Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Ducati shows its 2011 Superbike Range at Cologne's Intermot Show

At the INTERMOT International Motorcycle Fair in Cologne, western Germany, Ducati Motor Holding exhibited the first of its new superbike models for 2011. The 2011 Ducati Superbikes feature new trickle-down technology from Ducati’s World Championship racing team and an attractive pricing structure. All three superbike offerings for 2011 are brand new or significantly upgraded from their 2010 variants. The lineup includes the Ducati 1198, 1198 SP and the 848EVO. The highlight of the 2011 superbike range is the 1198 SP, which features an impressive 170hp and 97 lb/ft of torque combined with a flyweight of 370lbs. It offers a combination of electronic rider aids and performance oriented hard parts. Talking of electronics, the 1198 SP features a MotoGP derived digital dash, Ducati Traction Control, the new Ducati Quick Shifter and a Ducati Data Analyzer to review all measures of performance data. Other features include Ohlins front forks and an Ohlins TTx rear shock, Ducati Performance Slipper Clutch, aluminum fuel tank and Brembo Monobloc calipers. The 2011 Ducati 1198 SP superbike carries a price tag of $21,995.

The standard 1198 has also been upgraded for 2011 at no extra cost. The new, improved 1198 now features the Ducati Traction Control system, Ducati Data Analyzer and the brand new Ducati Quick Shifter. The 2011 Ducati 1198 will hit the showrooms this December for $16,495.

The 848EVO enjoys 140hp and comes equipped with Brembo Monobloc callipers and steering damper. Other than the Stealth Black and Ducati Red, the 848EVO is also available in Arctic White livery with a red frame and red wheels. The 2011 848EVO will set you back $12,995.


READ MORE - Ducati shows its 2011 Superbike Range at Cologne's Intermot Show

Friday, June 18, 2010

Hastens new $18,000 luxury bed is strictly a royal affair

A restful sleep comes for a price. The luxury bedding craze is luring the rich to bed in style. Luxury bed maker Hastens, known for its high-end clientele including Tom Cruise and David Beckham, is now offering a royal treat to its uber rich clientele with “The Royal Bed” to celebrate the marriage of Crown Princess Victoria to Daniel Westling on June 19. The all-natural mattress set, a trademark of Hastens, features bridal colors, “lavish white with subtle accents in sumptuous gold,” and it features legs made in oak and accented with brushed brass. Each bed is embroidered with gold thread that reads: “Hastens Royal 2010″ and each corner of the bed is adorned with a brushed brass crown that is detachable. The royalty comes for a matching price tag of $18,000.
READ MORE - Hastens new $18,000 luxury bed is strictly a royal affair

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Rare James Bond Aston Martin DB4 up for grabs at Bonhams

Known for its high performance, understated elegance and youthful agility, Aston Martin has always remained one of the favorite Bond cars to battle his enemies. So, as the forthcoming auction at Bonhams on May 22, 2010 features a 1962 Aston Martin DB4, which was used in the production of 1964 classic, Goldfinger, it is a rare chance to grab one of these tempting cars that delighted moviegoers and Bond fans for nearly half a century now. Estimated to earn between $59,000 and $89,000, this impressive Bond car features a extra-light clutch and a thermostatically activated overheating alarm.

Via: Art Info

READ MORE - Rare James Bond Aston Martin DB4 up for grabs at Bonhams

Monday, April 19, 2010

Black Beauty hides a raucous machine behind its pretty face

Bike lovers are a hard-to-impress community, as some insist on originality while others are motivated through modification. So, for all those who look forward to explore the custom-made territory, this Black Beauty from Roland Sands Design (RSD) is worth your time. Meant to be ridden by a former AMA 250 GP National Motorcycle Racing Champion, the Black Beauty features sticky tires, road-racing forks, radial brakes and lightweight wheels on RSD’s routine Harley-Davidson Softail. Equipped with a 95 cubic inch powerhouse, the Black Beauty features a pretty face in gold, black, and silver along with a high-mounted RSD exhaust for that raucous roar.

