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Astell & Kern Lets You Swap Out DAC Modules On The A&futura SE18 DAP

Astell & Kern is a name renowned among audiophile circles for its top-tier craftsmanship and outstanding acoustics. They supply individuals who demand only the most accurate sound reproduction out of their players. Here to deliver just that is the A&futura SE18 digital audio player or “DAP” as they call it. Go ahead and admire its sleek design

If you’re not picky when it comes to how the device looks, there’s a bunch of brands to buy from. However, for those whose tastes in aesthetics are as discerning as their preference for accuracy, Astell & Kern checks all the boxes and more. So, put on your headphones, plug them in, and enjoy

Its defining feature is the interchangeable all-in-on modules. The manufacturer ships it with the ESS ES9038PRO 8-channel DAC by default, but you can swap it out for other compatible components. This setup helps block out unwanted RF and power noise that may interfere with your music playback.

A&futura SE18 might be what manufacturers refer to as an entry-level model under its catalog. Still, given the price point of the devices, these are definitely on the premium end. The DAP measures 5.4” x 0.78” x 3.03” (H x D x W) and tips the scales at 13.41 ounces.

The sleek housing is aluminum with a matte finish in Moon Silver. You have a 5-inch 1920 x 1080 full-HD touch display. The Astell & Kern A&futura SE18 runs on a customized version of Android which allows for intuitive controls. It supports all the popular audio files including lossless high-fidelity formats.

Another cool aspect of the A&futura SE18 is the LED-backlit volume wheel. Even without looking at the screen, the volume level and bitrate of your music track are represented by different colors. Internal storage is 256 GB with support for microSD expansion up to 1 TB.

Buy – $1,499

Images courtesy of Astell & Kern

August 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Sells Out All 112 Examples After Unveiling

A month ago, Lamborghini fans got wind of the company’s plans to finally bid goodbye to the Aventador lineup. To commemorate the final production run of the supercar, we have the highly tuned LP780-4 Ultimae edition. What followed was a lot of speculation as to what comes next. To our surprise, it’s none other but the return of a legend — the Countach LPI 800-4.

Close to 2,000 examples of the Countach were in circulation before the Diablo took over as its successor. While others suggest Lamborghini might have something in development, this retro revival answers a question we all have in mind.

What could cutting-edge technology improve upon the original and how would it perform against the competition? Thankfully, Lamborghini can now answer that question with the 2022 Countach LPI 800-4. Let’s start with the powertrain, which is surprisingly a hybrid one at that.

In 2017, the Italian automaker shared a glimpse into its all-electric future with the Terzo Millenio concept. Fast-forward to 2021 and it inches closer to that goal with the Countach LPI 800-4 revisit. Taking cues from the Sián FKP 37, it’s packing a 6.5-liter V12 engine with a capacitor-powered 48V electric motor.

This setup combines for a total output of 802 horsepower which courses to all four wheels via a 7-speed automated manual transmission. On paper, it dictates a top speed of 221 mph and a 0-62 mph acceleration in 2.8 seconds.

Lamborghini is doing a stellar job retaining the aggressive silhouette while adding some aesthetic tweaks reflecting its modern stature. Even the sophisticated interior reflects that with its digital instrument cluster and infotainment package. The 2022 Countach LPI 800-4 is such a big hit as all 112 units are already spoken for.

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Images courtesy of Lamborghini

August 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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Pagani Unveils The Pacchetto Tempesta Version Of The Huayra BC To Mark A Milestone

Early last week, Pagani already teasing the public with a commemorative machine. Now that Monterey Car Week 2021 is over, the curtains are open to reveal what the hype is all about. The Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta finally makes its debut and the specs it comes with are jaw-dropping.

The new supercar is a powerful tribute to the Italian marque’s Zonda successor. They are marking the 10th anniversary of its original’s launch with a souped-up take on the Benny Caiola (BC) variant. The exclusive Huayra had a production run of only 20 examples.

