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.
Enthusiasts and discerning car collectors now stands an exceptional opportunity to grab some of the rarest, best of category examples, and hand-picked selection of approximately 80 automotive icons, classics that have actually transcended the collector car hobby, at the RM Auctions’ Arizona sale on 18th January, 2013, held annually at the beautiful and majestic Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. Headlining early entries is a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta ‘Competizione‘ which is simply irresistable to any serious Ferrari collector, the 1935 Cadillac Series 40 convertible featured the movie ‘The Artist’, an ultra-rare 1965 Ford GT40 which is estimated to fetch as much as $3 million, the 1931 Duesenberg Model J Tourster from the collection of John Pascucci, the 1939 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300B Corto Spider, the 1965 Shelby Mustang GT350 R, and the 1962 Shelby ‘Factory Competition-Speciffication’ Cobra, to name a few.
You buy a Ferrari when you want to be somebody. You buy a Lamborghini when you are somebody,” said America’s evergreen icon Frank Sinatra, who counted a 1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S among his fleet of luxury sedans and sports cars.
Now, Manoj Lulla is not much of a ‘do-be-do-be-do’ man, but the Chennai-based businessman sure knows he is a ‘somebody’.
Trouble is there are way too many ‘somebodies’ in post-reforms India—158,000 millionaires to be precise, as per a latest Credit Suisse report. So how do you stand out? Lulla decided to promote his garage: these days he drives his Lamborghini Gallardo home, literally, and parks it in the living room of his Chennai house, where he has made an extension with special track lighting to house the machine.
Well, there are more ways to stand out. Like the one followed by Lulla’s uber-rich brethren in the western part of India: For instance, you can embed the emblem of that other snob king-on-four wheels, Rolls Royce, with pure diamonds. The proud owner of Rolls Royce has got the Spirit of Ecstasy—the emblem—studded with 1,640 real diamonds.
“These are special customers. They are always on the lookout for something exclusive. One of our customers got a special paint created for his car—the specific red he wanted was not part of the colour options we have on offer. Then there is a customer who got the entire veneer in the car studded with mother of pearls. It took us four months to deliver,” says Sharad Kachalia, one of the leading dealers of Rolls Royce, about this extremely high net worth phenomenon.
Diverse Buyers
The craze is now leaving even the age factor behind. One of the new Lamborghini owners is a 16-year-old kid from the outskirts of Mumbai, who, thankfully, utilities the services of a driver.
“The profile of our car buyers shows that awareness and love for Lamborghini cars run deep. With regard to the 16-year-old, we have been assured by the family that he won’t drive till he is legally eligible to drive. We will train him, once he reaches that requisite age,” says Pavan Shetty, head of operations, National Sales Company for Lamborghini in India. Super car are not exactly a prerogative of celebrities and industrialists; the profile of some of the buyers and the places they come from reveal an all-new potential, he says.
“One of our owners lives in a place where there is no proper road to drive,” says Pratik Desai, VP at Exclusive Motors, a dealer of Bentley super-cars.
Boom In Ultra HNI Club
You can imagine the aspiration to own a brand like Bentley. For sure, economic growth is putting money in the hands of people. We have had customers walking into the showroom in the morning and driving out with the car in the evening,” adds Desai.
Wilfried Aulbur, former MD of Mercedes Benz India and now a managing partner at leading consultancy firm Roland Berger, who knows the luxury car market well, is not surprised. “Wealth is distributed across India. Some of them have made money in areas that are not necessarily every day in the newspaper, so you never know how the next Bentley owner may be,” he says.
According to Credit Suisse Research Institute’s Global Wealth Report, the number of millionaires in India stands at 158,000. And this number is likely to jump over 50% to 242,000 by 2017. The report says India has 237,000 members among the top 1% of the global rich club. There are 1,500 ultra-high net worth individuals with estimated wealth of over $50 million (around 700 of them with a net worth of over $100 million)
Widespread Demand
According to industry estimates, the market for super-luxury cars priced at Rs 1-2 crore stood at around 250-300 units in 2011, and the segment is expected to grow at over 50% with as many as eight cars being launched in 2011 and many brands like Aston Martin, Ferrari, Maserati among others setting up base here. About 100 units of super super car like Lamborghini, Maserati, Ferrari and Porsches were sold, besides over 150 units of super-luxury saloons like Rolls Royce and Bentley last year.
“We are getting very good enquiries from Hyderabad, Cochin, Chennai, Bangalore, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Baroda, Ahmedabad; you have some of the tier II-III towns we did not even expect and we hope to close some of this next year as we get more cars for 2013,” says Shetty. He already has 10 bookings on hand.
Aulbur says the overall penetration rate of super-luxury cars in India is still low compared with Russia and other markets. He counts lack of infrastructure and traffic congestion as major impediments. If these are taken care of, the market for luxury cars in India can explode like China did a decade ago, say experts. “It is just a matter of time before the sentiment improves and people start buying again,” adds Desai of Bentley.
