Lamborghini Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce Roadster

The answer is V-12. The question is what is rare, powerful, makes extraordinary noises and in this case sits all by itself? All alone as in no turbos, no hybrid assist and of course, no supercharger. It is a 6.5 liter, 740hp, 12 cylinder, 48 valve wonder in the 2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 Superveloce.. An amazing, outrageous V-12 monster!

It features a carbon fiber 2-piece removable top, a carbon fiber passenger tub, scissor lift doors and
much more. This yellow example stands out like nothing else, it might be the least subtle car on the road. Deep rear diffusers, a carbon fiber wing, and the breakup of the lines with the roof removed is striking. A large, wide hood finishes off the front and the headlights feature an outline of LED running lights. This car is more transformer than anything else on the road.

A wide button on the door under the character line opens the swing-up scissor door by itself with an excellent damping motion, no worry about it swinging open too hard. Getting in is easier than some other cars with a particularly wide sill (McLaren P1), although it was still butt first. A yellow pull strap is used to bring it back down and the mechanical tolerance to close it is absolutely perfect, not even the slightest hint of slack.

Surprisingly roomy, it has good outward visibility with a very small triangular window at the base of the A-pillar that gives peeks of speed. Legroom is easily sufficient for a 6-footer and the carbon fiber backed seats were extremely comfortable, not even noticing any adjustment was needed in seat back or bottom, a very rare occurrence. Remember the Honda Del Sol? No? Well no matter, the Roadster has a small rear window that retracts downward. The gloss coat carbon fiber interior door panel isn’t for watches and bracelets though.

Turbos will muffle, electric vehicles may eventually kill it, but the V-12 is both a symphony and rock concert with volume control by the right foot and eagerly feeding the ears. Sound is such a necessary ingredient to the enthusiast’s driving experience and this monster has it in spades. Buffeting is minimal at speed and during start-up a whirring from the starter then a whoomph as the engine engages. Other sound bits include shrieking at full throttle, a zing during a rev matched downshift, rumbling at part throttle, a faint humming while driving during the cylinder deactivation, fans heard on the side from the huge intake at stoplights. Someone could write code for an EV’s sound
system to recreate this, but it would be really fake and really cheesy. Bystanders enjoy the concert from this marvel, but an intentionally fake-sound transmitting EV just begs for regulation and posers in skinny jeans.

When Lamborghini added magnetic shocks and revised the shifting of the single clutch automated transmission, and the stiff monocoque carbon fiber passenger tub, and improved steering it became a more attractive option to the owner, especially relatively uncompromised in terms of weight and stiffness as a roadster. And now, it’s a surprisingly good GT car. It’s a bit heavy and doesn’t flick in
transitions as easily like a lighter car, but it sure talks to you. In the Strada mode the ride is excellent, thanks to the inboard magnetic shocks, its firm but not punishingly so. The owner likes the Sport mode, right in between.

It isn’t without faults. The stereo is reported as terrible by any production car standards (I was busy listening to the other concert), and it needs an annoying manual re-shift to first gear when sitting at light for about five seconds. In the quest for higher horsepower, some low end torque is missing, if you can consider 509 lb-ft at 5500rpm a sacrifice, and the hit occurs at about 3500rpm. The stock exhaust sounds amazing and doesn't need modifying. The YouTube videos of exhaust revving mishaps are not from stock exhaust cars...

The owner weighed it at 3950lbs but it does have carbon ceramic rotors as standard to reel it all in. Despite the weight, the coupe still clocked a 6:59.73 at the Nurburgring. Essentially the record among all cars still in production. And one of the leading magazines ran a 10.6 second, 135mph quarter mile, it’s in a particularly rare field of performance especially among unboosted and non-hybrid vehicles.

Normally aspirated performance cars are becoming rare, and some are already commanding a premium new and on the used market. V-12s in particular are a dying breed. Hopefully they won’t be totally obsoleted, after all these rolling pieces of craftsmanship and engineering may stay around in the digital age the way analog watches have. The Aventador leads the way right now in purity and
outrageousness.

