roadster

BMW To Unveil Futuristic Roadster in Geneva

German carmaker BMW will unveil a roadster concept at the Geneva auto show next month that combines a futuristic design with new innovations to the car's telematics and "infotainment" systems. BMW is calling the new system "VisionConnectedDrive."

The car has a head-up display that places a 3-D display of key information in the direct sight line of the driver, eliminating the need for the driver's eyes to refocus on a screen in the middle of the dash. "The display allows the real view to be overlaid with virtual information, highlighting hazards allowing the driver to assimilate all of the information quickly and take appropriate action," BMW said in a statement on Thursday.

Tags: bmw, bmw 8 roadster, bmw 8 series, geneva auto show, roadster

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Tesla Roadster Sports Car: Drives Like A Charm

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Video

The last time I drove a car with this level of performance I couldn't hear myself think. The people at Tesla would probably have frowned at my driving style on off-highway roads during this specific part of my ride – but it isn't my fault they decided to design a sports car to house their all electric engine.

I'm zipping to over 60 mph in what feels like an instant. The Roadster Sport I am guiding doesn't feel phased by its rapid acceleration as many combustion engines do. The quick little car does 0 to 60 in under four seconds (3.7 seconds for the Roadster sport), but getting there is made more pleasurable by what it has under all the carbon fiber. Electric motors have some interesting benefits, it seems. Press down on the "Go" pedal (no gas here), and you'll get 100% of the horsepower and torque right away. There is no lag or waiting to gain RPMs. Going forward fast is only a matter of waiting for the actual mass of the car to gain speed. I suddenly feel like I am driving a life size electric toy car. In a sense, that is exactly what it is. And this toy is fun.

Tags: drive, experience, luxist reviews, motors, opinion, review, roadster, sport, Tesla

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Ruf Roadster

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Another day, another variant of the Porsche 911. Or so it seems, anyway. But with all the dozen+ permutations that Porsche itself offers of its iconic sportscar, customizers offer even more. Most are structurally and visually largely the same as the cars they're based on, but Ruf takes a different approach.

Categorized as a niche manufacturer instead of "just" an aftermarket tuner, Ruf's take on Porsche's finest are in a category unto themselves. Their latest is what you see here: the Ruf Roadster. It draws its inspiration from the original 1967 Porshce 911 Targa, and offers a variable roof structure. Centered around a solid roof bar, the twin top panels and rear window section can be removed together or individually to offer a wide array of driving styles. Available with either a naturally-aspirated flat-six with 400 horsepower or a turbocharged version with 560, prices in Europe start at 195,000 euros, or about $275,000 in American greenbacks.

Gallery: Ruf 911 Roadster

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Tags: porsche, porsche 911, roadster, ruf, ruf 911 roadster, ruf roadster, targa

Cartier Roadster XL Watch In Gold & Walnut Aging Well

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

How is a classic born? It needs to look good from birth and then age nicely overtime retaining its reputation for having good looks. A classic thus, must survive the test of time. In the watch world, there are instant classics, ones discovered over decades, and those still memorable after just a few years in existence given the many luxury models they must compete with. So I look at this special Cartier Roadster XL in 18k pink gold that was announced in 2008 (also arrived in 18k white gold). Two years in the luxury watch world can be a long time for an "experimental" model, and most of them end up looking silly just a year after being released. Not here. What was different about this Roadster? Certainly not the fact that it is a Roadster, but rather the use of polished and lacquered walnut wood. A design taken from roadster cars, the combo of Cartier and wood is gorgeous. Use of wood isn't reserved for classic roadster cars, but other luxury automobiles, as well as watches from time to time. Most other watches that use wood do so in the case, and as a nod to boats, not cars. Cartier mixed wood with gold so well, this piece certainly qualifies as a classic.

Beautifully grained walnut is used as the dial, as well as center links in the gold bracelet. According to Cartier, the wood links in the bracelet are so well treated and coated, they are totally water resistant. The dial is printed to be extremely legible, just like in standard Roadster fashion. Technically, there isn't too much special in the watch, just an ETA Swiss automatic movement (likely a 2892). Though the Cartier name on this impressive watch makes for a solid (gold) timepiece. Quite possibly the best watch to wear while spending time in your Rolls Royce or Bentley with a matching wood interior. Pricey at about $40,000. Also limited to 250 pieces (I believe). Click on "READ MORE" below for additional images. By the way, this piece was molested by me at the San Francisco Cartier boutique store.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Cartier, gold, limited edition, Roadster, timepiece, walnut, watch, XL

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Cartier Roadster S Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

