Luxury Cars & Autos

Reach the Beach: Luxury Resort Style in the Turks & Caicos Islands {Exclusive Feature}

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Apr 15th 2011 at 9:01AM

Click above for a high-res image gallery

The Turks and Caicos islands in the British West Indies is well known for having the world's most beautiful beaches. It also has some of the world's most stylish and luxurious beach resorts, which are remarkable for their amazingly private settings and lush natural landscapes, far removed from the over-development that plagues some other Caribbean hotspots. The perfect setting for our latest style feature, we're sure you'll agree.

Parrot Cay, located on a pristine 1,000-acre private island, including a mile-long powdered beach, is an elegant combination of glorious nature, understated luxury and unparalleled privacy complete with an award-winning holistic spa, healthy gourmet cuisine and beach villas with private pools (above).

The villas are a favorite with celebrities including Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, Keith Richards and Sir Paul McCartney. Some like Willis and Karan were so entranced they decided to build their own beach houses on the island. Want to own one? So do we. Parrot Cay is currently offering a small selection of villas for private ownership, starting at $10 million.

Tags: Aman resorts, Amanyara, architecture, Bagatelle, beach, beach resorts, books, Caribbean, celebrity vacations, Donna Karan, Gansevoort, Girard-Perregaux, Helly-Hansen, islands, JetBlue, Land Rover, luxury resorts, Parrot Cay, private island, R A E N Optics, resorts, Rizzoli, Royal Elastics, shoes, spa, Tods, Turks and Caicos, Vineyard Vines, watches

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Classic Talbot & Bugatti for Auction at Villa d'Este

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

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.

Tags: 1937 Bugatti 57SC Atalante, 1938 Talbot-Lago T150C-SS Teardrop Coupe, bugatti, concorso deleganza villa deste, rm auctions, talbot, talbot-lago, villa deste

Sir Stirling Moss Ferrari Luggage Collection by Caracalla - Bath

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Apr 12th 2011 at 8:01AM

Caracalla – Bath, the UK line of fine Italian leather goods designed to be worthy of traveling in the world's greatest cars, has come out with a cool new collection of luggage designed in homage to the great racing driver Sir Stirling Moss and his iconic 1961 Ferrari 250 SWB (above).

Part of Caracalla's Commemorative Motorsport Collection, dedicated to pivotal moments in racing history, the beautifully handmade bags feature Moss' racing number as painted on the famous Ferrari at the wheel of which he won his 7th R.A.C Tourist Trophy at Goodwood.

The Ferrari Moss No. 7 collection includes a driver's bag (below), a holdall (above) and a garment bag all featuring Moss' signature embossed on the white center panel, meticulously crafted in Tuscany. Of course the man himself owns and loves the bags.

The line, founded by collector sports and luxury car expert Simon Jordan, takes its name from the Terme di Caracalla race circuit in Rome, where Ferrari won its first race in 1947.

[via Driven]

Tags: Caracalla - Bath, Caracalla Bagaglio, classic cars, Driven, Ferrari, leather, luggage, mens style, racing, Stirling Moss, UK

Dacia Duster 'Ecole de Ski Francais' Edition

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 11th 2011 at 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.

Tags: École de Ski Français, dacia, dacia duster, duster, ecole de ski francais, esf

Spada Codatronca Monza

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 6th 2011 at 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.

Tags: codatronca, spada, spada codatronca, spada codatronca monza

BMW M3 Pickup

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 6th 2011 at 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.

Tags: bmw, bmw m3, bmw m3 pickup, m3, m3 pickup, pickup

BMW M5 Concept to Debut in Shanghai

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 at 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...

Tags: bmw, bmw concept m5, bmw m5, concept car, m5, shanghai, shanghai motor show

A Lexus for Monaco's Royal Wedding

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 5th 2011 at 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.

Tags: grimaldi, lexus, lexus ls 600h, lexus ls600h, ls 600h, ls600h, monaco, prince albert, prince albert ii, royal wedding

Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale by Zagato

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 at 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.

Tags: alfa, alfa romeo, alfa romeo tz3 stradale, auto, sports cars, tz3, tz3 stradale, zagato

American Express Membership Rewards: Our Top Luxury Picks

by Rigel Celeste (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 at 2:01PM

When it comes to credit card rewards programs what's most valuable? Travel? Cash back? Free luxury goods and services?

