Luxist http://www.luxist.com Luxist. http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.luxist.com/media/feedlogo.gif Luxist http://www.luxist.com prods@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Producers) support@weblogsinc.com (Weblogs, Inc. Web Support) en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[BMW to Show 6 Series Coupe in Shanghai]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/23/bmw-6-series-coupe-shanghai/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/23/bmw-6-series-coupe-shanghai/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/23/bmw-6-series-coupe-shanghai/#comments BMW will unveil its 6 Series coupe at the Shanghai Motor Show next month, highlighting in part the importance of the China market for the German automaker.

Media insiders got a look at a "concept" 6 Series coupe last September at the Paris Motor Show, but this will be the final production version. It will arrive in European and U.S. showrooms by this Fall.

The coupe will face stiff competition against the Jaguar XK and Mercedes E-Class coupe, as well as the recently introduced Cadillac CTS-V Coupe -- which has been extremely well received by the motoring press.

The 650i will come with an 8 cylinder gas engine, while the 640i is powered by a 6-cylinder. Both are fitted with an 8-speed sports automatic gearbox as standard equipment. A diesel powered version will follow the launch.

The price in Europe for the 640i Coupe will be about $106,000 (74,700 euros).

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BMW to Show 6 Series Coupe in Shanghai originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> BMWBMW 6 Series coupeCadillac CTS-VJaguar XKluxury carShanghai Motor Show David Kiley Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Jack Daniel's Launches Tennessee Honey: First New Whiskey in a Generation]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/18/jack-daniels-tennessee-honey/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/18/jack-daniels-tennessee-honey/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/18/jack-daniels-tennessee-honey/#comments Jack Daniel's is about to roll out its first new expression in a generation: Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey.

The new libation starts with Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 and mingles it with a special honey liqueur. The result is a smoother, sweeter version of Jack that is just 70-proof. It is a clear and understandable attempt to pull more women into drinking Jack. There is even a cute honeybee on the label. Older drinkers might take a shine to it, as well. I can see my late Aunt Letitia or even my North Carolina Gram sipping Jack's Honey.

The addition of liqueur does give the finish a vaguely medicinal, cough-syrup taste in the background of other flavors like butterscotch, pear and honey.

Bartenders are just getting samples to play with, but I can see Old Fashions being made with Jack Honey, as well as Mint Juleps that are made with Old No. 7 instead of Kentucky Bourbon. The Derby is right around the corner, too.

Price: About $22.00 for a 750 ml bottle.

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Jack Daniel's Launches Tennessee Honey: First New Whiskey in a Generation originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Jack DanielsJack Daniels Tennessee HoneyKentucky Derby David Kiley Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Dalmore Launches Rivers and Castle Leod]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/18/the-dalmore-rivers-and-castle-leod/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/18/the-dalmore-rivers-and-castle-leod/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/18/the-dalmore-rivers-and-castle-leod/#comments The Dalmore whiskey label has released the second generation of its Castle Leod special edition, which raises money for the restoration of Castle Leod in Scotland.

Previously, The Dalmore had released an expression, MacKenzie, which raised 20,000 pounds toward renovation costs. Castle Leod was built in 1606 and is occupied by descendants of the original family owners--members of the MacKenzie Clan. It is located in the town of Strathpeffer in the Highlands.

The whisky was distilled in 1995 and has spent the majority of its time since maturing in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, before transferring for the last 18 months to red wine casks that previously held Cabernet Sauvignon wine and were sourced from a Premier Cru vineyard in the Bordeaux region of France.

There will be just 5,000 bottles made available for sale of Castle Leod. The price is 100 pounds per bottle, or $161.00.

The color is dark amber and the nose is rich and powerful with exaggerated aromas. There are notes of caramel, treacle, oranges and malted barley grains. Subtle notes of honey and vanilla are join in, and finally the red wine aromas kick in.

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The Dalmore Launches Rivers and Castle Leod originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Castle and LeodClan MacKenzieSingle-Malt Scotch WhiskeyspiritsThe Dalmore David Kiley Fri, 18 Mar 2011 14:55:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Five Awesome Irish Whiskey Sips for St. Patrick's Day]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/irish-whiskey-st-patricks-day/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/irish-whiskey-st-patricks-day/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/17/irish-whiskey-st-patricks-day/#comments
Irish whiskey makers will have a prosperous St. Patrick's Day as their particular brand of elixir remains one of the fastest growing segments of the spirits business.

Jameson Irish whiskey, the world's leading brand, reported a strong 16 percent spike in sales by volume (shipments to liquor stores) in the last six months of 2010. The brand sold more than three million cases during 2010, with one million of these cases consumed in the United States. In the U.S., sales were up a hefty 27 percent.

Though the market is dominated by two brands, Jameson and Bushmill's, there are several other brands of Irish whisky to consider laying in for the holiday, or giving as a gift.

Continue reading Five Awesome Irish Whiskey Sips for St. Patrick's Day

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Five Awesome Irish Whiskey Sips for St. Patrick's Day originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bushmills irish whiskyIrish WhiskeyJamesons irish whiskeymichael collins irish whiskeyRedbreast Irish whiskeyspiritsSt. Patrick Daywhisky David Kiley Thu, 17 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bulleit Shoots a New Premium Rye Into the Market]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/14/bulleit-rye/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/14/bulleit-rye/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/14/bulleit-rye/#comments When Bulleit Bourbon hit the shelves in 1999, it's high Rye content, as well as its unique apothecary-style bottle put it on the map right away with Bourbon fans. A dram more than a decade after it started rolling through the market, Bulleit has come forth with a straight rye.

Rye is on the rise, especially with bartenders who seem to have rediscovered it in the last couple of years. But rising popularity is still relative. Heaven Hill, for example, says it can produce a year's worth of its Rittenhouse Rye in about a day. Some of the popularity and increased consumption is coming about because of new brands and expressions, though, like Jim Beam's Ri1.

Straight rye whiskey must have at least a 51 percent rye mashbill. But Bulleit Rye is 95 percent with the remaining 5% from malted barley. That contrasts with Bulleit Bourbon, which is just 28 percent rye.

Tom Bulleit, founder of the brand, says he has been working on the rye for seven years. The company says that it sources its rye from Germany, Sweden, Canada and the United States. Bulleit Bourbon is made at the Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, Four Roses Distillery.

Bulleit Rye is aged in new, white-oak barrels that are charred to the maximum #4 level, says the company, before being filled. The whiskey is bottled at 90 proof (45 percent alcohol by volume), the same as Bulleit Bourbon. And the suggested retail price is $27.99.

