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Noah Joseph

Classic Talbot & Bugatti for Auction at Villa d'Este

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 12th 2011 10:01AM

1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupe

Lovers of Art Deco-era French sportscars will have their opportunity to bid on a couple of pristine examples at the upcoming Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, where RM Auctions is to set up shop for the first time.

In addition to the Bertone concept cars on the docket will be this beautiful 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupe. Chassis #90112 is one of only 11 with Figoni et Falaschi's second-series "New York" bodywork, and is further distinguished by its sun roof.

There's also a 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante (not to be confused with the rarer Atlantic coupe). One of only 40 built, chassis #57551 is an absolute gem in its own right.

Dacia Duster 'Ecole de Ski Francais' Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 11th 2011 2:01PM

Typically considered a budget brand, Dacia isn't a company whose products we normally cover here at Luxist. But this is no ordinary Dacia. This is a very exclusive version of their Duster sport-utility vehicle made just for French ski instructors.

The École de Ski Français edition Dacia Duster comes with such extra equipment as a ski rack on the roof, an aluminum panel to protect the oil sump underneath the engine, an extra set of wheels with snow tires, and of course the emblem of the ESF. It only costs €18,990, but you'll need to be a certified French skiing instructor to buy one.

Spada Codatronca Monza

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 6th 2011 1:01PM

Say hello to the Spada Condatronca Monza. Now say goodbye, because this may be the last time you ever see one.

Set to be unveiled at the upcoming Top Marques show in Monaco, the Monza roadster is the latest version of the Codatronca -- the vision of famed Zagato designer Ercole Spada and his son, Paolo, and has just leaked out onto the net.

Like the existing Codatronca coupe, the Monza roadster is powered by a Corvette Z06 engine with twin turbochargers for a total of 700 horsepower. With only 2,500 pounds of aluminum and magnesium to schlepp around, that should be enough for a 0 to 60 time in three seconds flat and a face-shredding 210 mph top speed. But don't expect to see one parked in front of your favorite local nightspots.

BMW M3 Pickup

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 6th 2011 10:01AM

The BMW M3 has been available in all manner of body-styles: coupe, convertible, sedan...but not a pickup. That is, until now.

BMW has created this one-of-a-kind M3 pickup as something of a ruse. Yet it actually exists. The truck packs the same 4.0-liter, 420-horsepower V8 as the production M3, only it's capable of hauling 110 pounds of whatever you need. It also boasts a removable roof for open-air driving, but you can't buy it. BMW built one as a gag, and will use it at the M division's workshop to help move parts around.

BMW M5 Concept to Debut in Shanghai

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 2:01PM

Feast your eyes on our first look at the new BMW M5. Technically a "concept car," the M5 you see here should closely represent the upcoming production version.

The car is set to debut later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show, but has already leaked onto the Internet. No details were announced, but what we already know is that the 2012 BMW M5 will feature the twin-turbo V8 from the X5M and X6M performance crossovers (instead of the V10 from the previous model).

Stay tuned...

HondaJet Hits 489 MPH as First Deliveries Approach

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 1:01PM

Aviation enthusiasts have been closely following the development of the HondaJet. Designed and engineered by the same Japanese motor company that builds everything from cars and motorcycles to lawnmowers and robots, the HondaJet is a thorough re-think of a private jet.

It's been a long time in the making, having started with research as far back as the 1980s and making its first flight in late 2003. Now the HondaJet has made its first FAA-certified test flight, achieving a top speed of 489 miles per hour at 30,000 feet -- by far surpassing the CBR sport bike, the Acura NSX sportscar and Honda F1 cars as the fastest thing the company has ever produced.

The jet is configured to carry five passengers in addition to the pilot and co-pilot. Powered by General Electric jet engines, the aircraft designated HA-420 will be built in Greensboro, North Carolina. Orders are being taken now at around $3.65 million, with production planned for 70 units per year and deliveries targeted for late 2012.

A Lexus for Monaco's Royal Wedding

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 9:15AM

While attention around the world is focused on the impending marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton, further south in Europe they're preparing for another royal wedding: that of Prince Albert II of Monaco to Miss Charlese Wittstock. And they've just announced the vehicle that will be used in the July 2 wedding.

This Lexus LS600h has been specially outfitted with the royal flag, "MC 01" license plate and flashing lights. As a hybrid, it will be able to drive at a parade pace on pure electric mode, and has elevated Lexus to the status of Official Supplier to the principality in the process.

'American Idol's' Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller Moving on to Formula 1?

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 8:01AM

Between the two of them, Simon Cowell and Simon Fuller have no shortage of successes to claim their own. Many of those accomplishments revolve around reality television programs like "American Idol," "X Factor," "So You Think You Can Dance?" and "America's Got Talent." Bernie Ecclestone apparently thinks quite highly of their show business acumen, and is now reportedly recruiting their talents to bring an added dose of showmanship to Formula One racing.

One idea Cowell and Fuller have reportedly put forward to the billionaire F1 chief is to cut the three-day grand prix weekend to two, and to replace the customary Friday practice sessions with a second preview race.

Cowell is a known racing fan and automotive enthusiast, while Fuller has been actively involved in the sport previously. The producer/promoter headed up the Honda F1 Team's branding initiative several years ago, and recently signed former world champion Lewis Hamilton to his talent agency alongside the likes of David Beckham, Sir Michael Caine and Jennifer Lopez.

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale by Zagato

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 3:01PM

Even on its own, Alfa Romeo is capable of producing some achingly beautiful sports cars. Just look at the 8C Competizione or the new 4C Concept unveiled in Geneva for evidence. But everyone can use a little help once in a while, and for Alfa, that help is coming from Zagato.

The Milanese design house has created countless rolling masterpieces, among them the TZ, the TZ2 and the TZ3 Corsa you see above. Commissioned as a one-off by a wealthy enthusiast, the TZ3 Corsa debuted at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este last year.

But what's that fourth car wrapped in a bow? We didn't know when it surfaced around the holidays, but now the company has confirmed that it will build a street version of the TZ3, available for purchase by those with the means.

The TZ3 Stradale is expected to be based on the Dodge Viper (whose parent company is linked to Alfa's), with an 8.4-liter V10 instead of the Maserati V8 that powers the Corsa. Pricing has yet to be revealed, but for those kind of exclusivity and beauty, don't expect it to come cheap.

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Service from Brilliant Transportation

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 10:01AM

Increasingly concerned with comfort and less with some stodgy image, luxury buyers are ditching the traditional limousine in favor of more commodious modes of transportation. A few months ago, we brought you news of the exclusive Sprinter Grand Edition from Mercedes-Benz Manhattan, but if laying out $190,000 for the privilege of riding in an opulent van doesn't strike you as a smart buy, you may want to turn to Brilliant Transportation.

The luxury shuttle service operates fleets in New York and Los Angeles. Its vans -- based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter -- may look like delivery trucks, but inside they're more luxurious than a Maybach.

Four leather arm chairs and a plush rear bench distinguish the interior, along with a pair of 32-inch flat-screen televisions, with wireless headphones, satellite TV and an eight-speaker sound system. There's also wireless internet on board, a color printer and speaker phone.

If you're chartering a jet from coast to coast, we couldn't think of a better way to get to and from the airport on either end.