Luxist

Bentley Launches New Line of Accessories

Noah Joseph — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

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

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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Arash AF-10 Supercar Nearing Production

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

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

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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F1 Champion Kimi Raikkonen Could Be Paid 17 Million Euros Not to Race Next Season

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Sports, Wealth

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.

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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Bentley Art Project Benefits Cancer Research

Noah Joseph — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Auctions, Art, Charity

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

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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World's Most Expensive Supercar, Diamond Carbon Koenigsegg Trevita for Sale at $5 Million

Jared Paul Stern — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

A limited edition Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita diamond-weave carbon fiber supercar (above), the first of only three being built for collectors worldwide, is for sale in South Africa with a whopping pricetag of $5 million, making it the world's most expensive supercar - easily beating out the Bugatti Pur Sang. The Swedish supercar is a special version of the marque's already exotic carbon fiber CCXR model, which goes for about $2 million. Both cars feature a 5.0 liter twin supercharged V8 engine producing 1,018 hp, and can do 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds with a top speed of over 250 mph. The Trevita's unique diamond weave finish means that when exposed to sunlight it "sparkles like millions of silvery white diamonds infused inside the visible carbon fiber weave bodywork."

Gallery: Koenigsegg Trevita

World's Most Expensive Supercar, Diamond Carbon Koenigsegg Trevita for Sale at $5 Million originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve McQueen's 1940 Indian Chief at Auction

Jared Paul Stern — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Auctions

Steve McQueen's magnificent 1940 Indian Chief motorcycle, one of the most prized among his collection, is being auction off on Nov. 14 during Bonhams & Butterfields' Classic California sale at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The King of Cool was pictured with the beloved bike on the cover of the book Steve McQueen: The Last Mile. The actor had the classic moto meticulously restored by Southern California's Starklite Motors in the '70s and used it to zoom around the Hollywood Hills. It's estimated at an extremely reasonable $55,000 - $65,000. Also on offer is McQueen's original condition 1949 Chevy pickup which he used to travel incognito around Beverly Hills, wearing sunglasses and a big cowboy hat to dodge the paparazzi; it's estimated at $20,000 - $30,000.

[via Duncan Quinn]

Steve McQueen's 1940 Indian Chief at Auction originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orange Crush: KTM to Bring Entire Line of Streetbikes to US

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

2010 KTM 690 Duke R - Click above for high-res image gallery

We'll be honest and say right off the bat that we have a soft spot for KTM. This particular blogger's first real two-wheeler was an old KTM 125 two-stroke that ate piston rings for breakfast, lunch and dinner... but boy was it fast! More recently, the traditionally off-road-focused Austrian marque has made a renewed focus on entering the U.S. market with an exciting line of streetbikes, and that's reportedly set to continue in full force for 2010.

According to the boys at Hell For Leather, KTM plans to bring its entire line of motorcycles Stateside, and that includes the 990 Adventure R, Super Duke R, SMT and SMR along with the RC8 R superbike (finally!) and the full line of single-cylinder 690s. Speaking of which, also new for 2010 is the 2010 690 Duke R that gets firmer suspenders, a bespoke paint scheme and carbon fiber fender and, most importantly, an enlarged engine with 70 horsepower and 51 lb-ft of torque. Hit the jump for a detailed PDF file that contains KTM's full line.

Gallery: 2010 KTM 690 Duke R

[Source: Hell For Leather]

Continue reading Orange Crush: KTM to Bring Entire Line of Streetbikes to US

Orange Crush: KTM to Bring Entire Line of Streetbikes to US originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Surprises With Six-Cylinder Concept 6 Motorcycle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

BMW Concept 6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is known the world over for its excellent brand of inline-six cylinder powerplants. In most cases, those supremely smooth and powerful engines power the German company's cars and trucks. Apparently, that won't always be the case, though, as BMW has just revealed its new Concept 6 motorcycle at the EICMA Show in Milan.

As the name implies, the Concept 6 boasts an engine with six cylinders, and the best news is that the mill is destined for a new production model in the near future. Expect to see a replacement for the long-running LT series of touring bikes, bringing BMW more in line with the standard-setting Goldwing from Honda.

