“Pebble Beach is the most beautiful meeting of land and sea in the world,” Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry Karges said Thursday. The car show and race likewise bring out “the most beautifully designed and built cars in the automotive world.” While Pebble Beach usually plays host to golfers, once a year every August it is taken over by classic cars which are perched precariously on the perfectly manicured green lawns far above the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean far below.
The Concours d’Elegance is the crown jewel of over a week of auctions, races and parties all over the Monterey Peninsula. The Councours and Monterey Car Week have become their own annual ecosystem in the classic car world as high value and rare vehicles cycle through private collections and auctions. “A lot of people that get to come out as a spectator, and you get to see some of this at our auction, you get to see them [classic cars] more from collection to collection,” Barrett-Jackson Auction Co. chairman and CEO Craig Jackson said Monday.
For many, the Concours d’Elegance and Auto Week are their only opportunity to some ultra-rare vehicles. Several years ago, Pebble Beach succeeded in gathering all six Bugatti Royales, the only time in history they have all been in one place. “It’s a real feat. I don’t think you’ll ever see that again.”
Collectors bring their cars to the Concours each year to win several coveted class and overall awards which boost the prestige, and value, of their cars. “You can count on your hands the number of collectors who have these [Concours d’Elegance winners] in their collections,” Jackson said. However, many of the cars passed through restoration houses like Barrett-Jackson and the auction houses before winding up in private collections and on show at Pebble Beach. “I get to see these cars at Pebble Beach … I’ll remember the car from the ’60s,” Jackson said.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance has been occurring annually since 1950 and the combination of ultra-rare and classic cars, racing and an incomparable automotive social scene have drawn attendees back year after year. An annual party, Gordon McCall’s Motorworks Revival, at the Monterey Jet Center brings out many of the leading collectors for what Jay Leno has called “tailgating for billionaires,” according to Karges.
“If you didn’t have any other eason to go to Monterey, wouldn’t you want one?” Karges said. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, races and parties prove to be too much for many wealthy collectors to avoid given the plethora of hotels, lodges and gourmet restaurants that dot the peninsula. “It’s a pilgrimage, literally,” Karges said. Both Karges and Jackson have been attending the Concours d’Elegance for decades.
The 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and accompanying festivities of the Monterey Car Week and The Quail motorsports gathering concluded Sunday after drawing the finest classic cars, ultra-luxury models and most distinctive vehicles in the world to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula of California. According to some, the events of the Monterey Car Week have been called “tailgating for America’s billionaires” by none other than the nation’s pre-eminent gearhead, Jay Leno, but it has taken years of hard work and a heady mix of automotive iron and stunning Pacific Ocean vistas to keep the world’s wealthy car collectors coming back each year.
At this year’s Concours d’Elegance, RM Auctions put 120 cars on the block, 13 of which sold for more than $1 million, fetching a total of $35 million, including a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spyder that sold for $8,580,000. At another Monterey area car auction over the weekend, Gooding & Company sold more than $60 million worth of cars, including another Ferrari, a 1960 250 GT LWB California Spider for $11,275,000. Gooding & Company also sold a first edition Fiat 500 (initially valued at around $35,000) owned by Leno for $385,000, and the legendary von Krieger Special Roadster for $11.77 million.
The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the centerpiece of a series of classic car races and auctions, cocktail parties and gatherings for enthusiasts, car shows, and debuts by the world’s most rarified luxury brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin and Mercedes-Benz. Rolls-Royce for its part debuted two different vehicles, the 2013 Ghost and the Phantom Coupe Aviator, Cadillac teased a new concept car, and Bentley held the North American debut of the 2013 Continental GT Speed. The Concours d’Elegance and other events of the Monterey Car Week draw such high-value classic cars and luxury debuts every year by means of a very simple formula of strong personalities, an impressive environment and the momentum that years of tradition brings.
The famous Ford GT40 that made motorsport history on June 15, 1969, will be the centerpiece of the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance’s celebration of the Ford GT40’s 50th anniversary on March 10, 2013.
