The King of Spain’s Maserati Sold At Auction

The original Maserati Quattroporte, which was announced in 1963 was the manufacturer’s first ever large sedan and one of their first versions powered by a V-8 engine.  Expertly designed and styled by Pietro Frua as well as based after a custom Maserati 5000 GT coupe that Frua designed for Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini, Aga Khan IV.  Custom features from the 5000 GT includes a 45 rpm eight track record player constructed directly into the dashboard.

Before the first-generation Quattroporte model went out of production in 1969 Maserati created no more than 800 models.  The manufacturing process of the second-gen Quattroporte did not start until 1974, but in 1971 Frua created a one-off model on the frame of the Maserati Indy, (a four seat GT fastback).  The inside of the vehicle featured a lofty roof encircled by a large stretch of glass.  Later in 1974 a second version was built and sold to the Aga Khan.

The 1971 prototype was owned by King Juan Carlos of Spain at some point in time.  Until just recently, the car was included with the large collection of Maserati’s at the Riverside International Automotive Museum, in Riverside, California, that closed in June of this year.  In August the Quattroporte was on its way back to the block at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction with a presale estimate price of $175,000 to $200,000.

The Montblanc For BMW’s Limited-Edition 7 Series

With ingenuity and creativity, the “Montblanc for BMW” centennial fountain pen is more like the car it celebrates than you might first expect.  This 7 series was designed to honor the German car manufacturers 100th anniversary, as it was based off of Montblanc’s Meisterstück 149 piston fountain pen.  The commemorative fountain pen symbolizes the strong partnership between BMW’s Head of Design, Karim Habib and Montblanc’s Creative Director, Zaim Kamal.

Only to add to the cars already undeniable beauty, the fountain pen features a skeletonized rhodium plated grid design, which perfectly reflects the patterned Merino-leather interior of the  7 Series, and is beautifully resin-finished to match the cars blue exterior.  The pen also features BMW’s “7” motif on its 18-karat gold rhodium-plated nib, as Montblanc’s snow covered mountain logo is created by quartz and black onyx at the top of the pen.  Not to mention that it has the same color and patterning as the sharp “stylo” is the associating full-grain calfskin carrying pouch.  This unique Montblanc pen will be included as a gift with each limited edition BMW 7 series.  If you love BMW and Montblanc than this limited edition BMW is just the ride for you, and besides who doesn’t love a free pen.

For more information visit:  montblanc.com

Rolls Royce Showcases Bespoke “Dawn Til Dusk” Cars in Porto Cervo

Porto Chervo has been showcasing the best automakers from around the world, such as Rolls Royce to add beauty to its already lovely atmosphere.  The one of a kind seaside resort located in Northern Sardinia offers guests and sight-seers alike an incredible coastline as well as a charm that will undoubtedly captivate and enchant you as you stroll around the heavenly resort. Though this has already been covered on a previous article, now Rolls Royce has once again returned to Sardinia as palette inspiration for ‘Dusk Until Dawn’ (a bespoke series of two of its most beloved cars, a Wraith coupe and a Dawn drophead).

‘Dusk Until Dawn’ was just announced at Rolls Royce’s new Summer Studio in Sardinia, both vehicles incorporate Porto Cervo’s own unique style at its most radiant moments: hence the words Dawn and Dusk.  Just like the name proposes, the bespoke dawn above is the embodiment of the marina’s aquamarine waves as the light shines from above.  The car features an ethereal emerald green exterior and a seashell & green leather cabin that extends all the way to the tourneau cover, which shields the roof and trunk compartment.  The car has the Porto Cervo insignia right on the dashboard fascia that’s bedecked with actual emeralds and mother of pearl in white gold, and if that doesn’t make this car luxurious then I’m not sure what would.

As for the Bespoke Wraith, it has a shimmering two-toned silver finish on its exterior that mirrors the setting sun perfectly, making way for its ethereal twilight infused interior.  That’s what i’d call dusk if ever a car resembled it more.  Now let me introduce you to the inside of the Dusk with seats completely covered in corrupt plum colored ostrich leather, with wooden veneers and marquetry in the shadows of black, gray and brown.