Steeped in history, romance and chivalry, the legend of King Arthur and his knights has intrigued and fascinated all of us down the ages. And now Geneva watchmaker Roger Dubuis has drawn inspiration from this literary tale to create their latest timepiece – the Excalibur Table Ronde.
Renowned for their bravery, the valiant knights took their oath of allegiance to King Arthur around the famous Round Table where they swore to overcome all obstacles and achieve success in all the exciting adventures which they ended up being part of. The dial pays homage to these brave knights as it is a perfect replica of a scene from the Round Table. The hour markers are 12 solid gold figures representing the 12 heroic knights, each carrying swords which are cast by hand in gold. The figures are placed on a hand-painted enamel reproduction of an actual table that hangs in Winchester, England. The Tudor rose is shown diverging from the centre of the enamel disc in contrasting stripes.
Powered by an in-house made caliber RD822 automatic movement, it has a crocodile leather strap with a 45mm gold case. Limited to only 88 pieces, the watch will be presented at the upcoming Salon of Haute Horlogerie SIHH 2013.
Irresistible to any serious Ferrari collector; promising thrilling performance and future exhibition acclaim, the 17th of the 72 aluminum-bodied Competizione-specification SWB examples, known as one of the marque’s most prized berlinettas, is now being offered by RM Auctions at its Arizona sale. The 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Berlinetta ‘Competizione’ by Carrozzeria Scaglietti’ on sale is just four owners from new, and has been exhibited at Pebble Beach, the Quail, and Villa d’Este. Described to be race-ready, this particular example ‘chassis #1905GT’ boasting an incredible provenance and originality has won multiple FCA Platinum awards, and is a recognized example of the rare alloy-bodied SWB. Also known to be one of the world’s most expensive vintage cars, the Ferrari 250 GT SWB is regarded as a grand touring car for really serious road racing. Besides, the auctioneer RM Auctions’ for the likes of astute collectors, will also be offering important, hand-picked selection of the world’s automobiles like the 1935 Cadillac Series 40 convertible featured the movie ‘The Artist’, the 1968 Ferrari 365 GT 2+2 Coupe, 1963 Jaguar E-Type Series I 3.8 Fixed Head Coupe, to name a few. Any of these cars would look great in our Ferrari Themed Garage.
With the ever-growing luxury segment, entrepreneurs, business executives and other discerning flyers now have access to the convenience and comforts of well-equipped private jets that boast of the latest technology and safety. Not bound by time and commercial flight schedules, private aviation is one of the most exclusive service industries, comprising an increasing number of individuals now willing to shell out any sum to avail these services. Speaking about the market, Atul Khekade, CEO, Airnetz Aviation Pvt. Ltd. says, “The number of private jets and helicopters are increasing by almost 35 per cent every year. Today, there are about 500 privately-owned helicopters and jets in India.” So what is it that makes this service click? From flexibility of timings to non-stop flights to an array of services, there is a lot that private jets can offer. Here are some of the points that make private jets an interesting mélange of luxury and convenience:
Time Saver
Save yourself from standing in long serpentine check-in queues or at baggage claim, as private jets act as a huge time saver for the traveler, by even diminishing the need to reach the airport two hours prior to take-off time.
Privacy
“The ability to have a private conversation, get some undisturbed rest, work on a laptop without people viewing the screen, are clearly some of the top benefits,” says Vinit Phatak, Managing Director, Invision Air.
Security
With itinerary and flight plans only in the hands of a few, it is difficult for the public or insecure parties to access a traveller’s plans. Also, the security threats prevalent in commercial airlines with a large number of people do not apply to private jets. Comfort and Luxury
With adequate space for beds and showers, the level of comfort and luxury is unparalleled. Since this is an exclusive service, the cabin is equipped with furniture, DVD players and exquisite interiors. The drinks and food menu can be designed to suit your taste buds, thus, making your journey an enjoyable and personal experience. Phatak says, “On board Invision Air’s current jets, we offer customized meals and a variety of beverages. There is a fully-functional lavatory too and other services that include airport transfers and vehicles at destinations or any other special requests that the clients may have.”
Designed to actually let a wider audience of enthusiasts, water lovers enjoy the sea in a practical, comfortable and stylish way, here’s the vanguard, affordable and open boat ‘D23’, which has been produced in Barcelona by Ubica designers for De Antonio Yachts. Billed to be ideal for coastal sailing and pleasurable day trips, besides being usable as a tender for super-yachts or water-taxi, this 7-meter long boat whose main characteristic is the use of a hidden outboard motor, has been designed keeping in mind the ergonomics aspects. The D23, whose hull and deck has been crafted out of fiberglass and polyester resin, offers great stability and grip even while sailing at a speed of over 30 knots.
This Alfred Dunhill Poker Set is comprised of two packs of silver edged playing cards, three-hundred aluminum chips of assorted colors and five poker dice.
