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 2009 Weblogs, Inc. View our terms of service here: http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/ Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Good Things, Small Package: Rolls-Royce to Outfit Special Edition Minis]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/good-things-small-package-rolls-royce-to-outfit-special-editio/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/good-things-small-package-rolls-royce-to-outfit-special-editio/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/good-things-small-package-rolls-royce-to-outfit-special-editio/#comments

Conventional wisdom used to be that bigger cars got bigger luxury, and smaller cars did without. But as premium buyers have been migrating to smaller cars for easier access to city streets and a lower environmental impact, automakers have been learning that they expect their luxuries to come with them, just in a smaller package.

Aston Martin is planning an exclusive city car based on the Toyota iQ, and now, about half a year after rumors first surfaced, BMW has reportedly confirmed that its two British subsidiaries Mini and Rolls-Royce will be collaborating on an exclusive line of luxury hatchbacks.

Starting off with the Mini Cooper, the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood would then outfit the retro-hatch with all manner of top-of-the-line leather and wood veneer trim. The premium Minis would be made to order individually according to each customer's specifications, with public confirmation expected to come some time next year.

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Good Things, Small Package: Rolls-Royce to Outfit Special Edition Minis originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> minimini rolls-royceMiniRolls-roycerolls-roycerolls-royce miniRolls-royceMini Noah Joseph Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Porsche Boxster Spyder to Debut at LA Auto Show]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/porsche-boxster-spyder-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/porsche-boxster-spyder-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/porsche-boxster-spyder-to-debut-at-la-auto-show/#comments

In the world of high-performance sportscars, lighter means faster. That's why Porsche is preparing to take the wraps off the new Boxster Spyder.

Based on its entry-level roadster, the Boxster Spyder benefits from an aggressive weigh-reduction program to cut some 176 pounds off the stock model's curb weight, thanks in part to a lighter roof mechanism. The German automaker has also pulled an extra ten horses out of the direct-injection 3.4-liter flat six for a total of 320hp, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to drop the 0-60 time down to 4.6 seconds.

Of course the "less is more" philosophy comes with a commensurately exclusive price tag of $61,200. The 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder will make its debut early next month at the LA Auto Show, but we've got a sneak preview for you right here in the high-resolution image gallery below.

Gallery: Porsche Boxster Spyder

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Porsche Boxster Spyder to Debut at LA Auto Show originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2009 la auto show2009 los angeles auto show2009LaAutoShow2009LosAngelesAutoShow2011 porsche boxster spyder2011PorscheBoxsterSpyderboxsterboxster spyderBoxsterSpyderla auto showLaAutoShowlos angeles auto showLosAngelesAutoShowporscheporsche boxsterporsche boxster spyderporsche spyderPorscheBoxsterPorscheBoxsterSpyderPorscheSpyderspyder Noah Joseph Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari edition Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar by Blackbird]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/ferrari-edition-carbon-fiber-travel-guitar-by-blackbird/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/ferrari-edition-carbon-fiber-travel-guitar-by-blackbird/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/19/ferrari-edition-carbon-fiber-travel-guitar-by-blackbird/#comments

Ferrari's vast branding division has put the company's name and logo on just about everything by now. But while we've seen Ferrari edition sound systems, this is the first time the Prancing Horse logo has adorned an actual musical instrument. That is, assuming you don't count the sportscar's sonorous exhaust note.

Built by a former Ferrari designer, the Blackbird Rider is a compact, lightweight travel guitar with an innovative design. Now the company that inspired its creation has teamed up with its designer for a special edition. With such unique touches as a red A string and Individually signed by Ferrari F1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kimi Raikkonen, the Ferrari edition Blackbird guitar was sold exclusively at the Ferrari Store. Unfortunately they're all sold out by now, but for a hair under $1500 they'll make you a new one.

Gallery: Blackbird Rider Ferrari Edition

Ferrari edition Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar by Blackbird originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> acoustic guitarAcousticGuitarblackbirdblackbird riderBlackbirdRiderferrariferrari guitarFerrariGuitarguitartravel guitarTravelGuitar Noah Joseph Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Autodelta's Supercharged Alfa Romeo Brera S & J4 159]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/autodeltas-supercharged-alfa-romeo-brera-s-and-j4-159/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/autodeltas-supercharged-alfa-romeo-brera-s-and-j4-159/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/autodeltas-supercharged-alfa-romeo-brera-s-and-j4-159/#comments

Few cars on the road - at any price - have the presence of an Alfa Romeo. Unfortunately their performance seldom keeps up with their looks. That's where aftermarket modifiers come in.

Last year the Italian automaker contracted British motorsport concern Prodrive to help it out in the performance department. Their answer was the Brera S, removing much of the aggressively-styled coupe's weight and fine-tuning the suspension. Now Autodelta is getting in on the action. The English tuning house has taken Prodrive's Brera S coupe and strapped on a supercharger good for 347 horsepower.

The power upgrades are also available on the Brera's four-door counterpart, the 159, which Autodelta transforms into the J4 3.2 Compressore. The pair were unveiled at London's exciting MPH09, but you can see them for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Autodelta Alfa Romeo Brera S & J4 159 3.2 Compressore

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Autodelta's Supercharged Alfa Romeo Brera S & J4 159 originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alfaalfa 159alfa breraalfa brera salfa romeoalfa romeo 159alfa romeo breraalfa romeo brera sAlfa159AlfaBreraAlfaBreraSAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeo159AlfaRomeoBreraAlfaRomeoBreraSautodeltaautodelta alfa romeoAutodeltaAlfaRomeoprodrive Noah Joseph Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Porsche Design revives the iconic Yoko Ono Sunglasses]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/porsche-design-revives-the-iconic-yoko-ono-sunglasses/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/porsche-design-revives-the-iconic-yoko-ono-sunglasses/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/porsche-design-revives-the-iconic-yoko-ono-sunglasses/#comments yoko ono glasses

Back in her heyday, Yoko Ono was almost never seen without her shades on. And these were them: The original sunglasses from Porsche Design. She wore them on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, she wore them at press conferences, she wore them during recording sessions and when she was on vacation. She's still wearing them, even though they haven't been made in years. But now the German automaker's product design studio is bringing them back as the P'8479, complete with visible gold-tone screws and Beta-Titanium frame. Make no mistake about it, the 80s are back.

Gallery: Porsche Design P'8479 Yoko Ono sunglasses

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Porsche Design revives the iconic Yoko Ono Sunglasses originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> porscheporsche designporsche design p8479porsche design yoko onoPorscheDesignPorscheDesignP8479PorscheDesignYokoOnoyoko onoyoko ono sunglassesYokoOnoYokoOnoSunglasses Noah Joseph Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bentley Launches New Line of Accessories]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/bentley-launches-new-line-of-accessories/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/bentley-launches-new-line-of-accessories/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/12/bentley-launches-new-line-of-accessories/#comments bentley

To most Bentley customers, cost is no object. Which is a good thing, because they're pretty darn expensive. And the sticker price isn't the end of it. Case in point the new line of accessories which the luxury automaker has released for its own vehicles.