Link to pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.977403555697689.1073741896.378354382269279&type=1&l=d94af3b346

Pirelli World Challenge is the best racing you have never seen

On Sunday, September 13th of this year, the best racing in the western hemisphere concluded its season at nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca but few actually witnessed it. Why is it so good? Because the Pirelli World Challenge GT cars are closely related to what is sold to the public, it is a 50 minute sprint, and the action is fierce. The short race duration means it is easy to follow without a
scoreboard, there is no pit stop, driver change or fueling strategy. It is intense and spectator friendly.

The problem is awareness, competition from another series, lack of a timely broadcasts on a major network and overall malaise regarding auto racing in the US. Imagine seeing your favorite exotic and performance cars racing neck and neck in a big group of twists and turns. These are not overweight, under-tired, under-braked special construction cars that go around in circles with no relation
whatsoever to what is on the street.

This series features raced prepped models such as: Ferrari 458, Porsche GT3, McLaren 650S, Mercedes SLS, Audi R8, Bentley Continental, Nissan GT-R, Aston Martin Vantage, Dodge Viper, Lamborghini Gallardo, BMW Z4, Cadillac ATS-V* and Acura TLX*. The last two are notable because of the extreme modifications to allow them to participate and be competitive. The ATS-V is essentially a purpose-built race car with the engine relocated much further back in the chassis. Same with the Acura but all wheel drive is added. So neither translates well at all to the street version, but manufacturer involvement is always good and the racing is close.

For some reason there are no privateers racing Corvettes unlike past years. The base LT1 engine would need modifying and the Z06 LT4 engine is unsuitable for motorsport circuit racing because it is supercharged. Next year will likely see the Lamborghini Huracan making an appearance. And soon the Ferrari 488 GTB will show up as well, but detuned like the McLaren, down to roughly 550hp to
keep parity. Parity is always a topic of debate, the desire to keep the racing close yet still let the cars do the talking. Since the Viper,  McLaren, Ferrari are all over 600hp stock now, and Porsche has had 600hp-plus production engines, it would be a good time to let the cars run at stock power levels instead of de-tuned.

The series had multiple support races occurring over the weekend as well as some vendor booths for the fans that always have some really cool clothes, memorabilia, artwork and more. The Maserati Trofeo race sounds and looks great, but isn’t the fastest. Unfortunately the Pirelli World Challenge (PWC) series is diluted with multiple, slower classes that make tracking and caring about the results too complicated. GTS, GTA, TC, TCA, TCB etc. is just too much. Granted amateurs should be recognized as well as the pros, but this many classes just makes for a big, “Who cares?” Most fans just want to know the finish order, not what classes did what. It was purer when it was just GT and Touring Car only.

The final race was an exciting one, with hard charger Olivier Beretta moving up from 12th in his Ferrari 458 GT3 challenging Johnny O’Connell in the factory Cadillac ATS-VR GT3 for 3rd place with 10 laps to go. A bad pass attempt by Beretta spun them both, and a drive-through penalty still had Beretta ahead of O’Connell for the series championship but unfortunately contact with the wall 4 laps before the finish gave the championship O’Connell and Cadillac, their 4th consecutive one. Just shows what a great race car Cadillac built and what a great race car driver Johnny O’Connell is. Even if you scoff at a factory effort, special construction car competing against the exotics, it is still a notable accomplishment.

Next year Nissan will be involved with the GT-R (one of the taller race cars), the aforementioned Ferrari and Lamborghini will appear as well as the Mercedes AMG GT. The Pirelli World Challenge series will be in the Bay Area twice in 2016. First at Sonoma Raceway the weekend of September 17th & 18th and back at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca October 8th & 9th. Don’t miss it this time!

Album pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.983483338423044.1073741899.378354382269279&type=1&l=b3d71b5fec

Concorso Italiano 2010: Returning to Greatness

Recovering from the miserable airport facility a couple years ago, Friday August 13th, 2010 was the second year at the Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey, CA. As always, there’s a little bit of magic in the air when you have so many exotic cars in one location. Throw in some sunshine, food, excellent vendors and a sprinkling of celebrities and it makes you want to lay down on grass and wiggle a little just like a dog. Okay, maybe that’s just me.