Via: Motorcycling Mag
READ MORE - Black Beauty hides a raucous machine behind its pretty face

Thursday, April 8, 2010

CA$H.CAMO Bentley by Dartz is all money to the core

Dartz has done it again. The Russian tuner has already impressed us with the armored Kombat T98 luxury SUV, the €1million special Monaco Red Diamond Edition and lately, the Porche covered in whale skin vinyl. This time, the luxury SUV purveyor, in collaboration with car tuner TopCar, has designed a one-of-a-kind Bentley, which they will showcase at the upcoming Top Marques Monaco show. Christened as CA$H.CAMO Bentley Continental GT, the car is inspired by the DARTZ.KOMBAT tank itself. Interestingly, the word “CASH” has been spelled with a “$” sign instead of an “S.” Every time you open the door, you will feel the “cash.” The tuned car is wrapped with Kevlar vinyl that merges the camouflage color with a picture of a €500 banknote. Moreover, if you happen to buy this crazily luxurious car, you’ll also get a bottle of RussoBaltique vodka as a gift.

Thanks, Leonard F. Yankelovich [Dartz]
READ MORE - CA$H.CAMO Bentley by Dartz is all money to the core

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Red-hot diamond up for grabs at Sotheby's

As Christie's, will be auctioning two of the world’s most exceptional jewels in the April 22 auction, there’s still more to dazzle as Sotheby’s Australia’s upcoming April 12 sale of antique and contemporary jewelry is marked by the first red diamond ever offered for public auction in Australia. With its estimated value standing between $645,065 and $921,556, this 0.82-carat, fancy purplish-red Argyle diamond flanked by a pair of fancy blue diamonds in a round brilliant-cut diamond surround and set into a platinum ring will be accompanied by a letter from Argyle Diamonds attesting to its rarity.



Via: National Jeweler Network

READ MORE - Red-hot diamond up for grabs at Sotheby's

Monday, March 29, 2010

Customized Kymco scooter dazzles with 100,000 Swarovski crystals

We’ve got to admit that we are impressed with these Japanese scooters more than we are by the over-the-top embellished bikes of Orange County Choppers. We were overawed the last time we saw Japanese custom scooters, but this time we are completely bold at the site of this customized Kymco scooter - “Mitch.” Featured at the at the 37th Tokyo Motorcycle show, this blinged-up piece is studded with 100,000 Swarovski crystals to dazzle you.



Via: Tenkai Japan

Swarovski Studded Scooter Picture Gallery







READ MORE - Customized Kymco scooter dazzles with 100,000 Swarovski crystals

Thursday, March 25, 2010

crystalroc apple ipad fcvJV CrystalRoc’s crystallized iPad fans the blinged gadgets craze further Mar 24 2010 writing desks 8Il4l SabinoAprile's croc

Like it or not, but there is still a wealthy strata of the society who craves bling like anything, and before you dare to call them tasteless, the list of celebrities who like to flaunt it out includes Stefano Gabbana, co-founders of Dolce and Gabbana, who reportedly buys gold-plated iPhones, rapper and producer Pharrell Williams, to name a few. So, after the diamond iPad from Mervis Diamond Importers, the next blinged iPad comes from Crystal Roc, studded with over 6000 individual Swarovski crystals. Their Swarovski version will go on sale sometime late April. Just wondering which one Steve Jobs will prefer...any clue?

Via: CrystalRoc

READ MORE - crystalroc apple ipad fcvJV CrystalRoc’s crystallized iPad fans the blinged gadgets craze further Mar 24 2010 writing desks 8Il4l SabinoAprile's croc

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Christina Aguilera designs ‘Eco Style’ car for Chrysler

Known for her vocal ability, music videos and ever-changing image and having won a Grammy Award, these have become standard routine for Christina Aguilera, and so she decided to show some talent in car designing. The pop star has she come up with the Eco Style car with the help of Chrysler and other in-house designers to benefit the Haitian quake victims. Equipped with an economic engine, the vehicle also features an interior made from the recycled materials such as a water-based vanilla, cactus-colored seat-inserts and bamboo appliqué placed on the door trim and center console. However, there’s no info about when the car goes on auction.



