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P1 International to showcase exotic supercars


With a combined value of over $2.5 million, the three vehicles will be displayed at elite car club P1 International’s stand in Hall 2 of the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour.

P1 International CEO Tim Sommers said that the vehicles are the latest additions to a spectacular garage of supercars that P1 International Members can drive, including a $550,000 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder and $500,000 Ferrari F430 Spider.

“We’re at the Show for two primary reasons,” said Mr Sommers. “Firstly, for our P1 supercar club – which is an annual subscription-based car club that allows members to share the world’s finest and fastest vehicles – and also because we represent some of the very high-end supercars in Australia and help our members procure them.”

Included for sale to members are the vehicles on P1’s Hall 2 stand.

P1 is the Australian authorised agent for Spyker, and is also a Koenigsegg distributor and a local government-authorised importer for the Ford GT.

Mr Sommers candidly describes the $650,000 Spyker C8 Spyder as something of a visual contradiction. “The exterior is like a wart on your father’s face – one of the ugliest cars you’ll see – but the interior, the work of an aircraft cockpit designer, is absolutely delicious.”

It’s fortunate, then, that the action is created in the driver’s seat, from where the mid-engined convertible can be propelled to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. The C8 Spyder has a 300 km/h top speed.

“People know the Spyker name, now, because it entered Formula 1 this year and incredibly led the European GP in July,” Mr Sommers said. “The C8 Spyder shares some of the pedigree that is poured into Spyker’s F1 cars. It’s a terribly exciting car to drive.”

Exciting as the C8 Spyder may be, the Koenigsegg CCX is terrifyingly fast, according to Mr Sommers.

“Capable of reaching 390 km/h, it’s the world’s fastest car aside from the Bugatti Veyron. Its acceleration is frightening. With g-force comparable to that of a fighter plane, it’s actually uncomfortable under severe acceleration.

“On a recent 180 kilometre trip between Abu Dhabi and Dubai my foot ‘slipped’ on the CCX’s throttle. Suddenly I was doing 320 km/h and I arrived in under an hour.”

Mr Sommers said the Koenigsegg CCX provides an F1-like experience and especially noted its freakish cornering capabilities. “It grips so hard in the corners. You can’t believe that it’s going to make some of them, but around it goes with absolute assurance.”

The $1.4 million Koenigsegg CCX recently set the lap record on the popular TV show Top Gear.

The Spyker C8 Spyder and Koenigsegg CCX are not yet available for P1 Club Members to drive, although a higher echelon of Club Membership called ‘SP’ has the potential to make these vehicles available, along with a Ferrari 599 and Lamborghini LP 640.

The SP Club will be launched at the Australian International Motor Show, with 20 reserved memberships.

The vehicle on the P1 stand that members can drive, however, is the renowned Ford GT Supercar. “It’s the pinnacle of supercars available to our members,” Mr Sommers said.

“Only one of the 4000 GTs made was brought to Australia by Ford and our one is the world’s only right-hand-drive version. This car is entirely unique.”

Mr Sommers said the $500,000 Ford GT delivers its 340 km/h top speed with a raw edge. “It has no electronic aids or traction control so it really takes you back to the old days. It’s pure supercar ownership at its finest.

“I drove the GT at a Queensland Raceway last week and I have to say that its supercharged 5.4 litre V8 engine has the most satisfying note of any supercar car I’ve driven – and I’ve driven most.”

Mr Sommers said show-goers can expect to revel in a gentleman’s club-style atmosphere at the P1 AIMS stand. “We don’t have Holden’s budget but our unique motoring delights and our stand will knock them dead. Think Bollinger and gorgeous women. We’d be lighting cigars, if they’d let us.”

P1 annual membership fees range between $27,000 and $36,500, which equates to between 40 and 70 days' use, depending on type of car, season and day of the week.

P1 has branches in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
For further information on P1 go to www.supercarclub.com.au