NYC: Louis Vuitton exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” For the First Time!

After tracing their glamorous touch across the globe, from Paris to Tokyo, Louis Vuitton has decided to bring it’s charm – for the first time – to New York City through an exclusive exhibition. Having just opened on October the 27^th of this year, the exhibition will proceed until the 7^th of January, 2018, while taking place at the American Stock Exchange building in lower Manhattan. The exhibition features the glorification of the history of Louis Vuitton, giving a chance for visitors to discover its authentic past as a luxurious fashion house since its inception in 1854 till present day. Through in-depth analysis and exploration of the display, guests can detect the connection of the House with the United States and NYC in particular, where one of the house’s rooms is devoted entirely to ‘The Big Apple’.

The event that is held in New York’s Financial District, greets customers with opened arms, mirroring the values and splendid accomplishments of Louis Vuitton’s history, starting firstly with the brand’s iconic product, the “Louis Vuitton trunk”. This product specifically offers users an unrivaled and safe experience in preserving their luggage. Other fashionable products include Louis Vuitton idealistic bags, accessories, shoes and outfits. Admission is free, so don’t miss this marvelous chance to be exposed to products through the ages of a precious and storied brand like Louis Vuitton.

Louis Vuitton exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” 2017-2018 in the US.

For more information visit:  LouisVuitton.com

Electric Luxury: The New Range Rover

As of this month, Land Rover has just announced the revamp of their time honored flagship model, that not only received an elegant face lift but was also given an option that is more than skin deep.

The announcement came with the addition of a plugin-hybrid model to stand hand in hand with Jaguar-Land Rover’s future electric plans for all models in their line.  The plugin-hybrid Range Rover will achieve a combined fuel economy of an impressive 101mpg, and an all electric range of 31 miles.  Unique highlights for the 2018 model year also include harmonious updates which have sharpened both exterior and interior looks, along with cutting edge technological updates.

Since the beginning of the Range Rover, 50 years ago, the quintessential luxury four by four has been the go to vehicle for those who prefer not to switch vehicles when traveling from their estate in the countryside to the posh streets of Belgravia and Kensington.

“Our customers are very clear about what they want from any new Range Rover. ‘Don’t change it, just make it better,’ they tell us, so everything we’ve done has been about enhancing our flagship SUV. After nearly 50 years the fourth generation Range Rover is the finest so far, ensuring the original luxury SUV remains the choice for discerning customers the world over.”

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover

Today, the all new Range Rover has continued to evolve with the intention of always being the finest in all around automotive capability.  Thanks to newly designed seats, comfort features now include 24 way adjustable front seats, that offer a new depth of foam padding along with heated armrests to keep your elbows and forearms warm on those chilly winter days.  Stepping in the backset, occupants will notice a complete redesign which includes a more spacious layout, with no effect to the RR’s boot space.

The sumptuous cabin now includes a spa like treatment with 25 setting massage functions for the seats, including a much desired hot stone option.  For those of us who work while being chauffeured or travel with family, seventeen connection points are at our disposal, including USB, HDMI, 12 volt, and domestic plug sockets; in addition 4G Wi-Fi awaits for up to 8 different devices.

Interior elegance has been updated through the unwavering commitment by LR’s focus on integration of some of the market’s most advanced and easy to use infotainment systems, which are engineered by JLR in house.  Codenamed ‘Blade’, the Touch Pad Duo merges two 10 inch screens to form a control panel in the Range Rover’s centre console.

The enlarged seats now offer unsurpassed comfort in the segment.  The outstanding updates include heated and cooled seats with significantly extended zones (heated arm, calf rests, and foot).  Increased recline functionality, along with a smartphone app for added functionality, complete the tech savvy interior comfort updates.

The plugin-hybrid’s efficient powertrain offers sustainable performance through the combination of a four cylinder petrol engine and a (85KW) electric motor, allowing for 31 miles of all electric drive.  The result is 640Nm of torque and 404PS of total power delivered via the full time four-wheel drive system, with a not to sixty time of 6.4 seconds and a top speed of 137 miles per hour.  Emiting only 64g/km on the NEDC combined cycle, Range Rover owners can honestly experience zero-emission driving.

