carbon fiber

Hermes Debuts High-Tech Talaris Saddle

Filed under: Sports

Famed French luxury goods house Hermès may be best known for pricey fashion accessories these days, but the business began as a purveyor of equestrian items to the nobility back in 1837. The company has gone back to its roots while embracing modern technology with its latest offering, the Talaris saddle. Hermès unveiled the luxe item in conjunction with the Saut Hermès international show-jumping event it recently held at the Grand Palais in Paris. The $9,000 high-tech modular saddle features a tree made of carbon fiber and injected thermoplastic in place of the usual wood and steel, covered in the finest saddle leather. Master saddler Laurent Goblet came up with the design, aimed at taking the strain off the horse and the rider's backs. "This is at the heart of the essence of Hermès, which is about marrying tradition and innovation," the house's artistic director Pierre-Alexis Dumas told WWD.

Gallery: Hermes Talaris Saddle

Tags: carbon fiber, equestrian, Hermès, Hermes, horses, leather, luxury goods, Paris, saddle, sports

Wally Supercar Concept for the Superyacht Set

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Luxury Cars & Autos

Monaco-based boatbuilder Wally, known for its avant-garde yacht designs, is responsible for some of the most eye-catching craft plying the waters. As we reported last year they also make some of the world's coolest high-performance skis. Now Matthew Hockham, an automotive design graduate of the UK's Coventry University, has come up with a Wally supercar concept inspired by both of the company's passions. Hockham's brief was to take Wally's distinctive design language and apply it to a suitably high-end and high-tech automotive concept. "The aim is to bring the essence of Wally onto the land and offer an exclusive user experience," he tells Car Body Design. Hockham's design uses Wally's trademark futuristic form language with sharp edges, black glass surfaces and hi-tech gray tones. The side profile was inspired by the lines of the stunning 118 WallyPower yacht. The interior makes extensive use of carbon fiber and teak, two materials used widely by Wally, and the elongated chassis is especially designed to transport a pair of Wally carbon fiber skis.

Gallery: Wally Supercar Concept

Tags: car design, carbon fiber, concept car, design, industrial design, Monaco, skis, supercar, teak, UK, Wally, yacht

Ferrari Unveils the 458 Challenge for Gentleman Racers

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Opinion is divided as regards the styling of Ferrari's newest model, the 458 Italia. Regardless of your views vis-a-vis its aesthetic shortcomings, it's hard to argue that the famed marque's just-unveiled Challenge version of the supercar is a real looker. The track-only berlinetta is slated to compete alongside its predecessor the F430 Challenge in the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli's 2011 season. In order to lower the vehicle's weight and get the most from its 570 hp V8 engine, Ferrari engineers reduced the thickness of the bodyshell panels using carbon fiber and tweaked the gearbox. As with previous Challenge models the 458 version will be available to both gentleman racers and pros with "the time and money to drive the car during race weekends on the world's leading circuits."

Tags: carbon fiber, Ferrari, Ferrari 458 Italia, Pirelli

Ray-Ban Launches Carbon Fiber Collection

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

Earlier this year we told you about Ray-Ban re-inventing classic sunglass styles with their Craft Leather Collection; now the famed eyewear brand has done it again, this time using high-tech carbon fiber. The two styles in the new Carbon Fiber Collection include a classic aviator (top) and a rectangular version of the iconic pilot's style. Carbon fiber, which is stronger and lighter than steel, is used on everything from supercars to jet fighters and the space shuttle. The sunglasses also employ a resin composite for added flexibility and resilience. Both the aviators ($160) and rectangular style ($180) feature lightweight polycarbonate lenses and slim elongated carbon fiber temples with rubber tips for added strength, comfort and non-slip grip. Both are now available with either polarized or non polarized lenses in multiple classic color combinations and matching carbon fiber-patterned cases from haute online eyewear boutique Eyegoodies.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: carbon fiber, Eyegoodies, eyewear, Ray-Ban, sunglasses

Ducati Desmosedici RR2 Supercar Concept

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

From time to time we've brought you news of efforts to make a Ferrari superbike; now Ducati is turning the tables with a supercar concept. The vision of young designer Anthony Collard, the Desmosedici RR²concept is a carbon fiber-bodied two-seater made mostly from motorcycle parts. A spyder which can be converted into a coupe via a removable polycarbonate roof, it's designed to be powered by a V8 based on two Ducati L4 Desmosedici engines kicking out about 420 hp. Collard's goal is to deliver a driving experience as similar as possible to actually piloting a superbike, with style to spare befitting a vehicle bearing the famed Ducati name. Some of the mechanical parts are left visible to enhance the effect, with a narrow front and open back to display the Italian-made Marchesini superbike wheels. The engine is situated in a central front position just behind the front wheel axis, similar to that of the Mercedes SLR McLaren. We think it definitely has potential.

