Mercedes-Benz Japan has recently introduced a new limited edition car for the Japanese market only. Called G550 Night Edition, the off-roader boasts Obsidian Black paint job and luxurious leather upholstery in either red or porcelain white.
Only 100 units will be produced, each powered by a 5.5-liter V8 engine and equipped with a 7-speed automatic transmission. It features 5-spoke alloy wheels and cool AMG fenders for extra visual appeal. With prices starting at 13,900,000 yen (approx. $140,600,000), the new G550 Night Edition will be exhibited in Roppongi, Tokyo starting April 22.
The specialists at Famous Parts have turned the stock Mercedes-Benz CL 500into a better looking and more appealing ride, dubbed Black Matte Edition. Rolling on 21-inch Brabus Monoblock E alloy wheels and sporting a matte foil finish, it has a menacing and very attractive stance.
If features a Prior Design wide body kit, which includes new side skirts, larger wheel arches, trunk-mounted spoiler, ventilated hood, and a new aggressive front bumper. Also part of the tuning project are the LED daytime running lights, the electronically lowering module, a CL 63 AMG-sourced sports exhaust system, and new Continental Sport Contact tires. No word on its price yet.
Aston Martin fans have been kept busy with the new V8 Vantage SP10 introduced earlier this year, but it seems the older vintage models will be more desirable than the most recent creations in the market. Some precious vintage editions which gained much spotlight earlier this year include the 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT Bertone Jet sale which was a one-off creation, and the James Bond Aston Martin DB5 model, one of cinematic history;s most famous vehicles. Another one-off exclusive edition of Aston Martin goes under the hammer, with the 1956 DB 2/4 MKII looking to find a new owner at the upcoming RM Auctions & Sotheby’s event, which many are dubbing as the most significant vintage car auction in Manhattan in over a decade. Created in 1956, this coupe Aston Martin was purchased at the original price of $15,000 by Richard Cowell, and is now expected to bring in anything between $1.5million and $2million.
The FAB1 Million Project is a bold initiative to raise £1 million to help fight breast cancer. Chris Evans, the head of the project, contacted Rolls Royce and made them a very interesting offer: to create a bespoke luxury car that would help this charity action. Jolyon Nash, Sales and Marketing Director at RR was thrilled by the idea, and after “countless hours” of hard work, this magnificent Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Wheelbasewas born.
Sporting the ‘FAB 1’ writing on the treadplates, and the pink ribbon emblem embroidered on the headrests, this luxury cruiser is a real work of art. A superb Crème Light interior with Blushing Pink accents is meant to provide memorable rides to all those who step inside. Being an extended wheelbase model, the car provides generous legroom to the rear passengers, but the luxe experience doesn’t stop at this.
The FAB 1 Ghost boasts a champagne coolbox, 9.2 inch LCD screens, hand veneered picnic tables, 600 Watts surround sound with 16 speakers and 10-channel amplifier, lambswool footmats, and other exquisite touches of excellence. The car will help raise money for the breast cancer care by being available to hire over the next year, starting this month. Actually, the official launch of the project is today (April 18).
The new Mercedes-Benz GLA Concept crossover will make its debut tomorrow at the Shanghai Motor Show in China. Today, however, we have a few high-quality photos to share with you, showing bits of the classy car’s exterior and interior. For a better and more detailed look you will have to wait until tomorrow, when it will officially make its first appearance on stage.
Even though it is based on the A-class wheelbase, the premium crossover is longer, wider and taller than the hatch. Its overall look is more rugged as well with 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/45 R20 tires, protection plates under bumpers, wheel arch moldings, roof rails and other styling elements that are typical for crossovers.
Powering the concept is the A250 engine, which is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four petrol one capable of 208 HP. The gearbox is a 7-speed dual-clutch 7G-DCT that sends power to the car’s all four wheels. This, of course, is only what the concept features, but the production version will most certainly come with extra motorization options.
