The Collection News | Ugo Colombo | The Collection

07 Jul

Audi RS7 Performance: The World’s Fastest Wagon?

Ugo Colombo and the Audi RS7 Performance

Source: Drive.com.au

The Audi RS7 Performance is a beast! Audi has bumped it to a 445kW, combined with 700Nm of torque (not to mentioned 750Nm on overboost), perhaps making it the world’s fastest wagon.

Audi’s trademark quattro all-wheel drive system means you’ll never have problems getting power on the road. The RS7 goes from 0-100km/h in only 3.7 seconds. Considering this is a wagon that can seat four people and all of their personal items, that’s great!

RS adaptive air suspension is standard in the RS7, which means you can alter the stiffness of the dampers and, therefore, you’re able to change the character of the car depending on the conditions you’re driving in. When you’re in “Comfort mode” it offers reasonable compliance, given its 21-inch alloys. When you’re in “Dynamic mode” the RS7 feels taut and responsive, especially for such a large car.

Audi’s modern styling includes a blend of luxury and sportiness. The materials used throughout the automobile are excellent and the interior of the RS7 is top notch. The RS7 Performance includes a gloss-black grille, blacked-out tailpipes, contour-hugging RS sports seats, a restyled rear diffuser, and adaptive air suspension. There’s also proud “Quattro” lettering in the lower half of the grille.

28 Jun

Jag Drive 305: Meet the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE

Jag Drive 305 is a partnership between THE COLLECTION and World Red Eye where people can get an up-close view at the all-new 2017 Jaguar XE and the innovative Jaguar F-PACE through the experiences of some of Miami’s most notable people. The Glamourai’s Kelly Framel, Something Hippie’s Michelle Chwoschtschinsky, and CrossFit Games athlete Noah Ohlsen will be taking the F-PACE for a ride.

See CrossFit Games athlete Noah Ohlsen and the new Jaguar F-PACE in this Facebook post from Ohlsen:

The F-PACE takes the pure Jaguar DNA of legendary performance, handling and luxury, and adds practicality and room. In fact, the F-PACE is the most practical Jaguar sports car to date. It combines driving exhilaration with efficiency and it contains technologies that improve your driving experience. The Jaguar F-PACE has the capability to be used every day and for every road condition.

The F-PACE always feels, handles, and drives like a Jaguar. The advanced chassis and suspension system is an evolution of the configuration used on the F-TYPE sports car. This robust system is lightweight and the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) software is tuned for optimum control and feedback. The All Wheel Drive system utilizes the F-TYPE-derived, unique Intelligent Driveline Dynamics software to minimize understeer and for a nimble feel.

The F-PACE performance engines offer a balance between power and economy. Engines include the 2.0 liter 4 cylinder 180HP Turbocharged Diesel from the Ingenium range, the 3.0 liter 340HP Supercharged Gas engine and the 3.0 liter V6 380HP Supercharged Gas engine that can reach a top speed of 155mph with 0-60mph acceleration as low as 5.1 seconds.

Read more about Jag Drive 305 and the Jaguar F-Pace at http://worldredeye.com/2016/07/jagdrive305-2017-jaguar-f-pace/

13 Jun

Embrace the Maserati Trident Experience

Ugo Colombo – and THE COLLECTION – invite you to experience Maserati and in a way you’ve never experienced them before: on the track!

Now you can feel the adrenaline rush that comes from driving a Maserati Ghibli, GranTurismo, and Quattroporte on the racetrack the Maserati Trident Experience on June 16^th at the Palm Beach International Raceway.

Source: The Collection Connection

You’ll be guided by Maserati experts during a three-hour program and you’ll be able to enjoy the thrill of test driving high-performance, track-prepared Maseratis during a morning, afternoon, or late afternoon session. You’ll learn the basics of handling, car control, and braking with an Autocross Exercise in a Quattroporte or Ghibli and then, with an instructor at your side, you’ll engage in a timed lap on the closed course in the GranTurismo MC. During your session you’ll also learn the track and the basics of driving with a Lead-Follow exercise in Ghiblis Quattroportes. Instructors in Levantes lead a pair of Maseratis, and every car is radio-equipped for communication from the lead cars.

The price is $200 per participant and includes premium on-track instruction, safety equipment, refreshments, and even a Maserati gift bag.

