In Hong Kong to introduce his company’s latest hypercar, the Pagani Utopia, Horacio Pagani talks to Prestige about his quest for automotive perfection.

Last November, the Japanese company Toyota revealed that in the 88 years since its founding, it’s produced 300 million cars. To put all that steel, rubber and other materials in perspective, compare those numbers with the total output of Ferrari, which in 2023 celebrated 76 years in business: making a relatively informed guess, I’d say that since its inception the Italian sportswear company has built around 250,000 vehicles, which is probably only a little more than Toyota currently churns out in 10 days from its 30-odd plants around the world. But what about the tiny hypercar maker Pagani, the price of whose spectacular, bespoke and ultra-exclusive automobiles probably eclipses those of most (though not all) Ferraris by at least 10 times? I’d be surprised if it’s created more than 500 machines in its entire history, or that the rate of production ever gets more frantic than the single car that rolls out each week from its small factory on the outskirts of Modena.

To say that the car company founded by the Argentine-Italian designer Horacio Pagani does things differently from everyone else is understatement in the extreme. It’s a family business, literally and metaphorically: Pagani’s two sons, Christopher and Leonardo (the latter named for Da Vinci, of which more later) both work at the company, the interior of whose headquarters more resembles an Italian village piazza than a typical automobile production line – and as fewer than 200 people work there, the boss probably knows most of them by name. And then there’s the stunning level of craftsmanship visible everywhere on each car, from the racing-style aerospace-alloy double-wishbone suspension, the polished manual gearshift mechanism and the fabulous cabin of gleaming leather and furniture fashioned from aluminium blocks, to the old-school straps used to retain the carbon-fibre clamshell body panels.

Late in 2022, Pagani unveiled its third model in almost half a century. Called the Utopia, it succeeds both the Zonda, which first saw the light of day in 1999 and eventually ceased production after almost 20 years, around 140 units and countless variants, and the Huayra, introduced in 2011 and still being built today in limited numbers. A sleek mid-engine hypercar based around a carbon-fibre/titanium monocoque, whose 852bhp, twin-turbocharger 6-litre V12 power unit – as with all Paganis – has been painstakingly hand built for the Modena-based company by Mercedes-AMG, the Utopia is the physical representation of the considerable expertise accumulated by Pagani since he founded the business in the late 1990s.

Since the first Zonda arrived in Hong Kong in 2006, the company has built a strong customer base here. Says Pagani himself, who’s in town to celebrate his brand’s quarter century of automobile production as well as unveil the new Utopia at an event at The Repulse Bay, “It’s a community of trusted clients who embrace the brand and have been loyal to us from the beginning. They share the same values we have and they have an amazing car culture.” As with all his customers, he knows them and their preferences personally – and of the 99 cars that make up the initial Utopia production run, six (and possibly up to three more) are headed here, an unusually hefty slice of an exceedingly small pie.

Compact and trim, neatly casual, softly spoken and disarmingly modest, Pagani is the antithesis of the popular idea of an automobile magnate. His passion for cars – and not just those made by his own company – is palpable and infectious, and it’s easy to see in him the baker’s son from a provincial Argentine town who as a boy built from scratch model cars, and later his own full-size bicycle and racing car. That passion took him in his late twenties almost halfway across the world to Italy’s famed “motor valley” near Modena, where he not only found work at Lamborghini but eventually had the temerity to set up his own company, a competitor to some of the most venerated names in the automobile industry.

Although it’s evident Pagani understands a lot more English than he makes out, he prefers to speak through an interpreter – this time it’s his son Christopher, who heads the company’s marketing – and his long, thoughtful responses to questions typify his precision and perfectionism. Asked whether the Utopia’s launch means the era of the Huayra is now over, he tells me, “We started producing the Zonda back in 1999, which we were still producing when we presented the Huayra in 2011, because we hadn’t finished the 140 cars. So there was a little bit of an overlap between the two models. This has happened also with Huayra and Utopia. Utopia was presented in 2022, but in the same year we also presented the Codalunga, the long-wheelbase Huayra, as a special limited-series. And yesterday, we just launched the [Huayra] Imola Roadster.

“We’re an unusual brand when it comes to producing one car after the other. Because what happens normally is that when you’re at the end of the production of one car, you have to wait for the next one to come, so [a company will] normally sell what remains of the previous production at a discount. What happens with us is the opposite. We get a lot of requests from our clients for special versions, so we try to go over their request with them. To produce these very special cars, we work in a very intense way with them.”

Given that close relationship with each client, I ask Pagani how much latitude they get with their requests. Is there an ask too far – one to which his company puts its foot down and says no?

“The more you ask for, the more crazy things you ask for, the more you pay,” he says jokingly, then adds more seriously, “but going back to how we started Pagani, we see ourselves as tailors, so every car we create is like a tailor-made suit for you. If you come to me and say you need a suit made with the same material you have with you in your pocket, I’ll do my best to make sure you’re happy with it. The only limits we have are when it comes to homologation or safety: we make sure we follow all the standards that enables to feel OK when it comes to having someone driving at very high speeds, wherever they may be in the world, whether on the road or on the racetrack. They need to be conscious that they’re in safe hands with their cars. Luckily, the clients are very educated: they have a great approach to us and we work very well together.

“Sometimes we get requests that just don’t make sense, but often at the end of the day, when we look at the [finished result], it’s amazing. So we just have to look at it from the client’s perspective, which sometimes isn’t so easy. But they’re so passionate about what we do – and they can open our eyes sometimes.”

From blank sheet of paper to production, the design process for the Utopia began almost as soon as similar work on the Huayra was complete, a process that took around seven years. “We spend most of the first couple of years working on the exterior and interior design, and then the next three years on the little details. Through our dialogue with our clients, we understand what they’re looking for with the next Pagani – and when I’m designing something, I don’t do it for myself, I do it for them. So we keep things secret for the first three or four years and only then do we start showing some renderings to clients.

“With Utopia, they were so amazed we were able to sell all the cars one year before the unveiling. It sounds crazy, but we were showing a little drawing to the clients and they were saying, ‘Where do I have to send the money?'”

As for the Utopia’s overall design, the goal was for a car with a shape that’s clean and simple, unlike that of the earlier Zonda, which in common with many high-performance cars of the era was festooned with spoilers and other aero add-ons. Yes, it needed to look as if it would be as at home on the racetrack as on the road, but with a shape as pure as possible.

“I wanted you to be able to follow the line from the beginning to the end,” says Pagani of the Utopia’s sleek silhouette. “It’s a car you can read, it’s a car that you can appreciate. We were able to achieve those aerodynamic goals by working on the internal airflows, which you can’t see from the outside. At the end of the day, the goal was to create a car that didn’t take much from the Zonda and the Huayra. A timeless design – something that’s unique to itself.”

Surprisingly for a car that’s likely to cost in the region of US$2.5 million (and quite possibly a good deal more), the sole electronic screen in the Utopia’s cabin is a small affair wedged between the mechanical rev counter and speedometer dials. It’s the size of two iPhones placed together, says Pagani, and big enough to handle Apple Car Play and the image projected by the reversing camera. He tells me it’s exactly what the clients wanted. “They want to go more analogue and touch the buttons and hear the sounds – all of that. So that was goal. And 70 percent of the 99 Utopias will have manual transmission – and as a manual gearbox for a car with 1,100 Newton-metres of torque is insane, that required a huge effort.”

Of all the things he’s designed and made, what’s Pagani’s favourite? “The most important,” he says, “is a model car I made when I was 12 years old – you can see it in the museum at the factory. Its name is Mara, because my mother is Marta and my father is Mario, so I combined the two names.”

Now in his late sixties, he seems as involved and driven as ever. Does he have plans to slow down and hand over the reins of the company – and on those rare occasions when he isn’t working, how does he fill his time?

“I like to be busy, always doing things and never stopping,” Pagani says. “I love design – of everything and not just cars. Furniture, interior design, helicopters, planes, everything. I wake up with a lot of energy every single morning. I do a lot of sport. But since I was a child, my biggest passion has been Leonardo Da Vinci. I was able to buy a nice penthouse in Milan five or six years ago, which is on a street where Leonardo used to walk – five minutes away from Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the library and gallery where you can go and study him. The 1,200 pages of the Codex Atlanticus are there and it’s where I spend most of my time when I’m not designing cars.”

And, as he once told me, does he still pedal from his home to the factory each day on his bicycle?

“Every single day,” says this remarkable creator of some of the world’s rarest and most desirable automobiles. “I go to work on the bicycle and come back in the Utopia.”

The post Horacio Pagani on Building Utopia: The Futuristic Hypercar appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

It’s taken seven long years for Alfa Romeo’s Giulia Quadrifoglio sports saloon to make it to these shores. Was it worth the wait? Prestige finds out.

Mention cars and Italy in the same breath and one word crops up instantly. Indeed, it would be fair to say that for most people around the world – even those with the slightest knowledge of automobiles – the names of Ferrari and its home country are so inextricably linked as to be almost synonymous.

Yet that wasn’t always the case. When I was a boy in drab post-war England, one of my proudest possessions was a Dinky Toy model of a bright red racing car. Yes, it was Italian, but its name didn’t begin with “F”. Instead, it was a tiny replica of an Alfa Romeo 158/159 Alfetta, a machine so successful that, in the hands of Giuseppe Farina and Juan-Manuel Fangio, it dominated the first two years of the Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship, in 1950 and 1951. In those days if you’d asked anyone to name an Italian car, they’d probably have said, “Alfa Romeo.”

(In fact, were it not for Alfa it’s doubtful Enzo Ferrari would have set up his own car brand at all. Shortly after the end of World War I he’d been employed as a driver by Alfa’s racing department and during the 1930s went on to manage the Milanese company’s team under the Scuderia Ferrari banner, when one of his drivers was the great Tazio Nuvolari. It was a relationship that lasted the best part of two decades until the two parties fell out – after which World War II provided the decisive break.)

Since the glory days, Alfa Romeo’s fortunes have been patchy. Aside from endurance racing in the mid-’70s, it never repeated the track successes of the 1950s, and though its road cars were invariably wonderful to drive and lovely to behold, they were often plagued by unreliability – just as the then-state-owned company lurched from financial troubles to political crises. Eventually in the mid-1980s it was swallowed up by the Fiat group, which by that time also included Ferrari, but even then its owners struggled to work out exactly what to do with their charge.

Always one of those brands that enthusiasts desperately want to succeed, almost 40 years later Alfa Romeo now finds itself grouped within the premium brand portfolio of the huge automotive multinational Stellantis, which seems determined to build upon more than a century of history and goodwill. And with a line-up comprising the Stelvio SUV, the mid-size Giulia and a soon-to-arrive Tonal hybrid compact crossover, as well as the limited-edition 33 Stradale supercar adding a sprinkle of magic dust to the range, perhaps – just perhaps – it now has the products it needs not only to survive but prosper.

Unveiled in 2015 with a name recalling a much-loved succession of sporting Alfa saloons, coupes and convertibles in the 1960s and ’70s, the Giulia should have been a known quantity by now had not the company withdrawn from this market several years ago. Fortunately, the establishment of a new dealership here in mid-2023 has offered a long-overdue opportunity to experience a car that’s received the highest praise from almost everyone who’s driven it.

A four-door compact executive saloon on a rear-wheel-drive platform, which is positioned as a direct competitor to BMW’s 4 Series, it matches handsome styling – from its heart-shaped grille to the tailpipes – with some of the best dynamics in its class. Moreover, its high-performance Quadrifoglio variant, under whose vent-incised carbon-fibre bonnet lurks a Ferrari-sourced twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine of enormous potency, is rated among the most exhilarating super saloons in the world – a machine said to put the frighteners even on M3s and C 63s. No prizes for guessing which version I’ve asked to borrow.

And gosh, in its Alfa Red paint job – with, of all things, a black carbon-fibre roof – and riding on 19-inch five-hole alloys, the Giulia QF really does look the business. Beneath all that lovely sheet metal and composite, its six-cylinder motor pumps out more than 510 bhp and 600Nm (the latter at 2,500-5,500rpm), hefty helpings of grunt that are delivered to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, a carbon-fibre driveshaft and – new on the ’23 model – a mechanical limited-slip differential. If those few facts don’t suggest the word “thoroughbred”, then a zero-to-100km/h time in less than four seconds and maximum speed not of 305 certainly should. Oh, and if you’d rather be swapping cogs with a manual box, tough: right-hand-drive markets get the Hobson’s choice of an auto, though as it shifts fast and smoothly it’s probably the better deal anyway.

Where the Alfa is beginning to show its eight years is in the cabin, though to my eyes that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Instrument design and info screens have moved on considerably since 2015, but I rather like the dashboard’s sweeping lines and the ’60s-style hooded circular dials – and as for the small-ish TFT display at the centre, I prefer to keep my eyes on the road anyway. Adding to the performance focus is plenty of mirror-polished, 3D-textured carbon fibre, while the small and narrow-rimmed steering wheel is fabulous, as are the long, curved gearshift paddles, the front seats and a driving position that could hardly be bettered.

Pressing the wheel-mounted starter button brings the Quadrifoglio’s turbo V6 to smooth and surprisingly unrowdy life; in fact, driven sedately through town you’ll find it’s the apotheosis of refinement. Open up the throttle on the highway, though, with the drive selector set to Dynamic, and both the motor and four-pipe exhaust system will start howling and growling like a pack of animals. Admittedly there’s a hint of turbo lag at lower engine speeds, but once you hit the torque band at around 2,500rpm and the speedometer needle makes its sudden lurch around the dial, that Fezza-built six-pot will sing its way through the entire orchestral repertoire towards a top end that approaches 7,000. If that sounds to you like an engine which loves to rev, you’d be dead right. And the Giulia QF is fast, very fast indeed, with acceleration so rapid and linear it’s hard to comprehend.

Equally eager to play, the Alfa’s chassis is a total joy, from the fast, communicative and ultra-direct steering to the gorgeous fluidity of the handling. Balance, grip and body control approach supercar levels, but unless you’re mad enough to flip the mode selector to Race (which adjusts the dampers to their firmest setting, turns off the stability control and will probably have you heading sideways towards the nearest lamp post as soon as you do so), the ride is never less than supple and forgiving – which, given the canyon-like potholes and expansion joints that litter the roads round here, makes this car even more magical and desirable.

As I’m hurtling along in the Giulia QF, I have to keep reminding myself that this roaring red missile is actually a four-door saloon, a car in which people can do eminently sensible things, such as loading up at the super marketing, running the children to school or football, or perhaps taking family and friends for a picnic. Were I fortunate enough to have one parked in my own driveway, I might even indulge in such responsible behaviour myself – though I have more than a sneaking suspicion I’d head out on the road simply for the hell of it, revelling in the speed, the noise, the poise and the character of what could well be the finest sports saloon money can buy. Then I’d get out to stare at it long and lovingly – and then get back in and do it again. And again.

Technical Details of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio

ENGINE twin-turbocharged 2.9 litre V6

TRANSMISSION eight-speed automatic

MAX POWER 514bhp

MAX TORQUE 600Nm @ 2,500-5,500rpm

MAX SPEED 308km/h

ACCELERATION 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds

UNLADEN WEIGHT 1,620kg

PRICE from HK$1.408 million

The post Introducing the Alfa Romeo Giulia appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

As the World Rallycross Championship ended with a double-header in Hong Kong, the event’s chief consultant and former FIA coordinator Wesley Wan tells us why this event is crucial for the city’s future in motorsports.

Although we don’t have a grand prix in Hong Kong like that in Singapore, this city’s motorsport fans were nonetheless rewarded for their passion last month when the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) brought its World Rallycross Championship to the Central Harbourfront. Held over three days, the event featured a double-header that served as rounds nine and 10 for the year-long competition, with the champion crowned on Sunday. This year, that title went once again to Swedish driver Johan Kristoffersson, who’s won the championship for four consecutive years and six times in total.

“It’s been fantastic coming here,” said Kristoffersson. “I can’t think the team enough for all the effort they’ve put in. They work every waking hour, sacrificing time with their families to give us the best car possible, so to reward them like this is fantastic – and there’s no better place to celebrate than here in Hong Kong.”

A resounding success among local enthusiasts, it was the first proper racing event held here since 2019, when Formula E made its last appearance. It was also one of a handful of major motorsport events in Hong Kong held during the past decade, the first being the Red Bull Formula 1 demonstration back in 2011.

The event’s chief consultant, former FIA Asian Zone coordinator and World Motorsport Council China deputy member Wesley Wan, told me over lunch with former Formula 1 driver Mika Salo that bringing the championship finale here wasn’t easy. “The most important thing is funding,” he says. “In Singapore, 70 percent of the funding for Formula 1 is supported by the government, and the remaining 30 percent is from private enterprises. That’s how they make it happen. But here, we got minimal government support. To build a circuit from scratch is incredibly expensive. The whole thing cost about HK$90 million, but what we received from the government was far from enough.

“There’s also the issue of sponsorship,” he explained. “We had very few local sponsors this year – the attitude was that they want to wait and see what happens. If this year is successful, then maybe next year they’ll want to sponsor us. Hopefully they will, because we need that local sponsorship from the private sector.”

Given the financial demands and complex logistics, many might question why Hong Kong decided to hold the event in the first place. For Wan, however, the race was more than just his own passion project. “Of course, my passion is motorsports and I want to introduce it to Hong Kong,” he said. “But whether it’s coming in person or watching it on TV, fans around the world following these championships will be following the events, so it’s great exposure for Hong Kong as a world city. The circuit is in Central, right on the harbourfront, so our cityscape provides the most spectacular backdrop. And for racing fans here, it’s a good opportunity to watch an international motorsports event in their own city.”

He also believes that, tourism aside, holding two rounds of the World Rallycross Championship here also promotes interest in automobiles. “Hong Kong has a rich automobile culture, but the reality is that we don’t have anything here. We don’t have a car manufacturer, we don’t have a circuit, we have no opportunity for motorsports to take place here. But the city has a big crowd of motorsports fans who travel around the world to watch these events, so what we’re trying to do is make the government aware of the fact that this is a sustainable sport and a large international event that Hong Kong should be investing in. In terms of the automobile industry, Hong Kong has always been a window for China, so these events will affect the whole environment in the Greater Bay Area or even beyond.”

Moreover, Wan hopes that the three-year contract with the World Rallycross Championship will lay new foundations for the further development of motorsports in the region.

“Liberty Media has done a great job with Formula 1 since taking over. There aren’t a lot of fans in America, but they have three races there this year and they’re really trying to drive interest in that region. That’s what we should be doing in China,” he tells me. “We have an F1 race in Shanghai that’s returning next year after a hiatus, but that’s just the northern part of the country. We need another one in southern China, perhaps between Hong Kong and Guangdong.

“There’s plenty of land there where they’re building a new science park, but there’s enough space for a Formula 1 circuit as well. Not only will it attract regional fans, but it’ll also provide a training ground to develop new drivers from our country or city. We need space to train local drivers so they can move up to an international level. No matter how fast you drive locally or in Zhuhai, you always need to have another level above you that you can compete in. That’s what helps you improve. But to do that, we need the facilities. When you build up a group of Chinese drivers, then
you have the foundation to bring in international races.”

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Luxury cars have always been all about comfort, the coolest features and elegant styling. Additionally, one can expect an engine that ensures smooth delivery of torque and a suspension system that offers a hint of sportiness. However, being in an era of sustainable living, luxury car makers of today also need to consider pollution concerns and fuel efficiency. Electric power allows vehicles to cut down on emissions and extract splendid mileage, but the technology is still impractical and pricey. The onus, therefore, falls onto the humble internal combustion engines to extract high mileage from luxury cars.

While petrol and diesel engines can only do much, the advent of hybrid technology has helped luxurious cars deliver gas mileage that could put compact economy hatchbacks to shame. Yes, we are not kidding! A Lexus ES 300h — a compact luxury sedan — grabs eyes with its advertised mileage figure of 23 kmpl. Similarly, the sporty luxury crossover, Porsche Cayenne can attain mileage figures of up to 40 kmpl in its hybrid guise.

So if you’re planning on investing in a premium beast which won’t be a gas guzzler, this is the best category to choose from. Wondering which other vehicles offer the best mileage in the luxury cars segment that are worth owning today? We have prepared a list of all the luxury cars that deliver high mileage without compromising the indulgences and excesses of your dream automobile.

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Since introducing the 5 Series 50 years ago, BMW has produced more than 10 million of the world’s most popular business sedans. The latest incarnations, including the sustainable and all-electric i5 models, are modern marvels. 

BMW is a driving force on the road to building high-quality electric cars, not only among its own stable of exceptional vehicles, but also in the other marques in its portfolio, which include Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Mini. From small and compact up to premium and luxury cars, BMW offers all-electric models in every vehicle class it produces. 

Thus it’s no surprise this is exemplified within the BMW 5 Series of business sedans. First introduced in 1972, the eighth generation of the BMW 5 Series Sedan continues to stand for advanced technology combined with sporty, elegant design and driving pleasure. 

Since their arrival on the market worldwide in October, the 5 Series seamlessly combines mobility and business in the premium market. The BMW 5 Series Touring models will launch worldwide in the spring of 2024. 

Where BMW shines brightest is with the two available i5 models that for the first time incorporate all-electric drivetrains: the i5 M60 xDrive, with a striking look that emphasises its dynamic performance from two highly integrated drive units on the front and rear axles, and the eDrive40 that combines advanced BMW eDrive technology with traditional rear-wheel drive. 

BMW I5 M60 XDRIVE
Combining a particularly powerful electric drive with hallmark M performance characteristics and specific design features, the system output of its two electric motors is 380 kW/517 hp, which increases to a maximum of 442 kW/601 hp in My Mode Sport. The acceleration is 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds, with a top speed of 230 km/h. The system torque generated by both motors is 795 Nm (549 lb-ft) or 820 Nm (605 lb-ft) when M Sport Boost or the M Launch Control function is activated. 

The bodywork features a front apron with black surfaces in its centre and large air intakes, a BMW kidney grille with contour line lighting, horizontal slats and M logo, side skirts and exterior mirror cap finished in high-gloss black, 20-inch M light alloy wheels, a rear apron with a pronounced diffuser insert signal the top-of-the range model’s sporty character, and an M rear spoiler lip. 

The M Sport Package is optionally available for all other 5 Series variants to highlight this vehicle’s dynamic
performance and also includes other M-specific design features, most notably the large air intakes at the front, strikingly flared side skirts in high-gloss black and a rear apron with diffuser insert, as well as 19-inch M light alloy wheels and the M high-gloss Shadow Line. 

In addition, the M Sport Package Pro and the M Carbon exterior packages are available for all 5 Series models. 

BMW I5 EDRIVE40
Combining advanced BMW eDrive technology with traditional rear-wheel drive, the electric motor of the eDrive40 is located in the rear axle area and generates a maximum power output of 250 kW/340 hp with a maximum torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) or 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) using the Sport Boost or Launch Control function. 

The highly integrated drive unit features outstanding power density, so 6.0 seconds are sufficient for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. The maximum speed of the BMW i5 eDrive40
is electronically cut off at 193 km/h. Its combined power consumption is between 18.9 and 15.9 kWh per 100 kilometres. 

HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY
Like the drive units, the high-voltage battery used in the two all-electric model variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is also derived from the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. 

Comprising four modules with 72 battery cells each and three modules with 12 cells each, the high-voltage battery has a particularly flat design thanks to the modules being cleverly and model- specifically designed. This means it can be fitted in the underbody of the BMW i5 to save space. The passenger space corresponds exactly to the capacities of the petrol and diesel engine variants of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. 

The Combined Charging Unit (CCU) of the BMW i5 enables AC charging with an output of up to 11 kW as standard, and up to 22 kW as an option. The high-voltage battery can be charged with direct current with a power of up to 205 kW. For example, the battery charge level can be raised from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. 

RANGE
In addition to the efficient electric motors, the latest version of adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive and high-voltage battery contribute to the long range. The respective Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) values are 455-516 km for the BMW i5 M60 xDrive and 497-582 km for the BMW i5 eDrive40. With the new Max Range function, the range can be increased by up to 25 percent if required. 