With a toned down design, the production GLA will appear on the market in the first half of 2014, after having made its official debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Presenting a unique character defined by power, style and drama with just a hint of the noir, here’s the ultimate gentlemen’s ‘fastback’ gran turismo, the Rolls-Royce Wraith, which at its heart features Rolls-Royce attributes of luxury, refinement and hand-craftsmanship. With striking fastback silhouette, this exclusively-new and much hyped about model from the world’s pinnacle ultra-luxury marque is described as the most potent and technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever built, and impressively embodies the spirit of Charles Stewart Rolls and promises the sense of adventure and speed that drove the British auto manufacturer’s founding forefather. Officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show after a seemingly endless stream of teasers and sketches, the Wraith as a magnificent addition to the already eclectic Rolls-Royce product range, is now all set to compete with the Bentley’s most powerful 4-door model 2014 Flying Spur and Bentley’s world’s fastest four-seat Continental GT Speed Convertible.
Carrying the V12 engine married to 8-speed automatic ZF transmission that delivers 624 horsepower, the Wraith makes its 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds compared to 4.7 seconds for Rolls-Royce Ghost.
The obsession for exclusivity via various personal renderings even with high end vehicles, seem to be a continuing trend worldwide, which is showing no signs of slowing down anytime. After buying a high end brand, the richer car geeks customize their vehicle as per their whims and fancies. Now Hamann is the next label which has put up its Chrome Pink edition of the luxury SUV at 2013 Geneva Auto Show.
For those who have a fetish for the color pink, and that too with a mirror finish to bring in a glitzy appearance, the ‘Mystere’ edition seems like a must have. The body kit is a carbon composite 4-part set, which has managed to add around 80mm to the overall width of the luxury SUV. The paintjob has indeed been a premier highlight of the Mystere, which adds lots of bling with the pink shade, thus adding a mirror effect and a very ‘barbie doll’ like feel to the overall aesthetics.
Hamann has managed to load a decent bit of machinery under the hood as well. Mystere Range Rover will be sporting a 5.0-litre V8 engine. To ensure that the vehicle runs just as smooth, while also serving the purpose of an overbearing presence, there are 23-inch Continental modified wheels. However, the additions have also ensured that the chassis has lowered a bit closer to the ground by 40mm, thus compromising on ground clearance.
The 2014 Acura RLX is the most powerful, spacious, and technologically advanced Acura sedan ever, designed with Acura’s commitment to creating “the synergy between man and machine.” With this RLX version, Acura is all set to trump the luxury car segment on fuel economy making it a value conscious purchase for luxury car lovers. The flagship sedan is sans bells and whistles, but it does includes everything you want in your day to day ride; fuel economy, a longer wheelbase, more rear leg room than most of the luxury cars in its segment, which is surprising considering its mid-size sedan looks. The RLX boasts the longest rear-seat legroom (38.8 inches).
Powered by an all-new 310-horsepower direct-injected V-6 engine, the car comes with an array of innovative features including acoustic door glass for a quieter ride; open the sunroof and you will know the difference, amplitude active dampers to feel connected to the road throughout your drive.
Besides encapsulating the car doors with acoustic glass, the RLX also embeds 14 powerful speakers from America’s high-end audio manufacturer, Krell audio to make sure you achieve driving nirvana. Some of the Krell’s audio components include $145,000 Evolution system.
The 2014 Acura RLX is an all-wheel drive also called full-time four-wheel drive designed to function on all-roads, at all-times, for an improved driving experience.
Designed for those who demand unrestrained luxury alongside uncompromising performance, here’s the Bentley’s remarkable luxury saloon, the all-new Flying Spur that delivers the ultimate motoring experience, for driver and passengers alike. Offering serene limousine comfort, in combination with phenomenal performance, the new Flying Spur is born of the belief that nothing is impossible; that the twin objectives of power and luxury can be achieved. Described to be the fastest, most powerful; four-door Bentley model ever, this luxurious vehicle is notably powered by the same twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine used in the British luxury automaker’s fastest and most thoughtfully-executed open-top performance flagship, the 2014 Continental GT Speed Convertible which was recently launched at the Detroit Auto Show. Notably, with its unparalleled blend of luxury, master craftsmanship, effortless driveability, sculpted design and ultra-advanced technology, the new Flying Spur that takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor, will be unveiled to the world on 5th March at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Limited edition Bentleys are the best! The automaker’s latest extremely exclusive creation is the beautiful 2013 GTC V8 Beverly Hills Limited Edition Bentley Continental, which boasts a bright and very eye-catching body color called Celeste Pearlescent. The hue is inspired by the luxe Tiffany & Co. color, which makes it extremely appealing to connoisseurs.
