminum crankcase include dry sump lubrication and a cylinder angle of 90 degrees. Both solutions are an integral part of the lightweight engineering approach, as well as serving to lower the center of gravity and thus tighten the handling characteristics. Ideal combustion chamber fill comes courtesy of a switch-over induction system and continually variable, chain-driven camshafts. The Sesto Elemento is equipped with the e.gear transmission, controlled in race car fashion via shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The automated system with electronic management shifts smoothly through its six gears much faster than a human being would be able to. ■ ■ ■


2007 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider Rosso Corsa over Beige Interior. Options include: Red Brake Calipers, Daytona Style Seats, Red Instrument Panel, Scuderia Shields, Black Piping, Roll Bar Upholstery, Daytona Style Seats Stripes in Black and Carbon Fiber Dash Inserts. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www. ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

2009 Ferrari F430 Scuderia 16M Rosso Corsa over Black Cordura Interior. Options include: Red Brake Calipers, Carbon Fiber Exterior Package, Handy Fire Extinguisher, Yellow Instrument Panel, Large Carbon Fiber Racing Seats and All Stitching in Rosso. This car is essentially new with only 326 miles. It is complete with all of its original items such as: Car Cover, Spare Key, Complete Books and Ipod Touch. Factory Warranty until 04/27/2012. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

1990 Ferrari 348 ts Rosso Corsa over Black Interior. This is a very well kept 348 has just undergone complete servicing with timing belts in our shop. It is an exceptional car that has complete service history and original books. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!

2008 Ferrari F430 F1 Spider Rosso Corsa over Beige Interior with Black Carpets. Options include: Red Brake Calipers, Carboceramic Brake System, Power Daytona Seats, Yellow Instrument Panel, Ferrari Ipod, Scuderia Sheilds, Piping in Black, Ball Polished Challenge Rims, Roll Bar Upholstery in Beige, Bose Hi-Fi, Daytona Seat Leather Stripes in Black, Colored Steering Wheel and Carbon Fiber Dash Inserts. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!


2009 Ferrari 599 GTB Nero over Nero Interior. Options include: Leather Upholstery for Seat Backrest, Yellow Brake Calipers, Carboceramic Brake System, Carbon Fiber for Driving Zone, Carbon Fiber for Lower Cabin Zone, Daytona Style Seats, Homelink, Yellow Instument Panel, Ferrari Ipod, Scuderia Shields, Front and Rear Parking Sensors, Ball Polished Challenge Rims, Full Recaro Seats, Leather Rear Shelf, BOSE Hi-Fi, All Stitching in Yellow and Pirelli Tires. This is a 1 owner car that is just like new with only 700 miles. Factory warranty until 5/31/2012. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www.ferrarisales. com. Inquire Today!

2005 Bentley Continental GT Silver over Grey Interior. This is a very nice car that was a recent trade here at the dealership. It is fully equipped with everything that you would expect in a car of this stature. Powered by a 552 HP W12 with all-wheel drive, this car will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. Contact us at 801.521.0340 or sales@ferrarisales.com. More photos at www. ferrarisales.com. Inquire Today!


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McLaren GT, the new race car manufacturing arm of the McLaren Group, presented a dramatic track-focused concept at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours, the 12C Can-Am Edition. The one-off design study is finished in historic McLaren Orange and satin black. The 12C Can-Am Edition is finished in striking shade of McLaren Orange, in tribute to cars of Bruce McLaren and Denny Hulme which were extremely successful throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The bold hue is in dramatic contrast to the roof, door and bumper sections, finished in satin black, while carbon fibre also features on the side radiator vanes, wing mirrors and engine cover. The McLaren badges on the front and rear are also finished in carbon fibre. Beneath the surface, the 12C Can-Am Edition shares the same carbon fibre MonoCell chassis as the 12C road car.


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Being purely a concept at this stage, and designed as the ‘ultimate track car’, the 12C Can-Am Edition is not subject to the regular racing regulations, despite being based on the 12C GT3 race car. The revised version of the familiar 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 engine features a unique engine calibration and optimised cooling system, which allows a power output of up to 630hp, making it the most powerful 12C derivative ever shown. The overall dry weight is just 2645.5lbs. The unique aerodynamics of the 12C Can-Am Edition, as with the 12C GT3 race car, have been honed by McLaren Racing using Formula 1 technology and simulation to optimise downforce. This unique package offers an increase in downforce of 30 per cent.


34 The optimised aerodynamic package includes a carbon fibre front splitter, carbon fibre dive planes, and a carbon fibre wing which dominates the rear of the car. The wing is held in place by polished aluminium mounts. An imposing carbon fibre diffuser helps to further maximise the aerodynamic package, fitted beneath the two-tone rear bumper. The extra power output of the 12C Can-Am Edition is kept in check with a braking system developed by Akebono. The highly efficient braking system sits behind a set of black satin-finished forged lightweight racing alloy wheels, shod with Pirelli racing slick tyres which complete the exterior revisions.