All of the pieces fit perfectly inside the sleek carbon fiber box. The carbon fiber Poker Set is selling for $695 on the dunhill site.
Designed keeping in mind the discerning audiophiles, who demands the finest speakers boasting the master combination of innovative, smart aesthetics and unparalleled acoustics the world has to offer, here are the hand-built four-way Audiophile’s Lacrima Speakers that produces the widest, most stable acoustic sweet spot of any speakers available. Featuring rounded, teardrop shaped, unique cabinet made from quasi-isotropic glass, reinforced plastic, and a lightweight balsa core, the $40,000 priced speakers that are shaped like swan not just produces broad, horizontal sound dispersion across an entire room and eliminates the distortion created by secondary reflections in rectangular cabinets, but also grace the space where they are placed. Besides, we have also seen some of the world’s most luxurious speakers, including the world’s most expensive speakers by Hart Audio, the Sonus Faber’s $120k Aida speakers, the Ring Audio’s Horn speakers which is all about unconventional looks and great sound, and the sexiest spherical speakers.
The latest by luxury game maker Geoffrey Parker is sure to go the whole nine yards. Bentley is the new proud owner of Parker’s brand-exclusive edition, a Backgammon set designed to match the high standards of the British car manufacturer.
Available in black (beluga black) and red variants (hotspur), Backgammon for Bentley is yet another addition in designer games that have been launched this year (Hermes, Prada, Gucci).
Parker’s design aesthetic is in sync with Bentley’s sophisticated vibe, using hand-bound leather casing and subtly branding the game checkers with Bentley’s iconic logo.
Priced at £2,950, the board game is now a part of Bentley’s bespoke collections, alongside some Anthony Holt and Ettinger creations.
For the likes of the most avid McLaren owners, fans or those most focused on enjoying the thrill of the open road, the British manufacturer of luxury, high-performance super car McLaren Automotive has now launched bespoke merchandise inspired by its highly advanced and lightning-fast road-going super car MP4-12C. Exclusively available at the McLaren eStore, the versatile range of fashionable products which primarily focuses on the passion of driving, includes a variety of stylish accessories, clothing and high-end luggage-set which has been designed in collaboration with the McLaren Automotive design studio to maximize the 144-litres of space beneath the bonnet of the 12C. Notably, the luggage-set crafted out of carbon-fiber was also included in the special-edition of the 2013 McLaren MP4-12C Spider ‘Volcano Red’ that was the part of the annual Neiman Marcus Christmas Book 2012.
According to followers of the Mayan calendar, the world ends tomorrow, when its 400-year-old codex comes to an end. But if you’re following the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar, you needn’t worry about that happening for another 88 years.
One of three new Lange 1 time pieces from A Lange & Sohne, the watch comes with a calendar that will not have to be corrected until the year 2100, and then too, by just a day. As a first, the months of the year appear on a rotating peripherial ring on the dial, with an arrow pointing to the right month. A counter above it helps keep track of the leap year. Another indicator on the top left also points out the days of the week. The tourbillon remains hidden, under the 12mm thick case of the 41.9mm wide Lange 1 watch.
Time and date-conscious watch collectors will like this Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar for its meticulous craftsmanship and time keeping. Launched in January this year, the watch comes in two versions – a line of 100 platinum limited editions as well as the regular 18k pink gold versions.
Matthew Zimmerman is a young Toronto real estate agent on the path to having a successful career. He saw our website and liked our projects. He has good taste and has discovered many interesting projects across the net. You can see more at: Zimmerman Real Estate Blog
From coolest car garages in homes to apartment garages that allow you park your expensive wheels next to your living space, we have seen them all. They aren’t just embodiment of a different flair but also mark the ingenuity of creators. Now we are going to introduce you with a different type of garage which is devoted to Ferrari only and by different, we really mean different.
Part of a stunning 45,000+ square feet new construction in Paradise Valley, AZ, the Ferrari themed subterranean garage is an ideal destination for any super car Ferrari nerd who always wants to be in the close proximity of prancing horses. Meant to display retired Ferrari race cars and their hoods, the living showcase is spread in 2400 sq. ft. area to entertain owners and guests.
The garage has all the surfaces sleek and glossy to keep up with the Ferrari theme with entertainment center as well as bar cabinet made of acrylic sans visible handles. Adding more uniqueness to the theme of Ferrari garage is a large Ferrari Logo embedded in the metallic pearl floor and a real racing Ferrari converted into a fully functional simulator.
We know that money can buy you a whole lot of things. For the speedsters it means a garage full of the latest and fastest drives. And for one Ferrari loving speedster it means an entire Ferrari themed subterranean garage! Believe it or not, we hear this new garage is part of a 45,000+ sq. ft. new construction in Paradise Valley, AZ. Spread over 2400 sq. ft., this Ferrari themed garage will display retired race cars and their decorated hoods.