READ MORE - Christina Aguilera designs ‘Eco Style’ car for Chrysler

Friday, March 5, 2010

Gold-plated Moёt bottle signed by Oscar nominees up for grabs

Once again the Academy Awards will lend its weight to charities as TheWrap has decided to unite the goodwill of celebrities to host the online auction of a rare, gold-plated Moёt & Chandon Methuselah signed by Oscar winners and nominees to benefit the Special Olympics. This Moёt Bottle is handcrafted by the legendary French Medal Manufacturer, Maison Arthus-Bertrand in a limited edition of only 200 in 2009, but this one-off bottle with signatures from some of your favorite celebs of Hollywood, makes it once in a lifetime collectable. The proceeds from this spectacular bottle worth $5,000 in retail would go to the Special Olympics project in Haiti. For the serious bidders, here’s the link.

Via: The Wrap
READ MORE - Gold-plated Moёt bottle signed by Oscar nominees up for grabs

Mansory brings blue baby Rolls in golden robe

With its reputation to beat the best in luxury, the German tuner Mansory is offering yet another sophisticated and more beautiful roadster. Unveiled at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the tuner offers a breathtaking individualization for the Rolls Royce Ghost with some serious gold paint on almost half the car’s body. Reflecting the exclusive status of the car, the blue baby Rolls in golden robe combined with stylish interior refinements makes the metamorphosis a unique overall concept. It’s a norm for Mansory to extend its customization under the hood as well. So, to mark its refined presence under the Ghost’s hood, Mansory used enlarged twin-turbos to get an impressive 720 HP and 780 NM of torque to hit 60 in an impressive 4.4 seconds. With its top speed at 193 MPH, Mansory has brought Ghost’s road presence to perfection and lifted a top luxury class automobile into an even higher level.

Via: Jalopnik /Auto Blog

READ MORE - Mansory brings blue baby Rolls in golden robe

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Rare blue De Beers diamond to shine at Sotheby's

In the fascinating realm of natural color diamonds, a rare large blue diamond is going to mark its presence at Sotheby’s Hong Kong jewels and jadeite 2010 spring sale on April 7. Once part of the legendary De Beers Millennium collection, the 5.16 carat, pear-shaped internally flawless Fancy Vivid Blue gem is the first diamond of its kind to appear at an auction. The diamond’s internally flawless clarity and classic pear shape along with its brilliant sky-blue color is expected to fetch around $5.8 million.

Via:
Telegraph
READ MORE - Rare blue De Beers diamond to shine at Sotheby's

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Porsche opens the world of racecar action for amateurs

If you have ever dreamt of a racecar, we are sure you must have dreamt of a racetrack as well. For many of us that dream might be over and for some of us the world of Formula One racing is miles apart from our ambitions, but if you still strive toward a day to show your flair on the racetrack, then my friend you have to be in Abu Dhabi. The launch of a new racing concept at the home of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, opens up a thrilling new world of race action for people, whose daily routines from office to home limits their passion for motor sports. he concept based on the “arrive and drive” nature is introduced by Porsche to identify top Arab and local-based talent in the region and become a platform for entry into the world of international GT and sports car racing. While we all understand that it won’t come cheap, it’s priceless to follow your dream. So, to take part in this series you have to invest in a brand new Porsche GT3 Cup car to begin with and follow your dream in the international circuits in Bahrain and Reem outside Riyadh next year, and let life be great!

Via: Automobil Sport
READ MORE - Porsche opens the world of racecar action for amateurs

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

The world's 10 most expensive cars

While our focus remains the luxury and price in making the list, however, these priciest cars in the world are more specimens of automotive engineering than just blinged up machines of luxury. So, to give a slight idea of what it costs to get a lot of extras that makes your prestigious car convey an aura of elegance and gentility, here is our list of the world’s 10 most expensive cars.




