If you are in the LA area this Wednesday, make sure to stop by the DC Store on Melrose between 5 and 7 PM. Rally driver Ken Block will be there signing posters and giving away other free swag. DC will also be promoting Block’s new team gear.

Source: Facebook

· McLaren Automotive Inc. headquarters to be located in New York City
· Six of North America’s initial retailer candidates identified to represent McLaren Automotive in 2011; Further announcements to come
· First MP4-12C production vehicles anticipated to arrive in summer 2011
· North American unveiling in August at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

WOKING, UK (July 4, 2010) – McLaren Automotive, based in Woking, England, is pleased to announce the launch of McLaren Automotive Inc. The company headquarters will be located in New York City with operations including sales, marketing, aftersales and retailer development for North America.
In addition, the first six of ten initial retailer candidates have been identified in preparation for the launch of the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C which goes on sale in U.S. and Canada beginning summer 2011:

· McLaren Beverly Hills: The Auto Gallery
· McLaren Chicago: Lake Forest Sportscars
· McLaren Dallas: Park Place
· McLaren Greenwich: Miller Motorcars
· McLaren San Francisco: Price Family Dealerships
· McLaren Tampa Bay: Dew Luxury Motor Cars

These retail candidates have been carefully selected based upon their experience in the segment and presence in the marketplace. McLaren has assembled an successful group of dealer candidates to represent the company throughout North America. Additional locations where McLaren intends to appoint retailers in North America include Miami, Fla.; Orange County, Calif.; Philadelphia, Pa., and Toronto, Canada, and these candidates will be announced soon.

Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive’s Managing Director said, “The North American market provides a huge opportunity for McLaren and will be a benchmark for our future business aspirations. We anticipate that the region will see 30 percent of the global sales, so it was vital for us to identify experienced retailers with a passion for customer service: The Auto Gallery, Dew Luxury Motor Cars, Lake Forest Sportscars, Miller Motor Cars, Park Place, and Price Family Dealerships, as well as others that will be announced soon.

“As a native New Yorker, I know how demanding North American customers can be. They are looking for a great product with superb quality, innovative technology and authentic, unique design solutions. But owning a car with high performance that is incredibly entertaining to drive is not enough. The ownership experience must be just as revolutionary as the car.

“We want to be the best sports car company in the market. We know this is a huge challenge, but we thrive on challenge. In partnering with the best retailers in the industry with a proven record of taking care of their customers, we believe we have the ideal situation in North America to help us deliver on these expectations,” Sheriff concluded.

The initial North American retailers will begin selling the 2012 McLaren MP4-12C from summer 2011 with a base MSRP within a range of between $225,000 and $250,000. The pricing is expected to be announced in September 2010.

One thousand 12Cs will be built in 2011 in a brand-new production facility at McLaren’s UK headquarters. Longer-term, a full model range of approximately 4,000 high-performance, mid-engine McLaren sports cars will be produced annually by McLaren Automotive in the UK for global distribution. McLaren Automotive’s aim is for its global network to remain more exclusive, more flexible, and more profitable than competitors’ networks.

Tony Joseph, McLaren Automotive’s Regional Director for North America, said: “Just as the MP4-12C was developed from a clean sheet of paper, so was our North American operations. We have recently established ourselves with offices in New York City, and built an experienced team to manage the sales, marketing, aftersales and dealer development activities in North America.

“As part of our business plan, we have taken great care to identify our top markets and dealer partners that emulate McLaren’s core brand values and beliefs. Our ambition is to develop and build a better vehicle that is supported by class-leading aftersales, ultimately ensuring better residual values. We will treat customers with respect, and there will be a unique level of transparency in how we conduct ourselves with our retail partners and our customers.

“The key challenge for us in North America is to take the focused processes and principles that have come out of McLaren and ensure that those high standards are embraced by the retailers and experienced by each and every customer. It is a very exciting time, and I believe we have selected the retailer partners who understand and can implement this vision,” explained Joseph.

First 12C deliveries anticipated for summer 2011 in North America
The MP4-12C is ‘pure’ McLaren, from its innovative technologies to bespoke design – everything is for a reason. The 2012 model year, two-seat, mid-engine12C will re-write the rules of sports car design through Formula 1-inspired engineering, a revolutionary carbon fiber MonoCell chassis, and an absolute focus on total efficiency and quality.

The 12C was developed around the driver with emphasis on performance and drivability. It will be the lightest and one of the most powerful and fuel efficient cars in its class. The foundation for these performance benchmarks is the unique, one-piece molded carbon fiber MonoCell which provides enormous strength and rigidity yet is 25 percent lighter than an equivalent aluminum chassis.

