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All of the Bond cars of ‘No Time To Die’ (caution for spoilers)

Note: The following overview of the cars in No Time To Die contains spoilers. Read at your own risk, or come back after seeing the film to make sure you caught everything.

No Time To Die picks up right around where Spectre leaves us. James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Madeleine Swann (Léa Seydoux) are driving along in Bond’s restored and iconic DB 5 in Matera, Italy. Things don’t stay all that cheery for long in picturesque Matera, though. As is tradition in Bond films, the first car chase hits us with an explosion of action in what’s a super-long opening scene.

Fourth-gen Maserati Quattroporte: The baddies in the beginning are driving a Maserati and chasing after Bond in the DB5. Specifically, they’re in a fourth-gen Quattroporte, which feels right for a chase scene in Italy. Its squared-off looks are mean enough, and its Italian growl is a good background soundtrack to the DB5’s inline-six.

In addition to the Quattroporte, the chase scene in Matera is home to a couple of the best stunts of the entire movie, including the arch jump done with a Triumph motorcycle seen in trailers — Matera is extremely hilly.

Eventually, Bond and Swann find themselves in the DB5 again together, which is where the famous gatling gun scene from the trailer commences, but not before the bulletproof windows and body of the DB5 are thoroughly tested. RIP to the first-gen Range Rover Classics and Jaguar XFs that joined the Maserati in pursuit of Bond (here’s a list of other Bond cars over the years).

As the DB5 escape scene concludes, we catch a glimpse of what appears to be a Ferrari from the 1970s. However, the view was far enough away that we’ll need a second look to be sure of the exact model.

Land Rover Series III: Next time we see Bond, he’s fishing in Jamaica and driving around a blue Land Rover Series III. It’s yet another of the many Land Rover products featured throughout the film, and unlike most of Bond’s Aston Martins, this one doesn’t seem to have any unique features. The other intriguing vehicle out of Jamaica? An old Chevrolet Bel-Air expertly and effectively piloted by Bond newcomer, Ana de Armas.

Next up, we get a few shots of the new and still-not-for-sale Aston Martin Valhalla mid-engine supercar (also seen in trailers). Bond’s old boss M is in the scene which appears to have been shot in some secret wind tunnel of sorts. Much to our dismay, nobody ends up driving the Valhalla in the film. Could it be a teaser for what the next 007’s car is? There’s a decent chance of that, considering the Valhalla played such a small role in this Bond film.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage: Boy were we happy to see the original V8 Vantage from the late 1970s and 1980s make an appearance. In fact, it made multiple appearances throughout the film. It’s difficult to get a more badass combo than Daniel Craig behind the wheel of a blacked-out Aston Martin Mustang.

Off-road vehicles aplenty: As seen on several trailers, things take a turn to the off-road side of things with flying Land Rover Defenders — Land Rover even made special James Bond versions of the SUV. Bond wasn’t behind the wheel of any of these Defenders, though. Instead, he pilots a Toyota Land Cruiser in the Norway portion of the film as he’s pursued by Range Rover Sport SVRs and Defender V8s with double the horsepower. Plus, Triumph motorcycles are back again for the two-wheel enthusiasts in this bumpy chase scene.

Aston Martin DBS Superleggera: The stunning and still relatively new DBS Superleggera rocks up to the party in Norway, too, quickly showing everybody its bonkers 715-horsepower V12 is nothing to sneeze at. This two-seat Aston is piloted by Nomi, Bond’s 007 replacement, and she’s clearly gone through the same secret agent driving training that Bond did.

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is where we’ll leave you without getting too spoiler-heavy. There are plenty of classic Bond gadgets and gizmos throughout the film. Plus, a bizarre plane/submarine combo vehicle makes an appearance at some point. In short, though, the cars of Daniel Craig’s last Bond film don’t disappoint, and neither do the stunts.

There is plenty for car enthusiasts to ogle at when No Time To Die opens in theaters on October 8.

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September 30, 2021 / Comments Off

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James Jean Goes Surreal With The Design Of This Koenigsegg CCX Art Car

Back when we were kids, some of our favorite activities involves art supplies. It’s a great way for children to nurture their creativity and perhaps even discover artistic talents. If you love coloring books, this unique collaboration between Taiwanese-American artist James Jean and Koenigsegg is a tribute to that. However, instead of print on paper, we have the latter’s CCX hypercar.

Following the stunning Agera RS “art car” that debuted earlier in September 2021, the subsequent project is a little more interactive. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Festival of Children Foundation, Koenigsegg and Jean coming up with a fun visual upgrade.

Wrapping around the CCX is a mesmerizing fantasy artwork in black and white. Evidently, this is intentional as guests at the exhibit are encouraged to participate. The same concept applies to a regular coloring book. However, it’s on a bigger scale and with a powerful machine.