The Bentley Accessories Collection includes such items as a luxurious child seat, a set of self-leveling wheel hubs, an LED flashlight, a form-fitting car cover for the Continental Supersports, and a set of vented body panels for the entire Continental range. They're all available directly from Bentley; the only catch is that you need to have a Bentley in your driveway first.

Gallery: Bentley Accessories Collection

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Bentley Launches New Line of Accessories originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bentleybentley accessoriesbentley accessories collectionBentleyAccessoriesBentleyAccessoriesCollectioncar accessoriesCarAccessoriesgifts for car loversGiftsForCarLovers Noah Joseph Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Arash AF-10 Supercar Nearing Production]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/arash-af-10-supercar-nearing-production/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/arash-af-10-supercar-nearing-production/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/arash-af-10-supercar-nearing-production/#comments

You might have thought the car industry was going for smaller, more fuel-efficient and more affordable cars, but there are still plenty of wealthy customers out there with extra cash to burn. And they're looking for the next most exclusive exotic supercar they can get their hands on. Which is good news for Arash Farboud. The British entrepreneur started his own supercar-maker, then founded another one, and here's its first product: the Arash AF-10.

As we reported around this time last year when the first photos and details began emerging, the Arash AF-10 is made almost entirely of carbon fiber. Its 7-liter, 550hp V8 engine is derived from the track-munching Corvette Z06. And it will cost over half a million dollars when it finally hits the market, target for next year. Arash says they'll only make 70 of them every year, and there's rumored to be an even more powerful 800hp version and a bonkers 1000hp variant on the way. We'd better start saving.

Gallery: Arash AF-10

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Arash AF-10 Supercar Nearing Production originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> af-10af10arasharash af-10arash af10arash farboudArashAf-10ArashAf10ArashFarboudfarboud Noah Joseph Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[F1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen Could Be Paid 17 Million Euros Not to Race Next Season]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/f1-champion-kimi-raikkonen-could-be-paid-17-million-euros-not-to/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/f1-champion-kimi-raikkonen-could-be-paid-17-million-euros-not-to/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/f1-champion-kimi-raikkonen-could-be-paid-17-million-euros-not-to/#comments

There are few sports figures paid as highly as Formula One drivers...world champions especially. With the 2009 season already wrapped up, teams are preparing for their assault on next year's championship, with an unprecedented game of musical chairs taking place in the off-season.

Among the changes, two-time world champion Fernando Alonso is moving, at long last, from Renault to Ferrari. Trouble is, the Italian team already has two world-class drivers on contract. So to make room, Ferrari is willing to pay its 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen not to race.

According to reports, Raikkonen will be paid a whopping 17 million euros next year just to vacate his seat. He's free to move to another team, but if he does, Ferrari will only owe him 10 million euros. For his part, Kimi says he'll only consider McLaren, and knowing full well of the conditions of his contract, the British team (for whom he drove previously) is offering him only 5 million - a fair bit less than he'd be worth on the open market. The bottom line is that Raikkonen stands to make more money if he sits out next season than if he races.

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F1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen Could Be Paid 17 Million Euros Not to Race Next Season originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> f1ferrariformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnekimikimi raikkonenKimiRaikkonenmclarenraikkonenscuderia ferrariScuderiaFerrari Noah Joseph Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bentley Art Project Benefits Cancer Research]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/bentley-art-project-benefits-cancer-research/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/bentley-art-project-benefits-cancer-research/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/11/bentley-art-project-benefits-cancer-research/#comments bentley art

There are few automobiles we could truly consider works of art. And most of them are expensive. Bentley surely ranks among them, but the British luxury automaker has taken things one step further.

In a new project, Bentley invited its designers to create works of art inspired by their work. No fewer than 22 participated, working in every medium from photography and painting to sculpture. The results are truly intriguing, and will be auctioned off on December 1 in a charity auction held by Bonhams to benefit cancer research at Manchester's The Christie Hospital. The event is by invitation only, but you can view the pieces in the gallery below.

Gallery: Bentley Art Project

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Bentley Art Project Benefits Cancer Research originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bentleybentley art projectbentley design passionBentleyArtProjectBentleyDesignPassionbonhamscharity auctionCharityAuctionthe christieTheChristie Noah Joseph Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Volvo Releases New-For-2010 S60 Sedan]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/volvo-releases-new-for-2010-s60-sedan/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/volvo-releases-new-for-2010-s60-sedan/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/10/volvo-releases-new-for-2010-s60-sedan/#comments

If you're still used to Volvos being boxy, take another look. What you see before you is the new 2010 Volvo S60, Sweden's answer to such venerable German stalwarts as the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

Previewed nearly a year ago by the S60 Concept unveiled in Detroit, the production version of Volvo's latest will be properly unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show this coming March. But to keep our imaginations soaring, the Swedish automaker has released a pair of images and some initial details.

As could be expected from Volvo, the sedan features the company's latest in safety technology, including a new Pedestrian Detection system capable of stopping the car from low speeds in case someone jumps out in front. And while the panoramic glass roof and rear-hinged "suicide" rear doors from the concept car may have gone, the sedan's surprisingly swoopy styling and coupe-like roof-line remain. Have a look for yourself at the pair of images in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60

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Volvo Releases New-For-2010 S60 Sedan originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2010 volvo s602010VolvoS60carss60volvovolvo s60VolvoS60 Noah Joseph Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Aston Martin Rapide in Pictures]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/aston-martin-rapide-in-pictures/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/aston-martin-rapide-in-pictures/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/09/aston-martin-rapide-in-pictures/#comments

Few automobiles on the road today are as breathtaking as an Aston Martin. But while the resurgent British automaker is known mostly for its two-door sportscars, the company's history isn't without its share of four-door models as well.

Aston introduced its return to the lucrative segment last month at the Frankfurt auto show, and has now followed up with a wide selection of photography, showing the new Rapide in all its glory and from every angle. We've placed all the images in the high-resolution gallery below for your browsing pleasure, so have a look and enjoy.

Gallery: Aston Martin Rapide

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Aston Martin Rapide in Pictures originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> astonaston martinaston martin rapideaston rapideAstonMartinAstonMartinRapideAstonRapidelagondarapide Noah Joseph Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Special Edition 500 Abarth Exclusively for France]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/special-edition-500-abarth-exclusively-for-france/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/special-edition-500-abarth-exclusively-for-france/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/08/special-edition-500-abarth-exclusively-for-france/#comments

Good things come in small packages. Like the Fiat 500 Abarth. Sure, it's just a little hatchback, but the car that's taking European markets by storm can be ordered as a venerable fire-breathing little monster courtesy of the Italian automaker's performance division. Abarth has churned out no shortage of special editions, but here's one actually undertaken by one of its importers.

