I passed by Excel Honda yesterday to see a friend and noticed several non-Hondas on display in the showroom.
Here is 2nd generation 997 Porsche GT3 RS. For those who aren’t familiar with this vehicle The 911 GT3 RS is a homologation version of the GT3 RSR racing car. It shares its drivetrain with the 911 GT3, except for a lightweight flywheel and closer gear ratios. Unlike the regular GT3, the RS has the wider body and chassis of the 911 Carrera 4 and Turbo
An estimated 413 units of the first generation (2007-2009) 997 GT3 RS were delivered to the US and about 1900 worldwide.
The second generation (2010) of the 997 GT3 RS came with an enlarged 3.8-litre engine producing 450 horsepower, a modified suspension, dynamic engine mounts, new titanium sport exhaust, and modified lightweight bodywork.
The third generation (2011) featured a 4.0 litre flat-six engine (the largest engine offered in a street-legal 911) making 493 horsepower.
This one isn’t listed yet but expect it to go for about $280K. On the Dupont Registry, the average price is $228,200 USD.
There was also a 2014 Audi S7 which is going for $83,900. The average price of an Audi S7 on Hebdo is $83,900 because this is the only one! On Dupont Registry the average is $70,923 USD.
Why are these cars here? Well, the owner of the dealer also owns (among a few other Honda dealers in Chateauguay, St-Constant and Vaudreuil) a leasing company called S&H Leasing and often displays some of the vehicles in the Excel Honda showroom. Leasing companies can offer greater flexibility on term, buyback and monthly payments. They don’t always make sense for mass market cars like Honda Civics but more cars like the lightly-used S7 they are definitely worth checking out. For those interested, their website is www.shleasing.com
Alex Lekas, general manager of S&H, tells me that he’s always on the lookout for new vehicles to buy. His focus is on luxury vehicles but really anything that is in high demand will work for S&H. He’s also a long time lurker on MontrealRacing!
Also so in the showroom was the 2016 Civic which has sparked some controversy regarding its looks. Personally I like it. I have yet to even sit it one but I’ll be sure to write about it when I do get the opportunity to test one out.