35 Inside the cockpit, the 12C Can-Am Edition is race ready as well. Two black race seats, complete with full six-point harnesses are mounted within the cabin, while a full race-specification rollcage has also been fitted. The steering wheel is carried over from the 12C GT3, with the shape and grip derived from that of Lewis Hamilton’s MP4-24 Formula 1 car, while carbon fibre detailing also continues throughout the cabin, across the dashboard and sill panels. An integrated air conditioning system, mandatory now in a growing number of race series, is also present. ■ ■ ■






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ASTON MARTIN’S

NEW HERO

the Vanquish Sitting proudly at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker’s sports car lineup, this breath-taking new super grand tourer represents the zenith of current Aston Martin design and engineering. Vanquish points to an exciting and confident future for the historic brand.


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Vanquish is a new Aston Martin featuring the next generation of the renowned VH architecture as well as a significantly upgraded 6.0-litre V12 engine that is considerably more potent than before. The design represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language. Vanquish unquestionably sees the brand continue its enviable tradition of producing some of the most beautiful sports cars in the world. Styling cues such as the elegant new waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar.

Unmistakably an Aston Martin, the design shows a clear and coherent lineage from its heritage while providing an equally clear pointer to the luxury car brand’s vibrant future. Closer inspection reveals details such as the stunning new Aero Duct on the rear boot lid. This elegantly devised passive engineering feature, which counteracts lift at the car’s rear when travelling at speed, is a triumph of both design and technical ability. Performance, presence, style and great British craftsmanship – the new Vanquish has all these traits in abundance.


43 Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez said: “Today’s Vanquish is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin design ethos, engineering innovation and technical ability. It offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability and pure driving excitement without compromise. “Bearing the same name as the iconic original Vanquish that did so much to cement Aston Martin’s reputation as a maker of great GT cars in the modern era, I believe the car unveiled today once again puts this great British brand at the top of its class. “The new Vanquish mixes beautiful design with impressive technology such as the superb new infotainment system. This is the latest incarnation of everything we know, informed and developed from One-77. It is the ultimate Super Grand Tourer – confident and assured – and is the newest representation of Power, Beauty and Soul.” As happy on the streets of a bustling city as it is carving through the countryside or long distance motorway touring, the Vanquish offers a thoroughbred British luxury sports car that’s also suited to everyday use.


44 Powered by a significantly revised naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine mated to the proven Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox, the new car offers suitably impressive performance figures. The V12’s power peak of 565 bhp (573 PS) makes it Aston Martin’s most potent production model yet, outmuscled only by the strictly limited edition £1.2m One-77 supercar. The raw statistics speak for themselves: 573 PS at 6,750 rpm, 620 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, 0-62 mph in 4.1 seconds and a top speed of 183 mph place the Vanquish firmly into supercar territory. Yet the brand’s team of engineers have been working towards economy and emissions improvements, too. The latest engineering methods, innovative technologies and typically understated classic British design come together to make the muscular new Vanquish a true super GT. For instance, each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre because of its high strength-to-weight ratio and flexibility of form.Meanwhile torsional rigidity is improved by more than 25%.


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Practical improvements such as a newly designed and significantly more spacious cabin and a boot that, at 368 litres, is more than 60% larger than that of the DBS, ensure the new Vanquish can carry sufficient luggage for even the most ambitious grand tourist. Designed and hand-built at Aston Martin’s global headquarters at Gaydon in Warwickshire the new Vanquish, available as a 2+2 or 2+0, sits atop a broad line-up of world-class sports cars including the exquisite DB9, sporty V8 Vantage and luxurious four-door Rapide. Dr Bez said: “The Aston Martin range is stronger now than at any time in our 99-year history. The new Vanquish represents the perfect way to signal the beginning of our centenary celebrations next year.” ■ ■ ■




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2012 Lotus

Evora GX


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Lotus Evora GX fires-up for GRAND-AM Road Racing Rolex Series debut Hot off the back of unleashing its Evora GTC racer, Lotus Racing engineers have been honing the Evora to meet the requirements of North America’s legendary sports car series, the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. Later in the 2012 season the Evora will race under the Rolex Series’ GT rules as GX rules begin in 2013. With the Evora GX, the driving experience is even more pure, and the beefy body kit is even more aggressive.

McMahon Raceworks with Condor Motorsport have placed an order for their Evora GX, and the team led by David McMahon with Armando Trentini as lead driver and consultant, will enter the GRAND-AM Rolex Sports Car Series. Like the GTC, carbon-fibre doors, roof and engine cover have replaced the SMC and RTM composite panels of the previous evolution GT4 Enduro, and Plexiglass replaces the polycarbonate windows in order to trim


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53 yet more weight off what is already a very light car. At 1,150kg, it tips the scales at just 10kg over the weight of the GTC model, despite being fitted with the much thicker USspec roll cage There are aerodynamic changes too, with a new front splitter and front bumper, and the standard Rolex Series rear wing which, along with the car’s wide wheels and flared arches, give it very mean stance. To meet other

series requirements, ABS and traction control have been removed, putting more emphasis on driver skill. There’s also a new fuel filler system, Continental tyres, and yellow headlamps in order to tick all the race series specific boxes. The 4-litre V6 continues to pump out 440bhp and 440Nm of torque, linked to an XTRAC six-speed sequential paddle-shift. The GX is priced at $335,000.00 and will be built to order. ■ ■ ■





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Woodberry, NY * 516.496.8171 East Hampton, NY * 631.329.8444

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