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[Maybach Flaunts a Four-Door Convertible for the Rich]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/07/maybach-flaunts-a-four-door-convertible-for-the-rich/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/07/maybach-flaunts-a-four-door-convertible-for-the-rich/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/11/07/maybach-flaunts-a-four-door-convertible-for-the-rich/#comments

They might be billing it as a concept vehicle, but it looks pretty production-ready to us. And the choice to launch it at the Middle East International Auto Show? All the more suspect -- Maybach could sell every last limited-production one of these at the next OPEC meeting alone.

Witness the closest thing to a production-ready four-door luxury convertible we've seen in a while, the Maybach 62 Landaulet. The Landaulet can thank the 62 S sedan on which it's based for its 612-horsebower biturbo V12 and reclining rear seats, the latter of which are done up in white leather, contrasting the black leather adorning the chauffer's cockpit. That and the electronically-dimmed glass partition aren't all that separates the "haves" from their driver -- while the cockpit is enclosed overhead, the rear passengers enjoy a retractable soft top.

Just to give the sun something to glint off of spectacularly, Maybach also sprang for piano lacquer and gold-flecked granite (yes, granite) inserts.

Check out Daimler's full press release after the jump.

Continue reading Maybach Flaunts a Four-Door Convertible for the Rich

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Maybach Flaunts a Four-Door Convertible for the Rich originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> daimlerlandauletlimomaybachmercedesmercedes-benzrolls-royce Erin Mays Wed, 07 Nov 2007 16:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Backseat Drivers Finish First]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/backseat-drivers-finish-first/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/backseat-drivers-finish-first/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/backseat-drivers-finish-first/#comments

Being in the drivers' seat is so passé. Sitting in the back seat, demanding that your full-time driver "step on it," bolstered by a whopping 750+ ft-lbs. of torque, is the new black.

As heavy as they are (5,000 lbs. plus, in some cases), big luxury sedans like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Maybach 62 S haul ass to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds -- on par with the likes of the Porsche Boxster.

Absent, of course, is the driveability of similarly-priced luxury vehicles -- a 5,000 lb. luxury sedan does not an ultimate driving machine make. Instead, execs with cash are opting for off-the-line speed to get where they're going, fast, saving driving dynamics for their weekends on the track.

On that note, visit BusinessWeek's slide show of the world's fastest luxury cars, sure to get you up to speed in under 6 seconds.

[Source: Businessweek]

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Backseat Drivers Finish First originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> limousineluxury sedanLuxurySedanmaybachporscherolls royceRollsRoyce Erin Mays Tue, 30 Oct 2007 14:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Butts Worthy of Insurance]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/butts-worthy-of-insurance/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/butts-worthy-of-insurance/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/30/butts-worthy-of-insurance/#comments

J. Lo might think she has an ass worthy of insurance, but Aston Martin has one up on her. The automaker's prized asset, the DBS, won accolades for its derriere with a total of 1,260 people who took a survey at the MPH '07 car show, beating out the other fantastic butts of the Jaguar XK, the Audi R8, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizone and the Bugatti Veyron. Interestingly enough, the women who took the poll were fonder of the Bugatti; however, the DBS won out.

Automotive asses are hardly the new topic of conversation. BMW design chief Chris Bangle's rear-end design was initially ridiculed with cat calls of "Bangle-Butt," then later highly-revered as the new direction for car design.

[Source: Mobilemag]

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Butts Worthy of Insurance originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aston martin dbsAstonMartinDbsbangle buttBangleButtbugatti veyronBugattiVeyronjaguar xkJaguarXk Erin Mays Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:05:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[A $12,000 Ferrari?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/24/a-12-000-ferrari/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/24/a-12-000-ferrari/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/24/a-12-000-ferrari/#comments Dropping just $12,000 for a Ferrari might sound like a dream-come-true... but don't get too excited. The Ferrari you'd be picking up only goes 12.5 miles per hour.

In fact, despite its branded image, the Limited Edition Ferrari PTi2 apparently has no performance advantage over the original, though its leather-trimmed handlebars, classic Ferrari red paint and Scuderia Ferrari logo certainly make the personal transport vehicle look the park.

Like the original, the PTi2 can go about 64 miles on a single charge at speeds two to three times as fast as the average walker. Ferrari's employees apparently scoot around their Maranello plant on Segways quite a bit to save time.

[Source: Sybarites]

Thanks to RV for the tip.

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A $12,000 Ferrari? originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ferrariscootersegway Erin Mays Wed, 24 Oct 2007 15:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW X6 Redefines the Crossover; Bangle-Butt]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/15/bmw-x6-redefines-the-crossover-bangle-butt/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/15/bmw-x6-redefines-the-crossover-bangle-butt/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/15/bmw-x6-redefines-the-crossover-bangle-butt/#comments

It's truly a thing of beauty. The new X6, BMW's answer to consumers' burgeoning love of crossover utility vehicles (or "sport activity vehicle," as BMW bills it), dresses the part without losing the style and driving dynamics that make it a BMW. As BMW head design honcho Chris Bangle hints, it's higher off the ground but is every bit a sports car as, say, the M3.

Though it's "technically" a concept in this form, we expect to see this in production form as a 2008 model. It is also expected to be BMW's first production hybrid vehicle, upping efficiency by 20% over the gasoline-powered model.