Always a recommendation is to go ahead and enter your car in the corral, assuming it’s not an Italian make. There are usually two reasons for this and this year now four reasons. First, it’s a bargain. It covers the cost of two people for the price of one. Second, you can’t beat the parking. Anytime you can picnic at your car in the middle of a car show on a golf course, do it. The more important reasons became apparent this weekend.

The traffic back-up from eastbound Highway 68 was nearly five miles long and it took an hour. Make sure you have gas, food, drink, air conditioning, satellite radio, my Lovely Navigator (go find your own), etc. Some fellow enthusiasts started later than us and arrived earlier because they registered their car.
The corral participation was particularly lacking.

Reason number four is they need more cars in the non-Italian section. So what if the Audi and BMWs look like an earth-tone parking lot at the mall. Pop the hoods and roll down the windows. Those two marquees along with Porsche and Corvette had much better participation at the hot, dusty, loud and fun American LeMans races at Laguna Seca. Go figure.

The Alpha Romeo section is finally highlighted by the 8C, a gorgeous car from any angle. Pantera never changes but the drivetrains can sure look intimidating. Shame on any owners that hide them.

Ferrari featured a gathering of F-40s which look particularly mean and full-race ready. Two F-50s were highlights, along with a black Enzo. Obviously missing was a red 458 Italia but there was a black one with oversized 22”wheels and opinions vary on that… An SP1 – the first from the Ferrari Portfolio Program, based on an F430 was present too. There was a yellow Ferrari under a car cover, possibly 550-based. What's up with that?

Separated by some excellent vendor offerings such as clothes, accessories, fan collectibles, etc was Lamborghini. Exotic car personified, it was a treat to see at least two LP670 SVs, LP640s, Murcielagos, Gallardos, Diablos, Countachs and a Miura or two. A race-prepped Gallardo was started and revved for a bit, adding the required soundtrack to the day.

The grandstand area offered a wonderful assortment of live entertainment a fashion show and fascinating commentary on the various vehicles driven to the stage and presented. Celebrities sighted include Paul Mitchell and Adam Corolla. As mentioned, once in a while a car starts up, starts tossing revs, and it’s a glorious sound.

Overall it’s a great show and hopefully will recover to be what it once was. If you love Italian sports and exotic cars, this show is a must-see no matter what. Meet the owners, see the cars and love it all.

The Best Exhaust Sounds!

Do you have a favorite exhaust or engine sound? A thunderous domestic V-8? The shriek of a Formula 1 car? The muted roar of a turbocharged powerplant? The big-rig huffing of a massive diesel?

My favorite has to be the furious bark of the Global Motorsports Group exhaust installed on the already demonic sounding Porsche Carrera GT. I once heard an '04 CGT being driven after a clutch! replacement. Yes, clutch. The full-throttle howl reminded me of an air raid siren from hell. It was at once obscenely scary yet cool beyond words. This unique system adds 19hp and 16ft lbs of torque at the rear wheels on the dyno. What's another $6,400 on this beast. Click on the video and skip to the 54 second mark. It's THAT good.

The mid-mounted 605hp V-10 in Porsche's supercar is a work of automotive art already. Unfortunately having only a 3 model-year run producing 1,270 units, it is quite rare. Some speculate disappointing sales due to it's $440,000 MSRP and not-quite-exotic-enough styling are the reasons it was discontinued. Porsche states changing airbag regulations in the US as the reason. Either way, be thankful this car exists.

The clutch is a approx 6.7" in diameter with four plates and weighs 7.7lbs. Less than half the size and weight from the Turbo in '04. This allows for a lower center of gravity by having the engine mounted lower in the car along with the dry-sump lubrication system. There is no clutch slippage so the one I heard was being test driven after the owner had driven it improperly and burned it out. Goodbye $8,000. There is no flywheel but a solid rod that acts as a torsional spring. The engine revs up and drops down like nothing else on the road at the time.

So, which would you choose? A used Carrera GT or a new Lexus LF-A? Listen to the Lexus on Youtube, I still prefer the CGT.