The SpeedGrey edition starts with the 160-horsepower 500 Abarth SS and upgrades it with a special Monza exhaust good for another five horses, plus tinted windows, satellite navigation, Sabelt racing seats and a special gray paint scheme usually available only on Maseratis. Unfortunately Neubauer will only be making ten examples, all dedicated to the French market for where the company serves as official distributor.

Gallery: Fiat 500 Abarth Speedgrey par Neubauer

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Special Edition 500 Abarth Exclusively for France originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> abarthfiat 500fiat 500 abarthfiat 500 abarth speedgreyFiat500Fiat500AbarthFiat500AbarthSpeedgreyneubauerspeedgrey Noah Joseph Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[BMW Rolls Out Hard-Core M3 GTS]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/bmw-rolls-out-hard-core-m3-gts/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/bmw-rolls-out-hard-core-m3-gts/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/05/bmw-rolls-out-hard-core-m3-gts/#comments

If you're one of the enthusiasts who think the BMW M3 has grown too big and bloated with the current model, take heart: the Bavarian automaker's elite M division has just released the M3 GTS. Following in the path lead by such legendary derivations as the M3 CSL, the new M3 GTS is a hardcore, performance-focused version of Munich's finest sports coupe.

The award-winning engine has been enlarged from 4 liters to 4.4, and output is tipped to have jumped up to 450 horsepower. But that's only half of the power-to-weight ratio, as the M division has put the M3 GTS on a serious weight-saving scheme to cut its curb weight by some 420 lbs, thanks to a stripped-out interior devoid of frivolities like air-conditioning, satellite navigation and radio, equipping the M3 GTS with things like an emergency cut-off switch, fire extinguisher, racing buckets and mounting points for a competition-spec roll-cage and six-point racing harness. Lightweight windows, upgraded wheels, tires and suspension and a radical aerodynamics package are also part of the mix.

The car's performance is expected to increase considerably, but all that extra kit comes at a price: 115,000 euros in this case, or about $170,000 - but the M3 GTS is not expected to make it to the North American market, with deliveries beginning in Germany next May.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

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BMW Rolls Out Hard-Core M3 GTS originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bmwbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gtsBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3Gtsm3m3 gtsM3Gts Noah Joseph Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Unique Porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China Special Raises $1.77 Million at Charity Auction]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/04/unique-porcelain-finish-ferrari-599-china-special-raises-1-77-m/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/04/unique-porcelain-finish-ferrari-599-china-special-raises-1-77-m/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/04/unique-porcelain-finish-ferrari-599-china-special-raises-1-77-m/#comments

Ferraris are particularly enticing purchases for the wealthy, but special Ferraris have proven themselves even more attractive to those with the means. Case in point this one-of-a-kind 599 GTB Fiorano which was hand-painted by Chinese artist Lu Hao on the pattern of the sought-after Ge Liln porcelain from the Song Dynasty. This unique example on which we reported last month is based on the limited-edition 599 China special, and was auctioned on Tuesday for the princely sum of $1.77 million to an unnamed collector in Shanghai. Proceeds go towards scholarships opportunities for Chinese automotive engineering students to continue their studies in Italy, along with a handful of other Ferrari memorabilia under the watchful eyes of the legendary Michael Schumacher, Ferrari executives and faculty from the beneficiary institutes.

Gallery: Hand-Painted Ferrari 599 China Special by Lu Hao

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Unique Porcelain-finish Ferrari 599 China Special Raises $1.77 Million at Charity Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> chinaferrariferrari 599 China Limited Editionferrari 599 gtb fioranoferrari 599 hgteFerrari599ChinaLimitedEditionFerrari599GtbFioranoFerrari599Hgtege lilnge liln porcelainGeLilnGeLilnPorcelainlu haoLuHaoporcelainporcelain ferrariPorcelainFerrari Noah Joseph Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[TAG Heuer Presents Limited-Edition Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/tag-heuer-presents-limited-edition-meridiist-automobili-lamborgh/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/tag-heuer-presents-limited-edition-meridiist-automobili-lamborgh/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/tag-heuer-presents-limited-edition-meridiist-automobili-lamborgh/#comments

Vertu has been hard at work cornering the niche automotive-inspired luxury phone market, but they're not going to have it all to themselves. Because TAG Heuer, creators of the Meridiist mobile, have strong ties running deep in the automotive industry that have included collaborations with Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and McLaren to name just a few. And have now teamed up with Lamborghini for an even more exclusive edition of the Meridiist.

The TAG Heuer Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini boasts a chassis made of stainless steel, coated in black titanium carbide and packed with all the bells and whistles you could expect. It'll only be made in a limited edition of 1963 examples, honoring the year which the Italian sportscar-maker started business, available exclusively from Lamborghini and TAG Heuer retailers.

Gallery: TAG Heuer Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini

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TAG Heuer Presents Limited-Edition Meridiist Automobili Lamborghini originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> Automobili LamborghiniAutomobiliLamborghiniheuerMeridiisttagtag heuerTAG Heuer MeridiistTAG Heuer Meridiist LamborghiniTagHeuerTagHeuerMeridiistTagHeuerMeridiistLamborghini Noah Joseph Tue, 03 Nov 2009 20:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari World Prepares for Grand Opening in Abu Dhabi Next Year]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/ferrari-world-prepares-for-grand-opening-in-abu-dhabi-next-year/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/ferrari-world-prepares-for-grand-opening-in-abu-dhabi-next-year/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/ferrari-world-prepares-for-grand-opening-in-abu-dhabi-next-year/#comments

If you had the occasion to watch the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which capped the end of the 2009 Formula One World Championship this past weekend, you may have gotten a glimpse of a giant red structure with a huge Ferrari emblem on the roof. What you're looking at is Ferrari World, the first Ferrari theme park, being built on the man-made Yas Island resort in Abu Dhabi.

The complex stands as the largest indoor park in the world, encompassing some 2 million square feet under a giant 150-foot-high red steel roof sporting the largest Ferrari logo in the world. Out of the top protrudes a 200-foot g-force drop tower, accompanying the world's fastest roller coaster, a flume ride simulating a Ferrari engine and kart tracks among its 20+ attractions. Of course there'll be plenty of restaurants and shopping opportunities that go along with any theme park as well. This one is set to open its doors some time next year as part of an ongoing initiative to turn the United Arab Emirates into a leading tourist destination.

Gallery: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

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Ferrari World Prepares for Grand Opening in Abu Dhabi Next Year originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> abu dhabiAbuDhabiemiratesferrariferrari worldFerrariWorldtheme parkThemeParkuaeunited arab emiratesUnitedArabEmiratesyasyas islandYasIsland Noah Joseph Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Zagato and Ferrari Collaborate on Limited-Edition 550 GTZ]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/zagato-and-ferrari-collaborate-on-limited-edition-550-gtz/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/zagato-and-ferrari-collaborate-on-limited-edition-550-gtz/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/zagato-and-ferrari-collaborate-on-limited-edition-550-gtz/#comments

As far as convertible Ferraris go, it doesn't get much more exclusive than the 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. The limited edition is two generations old already, but only 448 examples were made. One studio seems to think that isn't exclusive enough, however, and has used it as the basis to make a special edition of its own.

