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Pictorial: Sebring Winter Testing 2010

E&L — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:16:05 +0000

Written by Kerry Stratton

Our very own Chris Grosser spent last weekend at the winter testing session for the American Le Mans series at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. Chris is currently on vacation but wanted to share his pictures. Which will be included below the break.

Cars On Fifth – Naples, Florida – Feb. 6, 2010

E&L — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:25:49 +0000

Written by Kerry Stratton

There are very few things in life I enjoy more than a good exotics car show, even better when it’s in my own back yard. In the past, the ‘Cars on Fifth’ event has not only been a successful in regards to consistently drawing over 400 cars and 20,000 spectators but also as a charity event for ‘Eden of Florida‘ (a non-profit organization striving to improve the lives of children and adults with Autism).

This being the sixth annual event planned by the Naples Ferrari Club follows the same working formula:

Shut down Fifth Avenue South (a major shopping district and the closest thing to a ‘Main Street’ as Naples has).
Bring in the best of the best muscle cars, classics, exotics and of course Ferraris
Open the floodgate and let the crowd pour in

Fortunately Chris and myself were lucky enough to get a chance to see every car at least once and sit down to breakfast at a reasonable hour before step three happened.

Similar to last year, the definite show stopper was a Koenigesegg however this year it was the super rare CCXR Trevita, a car made entirely out of diamond coated carbon fiber and one of three slated for production in 2010. Also there was it’s slightly less rare twin a black CCXR (which has been making it’s rounds the past few weeks).

Also nearby was the Conquest Knight XV SUV, I had been reading about this behemoth in magazines but until a few weeks ago had never seen one. Seriously, I think King Kong would have a hard time prying this thing open. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, imagine an Excursion, with a 6.8 Liter V10 biodiesel powered motor, 4,000 pounds of added armor plating and luxury features that make a Rolls Royce sweat (seriously this thing is AWESOME inside).

To me the biggest draw, were three matching Ferrari F40′s, this has been one of my favorite cars since I was a little kid, and seeing them in person always gives me goosebumps. The highlight of my weekend was pulling out of a friends neighborhood the night before the show and having one fly past me… in the rain. Try as hard as it could my little Nissan just couldn’t keep up however I did manage to grab a few shaky iPhone photos.

The local dealerships were once again present. Ferrari of Tampa and Central Florida both brought a collection of new and vintage Ferraris in their signature red trailers. Newcomers Lamborghini of Sarasota made their debut with both a Gallardo and Murciélago. Not to forget our locals AutoQuest and Naples Motorsports who both brought selections of their inventories.

If you’re ever in the area when this event is going on, you must check it out! Not only are there awesome cars, but all proceeds support a local charity… proof that car guys really do have hearts!

Exotics And Luxury at Cars for the Cure 2009 – Pictures & Video

E&L — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:45:12 +0000

Written by Russell Griner

This past Saturday, Exotics And Luxury attended Cars for the Cure, an annual car show held in Lake Mary, Florida. Car owners with a plethora of tastes get together to show their cars, have a good time, and help support a good cause. All proceeds benefit the American Lung Association, and, according to the Cars for the Cure website, this year’s donation total was $54,540. Well over 100 pictures available after the jump.

Many sponsors gave their time and money to make this event a success. Classic Audi brought their line’s finest automobiles for us to gawk over (I couldn’t get over the fit and finish of the S5), Dance Time Productions provided music for the venue, Titan Motorsports made a strong appearance with many of their tuned cars showing, including a 1050 hp Toyota Supra and camoflauge Porsche 996 twin turbo (pictures available on the Titan Blog), while Barefoot Wine & Bubbly provided free wine to guests. Luxury Auto Direct gave away free copies of their printed luxury magazine.

The setting this year for the event was perfect – mid seventy degree weather, sunshine, and absolutely zero rain just like three weeks ago when we posted our Palm Beach Supercar Weekend Pictures & Video. The reason I mention the weather is that last year Cars for the Cure was held on the 2nd of February and it was rainy – there were talks during the closing ceremony back in 2008 of moving the event up in the calendar schedule a week as the 2nd seemed to be notoriously rainy. Well, it looks like the event coordinations did that, and it was a success – bone dry!

We had a lot of fun, met a ton of friendly people, oogled over some of the finest cars ever made, met & mingled with some great people, and most importantly helped a cause we believe in. We look forward to next year, perhaps we’ll have a car or two on display at the Exotics And Luxury booth.

Cars for the Cure Pictures

If you are searching for a talented Orlando photographer, John, a long-time friend and photographer for Exotics And Luxury is available for freelance photography jobs. View his portfolio here.

Cars for the Cure Videos

Video courtesy of COR Wheels

More Coming soon

WELCOME TO AN AUTOMOTIVE ENTHUSIASTS DREAM
The 5th Annual “Cars for the Cure” Auto Show extravaganza will be held the weekend of February 6th – 8th 2009 at beautiful Colonial TownPark in Heathrow/Lake Mary Florida. This charitable event, with proceeds going to support the American Lung Association of Florida, promises to be like none other.