The 12C has a bespoke V8, twin-turbo engine with 592 horsepower and 443 ft-lb of torque and is mated to a 7-speed Seamless Shift dual-clutch transmission. Its extraordinary mix of handling and comfort is delivered with its innovative Proactive Chassis Control. Its sophisticated, Formula 1-derived aerodynamics is aided by its Airbrake which gives the 12C excellent stability under braking. The 12C also sets new standards for interior comfort, visibility and technology in a sports car.

Customers that are interested in purchasing a 12C should work with their local retailer. The first vehicle deliveries are anticipated for summer 2011 in North America.

McLaren Unveil at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance
While McLaren Automotive will launch the 12C beginning summer 2011, car enthusiasts will get the unique opportunity to see the MP4-12C up close at the 60th Anniversary of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, Calif. on August 15.
Attendees of the world renowned event can see a prototype of the 12C on the Concept Car Lawn in front of the entrance to The Lodge at Pebble Beach. The 12C will then tour North America to support events held by retailer candidates.

SOURCE: McLaren

Parker Brothers Choppers out of Melbourne, Florida (the same guys who made the Batpod cycle) will make you a TRON: Legacy Lightcycle for the relatively low price of $35,000.

“The Parker Brothers team is building 5 custom one off “Lightcycles” to the exact specs of the movie bikes. Each bike will be black with an accent color - 5 bikes with 5 different accent colors (red, blue, yellow, green, and orange). There will only be one bike made per color so if you must have a certain color…Disney designers built a “movie prop” of this bike for the TRON Legacy promotions and not a running version so these will be the only known running versions to exist. The engineering behind a fully functional version is mind boggling to say the least.

…The wheels are custom made 22″ x12″ dual hubless wheels with custom made tires (Hoosier is custom making 5 sets…Buyers will have the option of additional tires as needed) The frame is 2″ cold rolled and boxed hardened steel with carbon fiber/fiberglass bodies. Accent colors are neon glowing from behind frosted plexiglass and can be turned off or on with the flip of a switch.

…The “Lightcycle” is being built for everyday street use. Each bike will come with a manufacterers [sic] build sheet and a certificate of title with purchase.

Each bike will come with either a high powered electric motor or a high performance gasoline motor and transmission depending on the buyers needs. No future “Lightcycles” will be made to ensure the value of these custom motorcycles in the coming years. They will get individual vin numbers at first order 001 to last 005 as well as the original prototype vin number 000.

The back cover opens up at the push of a button and there is a neon glow that exits from the back of the bike to resemble the lightcycles colored light trail from the original game. These bikes will also come with a TRON style helmet (Not DOT Approved)”

SOURCE: Ebay

Alexander Djordjevic, aka VRAlexander as most knew him, passed away yesterday (June 26, 2010) after a tragic accident at the 1st Annual Spectre 341 Challenge hill climb in Virginia City, Nevada. Not much is yet known but what little information there is suggests that Alexander took his silver Porsche 996TT out for one last pass when he slid off road resulting in an engine fire. The course is a treacherous 5.2 miles consisting of more than 22 turns, a 1,216′ rise in elevation to 6200′, steep drop offs of up to 660′ and no guardrails!

If you had never met Alexander in person at any of the numerous automotive events across the country he attended, then if you’ve spent any time at all in the online car world you almost certainly have heard about him. To say VRAlexander was a motorsport enthusiast would be an understatement. Alexander had appeared on tv in programs like “Pinks” and “Supercars Exposed,” competed in the Texas Mile, been featured in dozens of magazines, and had a celebrity like status on several automotive internet forums.

Alexander was much more than just cars and was a successful entrepreneur. He started his first business when he was only 16 and had been involved in many other ventures since, ranging from restaurants and bars to Silicon Valley start ups. He wrote several patents and owned a Venture Capital Company.

Alexander was also a philanthropist and with his success he made sure to help others. He created the United States Military Charity (www.UnitedStatesMilitaryCharity.us), a non-profit charity dedicated to helping military troops transition to civilian life from their civilian one.

My condolences go to his family and friends, and to the all in the car world who knew him well.

VRAlexander’s CGT Compilation

VRAlexander and Evolution Motorsports set new CGT record

SPEED Channel’s Fastest Street Car Shootout 2008

VRAlexander’s 2001 Lamborghini 6.0 VS Single Turbo Supra

VRAlexander’s Callaway Corvette Burnout

VRAlexander’s 1000+HP ZO6

A short retrospective on the original Virginia City Hillclimb and the record setting run.