Called the 550 GTZ, the custom coachbuilt convertible is the latest in a long line of rebodied Ferraris made by Zagato Milano, one of the oldest coachbuilders in Italy. Marking the 90th anniversary of their first collaboration - and what could very well be the last given new regulations - the 550 GTZ is being built in an extremely limited run of five examples, all of which have reportedly already been spoken for at the princely sum of $1.6 million each.

Gallery: Ferrari 550 GTZ by Zagato

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Zagato and Ferrari Collaborate on Limited-Edition 550 GTZ originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> carrozzeriacarrozzeria zagato milanoCarrozzeriaZagatoMilanocoacbuilderferrariferrari 550 barchettaferrari 550 barchetta pininfarinaferrari 550 gtzferrari zagatoFerrari550BarchettaFerrari550BarchettaPininfarinaFerrari550GtzFerrariZagatogtzzagatozagato 550 gtzzagato ferrarizagato ferrari 550 gtzzagato milanoZagato550GtzZagatoFerrariZagatoFerrari550GtzZagatoMilano Noah Joseph Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Acura Goes After its Own Niche with New Direction]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/acura-goes-after-its-own-niche-with-new-direction/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/acura-goes-after-its-own-niche-with-new-direction/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/03/acura-goes-after-its-own-niche-with-new-direction/#comments

Although Acura offers some very compelling premium vehicles, the luxury division from Honda has always appeared to be playing catch-up with its rivals. Acura was toying with the idea of creating a rear-wheel-drive platform and a V8 engine to compete with the likes of Lexus, Mercedes and Jaguar, but those plans have now been put on ice as the company struggles to find its niche.

Instead, its new direction will be to build technologically-advanced near-luxury vehicles with hybrid drivetrains and the latest state-of-the-art features. It will take the company a while to refocus, however, leaving its dealerships across North America - many of which have invested heavily in glitzy new showrooms in anticipation of exciting new products - to twiddle their proverbial thumbs and wait, or else find another product line to sell.

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Acura Goes After its Own Niche with New Direction originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> acura Noah Joseph Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Former F1 Driver David Coulthard gets a $33,000 Speeding Ticket]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/former-f1-driver-david-coulthard-gets-a-33-000-speeding-ticket/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/former-f1-driver-david-coulthard-gets-a-33-000-speeding-ticket/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/former-f1-driver-david-coulthard-gets-a-33-000-speeding-ticket/#comments

The truly wealthy never seem to care about tickets. They park where they want and drive how they want, because the penalties never mean much more than pocket change to them. Well they might want to give that a second thought as one extremely wealthy motorist has received an unpredecentedly large speeding ticket in Mumbai.

The fine was imposed on one David Coulthard, one of the most successful Formula One drivers never to win a world title. The Scotsman recently retired from active duty, but still performs from time to time for the Red Bull Racing team he helped form. On a recent demonstration run for 50,000 fans in India, Coulthard reportedly hit a top speed of 162 miles per hour... in a 30 zone. The result was that the local officials withheld the $33,000 deposit put down for the team for the event. Which has to be the biggest speeding ticket ever issued.

Gallery: Red Bull Racing demonstration in Mumbai

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Former F1 Driver David Coulthard gets a $33,000 Speeding Ticket originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> david coulthardDavidCoulthardformula oneFormulaOnemumbaispeeding ticketSpeedingTicket Noah Joseph Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Porsches Escape Taxes in Norway with Creative Specifications]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/porsches-escape-taxes-in-norway-with-creative-specifications/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/porsches-escape-taxes-in-norway-with-creative-specifications/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/porsches-escape-taxes-in-norway-with-creative-specifications/#comments

Sometimes getting around oppressive tax laws requires a little bit of...shall we say, creativity. Which is exactly what the Norwegian importer for Porsche cars appears to be displaying with this latest loophole.

Although the Porsche Cayman and Boxster are built in neighboring Finland, next door in Norway they're subject to heavy tariffs due to their high horsepower outputs and carbon emissions. So what did the importer do? Cut the engine's output to below the threshold. The result is a coupe and convertible with 211 horsepower each - 44 and 34 hp less than what they leave the nearby factory with - which qualifies them for significant tax rebates: nearly $19,000 for the Cayman and over $15,000 for the Boxster. The kicker, though, is that according to the same spec sheet, the sportscars haven't suffered any performance degradation, leading us to wonder if the engines were really modified or if they just doctored the numbers.

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Porsches Escape Taxes in Norway with Creative Specifications originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> norwayporscheporsche boxsterporsche caymanporsche norwayPorscheBoxsterPorscheCaymanPorscheNorway Noah Joseph Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Mercedes Reportedly Preparing Even More Exclusive SLS AMG Black Series]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/mercedes-reportedly-preparing-even-more-exclusive-sls-amg-black/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/mercedes-reportedly-preparing-even-more-exclusive-sls-amg-black/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/11/02/mercedes-reportedly-preparing-even-more-exclusive-sls-amg-black/#comments

With 617 horsepower and a 208mph top speed, topping the Mercedes SLR McLaren was no mean feat. Mercedes nearly managed to pull it off with the new SLS AMG. The gull-winged supercar was unveiled at the recent international auto show in Frankfurt to rave reviews. But it still falls a shade short of its predecessor's bragging rights, so the German automaker is reportedly working on an even more exclusive, more powerful and more capable SLS AMG Black Series.

Following in the Black Series that has given us the SLK55, CLK63 and SL65, the SLS Black is expected to gain some extra power and lose some weight to optimize that vital power to weight ratio. Sources expect the 563hp and 479lb-ft of torque from the existing 6.2-liter V8 to get a boost past the 600hp/500lb-ft mark, coupled with a 50kg weight-shaving scheme to drop the "stock" SLS' 0-62 mph time down from 3.8 seconds - already faster than 99% of the cars out on the road - to below 3.5 seconds, and the top speed up from 195 mph to 208.

Of course the added exclusivity won't come cheap: insiders expect the price to jump by half to over $250,000 when the SLS AMG Black Series hits the market in 2013.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

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Mercedes Reportedly Preparing Even More Exclusive SLS AMG Black Series originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> amgamg black seriesAmgBlackSeriesblackblack seriesBlackSeriesmercedesmercedes amgmercedes slsmercedes sls amgmercedes-benzmercedes-benz sls amgmercedes-benz sls amg black seriesMercedes-benzSlsAmgMercedes-benzSlsAmgBlackSeriesMercedesAmgMercedesSlsMercedesSlsAmg Noah Joseph Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Updated Nissan GT-R Brings The Fight Back to Porsche]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/updated-nissan-gt-r-brings-the-fight-back-to-porsche/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/updated-nissan-gt-r-brings-the-fight-back-to-porsche/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/updated-nissan-gt-r-brings-the-fight-back-to-porsche/#comments

If you've been under the impression that the cold war is over, you haven't been watching the arms race unfolding between Japan and Germany. Fortunately we're not talking about World War III here, but an escalation in the performance wars between Nissan and Porsche. The former took aim square at the latter with the all-conquering GT-R, and Porsche has been responding in kind with ever faster versions of the 911. With the ball now in their proverbial court, Nissan unveiled a revised version of its all-wheel-drive supercar affectionately known as Godzilla at the Tokyo Motor Show this year.