VIP Reception presented by Virji Investments, Inc – Friday, February 6, 2009
Get the VIP treatment when you attend our exclusive pre-show party for sponsors and car registrants only. The party will take place at Ruth’s Chris Steak House located at 80 Colonial Center Parkway, Lake Mary, FL 32746. Participants anticipate the biggest, baddest car show of the year, here in Central Florida.

AUTO SHOWING – Saturday February 7th, 10am – 4pm
This all-day show is the auto enthusiasts dream! Some of the most powerful and highly-tuned cars from around the world will be on display: International and American Customs, European Exotics, High Power Racers, custom bikes and more. The streets are lined with great shops, restaurants and attractions as well as a variety of sponsor and vendor booths to make your visit relaxing and enjoyable. Bring the family and enjoy a fun filled day.

SUNDAY DRIVE – Sunday February 8th, 9am
This is a great tradition open to registered participants only. We will depart at 10am from Colonial TownPark and take a cruise some of the most scenic highways in Central Florida escorted by law enforcement, the drive will end at Seminole Harley-Davidson?. This is one more chance to show off your car and enjoy a Sunday Drive with other car enthusiasts.

Even though the event is over, you can still donate to the American Lung Association here.

Cars for the Cure sponsors for 2009 included: Classic Audi, Colonial TownPark, Fields Auto Group, Granny Nannies, Ultimate Audio, Collier Jaguar, Lamborghini Orlando, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando, Bentley Orlando, Orlando Automotive Club, United Healthcare, AAA, DanceTime Productions, Titan Motorsports, Seminole Harley-Davidson, Suncoast Motorsports, Comerica Bank, AdKore Rehabilitation and Chiropractic, Ameriprise Financial, HouseWall Garage System, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Virji Investments, and… (continued below)

Cars for the Cure Media Sponsors: RealRadio 104.1, WJRR.com, 96.5 WHTQ Classic Rock, Seminole Magazine, Central Florida Lifestyle Publications, Orlando Style Magazine, Lake Mary Life, Luxury Auto Direct, and ClearChannel.

For those who missed the event this year, the address has remained the same for the past several years:

Colonial TownPark
932 Market Promenade Ave
Lake Mary , FL 32746

To view more pictures from the events, visit Automotive Addicts:

Which car was your favorite at Cars for the Cure 2009? Leave us a comment below.

[Photography: J Dot Photography - Contact John by email here]

BMW E91 M3 Touring by Jon Sibal

E&L — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:44:17 +0000

Written by Russell Griner

Remember when you were a kid, your teacher rambling on about fractions and short division, while you were overly focused on penciling your dream car onto that scratch piece of paper? Years later, in your first move out of your parent’s house, you find those papers, only to realize you were quite adept at drawing cheese wedges with wheels? While that may be the reason I write about cars, rather than design them, an artist named Jon Sibal has taken this time honored tradition to a new plateau. Pictures available after the jump.

There is much anticipation surrounding BMW’s E91 M3 touring, which should hopefully be announced soon enough, but Mr. Sibal couldn’t resist making this wait seem longer than it already did. He’s done a stunning job digitally rendering a very believable account of how the beastly grocery getter should look, and my god it’s beautiful.

Imagine being able to stow your golf clubs, bike, and luggage in the back, while having room in the rear seat for your beloved dog, and, with the help of the 400+hp V8, you’ll get to your destination faster and smoother than ever before. Then, next weekend, you’ll be able to take it to your local track and leave most envious of the car’s performance. This IS my dream car (as well as Mr. Sibal’s), so hurry up BMW, and make this a reality. You’ve sold at least two already.

Jon did do a few visual and performance modifications to his E91, here’s the list straight from his website:

Pepper White with Satin finish paint job.

Custom Vortech Supercharger
Arqray Titanium Exhaust
AC Schnitzer front lip
AC Schnitzer roof wing
Black Series BBS RE Magnesium
Yokohama Advan Sport Tires
KW Coil-overs
Brembo 8-pot caliper Big-brake system

[Source: Autoblog & Jon Sibal via BMW Blog]

BMW X6 M On Its’ Way

Zach — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 02:21:25 +0000

2010 BMW X6 M

BMW has been cooking up something for us – the new X6 M. They have just released a teaser video and confirmed that the X6 M is indeed going to be real. Some think the BMW X6 a design with beautiful lines – others think it looks like the Pontiac Aztek’s step-brother. One thing is for sure though, with rumors speculating that the X6 M will boast the same 5.0 liter V10 as found in the E60 M5 or a new twin turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, it will be sure to be more than your average soccer mom’s SUV crossover.BMW is keeping quiet over the performance statistics for the upcoming X6 M, but you can expect at least 500 angry Bavarian horses at the minimum – more than enough to get your little whipper snappers to school on time. The X6 will use an all-wheel drive system but will have a torque bias to the rear wheels which will greatly reduce understeer.

Keep your eyes peeled for the X6 M to make its world premiere within the next few months, with sales starting mid to late 2009.

*We apologize the video is in German, it comes straight from BMW. Luckily though, there are subtitles in English.

Update 1/20/2009: Our friends at Carzi have posted spyshots taken by Jason Thorgalsen of the BMW X6 M. You can view them here.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]