For those wondering, he was an entrepreneur with a huge collection of exotic cars. Now that Pagani is celebrating its own milestone, the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is packing even more upgrades. Starting with the 6.0-liter Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V12 engine, we’re looking at an impressive bump.

Pagani is pushing the supercar to its absolute limit and ending up with 815 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, it was previously rated at 791 horsepower with 775 lb-ft of torque. It also receives a new exhaust system in a four and two arrangement to produce a deafening roar.

This matches the numbers of the track-only Pagani Imola hypercar wherein only five examples exist. With its enhanced powertrain, the carmaker equips the supercar with a new suspension system. Drivers can likewise engage a Soft Driving mode which makes for a smoother ride.

Other notable changes include the aero and air intakes. Pagani says the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta will also sport a revamped interior. For now, available images only show us the exterior, but clients will likely go for a bespoke setup anyway.

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Images courtesy of Pagani

August 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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Chanel Monsieur Superleggera Edition: An Elegant Automotive-Inspired Timepiece

Chanel is a French luxury label that many of us somehow associate with fragrances. This means we have most likely overlooked the fact that they have more to offer. Thankfully, we did not miss out on the Monsieur Superleggera Edition announcement. We almost forgot the brand also builds striking timepieces with unique elements.

After some digging around, we’re thinking this is a spiritual successor to the 2005 J12 Superleggera. Only this time, it’s now under Chanel’s Monsieur collection of fine watches. As the name suggests, the fashion house is going for an automotive theme which it executes with subdued elegance.

What makes this model stand out are the complications used by the Monsieur Superleggera Edition. The timekeeping layout may be similar to the rest of the catalog, but the presentation is unique. Let’s start off with the 42-mm black ceramic case which is accompanied by a steel bezel, caseback, and crown.

Sapphire crystals on both ends give it superior protection and visibility. You can view the Chanel Calibre 1 manual movement which boasts a 72-hour power reserve from the underside. Next up is the dial which resembles the instrument panel of a vehicle.

It may look complex at first but reading the time on the Monsieur Superleggera Edition is actually quite simple. The jumping hours window sits at 6 o’clock while the retrograde minute indicator stands right above. Guilloche machine engravings designate these two sections of interest.

The seconds reside within the sub-dial in the middle. Chanel then gives the Monsieur Superleggera Edition a sporty nylon strap adorned with black calfskin leather at the edges and a vibrant crimson inner lining. Dominated by darker tones, it gives the timepiece a stealthy and sexy profile.

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Images courtesy of Chanel

August 17, 2021 / Comments Off

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Carry Items In Style With The Louis Vuitton Coffee Cup Pouch

You don’t have to be a coffee lover to get your hands on the Louis Vuitton Coffee Cup Pouch. Use it to pack your everyday small on-the-go necessities in style. Or if you’re feeling brave why not a cup of coffee to bring justice to its name.

This luxury item is part of the Everyday LV capsule and unveiled at the Fall-Winter 2021-22 Show. Its design plays at the elements of everyday morning routines, like grabbing a cup of coffee at a cafe on the way to work or school. Designer Virgil Abloh patterned it after an oversized coffee cup, which you can carry by hand or wear as a sling bag.

The Louis Vuitton Coffee Cup Pouch uses cowhide leather trim finished off with the brand’s iconic vintage monogram all around its body. To go along with the brown color scheme, it features matte brown color hardware from the double-zip closures, zip tags, adjustable straps, and buckles. Then it has white for the lid and the “louis vuitton” print on the front

This hardly falls under the sling bag category. Regardless, you can let your creativity and imagination conjure up ways to make it useful for your carrying needs. It only has one storage compartment after all. But the convenience of the strap being removable/adjustable means the pouch can probably double as a cup warmer.

The Louis Vuitton Coffee Cup Pouch is stylish, trendy, hip, and gender-fluid: it looks good for both boys and girls. It is for those with extra cash to spare as it is worth a whopping $3000.

