Morrie’s Luxury Auto at MN C&C
Apr 8th
We kicked off the first MN C&C event of the season this weekend at the Automotorplex and luckily most of the snow melted by Saturday morning! We were excited to launch our official partnership with Dogwood coffee to bring a better taste of java to MN C&C this year. The new coffee was a big hit, as we expected! To learn more about Dogwood Coffee Company check out our first blog post highlighting the partnership.
The turnout for April’s event was actually quite a success considering the amount of snow that fell the day prior. Our die hard enthusiasts set their alarms early and joined us at the Automotorplex to look at some exotic, classic and luxury vehicles. Make sure to check out our photos and our video from the event. If you didn’t make it out to the April event, don’t worry, we’ll be there all summer long! Look forward to seeing all of you next month.
Guest Photographer at Morrie’s Luxury Auto
Mar 21st
Guest blog post written by: Joshua Duffy- The Art Institutes International Minnesota.
Escaping the wintry weather at the 12 Hours of Sebring
Mar 17th
2014 marked the 62nd running of the 12 Hours of Sebring, arguably the most grueling automotive endurance race on the planet. The race was the second round of the newly formed Tudor United Sportscar Championship, an amalgamation of the now defunct American Le Mans and the Grand Am endurance series’. The newly formed group brought together two groups in the interest of a unified series with increases competition. In doing so, much was required to make the different classes of cars on par with one another. The task was much easier said than done, but it appears that after round two things are lining up nicely. Unfortunately, other elements of the merger still need some work.
Race day was marked with sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-eighties. Not only was the weather great for racing, it was also a nice change for a winter-weary Minnesotan such as myself. If you’ve never been to Sebring, the first thing you’ll quickly learn that it is expansive, covered in sand, devoid of any elevation and packed with people. If you’re used to the wonderful amenities and facilities at a track like Road America, you’ll be largely disappointed with Sebring. The one thing the track does have is history. Originally an Air Force base, much of the course is made up of decades old concrete runways that really provide a beating for the cars. For this very reason, many teams see the race as the perfect training ground for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The saying goes, if you can handle 12 Hours at Sebring you will have no problem racing 24 hours at Le Mans.
Since the race falls right in the middle of spring break season, you’ll find two distinct groups of attendees. The first are octane-loving race fans decked out in their favorite teams colors and focused intently on the race. The second group consists of folks there for the party and seemingly unaware that a race is even underway. The latter group assembles compounds using some very ingenious engineering methods all in the interest of having a good time day or night. Many adorn crazy attire such as chicken suits, drive around in the tallest pickup trucks you’ve ever seen and play music that makes the un-muffled cars on the track seem quiet.
As already noted, it’s generally a healthy hike from corner to corner. It seems that every time we decided to move corners we’d arrive at the new corner to find an extensive full course caution period. The race was marked by over five hours of full course cautions. While there was a fair amount of carnage, the cautions periods were often over-embellished, lasting a good 30-minutes past when incidents were cleared. Many attribute this to the new ownerships desire to bunch up the cars and create “exciting” racing. As a longtime race fan, I can tell you these unnecessary cautions only throw off the rhythm of the race and frustrate teams and fans alike.
In the end, though, the race did make for some exciting racing across all four classes. Chip Ganassi racing won the top prototype class with their Ford Ecoboost Powered Riley Daytona Prototype. Core Autosport won the Prototype challenge series with their Chevy powered Oreca FLM09. The Porsche factory team took top honors in the production based GTLM category with their 911 GT3 RSR. Magnus Racing in their Porsche 911 GT America won the final class, GTD. Despite the caution period fiascos, the race was still marked with a lot of close racing and results that came down to the wire.
Luxury Debuts from the Geneva International Auto Show
Mar 7th
This year at the Geneva Motor Show Maserati wasn’t the only one with an exciting luxury debut. Lamborghini and Ferrari also introduced their newest models to the world and we wanted to give you automotive fans a little insight into what was released.