[Via Autoblog]

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BMW X6 Redefines the Crossover; Bangle-Butt originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwbmw m3bmw x6BmwM3BmwX6CUVSAVsport activity vehicleSportActivityVehicleSUV Erin Mays Mon, 15 Oct 2007 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW Gives Hydrogen 7 Keys to Placido Domingo]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/03/bmw-gives-hydrogen-7-keys-to-placido-domingo/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/03/bmw-gives-hydrogen-7-keys-to-placido-domingo/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/03/bmw-gives-hydrogen-7-keys-to-placido-domingo/#comments

BMW recently gave Placido Domingo something to sing about -- his very own Hydrogen 7. As part of BMW's Hydrogen 7 Pioneer program, Domingo will use the 7 for his everyday use, serving to educate and inform the masses about hydrogen as an alternative source of energy. Domingo joins many others, including public, entertainment and governmental figures, in the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer program.

The Hydrogen 7 is the world's first production model hydrogen-powered luxury sedan, emitting nothing but water vapor when running in hydrogen mode.

[Source: PRNewswire]

Check out BMW's full press release after the jump.

Continue reading BMW Gives Hydrogen 7 Keys to Placido Domingo

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BMW Gives Hydrogen 7 Keys to Placido Domingo originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alternative energyAlternativeEnergybmwhybridhydrogen carHydrogenCarluxury sedanLuxurySedan Erin Mays Wed, 03 Oct 2007 14:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Amazing Tattooed Lamborghini]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/03/the-amazing-tattooed-lamborghini/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/03/the-amazing-tattooed-lamborghini/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/10/03/the-amazing-tattooed-lamborghini/#comments

Now that's a paint job. If a Lamborghini itself isn't enough a work of art for you, there's always tattooing it beyond almost all recognition. The Gallardo you see before you is an intricate work of art, with drawings of everything from the planets and stars to attack birds and angular patterns.

Of course, at a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds thanks to the massive V10 under the hood, the only time one can truly admire it is while parked.

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The Amazing Tattooed Lamborghini originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> carexoticlamborghini Erin Mays Wed, 03 Oct 2007 07:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari Gullwing Limo - How Much is Too Much?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/20/ferrari-gullwing-limo-how-much-is-too-much/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/20/ferrari-gullwing-limo-how-much-is-too-much/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/20/ferrari-gullwing-limo-how-much-is-too-much/#comments

In the category of "oh no he dih-ehhhnt," we offer for your enjoyment a stretch Ferrari limo, complete with round tail lights, ceramic brakes and nine-foot gullwing doors. We're not sure if the doors quite warrant the brooming of the mini-bar, but to each his own.

The beauty in question was commissioned by by Style Limousines of Manchester and involved almost $400,000 in mods, not the least of which was welding in the massive middle that makes the pony stretch so. The extra girth isn't enough to slow this Ferrari down much, however -- 0-60 in under six seconds and a top speed of 170 ain't too shabby.

[Source: CNet]

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Ferrari Gullwing Limo - How Much is Too Much? originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> blingferrariferrari limoFerrariLimogullwinglimo Erin Mays Thu, 20 Sep 2007 18:24:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bond-Worthy Watch for a Bond-Worthy Car]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/20/bond-worthy-watch-for-a-bond-worthy-car/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/20/bond-worthy-watch-for-a-bond-worthy-car/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/20/bond-worthy-watch-for-a-bond-worthy-car/#comments

Why fantasize about being James Bond when you can get a few steps closer to being 007? Aston Martin is offering a limited-edition Jaeger LeCoultre with the purchase of Bond's newest ride, the Aston Martin DBS.

At $332,000, one would think they would throw in the watch for free, but not so much. The watch is available only to purchasers of the DBS for a pretty $35,000, and is truly Bond-worthy at that -- not only does the watch look good, it also unlocks and starts the car. That will at least get you a second date, eh?

At the moment, buyers can choose between grade 5 titanium and rose-gold, but Jaeger's Jerome Lambert hints that a higher-end watch may be on its way.

[Source: Cleveland Leader]

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Bond-Worthy Watch for a Bond-Worthy Car originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 007aston martinAstonMartinbonddbswatch Erin Mays Thu, 20 Sep 2007 11:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW Z8 in 2010?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/14/bmw-z8-in-2010/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/14/bmw-z8-in-2010/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/14/bmw-z8-in-2010/#comments Auto Trader UK, admittedly not always the most reliable source of information, is batting about the news that BMW plans to revive its Z8 roadster.

At a mere 3,300 lbs., the vehicle would be about 550 lbs. lighter than the competing Mercedes SL, and have BMW handling and high-performance engines to boot. Motor options include BMW's 300 hp 3.0L V6, 400 hp 4.4L V8, 500 hp 5.0L V10 and 600 hp 6.3L V12, the latter two of which could end up in an M version of the roadster.

The last Z8, designed by prolific auto designer Henrik Fisker, was Pierce Brosnan's steed in the 007 movie The World is Not Enough and was ultimately killed off in 2003.

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BMW Z8 in 2010? originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwbmw Mbmw z8BmwMBmwZ8Mmercedes slMercedesSlroadsterz07 Erin Mays Fri, 14 Sep 2007 11:04:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Audi Corporate Fashion Line Hits Offices Worldwide]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/14/audi-corporate-fashion-line-hits-offices-worldwide/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/14/audi-corporate-fashion-line-hits-offices-worldwide/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/14/audi-corporate-fashion-line-hits-offices-worldwide/#comments At the Frankfurt Motor Show these past few days, the folks at the Audi stand have quite the uniform. The dress is tasteful black suits covering pressed white shirts or blouses -- but these are anything but your run-of-the-mill duds.

Audi has signed Michael Michalsky on to design its own Corporate Fashion Line for employees working auto shows, the Audi Forum and in dealerships. In the forefront of the fashion design world, Michalsky will also serve as an Audi brand ambassador.