Improving on the formula that already incorporates a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6 driving 480 horsepower to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the revised GT-R has been fitted with an upgraded suspension, exhaust system, aerodynamics package, high-performance tires and info-tainment system to bring the fight back to Germany. Your turn, Porsche.

Gallery: 2010 Nissan GT-R


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Updated Nissan GT-R Brings The Fight Back to Porsche originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 2010 nissan gt-r2010NissanGt-rgodzillagt-rgtrnissannissan gt-rnissan gtrNissanGt-rNissanGtr Noah Joseph Wed, 28 Oct 2009 03:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[$375,000 Lexus LFA Supercar Debuts at Tokyo Motor Show]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/375-000-lexus-lfa-supercar-debuts-at-tokyo-motor-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/375-000-lexus-lfa-supercar-debuts-at-tokyo-motor-show/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/28/375-000-lexus-lfa-supercar-debuts-at-tokyo-motor-show/#comments

If you're in the market for a top-of-the-line exotic sportscar, it used to be that the European automakers (like Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin) were the only place to go. The Acura NSX held down the fort for the Japanese automakers for a long while, but since its departure it's been back to business as usual.

Japan's carmakers, however, are in the midst of a renaissance in the supercar arena. The Nissan GT-R, once kept exclusively in the Japanese Domestic Market, has been taking on all challengers, and now Lexus has stepped up with the highly-anticipated new LFA. With a 550-horsepower V10 engine, a 3.7-second sprint to 60, a top speed in excess of 200 miles per hour and a $375,000 price tag, the Lexus LFA is capable of dicing it with the best Europe has to offer and holding its own.

Despite the extraordinary price tag, sources suggest that parent company Toyota will actually take a loss on each one sold. Which could help explain why they'll only be making 500 examples, making this one very attractive and - for everyone involved - very expensive piece of window dressing.

Gallery: Lexus LFA

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$375,000 Lexus LFA Supercar Debuts at Tokyo Motor Show originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> exoticlexuslexus lfalexus sports carLexusLfaLexusSportsCarlfasports carsports carsSportsCarSportsCars Noah Joseph Wed, 28 Oct 2009 01:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[X Marks the Spot: Toyota Unveils New Premium Sedan in Tokyo]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/27/x-marks-the-spot-toyota-unveils-new-premium-sedan-in-tokyo/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/27/x-marks-the-spot-toyota-unveils-new-premium-sedan-in-tokyo/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/27/x-marks-the-spot-toyota-unveils-new-premium-sedan-in-tokyo/#comments

Names like Infiniti, Acura and Lexus have come to occupy central roles in the luxury automobile market. But for decades, these brands were only sold in North America. Lexus came home to roost just a few years ago, while Infiniti and Acura are still dedicated exclusively to the foreign market. So while it may seem counter-intuitive to see luxury sedans marketed under labels we'd consider decidedly ordinary here, in their domestic markets the practice is commonplace. Take for example the new Toyota Mark X.

This slick premium sedan is now in its second iteration, recently revealed under the bright lights of the semi-annual Tokyo Motor Show. Sold exclusively in Japan, it shares its platform with the Lexus GS, but comes wrapped in a sportier shell, with a choice of V6 engines in 2.5-liter/203hp and 3.5-liter/315hp guises driving through a six-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or all-wheel-drive. Not unlike the Hyundai Genesis sedan which comes to market conspicuously void of Hyundai badges, the Mark X bares its own grille ornament, giving the premium sedan an air of sophistication to slot somewhere in between Toyota's image and that of its upscale counterpart Lexus.

Gallery: Toyota Mark X

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X Marks the Spot: Toyota Unveils New Premium Sedan in Tokyo originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> lexusmark xMarkXtoyotatoyota mark xToyotaMarkX Noah Joseph Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari 430 Scuderia 747HP Edizione by Novitec Rosso]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/ferrari-430-scuderia-747hp-edizione-by-novitec-rosso/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/ferrari-430-scuderia-747hp-edizione-by-novitec-rosso/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/ferrari-430-scuderia-747hp-edizione-by-novitec-rosso/#comments

With 510 horsepower and a chassis tuned by Michael Schumacher, there are few exotic sportscars out there capable of catching the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. The new 458 Italia stands as an exception, replacing the F430 series next year with an even better package. But before Ferrari sends the outgoing model packing, Holland's Novitec Rosso has got a few more tricks up its sleeve.

Thanks to a pair of superchargers, intercoolers and a revised engine control unit, Novitec has boosted the Scuderia's power up to 747, said to be enough to drive the tuned supercar up to 218 miles per hour. A special two-tone matte paint job, a host of interior modifications and new rolling stock mounted to an upgraded suspenion round out the package. Novitec says they'll only make three of them, and considering the third-of-a-million-dollar asking price for the stock model, this is definotely one of those "if you have to ask" moments. Have a closer look in the high-resolution photo gallery below.

Gallery: Novitec Rosso Ferrari 430 Scuderia 747HP Edizione

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Ferrari 430 Scuderia 747HP Edizione by Novitec Rosso originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> ferrariferrari 430 scuderiaFerrari430Scuderianovitecnovitec rossoNovitecRosso Noah Joseph Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Neiman Marcus Sells 50 Jaguars in Four Hours]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/neiman-marcus-sells-50-jaguars-in-four-hours/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/neiman-marcus-sells-50-jaguars-in-four-hours/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/20/neiman-marcus-sells-50-jaguars-in-four-hours/#comments

If you were anxious to get your hands on the new 2010 Jaguar XJ, you're going to have to wait until next year. But a lucky 50 customers with cash in hand managed to get a hold of the new luxury sedan earlier than the rest of us, thanks to Neiman Marcus.

For the third time in the history of the two companies, a Jaguar was selected as the luxury automobile of choice for this year's Christmas Book, following the XKE coupe that appeared in 1968 and the XK8 convertible in 1997. And like the BMW 7 Series which the premium department store offered last year, the XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus edition hit the market several months before the car's official availability.

With a special Celestial Black paint job, unique fitted luggage set, individually-numbered plaque and a $105,000 sticker price, the NM edition XJ sold out in four hours and four minutes of its availability, sight unseen.