Lamborghini debuted the impressive 610-Horsepower Huracán which will be the companies most affordable vehicle on the market. You can expect to pay around $200,000 for this beautiful new sportscar, which is a replacement to the outgoing Gallardo.
Under the hood this Lambo boasts a 5.2-liter v-10 with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and can reach 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds! With top speeds reaching over 200 MPH, we know this will surely be a fun one to drive.
The weight on this vehicle has been shed thanks to lightweight aluminum and carbon fiber materials throughout the design. Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, already confirmed that there have been more than 1,000 Huracán’s pre-ordered at this time.
Ferrari also stunned us with the beautiful new California T hardtop convertible that is 15% more energy efficient than the outgoing model. The turbocharged California can reach top speeds of 195 and travels from 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds! We expect pricing on the California to be around $187,000.
Stay tuned to the Morrie’s Luxury Auto blog for the latest info on all the exotic debuts from the Geneva Motor Show!
Maserati unveils Alfieri Concept at the Geneva Motor Show
Mar 5th
This year at the Geneva Motor Show Maserati unveiled their Alfieri concept which hints at a new design language that Maserati says will carry on to models in the future.
We’re not sure if this vehicle will go into production or not yet, and neither is Maserati. They are waiting to get more feedback on the concept before making that decision. “I sincerely can’t say that we’ll see this car in production in two years’ time, but I’m certain we’ll see something very similar,” said Lorenzo Ramaciotti, global head of design for Maserati’s parent company, Fiat.
The name Alfieri comes from one of the Maserati brothers who founded the company years ago. This concept is originally based on the GranTurismo chassis, with a bit of a shorter wheelbase that is 9.5 inches shorter. This concept is powered by the same 4.7-liter V-8 as the GranTurismo, but achieves 460 horsepower and 383 lb. ft of torque!
We’ll be sure to update you as soon as we find out more about this hot new concept vehicle from Maserati. Check back often for more info or head over to Morrie’s Luxury Auto website to check out some of the other great inventory we have on display!
Maserati Debuts the All-New Ghibli & 2014 Maserati Lineup in a 50th Anniversary Sports Illustrated Issue
Feb 25th
We’re not done celebrating Maserati’s exciting year with the arrival of the 2014 Ghibli, Quattroporte and GranTurismo. They just teamed up with the one and only Heidi Klum to bring you a 7-page editorial in the 50th Anniversary issue of Sports Illustrated. The idea behind the partnership with Heidi Klum is a salute to all the women who have achieved incredible things, beyond the swimsuit.
See official press release below.
Ghibli: A fiercely hot wind of Northern Africa
Feb 4th
On the 100th anniversary of the Maserati brothers opening their shop, the Ghibli arrived in Minneapolis. As the exclusive distributor for Maserati in Minnesota, Morrie’s Luxury Auto witnessed record sales during the last month of 2013. Customers are coming en masse to experience what is sure to be the car of the year.
Ghibli: A fiercely hot wind of Northern Africa. While the Ghibli name has been used to define such things as an AMX fighter jet, ultra-light bicycle wheel sets, and even a Japanese animation studio, one thing is evident… the Maserati Ghibli is an exotic sports sedan that truly embodies the fleeting wind and fiery temperament.
Not only is the Ghibli a magnificent example of beautiful Italian design, it has been rated as a top safety pick from the IIHS. The European equivalent, the Euro NCAP, claims that “Maserati’s level of protection would be available to occupants of different sizes and to those sat in different positions.”
With the Ghibli being the first Maserati under $100,000, earning top safety picks, and featuring an elegant design; Maserati is set to take market share from the cookie cutter designs from the usual luxury manufacturers. Please browse these links to read more about recent crash testing.
http://www.euroncap.com/results/maserati/ghibli/539.aspx
http://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/vehicle/v/maserati/ghibli
Morrie’s Luxury Auto at NAIAS 2014
Jan 17th
This week marked the celebration of the 25th Annual North American International Auto Show in Detroit and we were there getting coverage on some of the luxury brands!
