Apple whispers make sense
New Zealanders love McLarens — we buy more of them per capita than anywhere else in the world.
So the suggestion that Bruce McLaren’s amazingly successful British- based company could be taken over by Apple will alarm many.
Though all sides are denying there are firm plans for a takeover, the story is unlikely to have surfaced in the this week without some foundation.
At first glance the takeover seems odd but remember the super car maker is a very high- end sports car manufacturer, producing ultra- fast cars, and it specialises in producing cuttingedge technology. The entire McLaren range is engineered around a revolutionary carbon fibre chassis which the company WIN WITH DRIVEN Last chance to win tickets to the Australian GTs racing at the Hampton Downs 101, the extended TONY VERDON says offers the perfect blend of light weight and inherent strength.
In other words, a sitter if Apple wants a fast- track entry into the motor trade, with a high- end and technologically advanced vehicle.
It may upset some traditionalists but Apple could well help make McLaren an even more successful international motoring and motorsport brand.
Fifteen McLarens were sold here last year, and nine had been sold this year, to the end of August.
New Zealanders’ special link with McLaren will endure, no matter who ultimately owns the corporate brand. track’s reopening, October 28- 30. Win tickets by clicking the Win button at Driven. co. nz ABOUT US Editor Tony Verdon Editor at Large Liz Dobson Contributors Matthew Hansen, Bob McMurray, Cameron Officer, Jacqui Madelin, Donna McIntyre Cover design Jennifer Adams Cover photo Supplied Advertising Head of Automotive, NZME Todd Fuller 021 986027 todd. fuller@ nzme. co. nz 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The Supercars have not been linked to? A Malaysia B Thailand C Vietnam Where was the latest Gymkhana originally meant to happen? ASydney B Nuremberg C London This week’s 2016 IndyCar Series winner? AWill Power B Juan Pablo Montoya C Simon Pagenaud Donald Trump owned a Lamborghini . . . AGallardo B Diablo C Murcielago McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray has now designed a? A Flatpack off- roader B Flip phone C Self- buttering toast Subaru Levorg performance mode . . . ADrift Mode B Sport Plus C Sports Sharp Which supercar from the early ‘ 00s announced a comeback this week? ASaleen S7 B Mosler MT900 C SSC Ultimate Aero Howmany NewZealanders will compete at next month’s Bathurst 1000? A Seven B Eight C Nine Top Gear’s Chris Harris purchased? A An Alfa Romeo 4C B A BMW1MCoupe C A Porsche 911 Turbo Apple is considering purchasing . . . A Tata B Tesla C McLaren
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