Zack Sobiech, a Car Enthusiast and True Hero

Ed Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:39:07 +0000

Most people hear the word “hero” and automatically think of a comic book hero. You know, the ones with the super powers and incredible physical strength. But, there are other heroes out there, ones that have strength in more ways than one. Zack Sobiech was a true hero in the sense that he had emotional strength some of us could not even comprehend. He was able to live out the remaining days of his life with a smile on his face and death patiently awaiting him around the corner. Everywhere he went, his smile and personality created an aura of joy, happiness and peace. No matter how bad the news was, he knew laying down and accepting it was not an option. Even though he found out he was terminally ill with cancer, he still managed to create beautiful music (video posted below), love, and drive his dream car: the Nissan GT-R. In the documentary (found below) about his last days, he describes the GT-R as being the least expensive, with the most performance. In his words, “it’s perfect.” When Nissan found out about his situation and his affinity for their supercar, they loaned home a GT-R to drive for a week. His dad pulled up to the driveway and surprised his son with the car he had only driven in video games. His reaction to the car was a much need experience for both Zach and his family, especially in such dire times. He drove everywhere in the car, smiling the entire way. A car is transportation to some. A job for others. And to a select few of us, its our passion. For Zach, cars were clearly his passion. This is obvious when you see his face light up as he sat behind the wheel of a car he dreamt of driving. It was a week of escape for Zach. Taking his sister to her basketball practices in the GT-R was not a chore, it was a dream come true. Sadly, Zach Sobiech lost his battle with cancer on May 20th. We here at duPont REGISTRY and Autofluence send our thoughts and condolences to the Zach’s family. His parents should be proud to have raised such a uplifting and inspiring individual. The story he leaves behind has inspired us all to live by his saying: “You don’t have to find out you’re dying to start living.” Zach Sobiech was a real hero and will be missed by all. Donate to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.

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duPont REGISTRY Pics of the Week: 5/24/2013

Ed Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:37:51 +0000

Here are our Top 10 Pics of the Week, selected from photos sent to us from photographers. Please vote for your favorite image below and be sure to visit the photographer’s Facebook pages while you’re at it. If you would like to have your picture featured, be sure to post a photo with only YOUR watermark to duPont REGISTRY’s Facebook wall. A winner is chosen each Friday, and is featured as duPont REGISTRY’s Facebook cover photo. 1. ASP | Photography 2. Genuine Photography 3.The Urban Sniper 4. KvK Photography 5. Marcel Lech Photography 6. Mike Crawat Photography 7. Philippe Collinet 8. Snabshod Photogrpahy 9. Vukz Photography 10. XUANRENPICTURES

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The Gold Standard in Car Wax

Lauryn Howell — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:29:17 +0000

If you own a luxury or exotic car then a good wash and wax is common sense. Mitchell and King, Scottish company renowned for producing high end car care products, now provides car enthusiasts with one more way to pamper their automobile. If the shine of your ten dollar bottle of wax just isn’t cutting it for you, then give Mitchell and Kings goldRush Rally wax a try. Before we even get to the wax itself we’ve got to talk about the case. First off, this is a $97,060 dollar bottle of wax, making it the world’s most expensive car wax. It comes inside a 24-Carat gold plated, Swarovski Crystal encrusted case. This product screams luxury. But a nice case only gets you so far with car enthusiasts; they’re more concerned with what’s inside. If the case gave you any clues then you won’t be surprised to find out that this wax contains actual gold flakes. This decadent wax will protect your automobile for up to four months of the best shine you’ve ever seen, it even comes with a bespoke scent. You can purchase your own goldRush Rally wax right from Mitchell and Kings website at mitchellandking.com, here you’ll find a video and more details. If you’re looking for the most luxurious way to pamper your vehicle, then this wax is for you.

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#1 Pagani Zonda R Evolution

Ed Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:23:38 +0000

When the Pagani Zonda R Evolution first showed itself at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed, it stunned the crowd. It is quite possibly one of the most attractive Zondas made and is the most powerful Pagani Zonda ever created. These photos were taken at the 9th Pagani Gathering by Prototype0, and star the first Zonda R Evo. Mind you, there will only be 5 examples of these non-street legal Zondas made. The aerodynamics and horsepower have been increased in this new model, putting the power output to over 800 hp. And in order to purchase one of these rare cars, you will have to drop over $2,275,000. If you have the money and plan on purchasing it, act fast because 4 out of the 5 Zonda R Evos have been sold. (Source: GTspirit, Prototypezero.net)