We made sure to get a good spot for the Bentley press conference where they unveiled the all-new 2015 Continental GT V8S! This new model will have a 4.0 liter-twin-turbocharged V-8 producing 521 horsepower and 502 lb/ft. of torque! This is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that includes a Sport mode with sharper throttle response.
A higher-output 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 will give the vehicle 521 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This will be mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that includes an S mode with sharper throttle response and a more aggressive shift logic. The vehicle is said to reach 0-60mph in just 4.3 seconds and hits top speeds of 192 mph!
This entire Continental lineup includes electronic climate control, Bluetooth, a DVD nav system, Google maps and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen, and the Naim audio system for an addition $7,000. You can also purchase the Mulliner package, which offers quilted leather interior, knurled chrome, and turned aluminum trim and lambs wool rugs as an option. Stay tuned for more information of the latest Bentley model revealed just this week!
We couldn’t attend the International Auto Show without making a stop at Porsche for the unveiling of the 2015 Porsche911 Targa! The all-new Targa is Porsche’s latest in a long line of Targa models. This model is known for having a lower, wider body and rear track. The Targa 4 will start around $102,595 and with that you can expect a 350-horsepower 3.4 liter flat-6 cylinder engine. You can also choose between a 7-speed manual and Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission. The Targa S on the other hand is equipped with 400 horsepower and the same flat-6 motor. But don’t forget the top, it was the talk of the show! The beautiful automatic Targa takes the top off and stores in away in the center with the push of a button. We hope to see the Targa 4 and 4s both on sale next summer.
While at Porsche we also spotted the 2014 918 Spyder again, but this time it was in Pearl We saw this beautiful vehicle for the first time at the LA Auto Show a few months back, but we sure were happy to lay our eyes on it again! The 918 Spyder is powered by a 4.6 Liter V8 engine which is backed by two electric motors that can achieve up to 62 mph in just 2.6 seconds.
Make sure to check out all of our photo’s below in the gallery and head over to YouTube for a playlist of all our Auto Show videos!
A First Timer’s Trip to a Formula 1 Race – 2013 US Grand Prix in Review
Nov 27th
As long as I can remember I’ve been a huge motorsports fan, but nothing could prepare me for my first Formula 1 race. Nothing.
I started attending auto races when I was in the womb. At three years old I battled chicken pox watching IMSA GT racers zoom by at Brainerd International Raceway. At the ripe age of eleven I had the good fortune to bump into Mario and Michael Andretti in paddock at Road America. I’ve attended many of other races ranging from amateur club level races to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, yet I never had the chance to attend a Formula 1 race. That all changed just over a week ago when I attended the 2013 US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas
If you’re not familiar, Formula 1 is the pinnacle of auto racing. Weighing in at just 1,415 pounds and delivering nearly 750 horsepower, a contemporary Formula 1 car can sprint from 0-60 mpg in under two seconds. Read this last sentence again. A short seven seconds later a Formula 1 car will hit 190mph. The same cars will decelerate from 190 mph to 0 in just over three seconds. It has to be the equivalent of being shot out of a cannon and into a brick wall.
To say these cars can move is an understatement and their handling is equally impressive. Much like in aerospace, Formula 1 teams use the same wind tunnels to maximize aerodynamic forces. Whereas planes rely on lift, Formula 1 cars thrive on down force. This force allows a modern F1 car to grip the road like an insect to fly paper. To put this down force into perspective, a Formula 1 car could drive upside down in a tunnel. Myth busters proved it, so it must be true…but enough about the cars, let’s talk about the Formula 1 experience.