I've heard Ferraris with Tubi exhausts and even driven one, hard, but there is something about the CGT that is even deeper, more menacing. Lamborghinis rank up there as well. The earth-shaking 427ci V8 in the Corvette C6R race cars are cool, but not like this. Check it out.
____________
What is your favorite exhaust sound? Send me a note and link to: askrobaboutcars@gmail.com with some information about the vehicle and I'll post your favorite exhaust sound.The Global Motorsports Group exhaust on the Porsche Carrera GT
Porsche Carrera GT - 6 years later and still relevant among supercars


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Presidio of San Francisco Concours D'elegance

An intimate little show tucked away inside the historic Presidio of San Francisco. Held on July 19th, it celebrated the marques of Packard and Bentley. While smaller in scope and variety than the Palo Alto show, it was of higher caliber in terms of entrants, even to a non-car enthusiast. It reminded me of a preview of the Pebble Beach Concours D'elegance.



Difficult to find if you're not familiar with the Presidio and the signage was lacking. However, once there, parking was easy and the layout of show was very nice on the lawn. The area where the non-judged cars were located seemed even larger.

The vintage cars looked amazing, including models and colors I've never seen before. There was even a modern Bentley Zagato with paintwork so perfect, a dog at the show was looking at reflections in it. My opinion of the Ferrari California was confirmed - a stunner with the top down and the busy rear end isn't really a detractor.

Considering this was the first show since a four year run ending in 1972, it was a job very well done. I hope it continues to succeed and perhaps draw entrants and spectators from the north bay that the Palo Alto show may not always be able to. If you don't want to pay $150 for Pebble, nor make the drive let alone find a place to stay for less than $300 per night, attend both of these shows. If you do, you'll know you've seen some of the finest cars the bay area has to offer.

Part 3: Driving the Ferrari F430, Audi R8 and Porsche Cayman

Part 3 of 3 of the Club Sportiva Exotic Car Experience http://www.clubsportiva.com/

Ferrari F430

Wow. Awesome. This is unreal. Amazing! Those were my thoughts as I pulled out and hit the throttle. Now I get it about Ferrari. It was all thrust and sound. There was no vibration, rumbling, driveline lash, hesitation, nothing. The drivetrain is so superbly engineered, there is no feeling of slack or looseness, only a push in your back. Nor does the rear end squat either. It's purely gas 'n' go.

It was incredibly fast - the only one that caused the scenery to blur since I'm not acclimated to that kind of acceleration. It felt simply relentless. The howl from the Tubi exhaust hit notes you've always wanted to hear. I love a roaring V8, but that is like a bass guitar from Led Zeppelin versus the Ferrari's lead guitar from Eddie Van Halen. Applying throttle in different rpm ranges caused different exhaust notes. It was heavenly.

Handling? It felt like the wider but just as response big-brother to the Lotus without the harshness. Granted, the road I was on, 84 heading towards the coast, is one of the best. And so was this car. The view outward was excellent. The hood slopes sharply downward so the road looks close. The windshield is surprisingly close as well. If you have a radar detector, it will be close at hand.

I've driven the first generation Lamborghini Gallardo, and the F430 is a more desirable car. But I would have to spend time in the new LP560 and Porsche GT3 RS before making a decision if I had to choose just one among those three greats. If you could have each one, that would be ideal.

This is car really stood out. It was awe inspiring. A must-have in my mind and now I understand why Car & Driver said, "This is the world's most desirable sports car, bar none." in July 2005. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparisons/05q3/aston_martin_db9_vs._ferrari_f430_ford_gt_lamborghini_gallardo_m-b_sl65_amg_porsche_911_turbo_s_cabriolet-comparison_tests/ferrari_f430_page_2

Audi R8

The exotic daily driver. Before I got in it, I noticed it was the only car without a hood ornament. The big side intake piece seems to make the car look more upright from the side. This one was a very conservative color too. But when you're following it, you notice how wide the bodywork and tires really are. The front has a very distinctive array of 12 LEDs on each side and is immediately recognizable from a distance in the rear view mirror.

