The MINI Chateau, based on the MINI Clubman S, made its world debut at
the recent Top Marques show in Monaco. It will be limited to just 12
units and radiates exclusivity and luxury with its wood trims and a
miniature, shock-absorbent wine cellar (room for 6 bottles and
chalices) in the trunk.
The MINI Chateau is painted in
changeable pearly brown, matched with sandy/gold metallic paint for the
roof, bumpers and some details. But what really stands out, is the use
of precious wood, both on the inside and outside of the car. Inside
Aznom fitted the upholstery with gaucho leather and Alcantara to create
a warm, vintage atmosphere.
The car rides on 18-inch TSW 'Pace'
alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Yokohama S-Drive rubber. The Mini
Chateau’s 12 limited-edition exclusive samples will each display a
numbered label with the name of the lucky owner. By Tuija Seipell.
Most of us know when we see an ‘M’ on the back of
the BMW passing us on the freeway, there’s virtually no way we’re going
to catch up. The ‘M’ division BMW has recently revealed its
latest concept – a tribute to their first mid-engine supercar
originally manufactured by collaborative efforts of BMW and Lamborghini
thirty years ago – the M1.
In the
world of supercars, the M1 certainly looks like it will hold its own –
an effortless blend of retro cool with revolutionary elegance. The new
Liquid Orange M1 may only be a concept right now, but just know if you
see those beady headlights quickly approaching from your rear view
mirror, move out of the fast lane – you’re about to be overtaken! By Andrew J Wiener
The annual Detroit Auto Show serves as a platform for American automobile manufacturers, specifically, to flex their muscles, so-to-speak – and this year the Chrysler Corporation did just that. Dodge unveiled three models of the Challenger that will be available in 2009: the SE (3.5 liter V6, 250 hp), the R/T (5.7 liter HEMI V8, 370 hp) and the SRT8 (6.1 liter HEMI V8, 425 hp).
Originally hitting the streets in 1970 at the dawning of a new generation of design in automobile manufacturing, the Challenger was one of the original American muscle cars (along with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro). Power and steel were king, gritty, dirt solid performance ruled over clear smooth edges and lavish aesthetics. The auto industry in Detroit was destined to enter its glory days.
Now, almost 40 years later, the auto industry, especially in Detroit is facing more than a handful of obstacles – including attempting to recover from an arguably failed race to build the largest petrol-guzzling trucks on the market. Compact and fuel-efficient has been all the latest rage – but what about performance? Based on the model chosen, Dodge almost guarantees blood-pumping sensation. The SE model doesn’t come with racing stripes and spoilers like its two bigger brothers, and the less sporty version only has a single exhaust pipe in the rear, rather than duel pipes on the more powerful models.
Dodge believes a retro-styled coupe can deliver exactly what auto enthusiasts are seeking in the three Challenger models: a varying array of performance options and features including voice-activated MyGIG Multimedia and UConnect systems, Remote Start with Keyless Go and five-speed manual models get the Hill Start Assist. Time to kick up some dirt – driving’s about to get messy again! By Andrew J Wiener
We've often wondered how certain high-end brands manage to maintain
their global exclusivity especially as the number of millionaires and
billionaires continues to skyrocket. Drive down prominent streets in
Beverly Hills, Dubai, London and you're certain to pass more than a
handful designer Italian and German sportscars. Chances are the valet
parker at your local Ritz Carlton will have sat behind the steering
wheel of cars totaling more money than most of us could only dream of
making in a lifetime.
Thankfully the expert minds at Ferrari have devised a plan nearly
guaranteeing you'll have a difficult time parallel parking between the
same Ferraris your neighbours are driving around town. Ferrari
customers are undoubtedly accustomed to getting what they want out of
their cars, but now the ability to add personalisation has become
paramount - and here's all you need to know:
Book a trip to the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy where you will
meet with a consultant in a special dedicated atelier area. Rivaling a personal fitting by Valentino for the Oscars, your
consultant will welcome you to the new One-To-One Personalisation
Program where you will design your own Ferrari 612 Scaglietti,
accessory by accessory, detail by detail.
The front-engined rear-wheel drive flagship Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is
the only two-door four-seater in the line. The 612 is available with
Ferrari's SuperFast gearbox that allows a driver to shift the paddle
shifters located on the steering column in an astonishing 100
milliseconds. Whilst shiftting away, the V12 is capable of reaching top
speed of 320 kph.
The new model comes complete with an electrochromic panoramic roof that
covers the length of the top of the cabin. With a turn of a knob, the
entire ceiling changes from opaque to translucent, instantly adjusting
the level of sunlight that may penetrate the interior.