“The new Range Rover takes our luxury SUV to new heights, delivering enhanced refinement, luxury and all-terrain capability. The new PHEV powertrain isn’t simply a no-compromise solution – it builds on the traditions of our flagship SUV and delivers heightened refinement and comfort with impressive performance and efficiency.”

Nick Collins, Vehicle Line Director, Jaguar Land Rover

Concerned about charge time? With rapid charging the 13.1kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in under 3 hours using a 32 amp wall box.  Additional assurances are given through an eight-year, 100,000-mile, 70 per cent state of health warranty for the Plugin-Hybrid Range Rover’s battery.

Although the all new Plugin-Hybrid model is intriguing, those of us who enjoy the most performance out of our Range Rover may want to still opt for the range topping SV Autobiogrpahy dynamic.  Range Rover’s most powerful production vehicle to date is powered by an all petrol supercharged v8 making 565PS, and delivers a not to sixty time of nearly 5 seconds flat.

The updated Range Rover will be built at the firm’s Solihull facility, and is available for order now, with first quarter deliveries scheduled for the end of 2017 depending on region.

Piero Lissoni Builds a New Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach

Italian architect Piero Lissoni is working on his first full-scale architectural project within the United States, which has been scheduled to be completed during winter this year.  This new project, the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach, consists of 111 one-to-five-bedroom condos as well as 15 waterfront standalone villas that encompass 7.5 acres of land.  With prices ranging from around $2 million to $40 million, each Ritz-Carlton residence demonstrates a modern yet eccentric style.

For instance, a newly added 10,000-square-foot, two-story penthouse with floor-to-ceiling walls of glass frame perfectly reflects the modern meets whimsical approach.  Boasting four bedrooms and seven baths, the penthouse also features an interior garden, which is viewable from the expansive main living room.  In addition, a double-height library encompasses the room along with a beautiful fire place to add onto the harmonious atmosphere.  Another unique feature is the 20-foot-tall, 2,000-bottle wine cave, which harbors a massive jellyfish tank serving as the cellar’s main focal point.

The penthouse’s sliding-glass doors takes you to a private outside courtyard with a waterfall feature, living green walls, and a hot tub.  Furthermore, a private elevator can take you to either  a 6,000-square-foot roof terrace with a pergola or a supplementary 2,000-square-foot lower deck that includes dining and lounging areas as well as an outdoor bar.

Despite the fact that the penthouse is only for the purpose of being an aspirational example that is off the market, there are still five three-to-four-bedroom penthouses remaining on the market with prices ranging from $8.8 million to over $20 million.  The idea was to give potential buyers a look into what their own penthouse may be like so that they can envision a more extraordinary home for themselves.  Each respective penthouse contains an exceptional design layout that is capable of being personalized by the buyer.

For those future owners living at the Ritz-Carlton residence, they will be provided with full access to various amenities such as a residential art studio, a private captained day yacht, and a half-acre rooftop pool deck with private cabanas.

For more information visit:  TheResidencesMiamiBeach.com

Photo courtesy of RitzCarlton.com

Where to Find the Best Wine and Spirit Shops in Sydney

Most people enjoy a glass or two of delicious wine, fine cognac or quality whiskey. A carefully selected vintage elevates any meal, and there’s certainly no better way to unwind after an eventful day. However, lovers of fine drinks sometimes have trouble finding a premium quality product. Not every drink is made equal, and while there’s plenty of amazing producers, there’s also a lot of mediocre or poor wines and spirits on the market. The key to finding your ideal bottle is, of course, a matter of trial and error. That’s why it’s crucial to know where to look. Buying at an exclusive shop that only carries premium alcoholic beverages ups your chances of finding something you will like, especially if the employees are knowledgeable and helpful. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to go looking for wine and spirits in Sydney.

Red Bottle

Red Bottle has several stores in different locations, among them one of the best-equipped bottle shops in Sydney CBD. They specialize in premium quality drinks, so there are no worries you’ll end up with anything less than an exceptional beverage after a visit to one of their stores. They also have a pretty impressive range of international wines and spirits; whatever your preferences are, the chances are Red Bottle have the drink you want. If you know what you like and don’t feel like going to the actual store, they also deliver.