Get It Here

Images courtesy of Louis Vuitton

August 17, 2021 / Comments Off

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2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Mega Gallery | Take a tour of the show

The 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is over, and we have all the photos you might want to see from the overcast affair. And in case you missed the news, the winner was the 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Autobahnkurier.

That said, the gallery above features the wide range of cars sitting on the Sunday lawn. You’ll see a little bit of everything from a gaggle of Porsche 917 racecars to Lamborghini Countachs and the most exotic new supercars of 2021. Plus, there’s no shortage of pre-war classics if you came here for the traditional old guard.

In case you wanted to see action beyond the Pebble Beach Concours, we’ve got you covered there, too. The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering happened the day previous, and there’s an entire gallery’s worth of cars to check out in that post, too. So go ahead and sit back with your morning cup of joe and enjoy the pretty sights. We can guarantee it’ll be worth the scroll through above.

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August 16, 2021 / Comments Off

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The Skysphere Concept From Audi Can Seamlessly Transform Into A GT Or Roadster

The 2021 Monterey Car Week just wrapped up and gearheads are probably still reeling from all the awesome automotive announcements last week. Aside from the auctions, leading carmakers were also teasing intriguing technologies for the future. We’ve seen mechanical transformations on vehicles, but never like what Audi has in mind for the Skysphere Concept.

According to the German marque’s press release, you can freely switch between two configurations during travel. At first, we were thinking that it was just clever wordplay describing the convertible. However, it appears the engineers have something else in mind.

With a touch of a button, a motorized telescopic system adjusts the wheelbase. We’re not entirely sure which is the default configuration here, but it can essentially turn into a grand tourer or a spyder with suicide doors on each side. It may not be a major game-changer, but it is certainly remarkable.

As much as we want it to be somewhere along the lines of an iconic Hasbro toy line, the Skysphere Concept is more possible to execute. Audi also includes the stereotypical hallmarks you can expect from a car of tomorrow. We’re referring to the crazy use of LEDs.

From the front, you have the four interlocking rings emblem, grilles and headlights with special lighting systems. Meanwhile, it carries over to the rear lights as well. Automakers really need to stop with this standard trope when it comes to futuristic vehicles.

Nevertheless, it looks cool on the Skysphere Concept and somehow hints at its electric powertrain. Going sustainable is on every manufacturer’s roadmap anyway. Early specifications suggest 623 horsepower, 553 lb-ft of torque, and 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds. As for the cabin, this two-seater boasts a minimalist yet elegant theme with more edges than curves.

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Images courtesy of Audi

August 16, 2021 / Comments Off

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Virtually attend ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’ via our high-res photo gallery

While the description of the yearly “Motorsports Gathering” at the Quail may sound a bit odd to many of our readers at first blush — it’s basically a huge garden party for wealthy automotive enthusiasts to get a look at vintage and newly available vehicles targeted at their healthy checking accounts — there’s no arguing that the vehicles on display are worthy of attention. And since most of us either weren’t invited or couldn’t afford to attend (or both), the next best thing to being there is scrolling through our high-res gallery of live photos taken at the event.

Visitors to this year’s event were treated to the usual grade of high-end machinery that we’ve come to expect, which is to say the best, most desirable and most expensive in the world. Our gallery is filled with vintage racers from Ford, Ferrari and Jaguar, classic Trans Am competitors and even a gaggle of Volkswagen-based dune buggies. More modern machinery was also on display from Lotus, Pagani, Koenigsegg, Pininfarina and Acura.

Electric vehicles are becoming more commonplace at high-end events, and this year’s gathering at The Quail was no exception. In addition to a strong showing from Rimac and Lotus we mentioned earlier, Lucid was in attendance as was Gateway Bronco (see here for more on that). We also got shots of things you may never have heard of like the Delage D12 and Radford Type 62-2. Oh, and the return of the Lamborghini Countach, too.

