Automotive

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation: Even Q Would Be Impressed

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation: Even Q Would Be Impressed The Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation pay homages to James Bond.True to form, this special DB5 will feature all the spy gadgets from the film.Production is currently underway, although it’s limited to just 25 examples.Well would ya look at this, Aston Martin is pulling a fast one with the DB5 Goldfinger! The storied British marque from Newport Pagnell has announced they are making a limited run of their ultra-famous DB5 model from the 1960s. Yes, that’s James Bond’s car. And yes, there’s a bit of a movie tie in, but still, how fab is this? The four-wheeled creation is officially known as the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation.

What Is The Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation?

The DB5 Goldfinger is the latest in the line of Aston Martin’s Continuation program, which started with the DB4 GT Zagato Continuation. It takes around 4,500 hours per car to finish the job. Each of the 25 new/old DB5 cars is built to the highest possible quality standards. Aston Martin blends old-world craftsmanship along with modern engineering and other performance advancements.

“Seeing the first customer car move painstakingly through the intricate production process we have created really is quite a thrill,” said Clive Wilson, Heritage Programme Manager, Aston Martin Lagonda. “Obviously we have not, as a business, made a new DB5 for more than 50 years, so to be involved in the building of these cars, which will go on to form part of Aston Martin’s history, is something I’m sure all of us will be telling our grandkids about!”

Over five decades after the last DB5 rolled off the production line, work is underway on a strictly limited run new DB5 models (although perhaps calling them New Old Stock is a better way to put it). Made with EON Productions, the producers of the James Bond films, this remake of the DB5 comes complete with the working spy gadgets first seen on screen in 1964.

More than half a century after the last DB5 left the Newport Pagnell factory, work is again underway on a limited series called the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation. Fewer than 900 saloon examples were built between 1963 and 1965, with the most famous “owner” being James Bond. Photo: Aston Martin Lagonda.License to Spill

And when I say all the spy gadgets, I mean all the spy gadgets: the rear smoke screen delivery system, the rear oil slick delivery system (simulated), and revolving number plates front and rear (three of them, just like JB had). More 007 gadgetry comes in the way of machine guns (simulated (duh)), bulletproof rear shield, battering rams front and rear, tire slasher (simulated), and an optional removable passenger seat roof panel.

The inside has a simulated radar screen tracker map, telephone, an under-seat hidden weapons/storage tray, and a remote control for gadget activation. “We are making, perhaps, some of the most desirable ‘toys’ ever built for 25 very lucky buyers worldwide,” added Paul Spires, President of Aston Martin Works.

All of the nifty gadgets were developed in association with Chris Corbould OBE, the special effects supervisor who has worked on more than a dozen Bond films.

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation: Engine & Vehicle Specs

All DB5 Goldfinger Continuation cars come in one exterior color: Silver Birch, just like the original. And like the 60s vintage originals, the aluminum exterior body panels are wrapped around an authentic DB5 mild steel chassis structure. Under the hood, er, bonnet, there’s a big 4.0-liter naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder with a single-plug head, three SU carburetors, and oil cooler. That’ll add up to 290 bhp.

The mill is mated to a five-speed ZF manual and limited-slip differential. Stopping is handled by old school servo-assisted hydraulic Girling-type steel disc brakes. Pointing and directing is the purview of an unassisted rack and pinion steering setup. The suspension is a coil-over spring design with an anti-roll bar at the front and a live rear axle with radius arms and Watt’s linkage out back.

Aston Martin says it’s the complete and dynamic package, to which I say, anyone who has manhandled a live rear axle with radius arms and Watt’s linkage knows just how “dynamic” things can get.

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation. Photo: Aston Martin Lagonda.Can You Get One?

Most are already spoken for, so if you want one of the 25, better jump in line now! It’s also worth noting the Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation is not street legal. And all of those cool gadgets are subject to final engineering confirmation and country-specific legislation.

First deliveries of the DB5 Goldfinger Continuation will start later this year with each continuation car priced around 3.4 million, plus taxes. Sheesh, why not just have Auric himself aim a laser at my crotch instead! “Do you expect me to talk? No! I expect you to pay, Mr. Borroz!”

Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz.

Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation Gallery

Photos & Source: Aston Martin Lagonda.
Original article: Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation: Even Q Would Be Impressed

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Buick Enspire Concept Debuts In China

Buick Enspire Concept Debuts In China The Buick Enspire all-electric concept SUV has made its global debut in China, billed as an exploration of the brand’s design ideas and innovative technologies for future mobility. With the Enspire name, Buick retains the general practice of using the letter “e” for their SUV nomenclature; Enclave, Envision, and Encore.
Power & Performance
Buick was slim on the details but the Enspire has advanced propulsion technology, allowing the concept to travel 370 miles on a single charge. The propulsion system, dubbed “eMotion” by Buick, generates a maximum power output of 410 kW and can launch the vehicle to 60 in four seconds. Buick says the Enspire supports both fast and wireless charging, and the battery can be charged to 80 percent within 40 minutes.
2018 Buick Enspire Concept. Photo: Buick.
Styling & Technology
The “surround skyline” interior theme is really of note. Buick says this is a suspended theater-type seating arrangement, meant to open up the cabin for occupants. There is an OLED screen, an augmented reality heads-up display system, and 5G connectivity.
Judging by the press photos, the interior is smooth and streamlined with most of the vehicle’s functions being controlled either by voice, gesture, or touch. Although Buick did not specify, the interior looks befitting of an autonomous vehicle.
Typical to most concepts, the body is aerodynamic and nicely sculpted.
The “surround skyline” interior theme for the Buick Enspire Concept. Photo: Buick.
Availability & In Person
Unfortunately, Buick did not reveal their long-range plans for the Enspire. Given Buick’s presence and following in China, it’s likely to see a release there first if anywhere. No word on if it will arrive in the United States or other nations. In the meantime, the Enspire Concept will be on display at Auto China 2018 in Beijing from April 25th until May 4th.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Buick.

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2019 Honda Odyssey Arrives: A Brief Walk Around

2019 Honda Odyssey Arrives: A Brief Walk Around Families looking to upgrade their daily commuter may find a likely candidate in the 2019 Honda Odyssey. Honda’s top-selling minivan has arrived at dealerships with a variety of technology and safety features. Retail data from Urban Science shows Honda has lead the minivan segment for the last eight years. During our evaluation of the 2017 model, corresponding data from IHS Markit noted the Odyssey is the preferred minivan for buyers under 35.
Power & Performance
The new Odyssey has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, complete with direct injection and Honda’s i-VTEC and Variable Cylinder Management systems to increase performance and efficiency. The engine comes mated to either a nine- or ten-speed automatic, depending on trim level. The engine, which produces a healthy 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft. of torque, carries an EPA fuel economy rating of 19/28 city/highway and 22 combined.
During our extensive test drive of the current 2018 Odyssey, we believed the 3.5-liter V6 had enough power for all driving situations. We found the transmission was smooth-shifting and thought the rear sunshades were a nice touch.
2019 Honda Odyssey. Photo: Honda North America.
Safety & Technology
The Honda Sensing package of advanced safety features is standard and includes Collision and Road Departure Mitigation Systems, Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control. On the tech front, there is everything from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to in-vehicle Wi-Fi and an entertainment system with Blu-Ray and streaming video.
Of note is the CabinWatch feature, available for the Touring and Elite. CabinWatch allows parents to view their kids in the back via the eight-inch display screen, and even talk to them through the rear speakers or wireless headphones if the Rear Entertainment System is equipped.
Pricing & Manufacturing
The entry-level Odyssey LX starts at $31,065, with the mid-range EX-L coming in at $38,585. At the top of the mountain are the Touring and Elite trims, coming in at $45,635 and $47,945 respectively.
The 2019 Honda Odyssey was researched, designed, and engineered by Honda R&D Americas in Raymond, Ohio. The Odyssey and its engine are produced exclusively by Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Alabama.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Photos & Source: Honda North America.

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2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review

2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD Review
The Mazda CX-5 is a driver-focused vehicle meant to deliver a different experience than your average small SUV. We think it offers a more satisfying experience than its chief rivals, the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester. And if looks have anything to do with it, we think it wins in exterior styling too.
Over the weekend, we drove the top trim, 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring with all-wheel drive.
What’s New For 2018
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 largely carries over from the previous model year, when it received a complete redesign. New for 2018 are standard features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Also new is cylinder-deactivation to improve fuel efficiency.
Features & Options
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD ($30,945) comes with acoustic front windows, power driver’s seat, heated front seats, an upgraded six-speaker sound system, rear USB ports, and blind-spot monitors. It also features keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. The vehicle also receives additional driver assistance features like blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and mitigation, lane keeping assist, and automatic high beams.
Grand Touring models add leather and 19-inch wheels to the above. The Premium Package on this tester ($1,306) added a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, a heads-up display, power front passenger seat, and windshield wiper de-icer. Total MSRP including destination: $34,535.