When you get in the car, it's readily apparent how wide it is with a comfortable and luxurious interior. The gear shift lever is a large, heavy piece in a large gate, sitting up high. It felt a bit tight, but it was great. The layout of the dash was lower and angled away from the occupants like the big Aston. The V8 sound behind was very nice and almost turbine-like. I never got a sense of the AWD but it was sure smooth and effortless. This is the car to have as a daily driver of the group if you want a hardtop coupe. The F430 for weekends and summer evenings.

Porsche Cayman S

Everything seemed right. I wish I had more time in this car on various roads. I was quite comfortable, decently quick, fun to drive. It was a little small inside and I did notice there are no cupholders in the center armrest area. Not really a problem though, right? I understand the driving enthusiast scoffing at the thought. But what about a water bottle or protein drink? Surely a cupholder for that is a requirement, right? One point I found objectionable for a long distance was the gearing. Sixth gear spun at 3,000rpm at 75mph at which point I was aware of the engine sound behind me. I don't dare call it noise, but it was noticeable. These close ratios could be considered a benefit on the tracks in the U.S., but for an everyday car, I would have to pass.

Interestingly my notes state it is an easy daily driver like the Audi. And yet later while thinking about it, while it's driving dynamics are very good, it isn't an extreme car. I can do without cupholders or steering wheel controls for satellite radio but only for driving a track weapon or a car with nutso power. But as a "daily", I want my creature comforts.

More time in all the cars would have been better, but that is how a great car should always leave you feeling. Tired of horrendous depreciation? Do you want to fulfill your dream of experiencing exotic cars on great roads? Then I highly recommend the Club Sportiva experience.

Club Sportiva Part 2: Driving the Aston Martin, Ferrari F355 and Lotus Elise, part 2 of 3

Part 2 of 3 of the Club Sportiva Driving Experience http://www.clubsportiva.com/

Aston Martin DB9 Volante:

My first drive was in the Aston Martin DB9 Volante. This 450hp V-12 grand tourer is a wonderfully styled machine with effortless power and an elegant interior. The excuse for rear seats allows a small bag behind you. The lack of a gear shift selector is at first disconcerting, but once shown the push button start, park and drive buttons are easy to use. Gear selection for the 6-speed automatic is via paddle shifters on the steering column. This means they don't rotate with the steering wheel so you don't confuse your shifting. The V-12 starts with a brief bark and then settles into a smooth, quiet idle.

Interestingly, in the Drive mode, the upshifts are very smooth at full throttle. Also, at the speeds I was able to obtain, 6th had to be manually selected. I was a little surprised at the amount of wind noise, but it didn't have a wind blocker behind the seats. The ride was compliant but the weight was evident when turning and a slight amount of cowl shake which surprised me. However, the Aston Martin DB9 was definitely the comfortable cruiser of the group.

Ferrari F355:

Driving the Ferrari F355 was a treat. This low-slung, mid-engine V8 convertible has the slightly odd ergonomics of older Italian imports. It had a nice soundtrack behind my head singing a song you don't hear every day. The brake pedal is very close to the throttle to facilitate heel-toe shifting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heel-and-toe however the throttle is far off to the right side, forcing a somewhat spread-leg driving position. It really is meant for someone who doesn't have wide feet.

Sitting very low was confident inspiring on the twisting roads and surprisingly, the ride felt quite compliant over the bumps. I did notice the engine was a bit peaky, not a lot of low-end torque. But once singing, it was exciting. It definitely required high revs to access the powerband. My co-driver was aware of this and informed me as such when I took the wheel to keep the rpms over 3,500rpm for acceleration. The gated shifter required some getting used to, but I wasn't complaining.

The Ferrari is a fun convertible that stays true to its roots. Easy clutch take-up, easy to drive, no electronic driving aids or nannys, it looks sexy and drives very nicely.