The car was manufactured in only 3 examples (one coupe and two convertibles) for Bentley Beverly Hills. The dealer selling them is O’Gara Coach, the fabled luxury car dealership where Bugatti, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Bentley always feel at home. Priced at $224,215 each, the cars come with many exclusive features, but no change in the engine department. They are still powered by a 500-hp 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine.
So here is what the buyers will get with their exquisite Beverly Hills edition Bentleys: personalized Beverly Hills limited edition treadplate plaques, dual tone 3-spoke hide-trimmed steering wheel, neck warmers, massage seat & seat ventilation for the front seats, power boot opening and closing, rear view camera, space-saving spare wheel, and of course the Celeste Pearlescent paintjob. There are also some options available for these babies, such as Piano Black Veneer, Light Grey Roof Interior, Black Roof exterior, and Home Link System.
As a final touch, Bentley gave the cars new CEC C881 wheels in either liquid silver or mate black finish. They measure 22 inches in diameter and are wrapped with Continental Extreme Contact ultra-high performance tires that are excellent for all seasons.
Launched in September 2012, the emission-free Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive which is described as the ‘world’s most powerful series production electric car’ has now inspired the creation of “Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept” engineering design, the latest development of Mercedes-AMG and Cigarette Racing which will be launched at the Miami International Boat Show. Described to be the world’s most powerful and fastest electric drive powerboat electrified by Mercedes-Benz, the 38 foot long Cigarette AMG Electric Drive Concept with an output of 2,200 hp and a maximum torque of 3000 Newton meters is truly a fascinating new concept that cruises with a speed of 160 km/h. Cigarette Racing is however been working closely with Mercedes-AMG for several years, and has delivered impressive speedsters of the waters like the Cigarette racing boatsinspired by Mercedes Benz AMG Black series, the Cigarette 46’ Rider XPspeedboat, and the 46-foot Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Cigarette boatwhich took its inspiration from Mercedes’ SLS AMGsupercar, to name a few.
Bentley has released a couple of photos of the new Muslanne, but the official unveiling of the car will only happen in March, during the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Apparently the automaker decided to keep the exterior untouched, while focusing all its attention on the luxurious interior. So here is what the 2014 Bentley Muslanne has to offer.
It all starts with a brand new communication and entertainment system, and then it continues with improved comfort, new color options, and a set of fitted luggage, all handmade. Finally, the new car comes with a lot of truly alluring options, such as a Comfort Specification package, which includes new headrests, duck down filled loose cushions, and footrests.
The Entertainment Specification package includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and tables for iPads and wireless keyboards. As part of the standard package, the armrest storage compartment in the rear door can be used either for mobile phones storage, or for Bluetooth headphones for the Rear Seat Entertainment System.
The new Muslanne will also flaunt an 8-inch LCD screen in each of the front seat headrests, a 20 GB HDD, DVD player, SIM card reader, high speed Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems, and state-of-the-art sound system.
As for the engine, the curious will be pleased to know that it is a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that can put out 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. This means that the beautiful luxury car can complete the 0-62 mph sprint in only 5.3 seconds before reaching the 184 mph top speed. The price has not be revealed yet, but no Bentley has ever been cheap.
Inspired by the irresistible Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series, the new C63 AMG Edition 507 is a true stunner, recently unveiled by the German automaker for its most discerning fans. The car is only 10 hp and 10 Nm less powerful than the Black Series, being powered by an upgraded 6.3-liter V8 engine that can put out 507 hp at 6,800 RPM and 610 Nm at 5,200 RPM.
The Edition 507 also flaunts advanced technologies borrowed from the SLS, including forged pistons, lightweight crankshaft, and connecting rods. It is mounted on new 19-inch wheels that come with high performance suspension system and composite braking system, 360 x 36 mm disks, and red calipers.
Other alluring elements include new ECU, titanium gray variable intake manifold, rear axle locking differential, special exterior mirror housings, a trunk lid spoiler, radiator grille surrounds, Black Series borrowed hood, and a lavish interior with leather upholstery in various design options, plus an Alcantara steering wheel.
When the car will become available for purchase on April 8, it will come in three body versions: coupe, sedan and estate. The first two will complete the 0-62 mph sprint in 4.2 seconds, while the latter will need 0.1 seconds more to finish the same task – unnoticeable difference, really.