Looking at the actual concept itself, the chassis appears to be heavily based on the current production K-Series unit, and the powerplant is tilted at the same 55-degree angle as the current four-cylinder. Bodywork is suitable for concept duty, with a futuristic take on the old-school Cafe Racer look.

Power? BMW's being a bit coy at the moment, suggesting that it makes as much horsepower as the current 1.3-liter four (over 150, to be sure) and as much torque as any other motorcycle engine in production with a stout 96 lb-ft at 2,000 RPM. With a redline of nearly 9,000... you can imagine that there's plenty of power on tap. Check out our high-res photo gallery below and hit the jump for a video and the press release.

Gallery: BMW Concept 6

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Surprises With Six-Cylinder Concept 6 Motorcycle

BMW Surprises With Six-Cylinder Concept 6 Motorcycle originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Perfection Perfected? MV Agusta Launches 2010 F4 Superbike

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

2010 MV Agusta F4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here it is. Motorcycle fans the world over have been waiting for the release of the 2010 F4 superbike ever since the new Brutale was unveiled last month, but MV Agusta somehow managed to keep a lid mostly on its range-topper until its official unveiling, which is taking place... oh, right about now. In any case, the Italian manufacturer starts its introduction of the new F4 by asking a question: Can perfection be improved upon?

It's always a dicey proposition to make sweeping changes to a highly-regarded superbike - just ask Ducati, which found that truth out the hard way with the 2003 999 - so it's not particularly surprising that the new bike is instantly recognizable as an F4, though the entire engine and chassis have been completely redesigned for more performance. Overall weight is down by 22 pounds, and the radial-valve, inline-four engine puts out 186 horsepower, a 12-horse gain over the 2009 model.

A Marelli 7BM ECU controls (among other things) the eight fuel injectors, variable-length intake manifolds and traction control, and it also offers multiple Sport and Rain engine control maps. Spent exhaust gases exit via the four expected underseat outlets, but those "organ pipes" are now squared-off instead of round. Suspension bits include a fully adjustable inverted 50mm Marzocchi up front and a remote reservoir rear shock from Sachs. Naturally, Brembo monobloc calipers clamp down on dual 320mm front discs, which are joined by a single Nissan four-piston caliper and 220mm disc out back.

All in all, this appears to be a pretty thorough redesign that will simultaneously offer diehard MV fans something to drool over while being competitive in the hotly-contested superbike marketplace. Want to know more? Click past the break for the full press release and technical specifications and see our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 MV Agusta F4

[Source: MV Agusta]

Continue reading Perfection Perfected? MV Agusta Launches 2010 F4 Superbike

Perfection Perfected? MV Agusta Launches 2010 F4 Superbike originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo Releases New-For-2010 S60 Sedan

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

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

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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Electrifying Performance: First Electric Ducati to Hit the Show Floor in Milan?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Green

Italwin Ducati City Pearl - Click above for high-res image gallery

Question: When is a Ducati not really a Ducati? Answer: When it's an electrically-assisted pedal bike made by the Italwing Group. The machine is known as the City Pearl, and it will be available in both men's and women's (with a dropped top tube) styles when it goes on sale in January at selected Ducati dealerships in Europe.

There is a precedent set for a pedal-powered Ducati. The famed Italian marque's first two-wheeler was known as the Cucciolo, which was really just a small four-stroke engine that attached to a bicycle frame. Still, we do wish that there was a bit more of a direct connection between Ducati and the City Pearl - as it stands it seems Italwin is merely trying to capitalize on the Ducati name.

In any case, the specifications for the City Pearl are right in line with other comparable electric bicycles. Power comes from a six-volt 9Ah Panasonic lithium ion battery pack and motivation comes from a front-mounted 250W brushless electric motor that's capable of propelling the bike to 24 kilometers per hour (about 15 mph). A seven-speed Nexus hub from Shimano sends human power to the rear wheel. See both versions in our image gallery below.

Gallery: Italwin Ducati City Pearl

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Electrifying Performance: First Electric Ducati to Hit the Show Floor in Milan?