The effort marks Audi's foray into the world of fashion, a role played by sibling brand Volkswagen several months ago when it launched high-end garments such as cashmere scarves to accompany the launch of its Jetta-based Eos convertible.

Check out Audi's full press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi Corporate Fashion Line Hits Offices Worldwide

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Audi Corporate Fashion Line Hits Offices Worldwide originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audidesignereosmichalskyq7 Erin Mays Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Lamborghini Reventon - All Sold Out]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/lamborghini-reventon-all-sold-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/lamborghini-reventon-all-sold-out/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/lamborghini-reventon-all-sold-out/#comments

What do a fighting bull that gored a famous bullfighter in 1943 and a $1.68 million V12 Lamborghini have in common? Why, a name, of course.

The Reventon, powered by a 650-horsepower 6.5L V-12 and wrapped in CFC carbon fiber composite, has harsh, angular lines down to the spiky arrow nose. With just 20 slated for production and each one of them spoken for, the Reventon is reserved for only the richest, most exclusive customers, but the rest of the world gets to look at it, at least, as it sits on the show floor at the Frankfurt Motor Show this week.

[Source: Motor Trend Blog]

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Lamborghini Reventon - All Sold Out originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ferrarifrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowlamborghinireventon Erin Mays Thu, 13 Sep 2007 18:30:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Fergie's H2 on eBay]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/fergies-h2-on-ebay/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/fergies-h2-on-ebay/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/fergies-h2-on-ebay/#comments

Fergie's 2005 HUMMER H2, pimped out by the guys at DUB Magazine and driven by Ms. Fergalicious herself, is up for bid on none other than eBay. The charity listing advertises her ride as having everything modified, including the suspension, two-tone suede seat inserts, audio (including a green suede-wrapped molding covering the woofer) and 24-inch wheels.

At press time, bids were just up past $64,000, and given the fact that the car is undoubtedly worth twice that, one would hope more money will be raised for charity by the auction's September 15 end date.

[Via Autoblog]

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Fergie's H2 on eBay originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 24 inch wheels24InchWheelsdubebayfergiehummerhummer h2HummerH2 Erin Mays Thu, 13 Sep 2007 16:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Shelby-Authorized Shop Opens in World Debut]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/shelby-authorized-shop-opens-in-world-debut/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/shelby-authorized-shop-opens-in-world-debut/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/13/shelby-authorized-shop-opens-in-world-debut/#comments

Tasca Automotive Group in Cranston, Rhode Island is the first Ford Dealership to host automotive modification facilities sanctioned by Carroll Shelby himself. The shop promises to hawk the aftermarket wares of Shelby Automotive Group, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, turning ordinary Ford Mustangs into raging, performance-packed beasts.

Spokespeople for Shelby say the Tasca shop will offer Shelby handling, styling and power upgrades for V6 and V8 Ford Mustangs and Shelbys, as well as "Super Snake" packages for the 2007 and 2008 Ford Shelby GT500, the Shelby CS6, CS8, and Shelby GT500 40th anniversary packages. The shop will also feature clothing, accessories and other Shelby-branded goods.

[Source: MustangNews]

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Shelby-Authorized Shop Opens in World Debut originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Erin Mays Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Don't Get Lost In Your Mercedes]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/05/dont-get-lost-in-your-mercedes/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/05/dont-get-lost-in-your-mercedes/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/05/dont-get-lost-in-your-mercedes/#comments

Ahh, GPS systems are so passé all by themselves. Why bother with all that programming when you can simply send the directions to your car from Google or Yahoo! Maps?

Mercedes-Benz appears to be the first automaker to implement the idea, which simply involves sending the directions to your car, pressing the i-button and either loading up the directions or saving them for later via the Mercedes-Benz Tele Aid System.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the Search & Send is available starting on the 2007 S-Class, CL-Class, and 2008 C-Class with the Multimedia Package and Navigation System.

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Don't Get Lost In Your Mercedes originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> googlegpsmapsmercedesnavigationyahoo Erin Mays Wed, 05 Sep 2007 16:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Jaguar Teams Up With Apple on XF Interior]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/04/jaguar-teams-up-with-apple-on-xf-interior/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/04/jaguar-teams-up-with-apple-on-xf-interior/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/09/04/jaguar-teams-up-with-apple-on-xf-interior/#comments

iJag? Jaguar is turning over a new leaf thanks to Apple, who helped the automaker shake the big slab of wood out of the cockpit and back onto the tree. The Ford-owned premium brand, known for the stodgy wood accents in the interior, tapped the iPod maker's design team for help in redesigning the XF's interior for a more current look.

Ian Callum, Jaguar's design chief, told Car Magazine that Apple is contributing to the XF's control interfaces in what will hopefully be an improvement on infotainment interfaces everywhere -- BMW's control interface has been under fire for years, just as an example.

Callum says that cool blue lighting and big control dial will do the trick. Besides reportedly being more intuitive, the new control system takes up less space and introduces a range of infotainment options.

[via Pocket Lint]

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Jaguar Teams Up With Apple on XF Interior originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> appleinterioripodjaguarxf Erin Mays Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Jaguar Readies the XF]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/30/jaguar-readies-the-xf/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/30/jaguar-readies-the-xf/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/30/jaguar-readies-the-xf/#comments

Jaguar's new mid-range XF is on the slate for the Frankfurt Motor Show to take place this September, and boy, is this one important ride for Jaguar to get right. The brand, which Ford might sell off any day now, has come out with hit after hit, including the XK coupe and convertible, and the XF is next in the lineup of new launches.