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The Bidding War for Waze

Lauryn Howell — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:50:59 +0000

Waze, the newest addition to the map application market, is the subject of many recent headlines. A bidding war has started between Facebook and Google, both companies want to get their hands on this new mapping technology. For Facebook, buying Waze would mean more opportunities to sell ads, but more importantly Waze would provide them with the technology they need to get better information and data about their users. For Google, Waze will bring some much needed enhancements to the social side of its new maps application. Waze was founded in Israel in 2007 but is headquartered in Silicon Valley. This cutting edge application uses GPS sensing technology. As you drive around this application is discretely determining your own speed and location so it can be applied to data from other Waze users. With this data Waze is able to create real time traffic updates and information on hold-ups and accidents. It can even tell you when you’re approaching police or which gas station on your route has the best prices. It’s a pretty remarkable little app with some huge marketing power; it’s easy to see why Google and Facebook are so eager to get their hands on it. As of now it’s been said that Waze is looking for bidding to start around $1 billion, the end result remains to be seen. However, it was pretty clever on Waze’s part to start this bidding war, it can only increase their profit. One might expect to find Apple in the mix as well but according to Bloomberg Apple is “not currently” part of this bidding war. This quote taken straight from the Waze website does a fantastic job of summing up this cutting edge traffic application, “Imagine 30 million drivers out on the roads, working together towards a common goal: to outsmart traffic and get everyone the best route to work and back, every day.” All bidding and marketing opportunities aside, this may be one of the most useful and practical applications ever produced.

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Ferrari California Wrecked by NHL Star Voracek

Ed Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:39:12 +0000

NHL players are known for collisions, but that is only referring to collisions which occur on the ice. Apparently, Jakub Voracek didn’t get that memo. He was driving his Ferrari California in his home of Czech Republic at a high speed this Wednesday when a truck travelling in the opposite direct as Voracek starting to turn into his lane. The NHL star could not stop in time and ended up colliding head on with the truck. After crashing into the massive truck, his Ferrari was sent into a telephone pole where his car finally stopped. Luckily, nobody was injured in the accident, but the car looks to be totaled. Since the accident, Voracek has plead guilty and has agreed to pay for the damages. The damages amount to 3,025,000 crowns, which is around $150,000 USD.

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Scott Dixon to wear Louis Moinet in Indianapolis 500

Ed Jones — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:52:59 +0000

When you have tasted victory in one of the world’s most prestigious motor races once, it makes you hungry for more. Two-time IZOD IndyCar Series Champion Scott Dixon has that hunger. The New Zealander won the Indianapolis 500 from pole position in 2008. After fractionally missing out in the four editions since, Scott is intent on making it a high five this Sunday afternoon by grabbing glory once again in the century-old race. He will be backed as always by Target Chip Ganassi Racing with whom he has formed such a successful partnership: Since 2007, Scott has never been out of top three in the IZOD IndyCar Series rankings. This Sunday’s Indianapolis 500 sees the launch of another promising partnership: Scott will wear a timepiece created by Switzerland-based watch brand Louis Moinet – a timepiece developed in collaboration with the multi-award-winning racing driver. “I am very excited and honoured to be a part of the Louis Moinet family. It’s a watch brand with such an amazing history,” says Scott. “The timepiece we have created is a beautiful combination of great design, innovation and precision and I am proud to wear it both in and out of my Indy car.” The Scott Dixon by Louis Moinet is a sporty, two-pusher automatic chronograph packed with racing-refined features, including high-visibility hands; tachymeter scale on the high-tech steel and carbon fibre bezel to monitor racing performance; and chronograph pushers inset with carbon fibre and decorated with a chequered flag motif. The red and white on the dial mirror the red and white Indy cars and overalls that Scott has worn with such distinction while representing Target ChipGanassi Racing over the past decade. The engraving around the beautiful display back is of a winner’s wreath, vividly evoking Scott’s 2008 triumph at Indianapolis. Two smart strap options are available: Driver-friendly natural rubber or elegant black leather with bold red stitching. The Scott Dixon is an exclusive limited edition of 365 pieces in stainless steel and forms part of Louis Moinet’s Legends collection, featuring timepieces developed in collaboration with an iconic figure who has made an indelible mark by excelling at the highest level in their respective field. Scott Dixon fits the bill exactly and is ready to show once again this Sunday why he is one of the greatest drivers in IZOD IndyCar Series history. (Louis Moinet)

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McLaren Celebrates 50 years with the “50 12C”