World of Whisky

If you’re a whisky connoisseur (or would like to become one), World of Whisky is the place for you. Those who are only just starting to delve into the complex world of whisky, will have plenty of opportunities to learn and try out some new tastes, while experienced aficionados can find something to cater to their specific taste.  The store carries expensive, premium, and some hard-to-find bottles. If you’d like a taste, book yourself for a tasting and see what they’re all about.

The Drink Hive

The Drink Hive is quite an interesting place, especially if you would like to try something local. While they offer a pretty great selection of wines, spirits and beers, the best bottles on offer here are the crème de la crème the local producers have to offer. Not only are their wines delicious, they are also sustainable. Their service is out of this world, and all the employees are wells of information, without being pushy.

Amato’s Liquor Mart

Amato’s might seem like a tiny, not very impressive store from the outside, but the inside is just breathtaking for any true wine aficionado. If you’re interested in some truly rare and unusual finds, Amato’s is the place for you. Their international selection is out of this world: all of the major wine producing countries are represented, and most of them have an entire shelf to themselves. Their whisky selection is almost as impressive.

Prince Wine Store

Prince Wine Store has stores in multiple locations, as well as a pretty good online shop. Their selection is exclusive and definitely on the pricier side, though, you will be paying for top notch quality. If you often feel peckish when you’re trying out wine, and would love to have a gourmet meal or at least some snacks with your bottle, you’ll be happy to hear that an attached bar is in plans for the Sydney shop. They even offer wine education courses, and if that’s not the coolest hobby on the planet, we don’t know what is.

A glass of a top-quality drink is one of the finest pleasures life has to offer, and one that definitely deserves some splurging. Next time you’re looking for an exquisite drink, visit one of our recommendations for a truly exquisite experience.

Stampede of Sound: To Support Space for Giants

Stampede of Sound, set for November 2nd at the Brooklyn Bowl in NYC is an extravagant philanthropic party and concert, which will be supporting the incredible work of Space for Giants.  With proceeds going to fund the organization’s vital work in protecting African elephants and their natural landscapes.

The event, which among its many highlights, features a performance by Nile Rodgers that was organized by Space for Giants’s Creative and Philanthropic Director, Lexi Bowes-Lyon along with Ashley Wyndham.  The exclusive eight hundred person event is set to be attended by over one hundred celebrities, including both influencers as well as philanthropists.  As we get closer to the event, there will also be announcements of additional high-profile artists that will be performing at Stampede of Sound.

Set to take place before the multiple music acts, is a dinner and VIP bowling competition for those who decide to sponsor a lane.  In addition, there will be both pre & post show auctions to benefit Space for Giants.  The main auction items are made up of miniature 3D printed elephants designed by several renowned NYC artists.  For the highly anticipated VIP auction, there will be a wide range of luxurious items and experiences consisting of a Helicopter charter from Blade, Porcelains donated from Lladro, ceramics from Italy’s Amalfi Coast, original images by David Yarrow & Hiroshi Sugimoto, as well as a photo from the personal collection of Patrick McMullan.

For those of you who would like to opt for a VIP table with nine of your closest friends, you will gain access to the pre-event cocktail party and dinner, which includes complimentary drinks throughout the night; in addition to a meet and greet with the musicians and the opportunity to partake in the bowling competition.

To purchase tickets to Stampede of Sound, please visit:  TicketFly.com

Image by:  Marc Millman

MB&F’s nautically inspired Horological Innovation

Swiss watch brand Maximilian Büsser and Friends, also known as MB&F, teamed up with Swiss high-end clock manufacturer L’Epée 1839 to create yet another horological masterpiece.  The result of this collaboration, which marks their seventh partnership together, is the new Octopod desk clock (35,000CHF).  MB&F’s latest innovation was inspired by key aspects of an octopus such as its eight integrated legs as well as a spherical “head” that harbors its intricate clockwork complications and “face” displaying the time of day.