1. Koenigsegg Trevita

Price: $2.21 million

Innovations are not always improvements but at times, they really are. This is especially true as Koenigsegg gives yet another shot to a complete carbon fiber bodywork in the CCXR Trevita, but with a diamond finish. Koenigsegg has developed a diamond weave where the fibers are coated with a diamond finish. The fiber is treated carefully in small quantities, prior to further processing the Pre-preg material. Apart from the diamond finished, silvered carbon fiber, CCXR Trevita features a double carbon fiber wing, paddle-shift transmission, Inconell exhaust system, carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulic lift system, a custom navigation and of course, an entertainment system.

2. Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

Price: $2 million ($1.67 million for the coupe version)

It is one car that you would get into and would never feel like getting out of. Unveiled in a strange yet suitable manner at the Concours d’ Elegance, the Grand Sport brings to the table sheer brilliance that makes the world of automobiles a great place. Embarking on the 100th year of motoring, the Grand Sport is one creation that complements the mammoth achievement. Make no mistake here, people, that 16.4 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport comes with a removable roof (polycarbonate material), not a retractable one, but it still manages to register itself as the fastest roadster in the world. Talk about stand-out features of this outstanding car, for me the pick of things is the reversing camera, which comes with a 2.7-inch monitor on the rearview mirror.

3. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

Price: $1.8 million

Only five units of the Pagani Zonda Cinque were put into production, and all of them were sold out. Now, Pagani has unveiled the roadster version of the famous coupe and once again, only five examples will be made. The roofless Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster features a specially redesigned carbon-titanium chassis and has its roof stored in the front bonnet. The luxury coupe gets its power from the 678-hp Mercedes AMG V12 engine that allows it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 217 mph. Weighing in at 2,667 lbs, the Zonda Cinque comes with full carbon fibered bodywork, Cima six-speed sequential gearbox and a titanium and magnesium adjustable suspension.

4. Lamborghini Reventón Roadster

Price: $1.56 million

Like its coupe counterpart, the roadster is based on the Murciélago LP640 (but has a completely new exterior aesthetic), with a V12, 650 horsepower engine that has a top speed of 340 km per hour. The “aerodynamically optimized” exterior is made of CFC, an extremely lightweight composite carbon fiber material. A G-force-meter is also new: it shows dynamic drive forces, longitudinal acceleration for speeding and braking, and transversal acceleration around corners.

5. Lamborghini Reventón

Price: $1.42 million

We are not sure if the roadster is still in stock but nonetheless, features are still to look at. Named after a prized fighting bull that fought in the early 1940s, the Reventón inhabits everything Lamborghini. It is made exclusively in Sant’Agata Bolognese, and its sharp edges, precise lines and clean surfaces are inspired by fighter jets. You’ll know it by its glass engine hood, solid aluminum fuel tank lid and opaque carbon fins screwed onto the black aluminum spokes on the wheels. A total of 20 will be produced.

6. Maybach Landaulet

Price: $1.4 million


The German company added sophisticated feel to their luxury saloon with the Maybach Landaulet. With 604 horsepower and a top speed of 155 miles per hour, this chauffeur-driven sedan can hold its own against race cars half its size (it’ll get to 60 miles per hour in 5.2 seconds. It comes with a V12 twin-turbo engine. The roof can be opened fully at the rear while the chauffeur compartment remains closed. Each armchair is encased in white leather. A partition screen with clear glass and curtains, reclining rear seats with leg and footrests and a Dunhill umbrella are included.

7. Koenigsegg CCXR

Price: $1.3 million


The special edition Koenigsegg CCX-R from the Swedish hasn’t just been picked by us for its price tag, but for traits which make it outstanding for reasons one many. It is the first car which isn’t just a pure road scorcher running on gas but a devil which surprisingly is eco-friendly as it can run on biofuel, that too, without compromising on the performance. It can go 0 to 62 mile-per-hour in 3.1 seconds, with a top speed of 250 mph, and our eco-friendly riches won’t mind having this one at the back of their garages.