Interior Highlights
This CX-5 Grand Touring interior takes a step forward over the standard trim with leather seating and stitching on the dash, console, and door panels. The quality of materials is excellent for this price point. The cabin is driver-focused with a new leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the shift-lever location fits the driver’s hand perfectly.
The seven-inch touchscreen resolution is sharp and it sits high atop the stylish dash, but it’s a bit too far away for our liking. There’s also an infotainment controller in the center console with a radio volume control knob that’s easy to find without taking your eyes off the road. The seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments and support for long-distance driving. The steering wheel also offers a nice range of tilt-and-telescoping positions.
This weekend, we took a couple of six-foot gentlemen to lunch, and they commented on how there seems to be more shoulder room in the rear, likely due to the CX-5’s slightly wider track. The rear doors open wide, so they had no trouble entering and exiting the crossover. And thanks to scalloping in the back of the front seats, there was plenty of legroom for our riders.
If you need to carry cargo, the 40/20/40-split folding backseat reclines. Behind the rear seat, there’s 31 cubic feet of cargo storage, and 60 with the rear folded flat. It’s a bit less than competitors, including the Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Subaru Forester.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2.5-liter SKYACTIV 4-cylinder engine produces 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated exclusively to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our tester came with Mazda’s all-wheel drive system for all-weather capability, a nice feature for those who live in winter climates. The 2.5-liter engine gets cylinder-deactivation technology which automatically shuts down the two outside cylinders at cruising speeds to maximize efficiency. Fuel mileage has increased 1 mpg over last year’s model.
EPA fuel mileage estimates are 24/30 city/highway and 26 combined with all-wheel drive.

Driving Dynamics
We think the CX-5 is higher on the fun-to-drive meter than any other crossover out there. We took a weekend drive in the mountains west of Denver where this journalist lives, and the small SUV delivered a most satisfying experience. We tossed the CX-5 around the tight curves and it responded like a sports sedan.
The steering is precise, and the suspension is tuned for sporty driving over comfort. Be aware, the CX-5 is not going to win any races. The crossover has enough power for most driving situations, but was fairly tame when we pushed it hard up I-70. The naturally aspirated engine could use a turbo for those traveling up into the high country or hauling extra cargo over a high mountain pass. For normal commuting, you won’t have an issue.
The cabin was quiet when we got underway. It’s not as quiet as a luxury car, but it’s much improved when we pushed the pedal, especially at highway speeds. With the heated seats, steering wheel, and heads-up dispaly, this small SUV feels like a more expensive vehicle. Overall, it’s the most fun we’ve ever had in a compact crossover, having tested the competition. If you live where there’s lots of twisty roads, this is the vehicle for you.
Conclusion
The 2018 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring AWD nails it in driving dynamics, with a comfortable, quiet cabin, driver-focused interior, and strong exterior styling. If you like to drive, this crossover delivers a different, more pleasurable experience than your average small SUV.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Mazda CX-5 Gallery

2018 Mazda CX-5 Official Site.
Photos: Mazda North American Operations – (2017 models also shown).

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Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo

6C 1500 Sports Two Seater

After engineer higher Vitorrio Jano of the notch designed the large successful runner of P2 Prix, it turned to the design “a cheap light car with the brilliant execution”. The new car was completely a departure with the cars earlier of the road of sparte, than all of large “furnaces” used and “sixes”. At the beginning shown in Milan Motorshow 1925, that always took two years before the 6C 1500 would be available for the many eager customers. It was the beginning of a chain of the sports cars designed and strongly successful of D Alfa Romeo de Jano.
Like several of the designs of Jano, the 6C 1500 was clean and simple, but strongly effective. It believed that the engines should look at as good as they function, and its engines turned superbly. An integrated engine of six cylinders, moving just below 1.5 liter was installed in the 6C 1500 (consequently the name). It was equipped with an air camshaft simple conduit by an axis. A gear box at four speeds was directly bolted on the engine.

The engine and the gear box were adapted in a steel reinforcement, which was suspended by the axes of phase and the springs blade semi-finale-elliptic around. It was available like short version of footing of 2900 millimetres and version length of footing of 3100 millimetres. The factory offered a certain number of four and six bodies of seater like standard and spider of two seater were available on request. Several of the coachbuilders of Italy like travelling and Zagato also offered bodies for the light and nimble frame.