Dubbed “Les Forestiers II,” images of flora and fauna adorn the exterior of the Koenigsegg hypercar. Instead of the actual body of the CCX, the graphics are printed on a wrap the covers it. The event was held at the Ghost Squadron at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California.

Koenigsegg is a renowned Swedish carmaker that produces some of the world’s most remarkable high-performance vehicles. The CCX proudly boasts completely in-house construction. The aluminum V8 engine produces 806 horsepower with 693 lb-ft of torque.

This allows the hypercar to go from zero to 62 mph in 3.2 seconds. Track testing also shows a top speed of more than 245 mph. We know discerning clients can practically order their CCX in whatever configuration they want. However, the James Jean tie-in is as bespoke as one can get.

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Images courtesy of James Jean/Koenigsegg

September 27, 2021 / Comments Off

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Panerai Is Offering Only 100 Examples Of Its Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition

We’re once again at that point when two renowned brands decide to collaborate for an exclusive production run. This time, it’s a luxury creation from Panerai dubbed the Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition. This diver’s watch is for fans of the German aftermarket tuning group with a love for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

The tuner also caters to discerning clients with its lineup of high-performance marine vessels. As such, Panerai holds up its end of the partnership with it an appropriate model to host the BRABUS badge. This is a sophisticated timepiece that embodies elegance within a sleek and stealthy profile.

What gives the Panerai Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition a distinct aesthetic is the material of choice for its construction. Also, the watchmaker’s proprietary carbon fiber-based composite material – Carbotech is the highlight here. It endows the surfaces with an almost damascene pattern people will admire.

You’ll find it on the 47-mm tortuga case, anti-clockwise uni-directional bezel, and crown-guard lever. Beneath the sapphire crystal is an open-work dial with skeleton hands, and applied hour markers. Meanwhile, the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock shares its space with the AM/PM indicator.

Those who frequently travel will benefit from the GMT function of the Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition. Red accents outline the hands, sub-dial indices, and frame the date window at 3 o’clock. Panerai is using a P.4001/S self-winding caliber with a 3-day power reserve.

Low-light visibility won’t be an issue as all crucial elements glow brightly with green/blue lume. Panerai, ships the Submersible S Brabus Black Ops Edition with two straps. Only 100 examples are pegged for production, so don’t hesitate to reserve yours now.

Check it out: Here

Images courtesy of Panerai

September 26, 2021 / Comments Off

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At 900 Hp With 922 Lb-Ft Of Torque, The BRABUS 900 Rocket Edition Is A Luxe Beast

In our years of regularly featuring some of the most badass rides from BRABUS, it’s always a thrill hearing about its latest projects. Most of you might know the badge for their jaw-dropping armored conversions. What many overlook is the insane work they do with aftermarket tuning. Don’t believe us? Maybe the 900 Rocket Edition will change your mind.

Boasting a highly limited production run of only 25 examples, this souped-up machine is overflowing with extreme upgrades. BRABUS loves working exclusively with an iconic German marque and is not breaking tradition anytime soon. Its latest venture involves the Mercedes-Benz GLE 63 S 4MATIC Coupe.

The donor model is by no means an underwhelming platform when it comes to performance and luxury. However, BRABUS exists to push SUVs like it beyond their limits. The 900 Rocket Edition exceeds whatever the stock powertrain can deliver by a remarkable margin.

Its 4.5-liter BRABUS 900 twin-turbo V8 engine is good for 900 horsepower with a 922 lb-ft of torque. This allows the 900 Rocket Edition to reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 3.2 seconds. Furthermore, the top speed is around 205 mph.

To give onlookers an idea of what’s in front of them is a sportier and aggressive silhouette. They call the new coat of paint “Superior Gray” which is appropriate given the performance tweaks it received. Carbon fiber elements peek out in all the right places and the set of 24-inch BRABUS Monoblock “Platinum Edition” Z forged wheels.

The 900 Rocket Edition is decked with a multi-tone interior of black, gray, and red elements. Leather and plush Alcantara wrap almost all surfaces of its cabin. Of course, BRABUS will gladly cater to their client’s tastes when it comes to customization.

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Images courtesy of BRABUS

September 26, 2021 / Comments Off

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Vacheron Constantin Calls For Adventure With The New Overseas Everest Collection

While most high-end timepieces are tough enough to withstand the occasional impact or accidental drops, owners prefer to wear them for more casual activities. There are others that prefer to push beyond the standards many consider when it comes to durability. Vacheron Constantin is doing just that with the latest Overseas collection.

The new lineup is called the “Everest” and consists of two variations: Chronograph and Dual Time. Even though both have a lot in common when it comes to aesthetics, their functionalities and more set them apart. As for which model to get, it entirely depends on your preferences. If it were up to us, one of each should do nicely.

Overseas Dual Time Everest

First up on our list for the Overseas collection is the Dual Time Everest. It features a 41-mm x 12.8-mm case that houses a matte grayish-blue dial. The outermost minute track ring is in the same shade, while the applied hour markers are a mix of sticks and batons.

