“Mr Leno, your car is ready.”

If you were fortunate enough to be one of the lucky Americans waiting to take delivery of a MP4-12C, your wait is over. Deliveries of the 592 horsepower heir to the McLaren F1 throne are now underway to customers in the USA and Canada.

The reasonably priced super car has an MSRP of $229,000 is the States, or just over$386 per horsepower. The MP4-12C features a 3.8-liter V8 twin turbo engine, which produces 592hp and 600Nm torque and is mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift transmission. It is capable of reaching 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds (3.0 if fitted with the optional Pirelli PZero Corsa tires) on its way to a 205 mph top speed.

The 12C’s unique carbon fiber ‘MonoCell’ chassis weighs justover 165 lbs. and is a clear representation of McLaren’s motorsport DNA; McLaren introduced a carbon fiber monocoque to Formula 1 in 1981 and has produced every one of its road and race car chassis since using the same composite material. The innovative sports car, doesn’t ‘carryover’ components from any other vehicle, so don’t except to find any Fiat Panda parts here.

The arrival of the MP4-12C marks the launch of McLaren Automotive in North America, as the fabled McLaren F1 was never sold in the States. McLaren plans to launch a new model or variant in the North American market each year, expanding its lineup and reaching new enthusiast audiences.  The $229,000 base MSRP for the 12C  doesn’t include the additional $2,400 port and destination fee, but the nuisance fee hasn’t kept serious buyers like Jay Leno at bay.

McLaren Automotive is represented by 10 dealerships throughout North America. There are nine dealers located in the United States: McLaren Greenwich, McLaren Philadelphia, McLaren Tampa, The Collection McLaren (Miami), McLaren Dallas, McLaren Chicago, McLaren Newport Beach, McLaren San Francisco, and McLaren Beverly Hills. McLaren Toronto represents McLaren Automotive in Canada.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO69Ac1iODM

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The sleek new 2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport will premiere at the Geneva Auto Show. The GranTurismo is characterised by increased performance and by an elegant overall restyling stressing its sporty nature.

An innovative functionally redesigned new front bumper optimises the front air flows for both engine and brake cooling. A new design of the bumper with a new style profile frames the new headlights with DRL Led technology. The rear of the new GranTurismo Sport is characterised by new taillights in an elegant, more aggressive, darker tone.

A significant restyling also shapes the interior of the car with completely redesigned front and rear seats and a new steering wheel with a more sporty and muscular look.

True to its name, the new GranTurismo Sport will feature improvement and better 0-60 times in its performance thanks to a 4.7 litre V8 engine now capable to deliver 460 HP.

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Why you should spend five minutes watching a Ford Mustang video entitled “The Race” filmed in Poland? Because our friends from the Ford Mustang Club of Poland (Mustang Klub Polska) don’t know that car club meeting are boring. I can’t tell you how many times I begrudgingly attended business meetings and club get togethers that are less fun than Kiwanis convention.  However, if car clubs in the USA were more like this group of Mustang enthusiasts in Poland. I would be mailing in my annual dues with a sense of glee.

The movie was conceived and filmed by members of the Polish Mustang Club, who shot it during their free time as a promotion video for the club. It features 31 Mustang from 1965 to 2011, and begs the question which generation pony car is the better beat machine. Race on.

If the Mustang club of America had this much charisma, on a general basis, they would have no problem attracting younger members.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yj1kBHcAbzw

Film by www.marcinbielawski.pl

photography by
Marcin Bielawski
Mateusz Siwek
Patryk Jakowski

edited by
Mateusz Siwek

music by
The Jokes After Lunch “melanż”
Adham Shaikh “emergence”"
Emergence
Written and performed by Adham Shaikh
Published by Sonicturtle Music (SOCAN)
Courtesy of Interchill Records
By arrangement with 8FoldMusic.com

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“This old Jeep,
She’s been a good old girl.
She’s taken me to places
I’ve never seen before …”
                — Donna Lee Holman

Do you love your car, truck or Jeep enough to write a song about it? Donna Lee Holman does.