FULLY VEGAN INTERIOR
Newly designed sports seats are standard equipment. The optional comfort seats offer a wide range of electric adjustment options. The BMW 5 Series Sedan is the brand’s first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel for the first time. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version with leather-like properties feature a decorative perforation. Further optional equipment includes BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in several bicolour variants. 

The i5’s standard equipment includes automatic air conditioning with almost invisible seam vents,
a Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers, four USB-C ports, a fixed panoramic glass roof, Travel & Comfort System, and BMW IconicSounds Electric. Among the many options available are a Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System. 

The post BMW’s New i5 Redefines Elegance with New Technology appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

This week sees the return of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi GP, and not only is it the F1 season finale — it also marks 15 years of the track. To celebrate the occasion, there’s a range of high-octane off-track activations and highlights geared up for this biggest ever Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend from November 24 to November 26.

At its forefront are award-winning hospitality experiences and a line-up of global music superstars that’ll take to the Etihad Park stage for the Yasalam After Race-Concerts.

The race is expected to have the largest turn out, and excitingly, Yas Marina Circuit will feature brand-new hospitality experiences to support the unprecedented demand seen for the F1 season finale in 2023. There are all-new spaces too, including the Deck at Two, a VIP-viewing platform overlooking Turn 2 of the Yas Marina Circuit track. The latter will present tantalising menus from Estiatorio Milos from Atlantis The Royal, as well as Nobu Dubai and Hakkasan Dubai of Atlantis Dubai — all loved for their seafood, sushi and grilled Japanese offerings.

Then there’s the West Grandstand, that’ll feature a curated menu from The Maine in a luxurious setting. This year will see the run of fan favourites from Deck At Nine with Opa, Luna Lounge featuring Ce La Vi, Turn 1 with Il Borro, Alici and Maya Bay and Shams Suites with Gohan and Ninive all back by popular demand.

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The milestone edition of the Formula 1 GP will deliver plenty of off-track activity too, whereby fans can head to the Etihad Park for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts for this year’s entertainment line-up. Here, there will be DJ Tiësto and Ava Max on Thursday 23rd November, followed by R&B star Chris Brown and singer Shania Twain on Friday and Saturday evening. To top it off, the Foo Fighters will close out the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend on Sunday 26th November.

Race ticket holders can upgrade their Yasalam After-Race Concert experience with a Golden Circle Upgrade. The upgrade guarantees access to the concerts, the closest access to the stage and AAA stars, fast-track entry and dedicated beverage points, with upgrades, to really rev up the experience.

A trip to remember

Add culture to the itinerary with the ‘Yas All In’ ticket for access to the Yas Island’s theme parks, Qasr Al Watan, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which is valid between 22 to 27 November.

For luxurious stays in the region, look to Anantara Eastern Mangroves, which is just a 20-minute drive from the track offering post-race deals. Over at Nurai Island, relax in one of their luxury villas, and explore the culture, adventure, and culinary scene of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– When is the F1 race in Abu Dhabi?

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place from November 24 to 26.

– What time is the F1 race in Abu Dhabi?

The qualifying race on November 25 starts at 6pm local time (10pm HKT), while the actual race on November 26 kicks off at 5pm local time (9pm HKT).

– Where is the F1 race in Abu Dhabi in 2023?

It’s held at the Yas Marina Circuit.

– Who is performing at Abu Dhabi F1 2023?

DJ Tiësto, Ava Max, Chris Brown, Shania Twain and Foo Fighters are slated to perform.

(Main and featured image: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix)

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With the conclusion of the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023 on November 19, the Formula 1 calendar for 2023 has come down to the final race for the season. Moving to the Middle East, the action now lands in Abu Dhabi where the drivers will take the track one last time this year. Before we look at the schedule for the races, however, let us quickly give you an overview of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023.

Held for the first time in 2009, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the race was contested at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The track is around 5.3 kilometres long and has often played host to day-night races. Lewis Hamilton, the legendary British F1 driver, remains the most successful driver at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with five titles. Mercedes and Red Bull Racing, on the other hand, share the honour for the most race wins at the Yas Marina Circuit with six titles each.

Coming to the 2023 season, Dutch F1 driver Max Verstappen sealed the F1 World Championship title at the Qatar Grand Prix 2023 at the start of October. At the end of the Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023, Verstappen held an unassailable 276-point lead over fellow Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio Perez. Even though the winner of the title has long been decided, it was only in Las Vegas that Perez secured his second spot in the championship, taking a 41-point lead over third-placed Hamilton. Since a maximum of 26 points are available at Abu Dhabi, there’s no way in which the Briton can overtake Perez in the upcoming weekend.

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Similarly, Red Bull Racing sealed the F1 Constructors’ Championship for 2023 with Verstappen’s victory at the Japanese Grand Prix on September 24. However, two other big-shot constructor teams, Ferrari and Mercedes, will be vying for a second-place finish on the Constructors’ Ranking in Abu Dhabi.

Now that you have been brought to pace with the current status of the 2023 F1 championship, let us take you through everything you need to know about the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023’s schedule and where you can watch the race.

A closer look at the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 schedule

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix schedule kick-starts with the Practice 1 race on Friday, November 24 (5:30 PM HKT). The hour-long practice race will be followed by the Practice 2 race later that day (9:00 PM HKT).

On Saturday, November 25, the drivers will roll out their vehicles on the track for the Practice 3 race (6:30 PM HKT). Following the conclusion of the Practice 3 race, the Qualifying event for the main race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will start later in the evening (10:00 PM HKT). The results of the Qualifying race will set the grid for the main event.

The final race for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 will take place on Sunday, November 26 (9:00 PM HKT).

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Where can you watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023?

 

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Apart from those planning to buy tickets to witness the match in person, Formula 1 fans can live-stream the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 on F1 TV. Those who have the F1 TV Pro plan subscription can watch the race live, complete with access to onboard cameras, in real-time.

This story first appeared on Augustman Hong Kong

(Main and Featured Images: Formula 1/Instagram)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– Where is the F1 race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023? 
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 will be contested at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

– Are F1 tickets available for 2023?
The tickets for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023, the final race of the F1 calendar for this year, are available on www.abudhabigp.com which also offers tickets for the after-race concert.

The post Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 Schedule: Where to Watch the Last Race of the Season appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Prestige travels to the Italian island of Sardinia to drive Ferrari’s latest convertible, the Roma Spider. It goes without saying we’re infatuated. Instantly.

It’s just after eight in the morning and the sun has already climbed high in the cloudless Mediterranean sky. Ahead of me, through the windscreen, the road – mercifully almost entirely free of other traffic – snakes enticingly along a rugged indented coastline, from which the deep blue sea stretches away to the horizon and, beyond that, the northern coast of Africa. Even forgetting the vehicle I’m sitting in, it’s the kind of scene I fantasise about whenever I ease myself into a driving seat. But the car – oh my lord, the car. I’ve only been behind the wheel for 15 minutes, but it’s already crystal clear that Ferrari’s new Roma Spider, which I’ve flown to the Italian island of Sardinia to spend the next few hours throwing around on these blissfully deserted byways, verges on the sublime.

Some cars flatter to deceive, but the Roma Spider looks so perfect, so exquisite, that you know even without driving it: it’s going to blow you away. Of course, it has provenance. When, almost exactly four years ago, Ferrari whipped the wraps off its then-new Roma – appropriately in the heart of the city it was named after – the coupe was hailed
as representing a return to the elegance of the 1950s and early ’60s, a time when the stars of Italian cinema, such as Sophia Loren, Marcello Mastroianni and Gina Lollobrigida, were in every way as glamorous as those of Hollywood. Just like the company’s grand tourers of the same era, the Roma’s engine – though, in deference to more modern requirements, now a relatively frugal twin-turbocharged V8 instead of a 100-octane-slurping V12 – was installed beneath the car’s long, shark-nosed bonnet, rather than being tucked between the passenger compartment and the rear wheels. That latter configuration may be great for weight distribution, balance and handling, but it’s rarely served as the basis for classic styling – and with its near-perfect coupe proportions enhanced by a subtle absence of vents and orifices, classic is exactly what the Roma was. No wonder Ferrari borrowed freely from the late filmmaker Federico Fellini to describe its charismatic newcomer, when it coined the tagline la nuova dolce vita.

Just as important, the Roma was as thrilling behind the wheel as it was beautiful to look at. In fact, some commentators thought the car’s combination of speed, poise and sheer effortless driveability was almost too good for what was, in effect, the entry point to Maranello’s elevated automotive hyper-verse.

That sooner or later Ferrari would take the carving knife to the Roma’s coupe roof, lovely though it is, was no great surprise, but that it took the company four long years to unveil the results wasn’t what anyone expected. Almost certainly there were other priorities, not the least being the launch of the four-door Purosangue “FUV”, and perhaps the decapitation job was trickier than anyone had imagined. Nonetheless – and despite the familiarity of much of its styling – the new Spider version of the Roma looks stunning from pretty much every angle. That’s partly because the company has ditched the folding hardtop – never the most attractive feature of the California and Portofino models that preceded the Roma – and instead opted for a proper old-school ragtop, a solution last used for a front-engine Fezza at least half a century ago (though when I say “ragtop”, I’m actually referring to a canvas roof comprising five layers of material and eye-catching two-tone weaves that either match or contrast with the car’s body colour).

Hit the roof button – it takes less than 14 seconds to open, and at speeds up to 60km/h – and the Roma takes on an entirely novel aspect around the rear three quarters, the pronounced haunches over the wheels appearing at once voluptuously feminine yet ruggedly muscular. It really is something to behold. Raised, the curved roofline integrates seamlessly with the car’s silhouette, while the active rear-deck spoiler operates exactly as it does on the coupe, roof up or down.

Decked out in the model’s exclusive launch colour, Celeste Trevi Metallizzato – the name conjures images of a soaked Anita Ekberg cavorting in a certain Roman fountain – the car assigned to me lacks the yellow Ferrari side shields, and with this delicate shade of blue, leaving the flanks unbadged seems absolutely the way to go. Almost everything else, though, is carried over unchanged from the coupe, including the cabin’s stylish twin-cockpit design, which wraps cosily around each front occupant and is now on full view for all to admire. Seats are superb, finishing is excellent and, for once, the satnav on the vertical central screen works perfectly (though perhaps that’s because it’s mirroring Apple CarPlay). As for the button- and Manettino-festooned steering wheel, it’s Marmite, but after many years’ familiarisation at least I can now say I’m used to it.

The Roma’s “2+” designation means there’s theoretically room for two very small children sitting in the rear, though in another small departure from the coupe their “seatback” serves a dual purpose, flipping up at the touch of a button to serve as a wind and noise diffuser when the roof is down. Frankly this contraption looks odd and even rudimentary, but after experiencing it functioning at speeds up to 200km/h I can attest it to its remarkable effectiveness. Sorry kids, but you’re staying home today.

Of course, you’re all desperate to know what the soft-top Roma is like to drive – and here I must repeat the motoring writer’s mantra that removing a car’s roof inevitably increases body flex and thus requires additional strengthening, which obviously means extra weight (we’re talking here about an additional 80-odd kilograms). But, wind in the hair aside, how many of those doughty correspondents could honestly tell the difference between the coupe and the slightly heavier convertible? I’ll confidently bet hardly any.

Granted, revised damper settings mean it rides a little softer than the tin-top, but this barely compromises the car’s superb dynamic abilities. Add to that the 611bhp and 760Nm of torque at 3,000-5,750rpm from its twin-blown 3.9-litre V8, which translate into blinding acceleration: it reaches 100km/h from zero in just 3.4 seconds, and even though there are way more powerful machines on the road than this, that’s surely rapid enough for anyone.

Indeed, thanks to the wonderfully flexible motor and whip-crack shifts from the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, time and again I find myself barrelling along these quiet country roads at unfeasibly illegal speeds, the digital readout spooling like a split-seconds counter up to 200 and more, while on the twisty bits the almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution, combined with clever chassis tuning and laser-accurate steering, has me channelling Leclerc on his home circuit back in Monaco. There’s massive grip on those bends too, though whenever Ferrari’s Side-Slip traction control senses I’m about to overcook things, it steps in smartly but oh-so unobtrusively, convincing me in the process I’m a far better driver than I’d thought. (Did I really do that? Of course!) In short, this is a truly exhilarating yet hugely forgiving machine – fast like the best sports cars, but with comfort levels approaching a limo
– and though never as stirring as a V12, the soundtrack from that V8 up front is rarely less than rousing.

So now you’re wondering whether you should empty the piggy bank, pull out the chequebook, raid the crypto account or however else you pay for big-ticket purchases these days, and slap down your savings on a Roma Spider. And the answer to that is yes, you should, assuming of course that Ferrari hasn’t already pre-sold all the cars it’s likely to build. Because to my mind you won’t find a luxury convertible anywhere that’s so beautiful, so fun and rewarding to drive, and so easy to live with. But why ask me anyway? You know you want it.

Best real-world Ferrari you can buy right now? Although I’m still in awe of the 296, I’m inclined to believe it is. 

Technical Details of the Ferrari Roma Spider

ENGINE Twin-turbo 3.9-litre V8
TRANSMISSION Eight-speed dual-clutch
MAX POWER 611bhp
MAX TORQUE 760Nm @ 3,000-5,750rpm
MAX SPEED 320km/h
ACCELERATION 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds 
UNLADEN WEIGHT 1,556kg (dry)
PRICE HK$3.825 million

The post Kiss of the Ferrari Roma Spider appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The world of Formula 1, at present, is standing witness to the rise of several young drivers, with Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez leading the pack. The former has taken the motorsport world by storm in the past couple of years. However, the age-old saying ‘Class is permanent’ never gets old, and by the looks of it, neither does Lewis Hamilton, who has been the greatest ambassador of the F1 fraternity in the modern era.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest F1 drivers of all time, if not the greatest, Lewis Hamilton is the owner of several records in the motorsport world. The Briton’s most significant record will, undoubtedly, be the one he shares with former F1 driver Michael Schumacher for the highest number of World Drivers’ Championship titles. Other noteworthy records of the 38-year-old driver include the most career wins (103 races), most pole positions (104 races) and most podium finishes (195 races), among others.

Lewis Hamilton’s contribution to the world of motorsport is unparalleled. He is often considered responsible for furthering the global fan following of F1 by virtue of his exorbitant lifestyle as well as his environmental work and social activism. Time magazine named him in its list of 100 most influential people globally in 2020, and he was knighted in 2021 as a mark of tribute to his achievements both on and off the race track.

As he is currently in what can only be considered the twilight of his illustrious career, we take a look at Lewis Hamilton’s impeccable net worth, salary, all the expensive luxury assets he owns, his brand deals and more.

Deep diving into Lewis Hamilton’s net worth and salary in 2023

While there is no prize money on offer for winning individual Grand Prix races, F1 drivers are known to amass great wealth and make a fortune by virtue of their contracts with their respective constructor teams, making F1 one of the highest-paying sports in the world. Sure enough, the fact that a driver of Lewis Hamilton’s calibre ranks among the wealthiest sports personalities in the world comes as no surprise.

According to the latest report by Celebrity Net Worth, Lewis Hamilton, in 2023, enjoys an estimated net worth of a whopping USD 285 million. While a majority of his wealth comes from his contract with the England-based Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, his varied investments and sponsorships have widely contributed to boosting his overall net worth.

What is Lewis Hamilton’s salary in 2023?

According to a report by Forbes, Lewis Hamilton earns USD 55 million from his current contract with Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team. He is second only to Max Verstappen on the list of highest-paid F1 drivers of all time. For context, Verstappen earns a jaw-dropping USD 60 million from his contract with the Red Bull Racing team.

Forbes also named Hamilton in its list of The World’s Highest-Paid Athletes in 2023, where he sits in the 21st spot. Previously in 2020, Forbes had included the Briton in its list of The World’s Highest-Paid Celebrities (Hamilton was ranked 40th on that list).

Lews Hamilton’s new worth: A look at his luxury assets

Lewis Hamilton is known for his luxury lifestyle that reeks of posterity and his glorious portfolio in terms of assets is just a reflection of the same. Here is a closer look at all the expensive luxury assets that the British F1 drivers own.

Lewis Hamilton’s real-estate properties

According to several reports, the Briton is the proud owner of at least four luxurious homes, ranging from a penthouse to a mansion.

Lewis Hamilton’s primary residence is considered to be his apartment in Monte Carlo, Monaco. Like many F1 drivers, Hamilton too purchased a property in Monaco in 2010. Although not officially confirmed, it is largely believed that he resides in the exclusive Fontvieille district. If speculation is to be believed, the apartment in concern is a four-bedroom duplex with a view of the Mediterranean Sea in Fontvieille’s Seaside Plaza. The apartment is rumoured to be spread over 2,000 square feet and, according to reports, cost Hamilton around USD 37.5 million back in the day.

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The British driver also has an affinity towards the United States of America, particularly the east coast. To date, Lewis Hamilton has owned two properties in New York. In 2019, he spent a mammoth USD 40 million to acquire a penthouse in Manhattan which is a part of a condo project partly owned by National Football League legend Tom Brady and his wife Gisele Bundchen. The property is spread around 6,540 square feet and houses a swimming pool, a fitness centre, a squash court, a library and a wine cellar. It also offers a magnificent view of the Hudson River. His neighbours here include Academy-award-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence.

Notably, Lewis Hamilton also owned a penthouse in New York in the Tribeca Building which is home to several other celebrities including Justin Timberlake, Meg Ryan, Jake Gyllenhaal and Bella Hadid. Even though he bought the 8,900-square-foot penthouse in 2017 for a massive USD 43.9 million, Hamilton never lived in the house which had five bedrooms, six bathrooms and its own swimming pool. In December 2021, Lewis Hamilton reportedly sold his Tribeca Building property for around USD 50 million.

Despite owning multi-million-dollar properties across the globe, Lewis Hamilton found enough wealth and time to go back to his roots in England. In 2017, the Briton bought a unique six-bedroom detached villa in West London from the chief designer of Burberry, Christopher Bailey, and his husband Simon Woods. The property, which has four storeys and a garden spread over 200 feet, was built as early as 1860 by Samuel Johns. In addition, the house also has four reception rooms and two huge bathrooms. According to reports, Lewis Hamilton acquired the property for a sum of around USD 22.5 million. At present, the house’s estimated worth stands at USD 25 million.

Does Lewis Hamilton own a private jet?

Being able to afford a private jet is not everyone’s cup of tea. However, if you are one of the wealthiest sports personalities in the world, you easily afford that luxury. Such was the case with Lewis Hamilton, who bought a Bombardier Challenger 605 in 2013 for a sum of USD 25 million.

The aircraft was capable of accommodating up to ten passengers and three crew members. Keeping in tandem with his luxury lifestyle, Hamilton ensured he had the greatest comfort on board. To that effect, the aircraft was equipped with a bathroom, a fully functional kitchen, a king-sized bed and high-speed Wi-Fi. The British driver used to travel to Grand Prix races on this aircraft.

However, in 2019, Lewis Hamilton parted with the iconic red aircraft for a meagre USD 8.9 million, as the Briton aimed to change his lifestyle to reduce his carbon footprint.

A peek into Lewis Hamilton’s garage: All the luxury cars he owns

Like several other motorsports drivers, Lewis Hamilton is known for being a motorhead. He has several exclusive cars in his garage, the most notable of which is a McLaren P1 which the F1 driver received exclusively from the manufacturer. The automobile is worth USD 1.2 million.

Hamilton also owns a 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, which he bought for around USD 1.3 million, and a 1966 Shelby Cobra 427, which he acquired for approximately USD 4.8 million.

In addition, Lewis Hamilton has a Mercedes-AMG Project One car in his collection worth USD 2.4 million. The Briton also sports a couple of Ferrari LaFerraris and a Mini Cooper in his car collection, among other vehicles.

Some of Lewis Hamilton’s other investments

Besides being a multi-millionaire, Lewis Hamilton has turned into an able entrepreneur over the course of his career. Time and again, he has ensured that his wealth is invested in meaningful ways.

Of late, the F1 driver has bought a stake in the National Football League (NFL) team Denver Broncos. He is now a part-owner of the Broncos and, according to rumours, has plans to increase his presence in several sporting leagues akin to the NFL.

Additionally, Lewis Hamilton owns a meat-free burger startup called Neat Burger. Keeping in line with the Briton’s vegan food habits, the joint specialises in vegan burgers. Hamilton also invested in a British drinks company called Green Drink alongside model Cindy Crawford.

Furthermore, Lewis Hamilton, alongside American singer Justin Timberlake, has invested in a vertical farming application called Bowery. The British F1 driver has also invested in a grocery delivery application named Zapp and has taken to his social media accounts time and again to promote the brand.

Lewis Hamilton’s Net Worth: Which brands does he endorse?

Being one of the most successful F1 drivers of all time, Lewis Hamilton acts like a magnet (a rather powerful one at that) when it comes to brand endorsements. Here’s a look at some of the major brands in his endorsement portfolio.

Mercedes-Benz

After his contract with the McLaren construction team ended in 2012, Lewis Hamilton joined forces with Mercedes-Benz for a contract worth USD 40 million. Besides being a driver for their motorsport team, the contract also sees the Briton act as a brand ambassador for the German manufacturer’s car models. According to a report on Formula One’s official website, Lewis Hamilton’s contract was extended in 2023 for a couple of years, ensuring that the driver gets to take home USD 147 million annually for staying with Mercedes-Benz.

Tommy Hilfiger

Lewis Hamilton signed a deal with American apparel manufacturer Tommy Hilfiger in 2018 worth USD 5.2 million. The multi-year deal sees Hamilton sport the brand’s logo on his clothes when he participates in F1 races. In addition, the Briton partnered with Tommy Hilfiger to launch his own clothing line named TOMMYXLEWIS during the New York Fashion Week in 2018 alongside models Winnie Harlow and Hailey Baldwin.

Puma

German athletic apparel and footwear manufacturer Puma signed a multi-year deal with Mercedes-Benz and Lewis Hamilton in 2019 worth USD 2.6 million. According to the terms of the contract, the F1 driver acts as a brand ambassador for the company and promotes its clothes.

Qualcomm

American multinational company Qualcomm, renowned for manufacturing semiconductors, software and services related to wireless technology, signed an endorsement deal with Mercedes-Benz and Lewis Hamilton in 2016 for a fee of around USD 9.8 million. Besides Hamilton acting as its brand ambassador, Qualcomm also assists Mercedes-Benz’s race engineers in analysing data.

Lewis Hamilton previously had an endorsement deal with American audio equipment manufacturing company Bose Corporation which was worth USD 3.2 million dollars. Unfortunately, the contract ran out in 2022 and was not extended thereafter.

Is Lewis Hamilton involved with works of charity?

 

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A post shared by Lewis Hamilton (@lewishamilton)

In addition to being a multi-millionaire, Lewis Hamilton is known to be an ardent philanthropist. All of his charitable efforts have consolidated into a single entity known as the Mission 44 Foundation. A non-profit organisation, the aim of the foundation is to offer grants and donations for various causes, such as treating physical and mental disabilities, advancements in healthcare and eradicating poverty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How much is Lewis Hamilton’s net worth in 2023? 
According to reports, Lewis Hamilton’s net worth, in 2023, stands at an estimated USD 285 million.

– How much does Lewis Hamilton earn annually? 
According to a report by Forbes, Lewis Hamilton earns USD 55 million annually from his contract with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, and another USD 10 million annually from his endorsement deals.

– What is Lewis Hamilton’s F1 ranking? 
As of September 2023, Lewis Hamilton is ranked fourth on the list of Drivers’ Rankings.

(Main and Featured Images Credits: Courtesy Instagram/@Lewis Hamilton)

This article first appeared on Augustman.

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True motorheads are willing to spend beyond six, seven, or eight figures for the most luxurious car models. Some of the most expensive cars in the world are custom-made, or personalised according to the buyers’ lifestyles. This is what make these vehicles so exceptional on the road.

Automobiles are truly limitless. The relentless race for speed and engineering brilliance began the moment we stepped into the four-wheeled genius. And we’ve simply been pushing its boundaries ever since. Designed as early tools of utility, this prowess through the generations turned them into luxury novelties. The faster, the grander, and the lesser – this drove the bargain for automobiles higher and higher. Since the world of automobiles has always been limitless, we see mechanical marvels that fetch unimaginable prices.