For the use of competition the version of “sport” was launched in 1928. It was equipped with a double air version of camshaft, which increased the power with 10 BHP with 54 BHP. The execution was further increased by adding a superheater, increasing the power still other. With a 6C overfed 1500, Alfa Romeo recorded the first of eleven victories in the Thousand Miglia. The highest output of 84 BHP was carried out by the superb sport Testafissa, which comprised a block and the head moulded in-unit.

At 1929 the 6C 1500 was succeeded by the 6C with larger engine 1750. Today very little is on the left around 1000 6C 1500s built and the majority of them are now equipped with the more powerful engine 1750.

Described is a 6C 1500, equipped with an open body established by Alfa Romeo along the lines of a design of Zagato. One sees it here with bidding 2005 of Retromobile de Christie, where it changed hands for Juste more than $150.000.

Country of origin general of characteristics of the years of Italy of the production 1927 - 1929 presented at numbers 1925 of Milan Motorshow established the design Alfa Romeo of body 862 (of all the versions) inspired by the kilo of Zagato Weight 1000/2204.6 books

The engine of gear box directly before place of 6 engines, Cu the litre/90.7 longitudinally assembled displacement 1.487 in Valvetrain 2 valves/cylinder, aspiration of the D2 carburettor of zenith 30 of fuel food of SOHC naturally aspired the hand drive operation of wheel of back of drive speed of the gear box 4

The figures of execution actuate 44 BHP/33 kilowatts @ couple N/A BHP/Liter 30 power of BHP of 4200 t/mn/litre to weigh the report/ratio 0.04 BHP/kilogramme of higher km/h speed 110/68 M/H: “mph 0-60 M/H: “acceleration N/A of mph

By Papa Keren.

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Acura

Acura's Future Cars

Acura, the manufacturer of quality Acura catalytic converter, is set to offer three new and exciting cars: 2 as 2008 year model and 1 as 2009 year model. These three cars are the 2008 RDX, 2008 MDX, and the 2009 Acura NSX.
The RDX has the same roofline, greenhouse, and C-pillars as the last yearÕs concept vehicle. However, the doors are different. This is not just due to the handles. In last yearÕs concept, rear doors were cut out around the wheels. But for manufacture, their shape is more squared off.

Under the hood of the RDX is the first turbocharged engine for either Honda or Acura street vehicle. The all new 2.3-liter i-VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder yields 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It is paired to a five-speed manual-automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. Standard with this vehicle is AcuraÕs Super Handling All Wheel Drive system, standard front, side, and side curtain air bags. The vehicle also comes with Acura's navigation system with real-time traffic reports and an ELS DVD-Audio surround sound stereo system.

The RDX will form part of the small, premium cross over segment, along with the Land Rover Freelander and the Audi Q5.

An SUV competed with the Mercedes-Benz ML and the Lexus RX300, the 2008 Acura MDX is built to straight at the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. To have the same level of performance as it competitors, AcuraÕs engineers built the vehicles parts at Germany s Nurburgring, which is known for its ability to produce quality parts that will give driving dynamics.

The exterior of the new MDX exposes several refinements. Frank Paluch, the chief engineer of both the original and second-generation MDX models, asserted that their aim was to provide a stealth family package. This was done by the design team through lowering the visual center of the new MDX, which they call the C-line. The D-pillar was also angled sharply forward to blend with the third row seating. Paluch added the new MDX looks smaller, but wider, longer, and lower.

Acura is doubted about power train performance, but Paluch says their goal is for best-in-class V-6 performance.

Last, but certainly not the least among Acura cars, is the 2009 NSX. The conceptualization of the next NSX is not yet final. Automobilemag.com said Honda is still in the process of finalizing what kind of car it should be and what will its appearance be.

The mid-engine Honda HSC concept will no longer be seen on the next NSX. The new vehicle will have front-engine, and not mid-engine as compared to the first mentioned car. Honda Motor CEO Takeo Fukui decreed a ten-cylinder engine that frustrated employees from Japan to California to Ohio , who would like to develop a V-8 that could be used across a wider product range, such as a proper flagship sedan for Acura.

By Evander Klum.