“Patrons of our marque delight in inhabiting some of the world’s most beautiful enclaves,” said Isobel Dando, General Manager, Future Retail, Rolls Royce Motor Cars.“The stunning Bespoke Wraith and emerald embellished Dawn, inspired by the sights and colors of Porto Cervo, have been commissioned in the spirit that so many of our customers delight in.”  To the Rolls Royce cars that perfectly embodies both night and day or should I say both Dawn and Dusk, thank you Rolls Royce for making these two fan-favorites into the must haves of 2016.

For more information visit:  Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

BMW and Puma Create Futuristic Shoes

Combining sportswear brand Puma and auto manufacturer BMW into a futuristic shoe is amazing, and certainly one for the history book if I do say so myself.  Puma in partnership with BMW have created this unique and exceptionally attractive shoe, giving comfort and style just like the companies that created it.

Utilizing the concept of Project GINA (a BMW concept crafted from a man-made lightweight fabric rather than the time-honored steel/carbon fiber body) the futuristic shoe uses the same waterproof materials and will replace laces with the Puma’s disc system.  The shoe is just right for people who don’t have the time to tighten or loosen their laces, because all you need to know for these shoes is how to spin a disc, which functions with the shoes elastic tendons that link to a fastener.  Simple, Stylish, and Comfortable is how I would describe the Puma X-Cat Disc.

“The approach was to look at every aspect of making a shoe and to try and reimagine it. Freeing yourself of what is here now can be an enjoyable and rewarding exercise. Typically, it also speeds up change,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.  Unlike the Project GINA car, (which is still a concept in a museum) the Puma X-Cat Disc is real and is ready for purchase.

For more information visit: puma.com

Rolls Royce Creates The Ultimate Ride For a Villain

Rolls-Royce is a name synonymous with old school luxury, but is ready to attract a younger generation of buyers.  And they are hoping to help accomplish their mission with the unveiling of the all new Black Badge versions of the Ghost and Wraith at the Geneva Motor Show, which seem to be playing Jaguar’s villain card.  The Rolls Royce insignia’s letters are now silver with a black background,  the grill is darker, and even the Spirit of Ecstasy, which sits prominently atop the bonnet, is made from an ash-colored metal.  The Black Badge is aimed to appeal to a younger generation looking to set themselves apart in a truly bespoke experience.  Though apart from the dark finishes, buyers will be able to choose whichever interior and exterior color options they desire.

The Black Badge treatment is only available on Rolls-Royce’s entry level vehicles (Wraith & Ghost models), both of which are more performance-oriented than the company’s Flagship Phantom-series models.  Rolls-Royce has also stated that they have no plans to offer the Black Badge customization on the Dawn, (the convertible version of the wraith).  Though that may change depending on the customer demand they receive.

Both models will also receive performance upgrades to complement their villainous looks.  The Ghost’s V12 will be modified to produce 603 horsepower, an additional 40 more than an ordinary Ghost.  The Wraith’s V12 that produces 623 horsepower, which I presume Rolls Royce feels is more than adequate.  As such the Wraith Black Badge experienced an upgrade in torque rather than horsepower, now pulling considerably more at low speed accelerations.  Both vehicles will also have sportier suspension and even more aggressive transmission settings.  If your in the market for a villainous V12 we see no better option.  Priced at $350,000.

For more information visit:  www.rolls-roycemotorcars.com

The Aventador Miura: Lamborghini’s Newest Creation

Lamborghini has just unveiled yet another beast, the Aventador Miura Homage, a commemorative coupe that pays tribute to the 50th anniversary of the marque’s hallmark Miura model that was produced from 1966 to 1973.  This brand new Lamborghini features the Aventador’s awe-inspiring 700 hp 6.5-liter V-12 engine, allowing it to go from not to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds, as it reaches for a top speed of 217 mph.  The Miura can achieve up to 380 hp as well as topping out at 171 mph (The fastest production car of its day).