Likely to be launched as a 2009 model, we're not sure how we feel about it... looks a bit like an XK coupe fathered a child with the Buick LaCrosse. The break from Jaguar styling tradition is interesting given how heavily it's based on its predecessor, the S-Type, including the double-wishbone/coil spring front suspension, multilink rear suspension and wheelbase.

More details on performance and infotainment should be available at the Frankfurt show, so we'll keep you posted. Pricing will also be confirmed, but we're probably looking at $56,000 and up.

[Source: Edmunds InsideLine]

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Jaguar Readies the XF originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 30 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwjaguarmercedess-tpes-typexfxkxk convertiblexk coupeXkConvertibleXkCoupe Erin Mays Thu, 30 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Gearhead Spa Retreat]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/28/gearhead-spa-retreat/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/28/gearhead-spa-retreat/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/28/gearhead-spa-retreat/#comments

Boutique Dallas hotel ZaZa has probably the best spa package experience ever created for those unique souls who love both a good rev-up and a good rub-down. The Full Throttle Packages, which come in 2,000 and 2,500 horsepower variations, include a half-hour ride in each of five high-powered vehicles through the Dallas-Fort Worth area and the surrounding countryside with a stop for lunch. The 2,500 horsepower version puts drivers in a Ferrari F430A, Ford GT, 2007 Porsche Turbo, Bentley Continental GT and Lamborghini Gallardo Spider, while the 2,000 horsepower variation lets drivers slide in behind the wheel of a Ferrari F360 F1, BMW M6 convertible, Aston Martin Vantage, 2006 Corvette Z06 and Lamborghini Gallardo Coupe.

After either adventure, drivers then return to the hotel for a "Rock Star" massage with heated basalt river stones, champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries in one of the hotel's luxury suites, and breakfast in bed or the hotel's gourmet Dragonfly restaurant.

The 2,500 horsepower packages rings up to $4,250 plus tax, while the 2,000 hp package goes for $3,850.

[Source: The Enquirer]

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Gearhead Spa Retreat originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwdragonflyferrariford gtFordGtlamborghinimercedesporschespazaza Erin Mays Tue, 28 Aug 2007 09:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Aston Martin DBS Hits the Streets at Concours D'Elegance]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/27/aston-martin-dbs-hits-the-streets-at-concours-delegance/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/27/aston-martin-dbs-hits-the-streets-at-concours-delegance/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/27/aston-martin-dbs-hits-the-streets-at-concours-delegance/#comments

You saw it first piloted by Daniel Craig in the new Bond flick, Casino Royale. The 2008 Aston Martin DBS falls smack dab in the middle of the lineup between the DB9 and the racer DBR9, also upscale from the Vanquish coupe and roadster models. The car, which starts at a hefty $250,000 U.S. (estimated), boasts a 6.0L V-12 engine spitting out a whopping 510 hp and 420 lb.-ft. of torque, launching it to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds and to a top speed of 191 mph.

Pricing will be confirmed in September around the time of the Frankfurt Motor show, with the first deliveries of the cars occuring in early 2008. Check for official specs from Aston Martin after the jump.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Continue reading Aston Martin DBS Hits the Streets at Concours D'Elegance

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Aston Martin DBS Hits the Streets at Concours D'Elegance originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aston martinAstonMartindbsrapidev8 vantageV8Vantagevanquishvantage Erin Mays Mon, 27 Aug 2007 08:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Collection Goes For $14.3 Milliion]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/26/rolls-royce-collection-goes-for-14-3-milliion/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/26/rolls-royce-collection-goes-for-14-3-milliion/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/26/rolls-royce-collection-goes-for-14-3-milliion/#comments A prominent Texas lawyer and car collector bought up a chunk of Rolls Royce automobiles as they sat on the auction block at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance auction in California. The seller, 82 year-old Columbus developer Richard J. Solove, put 13 Rolls Royce cars up for bid to raise money for the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute, as well as Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The full slate of cars went for $14.3, just under the $15 million Solove expected to fetch for them. Eight of the vehicles, including all of the Silver Ghosts on the block except for one, were bought by billionaire Houston trailawyer John O'Quinn, who came by his success in high-profile cases such as Texas' $17.3 billion settlement with the tobacco industry, lawsuits against breast-implant manufacturers, and most famously (or infamously) lately, Virgie Arthur, the mother of Anna Nicole Smith's, as she fought for custody of Smith's daughter.

Along with his 1903 Ford Model A, Batmobile, and cars used by President Franklin Roosevelt and Pope John Paul II, O'Quinn plans to open a car museum in Houston in 2009.

[Source: The Columbus Dispatch]

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Rolls-Royce Collection Goes For $14.3 Milliion originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 26 Aug 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> auctionsjohn o'quinnJohnO'quinnrolls royceRollsRoycesilver ghostSilverGhost Erin Mays Sun, 26 Aug 2007 18:30:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Cayman "Design 1": The New Black]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/22/cayman-design-1-the-new-black/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/22/cayman-design-1-the-new-black/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/22/cayman-design-1-the-new-black/#comments

The new black... because that's the only color it comes in, baby. All 777 of them. The special edition coupe is slung 10 mm lower than the standard Cayman S as it sits on 19-inch wheels wrapped in 235/35 ZR 19 tires in front and 265/35 ZR in the rear. The car features interior sport styling in the form of a three-spoke steering wheel and glistening Alcantara upholstery and black leather, accompanied by commemorative accessories -- a black briefcase with the Flat Six Chronograph timepiece, a pocket knife with black blade, sunglasses, a pen, and a key ring.