With a stunning contemporary architecture and an overwhelming list of luxe amenities, Hotel Unique is exactly what its name says it is. It was designed by Ruy Ohtake, who gave it a very futuristic appearance that breaks the traditional understanding of the term city skyline. You can find it standing majestically in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Luxurious, sophisticated and impeccable, the hotel does not intend to give you a home-away-from-home experience. It welcomes you through metal doors that open a brand new universe designed to totally fascinate and transpose you into a new, incredibly imaginative world. Here you will find unconventional combinations of materials and textures that will challenge your imagination: contemporary designs with Baroque elements, industrial materials next to rich woods, and more.
There are 95 lavish rooms and suites that guests can stay in, all of which have been tastefully decorated to please the senses of any lifestyle. You will definitely love the rooftop swimming pool, bar and lounge, the Italian Jacuzzi tubs, the indoor pool, the gym, the serene spa center, and the quiet library with free Internet. Make your next travel visit to Brazil really count, and choose to stay at the amazing Hotel Unique.
Doettling, the bespoke German luxury safe manufacturer has notably upheld the traditional locksmith’s craft in the style of Royal Prussian smiths ever since its inception back in 1919, and still works by hand to create unmistakable and unique masterpieces like the Doettling Colosimo Double Wing which was inspired by the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, the safe for the $2.5 million Jaeger-LeCoultre watch set, the Colosimo, the iPad controlled Hublot Morphosis safe, the Colosimo leather and spikes edition, and the Bel-Air collection that gets a custom made Magnus safe for a watch collector, to name a few. Now for the exceptional enthusiasts across the globe, Doettling has created ‘The Guardian’, which has been billed as the world’s first security luggage that can be carried with a handle or shoulder strap. Weighing about 4 kg, the Döttling Guardian boasting a high-security concept provides unique protection for up to 6 luxury watches, jewelry, cash, or important documents.
Developed in house at Döttling, the Guardian’s centerpiece is its multi-walled, high-security cylinder built into the leather, which consists of a range of high-tech materials interlocked in a top-secret composition.
Speaking about the security, the Guardian’s cylinder boasts carbide component which is nearly as hard as a diamond, along with several layers of highly tear-proof and cut-resistant aramid carbon-fiber fabric that prevents drilling and sawing, with its innermost and outermost layers crafted out of polycarbonate.
After offering one of the most desirable Ford Mustangs, a 1968 Shelby Green Hornet, and the world’s most expensive post war Bentley, the auctioneer Barrett-Jackson is now offering a unique opportunity to car collectors, to own a piece of America’s presidential automotive history. A 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4X4 SuperCrew owned and driven by the former 43rd President of the United States George Walker Bush will be sold by Barrett-Jackson at its Scottsdale auction on 19th January 2013, with the proceeds to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, a national program best known for the network of comfort homes built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers.
This remarkable new luxury watch was born out of a special collaboration between Richard Mille and Jean Todt, the head of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile. It is a limited edition model, with only 15 units scheduled for production, and all of the profit gained from their sale will be directed towards charity.
It is called the Richard MilleRM 036 Tourbillon G-Sensor “Jean Todt” and it features a G force complication by Renaud Papi. This shows (on a scale that goes from red through yellow and then green) the number of Gs that the wearer accumulated in short moments of rapid acceleration. It’s obviously not an indispensable feature, but it’s definitely a fun one, because we don’t usually think of measuring out Gs as we move around.
BMW has launched a 4G LTE hotspot for its cars, giving users high-speed mobile internet on the road.
The device, which works like a router, is designed to give passengers internet access whether using a smartphone, tablet or notebook and can support up to eight devices simultaneously.
It also has a built-in battery pack, meaning that it can be removed from the vehicle and used on the move for up to one hour before recharging.
The device’s range can be adjusted from three meters to up to 10 meters, meaning that the hotspot can stay in the vehicle but users can still access the internet when standing outside of the car.
“The very fast bit rates and extremely low latency mean that an internet connection supported by the BMW Car Hotspot LTE is often even faster than a PC connection in the home,” says Markus Dietz, Project Manager BMW Car Hotspot LTE Development.
Compatible with any new or existing BMW with a BMW telephone docking station, the LTE hotspot works via an LTE-compatible SIM card. Once inserted, each device needs to be registered via an eight-digit code and then it is ready to use.
However, because the LTE Hotspot also supports NFC (Near Field Communication), if a user’s device supports the technology, simply touching it against the hotspot will authenticate it and establish a high-speed internet connection. BMW claims that this is the first time NFC functionality has been offered in a production car.
“‘Plug and play’ is something of an overworked term, but this is the genuine article,” says Markus Dietz.
But maybe the best feature is that although it is designed to work seamlessly with a BMW car, because it can be connected to a vehicle via USB and has an input for an external power supply, the LTE Hotspot could potentially be used with any vehicle.