Extraordinary detailing is available for the special edition, it includes a dual-tone exterior (with six available colors) and a stance accentuated by 20-21-inch Dione rims in matt silver or gold.  The side of the vehicle is decorated with metallic Miura badging, as the Lamborghini logo (in black) and limited-edition plating cultivates the interior and rear, subsequently. The cabin can be adorned in either Nero Ade or Terra Emilia leather accented with tone-on-tone stitching.  Even more embellishments include the Miura 50th anniversary logo (in silver or gold) resting high on the seats and the name “Lamborghini” spelled out along the leather dashboard.

The Aventador Miura Homage debuted on June 25th at the United Kingdom’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (from June 23 to 26) and will later be showcased at numerous events planned for Miura’s 50th anniversary.  Presently, only 50 examples will be produced.

For more information visit:  www.lamborghini.com

The SkyRunner MK 3.2

For many years people have dreamed of creating a flying car, well today those dreams have finally come true.  Created by Los Angeles based SKYRUNNER, the vehicle has been awarded the S-LSA classification by the American Federal Aviation Administration designating it a legally recognized light aircraft.

The SkyRunner MK 3.2 has the appearance that of a go-kart, but don’t let that fool you for this one of a kind car is something out of the future.  With the ability to reach an altitude of 10,000 feet while maintaining a speed of 45mph or (72km/h).  The exoskeleton is created out of exposed tubular steel with carbon fiber and aircraft grade aluminium panels.  The car’s most noticeable feature is its large rear-mounted propeller.

Attaining full certification, the SkyRunner has been undergoing development and testing for several years, winning many fans in the process.  Dan Johnson, President of the Light Aircraft Manufacturing Association, called the vehicle: “A full-on macho pulse-pounder that catches the interest of people.” And thanks to it being  fully certified, full-on production can be launched and a backlog of existing orders can be cleared. “This airworthiness certification is monumental, as it now triggers serial production, creates jobs, and makes for happy customers,” said Daryl Ballard, SkyRunner Shop Foreman.

The Maneuverability of the car in the air is pretty straightforward: Toggle left or right to steer or drop or raise the accelerator pedal to ascend or descend. “This is one of the most significant milestones in our company’s history,” said Stewart Hamel, SkyRunner’s CEO and Founder.  A SkyRunner retails for approximately $119,000, but there is a lot of optional extras, from carbon fiber racing seats ($1,899) all the way to a set of augmented reality driving and flight goggles that offer a head up display and facial protection ($750).  Anyone that lives in areas that suffer extremes of weather, the car can also be specified with pro caterpillar tracks for an extra $5,200.  This new multi terrain vehicle shows us that you don’t have to be “James Bond” to fly something as extraordinary as this.

For more information visit:  www.flyskyrunner.com

Airbus Showcases The First Ever 3-D Printed Motorbike

Airbus, a major name in aviation has just unveiled a fully operated 3-D Printed Motorbike, this top secret project was personally test driven by Airbus’ boss Tom Enders on may 20th.  You may be wondering what is an aviation manufacturer doing creating a motorbike and when will we be seeing the full production line?  At the moment no one can really answer these questions, but here is a few things we do know about airbus’s new creation.  It is fully electric, weighs 77 pounds or 35 kilograms, and is 30% lighter than any other electrical motorcycle stated by Airbus Subsidiary APWorks.

The Motorbike was nicknamed “Light Rider”, for its hollow-looking frame that reduces the overall weight and allows for a powerful 6 kilowatt engine.  Airbus has applied the the same fundamentals on aircraft’s, in fact Airbus introduced a 3-D printed twin-engined prototype at Berlins Air Show in early June.  Joachim Zettler, Chief Executive of APWorks, said 3-D printing had made it possible to produce the bikes hollow-looking frame.  “The complex and branched hollow structure couldn’t have been produced using conventional production technologies such as milling or welding,” he said.  Prices will start at 50,000 euros.

For more information please visit: www.AirbusGroup.com

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