The Latest McDaddy from McLaren
By: Juan G. Robbin
Coral Gables,
Florida - When I get an invitation for an event at The Collection luxury
auto dealership, I can always bet that I am in for a treat. The latest
invite was for the January 2012 presentation of the new swanky McLaren
showroom, as well as their all-new sports car, the MP4-12C. All I Can
say is….Wow!
As I arrived into the dealership’s elegant porte-cochere, my senses
became almost overwhelmed with the range of breathtaking customer cars,
ranging from the latest Aston-Martins, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and of
course, the star of the show, the spectacular MP4-12C! As I grab my
glass of champagne, I head directly to the new McLaren showroom which
would soon be filling up with VIP’s. With just one look, I can say that
their newest display area is on par with the amazing vehicle from
McLaren. Standing in the middle of the room one can’t help but to notice
the modern, sleek design, featuring double height ceilings, glass-walled
offices as well as an elegant sitting area that features McLaren
accessories available for the MP4-12C aficionado. Enough about the
showroom, let’s talk about the star of the event. As I sipped on the
bubbly and ate elegant canapé’s, I could not stop staring at the
surgically precise design of the newest McLaren super car. There are
amazing details, like the perfectly executed carbon fiber accoutrements,
that assist in channeling the aerodynamics as well as help with cooling
and handling, plus the LED tail lamps and the glass covered engine bay
that looks more like a work of art than a powerplant. Of course, the
forward opening, scissor-like doors are a signature piece of the
MP4-12C. These alone, created a stir with the guests.
There were several vehicles open and available for personal inspection
that gave the guests a chance to sit inside and experience the interior
of the vehicle first hand. Once inside this technological marvel, you
can’t help but to be amazed by the simple elegance of the cockpit. Make
no mistake; this is a serious driver’s car, yet it’s one that offers the
perfect balance of performance and luxury. Leather and carbon fiber is
placed in all the right places without being over-the-top. Fit and
finish is perfection redefined and the technology is, well; McLaren.
The night’s event was full of wonderful entertainment, including a trio
of beautiful ladies playing electronic violins featuring “dueling
sessions” in addition to a top notch DJ and two full bars. Mid-way
through the evening, Mr. Ken Gorin, President and CEO of The Collection,
as well as Mr. Ron Dennis, Executive Chairman and Mr. Tony Joseph,
Regional Director McLaren, spoke about the newest addition to the
dealership as well as their pride and joy, the MP4-12C. This, the latest
road car made by the storied McLaren factory in the UK, went on sale
December 2011. The MSRP is: $229,000.00 and global production for 2012
is expected to be 1,500 vehicles. Power comes from a V8, 3.8 liter, twin
turbo engine with 592 HP, giving the MP4-12C a 0-60 MPH time of: 3.2
seconds.