For those who keep track of such things, this year’s Best of Show winner was a 1938 Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster. You’ll see all that and more in our high-res gallery above. Enjoy!

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August 14, 2021 / Comments Off

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Bugatti Bolide gets a 40-unit production run

At some point in the past couple of years, Bugatti asked itself, “What if we built a radically light vehicle around the legendary 8.0-liter W16 engine?” Keep in mind that “radically light” is in comparison to the Chiron, which weighs about 4,500 pounds. The luxury firm from Molsheim, France, answered its question with a concept it called the Bolide, a track-only two-seater with an appetite for aero and downforce. Scooped-out bodywork, intense massaging, and throwing luxuries out the wraparound canopy dropped its weight to 2,737 pounds. That’s less than a Subaru BRZ for a car producing 1,824 horsepower on 110-octane race fuel. Bugatti called the Bolide a one-off, but guess what happens in a car market where someone throws $140,000 at a 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser? Potential buyers made Zoom calls to Molsheim from their bank vaults while sitting on pyramids of money like the Joker in “The Dark Knight.” So now Bugatti is making 40 Bolides, the same number it made of its last track superstar, the Divo.

CEO Stephan Winkelmann was at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering to announce the production version. Bugatti said it is honing the Bolide’s aerodynamics and handling, and adding FIA-standard safety systems. The center-lock wheels will see production, as will a fuel bladder and pressurized refueling, a six-point safety harness with HANS compatibility, and an automatic fire extinguishing system.

There are prices to pay beyond MSRP for making dreams come true, though. The production vehicle gains some weight, coming in 460 pounds over the concept at 3,197 pounds. Changes to the engine tune mean horsepower takes a hit, too. The concept got its 1,824-hp puissance from 110 octane. The production W16 will drink far more accessible 98 RON gas, which is about 94 octane in the U.S., topping out at 1,577 hp and 1,180 pound-feet of torque. That drops the power-to-weight ratio from 0.67 to 0.49 — just behind the track-focused Koenigsegg Jesko at 0.51. Oh, the humanity.

The company says Bolide development and production will take place over the next three years, the first example scheduled for delivery in 2024. The price: 4 million euros, or roughly $4.7 million U.S. at the moment, and a million euros less than the street-legal Divo. What’s the French word for “bargain?”

August 13, 2021 / Comments Off

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Hyundai Santa Cruz, Kona N and Elantra Hybrid | Autoblog Podcast #691

In this episode of the Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by West Coast Editor, James Riswick. They’ve been driving a lot of new cars, including the 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz pickup, 2022 Hyundai Kona N, 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid, 2021 Acura TLX Type S and 2022 Hyundai Genesis G70. Lamborghini revealed a modern interpretation of the Countach, for better or worse. Finally, they heelp a listener replace a 2013 Ford Edge 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 #691

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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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August 13, 2021 / Comments Off

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McCall Motorworks Revival Photos | Monterey kicks off with fancy airport party

Yesterday, the McCall’s Motorworks Revival happened, for the 30th time no less, kicking off Monterey Car Week. Which is another way of saying it happened before most people showed up.

So what is it? Fancy cars parked among fancy planes while fancy people walk about with fancy food and cocktails. This differs from other Monterey events, such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, in that it takes place at an airport rather than a golf course. It’s also more of an evening affair than a garden party, complete with a DJ, a band and dancing. Oh, and the cars are less impressive. That, admittedly, says more about the prime metal displayed elsewhere, especially at Pebble. There’s still a lot to ogle, even if you didn’t get to enjoy the fancy food and cocktails. We dispatched ace photographer Drew Phillips to take it all in and to put down an offer for us on that Citation Longitude.

Amongst the new cars on display, most brought there by their manufacturers, we see a Corvette Stingray, Lucid Air, Aston Martin DBX, Land Rover Defender, Polestar 1, Hennessey Venom F5, Ruf 911s, and a big showing by Ford with a GT500, a Mustang Mach-E, a Bronco and multiple GTs. Two were done up to match an original parked alongside it, while the Bronco flanked an original prototype from 1966. Neat. Hopefully no one spilled Perrier Jouet on it.