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Neiman Marcus Sells 50 Jaguars in Four Hours originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> jaguarjaguar xjJaguar XJL SuperchargedJaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus EditionJaguarXjJaguarXjlSuperchargedJaguarXjlSuperchargedNeimanMarcusEditionmarcusneimanneiman marcusneiman marcus christmas bookNeimanMarcusNeimanMarcusChristmasBook Noah Joseph Tue, 20 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Aston Martin Opens Advanced Driving Program to the Public]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/12/aston-martin-opens-advanced-driving-program-to-the-public/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/12/aston-martin-opens-advanced-driving-program-to-the-public/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/12/aston-martin-opens-advanced-driving-program-to-the-public/#comments

Offering an advanced driving program is a great way for a performance-oriented automaker to show its customers how to get the most out of their vehicles on the one hand, and promote the brand on the other. Aston Martin chose to keep its program to the former. Until now, that is, as the British purveyor of luxury GTs has opened its Performance Driving Course to the paying public.

Similar to the courses which Aston runs in Belgium and in England, the American program has been running for four years at the Michigan Proving Grounds in Romeo, which it rents out from former parent company Ford on a periodical basis. The $2,500 program takes place over the course of a full day of one-on-one instruction with a qualified expert who can demonstrate for pupils just what a modern Aston is capable of.

Since opening the program to the public, it's already been booked pretty solid with 20 customers a month. In the winter months, however, Aston reportedly plans to take the program down south to various facilities in warmer climates.

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Aston Martin Opens Advanced Driving Program to the Public originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> advanced driving schoolAdvancedDrivingSchoolastonaston martinaston martin performance driving courseAstonMartinAstonMartinPerformanceDrivingCourseford michigan proving groundsford mpgFordMichiganProvingGroundsFordMpgmichigan proving groundsMichiganProvingGroundsmpgperformance driving coursePerformanceDrivingCourseromeo Noah Joseph Mon, 12 Oct 2009 20:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Vertu Releases New Constellation Ayxta Flip-Phone]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/12/vertu-releases-new-constellation-ayxta-flip-phone/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/12/vertu-releases-new-constellation-ayxta-flip-phone/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/12/vertu-releases-new-constellation-ayxta-flip-phone/#comments vertu

Rich folks like Vertu. (They must, otherwise Nokia wouldn't keep on making ten-thousand-dollar mobile phones, now would they?) But some like flip-phones better than the candy-bar form factor that has characterized its offerings until now. So ostensibly to satisfy such discerning customers, Vertu has released the new Constellation Ayxta.

Like the Ascent, Signature and the existing Constellation model, the Ayxta features luxurious hand-craftsmanship, leather trim and access to the company's bespoke concierge service, on call around the clock from anywhere in the world. The Ayxta's clamshell form also packs a 3-megapixel camera with flash, an 8-gig micro-SD slot and 3G wireless connection. Which by themselves may not warrant the phone's $6,500 - $8,500 asking price, but then companies like Vertu would argue that the whole of its product is more than the sum of its parts.

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Vertu Releases New Constellation Ayxta Flip-Phone originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> constellationConstellation AyxtaConstellationAyxtamobilemobile phoneMobilePhonephonevertuvertu constellationVertu Constellation AyxtaVertuConstellationVertuConstellationAyxta Noah Joseph Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Dalmore Releases the £10,000 Siruis Single Malt]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/09/dalmore-releases-the-10-000-siruis-single-malt/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/09/dalmore-releases-the-10-000-siruis-single-malt/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/09/dalmore-releases-the-10-000-siruis-single-malt/#comments

How much would you be willing to spend on a bottle of whisky? A couple hundred? A couple of thousand, if you had the cash on hand? How about £10,000? That's the headline selling price for the latest release from The Dalmore distillery in Scotland.

The Sirius Vintage has been maturing since 1951, making it one of the rarest, oldest and finest malts available. But availability is a relative concept: Dalmore will only be producing 12 bottles of this most exclusive single malt scotch, available from a small selection of airport duty free concessionaires around the world.

With a cask strength of 45%, master distiller Richard Paterson describes the taste as "distinguished and elegant" with notes of "intense citrus and honeyed chocolate" followed by hints of "roasted coffee, crushed walnuts and liquorice spice". Sounds delightful, but at those prices and quantities, we'd better not get too attached.

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Dalmore Releases the £10,000 Siruis Single Malt originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> dalmoreDalmore 1951 Sirius VintageDalmore1951SiriusVintagescotchscotch whiskyScotchWhiskysingle maltsingle malt scotch whiskySingleMaltSingleMaltScotchWhiskysiriusthe dalmoreTheDalmorewhisky Noah Joseph Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari to Auction Off Unique Hand-Painted 599 China Special in Beijing]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/ferrari-to-auction-off-unique-hand-painted-599-china-special-in/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/ferrari-to-auction-off-unique-hand-painted-599-china-special-in/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/ferrari-to-auction-off-unique-hand-painted-599-china-special-in/#comments

A Ferrari's a coveted object. A limited edition Ferrari even more so. But a one-of-a-kind Ferrari is another ballgame altogether. The path to the unique creation you see here passed through all those phases, and then some.

The Italian exotic automaker recently updated its flagship 599 GTB Fiorano supercar with the Handling GT Evoluzione package and took its dynamic performance to another level. But for the Chinese market, Ferrari unveiled a limited run of 12 special editions, with unique design touches carried out by Chinese artist Lu Hao. And of those 12, one has been made even rarer.

The artist has taken this solitary example and hand painted a greenish pearl white pattern reminiscent of the coveted Ge Liln porcelain of the Song dynasty. It's the only one of its kind to be made, and will be auctioned off for charity at a special event to be held in Beijing on November 3, where one collector/benefactor will drive away in this most special of special editions.

Gallery: Hand-Painted Ferrari 599 China Special by Lu Hao

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Ferrari to Auction Off Unique Hand-Painted 599 China Special in Beijing originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> chinaferrariferrari 599ferrari 599 China Limited Editionferrari 599 gtbferrari 599 gtb fioranoferrari 599 gtb fiorano china special editionferrari 599 hgteferrari 599 hgte china limited editionferrari chinaFerrari599Ferrari599ChinaLimitedEditionFerrari599GtbFerrari599GtbFioranoFerrari599GtbFioranoChinaSpecialEditionFerrari599HgteFerrari599HgteChinaLimitedEditionFerrariChinahgte Noah Joseph Thu, 08 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Brawn GP Racing Chronographs by Graham-London]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/brawn-gp-racing-chronographs-by-graham-london/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/brawn-gp-racing-chronographs-by-graham-london/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/08/brawn-gp-racing-chronographs-by-graham-london/#comments

The correlations between high-performance racing machines and high-precision timepieces hardly need any elaboration, and the examples are plenty. It seems every premium automaker and every top-tier racing team has its own line of watches, usually crafted by Switzerland's finest watchmakers. And now Brawn GP has joined the fold.