Below, find some of the most expensive cars in modern-day history. These aren’t necessarily the highest-priced, but they’re the ones that made a mark.

World’s most expensive cars: Bugatti La Voiture Noire, Rolls-Royce Boat-Tail

Aston Martin DBZ Centenary Edition

We’ve actually been seeing some pretty expensive rides from Aston Martin off late. However, the DBZ Centenary edition is different. Why? Because it comes as a pair. Also because it’s the most expensive AM car ever. This is honestly one of the most unique and beautiful pairings in automobile history. This 6-mil combo pack comprises a DBS GT Zagato which takes inspiration from the original 1960 DB4 GT Zagato and a DBS Superleggera.

Price: $7.6 million

Bugatti Centodieci

Limited to just 10 builds, the Bugatti Centodieci is a very special one-off that marks the brand’s 110th anniversary. Based on the Chiron, it harbours its glorious 8.0-litre W16 that’s capable of delivering 1,577-horsepower and an electronically limited top speed of 236-mph. Also, 0-62-mph is achieved in just 2.4 seconds and 0-186-mph in 13.1 seconds. In terms of design, the front fender and headlight are a contemporary take on the EB 110’s headlight ducts.

Price: $9 million

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Rolls-Royce Sweptail

Until 2019’s Bugatti La Voiture Noir, this Rolls-Royce held the crown of the most expensive cars in the world. The Sweptail was a beacon of bespoke luxury motoring. Every square centimetre of this luxury cruiser is customisable and in pure Sussex opulence. This too was a bespoke project and is a one-of-one. We’re totally loving the sunroof that goes all the way back like that.

Price: $12.8 million

SP Automotive Chaos

For one of the most expensive cars in the ring, Chaos from the Greek automotive company Spyros Panopoulos was launched in 2021 as the world’s first Ultracar. The speed monster comes with 3,000 horsepower that could reach 100 kph within just 1.8 seconds and the top speed at 499 kph. On top of all these, some parts are made with a 3D printer with the materials from aerospace technology.

Price: $14.4 million

Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta

Interestingly, this would have been the world’s most expensive car, but it was a custom. The Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta is a truly special automobile. This is because it carries the initials of its creator, Horacio Pagani, in its name, as it was specially built for him. This bespoke masterpiece was the showstopper at Pebble Beach, California in August 2017. This Zonda’s roofless design is absolutely bonkers as it has no option for an attachable or convertible soft or hard-top. In charge of the speed department is a 7.3-litre Mercedes-AMG M120 V12 engine.

Price: $17 million

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Bugatti La Voiture Noire

The holy grail, the pinnacle of automobile extravagance, and an icon for the future, the Bugatti La Voiture Noir was unveiled in 2019 and broke the internet with its price tag of $18 million. Its body is made out of carbon fibre, which is what they use on space shuttles. The La Voiture Noir is also an ode to the Type 57 SC Atlantic, a Bugatti icon lost between the Great Wars.

Price: $18.68 million

Rolls-Royce Boat Tail

This nearly six-meter-long grand tourer called the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail is an absolute treat for nautical enthusiasts, and for those who prefer weekend picnicking by the lake in style. It is the new world’s most expensive car. After its debut, there were rumours that Jay-Z and Beyonce bespoke ordered this $28 million-dollar land-yacht.

Price: $28 million

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Rolls-Royce Droptail Amethyst

Rolls-Royce plans to launch four Droptails, each of which are hand made and personalised to the undisclosed buyers. One of them is the Amethyst, which is named after the birthstone of the customer’s son. Adorned all over with different shades of purple, the roadster has a removable hard top and is decked out in Sand Dunes leather on the inside. The even cooler part is that passengers can choose the colour of the ceiling, which is made of electromagnetic glasses.

Price: $25-$30 million

Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail

The world’s most expensive car belongs to the Rolls-Royce’s Droptail family. Inspired by the Black Baccara, or the world’s darkest natural rose, La Rose Noire changes its hue when viewed from different angles, with a hint of red and black. The body exterior is made from steel, aluminium, and carbon fibre. The cabin is composed of 1,603 pieces of black sycamore wood trim veneer that resembles rose petals. As part of the personalised attributes, a custom-designed Audemars Piguet is also set in the dashboard. The vehicle took five years in total to build.

Price: over $30 million

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Which is the world’s most expensive car?

The world’s most expensive car right now is Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire valued at around $30 million.

Disclaimer: Some listed prices are approximate, estimated, and subject to change.

[Hero and featured image credit: Rolls-Royce]

This story first appeared in Prestige Online Malaysia.

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While Elon Musk continues to burn the Platform Formerly Known as Twitter to the ground, Tesla is going to build a diner and drive-in theatre. 

As Elon continues to “improve” X and make efforts to convince the internet that it’s Mark Zuckerberg’s fault they’re not going to do a cage fight, he’s one step further to fulfilling a dream he has for his other company, Tesla. Thankfully, it’s actually something quite cool. Hearkening back to the heydays of the 50’s, Tesla has gotten permission to build their very own diner and drive-in movie theatre in Los Angeles.

A Tesla diner and drive-in theatre is coming soon

Musk originally teased a “major new supercharger station” in Santa Monica back in 2021 and added that he hoped to also have a diner and “100 best movie clips playing too”. That seems to be a step closer to reality now after Teslarati reported that the permit to build has been approved by the LA Department of Building and Safety.

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The diner/theatre/supercharger station is reported to be on 7001 W. Santa Monica Boulevard. The concept art released by Tesla shows a building that has a very nostalgic aesthetic of classic American diners but with the presence of Tesla superchargers in the parking lot. Though not shown in the concept art, drivers charging their cars would possibly be able to watch movie clips while also maybe enjoying burgers and a milkshake. Yes, movie clips. If Musk’s tweet is to be believed, only clips will be shown. Then again, that’s probably because Tesla chargers don’t take too long to charge. 

Tesla has been making a lot of ground worldwide including locally here in Thailand. They recently opened their very first Tesla Center here in Bangkok. This is after Tesla’s official launch just last year in December. 

(Main and featured image: Tesla)

This story first appeared in Lifestyle Asia Bangkok.

The post Did You Know Tesla Is Building a Diner and Drive-In Theatre in LA? appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Lamborghini is getting into the EV game with their very own all-electric concept car they’ve dubbed “The Lanzador”.

Electric supercars have slowly been on the rise as electric vehicles have become more and more popular. The question that motorists have asked is whether EVs will be able to match up with the performance of gas-powered supercars. Car manufacturers have since tried their best to prove that was possible. 

The Italian luxury carmaker

Automobili Lamborghini Unveils the Revuelto to Commemorate its 60th Anniversary

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is one of the latest car manufacturers to jump into the fray. During the Monterey Car Week, which was held from August 17 to 20, it unveiled a concept “ultra GT car” which they’re touting to be their very first all-electric vehicle.

The Lanzador, Lamborghini’s concept EV

Measuring almost 197 inches, the Lanzador’s aesthetic is a blend of futuristic design with a touch of classic Lamborghini motifs. The concept EV’s body is reminiscent of the class grand tourer but its large 23-inch wheels hearken to SUVs. Because it doesn’t need to house a huge engine, the Lanzador is one of the roomiest sports cars there is, making it almost like an SUV/high-performance car hybrid. 

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As for performance, CNET reported that CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that the Lanzador is capable of delivering more than a megawatt or over 1,341 horsepower to its wheels and has a full-electric all-wheel drive system. As for the car’s range, Lamborghini hasn’t divulged any details yet. Other features include drivers being able to change the car’s suspension and will also include Integrated Control 3.0 which will use AI to adapt to the driver’s behaviour and the status of the road. 

The Lanzador is expected to be made available by 2028. If all goes according to plan, not only will it be Lmaborghini’s very first all-electric car, but it will also be one of the few cars that can clock in speeds only a supercar can while also still being a viable car for everyday use. Grocery shopping in a Lambo, anyone?

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Thailand.

The post Introducing the Lanzador, Lamborghini’s First Concept Electric Car appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Travel is right back on track, as with the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix or F1 Singapore 2023 race and its concerts. Global visitors and racing enthusiasts will arrive in the city to witness one of the six night races this year. So it’s only natural we made a comprehensive guide to this high-adrenaline three-night event.

The Singapore leg will be the 2023 Formula One World Championship’s official 16th round of the year. Following tradition, the street circuit sporting event continues to happen against the scenic backdrop of Marina Bay. This year’s event occurs across three days over the weekend, from 15 – 17 September. The first two days are for practice runs and the qualifying race for the final day’s official competition.

Notably, this year’s track length is shortened to 4.928km, involving 19 turns, because of The Float at Marina Bay’s current redevelopment works. Competing drivers must complete 63 laps to reach the finishing line.

Unsure of what to expect at the 2023 Singapore F1 Grand Prix and how to get there? We’ve got you covered with our essential guide that includes details of the off-track concert headliners and what will be happening on-site by the track.

(Feature and hero image credit: Formula 1)

Formula 1 Singapore 2023 Guide: What to do at this year’s F1 Singapore Grand Prix

How to get to F1 Grand Prix Singapore 2023

There’ll be road closures as the race happens in the city itself around the Marina Bay and Civic precinct. Attendees and ticket holders can get into the grounds at various entrances scattered across the perimeters of the race track.

Avoid arriving by taxi or private car hires. Instead, the best way to reach the F1 Grand Prix Singapore venue is by MRT. The nearest MRT stops to alight are City Hall Station (Gate 3), Raffles Place Station (Gates 4, 5, and 6), Esplanade Station (Gate 7), Promenade Station (Gate 2), Bayfront Station (Gate 8), and Nicoll Highway Station (Gate 1).

Details of the F1 Grand Prix Singapore 2023 race track and map

There are two main ticket categories – Walkabout and Grandstand. The former also consists of the Premier Walkabout category and the Zone 4 Walkabout category. The Premier Walkabout option allows ticket holders to roam freely and enjoy the race at any vantage point in Zone 1 to Zone 4. In addition, this ticket includes access to various entertainment and food and beverage options across the entire Circuit Park.

On the other hand, those with Zone 4 Walkabout tickets can only roam within Zone 4 and access specially designed viewing platforms at strategic trackside locations. This ticket is also ideal who want to catch the daily entertainment performances and concerts in F1 Village @ Zone 4.

All walkabout ticketholders will have access to strategically located viewing bleachers within the Marina Bay Street Circuit and the entertainment programmes in Zone 4.

Grandstand tickets offer allocated seating at various points along the trackside. This year, there are new grandstands at the Marina Bay Street Circuit to view the race. These additional grandstands make up for the reduction in capacity due to the closure of the Bay Grandstand as The Float at Marina Bay is currently undergoing redevelopment works.

Tickets start from SGD128 for a single-day walkabout ticket. All three-day packages are currently sold out.

The races across the three days will start at the following times:

• September 15 (Friday)
  Practice 1: 5.30pm to 6.30pm
  Practice 2: 9pm to 10pm
• September 16 (Saturday)
  Practice 3: 5.30pm to 6.30pm
  Qualifying: 9pm to 10pm
• September 17 (Sunday)
  Official race: 8pm

Concerts: Official entertainment line-up for F1 Singapore 2023

Besides the heart-pumping action on the main track, famous global music acts will also perform at the F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2023 over a series of concerts. Also spanning across three days, this year’s entertainment line-up will see over 80 hours of entertainment, including 139 acts across eight stages. Immerse yourself in catchy hits played live by these heavyweight headliners.

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September 15 (Friday) Headliners – 88rising Showcase (all Zone 4)

• 88rising presents
  Jackson Wang
  Niki
  Rich Brian
  XG
  BIBI
  MILLI
  Warren Hue
  Atarashii Gakko!

September 16 (Saturday) Headliners

– Post Malone (Zone 4)
– Kings of Leon (Zone 4)
– Culture Club (Zone 1)
– The Kooks (Zone 1)

September 17 (Sunday) Headliners

– Robbie Williams (Zone 4)
– Groove Armada (Zone 4)
– Kings of Leon (Zone 1)
– Madness (Zone 1)

General stage acts across the three days also include British legend Boy George, Australian musicians Meg Mac and San Cisco, American band JOAN, regional talents Airliftz, aswekeepsearching, sunwich, and local artists like Dreebsby, Hijack Hayley, and Mathilde G.

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After-parties for F1 Singapore 2023

Amber Lounge

Often associated with Formula One Grand Prix races, the ultra-exclusive Amber Lounge will return to Singapore to celebrate their 15-anniversary in the city-state come September 16 and 17. Hosted at its original location at the marquee at Millenia Walk from 10pm onwards on both days, it will feature a new custom-built marquee setup with state-of-the-art ARRI lighting technology.

Of course, what’s a party without entertainment? An impressive line-up awaits with Grammy Award-winning international hip hop sensation Lil Jon as the headline DJ act for Saturday night and Sunday night will be headlined by The Stickmen Project. Resident DJs on both nights will also include DJ Ono and DjayBuddah of the Bangkok Invaders collective and a guest star appearance by Fatman Scoop.

There’ll also be the crowning of Miss Universe Singapore by Miss Universe Australia. The winner will be announced on Saturday evening, and all the stunning contestants will attend the afterparty to celebrate in style.

Tickets and VIP table packages are available via Amber Lounge’s website or email enquiries to singapore@amber-lounge.com. Tickets start from SGD$800 for an individual pass on Saturday and SGD$1,200 on Sunday.

Mandala Mansion

Mandala Club will host Mandala Mansion, which features a live broadcast of this year’s Singapore Grand Prix at the Pool terrace of Mandarin Oriental on both Saturday and Sunday. Expect thrilling trackside action with impeccable hospitality from this collaboration between Mandala Club’s culinary team and Mandarin Oriental Singapore. Guests can also experience the majestic firework display in person during the victory lap too.

The night continues till late with a stellar line-up of live DJs who’ll fuel the party with spectacular music.

Ticket prices start from SGD$1,188 and include free-flow champagne, premium spirits, hand-selected wines and signature cocktails curated by Mandala Club’s Beverage Director.

Race Revolutions at CÉ LA VI Singapore

CÉ LA VI’s prime location atop Marina Bay Sands Singapore provides an incomparable bird’s eye view of the thrilling F1 Grand Prix.

For the F1 weekend, the Club Lounge will be lit from day to night with a marathon of sets from 12 noon to 8 am on September 16 and 17 with over 40 hours of 10 back-to-back DJs spinning the finest tunes in town. The handpicked line-up features the best local DJs and Grammy Award-winning DJ Dubfire (Saturday) and DJ Apsara (Sunday).

Ticket prices start from SGD$48 which includes 1 premium pour.

F1 Themed Pool Parties at 1-Altitude Coast

Working in collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board, 1-Group has curated a series of F1-inspired events across its key venues located beyond the race tracks, including pool parties at the rooftop of 1-Altitude Coast. Escape the buzzing race track and dive into the Solaris Party happening on September 9 with an electrifying lineup of DJs spinning an eclectic mix of progressive house and techno tracks.

For finale weekend on September 16 and 17, 1-Altitude Coast will unveil a tropical paradise with The Vibrante Party – a Brazilian-themed reverie fronted by DJ Chris Columbus and The Final Track Party in partnership with the DRIP Party Series for a sundown party complete with massive floats in the pool.

Tickets are priced at SGD$25 and will be held on September 9, 16, and 17 at 1-Altitude Coast from 4pm till late.

F1 Grand Prix Singapore 2023 Fringe Activities

Explore the roving Singapore GP Truck

The #SingaporeGP Truck is currently touring the city-state and making pit stops at various neighbourhoods on the island. Since hitting the streets in 2016, about 384,000 people have visited the Singapore GP truck.

Put yourself to the test with race-themed games and experience being a Formula 1 race car driver with the race simulator. Win exclusive Singapore GP memorabilia and join other F1 fans to catch a live screening of qualifying and race sessions at selected locations.

The upcoming pit stops are at Heartbeat @ Bedok on August 19 and 20, ITE College West from August 22 to 23, Safra Tampines on August 24 and 25, Dempsey on August 26 and 27 (with Dutch GP Live Screening), and PLQ Mall from August 29 to 31.

F1 Pit Lane Experience

Ever wondered how does it feel like to walk on the pit lane? The highly anticipated F1 Pit Lane experience returns on September 14. Tour the F1 Village a day before gates to the Circuit Park officially open and get up close to the Formula 1 team garages as you walk down the Singapore pit lane.

Ballot to be part of the lucky 4,000 to explore restricted and exclusive zones like the race control room, media centre, garages, and podium. This opportunitiy is only open to Singaporeans and local residents.

Here’s a tip: Head down to any #SingaporeGP Truck Live Screenings for a chance to double your ballot chances to the Pit Lane Experience.

Sign up for the F1 Pit Lane experience ballot here.

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Marvel at a Scuderia Ferrari SF90 in Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands recently inked a multi-year deal with Scuderia Ferrari, the Formula 1 team of the renowned Italian luxury brand, Ferrari.

To celebrate this momentous deal, a replica of the SF90 will be on display at the lobby of Hotel Tower 1 at Marina Bay Sands from September 11 to 18. The spectacular showcase will offer motorsport fans and visitors an opportunity to see up close the Scuderia Ferrari car that raced in the Formula 1 World Championship in 2019.

Another highlight of the collaboration includes a light-up of the iconic facade of Marina Bay Sands, which will see the three cascading hotel towers and underbelly of Sands SkyPark illuminated in the vibrant hue of Ferrari red throughout the duration of the night race. From September 14 to 17, this visual spectacle will stand against the backdrop of the city’s stunning skyline to create a dazzling focal point amidst the city’s skyscrapers.

The Scuderia Ferrari SF90 replica will be on display at the lobby of Hotel Tower 1 at Marina Bay Sands from September 11 to 18. Admission is free.

This story first appeared in Lifestyle Asia Singapore.

The post Formula 1 2023 Singapore Guide: Entertainment, F1 Race Details, and More appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

BMW has just released the first luxury armoured electric sedan in the form of the i7 Protection.

This new series represents the 6th generation of Protection vehicles from BMW and the first powered by an electric motor.

Created for high-profile clients that need all the comfort one expects with the 7-Series, but with the added protection from threats and danger, the new 7-Series features full protection from ballistic attacks or explosions, automatic doors, BMW’s Protection Command Touch System, and Run-Flat tires.

In addition, options like all-door emergency exits, pennant holders, flashing lights, a fresh-air supply system, a fire extinguisher, and beacons can be added on.

The idea was to keep the car as unassuming as possible without drawing too much attention. While it is an armoured vehicle, all the comforts found in BMW‘s vehicles are present in this i7 Protection model, seen in the spacious interior, multifunction seats, privacy shades, and 28-speaker – 1,265-Watt Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

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The BMW i7 Protection still moves considerably fast given all the additional weight from the amour plating. This is all due to the dual electric motors that put down 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration time is nothing impressive at nine seconds, and its top speed of just 160 km/h is nothing to brag about, but what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in survivability.

Currently, the i7 Protection model will be offered only to European customers while a standard 7-Series Protection model will be available to the rest of the world. Look for this to make an official debut at the IAA Mobility Show in September.

(All Images: BMW)

This story first appeared in Lifestyle Asia India.

The post The BMW i7 Protection Is the Automaker’s First Armoured Luxury Electric Sedan appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Lamborghini in collaboration with Renazzo Motor Co., Ltd hosted a star-studded evening at the Plenary Hall, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, to celebrate the Marque’s 60th anniversary. Although the event saw plenty of notable moments, the biggest highlight was the reveal of the revolutionary Lamborghini Revuelto for the first time in the kingdom.

At the end of July, Automobili Lamborghini, led by Region Director for the Asia Pacific, Francesco Scardaoni, hosted a glamorous event to commemorate 60 years since the Marque’s establishment. The event was hosted together with Renazzo Motor Co., Ltd., the sole dealer and after-sales service provider for Lamborghini in the kingdom, established by Chief Executive Officer, Apichat Leenutaphong; Director, Sak Nana; and M.L. Ploynapat Leenutaphong.

Centred around the theme of ‘From Now On,’ the event celebrated Lamborghini’s history while giving attendees a glimpse into the automaker’s exciting plans for the future. The hall was fitted with installations and model showcases that invited guests on a walk-through of the success stories behind several V12 engine vehicles including the Diablo, the Murcielago 40th Anniversary, the Aventador SV LP750-4 Coupe, the Aventador LP700-4 Coupe, the Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster, and the Aventador Ultimate Coupe.

Looking towards the future, the event put focus on Lamborghini’s decision to introduce hybrid vehicles to its portfolio of impressive vehicles, thus ushering in a new era of sustainability in line with global demand. The main highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the Lamborghini Revuelto, the Marque’s ‘High-Performance Electrified Vehicle’ (HPEV), a plug-in hybrid sports car with a high-performance V12 engine.

The Revuelto was designed to break the mould, defining a new paradigm as to what hybrid cars of the future can look like. What sets it apart from its predecessors is its new architecture and innovative design that prioritises maximum efficiency aerodynamics complete with a new carbon frame concept produced by artisans employed at the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory.

The car can deliver 1,015 horsepower that is delivered from the combined power of a new combustion engine together with three electric motors. Moreover, a double-clutch gearbox makes its debut on a 12-cylinder Lamborghini for the first time. The choice of material and the design of the engine gives the Revuelto the best weight-to-power ratio of any Lamborghini car in history.

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The Revuelto also surpasses its many competitors in this particular segment, with the capability to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres an hour in only 2.5 seconds; it can reach 200 kilometres per hour in less than 7 seconds; and has a top speed of more than 350 kilometres an hour.

Speaking about the launch and Lamborghini’s success in Thailand, Francesco Scardaoni, Region Director for the Asia Pacific, had this to say: “Thailand is a keystone market in Southeast Asia and I am delighted to present the Revuelto to fans in the kingdom as it ushers in a new era of super sports car evolution during the transition to hybrids.

“It also marks a significant milestone in Lamborghini’s 60th-anniversary celebrations. I believe that this model gives our brand a new definition and demonstrates our capabilities to take one step further in revolutionising the automotive world with our signature V12 engine.”

Sharing similar sentiments, Apichat Leenutaphong, CEO of Renazzo Motor said: “To commemorate the special occasion of the 60th anniversary of the carmaker this year, Lamborghini is taking us across the boundaries of history and into the future with the launch of the Lamborghini Revuelto, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid super sports car with a high-performance V12 engine.

“This is considered an important technological intersection for Lamborghini to overcome the limits of performance while maintaining the timeless and unique design identity associated with Lamborghini. We are certain this latest model will surpass existing driving experiences and will surely be well received by Lamborghini fans across the country.”

The evening saw several honorary guests in attendance including Araya “Chompoo” A. Hargate, Lamborghini’s first official brand ambassador for Thailand. Other notable attendees included Sara Lamsam, Visrut Rangsisingpipat, Chalermchai Mahagitsiri, Akapat Phornprapha, Piyalert Baiyoke, and many more who have been vocal bull fans over the years.

For more information on Lamborghini Bangkok, please visit:

Lamborghini’s Official Website: https://www.lamborghini.com/

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Thailand.

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Many celebrities, including billionaire businesspersons, are proud owners of the world’s most expensive private jets. Besides the fact that it is a quick and luxurious way of travelling around the world, having a private aircraft also acts as a wealth indicator for their owners.

In addition to privacy, another advantage of owning a private aircraft is that it can be customised as per the owner’s preference. From the finest leather upholstery and luxury bedrooms to state-of-the-art entertainment systems, the customisation helps add a personal touch to the aircraft and enhances comfort. Even the exterior colour and livery of the aircraft can be modified to reflect the owner’s taste in design.

Some of the world’s finest private jets are technologically superior to common commercial airliners. This not only ensures safety in the air but also a flying experience that could be better than flying in first class on a long-haul flight.

Who are the owners of the world’s costliest private aircraft?

Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal would be the owner of the world’s costliest private jet if royals, who are otherwise political figures, are included among celebrities. His custom-made Airbus A380 is worth more than USD 400 million.