Holman’s first CD, Cool Water, features 10 of her original compositions, accompanied by her vocal solos and guitar. One of the cuts is called “This Old Jeep,” a tribute to her long-standing relationship her 1999 Jeep Wrangler.

“Since I was a child, I have always loved the Jeep Wrangler,” she says. “There is just something about getting in a Jeep 4×4 with the ragtop down and having the ability to go anywhere – plus, I think they look cool, too.”

She never forgot her dream of owning a Wrangler, ever it took more than a decade to come true.

“I stopped in a dealership and bought one – red with a tan top. That Jeep has never left me stranded. I still have it. She’s 13 years old with more than 100,000 miles on her, and I still get a sense of joy in riding in it. One day, I said to myself, ‘This old Jeep, she’s been a good ol’ girl’ – and from there, the song began to take form.”

Holman’s musical journey has accumulated some mileage, too. Her talent has taken her to, among other destinations, Nashville, where she spent some time honing her songwriting craft. It was there that she co-wrote songs with Mark Gray, who created hit tunes for Alabama, including “The Closer You Get” and “Take Me Down.”

After a few years in Nashville, she returned home to Michigan, where she has had the distinction of serving as the opening act for Travis Tritt, Kid Rock, Big and Rich and Rascal Flatts.

Today, she continues to perform and write music. And ride about town in her Jeep Wrangler.

“The one constant thing in my life has been my Jeep,” she says. “That’s one of the reasons I can’t part with it, even though it’s getting older. I have a connection with it.

“One of the things I like about being a Jeep owner is, when you’re having a bad day and you’re driving around in your Jeep, there’s always another person in another Jeep that will wave at you. And that makes you feel good.

“It’s the whole Jeep thing,” adds Holman. “And, I know there are other people who feel the same way I do.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDEkdXD01_Q

Click here to visit Donna’s web site and listen to “This Old Jeep” in its entirety.

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The Geneva Motor Show will see the official debut of the 2013 Ferrari California, production of which has already commenced, with a reduction of weight of 65 lbs (30 kg) and an increase in power output of 30 horsepower.

The Ferrari California’s GDI V8 now delivers 490 hp with maximum torque of 505 Nm at 5,000 rpm, thanks to new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping. The torque curve has also been modified and is higher across the engine’s generous rev range.

Cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the manufacture of the Ferrari California’s chassis, have led to an overall reduction of 65 lbs in the car’s weight without impinging in any way on its structural rigidity and performance.

These enhancements have improved the Ferrari’s California’s performance, reducing its 0-60 acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. This heightens its sporty feel without detracting from the mission and character of a car that has won universal acclaim for its performance and exceptional versatility resulting from its retractable hard top and 2+ seating.

To meet the needs of clients desiring a more dynamic, yet not overly extreme, driving experience, an optional Handling Speciale package has been developed which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up that minimise body roll and make the car even more responsive to driver inputs.

The Handling Speciale package includes Magnetorheological dampers controlled by an even faster ECU (-50% response time) running patented Ferrari software. The package also features stiffer springs for more precise body control combined with a comfortable ride. Lastly, the California benefits from faster turn-in with smaller steering wheel angles thanks to a new steering box with a 10 per cent quicker steering ratio.

All these new features combine to underscore the California’s sporty prowess without affecting its high-performance grand touring vocation – an achievement very much in line with Ferrari’s DNA.

The technical features are matched by a new, even more extensive choice of colours developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre, including two-tone finishes, three-layer paint technology and modern re-interpretations of classic colour schemes which increase the  exclusive personalisation possibilities even further. In addition, the Ferrari California benefits from the free seven-year standard maintenance programme.

The availability of the lighter and more powerful vehicle, along with the optional Handling Speciale package, varies according to each market with first deliveries scheduled for Europe.

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In the 1960′s the Beatles lead the pop British Invasion,45 years later the legendary 1960′s ear muscle car launches its own invasion. There ain’t no muscle like Motor City Muscle, and British fans of the iconic cars that ruled American roads throughout the 1960s can now place orders for the modern incarnation of one of the greatest muscle cars of all time – the Chevrolet Camaro.