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2017 New York Preview: The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept revealed ahead of Javits debut

2017 New York Preview: The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept revealed ahead of Javits debut The Infiniti QX80 soldiers on on as the company’s flagship SUV based on the Nissan Patrol/Armada and this concept previews a new version.
What’s going on?
Infiniti just revealed a new concept car due for the New York International Auto Show. Meet the new Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept.
Details are sparse. But as of now, it’s safe to assume that this QX80 Monograph Concept previews not only an updated QX80, but perhaps a flagship version as well.
“The QX80 Monograph represents a detailed study into our expertise of exterior design,” describes Roland Krueger, Infiniti’s current president. “QX80 Monograph shows our concept of luxury and style on the road, and is an exploration into how we could enhance our future Infiniti offering in the luxury SUV segment.”
Ok. Anything else?
Nope, just a single picture, which you can see in HD below.
The Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept looks fairly close to production ready. So we anticipate the actual car to look very similar. Automakers are also introducing ultra-luxury versions of their high-end vehicles for foreign and affluent markets. So in a way, you can describe this new Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept as a potential alternative to others, like the Range Rover Autobiography.
Though, I’d still rather have a Range Rover.
– By: Chris Chin
Infiniti QX80 Monograph Concept

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SoCal Private Country Club For Gearheads Opens New Track

SoCal Private Country Club For Gearheads Opens New Track

A lot of the time, I read the words “country club” and my jaw clenches. I start thinking it’s time for a short ride in the tumbril and a date with The National Razor. And honestly, in this case, I thought the same, briefly. Then I realized, well, I’m a car guy, albeit one of limited means.
That does not take away from the fact that as a gearhead, I, like all gearheads, are always, pretty much as random background noise, thinking “what if, what if?”
Endless Possibilities
And by “what if,” I mean, “what if I had an “extra” 20-thousand dollars? What kind of car would I buy?” or “what if I had an “extra” 200-thousand dollars? What kind of car would I buy?” or “what if I won the Powerball Lotto? What kind of cars would I buy?” See, for a gearhead, it’s never “would you” but “could you.” And, in the back of my mind, smooth and febrile as it may be, the equation is always one of “get a warehouse, and fill it with all the cars I can afford.”
Motorsports Country Club
Suppose that you’re already in that position. Suppose you’re richer than Croesus. Now suppose you are really into the track and racing cars. So much into them that you have, let’s say, a dozen or so of the beasts carefully stored and waiting. Now, where do you drive the things? It’s not like having a bunch of old Packards and De Sotos. Even if they’re old, you can still take them out for a drive, early on a warm Sunday morning. But you have ten or a dozen racers – a Porsche 908, a fully prepped 911 RSR, an older Devin, that sort of thing – what do you do?
Enter the motorsports country club.
As the name implies, it’s a country club minus the golf links and tennis courts, with garages, storage facilities, and most importantly, a track. And, like a country club, you pay your (idiotically exorbitant (but who cares, you own a dozen racing cars!)) fee and you get your own, semi private (or at least exclusive) playground to use. And, besides having access to mechanics and tools, you’re also around other like-minded and like-enriched car people to go out on the track and play with.
These things, country clubs for rich gearheads, have been cropping up for a while now. There’s a couple in Colorado, and a slew in the desert southwest, where the weather is much more amenable to this sort of thing. Also much more amenable is the land, which there is plenty of, and is cheap like the budgie. For example, The Thermal Club, which is located in Palm Desert, California, right next to Palm Springs.
The Thermal Club’s road courses can be utilized for vintage race cars, modern GT3 cars, and motorcycles. Photo: The Thermal Club.
Track Treatments
The Thermal Club is a private motorsports country club that offers up a whole bunch of well healed conveniences for its members. It sits on 344 acres of land in the California desert, about half the size of Central Park in New York. About half an hour from Palm Springs, The Thermal Club offers luxurious villa accommodations, 5.1 miles of private pavement, and three different tracks. There’s also a club house, a fueling station (no mention on kinds and qualities, but I’m guessing/hoping all the way up to and including AvGas), and a tuning shop for repair and maintenance. No mention if you can wrench on your car yourself, or if there are available dogsbodies to be ordered around and abused just like great-grand-papa did when he was working for the East India Company.
The Thermal Club just expanded, adding a third track, The Desert Track, that joins the North and South tracks. The Thermal Club says the new course is its most technical road course to date. They also say that “since monotony is not an option, all three tracks can be combined, allowing for 22 different configurations, giving drivers a new experience each time they take to the tarmac.” Yes, that monotony can be such a bother in your daily life. I mean, how many times can you take dives into your Scrooge McDuck vault of gold doubloons or waste more hours looking through catalogues for your fifth trophy wife? Life can be such a struggle, can’t it?
All of the circuits were developed by track designer Alan Wilson, the brains behind the revamped Circuit Mont-Tremblant, Barber Motorsports Park, and The Utah Motorsports Complex. The Thermal Club also has a karting track, skid pad, and autocross course.
“Our goal is to have a country club that the entire family can be a part of and give our members a place that feels like home for a day at the track or a long weekend getaway,” said Tim Rogers, Thermal Club Founder. Photo: The Thermal Club.