Excluding royals, Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov is technically the owner of the world’s costliest private jet. His Airbus A340-300 is worth an estimated USD 400 million. But the former Arsenal FC owner cannot use it (or any of his other private jets and helicopters) because of US sanctions imposed on him following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Usmanov’s Airbus A340-300 was registered in the Isle of Man. According to an investigative report by Forbes, Isle of Man de-registered the aircraft along with some others on 3 March 2022. The massive aircraft can carry 375 passengers and is equipped with the highest levels of luxury money can buy.

Another Russian oligarch, Roman Abramovich, is another name on the celebrity-rich list who owns multiple private aircraft — at least four fixed-wing planes — but cannot apparently use any because of sanctions. Abramovich’s costliest ride to fly around is an Aruba-registered Boeing 767-300. Worth an estimated USD 170 million, Forbes’ story shows that it is still not de-registered and was not under a US seizure warrant at the time of filing of the report. Its fate, however, is unclear.

Business tycoons and other celebrities with expensive private aircraft

Joseph Lau

Aircraft type: Boeing 787-8 VIP

Cost: USD 367 million

With a net worth of USD 13.2 billion, Joseph Lau is one of the richest people in Hong Kong. The former chairman of property developer Chinese Estates has built his massive fortune on the back of prime real estate deals in the Special Administrative Region (SAR). Already a proud owner of one of the world’s costliest diamonds, he has the most expensive of all private jets in the world when not including royals and sanctioned Russian oligarchs.

Some report Lau’s aircraft is a Boeing 747-8 VIP, a massive two-deck airliner — a variant of which is used as the official air carrier of the US President. But Boeing Co. announced in May 2007 that Lau had ordered a Boeing 787-8 VIP, a smaller model than the Boeing 747-8 VIP, which has a 223-sq-metre cabin space, large enough for a tennis court.

Lau would have paid around USD 153 million to buy the aircraft, which can normally seat up to 250 people. Reports suggest that the customisations for his Boeing amounted to more than twice the actual price of the plane. It is believed that his aircraft has gold-plated bathrooms in addition to a large lounge and an opulent office. It has a range of around 8,200 nautical miles (15,190 km), making it one of the longest-ranged aircraft types currently in operation.

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Kim Kardashian

Aircraft type: Gulfstream G650ER

Cost: USD 150 million

Kim Kardashian has a staggering billion-dollar fortune, which she built with her highly successful Skims shapewear company.

Her private jet is the same model as that of at least four other famous billionaires from the world of Big Tech. But unlike theirs, Kardashian’s Gulfstream G650ER is twice as costly. This is because of the customisations the reality TV star and businesswoman got done on her prized liner.

Kardashian gave her fans a glimpse of the aircraft on an episode of the Hulu series, The Kardashians, in June 2022. There are 10 beds on the aircraft and each of the seats has built-in charging points. The aircraft’s plush cashmere interiors are covered in white and beige, apparently the colours of Kardashian’s mansion. Its enhanced ionisation feature makes sure that Kardashian and her entourage are able to breathe fresh air at all times.

Donald Trump

Aircraft type: Boeing 757

Cost: USD 100 million

The official website of the former US President says that the Boeing 757 is the “crown jewel” of the things Donald Trump owns.

The Boeing 757 is a narrow-body aircraft, capable of seating around 200 passengers. But Trump’s personal plane is designed to reflect his showy tastes and ostentatious wealth. It has a private theatre, dining and conference areas, two guestrooms, and 24-carat gold-plated accents on the interior decorations. In other words, the aircraft is designed for pure luxury and fit for someone who has had the experience of being in a presidential aircraft.

Having been introduced in flight in the early 1980s, the Boeing 757 isn’t as long-ranged as some other aircraft launched later by the company. It is powered by two Rolls-Royce engines and can normally fly up to a distance of around 7,250 km to 7,600 km. Trump’s specific aircraft reportedly has a range of around 7,800 km.

Richard Branson

Aircraft type: Dassault Falcon 50EX

Cost: USD 75 million

Branson is a famous British billionaire known for his high-flying lifestyle and his Virgin brand of companies. Chief of them is Virgin Atlantic which operates a fleet of around 41 aircraft, comprising Airbus A350-1000, Airbus A330-300, Airbus A330neo and Boeing 787-9.

It is, therefore, understandable that Branson, who is a billionaire, would own a private aircraft. In an interview with Business Jet Traveller in 2014, Branson said that he owns only one aircraft — the Falcon 50EX. He said that he uses it to fly shorter distances like “just to get out of the British Virgin Islands” where he lives. Most of the time, he is flying long haul on Virgin Atlantic planes.

The Falcon 50EX is a mid-sized business jet made by French aviation giant Dassault, best known as the maker of the incredible Rafale fighter jet. The Falcon 50EX was originally launched by Dassault in 1995. Powered by three AlliedSignal TFE 731-40 engines, it has a cruising speed of around 870 km/h and a range of roughly 5,695 km to 6,050 km. It can seat a maximum of 12 passengers.

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Oprah Winfrey

Aircraft type: Gulfstream G650

Cost: USD 75 million

The American media icon last flew in a commercial airline in April 1991 and has been flying in private aircraft since then. She recounted her decision to fly in private aircraft in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2019. She said that while she was waiting to catch her flight, a woman came up to her and asked for a hug like she did on TV.

“So I stood up and I gave her a hug and then I went to the phone and called my lawyer and I said, ‘I’m going to do it, I’m going to get the [private] plane. This is going to be my last time waiting four hours in the Chicago O’Hare Airport,’” Winfrey told THR.

Winfrey reportedly owned a Bombardier Global Express jet before going for a Gulfstream G550 aircraft. After selling the aircraft, she bought a Gulfstream G650 in 2016 — two years after Gulfstream Aerospace began its production. The price of the aircraft is USD 65 million, and Winfrey’s minor customisations added another USD 10 million to the price.

The Gulfstream G650 is a long-range, twin-engine jet with a maximum range of 12,964 km. The aircraft has three living areas and can seat up to a maximum of 16 passengers, depending on the configuration. The aircraft has a top speed of over 1,100 km/h.

The Gulfstream G650 won the prestigious Robert J. Collier Trophy in 2014 for the development of the business jet. The trophy is awarded by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) in the US for the “greatest achievement in aeronautics or astronautics in America.” One of the most prominent winners of the award is the Mars Curiosity rover.

Mukesh Ambani

Aircraft type: Boeing Business Jet 2

Cost: USD 73 million

The Boeing Business Jet 2 (BBJ2) is one of the two private aircraft that Asia’s richest man uses; the other being a Dassault Falcon 900EX. Mukesh Ambani also reportedly bought a third — an Airbus A320 — as a gift for his wife Nita Ambani.

The BBJ2 is the costliest aircraft among the prized possessions that the Indian billionaire businessman owns. It has an interior space of 92 sq metres and is 25 per cent larger than the BBJ1.

Designed on the Boeing 737-800 airframe, it is capable of carrying up to 78 passengers. However, the interior configuration can be modified for more space. Typically, the aircraft has executive offices, conference rooms, private offices and bedrooms. Given Ambani’s stature as one of the wealthiest people in the world, it is expected that his aircraft is fitted with the highest levels of luxury as well as a state-of-the-art boardroom and executive lounge.

Powered by two General Electric/Snecma (CFMI) CFM56-7 engines, the BBJ2 can fly a distance of up to 10,650 km at just over 1,000 km/h, which is like a non-stop flight from London to Singapore.

Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Sergey Brin and Larry Page

Aircraft type: Gulfstream G650ER

Cost: USD 70 million

With as many as five famous names from the world of technology owning the aircraft, the Gulfstream G650ER is clearly the most popular among the most expensive private jets owned by celebrities. Sergey Brin and Larry Page, the founders of Google (now Alphabet), Twitter (now X) owner Elon Musk, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos are billionaires. Each of them owns more than one private aircraft, especially the Google co-founders and Gates.

In 2011, The Mercury News reported that Brin, Page and the then executive chairman Eric Schmidt, together owned eight private aircraft. In 2013, it was reported that the trio also got themselves a private terminal at Mineta San Jose International Airport.

Gates, on the other hand, reportedly has at least four private aircraft, including two Gulfstream G650ERs.

Irrespective of the exact numbers they own, the costliest aircraft in the fleet of all five billionaires is certainly the Gulfstream G650ER. One of the finest private jets manufactured to date, it has a range of 13,890 km which is longer than the Gulfstream G650. It also has a higher maximum takeoff weight of 46,992 kg. The aircraft’s air-ionising technology neutralises allergens and viruses. It is designed to deliver 100 per cent fresh air every two to three minutes.

The aircraft normally sits at a price tag of around USD 70 million. Thus, it can be assumed that the five billionaires may have bought it at that price unless they modified the aircraft the way Kim Kardashian did which explains the difference between the price she paid over the normal price.

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Beyoncé and Jay-Z

Aircraft type: Bombardier Challenger 850

Cost: USD 40 million

The ultimate power couple in the world of entertainment, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have a combined net worth close to USD 3 billion. With 32 wins (till 2022), Beyoncé is the most honoured singer in the history of the Grammy Awards. Jay-Z, on the other hand, is hip hop’s first billionaire and the richest musician in the world.

Given their extremely busy schedule that takes them around the world, it is evident they’d pay quite a sum to lay their hands on a luxurious business jet. Thus, it was no surprise when Beyoncé and Jay-Z were seen landing at Los Angeles’ Van Nuys airport in their Bombardier Challenger 850 after spending some days in Dubai, UAE, earlier in 2023.

Capable of seating up to 19 passengers, the super mid-sized aircraft is one of the largest in its class and most comfortable business jets in the world. Fitted with two General Electric CF34-3B1 engines, the Bombardier Challenger 850 has a range of 5,200 km and can fly at a maximum speed of 1,050 km/h. The aircraft looks almost like a luxury penthouse in the air with a full kitchen, a bedroom and a living room.

Reports suggest that the aircraft that the couple uses was bought by Beyoncé as a birthday gift for Jay-Z in 2012. Pictures shared by Beyoncé on her Instagram account reveal that the couple’s private jet has neutral, gold-trimmed interiors with beige leather seats. It also reportedly has the rapper’s logo on the tail.

Drake

Aircraft type: Boeing 767

Cost: Gifted

The Canadian rapper is among the richest musicians by net worth, with an estimated fortune of USD 250 million. But he practically got the aircraft for free, thanks to a deal with Canadian airline Cargojet.

According to a May 2019 report by TMZ, Cargojet gave the aircraft to Drake in a strategic move that helps in the publicity of the company through Drake’s international trips on the aircraft — which are quite frequent and done almost always on this aircraft.

Drake’s private jet has the words “Air Drake” on the engines. His OVO owl logo is prominently displayed on the front side of the body while the tail bears his clasped prayer hands logo. The Cargojet logo appears on the rear end of the body, on the lower part.

Painted in a baby blue colour, the glamorous jet was reportedly 23 years old when it was gifted to Drake. But Cargojet spent USD 100 million on refurbishments to make it luxuriously comfortable for the superstar rapper. Reports suggest that the overall value of the aircraft when Drake received it was around USD 185 million.

According to an E! News report, the aircraft has plush leather seating, gold-hued accents and a giant flat-screen TV, among several other state-of-the-art features. Drake had himself posted about his aircraft on Instagram. In one post, which is now deleted, the interiors revealed a full kitchen and luxury bathrooms.

His latest pictures reveal that the aircraft may have undergone a change in its livery. It now has a sky blue colour, complete with graphics of clouds. The OVO owl logo is now on the tail, atop an image of the globe.

Kanye West

Aircraft type: Boeing 747

Cost: Gifted

Kanye West, formally known as Ye, has been in the news for the controversies he created since 2022.

Once among the richest musicians in the world, his status as a billionaire officially ended in April 2023 when Forbes revised his net worth to just about USD 400 million from around USD 2 billion a year ago.

Nevertheless, Ye still, apparently, can enjoy the assets he owns — mega mansions, costly cars and, perhaps, one massive private aircraft. His Boeing 747 is a two-deck monster designed for 660 people when flown in commercial aviation. It is the kind that is operated by Air Force One for the US president.

To date, it is the biggest private aircraft in the possession of any celebrity. Dubbed “Yeezy floating office,” it has a luxury double-bed suite, marble bathrooms, a lounge, guest rooms and a dining area.

Reports suggest that Ye’s aircraft is a gift he received from Team Adidas for his hugely successful Yeezy brand in 2018. But a 2018 Forbes report suggests that it might belong to Las Vegas Sands Corp., controlled by billionaire Sheldon Adelson. While Adelson passed away in 2021, part of his fortune was inherited by his widow Miriam Adelson.

Forbes also identified the aircraft as a Boeing 747SP model, a smaller version of the original Boeing 747-100 but with more range than its cousin. The report concluded that even if it is a gift from Adidas, it would be less than USD 10 million.

(Hero image: Gulfstream Aerospace/@GulfstreamAero/Twitter; Featured image: Gulfstream)

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Malaysia.

The post These Are the Most Expensive Private Jets Owned by Celebrities appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

A renowned chef and culinary artist based in Hong Kong, Hilda Chan is always on the move. 

For Chan, cooking is a passion that knows no boundaries. She thrives on experimenting with new ingredients and creating innovative flavour profiles, always pushing the limits of what is possible in the kitchen. “It excites me the most when I get to put unconventional ingredients together to create something delicious or new,” Chan gushes.

When she’s not shooting a show or traveling the world in search of culinary inspiration, Chan can often be found collaborating with other top chefs in kitchens, brainstorming and trialling new dishes. Her latest project is with Krug, as one of their selected chefs for the Krug x Lemon 2023 event. “Finding ways to pair champagne and lemon will be an exciting one,” she says.

But Chan’s work is about more than just excellence in the kitchen. Sustainability plays a major role in everything she does. “A privilege to eat three times a day means I have three opportunities each day to make a food choice for a better planet,” Chan explains. As a vocal advocate for reducing food waste and decreasing the impact of food production on the environment, she consciously chooses to work with sustainable producers and incorporate more plant-based ingredients into her creations.

When it comes to getting around Hong Kong in style, Chan trusts the innovative BMW iX3 to transport her smoothly and in perfect alignment with her values. From its emission-free mobility and its sustainable electric drive unit to its supreme comfort, the iX3 is the ideal choice for all of Chan’s journeys between her various projects.

Find out more details about the BMW iX3 here. 

The post What Hilda Chan Does in a Day with BMW appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

The new Maserati Grecale mid-size luxury SUV has Porsche’s class-leading contender firmly in its sights. But is it good enough to overtake it? Prestige finds out.

Once upon a time – around 60 or 70 years ago, in fact – Maseratis were among the coolest cars on the planet. The Modena-based company’s beautiful road machines were at least as sought-after by the rich, famous and powerful as those made by its Italian arch-competitor, Enzo Ferrari, just a few kilometres down the road in the village of Maranello. Prince Rainier III
of Monaco drove one  – his 3500 GT Touring Superleggera was a particular favourite in an impressive car collection – as did the Aga Khan IV, Frank Sinatra, and the actors Sir Lawrence Olivier, Tony Curtis and Rock Hudson. At roughly the same time, the company’s 250F was also cleaning up in top-class motorsport in the hands of such legendary drivers as Juan-Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss; according to the latter: “The nicest Formula 1 car to drive was probably the Maserati 250F.”

Glamour and competition success, however, weren’t sufficient in themselves to sustain the business. Maserati pulled out of direct involvement in motorsport in 1957 after a terrible crash that marred the Mille Miglia endurance race; by the late 1960s, the Orsi family, who’d bought the company in 1940, gave up trying to keep it afloat by themselves and sold a majority share
to the French brand, Citroën. And that was only the first in a long succession of crises and changes of direction and ownership (for six years, until 2005, the company was even owned by its former rival Ferrari, which still makes some of Maserati’s engines today).

Whether on the road or the racetrack, all Maseratis have traditionally worn a trident symbol on their grille, which is inspired by a statue of the Roman sea god Neptune in a piazza in the nearby city of Bologna, the company’s original home. That logo still adorns the sharp end of its cars today, as the brand is once again recast with a new persona. This time, it sits at the pinnacle of the offerings from its current overlord, the giant French-Italian-American automotive conglomerate Stellantis, which has tasked it with the mission of taking on the upper echelons at BMW’s M division, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche, as well as stealing sales from the likes of Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini. (Recently there’ve even been intriguing whispers that Maserati might eventually be spun off in a full or partial IPO, much as happened at Maranello in 2014; that, however, would depend on increased profitability and operating margins and, of course, the right product portfolio.)

Aside from achieving those lofty objectives, Maserati is also dealing with the inevitable move towards electrification, as well as the global addiction for SUVs. Indeed, as such high-sided machines now serve as the cash cows for almost every motor manufacturer on Earth, the success of the Trident’s recently launched contender – it’s called the Grecale and, like many Maserati makes, is named after a Mediterranean wind – in the category’s key mid-size segment is of more than academic importance. That’s because it’s also aimed directly at Porsche’s class-leading Macan, which is popularly held to be the most complete mid-size luxury SUV you can buy.

The Grecale is built upon Stellantis’s Giorgio platform, which is no bad thing as those same underpinnings are shared with Alfa Romeo’s Giulia saloon and Stelvio SUV, both of which are cracking driving machines. Perhaps less inspiring are this five-seater’s lower-end 2-litre four-cylinder engines, both turbocharged and mildly hybridised (and also found in entry-levels versions of Maserati’s Ghibli saloon), which, though worthy enough, aren’t quite in line with the brand’s planned upwardly mobile trajectory. What does sound very much like the business, however, is Maser’s own in-house 3-litre, twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 engine, which powers the range-topping Trofeo version and, though detuned from the 621bhp it produces in the MC20 supercar, still thumps out a whopping 530 horses. And that’s the one I’m fortunate to be
driving today.

From the A-pillars rearwards, the Maserati Grecale is your regular mid-size SUV; it sits low on its suspension like a supersized hatchback and though its lines are unexceptional, for the genre it isn’t unattractive. At the front, though, it seems a different beast altogether, with that aggressively shouty Maserati grille – decorated with vertical bars and, of course, the Trident logo – a further array of intakes, a long-ish bonnet (or, at least, so it appears) and three signature chrome-edged vents above the trailing edge of each wheel arch, the latter housing handsome multi-spoke alloys. As much as any dumpy SUV can resemble a proper performance car, the Trofeo pulls it off relatively convincingly.

On the inside the Grecale certainly achieves the requisite premium feel through classy cabin design, materials – it’s swathed in top-quality leather with contrasting carbon fibre – and finishing. I’m especially impressed with the beautiful metal paddle shifters behind the wheel, and the gleaming array of central touchscreens, all with excellent graphics, that control many of the car’s functions (though sometimes I do yearn for simple switches or buttons, which are so much easier to operate when on the move).

The front seats are 14-way power-adjustable, and there’s ample space for normal-sized rear-seat passengers, too – considerably more than in the Macan, in fact – as well as plenty of luggage room for quotidian purposes. Further burnishing the luxury credentials are three-zone climate control and a bespoke audio system by Italian sound specialist Sonus Faber (and if the standard 14-speaker set-up isn’t sufficient, they’ll somehow manage to find room in the cabin to squeeze in a further seven).

When fired up, that V6 really does sound the business – and though there’s a suggestion of low-end turbo lag, once the revs pile on the Trofeo feels as genuinely fast as the engine’s rowdy tunefulness suggests. Maserati quotes a 0-100km/h time in massive-attack Corsa mode of 3.8 seconds, and though I’ve no way of verifying it, that does sound eminently believable. Find a convenient stretch of autobahn or, failing that, a deserted airport runway and it’ll max out at 285, which is a good deal quicker than most other SUVs – the GTS version of the Porsche Macan included.

If left to its own devices, the car’s standard ZF eight-speed transmission does a decent job of self-selecting the right ratios, but perhaps what impresses most of all are the agility, composed chassis and excellent steering, all of which – surprisingly for an SUV – really do encourage you to let rip. The wheel seems perfectly weighted and reassuringly accurate, and it offers plenty of road feel. Body roll is nicely controlled and there’s grip to match, so you can weave the Grecale along twisting roads with confidence, the only serious proviso being the car’s relative bulk.

Morever, as a neat display on the upper touchscreen illustrates (though it’s best not to devote too much attention to it while in motion), in normal driving conditions almost all the torque is vectored to the rear wheels almost all of the time, so this Grecale really does feel like a classic Maserati. Brakes are top-notch, too, and, thanks to the adaptive air suspension (standard on the Trofeo and optional on lesser variants), the ride is comfortably wafting – and that’s in spite
of the fact we’re rolling on low-profile rubber mounted on 21-inch rims.

With its mid-engine MC20, Maserati has provided ample proof it can create a thoroughly modern supercar that’s at least as good as anything from Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren. And when driving the Grecale Trofeo, with its powerful V6 engine and surprisingly well developed dynamics, it’s hard not to think that some of the same expertise has rubbed off on this charismatic SUV. Is it better than the Macan it’s clearly aimed at? That’s a question only long-term ownership would answer, but if you’re seeking a credible alternative for Porsche’s mid-size SUV, then look no further. 

MASERATI GRECALE TROFEO 

ENGINE
Twin-turbocharged 3-litre V6

TRANSMISSION 
Eight-speed automatic 

MAX POWER
621bhp

MAX TORQUE 
620Nm @ 3,000rpm

MAX SPEED 
285km/h

ACCELERATION 
0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds 

UNLADEN WEIGHT 
2,027kg

PRICE
Around HK$1.5 million

The post Move over, Macan? Test driving the Maserati Grecale Trofeo appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

Tesla stays in the news for all the right and wrong reasons. Be it the much-awaited launch of the Cybertruck or the next upgrade to the Model 3 sedan, Tesla ranks high in terms of news value. Unfortunately, this has also led to the development of several Tesla rumours and myths that seem to be getting wilder with each passing day.

Before its highly-anticipated Malaysia launch on July 20, we thought it would be a good idea to take a look at some of the Tesla rumours and myths surrounding its popular products. For those living under a rock lately, Tesla is likely to kickstart its Malaysia innings with the Model 3 and Model Y. These cars will come in via China as CBU and are expected to see higher sticker prices.

Tesla rumours and myths debunked

Tesla will fail

Many believe that Tesla’s rampant activities on investments have led to colossal capital losses ever since it started doing business. Most of this is attributed to Elon Musk’s erratic decisions, with a sentiment doing the rounds that there’s only so much that the products can do.

However, despite the accumulating losses, Tesla stock prices remain high and its cars are still drawing customers to the showroom. The Model 3 is outselling every other luxury vehicle from legacy brands like BMW, Porsche, Lexus and others. Hence, Tesla is here to stay and its future looks promising.

Tesla alone will drive EV technology forward

It is true that Tesla has led the electric car revolution in the last decade and its innovations have had a significant impact on the industry as a whole, forcing rival automakers to make desperate decisions in a bid to stay relevant in the market. The Tesla Supercharger has been a core reason for EV buyers to opt for Tesla cars, given their convenience and ease of use. The infotainment systems in modern cars have also drawn their inspiration from the systems that debuted on the Tesla Model S years ago.

However, Tesla’s rivals have caught up over the years and innovations are happening in every corner of the world. Tesla is now one of the many players in the industry, facing stiff competition from brands such as BMW, GM, SAIC, BYD, Mercedes Benz and many more. While Tesla vehicles are laden with cool technological features, its rivals are pushing the bar with innovative ideas vis-à-vis electric power. The GMC Hummer EV, for example, can crabwalk, looks cooler and will likely be more utilitarian than the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck. Lucid Motors are pushing the boundaries on the luxury front whereas BMW is bringing those emotions to EVs that are usually associated with ICE cars.

In markets like China and Japan, EV microcars have gained a lot of popularity. The MG Comet EV, for instance, marries the practicality of a small city car with the efficiency of an EV, without missing out on basic luxuries. Hence, even if Musk’s company suddenly disappeared, the market for electronic cars will continue to offer something new, despite what the Tesla rumours might have you believe.

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Tesla is more than a car company

All those swanky large touchscreen displays, solar panel charging features and autopilot tech can give the impression that Tesla is more than a car company. However, Tesla is as much of a car company as Ford, save for minor differences.