OK, so we’ll admit that Ferraris are not quite as common as we make
them sound, but we’re also sure it’s refreshing for some of you to know
that with the assistance of a personal design consultant, you can soon
be cruising the streets in a truly unique Ferrari. By Andrew J Wiener
We're back to tell you about another missed opportunity to add another supercar to your fleet. Bugatti
has built the Veyron 16.4 'Pur Sang,' or 'pure blood.' The
Veyron, a special addition version, is one of the world's fastest cars
ever made with a top speed of over 400 kph. Again, all five models have
been pre-purchased for approximately $2 million each.
Bugatti has been off the radar for quite some time, but with the
introduction of the 'Pur Sang' clad in a revealing paintless carbon and
aluminium structure, the Volkswagen-owned manufacturer has clearly
repositioned itself among the world's most exclusive and exceptionally
engineered automobiles. By Andrew J Wiener
One of our favourite auto magazines, the ever-stylish Intersection
(think of it as I-D for car buffs), has always made its mission to
mix man and machine, art and design and all things culture into their
its of the automotive world. Its latest project is no exception In an
aim to portray cars as more of a reflection of the
human race then simply a way to get from A to B, Intersection asked 6
different fashion designers from 6 different cities to create a
car cover that represents their individual fashion styles.
The designers were chosen for their conceptual yet sensual, witty
approach and because they each represent the city they're based
in. From the real-size print by Parisian Martin Margiela to
the mammoth box of Sydney's Ksubi, each piece offers a perspective true
to the designer's style and method, while also portraying an aspect of the car's personality.
The car that each cover is modelled on is the Alfa Brera that will now
be parading at events from New York to London, Tokyo to Sydney, Paris to
Berlin, and finally back to Milan where she will be showing off her
exclusive new clothes. If this approach proves popular, look out for a
couture-covered car on a street near you. By Brendan McKnight
Here are the first pictures that Alfa Romeo have released of its
sexy 8C Spider, to be introduced to the world at next months Geneva
Motor Show.
Based on the hard-topped 8C Competizione, the two-seat Spider featuring
a twin-layer fabric roof which can be raised at the press of a button,
is expected to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of around
180mph. The mechanics will be similar to that of the Competizione as it
uses the same 4.7-litre V8 engine and six-speed semi-automatic gearbox.
As the limited run is just 500 vehicles, we expect to see all of these
selling like hotcakes and commanding more than their £130,000 price
tag. So roll up your sleeves and have your cheque books ready; the
fight to get one of these beauties is not going to be pretty. By Brendan McKnight
Inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, US$1.5 million Lamborghini Reventón
was unveiled. If numbers mean anything to you – the new supercar is
powered by a 650hp 6.5L V12 engine, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just
3.4 seconds and has a maximum speed of over 340 km/h. The
Lamborghini design team used the technical base of their Murcielago
LP640, compressed it and then amped it up. As with other current
models, the Reventón is defined through its sharp edges, smooth
surfaces and aerodynamic lines. Tempted as you may be, put away
your cheque books and credit cards, all twenty models that will be
manufactured are taken as the Lamborghini brand reinforces its
legendary status. By Andrew J Wiener
Many of the world’s automobile manufacturers use the North American
International Auto Show as a platform from which to unveil new design
and new concepts in car design. This year’s exhibition just came to
an end in Detroit, Michigan and we are happy to report there were at
least a few new designs that caught our eyes.
A series of concept cars comprise the Lexus LF, or “L-finesse” line –
and this year the Toyota Motor Corporation introduced the LF-A Roadster
– a topless version of the previously revealed LF-A coupe. The LF
series represents a new direction in design for Lexus – centred around
the philosophy of intriguing elegance, incisive simplicity and seamless
anticipation.
The high performance topless roadster will be set to compete with some
of the most desired vehicles on the roads today. At a glace, the
low-profile aerodynamic form is built from lightweight carbon fibre and
aluminium, and a rear wing ascends automatically as a trigger speed is
reached. While there is no official word yet about which type of top
the LF-A roadster will be fitted with, we’re expecting to see a fully
automatic retractable hardtop as Lexus will want to keep its
competitive edge. By Andrew J Wiener
In an attempt to revolutionise the process of car design, David Hilton, founder of Motorcity Europe,
along with C2P Automotive, created the MC1 Supercar in just three
months. Hilton, who spent much of the formative part of his career
working for Ford, believes the MC1 will be production-ready by 2011, if
he finds the right client. Presently, the mid-engine, V10-powered
supercar has no set identity or branding. We’re willing to bet a
recognisable logo will soon sit neatly within its grill.
By quickly translating computer-based design into engineering,
Motorcity Europe achieved a radically different approach to supercar
design in regard to its proportions and manufacturing processes. While
certain aspects of the exterior appear entirely futuristic from nearly
every angle, the MC1 looks like one of those cars we always dreamed we
could afford. Fortunately, all anyone can see right now is the outside
– the interior will be ready this spring. By Andrew J Wiener