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Bulleit Shoots a New Premium Rye Into the Market originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bourbonBulleit ryejim beamri1rittenhouse ryespirits David Kiley Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Audi A3 Sedan To Join Mercedes B Class and BMW Front-Drive Cars]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/audi-a3-sedan-to-join-mercedes-b-class-and-bmw-front-drive-cars/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/audi-a3-sedan-to-join-mercedes-b-class-and-bmw-front-drive-cars/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/08/audi-a3-sedan-to-join-mercedes-b-class-and-bmw-front-drive-cars/#comments German luxury car brands are continuing to reach lower in price and smaller in size to attract more Generation Y premium shoppers, as well as some Gen X and Baby Boomers who have seen their wealth, if not their taste in brands, shrink in the last couple of years.

The latest is Audi's apparent plans to bring the A3 sedan to the U.S. for the 2013 model year. Audi currently sells just the Audi A3 five-door hatch in the U.S. The German company sold 6,558 of those last year, and there is speculation that the company could sell some 10,000-15,000 sedans a year if it brought it to the U.S.

Continue reading Audi A3 Sedan To Join Mercedes B Class and BMW Front-Drive Cars

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Audi A3 Sedan To Join Mercedes B Class and BMW Front-Drive Cars originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audi a3Audi A3 sedanBMW front-drivegeneva motor showmercedes b class David Kiley Tue, 08 Mar 2011 07:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Anticipation Builds For LVMH's Nashik Sparklers from India]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/anticipation-builds-for-lvmhs-nashik-sparklers-from-india/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/anticipation-builds-for-lvmhs-nashik-sparklers-from-india/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/anticipation-builds-for-lvmhs-nashik-sparklers-from-india/#comments The global wine industry took notice when LVMH's Moet Hennessy bought its first 150 tons of grapes that were crushed in Nashik, India, where about 60 wine producers call home.

The Times of India quoted Indian wine writer, Alok Chandra as saying, 'Moet's move to enter India's wine sector is significant as it has a history of investing ahead of the curve in most big wine markets outside France.'

Moet's plan is to produce a local Nashik sparkling wine by 2012. In fact, the producer of Moet Chandon and Dom Perignon Champagne is buying land to construct a sparkling wine production facility over the next two years. [A Nashik vineyard pictured]

Continue reading Anticipation Builds For LVMH's Nashik Sparklers from India

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Anticipation Builds For LVMH's Nashik Sparklers from India originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Moet-ChandonNashikNashik Chandon David Kiley Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Brown Forman Introduces Collingwood Canadian Premium Whisky]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/brown-forman-introduces-collingwood-canadian-premium-whisky/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/brown-forman-introduces-collingwood-canadian-premium-whisky/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/07/brown-forman-introduces-collingwood-canadian-premium-whisky/#comments Brown-Forman, the parent company behind Jack Daniels, Woodford Reserve, Early Times and Southern Comfort has launched Collingwood Canadian whisky, a new premium brand in the company's portfolio.

Collingwood, a blend of two whiskies, takes its aging in white oak barrels, but receives a finishing stage in casks made of toasted maple wood. Master Distiller Chris Morris perhaps not coincidentally this year released a new expression from Woodford Reserve Masters Collection that is maple finished.

"Sugar maple does not lend itself to barrel making the way oak does," Morris told Luxist in a recent interview. "But we can work with it in finishing stages, and it imparts a very unique flavor and finish to the whisky that is very desirable."

Water for Collingwood is spring water drawn Ontario's Georgian Bay. The whisky is triple distilled. And the new brand is bottled in a unique flask-style bottle with a large "over-cap."

The whisky is smooth at 80-proof, and not as rye-centered as other Canadian whiskies. Notes of applesauce, cedar, butterscotch and molasses are in the nose.

The new brand is initially available in Texas, Florida, Kentucky and Louisiana, hitting more markets throughout 2011. A 750ml bottle will retail for around $27.

Brown Forman Introduces Collingwood Canadian Premium Whisky originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> canadian whiskychris morriscollingwood canadian whiskyjack danielsmaple casks whiskeywhiskeywhiskywoodford reserve David Kiley Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Cadillac Named Customer Service Champ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/cadillac-named-customer-service-champ/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/cadillac-named-customer-service-champ/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/03/cadillac-named-customer-service-champ/#comments Cadillac Named Customer Service ChampCadillac was named best automotive brand for customer service by J.D. Power and Associates, rising from the number-two spot it occupied last year.

The honor comes after the research firm measured five key customer touch points: people, presentation, process, product and price. According to GM, Cadillac's improving customer service scores are due, in part, to sales associates training with Ritz-Carlton service consultants. Cadillac partnered last year with the luxury hotelier on its first series of training programs, called "Defining Moments" aimed at elevating the customer experience.

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Cadillac Named Customer Service Champ originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillacJ.D. Power and Associates Customer Serviceritz carlton David Kiley Thu, 03 Mar 2011 19:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Consumer Reports Names Infiniti G37 "Top Pick" Sports Sedan]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/consumer-reports-names-infiniti-g37-top-pick-sports-sedan/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/consumer-reports-names-infiniti-g37-top-pick-sports-sedan/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/consumer-reports-names-infiniti-g37-top-pick-sports-sedan/#comments The 2011 Infiniti G37 has been named a "Top Pick" by influential Consumer Reports in the sports sedan category, besting such competitors as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

CR is highly regarded because it accepts no advertising -- so is seen as isolated from pressure from advertisers. The magazine's testers buy cars anonymously to ensure they are typical of what you'd get. Most other auto testers evaluate vehicles borrowed from automakers, which have been specially maintained and are often loaded with features.

Continue reading Consumer Reports Names Infiniti G37 "Top Pick" Sports Sedan

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Consumer Reports Names Infiniti G37 "Top Pick" Sports Sedan originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> BMW 3 SeriesChevy AvalancheConsumer ReportsInfiniti G37Top Picks David Kiley Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Mad Men Star Christina Hendricks The New Face of Vivienne Westwood]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/mad-men-star-christina-hendricks-the-new-face-of-vivienne-westwo/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/mad-men-star-christina-hendricks-the-new-face-of-vivienne-westwo/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/mad-men-star-christina-hendricks-the-new-face-of-vivienne-westwo/#comments
Mad Men co-star Christina Hendricks is hailed by some as a new modern ideal of Hollywood glamour--full figured, voluptuous; a throwback to the days of Marilyn Monroe, Jane Russell a and Veronica Lake.

