Stratos

Stratos

After much speculation in the Automotive Press, information on the new ‘Stratos’ has been officially released. An anonymous European business man is funding the project, where he aims to revive the legendary Stratos after 40 years.

The pictures are from the Fiat test track in Balocco. It shows a fabulous looking car that reproduces the sublime lines of the original Lancia, with a modern edge. It avoids being too retro, but retains the basic wedge shape and round tail lights. It also recognises the original cars power plant – the car from the 70’s had a Ferrari V6 Dino engine and this car uses a modern Ferrari V8. In fact, it was ex-F1 driver Tiago Montero that was driving the prototype for the test – and he claimed it was ‘sensational’ to drive.

Whether this car makes it into a limited production remains to be seen, but we certainly hope it does! Congratulations to all involved with this fabulous project…

McLaren London

One Hyde Park, in Knightsbridge, has been announced as the location of the new McLaren London showroom – just around the corner from the showroom McLaren had in Park Lane for the legendary F1 road car. It is planned to open in early 2011, prior to the spring launch of the McLaren MP4-12C.

McLaren London is expected to become the marque’s leading European retailer and probably the busiest in the global network.

The One Hyde Park development consists of 86 apartments and three very upmarket retail spaces, with the McLaren showroom on the ground floor of ‘pavilion B’, the largest of the three retail units, looking out onto Knightsbridge and strategically placed opposite Harvey Nichols at the top of Sloane Street. While McLaren will be the only motoring brand at One Hyde Park, it’s likely that the other two units will house leading luxury brands. As a further attraction, the McLaren showroom will displaying one of the team’s Formula 1 racing cars.

Tibaldi Bentley Supersports Pen

Tibaldi have created a new pen as part of its collaboration with Bentley, inspired by the Bentley Supersports.

The barrel of the Supersports pen is made of carbon fibre just like the interior of the Bentley Supersports with a knurled sterling silver end. The cap features the iconic Bentley ‘B’ enamelled into the top. Only six hundred and thirty pens will be made and will be available exclusively from Tibaldi and Bentley dealerships in both fountain pen and rollerball configuration.

Hermes Orion Suitcase

We don’t generally feature too many news pieces on ‘luggage’, but it seems there are some particularly nice items about this summer. Hermès have just released its new Orion Suitcase as part of their summer collection. The Hermès Orion Suitcase has been created by Hermès designer, Gabriele Pezzini, and has been brushed with pure anodized aluminum with interiors reinforced with carbon and the handles crafted in traditional Hermès brown saddle leather. The suitcase has been specifically built to be ergonomic and simplistic and will be available exclusively through Hermès boutiques worldwide.

Porsche 918 Spyder

It is a good day for Porsche fans. The Porsche AG Supervisory Board have today given the green light for series production of the stunning Porsche 918 Spyder, after its debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Reflecting the overwhelming response from the public and customers to the Concept Study, the Supervisory Board have now asked Porsche’s management team to develop a production model based on the 918 Spyder concept – an ultra-high-performance mid-engined sports car with plug-in hybrid technology.

Michael Macht, President and Chairman of the Board of Management of Porsche AG said, “Production of the 918 Spyder in a limited series proves that we are taking the right approach with Porsche Intelligent Performance featuring the combination of supreme performance and efficient drivetrain concepts. We will develop the 918 Spyder in Weissach and assemble it in Zuffenhausen. This is also a very important commitment to Germany as a manufacturing base for Porsche.”

The Concept Study of the 918 Spyder offered CO2 emissions of just 70 g/km, corresponding to a fuel consumption of 94.1 mpg (3.0 litre/100 km), combined with the performance of a supercar.

No further details are available at this time, but Porsche have promised to reveal more during the next couple of months.

Hackett Globe-Trotter Luggage

We’re big fans of Hackett menswear, especially with their Aston Martin Racing relationship. Imagine our excitement then, when we received the Press Release announcing their collaboration with another iconic British brand, Globe-Trotter, creator of exquisite handcrafted luggage.

Their relationship will be bringing a new range of hand-made luggage for Autumn/Winter 2010. A particular highlight for us is the British Racing Green case lined with a bold Union Jack lining. The outside features the AMR wings (see inset).

Hackett Globe-Trotter Luggage

If you don’t want an Aston Martin Racing range of luggage, then maybe the ‘Mayfair’ (black with Prince of Wales check lining) or ‘Hackett London’ (navy with blue and white Bengal striped lining) are more to your taste?

The Globe-Trotter range will be available in two sizes – 21” trolley case at £750.00 and a 18” attaché case priced at £490.00. It may be a little eccentric, but that’s just perfect by us.

Limited Edition Porsche Centurion

Porsche has launched a limited edition 911 Carrera S Centurion Edition model in Hong Kong to celebrate the exclusive American Express black card. The Porsche 911 Carrera S Centurion Edition is designed in pure matte black paint with sharp blacked-out wheels and an all black leather interior. The trim is made of alcantara and carbon fibre with a special plaque on the dashboard. Only three of the Porsche’s will be made and will be exclusively available to those who hold the American Express Centurion card.

If you thought the Sport Classic was an expensive ‘special’ 911, then prepare for a sharp intake of breath when you see the price of this ‘special’ 911… It can be yours for a mere £180,000!

Chopard 2010 GT XL

Chopard have been the principal sponsors of the Mille Miglia for many years and  each year they make a limited edition watch to commemorate the occasion.

This years watch is the GT XL Chrono which has a specially made brushed aluminum dial similar to the instrument panel of some cars. The watch uses an automatic Chopard movement, which has a power reserve of forty-six hours. Only 2,010 of the watches will be made with a steel case as well as two hundred and fifty with a rose gold case, both models have a rubber strap modelled after the profile of a Dunlop tyre.