8. Koenigsegg CCX

Price: $1.1 million

While the Swedish automobile manufacturer have long been known as safe and steady, not fast and furious however, the CCX was developed to deliver superior performance - both on the track and on the road. The sCCX has carbon ceramic brakes, a hydraulic lift system, a navigation system and a rear-view camera. CD and DVD systems, satellite radio, climate control, leather carpets, a roof stowage bag and car-cover come standard. Horsepower in the V8 engine is 806 units, for a 0-62 mile-per-hour time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 245 mph. It has a specially developed transversal six-speed gearbox, with optional paddle-shift. A chrono instrument cluster, carbon wheels, forged aluminum wheels, fitted luggage, special leather and color requests and Inconell exhaust system are also optional.

9. Leblanc Mirabeau

Price: $765,000


It is one of the most remarkable cars ever built in automotive history and fact that it’s street legal is almost unbelievable. The Mirabeau was specially designed to feature at the 24 Hours Le Mans race, but it is street-legal. It has a 4.7-liter Koenigsegg-made V8 engine that delivers 700 horsepower and a top speed of 230 miles per hour. Each car can be customized to owners’ expectations, including an optional semi-automatic transmission.

10. SSC Ultimate Aero

Price: $740,000


The car that snatched the fastest production car tag from Buggati Veyron in 2008, but still that won’t make you go for it. Consider the amount of carbon fiber this car uses, making it special even in the way it looks. The newest model will reach a top speed of 270 miles per hour. Carbon fiber rear spoilers respond to the amount of pressure on the brake pedal. Inside, a carbon fiber dashboard and center console incorporate a digital temperature control unit and tire pressure monitor for optimum driving conditions.

Via: Forbes




READ MORE - The world's 10 most expensive cars

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Courvoisier and Gassan’s Valentine offering for flamboyant souls

Luxury brands Courvoisier and Gassan have paired up to help you offer a perfect goodie this Valentine’s: L’Essence de Courvoisier paired with Gassan diamond rings for €2,000 each. L’Essence de Courvoisier, which is a blend of extremely rare Cognac, from the most exclusive crus, is presented in a handcrafted Baccarat crystal decanter. While the finely crafted crystal stopper of the decanter takes inspiration from the signet rings that Napoleon Bonaparte gave to his army commanders, the Gassan-designed solitaire natural Cognac-colored diamond is modeled on the L’Essence de Courvoisier crystal stopper and the shape of the bottle. The diamond rests in an 18ct white and yellow gold setting. The pairing between Courvoisier and Gassan truly brings together craftsmanship and passion and reflects the luxury credentials of both. The Valentine’s Day offer of L’Essence de Courvoisier and the Gassan ring is available at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport.

Via: Moodie Report




READ MORE - Courvoisier and Gassan’s Valentine offering for flamboyant souls

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Kitchen Sink Cadillac, designed for royalty

Its’ one of a handful of dream machines that has stepped out of obscurity to regale an on-the-go top cat with a hearty appetite. Built by General Motors for its 1956 Motorama Show, the Maharani, more commonly known among collectors as the Kitchen Sink Cadillac, goes under the hammer at RM’s Automobiles of Arizona. Its’ an artifact that enlivens the ’50s era with cardboard tags, dating to when the car was built, still attached to various wiring harnesses. However, it’s the interior ones left marveling at. The space once devoted to the front passenger seat is replaced by an array of culinary appliances, including a toaster, refrigerator, hot plate, cutlery holder and, yes, a kitchen sink; not to forget that most of the gadgets are not in operational condition since they have not been used in decades. Nobody knows what kept the Maharani from going under the crusher all these years, but for sure, it’s all set to make you feel like a king at an estimate of $150,000 to $200,000.