The Ford GT40 made its Le Mans racing debut June 21, 1964. But it took Ford two years to achieve victory at the world’s most famous endurance race. On June 18, 1966, Ford’s huge investment paid off with a three-car sweep of the race that mattered most to company chief Henry Ford II.
Le Mans 1966 was also revenge for the grandson of the Ford Corp.’s founder. Ford had tried to buy Ferrari in 1962. Ferrari spurned Ford’s third-generation leader at the last moment and Ford commanded a cost-no-object program to defeat Ferrari where it mattered most, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
There is no public accounting of how much it cost Ford to accomplish the feat, but the records established by Ford’s potent GT40 are well documented. Through three iterations, the Ford GT40 won Le Mans four times in succession: 1966 through 1969.
The most famous GT40 of all made further history on June 15, 1969, when chassis No. 1075, driven by Jacky Ickx and Jackie Oliver, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans a second straight time in less than one year.
This unprecedented motorsport record has its roots in the vagaries of French election law. Voting is mandatory in France and elections were called for Le Mans’ traditional summer date. This compelled the race’s organizing body to postpone the summer endurance classic until September 1968. That sidelined the GT40’s lead racer, Ickx, who had broken his leg during the Canadian Grand Prix one week before Le Mans’ postponed date. The Ford GT40 Ickx had raced to victory at Brands Hatch, Spa and Watkins Glen was entrusted to countryman Lucien Bianchi—who was driving for the injured Brian Redman—and Mexico’s Pedro Rodriguez. That pair won Le Mans in the Ford GT40 that Ickx would soon affectionately call “my car.” As a bonus, the 1968 Le Mans victory also clinched the 1968 International Championship of Makes for Ford.
By 1969, the experts had consigned the 6-year-old Ford GT40 design to spear carrier roles. Then in March, Ickx and Oliver won the punishing 12 Hours of Sebring with the ’68 Le Mans-winning 1075.
The Anglo-Belgian pair teamed for Le Mans again in June, and that race has passed into the legend and lore of international sports car racing. The victory by Ickx and Oliver in 1075 was the closest finish in Le Mans’ long and colorful history: a matter of just 70 yards separated the winning GT40 and the second-place Porsche after 24 hours. The victorious GT40 was almost out of gas and the driver of the Porsche, Hans Herrmann, thought his brakes were fading. For the final two hours, the pair ground around the high-speed 8.369-mile French road circuit, often at more than 200 mph, laying plans for the final lap.
The new Porsche 908 and the aging Ford GT40, 1075, that had won Le Mans just nine months earlier, were locked in a game of high-speed, high-stakes Le Mans-chess. The Porsche was faster on the long Mulsanne straight, but the Ford was quicker from the Mulsanne hairpin back to the starting line. The pair arrived at the finish line just 15 seconds before 2 p.m., the race’s appointed finishing hour. Both would have to make another agonizing yet fast and perfect lap. As the other cars were flagged off the track at 2 p.m., only the battling lead duo remained on the course, adding to the drama and tension of that last long lap.
In America, ABC television was making its first live broadcast of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Amelia Concours founder and chairman Bill Warner remembers the final lap as Wide World of Sports‘ host Jim McKay and three-time Le Mans winner and world driving champion Phil Hill made the call of the finish. “Seeing Le Mans live for the first time on American television was amazing. By the time they got to Arnage on the last lap, it was obvious that the GT40 was going to win. At the flag, the GT40 and the Porsche were less than two seconds apart.
“Having the first of only three cars to win Le Mans twice on the Amelia Concours field is a thrill for me,” said Warner. “I remember photographing these cars at Sebring and Daytona in 1969 when 1075 won the 12 Hours, and recall thinking what a great Anglo/American effort it was.”
On March 10, 2013, Ford GT40 1075 and its Gulf racing stalemates GT40 1076 (that finished third at Le Mans in ’69 driven by David Hobbs and Mike Hailwood) and 1074 will be reunited on the fairways of The Golf Club at Summer Beach in the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Ford GT40.
