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Jenson Button allegedly gassed during home raid

McLaren Formula 1 driver and former F1 World Champion Jenson Button might have been the victim of a bizarre, anesthetic gas attack when burglars robbed him, his wife, and friends while they were sleeping in a rented villa in Saint-Tropez, according to a BBC News report. Thankfully, none of them were harmed during the Aug. 3 theft in the popular French vacation spot. The thieves got away with quite a bit of loot, though. "Two men broke into the property whilst they all slept and stole a number of items of jewelry including, most upsettingly, Jessica's engagement ring," a spokesperson for the driver said, according to the BBC News. "The police have indicated that this has become a growing problem in the region with perpetrators going so far as to gas their proposed victims through the air conditioning units before breaking in." The value of all the looted items was reportedly 300,000 pounds ($463,000 at current rates). Afterward, the spokesperson described Button and his wife as "unsurprisingly shaken." Related Video:

McLaren 570S priced at $184,900

McLaren broke new ground when it launched the new 570S at the New York Auto Show this week, moving in into lower-priced but higher-volume territory for the first time. But that's just the tip of the proverbial iceberg: there will be an entire Sports Series to follow, with additional body styles and more affordable (a relative term in this case) levels of specification. The second model, dubbed 540C, is set to debut at the Shanghai Motor Show. US dealers will exchange $184,900 for keys to a 570S, which is $2,200 more than Porsche's base price for the 911 Turbo S. Based on 540C pricing already announced in the United Kingdom, we estimate that model will cost about $160,000 if it comes Stateside. The 540C is to the 570S as the Asian-market 625C is to the 650S. The smaller number designates a lower level of equipment and a little less power, but also a lower price tag. In the case of the 540C, that's 533 horsepower instead of 562 hp. The carbon-ceramic brakes on the 570S will most certainly disappear from the standard features list for the 540C, among other features. Of course that doesn't mean the 540C will be offered Stateside. The 625C at the bottom end of the Super Series is only offered in Asia, and with the new 540C set to be unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month, McLaren could follow a similar formula. Show full PR text McLAREN 570S: A NEW BENCHMARK FOR THE SPORTS CAR MARKET PREMIERES IN NEW YORK · Sports Series completes the McLaren three tier model range, priced from $184,900 · Highest power and lightest car in the sports car segment by almost 150 kg (331 lbs) means a class-leading power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per ton (5 lbs per hp) · Two examples of the 570S unveiled in New York showcase some of the customization options available with the new 'By McLaren' designer interiors The all-new McLaren Sports Series brings McLaren race-derived technologies and supercar driving exhilaration to the sports car market for the first time. Launching with two power outputs, the Sports Series offers class-leading performance, lightweight construction including a carbon fiber chassis, recognizable McLaren design values and a comprehensive specification list. Pricing for the higher-powered 570S, shown for the first time at the New York International Auto Show, will retail from $184,900 USD. Global deliveries of the Sports Series will commence later this year.

McLaren discontinues 12C, offers owners free upgrade

When McLaren revealed the new 650S last month at the Geneva Motor Show, it was adamant that it was not a replacement for the 12C on which it was based, but rather a supplement to it within the company's growing lineup of supercars. Production was suspended on the 12C while the McLaren Technology Center in Woking geared up to begin assembling the 650S, but was slated to begin again in the near future – depending on demand. That all changes with today's announcement, however. In a letter sent to existing owners of the 12C and shared with Autoblog, McLaren Automotive CEO Mike Flewitt announces that, "we have decided to cease [production of the 12C] in light of the success of the 650S." Thus ends the life-span of the model that put McLaren Automotive back on the map three years ago. But that's not quite the end of the story for the 12C. Lest current owners feel left out of the action, McLaren is offering them a free Technology Upgrade program. The package incorporates some (but not all) of the advancements made to the 650S, including revised Active Aero software that deploys the rear wing as an Airbrake under heavy braking and as a Drag Reduction System for straight-line speed. The package also updates the Android-based IRIS infotainment system, as well as a back-up camera and DAB radio (in Europe) or Sirius satellite radio (in North America). The upgrades will be applicable to every one of the approximately 3,500 examples of the 12C coupe and Spider built, including those that were bought new from the factory, those purchased second-hand through McLaren's Qualified Program and the handful left in dealer hands around the world. All of which strikes us a rather admirable approach on McLaren's behalf towards its customers, instead of pressing them to trade in for the newer model. View the full details in the letter we've included below. Last month we were proud to present the latest addition to our range: the McLaren 650S. Utilising advancements made during the development of the groundbreaking McLaren P1™, the 650S provides an unparalleled combination of performance and refinement. True to the McLaren ethos, the benefits of such progress are not limited to our new models. As a McLaren owner, we want to be able to share these developments with you with the offer of a free Technology Upgrade available from June.