[via JamesList]

Tags: carbon fiber, concept car, Ducati, Ferrari, motorcycle, superbike, supercar

Michael Schumacher's Bugatti EB 110 SS for Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Celebrity Shopping

Seven-time Formula One World Champion driver Michael Schumacher's 1994 Bugatti EB 110 Super Sport (above) is being offered for sale in Germany via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for about $750,000. The bright yellow supercar was used by the legendary driver for about 10 years, though it only has 2,875 miles on it. The car is the only known example of the EB 110 SS (Sport Stradale) fitted with the luxury interior of the EB 110 GT (Gran Turismo). With a 611 hp engine and lightweight carbon fiber chassis, it was the fastest production car in the world of its time, reaching 62 mph in 3.26 seconds with a top speed of 220 mph. Along with the actual car you get a scale model of the vehicle which is part of the Schumacher memorabilia collection.

Tags: Bugatti, Bugatti EB 110, Bugatti EB110, carbon fiber, Formula One, Germany, JamesList, Michael Schumacher, racecar driver

Is This the New Ferrari Enzo?

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

There's been plenty of speculation surrounding Ferrari's long-awaited successor to the iconic Enzo, usually referred to as the F70. After some revealing remarks from Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa recently, the new vehicle is beginning to take shape. Most insiders agree the F70 will be based on the marque's lightweight Millechili supercar concept combined with some tech from the FXX or racetrack version of the Enzo. The resulting "hypercar" (rendering above) is expected to feature a carbon fiber chassis and be powered by a direct-injection twin-turbo V8. Look for the F70 to hit 0 – 62 mph in three seconds with a top speed in excess of 230 mph. Also expect it to be limited to just 399 examples like the Enzo, available for purchase by invitation only with a pricetag in the $850,000 range when it's released in 2012.

Tags: carbon fiber, concept car, Enzo, Ferrari, Ferrari Enzo, ferrari enzo successor, Ferrari F70, supercar

Dunhill Launches New Line of Sunglasses

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

Famed London luxury goods firm Dunhill is launching a new line of men's sunglasses for Spring / Summer 2010. Each design, priced at $325, takes inspiration from elements of the Dunhill menswear collection, with three themes entitled Club, Classic and Ultimate. Every pair of Dunhill sunglasses features lightweight polyamide lenses which are breakage-resistant and offer the highest standards of UV protection and optical quality, with the Alfred Dunhill 'AD' vintage logo branded on each temple. The Club collection presents a choice of casual designs in a neutral palette to pair perfectly with Dunhill's crisp Oxford striped shirts, khaki chinos and Bladon leather luggage; the black-toned Classic collection is inspired by Dunhill's tradition of finely-tailored tuxedos; and the Ultimate collection is inspired by the motoring-derived carbon fiber which Dunhill uses in everything from pens to skis. The masculine and functional material is complemented by rubber elements with rubber injected 'AD' logos and carbon fiber and rubber lined temples for a comfortable fit. Every piece of Dunhill eyewear is presented in an 'AD' embossed black case complete with branded cleaning cloth and a Dunhill heritage and guarantee booklet.

Tags: carbon fiber, Dunhill, eyewear, London, menswear, summer, sunglasses

Mansory Launches Carbon Fiber Furniture Line

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, Luxury Cars & Autos

Mansory, the German supercar tuning company known for outrageously over-the-top creations like the Vitesse Rosé Bentley and Vincero Bugatti Veyron, is bringing its dubious talents to bear on a new line of sickeningly luxurious office furniture for true "executive living". Modeled on the kind of ridiculously expensive bespoke interiors the company creates for its aesthetically impaired clients, the first offering in the new range is a line of handmade desk chairs constructed from carbon fiber, priced at $25,000 apiece. Featuring something called a "sport-carboxylic" finish, the sybaritic seating is available with a number of leather upholstery and wood paneling options. One of the more hideous combinations couples padded gold leather with black piano lacquer inlays. You can of course have chairs made to match the interior of your Mansory vehicle.

Tags: carbon fiber, furniture, mansory, supercar

$460,000 Carbon Fiber Jet Boat Does 45 Knots

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

For $460,000, UK-based professional yachtsman and boatbuilder Jason Carrington is offering his new carbon fiber jet boat, the C-12, created in collaboration with Humphreys Yacht Design. Handmade from a Nomex honeycomb core shrouded in carbon fibre, the lightweight, high-performance craft has the maneuverability of a jet ski thanks to adjustable twin water jets. The 30-ft. C-12, capable of speeds of up to 45 knots in smooth water with a range of 700 miles, is the lightest and strongest craft in its class. The open aft deck houses two Steyr MO236 diesel engines and the twin water jets. An open transom gives directly on the water, producing a beach-deck effect. Hand-stitched leather details and sculpted cockpit mountings add a bespoke touch. The bows contain a small cabin with a double berth, lavatory, galley and wine rack. Carrington plans to build only four examples per year, and will also offer a 44-ft. version down the line.