If you haven't heard of Brawn GP, it's been a while since you've watched a grand prix. The team - headed by strategic mastermind Ross Brawn - that took over when Honda packed up and left Formula One racing last year is leading the world championship with only two rounds to go. But they've run most of the season without the sort of multi-million-dollar sponsorship deals you'd expect of the rookie race winners. At the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this year, however, the team announced a new deal with Anglo-Swiss watchmakers Graham-London, which lays claim to the first chronograph in timekeeping history. Graham has debuted a small line of timepieces custom made for the team, including the Chronofighter and the Silverstone, featuring Brawn GP's signature colors and individually numbered. Only 250 will be made, so you'd better be faster than a Brawn racer to get your hands on one.

Gallery: Brawn GP series by Graham-London

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Brawn GP Racing Chronographs by Graham-London originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> brawnbrawn gpBrawnGpf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegrahamgraham londongraham-londonGrahamLondongrand prixGrandPrix Noah Joseph Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[The Last of the Parmigiani Bugatti Type 370s]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/the-last-of-the-parmigiani-bugatti-type-370s/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/the-last-of-the-parmigiani-bugatti-type-370s/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/the-last-of-the-parmigiani-bugatti-type-370s/#comments

Watch collectors know Parmigiani Fleurier as the purveyor of some of the most coveted and intricate timepieces in existence. Exotic automobile enthusiasts know it as the company deemed prestigious enough to craft a timepiece to accompany the legendary Bugatti Veyron.

Now that Bugatti is moving on from the Veyron and towards the new Galibier, Parmigiani has fine-crafted an intricate tourbillon timepiece to accompany the new super-saloon. But before Veyron production ends and along with it the production of the Type 370, Parmigiani Fleurier is paying tribute to the Alsatian automaker's centenary with a two unique examples of its sideways-mounted manual timepiece.

One made of 18-karat rose gold and another of platinum 950, the two final examples of the highly intricate Bugatti Type 370 wristwatch were crafted and handed over to master engraver Philippe Bodenmann, who put 300 manhours into each, hand etching complex designs into the watches' cases. They're fastened to the wrist by a calfskin strap provided by Hermes, and are sure to be as priceless as a Bugatti supercar.

Gallery: Parmigniani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370 Centenaire

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The Last of the Parmigiani Bugatti Type 370s originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> bugattibugatti 370bugatti CentenaireBugatti370BugattiCentenaireparmigianiparmigiani fleurierparmigiani fleurier type 370ParmigianiFleurierParmigianiFleurierType370Parmigniani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370 CentenaireParmignianiFleurierBugattiType370Centenaire Noah Joseph Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Audi Tipped to Put E-TRON Concept Into Production]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/audi-tipped-to-put-e-tron-concept-into-production/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/audi-tipped-to-put-e-tron-concept-into-production/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/07/audi-tipped-to-put-e-tron-concept-into-production/#comments

If you still think that electric cars have to be small, weird, uncouth modes of transportation for tree-hugging hippies, may we suggest you look to Germany's latest. At the recently-concluded Frankfurt auto show, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz all took the wraps off exotic supercars that will at some point arrive on the market with electric power.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept, unveiled in Frankfurt, is tipped to give birth to a new hybrid sportscar from the Bavarian automaker. The new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, also unveiled in Frankfurt, is confirmed to breed an electric version. And the Audi e-tron concept, debuted in - you guessed it - Frankfurt - showed the way for what an all-electric version of the company's popular R8 sportscar could look like.

Now reports indicate that Audi is preparing to put the e-tron into production, with working prototypes expected to begin testing within the next two years. Packing four electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, the electric R8 produces a modest 313 horsepower but an absolutely bonkers 3,319 lb-ft of torque, firmly leaving those little electric city cars in its clean wake.

Gallery: Audi e-tron concept

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Audi Tipped to Put E-TRON Concept Into Production originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> audi e-tronaudi e-tron conceptaudi r8AudiE-tronAudiE-tronConceptAudiR8electricelectric carElectricCar Noah Joseph Wed, 07 Oct 2009 06:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Aston Martin Preparing Cygnet City-Car for Launch Next Year]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/aston-martin-preparing-cygnet-city-car-for-launch-next-year/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/aston-martin-preparing-cygnet-city-car-for-launch-next-year/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/aston-martin-preparing-cygnet-city-car-for-launch-next-year/#comments

Driving an Aston Martin sportscar along a twisting mountain road is our idea of a little slice of heaven. Driving one through downtown city traffic, however, is not. That's what Aston Martin themselves figure with the Cygnet project.

Announced back in June, the Cygnet takes a humble Toyota iQ city car and dresses it up in Aston Martin clothing, offering the British automaker's customers an alternative to driving their sportscars through the city, and saving them instead for a weekend romp through the countryside. Reports now indicate that the car could be ready to go as early as next year. With a price tag of $32,000 - roughly twice as much as the iQ on which it's based - Toyota will reportedly ship the cars pre-assembled from Japan to Aston's facility in England where they will be retrofitted with trademark Aston Martin luxury, only without the big engine up front.

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Aston Martin Preparing Cygnet City-Car for Launch Next Year originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> astonaston martinaston martin cygnetAstonMartinAstonMartinCygnetcygnettoyota iqToyotaIq Noah Joseph Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Plans for Alfa Romeo's Return to North America come into Focus]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/plans-for-alfa-romeos-return-to-north-america-come-into-focus/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/plans-for-alfa-romeos-return-to-north-america-come-into-focus/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/plans-for-alfa-romeos-return-to-north-america-come-into-focus/#comments

With parent company Fiat Group's partnership with Chrysler, plans have been in motion for Alfa Romeo to finally, after years of speculation and strategizing, return to the North American market. But while the bulk of Alfa's line-up currently consists of relatively small vehicles, those that will be offered on this side of the Atlantic will be decidedly larger.

To start off, the company's smallest vehicles won't, according to the latest reports, make it to North America altogether. That includes the MiTo three-door hatchback and the Milano five-door which is slated to replace the ageing 147. The North American range is expected to start out instead with the replacements for the 159 and 166 sedans.

The current 159, as beautiful as it is, is slated to be replaced by the upcoming Giulia around 2012 as a global product that will include the North American market. Meanwhile reports indicate that Alfa Romeo could build a successor to the discontinued 166 flagship sedan on this side of the Atlantic in Ontario, Canada.