If you could ever ride in a Formula 1 car it would surely blow your mind. If you think racecar drivers are not athletes, you’re delusional. I learned this firsthand when I had the opportunity to ride in a legit Formula 1 car that had been converted to a three seater for ride-alongs. At a small private racetrack roughly 30 minutes from the Formula 1 course, our group was treated to two laps around Harris Hill Speedway with one of two highly qualified drivers. The first, Jerome D’Ambrosio, drove previously for the Lotus F1 team. The second, Martin Plowman, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2012.
Analogous to a sumo wrestler climbing into a Smart Car, I nearly had to ask for some Crisco to ease the squeeze into cars passenger side pod. Once in, I was sure that I would never make it out. Martin Plowman fired up the car and immediately high octane fumes permeated the cockpit. Heat radiated off my back and I suddenly understood how claustrophobics feel in a crowded elevator. I needed some airflow fast and I certainly got it, in the form of a 750 horsepower jetpack strapped to my back.
As we accelerated out of the pits the sensation was unlike anything I ever felt before. As we approached the first turn, a sweeping right-hander I no longer had to worry about it, as I was experiencing the most extreme g-forces ever. I’m certain my internal organs were struggling to stay in place. As we accelerated out of the turn the wind pulled up on my helmet so much I was sure that like a schoolyard dandelion, my head would pop off. But again, time would not permit it as Plowman put on the clampers and the car slowed down for the next turn and I could see the road again. Another game of rib crunching ensued. Accelerate. Brake. Turn. Brutal acceleration. Rinse and repeat for a couple minutes and we were done. The video below puts it into perspective. That is indeed me shoe horned into the passenger compartment…. fat guy in little suit. Had this been the only thing planned for the Austin trip I would have been happy, but it was just the beginning.
People always say that Formula 1 cars are loud, but they are dead wrong. When I arrived at the Circuit of the Americas that afternoon for Friday practice I found that Formula 1 cars are downright deafening. I’m not talking about rock concert at First Avenue loud or turn it up to eleven loud; I’m talking about shoving multiple M80s down your eardrums loud. With engines revving to 18,000 rpms, the cars emit a high frequency wail that both gives you goose bumps and makes you run for cover. Never have I experienced something so uncomfortable and heavenly at the same time. Without earplugs I was certain my ears would bleed.
Upon arriving I knew that the racing gods were looking down favorably on me during this trip. I had the unique opportunity to call a grandstand suite on the start finish line my home for the three-day weekend. This home base provided spectacular views of turn 20, a great vantage point of the start-finsh straightaway, a bird’s eye view of the pits, and views of the cars as they climb the monstrous hill to turn 1. As we arrived for the second half of afternoon practice, I got just a taste of Formula 1 racing. Saturday I would drink from the Formula 1 big gulp, or in Formula 1 elitist circles, the silver chalice.
Saturday appeared to be a theatrical mind game. As the penultimate race of the season, the US Grand Prix represented a best of the rest opportunity. Sebastian Vettel had already won the driver’s championship in his Red Bull RB9, winning the seven previous races and leaving fans divided. Some love him, some hate him, but in the end his talent cannot be denied. When the morning practice rolled around, part of me was happy to see him running mid-pack. I soon discovered, however, that it was all just a mind game. Through the first 58 minutes of qualifying session 1, someone other than Vettel held the top spot. Would someone else take the glory? Nope. With less than two minutes to go in the session, Vettel snuck up and took a commanding lead.
I’ll spare you the details, but top performers from the first two qualifying session advanced to the third session where the board was wiped clean. Can you guess what happened? Vettel, again, snatched the pole position with minutes to go in session, ruining the hopes of many jaded Formula 1 fans tired of seeing another Vettel parade on race day. Still, attending a Vettel dominated race is much better than not attending at all, right?
We arrived early on Sunday for race day and enjoyed watching two race groups run in support of the Formula 1 big show. Formula Vintage cars took to the track first. An eclectic mix of vintage and historic racecars this group put on a good show, albeit one with a large speed and skill differential. Out front, two Formula Atlantic racecars battled hard for the lead. Towards the middle a couple of stunning Formula B cars provided great photo opportunities harkening back the golden age of open wheel racing. After 8 short laps the race was over.