This nautically inspired timepiece shelters a manual wound movement that extends an 8-day power reserve from only a single barrel running at 18,000 vibrations per hour.  Evocative of the Ulysse Nardin Freak, the escapement of the Octopod braces onto the minute hand; headlining an extremely unique feature to the piece.

The Octopod is actually not the first sea inspired innovation from Max Büsser’s firm that centralizes on oceanic life, but the second consecutive timepiece they have produced.  MB&F released the acclaimed HM7 Aquapod, a wrist watch sporting a jellyfish-inspired figuration and external diver’s-style bezel, as their first ever nautically influenced timepiece.

The unique nautical design of the Octopod does not merely conclude at its cephalopod contour.  The head of the desk clock relates to the device that holds the ship’s gyroscope in place.  This bears a similar resemblance to how the ship’s chronometers were originally like in the past, which acquiesces them to concatenate in benefit of the ship’s movement.

MB&F’s new aquatic desk clock received its transparent bubble evoking recollection of the bathysphere from James Cameron’s The Abyss; an 1989 American science fiction film.  Because the Swiss watch brand mainly aimed their attention on robots and outer space for inspiration on their timepieces, MB&F are changing their heading and focusing on adapting a far more expansive array of nautically inspired timepieces in the years to come.

The octopod desk clock will be in a limited production of only 150 examples, which include 50 with legs in palladium, 50 in blue, and 50 in black PVD.

MOVEMENT & SPECIFICATIONS

• ●  Baseplate in transparent mineral glass, anti-reactive coating both sides
• ●  Balance frequency: 2.5 Hz / 18,000 bph
• ●  Power reserve: 8 days from single barrel
• ●  Components movement: 159
• ●  Jewels: 19
• ●  Incabloc shock protection system protected by mineral glass
• ●  Manual-winding: the double-depth square socket key sets time and winds movement
• ●  Palladium-plated brass, stainless steel and nickel-plated brass

For more information about the Octopod:  MBandF.com

Photos provided by MB&F

Social by Heinz Beck: A Modern Gastronomical Wonder

World-renowned, 3-star Michelin Chef Heinz Beck made his Dubai debut with Social, a contemporary restaurant featuring Italian cuisine, located inside the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. While Heinz Beck was born in Germany, Italy was where his unique culinary talent was nurtured and flourished.

His tenure in Italy (Rome, specifically) was where Beck built his stellar reputation. Under his supervision, Beck guided La Pergola, the fine dining establishment, to it’s 3 Michelin stars as well as international fame, firmly establishing this German-born culinary master as an authority on Mediterranean cuisine.

Now widely regarded as one of the masters of gastronomy, having won numerous gastronomy awards throughout his enviable career, Beck continues his pursuit and taste for adventure. His sizeable portfolio of restaurants stretches his gastronomical footprints, encompassing restaurants in London, New York, and naturally, Dubai.

Heinz Beck’s 20 years of culinary experience is brought to bear at Social, a beautiful representation of artfully curated Italian dishes. A contemporary Italian restaurant unlike any other, Social by Heinz Beck features inviting design elements that offer a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. The magnificent views of both Dubai and the Arabian Gulf make Social the ideal setting for everyday dining and moments of celebratory occasion. Social is classic luxury; stylish and sophisticated with Beck’s modern twist, a mantra that extends from the decor right through to its menu.

Innovative and exciting, Social’s dishes maintain the utmost attention to detail and respect for ingredients. Abiding by the “Golden Rule” of cooking — do what you do with art and passion — Beck endeavors to use the finest ingredients to produce highly innovative flavors.

“Citrus marinated Amberjack on avocado cream”

Expect to find traditional Italian dishes such as tiramisu and tortellini on Social’s menu. But the menu is far from straightforward. Beck’s unique interpretation of the “Modern” kitchen is manifested on Social’s menu. His innovative pioneering techniques display the rich heritage of the Mediterranean region through appealing dishes.

His signature fagotelli is a clever play on the Italian staple carbonara. The rich mix of egg yolk, Parmesan, and pecorino cheese are enveloped in pillowy pockets of dough. Tossed into a pan and cooked with zucchini, pancetta, butter, and white wine, the fagotelli is an intriguing dish bursting with distinct aroma and flavor.