To register for this event visit http://rsvpmaserati.com/tridentexperience/

11 Jun

Experience New Heights with the 2017 Porsche Macan GTS

The new Porsche Macan GTS is being heralded by some as the most fun-to-drive crossover anyone has ever built and it would certainly be among the fastest. This proved to be true when it was taken for on Pikes Peak (Colorado) and crested the summit of it only 14 minutes from leaving the starting line.

It’s not the fastest drive to the top (that honor goes to Jeff Zwart in 2002 driving a 911 GT2), but the 2017 Porsche Macan is unflappable, even with the narrow roads and the sun trying to blind you as you go around the blind corners.

Source: Auto Blog

Of the Macan varieties the GTS is best suited to carving through the Rockies. Its 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V6 comes from the Macan S, but Porsche dials its boost from 14 to 17.4 psi, bringing output to 360 horsepower at 6,000 rpm (up 20) and 369 pound-feet of torque from 1,650 to 4,000 rpm (up 30). The only gearbox available is the PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus modes.

In addition to the power increase, the GTS gets a standard air suspension that sits 10 millimeters lower than the optional version for the S and the Turbo. Front brakes cribbed from the Turbo and a switchable sport exhaust with a single flapper valve round out the performance changes.

04 Jun

Meet the 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus

The new 2017 R8 V10 Plus is powered by a V-10 making 610 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. A 7-speed dual-clutch transmission sends the power to all four wheels via Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system. Performance is stout with 0-62 mph runs with effort clicking off in 3.2 seconds, and a top speed of 205 mph.

Source: AutoEvolution

The Audi R8 V10 Plus has already shown the racing world that it could beat the Lamborghini Huracan to 60 mph and the supercar world has gone crazy for this Audi. The 2017 Audi R8 V10 Plus will get a six-stage upgrade program, split between race and street applications.

The road-friendly versions range between 800 and 1,250 wheel horsepower, with the engine being left stock up to 1,000 whp. The racing versions will be a 1,500 hp adventure and will include a dual-clutch transmission and the infamous X package (which can deliver past 2,200 whp).

28 May

Ugo Colombo and THE COLLECTION Celebrate with Employee Beach Bash

Earlier this month THE COLLECTION employees and their families arrived at Crandon Park Amusement Center in Key Biscayne for a day of exciting games, delicious food, and good company while having fun in the sun. It was time for the annual THE COLLECTION Employee Beach Bash!

Amanda Monzon & Amanda Ruiz

The event expressed gratitude for all the hard working employees that contribute all year long. It was also a time to for the whole team to simply get together and to spend a day relaxing in the sun with friends, co-workers, and family.

Guests spent the sunny day enjoying various activities including riding along the boardwalk on beach cruiser bicycles, relaxing on the beach with complimentary chairs and umbrellas, and playing beach volleyball. There was also a blow-up Car Wash, an inflatable basketball hoop, unlimited carousel rides, a race to the top of the Wall Climb, and various on-site field games.

The food choices were endless and catering included Shorty’s BBQ, gourmet grilled cheese’s from Ms. Cheezious, brick-oven pizza provided by Mulberry 1965 food truck, snow cones provided by Kona Ice food truck, and ice cream cups from Coldstone Creamery.

18 May

2016 Porsche Macan Turbo: Redefining SUVs

In spirit and performance, Macan Turbo is more like a “tallboy” four-door sports car than an SUV. You’re not paying for sheer tonnage or seating. Macan Turbo with Sport Chrono sprints to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, identical to the acceleration of the quickest version of the Boxster GTS. Though the higher ride height and its two-ton+ heft are apparent, Macan Turbo has sports car sensibilities. The weight and action of the steering is pure Porsche, as are all the messages sent through the seat of the pants. Alongside Panamera Turbo S, Macan Turbo is the best expression thus far of a four-door Porsche.

Source: Forbes

The Porsche Macan is impeccably designed; it’s the right size and price for many well-healed, small-family-in-tow buyers; and it has few real rivals – the Audi Q5 is of pensionable age, the BMW X3 is Bavaria at far from its dynamic best and the Range Rover Evoque is more about style than the dynamic performance that Porsche provides.

In the Macan Turbo’s case this is Turbo with a capital T. It’s not simply a lesser Macan engine with the dial turned up. The Turbo uses its own, all-new 3.6-litre petrol engine, to which not one but two turbos are strapped. It produces 394bhp, which – despite the Macan weighing 1,925kg – has quite a dramatic effect when you plant your foot on the accelerator pedal.