Ed Jones — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:18:55 +0000

To celebrate 50 years of McLaren, the English automaker has created an anniversary model of their flagship vehicle called the “McLaren 50 12C” and “12C Spider”. Only 50 examples of both the 12C coupe and 12C Spider will be produced. So what exactly makes this anniversary edition car special? The car itself was produced by McLaren Special Operations, a division of McLaren Automotive that is responsible for bespoke projects. A remodelled CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)-optimised front bumper from MSO is just the start of the special features on the 50 12C. This front bumper increases downforce in the and is gives the front-end more visual impact. Right above this new bumper is a black McLaren F1-inspired badge that was previously available only to MSO clients. Bespoke McLaren 50 Ultra Lightweight wheels are also fitted to the car, which save weight and look incredible. Inside the car is an interior decked out with a full leather upgrade with subtle badges branded to the carbon fiber sill panel and floor mats. A 50th anniversary dedication plate is also located on the driver’s door, making sure everyone knows how rare this car truly is. The McLaren 50 12C and McLaren 50 12C Spider will be available in either Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or heritage McLaren Orange. Expect to pay $253,400 for the coupe version and $278,600 for the spider.

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Review: 2013 Lexus LS 600h L

Nick Ghaneie — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:07:49 +0000

Price: $119,910 ($128,610 as tested) Engine: 5.0-liter V8 with VVT-iE Transmission: E-CVT Hybrid Transmission w/ Sequential Shift Power: 438 hp When most people think of Lexus they think of the slow older person in front of them that makes them late to work every morning. Well I am here to tell you that Lexus is turning over a new leaf. The 2013 Lexus LS600h L is a big-body sedan that can easily accommodate four adults and several pieces of luggage. From the outside the car has very elegant lines and tasteful uses of chrome in different places from the front grill to the door handles and exhaust tips. The front grill was totally redesigned from the old model and encourages a much more sporty look. The interior of the car is where Lexus took this model to the next level. Once you open the door to get in, your eyes are met with a forest of bamboo that perfectly matches the Flaxen leather. Once you sit in the spacious cockpit you can gain a true affliction for this luxury sedan. The seats will hug you with a warm Christmas like hug that makes you feel good every time you get in the vehicle. The best seat in the house is definitely the rear passenger side seat. This seat is definitely the daddy seat when it comes to this vehicle. First off, if you are not tech savvy then you are definitely going to need to pull out the owner’s manual to understand how to use all the options included in this model. After reading the manual you can then use the rear reclining seats massage option to ease your mind after that long read. Also while you are in the reclining seat make sure you use the symphony like sound system to play your favorite tunes. Once your favorite song is over, you are going to want to put your favorite movie in the DVD player and watch it with the full 19 speaker surround sound system by Mark Levinson. You also can’t forget the small swivel table for eating or writing in the rear that Lexus somehow integrated into the rear center console. Once you have your fill of the vast amenities that come with this awesome vehicle you can begin to roll it out the garage and see the other new advances Lexus has made. If you leave the economy mode on in the Lexus LS600h L you will hear nothing more than the air coming and going from your noise will on your way to the grocery store; but if you set the computer to sport mode then you will all the sudden hear the kraken awaken from under all the plastic covering pieces in the bonnet. The sport mode uses both the V8 engine and electric motors in such a seam less way that the car truly comes to life and doesn’t feel like a two and a half ton luxury sedan. When you press on the gas in Sport S mode the car will literally straighten itself out while taking a slight turn or bend, from the insane amount of linear torque created by the two electric motors. Once we figured out that a two and a half ton luxury sedan is only going to be so sporty we popped it back into comfort mode and tried to get a feel for how comfortable a ride this chariot could achieve. We took the LS600h L down the bumpiest road we could find, and if we were going up an incline it literally would have felt like we were taking off in a jetliner from the nearby airport. Honestly the car felt like it was hovering over the bump riddled road. We realized the car could handle any road with ease, so we decided to take it off-road and to our surprise it also effortlessly glided over the grassy terrain. The Adaptive Variable Air Suspension system in this vehicle is so sophisticated it could handle almost any terrain we could legally get to, so we decided to move on to the last test. This test involved how the car felt to be chauffeur around in with a driver and two rear passengers. This car made you feel like a high class rapper getting driven around by a member of their team. The car had everything in the rear that you could ever want in a reasonably priced luxury sedan. The only con was that the massagers could have been a little better but honestly that’s not really a con at all! The car was by far one of my favorite cars to date and that’s truly saying something because I’m quite picky when it comes to any vehicle. Once we pulled the Lexus LS600h L into the garage for the last time we all got out and looked at each other and said, “Can we keep it?” This car is a true example as to how Lexus is trying to innovate and create a new experience for their clients and I have to say, they did a truly spectacular job!