Classics? There were aplenty, but frankly, we’re most fond of the two VW buses: one towing the No. 22 1957 Denzel 1300SS Roadster in front of that Citation Longitude and another from Meyers Manx supporting an adorable flying boat with “Smiles for Miles” written on the side. Now that’s the kind of private plane I could get behind.

August 12, 2021 / Comments Off

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Vadolibero designed the magnificent DOMUS R3 as a refined bike storage system

Let’s just say that you want to take a break from driving around in your exotic supercar. Perhaps a buddy has been bugging you about cycling and its health benefits. Assuming that you are spending a fortune on your two-wheeler, Vadolibero is offering a classy storage solution. Designed as an elegant piece of furniture – the DOMUS R3 — to enhance any space within your home.

Much like high-performance vehicles, some road bikes from leading brands can cost as much as a supercar. The design, materials, and technology these bring to the table are undeniably top-notch. So, you might want to show it off for everyone else to gawk at. The DOMUS R3 and its craftsmanship make that all happen.

It may look like a fancy rack to hang your clothing, but it comes with multiple storage options for your bike and gear. Instead of just a straight rod of satin-polished stainless steel, it is intentionally shaped like the Vadolibero emblem – a stylized handlebar.

The underside features touch-enabled LED lighting to draw all eyes to your ride and accessories when the sun goes down. A regenerated leather mat protects the wooden surface of the base from scratches. Meanwhile, a stainless-steel clamp keeps your bicycle upright on the DOMUS R3.

Cubicles and drawers below provide more space for all kinds of stuff. Wooden pegs let you hang helmets, shades, headphones, and more. Choose between black oak, dark brown oak, Canaletto walnut, and natural oak for the solid wood frame. The Vadolibero DOMUS R3 is a striking bike storage system befitting your precious mechanical steed.

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Images courtesy of Vadolibero

August 12, 2021 / Comments Off

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Pininfarina Battista production car revealed to kick off Monterey Car Week

The Pininfarina Battista is officially here in production form. Pininfarina released the first images and video of the production car today, tooling around Southern California roads ahead of it being displayed during Monterey Car Week.

There are no additional specs or figures available beyond what has already been announced. The Battista will produce 1,900 horsepower from its four electric motors, have a range of about 280 miles on a full charge and hit 60 mph in “under 2 seconds.” Those in Monterey will have a chance to see the exposed carbon bodywork in person for the first time. Plus, potential clients will be provided the opportunity to go for a ride.

It’s not just this single Battista that will be shown, either. Pininfarina says it will also be debuting a Battista Anniversario. This special edition of the Battista will have “aerodynamic enhancements and tailored detailing producing a uniquely dynamic personality.” It will also be limited to just five total vehicles worldwide. Seeing it at Monterey may be the first and last chance you get to ever lay eyes on one.

The one nugget of information Pininfarina gave us today besides the new photos is detail on the Battista’s sound. It takes after a sound philosophy conceived by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi. Any multiple of 432 Hz is said to be a “pure sound” according to Verdi, so Pininfarina used 54 Hz (a multiplier of 432) as the core frequency of noise for the Battista. As you accelerate, the frequency will continue to increase in multiples of 54 Hz to keep the in-cabin sound pure and consistent with Verdi’s principles. How very Italian.

“Every driver has an emotional bond with a car, and the sound of Battista will nurture this connection, not by replicating a familiar car sound, but with one that radiates the beauty of Battista’s design both inside and out,” says René Wollmann, product platform director for sports cars at Automobili Pininfarina. “This way, the Battista will not only impress with its aesthetic appeal and performance, but also on a new emotional level enhanced through the sound. We look forward to the input we will receive from clients in the U.S. as we fine-tune Battista’s sonic experience.”