Musk’s car company highly relies on technology to enhance the experience but the focus still remains on the cars. The Model 3 and Model Y EVs have been designed for scale and to keep Tesla’s cash registers flowing. These models also make it easy for Tesla to enter emerging markets where consumers are willing to try out its entry-level models before upgrading to a luxurious sedan or SUV from the range.

For performance seekers, the Model S Plaid offers blistering performance that can shame certain supercars with its brutal acceleration and speeds. The Tesla Roadster is expected to redefine the supercar with its performance and the Cybertruck could completely revolutionise what people expect from a pickup truck. Hence, even though the Tesla rumour might suggest otherwise, it continues to stay true to its car manufacturing DNA.

Tesla’s cars emit more emissions than petrol/diesel cars

Most electronic cars, including Tesla, are believed to emit more greenhouse gases than conventional petrol/diesel cars when factoring in emissions from power plants. However, this largely depends on your region’s ability to harvest electricity from renewable sources of energy. Additionally, electronic cars normally don’t have tailpipes, which means there is a reduction in gas emissions in urban areas. Hence, your Tesla Model 3 will be nicer to the polar bears in the longer run than a similarly priced petrol car.

Tesla’s cars are unsafe

Over the years, the internet has hosted several videos of Tesla cars failing to obey traffic rules when left at the mercy of their autopilot systems. Some of these have even resulted in tragic incidents claiming lives. Musk’s recent call to get rid of the reliable LiDAR-based scanning system has also raised questions on basic safety, especially in nighttime conditions.

While these incidents have certainly raised questions about the safety of Tesla’s driver aids, Tesla keeps reminding us that we have complete control over the vehicles. To that effect, the autopilot systems now only kick in when the driver’s hands are on the steering wheel. Also, one has to remember that these are driver aids, not fully autonomous driving systems.

(Main and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy Tesla)

This story first appeared here.

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If those weekends at the golf club are beginning to leave you uninspired, maybe it’s time to visit Thermal Club, California’s foremost member’s club for all things motorsport-related.

In the world of the high-octane, there’s no shortage of destinations you could visit for a glimpse of impeccably engineered machinery roaring down the pit straights at unimaginable velocities and decibels, whether its Britain’s Silverstone Circuit, home to the very first Formula 1 World Championship race in history; Italy’s Autodromo Nazionale Monza, aptly dubbed the Temple of Speed; or the Nürburgring Nordschleife, the world’s longest race track, ominously named “The Green Hell” by none other than three-times champion Sir Jackie Stewart. But if you’re at any of these locations to live vicariously through the adrenaline-fueled contest of professional racers, why not pump up your own adrenaline, strap on a helmet, and push that pedal to the metal yourself?

Located in California’s scenic Coachella Valley with a spectacular view of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the Thermal Club will let you do just that. The member’s-only country club is the brainchild of entrepreneur Tim Rogers, who set out in 2012 to create a comprehensive experience for motorsport and supercar enthusiasts that includes everything from expert-designed racetracks to vehicle upgrade services and even sufficient garage space for 20 cars per person.

Naturally, the highlight of this 172-hectare property are the 8.2km of track designed by Alan Wilson, who’s responsible for more than 20 other circuits around the world, including tracks in China, the US and Canada. Going the extra mile, he partnered with racing-driver-turned-businessman Roger Penske to develop a special type of asphalt specifically for Thermal Club’s track. The longest configuration, the Triple Crown, combines three separate circuits into one, but there’s also plenty of flexibility when it comes to running multiple unique circuits and layouts to keep you on your toes.

In fact, the team has done such an exceptional job with the circuit that it won the Motorsports Facility of the Year Award in 2017 before it was even fully constructed. The accolades naturally caught the eye of IndyCar’s organisers, who decided to run their annual spring testing session at the club this year. With plans to return next season, Rogers hopes to host a full IndyCar race weekend by as early as 2025.

But to fully appreciate a circuit of this calibre, you’re going to need the proper training, which is where Dominic Cicero and his extensive team of coaches step in. As a professional racer who’s competed in everything from the Formula Renault V6 Eurocup to the American Le Mans GT2 series, Cicero is the perfect candidate to help you hone your race craft, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned driver. Members have unlimited access to the track, which can accommodate 25 to 40 vehicles at once, five days a week, and Thermal Club also runs its own race series every year, consisting of roughly eight events held once a month during the winter season.

While the exclusive club may be every motorhead’s fantasy, it’s not just about living fast either. When they aren’t on track, head over to the Motorsports Village clubhouse, where guests can kick back, relax and socialise with other racing enthusiasts over fine-dining experiences, compete in a game of tennis, or take a dip in the pool. If they prefer a more private setting, they can also unwind in the comfort of home on one of the club’s 268 trackside housing plots, where both a choice of floor plans or bespoke designs are available. Family-friendly activities are held during race weekends, and members also enjoy exclusive access to supercar launches.

If all of this has got you revving your engines, the club is currently accepting new membership applications. To join, you’ll also have to buy one of its housing plots and commit to a few initial membership charges and regular maintenance fees, but if your local country club is starting to feel a little stale, it might be time to fire up the ignition and give Thermal Club a call.

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From watching the Macau Grand Prix in her youth to leading her own racing team in the British Superbike Championship, Faye Ho is building a legacy of trailblazing and triumph.

In a sport as male dominated as the world of motor racing, it takes a woman with immeasurable tenacity and courage to change the game. Whether it’s Maria Teresa de Filippis, the first woman ever to compete in Formula 1; Michele Mouton, the four-times rally winner dubbed “one of the best” by Sir Stirling Moss and a “superwoman” by Niki Lauda; or Danica Patrick, the only female to win an IndyCar race, those very qualities of strength, perseverance and the determination to prove the naysayers wrong are apparent in all of them. And it’s down to these traits that Faye Ho, the proud owner of FHO Racing, is also shaping up to be a trailblazer in motorcycle racing.

After taking the helm of her own British Superbike Championship (BSB) racing team in 2021, Ho has managed to transform a struggling challenger into a championship-contending force over the course of just three seasons. At the time of writing, a weekend filled with podium celebrations at Silverstone followed by another exceptional stint at Oulton Park places FHO Racing rider Josh Brookes firmly in second place in the championship, trailing leader Glenn Irwin by a mere four points.

The effect Ho has had on the team is clear, and perhaps it’s no surprise: the Macau native grew up trackside at her home city’s Grands Prix, and one of her earliest childhood memories places her on two wheels with her father. “I was very little, and I was riding on the back of my dad’s bike,” she reminisces. “It’s very faint, but it’s one of the very first memories that came through to me.” That passion for the sport grew until, in 2006, she began sponsoring her own team.

Over the next four years, she’d continue playing the role of a sponsor until she moved to England for her children’s education, when she took a break from the racing world. But it wasn’t until 2016, after she experienced one of – if not the – most difficult periods of her life that her passion for the sport was reignited.

“I’ll always remember that day when the doctor sits across from you and says you have breast cancer,” she tells me after a long, pensive pause. “Before that day, I never thought I’d get cancer. No one in my family had it. I never imagined I’d get it.” At the time of the diagnosis, her cancer had reached stage three, making its way into her lymph nodes, and her organs were the next target.

“There was once or twice I was ready to give up,” Ho admits somberly, “but then I thought about my kids … My children keep me strong, and I knew I had to fight. There’re only two things you can do – fight or give up – and I fought.” After rounds of chemotherapy, Ho underwent surgery, followed by another round of radiotherapy, all of which, despite taking a massive toll on her body, resulted in her triumphant victory over what she initially believed to be an insurmountable malady.

Like many before her, Ho’s near-miss experience with death has forever reshaped her outlook on life, and her career. “Everyone’s got rough patches in their lives, and it’s about how you conquer them. If you stay strong, you’ll come through the other end,” she tells me emphatically. “Because I’ve been given a second chance, I wanted to finally do the things that I love. I decided to follow my dreams.” And so, she took the leap and became one of the only women to own and lead a racing team – not just within the BSB, but across the entire motorsports industry.

Of course, Ho knew that convincing a paddock full of men – or as she affectionately calls them, “the boys” – to follow her lead in a field where their gender has held tight on the reins since its conception is no easy feat. When asked about the hurdles she’d encountered on her way to becoming the face of FHO Racing, she highlighted her desire to gain the team’s trust and show the rest of the grid that this isn’t just a fun pastime for her: she’s here to win.

“I felt like I had to show that I can actually get results, to show that I take racing very seriously,” she recounts. “I knew I had to enter the championship with a bang, so I made sure that I upgraded the team. I made sure my presentation was top notch and that the components of the bikes were perfect so my riders can perform. I invested a lot into bringing the team up.”

Make no mistake: while financial backing played a key role in the initial rebuilding of her team, Ho’s contributions to FHO Racing extend far beyond the mere injection of funds. Understanding the significance of her role as team principal, she learned everything she could about motorcycle racing and its technicalities, paying her dues in the workshop with her crew, who made it habit to grill her on various bike components and racing regulations every time she was there. But what really separates her from her male counterparts – and what’s becomes abundantly clear over an afternoon with her – is her amiable personality.

“I’m very approachable,” Ho says. “Not just to my team, but also to my fans. I’m always happy to interact with them whenever they ask for my autograph or want a chat. It’s important to put a face to the team, because people like to understand where the team comes from. People can relate to me, and I receive a lot of support for that.”

With this support behind her, and her own thorough understanding of the high barriers to entry for women in the world of motorsports, Ho – like the trailblazer she is – created a new initiative aptly named FHO Girls. The programme, which began in 2021, sponsors young female riders and gives them an opportunity to race in championships they otherwise wouldn’t have had the resources to compete in. It started with three girls, and has expanded over the years to now include five female riders, one of whom Ho proudly tells me is riding in the BMW F 900 R Cup.

“Two years ago, I was approached by one of the girls’ fathers, who asked me if I could give his daughter a bit of encouragement as a female rider,” Ho says. “I knew there were female riders at the time, but they were largely under the radar. That’s when I decided to bring them under the FHO banner, so they can get the exposure and support they deserve.”

From being just a young girl clinging on to the back of her father’s bike to leading her own motorcycle team in the BSB Championship, the journey Ho has embarked on has been – as the cliché goes – paved with countless obstacles, but there’s nothing clichéd about the respect she’s earned, not only in her own team but from many others in what’s often considered the big boys’ club of motor racing. And while it’s true that being a trailblazer requires those core qualities of tenacity and courage, Ho believes all it takes is just one simple act: to try. “If you have a passion for it, then take a leap of faith and follow your dreams,” she tells me as she heads off to the airport to rejoin what she now considers her second family on the track. “If you never try, you’ll never know.”

The post On the Apex: Faye Ho Leads the Charge for Women in Motorsports appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

You know what a great partner for your Porsche could be? A Porsche-themed Xbox.

In yet another entry to collaborations that don’t really make sense but we’re absolutely here for, Porsche and Xbox have announced a partnership to create a special limited edition of the Xbox Series X that pays homage to some of Porsche’s most memorable cars. However, these six Xbox consoles won’t just be readily available for the public to buy. Read on to find out how this collab came about and how, if possible, you could get your hands on one. 

Porsche x Xbox: Six consoles that pay homage to iconic cars

“Many people who end up being our most dedicated fans had their first encounter with Porsche through gaming. That’s why it plays a key role for us to stay relevant not just among current fans but among new generations,” said Robert Ader, vice president of global marketing at Porsche AG, as per Robb Report. 

The six Xbox Series X consoles all bear the striking colours and patterns of some of Porsche’s most iconic models. The 917 that won Le Mans in 1970, the “Pink Pig” racecar, and the colours of the two current Porsche 963 are some of the cars that the consoles pay homage to. The lineup is utterly gorgeous and would definitely be something to show off on your gaming setup. 

However, it’s not going to be easy to get one since they’re not technically selling it. These six limited edition consoles are being given away through a sweepstake that goes until October 1. You can actually sign up for it now. However, there’s one major catch: you have to be a resident of the US, the United Kingdom, or Germany. Hey, you’ve got a few months left to move there. 

You can sign up for the sweepstake here. 

The post The Porsche X Xbox Collab Gives Us Consoles Reminiscent of Iconic Cars appeared first on Prestige Online - HongKong.

From the vehicle’s unique NFT-based reservation process to its inclusion in the latest instalment of the Fast & Furious film saga, Prestige takes a dive into why the revamped DeLorean remains one of the automobile industry’s most anticipated EVs.

It is a fair assumption that the majority of us became familiar with the classic ‘80s DeLorean because of Robert Zemeckis’ movie masterpiece, Back to the Future. A central pillar of the movie’s plot, protagonist Marty McFly and his adventures with his time travelling sports car made the futuristic, gull-winged vehicle an iconic part of cinema history, and with that it propelled the car into mainstream popularity on the automobile market as well.

Despite having reached its peak of popularity in the late ‘80s, until today, many car enthusiasts around the world still have a desire to own a DeLorean due to its unique shape and reputation as a collector’s item…and with the recent announcement of the company’s plans to revive the DeLorean as a futuristic electric vehicle, they might actually be able to do so in 2024.

But, before delving into how the DeLorean Motor Company (DMC) is making strides towards the future, it’s important to recognise the company’s humble yet complicated beginnings.

In 1975, John Z. DeLorean established his motor company with the aim to get into the business of sports cars. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that the first DeLorean DMC-12 was created, an eye-catching stainless-steel car fitted with a 2.85 litre V6 engine that delivered 130 horsepower.

Despite being an exciting addition to the market, the DeLorean’s heydays were ultimately short lived. Between the debut of the first car and 1982, the company only ended up producing a little over 9,000 vehicles before the business went bankrupt.

It is suspected that John DeLorean went beyond the company’s financial means far too quickly, treating himself to lavish homes while promoting his cars using unorthodox yet pricey initiatives, including advertising a 24-karat gold-plated version of the DeLorean that cost four times more than the original steel version in an American Express catalogue.

Only one year after the first car was produced, John DeLorean was arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs to raise funds to save his company. Despite being acquitted, the controversy marked the end of the DeLorean business until 1995 when entrepreneur Stephen Wynne bought DMC with the aim to turn it into a servicing business for the few thousand cars that remained.

Over the years that followed, Stephen was actually able to salvage enough parts to build a total of approximately 20,000 cars and was vocal about his dream of designing a futuristic, revamped version of the DeLorean.

Fast forward to 2022 and the DeLorean Motor Company made an exciting announcement that they would be introducing a brand-new, all-electric version – the DeLorean Alpha5 – to the market as soon as 2024.

Channelling some of the original DeLorean’s signature features, including the iconic gull-wing doors, the Alpha5 is expected to have a top speed of 250 kilometres an hour and will be capable of reaching 97 kilometres an hour in 2.99 seconds. It will also have a 483km + 100kWh battery capacity developed by Italdesign, a firm that worked on the original DeLorean.

Expected to be a rival for the Tesla Roadster and Porsche Taycan, the Alpha5 boasts an indented hood and minimalistic front grille featuring two LED light-bar headlamps nestled on each side of the DeLorean logo. The rest of the vehicle embraces futuristic design codes consisting of swooping curves and striking lines along its doors, as well as a cut-out-style trunk with a large, statement LED taillight stretching across it.

Inside, the Alpha5’s ‘cockpit’ features a digital instrument panel that mimics the DMC-12’s interface. This panel links to another screen nestled in the centre of the vehicle’s cabin, which allows the driver and passenger to adjust the car’s various systems. Beyond prioritising convenience via the digital interior system, the Alpha5 also prioritises comfort, featuring plenty of legroom, storage compartments, and arm rests.

Although the company has been slowly growing the buzz around the car for over a year now, the interest in the Alpha5 hit a fever pitch last month when it was featured in the latest instalment of the Fast & Furious franchise, Fast X. Despite not being available on the commercial market yet, the prototype was included for several reasons according to the film’s production team.

The first is that the vehicle acts a tribute to growing sustainability efforts, as the global automobile industry is moving into an exciting new era, where even the biggest names in motoring are embracing electric and eco-centric vehicles. Second, is the possibility of the saga including time travel in future films, with the DeLorean acting as a nod to the existence of ‘time machines’ in the F&F universe.

If you’re sold on the Alpha5 already, it is important to note that the pre-ordering process isn’t easy as the manufacturers have decided to leverage the concept of NFTs. Potential buyers will have to complete a three-step process: buy an Alpha Club Lifetime Membership for approximately US$ 88; purchase an Evil Digital Twin NFT via the DeLorean Exchange Platform; and then trade, keep, or sell the NFT on a dedicated marketplace.

Each NFT is linked to a physical production slot of the car and there are limited quantities as DMC are only expecting to produce 4,000 vehicles in its initial run.

Interestingly, DMC is not the only company looking to relaunch the iconic DeLorean. John DeLorean’s daughter, Kat DeLorean, has announced that her company, DeLorean Next Generation Motors will be launching their take on the next stage of the DeLorean legacy – the Model JZD – later this year.

Although there is not much information about the car as of right now, the company has released detailed renderings that illustrate gull-wing doors and a sleek overall silhouette.

For more information about the DeLorean Alpha 5, click here.

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The new EQE 53 4MATIC+ is the first fully electric and future-ready super saloon from Mercedes’ high-performance AMG division. Prestige takes it for a drive. 

When in the late 1960s a pair of former Mercedes-Benz engineers named Hans Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher set up AMG, an independent engine-tuning operation, it was initially with the aim of making the products of their erstwhile employer more competitive in the worlds of motor racing and rallying. Later, like so many other tuning businesses, they also began modifying the company’s road cars, slotting in bigger and more powerful engines, adjusting chassis, suspension and braking systems to handle the increased outputs and speeds, and – possibly with the occasional nod and wink of encouragement from Mercedes itself – turning the conservative conveyances of Germany’s post-war bourgeoisie into machines that were exhilaratingly raw and raucous.

Evidently the halo appeal resulting from AMG’s activities wasn’t lost on the powers-that-be at Daimler-Benz. By the early ’90s, the board in Stuttgart had agreed to a formal cooperation between the companies, which soon led to the acquisition of a controlling interest and ultimately, in 2005, a full takeover by the bigger of the two. Mercifully for lovers of fast cars, however, that final step in the relationship hardly changed the nature of the automobiles on which the high-performance operation worked its magic.

In fact, Mercedes’ AMG-badged variants remained as gloriously characterful and rowdy as ever, with big, rumbling multi-cylinder engines that propelled them to enormous speeds, and exhaust systems that would crackle, pop and, now and again, even spit out a lick of flame – mighty machines such as the CLK 63, the gullwing SLS coupe, various C 63s, the supercar-fast E 63 S saloon and the AMG GT R coupe (the latter especially in its unmistakable Green Hell Magno paint job).

And that was pretty much the standard recipe within the sub-brand that had come to be known as Mercedes-AMG – until, that is, around 2015, by which time it had become abundantly clear to almost everyone in the industry that the future of the motor car had very little to do with noisy, gas-guzzling V8s and everything to do with clean and quiet electricity. Whether or not this was an existential moment for them, it certainly meant the folks in Mercedes’ high-performance division needed to reflect upon – and possibly redefine – almost every attribute their brand had stood for in order to transition convincingly into the age of the electron. And now, some eight years on, I’ve been able to sample the first fruits of that re-examination in the form of the fully electric AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+, which arrived on these shores only recently.

As it happens, AMG does have previous form with EVs, having produced in tiny numbers the wildly costly Electric Drive SLS coupe of 2014, which for a time was the world’s fastest production electric car.

It’s also been able to draw upon a long and admirable track record of transforming unexciting automobiles into ones that genuinely thrill, an ability no less essential when turning its attentions to the first of Mercedes’ current crop of future-ready, clean-air saloons – for while the standard mid-size EQE is undeniably electric, even its most ardent fans would be hard pressed to call it electrifying – than it was with those solid, stolid sedans of 60 years ago.

Granted the 53 model shares the same bland silhouette with its less-performative EQE siblings (though that teardrop shape is slippery enough for an impressive drag coefficient of just 0.22), but I will concede that AMG’s distinctively aggressive Panamericana front “grille”, a discreet rear spoiler and chunky 21-inch Y-spoke alloys shod with bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport tyres do add more than a suggestion of muscularity. A further clue to its abilities comes from the small “4MATIC+” badges ahead of the front doors, which indicate not only all-wheel drive but also the presence of twin “permanently excited” synchronous electric motors – they’re exclusive to AMG models – that feed power to the front and rear axles in a constantly varying split of torque. Maximum power and torque in Sport+ mode are 617bhp and 950Nm respectively, with a temporary “overboost” provided by the AMG Dynamic Plus Package’s Race Start setting that raises both figures to 677 and 1,000. To put those numbers into context, Mercedes-AMG’s outgoing petrol-powered E 63 S saloon – a fire-breathing, tarmac-consuming monster if ever there was one – provides 603bhp and 850Nm, so even without driving it you know this new electric contender is going to be ridiculously fast.

Closer inspection of the specs inspires further optimism: air suspension with adaptive damping, active rear-wheel steering, variable-rate steering and no fewer than five driving modes, each with its own power ceiling, all sound like boons in a car that weighs more than 2.5 tonnes and measures just a few centimetres shy of 5 metres. Should you require even greater stopping power than is provided by the standard high-performance brake system, you can even option carbon-composite rotors.

Seated behind the small three-spoke wheel, the EQE 53 feels just like another AMG – in a nice touch, the power-used dial on the virtual instrument display even mimics a traditional rev-counter, while the column stalks and buttons are almost identical to those on a combustion-engine Merc.

All that’s missing on start-up – and it’s a big miss – is the engine noise, a welcome aural intrusion promising thrills aplenty that was ever integral to the AMG experience. As a form of compensation, a quick fiddle with the settings generates a spacey soundtrack in Sport and Sport+ modes whose volume and intensity rise and fall according to speed, and which can even be heard outside of the car. It isn’t authentic and surely won’t appeal to everyone, but as the notion of accelerating to – and hurtling along at – quite unfeasible velocities in almost total silence seems beyond weird, these sonic simulacra kind of work. Or at least they do for me.

As for hurtling, that’s exactly what the EQE 53 does, with acceleration so immediate, sustained and rapid it threatens permanently to rearrange your internals. According to the figures, it reaches 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds, with Race Start shaving off a couple of extra tenths, while Dynamic Plus raises the maximum speed to an autobahn-only 240 (though when tanking along at velocities such as those you can wave goodbye to achieving anything like the claimed range of 525km). Short bursts of overtaking acceleration are quite simply phenomenal, with the ESP software doing a fine job of keeping the car in a straight line as you flash past the slowcoaches.

Handling is, quite simply, staggering for what by any standards is a big and heavy car, partly thanks to the steerable rear wheels and partly because it feels so planted and stable on the road, with superb body control. The ride is excellent, too, even if you’ve selected one of the firmer chassis settings, and the steering seems ideally weighted, neither too light nor heavy, perfectly direct and surprisingly communicative given the oodles of electronic mediation. It’s far more enjoyable to drive than I’d ever have imagined, even nudging Porsche Taycan levels of fun and involvement.

Hilariously fast, hugely competent and as refined, comfortable and luxurious as anyone would expect a Mercedes to be, the AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ is undoubtedly among the best EVs you can buy – and, purely as a driver’s car, it’s way better than the same company’s EQS 450 that I raved about early last year. Whether its superlative performance and sparkling dynamic qualities mean it’s an echt AMG, though, is another matter entirely. Although loving almost every minute behind the wheel – to the extent of grinning stupidly throughout most of the experience – I still find myself missing the full-throated roar of a V8, which no amount of digital trickery can make up for, and the feeling I’m in charge of a beast that will never be completely trainable.

If it’s visceral old-world thrills you’re after, AMG still has those aplenty in other models. But if you’re determined to rush headlong towards a fully electric future, there are few more rewarding ways of doing so than in Mercedes’ most impressive effort thus far. 

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Most would associate Maserati with sports or muscle cars, such as the MC20 and the Coupé respectively. But in the Grecale, the Italian luxury vehicle manufacturer seems to be adding exciting new pages to its playbook.