That is just what U.K. designer Vivienne Westwood was looking for when she tapped Hendricks to front for her Get A Life Palladium jewelry collection.

Westwood told the Daily Mail: "Christina is the embodiment of beauty and we were delighted to have been able to involve her with this new jewelry collection. She has proved to be the perfect model for the campaign."

Continue reading Mad Men Star Christina Hendricks The New Face of Vivienne Westwood

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Mad Men Star Christina Hendricks The New Face of Vivienne Westwood originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> AMCChristina HendricksMad MenThe Daily MailVivienne Westwood David Kiley Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[VW Closing Purchase of Porsche. Still Eyeing Alfa-Romeo]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/vw-closing-purchase-of-porsche-still-eyeing-alfa-romeo/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/vw-closing-purchase-of-porsche-still-eyeing-alfa-romeo/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/03/02/vw-closing-purchase-of-porsche-still-eyeing-alfa-romeo/#comments German automaker Volkswagen this week is expected to complete its long-planned $4.5 billion acquisition of luxury sports car maker Porsche. When the ink is dry, it will formally add Porsche to a brand stable that includes Audi, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti, as well as mass-market brands Volkswagen, Skoda and Seat.

And VW AG supervisory board chairman, billionaire Ferdinand Piech (grandson of Porsche founder Ferdinand Porsche) isn't through trying to add premium and luxury brands. At the Geneva Motor Show this week Piech reiterated his interest in acquiring Italian brand Alfa Romeo, owned by Fiat, despite public statements by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne that the marque is not for sale.

Continue reading VW Closing Purchase of Porsche. Still Eyeing Alfa-Romeo

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VW Closing Purchase of Porsche. Still Eyeing Alfa-Romeo originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alfa romeoAventadorbentleyBugattiFerdinand PiechFiatGeneva Motor ShowLamborghiniPorscheSergio MarchionneVolkswagen AG David Kiley Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Lamborghini Aventador: New Italian Super Car Laid Bare]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/25/lamborghini-aventador-new-italian-super-car-laid-bare/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/25/lamborghini-aventador-new-italian-super-car-laid-bare/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/25/lamborghini-aventador-new-italian-super-car-laid-bare/#comments Loosen up your checkbooks. Italian super-car builder Lamborghini is expected to unveil its new Aventador next week at the Geneva Motor Show. The Aventador is the successor to the Murcielago, which went out of production last November, having finished off a decade long run of 4,099 cars produced.

Though the "Aventador" name is still technically unconfirmed by Lamborghini, it is known that the company trademarked the name. Industry sources say the new flagship super-car will produce around 700 horsepower from a new 12-cylinder engine, reach 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds, and reach a top end of 217 mph.

Continue reading Lamborghini Aventador: New Italian Super Car Laid Bare

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Lamborghini Aventador: New Italian Super Car Laid Bare originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Geneva Motor ShowLamborghinilamborghini aventadorLamborghini Aventador LP700-4lamborghini murcielago David Kiley Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Malt Advocate Shocks Scotland: Names Indian Amrut "World Whisky of the Year"]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/malt-advocate-shocks-scotland-names-indian-amrut-world-whisky/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/malt-advocate-shocks-scotland-names-indian-amrut-world-whisky/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/malt-advocate-shocks-scotland-names-indian-amrut-world-whisky/#comments The influential Malt Advocate Magazine has named Indian whisky Amrut Fusion "World Whisky of the Year."

It is the second major honor bestowed upon Amrut's Fusion, having been named third best whiskey of the year in the 2010 edition of "The Whisky Bible." This time, it scored top of the heap worldwide, besting and shocking Scotland, American and Canadian whiskey producers.

World Whisky of the Year is a new award category for the magazine. Editor John Hansell says: "We created this category to recognize that there are some wonderful whiskies being produced in countries like Japan, India, Sweden, England, and many more, but there aren't enough whiskies made in any of these countries (and imported to the United States) to warrant their own category."

Amrut Fusion, about $60.00, sold in the U.S. bears no age statement, but contains no whisky aged more than six years old. Much of the whisky in Fusion is less than four years in the barrel. Aging in second-fill casks in India speeds maturation because of India's warm climate. The whisky is made from combining Indian malted barley with peated Scottish malt.

For the benefit of the uninitiated, Amrut Distilleries Ltd. belongs to the N.R. Jagdale Group, which is an old line Indian industrial company based in Bangalore. The company also produces vodka, gin, brandy and rum.

Malt Advocate awards honors for several other categories. Of the six major product awards, it is worth noting that only one is currently priced above $100.00.

Click links below for detailed Luxist reviews and inormation about the products and distillieries.

Scotch Whisky Single Malt of the Year
Glenfarclas 40-Year old: At $460.00 Malt Advocate calls this single-malt a "steal."

Scotch Whisky Blend of the Year
Compass Box "Flaming Heart": A blend of malt whiskies from seven distilleries in three regions of Scotland, Compass Box proves again that you don't have to make your own whisky to produce great blends. Price: About $85.00.

Continue reading Malt Advocate Shocks Scotland: Names Indian Amrut "World Whisky of the Year"

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Malt Advocate Shocks Scotland: Names Indian Amrut "World Whisky of the Year" originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Amrut FusionBuffalo TraceCompass BoxForty Creek Confederation OakGlenfarclasKilchomanMalt AdvocateRebreast 12 Year OldWhisky BibleWorld Whisky of the World David Kiley Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Saving Saab: Spyker To Sell Luxury Sports Car Biz To Save Swedish Icon]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/saving-saab-spyker-to-sell-luxury-sports-car-biz-to-save-swedis/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/saving-saab-spyker-to-sell-luxury-sports-car-biz-to-save-swedis/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/saving-saab-spyker-to-sell-luxury-sports-car-biz-to-save-swedis/#comments Saving Saab: Spyker To Sell Luxury Sports Car Biz To Save Swedish IconSpyker, maker of hand-built exotic cars, is selling that business to a Russian billionaire, while it concentrates on reviving Swedish premium carmaker Saab.

Spyker, which bought Saab from General Motors in 2010, has signed a memo of understanding to sell the Spyker business and brand to Russian financier Vladimir Antonov, who owns CPP Global Holdings in the U.K.

The sale of Spyker is expected to raise $44 million, substantially reducing the company's debt, and positioning it better to give Saab a shot at surviving as a niche premium car brand.