We’ll look forward to hearing the sound ourselves one day. For now, the wait is on to see the ultra-exclusive Battista Anniversario. Look out for more Pininfarina news soon as Monterey Car Week revs up.

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August 12, 2021 / Comments Off

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New Lamborghini Countach teased again with three images

Lamborghini posted three more teaser photos of the coming Countach resurrection to its Instagram page. We’ll have to let the pictures do most of the talking since we don’t have any more information than we did when the first tease dropped a couple of days ago. We get a shot of a nose unlike any other Lamborghini in the current stable. A narrow black grille just inches wide splits the upper and lower section of the front fascia, recalling the area where the original exotic placed its black front bumper and fog lights. The name “Countach” appears on the right side of the coupe, in all lowercase letters just like the original, but stretched and angular befitting the brand’s modern design language.

A second shot exposes the engine cover, this a new design based on the clear cover that can be fitted to the Aventador. Three flat hexagon panels, thickly bordered in black, step down from the roof to the tail. Beneath them is the longitudinal and posterior V12 portion of the LPI 800 powertrain. The initialism stands for Longitudinale Posteriore Ibrido, and we’re still waiting for any information on that last bit, the hybrid. The V12 in the Lamborghini Sian FKP 37 received help from a supercapacitor, but that special edition didn’t get official designation as a hybrid. The last car from Sant’Agata to do so was the 2014 Asterion LPI 910-4 concept from the 2014 Paris Motor Show. The Asterion hid a V10 in back for the rear wheels, and two e-motors with a combined 296 horsepower on the front axle powered by a lithium-ion battery. The Sian produces about 785 horsepower, the Countach will deliver about 789, the Aventador S makes 690. So Lamborghini isn’t using electricity to chase gaudy numbers. Yet.

The last pic presents the area behind the side window. This is a slightly tighter shot of an image that a site called Lamborghini Specs posted a few days ago, snagged somehow from the automaker’s customer-only site, Lamborghini Unica. This reveals a Huracan-like intake treatment, the opening descending from the roof to the rear fenders. Ahead of the intake, a row of slats harks back to Gandini’s Countach prototype that arranged a flat row of vents along the fender, just behind the glasshouse. The fender is decorated with a cap that could be the fuel filler or a charging port or something else.

Way back in 1987, Lamborghini worked up a Countach Evoluzione prototype to test new technologies that made their way into the last of the production Countach run and the successor Diablo. This Countach could be doing something similar. The brand has already been taking orders for whatever’s coming, so there’s an excellent chance it will be sold out by the time it debuts on Sunday, August 15, at Monterey Car Week.

August 11, 2021 / Comments Off

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Ultimate exclusivity with Rolls-Royce’s Black Badge Escapism Luggage Collection

In 2019, McLaren owners were treated to a number of high-class bags to match their snazzy new rides. When you have the capacity to splurge on supercars of this caliber, it’s easy to brush off the cost for additional gear. Rolls-Royce takes it even further with the Black Badge Escapism Luggage Collection.

Perhaps the best way to describe these items is to call them the range-topping editions. Although Rolls-Royce allows its clients to personalize their purchases, the Black Badge versions use an exclusive color palette. The roster includes the Holdall, Organizer Pouch, Tote Bag, 24hr Weekender, and 48hr Weekender.

You can purchase each item individually, but Rolls-Royce also offers the Black Badge Escapism Luggage Collection as a set. Unlike the regular edition, clients can order these in Bold or Understated trims. The former features a two-tone design, while the latter goes for a stealthier blackout theme.

Rolls-Royce is crafting these out of luxe premium leather, soft canvas, and using a technical weave fabric. The new material it introduces is from the Cullinan Black Badge which adds new refined texture to the Black Badge Escapism Luggage Collection.

Chief Executive Officer for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Torsten Muller-Otvos describes it as “edgier personas” of existing products. He also says that “these exquisite new pieces represent the very best in Rolls-Royce design, materials, and craftsmanship.”