Priced at £34,995 for the Coupe or £39,995 for the soft-top Convertible model, the new Camaro exudes all of the attributes that made the original muscle cars famous – great performance, stunning looks and incredible value for money.

In addition to the standard models, Chevrolet is also offering, for a limited time only, the 2012 45^thanniversary Camaro, finished in striking Carbon Flash Black with bespoke red and silver anniversary stripes, dark silver 20-inch alloys, a unique 45^th anniversary leather interior with red, white and blue stitching and a one-off white-backed instrument panel. It’s priced at £36,495 for the Coupe or £41,495 for the Convertible.

All models come with a six-speed manual gearbox, but are available with a six-speed automatic transmission as a £1,500 option.

Power comes from a 6.2-litre V8 engine developing 432PS (405PS auto), with 0-62mph acceleration between 5.2 seconds (manual Coupe) and 5.6 seconds (auto Convertible). All Camaros have an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. A full spec table appears below.

Customers wishing to order a Camaro can now do so, with the first cars arriving in dealerships late spring. Details of Camaro dealers can be obtained by calling Chevrolet UK on 0800 923 6000, while more details on the Camaro, including full specification and options, can be found at www.chevrolet.co.uk/cars/camaro/

ENDS

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London-based exotic coachbuilder, Prindiville Design, has unveiled a new Limited Edition Land Rover Defender, designed to celebrate the debut of the model in their Collection which counts some of today’s most sought-after supercars such as the Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Aventador.

Restricted to only 25 units worldwide, and designed to offer individuality coupled with a superior level of comfort and practicality, the Limited Edition Land Rover is based on the latest Defender 90 Hard Top model, and hand-assembled by a team of highly skilled engineers at Prindiville’s UK manufacturing facility close to Silverstone, in-line with the customer’s bespoke interior and exterior specification. Enhancements to the suspension, braking system, cooling, and engine are undertaken by Defender specialists, Lincolnshire-based Alive Tuning, who has become renowned in their field for their extensive experience, unrivalled quality, and attention to detail.

The Limited Edition offers a choice of four different power upgrades, which gradually increase the output of the 2.4-litre TDi powerplant from 122 to 190 bhp. Coupled with the dual-range six speed transmission, which can be further upgraded to an automatic or tiptronic gearbox, and the additions of a high flow intercooler, silicone hoses, and turbocharger, this translates into a 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100km/h) sprint of just 10 seconds, and a peak torque of 460 ft. lb. The model is specified as standard with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, complete with a high performance braking system thanks to Prindiville’s bespoke six-piston callipers and sport discs. Custom designed and manufactured performance springs also allow greater vehicle speed and stability.

Each of the 25 customers are invited to specify a bespoke paint scheme in either a matt or metallic finish from Prindviille’s very own palette, thereby complementing the beautifully-designed exterior which boasts a number of features exclusive to the latest Limited Edition. These are namely a rear Prindiville signature badge, a titanium high performance sports exhaust, chrome side protection runners, LED headlights and tail lights, ribbed undershield, in addition to front and rear parking sensors and cameras, a world first for the Land Rover Defender.

The full leather interior is trimmed with the finest Italian hides, and superior comfort comes courtesy of Cobra sport seats dressed with hand-stitched piping. This is echoed in the matching leather steering wheel, alcantara driver and passenger carpets, and bespoke centre console storage unit, all built and tailored according to the owner’s colour selection. Each of the Limited Edition Defenders by Prindiville equally receives a dashboard-mounted numbered aluminium plaque commemorating the series in the coachbuilder’s prestigious collection.

The application of internal sound proofing significantly reduces road and engine noise, allowing occupants to enjoy the unsurpassed driving experience as well as the in-car entertainment and communication system. This comes as standard with a five-inch built-in LCD television interface providing access to wireless Internet, a DVD player, satellite navigation, 360-degree external vision, surround sound from four  loudspeakers, as well as a connection to any mobile handset and MP3 device via Bluetooth.

