KEY COMPONENTS: Today’s top cars start with something pretty special
September 19, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Thomas Jensen
Starting a supercar: this simple, classy and understated key puts the power of a 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder (Lot #727) – which is crossing the block at the upcoming Las Vegas Auction – in your hand.
Las Vegas is all about style, swagger and attitude in the casinos and clubs, and out on the Strip, too. When enthusiasts arrive for the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction Oct. 19-21 at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, they will see plenty of supercars on the streets, as well as some of the world’s most desirable collector cars rolling across the auction block.
Tesla has a very unique key shaped like the car itself.
Automakers are smart enough to know that if buyers are going to step up to purchase a high-performance car, they’re going to want everything about it to be high performance, right down to the keys that start the car.
Here are the stories behind 10 of the hottest keys in 10 of the hottest cars:
Tesla Model S
The key fob to the Tesla Model S is shaped like the car itself. Walk up to the Model S with the fob in your pocket and it automatically unlocks the car. Once inside, simply press on the brake pedal and the car is ready to drive. Press on the rear decklid of the fob and the trunk opens; press on the front of the fob and the hood pops open. Neat.
Insert Aston Martin’s sapphire “Emotional Control Unit” to start it up.
Aston Martin Vantage
It wasn’t that long ago that Aston Martin used Volvo key fobs, which understandably didn’t go over too well with owners. Now they use a keyless system referred to as an “Emotional Control Unit.” And it’s made of sapphire, so it doesn’t scratch.
BMW i8
Want technology? The BMW i8 key fob has a built-in 2.2-inch LCD display screen that shows range, door and window status, weather conditions, service information and more through a series of selectable screen menus.
Ferrari
Some older Ferraris had conventional keys with large red handles inlaid with the famed prancing horse logo. Now, though, Ferrari has gone to key fobs, correctly painted in bright red, with the Ferrari name inlaid.
The key to a McLaren supercar is made of carbon fiber, like the car itself.
Lamborghini
Simple, classy and understated, Lamborghini key fobs are nowhere near as flashy as the cars to which they belong, perhaps because they are similar to other fobs of VW Group automakers.
McLaren
Carbon fiber is a key component of McLaren supercars because it keeps the weight down, which improves every facet of performance. It’s hardly surprising, therefore, that the McLaren key fob is a lightweight, three-button affair made of carbon fiber.
The matte-black fob of a C7 Corvette Stingray.
Corvette Stingray
If a key fob is left inside the C7 Corvette Stingray and the doors are locked, the fob will automatically unlock the doors and sound three horn blasts to alert the driver. The matte-black fob can also be used to remotely start the Corvette.
Porsche 918 Spyder
The hybrid supercar from Porsche puts out an amazing 887 horsepower and has a base price of $845,000. Included in the lengthy options list is the ability to order a key fob that matches the exterior paint color. At $1,400, it’s not much to add.
Ford GT
Owners of the 2004-06 Ford GT models complained that their keys and fobs looked like something from a Ford Focus. Not anymore. When Ford brought out the new-generation GT for 2017, they included a slick, new keyless fob that’s as aerodynamic and advanced-looking as the car itself.
Bugatti’s key – and Speed Key – put exceptional performance at your fingertips.
Bugatti Speed Key
With a top speed in excess of 250 miles per hour, the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport is one of the ultimate exotics, and it has a very special feature known as the Speed Key. The Speed Key is not the ignition key; instead it’s inserted into a slot next to the driver’s seat. Once inserted and turned, the Speed Key drops the car’s ride height, changes the rear-wing angle and the frontal aerodynamics, and disables the car’s speed limiters. Truly exceptional performance is available here, thanks to the Speed Key.
For a look at what supercars with “superkeys” are headed to the Las Vegas Auction, check out the docket HERE.