Vilner tuning specialists have already proven their undeniable skills and expertise when it comes to upgrading car interiors, but this is not the only field in which they excel. Exterior and performance enhancements are also their passion, and this is true even for two wheelers.
Take for instance this gorgeous one-off bike and its amazing package – beautiful girl not included. The canvas that Vilner worked on was an Aprilia Tuono motorcycle, and the completed work of art was dubbed Stingray. The upgrade package includes a reupholstered seat, a repositioned license number, new front fender, extended driving chain and fork, new side spoilers, each with two vents, new headlights, and LED turning signals.
The motorcycle was also improved in terms of performance, resulting in 10% better results. To match the more fierce character of the Aprilia Tuono Stingray, Vilner decided to make it a little darker by tinting the rear lights and blackening out a few parts of the frame. You can see the final look of the ride in the gallery below.
Get ready to meet the newest stunner from Aston Martin. The 2013 Rapide S is flawless in every way, being more powerful, faster, and better looking than its previous version. After the facelift, the lavish sedan became even more alluring, with a redesigned front grille, a new rear lip spoiler, and an optional Carbon Exterior Pack that includes a carbon front splitter, new rear diffuser, exterior mirror housings, and rear lamp fills.
The more significant changes, however, occurred underneath all this exterior charm. The already potent 5.9-liter V12 engine is now capable of putting out 81 more hp than before, meaning that if flaunts a total of 558 hp. The torque was also increased from 600 Nm to 620 Nm. As a result, the car’s performance was significantly changed: the new 0-62 mph time is 4.9 seconds, while the top speed is 190 mph.
Finally, the Rapide also got a nice interior upgrade, which begins with sporty black and red Duotone leather upholstery, and ends with nice piano black trims. The foldable rear seat is standard, while the twin-screen entertainment system and the reversing camera are optional. Enthusiastic fans can expect the ride on the market starting next month (February).
With an impressive track record of using historically significant vehicles to raise funds for worthy causes, it wasn’t just the General Motors who offered its very first2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray at the Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale Auction in Arizona for charity, but also the world’s largest automaker’s Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson who offered his personal 1958 Chevrolet Corvette to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. After crossing the block at the Barrett-Jackson’s auction, the Corvette C7 got sold for $1.05 million to Nascar team owner and avid Corvette collector Rick Hendrick, and the Akerson’s hardtop convertible Regal Turquoise’ 1958 Chevy Corvette with dual headlamps, hood louvers, and twin chrome trunk spears garnered $270,000. Notably, all the proceeds from the sale will go to the Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization to which Mr. Akerson together with his wife Karin has already donated more than a million.
Created by renowned customizer George Barris, the original #1 1966 Batmobilewhich is regarded as an icon, and one of the world’s most popular and recognized pieces of entertainment history, has now got sold for whopping $4.2 million at auctioneer Barret-Jackson at its 42nd annual Scottsdale auction.
Bought by an Arizona man, this original Batmobile which was based on 1955 Lincoln Futura, and was heavily modified by legendary auto-customizer George Barris to be featured in the iconic TV series Batman, along with the movie adaptation, comes loaded with a number of Batman worthy gadgets.
Experience comfort, relaxation and revolving scenery, while being in a hot tub surrounded by water all around, doing drinking, listening music, and leisurely boating with your loved ones, all at once with the revolutionary Hot Tub Boat. Engineered and built in Seattle by a marine carpenter that specializes in custom house boats, this one-of-a-kind vessel is basically an electric boat with an 8-foot long hot tub built into its deck, and positioned on the boat’s center of buoyancy, providing the boat exceptional stability. Ideal for carefree fun and relaxation on the water, moving or stationary, this 16-foot Hot Tub Boat built to accommodate 6 adult bathers, also comes equipped with waterproof stereo system, four ice chests built into the desk, a teak swimstep, and a 24-volt electric motor that propels the boat up to 5 mph on calm water, steered via a joystick.
If you’re looking for exclusive cars, Bugatti is always an excellent choice. And if you want to up the exclusivity level, just go for a Veyron Pur Sang! With only 5 units worldwide, this is a ride that can make you feel extremely happy and proud.