In Porsche language "S" refers to a sport model that is between the "standard" model and the "Turbo" model. It is a more expensive version of the original, with enough power to make you feel excited, without the showiness of the Turbo version. In Cartier language however, this label means "sport" as well, but not more expensive. The still fresh Roadster S watch from Cartier is a simplified version of their famous Roadster watch collection. Many people might actually prefer the S over the standard version given its more straight forward design and layout. Gone are the "bullet" shaped sapphire crystal lens over the date that visually connected with the crown, as well as the screws on the case. The crown here is a bit more streamlined (no cabochon as well). and only a black line on the dial around the date window alludes to the pointy, rounded shaped of the sapphire crystal lens on the standard Roadster watch.

There are two versions of the Roadster S timepiece. Each has a Cartier Caliber 049 automatic movement and is about 45.9 mm wide (11.8mm thick). One is the pictured steel version with steel bracelet. There is also a slightly less expensive version with a rubber bracelet and an aDLC coated bezel in black to match the color of the rubber strap. Each is very elegant looking, and modern at the same time. These truly are the new type of mainstream Cartier watch for this decade. The Roadster S has an iconic Cartier dial in silvered opaline white with the Roman numerals and lume coated sword-style hands. The black colored date disc with white numerals is a good design element. Nice watches that allude to the more expensive models, and have a true Cartier spirit with a slightly sporty twist. Price is $4,600 with the steel bracelet, and $4,200 with the rubber strap. Don't forget that you can even buy them online via Cartier's e-boutique. Check out their US online store here.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Cartier Roadster S watch with rubber strap

Tags: cartier, roadster, rubber, s, steel, watch

2011 Lotus Elise Officially Rated 46.7 mpg, 149 g/km CO2

by Sam Abuelsamid (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

2011 Lotus Elise – Click above for high-res image gallery

For those that want a fast, great handling sports car that also has great fuel efficiency, the 2011 Lotus Elise S should be at the top of the consideration list. Heading into the new model year, Lotus has refreshed its evergreen roadster with a new slicker face and a new 1.6-liter inline-four base engine.

The new styling draws on the looks of the recently launched Lotus Evora and cuts aerodynamic drag by four percent compared to the 2010 model. The 1.6-liter produces the same 136 horsepower as the outgoing 1.8-liter. While 136 hp may not sound like much, in a car that only weighs 1,931 pounds it produces serious performance. The new Elise sprints from 0-60 mph in just 6.0 seconds.

Thanks to the efficient engine and light weight, the Elise S is officially rated at 46.7 miles per gallon (U.S.) on the EU test cycle and emits just 149 grams / kilometer of CO2.

Gallery: 2011 Lotus Elise

[Source: Lotus]

Tags: 2011, 2011 lotus, 2011 lotus elise, 2011 lotus elise s, lotus elise s, roadster

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2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster Car

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches, Luxury Cars & Autos

It seems to make sense that TAG Heuer teamed up with Tesla Motors - though I don't quite understand why I think that. Successful marketing on behalf of both sides I guess. The collaboration between the brands may continue for a while (likely not going to be like the maligned and now extinct Panerai Ferrari deal) - but the first consumer result is something that I have never seen before. It is a watch themed car. Something I never thought would occur. The rest of the time it is a car themed watch. How fascinating the result is. The bad news? This is a one-off car for now. No word on whether anyone will be able to purchase this cool Tesla Roadster or one like it. Call it a hunch, but I believe that Tesla and TAG are going to be doing things together in the future.

The case comes complete with some cool graphics on it and the TAG Heuer name. The side swooshes are in white with gears in them. Pretty cool. Note the green and red side mirrors that are trademark TAG Heuer colors. The car is actually done as part of TAG's 150th's anniversary. Inside the car will be a special Heuer vintage 1/5 of a second stopwatch and a TAG Heuer Meridiist luxury mobile phone. People who attend the Geneva auto show will get to check out the unique electric sports car, and then it wil be driven to Baselworld for us watch nerds to view. You can thank TAG Heuer's reassuringly burly guards in advance, who will need to prevent me from driving off quickly (but quietly) in the high-tech, fast driving, watch themed, zero polluting, wonder-mobile.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster Car

Tags: car, roadster, Tag Heuer, TagHeuer, Tesla, watch

Allard J2X Roadster Revived at LA Auto Show

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Reviving old auto marques long deceased has become de rigeur in the car business. But while cases like Mini and Spyker have brought dormant brands back with new interpretations on the classics of yore, Allard takes a different approach entirely.