Starters like the grilled tuna with aubergine, pine nuts & mint, and the lobster medallion with avocado and tomatoes, set the stage for an unforgettable experience. Beef tenderloin with bell pepper and potato gratin, the black cod with borlotti beans and parsley snow, as well as other mains are all elegant dishes and a pleasure to eat.

“Fagottelli Carbonara”

Diners can also relish Social’s dessert menu, light yet particularly satisfying. The Raspberry 1.1 is perfection in quality, taste and presentation. Beck’s tiramisu is an outstanding interpretation of the classic Italian staple; uncomplicated, yet packed with inspired flavor.

Beck’s dishes are elaborate works of art. Every aspect of the plate is perfectly executed and considered. Plates are decorated with herbs, flowers, and delicacies, transforming simple ingredients into exceedingly evocative dishes.

Service is as impeccable as the menu. The staff are friendly and attentive. Their knowledge of the dishes on the menu can guide you through an unforgettable evening if you are unsure of where to start. They are present without being intrusive and communicate with care and consideration.

“Duck tortellini with pea cream, fava beans, artichokes and black truffle”

A maestro of the modern kitchen, anyone who ventures into Social will find something delightful in Beck’s expansive yet succinct menu.

Social by Heinz Beck also features a special culinary ladies’ night every Wednesday. Experience an innovative three-course set menu promising a vibrant evening. Each selected dish is specially curated to fully maximize on the Mediterranean region from which Beck has garnered his success. The evening includes two complimentary glasses of grape or sparkling.

Heinz Beck is truly a polyhedric genius of our time. As Beck says: “My aim for Social is to offer diners fresh, contemporary cuisine in an uncomplicated and welcoming setting.”

“Raspberry 1.1”

His cuisine is elaborate yet emotional. Social’s rather non avant-garde approach surprises and delights your palate with unique and luxurious flavors. A visit to Social will leave you with a desire to return.

As one of the best Italian restaurants in Dubai, one must book in advance in order to enjoy the experience that Beck brings to the dinner table. Visiting gourmands must make reservations as Social is only open for dinner, from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m, Monday to Saturday.

Benetti’s M/Y Seasense set to debut at the Monaco Yacht Show

Set for debut at this year’s highly anticipated Monaco Yacht Show (September 27 to 30) is the awe inspiring Seasense.  Custom built by Benetti and launched earlier this year, Seasense features a wide array of unique features; which include an indoor/outdoor veranda located on the maindeck, as well as most notably the all new Benetti Beach Concept.  The interior decor of Seasense is characterized by a plush use of elegant colour seamlessly blended with over one hundred luxurious materials.

The 67-meter vessel was just delivered to her owner in July.  Constructed at Benetti’s Livorno yard, Seasense is built from a traditional steel hull and aluminum superstructure.  Exterior design was completed by the famed Cor D. Rover; pioneering his definition of the “Benetti Beach Concept”.  Unique elements of design include high vertical windows and a 10 by 4 meter swimming pool located on the main-deck, that can be converted via a carbon fiber & teak plank cover into a basketball court.

A prominet design element aboard Seasense, is the following blend that makes up both interior and exterior living space.  As such, the main-deck provides guests with an indoor outdoor living space with a dinning area for a dozen, working as a bridge to connect the intimate TV Lounge to the opulent outdoor lounge through a pair of large sliding glass doors.  In addition, floor to ceiling windows provide a medium to captivating 360 degree views when at sea.

Moving forward from the TV Lounge is the reception lobby, which features a prominent grey Antartide Marble spiral staircase with unique lighting and blue wood accents.  On the right hand side is an oversized VIP stateroom; and further forward is the “owners’ apartment” offering expansive areas including a sitting area, two walk-in wardrobes, marble ensuite, and a custom 2.7 by 2.2 meter chandelier/sculpture specially commissioned by Seasense’s art collector owners.  An additionally, inherently unique feature of the yacht are three meter high ceilings throughout her interior.  Traveling down the grand stairwell from the lobby you will find four guest staterooms as well as a garage in the yacht’s centre, which houses a limo tender designed by Giorgio Cassetta.