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SSC Tuatara Deliveries Start by Winter 2013

Ed Jones — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:57:54 +0000

Rumor has it that SSC will start delivering their infamous Tuatara starting December this year. CEO Alan Leverett broke this news, along with the news that the car itself will cost customers $1.3 million. At that price you will be getting a powerhouse of an engine that has a generous output of 1350hp. This news comes to me as a surprise considering news about this car has been sparse. SSC has done quite a good job keeping the Tuatara’s development on the downlow. Maybe they took some tips from Daft Punk, because their latest album was a complete surprise when announced. (Source: GTspirit)

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Cars of Fast and Furious 6

Lauryn Howell — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:10:24 +0000

The upcoming release of Fast and Furious 6 has got car enthusiasts all over the nation buzzing. The line-up in this movie is impressive to say the least. They’re bringing back old Fast and Furious classics while introducing a couple new cars to the silver screen. Before we get into the lineup we’ve got to take a look into a car that is making its Fast and Furious debut in this movie. Ramp Car The aptly named Ramp Car was custom built for Fast 6. This car is made from a ladder from 3-by-6 inch rectangular steel tubing. The front suspension of this monster is from a 3/4-ton mid-80s GM pickup truck with the original coils replaced by air springs. Bringing it around to the backside you’ll find a Dana 60 rear axle. It is also equipped with hydraulic steering. It’s probably not the most comfortable ride with its three separate passenger pods, not that that matters as long as it’s fast. The car houses a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine and is rated at 430 horsepower. Uniquely however, the LS3 is mounted backward. Power is sent into a GM turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission. This monster may ride low, but it is actually pretty long and wide stretching out about 160 inches over a 130-inch wheelbase. Its low riding body make it easy to see the read Hoosier 31-by-16.5 inch tires. The ramp car also has custom pipes for each cylinder. These pipes can be seen snaking over the engine, this may not be the most efficient design, but it sure looks cool. 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Moving on to the poster boy of Fast 6, the 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona. Unfortunately this is not an authentic Daytona, it was built for the mover to decrease costs as well as shorten the standard nose length. They also changed the headlights fixing them under Plexiglas unlike the original pop-up design. Several other modifications were made to this reproduction, but let’s skip that and get to the interesting stuff. It is powered by a GM 6.2-liter LS3 V8, as are most of the cars in this movie. It also has the identical 430 horsepower rating. Like the Ramp Car it houses a GM Turbo 400 three-speed automatic transmission. Apparently the inside is all custom done and nothing like the original Dodge Dayton design, it was completely customized for the movie. The rear seat is completely taken over by a pair of Magnaflow mufflers. This car is definitely deserving of the poster spot. 1970 Ford Escort RS1600 Five of these British beauties were bought for this movie, and all 5 were completely rebuilt. They added new engines, roll cages, racing seats, and 5 speed transmissions. The gauges and instruments were replaced with black Revotec gauges. You won’t find an ignition key in this car. Its place was taken by a battery connector plug and fuel pump and ignition switches. Of course they had to do away with the standard tires and replace them with Federal Super Steel 595 tires. In the movie you’ll see this awesome little car make some pretty daring jumps, sadly two of the five did not make it out alive. Lucra LC470 One of the three Lucra LC470′s purchased for the movies was completely built by Lucra in the United States. Unlike the other cars it has a GM LS7 7.0-liter V8 engine and a Tremec five-speed manual transmission. The other three mimicked the engine and transmission of the Ramp Car and Dodge Daytona. The front end houses 17 inch Nitto NT01 tires which help its 505hp cruise seamlessly. The Lucra LC470 has some pretty nice stats with a 2.5 second 0-60 and a 9.4 second quarter-mile trip. This little car can move. 2011 Wide-Body Dodge Challenger This Dodge Challenger is a car you might recognize. It made its debut in Fast and Furious 5 and is back in Fast 6 to stir things up. This classic houses a 6.4-liter V8 engine, and surprisingly the Fast 6 crew didn’t change much. When it made its debut in Fast 5 it was still a new car, they crew really didn’t need to change anything. 1971 Jensen Interceptor This may not be a car you would expect to have a leading role in Fast 6, but this little guy really make an impact on the silver screen. They did do away with its original European engine only to replace it with the movie favorite GM LS3 6.3-liter V8 American engine. They took the 400 three-speed automatic transmission and fed it back to a 9-inch solid Ford rear axle. They had to find a way to accommodate the oversized rear tires so they widened the wheel wells a bit. And just to make sure it was fully Americanized they used four-wheel disc brakes from a 2010 Ford Mustang GT. 2010 Nissan GT-R This is another familiar face from previous Fast and Furious movies making an appearance in Fast 6. Amazingly no replicas were built of this Nissan GT-R, this one managed to survive all of the action. This car houses a Switzer P800 turbo kit, so you know it’s going to be fast. This kit includes two massive intercoolers, high-pressure wastegate actuators, a revised intake, Niagra-spec fuel injectors, and new ball-bearing turbochargers. The GT-R engine is a twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 with 485 horsepower stock rating. So all in all it has around an 800 hp. Nissan has its own all-wheel-drive system which helps to keep the car grounded. Each tire contains 290-millimeter Yokohama Adan A005 racing slicks. This car is definitely far from stock, but it has maintained the essence of the Nissan GT-R that car enthusiast love so much. 1970 Plymouth Hemi ‘Cuda This classic Plymouth Hemi Cuda was the real thing. The actual Plymouth used in Fast 6 was borrowed from a local car collection. Of course nothing was changed, but even if they could, [...]