You can tell the time back home via the orange hand and day/night indicator at 9 o’clock. Then there’s the date sub-dial at 6 o’clock. Powering the watch is Vacheron Constantin’s 5110 DT/2 self-winding movement with a 60-hour power reserve.

Overseas Chronograph Everest

When you want different timekeeping functions and a bigger silhouette, this is it. The case measures 42.5 mm x 13.7 mm with a similar outline as the other. The dial is still a matte grayish-blue affair but sports a mix of baton, stick, and square hour markers.

You can find a date window right in the middle of 4 and 5 o’clock with three chronograph sub-dials. A total of three hands are in orange to give it much some needed contrast. Inside, Vacheron Constantin equips it with the 5200/2 automatic caliber good for 52 hours on a full wind.

Vacheron Constantin Premium Craftsmanship

The most recent Overseas collection might not look like luxury watches at a glance, but the spec sheets say otherwise. It uses titanium and stainless steel for the case, while the dial boasts 18K gold elements. Moreover, the transparent sapphire crystal of its caseback shows the 22K pink gold oscillating weight.

The intricate designs vary between the two Everest models. Depending on your mood or outfit, swap between the gray rubber or blue Cordura fabric straps. Vacheron Constantin will be offering 150 examples of each adventure-ready Overseas Everest variant.

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Images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

September 23, 2021 / Comments Off

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In Less Than 24 Hours, Acura Sells Out All 350 Units Of The 2022 NSX Type S

One of the showstoppers at the 2021 Monterey Car Week was Honda’s luxury division’s reveal of the 2022 NSX Type S. Acura plans to produce only 350 examples of this everyday supercar and 300 are heading stateside. The remaining 50 are for the Japanese market. Unfortunately, those who plan to get one are out of luck because all are already spoken for.

Reports reveal that in less than 24 hours the entire fleet of 2022 NSX Type S bound for the United States sold out. This was supposedly confirmed by an Acura insider who also noted that all allocated units have been reserved with deposits. Even before the big reveal, interest surrounding the platform was already at an all-time high.

Perhaps the key factor behind this rush is Acura’s recent announcement regarding the vehicle. This might be the last chance for anyone to own the one since the next model year is apparently the last. Pricing starts at $169,500 for the standard trim and goes up to $182,500 with the lightweight package of automotive upgrades.

Of course, when it comes to the vehicle identification number (VIN), some discerning collectors have their preferences. We heard the unit tagged 001 commanded an insane price. Aside from its exclusive production run, the 2022 NSX Type S is no slouch when it comes to performance.

Acura endows the coupe with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine that produces 600 horsepower with 492 lb-ft of torque. Completing the powertrain is a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can complete 0-60 mph dash in less than three seconds with a top speed of 191 mph. We think the 2022 NSX Type S is a thrilling ride preview of when Acura finally goes all-electric in the future.

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Images courtesy of Acura

September 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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No Two Dials Of The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Gold Crystal Will Ever Be Alike

How bespoke can watchmakers go? This is the question that plagues our affluent friends ask before they shop for their next wrist candy. When the price is not an issue, even the world’s leading brands will gladly build one according to your exact specifications. Hublot answers the call for one-of-a-kind luxury with the Spirit of Big Bang Gold Crystal.

There are practically endless ways to craft something unique. However, Hublot loves to push the boundaries when it comes to premium craftsmanship. Instead of just taking the easy way out and making a one-off model, they’re settling for cutting-edge methods in metallurgy. Yes, there is scientific wizardry at work here.

You might have already spotted it from the start given the murdered-out profile of the Big Bang Gold Crystal. Giving contrast to the almost all-black theme, are intricate yellow crystalline patterns set on the black backdrop of its dial. It is devoid of any markings save for the Hublot branding and “Swiss Made” text at 6 o’clock.

As the product page explains, to achieve this effect, Hublot dabbles in what many consider alchemy. In a way, it might seem like it, but the process involves 24-carat gold and extreme heat – 1947.52 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. The precious metal’s vapors eventually merge as the temperature drops to create bespoke structures.

Only the perfect samples make it through a thorough selection, which is only 20% of each batch. Hublot presents the Big Bang Gold Crystal in a 42-mm black ceramic tonneau case. It boasts a combination of polished, satin, and matte finishes. Regulating its timekeeping is the HUB1710 self-winding caliber with a 50-hour power reserve. The timepiece is then paired to a black rubber/alligator leather strap with a deployant buckle clasp closure.

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Images courtesy of Hublot

September 21, 2021 / Comments Off

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Bugatti Is Working With Gillette For the Chiron Pur Sport Heated Safety Razor

Aside from building some of the most powerful high-performance vehicles, Bugatti occasionally partners with other companies for cool collaborations. In its latest run, the French luxury automaker is working with a safety razor and shaving supply provider Gillette for the Chiron Pur Sport. Contrary to what you might think, this tie-in involves a grooming tool instead of a ride.