Not bad for £49,890 ($98,885), particularly since the car also comes with a Porsche Driving Experience course.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

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Cayman "Design 1": The New Black originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 911caymandesign 1Design1porsche Erin Mays Wed, 22 Aug 2007 11:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Artega GT Slated for Frankfurt Motor Show]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/20/artega-gt-slated-for-frankfurt-motor-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/20/artega-gt-slated-for-frankfurt-motor-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/20/artega-gt-slated-for-frankfurt-motor-show/#comments

The illustrious Henrik Fisker, former Aston Martin designer and creator of the Fisker line of reskinned, coachbuilt sports cars, has done it again, this time in the form of the $100,000+ Argeta GT. The Artega brand name is a spin-off from German auto supplier Paragon, who will showcase this little number in production form at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The car's meat comes from Volkswagen, where Paragon sourced the Artega GT's 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter FSI V-6 and DSG dual clutch gearbox. VW's deceptively powerful engine pulls the car's mere 2,425 pounds with its 258 pound-feet of torque, which evidently gave Paragon the idea that the car approaches Porsche 911 territory.

The Artega GT will initially be sold in Germany and the rest of Europe, and then in North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

[Source: Motor Trend]

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Artega GT Slated for Frankfurt Motor Show originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> artegaexoticsfrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShow Erin Mays Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Like Luxury Cars? Hope You Can Afford Luxury Insurance]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/15/like-luxury-cars-hope-you-can-afford-luxury-insurance/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/15/like-luxury-cars-hope-you-can-afford-luxury-insurance/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/15/like-luxury-cars-hope-you-can-afford-luxury-insurance/#comments

Sure, it's nice to ogle cars in the 200 mph club, or even the 150 mph club, for that matter. But have you ever considered the costs of insuring such prized possessions?

Forbes has done a little study on the subject for us, and while we're not surprised to find that the pricier the vehicle, the pricier the insurance, we're shocked to see how much it really costs to insure these beasts. Check it out:

That Mercedes S-class you've been hot for? Try in excess of $22,500 per year, and this with just $500 deductibles on collision and comprehensive coverage, $100,000 each for personal and property coverage and $25,000 each for medical and uninsured coverage, according to Forbes. Considering the likely owner of the car will have assets far beyond what's listed there, we're talking a huge chunk of change.

According to Forbes, 20% of the price of luxury cars is a good rule of thumb. That means, however, that someone paying a low lease payment on a car like the Mercedes S-class will likely end up paying more to cover it than the actual monthly payment itself.

Other surprising numbers:

BMW M5 and M6: $18,548
Mercedes G-Class: $17,784
Jaguar XK: $16,154
Land Rover Range Rover: $16,042

The moral of the story? Check with your insurer before committing to buy a lease a car to be sure on overall costs.

[Source: Forbes]

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Like Luxury Cars? Hope You Can Afford Luxury Insurance originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwcar insuranceCarInsuranceferrariinsuranceland roverLandRovermercedes Erin Mays Wed, 15 Aug 2007 14:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Porsche Offers Up Limited Edition Trim for 2008]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/13/porsche-offers-up-limited-edition-trim-for-2008/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/13/porsche-offers-up-limited-edition-trim-for-2008/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/13/porsche-offers-up-limited-edition-trim-for-2008/#comments

With all of the attention Porsche is getting for the Cayman, new 911 and Cayenne models, it's no wonder the automaker felt the need to find something new to do with the Boxter, which seems to have been eclipsed in the various media blitzes.

We first saw the Porsche Boxter Limited Edition model earlier this year at the New York Auto Show, where the car sported bright orange paint, black painted alloy wheels and side mirrors, sport exhaust system, safety bars and a Limited Edition plaque in the glovebox. A special Sport Design package available for the LE includes fascia work on both the front and back, as well as a spoiler for the rear end.

[Source: Edmunds Inside Line]

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Porsche Offers Up Limited Edition Trim for 2008 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 911boxter sBoxterScayennecaymanporsche boxterPorscheBoxtersport design packageSportDesignPackage Erin Mays Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Oh The Horror! XM Makes Its Way Into a Ferrari]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/12/oh-the-horror-xm-makes-its-way-into-a-ferrari/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/12/oh-the-horror-xm-makes-its-way-into-a-ferrari/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/12/oh-the-horror-xm-makes-its-way-into-a-ferrari/#comments Ferrari purists, you might want to be sitting down for this one.

Years ago, it was sacrilege when Ferrari put so much as a radio in its cars, which at the time were likened to off-track race cars and sported similar amenities -- next to none. Now, as Rolls-Royce and other high-end brands are jumping on the infotainment bandwagon, Ferrari is following suit.

Modena has chosen XM over Sirius for its cars, opening Ferrari drivers up to the world of possibilities that not only offers up satellite radio programming, but also provides NavTraffic, a service alerting drivers to real-time traffic information en route.

The 612 Scaglietti is the first in Ferrari's stable to receive the equipment, which comes with a three-year subscription to new owners.

[Source: RW Online]

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Oh The Horror! XM Makes Its Way Into a Ferrari originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ferrarimaseratiscagliettisiriusxm Erin Mays Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:43:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[World's Most Expensive Toy Car]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/08/worlds-most-expensive-toy-car/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/08/worlds-most-expensive-toy-car/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/08/worlds-most-expensive-toy-car/#comments

Sure, you can hit Toys 'R Us for a traditional pedal car, or maybe even one of those electric mini Jeeps, but what well-to-do automobile enthusiast wants a toy that's so pedestrian?

Audi has you covered with what is possibly the most expensive toy car, a racing replica that follows the construction of the original down to the aluminum space frame and leather seat and trim. A removable steering wheel, aluminum body and hydraulic dual-disc brake system complete the package, which is a 1:2 scale model of which only 999 will be built and distributed through your respective Audi importer.