Noted for its passion for the technical beauty of movement, the Swiss luxury watch brand Richard Mille, which from the last 11 years has been delivering exceptional timepieces like the all-sapphire RM56, the RM 022 Carbon limited-edition, and the Le Mans Classic watches, to name a few, after recently launching its first collection of automatic titanium cufflinks that came as a natural progression in its conquest for innovation and desire for other challenges, has now unveiled a diamond-set version of the same. Richard Mille, with its ongoing pursuit of technical artistry has impressively brought truly inventive technical solutions to traditional cufflinks, making them a true reflection of their time.
Devised as per the same principles that ground the creation of Richard Mille’s horological timepieces, the cufflinks are not just innovative, exceptionally technical, but also practical and aesthetically elegant to appeal even the most astutely fashion-conscious individuals.
With a prime desire to enhance the sound quality, beauty and aesthetics of the piano, the piano designer who impressively gave the very 1st modification to the piano in over 100 years, and also served as master piano technician withAlicia Keys and Elton John, Justin Elliot under his founded company ResInno, renowned for its one-of-a-kind piano modifications, now offers progressive pianos that are more than just works of art. Hand-created with a custom blend of finest and exotic woods, the design modifications done by Justin Elliot to make an existing or newly purchased piano in to a one-of-a-kind art piece includes piano legs, musician benches, music racks and pedal lyres. Notably, ResInno’s carefully constructed, custom, exquisite piano designs that also provide undeniable improvement to the instrument’s tone even include a piano Grand Rossa, which was inspired by the iconic 1957 Ferrari Testa Rossa race car.
Described to be ResInno’s raciest design yet, the piano Grand Rossa which is named after the Ferrari 1957 Testa Rossa boasts curves forming sleek semi-helixes, and a prolonged arch which looks to flow through the piano. Further, the entire ensemble in the deep Ferrari red called Rossa Corsa, was actually inspired by the master craftsmanship and exquisite beauty of the Ferrari.
After about two decades of absence, the BMW Motorsport division has re-entered the DTM track, and quite successfully so. Bruno Spengler won the driver’s title, and the BMW Team Schnitzer also received a high ranking among teams.
The new BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition was developed specifically to celebrate this success, as a limited edition model with only 54 units scheduled for production. The car features a Frozen Black metallic paint job, matt black wheels, a series of dark chrome elements, and a set of “go faster” stripes that go along the CFRP roof and the trunk lid. The exterior is completed with a number of logos that speak of the car’s origins and source of inspiration.
On the inside, the M3 DTM Champion Edition features black Novillo leather upholstery, heated seats, Alcantara steering wheel, carbon fiber trims, embroidered handbrake, and custom sills with design inspiration from Bruno Spengler’s helmet. Other noteworthy features include the Park Distance Control system, M DCT Drivelogic, Competition package, M Drive, M Driver’s Package, and navigation system.
The new super car will hit the market in February 2013, it will flaunt quite a hefty price tag of €99,000 (about $128,500). Buyers will also receive the possibility to attend the BMW M Fascination Nordschleife driver training course at the Nürburgring.
The Chinese Year of the Dragon is almost over, and coming up next is the new Year of the Snake, which will officially begin on February 10. To celebrate this new beginning, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled an exquisite timepiece that is part of the Métiers d’Art series.
The watchmaker’s relationship with China began back in 1755, so it’s no surprise that for 2013 it created a new luxury watch inspired by the country’s fascinating culture. The design is quite obviously inspired by the Chinese iconography, with a beautifully crafted snake in bronze, gold or platinum. The fabulous gold-enameled dial was manufactured using the famous Grand Feu technique, invented and best practiced in Geneva, Switzerland.
There are four windows cut into the dial, showing the hours, minutes, seconds, and days. With a 40mm hull, the case is made of either rose gold or platinum, and it safely holds inside a mechanical self-winding movement with 22-carat gold oscillating weight (28,800 vph). Only 12 examples of each version will ever be created, and all of them will feature elegant alligator straps, and the “2013” engraving on the casebacks. You can only learn their prices upon request.
The yacht commissioned by Steve Jobs is free to set sail after a dispute over non-payment of the designer Philippe Starck’s fees was resolved earlier this week.
“The Venus is no longer impounded, we have found a solution,” Gerard Moussault, a Hague-based lawyer for the Jobs estate, told AFP.
“A security deposit was paid into a bank account, but I cannot say for how much,” Moussault said after French designer Philippe Starck last week asked Amsterdam bailiffs to seize the sleek 70-metre (230-foot) yacht.
The vessel, which cost over $130 million to build, was impounded after Starck said Jobs’ estate still owed him three million euros for his contribution to its design.
Starck said he was to be paid a fixed sum of nine million euros, while lawyers for Jobs’ estate said he was to be paid a percentage of the project’s cost equal to six million euros.