After hearing about it, we were thinking it was a limited-edition trim of the hypercar. Perhaps with a Gillette sponsorship for motorsport. Instead, we’re getting a snazzy and sleek heated safety razor with design elements lifted from its namesake. Quality-wise it should live up to the Macaron badge.

Hey, most of you could call the Chiron Pur Sport a gaudy marketing gimmick, but a lot of automotive enthusiasts will snap these up while supplies last. We’ve been featuring some of Bugatti’s ventures with the likes of Buben & Zorweg, TIDAL, IXO, and Jacob & Co.

Aside from these high-profile projects, the recent one from GilletteLabs is certainly a big surprise. The Chiron Pur Sport is a premium safety razor that embodies the very best of both brands. The handle is even crafted out of aluminum-zinc which you can find on Bugatti’s automobiles.

Moreover, the timing of its announcement is impeccable as temperatures begin to get colder as the autumn season draws closer. Groom like a pro as Gillette invokes that wonderful feeling of a barbershop shave with each use.

The heat opens up your pores much like a hot towel does as each blade gently cuts your facial hair down as close to bare skin. The Chiron Pur Sport features Bugatti’s signature Agile Blue colorway. The bundle includes a wireless charging dock, two replacement blades, and a co-branded cleaning cloth.

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Images courtesy of Bugatti/Gillette

September 20, 2021 / Comments Off

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How to park your supercar like a pro

A Lamborghini Aventador parked in north London. Even the slightest scratch or ding on supercars can cost tens of thousands of dollars in damage.

Photographer: SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

Matt Farah is something of a parking expert. In his 10 years as an automotive authority and podcast host, he has reviewed, owned, raced, and filmed reviews of more than 1,500 cars without a single parking mishap.

Last year in Culver City, Calif., he opened Westside Collector Car Storage, a kind of Soho House meets EZ Park that offers members everything from detailing and repair service to private airport chauffeurs and cocktail hours. Every procedure that happens in the $699-a-month clubhouse garage has been intensely thought-out and itemized in a 26-page employee handbook, including two full pages on how to properly park a car.

The first thing Farah tells anyone he employs to handle the cars owned by some of the world’s major collectors is simple: Do not rush anything.

“It is important to always be slow and methodical,” Farah’s self-written parking tome states. “Give yourself plenty of time to move the needed cars, so that you never have to rush while a member waits. Rushing is where vehicle damage happens.”

It’s an aspect of car ownership to which everyone can relate — more so with powerful autos wherein a gentle press on the gas pedal or slip of the clutch can send them surging forward. Some pay more dearly for parking mistakes than others.

Even the most benign maneuver in one of the supercars and classics stored at WCCS, if executed poorly, can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

Curb a rim on a McLaren? That’ll be $5,000 to replace. Ding a door on a Ferrari Dino? The starting price for repairs exceeds $10,000, at least in Southern California. Scratch the special factory-ordered paint job on a Porsche 911 Turbo? Count on $50,000 just to try to match the color — plus the irreversible double-digit percentage loss in overall value from the once-pristine collectable.

Supercars have extra low clearance, so it pays to take steep driveways and even gradual inclines and declines on an angle. That will help avoid splitting or scraping the front and causing expensive damage to the underbody. Photographer: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe

For Eli Kogan, the founder and owner of Otto Car Club in Scottsdale, Ariz., which houses up to 225 cars in 49,000 square feet of air-conditioned space, the most important part of flawless parking is maintaining spatial awareness.

“Being able to judge the space, judge the angle, and have awareness of how big your car is, how wide your car is, and how wide the spot is — that solves everything,” Kogan says. People who can park anything have it, he says. Those who can’t, don’t.

Excellent spatial awareness is an ongoing skill. Appraise a car’s length, width, and height while outside it and again, evaluate how long, wide, and low it is once you’re seated — even with a vehicle you think you know well.

Take driving: Some people may zoom down the highway and have to look around four times to see who is near before they change lanes, while a good driver already knows what is going on in the vicinity because he or she has maintained a mental catalogue of what is happening.

Parking similarly requires that you use your eyesight and the car’s mirrors. Don’t rely exclusively on parking cameras, Kogan says. The technology offers a nice, modern crutch, but the camera can distort distance and depth and never offers a full-view picture of what is happening around the car.

“Try to make it like if you had X-ray vision and you can actually see the wheels,” says Tony Rackley, who transports and parks multimillion-dollar investment-grade cars for a living as head of the Specialties Division at Classic Automotive Relocation Services in Gardena, Calif.

“One should really — while sitting in the car,” he continues, “be able to know the points of the car, look to their left and right, to know: OK, my left front is there, my right front is there, and then look over your shoulder and see where the C pillar is — that sort of thing.”