The Sun out of Britain pegs the car's price at £7,000, though no official price has been announced by Audi for the U.S.

[Source: Audi AG via Autoblog]

Continue reading World's Most Expensive Toy Car

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World's Most Expensive Toy Car originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aluminum frameAluminumFrameaudipedal carPedalCartoy carToyCar Erin Mays Wed, 08 Aug 2007 18:30:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed: Because the Original Wasn't Enough]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/08/2008-bentley-continental-gt-speed-because-the-original-wasnt-e/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/08/2008-bentley-continental-gt-speed-because-the-original-wasnt-e/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/08/2008-bentley-continental-gt-speed-because-the-original-wasnt-e/#comments

Sure, it doesn't do a whole lot that the original Bentley Continental GT couldn't do. It's only a few tenths of a second faster from 0-60 mph (4.3 seconds vs. the original's 4.6) and goes only four miles per hour faster than the original GT... but those four seconds make all the difference in the world.

The 2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed goes 202 mph vs. the original car's198, but that puts the Bentley, finally, in the exclusive 200 mph club. Now, the Continental GT can sit among the Ferraris and Ford GTs of the world, and rightfully so.

The other perks GT Speed drivers will enjoy are 20-inch wheels, a low-slung suspension and tinted windows, not to mention the ability to order custom paint and trim.

Sure, it's hard to outdo the original, but why not go all out?

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

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2008 Bentley Continental GT Speed: Because the Original Wasn't Enough originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bentleybentley continental gtBentleyContinentalGtcontinentalGT SpeedGtSpeedmaybachmercedesporsche Erin Mays Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Diddy Don't Play That: Joke Not So Funny When It Stars a $715,000 Limo]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/07/diddy-dont-play-that-joke-not-so-funny-when-it-stars-a-715-00/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/07/diddy-dont-play-that-joke-not-so-funny-when-it-stars-a-715-00/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/07/diddy-dont-play-that-joke-not-so-funny-when-it-stars-a-715-00/#comments Kimberly Stewart, daughter of rocker Rod, thought she was being a wee bit cheeky when she pinched the keys to P. Diddy's favorite ride, a Maybach limousine, for a brief jaunt to Cannes with a friend during a recent bash. Sean wasn't hip to the joke, however, and quickly sent his flunkies on a wild goose chase for the vehicle.

Rash? We think not -- at a cost of $715,000, we'd be hauling Kim's ass to the nearest precinct. Diddy did get his ride back the next morning, though Kim's people have failed to come up with any kind of statement for the media.

[Source: Now Magazine]

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Diddy Don't Play That: Joke Not So Funny When It Stars a $715,000 Limo originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> diddykimberly stewartKimberlyStewartlimomaybachmaybach limoMaybachLimosean combsSeanCombs Erin Mays Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:30:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[MINI Mercedes?]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/06/mini-mercedes/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/06/mini-mercedes/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/06/mini-mercedes/#comments Platform sharing has been around for almost as long as cars have been around, so it comes as no surprise that Mercedes is looking to collaborate with another automaker to cut costs in producing its next A- and B-class vehicles. We're just a little surprised that it may work with arch rival BMW in getting it done.

BMW's MINI, the cult classic it took over in 1994 in a package deal with Rover, could be the basis for a new small Mercedes vehicle, while MINI might borrow SMART's DNA for a smaller version of the already-tiny MINI. The collaboration would save Mercedes some money and help BMW expand its MINI line.

Check this space in September -- a partnership may be announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

[Source: Autocar]

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MINI Mercedes? originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> a-classb-classbmwc-classfrankfurt motor showFrankfurtMotorShowmercedesminismart Erin Mays Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Alfa Romeo's $200,000 Supercar]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/04/alfa-romeos-200-000-supercar/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/04/alfa-romeos-200-000-supercar/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/08/04/alfa-romeos-200-000-supercar/#comments

Meadow Brook's Concours d'Elegance, suburban Detroit's luxury car show to end all luxury car shows, will feature the return of an old favorite: Alfa Romeo. The high-end car manufacturer announced that it will bring its vehicles back to the United States, starting with the $200,000 8C Competizione supercar, then continuing in 2009 with the Brera and the Spyder.

Since the automaker pulled out of the States in 1995, numerous comebacks have been rumored to no avail. With the beautiful show in Rochester Hills as the canvas, Alfa has finally mapped out a plan. In addition to the new Competizione, Alfa Romeo will show off its Berlina Aerodinamica Technica technology on its cars from the 1950s.

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Alfa Romeo's $200,000 Supercar originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 04 Aug 2007 15:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alfa romeoAlfaRomeolamborghinimaseratisupercars Erin Mays Sat, 04 Aug 2007 15:08:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari Prances in Hybrid-Electric Style]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/11/ferrari-prances-in-hybrid-electric-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/11/ferrari-prances-in-hybrid-electric-style/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/11/ferrari-prances-in-hybrid-electric-style/#comments

Hybrid-electric vehicles seem to be all the rage these days, and the prototypes in the stables at Ferrari's home of Fiorano is no exception.

As part of its 60th birthday celebration, Ferrari unveiled the Mini Chili, a mere 1,000 kg beast almost completely made of carbon fiber sporting fixed seats and carbon ceramic brakes. The need for a dashboard is gone with the driver information systems all being condensed down into the steering wheel, making for a compact little ride. The light weight is offset by an Active Aerodynamics system, which kicks in at the most opportune of moments.

Don't get your hopes too high, though -- Ferrari claims it won't make this car, but be on the lookout for similar technology in future Ferrari vehicles.