Making our way to up the staircase of Seasense, we find a more formal salon along with the standard bridge and captain’s cabin located on the upper deck.  The formal salon is an area split into both a sitting area and small study.  Stepping out unto the aft outdoor area, we find a myriad array of sofas and sun loungers along with a dinning space for 12.  The sundeck is significant particularly into the relation of the yachts size.  Offering a fully equipped gym, casual living area, a fully equipped ‘American’ bar, and a wood burning pizza oven.

The plush interior of Seasense was designed and crafted by ‘Area’ in coordination with Benetti’s own in-house design team to create an interior that reflects the “sense of the sea.” Multiple blue design hues are abundant throughout the yacht’s interior spaces, which are capable of accommodating up to twelve guests in the utmost of style and luxury.  Four varieties of wood are noticeable throughout her staterooms in addition to unique blends of marble and carpet floors throughout.

Seasense has a maximum range of 5,000 nautical miles at a crushing speed of 12 knots powered by a pair of Caterpillar engines (1,380 kW each), which are capable of propelling the yacht to a top speed of 15.5 knots.

The New Lucid Air All-Electric Sedan

The luxury mobility company, Lucid Motors, is conceptualizing the car of the future to reawaken a new era of the automotive world.  Headquartered in Menlo Park, California, the team at Lucid integrates innovative engineering, cutting-edge design, and groundbreaking technology to actualize an entirely new class of luxury vehicle: the Lucid Air all-electric sedan.  The Lucid Air boasts autonomous-ready Air, which will be capable of reaching up to 400 miles of range and hitting 60 mph in just under 2.5 seconds.

Lucid is currently in the midst of developing products and services for the next level of experiential, on-demand, and sustainable luxury; this is demonstrated by the Lucid Air premium sedan, their first ever platform.  In pursuit of creating a revolutionary vehicle for the discerning customer, the Lucid team has provided extensive knowledge and ability from both the technology and automotive industries.  The Air is set to be manufactured in Casa Grande, Arizona, with deliveries beginning in 2019 and prices starting at $60,000 before federal and local tax credits.

Founded in 2007, Lucid, formerly known as Atieva, was originally a company that created EV battery systems for other manufacturers.  During that time, the company’s batteries logged over 20 million real-world miles to date.  In 2014, the company started to change things up and develop its own vehicle that is the epitome of elegance and the forefront of technological innovations.

The Base Lucid Air version’s specifications are as follows: LED multi-lens array headlights, over-the-air software updates, 10 advanced airbags, an aluminum roof, 19 inch wheels, 400 horse power (wheel-rear drive), a 240-mile range, essential autonomous driving hardware, four screens (three of which have interactive touch surfaces), a 10-speaker audio system, 12-way power front seats, and 5-seat configuration with a rear bench seat.

The first 255 customer cars will be Launch Edition cars, which will feature extensive autonomous driving hardware, an upgraded audio system, 21-inch Lucid-design wheels, Premium leather interior, 22-way adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, dynamic bolsters, and massage settings, foldable bench style rear seats with heating functionality, and unique colors and badging.  The launch edition also has a top speed of at least 155 mph, and utilizes a twin-motor configuration with all-wheel drive; going not-to-60 mph in under 2.5 seconds.  On August 16th, 2017, Lucid’s Launch Edition was also given a new exclusive colour when it participated in Monterey Car Week.  Pricing for the Lucid Air Launch Edition sedan can reach over $100,000.

Available options on the Lucid Air all-electric sedan include:

• ● 400-mile range battery
• ● 29-speaker audio system with active noise cancellation
• ● 22-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, dynamic bolsters, and message
• ● Expanded leather trim with corresponding material upgrades
• ● 400-mile range battery
• ● Glass-canopy roof
• ● 21-inch Lucid-design wheels
• ● Twin-motor, all-wheel drive
• ● Fully active suspension
• ● Rear executive seats that recline up to 55 degrees.

