Coupe de thrill: Dealer steers “supercar” his way
Highland Ranch’s MikeWard callsMcLaren “a rocket ship”
A newline of high- end sports cars is racing into town.
McLaren, a British maker of “supercars,” has planted its flag with Highlands Ranch dealer Mike Ward, who has expanded his showroom to accommodate fans of the speedy car.
“It is the best car I have ever driven. It is a rocket ship,” saidWard, who also sells Infiniti, Maserati, Alfa Romeo and Fiat. Ward said the McLaren packs a bigger performance punch for the dollar than rivals Ferrari and Porsche, which may explain why he is starting to see more of them come in on trade.
The low- slungMcLaren comes with butterfly doors and in a vibrant range of colors, including several hues of orange most closely associated with the brand. The car’s interior is simple and clean and integrates several features into a high- tech touchscreen. TheMcLaren lacks many of the bells and whistles associated with luxury brands, but what it does bring to bear is intense acceleration and braking power. The McLaren isn’t the type of car to be collected and shown off as a trophy, but to be driven — and fast, Ward said.
The 570S Coupe can go from 0 to 60mph in 3.1 seconds and tops out at 204 mph, while the newer 720SCoupe can achieve 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and tops out at 212 mph. Such acceleration can feel like the drop on the first hill of a roller coaster.
Road & Track Magazine on Thursday named the McLaren 720S its Performance Car of the Year, calling it the “future of supercars, of all cars.” Ward has sold or re-