Named after a specific type of breeze native to the Mediterranean, it lives up to its name by being a smooth, steady drive that does not betray its relative bulk. The new Maserati SUV is available in three distinct expressions: the GT equipped with a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine capable of 300 hp, the Modena with a four cylinder 330-hp mild hybrid engine, and the high-performance Trofeo powered by a high-performance 530-hp petrol V6 based on the MC20 Nettuno engine.

It falls in the same category as the Porsche Macan and the BMW X3, and while its price of S$279,000 (before COE) makes the Grecale GT a relatively expensive option, it outperforms its competitors in handling, comfort and its interior ambience.

We test drove the Grecale GT (which makes much more sense on Singapore roads) in a range of conditions: Orchard Road traffic at lunchtime, stretches of straight road near Changi Naval Base and Tanah Merah Country Club, and the PIE at off-peak hours. It handled well in all situations, even when we revved up to 100 km/h (in 5.6 seconds) and beyond along straight, empty roads.

The GT doesn’t have a fire-breathing engine – among the Grecale vehicles, it’s the Trofeo and its 530-hp V6 engine that’s powered for a Formula One track rather than Bukit Timah Road. The GT is powered by a mild hybrid electric-vehicle engine with a Belt-Driven Starter Generator. All in all, the chassis, 19-inch alloy wheels and engine produce 296 hp and a peak torque of 450 Nm at 2,000 rpm – a car that handles well and provides for smooth, intuitive driving.

For a manufacturer of outwardly flashy cars, Maserati has put in a lot of thought to the Grecale’s interior. There is contemporary luxury in the materials and finishes, from the fine dashboard stitching to the Saffiano leatherwork-inspired leather dashboard insert, combined with burnished inserts on the central console and door panel.

The central display illuminates the cabin with a “living room” effect by using soft, diffused lighting, seen here for the first time in a car. It’s a large car, measuring in at 4,846 mm long with a wheelbase of 2,901 mm, a height of 1,670 mm, a width of 2,163 mm (including wing mirrors) and a rear wheel track of 1,948 mm (which becomes larger in the Trofeo).

These dimensions give the five-seater a decidedly sporty appearance and promises comfort and roominess for driver and passengers alike. It’s an urban, minimalist wonder, restrained where it needs to be, and outstandingly sophisticated where it matters – under the hood.

The Grecale GT doesn’t immediately turn heads the way a brightly coloured MC20 might, but it does eventually invite stares with cool trident badges, triple portholes on the front wings and of course, the Maserati grille. I never thought I’d say this – but Maserati had engineered a fantastic family car.

(Images: Maserati)

This story first appeared here. 

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It seems Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa has a new passion: he’s just set up a motor-racing team.

Prestige’s March cover personality, the Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa, is probably best known for his online retail businesses, art collecting and philanthropic activities and, most recently, a passion for space: two years ago, he shot to global fame by rocketing some 400km above Earth on a visit to the International Space Station. Now, he’s taken on a new challenge by setting up a motor-racing team.

Called, not surprisingly, Maezawa Racing, the Japan-based operation is setting the bar relatively low for its debut season, by entering only the four Japanese rounds of the 2023 Fanatec GT World Challenge Asia Powered by AWS series (perhaps better known by the name of its former sponsor, Blancpain), the first two of which are held on the weekend of June 16-18 at Fuji International Raceway.

With driver teams usually comprising one professional and one amateur, the race series is open to GT3-specification cars (plus a handful of GT4s) from a wide range of manufacturers, including Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Ferrari, Honda, Lamborghini, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Nissan and Porsche’s. Maezawa Racing’s entry comes in the form of a Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO, co-driven by Japanese veteran Naoki Yokomizo, a former Super GT300 champion who also serves as team manager, and the Thai gentleman pilot Piti Bhirombhakdi, who combines his motorsport passions by working at the family company Boon Rawd Brewery, which brews Thailand’s famous Singha lager.

Although ineligible for points in this year’s GT World Challenge Asia drivers’ championship, Maezawa Racing’s toe-in-the-water entry will nonetheless be able to compete for outright honours in the series, with six subsequent Japanese rounds scheduled at Suzuka International Circuit (July 14-16), Motegi Mobility Resort (July 21-23) and Okayama International Circuit (August 18-20). Who knows, next year Le Mans?

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In the 2020s, BMW is aiming to catch the attention of young buyers with its radical design changes and cutting-edge technology. The latest generation BMW 7 series is a fine example of this trend. It impressed people with its onboard tech but split BMW fans with its polarizing design.

It seems the Munich-based carmaker is set to repeat the same with the 2024 BMW 5 series.

Unlike the outgoing model, the new 5 series range comes in petrol, hybrid and all-electric powertrains. Other than the powertrains, customers can also spec the 2024 BMW 5 series in three trim levels, which include the Base, M-Sport and M-Sport Pro.

So, with BMW already confirming the new 5 series for all its key global markets, here’s everything we know about the new generation BMW 5 series.

2024 BMW 5 Series: The new lineup explained

ICE variants explained

The 2024 BMW 5 Series has expanded into two major variants. The standard petrol powered 5 series is still present with a couple of engine variants to choose from.

The base model 520i will come with a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 205hp. Buyers also get the base 520d model with a 2.0-litre diesel engine making 197hp. North America will get a 530i with a beefed-up 2-litre turbo engine making 255hp, available in RWD or AWD configurations. The top-of-the-line 540i will get a combo of a 3-litre inline six-cylinder engine making 375hp and the xDrive all-wheel drive system, allowing for a 0-100Kph sprint in just 4.5 seconds.

Then there are the hybrid variants. The 530e plug-in hybrid relies on a 2.0-litre engine and an electric motor to make a combined power of 299hp. The BWW 550e plug-in hybrid gets the AWD xDrive system, a 3-litre inline-six engine and an electric motor to make a total of 489hp.

The all-new BMW i5 range

The all-electric BMW i5 range marks the brand’s entry into the EV luxury sedan space. The range starts with the BMW i5 eDrive40 which has a single motor making 350hp and 430Nm of torque. Performance seekers can also consider the BWW i5 M60 xDrive that offers a dual-motor setup making 601hp and 820Nm of torque, doing a 0-100Kph in a blisteringly quick 3.8 seconds! BMW furnishes a claimed WLTP range of up to 582kms for the base eDrive40 and up to 516kms for the M60 variant. The i5 models support DC fast charging that, allegedly, can fill up the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes.

Interiors that are a class apart

The 2024 BMW 5 Series gets a mega upgrade on the inside. In line with the new 7 Series, the entire 5 Series gets more digital elements in the cabin. Drivers get to see a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display along with a 14.9-inch infotainment display. Running the latest BMW iDrive 8.5 UI, it aims to spice up the cabin, complete with its display strip that changes colours based on ambient lighting.

A car for gamers!

The i5 models also get AirConsole, a new wireless gaming feature to entertain drivers while they charge their vehicles. Passengers can pair their smartphones with the infotainment system (by scanning the QR code) and use them as controllers via the AirConsole app. Players can play several causal games from various categories such as simulation, strategy, puzzles and more. BMW says it will continue to expand the list of games available to play as well.

Polarising exteriors

BMWs of the modern era look different from the competition and the new BMW 5 series is no different. Compared to the sleek and low-slung profile of the outgoing 5 Series, the new 2024 model seems taller. The front continues to have those crescent-shaped BMW headlights as well as the signature (and larger!) kidney-shaped grille. On the BMW i5, the kidney grille stays as a design element surrounded by LED lights.

The iconic Hoffmeister kink is still present on the side profile, but the overall design is a big departure from the previous generation 5 Series models. The rear also gets a bold new design, featuring wraparound LED tail lamps and a high boot line. The M-Sport versions come with aggressive body kits as well as the option to equip larger 21-inch allow wheels.

2024 BMW 5 Series: What cars will it compete with?

The new BMW 5 Series will go head-to-head with the recently announced 2024 Mercedes Benz E Class. The E-Class also got a major overhaul with hybrid powertrains and more luxurious features. However, Mercedes doesn’t have an all-electric variant of the E-Class yet. Neither does the Audi A6, which is waiting to be updated to an all-new generation.

2024 BMW 5 Series: When is it launching?

BMW has hinted at putting the new 5 Series sedan on sale by October 2023, which is roughly the same time when the Mercedes E-Class will hit showrooms. The company also plans on bringing an estate version of the 5 Series to select markets.

BMW is yet to reveal the prices for all the variants.

(Hero and Featured Image Credits: Courtesy BMW) 

This story first appeared here. 

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A symbol of timeless luxury, the circuit of the most expensive cars sold at auction is filled with many prized models. As Mercedes Benz and Ferrari creations take up podium positions among the finest race cars, renowned auction houses like RM Sotheby’s and Bonham’s set new benchmarks every time they bring the hammer down.

While most automobiles lose half their value at the time of resale, the tables are turned in the case of both racing models and vintage vehicles. Base prices in the classic car market start from multi-million dollars and biddings can carry on for a long time for rare and valuable cars.

To put things into perspective, a 2018 private sale saw a swanky 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO being lapped up by David MacNeil, founder and CEO of WeatherTech, for USD 70 million. The most expensive car sold at an auction fetched a whopping USD 142 million.

Auction houses mostly curate these models from racing teams or private collectors, but sometimes, rare ones have also been found among old scraps and barns. Offering a glimpse of the rare automobile marvels, these auction houses have captured the imagination of car enthusiasts for a long time.

These are some of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction

1955 Jaguar D-Type

Price: USD 21.7 million

One of the most expensive cars sold at an auction, chassis number XKD 501 Jaguar D-Type is a ferocious machine with motoring brilliance. No wonder, it is the only C or D-Type to win the Le Mans and remain intact in its original form. This expensive car also drove the Scottish racing team Ecurie Ecosse to victory in the 1956 Le Mans. This vehicle has had two owners since the racing team and has been a part of the same private collection for over 16 years.

The technical specs of the car include 250 bhp, 3,442 cc DOHC inline six-cylinder engine with three Weber 45 DCO3 carburettors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle trailing links and transverse torsion bar, and four-wheel disc brakes, as per RM Sotheby’s website.

Around 87 D-Type Jaguars were made between 1954 and 1957 and were seen as collector’s items around the world. This particular model was sold by the reputed auction house in 2016.

1935 Duesenberg SSJ

Price: USD 22 million

The 1935 Duesenberg SSJ is a classy ride which is sure to make a statement at every turn. Coupled with a massive 420 CID DOHC 32-valve inline 8-cylinder engine, that thrusts a force of 400 bhp at 5,000 rpm, this convertible roadster is also the most expensive American car to be sold at an auction.

This particular SSJ, chassis number 2594, is one of only two SSJs ever made. It is a more hardy and sporty version of the Duesenberg Model J. The SS added in the name denotes ‘short wheelbase’ and ‘supercharged’. It also boasts an open coachwork designed by J. Herbert Newport Jr.

This premium vehicle was originally purchased by Academy Award-winning actor Gary Cooper in 1935. At the time of its auction in 2018, the car carried the original chassis, engine and bodywork. What makes it even more appealing is that this vehicle has had only two other owners since its delivery in 1949 — Briggs Cunningham and Miles Collier.

1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti

Price: USD 22 million

Ferrari’s line of Works cars is described as the “Holy Grail” of motoring and was reserved for the finest drivers to take over the tracks. The Ferrari 290 MM is one of the classics from the Italian automobile company in this category. With a long lineage of renowned drivers this to glory at the likes of Nassau, Mille Miglia, and Buenos Aires, the vehicle is one of the four models ever built and one of the three which are surviving.

The chassis 0628 Scaglietti car appeared in many races as a Scuderia Ferrari works car and was driven by the likes of Sterling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio and Phil Hill throughout the 1956-1957 season. This robust vehicle sported several powerful engine layouts and was retained by race car enthusiast Luigi Chinetti and his family for three decades.

1956 Aston Martin DBR1

Price: USD 22.5 million

The most expensive British car ever sold at auction, this vintage 1956 Aston Martin DBR1 has seen Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, Jack Brabham, Tony Brooks, and Roy Salvadori behind the wheel in the late 1950s. The first of the five DBR1 models, this vehicle led the English carmaker to victory at the 1959 Le Mans and Nürburgring 1000 KM.

Sold at the 2017 Monterey Car Week, the vehicle with chassis number DBR1/1 comes with the correct reproduction engine for racing offered with the original car. It is maintained by Aston Martin specialist R.S. Williams.

While Aston Martins continue to fetch sky-high prices, this speedster is proof of the marquee’s excellence in producing one of the most expensive cars. Its illustrious racing history justifies its hefty price tag.

1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale by Scaglietti

Price: USD 26.4 million

Born to take charge of the tracks, the 275 GTB/C is a class apart. The light aluminium body helps the beast glide smoothly while a 3.0-litre V12 engine was crafted to give an extra 70bhp boost. This is also the first Ferrari model to carry an independent rear suspension.

“It’s one of only three Ferrari 275 GTB/C Speciale models built by the Maranello marque in late 1964 and early 1965 to homologate its new 275 GTB race car,” says Auto Express, about the vehicle which was created to give a tough fight to the Ford GT40 and Shelby Cobra Daytona at Le Mans in 1965. However, interestingly enough, it never raced when new. The speculations regarding this led to a surge in the price of this car, chassis 06701, to soar high.

1967 Ferrari 275 GTB/4*S N.A.R.T. Spider by Scaglietti

Price: USD 27.5 million

The 1950s and 1960s saw The North American Racing Team (NART) advertise the prancing horse in the USA to create brand awareness. For this, the company ushered in special cars at the request of Luigi Chinetti who was the company’s dealer in America. The Spider is one of the 10 vehicles made and was newly purchased by Eddie Smith Sr. of North Carolina.

One of the most desirable Ferraris, chassis number 10709, is the first-of-its-kind to be raced by Denise McCluggage and Pinkie Rollo very successfully at Sebring. Later, actor Steve McQueen drove it in the film The Thomas Crown Affair 1968. Its prancing V12 engine can reach a superb 8000 rpm.

1956 Ferrari 290 MM by Scaglietti

Price: USD 28 million

Chassis 0626 is one of the finest Ferrari race cars to be sold at auction. The former Works car was constructed mainly for the 1956 Mille Miglia, after which it takes its name, with Juan Manuel Fangio at its command. At the time of its sale in 2015, the vehicle became the most expensive car sold that year, the most expensive car sold in New York City, and the most expensive car sold by RM Sotheby’s at the time. Other well-known drivers who steered this dream car include Alfonso de Portago and Wolfgang von Trips.

Speaking of specs, the car has 320 bhp, 3,490 cc SOHC 60-degree type 130 dry-sump V-12 engine with triple Weber twin-choke 46 DCF3 carburettors and twin spark-plug ignition with quad Magneti-Marelli distributors, four-speed manual transmission, independent front suspension with helical springs and anti-roll bar, De Dion rear axle with transverse leaf spring, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes, according to RM Sotheby’s. It also has a wheelbase of 92.52 in.

Mercedes Benz W196

Price: USD 29.6 million

When Juan Manuel Fangio drove this silver car to victory at the German and Swiss Grands Prix in 1954, he set it up for some hefty price tags. Also driven by Stirling Moss, this race track charger became the most valuable Mercedes ride when it was sold in 2013. Fitted with white racing gumballs, it won nine out of 12 races in two Formula 1 seasons as well as two world championships.

The chassis number 196 010 00006/54 vehicle is one out of just 14 W196 cars built by the car marquee and is among 10 such remaining vehicles. The only one to be owned privately, the car is fueled by “an inline-eight engine with fuel injection and desmodromic valves, making 286bhp,” says Evo India. The car weighs about 650 kg and has the highest speed of 300 kmph. It was one of the very few cars to go under the hammer in the most authentic conditions, carrying a film of dust and dirt as if it arrived at the auction venue straight out of the track.

1965 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti

Price: USD 35.7 million

Having been driven by the likes of Peter Collins and Maurice Trintignant at the 1957 Sebring 12 Hours and Wolfgang von Trips at Mille Miglia, the car also won the 1957 Constructor’s World Championship.

One of the most expensive cars to go under the hammer, this Ferrari beast is boosted by a 4.1-litre 394bhp V12 engine which accelerates to a speed of 300 kmph. This particular car — chassis number 0674 — is one among just four 335 S cars built by the company.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO Berlinetta

Price: USD 38.1 million

While Ferraris dominate the niche segment of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction, the aura of the Ferrari 250 GTO is unmatched. It became the most expensive car to go under the hammer when it was sold for a staggering price in 2014. It was, however, dethroned by another vehicle of the same model four years later. This prancing horse is powered by a galloping 3.0-litre V-12 engine that has an output of 296hp and was among the league of a handful of street-legal racing cars.

This particular beast, chassis number 3851GT, was once owned by Fabrizio Violati who held it in possession for 49 years and entered it on the tracks. Jo Schlesser won the 1963 FIA World GT Championships in this car.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO by Scaglietti

Price: USD 48. 4 million

Rightfully one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction, this Ferrari machine was driven by Edoardo Lualdi-Gabardi when he won the 1962 Italian GT Championship. The third of the 36 GTOs from the company, the chassis 3413GT vehicle is described as “the world’s most important, desirable, and legendary motor car,” by RM Sotheby’s.

According to Auto Express, Ferrari aficionado and vintage racer, Dr Gregory Whitten owned the grand prix car before its 2018 sale. Five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell drove the car to the auction where bidding opened at USD 35 million. Finally, it narrowed down to three bidders who competed for over ten minutes, with the final exact sum reaching USD 48,405,000.

Explaining its extraordinary demand, Evo India says, “It won the 1962 Italian GT Championship and has class wins at the 1963 & 64 Targo Florio. It has scored a total of 15 wins during the 1962 to 1965 GT world championship seasons.” Interestingly, when it was first released it was quoted at a meagre USD 18,000.

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupe”

Price: USD 143 million

After holding the apex position for four years, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut overtook the Ferrari 250 GTO in May 2022 and became the most expensive car sold at an auction. It took place during a special event organised by RM Sotheby’s for the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart in Germany.

Just two models of this three-pointed star were made. They were named after the company’s chief designer Rudolf Uhlenhaut who designed it himself. A prototype race car designed for plying on roads, the vehicle with chassis number 196.110-00008/55 was bought by an anonymous private seller. It was made with the intention of racing at the 1955 Carrera Panamericana competition. However, when the competition got cancelled, as an aftermath of the year’s Le Mans’ accident, Uhlenhaut took possession of the vehicle.

Noting the specifics, the auction house mentions, “The 3.0-litre, front-mounted, straight-eight engine connects to one of the car’s most distinguishing features: twin exhausts that exit via side-mounted gills positioned halfway across the length of the 300 SLR.” It is said that its owner once pumped up this monstrous machine when he ran late and covered a distance of 230 km in an hour.

The proceeds of the sale went to the Mercedes Benz Fund which offers scholarships to young people in areas of environmental science and decarbonisation.

(Hero and feature image credit: Bonhams)

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If there was ever any doubt that the word ‘impossible’ does not exist in the vocabulary of Rolls-Royce Bespoke, Phantom Syntopia, the haute couture-inspired masterpiece, forever diminishes that notion.

It’s a typical grey, English-weather-kind-of-day with a slight drizzle when my chauffeur-driven Black Badge Ghost pulls in at the inner sanctum of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. Surrounded by 42 acres of southern England’s lush and verdant scenery, the contemporary low-rise buildings – designed by venerated British architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw – and perfectly coiffed trees lining the entrance, a combined exercise in geometry itself, give away some clues of the extraordinary world that unfolds inside.

Only a handful of editors from around the world have been invited for a privileged sneak preview of Phantom Syntopia, the most technically complex Bespoke Phantom ever produced – in the presence of couturière Iris van Herpen herself, who spent the past three years working with the Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Collective team on the project.

The finishing touches to Syntopia were done just days earlier, and we are among the very first to behold this one-of-a-kind creation. Admittedly, I feel a little starstruck at the prospect of meeting a fashion designer whose work I have long admired, and excited to witness the result of two luxury houses closely collaborating to push the boundaries of innovation, craftsmanship and luxury.

Phantom Syntopia takes its name from the Dutch designer’s landmark 2018 collection, designed on the principles of biomimicry in which art is inspired by patterns and shapes found in nature. Like the collection, which comprises a series of highly sculptural garments brought to life through movement, Phantom Syntopia seeks to represent the elusive, ethereal beauty of fluid motion in solid materials through its Weaving Water theme.

More about that later. The curtain is about to be raised on a creation Rolls-Royce hails as “the most ambitious, singular and highly Bespoke Phantom we have every created” – according to CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös – formally vowing that it will never be replicated.

Based on the Phantom Extended, the ultimate blank canvas for Bespoke commissions, Syntopia was created for a client who is passionate about fashion – and that’s about all Rolls-Royce is prepared to reveal about the car’s owner. As the creation is unveiled to us, the first thing that strikes me is the unusual, shimmering and one-off Liquid Noir exterior finish. Iridescent in sunlight, it reveals purple, blue, magenta and gold undertones when viewed at different angles.

To achieve this effect, the marque’s darkest solid-black paint is overlaid with a finish incorporating a mirror-like pigment, selected for its colour-shifting properties. To add a subtle, elegant shimmer, the team developed a brand-new technique for applying pigment to the clearcoat – a process that took several months, including over 3,000 hours of testing. On closer inspection, a faint rendering of the Weaving Water motif that appears throughout the interior can also be seen on the bonnet.

When it’s time to peek inside, the Phantom Syntopia’s interior suite reveals a host of magnificent features which were co-created in a creative and technical meeting of minds by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective and Iris van Herpen. Some interior elements were handcrafted at the Home of Rolls-Royce by the company’s leading craftspeople working alongside members of Iris van Herpen’s team, while others were created in the designer’s  Amsterdam atelier, alongside her haute couture garments.

My eyes are immediately drawn to the Weaving Water Starlight Headliner, the most technically challenging version of this signature Rolls-Royce feature ever produced, crafted from a single sheet of flawless leather (selected from over 1,000 hides).

Precise symmetrical cuts reveal a silver ‘liquid metal’ texture made from woven nylon fabric underneath, used in Iris van Herpen’s ‘Embossed Sounds’ collection, giving the Headliner a three-dimensional appearance. It is finished with 162 delicate petals made of glass organza, applied by members of the designer’s couture team who travelled to Goodwood to undertake the work – a process that took nearly 300 hours.

In addition, 187 of the 995 sparkling fiberoptic ‘stars’ were individually placed by hand alongside the artwork. Illuminating sequentially, starting from the rear and moving to the front, they create a feeling of movement. In total, the entire Headliner alone involved almost 700 collective hours of work.

The exceptional detail of the Weaving Water theme continues throughout the unique artwork in the Gallery, which runs the width of the Phantom’s fascia. Combining traditional haute couture techniques and innovative visual forms, this highly expressive work includes a further 85 petals, which were also attached (by hand) by Iris’ team working at Goodwood, representing almost 60 hours of painstaking work.

The design to be found on the picnic tables and the passenger panel just below the Gallery mirrors the Weaving Water artwork on the bonnet. The motif was achieved by combining multiple coats of paint and lacquer containing different quantities of glass particles. First, the surfaces were covered with a black paint mixed with 0.9 percent glass particles.

Then the artisans applied the Weaving Water motif with a clear coat mixed with 1.4 percent of shimmer – an extraordinarily complex process that took over three weeks to complete. Before commencing the work, the Exterior Surface Centre team had spent four months perfecting the formula, running nine trials before identifying the ideal proportion of glass particles.

Phantom Syntopia also continues the Bespoke Collective’s exploration of textiles. An homage to Rolls-Royce’s heritage, this unique creation recalls an era where a driver’s seat was trimmed in hardwearing leather and the rear compartment in luxurious, inviting fabrics. Thus, the front seats of Syntopia are finished in Magic Grey leather, distinguished by its lustrous finish.

The rear seats have been upholstered with a specially created silk-blend fabric, featuring a distinctive pattern which recalls the patterns cast by light reflecting on water at night. The seats are quilted with a Weaving Water motif, inspired by a tufting technique often employed in fine furniture-making (in which embroidery is applied to the reverse side of the textile). This creates a three-dimensional depth while achieving a smooth, seamless, uninterrupted surface.