[via JamesList]

Tags: carbon fiber, powerboat, UK, yacht

World's Fastest Speedboat Unveiled in Miami

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

An orange, purple and green monstrosity dubbed the Phenomenon (above) was just unveiled at the Miami International Boat Show boasting the title of World's Fastest Speedboat. The 12,000 hp beast can do over 250 mph thanks to four T-55-L-7C Lycoming turbine engines kicking out 3,000 hp each. Engineers from NASA and Boeing and former US military naval architects collaborated on the 56-ft. craft with the aim of breaking the world's propeller speedboat record, spending millions of dollars in the process. The lightweight craft is made of carbon fiber and fiberglass over airex foam cores. The cockpit is a separate high-strength composite capsule with extensive all-carbon fiber window mullions and frames, fitted with custom carbon fiber NASCAR seats. Phenomenon belongs to Al Copeland, Jr., owner of the Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits chain.

[via JamesList]

Tags: boat, carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Miami, powerboat, speed record, speedboat, SpeedRecord

The $360,000 Carbon Fiber Canadian Supercar

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

We've seen exotic motors from all over the world, so why not a carbon fiber French Canadian supercar? For $360,000 HTT Technologies, brainchild of Quebec-based Luc Chartrand, will sell you a limited edition Pléthore LC-750 (above), which has a unique three seat configuration with a central driving position. Powered by a 750 hp 6.2-liter V8 engine its light weight of only 1149 kg gives it an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Somewhat similar in styling to the SSC Ultimate Aero the Pléthore sports gullwing doors and massive air intakes on the front and sides; the fairly restrained interior has some carbon fiber elements as well and two-tone orange and black leather upholstery. The car will be presented at the upcoming Top Marques Monaco show.

Tags: Canada, carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Quebec, supercar

Feldo Watches See Carbon Fiber As Still In

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Feldo Luxury is a group I haven't personally heard of before. Not that I missed the memo, I don't think I was supposed to have heard about it. They are getting into the world of watches with an, original collection starting with the less than distinctive Feldo 1-1 R/B and 1-2 B/B watches. Each makes lots of use of carbon fiber and has only minor differences between the two models. The case is 45mm wide in an octagonal shape with a round dial. Feldo has used the "world's thinnest" carbon fiber plates on the dial. hands are large and circular - thinner forms of shapes I have seen on high-end Ulysse Nardin watches. Interesting looking seconds hands as well. The dial also has the date (once again displayed in a less than traditional manner). There is so much carbon fiber on the watch, it is as though the material is still as trendy as it was just until recently.

The gold tones on the watch are red gold plated, while the case is mostly PVD black steel. Inside the watch is an automatic Soprod A10 movement which is visible through the sapphire crystal caseback window. It comes with a black or white calf leather strap. Price is 2,775 euros. Having said all that I still don't know what to make of these watches. While there is a certain capability to the design, it lacks a level of maturity I prefer in watches that are in this range. It looks like the project of an ambitious industrial designer eager to make something new. A laudable goal, but the design just can't compete with similar offerings from more established groups at this price range for style and refinement. I will certainly look to Feldo's future offerings closely though.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com

Gallery: Feldo watches

Tags: carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, feldo, luxury, watch

Sailing Superyacht Meteor for Sale at $46 Million

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing

If you missed out on the Maltese Falcon, don't despair - you can still pick up one of the world's great sailing superyachts, Royal Huisman's 170-ft. Meteor (above). The stunning gaff rigged schooner has just been listed for sale via global online luxury marketplace JamesList for $46 million. Her classic lines married to 21st century sail and rig technology resulted in a number of World Superyacht Awards in 2008, including Sailing Yacht of the Year, and Best Sailing Yacht Exterior Styling. She's fitted with carbon fiber spars and rigging, high-performance sails and unusually wide teak deck planks. The interior has ample space for six guests in three stately cabins along with a crew of 12. There are acres of Swetania mahogany throughout the accommodations, and in the main salon a beautiful mahogany and delft tiled wood-burning fireplace sets the tone while a massive beveled glass skylight provides an abundance of natural light and air as needed. Two beautifully-varnished teak deckhouses are connected by a large, twin-tabled cockpit, with a wood-spoke wheel behind a glass-faceted binnacle. The main deckhouse is fitted with leather upholstered furniture as well as a cleverly concealed wet bar.

Tags: carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Maltese Falcon, MalteseFalcon, Meteor, Royal Huisman, RoyalHuisman, sailing, schooner, superyacht

Charter Richard Branson's Carbon Fiber Catamaran

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Yachts & Sailing, Wealth

Want to go cruising in the Caribbean like a fun-loving mega-mogul? Starting next month you can now charter Virgin founder Richard Branson's 105-ft. catamaran, the Necker Belle (above), for $88,000 per week. The carbon fiber craft, which just underwent a two-year refit at Australia's Azzura Marine, is capable of over 20 knots while under sail and 18 knots under power. The yacht can accomodate up to 10 guests in four en suite staterooms and the main cabin's lounge area, which can be converted to a double cabin, as well as a crew of seven. The modern, beach-house style interior modeled on Branson's Necker Island retreat in the British Virgin Islands features a wine cellar and there's an open-air cinema as well.

[via JamesList]

Tags: carbon fiber, CarbonFiber, Caribbean, catamaran, Necker Island, NeckerIsland, Richard Branson, RichardBranson, yacht