This here is one of the five Pur Sangs out there, and there is no other quite like it. It’s a one-off creation, the only one flaunting a light interior fit for royalty. Manufactured in 2008, the car is totally accident free and has rolled for 3,418 miles. Annual services were done exclusively at Bugatti, and the sellers guarantee the fact that it is in excellent condition.
With a silvery exterior and a classy beige interior, this worldwide unique Bugatti also features 4 new tires and some really cool options: Special Stone Guard and Sport seats. It is currently located in Monaco, where interested customers can visit it before making the actual purchase. You can find it on JamesList with a hefty price tag of approx. $2,655,000.
At the Barrett-Jackson’s 2013 Scottsdale auctions in Arizona on 19th January, the sports car enthusiasts and collectors stands an exclusive chance to take home the one-of-a-kind ‘piece of Chevy history’. As the very first 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray‘C7’, the 7th generation of the classic American sports car which has been engineered to defy convention and designed on purpose to dismiss the ritualistic and the cliché, to come off the Chevrolet’s production facility will be auctioned for charity by General Motors. Acclaimed to be the world’s largest automaker and a leading contributor to charity with an impressive track record of using historically significant models to raise funds for worthy causes, General Motors will auction off its completely-redesigned, most powerful and capable Corvette without reserve to raise funds to help College for Creative Studies charity. And considering the fact that the very first SRT Viper successfully fetched $300,000 at a Barrett-Jackson’s auction held last year, it’s been estimated that this Corvette C7 on sale, which was recently unveiled at Detroit Auto Show along with the Bentley’s world’s fastest four-seat convertible will also garner an impressive figure at the auction block.
This superb Range Rover Evoque is a limited edition version that can currently be admired at the 2013 Brussels Motor Show. It is based on the Evoque Dynamic, and its moniker is Sicilian Yellow Limited Edition. Available in two versions – with thee or five doors – the car boasts a lovely Sicilian Yellow exterior that contrasts beautifully with the Santorini Black roof, the black grille, the black bumpers, and the 20-inch black alloys.
Also part of the new Black Design package are the darkened headlamps and fog lights, and the new rear spoiler. A vice-versa color scheme will also be available, where the body is black and the roof is yellow. The interior was designed to perfectly match the exterior design, meaning that it sports yellow stitching over black leather, visible on the seats, central fascia, central storage area, and door trims.
When the Sicilian Yellow Limited Edition Range Rover will be launched on the market in May, it will be priced at about $70,300.
Already have a stunning Bugatti Vitesse in your garage? Then maybe you would like to complete the set with a matching limited edition timepiece from Parmigiani Fleurier. Inspired by the astonishing supercar, these watches feature titanium cases (36 mm by 50 mm by 22 mm) and matching titanium buckles. They are available in two different versions, and they are all true eye candies.
Both versions boast alligator skin straps by Hermes, and brightly colored dials. One has an orange Texalium dial and matching Carnelian cabochon in the 18-carat white gold crown, while the other features a white Texalium dial with blue color inserts and a gorgeous blue Lapis Lazuli cabochon in the crown.
Other noteworthy features include 6 AR-coated sapphire crystals, 333 parts, 40 jewels, 10-day power reserve, and 10-meter water resistance. The hand-made main plates are sand blasted and circular grained, while the dials feature a web-like structure of fiberglass covered with a thin layer of titanium. A polished black gold Bugatti Vitesse logo and a polished EB appliqué Complete the design and stand proof of the watch’s high-end pedigree.
Finally, the “life”-giving mechanism inside the case is an in-house manually-wound Caliber PF370 movement, with 21,600 vibrations per hour.
