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A Chocolate Smart ForTwo for Valentine's Day

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day in Japan? The first thing you need to know is that the Japanese don't celebrate February 14 like we do in the West. For them, it's an occasion for women to buy men chocolate and other chocolate-related gifts. Like this chocolate-themed car from luxury chocolatier/jeweler Q-Pot.

Designed by Q-Pot's foudner Tadaaki Wakamutsu, this special-edition Smart ForTwo has gotten a thorough chocolate-themed paint job to celebrate the holiday, and is available for order at 2.36 million yen – a considerable premium over the standard 1.84 million yen price tag on a Smart ForTwo in Japan.

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Tags: fortwo, q-pot, smart, smart fortwo, tadaaki wakamutsu, valentines day

Ulysse Nardin Chairman Smart Phone Hands On

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Gadgets, Timepieces / Watches

Ulysse Nardin surprised the haute horology world a few months ago with the announcement of a luxury smart phone. I originally discussed the Ulysse Nardin Chairman here, but recently got to sit down and personally experience three of the Chairman models my self. I also got to learn a lot more about what makes the Ulysse Nardin Chairman a real luxury of a mobile phone. I got to see the blue and satin steel, the black-toned model (very sexy!), and the blue steel and rose gold (very Ulysse Nardin!). The phone is large and pleasantly hefty - I would describe it more as comfortable and solid feeling rather than intimidating.

The back piece of the watch is made of a carbon fiber plate and a black ceramic plate (mobile phone antenna radio signals do not travel through metal well). The keypad features large comfortable keys and excellent backlighting - and the screen is one large sapphire crystal. Ulysse Nardin finally confirmed that the phone's operating system will be unique to the phone rather than just a skinned version of an existing mobile phone operating system.
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Gallery: Ulysse Nardin Chairman Phone Live

Tags: cell, chairman, mobile, phone, review, smart, ulysse nardin, UlysseNardin

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MINI Mercedes?

by Erin Mays (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Platform sharing has been around for almost as long as cars have been around, so it comes as no surprise that Mercedes is looking to collaborate with another automaker to cut costs in producing its next A- and B-class vehicles. We're just a little surprised that it may work with arch rival BMW in getting it done.

BMW's MINI, the cult classic it took over in 1994 in a package deal with Rover, could be the basis for a new small Mercedes vehicle, while MINI might borrow SMART's DNA for a smaller version of the already-tiny MINI. The collaboration would save Mercedes some money and help BMW expand its MINI line.

Check this space in September -- a partnership may be announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

[Source: Autocar]

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Tags: a-class, b-class, bmw, c-class, frankfurt motor show, FrankfurtMotorShow, mercedes, mini, smart

Ford's Premiere Automotive Group Up For Grabs

by Erin Mays (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos

Ford Motor Company has begun shopping around its Premiere Automotive Group, consisting of Land Rover, Jaguar, Volvo and formerly Aston Martin. The news comes as no surprise as rumors floated about indicating Ford's interest in selling pretty much anything in its stable at the right price, though this time around, the rumors are accompanied by news that Ford has retained Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to find a buyer.

Ford reportedly broke off talks with Fiat recently regarding the group, though now it appears that potential suitors include Renault, David Richards (new Aston owner), and David James, who acquired the rights to manufacture a car based on smart roadster components and designs.Rumors also abound regarding BMW's interest in Volvo as it seeks to add a fourth brand to its lineup, supplementing BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce.

[Source: AutoIndustry.co.uk]

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Tags: aston martin, AstonMartin, bmw, ford, jaguar, land rover, LandRover, mini, pag, smart, volvo