McLaren Elva

 

The Elva is one of many recent special McLaren models, but it is unique in it being a speedster with no windshield, roof, or windows. It was unveiled in Dubai in 2019 and produced for the 2021 model year. Powering the Elva is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 804 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque paired to a seven-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 203 mph. Its name is derived from a French term meaning "she goes," and its design is inspired by McLaren's open-air race cars from the 60s. The Elva is also the lightest McLaren production vehicle ever produced, weighing in at around 2,900 pounds, which shouldn't come as much of a surprise. It shares its carbon fiber tub and chassis with other McLaren models such as the 720S and Senna. Inside, the Elva's seats are made of Ultrafabric, a synthetic form of leather, and the other interior trim pieces consist of aluminum and carbon fiber. Although it is more stripped down than other McLaren models for a more pure driving experience, it still offers basic creature comforts such as air conditioning, heating, and navigation. A windscreen can be installed on the Elva as an option if the owner wishes to have one installed. 

Only 399 examples of the McLaren Elva will ever be made, with each one starting at $1.695 million. Like with some vehicles I recently featured on this site and some I plan to feature soon, this year's Exotics on Broadway in Monterey back in late August marked the first time I saw a McLaren Elva up close. Overall, the Elva is an amazing, stunning, and impressive supercar that may not be very practical but would be a ton of fun to drive.

Happy Halloween!

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Corvette C7 ZR1

 

The ZR1 is the top-of-the-line, most extreme version of the previous C7 Corvette. It first made its debut at the 2017 Dubai Motor Show for the 2019 model year, and it still remains the fastest, most powerful Corvette ever built. Powering the C7 ZR1 is a 6.2-liter supercharged LT5 V8 producing 755 horsepower and 715 lb-ft of torque mated to either a 7-speed manual or a 8-speed automatic transmission. This also makes the C7 ZR1 the last Corvette to offer a front-engine setup and a stick shift. It launches from zero to 60 mph in three seconds and can reach a top speed of 212 mph. Besides the badging, setting the ZR1 apart from lesser C7 Vettes are a restyled front grille, large hood vents and scoops, a more prominent carbon fiber front splitter, unique alloy wheels, and a large adjustable rear wing. It can also be fitted with a smaller rear wing as well. Its interior is pretty much the same as other C7 Corvette models, except with additional carbon fiber trim. 

Values for the C7 Corvette ZR1 vary, but they tend to range anywhere from $150k up to $300k. I anticipate that there will be a Corvette C8 ZR1 in the near future; it is probably at least a year or two away from hitting production and may have a hybrid powertrain. I first featured the Corvette C7 ZR1 on this site over three years ago, and after seeing two additional examples in person much more recently, I had to create another post on this specific version of the previous generation of Corvette. I see way less ZR1s than other Corvette models, and this especially applies to the C7. Overall, the C7 ZR1 is one of the absolute coolest and greatest Corvette models in existence. Its more aggressive styling, untamed nature, and sheer exclusivity make the most recent ZR1 a truly special and amazing vehicle.

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Apollo IE

 

The Apollo IE is a lesser-known but absolutely insane and out-of-this-world supercar. It was created by German auto manufacturer Apollo Automobil GmbH and made its debut in 2018, with production beginning in 2019. The "IE" in its name stands for Intensa Emozione, or "Intense Emotion" in Italian. This makes sense because that is what people will experience when they drive, ride in, or see this vehicle. Powering the Apollo IE is a 6.3-liter naturally-aspirated V12 derived from Ferrari producing 780 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque paired to a Hewland six-speed race gearbox operated by paddle shifters. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and is capable of a top speed of 208 mph.

The Apollo IE is constructed almost entirely of carbon fiber, with some high-strength steel, aluminum, and titanium components included as well. Like with its crazy, unique exterior design, it also contains a crazy and unique-looking interior consisting of leather and carbon fiber trim, along with metal knobs and switches, a digital instrument panel, and a removable steering wheel. Other notable features include an electro-hydraulic lift, 10-way adjustable ABS, three driving modes, and a 12-level traction control system. 

Most notably, the IE is Apollo's first-ever production vehicle and limited to only 10 units. Each Apollo IE carries a starting price of $2.7 million and has already been sold. I am very lucky to have seen the Apollo IE example featured in this post up close at this year's Exotics on Broadway in Monterey two months ago. Overall, the Apollo IE is an unbelievable and marvelous supercar that looks like an alien spaceship and stands out from pretty much any other vehicle on the road. Its bonkers design, specs, performance and rarity make the Intensa Emozione such a fascinating car and a sight to behold. 

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2005-06 Ford GT (Vol. 3)

 

I've featured my fair share of Ford GTs on this site previously, and this is one that I have spotted more recently, especially of the first-gen model from 2005 and 2006. It has been on display at my local Cars and Coffee meets during August and September and had to be the coolest car on display at both meets, which contained mostly Porsches.

A brief overview: The first-gen Ford GT is a tribute to the original and legendary GT40 and was created to honor Ford's 100th anniversary. It is powered by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 producing 550 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 205 mph. Just over 4,000 total units were produced, with values appreciating past $500,000. 

This particular example is also fitted in one of the first-gen GT's signature color schemes, white with blue stripes. Overall, the Ford GT is an amazing, special, and thrilling car that most people, including me, don't see on a regular basis. It is bound to be a future classic and already a highly sought-after collector's item. Although I tend to focus more on posting cool cars that I have never previously featured on this site before, I had to feature the 2005-06 Ford GT again, especially since I see it as one of the greatest and coolest American cars ever made.

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McLaren Sabre

 

McLaren has produced quite a few special cars, but never produced anything arguably as wild and exclusive as the Sabre. It was built for the 2020 and 2021 model years as a special model similar to the Senna that came before it and created specifically for the U.S. market. Powering the Sabre is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with 824 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can launch from zero to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 218 mph. As of now, the Sabre is also the fastest and most powerful non-hybrid McLaren model ever built. I only mention the "as of now" part due to how frequently McLaren releases special, one-off cars through McLaren Special Operations (MSO).

Its interior is stripped down like the Senna's, featuring carbon fiber and suede trim with a center touchscreen that is more focused on telemetry and more-bolstered carbon racing seats. Its gauge cluster swivels, allowing the driver to display it in either full-screen or partial-screen modes. Many controls in the Sabre are mounted on the ceiling of its cabin, such as drive modes, the engine start/stop button, power window switches, door openers, the fan speed control, and the track camera. The Sabre also contains a smoother and better overall design than the Senna.

Only 15 total units of the Sabre were ever produced, with each unit priced at around $3.5 million when new and expected to appreciate in value from there. I was lucky enough to see a McLaren Sabre up close at this year's Exotics on Broadway in Monterey two months ago. In all, the McLaren Sabre is an amazing, insane, and incredible car. It improves on the Senna in some aspects, but I wouldn't consider it a complete improvement. It may be one of several special McLarens, but the Sabre stood out to me more than many vehicles on display at Exotics on Broadway, and I love it. 

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