PhotoCredit: NowBackItUp.com

Monster World Rally Team driver Ken Block has been boosted by a short test prior to the Vodafone Rally de Portugal, during which former Ford factory driver Markko Martin sat in with him to give him a few hints and tips.

Block completed 70 kilometres at the wheel of the Ford Focus RS WRC on Monday, using gravel roads that were representative of those he will face over the weekend. It was the first time that the American had driven the Focus since the Rally of Turkey more than one month ago.

Block concentrated on suspension set-up work and also his driving style with the help of Martin. The Estonian, who drove for Ford from 2002 to 2004, has tested for the team on a regular basis but was sitting in with Block for the first time.

Monster World Rally Team manager Derek Dauncey said: “One of our biggest challenges this year has been getting Ken and Alex sufficient seat time in the Ford Focus, which made yesterday’s test crucial for us. It was the first time that Ken has actually been able to give input during a test on suspension changes and mapping options. The result is a car more fine-tuned for Ken’s driving style. In addition to making changes to the vehicle, we also brought ex-Ford WRC driver Markko Martin in to sit with Ken to provide advice on driving technique. Overall it was a very productive test and we look forward to seeing it pay off this weekend at Rally Portugal.”

Block has shown promising speed on both the World Rally Championship events he has contested so far, in Mexico and in Turkey, running in the top 10 on his debut. However, he has admitted that lack of testing has so far proved to be his biggest barrier to making progress.

“That’s been the biggest problem,” he said after Turkey. “Hopefully, with more time in the car, things will get a little easier for us.”

SOURCE: WRC

The Force was strong in Hollywood last weekend when G4TV’s Attack of the Show joined forces with Playmate Sara Jean Underwood and the 501st Legion to host a Star Wars car wash to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. Han Solo, Obi Wan, Darth Vader, Boba Fett, several Storm Troopers, a Red Guard, a Tusken Raider and pair of Jawas were on hand to stand watch as a bevy of slave Leias soaped up customers’ cars.

SOURCE: G4tv.com

Last week we reported to you that Top Gear: America was getting a new home on The History Channel and this time it looks like its the real deal. According to Kilometer Magazine filming has now begun; the cast, along with a Mustang, Carrera 4S and Genesis Coupe were spotted in probably the most appropriate place to kick off such a show, Mulholland Drive.

SOURCE/PHOTO CREDIT: KilometerMagazine.com

Yesterday I went up to Knott’s Berry Farm for the Fabulous Fords Forever; however the find of the day was not a Ford, instead upon pulling into the parking lot adjacent to the show I instantly spotted a Mercedes SLS AMG! It had distributor plates on it and it appeared to have been put through the ringer: it hadn’t been washed, looked like it had been driven in the rain and the front wheels had a thick coat of brake dust; someone sure had been having fun.

Below are the pics I took, for more information, pics and videos check out our FORUM

Here are some basic stats:

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $200,000

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 379 cu in, 6208cc
Power (SAE net): 563 bhp @ 6800 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 479 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 105.5 in Length: 182.6 in
Width: 76.3 in Height: 49.7 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3600 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 3.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 11.7 sec @ 125 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 196 mph

PROJECTED FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 13/20 mpg

This time it’s for real and thankfully NBC isn’t involved. Today the History channel and BBC Worldwide announced that work has begun on an American version of TopGear. The first ten episodes are slated to air next fall, although exact dates have not yet been announced. Tanner Foust has been kept on as a host from the first failed attempt, however both Adam Carolla and Eric Stromer have been replaced by comedian Adam Ferrara and NASCAR analyst Rutledge Wood. Fingers crossed that our version will be a success; the switch from NBC to History is a great start.

SOURCE: TopGear

The Gymkhana Ford Feista as revealed by Ken Block tonight in San Francisco for the Gymkhana THREE project this summer. The photos below are from the live unveil a little over thirty minutes ago.

Watch the teaser video here: Gymkhana THREE Fiesta Teaser Video

UPDATE: Autoblog has posted better pics from the unveil, as well as the following specs:

“The Gymkhana Three Fiesta was built by the same team that produced his Monster World Rally Team hatch, and includes a boosted four-pot capable of 850 horsepower (de-tuned with a restrictor plate to output 650 hp) and 660 pound-feet of torque. Partnered with a Olsbergs Motorsport-developed MSE Maktrak six-speed sequential transmission and powering all four wheels, the new Gymkhana contender will hit 60 mph in two seconds flat and according to Block, can ‘handle loose, while still providing complete control.’”

SOURCE AND PHOTOCREDIT: Ford Racing via Facebook, Monster/Ken Block via Twitter and Autoblog