Lucid Motors is an independent company, having investments from around the world such as Venrock (USA), Mitsui (Japan), Tsing Capital (China) and many others.  The Lucid Air is currently focused on the US market, but is intended to be sold oversees in both Europe and China in the near future.  During the first twelve months of production, Lucid Motors expects to assemble 10,000 units.  And in 2022 they are anticipated to produce up to 60,000 units.

Reservations for the all-new Lucid Air all-electric sedan started at the Lucid Air launch event on December 15, 2016.  A base Lucid Air is reservable with a refundable deposit of $2,500.  While a Lucid Air Launch Edition can be reserved for a refundable deposit of $25,500, which it is limited to only the first 255 customer cars.  Lucid Motors does not disclose reservation numbers and reservations are available here.

Learn more at: lucidmotors.com

Mercedes-AMG Unveils The $2.5M Project ONE Hyper-car

One of this years most highly anticipated hyper-cars has just been unveiled by Mercedes-AMG.  Dubbed the Project ONE, this new offering provides Formula one style driving and performance in a striking new design that is modern yet reminiscent of the acclaimed CLK GTR.

Currently celebrating it’s world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, where the Project-One stands as a highlight and honest pinnacle of German engineering, with it’s fuel efficient V6 combined with cutting edge hybrid technology allowing for a 20-mile, all electric range.  Producing a zero to sixty time of just over 2.5 seconds, an engine producing 1,000 horsepower and a top speed of 217 miles per hour.  Mercedes aims to position their new offering to compete with the likes of the McLaren P1, Porsche 918, and Ferrari La Ferrari in entering the game of super sports hybrid hyper cars.

To see the Project-One in action, check out the below video, where you can glimpse into the intense performance of the vehicle as F1 champion Lewis Hamilton explores “The Future of Driving Performance” in this new short film from Mercedes-AMG.

Remarkable in regard to multiple facets of its engineering prowess, the Project ONE was developed in cooperation with the Mercedes AMG F1 team, who had also been involved in the development of the stunning 805hp four-door AMG GT Concept car that had been showcased during Monterey Car Week at the Quail.  With these new developments Mercedes if offering their audience a glimpse of what is to come in this new generation of futuristic vehicles.

Starting from the early days of automobiles, Mercedes Benz has continued to up-hold their reputation of blending the forefront of racing technology and cutting edge design.  This heritage is seen in the wide genre of the firm’s newest releases such as the Project ONE.

“Motorsport is not an end in itself for us. Faced with intense competition, we develop technologies from which our production vehicles also subsequently benefit. We are drawing on our experiences and successes from three constructors’ and drivers’ world championships to bring Formula 1 technology to the road for the first time: in Mercedes-AMG Project ONE,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars.

Looking to the Project ONE’s exterior design we instantly notice the inspiration of past Daimler vehicles that have been incorporated in the cars inherently unique design.  Intricate lines and air intakes perfectly link the line between design and function increasing performance and a striking appearance.  Sculpted lines give way to the pushed forward cockpit in perfect vertical proportion to Project ONE’s intimidating rear end and oversized fender.

“The Mercedes-AMG Project ONE is the hottest and coolest car we have ever designed. It combines our design philosophy of Sensual Purity with the performance of our Formula 1 racing cars and is the perfect embodiment of Performance Luxury,” said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “This hypercar’s extreme design marks a milestone in design – there are no lines, and the interior is stripped down to the essentials.”

Turning our attention to Project ONE’s interior layout we find a driver focused cockpit inspired by the idea that the vehicle will give the occupants supreme comfort, whether they are on a road along the Cote d’Azur or pacing the Nurburgring.  The Project ONE’s monocoque interior clearly reflects Mercedes’s “no nonsense ideology” with every interior component being beautifully minimalist yet completely essential and functional.  One supreme example of this ultimate driving machines functionality are the subtly divided two seats, which have been constructed as part of the car’s monocoque.  In turn this allows for only the back of the seat to be adjustable, to allow for this type of design Mercedes has made both the pedals and steering wheel versatile in length and positioning.

Unfortunately, if you are looking to purchase a Project ONE, you may very well be out of luck; as all 275 examples have been pre-sold out at a price rumored to be over 2.5M USD.

For more information on Mercedes-AMG, please visit:  www.mercedes-amg.com