[Source: AutoExpress]

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Ferrari Prances in Hybrid-Electric Style originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> carbon fiberCarbonFiberceramic brakesCeramicBrakesconcept carConceptCarelectricferrarihybridhybrid-electric Erin Mays Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:29:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Red, White and Cruise -- Top American Sports Cars]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/11/red-white-and-cruise-top-american-sports-cars/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/11/red-white-and-cruise-top-american-sports-cars/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/07/11/red-white-and-cruise-top-american-sports-cars/#comments

As Detroit inches ever closer to its famous Dream Cruise, a celebration of antique, classic and modern American cars, the famous Woodward Ave. is bustling with '69 fastbacks, '57 Chevys and the like as they perform their trial runs for the big event. The annual classic car extravaganza

Forbes has just what we need -- a list of the top ten all-American sports cars. From the cars that have become synonymous with America, like the Corvette and the Mustang, to the less obvious but still powerful, such as the supercharged, 443-horsepower Cadillac XLR-V and 305 hp Panoz Esperante. Modern classics, such as the new Challenger, Camaro and Mustang, also pepper the list, as do American exotics, including the Saleen S7 and Dodge Viper SRT10, though the absence of the Ford GT was curious.

Click through to Forbes for the mouth-watering slideshow.

[Source: Forbes]

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Red, White and Cruise -- Top American Sports Cars originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> american muscleAmericanMusclecadillacchevroletcorvettedodge viperDodgeViperpanozpontiacsaleensrt10 Erin Mays Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW 5-Series to Get a Shot in the Arm for '08]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/25/bmw-5-series-to-get-a-shot-in-the-arm-for-08/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/25/bmw-5-series-to-get-a-shot-in-the-arm-for-08/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/25/bmw-5-series-to-get-a-shot-in-the-arm-for-08/#comments

The 5-series variants of The Ultimate Driving Machine will get a boost in 2008 with a more powerful six-cylinder engine, complete with a name change to reflect the increase. Formerly known as the 525i and 530i, the new engines will be the 528i, now with 230 horsepower, and the 535i with 300 horsepower, respectively. The 2008 535xi wagon also gets an increase in horsepower, putting it above the previous 540i wagon by 10 horses despite its eight cylinders.

Pricing for the '08 models start at $45,075 for the base 528i, topping the 525i's sticker price by almost a grand, but staying competitively priced between the Audi A6's $43,725 and the 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350's $51,325.

[Source: Worcester Telegram]

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BMW 5-Series to Get a Shot in the Arm for '08 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audi a6AudiA6bmw 3-seriesbmw 5-seriesBmw3-seriesBmw5-seriesmercedes-benz e350Mercedes-benzE350 Erin Mays Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[World's Most Expensive Ferrari]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/20/worlds-most-expensive-ferrari/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/20/worlds-most-expensive-ferrari/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/20/worlds-most-expensive-ferrari/#comments

This is a man with a lot of money. After pulling up past his Porsche Cayenne and personal gas pump in a Maserati, New York Hedge Fund manager Jim Glicknehaus swaps cars for a Ferrari Enzo-turned retro '60s sports car.

Glickenhaus liked the 330 P3/4-era Ferraris so much that he took his Enzo out to Turin, Italy, to recreate the classic cars based on state-of-the-art technology. The entire upgrade cost $4 million on top of the $1 million sticker price on the Enzo all by its lonesome.

Among the upgrades include a complete overhaul of the body, redesigned and rebuilt by Pininfarina, 20' wheels wrapped in fatter tires, beautiful, custom-made fabric (picked out by his wife? Daughter? I'm not one to judge, I just don't know), and a raised "cut line" to allow for easier access to the monster living underneath the hood.

Ferrari liked the overhaul so much that they approved badging the vehicle as a bona fide Ferrari.

Thanks to Johannes for the tip!

[Source: YouTube]

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World's Most Expensive Ferrari originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 20 Jun 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> enzoferrariferrari 330Ferrari330maseratipininfarina Erin Mays Wed, 20 Jun 2007 18:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ford's Premiere Automotive Group Up For Grabs]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/fords-premiere-automotive-group-up-for-grabs/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/fords-premiere-automotive-group-up-for-grabs/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/fords-premiere-automotive-group-up-for-grabs/#comments Ford Motor Company has begun shopping around its Premiere Automotive Group, consisting of Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo and formerly Aston Martin. The news comes as no surprise as rumors floated about indicating Ford's interest in selling pretty much anything in its stable at the right price, though this time around, the rumors are accompanied by news that Ford has retained Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to find a buyer.

Ford reportedly broke off talks with Fiat recently regarding the group, though now it appears that potential suitors include Renault, David Richards (new Aston owner), and David James, who acquired the rights to manufacture a car based on smart roadster components and designs.Rumors also abound regarding BMW's interest in Volvo as it seeks to add a fourth brand to its lineup, supplementing BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce.

[Source: AutoIndustry.co.uk]

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Ford's Premiere Automotive Group Up For Grabs originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aston martinAstonMartinbmwfordjaguarland roverLandRoverminipagsmartvolvo Erin Mays Wed, 13 Jun 2007 18:04:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Forbes Features the World's Fastest Passenger Jets]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/forbes-features-the-worlds-fastest-passenger-jets/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/forbes-features-the-worlds-fastest-passenger-jets/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/forbes-features-the-worlds-fastest-passenger-jets/#comments


Need to get someplace in a hurry? Forbes has your back.