Ferrari World

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi unveils today its attractions, designed to tell the Ferrari story, passion, excellence, performance and technical innovation to families and fans of all ages. More than 20 rides will offer thrills and amusement for a complete Ferrari experience.

It seems as though there will be plenty to do there (if you’re a kid), but they could do with some decent renders to sell it! Formula Rossa and G-Force sound fun and the Junior Grand Prix will be a highlight for the kids…

RIDES & ATTRACTIONS:

• FORMULA ROSSA. The world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching speeds of 240 km/h.
• SPEED OF MAGIC. A fantasy 4-D journey following the adventures of a young boy as he travels through a kaleidoscopic dreamscape of natural and phenomenal environments, where no Ferrari has gone before.
• MADE IN MARANELLO. A virtual trip behind the walls of the famous Ferrari factory in Maranello, taking guests through the process of making a Ferrari.
• V12. An exciting flume ride to the heart of a 12 cylinder engine.
• G-FORCE. A thrilling tower ride that will shoot thrill-seekers through the red roof and 62 metres in the air before plummeting back to Earth, experiencing the actual G-force of a Ferrari, in a seat directly inspired by the Ferrari Enzo.
• SCUDERIA CHALLENGE. Cutting edge racing simulators similar to those used by the drivers of the Scuderia Ferrari in training.
• VIAGGIO IN ITALIA. A virtual aerial voyage over Italy’s cities and main monuments, mountains and coasts pursuing a Ferrari.
• FIORANO GT CHALLENGE. A unique duelling rollercoaster with Ferrari F430 Spiders twisting and turning through tight corners on a sprint to the finish line.
• BELL’ITALIA. A miniature recreation of Italy’s most famous locations, from the picturesque Portofino and the Amalfi Coast to Monza racetrack, the Colosseum in Roma, Venezia and Maranello, the heartland and home of Ferrari.
• PADDOCK. A re-creation of the Ferrari motor home including garages, transporters & hospitality suites with interactive shows offering fans a taste of the true action behind the scenes on a Grand Prix race day.
• THE PIT WALL. An interactive theatre that allows guests to test their judgment in realistic racing scenarios.
• GALLERIA FERRARI. The world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside Maranello, showcasing the most exclusive range of classic and contemporary Ferrari’s from all over the world.
• JUNIOR GT. A driving school for children with expert instruction where they will drive reduced scale F430 GT Spiders on an equipped driving course.
• JUNIOR GRAND PRIX. After the Junior GT driving experience, budding F1™ drivers can enjoy the race track in scaled down Ferrari F1™ racers.
• THE RACING LEGENDS. A ride through Ferrari’s greatest racing moments starting from the first races all the way to today’s F1 victories.
• DRIVING WITH CHAMPIONS. An interactive 3-D show which follows the adventures of a young engineer who is taken on the ride of a lifetime with a racing champion on his first day working at the Ferrari factory
• CINEMA MARANELLO. Ferrari World’s own theatre showing ‘Coppa di Sicilia’, a short film that tells one of the many inspiring stories from the life of the legendary Enzo Ferrari.
• JUNIOR TRAINING CAMP. An interactive play area for children where they can engage with a waterless car wash, become custom ‘constructors’, climb up the grandstand, pilot remote cars, paddle their own miniature Ferrari and play with an F1™ car made of soft, guest-friendly foam.
• CAROUSEL. Featuring never-before-seen Ferrari prototypes based on winning designs from a Ferrari competition.
• DINING & SHOPPING. A range of concept restaurants and cafes offering authentic Italian dining experiences, in addition to unique shopping locations.

V8 Vantage N420

Aston Martin has unveiled a new motorsport-inspired special edition; the V8 Vantage N420 which brings a new dimension of sporting prowess and dynamic ability to the V8 Vantage range. The Vantage N420 draws inspiration from the company’s experiences at the Nürburgring 24-hour race.

Successor to the special edition V8 Vantage N400 of 2007, the Vantage N420 is based upon the standard 4.7-litre, 420bhp, 180mph V8 Vantage and is available as a Coupe or Roadster, and with a six-speed manual or optional Sportshift automated manual transmission.

A generous standard specification and some unique options ensure the special edition Vantage N420 is both exclusive and distinctive, while also offering a 27kg weight saving – achieved through the application of carbon fibre – over the standard V8 Vantage.

N420 with the GT4 Vantage

On the outside, wider sills combine perfectly with a carbon fibre splitter, side strakes and diffuser, while bold 10-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels complete with gloss black finish, black mesh vents and ‘Graphitic’ tailpipe finishers complete the co-ordinated look.

Inside the Vantage N420 offers an Iridium interior package, with graphite instruments, leather or Alcantara® steering wheel, special N420 sill plaques and lightweight carbon fibre seats, complete with ‘Race Track’ stitching as in the V12 Vantage. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control and Park Distance Control are also standard.

Cementing the Vantage N420’s credentials as a special edition V8 Vantage tailored for the most discerning and enthusiastic drivers, it is fitted with the normally optional Sports Pack. This package combines revised springs, dampers and anti-roll bars for even more responsive and dynamic handling, while retaining the V8 Vantage’s renowned poise, balance and long distance ability. Finally, a new sports exhaust system delivers a suitably rousing soundtrack.

A further distinctive feature is the availability of a new range of optional Aston Martin ‘Race Collection’ paint schemes. Pairing bold body colours with contrasting hues for the cant rails and radiator grille surround, they celebrate the marque’s racing heritage.

Production of the V8 Vantage N420 begins this month, with deliveries commencing in August and prices starting from £96,995.