What "Company Track Car" Edition.

2 weeks ago I got the Job. While I interviewed with the V.P. of the company I'll be working for in a few weeks, part of the conversation geared towards how I think the company can reach out more to it's customers and get our products out there.

I responded by suggesting to her that we get involved in the Motorsports Arena. I mentioned that within a 1-2 hours drive, we have 2-3 of the best Motorsports tracks around. We need to use them to our advantage. The Company should team up with the Track and sponsor a track-day and subsidize the entry fees for the guests. Since about 90% or maybe more of the people that buy our sports high-performance vehicles (P-cars, BMW's, Vette's, Stangs, etc...) rarely get to feel and enjoy the performance of their vehicles just daily driving it. This will give them an outlet for that in a safe environment, with an instructor around to assist.

Having this option, we can connect prospective buyers with the dealers of such high performance vehicles.

She thought it was a good idea and took some notes.

I start in 2 weeks, and I'm sure I'll bump into the V.P. again in the hallway.

If she asks me to spearhead the Motorsports project, I think that part of the marketing should be to have a "Company Track Car" that we can wrap in the company logo's so that "I" can use during these track days and take the staff/and clients out for rides . If the numbers come up, I'll say 100K to start max.

Here's what I think the requirements should be: - 40-50K vehicle, ready to go to the track. - Tow Vehicle with Enclosed trailer with the Company Logo's also. - Daily drivable, for marketing purposes. - Maintenance is not an issue, we have our mechanics. - Eye factor is a plus.

I'm thinking, in no order - E90 M3, BOSS-302, Grand Sport, but my dream will be a GT-R. (too expensive)

Thoughts!

C6 Z06? Older 911? Or are you just looking for new?

Vette for sure.

As much as I like the Boss, if you wrap it then you lose all eye appeal- it looks like any other mustang.

Vettes are cool, but if you want to wow people, you'll need it to be really new and decked out very aggressively.

without knowing the company... I can't say for certain, but I would be tempted to use what most people buy

golfduke wrote: C6 Z06? Older 911? Or are you just looking for new?

Couple years old.. New technology will be nice. C6 Z06 is in the Skyline range isn't it?

mad_machine wrote: without knowing the company... I can't say for certain, but I would be tempted to use what most people buy

We "remarket" vehicles. Access to any type.

CTS-V and or older M5?

wait, what, 2 posts and no one has said Miata?

Lotus...

911 turbo powered VW Bus?

I like the Lotus idea though. Very aggressive looking and could help show that power is nothing without control.

A Miata V8 could also work along with a FFV Cobra, Daytona, GTM?

Perhaps a Palatov Motorsports track car? Www.dpcars.net

aussiesmg wrote: Lotus...

I like this option.. very within budget..

I'm thinking FR-S too...

I agree lotus, but suggest the Evora. They look the business and should be more daily friendly than the Elise.

I'd vote FR-S/BRZ as an option...you need to think about consumables and other running costs in addition to a car that is good for all skill levels. FR-S is easy on gas (I ran 5, twenty minute track sessions and had just under 1/4 tank left), tires, and brakes. Stock brakes really need to be upgraded though if it's going to see a lot of track use - the AP Racing Sprint brake upgrade setup for ~$2k has been loved by those who have swapped, and besides seriously upgrading from the stock brake system it also drop 20lbs of unsprung weight. FR-S also has insanely fast corner entry speeds, faster than any of the cars you mentioned above because of how the suspension allows you to throw it in a corner at higher speeds than you think should be possible. If looking for more umppphhh...supercharge it for ~250 whp.