Lotus Elise:

The Go-Kart. This little car was surprisingly fun. Getting in and out required a special technique but once inside, I was so wrapped up in driving that I looked at the dashboard three times, period. First time was to notice how small the steering wheel was. Again, like a go-kart or a bumper car. Considering the car weighs less than a ton, it makes sense. The second time I looked down was to notice the shift light. Not something I paid attention to since it seemed so intuitive. The third time I looked down, I noticed the tachometer numbers 1 through 3, denoting 1,000 through 3,000 rpm, were so closely spaced together, they were useless. Talk about lack of torque! What a contrast to a car I have drag raced in the past on street tires had an optimal launch rpm in the 1,200 to 1,500 rpm range.

Driving it was superb, so balanced and communicative. The steering wheel tells your hands everything about the road; the slightest undulations, dips and bumps in the pavement. The power in the midrange was good, better than I expected and the extra kick from the Toyota/Yamaha 1.8 liter engine when the variable valve timing activates was pretty neat. But when you're not pushing it with all your attention on the road, it's ride is wiggly-jiggly over uneven pavement.

Even if you're a straight-line, big torque fan, but enjoy going to the go-kart track, you'll enjoy this car too. Just don't plan a weekend trip.

The mountain roads provided the perfect setting for these three open-top cars. But I was now ready for lunch amongst the trees, and the other Ferrari that was waiting for me...

Club Sportiva - an Exotic Car driving experience part 1 of 3

This is part 1 of 3 articles. Parts 2 & 3 cover the cars themselves.

What an amazing day for a car enthusiast. This is a must-do for anyone, and I stress anyone, who has ever wanted to know what it's like to drive an exotic car. Especially on some of the best roads imaginable favored by enthusiasts on two wheels and four. You must be able to drive a manual transmission and a driving academy is offered in case you don't know how. The exotic cars were the Ferrari F430, Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Audi R8, Lotus Elise, Ferrari F355 substituting for the Lamborghini Gallardo and a Porsche Cayman. http://www.clubsportiva.com/

Everyone involved made the event just about perfect. The morning started at the fascinating Club Auto Sport http://www.clubautosport.net/ facility with a continental breakfast in the Club Sportiva car condominium. The six person group size made for an intimate affair with easy introductions and smiles. The cars were all parked in the hallway outside of the condo space. There was a quick tour of the facility and overview of the vehicles along with a briefing before the staff lined them up outside and took photos of the group and then individually with each car.

I have to give kudos to Rick and his staff who were fun, professional and knowledgeable. There was never a sales pitch for membership throughout the event, just fun, informative conversation. They are an enthusiastic group and never too chatty. You can learn a lot from them. They all made sure we were well hydrated on this hot day and Rick announced several times that sunscreen was available. That is unexpected thoughtfulness for his customers, especially for this pale-skinned mutt. After all, 3 of the cars were convertibles or targa top!

About the car variety, which was excellent: 3 mid-engine V-8s, a front engine V-12, a mid-engine inline 4-cylinder (in a very light car), a rear-engined boxer 6 (horizontally opposed). Whether the car or powertrain was Italian, German, British or Japanese, the variety was excellent. They were in great condition and even the F355 with 67K miles on it was superb. When was the last time you heard of a Ferrari with that many miles on it? There were a couple of minor glitches with the cars that actually made the experience more fun. Driving on the lightly traveled, twisting mountain and coastline roads sure helped.

Take a look at listings of exotic cars for sale. Notice how there are almost all low miles and priced many tens or sometimes hundreds of thousands less than the original MSRP? The concept of Club Sportiva, either to taste, rent or share ownership is a great idea. Buyers of these cars will lose far more in depreciation and sometimes they are not driven any more frequently, so why not rent instead of buy, right? Not only that, the benefits and events add to the overall "experience". So, are you experienced?

Part 2 will cover my experience with the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Ferrari F355 and Lotus Elise.

Breaking news: Viper stays, but what now?

Some of the best news in recent months for enthusiasts broke today: The sale of the Viper division is off the table! http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090710/CARNEWS/907109988

Anything that holds the production car record at the infamous Nurburgring in Germany has some legs from a sales standpoint. http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?viewThread=y&gID=3&fID=0&tID=10073And that also translates to profits as costs come down.