Electrifying Performance: First Electric Ducati to Hit the Show Floor in Milan? originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati Finally Unveils 2010 Multistrada 1200 at EICMA in Milan

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of rumors, grainy spy shots and leaked information, Ducati has finally pulled the wraps off the 2010 Multistrada 1200. As with the original MTS, Ducati wanted to create a machine with sportbike-level performance that could be attained on nearly any kind of surface terrain. This time, though, the Italian manufacturer started with its latest liquid-cooled Testastretta powerplant as used in the top-level 1198 superbike, though altered with revised valve overlap for smoother power delivery and a 15-percent improvement in fuel consumption and emissions.

Ducati says the new Multistrada 1200 is "four bikes in one," and has thus bestowed its new motorcycle with four distinct Riding Modes that alter power and traction control levels: Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro. Sport mode offers the full 150-horsepower experience with a low amount of traction control and Touring mode is reportedly intended for everyday riding. Urban and Enduro modes tone things down several notches to 100 horsepower and opting for the latter also raises the suspension and sets the traction control to its least-active setting.

Up-level S models get a new Ducati Electronic Suspension setup that can be tailored to adjust spring pre-load along with rebound and compression damping with options for rider only, rider with luggage, rider and passenger or rider and passenger with luggage. Ducati says that the Multistrada 1200's 417-pound dry weight is the lowest in its class, though a full 5.3-gallon load of fuel (enough for 186 miles between fill-ups) would certainly raise that a bit. Pricing starts at $14,995 before any options are added. Hit the jump for the rest of the details and check out our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati Finally Unveils 2010 Multistrada 1200 at EICMA in Milan

Ducati Finally Unveils 2010 Multistrada 1200 at EICMA in Milan originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ducati Updates Hypermotard 1100, Adds New EVO and SP Models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO - Click above for high-res image gallery

Following the release of the $9,995 Hypermotard 796, it was pretty obvious that Ducati would have some updating to do on its bigger 1100cc brother. After all, with a power-to-weight ratio that was within spitting distance, it seemed kinda tough to justify the price increase to the bigger model. Not surprisingly, then, Ducati has just released all the details on the 2010 Hypermotard 1100, and it's got all the right boxes checked: 15-pounds lighter, five more horsepower and an $11,995 starting price.

The new base 1100 is now called the EVO, and it weighs 379 pounds dry and puts out 95 horsepower and 76 lb-ft of torque. New vacuum-cast engine cases join a magnesium alternator cover, a superbike-spec flywheel from the 848 and rare-earth magnets in the generator assembly help the latest Desmodue engine drop 11.5 pounds. Like the smaller 796, the new EVO eschews the previously-forged chassis bits for lighter pieces without sacrificing performance.

Also new for 2010 is an uprated 1100 EVO SP model for $14,995 that has higher ground clearance, upgraded suspension bits, Brembo Monobloc brake calipers, Marchesini wheels and a few external carbon fiber bits. Want to know more? All the sordid details can be found in the press release after the break and we've added a high-res image gallery for your viewing pleasure below.

Gallery: 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO and SP

[Source: Ducati]

Continue reading Ducati Updates Hypermotard 1100, Adds New EVO and SP Models

Ducati Updates Hypermotard 1100, Adds New EVO and SP Models originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aston Martin Rapide in Pictures

Noah Joseph — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

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

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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Special Edition 500 Abarth Exclusively for France

Noah Joseph — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

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

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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BMW Updates 2010 R 1200 RT With DOHC Engine, Revised Fairing and ESA II

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

2010 BMW R 1200 RT - Click above for high-res image gallery

These days, BMW's most popular line of motorcycles all over the world are its adventurous GS machines, but the Bavarian manufacturer is also well known for its excellent long-distance touring mounts with its traditional boxer engines. BMW looks to uphold that reputation with a thorough update to its 2010 R 1200 RT, and it joins its GS sibling in getting new heads with dual-overhead cams.

Though the maximum power output of 110 horsepower is carried over from the 2009 model, BMW says that torque is boosted a few lb-ft to 88 and that both the horsepower and torque curves are greatly improved. A revised fairing joins a slightly enlarged windscreen that is reportedly more transparent than before as the notable exterior modifications.