Via: NY Times




READ MORE - Kitchen Sink Cadillac, designed for royalty

Friday, January 22, 2010

The Gibson Zakk Wylde Bulls Eye gets gold and Swarovski treatment

Known for its mammoth tone and over-the-top rock attitude, the Gibson Zakk Wylde Bulls Eye has been stripped down to become the definitive bling instrument. Commissioned by an anonymous Monaco-based British celebrity, this limited edition Gibson guitar is encrusted with 4,000 individual Swarovski crystals - each measuring exactly 4mm in diameter and covered in 24-carat gold. This rock work of art is done by Kim Webber Guitars and gold-plating specialist from Gold2U, who imported the instruments 24-carat gold strings from Germany. Also featuring the maple neck plated with 24 carat gold frets, the stunningly unique final product is estimated to cost around $24,200.

Via: Somerset/The West Country
READ MORE - The Gibson Zakk Wylde Bulls Eye gets gold and Swarovski treatment

Santoni driving shoes to comfort you in your Mercedes


With Mercedes reputation of being the successful trendsetter among the top car manufacturers, it is essential to epitomize comfort to the last extent. This is why the Italian fashion house Santoni has designed driving shoes to complement the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. Certified by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the Santoni driving shoes come in black as of now but plans a variety of colors to match the car’s body colors and oh, needless to say that you would want to drive your Merc all year long.

Via: Luxist



READ MORE - Santoni driving shoes to comfort you in your Mercedes

Friday, January 15, 2010

Lawless Industries unveils electric engine hi-power hybrid

While there are a lot of people who love the staggered slow thump of a V-twin engine, there are still many who like the silent killers on the road. However, to meet both the opposites in one, an American motorcycle builder is about to unveil a new hybrid motorcycle that can be powered by a regular internal combustion engine, an electric motor or both together, delivering almost 200bhp. The masterpiece is the result of collaboration between Lawless Industries and Orange County Choppers, who designed a drive system allowing the rider to choose between the normal thud of a booming V-twin motor, or the silent whirr of an electric powerplant - or both. Featuring a touchscreen computer control system, cameras on the front and back and two electric motors, as well as the regular petrol powered V-twin, this hi-power hybrid produces 200 bhp if all the engines fire at once. The bike will be shown publicly for the first time this week on US TV on ‘American Choppers.’

Via: Visor Down
READ MORE - Lawless Industries unveils electric engine hi-power hybrid

Gooding & Company offer Ferraris for the lovers of style and speed

When it comes to certain brand names with an air of luxury and wealth about them, it becomes too important to be overlooked - fine automobiles are one of them. For the lovers of style and speed, Gooding & Company is offering some exceptionally pedigreed European motors at its annual Scottsdale Auction. Among the best of the status symbols, the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series 1 Cabriolet is up for grabs. Expected to fetch over $2.2 million, the 1959 Ferrari is one of the only 40 Series 1 Pininfarina Cabriolets ever built. Also up for grabs is a 1956 Jaguar D-Type Sports Racer, painted cream with blue racing stripes. The highly coveted stunner is known for a victory at the Pomona Six-Hour Enduro race in 1959, the D-Type’s last big win in the USA and is expected to fetch above $3.5 million. Gooding & Company has provided the connoisseurs with an opportunity to own the most beautiful Ferraris to which there are no substitutes.

Via:
Duncan Quinn
READ MORE - Gooding & Company offer Ferraris for the lovers of style and speed

Monday, January 11, 2010

The rare 1929 Hamilton Metalplane expected to fetch $1M in auction

One of the rare opportunities to own one of the rarest and award-winning antiques would lure the lovers of aeronautical craftsmanship to Barrett-Jackson in Arizona later this month. Up for grabs is the most beautifully restored classic aircraft in the world - a 1929 Hamilton Metalplane H-47. With its reputation to soar over northern forests and remote lakes as part of a government mission to map and monitor the country’s uncharted backwoods for 20 years during the pioneering age of Canadian aviation, the aluminum-bodied bush plane is expected to sell for at least $1 million. The Metalplane goes on the auction block during a six-day Barrett-Jackson sale that begins Jan. 18 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Via: National Post
READ MORE - The rare 1929 Hamilton Metalplane expected to fetch $1M in auction
 
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