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Prepare for Takeoff with the RJ Spacecraft Timepiece

Lauryn Howell — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:59:05 +0000

Take a look at this watch and you’ll feel like your stepping into the future, a future that brings new technological advancements and commercial space travel. This watch certainly gets you one step closer to intergalactic exploration. The aptly named Romain Jerome Spacecraft is a timepiece so advanced that it can only be compared to something straight from a Sci-Fi novel. It may have the internal workings of a watch with its 28’800 v/h and mechanical self-winding movements, but the exterior mimics the complexity and sleekness of a spacecraft. The RJ Spacecraft timepiece has a convenient 38 hour power reserve. If you find yourself taking a break from space exploration to venture into the depths of the ocean, you’ll enjoy the 3atm water resistance of this exceptional timepiece. The watch face does not fit the standard mold, in fact, at first glance; it may not appear to be a watch face at all. When looking at the face one will see a dragging minute indication displayed on a disc with a red indicator that has been transferred on the sapphire crystal that protects this intricate time piece. This however, is only a small part of the face, the majority, including the crown, is solid, black, PVD-coated, Titanium. The hour can be read laterally off the side of the watch. It is displayed by a linear retrograde jumping hour system with the hour indicated by a red-lacquered cursor. It’s innovative design gives the case a dimension of 50 x 44,5 x 18,5 mm. The beadblasted titanium plates that are elegantly integrated into the face of this timepiece add to this perfect dimension. Most luxury watches choose to incorporate sapphire crystal into their designs however the RJ Spacecraft has taken this crystal to another level. Only the finest anti-reflective metallised sapphire crystals were used. This contemporary timepiece is divine all the way down to its strap. It’s not the run of the mill alligator skin strap that hangs from most luxury watches. No, to fit this futuristic timepiece Romain Jerome used black polyamide mesh with a titanium buckle. Only 99 pieces were made, making this modern watch extremely exclusive. This timepiece is valued at $33,400 USD. Prepare to be mesmerized by this exceptional timepiece as it lives up to its name. The RJ Spacecraft will truly make one fee as if they’re of taking off into another dimension.

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The McLaren P1 is on it’s Way

Tommy Gorman — Wed, 22 May 2013 20:58:38 +0000

The McLaren P1, its latest hybrid super car, is getting ready to make ground in the U.S. by late this year for an estimated cost of $1.5 million. The P1 runs off a twin-power hybrid powerplant good for a combined 903 horsepower and 663 pound-feet of torque. It’s 0-60 mph in less than 3 seconds represents the pinnacle of McLaren’s achievement in creating road cars that integrate the best Formula 1 technology. First deliveries of the McLaren P1 will happen at the start of summer this year in a few foreign markets and to those ultra-crazy-rich willing to pay for the privilege. For all others only willing to foot the $1.15 mil, probably October. In its 2013 launch year, production will be upped ahead of time to assure more customers get their P1s as soon as possible. McLaren is pitching the P1 as a ‘transformer’, a dynamic road car that can transform into a track monster at the press of a button. It promises the P1 will not only be without compromise either on road or track – a ‘Jeckyll and Hyde’ car, as they put it – but also as rewarding for us normal drivers as pro racers. McLaren is building a new production line at its Woking facility to manufacture the P1, a move that’ll create 80 new jobs. Once the line is up and running, McLaren says it’ll build one P1 every day in an ‘F1 style’ process, with the first cars arriving at the end of August.Though based on the architecture of the twin-turbo V8 from the 12C, the P1′s engine is unrecognizable. McLaren describes it as 90 percent new, with a wholly revised crank train, fueling, heads and block.

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