Continue reading Saving Saab: Spyker To Sell Luxury Sports Car Biz To Save Swedish Icon

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Saving Saab: Spyker To Sell Luxury Sports Car Biz To Save Swedish Icon originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Bob LutzGMSaabSaab 9-3Saab 9-5SpykerVictor MullerVladimir Antonov David Kiley Thu, 24 Feb 2011 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Can Lincoln Keep Limo Market with MKT "Town Car"?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/can-lincoln-keep-limo-market-with-mkt-town-car/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/can-lincoln-keep-limo-market-with-mkt-town-car/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/24/can-lincoln-keep-limo-market-with-mkt-town-car/#comments
Who isn't happy to see a Lincoln Town Car waiting for them instead of a Ford Crown Victoria taxi?

This days are coming to a close as the automaker gets close to discontinuing the venerable Town Car, the engineering chassis of which technically dates back to the early 1970s.

Ford just introduced a replacement for the Town Car sedan, based on the Lincoln MKT crossover (see gallery), at an annual gathering of limousine and livery car buyers in Las Vegas.

Lincoln plans to build two chauffeur-dedicated MKT Town Car versions in 2012 to replace the Town Car. But trade publication Automotive News reports that some of the companies that buy airport cars and limousines aren't as happy about the MKT as Ford hopes despite the more modern engineering platform and added cargo room in the vehicle.

Gallery: Lincoln MKT Town Car

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Can Lincoln Keep Limo Market with MKT "Town Car"? originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> lincolnLincoln airport carLincoln MKTLincoln Town Car David Kiley Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Willem Dafoe Stars in Ad For Jim Beam]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/22/willem-dafoe-stars-in-ad-for-jim-beam/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/22/willem-dafoe-stars-in-ad-for-jim-beam/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/22/willem-dafoe-stars-in-ad-for-jim-beam/#comments
Premium Bourbon Jim Beam has tapped actor Willem Dafoe for an unusual TV ad campaign.

Directed by Dante Ariola and created by New York ad agency StrawberryFrog, the ad uses Dafoe to talk about the choices we make in life and how they define who we are. "Life boils down to a series of choices," says Dafoe in the voiceover. "All choices lead you somewhere; bold choices lead you where you are supposed to be."

In between the statements, the commercial surprises and amuses the viewer with images of Dafoe as chess player, circus clean-up man, fashion designer, plant manager, sumo wrestler and trapeze artist. The commercial's last image is of a bottle of Jim Beam, suggesting this is the bold choice bourbon drinkers must make.

Continue reading Willem Dafoe Stars in Ad For Jim Beam

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Willem Dafoe Stars in Ad For Jim Beam originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alcoholbourbonJack DanielsJim BeamspiritsStrawberryFrogwhiskywillem dafoe David Kiley Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Will Rolls Royce Buyers Go For An Electric Flying Lady?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/20/will-rolls-royce-buyers-go-for-an-electric-flying-lady/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/20/will-rolls-royce-buyers-go-for-an-electric-flying-lady/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/20/will-rolls-royce-buyers-go-for-an-electric-flying-lady/#comments When the Rolls Royce 102EX is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show next month, the fling lady hood ornament will have a decidedly different glow. In fact, it will be glowing.

That's because the 102EX is electric. Yes. Instead of gassing up, Rolls Royce owners may one day soon be plugging in.

To be sure, Rolls, owned and managed by German automaker BMW AG, is not ready to start selling high-voltage Rollers. It is a "one-off," fully electric powered Rolls Royce Phantom. The car will tour during 2011, serving as a test bed to gather a bank of research data that will inform future decisions on alternative drive-trains for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Continue reading Will Rolls Royce Buyers Go For An Electric Flying Lady?

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Will Rolls Royce Buyers Go For An Electric Flying Lady? originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> GenevaMotorShowrolls royce 102exrolls royce electricRolls Royce Phantomtesla motorstesla roadster David Kiley Sun, 20 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bacardi Launches Eristoff Vodka]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/20/bacardi-launches-eristoff-vodka/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/20/bacardi-launches-eristoff-vodka/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/20/bacardi-launches-eristoff-vodka/#comments bacardi eristoff vodkaBacardi Global Brands certainly has the rum and super-premium vodka categories covered with Bacardi and Grey Goose. Now, it is extending its Eristoff premium vodka brand to the U.S.

Eristoff hails from the former Soviet state of Georgia, which Eristoff's marketing has long capitalized on as "The Land of the Wolf" (the grey wolf actually). A very popular ad for Eristoff shows a man walking through the streets and into the woods beyond. He comes to be chased by a pack of wolves. The payoff of the ad is that the man is running inside a snowglobe, eventually running into the outer glass wall of the globe. Eristoff's logo is a wolf howling at a crescent moon.

Eristoff is made from 100% grain, tripled distilled and charcoal filtered. The recipe is said to be the original from 1806 created by Prince Eristoff of present day Georgia. It comes in three varieties: Original (80-proof); Red (40-proof), which comes in a red color and is flavored with sloe berries; Black (40-proof), which comes in a dark color and is flavored with wild berries. There are two other flavors abroad that are not part of the U.S. launch--Limskaya (lime flavor) and Gold (caramel flavor).

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Bacardi Launches Eristoff Vodka originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bacardieristoff blackeristoff rederistoff vodkagrey gooseland of the wolfpremium vodkaVolvo David Kiley Sun, 20 Feb 2011 14:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Nissan To Unveil ESFLOW EV Roadster at Geneva]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/19/nissan-to-unveil-esflow-ev-roadster-at-geneva/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/19/nissan-to-unveil-esflow-ev-roadster-at-geneva/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/19/nissan-to-unveil-esflow-ev-roadster-at-geneva/#comments Japanese automaker Nissan has a bold plan for electric vehicles. It was the first major automaker to launch an all-electric car, the Leaf, with broad availability last year. At next month's Geneva auto show, Nissan will unveil the ESFLOW, a premium priced roadster concept car whose principal competitor would be the Tesla.

The ESFLOW has a look reminiscent of Nissan's iconic 370Z. The roadster makes use of the electric propulsion system found in the Nissan Leaf, but it has been re-engineered to deliver sportier performance.