The yacht will reportedly be shipped by another ship to the United States, where Jobs’ family, including widow Laurene Powell Jobs and their three children Reed, Erin and Eve, are to take charge of her.
An iconic symbol of luxury and opulent lifestyle, the magnificent Marina Bay SandsHotel in Singapore stands tall and dominates the landscape with three huge towers and a boat-shape platform on top, known as the Skypark. Seekers of high-standards will definitely love this place, where amenities and services are impeccable.
Your cultural needs will also be satisfied here, as the hotel includes a lotus-shaped museum, where high-end exhibitions are always on display. With nightly rates that start at SGD 279 (approx. $230), the hotel has 18 different accommodation facilities and a total of 2,561 rooms!
As far as entertainment is concerned, you can be sure that there is no time to get bored at Marina Bay Sands. You can have fun in the lavish casino, enjoy Sampan rides, watch a play, have fun in the 6 bars and nightclubs, or go shopping in the 280 brand stores of the hotel’s mall. You must also see the amazing Skypark with its 200+ species of plants and humongous infinity pool.
And finally, after all this fun and excitement, there are two more things that you will definitely need to experience: a divine meal in one of the many luxe dining venues, and a totally relaxing treatment at the hotel’s spa. Ready totravelthere and have the time of your life? You know you want to try it!
The MSC Preziosa, the upcoming admiral ship of MSC Cruises, will take to the sea in March, boasting the longest water slide ever built on boat.
The ship’s deck 16 will host the Doremi Castle Aqua Park, complete with water jets, fountains and even water pistols.
The park will also boast the longest water-slide ever built on a cruise ship. The aptly named “Vertigo” will tower 13 meters above the deck and the ride is 120 meters long, hurling revellers down the tube at a speed of 6 meters per second.
Anyone shorter than 120 cm will not be allowed on it, for security reasons, but other, less daunting slides will be available for them.
The MSC Preziosa will be christened in Genoa, Italy, on March 23.
German tuner Andreson took the R8super carfrom Audi to a whole new level. They intervened on every level, inside, outside and under the hood. The body kit includes a new front lip spoiler, a new large rear wing and an aggressive rear diffuser. Its new Hyper Black color matches perfectly with the smoked tail lights, the tinted windows and the 19-inch alloys with carbon fiber accents.
The new Audi R8 Hyper Black Edition also got an ECU remap and a new sport exhaust system which add 63 more horsepower to the 5.3-liter V10 engine and gives it a total of 581 horsepower. Inside, Anderson added some Alcantara, carbon fiber and orange accents. New leather seats are also part of the customization program.
Discerning car collectors now stand a rare opportunity to become one of an elite few to be able to join the distinguished Ford GT40 owner’s club, as a rare 1965 GT40 with chassis No. P/1034 is being offered by RM Auctions. This high-performance British-American sports car originally produced to win long-distance sports car races against Ferrari, and is the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans for 4 consecutive times, is actually the most celebrated and highly sought after in collector circles. Finished in Pine Green color, this ultra-rare Ford GT40 that actually revolutionized America’s stance in the supercar segment is expected to fetch as much as $3 million at the RM auction scheduled to be held on January 18th in Phoenix, Arizona. However, auctioneer RM Auctions’ at its Monterey Auction also earlier offered two rare Ford GT40 racing cars, includinga remarkable 1968 Ford GT40 Gulf/Mirage Lightweight racing car with chassis P/1074, which went on to sell for a record $11 million price to become the most expensive American carsold at auction.
The most imaginative Swiss watchmaker, Maximilian Büsser & Friends ‘MB&F’ which refers to their timepieces as ‘horological machines’, as their creations are allegedly primarily micro-mechanical sculptures with timekeeping as secondary function, presented its first of luxury watches, Horological Machine No. 1 in 2006. And since then, this watchmaker renowned for bringing child’s sense of awe and playfulness into high-end watchmaking, has presented the HM2, HM3 and HM4, besides the Legacy Machine No. 1 ‘LM1’ in 2011. And in a continuation of cool and contemporary watchmaking, MB&F now in 2012 proudly unveiled its 5th horological machine HM5, which is the direct homage to the rebellious and daring Amida Digitrend who actually refused to accept the 1970s quartz revolution. The HM5 actually takes its philosophy from the 1970s icons,muscle cars and now, 40 years into the future, puts them ‘On the Road Again’.
Notably, the HM5’s exceptional wedge-shaped case is a tribute to the daring Amida Digitrend, besides it also takes design cues from the sleek and low-slung muscle cars, with louvres on their horizontal rear windows blocking all of the heat and sunlight. And conversely, the HM5’s slide operated louvres actually open to allow light come-in to charge on the Super-LumiNova numbers.
Maximillan Busser Wearing the HM5
And, the forward-facing display makes HM5 truly a driver’s watch with vertical time display, so the wearer doesn’t need to lift the wrist from the steering to read time.
