Exotics and Luxury | Cars, Watches, Houses, Garages » Porsche

Palm Beach Supercar Experience 2010

Kerry Stratton — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 11:05:35 +0000

The 2010 inaugural event for Palm Beach Supercar Experience (formerly Supercar Weekend) beat the weather and went off without a hitch. This years collaboration definitely took the Supercar event concept to the next level. Building on the last four years, this event truly brought together the best of the best in rare and exotic vehicles on the beautiful newly restored West Palm Beach waterfront. Read after the break for further coverage and photos!

While the weather didn’t play nice all day (intermittent sunshine and free afternoon carwash), it didn’t stop the crowd from enjoying the show. Well over 100 cars were in attendance…everything from tuned Camaros to a Ferrari F50; which was all boss, but the definite show-stopper was the yet-to-be released Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing. The first Mercedes designed in-house by AMG is absolutely stunning and pictures do it very little justice. It’s quite deserving of the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 cover. I can’t wait to see it on the road! And with the initial specs, the eventual Black Series will be phenomenal. How do you make a great car better? Simple. Lose some weight.

Another eye-catcher was the all-electric zero-to-sixty in 3.7-seconds Tesla Roadster Sport; I’ve been interested in these cars since they came out and have been patiently awaiting their representation in Florida. Customers who were very patient in taking delivery of their Roadsters made out well; they had the opportunity to upgrade to the much improved Sport. Come to find out, Tesla now has a dealership open not far from Miami that we will most definitely be paying a visit to in the near future. We were one of the lucky few allowed to sit in the car this weekend so I’m thinking a test drive is in order!

Other highlights included multiple Murcielago SVs (a sick Matte Black LP640 spotted @City Place), a Ferrari FXX and a couple Spyker C8s.

If you’ve never been to this event, you really should check it out either at one of the two other dates this year (in New Orleans and the Hamptons) or on the flip side at the 2011 Palm Beach Supercar Experience. With all the new cars expected to drop between now and then, it should definitely be on every enthusiasts’ calendar.

(There are more pictures to come!)

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

Kerry Stratton — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 17:25:49 +0000

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!

Naples Ferrari Car Show on 5th Avenue

admin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:10:00 +0000

Pictured Above: Ferrari Enzo, Ferrari F40, Maserati MC12 at Cars on 5th in Naples, FL

For coverage of the 2010 ’Cars on Fifth’ event click HERE

Lamborghini LM002

Seeing a quarter-million dollar car in Naples, Florida is no rare occurrence, nor is spotting several of them lining the beautiful street of 5th avenue south on an average day. On Saturday February 14th however, the Ferrari Club of Naples hosted it’s annual car show on 5th avenue bringing over 400 stunning automobiles to the downtown shopping district. The weather was beautiful throughout the event until mid-afternoon when an ominous fog rolled in just as the show was winding down. The event benefited Eden of Florida, a home and center for children and adults with autism. Last year the event raised nearly $50,000 for the organization.

Amongst the cars displayed were representations from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Bentley, Aston Martin, Lotus, Rolls Royce, Porsche, and more. There were also sections designated for the Corvette Club of Naples, the West Coast Muscle Car Club, and the Porsche Club of Naples.

Every event has that handful of cars that seem to steal the show. This show was no different as the Maserati MC12, Ferrari Enzo, and Koenigsegg CCX (recently shown at Palm Beach Supercar Weekend) drew crowds of spectators and photographers consistently throughout the day. I myself was most drawn to the Maserati MC12 as this was the first time I had seen one of these gorgeous cars up close in person. The rare Lamborghini LM002 (pictured above) with a chameleon paint job was also an attention grabber.

Lamborghini Gallardo Interior

Several car dealerships had displays this year including Ferrari of Tampa, Autoquest (located in Fort Myers, a half hour north of Naples), Lamborghini of Miami, The Collection of Ft. Lauderdale, Maserati of Central Florida, Bentley of Naples, and a local tuning shop Debold Performance. Surprisingly our local exotic dealership, Naples Motorsports, was not present as they have been in years past. The dealerships that did have cars on display however brought in some very nice examples of what they have available for purchase. The Collection of Ft. Lauderdale for example brought out a Porsche Carrera GT, a Rolls Royce Phantom, a Jaguar XJ220, and a Lotus Exige.

Exotic car shows such as this are always exciting, but when they take place in your own town they become that much more enjoyable. The Ferrari Club of Naples has yet again put on a fantastic show in the heart of our beautiful downtown district and all of us at Exotics and Luxury are excited to attend next year.

There are videos from this years’ event and past years’ events below the pictures

Naples Ferrari Show Pictures

Naples Ferrari Show Videos

2007 Ferraris on 3rd Street Video

Naples Car Show Video

2007 Naples Cars on Fifth Video

Car Event Poll

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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

admin — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:45:12 +0000

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]

2010 911 GT3 by Porsche – The Flat Six Beast Has Returned

admin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 21:31:05 +0000

Porsche loves me. I’m certain of it. How did I come to this audacious conclusion? My 25th birthday is October 15th, 2010. Porsche will begin selling the new 911 GT3 in October of 2010, and what better way to commemorate my quarter century than giving America the most powerful GT3 yet? While some lucky Brit will get his in May, I am completely taken aback Porsche waited just to honor me. Thanks Porsche!!! I love you too!