1964’s ‘Goldfinger’, the 3rd film in the iconic James Bond series actually saw the introduction of a new gadget-laden Bond Car, the Aston Martin DB5 that caused a tremendous amount of talk because of its timeless beauty and was dubbed as the most famous car in the world. Notably only 4 examples of this iconic Bond car was produced for the 007 films Goldfinger and Thunderball starring Sean Connery, which impressively signaled the start of British automakers relationship with iconic secret service agent which spans 11 Bond films and 50 years of cinema history. Now, one of the four original DB5s, the 1965 model which is notably one of only two which comes fully fitted out with all of Q Branch’s Bond-worthy gadgets is being offered for sale in UK for whopping $4.7 million. The car is being offered for private sale by Britain-based Aston Martin specialist RS Williams, on the occasion of British automaker’s 100th anniversary which also saw the launch of Aston Martin’s Centenary Edition Vanquish. However, the other 1964 Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in Goldfinger and Thunderball got sold for a cool $4.1 million in London in year 2010.
“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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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January 13th-20th
Westworld of Scottsdale
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Another upgraded version of the luxury car, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, is now available from MEC Design. The tuners created a very interesting package for the car, and we’re sure they will find many interested customers for this special edition.
The upgrade includes a new carbon body kit with new diffuser, front splitter, side spoiler, and front and rear bumpers. On the inside, the car was fitted with leather-edged floor mats and full carbon fiber trimmings.
The most interesting part, however, can be discovered under the hood. The original output of the supercar was increased to 631 hp. As a final touch, the tuners gave the SLS AMG Black Series a new set of wheels and upgraded suspensions.
Want to travel the world and take your beloved McLaren MP4-12C with you over seas? All you need is a floating luxury garage, and UltraLuxum has got the perfect solution for you: the stunning CXL trimaran concept. This baby is reportedly the largest sailing trimaran in the world, boasting a width of 75 feet when the retractable outer hulls unfold.
McLaren Applied Technologies designed these retractable hulls for extra safety and stability, making the trimaran much more reliable than any mono hull of similar size. After the hulls are retracted (and this can happen in a matter of minutes), the vessel measures just 36 feet, making it very versatile and easy to handle in ports and marinas of different sizes.
When the vessel will make it to the production lines, it will be crafted from vacuum-infused epoxy. The three-deck yacht has four guest cabins, a master cabin, an optional spa, and the aforementioned custom garage that was designed to only fit the top inluxury cars – McLaren MP4-12C, and no other car. The interior design was made by Coste Design & Partners and Jessica Sbaraglia of UltraLuxum.
Having changed hands from Ford Motors to Investment Dar in 2007, British luxury car maker Aston Martin is up and about, looking for a strategic investor who could own as much as a 50% stake in the company.
Interestingly the two companies battling it out for the coveted slot are Italian private equity fund InvestIndustrial and Indian SUV manufacturer and tractor maker Mahindra & Mahindra.
The current scenario indicates that the bid lies in favour of M&M, and the company could initiate a deal with 40% stake, while holding rights to up the deal by an additional 10% over the next four years, saysEconomic Times.
Having to front possible over £250 million, this is a remarkably bold move by M&M considering they presently have no luxury sportscars or supercars in their portfolio.
M&M stands to gain a lot from this cult luxury cars brand which has made a star-studded Hollywood appearance in as many as 11 James Bond flicks. The acquisition of a major stake in Aston Martin will certainly refurbish M&M’s utility vehicle manufacturer tag, and up its glam quotient by quite a few notches. Anyone else waiting to see Bond roll out in an M&M stamped ride?
Luxury cars group Infiniti will open its first dealerships in Brazil in 2014 with an initial range of three luxury vehicles.
The premium Japanese car maker will open in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro before the end of 2014 and will boast cutting-edge architectural design as well as promising new levels of client service in line with the country’s growing affluence. Further showrooms in Santa Catarina and Paraná are planned for 2017.
The first Infiniti luxury cars to become officially available will be the FX sport crossover, the 7-seater luxury JX crossover plus an all-new sports sedan that is yet to be launched.
The company has expanded rapidly since opening its first dealership in the US in 1989 and now has a presence in 47 markets including South Korea, Russia, China and most recently Singapore, Chile, Dominican Republic, South Africa and Australia.