Founded back in 1913 by Robert Bamford and Lionel Martin as ‘Bamford & Martin Ltd’, the iconic British sports car brandAston Martin, which is known for designing stylish hand-built sports cars with highly competitive performance aspects, has now launched its year of centenary celebrations with a return to its roots. The luxury brand marked the start of its birthday celebrations on January 15th with the unveiling of a bespoke, special, new Centenary Edition of its ultimate GT, the Vanquish. Representing an exclusive new celebration of the automaker’s 100-year history, the Centenary Edition Vanquish boasts an exceptional graduated paint finish, a hallmark, and sterling silver Aston Martin wing badges. However, the opportunity to own and enjoy such an incredible piece of Aston Martin’s rich heritage has been made ultra-exclusive as only 100 examples of this machine will be produced.
The passionate tuners at DMC have completed a new amazing project: a remarkable upgrade for the Ferrari F12 Berlinetta. For a more aggressive look, it received a carbon fiber kit comprised of a roof scoop, prominent lip spoiler, spoiler wing, new side skirts, diffuser plates, and even a carbon fiber hood.
Also part of the upgrade are a new set of alloy wheels, measuring 21 inches at the front and 22 inches at the rear. They are wrapped in performance rubbers: 332/25 and 255/30. In terms of performance, the Berlinetta is now more ferocious, being capable of putting out 764 hp (24 extra hp) from its 6.2-liter V12 engine. It also received a custom titanium exhaust, and this helps it reach up to 217 mph.
We love our cars in Phoenix. With the spread of the land we occupy, how could we not? Miles upon miles are covered with various modes of transportation that represent our personalities, lifestyles, and a way to get from point A to B. History and innovation have spawned thousands of enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs of four-wheeled acceleration, and there’s a place that brings them together in an annual gathering of awe.
The Barrett-Jackson car auction will start right up and run smooth at Westworld of Scottsdale, 16601 North Pima Road, Sunday, January 13, through Sunday, January 20. Since 1971, the auction has drawn in fans from all over the world to witness offerings of master craftsmanship that revisit the past in spectacular fashion. From the elegance of a 1939 Bentley to the raw muscle of a Mach 1 Mustang, these beauties will leave you tempted to take out a second mortgage.
CES 2013 was filled with mobile accessories, while most of them were similar to what we have already seen over the years, including the rhinestone studded bling mobile accessories from the Korean companies, which made us realize no one does them better than BlingMyThing, and also there were leather cases galore. The leather cases launched at CES 2013 too were not class apart except the Istanbul based Beyzacases luxury mobile accessories range. Inspired by the ultimate British supercar, Aston Martin, the range of smartphone and tablet cases is said to have taken design cues from the elegant form and shape of Aston Martin’s famous radiator grid, but what makes them exclusive is craftsmanship. The Aston Martin range is handcrafted from the finest full grain Alcantara leather used in Aston Martin interiors.
The collection includes the new iPhone 5 Slim V cases crafted out of Alacatara leather with soft lining and protection against scratching. The collection is available in beautiful stiching colors, such as; beige, brown, orange and red. The range features iPhone and iPad cases for the latest iPhone 5 besidesiPhone 4 and 4S, iPad 2 cases and Slim TP for BlackBerry Bold series. The iPhone cases will reportedly retail for around $100 for the iPhone cases and approx. $330 for the iPad cases. The products comes with a specific “How to Care” guide to protect the natural beauty of the genuine leather cases from daily wear and tear and characteristic signs such as wrinkles, scars and marks.
Not that it needed any improvements of any kind, but the superb Lamborghini Aventador LP760-4 has just gotten more appealing. Thanks to some special attention from Oakley Design and Refined Marques, the ride boasts better aerodynamics, new wheels, and extra muscle.
To match all these changes, the tuners gave the car a new name as well: LamborghiniAventador LP760-4 Dragon Edition. Only ten units will ever reach production lines, and they will be equipped with new body kits that include a number of carbon fiber accents, fixed rear wings, and new front bumpers. Matching these changes are the HRE Wheels with red brake calipers.
Powering the car is a 6.5-liter V12 engine capable of 760 HP and 745 Nm of torque. Also part of the upgrade is the remapped ECU and the new titanium exhaust system, as well as the lower overall weight: 77 lbs less than the original version. For the inside, the Lamborghini received embroidered dragon figures and number plaques
A true jewel in its class, Bravo 88 is aluxury motor yacht with a classic exterior design, impressive lightness, and luxe interiors for up to 8 guests. The vessel can reach speeds of over 25 knots, ensuring a smooth sailing experience and high maneuverability. The composite structure of the yacht provides excellent durability without compromising on weight, which allows for high speeds to be reached almost effortlessly.