Plus it looks so sexy as a track car...

http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/10/evasive-frs/

Vracer111 wrote: I'd vote FR-S/BRZ as an option...you need to think about consumables and other running costs in addition to a car that is good for all skill levels. FR-S is easy on gas (I ran 5, twenty minute track sessions and had just under 1/4 tank left), tires, and brakes. Stock brakes really need to be upgraded though if it's going to see a lot of track use - the AP Racing Sprint brake upgrade setup for ~$2k has been loved by those who have swapped, and besides seriously upgrading from the stock brake system it also drop 20lbs of unsprung weight. FR-S also has insanely fast corner entry speeds, faster than any of the cars you mentioned above because of how the suspension allows you to throw it in a corner at higher speeds than you think should be possible. If looking for more umppphhh...supercharge it for ~250 whp. Plus it looks so sexy as a track car... http://www.speedhunters.com/2012/10/evasive-frs/

I REALLY like the FR-S option. For 40K, I can get a great track car built.

Hmmmmm...

Thanks again!

Try not to think exclusively in terms of your company actually having to go out and buy this vehicle with its own money. A little creative marketing should get you some impressive sponsorship dollars from one or more of the manufacturers whose products you represent. Ask yourself this question: who is more likely to have an uncommitted hundred grand, your company or (for example) BMW? Also, if BMW fronts you a CPO M3 (for example), it doesn't cost them anywhere near as much as it would cost you.

In my experience, vice presidents love marketing multipliers that other people pay for.

And, just so that nobody feels slighted, you could make it very clear that your company will be open to another such arrangement with another supplier's products next year. (At which point there will be a gently used, well maintained, nicely upgraded ex-CPO M3 [or whatever] looking for a good home....)

I would actually say no to the BR-Z/FR-S because it fails completely one of your requirements which is eye factor. As the previous posters have mentioned they look good etc but they carry 0 status with most people of means. Part of the wow is the label.

I would head somewhere a little more exotic and exclusive/rare. I believe you had mentioned a few factory 5s,and the like. Maybe even go pure track car and forgo the daly driver label.

In reply to Stealthtercel:

This......if the company has any clout with the manufacturers, it shouldn't be hard.

lotus or z06.
you could spring for a viper, too.
get an early one and just build a full on open roof monster

Stealthtercel wrote: Try not to think exclusively in terms of your company actually having to go out and buy this vehicle with its own money. A little creative marketing should get you some impressive sponsorship dollars from one or more of the manufacturers whose products you represent. Ask yourself this question: who is more likely to have an uncommitted hundred grand, your company or (for example) BMW? Also, if BMW fronts you a CPO M3 (for example), it doesn't cost them anywhere near as much as it would cost you. In my experience, vice presidents love marketing multipliers that other people pay for. And, just so that nobody feels slighted, you could make it very clear that your company will be open to another such arrangement with another supplier's products next year. (At which point there will be a gently used, well maintained, nicely upgraded ex-CPO M3 [or whatever] looking for a good home....)

Very true! We have access to all of the manufacturers. That yearly option is nice. Great info!

Flight Service wrote: I would actually say no to the BR-Z/FR-S because it fails completely one of your requirements which is eye factor. As the previous posters have mentioned they look good etc but they carry 0 status with most people of means. Part of the wow is the label. I would head somewhere a little more exotic and exclusive/rare. I believe you had mentioned a few factory 5s,and the like. Maybe even go pure track car and forgo the daly driver label.

That's why I like the GT-R option.. Exotic, and the wow factor.

Cayman R

try to get in on a sponsorship for a GT-R, they are amazing.
Everytime one comes in I have to sit in the driver's seat and daydream lol.

corytate wrote: try to get in on a sponsorship for a GT-R, they are amazing. Everytime one comes in I have to sit in the driver's seat and daydream lol.

SOLD! I like the idea.

I've lived with the "Aim High" motto for 20 years, why not?

I don't know. As a track car the GT-R is fast but numb. I suppose it would be good for giving people rides and it is forgiving but it lacks something for me. The more I see of them the more pedestrian they look.

I would vote E90 M3 Sedan because then you can take 3 passengers out and give them a ride they won't ever forget. It meets the requirements of appealing on status, luxury, and performance

Otherwise I would go with something P-car probably 911 because again I think it is more visually evocative and has more of a performance/racing heritage.

Non-gearheads are not going to appreciate a GTR and even then it mostly appeals to technophiles and geek culture