Exclusive Treatments
The Thermal Club just finished work on an all-new Tower Clubhouse that features gourmet cuisine served by executive chef, Armando Rivera for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All the chow, er, cuisine is prepared by the on-site gourmet chefs in a state-of-the-art kitchen. The Tower Clubhouse also has a full bar, comfortable seating, and a premium wine selection.
You want more, you say? But of course! The Thermal Club gives its members their own custom designed luxurious villas, all the aforementioned dining and drinking and such as well as activities for all members of the family. An athletic center, spa, and kids club is planned for the near future. It’s located close enough to L.A. that if you’re one of the cities richer denizens with a serious car Jones, then it’s a convenient drive away for the weekend. If not, you can always take the G 650 into PSP and take the short drive from there.
Before Graham Hill became a triple world driving champion, he used to sell cars for Colin Chapman. At one point, he was showing a prospective buyer around the Lotus showroom when the client asked, “this car is much more expensive than that one, why is that?” To which Graham replied, “speed equals money sir, how fast would you care to go?”
The Thermal Club, in its own, unassuming and humble way, is also here to help answer that question.
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He means well, even if he has a bias towards lighter, agile cars rather than big engine muscle cars or family sedans.
Photo: The Thermal Club.
Photos & Source: The Thermal Club

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The Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition is a new version for our shores

The Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition is a new version for our shores Lotus is bringing a more powerful Evora Sport 410 to the US, in legendary GP livery for enthusiasts.

What’s going on?
I frequently look at Lotus’ lineage during my lifetime as being broken into three distinct periods. Firstly, Lotus Esprits were often broken at the local exotic shop when I was a kid,. Then, there were Lotus Elises that friends my age were actually owned and enjoyed. And Lotus Exiges and Evoras proved to me that the British have yet to slow down with their oh-so-popular-yet-historic nameplate. The thing is, the Elise may have been fast because of its ridiculously light aluminum and fiberglass construction. But it just never had the extra cylinders like one of those Esprits I remembered from the garage.
I’m here to tell you that Lotus made all my big-kid dreams come true. By taking the more powerful Evora we’ve all come to love, shaving an exciting 154 pounds from the 400 model (yes!) and painting it in classic Lotus black and gold (yes!!), they’ve created the Evora Sport 410 GP Edition. And the real winner… they’re bringing it to North America.

So why the excitement over some black and gold paint? Why couldn’t we just order black, and then have a little gold vinyl cut up for it?
Well, we’re hoping Lotus screens its buyers to prevent this sort of DIY disgrace in the future. But until then, you should know that the GP trim is based on the John Player Special Team cars that Lotus was racing from 1972 to 1986 in Formula One.
They’ve given a great homage to this bit of heritage via the gold stripes on the hood, doors, fenders, and rockers. There’s a “Wold Champions” piece on the engine cover, and 410 logo on the tail end. If you know a Lotus fanatic, you know this is very, very different from make-believe racing lineage livery slapped on mid-range sports cars. Black and gold are the colors of Lotus’ blood – and likely the color of your enthusiast friend’s underwear.
And my last bit of excitement, they’ve decided to finally bring this wonderful machine to North America. The 410 weighs just 2,921 pounds, and boasts a 3.5 liter supercharged V6 with 400 ponies, and 302 pound-feet of torque. There’s a 6 speed manual standard and a Torsen-type LSD making sure this thing doesn’t mess up that beautiful Lotus handling with all that power. 0-60 in 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 190 MPH round out these specs.
Going back to my earlier moment of Lotus nostalgia, it’s like Lotus took the muscle of their latest 6-cylinder platform, put it through the Elise’s fat-burning gym membership, and then brought it to us Americans in the most “gotta have it” appearance possible. The only downside (aside from hearing about this a mere 2 weeks before the IRS takes my Lotus money away), is that Lotus will only be producing 150 of the Evora Sport 410 GP Edition. You’d better believe we’re excited to wait in line for it though.
– By: Pat Miller
Source: Lotus
Lotus Evora Sport 410 GP Edition Gallery

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