A few seconds are enough to go from standstill to fast cruising, and all this happens in total comfort. Talented designers from M. G. Burvenich Yacht Design gave this vessel a hard top flybridge, large windows for unobstructed panoramas in the pilothouse, an elegant yet cozy saloon separated from the luxe aft deck by sliding doors, and a lovely informal dining area as part of the main deck gallery.
Bravo 88 can transport its guests in lavish conditions, offering excellent accommodation in 4 staterooms. The VIP and master suite are flooded with natural light, but the other two cabins are also very impressive in terms of amenities and high-end features.
As a sidecar racer, the BMW RS54 with its flat-twin, double-overhead-camshaft engine not just won the World Sidecar Championships in 1954, but went on winning 19 World titles in a nearly unbroken stretch of success, all the way to 1974. This noteworthy string of success which was the testament to the German automobile and motorcycle maker BMW’s excellent power and reliability, and the ultra-low center of gravity possible with its unique flat-twin engine, now continues at the auction blocks as well. As the championship-winning 1954 BMW Rennsport RS54 Sidecar example with Chassis no. 254007 and Engine no. 07 impressively became the highlight of the Bonhams’ 3rd annual Las Vegas Motorcycle Sale, where it fetched a handsome price of $167,800.
Renowned as the highly advanced and extremely well-made machine, the 1954 BMW Rennsport RS54 impressively dominated its class for almost two decades, winning 19 world titles, among several other distinguished records.
f the task of designing your garage remodel or managing your new construction project is a bit daunting, there is a way to seek out assistance. Figuring out what to buy, how to customize it and where to place it can be a bit overwhelming, which is why there are many trade professionals such as architects, designers, home builders and companies that specialize in the field of garage design, such as GarageMahals, to eliminate these headaches. Some people enjoy the process of designing, sourcing materials and remodeling, but others do not. If you do not find any of these ideas appealing, then simply allocate these details to a professional.
There are many good reasons to work with a profession garage designer to help make your garage construction or remodeling process easier. If you choose to work with a designer, you will have a skilled partner that will be able to evaluate your needs, what permits you may need, help to find furnishings, suppliers and qualified contracts and requesting accurate bids for products and services.
Hiring an experienced practitioner can solve problems, help you avoid costly mistakes and, most importantly, create an attractive, affordable garage space designed specifically to meet your needs.
Today’s designers are armed with powerful software tools to give you an idea of what you new garage will look like before you have made a single purchase. Creating a digital and virtual walkthrough of your dream garage will not only give you a better picture of your shared vision, but can also open up some new ideas in the process.
Designed in true Bentley style for those who accept no compromises, here’s the British luxury automaker’s latest, fastest and most thoughtfully-executed open-top performance flagship, the 2014 Continental GT Speed Convertible that offers unrivaled luxury and refinement of a coupé yet transforms into a gorgeous open tourer at the touch of a button. Taking place at the pinnacle of the Bentley Continental GT range with peak power of 625PS or 616 horsepower, this GT Speed Convertible which has an impressive top-speed of 202 mph, will appeal to discerning drivers seeking the sensory thrills of the world’s fastest four-seat soft-top and the practicality of a year-round grand tourer. Scheduled to be unveiled on 14th January at the North American International Auto Show, Detroit, the ride’s subtle sporting design cues include exclusive 21-inch alloy wheels, dark-tint grilles and ‘rifled’ exhaust tail pipes, and on the inside it features the Mulliner Driving Specification with its distinctive diamond-quilted hide upholstery as standard, blending contemporary luxury with a distinctive sporting character.