The final major update is made to the suspension, which is blessed with the latest versions of BMW's Integral ABS brakes and Electronic Suspension Adjustment. Nine different combinations are available to the rider that adjust front and rear damping along with spring pretension and spring rate up front. Want all the details? Click past the break for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 BMW R 1200 RT

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Updates 2010 R 1200 RT With DOHC Engine, Revised Fairing and ESA II

BMW Updates 2010 R 1200 RT With DOHC Engine, Revised Fairing and ESA II originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Henrik Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius Inspired Karma PHEV

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels, Green

Ever wonder what it is that sparks the mind of an entrepreneur? After all, lots of people have big imaginations and great ideas, but only a relatively small number of them actually follow through, create a company and design a product. Of course, we can add Henrik Fisker to that list of entrepreneurs, and we're definitely looking forward to seeing what else springs from his fertile mind.

So, back to the original question. In the case of Henrik Fisker, the inspiration for the Karma extended-range electric car came from none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. Actually, the actor's Prius hybrid, to be specific. Says Fisker:

A couple of years ago it started, by people who were maybe a little ahead of their time. You saw some movie starts like Leonardo DiCaprio buying a Prius... He could have bought any car in the world, and I remember seeing that on television and thinking to myself, you know, when you've got a guy who could buy any Ferrari or Rolls Royce and he's buying a Prius, you know something is changing dramatically.

Interesting little tidbit, no?

[Source: Reuters | Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images]

Henrik Fisker: Leonardo DiCaprio's Prius Inspired Karma PHEV originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Triumph and TAG Heuer Honor Steve McQueen With Special Bonneville

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Timepieces, Wheels

Triumph Bonneville Heuer - Click above for high-res image gallery

Triumph and TAG Heuer have joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind Bonneville Heuer motorcycle. Inspired by Steve McQueen and the Porsche 917k that the famous actor, racecar driver and motorcycle rider piloted in the classic film Le Mans, the Bonneville Heuer is painted up in the classic Gulf Oil blue and orange scheme and will be used for promotional purposes.

McQueen famously wore a Heuer Monaco watch in the aforementioned race film and was a renowned Triumph enthusiast. Says Neil Morley, Triumph's Head of Brand Communications:

We are delighted to play our part in this exciting project. The Triumph Bonneville and TAG Heuer Monaco are both timeless masterpieces, celebrating their respective 50th and 40th anniversaries this year. We also both have a natural connection with Steve McQueen, who famously wore a Monaco watch in the film Le Mans and was renowned for his love of our bikes, making this a very natural collaboration.

As much as we'd like to tell you this will be an optional color choice for the production Bonneville, that's not currently the case. If you like it as much as we do, perhaps a phone call to your local Triumph dealer is in order.

Gallery: Triumph Bonneville Heuer

[Source: Triumph]

Continue reading Triumph and TAG Heuer Honor Steve McQueen With Special Bonneville

Triumph and TAG Heuer Honor Steve McQueen With Special Bonneville originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Unleashes 2010 R 1200 GS with DOHC Boxer Engine

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

2010 BMW R 1200 GS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Anyone who follows motorcycling would likely tell you that BMW's R 1200 GS sets the standard when it comes to building a proper adventure touring motorcycle, and with good reason. As I found out when I last threw a leg over the 2009 edition, BMW's big air-cooled mule can pretty much go anywhere its rider points it, and it'll tackle gnarly off-road conditions with just as much aplomb as it attacks paved back roads and long stretches of superslab.

Still, nothing is perfect (I actually prefer the little brother F 800 GS off the road), and BMW saw fit to update its best-seller for the 2010 model year with a revised boxer engine that now sports dual-overhead cams. That's a major modification and it allowed BMW to locate five-percent more horsepower than the previous mill. Those 110 galloping ponies join 88 lb-ft of torque that BMW says is spread more evenly throughout the rev range than before. We'll take it, more power is always a good thing, right?

As you'd expect, there's also an upgraded R 1200 GS Adventure model for those who truly need the most capable bike they can get their grubby mitts on. Updates over the standard model include spoked wheels in lieu of cast, more suspension travel and a monster 8.7-gallon fuel tank. See both new models in all their glory in our image galleries below.

Gallery: 2010 BMW R 1200 GS

Gallery: 2010 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure

[Source: BMW]

BMW Unleashes 2010 R 1200 GS with DOHC Boxer Engine originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Rolls Out Hard-Core M3 GTS

Noah Joseph — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 07:01:00 EST

Filed under: Wheels

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

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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