The American Express Membership Rewards program offers up options in all those categories via an online store where you can shop with your bank of earned points and buy whatever you want. Rewards points can be redeemed for everything from airline tickets to American Express cash cards to flat screen TVs and even designer handbags. And like any store they have regular specials and sales, with deals of the week announced on the AmEx Facebook page (right now you can get a Nikon digital camera for 50 percent off). If you use a lot of credit the program is a great way to indulge in some of your favorite high-end treats without spending an extra dime.

I browsed through the American Express Membership Rewards store and rounded up my favorite luxury picks. See my selections after the jump and then share in the comments, do you use credit card rewards for luxurious indulgences or practical necessities? What would you choose?

Tags: american express, American Express Membership Rewards, credit cards, rewards program

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The Classicist: Early Spring Style Starring the Volvo S60

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 at 1:01PM

The new Volvo S60 R-Design, the marque's sportiest model ever, serves as the inspiration for The Classicist's latest installment of seasonal style (see the late winter edition here).

As previewed by our brethren at Autoblog at the Paris Auto Show, the S60 R-Design amps up what Volvo had already declared to be its first "naughty" model; ask anyone who knows us – we've always had a soft spot for naughty models. The car's snappy 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline turbo six remains unchanged, but the R-Design designation adds some styling upgrades that give it an aptly more aggressive stance.

Tags: bags, cars and style, clothing, luggage, mens style, R A E N Optics, Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren Cooper bag, Ralph Lauren Purple Label, Red Wing, Red Wing Shoes, Red Wing Wabasha Boots, Rolex, Rolex Explorer, Rolex Explorer II, Scandinavia, Steve McQueen, Sweden, The Classicist, VO Vapen, Volvo, Volvo S60, Volvo S60 R-Design

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Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van Service from Brilliant Transportation

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 4th 2011 at 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.

Tags: brilliant, brilliant transportation, brilliant van, car service, luxury car, mercedes, mercedes-benz, mercedes-benz sprinter, shuttle, shuttle service, sprinter

Bertone Concept Cars up for Auction at Villa d'Este

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Apr 1st 2011 at 4:01PM

Concept cars are typically designed and crafted as one-of-a-kind creations by automakers or independent design studios, shown at a couple of expositions, and then disappear into museum collections. But every once in a while, these radical rarities come up for sale or auction. And that once in a while is about to arrive, and arrive in a big way, this coming May. That's when the venerable Bertone Museum collection will cross the auction block.

The six concept cars were all created in the 1960s-1980s by the famed Italian design house, which is now facing a restructuring and is selling off much of its collection. The items up for auction are the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal, 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero, 1963 Chevrolet Testudo, 1974 Lamborghini Bravo, 1980 Lamborghini Athon and 1978 Lancia Sibilo concept cars, ranging in pre-sale price estimates between six figures and as much as $2.5 million apiece.

The sale is being conducted by the venerable RM Auctions as part of its first event during the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the shores of Lake Como on May 21.

Tags: bertone, concept car, Concorso dEleganza Villa dEste, lake como, rm auctions, villa deste

Porsche Panamera Turbo S

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Mar 31st 2011 at 8:01AM

With sales of its four-door coupe hitting record numbers around the globe, Porsche has announced a new top-of-the-line model. The Panamera Turbo S packs a prodigious 550 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque from its twin-turbocharged V8 engine – 50 and 37 more than the existing Panamera Turbo.

The extra oomph is said to drive the Turbo S to a 3.6-second 0-60 time and a 190 mph top speed. In other words, supercar levels of performance, with a suitably supercar price: $173,200 is where it starts. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S will be unveiled in April at the New York Auto Show.

Tags: luxury car, new york auto show, panamera, panamera turbo s, porsche, porsche panamera, porsche panamera turbo s

BMW M3 Matte Editon for China

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Mar 30th 2011 at 3:01PM

While some automakers roll out special editions around the entire globe, the BMW Group has of late opted to create individual specials for specific markets. Witness, as examples, the Trusardi edition 5GT (exclusive to Italy), the Z4 Silver Top edition (Japan), the M3 Pure edition (Australia) and the M3 Frozen Gray edition (United States). BMW's subsidiaries Mini and Rolls-Royce have followed the same formula with the Mini Cooper Mat Edition (France) and Yas Eagle edition Phantom (Abu Dhabi), and now BMW has announced a new special edition M3 exclusive to China.

The M3 Matte Edition packs the same V8 engine and everything else as the standard model, but is distinguished by its special matte black paint scheme, offset by black chrome trim and high-gloss 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside there's carbon fiber and red trim, but you'll have to live in China and act fast to get your hands on one.

Tags: bmw, bmw m3, bmw m3 matte edition, china, luxury car, matte, special edition