Phantom Syntopia is the first Rolls-Royce to incorporate a bespoke scent, creating a truly immersive expression of luxury. It was developed by an expert perfumer – now affectionately known as ‘the Nose of the Bespoke Collective’ – in close collaboration with the client. Designed to create a lasting memory, the fragrance is subtle and perfectly complements other aromas arising from the materials used in the car.

The core scent is cedarwood and, as part of this project’s constant quest for the ultimate in personalisation, wood used was carefully sourced from the clients’ home region. The scent’s base combines powdery notes of Iris, obtained using a fluid extraction technology, with added hints of leather, f inally blended with rose from Patagonia and a mild lemon.

The specially developed scent-releasing mechanism is housed within the headrests. This patented technology, which incorporates innovative materials originally used in the field of medicine, ensures the fragrance is released in suitably delicate doses for a long-lasting, sophisticated sensory experience. The development process took more than two years, including rigorous testing in both very hot and very cold temperatures, to ensure the scent maintains its distinctive profile in all conditions.

“From the very beginning, this truly was a meeting of minds: two luxury houses that share the innovative vision and ambition to transcend the boundaries of luxury design,” remarks Gavin Hartley, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Together, we further explored the potential of Phantom as a perfect canvas for individualisation. Phantom Syntopia literally takes Rolls-Royce interior design into a new dimension with its immersive, sculptural elements, reinterpreting the elusive fragility of nature’s forms in a perfectly engineered reality.”

Finally, it’s time to speak to Iris herself. “When I met the Bespoke Collective, I discovered that the world of Rolls-Royce is very similar to haute couture. Every garment I create is a one-off, tailor-made to my clients’ individual measurements, just like every Rolls-Royce. My clients come to our atelier in Amsterdam for fittings, just as Rolls-Royce clients are invited to Goodwood throughout the design and craft process. On many levels, this collaboration was a natural symbiosis,” she says.

Naturally, designing a couture garment and collaborating on the creation of a car are distinctively different, too. “When I design haute couture, the focus is really on the body, and the relationship between the body and the artwork. It’s really about movement and transformation, and that’s the starting point when I design. Here, I wanted to bring in the movement of the car into a static structure that still has the liveliness of the motion – an organic presence and a fluidity, but in the setting of a car. So, it required a very different way of thinking,” Iris explains.

“The starting point really was conversations with the team here. There was a lot of freedom, but we decided together that the focus would be on the artwork, the texture and the movement. Other than that, the brief was very open, so I could think of different directions to go. I then went on to create three different concepts, each with a different proposal for the headliner and gallery. For all three we did test samples, and then decided together on the direction.”

With a project of this magnitude and immense detail, obstacles and challenges were inevitable. Iris notes: “One of the moments in the collaboration that I was a bit nervous about was when I developed the concept and the technique of the headliner. We created samples in my Amsterdam atelier and then had to send it to Rolls-Royce to do all the stress tests for the car.

“We normally do stress tests when we create a garment for a customer, but they are very different tests of course than those required for a car. There are so many more regulations for a car, in terms of safety and durability. I had no idea if the techniques would be durable enough, as the glass organza we used is a very fine fabric. I didn’t know if it would pass the tests. Thankfully, it worked out fine. That was an important part of the collaboration for me – confirming that we could go ahead fully.”

Having the Phantom Syntopia fully completed, Iris admits, is a personal triumph. “I’ve always loved the Phantom, in terms of proportions. It’s a car, but it’s also a piece of art. It provided the perfect dimensions for what we were expected to do. This project has been a long process with many steps – it was a lot more complicated in the beginning than I thought it would be. So, seeing it finished as a whole… that was a big moment. Very rewarding.”

On a philosophical note, she proffers: “Greatness comes from metamorphosis – being able to transform someone that we create for. It starts from transforming a material, creating a new texture, and it also comes from the unexpected. Rolls-Royce has this very beautiful balance between craftmanship and technology. When we work with clients it’s a very personalised experience – similar to how Rolls-Royce also works with their customers. In a customised process, there’s only one of it in the world. The garment or the car becomes part of your identity, because you have been part of the creative process as a client. That feels very magical!”

Her work is not done yet though, as she is also designing a one-off garment especially for the Phantom Syntopia’s owners, with a sculptural design that will echo the car’s Weaving Water theme, featuring an elegant application of the ‘liquid metal’ fabric and the glass organza petals, laser-cut and hand-stitched in a pattern resembling undulating waves. This garment, reflective of van Herpen’s newly developed haute couture techniques, is expected to take around six months of work, including pattern development, crafting, applying the petals, embroidery, fitting, and tailoring.

As a final treat, we are given a walk-through of the Rolls-Royce factory – although, it must be said, the stylish modernity of it all and the approach to craftsmanship and materials give it more of an atelier vibe than that of a manufacturing plant. As architect Sir Nicholas Grimshaw put it, “creating a spiritual home for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars for the 21st century meant more than just designing a building to house the headquarters and manufacturing plant. The challenge was to make it a symbol of Rolls-Royce’s innovative approach – unique, forward-thinking and a world apart.”

Here, every Rolls-Royce is hand-built – going through a variety of stations, depending on the model – putting the spotlight on the savoir-faire of highly experienced artisans. The smell of ultra-premium materials lingers in the air in the wood shop and leather shop, while the endless hues and decorative veneers in the paint shop boggles the mind.

On all our stops on the production line we are greeted by people who clearly take great pride in what they do, sharing their insider knowledge with gusto. It’s pretty much greatness in the making wherever you look.

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Cars have a lot more utility than just ferrying you and your family around from point A to point B. If you also happen to be fortunate and privileged enough to be wealthy, you’d probably like to do the aforementioned ferrying in luxury and style. On that front, the automotive market has already seen some exciting announcements in the first quarter of 2023, coming from brands like Ferrari, Mercedes, Porsche and all the nicest names you can think of. In fact, we finally got to see a Ferrari SUV, the Ferrari Purosangue, which Ferrari, for some reason, only calls a 4-seater car! And Porsche responded with an updated Cayenne, having a completely new chassis underneath.

As the year goes by, there’s a lot more to expect for the wealthiest who either want to be chauffeured around in extreme luxury or seek a driving experience that’s nothing short of exquisite and exemplary. So on that note, we’ve decided to make a list of the best luxury cars coming out in 2023, including models we are expecting to reach Singapore before the year ends. While it’s possible that you may end up seeing even more car launches than the ones mentioned on this list, there are also some car releases you might not end up seeing this year – the jury is still out on the Tesla Cybertruck making it to the markets in 2023. Nevertheless, these cars are worth mentioning given the interest and hype around their potential 2023 release.

A round-up of the best luxury cars of 2023

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The ‘Prancing Horse’ has ushered in an exciting new chapter with the Purosangue, a car that demonstrates Ferrari’s commitment to speed, power, as well as unparalleled comfort.

Ferrari has unveiled its first ever four-door, four-seater car, breaking the decades-old 2+2 Maranello mould that has become synonymous with the marque.

The culmination of 75 years of leading-edge research, the new model boasts a unique look with innovative proportions while still encapsulating the DNA of the ‘Prancing Horse,’ where performance, driving pleasure, and comfort coexist in perfect harmony.

Dubbed the Ferrari Purosangue, which is Italian for ‘thoroughbred,’ the car boasts a mid-front-mounted V12 engine with the gearbox at the rear, and a Power Transfer Unit (PTU), which provides a 4×4 transmission that aids with optimising the car’s weight distribution.

The naturally aspirated V12 ensures that the car releases more power than any other in the segment, 725 horsepower to be exact. It can also deliver 80% torque (even on low acceleration), can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometres per hour in 3.3 seconds, and from 0 to 200 kilometres per hour in 10.6 seconds.

Making its world debut is the new Ferrari active suspension system that aids with controlling body roll in corners, as well as the tyre contact patch over high frequency bumps. This new system ensures the Purosangue is able to deliver the same performance and handling as the marque’s famed sports cars.

For years, Ferrari has been a leader in vehicle design and aerodynamics, both on the track and the road. During the development of the Purosangue, the team focused on making the bodywork, underbody, and rear diffuser as efficient as possible.

The Purosangue features an all-new chassis complete with a carbon-fibre roof and rear-hinged, ‘welcome’ back doors. Ferrari has also integrated the latest iterations of its vehicle dynamic control systems including all-wheel steering and a 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor (6w-CDS).

Every single aero element – from the aerobridge between front and flanks, to the replacement of the front grille with a dihedral suspended on the lower section to deliver a more technical aesthetic – Ferrari’s designers used improved aerodynamics as a pillar to further hone the car’s original sculptural look and unique proportions.

The interior cabin of the car has been designed to feel like an elegant, sporty lounge. When the doors are opened, a generous amount of space is revealed. This is further heightened as a result of its foldable rear seats, and the largest boot ever included in a Ferrari model.

The driver’s cockpit draws inspiration from the SF90 Stradale and is almost exactly mirrored on the passenger side to create a feeling of emotional engagement for the front passenger. The passenger is further aided by a 10.2” display that provides all the information required to help them participate in the driving experience.

The Purosangue also houses a Burmester® 3D High-End Surround Sound System, which delivers ultimate performance from low to high frequencies as a result of its innovative technologies. The ribbon tweeter makes its first appearance in any production car, and the subwoofer is housed in its own closed cabinet for ultimate clarity.

The Ferrari Purosangue’s interiors also demonstrate the marque’s commitment to the environment, as sustainable materials have been used throughout the vehicle. Examples include fabric roof-lining made from recycled polyester and carpet made from polyamide recycled from fishing nets.

Combining novel architecture with the power that has become synonymous with the Ferrari name, the Purosangue is a versatile car that delivers on exceptional comfort to ensure utmost driving pleasure.

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The name MG has been synonymous with some of the greatest cars ever produced. Icons like the MG MGB, MGA and MG TA certainly spring to mind. Now, under China’s SAIC Motor Corporation, the brand is poised to open a compelling new chapter in the MG story with the new all-electric Cyberster sportscar.

For a brand that has been around since the 1920s, MG is one of the few century-old motoring brands that are still around. The one-time British automotive marque was famously known for its open top two-seater sportscars. Despite rolling out saloons and coupés throughout its illustrious history, the brand plate MG was almost always associated with roadsters.

2023 sees MG go back to its roots somewhat with its new all-electric sportscar. Making its global debut at the Auto Shanghai, the EV sportscar features a revolutionary design that combines iconic roadster heritage with a modern brand design language.

MG’s Electric Road Map

The Cyberster is primed and ready to begin a new chapter for the once prominent marquee. The two-seater, high-performance EV sportscar sees MG make its long-overdue return to the world of roadsters and open-top motoring. With the Cyberster, the brand is poised to bring its latest story right up to date with its powerful all-electric powertrain and contemporary cabin featuring cutting-edge driver technology.

“Our intention was to create a completely new roadster ready for a new generation of sportscar drivers and which opens a bold and compelling new chapter for MG,” explains Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director of the company.

The focus for Cyberster he explains was to create a design that was respectful of the brand’s illustrious past and to bring back that sporting bloodline. “We also had to be absolutely clear that it should be modern and forward-facing like the MG of today, completely in-tune with the rapid transition to electric vehicles.”

First images of the Cyberster’s evocative styling is a clear homage to much-admired roadsters from MG’s rich heritage, especially with its distinctive long bonnet, low nose and curvaceous surfaces. It also introduces striking new features such as its distinctive scissor doors and Kammback rear design.

According to MG, the roll-out of its new all-electric sports car is perfectly timed to reconnect the brand’s DNA with a new generation of drivers. With the Cyberster, MG is all set for an electric, sporting future, which will serve as a perfect way to start celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The Cyberster is scheduled for a roll-out in the summer of 2024.

(Images: MG)

This story first appeared here.

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Just like luxury vehicles and supercars, these expensive number plates are prized possessions — with some even costing as much as millions of dollars.

Commonly, a licence plate registers a vehicle and gives it government authentication. But some may fancy a customised one and shell out extra bills to celebrate a particular date or auspicious number. Meanwhile, for some of the wealthiest people across the world, laying hands on one of the most expensive car number plates is an equally impressive way of flaunting their social status.

For instance, in Dubai, a single-digit plate or those with two characters make up for some of the most expensive license plates and when fitted on the magnificent Rolls-Royce Phantom or any other lavish ride, instantly elevate its luxury quotient. Such vanity plates also make the owner easily recognisable on the roads.

Whether it is about a show of wealth or the novelty of owning a unique and exclusive asset, these license plates undoubtedly help their owners’ vehicles stand out on the road.

Here are some of the most expensive number plates to know about

P7 — Dubai

Price: AED 55 million (approximately USD 14.9 million)

Dubai created a Guinness World Record on 8 April 2023 when Emirates Auction sold the ‘P7’ number plate at its Most Noble Numbers event. With this, the anonymous buyer broke the previous UAE record set in 2008.

At first, this expensive number plate may seem to contain only the number ‘7’. This is because the alphabet ‘P’ is shifted to one side, making the number prominent.

All proceeds from the sale shall go to ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s global food aid initiative, the 1 Billion Meals Endowment.

1 — Abu Dhabi

Price

: AED 52.2 million (approximately USD 14.2 million)

In 2008, the UAE saw a Guinness World Record for the most expensive license plate (at the time) going under the hammer. In Abu Dhabi, the prized possession was purchased by local businessman Saeed Abdul Ghaffar Khouri at a high-profile auction by the Emirates Auction Company.

As per reports, when asked why he bought it, Khouri said, “I bought it because it’s the best number.”

MM — California

Price: USD 24.3 million

The California plate ‘MM’ may not have a buyer yet, but it surely has the potential to become the most expensive car number plate in the world.

Firstly, two-character plates are rare in the US, and one with the same letters is even tougher to find. Reportedly, there are just 35 of them. Plus, this sale comes with a non-fungible token (NFT), which justifies its high asking price and makes this number plate bag a spot among the most highly valued and unique license plates ever produced.

The digital asset is up for sale on the popular NFT marketplace OpenSea and is the first of its kind to be sold with a real-world DMV number plate. The OpenSea description reads, “Depending on the value of ETH, this can be the most valuable plate ever sold in the world, even when adjusted for inflation (approximately $18,583,594). This plate is a trophy, the ultimate flex, and will set your car apart, no matter what you’re driving.”

D5 — Dubai

Price: AED 33 million (approximately USD 8.9 million)

Dubai-based Indian businessman and property developer, Balvinder Sahni, popularly known as Abu Sabah, made a massive purchase in 2016 when he splurged USD 9 million, at the time, to buy the rare and coveted ‘D5’ number plate for his swanky Rolls Royce. Reportedly, when asked about his spending, Sahni explained that his lucky number is 9. ‘D,’ the fourth letter, when added to 5 equals 9.

The sale occurred at the Roads and Transport Authority’s number plate auction at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. Reportedly, the “simple man,” as he calls himself, spent USD 2,72,000 on another expensive plate at the same auction.

Hindustan Times cites a CNN interview where the chairman and CEO of RSG International said, “I always like to give myself a gift every year,” adding, “When you work very hard, you need to present yourself something.”

F1— England

Price: USD 20 million

Acclaimed British automotive designer, Afzal Kahn, purchased the ‘F1’ number plate in 2008 for GBP 4,40,000 (at the time) or USD 5,31,000 from Essex County Council, after they had owned it for over a century. The car that this expensive number plate adorns is a stunning vehicle — Bugatti Veyron SuperSport.

The F1 plate is an elite status symbol — it is linked to Formula One and is very rare, as only three such plates are available in the world. It is registered on Regtransfers.co.uk with an asking price of USD 20 million, and a 2018 New York Post report mentions that in 2014, Kahn refused a USD 8.5 million offer.

AA8 — Dubai

Price:

AED 35 million (approximately USD 9.5 million at that time)

Balvinder Sahni made another luxury purchase in 2022 when he bought the expensive Dubai ‘AA8’ number plate at the Most Noble Numbers auction and made significant contributions to the 1 Billion Meals Endowment. Reportedly, the business tycoon bought this number plate to grace one of his vehicles, a Rolls-Royce, and as per Khaleej Times, it became the third most expensive number plate in the world.

Sahni sees such splurges as a means of giving back to society as the charitable cause is very close to his heart.

New York — New York

Price: USD 20 million

Unlike the other expensive car number plates, this one is unique as the registration has no numbers but only reads ‘New York.’ The state opened up for number plate customisations in the 1970s, and an anonymous family lapped up the only street-legal ‘New York’ plate. It has remained with the same family for all these years.

The rare and prized collectable is listed for the said amount on the luxury classified site DuPont Registry and comes with the original Volvo wagon with it. The number plate is easily transferable and the owner can hang it on almost all vehicles. The plate fetches such a steep price for its historical value and for being the only legal plate bearing just the US state’s name. Additionally, it can never be duplicated, although the design is sold as souvenirs.

AA9 — Dubai

Price

: AED 38 million (approximately USD 10.3 million)

The UAE is known for citizens buying luxury assets, and in 2021, the sale of the ‘AA9’ licence plate became another of the world’s most expensive purchases. The Dubai number plate went under the hammer in 2021 and was also part of the Most Noble Numbers charity auction.

Since the proceeds were also for the 1 Billion Meals campaign, the owner refused to disclose their name. The charitable initiative aims to provide meals to 50 countries across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, Europe and South America during the month of Ramadan and even after.

R — Hong Kong

Price

: HKD 25.5 million (approximately USD 3.2 million)

Hong Kong also has some pretty expensive registration number plates, and in February 2023, one such plate — the single-digit ‘R’ — fetched a sky-high price at a government auction. ‘R’ is considered lucky in Feng Shui and is related to racing. Hence, the number plate was expected to score high bidding rounds at the Lunar New Year auction organised by the State Transport Department.

The sale was predicted to rake up at least HKD 10 million, and a Business Insider India report states that the whopping realised price was “at least 5,100 times the reserve price of around HK$5,000 and represented more than 80% of the total raised at the auction.”

AA8 — Dubai

Price

: AED 35 million (approximately USD 9.5 million)

This was another expensive license plate sold in Dubai in 2022 at the Most Noble Numbers auction to raise money for the 1 Billion Meals campaign. And the man behind it was none other than Sahni.

The auction also saw some VIP phone numbers and other vanity plates go under the hammer, all of which soared over a million dollars each. According to a report by Arab News, the event raised USD 14.4 million within two hours, making it a grand success.

(All conversions are done at the time of writing.)

(Main and featured image: Afzal Kahn/ Instagram)

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Jaguar Land Rover was facing quite a challenge when they were engineering the newest Range Rover Sport. The 2023 Range Rover Sport was supposed to herald in the third generation of the 18-year-old series, which would see it transition into next year’s fully EV release.

If you compare images of the 2023 and the 2022 Range Rover Sport, you’d be hard-pressed to point out any differences, other than a sleeker, more polished exterior in the 2023. It’s an all-wheel drive as well, as expected from a top-end sports SUV. But it’s a huge overhaul under the hood, and under the dash.

Bigger, Better… Lighter

To begin with, it’s lighter than its closest predecessor (the 2022 Range Rover Sport) by 68 kg. This is despite the fact that the 2023 is the larger car, with more muscular proportions. It is built slightly longer and taller by about 7.6 cm. This seems almost insignificant but the extra space is expertly utilised.

Where the backseats in the 2022 were rather cramped, the 2023 has more spacious interiors, made more comfortable with the use of perforated Windsor leather. Despite being a larger car, the sculpted exterior and dynamic chassis also allows for greater aerodynamism – something that contributes to the car’s rather unexpected ease of handling. On the surface, the Range Rover Sport was built to be a modern luxury sedan, but its robust architecture and powerful engineering suggests that there is more to it than meets the eye.

Off-Road Beast

The hybrid runs on both a six-cylinder 48V mild-hybrid Ingenium petrol engines, plus a new V8 Twin Turbo 530PS V8 – a first for a Range Rover Sport. The petrol engine is a bit of a throwback (though a relative novelty in a hybrid model), but the hybrid support does elevate its performance. This ecosystem gives its engine a smooth power curve that can offer some impressive torque (up to 550 Nm).

This corresponds to a maximum output of 400 horsepower, allowing the Range Rover Sport to go from zero to 100 km/h in just under six seconds. In addition to the new architecture and engine, it also features all-wheel steering, torque vectoring and a new adaptive offroad cruise control system that gives it unsurpassed off-road performance.

You can’t quite enjoy the full range of the Range Rover Sport’s off-road and sport capabilities in Singapore, but at slow speeds, what it can’t give in performance it more than makes up in refinement. It’s a steady drive, with insignificant vibration and noise – when we drove through busy streets after a few rounds at the circuit, we tested the state-of-the-art Meridian Sound System speakers built into the Windsor leather seats.

We played music by a band known for its layered music – Canada’s Broken Social Scene in this case – and the sound was crisp and crystal clear, from every thumping percussion note to the subtlest secondary guitar chords.

Being off-road ready also means that the Range Rover Sport has superior built-in safety features such as a highly intuitive autonomous emergency braking system, lane-keep assist and a 360-degree parking camera. These features are standard across all builds of the 2023 Range Rover Sport.

Our Verdict

All in all, the 2023 Range Rover Sport is the perfect car for a liberating cruise down the road. It’s a very smooth drive and handles really well – it is surprisingly non-cumbersome despite its build, and a lot of this is due to the expert materials engineering that allows the 2023 Range Rover to be much lighter than its predecessors.

It is among the best in its category in terms of performance and reliability, but it also pips its closest competitors in terms of styling and its luxuriant interiors. The handsome car boasts a slew of modern tech and a fresh new look that bodes well for this third generation.

The new Range Rover Sport is available in SE, HSE and Autobiography specifications to meet your driving preferences. The hybrid sedan is also the perfect precursor to next year’s highly anticipated Range Rover Sport EV, which boasts pure electric propulsion. Until then, for those who need an impressive car that’s still capable of doing grunt work, this is the one for you. The third generation is well and truly here.

(Images Land Rover)

This story first appeared here. 

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Mercedes Benz also partners with Maybank to release its first-ever credit card in conjunction with the launch of the new GLC 300 4MATIC.

Looking into the GLC 300 4MATIC

Mercedes Benz celebrates the launch of the newest addition to its outstanding SUV collection – the new GLC 300 4MATIC. This luxurious ride is a newly appointed leader of the SUV segment, embodying the sportiness, luxury and modernness that the brand has been beloved for.

This new automobile has upgraded features like dynamic driving enjoyment, off-road cockpit and MBUX Augmented Reality navigation system, making your driving experience safe and secure even on the roughest of roads. Drive in the lap of luxury while you embark on all the exciting and challenging journeys.

On top of that, Mercedes Benz continues to elevate its brand as the purveyor of luxury lifestyle beyond the sphere of automotive. In conjunction with the release of GLC 300 4MATIC, Mercedes Benz Financial has joined hands with Maybank to create a chic new credit card. Branching from being the top automobile to finance, this exclusive collaboration aims to refine the luxurious lifestyle of Mercedes Benz customers. The credit card comes in chic black, with a minimalistic design exuding ”low-key luxury”.

Click here to find out more.

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British luxury carmaker, Bentley is known for producing high-end vehicles that combine luxury, performance, and style. The company was founded in 1919 by W.O. Bentley and has since then established itself as one of the world’s leading luxury car brands. The premium cars are designed and manufactured in Crewe, England, and are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and cutting-edge technology.

Just recently, the British luxury carmaker has unveiled two new cars that are now available in Malaysia—the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) and Continental GT S, with the introduction of wellness-focused Azure range alongside the S models.

Both cars are highly anticipated releases from the luxury carmaker and are expected to continue the company’s tradition of excellence in design, technology, and performance.

What we know about the 2023 Bentley Bentayga EWB and Continental GT S

The Bentley Bentayga is a luxury SUV that combines the brand’s signature opulence with power and versatility, while the GT S V8 is a high-performance sports car that promises to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

In this article, we will delve into the details of these exciting new releases and explore what makes them stand out in the world of luxury automobiles.