Commenting on the launch of the new Limited Edition Land Rover Defender, Alex Prindiville, Founder and Chief Designer of Prindiville Design, explains: “The Limited Edition Land Rover Defender is a truly unique proposition in that it offers a more refined, quiet, and comfortable environment comparable to that of high-end 4x4s. This is an uncompromised solution for either urban city driving or long-distance journeys. The significant interest which we have enjoyed to date will no doubt pave the way for further Land Rover or Range Rover customisations of a similar nature.”

The Limited Edition Land Rover Defender by Prindiville Design is available for sale at a cost of £52,000 or US$81,500 (excluding import taxes and shipping).

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BMW Classic Parts Supply launched its new online shop. Now customers can order spare parts for their BMW classics speedily, easily and from the comfort of their home.

For BMW Classic the online shop represents “the next phase in the realignment of the business field and a further logical step towards customer satisfaction and customer-oriented service”, noted Ralf Vierlein, Head of Sales and Aftersales at BMW Group Classic.

Customers can visit the online shop at http://shop.bmw-classic.de, search for appropriate spare parts for their classic vehicles and order them online. Furthermore, information is provided on the suitability of parts for various model ranges. This service is currently available for customers in Germany. Starting in April 2012 this service will be expanded to further European markets.

The range of parts in the new online shop currently totals some 35,000 items for classic BMW cars and motorcycles dating from 1960 to around 1990. Large, heavy spare parts, dangerous goods and materials, electronic components and yard goods are excluded from the range.

For customers, the online Parts Shop will not only make the search for spare parts much easier, it will also facilitate the replacement process: when a component is purchased, a BMW partner is automatically recommended to help the customer restore his or her classic vehicle and to provide technical support.

The BMW Classic Parts Supply online shop will be presented for the first time at the Bremen Exhibition Centre during the Bremen Classic Motorshow, which takes place from 3 – 5 February 2012.

The online shop can be accessed with immediate effect on the BMW Classic website at www.bmw-classic.de and www.bmw-classic.com

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For over 25 years, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) has published Hot Wheels, an annual report of America’s 10 most stolen vehicles.  While popular expectations have been that newer, more expensive vehicles would top the list, the data has repeatedly shown quite the opposite, with older, less flashy models topping the list.

As a take-off from the traditional Hot Wheels report, beginning with this release, the NICB will periodically issue a special report—Hot Wheels Classics—focusing on a specific class of vehicle or make and model.  For the debut report, NICB selected the iconic Ford Mustang.

Since it was first introduced to the public at the 1964 New York World’s Fair, nearly eight and a half million Mustangs have been sold, making it one of the most popular and enduring vehicles to ever grace a dealer’s showroom.

Unfortunately, over the years many Mustang owners have had to deal with the theft of their pony cars.  Aside from the hassle of losing their transportation and all that entails, a Mustang loss can be overwhelming given that many owners form an emotional bond with their machines.  You would probably have to own one to understand that.

NICB reviewed Mustang theft data from 1964-2011 and identified 611,093 theft records. Although data for all years is available, confidence in pre-1981 records is low due to the inconsistency in reporting protocols and vehicle identification number (VIN) systems in use prior to 1981.

Since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required VIN standardization beginning with the 1981 model year, that year is the oldest reliable data used in this report.  Data prior to 1981 is provided for information only.

Overall, from 1981 through 2011, a total of 411,155 Mustangs were reported stolen. The most thefts occurred in 1981 (20,708) and the fewest in 2011 (4,347).

Thefts vs. Sales

During the 30-year period from 1981-2011, a total of 4,110,110 Mustangs were sold in the United States.  However, over the Mustang’s entire lifespan through the end of 2011, a total of 8,450,741 units have been sold in the United States.  The single year with the most U.S. sales was 1966 with 549,436. Conversely, 2009 logged the fewest Mustang sales reaching only 66,623 units.*

The following graph shows the top 10 most stolen Mustang model years for the period 2001-2011. Overall, a total of 91,152 Mustangs were stolen during this time frame; the top 10 listed below accounts for 45,421 thefts or 50 percent of all thefts during that period.

The complete theft data is here.