There’s no shame in using a spotter, Rackley says. In fact, having someone watch angles as one parks is mandatory at both WCCS and Otto.

“No matter how many times you’ve parked the car, no matter how confident you are or how small the car is, we do not park the car without a spotter,” says Kogan. “Four eyes to the car is the rule.”

The other little trick pro drivers and enthusiasts know is that backing a car into a spot is far more amenable to managing a tight turn or a tricky angle thanks to a tighter turning circle. A head-in parking job also exposes you to the risk of scraping the underside of the car’s nose, which in supercars is typically lower than the rear for improved aerodynamics and downforce.

“Always back the car in,” Kogan says. “I do it with my EarthCruiser, which is huge but still can park in any parking lot. Our semi-truck at work I always park this way, too. In fact, any car I park, I always back in.”

Parallel parking, of course, is a distinct skill for which practice makes perfect. Use cones in an empty parking lot and practice 100 times, Kogan recommends. Or try it in real life on a street with little cross traffic.

When you have a $300,000 Ferrari under your control, the imperative to do well is heightened, because it’s likely that everyone on the street will be watching. This means no curbing the wheels, which is expensive to fix, time-consuming to replace, and embarrassing in the first place, or tapping the bumper of the car on either side; that light kiss may be virtually de rigueur in Manhattan, but it’s extremely impolite elsewhere.

A final note that any valet worth his salt knows: Never park underneath trees.

Corrosive bird poop is one thing, but with a precious paint job, even petals are problematic. As an official Rolls-Royce instruction manual for chauffeurs puts it: “Don’t park the car under Lime trees when in blossom.”

Reporting by Hannah Elliott for Bloomberg.

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September 20, 2021 / Comments Off

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2022 Genesis GV70, raging at VW ID.4 tech and thoughts on a new Lexus LFA | Autoblog Podcast #696

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Senior Editor James Riswick. This week, they talk about driving the Genesis GV70, VW ID.4 and VW Taos. They talk about ways Chevy could “fix” the Camaro. James ranked all the James Bond films based solely on their starring cars. Next, they reach in the mailbag and discuss the question, “Do you think Lexus will make a successor to the LFA and, if so, what do you guys think it would be like?” After ruminating on that query, they dip into the mailbag a second time to recommend a sporty crossover to a listener in this week’s Spend My Money segment.

Send us your questions for the Mailbag and Spend My Money at: Podcast@Autoblog.com.

Autoblog Podcast #696

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Autoblog is now live on your smart speakers and voice assistants with the audio Autoblog Daily Digest. Say “Hey Google, play the news from Autoblog” or “Alexa, open Autoblog” to get your favorite car website in audio form every day. A narrator will take you through the biggest stories or break down one of our comprehensive test drives.

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September 17, 2021 / Comments Off

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Wally Takes A Huge Step Forward With The Luxe 78.7-foot WHY200 Yacht

So far, most of the vessels we featured built by Wally are on the smaller side.It’s not exactly an issue when all you need are yacht tenders for the occasional getaway.This time around, they’re going big! Welcome their first full wide-body yacht – the WHY200. Measuring 78.7 feet long, it’s ready to sail the high seas for your pleasure.

When you love hosting parties or taking family and friends out for an excursion over open water, size matters. The blueprint for this extraordinary ship is provided by Laurent Giles Naval Architects Limited. Their vision showcases a three-deck configuration that is optimized for generous spaces.

This allows the WHY200 to match the area found on larger watercraft. Wally notes that there’s approximately 1,550 sq-ft for the exterior and an impressive 2,153 sq-ft inside. The yacht is already stunning from the outside, but the elegant interior is also curated by Vallicelli Design Studio.

If that’s not enough, how about panoramic views afforded by wrap-around glass panels of the main deck. The owner’s suite at the bow of the WHY200 gets the best seats in the house. Enjoy the breathtaking backdrops as you relax in the comfort of your spacious room.

Head on over to the beach club at the aft section of the lower deck to access the beach club. Take a dip in the sea or take out your personal watercraft to pump up the fun. The fold-out wings can accommodate more people or becoming diving platforms.

The four cabins of the WHY200 can accommodate up to 8 guests, while a crew of 5 is enough to man the vessel. Propulsion comes from four Volvo Penta D-13 IPS 1350 engines at 1,000 horsepower each. The range is 390 nautical miles with a top cruising speed of 21 knots.

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Images courtesy of Wally

September 15, 2021 / Comments Off

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Suntory Announces International Release Of It Yamazaki 55 Single Malt Whiskey

As connoisseurs tell it, certain spirits get even better as it ages. Therefore, leading distillers can only offer their best batches in limited quantities. While there are some others who prefer the diverse experience from blended scotch, folks with more discerning tastes swear by single malt only. Still, the release of the Yamazaki 55 is wonderful news for everyone.