Gallery: Alfa Romeo

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Plans for Alfa Romeo's Return to North America come into Focus originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> alfaalfa 159alfa 166alfa 169alfa giuliaalfa milanoalfa mitoalfa romeoalfa romeo 159alfa romeo 166alfa romeo 169alfa romeo giuliaalfa romeo milanoalfa romeo mitoAlfa159Alfa166Alfa169AlfaGiuliaAlfaMilanoAlfaMitoAlfaRomeoAlfaRomeo159AlfaRomeo166AlfaRomeo169AlfaRomeoGiuliaAlfaRomeoMilanoAlfaRomeoMito Noah Joseph Tue, 06 Oct 2009 21:03:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Ferrari Offers 599 Limited Edition for China]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/ferrari-offers-599-limited-edition-for-china/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/ferrari-offers-599-limited-edition-for-china/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/ferrari-offers-599-limited-edition-for-china/#comments

Red Prancing Horse, meet the Red Dragon. As mainland China steadily moves away from a communist system to a capitalist economy, the country and the upper crust of its billion+ inhabitants have turned into a vital market for Ferrari, and to mark the growing centrality of the Chinese market to Maranello's global expansion, Ferrari has made this special edition 599 GTB Fiorano.

Designed in conjunction with Chinese artist Lu Hao, the 599 China Limited Edition features such unique details as a rev-counter with ancient Chinese characters, a jade-green starter button and special fitted luggage decorated with the Silk Road that Italian explorer Marco Polo took across China. Add to that the HGTE performance package and a gray roof to mirror the experimental 599XX's and you've got one very special edition indeed. But Ferrari will only be offering a dozen examples, exclusively available in China.

Gallery: Ferrari 599 HGTE China Limited Edition

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Ferrari Offers 599 Limited Edition for China originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 599 China Limited Edition599ChinaLimitedEditionchinaChina Limited EditionChinaLimitedEditionferrariferrari 599ferrari 599 China Limited Editionferrari 599 gtb fioranoferrari chinaFerrari599Ferrari599ChinaLimitedEditionFerrari599GtbFioranoFerrariChina Noah Joseph Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Porsche Design: A Driving Force in Footwear]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/porsche-design-a-driving-force-in-footwear/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/porsche-design-a-driving-force-in-footwear/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/porsche-design-a-driving-force-in-footwear/#comments

Form or function? It's a question as old as, well...footwear itself. Because typically shoes that serve a specific function have their form dedicated to them. Just think of work boots or running shoes and you'll know what we mean. Conversely shoes designed for form aren't typically very functional. Porsche Design, however, figures they've got it figured out with its latest footwear collection.

Built around a unique sole designed specifically for driving, the collection includes a variety of styles for the gentleman driver, ranging from formal oxfords to sporty sneakers. Each features a left sole with a solid grip to operate the clutch and a right sole designed for easy transition from gas to brake. The uppers are made from black, white, gray and brown calfskin, and are fabricated in Italy by Müller & Meirer Lederwarenfabrik GmbH.

Gallery: Porsche Design Fall/Winter 2009 Footwear Collection

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Porsche Design: A Driving Force in Footwear originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> driving shoesDrivingShoesfootwearporscheporsche designPorscheDesign Noah Joseph Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Porsche Design The Essence Intense]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/porsche-design-the-essence-intense/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/porsche-design-the-essence-intense/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/06/porsche-design-the-essence-intense/#comments

If you were trying to capture the essence of a sportscar, what sort of scents would you put in the bottle? Burnt rubber? Leather? Gasoline? How about juniper berries, mandarin orange and myrtle? Because those are exactly the notes which Porsche Design has used in its new fragrance, The Essence Intense.

The follow-up to their original scent, The Essence, launched about a year and a half ago, Intense is a fresh, aromatic and woody fragrance for men. The scent was developed together with Clarins Group - which is responsible, among other things, for the Azzuro line - but since it's a Porsche Design, the bottle has received significant attention, combining smoked frosted glass and black brushed aluminum in a particularly sleek package. Although it's initially available only as a spray eau-de-toilette in 50 and 80 milliliter sprays, expect a whole range of scented products to follow.

Gallery: Porsche Design The Essence Intense

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Porsche Design The Essence Intense originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> colognefragranceporscheporsche designporsche design fragranceporsche design the essenceporsche design the essence intensePorscheDesignPorscheDesignFragrancePorscheDesignTheEssencePorscheDesignTheEssenceIntensescent Noah Joseph Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:02:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Bugatti Galibier Could Hit the Market by 2013 with Million-Euro Price Tag]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/05/bugatti-galibier-could-hit-the-market-by-2013-with-million-euro/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/05/bugatti-galibier-could-hit-the-market-by-2013-with-million-euro/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/05/bugatti-galibier-could-hit-the-market-by-2013-with-million-euro/#comments

The Bugatti 16C Galibier was supposed to be one of three concept cars which the most exclusive of automakers was set to unveil as a potential replacement for the legendary Veyron supercar, now nearing the end of its production run. But reports now suggest that the Alsatian marque is preparing to put the four-door super-saloon into production.

With a de-tuned version of the Veyron's quad-turbo W16 engine producing "only" 800 horsepower instead of its predecessor's 1000, the production version of the Galibier could borrow its chassis from the new Bentley Mulsanne and carry a seven-figure price tag to match the Veyron's if and when it hits the market, which sources peg around 2013. Better start saving now.

Gallery: Bugatti Galibier Concept

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Bugatti Galibier Could Hit the Market by 2013 with Million-Euro Price Tag originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> 16c galibier16cGalibierbugattibugatti 16cbugatti 16c galibierbugatti galibierbugatti galibier 16cbugatti galibier conceptBugatti16cBugatti16cGalibierBugattiGalibierBugattiGalibier16cBugattiGalibierConceptgalibiergalibier 16cGalibier16c Noah Joseph Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:01:00 EST Luxist <![CDATA[Plans for Nissan GT-R Include Exclusive, Luxurious SpecM]]> http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/05/plans-for-nissan-gt-r-include-exclusive-luxurious-specm/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/05/plans-for-nissan-gt-r-include-exclusive-luxurious-specm/ http://www.luxist.com/2009/10/05/plans-for-nissan-gt-r-include-exclusive-luxurious-specm/#comments

Since launching the GT-R, Nissan has been taking on the likes of Porsche and company with a twin-turbocharged supercar capable of out-performing exotics worth twice as much. But while there were rumors that the Japanese automaker was considering a luxury version for its premium Infiniti division, nothing seems to have come to fruition. However emerging reports indicate some exciting developments for the car affectionately known as Godzilla.

In addition to a few minor modifications for the upcoming model year, Nissan is planning a SpecM version with an added measure of luxury and exclusivity. Few details are known at this point, but the existing SpecV model (pictured above) already has hearts racing in true GT-R style. The SpecM should arrive some time next year, but by 2013 the car is expected to receive a thorough overhaul to keep it ahead of the Porsche 911 GT2... and just about anything else, for that matter.

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Plans for Nissan GT-R Include Exclusive, Luxurious SpecM originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]> infinitinissannissan gt-rnissan gt-r spec vnissan gt-r specmnissan gtrnissan gtr spec mnissan gtr spec vNissanGt-rNissanGt-rSpecmNissanGt-rSpecVNissanGtrNissanGtrSpecMNissanGtrSpecVspec mspec vSpecMSpecV Noah Joseph Mon, 05 Oct 2009 16:02:00 EST Luxist