COVID Cruise II: Diamonds and Donuts Car Cruise In South Florida Has Impressive Turn Out
This past weekend we threw our second Diamonds and Donuts COVID Car Cruise and it was an absolute banger! When we put something together for Diamonds and Donuts, you better believe it’s going to be impressive…In this recap, we are giving a “highlight reel” of COVID Cruise II and some of the badass cars that joined us on the road. If you are a car fanatic like us, you are going to love this…
For those who don’t know, a COVID Cruise is a gathering of cars, driving the streets together, like a rally of sorts, as a way to bring some normalcy to all the craziness, havoc and boredom caused by ‘rona. COVID Car Cruises are happening around the country in various cities, put on by independent car enthusiasts. In South Florida, Diamonds and Donuts has assembled arguably the most impressive COVID Car Cruise in all the nation.
As we can’t do our normal car show at Diamonds By Raymond Lee with the current situation surrounding COVID-19, our COVID Car Cruise is the next best thing, and honestly, it’s just as fun! So much so that we are making it a regular thing now. It’s like a more driver-centric, dynamic version of the Diamonds and Donuts Car Show.
Our first COVID Cruise was two weeks ago and it was a hit. It’s clear people got wind of the fun because there were so many cars that turned up to COVID Cruise II. It was insane. We flooded the street with Lambos, Ferraris, Porsches, McLarens, Corvettes, and the list goes on. Everyone stayed in their cars, of course, practicing social distancing from behind the wheel as we cruised the streets of South Florida in a huge pack, and in the finest style no less.
Here’s how COVID Cruise II went down…
COVID CRUISE II
We scheduled the meet up at Diamonds By Raymond Lee for 9:30am on Sunday, May 3rd. We sent out a notice prior to the event with some guidelines. Everyone had to remain in their cars, or at the very least stay near it and away from others, as people’s safety and the prevention of spreading COVID-19 was our top priority. All those who joined followed the guidelines beautifully. It was awesome to see how much everyone respects the current climate and each other’s well being.
Our plan was to have our guys coordinate with the entire group so we were all on the same page and no one had to leave their cars. Although we did that, it proved difficult to manage as we had a far larger turn out than we expected…
By 9:45am, the entire lot was so packed there was no getting in. Cars ended up lining the streets of North Federal Highway. Obviously, these weren’t your typical cars. We are talking about a conglomerate of South Florida’s hottest vehicles and everything in-between. It was a spectacle, to say the least.
There were Lamborghini Aventador SVs, Hurucans, Gallardos, a Ferrari 488, 458, and a California T, Porsches and Corvettes out the wazoo, Rolls, Challengers, Beamers, Benzes, and much more. All makes and models were welcomed, and they surely made their presence at our Diamonds and Donuts COVID Car Cruise II. Ergo, if one of your dream cars wasn’t there, we’d be surprised…
Let’s have a closer look at some of our favorite whips that joined us.
SOME OF THE CARS THAT PARTICIPATED IN COVID CRUISE II
From new Ferrari’s, McLaren’s and Lambo’s to classic, iconic supercars and luxury sports cars, COVID Cruise II had everything a car nut could ask for. Here are just a few of the cars that stood out like a sore thumb at COVID Cruise. For any of those we left out here, it’s only because we didn’t get a good picture of your car!
A Savage Pack of Rari’s
Below is a line up sure to impress literally anyone and everyone.
A white 458 Spider with blue interior, a 488 GTB, and a California Portofino.
Let’s discuss each of the three a little bit…
Ferrari 458 Spider (far left)
This is a car for those who appreciate the richest, noisiest, most evocative driving experience. Truth be told, the Ferrari 458 Spider brings more excitement than most can handle. It takes a special kind of person to get behind the wheel. It’s a car that is beautiful to behold, unbelievably brilliant to drive, and undeniably fun to show off.
The Ferrari 458 Spider is one of the planet’s first mid-rear engine sports cars with a drop-top. Turn in on and you will hear the award winning 4.5 liter V8 engine roar and shriek in the most satisfyingly formidable way. We couldn’t wait to see this half a million dollar car hit the road as we know the power it possesses. It’s capable of a 0-60 in under 3 seconds and it hits top speeds of 200mph. Enough said? Of course, we weren’t going to see it in all of its glory, as this was a cruise not a true rally, but once we saw it parked up, we were immediately looking forward to seeing even just a hint of its brute force when we hit the highway, which we’d soon be on route to.
Ferrari 488 Spider (middle – picture above)
Is there anything better than a red Ferrari? Better yet, a red 488 Rari Spider…Most would say, nope. It’s the definition of “dream car”. At least for anyone who appreciates the true art of supercars and Formula One.
When you are looking at a Ferrari 488 GTB, you are looking at over $300,000. Not to mention, one of the world’s most powerful, dynamic, and compelling vehicles.
The V8 engine has an incredible output of 661 horsepower and does a 0-60 in under 3 seconds, easily. Top speed? Just 201 mph. That’s it. No big deal.
All in all, we were especially excited to hit the road and see this 488 Spider in action. Giddishly.
Ferrari California
The Ferrari California is the ultimate expression of Ferrari’s sporty DNA. It has a retractable hard top, gorgeous soft curves, and an easy driving character for those who like a somewhat gentler roadster. Nevertheless, still utterly impressive by anyone’s standards. The Ferrari California’s top speed comes in at 193mph and it does a 0-62 in under 4 seconds. It’s capable of that thanks to its potent 560 hp and 557 lb-feet of torque. In our opinion, this is one of the best daily cars for those with deep pockets. It was awesome that we had a California T in the pack.