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Nissan To Unveil ESFLOW EV Roadster at Geneva originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Geneva Motor ShowNissan esflownissan esflow conceptTeslatesla motors David Kiley Sat, 19 Feb 2011 18:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Five Luxe Car Brands Cited By J.D. Power as Service "Champions."]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/19/five-luxe-car-brands-cited-by-j-d-power-as-service-champions/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/19/five-luxe-car-brands-cited-by-j-d-power-as-service-champions/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/19/five-luxe-car-brands-cited-by-j-d-power-as-service-champions/#comments Five luxury automobile brands were in the top 40 brands ranked by J.D. Power and Associates in its annual Customer Service Champions report.

Jaguar, Lexus, Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Lincoln all made the list. They were joined by two other luxury brands: hoteliers Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton.

Non luxe brands included in the top 40 were Zappos.com, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and retailer Cabelas.

Brands that receive the J.D. Power Customer Service Champions designation are among the top 5 percent of more than 800 evaluated brands, based on their performance in five key areas identified as the J.D. Power 5 Ps: People, Presentation, Price, Product and Process.

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Five Luxe Car Brands Cited By J.D. Power as Service "Champions." originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillacfour seasonsj.d. powerjaguarlincolnmercedes-benzritz-carltonzappos David Kiley Sat, 19 Feb 2011 11:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari 458 Italia "Car of the Year" at Robb Report]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/17/ferrari-458-italia-car-of-the-year-at-robb-report/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/17/ferrari-458-italia-car-of-the-year-at-robb-report/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/17/ferrari-458-italia-car-of-the-year-at-robb-report/#comments
Praised as a "shocking demonstration of just how much improvement can be brought to an already near-perfect sports car," the Ferrari 458 Italia has been selected by the Robb Report editors and a panel of guest judges as the luxury lifestyle authority's 2011 Car of the Year.

Revealed in Robb Report's March issue, which hits newsstands on February 22, the award is presented to an automobile, formally introduced in the previous year, whose technical designs, styling, and performance position it as the world's preeminent sports or luxury vehicle.

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Ferrari 458 Italia "Car of the Year" at Robb Report originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aston martin v12 vantageaudi a8Laudi r8 v10cadillac cts v coupeFerrari 458 ItaliaMaseratiGranturismoPorsche 911 Turbo Srobb reportrolls royce ghost David Kiley Thu, 17 Feb 2011 10:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Saab To Unveil Hatch Concept at Geneva]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/14/saab-to-unveil-hatch-concept-at-geneva/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/14/saab-to-unveil-hatch-concept-at-geneva/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/14/saab-to-unveil-hatch-concept-at-geneva/#comments
Saab Cars is trying to engineer a coming out party since breaking loose from General Motors last year, and plans to show four models at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

Saab, now owned by Dutch exotic car-builder Spyker, is expected to show a hatchback concept of what we believe is the next 9-3 to come out of the new ownership. The other three cars figure to be special editions of the current 9-3 and 9-3 Cabrio. The 9-4X crossover will be on the stand, as well, we're told, as well as the 9-5 SportCombi.

Saab almost didn't make it. Worldwide sales have tumbled in recent years. And last year the company managed fewer than 6,000 sales in the U.S. But the company is advertising again, and has a fresh Saab 9-5 to draw fans.

GM was compelled to sell the Swedish carmaker after two decades of losing money on the arrangement, which started out as for GM as a controlling stake and then later an outright ownership.

Gallery: Saab Cars at Geneva

Preview of Saab Cars at 2011 Geneva Motor ShowSaab 9-5 SportwagonSaab TurboSaab 9-5 Sport SedanSaab 9-5 Sport Sedan

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Saab To Unveil Hatch Concept at Geneva originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Geneva Motor ShowsaabSaab 9-3XSaab 9-4xsaab 9-5spyker David Kiley Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[MINI Speedster Spotted in Tests]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/13/mini-speedster-spotted-in-tests/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/13/mini-speedster-spotted-in-tests/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/13/mini-speedster-spotted-in-tests/#comments
Luxist sister website Autoblog reports that a MINI "Speedster," long talked about as an addition to the MINI lineup, has been spied in Germany making test-drives by BMW/MINI engineers.

The car is only weakly camouflaged, and just in the rear. The Speedster is a Cabrio version of the forthcoming MINI (hard-top) coupe.

The two-door convertible is likely to be priced above the Mazda Miata, but certainly below the BMW Z4. And we expect there to be a base model, as well as a more performance tuned and fitted version done by John Cooper Works, MINI's official tuner.

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MINI Speedster Spotted in Tests originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> BMW Z4John Cooper WorksMazda MiataMINI coupeMINI Speedster David Kiley Sun, 13 Feb 2011 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW To Unveil Futuristic Roadster in Geneva]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/bmw-to-unveil-futuristic-roadster-in-geneva/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/bmw-to-unveil-futuristic-roadster-in-geneva/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/bmw-to-unveil-futuristic-roadster-in-geneva/#comments
German carmaker BMW will unveil a roadster concept at the Geneva auto show next month that combines a futuristic design with new innovations to the car's telematics and "infotainment" systems. BMW is calling the new system "VisionConnectedDrive."

The car has a head-up display that places a 3-D display of key information in the direct sight line of the driver, eliminating the need for the driver's eyes to refocus on a screen in the middle of the dash. "The display allows the real view to be overlaid with virtual information, highlighting hazards allowing the driver to assimilate all of the information quickly and take appropriate action," BMW said in a statement on Thursday.

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BMW To Unveil Futuristic Roadster in Geneva originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwbmw 8 roadsterbmw 8 seriesgeneva auto showroadster David Kiley Sat, 12 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Hyundai Genesis Luxe Sedan Gets Upgrade to V8 Power]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/hyundai-genesis-luxe-sedan-gets-upgrade-to-v8-power/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/hyundai-genesis-luxe-sedan-gets-upgrade-to-v8-power/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/12/hyundai-genesis-luxe-sedan-gets-upgrade-to-v8-power/#comments
The Hyundai Genesis sedan has been slowly gaining favor with the luxe crowd since its introduction in 2008. But the one complaint from serious would-be buyers was absence of a V8 engine. The Korean carmaker has now solved that.

Hyundai unveiled the 5.0 liter V8 2012 Genesis R-Spec sedan, which will produce 429 horsepower and 376 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is mated to a an eight-speed automatic transmission, which included a manual shift mode.

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Hyundai Genesis Luxe Sedan Gets Upgrade to V8 Power originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Chicago Auto Showhyundaihyundai genesishyundai genesis R-SpecHyundai Gensis Sedanv8 engine David Kiley Sat, 12 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Six Lovely Whiskies To Buy For Valentine's Day]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/11/six-lovely-whiskies-to-buy-for-valentines-day/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/11/six-lovely-whiskies-to-buy-for-valentines-day/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/11/six-lovely-whiskies-to-buy-for-valentines-day/#comments Whiskey for Valentine's Day? Why not.