Planes made by Dessault, Cessna and Gulfstream offer luxury and speed, most of them traveling at speeds above Mach 0.9 while providing an internet connection and TVs pumping DVD playback or a satellite steam. The Cessna Citation X tops the list, hitting Mach 0.92 and climbing to 43,000 feet in just 30 minutes, followed by planes such as the Gulfstream G550 and G450, which offer perks ranging from lighting sensors to security systems.

On the big commercial passenger jet side, the Boeing 747-8, part of Lufthansa and Emirates Airlines fleets and the Boeing 777, flying for British Airways and airlines, fly at speeds of 650 miles per hour while seating a whopping 400 people or more.

Click through to see a slideshow of the world's fastst passenger jets.

[Source: Forbes]

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Forbes Features the World's Fastest Passenger Jets originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> boeingcessnadessaultgulfstreampassenger jetsPassengerJets Erin Mays Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:04:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bentley Brooklands Said To Be Bentley's Next Classic]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/bentley-brooklands-said-to-be-bentleys-next-classic/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/bentley-brooklands-said-to-be-bentleys-next-classic/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/13/bentley-brooklands-said-to-be-bentleys-next-classic/#comments

Ever since consumers gushed over the Bentley Brooklands limited edition coupe launched in Geneva last spring, Bentley has been preparing for early 2008, when the first of just 550 units of the vehicle will start reaching their owners.

At the focal point of the vehicle is the turbocharged 6.75Lengine, the most powerful V8 to come out of Crewe, England, Bentley's home of 60 years. The engine's 530bhp brings the heavy Arnage-based coupe up to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds, boasting performance while offering unmatched luxury via 42 exterior paints, trimmed completely (even the headliner) with one of 25 hides and three veneers. The coupe joins the Park Ward Continental S1 and the Continental R and T in Bentley's historic line of coupe offerings.

Full release after the jump.

[Source: Bentley Motors]

Continue reading Bentley Brooklands Said To Be Bentley's Next Classic

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Bentley Brooklands Said To Be Bentley's Next Classic originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bentleybrooklandsgeneva motor showGenevaMotorShowjaguarmaybachmercedesrolls royceRollsRoyce Erin Mays Wed, 13 Jun 2007 14:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Chick-Magnet Wheels]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/12/chick-magnet-wheels/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/12/chick-magnet-wheels/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/12/chick-magnet-wheels/#comments

Luckily for those without a shred of common sense, Forbes outlines the hottest cars a guy could drive in order to attract the hottest girls. The big draws appear to be less than shocking -- exotic (read: Italian) styling and price tag are major factors, but also know that sze matters (cough): the bigger the engine, the better.

Topping out the list is the Aston Martin DB9, which has the added appeal that the Aston Martin brand has become synonymous with James Bond, the ultimate chick magnet. Next Forbes highlights the Bentley Continental GT, which is relatively affordable compared to its Maybach and Rolls Royce rivals and sports a 562 hp engine, all in a pretty package. Other babe magnets include the Lamborghini Gallardo, Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Cadillac Escalade, Porsche 911 Turbo, and even the Toyota Prius for those men trying to attract an environmentally-conscious woman.

[Source: Forbes]

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Chick-Magnet Wheels originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> aston martinAstonMartinbabesbentleycarschick magnetsChickMagnetsescaladeferrariforbesjames bondJamesBondlamborghiniprius Erin Mays Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW Launches Hydrogen 7 in London]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/12/bmw-launches-hydrogen-7-in-london/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/12/bmw-launches-hydrogen-7-in-london/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/12/bmw-launches-hydrogen-7-in-london/#comments

No place like on the green to launch a car so green. BMW's Hydrogen 7, the automaker's 260bhp 12-cylinder hydrogen vehicle, was brought to a British golf tournament on World Environment Day before taking part in the Revolve Brighton to London rally for low and zero-emission cars. After that eventful trip, the vehicle made its way to the London Science Museum, where it was adopted to represent one of the first major strides in bringing hydrogen vehicles to market.

The vehicle can be switched between hydrogen fuel and gasoline with just a touch of the button on the steering wheel. While 0-60 in the low 9-seconds range isn't anything staggering, the potential the car brings to light is immense.

[Source: The New Zealand Herald]

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BMW Launches Hydrogen 7 in London originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 7-seriesbmwgreenhydrogenlexusmercedes Erin Mays Tue, 12 Jun 2007 10:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari Theme Park to Unseat Disney World as The Happiest Place On Earth!]]> http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/11/ferrari-theme-park-to-unseat-disney-world-as-the-happiest-place/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/11/ferrari-theme-park-to-unseat-disney-world-as-the-happiest-place/ http://www.luxist.com/2007/06/11/ferrari-theme-park-to-unseat-disney-world-as-the-happiest-place/#comments

Ferrari is developing what may be the new "end all, be all" of automotive adventure -- the Ferrari Theme Park, scheduled to open in 2009 on Yas Island, just a 30-minute drive from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The $40 million project promises to offer up everything from roller coasters to a pit-lane team experience, go-karts, virtual reality racing simulators, a racing school, and a g-force simulator that helps laypeople experience the forces felt by race car drivers. An interactive museum will also be at hand, particularly useful for cooling off and waiting for your raging endorphins to ebb.

In addition to the park being a sweet tourist destination for gearheads, the economic benefit will be a great perk for Abu Dhabi, which is currently trying to lessen its economic dependence upon the oil business.

[Source: The New York Times via Newsvine]

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Ferrari Theme Park to Unseat Disney World as The Happiest Place On Earth! originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> abu dhabiAbuDhabidisneyferrariferrari theme parkFerrariThemeParklamborghinimiddle eastMiddleEastpersian gulfPersianGulftheme parkThemePark Erin Mays Mon, 11 Jun 2007 18:24:00 EST Luxist