Shortly following the Formula Vintage race, what seemed like fifty Ferrari Challenge cars grid the main straightaway with much pomp and circumstance. There were scantily clad grid girls. There were more engines revving than in a Fast and Furious movie. There were cars of every color imaginable. This group, consisting of identically prepared Ferrari 458 Challenge cars, showed that wealth and driving talent do not always go hand in hand. The race did, however, make it clear that with enough money you can fix anything.
Upon cresting the hill into turn one on the first lap, one of the front-runners got nudged, putting into motion an entertaining chain of events. The nudged car spun, creating an obstacle to the dozen of cars yet to navigate the turn. Just to add to the excitement the car that initiated the nudge damaged his radiator. In the heat of the moment he proceeded to drive the next several turns spewing slippery-as-ice coolant out of his car. As the cars pirouetted on the spilled coolant all I could think of was the Ferrari boys back in Maranello enthusiastically adding up new parts sales. After the Ferrari Challenge drivers completed their race and sent half a dozen cars to the wrecking yard it was finally time for the Formula 1 race.
At the start of the Formula 1 race there was a bit of shuffling for position. Vettel got his signature jump on the field, but Red Bull teammate Mark Webber who qualified 2nd, slipped back to fourth when Romain Grosjean snuck by in his Lotus and Lewis Hamilton in his Mercedes AMG. Things cleared out a bit out front, but soon enough the mid-pack Force India car of Adrian Sutil careened into the wall after a bump with Esteban Gutierrez. Short of a brief yellow flag period, the remainder of the race was rather uneventful.
While the race was uneventful, the pit stops were truly a sight to see. Whereas it might take you 20 minutes to change a flat tire on your car, these teams can change all four tires in under 3 seconds. The Red Bull team did it in 2.3 seconds. Seriously, if you blink you’ll miss a tire change. The pit crew is a well orchestrated machine that practices their craft over and over and over, probably more than your typical pro athlete practices his swing.
One key to their success is their equipment and having everything in the right place. By a stroke of luck we got the opportunity to tour the pits pre-race and get a firsthand look at the equipment and tools at their disposal. I’m guessing that one tire gun costs more than my car.
As the race wound down Vettel maintained an eight second lead over Grosjean, and Webber couldn’t quite bridge the gap to Grosjean. In the end, they maintained these positions at the end.
As quick as the race started, it was over and fans flooded the front straightaway for the awards presentation. As soon as the presentation was over, logistics workers flooded the pits like worker ants with forklifts and airfreight containers. It was truly a site to see and I can only imagine the planning involved to fly the cars and equipment across the world for all 19 races.
All in all it was an incredible experience, unlike any race I had attended before and I look forward to the opportunity to attend another in the near future.
Art Sol | Morrie’s Luxury Auto
Nov 27th
Morrie’s Luxury Auto was proud to be a part of the Art Sol show that recently took place in our community. Julie Ann Witt, owner of Julian Design Inc, and her husband Bob graciously hosted the exhibition in their Orono home with hors d’oeuvre and wine selections from Lakeside Wine & Spirits. Event sponsors included Pure Insurance, PHH Home Loans, Coldwell Banker/Burnet, and of course, Morrie’s Luxury Auto.
All benefits from this event went to The Newborn Foundation, head over to their website to read more about how they provide support, equipment, and logistics to under-equipped domestic and foreign neonatal care facilities. Annamarie Saarinen is the founder of the charity and provides the motivation to help infant survivability wherever it is needed.
Morrie’s Luxury Auto donated the valet service and provided a product demonstration on the 2013 Bentley Continental GT V8, and 2014 Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 to event attendees.The invitations describe Art & Sol as a “privately held, white glove exhibition of over $1 million in hand curated art flown from across the United States and overseas.” We were happy to be a part of such a beautiful event in our community. Make sure to check out the photos below!