It's not there aren't any female whiskey aficionados. But I will say most of these suggestions seem to me to be much more appropriate for men than women. After all, how many really great Valentine's Day gifts are there for men? Jewelry? Sure, for the right man, who wants a new ring or cuff-links. Bracelets? Not so much. Please.

But whiskey, special whiskies, for the whiskey loving man? That's a can't miss present. But not just any whiskey. Given the nature of the day, look for a whisky that is lush, special, characteristics. Deep amber colors, nice age, finishes of chocolate and marzipan. To do it right, think "sex in a glass."

Here are six suggestions that fit the bill. And they all should be available at better liquor stores with a decent whiskey selection.

Glenmorangie 18-year old: Price $100.00
Once it has spent 15 years maturing in American white oak casks approximately 30% is transferred into Spanish Oloroso casks to spend a further three years maturing. Then, when both have reached 18 years, it is blended back together to create a whisky with a rich bouquet and full, rounded flavor. The taste is balanced between honey, malt and flowery scents. Dates and figs emerge in the background with a hint of wood smoke. Think of Glenmorangie 18-year old like having candy, flowers and a wood fire all in the one glass.

Amrut Fusion: $50-$65.00
Introduce your mate to a whisky he or she has probably never tried. This whisky, from India, is one of the best in the world, especially under $100. Combining Indian malt and peated Scottish malt, it has a sweet side, but not too sweet. The taste includes vanilla custard, peat, dried pineapple. It will be unexpected, like a good gift should be.

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Six Lovely Whiskies To Buy For Valentine's Day originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amrut fusionardbeg corryvreckencrown royalGlenmorangie 18Parkers Heritage CollectionValentines Day giftswhiskeywhisky David Kiley Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Jura Wine Goes For $75,000 at Auction]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/09/jura-wine-goes-for-75-000-at-auction/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/09/jura-wine-goes-for-75-000-at-auction/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/09/jura-wine-goes-for-75-000-at-auction/#comments What would you pay for a Jura wine? On second thought: what's a Jura?

The Jura Mountains, north of the Alps, stretch from Switzerland to Germany's Rhine River. In eastern France, the Jura is one of that country's tiniest wine regions where the grapes grown are rare and hardy: savignan, trousseau, and ploussard.

Each February, deep in the heart of a Jura winter, thousands arrive for Le Percée du Vin Jaune (piercing of the yellow wine) to celebrate opening the first bottle of the newly released white wine known as vin jaune.

Because Vin jaune must be aged in oak for six years and three months before release, this year's Le Percée du Vin Jaune was for the 2004 vintage, but an even more unusually old Jura wine showed up: 237 years-old!

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Jura Wine Goes For $75,000 at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> francois andouzejurajura regionjura winepierre chevriervin jaunewine David Kiley Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ranking The Luxe Car Super Bowl Ads]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/06/ranking-the-luxe-car-super-bowl-ads/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/06/ranking-the-luxe-car-super-bowl-ads/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/06/ranking-the-luxe-car-super-bowl-ads/#comments Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi all advertised in the Super Bowl this year, and all three took very different creative strategies.

Mercedes-Benz ran a 60-second ad that tried to call attention to its entire current lineup of vehicles by juxtaposing them against decades of classic Mercedes-Benzes. In the ad, classic Mercedes vehicles start themselves and drive themselves en masse to a place where they can see the new Mercedes vehicles. Hip Hop star Sean John appears in the ad, having had his silver Mercedes start-up on its own and leave his driveway.

BMW ran two ads, one that showcased its all-new X3 crossover, and the fact that all X3 are built at the company's Spartanburg, SC plant. The other ad featured BMW's clean diesel vehicles, contrasting them to the image many have of diesel cars--sooty, stinky and loud.

Audi ran an ad for the new A8 sedan (pictured) depicting a prison break in a fictitious prison for the white collar criminals who are mostly the epitome of affected wealth. Audi, which likes to use comedy in its Super Bowl ads, hired Kenny G for a cameo as a riot suppressant warden.

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Ranking The Luxe Car Super Bowl Ads originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audibmwclean dieselmercedes-benzsuper bowl adsSuper Bowl XLV David Kiley Sun, 06 Feb 2011 19:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW Advertises Diesel Cars in Super Bowl]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/06/bmw-advertises-diesel-cars-in-super-bowl/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/06/bmw-advertises-diesel-cars-in-super-bowl/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/06/bmw-advertises-diesel-cars-in-super-bowl/#comments
For the second year in a row, a German luxury carmaker used the Super Bowl to push "clean diesel" powered cars.

BMW's ad in the big game on February 6 contrasted the clean burning, performance oriented engines with those of sooty tractor trailers and diesel cars of yester-year. Music for the Super Bowl spot is David Bowie's "Changes."

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BMW Advertises Diesel Cars in Super Bowl originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> AudiBMWclean dieselgreen policeSuper Bowl ad David Kiley Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA["Universal Whisky Experience" Set For Wynn Las Vegas March 18]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/05/universal-whisky-experience-set-for-wynn-las-vegas-march-18/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/05/universal-whisky-experience-set-for-wynn-las-vegas-march-18/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/05/universal-whisky-experience-set-for-wynn-las-vegas-march-18/#comments
The Wynn Las Vegas on March 18-19 will host The "Nth" Universal Whisky Experience, a weekend long fandango of tasting some of the best and rarest whiskies in the world, and mixing with master blenders and mixologists.

The event is organized by Atlanta-based entrepreneur and whisky collector Mahesh Patel. "The purpose of this weekend is to gather the country's most passionate whisky lovers for tasting experiences they would not normally have access to," says Patel. "Our guests will be wowed from the minute they check into their suites at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas," said Patel.

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"Universal Whisky Experience" Set For Wynn Las Vegas March 18 originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> glenfarclas 1966highand parkthe dalmorethe dalmore astrumwhiskieswhiskywhisky tastingwynn encorewynn las vegas David Kiley Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo Plans New "Affordable" Coupe: Could Come To U.S.]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/04/alfa-romeo-plans-new-affordable-coupe-could-come-to-u-s/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/04/alfa-romeo-plans-new-affordable-coupe-could-come-to-u-s/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/04/alfa-romeo-plans-new-affordable-coupe-could-come-to-u-s/#comments Alfa Romeo reportedly has plans to build a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe that would become the brand's halo car, according to Automotive News Europe.