This marks a major milestone for fans of Japanese whiskeys as Suntory debuts its oldest single malt ever. This means acquiring one will be very difficult, but you can check with your local suppliers. According to the distiller, the Yamazaki 55 is a “tribute to the passage of time” and we’ll tell you why.

The journey begins in 1960 when the amber spirit was aged in Mizunara casks under the watchful eye of founder Shinjiro Torii. Then, in 1964, the contents made their way into white oak casks. Given that when it comes to whiskey, age statements matter, which is why 55 years here is such a big deal.

Suntory’s Fifth-generation Chief Blender Shinji Fukuyo and Third-generation Master Blender Shingo Torii are credited for carefully curating this blend. In contrast to Scotch whiskeys, which he likens to perfect Greek sculptures, Fukuyo goes on to describe the Yamazaki 55 as “more like an old Buddhist statue. Calm and mysterious.”

A whiskey this sophisticated deserves to ship in an equally intricate packaging. So Suntory commissions master craftsmen to build a Japanese Mizunara wood box. Finishing it with black lacquer, you’ll be proudly displaying this alongside the Yamazaki 55 it’s holding within. Take a sip, you deserve it.

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Images courtesy of Suntory

September 15, 2021 / Comments Off

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Oswald Mill Audio Unveils The Sophisticated K3 Turntable For Discerning Audiophiles

In the way of functionality, the fundamental aspect of turntables has remained the same for over a century. Over the years, even as audio technology evolved from analog to digital, there remains a market for vinyl records. Meanwhile, modern manufacturing gives way to even more attractive aesthetics like the one showcased by the K3 from Oswald Mill Audio.

Although the trend these days is to take a minimalist approach when it comes to design, this high-end turntable is built to draw attention. As such, owners should place the device somewhere with a lot of foot traffic. On the other hand, it’s acceptable to have it in your man cave or entertainment room as well.

Oswald Mill Audio is yet to disclose the pricing, but others claim it’s something north of $200,000. Audiophiles will tell you that the remarkable craftsmanship, outstanding performance, and high-end materials that go into each K3 justifies the cost.

From a manufacturing perspective, there’s a lot going on for this turntable. Unlike others of its kind which have your typical outline, Oswald Mill Audio’s new model is one chunky boy. You’ll also notice the striking structure of its tonearm.

Credit goes to Frank Schroder for the use of a cutting edge SLM (Selective Laser Melting) technology to shape the aerospace-grade aluminum alloy into its intricate form. It also uses a heavy-duty direct drive motor system to spin the platter.

The latter comprises a 25-mm main bearing spindle, an inverted bearing, and a pressurized oil column for unparalleled accuracy. Oswald Mill Audio offers the K3 as a standalone turntable with an outboard Xenon tube rectified power supply. You can also get it with a stylish stand that houses the outboard components.

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Images courtesy of Oswald Mill Audio

September 6, 2021 / Comments Off

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Hublot Presents The Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Rainbow In King Gold And White Gold

From what we know, everybody has a favorite color. This reflects on the shades they are regularly going for when purchasing all kinds of stuff. As for the rest who can’t make up their mind, Hublot wants you to go all out instead. Check out their Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Rainbow and its polychromatic extravagance.

For starters, those new to the watchmaker’s exploits should know that this is not their first rodeo when it comes to colorful tones on their timepieces. A while back, we shone the spotlight on the Big Bang Unico Full Baguette King Gold Rainbow. For its latest outing, Hublot is back in form and ready to make jaws drop.

Affluent buyers love to have options, which is why Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Rainbow goes for two. They can get this vibrant wrist candy in King Gold or white gold. Both variants boast a total of 484 baguette-cut gemstones which sums up to about 36 carats.

Hublot is using bright orange sapphires, fuchsia pink sapphires, lemon yellow sapphires, red rubies, ultraviolet amethysts, Klein blue topazes, and leaf green tsavorites. All of these embellish the 43-mm case, bezel, lugs, crown, and bracelet.

Overall, it takes around 1,200 hours to craft the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Rainbow. Next are the transparent sapphire crystal bridges which enhance the open-work visuals of the watch. Additionally, you can spy the micro-rotor of its in-house HUB6035 movement at 12 o’clock and a tourbillon at 6 o’clock.

As of this writing, Hublot is yet to announce the availability of the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Rainbow. Pricing is likewise not disclosed, but sources estimate it to be somewhere close to $800,000.

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Images courtesy of Hublot

September 2, 2021 / Comments Off

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Singer Reimagined Presents The Highly Exclusive Track1 DLS Edition Chronograph

When you count yourself as one of the fortunate few who now own one of the 75 planned restorations dubbed the Singer Vehicle Design Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS), Singer Reimagined has something cool in mind To match your classy Porsche 911, the brand’s watchmaking arm presents the Track1 DLS Edition.