Some automobiles are famous for what they are, while others for what they have done. But the pair of classic 1941 Lincolns offered at the Bonhams upcoming Scottsdale Auction on 17th January is notably famous for both, being the limited production automobile of rare distinction and featured in one of the best American films ever made, the multi-generational crime saga ‘The Godfather’which is the touchstone of cinema. For the likes of collectors and die-hard fans of Francis Ford Coppola’s epic crime film, crossing the auction block without reserve will be a pair of iconic luxury cars from Hollywood blockbuster The Godfather, including the 1941 Lincoln Custom Limousine chosen by iconic film director Ford Coppola as the ride of choice for the enemies of Corleone family, and the 1941 Lincoln Continental Coupe which was driven by Sunny Corleone (character played by James Caan). Notably, these historic automobiles with movie-star status have been consigned to sale from the estate of noted classic car collector Eugene Beardslee.
Engineered to defy convention, designed on purpose to dismiss the ritualistic and the cliché, here’s the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, an entirely new machine that emerges with the aesthetic impact and the performance prowess worthy of the Stingray emblem. With distinct aeronautical lines, flowing exterior, and a sleek fastback finish, this stunning ride which is the 7th generation of the classical American sports car introduced after year 2005, is the most powerful and capable standard model ever, with an estimated 450 horsepower that enables it to accelerate from 0-60 in less than 4 seconds and achieve more than 1g in cornering grip. However, this completely-redesigned Corvette Stingray shares only two functional parts with the previous generation Corvette, and incorporates an all-new frame structure and chassis, a new powertrain and supporting technologies, as well as completely new interior design and exterior. Regarded as ‘C7’ Corvette by enthusiasts, this 2014 model which is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Corvette, was unveiled at the prestigious Detroit Auto Show, where we also saw the launch of the Bentley’s world’s fastest four-seat convertible.
Azimut Benetti has recently unveiled their first family-friendly yacht, called Atlantis 34. It is a 10-meter (32.8-foot) vessel that fits into the medium-small category, combining a sporty appearance with surprisingly ample and comfortable interiors. It was designed by the Atlantis Design Department in collaboration with Neo Design.
The deck space is generous, allowing for comfortable sunbathing, lounging, and alfresco dining. As far as accommodation is concerned, the small yet spacious yacht features a master cabin with double bed, adjacent to a dinette which can be converted into a cozy double bed as well.
The buyer also gets 1,350 liters of storage space, an 80-liter refrigerator, and enough space on the swimming platform for a tender. Powered by 2 Volvo Penta D3 engines with Duoprop sterndrive, the vessel can reach 32 knots and features upgradable Raymarine touch screen instrumentation.
The prestigious Art Basel Miami Beach show featured supercar maker Bugatti’s “fastest artwork ever.”
To take an already beautiful Veyron Grand Sport and give it some credit as a piece of art, Bugatti teamed up with Bernar Venet, a French conceptual artist whose work makes clear his love for math and science.
South Korean carmaker Hyundai on Friday revealed their ”Connected Car concept” that uses NFC technology to allow users to open and close doors with their phone.
The system allows the driver to lock and unlock the car with an NFC-enabled smartphone and then, once inside, dock the device to activate the car’s telematic systems and to upload the driver’s personal profile — such as seat position, favorite radio stations, satellite navigation history and climate control settings.
The profile information is streamed to the vehicle’s 7-inch touch screen which also mirrors the smartphone’s content so that the driver has hands-free access to their contacts and address book.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “Hyundai’s Connectivity Concept showcases the brand’s philosophy of making tomorrow’s technology accessible to a wide range of customers.
With this technology, Hyundai is able to harness the all-in-one functionality of existing smartphone technology and integrating it into everyday driving in a seamless fashion.
As the technology continually develops there will be capabilities to store driver’s seating positions and exterior mirror settings, providing customers with a comfortable and individual driving environment.”
The Chevrolet Corvette is as American as a cheeseburger with fries or fireworks on the Fourth of July.
A motoring icon and for many the only true US sportscar that can be mentioned in the same breath as the raging bulls of Lamborghini or prancing horses of Ferrari, it’s hard to believe that the two-seater V8 turns 60 years old in 2013.
Jan 31 2013 ·
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