Yes, this is a reversal of my previous position regarding the reason to sell. It is no longer Chrysler in survival mode, but rather Fiat recognizing a position in the marketplace as technological advancements with so many other sports cars make the Viper more and more unique as it remains unchanged. But the horsepower race, sadly, is still over.

Sure the Viper can be made faster, but when horsepower levels exceed those in race cars, what happens next under the hood? Exactly - nothing. The Viper can remain the high horsepower purists car with no electronic nannies interfering with the throttle or suspension. That's right, the Viper is becoming the purist's car because the others are getting more sophisticated with various forms of electronic engine and suspension management. Examples included the suspensions on the Corvette ZR1 and Porsches.

The car itself can be improved in terms of refinement or interior amenities and that can get expensive to develop and for the buyer to purchase. The other way to improve it is by weight loss. "Adding lightness" per the mantra of Colin Chapman, the founder of Lotus, is the other direction it can go. Expensive yes, but very potent. All wheel drive isn't going to happen either.

As I said before though, the horsepower race is essentially over. http://www.examiner.com/x-5826-San-Jose-Autos-Examiner~y2009m3d21-Viper-sale-signals-the-end-of-the-horsepower-race Putting the Viper sale on the block a while back was the sign. It isn't so much gas prices as it is the physics of rubber on pavement. As much as I want to drive a car every day that can lift the front wheels off the ground so I can "live my life ten seconds at a time", those wrinkle-wall slicks are lousy in the twisties. If I go to the track, I want a Viper ACR. But until then, I'll just keep reminiscing about the time I went for a ride in a Lamborghini Murcielago - that all wheel drive meant it laid all the power down.

Million dollar supercars are a good idea

Most react to $1 million dollar supercars negatively. They say and write that these cars are a rip-off, meaningless, silly, gaudy, etc. Recent examples are the Lamborghini Reventon and Aston Martin One-77. They are a good idea for the companies that make them and the owners that buy them.

One big question is who buys these things? Industrialists, billionaires, and those with a net worth most likely well over $100 million dollars buy them. Yacht sales have increased, why not ultra-expensive cars too? And you know what? They are absolutely entitled to it. If you earn your money legally, spend it however you want, period.

Keep in mind there are many, many million-dollar cars shown many times a year at the Concours D'elegances around the country. There are four in Northern California alone. The advantage with these modern cars vs. "other" million dollar cars is they can be driven with enthusiasm and safety on modern roads with high speed limits in great comfort. I doubt many do that in the skinny-tired antiques from the 1920s.

And what about purpose-built race cars? Sure they provide entertainment but they cost millions of dollars plural! They are not street legal, require exquisite care and maintenance and if anything, are infinitely more silly and gaudy. So if they are exempt from scorn, so should the street-legal cars.

The Reventon and One-77 can be driven to the country club, the yacht club, exclusive dinners, parties and charity events and of course those car shows too! Not only can the owners enjoy them, but it's also an opportunity for exclusivity and a little bit of immortality. Which Lamborghini model will be invited to the lawn at Pebble Beach 40 years from now? Probably not the excellent but comparatively pedestrian Gallardo but we can count on the Reventon. I find it a little sad and disenchanting to see so many mass-produced supercars advertised for sale all the time in the DuPont Registry or AutoWeek. But we won't see much of these million dollar babies for sale very often!

The factory has an equal benefit as well. They have possibly new customers that will be loyal, very affluent and very influential among their peers. Skilled engineers and technicians are utilized to for the special project which builds enthusiasm and creativity. These factories don't have multi-million dollar racing efforts, so it is another tool to bring advanced technology to the public with out a phenomenally expensive racing development.

Finally, the profit margin makes a nice business case too. Lamborghini sold 20 Reventons. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20081205/FREE/812059982 I would be willing to guess that is a nice $10 million dollar asterisk in the internal annual profit report! Aston is making 77 units but only 6 for the US. The recurring "seven" theme is related to the James Bond series as well. http://www.autoweek.com/article/20090303/GENEVA/303039998.

I applaud these cars. Whether closely related to the "standard" Murcielago model like the Reventon, an excellent engineering exercise like the One-77, or a speed record setting Bugatti Veyron, I say keep it up!