Talk about exclusivity here, as not just anyone can grab this snazzy timepiece. As for the pricing, Singer Reimagined Is keeping that under wraps. Anyway, only the owners of the highly limited resto-mod can purchase the chronograph in the first place. So, let’s hope they spill the beans when the time comes.

For now, let’s get the know the Track1 DLS Edition and check out what it brings to the table. Starting with the forged carbon pilot-style case, it measures 43 mm x 15 mm including the sapphire crystal. As you can see, there are cutouts close to the lugs to shave off some weight.

The dark composite material then gets some contrast from polished grade 5 titanium hardware. You’ll find it on the bezel, case back, crown and pushers. The gray dial shows vertical brush patterns and hands in black/orange. Initially, we were puzzled as to how its chronograph functions work.

If you look closely, Singer Reimagined uses the outer rings to tell the hour and minutes. As for the central three hands, these are for the chronograph. The Track1 DLS Edition runs on a Singer 6361 AgenGraphe self-winding movement with a 60-hour power reserve.

The images show the default style which uses a textile strap in dark green. The screw-down rivets are grade 5 titanium and it uses a folding clasp closure. The privileged folks qualified to buy the Track1 DLS Edition can personalize it to match their car’s colorway.

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Images courtesy of Singer Reimagined

August 26, 2021 / Comments Off

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The Dembell Land Yacht Is One Of The Most Luxurious Motorhomes You Can Own

Normally, campers and RVs are great platforms for folks who have no qualms about roughing it outdoors. Still, if you look hard enough, there are some brands that can take it to the luxe level for a price. When the wealthy demand even more refineries, Dembell presents the Land Yacht. For the eccentric ones who fear traveling by plane or boat, this is your must-have transport.

True to its name, the German group, goes all-out for the luxurious motorhome. Only high-class design and craftsmanship with premium materials go into each Land Yacht. With some exceptions, most RVs and campers prefer modular systems to optimize the limited space available.

Dembell, on the other hand, does not constrain itself with such issues. To address this, clients can configure their Land Yacht with multiple motorized slide-out sections. They choose to have it for the living area, kitchen, and bedroom. As for the interior, they’ve partnered with an Italian studio that worked with Azimut Yachts.

Although you can likely personalize everything according to your tastes, there are three themes for reference. The cockpit features four separate seats with air spring systems and massage functions to help you relax. Above that, there is a lift-away section that houses a queen size bed for guests and children.

The kitchen is equipped with high-end Miele appliances. Entertainment comes from 55-inch TVs with a Bose sound system. Meanwhile, the classy bathroom has a large shower area with sinks, a toilet, and a shower tray in ceramic. Dembell keeps you comfortable in cold weather with a central heating setup. Depending on the trim, the Land Yacht even has adequate garage space to house your supercar.

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Images courtesy of Dembell

August 24, 2021 / Comments Off

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Caviar Turns Samsung’s Latest Foldable Handsets Into The Skull Capsule Collection

Tech industry insiders have been hinting at something major for Samsung’s roadmap for 2021. It was hinted that a new Galaxy Note model was not in development. Instead, what the latest Unpacked event unveiled were new foldables: The Galaxy Z Fold3 and Galaxy Z Flip3. In Caviar’s hands, we see these transform into the Ragnarok and Catrina Calavera for the Skull capsule collection.

We have been featuring the Russian jeweler’s works for so long now. Still, we remain in awe of how they turn these flagship devices into extravagant accessories. Just like the Skull capsule collection. Given the foldable smartphones already come with premium price tags, Caviar’s clients are willing to pay even more for something more exclusive.

Up first is the Galaxy Z Fold3. Caviar goes for a black and red theme here as the Ragnarok now flaunts a dark titanium body with premium composites. Laser engravings of crosshatch patterns dot the rear cover. It becomes the backdrop of a polished titanium skull with scarlet jewelry enamel flames. Additionally, the eyes are actually rubies.

Next in the Skull capsule collection is the Catrina Calavera, which begins its journey as a regular Galaxy Z Flip3. The outer shell of the clamshell handset is now titanium with 18K gold inlays. A rose emblem in red and green composites occupy the upper section. Below, there is an 18K white gold skull. The decorative frame and skull sport sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

Each is limited to a few examples only. Only 99 units for the Ragnarok, while the Catrina Calavera only gets 20. Perhaps this is a hint that there are more special editions aside from the Skull capsule collection on the way. We’re wondering what Caviar will be working on next.

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Images courtesy of Caviar

August 23, 2021 / Comments Off

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The Ruma MIGMA Is A Luxury Catamaran With A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Propulsion System

A few weeks ago, we talked about how hydrogen-electric systems are facing an uphill battle against battery-electric technology. The key issue here is the lack of infrastructures such as limited refueling stations and the overall cost of producing the gas. Still, it’s not stopping forward-thinking companies from using it. To illustrate, we have the MIGMA concept from Ruma.