Learn more about the Macan Turbo

11 May

Maserati Embraces the SUV Market with the 2017 Levante

The rumor of a Maserati sport utility vehicle is now a fact. The Italian company has been teasing the public with the promise of an SUV for several years now and Maserati has finally revealed the production vehicle, which will be sold as the 2017 Maserati Levante.

The Levante isn’t important precisely because it’s Maserati’s first SUV, it’s important because it’s the Italian auto industry’s last, best shot at relevance beyond the niche of hypercars. The Levante is Italy’s last, best shot in a mainstream luxury business populated by Audis, Lexi and, soon, Hyundai’s Genesis brand.

Source: The Jordan Times

In case you missed it, SUVs now account for nearly 50 percent of global luxury auto sales. Maserati has big plans, starting with the goal of increasing sales sixfold over a six-year period ending in 2018. To succeed, Maserati needs a vehicle to compete in what amounts to half the luxury market. Welcome, Levante.

Drawing heavily on the seductively dramatic 2014 Maserati Alfieri sports coupe concept, the Levante strike a similarly moody and assertively predatory aesthetic, all the more dominant owing to increased ride height. With vast hexagonal grille, squinting strongly browed headlights and a long sculpted bonnet with side ports to exaggerate its length, the Levante features slim inwardly tilted LED running lights, widely spaced grille slats and evocative Trident emblem.

Levante features five ride heights, including low parking and 175mm ground clearance high-speed modes where it looks hunkered down and aggressive. Off-road modes can raise clearance to stilt-like 247mm — from a default 210mm — to comfortably traverse deep ruts and rocks, improve approach, departure and ramp angles and increase wheel travel to keep tires in contact with the ground.

Deep, gaping and hungry, the Levante’s grille reveals close radiator slats which help achieve best in class CD0.31 aerodynamics and can open to feed in cooling air when necessary. Kitted with enormous 265/45R20 footwear to fill its muscular wheelarches, the Levante’s rising waistline and descending roof lend urgency from profile, while broad haunches, pert rear section, big tailgate spoiler and big dual exhausts give it’s a sporting edge and road hugging demeanour.

Riding on air spring suspension for poised level cornering and comfort over imperfections.

Learn more about the Levante

05 May

Exploring the 2017 Audi A4

Source: Salt Lake Tribune

With over 12 million sold worldwide, the A4 is one of the most successful midsize sedans out there. It has to be good, too, as it’s in one of the most competitive segments, up against classic foes like Mercedes-Benz’s C-Class and BMW’s 3 Series, along with newer challengers like Cadillac’s ATS. That means Audi bringing its A-game when it comes to driving dynamics, future-proof technologies, and precision in design.

The 2017 Audi A4 hides its technological prowess under a body that’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary. The latest version of the German company’s compact executive sedan may look a whole lot like the outgoing model, but that’s the beauty of it: unlike some rivals, change hasn’t been made for its own sake.

The 2017 Audi A4 is one of the more technologically advanced compact sedans on the market with a new, optional feature called Traffic Jam Assist, which takes the burden off a driver in stop-and-go traffic, applying slight acceleration, braking and steering guidance when the car is stuck in traffic and speeds are less than 38 mph.

Another optional feature is a video-game-like virtual cockpit that can replace the usual instrument panel gauges.

When it comes to standard equipment, there’s a new automatic forward collision system that can warn a driver and activate brakes automatically to avoid a crash with a vehicle or a pedestrian. In many other cars, this kind of system is optional. The 2017 A4 is a solid compact car with agile and responsive handling, and available with Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system for improved traction over front-wheel drive A4s.

Learn more about the 2017 Audi A4.

28 Apr

Alfa Romeo Giulia Finally in Production

After over a year of waiting and countless delays, the Alfa Romeo Giulia has finally rolled the first vehicle off the production line. It was finished in the FCA plant in Piedimonte San Germano, Italy on April 19^th. The vehicle is dark grey in color, likely destined for Europe. It is looked at to be Alfa Romeo’s competitor for the BMW 3-series, as well as mark an official return to the United States mass market.

The First Alfa Romeo Giulia Has Finally Rolled Off The Production Line

Source: CarBuzz

After being revealed in 2015, the Giulia experienced several logistical problems that caused many difficulties and delays. Along with the BMW rivaling 530-horsepower model, a more affordable version of the vehicle will be available in the United States, coming in at 276 horsepower.

Unfortunately for Americans, the wait is not quite over. Production in the United States isn’t slated to begin until the second quarter of 2016.

While it will still be some time before we see the vehicle in dealerships, the fact that production has started is certainly a good start.