All about the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure

The Bentayga EWB Azure builds on the latest second-generation Bentayga, extending the wheelbase and rear cabin space by an extra 180 mm. This increase results in the wheelbase of the car stretching from 2995 mm to 3175 mm, with an overall length of 5322 mm. The increased length is all in the rear door, creating an exceptionally luxurious rear cabin area.

With a larger cabin space than any other luxury competitor, an emphasis on wellness, the new Bentley Airline Seat specification is the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car, with 22-way of adjustment and world-firsts in a new auto climate sensing system and postural adjustment technology.

In Relax mode, the seat can recline to 40 degrees, whilst the passenger seat is motored forwards and a beautifully leather-trimmed footrest deploys from the back of the front passenger seat. In Business Mode, the seat moves into its most upright position to make working on the move more comfortable.

The auto climate seat technology senses occupant temperature and surface humidity and then determines whether to apply heat, ventilation or both simultaneously to keep the occupant at optimum thermal wellbeing.

Meanwhile, the postural adjustment system automatically makes micro adjustments to the occupant’s seating position and pressure points, by measuring pressure across the seat surface. The system can apply 177 individual pressure changes across six fully independent pressure zones over a three-hour period improving comfort and minimising fatigue throughout a journey.

The Bentayga EWB Azure prioritises wellness of its occupants, offering a carefully curated selection of features for ‘wellbeing behind the wheel’ that enhance comfort as a driver or passenger. From the science-informed craftsmanship of the interior design to the intricate engineering of the seats and Dynamic Ride system, this luxury car is an unparalleled sanctuary of wellness.

It features a new, exclusive diamond quilting pattern throughout while being complemented by graceful Azure badging embedded in the treadplates, as an emblem on the front fascia panel, and embroidered into the seats.

Further accenting this is the new interior colour combination that flows through the expansive cabin space for a distinctive and alluring look and feel. The perfect balance of colour, in natural hides, complements the broad expanse of veneer found on the longer rear doors.

New features like Bentley Diamond Illumination (where light is emitted through small perforations in the soft feel door trim) demonstrate how technology combines with contemporary craftsmanship to deliver incredibly modern design in luxurious materials.

The introduction of Electronic All Wheel Steering, a first for the Bentayga, ensures that there is no shortfall of dynamic ability despite the longer wheelbase. In fact, the turning circle is 7% less than a standard Bentayga, at just 11.8 metres. This also guarantees no compromise between high-speed confidence and low speed convenience.

Developed with the help of wellbeing experts and neuroscientists, the Bentayga EWB Azure includes the Touring Specification of advanced driver assistance technologies for safer, more relaxing journeys.

The Head-Up Display means you can keep your eyes on the road at all times, while Adaptive Cruise Controls and Lane Assist make negotiating traffic effortless, and Night Vision delivers peace of mind when driving in the dark. With Bentley Safeguard Plus, this model has every driver assistance feature that Bentley offers. The result is a stress-free, sublime driving experience on every journey.

Everything about the Continental GT S

The Continental GT S combines bold sports styling with an agile drive, resulting in a luxury grand tourer with a thrilling edge. The presence of its signature dark exterior detailing, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, and adjustable four driving modes is boldly asserted by the roar of its Sports Exhaust, pushing the boundaries of performance into the realm of true driving joy.

With its dark, distinctive aesthetic setting it apart, the excitement begins from the moment you set eyes on it. Sporty curves are intensified by the commanding Blackline Specification replacing bright chrome with brooding gloss black. Dark tint headlamps and tail lamps complement the commanding aesthetic, promising more thrills around every corner.

The Continental GT S is offered with an all-new 22″ wheel option, with five Y-shaped spokes finished in gloss black and also available in a new Pale Brodgar Satin finish. A second wheel option is a 21″ tri-spoke wheel design that combines gloss black and bright machined finishes—also unique to S.

Finishing touches, such as extended Speed-style sills, black door mirrors and the sports exhaust with black quad tailpipes, enhance its unmistakable distinctiveness. Unique ‘S’ badging and a splash of colour from the red brake callipers elevate the striking design.

Complementing the dynamic and purposeful exterior design is an interior that’s striking and performance-focused, with a two-tone colour split that’s unique to the S models.

 

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The pairing of Dinamica with Bentley’s incomparable leather brings an interior that offers the tactile contrast of smooth hide and the soft napped finish of Dinamica.

The S design seats are fluted, with quilting available as an option, and the ‘S’ emblem is embroidered on the headrest of reach seat. For the engine, the twin-turbocharged 4.0 litre V8 delivers 542 bhp (550 PS), translating into acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.0 seconds and a top speed of 318 km/h.

Head to your closest Bentley showroom to bring the cars for a spin or visit here. 

This story first appeared here.

(All images including hero and feature image credits: Bentley Kuala Lumpur)

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While there are many car manufacturers out there, there is something about Ferrari unveiling a new sports car that will always feel special and different. As it happens, today is one of those special days as Ferrari has unveiled the Roma Spider. Here’s everything we know about Ferrari’s stunning new sports car.

The Ferrari Roma Spider is here

At first glance, you will realise that ⁠Ferrari’s breathtaking new convertible is effectively the open-top version of 2019’s Roma coupé. Featuring a 2+2 seating configuration, the Roma Spider also packs quite a powerful punch under the hood. It comes equipped with a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that does not compromise your need for speed or power. Its dual-clutch, eight-speed gearbox is a thing of beauty, as is the wind deflector you’ll find in the rear seat backrest (Ferrari was smart to patent this).

According to Ferrari, “The new spoiler geometry has been meticulously honed to reflect the #FerrariRomaSpider’s styling and new roof line, ensuring the car is always aerodynamically balanced and able to deliver increased driving exhilaration.”

Ferrari Roma Spider: A convertible inspired by the 1950s and 60s

 

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The USP of the Ferrari Roma Spider is undoubtedly its innovative soft top, the first to be seen on a front-engined Ferrari since 1969. Not only is this convertible roof ergonomically designed, but it’s also fast (you’ll be able to drop the roof in just 13.5 seconds!). According to Ferrari, the car’s design is a contemporary take on the pleasure-seeking Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s.

With a maximum speed of 198 miles per hour, this is a sports car that doesn’t just look good, but also FEELS good.

How much will the Ferrari Roma Spider cost?

While Ferrari has not revealed the price of its latest sports car, we can probably expect it to be upwards of USD 250,000 since the Roma coupé it is based on had a starting price of USD 268,000.

(Hero and feature image credits: Courtesy Instagram/Ferrari)

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Singer, songwriter, fashionista, model and businesswoman, Robyn Rihanna Fenty aka Rihanna is currently the youngest self-made billionaire in the US with a net worth of 1.4 billion. And so, it’s not surprising that her luxury indulgences include swanky properties, high-end jewellery, and a huge car collection of some of the most expensive automobiles.

Born and brought up in Barbados, Rihanna stepped into the pop music industry at the age of 17, with the chart-busting single “Pon de Replay” in 2005 and never looked back. As per a Forbes report in 2021, she is the richest female musician in the world.

However, her sensational music career isn’t the only reason for her massive fortune. Her successful make-up brand, Fenty Beauty plays a pivotal role in her income. Additionally, her appearances in major movies, such as Battleship (2012), Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017) and Ocean’s 8 (2018), and countless brand endorsements add to her fortune.

Having created an empire of her own, the queen has to move in style as well. This takes us to Rihanna’s luxury car collection, which reflects her exquisite taste in automobiles.

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Here are some of the most expensive cars in Rihanna’s collection

Mercedes SLR McLaren

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is a limited-edition supercar named after the legendary British racer. Reportedly, in 2008, the makeup mogul bought the chic car costing over USD 1 million for her then-boyfriend Chris Brown’s 24th birthday. But when they broke up in 2013, she decided to keep the beauty for herself.

It is one of the rarest vehicles in the Grammy winner’s collection. Only 75 prototypes of the car were built by Mercedes-Benz, which is powered by a 5.4-litre supercharged AMG V8 engine with 650 HP and 819 NM of torque. The supercar can speed up to an impressive 350 km/h (220 mph).

Mercedes-Benz introduced the SLR as a coupé but later decided to remove the A-pillars and windshields, and added two tall roll-bars behind the seats to the open-top convertible.

The car manufacturer also installed two small windscreens in the cockpit to safeguard the passengers from the wind. Another feature of the roadster is that if the driver drives alone, the passenger seat can be easily closed with a lid.

It also has an instrument panel displaying a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge and coolant temperature.

Ferrari 488 GTB

Most car enthusiasts love Ferraris, and Riri is no exception. As per various reports, the “Diamond” singer owns a Ferrari 488 GTB. The swanky car from the Italian auto giant falls in the price range of USD 225,000 and 290,000. With a 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the vehicle can go from zero to 100 km/h in 3 seconds straight. The model offers a top speed of up to 330 km/h. Its unbeatable performance and efficiency make it one of the most loved Ferrari models.

Lamborghini Aventador

Rihanna has a bright red Lamborghini Aventador as a part of her expansive car collection. The “Umbrella” singer often rides this supercar costing around USD 399,500 on weekends.

The roadster has a giant 6.5-litre V12 engine that can pick up zero to 100 km in a flash. Other than an impressive 350 km/h top speed, this vehicle has an F1-style artistic exterior and a stylish interior that provides the utmost comfort. The convertible generates 690 HP at 8250 rpm. Its elegance and top-notch performance make the four-wheeler suitable for the Caribbean queen’s taste.

Mercedes Maybach 57S

Maybach 57S is another prized possession of the pop singer. She has been spotted driving this magnificent beast often. Maybach is the most luxurious four-wheeler made by the German automobile company — Mercedes.

57S is the ultra-rich version of the luxurious S-class, which reportedly cost her around USD 4,17,000. The beast is tuned with a Mercedes-AMG 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged V-12-cylinder engine that generates about 604 HP at 4800 rpm. The acceleration is smooth and can go from zero to 100 in only 5 seconds, and the top speed is 250km/h. This is probably the most luxurious car in Riri’s collection.

Porsche 997 Turbo

From the long list of expensive and luxurious cars that Rihanna has in her garage, this seems to be one of her favourites. She has been spotted driving this car often, and it was also featured in the music video of her single, “Take a bow.”

Porsche 997 is not only the fastest car in the fashionista’s collection, but it is also among one of the fastest supercars by the auto giant Porsche. The coupé has a 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged Flat 6-cylinder engine that can generate up to 640 HP. It can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 2.8 seconds. Reportedly, the super-fast automobile has a price tag of around USD 2,16,000.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

 

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Another of the most expensive cars in the pop star’s collection is a Porsche 911 Turbo S. Jay-Z’s record label Roc Nation gifted this as a Christmas present to 24-year-old Rihanna in 2012, and since then it has made appearances in many of her Instagram posts with sassy taglines. Even after a decade, she still drives this and adores the gift.

 

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Powered by a turbocharged flat-6 engine that puts forth 530 HP at 6,250-6,750 rpm, this super fast car currently costs almost USD 2,16,000. The vehicle can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in less than 3 seconds.

Rolls Royce Cullinan

What’s a luxury car collection without a Rolls Royce? And Riri has an ultra-expensive Cullinan in her collection.

The British car company is famous for making luxury vehicles that offer the utmost comfort and an extremely smooth drive. Cullinan is no exception. The SUV showcases their fine craftsmanship and is a perfect blend of luxury and practicality. The price range starts from USD 355,000.

The 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V-12 engine of the stunner gives up to 563 HP and can reach zero to 60 in just 6.7 seconds.

BMW 7 Series

One of the most prominent models by the German automobile company is the 7 series. Unlike the brand’s other playful series, its super spacious luxury cabin is more inclined towards giving the riders a smooth drive with high-class comfort.

Distinctive classy exterior, innovative cockpit, panorama glass roof sky lounge and executive lounge seats, the sedan has it all. The four-wheeler can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and can go up to 250 km/h.

Currently, the price of the BMW 7 series starts from nearly USD 1,19,300.

Some other cars in Rihanna’s collection

The “Shut up and drive” singer’s car collection doesn’t end here. Among some not-so-expensive tagged vehicles parked in her garage are her BMW 328i, costing around USD 39,000, as per reports. It was a popular choice of sedan among celebs in the early 2010s. Reportedly, she also owns a Chevrolet Suburban LTZ worth USD 75,000 and a Jeep Wrangler worth USD 66,000.

(Main and featured image credit: @badgalriri/Instagram)

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Elaine Kwok wears many, many hats. From managing partner at Hauser & Wirth Asia to adoring mother to her three young children, it’s increasingly imperative, especially in the thick of Art Month, for Kwok to be where she needs to be, exactly when she needs to be.

After years of pandemic-condition editions, Art Basel Hong Kong is finally returning in full, magnificent, maskless force at the tail-end of March. “It’s officially my first since I’ve joined the gallery world,” says Elaine Kwok, whose appointment at Hauser & Wirth Asia began in February of last year. “I cannot wait to show off my hometown to the international world again.”

The patent excitement, though, is owed to months upon months of preparation; Hauser & Wirth Hong Kong, in particular, has been busy finalising artist Rashid Johnson’s first solo exhibition in Asia. Amid the toiling meetings and appointments that must occur in order to bring to life world-class exhibitions and presentations as is key to Kwok’s role, the managing partner remains insistent on being as present as possible for her family. “My career is very exciting, but my children still require a lot of my attention,” she says.

For Kwok, there’s no compromising on her values, and no compromising on ever having to choose between motherhood and a thriving career. Similarly, BMW’s i7 sedan, ever so luxurious and all-electric, compromises on neither spec nor comfort – as state-of-the-art as it is sustainability driven. And, as Kwok and her family on a busy day out discovered, there’s really no better way to commute from the hustle-bustle of Central, where they live and work, to their verdant Sai Kung getaway than in a cabin fully plugged into every kind of luxury afforded, be it a 31-inch Theatre Screen display, Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof, Executive Lounge seating, a Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound system and rear doors flanked with easy touchscreen displays. Watching that new Netflix release – or, work phone calls, as Kwok is keen to do on solo commutes – has never been so luxurious.

Find out more details about the BMW i7 sedan here.

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The vintage-looking BMW R nineT 100 Years has been launched to celebrate the centenary of BMW Motorrad, a motorcycle brand of BMW.

BMW Motorrad is a 100 years old this year. The motorcycle brand of BMW has produced motorcycles since 1923 and it’s consistently produced two-wheeled icons throughout its illustrious history. Models such as the R32, K100RS, R100RS, R1200GS and S1000RR come to mind. No doubt, the new BMW R nineT 100 Years will surely rank itself amongst these legends in the years to come.

The new BMW R nineT 100 Years has been purpose built to celebrate a century of BMW Motorrad. Limited to only 1,923 units worldwide – a tribute to the founding year of the brand – the motorcycle is a retro-inspired roadster that echoes the passion-driven values and Soul-Fuelled heritage, BMW motorcycles are renowned for.

Retro Vibes

With its reduced design language, compact tank and upright seating position, the motorcycle is a perfect homage to the 100-year history. It also embodies a true tradition of BMW Motorrad, which is inextricably tied to the legendary Boxer engine.

The exclusive centennial edition of the classic roadster is also characterised by numerous special features alongside an elaborate surface concept. The Black Storm metallic paintwork on the chrome-plated tank is a vital, special feature of the 100 Years edition, as the traditional paint-on-chrome method is a tribute to the 1969 R 75/5.

On the BMW R nineT 100 Years, the sophisticated interplay of paint and chrome is represented by a combination of black with chrome and white double-lining on the tank, complemented by tank grips and a 100 Years badge. Further complementing the look harmoniously are numerous black components such as the fork tubes and air intake snorkel.

Although boasting retro elements, the limited edition motorcycle is not short on modernity. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, dual speed indicator and rational-speed sensor instruments with on-board computer content. It’s also built for safety and rideability with Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Rain & Road Riding Modes and BMW Motorrad ABS Pro.

At the heart of the motorcycle sits the legendary 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke Boxer engine, capable of generating 80 kW (109 hp) and 116 Nm of torque. With its retrospective styling and performance, the BMW R nineT 100 Years exemplifies the qualities of the legendary motorcycle brand in its most exclusive form.

(Images: BMW Motorrad)

This story first appeared here.

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Some may not know that while Bentley produces some of the world’s most luxurious automobiles, it has always dedicated a huge amount of attention and capital into the realm of audio, too. Thereby, as an upcoming project, the impressive Bentley Record Room is set to open in a new concert arena in the UK.

The United Kingdom is set to welcome its largest indoor arena, the Co-op Live, which can capacitate up to 23,000 people inside the venue. As part of this, Bentley has jumped in with an exclusive member-only Bentley Record Room to elevate your whole concert-going experience.

The club has a capacity of 100 members and will be located within the Co-op Live, specifically beside the performers’ Green Room. This means that club members will have access to the club before, during, and after the performance. They will enjoy offerings such as a fine dining, a private host and waiter, designated parking, a VIP entrance, access to special events, and some of the best tickets to the shows.

Not leaving behind its own legacy, the Bentley Record Room still exhibits its signature ambience in the interiors designed by the Bentley Design Team. The club is decorated to replicate the feel of its luxurious automobiles, with low-carbon Beluga leather seating and Bentley Home furniture.

The perks that come with the intimate and elegant club will certainly facilitate concert-going for music lovers, as Bentley has long considered itself one devotee of the music experience as well.

Co-op Live is expected to open in Manchester by the end of 2023. For more information on the Bentley Record Room, visit the website.

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If you had a chance to witness the F1 Grand Prix in Singapore the past month, you might want to experience the adrenaline rush again at these F1 races in 2023.

The 2023 Formula 1 season is about to begin. For teams and drivers, this year will prove to be the toughest with 23 races on the cards. Flagging off in Bahrain on 5 March, the season will end at the finale on 26 November at Abu Dhabi. For fans though it will be an exciting season, but also an expensive one because attending Formula 1 Grand Prix races comes at a steep price.

Thanks to a recent study, we can now ascertain which are the most expensive Formula 1 Grand Prix races to attend in 2023. By analysing the average prices of weekend tickets for each race on the 2023 calendar as well as the average cost of accommodation in the same area, the study reveals just how much it costs to attend each race.

Most Expensive Formula 1 Races In 2023

It comes at no surprise that the most expensive race to attend this year is the Las Vegas GP. Taking place from 16-18 November, the debut race in ‘Sin City’ costs an average £5,849 for the weekend. A three-day general admission ticket for the Last Vegas GP costs THB17,018 to THB409,327 for the top range “F1 Experiences Champions Club 3-Day Package”. Average costs for a stay during race weekend is around THB28,125.

The United States claims the rights to both the second and third priciest Grand Prix races on the 2023 calendar. The Miami Grand Prix held from 5-7 May costs an average of £3,817. Austin, Texas, which hosts Round 19 of the 2023 season from 20-22 October averages at £3,064.

Further down on the list, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku (28 to 30 April) comes in fourth with a total average cost of £3,064 for the weekend. The top five closes with the Saudi Arabian GP which will take place from the 17th to the 19th of March in Jeddah. Average costs for the weekend to attend this Formula 1 race will cost £2,716.

In case you’re wondering where Singapore ranks on the list of most expensive Formula 1 Grand Prix races of 2023, well it comes in at number nine. The average price to attend the Singapore Grand Prix from 15-17 September is SGD2,931.

(Main image: Abed Ismail/Pexels; featured image: Hanson Lu/Unsplash)

This story first appeared here.

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British luxury car maker Rolls-Royce and Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen released a bespoke Phantom Syntopia on 6 March.

Based on the Phantom Extended model, the one-of-a-kind Phantom Syntopia took four years to develop and is meant for private collection.

Named after haute couture icon Van Herpen’s landmark 2018 collection, the Phantom Syntopia follows the ‘Weaving Water’ theme which dominates the interiors and is visible on the bonnet of the car.

What to know about Rolls-Royce Phantom Syntopia

Unique ‘Weaving Water’ theme that reflects the starlit night sky

The headliner is where the Haute Couture ‘Weaving Water’ theme is immediately visible upon entering the luxury car.

It is made of a single sheet of leather and appears like a 3D object. It has 162 delicate petals made of glass organza and 995 sparkling fiber optic ‘stars’, of which 187 were placed by hand.

The theme runs throughout the interior of the car, including the width of the Phantom’s fascia. Of the seats, the front is finished in Magic Grey leather while a specially created silk-blend fabric has been used for the rear.

Rolls-Royce also developed what it calls a “Liquid Noir” iridescent paint which reflects purple, blue, magenta and gold undertones when seen from different angles in sunlight.

The car is the first Rolls-Royce to come with a bespoke scent made in collaboration with the clients of the machine.

Designed for private collection

Rolls-Royce said in a statement that the Iris Van Herpen designed Phantom Syntopia “will take its place in the clients’ private collection in May” and it will never be replicated.

The company said that Van Herpen will also design a one-off garment based on the ‘Weaving Water’ theme seen on the headliner for the clients. It will take around six months for development.

“For this special collaboration, I was inspired by the concept of ‘Weaving Water’ and transformed the sense of being in movement into an immersive experience of fluidity inside the Phantom. I wanted this to become a state-of-the-art experience being overwhelmed by the forces of nature,” Van Herpen said in the statement.

“When I met the Bespoke Collective, I discovered that the world of Rolls-Royce is very similar to Haute Couture. Every garment I create is a one-off, tailor-made to my clients’ individual measurements, just like every Rolls-Royce,” the designer added.

(Main and Featured images: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars)

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The 2023 Formula 1 season is about to begin. For teams and drivers, this year will prove to be the toughest with 23 races on the cards. Flagging off in Bahrain on 5 March, the season will end at the finale on 26 November at Abu Dhabi. For fans though it will be an exciting season, but also an expensive one because attending Formula 1 Grand Prix races comes at a steep price.

Thanks to a recent study, we can now ascertain, which are the most expensive Formula 1 Grand Prix races to attend in 2023. By analysing the average prices of weekend tickets for each race on the 2023 calendar as well as the average cost of accommodation in the same area, the study reveals just how much it costs to attend each race.

Most Expensive Formula 1 Races In 2023

It comes at no surprise that the most expensive race to attend this year is the Las Vegas GP. Taking place from 16-18 November, the debut race in ‘Sin City’ costs an average £5,849 (SGD9,429) for the weekend. A three-day general admission ticket for the Last Vegas GP costs SGD665 to SGD15,995 for the top range “F1 Experiences Champions Club 3-Day Package”. Average costs for a stay during race weekend is around SGD1,099.

The United States claims the rights to both the second and third priciest Grand Prix races on the 2023 calendar. The Miami Grand Prix held from 5-7 May costs an average of £3,817 (SGD6,153) with stays averaging around SGD1,097. Austin, Texas, which hosts Round 19 of the 2023 season from 20-22 October averages at £3,064 (SGD4,939). Accommodations in Austin for the weekend, average at SGD960.

Further down on the list, the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku (28 to 30 April) comes in fourth with a total average cost of £3,064 (SGD4,940) for the weekend. The top five closes with the Saudi Arabian GP which will take place from the 17th to the 19th of March in Jeddah. Average costs for the weekend to attend this Formula 1 race will cost £2,716 (SGD4379).

In case you’re wondering where Singapore ranks on the list of most expensive Formula 1 Grand Prix races of 2023, well it comes in at number nine. The average price to attend the Singapore Grand Prix from 15-17 September is SGD2,931.

(Main image: Abed Ismail/Pexels; featured image: Hanson Lu/Unsplash)

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Project Mondo G, a collab between Mercedes-Benz and Italian luxury fashion house Moncler, is a Mercedes-Benz G-Class off-roader. Here’s a closer look.

This is the first time that Moncler has collaborated with an automotive brand. The launch of the art piece took place at Moncler’s “Art of Genius” live show during London Fashion Week on 20 February.

[Hero and featured image credit: Mercedes-Benz/Website]

More about the Mercedes-Benz and Moncler collaboration

G-Class off-roader gets Moncler’s signature style

The collaboration highlights the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in a signature Moncler puffer jacket design.

The near-perfect geometric design of the G-Class combines well with the lined patterns of the Moncler reflective surfaces. The unique design is most prominent on the roof of the car and large, open wheels.

On the back of the car is the Moncler branding, in the shape of a huge zipper detail.