McLaren 570S Spider (blue and orange)
Ferrari was by no means the only cars dropping jaws on Sunday. We had not one, but to McLaren 570s’. Blue and Orange…Spiders.
The McLaren 570S does a lot of things to our heart. It pulls at its strings and spikes it with both its looks and performance. It’s a straight up spaceship on wheels.
The supercar has a 3.8L twin turbocharged V8 engine and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission capable of producing insane speeds. 204mph top speed and a 0-60 in about 3 seconds. What’s more, it can stop on the drop of a dime. From 62mph to 0 in 31m. 124mph to 0 in 126m.
What more can we say besides it was an honor to have the 570S Spiders with us, looking stylishly British as ever.
Green Lambo Huracan Coupe LP610-4
What do you get when you add an aerodynamic, sleek, intricate design with an all wheel drive and 5.2-liter V10 engine that redlines at 8500rpm and produces 631 ponies, the Lambo Huracan Coupe LP610, that’s what. One of the most versatile bulls in Lamborghini’s line up.
If you’ve been following Diamonds and Donuts, you’ve seen this green “Hulk” of a Lambo before. We were very pleased to see it when it rolled up to the driving “party”. Even more pleased to be riding side by side in on the I-95.
Porsche 911 with Martini Racing Stripes
Nothing sportier than a Porsche 911 with a Martini Racing Design decal. This car was ready for the road, track, and every single car that thought it could keep up. Overall, this is one of the best sports cars you can buy. A pure classic.
White Rolls Royce Cullinan
The fanciest SUV on the planet came to join the fun, a Rolls Royce Cullinan, all white. It’s a hulking giant that has a baseline price of $330,000, yet typically sells for over $400k. We knew we were driving with a commander in our legion when we saw the Cullinan pull up to Diamonds By Raymond Lee.
American Power
You didn’t think we’d not talk about all the American power at the Diamonds and Donuts COVID Cruise II, did you? The imposing American made muscle and force was strong with this COVID Car Cruise. We are talking about Challengers, Chargers, and Corvettes galore.
2020 Corvette C7 with Corsa Extreme Exhaust
There were a bunch of Vettes rolling with us, but one in particular caught our eye and we were able to get a shot of it from behind, and what a nice behind it has.
This is a 2020 Corvette C7 with a Corsa Extreme Exhaust. The name of the exhaust system is extremely fitting. Not only does it make the car sound even more badass, but it also delivers superior horsepower and torque.
On the whole, the Corvette C7 is like a culmination of every Corvette that preceded it. It’s the flawless amalgamation of performance, handling, reliability and refinement. Arguably the all-time best Corvette.
White Challenger RT
This is a beautiful beast of a car. Pearly white and pristine. It’s the Challenger RT, packed with a 5.7L Hemi V8 Engine that forks out 375 Horsepower. American muscle at its finest. This thing drives and sounds relentless.
COVID CRUISE II: THE ROUTE
We departed Diamonds By Raymond Lee at 10am, with every intention of sticking together for the entire route. Unfortunately, had a slight hiccup. First, it was impossible to keep everyone together just by the sheer number of vehicles that joined forces for Diamonds and Donuts’ COVID Cruise II. Second, we had a bit of a gaffe on the route.
Our plan was to start by heading to US1, drive south to Palmetto Park Rd. From there, head East to A1A, cruise it all the way to Las Olas. Once we hit Las Olas, we were going to go West down to US1. Followed by a left (heading West) on Broward Blvd. The final stretch was to for us to merge on I-95 back towards Diamonds By Raymond Lee.
That being said, as some of you may know, you can’t go east on Palmetto park from the route we had planned. That was our first oversight. So, we went to Camino then A1A instead. From there, we drove all the way to Las Olas and headed West via Broward. We made a pit stop on the bridge to let some cars catch up. Unfortunately, we lost a bunch on the way, but we were still able to gather a large group from there so we could hit I-95 as a fleet.
Once we got on I-95, we really put the pedal to the metal. It was an awesome group of cars, all together, cruising, showing off, put their vehicles to work, rather than keeping them at home in the garage like they probably would have been otherwise due to the Coronavirus.
We took I-95 back to Diamonds By Raymond Lee and we all parted ways.
All in all, it was a hell of a time.
NEXT COVID CAR CRUISE
For the next Diamonds and Donuts COVID Cruise, we are thinking Alligator Ally and back!
With the success of these COVID Cruises, we are planning on making them a regular thing, at least for the time being.
Stay tuned for more info. Be sure to follow our Facebook page and IG for details on the next COVID Car Cruise. We’d love to see you all there. Vehicles of all makes and models are welcomed. We will be sure to plan for a larger group next time!
THE IDEA BEHIND DIAMONDS AND DONUTS COVID CRUISES
The idea behind Diamonds and Donuts COVID Cruise is simple – get people out of the house (we’ve all be going a bit stir crazy these days), stay involved in our community, and get our cars on the road where they should be! We are all avid car enthusiasts so any excuse we have to meet up with other likeminded people and play with our toys is good for us! Especially when the weather is perfect like it has been the last few weeks.
The COVID Cruise is a lot of fun, especially during the current climate. Seeing friends, even from a distance, is enough to give us all some sanity and lifestyle balance. What’s more, COVID Car Cruises sends a strong message to everyone. It lets us know we are all in this together.
We also should note how amazing everyone was with keeping social distancing practices intact. Everyone played it safe, yet friendly. It really goes to show how wonderful our community is here in Boca Raton and South Florida.
Huge thanks to all those who joined.
Stay tuned for the next Diamonds and Donuts COVID Car Cruise!