Rather than remake the legendary J2X in a modern guise, the revived Allard Motor Works has opted to continue the tradition with the J2X MkII. Essentially the same vehicle that was produced in the early 1950s, the J2X MkII – unveiled last week at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show – looks every bit like its forbearer, but with the help of modern propulsion. Buyers can choose from a range of American (Chevrolet, Cadillac, Chrysler or Ford) V8 engines. But the exquisitely-crafted leather and aluminum interior is the same, as is the chassis with its unique portals and leather hood straps.

The $138,500 Allard J2X MkII is being built in limited quantities in upstate New York and in Montreal for the time being, until production is centralized at one location.

Gallery: 2009 LA Auto Show: Allard J2X MkII

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Tags: 2009 la auto show, 2009 los angeles auto show, 2009LaAutoShow, 2009LosAngelesAutoShow, allard, allard j2x, Allard J2X MkII, AllardJ2x, AllardJ2xMkii, j2x, la auto show, LaAutoShow, los angeles, los angeles auto show, LosAngeles, LosAngelesAutoShow, roadster

Future Vision? Tesla Roadster Sport Cars Seen Charging

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

I snapped these pictures while at the Pebble Beach Concours de Elegance auto show recently. I caught these two new Tesla Roadster Sport all electric sport cars charging quietly behind the scenes. like any electric car, all Teslas need to be charged to juice up. You can see the large plug that comes supplied with the car. I am not totally sure if it can use a stand wall socket, but I don't think so. You probably need a special set up. Unlike gassing up your car, to charge an electric car you need to wait hours, not minutes.

Look into the cabin of the car and you'll find a charging status screen. A green progress bar like you'd find on a laptop computer or mobile phone is accompanied by a mileage indicator of how far you can go on the current charge. While the Tesla is charging, a light around the plug glows and beats to indicate charging is taking place.

Strolling by the scene it seems almost natural, until I realized that this is likely something we will see lots more of in the future. Not to mention the fact that most people have never seen an electric car charging, or even a Tesla for that matter. Gone here are the manicured details of the inside of a showroom or auto show. This image is just what you'd see by having your own Tesla (if you are lucky enough to get one) charging quietly in your driveway or garage. As times go on, more and more electric car charging spots are popping up all over the country. I am sure your city has at least a few with major cities having dedicated parking spots with chargers and more.

Hearing the Tesla start up and drive off is another strange experience. Unlike the bellows of a Ferrari, or the growls of a Lamborghini, the Tesla has a no engine noise, and just the soft sounds of a transmission and tire noise. Like a large radio controlled model car, but made for people. Tesla has had a lot of financial problems, but thankfully many have come to its rescue and the cars are finally ready for prime time.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Gallery: Tesla Roadster Charging

Tags: car, charging, electric, roadster, sport, tesla

The Classicist: Cruising in the New 2010 Jaguar XK Convertible

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, The Classicist

A few years back we went on one of the best road trips ever at the wheel of a Jaguar XK convertible. So we literally leapt at the chance to take the brand new one for a spin. Jaguar roadsters have always held a place of honor in the pantheon of stylish sports cars, dating back to the legendary XK120, forerunner of the current model - although stylistically the new XK owes more to the XK-E (E-Type) with its oval mouth. The XK120 referred to the car's top speed; when introduced in 1948 it was the world's fastest standard production car, with killer looks to match. It acquired an instant aura of glamor and cemented Jaguar's reputation forever when Gary Cooper, Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart cruised Hollywood in their XK120s like stylish gods. (We'll develop on this theme further in a later installment).

The XK120 evolved into the famous race-winning XK120-C, or C-Type, that in turn led to the wicked D-Type, made famous by Steve McQueen, and eventually the iconic E-Type, which as noted the current model most closely resembles. First unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1961, the E-Type's legendary power to attract the opposite sex was phrased best by American motoring writer Henry Manney III, who dubbed it "The greatest crumpet-catcher known to man." Not a bad precedent for its more recent relation. While we didn't actually catch any crumpets with the new XK, it wasn't the car's fault as we were more interested in zooming down the road than cozying up to the local flora and fauna. Also there are a lot more outlandish-looking autos on the road these days; compared to these the XK exudes an elegant aura of restrained power that behooves its feline namesake; very British in a sense.

For 2010 the aluminum-bodied XK available as of this August is kitted out with an AJ-V8 Gen III 5.0-liter engine capable of delivering 385 hp and 515 Nm of torque (a supercharged version produces 510 hp and 625 Nm of torque). With these numbers the naturally aspirated version hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Some subtle, sporty updates over previous models have been made to the exterior without detracting from the car's stylistic heritage, including a new front end, new rear lights fitted with LED technology, a new rear body valance, body-colored side power vents, chrome-detailed inserts, and sleek alloy wheels.