A naturally aspirated 3.8 liter flat six supplies the 435 bhp that will take this car to 194 mph. 0-60 comes in 4.1 seconds, while 0-100 arrives in 8.2, exactly double the time.

Porsche did a good amount of engineering to make this GT3 handle better than past variants. Aerodynamics improve the front and rear downforce to double it’s predecessor. While the stability and traction control will have more fine tuned controls, giving drivers more options in how they would like the car to react to their inputs. Furthermore, once the stability and traction control are off, the harshest of driving conditions will not re-activate them, only the driver can do so with a push of a button.

To ease overall use and drive-ability, Porsche has equipped these with many intelligent features. PADM (Porsche Active Drive-train Mount) recognizes race driving, and turns the pliable engine mounts into solid pieces to reduce engine movement, which can hamper handling. An optional “lift system” will raise the front end of the car 1.2 inches for ease in going over bumpy roads, steep inclines, speed humps, etc. A boost in mid-range torque by having both the intake and exhaust cams adjusted by VarioCam eases city driving woes. Lastly, larger brakes, with improved ventilation let the GT3 stop quicker, and more often with less fade than ever before.

For those over the pond, the price will be Euro 98,100. While those of us stateside should expect to pay $112,200. While my birthday present from Porsche will be out of my price range, I wouldn’t argue if one of the lucky purchasers let me drive one around with them. I mean, what fun is a birthday present if I can’t even play with it?

Thanks to World Car Fans for this video

911 GT3 Testing Driving Impressions

New 2010 Porsche 911 GT3 Video

[Source: Porsche, WorldCarFans, AutomotiveAddicts]

PRESS RELEASE:

New Porsche 911 GT3: Top Performer on the Road with Ambitions on the Track

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is adding yet another new model to the second generation of the 911 model series: the new GT3 even more powerful, faster, and refined than its predecessor.

In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normal-aspiration power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport. Indeed, this is precisely why the new GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.

The new 911 GT3 is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, with Europe-wide sales starting in May.

The 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. Now the proven six-cylinder naturally-aspirated power unit develops maximum output of 435 bhp (320 kW), up 20 bhp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8 litres and from the improved gas cycle: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts are adjusted by VarioCam.

A further important point is that, through its upgraded power and performance, the boxer engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance, the new GT3 accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and reaching 160 km/h in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 312 km/h or 194 mph.

The second highlight in developing the 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car’s driving dynamics: For the first time the 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of PSM Porsche Stability Management, offering the option to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.

The new GT3 offers even better grip and stability also at high speeds, specific modifications of the car’s aerodynamics increasing down-forces both front and rear to such an extent that the overall pressure pushing down the car is more than twice as great as on the former model. At the same time the new Aerodynamics Package gives the GT3 a brand-new look further accentuated by the new bi-xenon headlights, LED rear light clusters, as well as modified air intakes and outlets.

The active PASM suspension of the 911 GT3 enables Porsche’s engineers to make the springs and anti-rollbars somewhat stiffer yet again, thus ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM sports mode, while retaining appropriate roll comfort suitable for everyday use in the normal PASM mode. New, even lighter wheels in racing design with central locking and UHP (ultra-high performance) tyres now even featuring tyre pressure control round off the functional and visual enhancement of the GT3.

With driving dynamics and performance increasing to an even higher level, the brake system, following an old Porsche tradition, has been enhanced accordingly on the new 911 GT3. The brake discs now come with an even larger friction disc and an aluminium cover to reduce weight even further. Further improvement of brake ventilation, in turn, guarantees an even higher level of consistent brake power also over long periods. And as an option the GT3 comes as before with an exclusive version of PCCB ceramic brakes made specifically for this model.

Starting in autumn, the new GT3 will be available with yet another option making the car even more suitable for the race track: new and highly innovative PADM (Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount) engine bearings. These special engine mounts recognise a particularly sporting, race-like style of driving, making the normally elastic engine suspension hard and particularly resistant. This retains all the motoring comfort of the GT3 in everyday traffic, while on the race track the car is not affected by any mass forces coming from the engine, as would otherwise be the case in fast bends and on winding tracks.

Yet a further advantage is the car’s improved traction when accelerating from a standstill.

Another feature also new on the new model is the optional lift system for the front axle able to raise the ground clearance of the car for driving on bumpy surfaces or steep gradients – for example into an underground garage – at the touch of a button by 30 millimetres or almost 1.2″.

The Euro base price of the new GT3 is Euro 98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is Euro 116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at the dealership in October at a price of USD 112,200 (MSRP without taxes).