Alfa, owned by Italian automaker Fiat, plans to show a concept version of the car at next month's Geneva auto show next month, one of Europe's two big auto shows this year.

The concept is set to be built as the 4C GTA and go on sale for about $55,000), the trade weekly reported. Alfa has not had a truly affordable rear-drive car of significance since it discontinued the Duetto Spider (pictured) in 1994.

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Alfa Romeo Plans New "Affordable" Coupe: Could Come To U.S. originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Alfa-RomeoDuetto SpiderFiatGeneva Auto Show David Kiley Fri, 04 Feb 2011 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Cadillac Black Diamond Edition Sparkles and Shines]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/03/cadillac-black-diamond-edition-sparkles-and-shines/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/03/cadillac-black-diamond-edition-sparkles-and-shines/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/03/cadillac-black-diamond-edition-sparkles-and-shines/#comments Cadillac this spring will offer "Black Diamond Edition" of the high-performance CTS-V that comes with performance options and an exclusive tri-coat paint, also called "Black Diamond," that gives the car's exterior a metallic dimensional look.

In the CTS-V Black Diamond, a dark tri-coat paint is embedded with SpectraFlair Bright Silver pigment. Instead of simply containing small bits of metal, the SpectraFlair pigment in Black Diamond uses aluminum flakes encapsulated in a glass-like substance called magnesium fluoride. The result is a paint that has a diamond-like sparkle as light hits the surface from different angles.

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Cadillac Black Diamond Edition Sparkles and Shines originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> cadillacCTSCTS V coupeCTS-V David Kiley Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Audi's Super Bowl Ad Feature Kenny G and Prisons For The Rich]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/02/audis-super-bowl-ad-feature-kenny-g-and-prisons-for-the-rich/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/02/audis-super-bowl-ad-feature-kenny-g-and-prisons-for-the-rich/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/02/02/audis-super-bowl-ad-feature-kenny-g-and-prisons-for-the-rich/#comments
Audi today announced that Grammy-winning saxophonist Kenny G will make an appearance in the company's 60-second spot during Super Bowl XLV. The ad will feature an adventurous prison escape scene that culminates with a cameo by Kenny G as the luxury prison "Riot Suppressor."

The gGrman automaker launched an online teaser video on youtube featuring an adventurous prison escape scene that shows the storyline of the ad. The prison is one for white-collar criminals, and obvious "prisoners" of "old" luxury notions.


This video and ad comes on the heels of an ad launched by Audi that pays homage to the children's book "Goodnight Moon," and tries to contrast Audi (defined by the company as "progressive" luxury against "old" luxury like Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Audi also kicks off Super Bowl(R) week online with multiple social media elements that allow fans to join the movement to re-define luxury. Starting today, fans can visit Facebook at audi.us/EstateSale and Twitter at http://audi.us/ProgressIs to RSVP to Audi's two social media contests aimed at saying goodbye to old luxury and hello to Progressive Luxury.

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Audi's Super Bowl Ad Feature Kenny G and Prisons For The Rich originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audibmwkenny gmercedes-benzsuper bowl adssuperbowl ads David Kiley Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Burgundy House Cottin Freres Sells Outside The Family]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/burgundy-house-cottin-freres-sells-outside-the-family/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/burgundy-house-cottin-freres-sells-outside-the-family/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/burgundy-house-cottin-freres-sells-outside-the-family/#comments Burgundy is all in the family-until now.

Under French inheritance law, in the Napoleonic Code originally established in 1804, property is inherited by bloodline. That makes it virtually impossible to disinherit an offspring and that is the main reason behind the array of vineyards the size of large postage stamps that make up the Burgundy region, as the sons and daughters of sons and daughters each wind up with a piece of land here and there.

Imagine our surprise, then, to learn that the Burgundy House Cottin Freres, which brings us the well-known Laboure-Roi brand, sold seven hectares (nearly 17 acres) of Meursault vineyards, to a group of investors headed by New York sommelier Robert Bohr.

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Burgundy House Cottin Freres Sells Outside The Family originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Burgundy wineClos de la Baronne labelClos des BoucheresCottin Freresfrench winewine David Kiley Mon, 31 Jan 2011 21:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Fiat Hopes To Attract Luxe Buyers To $17,000 Fiat 500 With Style]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/fiat-hopes-to-attract-luxe-buyers-to-17k-fiat-500-with-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/fiat-hopes-to-attract-luxe-buyers-to-17k-fiat-500-with-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/fiat-hopes-to-attract-luxe-buyers-to-17k-fiat-500-with-style/#comments Can a car priced between $15,500 and $17,500 be of much interest to the typical luxury buyer?

It can if it's Italian and will soon be offered as a convertible and electric vehicle.

The new car is the Fiat 500, and it will start showing up in Fiat "Studios" any day now, starting in Los Angeles, and extending to 130 dealerships by the end of the year. Fiat USA's website has a full list of dealer locations.

The 500, of course, is the U.S. version of the Fiat Cinquecento that is offered today in Europe. The car seats four, has a 1.4 liter multi-air engine and comes offered in ten exterior colors and ten interiors. If you want to have a totally unique Fiat 500 in your neighborhood even if you aren't the only one, then it will be more than possible.

The entry-level car, the 500 "Pop," comes with a manual transmission, as does the mid-level version, the 500 "Sport." if you must have the automatic transmission, then you'll have to go for the top of the line "Lounge" edition.

The automatic was perfectly adequate during Luxist's drive of the car around San Diego, CA. But the manual will provide more driving enjoyment for those who like and can drive with a clutch and shifter.

The 500's EPA ratings are 30 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on highway. That's for the manual.
Cars equipped with the six-speed self-shifter will only achieve 27/34 mpg.

Fiat is making its re-entry to the U.S. after a 27 year hiatus. The Italian automaker in 2009 took control of U.S. automaker Chrysler as part of the company's bailout from the U.S. government and subsequent bankruptcy reorganization. Fiat is leveraging the Chrysler dealer network to re-introduce Fiat to American consumers, though the Fiat studios are, in many cases, in separate buildings from the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep lineups.