Holy Grail of TV Star Cars to be Sold for First Time January 19, 2013 in Scottsdale, AZ
Barrett-Jackson, the World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™, announced today that it will offer one of the most recognized and popular pieces of entertainment history worldwide, at its 42nd annualScottsdale auction in January – the only 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car which was heavily modified by legendary customizer George Barris to become the original 1966 Batmobile in the live action TV series Batman, as well as the movie adaptation, starring Adam West. The car will cross the block alongside Barrett-Jackson’s 5000 Series on Saturday, January 19th from approximately 5:00pm – 9:00pm.
Still as striking as when it first came out of the paint shop, the original Batmobile has been a part of Barris’ personal collection since he first bought it from the Ford Motor Company for a dollar in 1965. Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction will mark the first time the car has gone up for sale since then.
We would love to do a Batman Themed Garage! Let us know if your interested!
It sounds simple enough, but the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving has pulled out all the stops to get you there. Everything we do is geared toward instilling The Bondurant Method within you. In order to promote our method, we push ourselves to bring you the best of everything – the finest facility, the most up-to-date supercar and equipment, the most qualified staff, the best training methods, and the highest standards in order to help you reach your goals – whatever they may be.
Bespoke 1.6-mile track on a 60-acre facility, designed by world champion driver Bob Bondurant himself? Yes. Classroom facilities to instill some car-control basics? Yes. A couple of hundred late-model GM cars to select from, depending on what course you take – all of which have fully-functional, ice-cold air conditioning for your complete comfort? Yes. A complete, dedicated, on-site maintenance facility that checks, replaces and repairs any items that have worn out? Check. A staff of long-term, knowledgeable, enthusiastic instructors – guys who are in it because they love to drive and love to teach? Yes. Pitside classroom? Yes. Driving suits and helmets that will fit 99 percent of the head and body types in America today?Yes. A first-class crew of people behind the scenes working to make sure that you have the time of your life? Yes.
Check out these custom garage villas. The Thermal Club is the premier private motorsports facility in the world. In addition to 4.5 miles of Members-only racetrack, the Club facilities will include a fully amenitized Clubhouse and Village unrivaled in the motorsports world, and will rank among the best of private clubs of any type.
At Thermal they understand that setting records means raising the bar both on and off the track. All 4.5 miles of our exquisite racetrack is designed to push both amateur and professional to their limit, giving members the thrill of driving at peak performance amidst the endless desert skies.
Members of Thermal will also have full access to secured vehicle storage and the opportunity to select and customize personal garage lots for trackside entertainment.
Whether on or off the tarmac, Thermal provides its members the finest elements for a performance lifestyle.
We’ll be designing some of the garages there in the near future! We’ll keep you posted as for now for more information check them out at: Thermal Club
Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Ariz., Palm Beach, Fla., Las Vegas, Nev. and Orange County, Calif. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings.
Make sure to go!
January 13th-20th
Westworld of Scottsdale
16601 N Pima Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
The inspiration for this design is the clients’ 1969 Camaro, a personal favorite of mine. The unique garage door surrounds incorporate a lot of muscle car specific automotive design characteristics. The concept of the orange faces you see in the images is that of taking the Camaro hood and grill, and folding it out flat. Other features of this garage are the GarageMahals rolling door storage, a corner work station, automotive styled partitions, muscle car upholstered wainscoting, and silver metallic and red acrylic wall panels. Oversized engine images adorn the inside garage door panels for a dramatic effect. When completed, this garage will be an absolute knockout!
This Laguna Beach renovation client races and collects “antique” motocross motorcycles. The limited size of this basement level garage constrains the number of motorcycles that can be displayed to about 18, out of the 30+ bikes the client owns.
An oil pit allows the owner the joy of maintaining his own cars.
Design: Michael Rhodig, GarageMahals
Concept renderings: Sean Divincenzo, Lone wolf Drafting and Design.
This garage was the first for the Smith Family of Paradise Valley, AZ. This project proved to be an exercise in blending of two very distinct styles. Mr. Smith really enjoys both the art deco gasoline pumps he had already collected, and the look and feel of high tech. He asked Michael to see if he could make those two world’s come together in his garage. Red, silver, and white are the dominant colors of this garage. The lighting facades over the pumps simulate service station awnings of the same time period, while the lighting, workbench, wainscoting, and door panels are purely high tech in appearance.
Michael paid very close attention to detail and to his customer’s background and taste. For example, whenever possible, automotive finishes are used, and the white paint on the hanging facades in not just any white, but GM Alpine White, first used on Cadillacs of the late 1950’s. Michael chose this color while attending an auto show in Payson, AZ while this project was in design.
You can’t miss the use of aircraft safety switches for lighting controls at the workbench. Michael did this as a surprise for the client based on his background as an US Air Force pilot. Customized lighting and automation control is a big deal in every GarageMahal.