Gallery: 2010 Jaguar XK Convertible

Tags: British car, BritishCar, convertible, Gary Cooper, GaryCooper, Humphrey Bogart, HumphreyBogart, Jaguar, Jaguar XK, JaguarXk, roadster, sports cars, SportsCars, Steve McQueen, SteveMcqueen, UK

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New Ltd. Ed. $380,000 Lamborghini Roadster Leaked

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

An image of Lamborghini's hotly-anticipated $380,000 Murcielago LP650-4 Roadster (above) has been leaked, and it looks to be well worth all the build-up. Only 50 examples of the limited edition convertible will be produced. The car's powertrain has not yet been revealed, but it's expected to get a 650hp V12 engine capable of about 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds.The exterior is finished in a special flat gray with bright orange accents employed on the side skirts and front lip, as well as to highlight details inside the cabin, while dark alloy wheels complete the lean, mean look. The interior features an asymmetric dashboard, Alcantara and leather upholstery, and plenty of bells and whistles.

[Autoblog.nl via MotorAuthority]

Tags: Convertible, Lamborghini, Lamborghini Murcielago LP650-4, LamborghiniMurcielagoLp650-4, Roadster

Tesla Announces New Roadster Sport

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

If the Tesla Roadster wasn't zippy enough for you, Tesla Motors has announced the Roadster Sport, a new faster upgrade to the all-electric, zero-emission vehicle that eco-minded celebrities and other deep-pocketed and green folks have been waiting to get their hands on. The Roadster Sport does 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, shaving a mere .2 seconds off the time for the the standard Roadster. It has a hand-wound stator and increased winding density for lower resistance and higher peak torque. The Roadster Sport has Yokohama Ultra High Performance tires, improved suspension with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars that will be tuned to the driver's preference. The Roadster Sport starts at $128,500 in the United States and deliveries begin in late June. So far Tesla has delivered more than 150 Roadsters and another 1,100 people are on the waiting list. Those on the list can upgrade to the new Sport model.

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Tags: roadster, tesla

The Intriguing Aspid

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

It doesn't look particularly fast but the IFR Aspid could give many exotics a run for their money. The Spanish car does 0-62mph in 2.8sec and can hit 100mph takes just 5.9sec. The Aspid was unveiled last summer at the British International Motor Show (check out Autoblog's photo gallery here). it was designed by Ignacio Fernandez, an engineer who has designed world rally championship cars. It has a 400bhp supercharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine and is designed to be light as well as luxurious. Nick Hall of the Times Online recently took it for a spin and found that it was both speedy and comfortable. The interior is done in leather and carbon fiber and includes Bluetooth and wifi internet access. All this and it is said to get 51 mpg. Hall calls it a work of art. It is supposed to be out next summer and costs 135,000 euros.

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Tags: aspid, exotic car, ExoticCar, ifr aspid, IfrAspid, roadster

Cartier Roadster Men's Fragrance

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance

Perfumer Mathilde Laurent has created a couple of new fragrances for women in the past couple of years and now turns her hand to the first men's fragrance for the jeweler in nearly a decade. Roadster is inspired by Cartier's Roadster watch. The cap resembles the Roadster's watch crown and the bottle is meant to be laid on it's side, evoking the look if a car tailight. The fragrance has notes of bergamot, mint, patchouli and vanilla and will be sold in Cartier boutiques and Bloomingdale's stores for a suggested $105 for a 3.3-ounce bottle. There's currently an interesting thread on Basenotes debating the scent.

[via Daily Breeze]

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Tags: cartier, fragrance, roadster

BMW Z8 in 2010?

by Erin Mays (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Auto Trader UK, admittedly not always the most reliable source of information, is batting about the news that BMW plans to revive its Z8 roadster.

At a mere 3,300 lbs., the vehicle would be about 550 lbs. lighter than the competing Mercedes SL, and have BMW handling and high-performance engines to boot. Motor options include BMW's 300 hp 3.0L V6, 400 hp 4.4L V8, 500 hp 5.0L V10 and 600 hp 6.3L V12, the latter two of which could end up in an M version of the roadster.

The last Z8, designed by prolific auto designer Henrik Fisker, was Pierce Brosnan's steed in the 007 movie The World is Not Enough and was ultimately killed off in 2003.

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Tags: bmw, bmw M, bmw z8, BmwM, BmwZ8, M, mercedes sl, MercedesSl, roadster, z07

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