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Sleek, Powerful McLarens Hit South Florida Streets

MIAMI (CBS4) – They're sporty, sleek and definitely head turners. Now several models of the new McLaren are popping up on the streets of South Florida.

Some people may recognize the name McLaren from the company's very successful race car brand. But now, the company has taken that technology and adapted it to their street versions.

CBS4's Jorge Estevez recently took the new McLaren, MP4-12c, out for a test drive with McLaren owner Alberto Duran.

"When you first hit the streets in this race car, what did you think," asked Estevez.

"I am home. It is the pleasure of driving," replied Duran. "This is the car that can provide you the closest sensation of racing within a safe environment."

The sensation of racing comes from McLaren's history on the track since 1966. The company has taken race technology, from its light weight carbon fiber undercarriage tub to its compact twin turbo engine and seven speed dual clutch and put it into the show room.

"Sometimes it sounds like an opera," said Duran about the car's engine.

While the cars are sleek and powerful the big question remains as to whether they sell in South Florida? McLarens start at a quarter of a million dollars.

The makers of the McLaren selected The Collection in Coral Gables as one of ten dealers in the entire country to carry the new line. So far, The Collection has sold almost 200 and delivered 12.
Earlier this month, a custom McLaren was given to Miami Heat star and Collection spokesperson Dwayne Wade at this birthday party.

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