The large red panels seen in this image are actually rolling doors. Mr. Rhodig created these for another customer needing larger storage capacity at floor level than typical box style cabinets. The Rolling door Cabinet has been developed into a standard GarageMahals product. Color and styles available for these doors is limitless.
The garage door decorative panels are now a standard product of GarageMahals. These panels are of simulated brushed aluminum and carbon fiber. Color and style for door panels is limitless.
This client loves Las Vegas and had purchased this old machine tool factory building that had been converted to a residence. It has a beautiful modern 8,000 loft on the second floor above this 5,000 sq. ft. garage. It was decided to give him a trip to Vegas every time he comes home, by creating a Las Vegas Strip themed garage.
There are several themed areas of interest. There is a circular full gar, a private casino, and a Venetian alcove, all in an environment of Vegas bling!
The local contractor that did the install also did the photo shoot, and the photographer didn’t really pay much attention to anything but the cars. So we don’t have a lot of good photo’s of the themed environment. That’s too bad, because it is a fantastic space
This is the second garage for this wonderful client. This beautiful 30,000 sq. ft. home in Paradise Valley, AZ features a 10 car “U-Shaped” auto court. The center four bays make up this 1500 sq. ft. show garage. For this new garage, Mr. Smith wanted to keep with the theme of his first GarageMahals environment, which is a blend of Art Deco design with contemporary elements. Although this space carries the same theme as the previous garage, it is much more than the first.
One of the stunning features of this garage is the style and drama of the columns and covers used to obscure all garage door mechanicals. Only the decorated inner surface of the roll-up door is revealed. This has become a GarageMahals signature trademark. For this space, designer and GarageMahals founder, Michael Rhodig, amplified the client’s love of aviation by selecting images of 1930’s era Arizona aviation from the Ruth Reinhold collection at the Arizona Historical Foundation. These images were enlarged to cover the entire visible interior surface of each garage door.
The garage doors themselves are creations of GarageMahals. The client was having a hard time getting what he wanted for doors made of African Mahogany, and the issue of weatherability of this beautiful wood in the Arizona sun, lead Michael Rhodig to suggest that they be made of fiber reinforced composites and foam core construction and finished to look exactly like real African Mahogany. The project was a success and is a delight for Mr. and Mrs. smith.
Design, Project Supervision, and flooring: Michael Rhodig, GarageMahals
Garage door exterior finish: Tory Long, Artistic Wall Expressions
This project is a perfect example of a PRESTIGE Class GarageMahal. The client desired a garage environment with a big “Wow Factor” without a big “Oh my God” price. Using combinations of metallic paints, automotive finishes, GarageMahals Rolling Door Storage, and GarageMahals unique metallic epoxy flooring, created an environment that thrilled the customer and stayed within his budget.
This is one Michael calls the “Zen” garage, and is a significant departure from previous work. This was a truly excellent design opportunity for Michael to show more depth and breadth of design talent. This home in Paradise Valley, AZ is a custom design using an Asian theme with some elements of Frank Lloyd Wright styling. Normally, Michael does not design the garage around the style of the home, but this case was an exception. After careful study of the existing home, Michael knew he could use some elements to produce a stunning and tranquil garage space of organic colors, natural metallics, sounds of falling water and blend them with high tech lighting, surfaces, and audio visual enhancements.
For example, sparkling rain glass complements the water walls and is also used in the home interior. The GarageMahals metallic Bronze epoxy flooring produces a fascinating liquid metal appearance, and the deep crystal clear finish makes the color coats look as though they are under glass. The green-gold metallic tone of the Valspar Brilliant Metallics paint is a perfect blend with the gold and bronze wainscoting, another GarageMahals exclusive product. This material is a shimmering metallic rubber product over a geometric pattern of truncated pyramids. This durable surface prevents damage to the wall and the car door. Colors, textures, and patterns, again,are limitless.
The old garage doors were hand painted in a copper/bronze patina that incorporated some of the wall color. Surrounding the doors is another invention of Michael’s, the GarageMahals column and cover system. The benefits of this system are many. Most importantly is the conformance to rule #3 of Michael’s three simple rules for garage design; “Nothing is seen, but what is meant to be seen”. This means that unless the garage door mechanicals are part of the design, they have to disappear. GarageMahals does this with the door column and cover system. Vertical door tracks, lift motors, power outlets, etc., are concealed behind decorative columns. When the door is in the up position, it is hidden behind a decorative cover that suspends from the ceiling. An added benefit is that when the door is in the up position it does not block the lighting. In this system, the lighting is placed on the bottom side of the cover. These are a few of the many innovations by Michael over the last six years that makes his garages so unique.
This client is a big fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His only request was black on one side and yellow on the other, and from the photo’s you can see the creative outcome by GarageMahals..
Some of the interesting attributes of the environment are the acrylic covered walls, the over-sized tread plate wainscoting, life size graphic images, custom LED lighting, custom covers for what were windows, and much more.
Jan 18 2013 ·
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