Visit the Porsche 911 GT3 tour on Porsche.com

Supercar Weekend Pictures & Video

admin — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 03:58:58 +0000

The sound of high revving exotic cars filled the city of West Palm Beach this weekend. Speeding blurs resembling red ponies and yellow bulls could be seen passing through nearly every intersection. This could mean only one thing: Palm Beach Supercar Weekend had returned for 2009. As in years past, exotic cars from all over had made the voyage to Palm Beach, Florida for the three-day event consisting of expensive cars, beautiful women, and trendy parties. Rewind a month: When John Temerian, Co-Founder of the event invited us this year to cover the event, how could we say no? It’s hard to beat looking at some of the finest exotic and luxury vehicles in the world in beautiful seventy degree weather right on the water.

There were of course Ferrari 360’s and F430’s, Lamborghini Gallardo’s and Murcielagos, BMW M cars and Mercedes AMG’s; but in this crowd of diamonds in the rough there were a few even more spectacular vehicles on display. The vehicle catching the most attention this year being the Ferrari P4/5 owned by James Glickenhaus. This beautiful one-of-a-kind creation began life as an Enzo, the last remaining unsold Enzo in the world at the time. Glickenhaus purchased this car and brought it straight to the masterminds at Pininfarina to have it transformed into a modern day Ferrari P3/4. This brought the price of the car to a staggering $5 million. Also on display was a beautiful blue Koenigsegg CCX attracting quite the crowd consisting of those in love with the car (such as myself) and those that had no idea what it was.

Now what would a car event be without vendors showing off their latest products? My personal favorite vendor display was that of 360 Forged. They had a beautiful display of vehicles lining the waterway of Flagler Drive including a few Corvette Z06’s, a Porsche 997 Turbo, A Ferrari F430 on Carbon Fiber Wheels, and my personal favorite, a CLS63 AMG. All of them of course adorned with the latest and greatest in aftermarket wheels. VQ Motoring also had a stunning brigade of vehicles – a highly modified Nissan GTR, a Porsche 997 Twin Turbo, and a modified Audi TT. It’s unfortunate that the opposing display was that of what may be the ugliest car I have ever seen. A Renntech built Mercedes Benz GLK350 Spec R Hybrid. At first glance I thought I was looking at a Scion xB but upon closer inspection I realized that it was in fact a Mercedes with a gigantic wing and enough extra sheet metal screwed onto it to build a small airplane. I’ve been told this was supposed to be a rally car replica but that doesn’t change my opinion of its looks. Sorry Renntech, I still love your work on the rest of the Benz lineup.

Luckily I was able to wash the bad taste of this car out of my mouth with the free champagne being served in the VIP tent we visited next. Amongst free refreshments we were also offered an air conditioned trendily decorated retreat complete with a great DJ. In true VIP fashion the area was kept exclusive to those holding passes, allowing us to escape the huge crowds and take a break in a relaxing environment.

Supercar Weekend brought an incredible crowd together. I had the chance to meet Anthony Carbone and Vinay Menone of MadWhips and Carzi. It also just so happens that Matt Farah of the popular online video show Garage 419 was filming with his crew. We chatted for a little while and I had some pictures snapped which are below the photo gallery.

As the event winded down the sounds of the cars yet again filled the air and echoed off the surrounding skyscrapers as everyone returned home to get ready for the eagerly awaited VIP rooftop after-party at Two City Tower. We pulled up to the building and were greeted by a number of eagerly awaiting valet parkers and event organizers. After a quick name check and a short elevator trip we arrived on the top deck. This exclusive affair was complete with several bars, our beloved DJ as seen earlier in the VIP tent, gorgeous models displaying the latest in fashion from Emilio Pucci, and a breathtaking view of the surrounding city. It was a beautiful event and a great way to end an even greater weekend. The organizers of this event deserve a lot of respect as they have, once again, pulled off something spectacular for the 4th year in a row! The team here at Exotics&Luxury looks forward to attending Supercar Weekend again in 2010.

Anthony Carbone of Carzi.com and MadWhips.com

Zach & Matt Farah From Garage419

Palm Beach Supercar Weekend Commercial

Scott Levinson & John Temerian

Head over to Carzi to view additional pictures and Anthony & Vinay’s review of Supercar Weekend 2009. If you want to see more pictures of the infamous Sharpie Lamborghini Gallardo, head over to Automotive Addicts.

Porsche Panamera to debut in Shanghai in April

Zach — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 01:08:15 +0000

2010 Porsche Panamera

Porsche has officially announced that the Panamera will debut in Shanghai this April 2008. Whether you’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of Porsche’s four door gran turismo or you have been trying to hide under a rock too scared to see how it will look in the flesh, April 2008 Porsche will unveil the curtains on its’ newest model.

The Porsche Panamera will be offered starting as a V6 3.6 liter engine borrowed from Volkswagen. However, if you don’t think the roughly 300 horsepower V6 engine is enough to keep you grinning from ear to ear, you will be happy to know that Porsche will be offering it in a 500 – yes, five hundred horsepower turbo V8. If you like the sound of that as much as we do, you better contact your local Porsche dealer as soon as possible. Rumor has it that there are already waiting lists for the upcoming Panamera as well as dealer markups.

The Panamera will be offered in your choice of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a brand new 7-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox.

Horsepower: ~300hp 3.5 liter V6 or 500hp turbo V8