The Spanish design group presents a 180-foot watercraft with a hydrogen fuel cell system. This is not the first sustainable proposal we’ve seen, but it has been a while since we heard of something innovative like this.

From the renders, we’re looking at a sleek and futuristic vessel that does not skimp on luxury. This recreational twin-hull yacht flaunts elegant curves and sophisticated aesthetics inspired by nature. The fluid theme shows spaces flowing into one another seamlessly.

Ruma envisions interiors that provide 360-degree views with minimal obstructions. Thus, the MIGMA will use electrochromatic smart glass technology. The transparent surfaces allow natural light to flood in. When the need for a shade or privacy arises, the tint activates with a quick toggle of the settings.

RUMA says they can also configure some areas as meeting rooms for owners who want to conduct business while at sea. If you’re spending for something this grand, going for a bespoke trim is probably best.

The emission-free catamaran stores hydrogen in two tanks – one on each side. PEM fuel cells, electric motors, power electronics, and switchboards reside within the hulls.

Aside from the images, we’re still waiting for RUMA to share more details about it. So far, the MIGMA boasts a spacious deck, lavish accommodations for up to two families, cutting-edge controls, and eco-friendly propulsion.

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Images courtesy of Ruma

August 23, 2021 / Comments Off

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This The Dalmore Decades No. 6 Collection Whiskey Set Is Going Under The Hammer Soon

The great thing about whiskey is that age enhances its profile. This hopefully explains why some bottles cost an arm and a leg yet sell out shortly after launch. Collectors are always on the lookout for exclusive releases so those who are late in the game will miss out. It just so happens that The Dalmore presents the Decades No. 6 Collection, so get your wallets ready.

This six-bottle set from the prestigious distillery based in Alness, Scotland may be the most difficult to acquire this year. You see this bundle is a celebration of the best blends over the years. In the meantime

, those hoping to own the Decades No. 6 Collection will be facing tough competition.

It’s going under the hammer in October 2021 in Hong Kong courtesy of Sotheby’s. We’re also hearing that a substantial portion of the proceeds is going to the Kengo Kuma’s V&A Dundee design museum in Scotland. Rare whiskey for a cause? Sign right up!

Nonetheless, The Dalmore is also offering more highly collectible options for interested buyers. There are the Decades No. 5 Collection and Decades No. 4 Collection. The Decades No. 6 Collection is the ultimate prize here. Whoever wins the auction will receive bottles dated 1951, 1967, 1979, 1980, 1995, and 2000.

Moreover, these single-malt whiskies are personally selected by master distiller Richard Paterson – who has been with The Dalmore for almost 50 years. Each beautiful decanter is adorned with a 12-point royal stag emblem with the year and distillery’s branding near the base.

“These collections are a true tribute to craftsmanship forged over the decades and offer a fantastic opportunity for collectors in search of a rare, never-to-be-seen-again piece of history,” says Paterson. So, are you ready to outbid everyone else for The Dalmore Decades No. 6 Collection?

Images courtesy of The Dalmore

August 23, 2021 / Comments Off

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This One-Off Montblanc 1858 Geosphere Pink Dial Unique Piece Is Heading To Auction

Most high-end watchmakers often keep the number of examples down for that air of exclusivity. These serialized models are what collector’s wait for and snap up once available. Then there are the one-offs that are highly sought-after for their bespoke sophistication. Montblanc is showing its support for breast cancer awareness by building the 1858 Geosphere Pink Dial Unique Piece.

The Hamburg, Germany-based luxury brand is participating in a charity auction along with the other prestigious names. We count timepieces from MB&F, Panerai, Bulgari, IWC, and Zenith who have respective entries for the Pink Dial Project initiative.

Hosting the event in October is Loupe This — a new bidding platform established by distinguished watch collector Eric Ku. Circling back to Montblanc’s 1858 Geosphere Pink Dial Unique Piece, we’re looking at a 42 mm titanium case in a coat of black DLC.

Also, the stealthy tone gets its contrast from the bright fuchsia pink of its dial. Depending on your viewing angle, the sunray finish creates a dynamic effect on the shade. Other striking elements include the two domed hemisphere globes, a secondary time zone sub-dial at 9 o’clock, and a date window at 3 o’clock.

Montblanc then gives the Arabic numeral hour markers, globes, bezel compass indications, a coat of blue Super-LumiNova. Meanwhile, the hands and rest of the indices are in green. Everything is running on the manufacturer’s MB 29.25 automatic calibre with a 42-hour power reserve.

The 1858 Geosphere Pink Dial Unique Piece caseback features a laser engraving of iconic Mont Blanc peak, a wind rose compass, and the Pink Dial Project badge. 100% of the proceeds from the auction go to charities based in Australia, Holland, Singapore, the US, Switzerland, and the UK.

Bid for it: here

Images courtesy of Montblanc

August 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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