Continue reading Fiat Hopes To Attract Luxe Buyers To $17,000 Fiat 500 With Style

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Fiat Hopes To Attract Luxe Buyers To $17,000 Fiat 500 With Style originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alfa romeoChryslerdesign iconsFerrariFiatFiat 500LanciaMaseratiMINI Cooper David Kiley Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[First Bordeaux Producers Certified Organic]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/first-bordeaux-producers-certified-organic/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/first-bordeaux-producers-certified-organic/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/first-bordeaux-producers-certified-organic/#comments The year 1855 turns out to have been a very green year for wine. Two Bordeaux estates that gained classification status that year are the first of the "Growth Estates" to gain 21st century organic certification.

First growth Chateaux Guiraud (Sauterne) and Fifth Growth Chateau Pontet-Canet (Pauillac) were each recognized by France's Agence Bio (AB) as certifiably organic producers, the former beginning with its 2011 vintage and the latter beginning with its 2010 wines.

Depending on the vintage, Guiraud's wines are priced from two to four digits per bottle, with an average across vintages of $45 to $121. With one exception, Pontet-Canet bottle prices have generally been in the triple digits with an average across vintages of $62 to $172.

The two venerable Bordeaux wine producers of the Gironde River area were inducted into the original 1855 Bordeaux classification under different names. In 1766, a merchant named Pierre Guiraud bought La Maison Noble du Bayle, which was the estate's name when it achieved First Growth status for white wine. Originally named Canet, Pontet-Canet was established in the early 18th century by Jean-François de Pontet, royal governor of the Médoc. Canet gained Fifth Growth status for red wine.

Gallery: First Bordeaux Estates To Certify "Organic."

Chateau Pontet-CanetChateau Pontet-CanetChateau Pontet-CanetChateau GuiraudChateau Guiraud

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First Bordeaux Producers Certified Organic originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bordeauxChateau GuiraudChateau Pontet-Canetorganicwine David Kiley Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Five Non-Luxe Car Brands Hoping To Graduate To Luxe Status]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/five-non-luxe-car-brands-hoping-to-graduate-to-luxe-status/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/five-non-luxe-car-brands-hoping-to-graduate-to-luxe-status/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/31/five-non-luxe-car-brands-hoping-to-graduate-to-luxe-status/#comments In the early and mid 1990s, the line dividing luxury cars from non-luxury was simple: $30,000. Today, most people would say it was $40,000, but they would get an argument.

After all, when a loaded Chrysler Town and Country or Honda Odyssey minivan crests $40K, can we really use that pricing standard? A luxury minivan?

Then, there is the discussion about brands. BMW is a luxury brand. Volkswagen and Hyundai aren't. Right? Not so fast. A Volkswagen Touareg SUV starts at $44,000 and climbs North with options to above $60K for the Hybrid version. Hyundai's new Equus sedan starts at $58,000.

Here are five brands seeking credibility with luxury car buyers and the products they are reaching with:

Chrysler: As Italian automaker Fiat restructures the Chrysler brands it has acquired after the U.S. automaker went through bankruptcy in 2009, it is hoping to position Chrysler as a kind of "value luxury brand." The Chrysler 300 sedan is the linchpin in the effort. While the base model starts below $28,000, the two other trim levels, Limited and 300C, easily reach between $44K and $48K when the technology, safety and luxury option packages are checked. "The 300 is for the successful person who doesn't forget whey they came from," is the way Chrysler brand CEO Olivier Francois puts it.

The new 300 is the second generation design of the car that captured the attention of the hip-hop community when it first came out in 2004. Snoop Dog and Jay Z were among those who praised the "gangsta" design of the car. That has been toned down in the new design in part to try and reach a broader audience--let's say, more the Black Eyed Peas and Linkin Park crowd than P Diddy and Cee Lo Green.

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Five Non-Luxe Car Brands Hoping To Graduate To Luxe Status originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> buick lacrosseBuickEnclaveChrysler 300hyundai equusHyundai GenesisJeep Grand CherokeeJeep Overlandluxury carsVolkswagen Touareg David Kiley Mon, 31 Jan 2011 08:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Dalmore Astrum: 40 Years Old and Finished in Rum Casks]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/29/the-dalmore-astrum-40-years-old-and-finished-in-rum-casks/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/29/the-dalmore-astrum-40-years-old-and-finished-in-rum-casks/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/29/the-dalmore-astrum-40-years-old-and-finished-in-rum-casks/#comments Scottish distillery The Dalmore is selling The Dalmore Astrum, a 40-year old expression limited to just 500 bottles.

Set to cask in 1966, The Dalmore Astrum, spent most of the next four decades in second use American white oak casks before being transferred for a final 18 month finishing to 30 year old Matusalem rum casks from Gonzalez Byass.

Each bottle is protected in a bespoke, high gloss black lacquer box. Price is $2,428 based on current exchange rates.

Color: Mahogany gold.
Nose: Blood oranges, crushed apples and pear. Melon, walnuts, cocoa and cinnamon.

Taste: Top notes of ripe mandarins, kumquats, black forest fruits and pineapple. Secondary notes of ginger, black treacle and liquorice. A lingering aftertaste of vanilla, creamy caramel and Swiss chocolate.

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The Dalmore Astrum: 40 Years Old and Finished in Rum Casks originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 40-year old scotchdalmorescotchthe dalmoreThe Dalmore Astrumwhisky David Kiley Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Mercedes-Benz C Class Diesel Coming To U.S. in 2012]]> http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/28/mercedes-benz-c-class-diesel-coming-to-u-s-in-2012/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/28/mercedes-benz-c-class-diesel-coming-to-u-s-in-2012/ http://www.luxist.com/2011/01/28/mercedes-benz-c-class-diesel-coming-to-u-s-in-2012/#comments Mercedes-Benz C Class Diesel Coming To U.S. in 2012Mercedes-Benz's U.S. divisionis expanding its clean diesel BlueTec lineup to include its C-Class for the 2013 model year, so it will be arriving in showrooms in 2012.

Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz North America, also said the German automaker intends to bring a diesel version of the GLK-Class crossover. The German carmaker this year has already announced the addition of a diesel S Class.

Clean diesel sales are mounting among German automakers, which sell more of the vehicles in Europe, are pushing the vehicles in the U.S. Diesel accounted in 2010 for 53 percent of Audi A3 deliveries and more than 43 percent of Audi Q7 registrations. The A3 TDI diesel won the 2010 Green Car of The Year Award.

Continue reading Mercedes-Benz C Class Diesel Coming To U.S. in 2012

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Mercedes-Benz C Class Diesel Coming To U.S. in 2012 originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audibluetecbluetec-dieselbmw dieseldieselmercedes c classTDI David Kiley Fri, 28 Jan 2011 20:01:00 EST Luxist