As global and local trips begin to pick up this summer, the Black Badge Escapism Luggage Collection might just be what you need to travel in style and luxury. As long as you don’t mind spending upwards up of $40,000 for the complete lineup.

Check out the collection: Here

Images courtesy of Rolls-Royce

August 11, 2021 / Comments Off

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Bell & Ross presents the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire for the 2021 Only Watch auction

It may be difficult to find a watchmaker that can pull off a skeleton timepiece like Bell & Ross. Even though most of its lineup draws inspiration from aviation instruments, it can take it up a notch when it comes to avant-garde designs. The BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire is such an example that’s truly one of a kind.

Talking about exclusivity, Bell & Ross is crafting only one for the 2021 Only Watch charity auction. Proceeds from all sales made during the event will fund research into Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Joining the rest of the luxurious roster is the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire.

With such a noble cause behind it, we’re sure several wealthy individuals are already eager to be charitable We previously featured the Defy 21 Double Tourbillon Felipe Pantone Edition from Zenith. Bell & Ross is taking cues from it and going for something extravagant in time before bidding begins in November.

As already indicated by the name, the watch flaunts a 45-mm gemstone case. The level of expertise and engineering that goes into its production elevates it into luxe territory. Sitting within is the namesake – a faceted skull — made up of six sapphire elements with orange metallization,

The watch runs on a BR-CAL.309 hand-wound movement with a 48-hour power reserve. One cool feature of the BR 01 Cyber Skull Sapphire is the jaw which moves when you wind the crown. Bell & Ross finishes it with an FKM rubber strap that uses a 316L stainless steel pin buckle closure system.

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Images courtesy of Bell & Ross

August 8, 2021 / Comments Off

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Bentley says the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition is both luxe and sustainble

In addition to blackout themes for, gear, accessories, gadgets, and automobiles, we also love to see certain shades of metallic brown. To illustrate what have in mind, take a look at the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition from Bentley. This high-class sedan embodies the carmaker’s vision for future luxury automobiles under its banner.

This limited-edition offering supposedly showcases the marque’s plans for its cutting-edge platforms. The company is ready to fully phase out combustion engines in the coming years. Therefore, a hybrid powertrain is an acceptable solution for the time being.

Bentley points out that clients can choose the base color of the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition. However, each unit retains the Pale Brodgar accents. These are applied to the lower bodywork, brightware, and all four of its 21-inch wheels with ten twin-spokes each.

Odyssean Edition badges are visible on the “D” pillar to remind everyone of its exclusive distinction. Drawing inspiration from the EXP 100 GT concept car, the profile is sleek and sexy. What follows is the lavish interior of the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition that uses only the finest yet sustainable materials.

You’ll find British wool tweed on the seats instead of leather. These feature diamond textures and the Bentley emblem just below the headrests. Meanwhile, the Koa wood elements of the cabin boast an open-pore finish. The designers are only applying a thin coat of lacquer to retain the texture and reduce pollution.

The Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition is endowed with a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. Accompanying the power plant is a 100kW electric motor. These two combine for a total output of 536 horsepower with 553 lb-ft of torque.

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Images courtesy of Bentley

August 4, 2021 / Comments Off

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McLaren Speedtail ‘Albert’ has a paint job you absolutely must see

There’s no McLaren Speedtail that looks as wild and exotic as this one. Say hello to the “Albert” Speedtail, made as an homage to the first Speedtail testing vehicle.

That initial test vehicle featured a similar look, only done using crude vinyl body wrap. This Speedtail was meticulously painted and sweated over by the McLaren MSO team. The Albert name is derived from McLaren’s 1992 F1 test mules — those testers were given the name Albert, as the name of the road where the F1 was designed and built was called Albert Drive. Since the Speedtail is another three-seat McLaren, the name stuck.