At NICB, we have been in the business of identifying and recovering stolen vehicles since 1912.  Our expertise has been sought by law enforcement agencies all over the nation to assist with major auto theft investigations.  Frequently, NICB recovers stolen vehicles that have long since been forgotten — except by their owners.

NICB Reunites Stolen Shelby GT-350 with its Owner

In 1982, a Mustang owned by a young Marine stationed at Cherry Point, North Carolina, was stolen.  This was no ordinary Mustang; it was a 1965 Shelby GT-350.  The Marine soon deployed and never saw that car again—until 2007 when an NICB agent contacted him with news that his Mustang was located in Maryland.

In the intervening years since it was stolen, the Mustang’s true identity — its VIN — had been painstakingly altered and matched with a fraudulent title.  It was then sold to an unsuspecting buyer who eventually put a new $12,000 Shelby engine in it.

The duped owner was contacted in 2007 by the Maryland State Police and an NICB special agent asking to inspect his Shelby.  As you can imagine, he was absolutely dazed when they informed him that his prized possession was, in fact, stolen property.

That young Marine from 1982—now a professional airline pilot—was overjoyed when he was notified that his dream car had been recovered and was in excellent condition.  And, in a classy gesture of goodwill—he was not legally required to do so—the pilot gave the former owner a check for $12,000 for the engine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XRE3yw-PdM

Whether or not you own a Shelby Mustang, take steps to protect your vehicle from theft. Although vehicle thefts have been declining in recent years, if it happens to you it can be financially devastating and just an all-around hassle.  NICB urges motorists to follow its “layered approach” to auto theft prevention.  By employing these simple, low-cost suggestions people can make their vehicles less attractive to thieves.

NICB’s four layers of protection are:

Common Sense:  Lock your car and take your keys. It’s simple enough, but many thefts occur because owners make it easy for thieves to steal their cars.

Warning Device:  Having and using a visible or audible warning device is another item that can ensure that your car remains where you left it.

Immobilizing Device:  Generally speaking, if your vehicle can’t be started, it can’t be stolen.  ”Kill” switches, fuel cut-offs and smart keys are among the devices which are extremely effective.

Tracking Device:  A tracking device emits a signal to the police or to a monitoring station when the vehicle is stolen.  Tracking devices are very effective in helping authorities recover stolen vehicles.  Some systems employ “telematics” which combine GPS and wireless technologies to allow remote monitoring of a vehicle.  If the vehicle is moved, the system will alert the owner and the vehicle can be tracked via computer.

Anyone with information concerning vehicle theft and insurance fraud can report it anonymously by calling toll-free 1-800-TEL-NICB (1-800-835-6422), texting keyword “fraud” to TIP411 (847411) or by visiting our Web site at www.nicb.org.

*All Mustang sales figures provided by Automotive News Data Center.

SOURCE National Insurance Crime Bureau

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Quote of The Day (QOTD): “The muscle car could only happen in the U.S. because we’re the only ones crazy enough to stuff a V8 into the smallest possible car and scare the hell out of mothers everywhere.” -J Mays, group vice president-Design and chief creative officer at Ford Motor Company, talking about automotive design.

The legendary designer shares thoughts about this because he’s working on the 2014 50th-anniversary Mustang. Mays was careful on to tip his hand too much on the upcoming Mustang. With the recent refresh of Mustang due out in April 2013, Ford has pushed the full redesign back to 2015. The 50th anniversary 2014 Mustang will most likely be a special color and interior option package. With body emblems to denote the package. Look for the 2015 Mustang concept car to revealed in Dearborn on April 17, 2014 at the Mustang’s 50th Birthday Bash .

The 2015 Mustang most likely will be based on the Aussie Ford Falcon. This won’t be the first time Ford borrowed platforms to build their famed pony car. The original 1965 Ford Mustang was unpinned on the Falcon platform. In 1979 the Fox-Body Mustang was built upon the Ford Fairmont body. Look for the 2015 to lighter and more nimble than the current pony. And expect the added hint of European flair as Ford opens the Mustang up to the global design teams for the first time ever.

Photo Credit: Auto Express

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