The paintwork for this specific Speedtail took 12 weeks total to complete. McLaren broke that down into two weeks of masking, six weeks of painting and the remaining time for drying and reassembling. The MSO team also spent a good deal of time practicing and preparing to paint the actual car before it started. All the masking had to take place on the fully-built car, too, as painters had to ensure everything flowed around the vehicle with panel alignment and the wheels.

The final colors chosen for this project are Magnesium Silver and Ueno Gray. That silver is the first color the F1 was ever shown in, and the gray is the color of the 1995 Le Mans winning F1 GTR. The Speedtail’s teardrop shape lends itself to this sort of patterning and design better than most, and we absolutely adore it. This car already looks like a spaceship on wheels, and adding this paint job only elevates the feeling.

McLaren of Beverly Hills originally commissioned this car, and it will make a official public debut at a Beverly Hills Cars and Coffee this Sunday, August 8, in case you were curious to see it in person. Lastly, McLaren noted that this is one of the final Speedtails in the 106-car production run, so McLaren is almost done with this hypercar.

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August 4, 2021 / Comments Off

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The Big Bang Unico Red Carbon Alex Ovechkin is Hublot’s ode to the ‘Great Eight’

Hublot matches the fiery heat of summer with a crimson-clad luxury timepiece. The Big Bang Unico Red Carbon Alex Ovechkin is a striking tribute to the legendary NHL player himself. To achieve that distinct almost-camouflage-like detailing, the watchmaker turns to carbon fiber and red composites. This gives it a stunning profile that draws attention to your wrist.

Dealing with the crafting process of such materials means no two watches will have the same pattern. This also implies that each of the 100 examples Hublot plans to build is truly one of a kind. With that out of the way, the Big Bang Unico Red Carbon Alex Ovechkin ships in a 45-mm case.

The bezel and caseback also feature the flowing mix of reds, blacks, and grays. Meanwhile, the caseband, screws, crown, and pushers of the chronograph are all n black. under the sapphire crystal is a skeleton dial with the minute track on the flange.

It uses a mix of Arabic numeral and stick hour markers outlined in black outlines with red lume. There are two sub-dials at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock with a date window built into the latter. Big Bang Unico Red Carbon Alex Ovechkin also replaced the 8 o’clock hour marker with the player’s Great Eight emblem.

The HUB1242 UNICO Manufacture automatic calibre is good for 72 hours. Aside from the view of the movement and rotor, the sapphire window on the caseback also sports the signature of Washington Capitals’ left winger and captain. Finishing the Big Bang Unico Red Carbon Alex Ovechkin is a red fabric strap with micro-blasted black ceramic buckle.

Buy – $26,200

Images courtesy of Hublot

August 3, 2021 / Comments Off

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Aston Martin Valkyrie is set to lose its roof at Pebble Beach with roadster variant

Aston Martin is coming to Monterey Car Week with a new car reveal. The specific model name isn’t explicitly mentioned by Aston, but one look at the “teaser” gives us all the information we might need to suss it out.

The Valkyrie is losing its roof for a new Roadster variant that will join the existing hardtop and racing-only AMR Pro model. You must look rather closely at the roof area of the teaser, but upon inspection, the roof of the Valkyrie shown here is missing. Additionally, the doors have a new design to accommodate the missing roof. Instead of opening via the roof in gullwing fashion, they appear to be scissor doors. Beyond these details, we’re left to guess at the rest. The car looks similar to the standard coupe up front, and the convertible appears to keep the roof scoop, too.

Aston says the wraps will officially be taken off this new model on Thursday, August 12. After being revealed at a private event, the car will be available to see by invitation-only beginning the following day at the Aston Martin Club 1913. All Aston will say about the model so far is that it’s “a new product from the brand which extends the company’s performance credentials a step further.”

In addition to the new Valkyrie, Aston is also bringing the Valhalla supercar to North America for the first time. You can read all about that mid-engine car here, and then go check it out on Pebble Beach’s 18th fairway. If you want one, Aston just made its production run official — only 999 Valhallas will be built over the next two years.

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August 2, 2021 / Comments Off

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