It might look like the inside of a private jet, but this stunning interior belongs to a farmer’s Land Rover.
The iconic Land Rover Defender is a favourite of the Royal family, despite its basic interior and lack of comforts.
But one farmer decided he wanted classic design and off-road capability, but with added luxury – so got in touch with Carisma Auto Design, and set about transforming the 4×4.
The result is the Carisma Defender D1, an £80,000 transformation of the trusty off-roader, which only cost £20,000 to begin with.
It now boasts foldaway tables, a drinks cabinet with lead crystal glassware, dimmable mood lighting and an on-board PC, complete with wi-fi.
No expense was spared for the transformation, which also has an interior made from Connolly hide, and the ceiling and side panels have been trimmed in a matching quilt.
Clive Drake, sales boss at the Essex-based firm, said: ‘Satisfying special and unusual requests is a key part of our specialist skills and services.
Thanks to www.uk.news.yahoo.co.uk for sharing this with us.
On 6 January, the new Porsche Macan made its UK debut in a distinctive window display at the world-famous Harrods store on the Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, London.
The new Macan is the first Porsche in the compact SUV segment, and received its global unveiling at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November. Now, it is being shown in London until 5 February, two months ahead of its formal arrival in Porsche Centres in the UK.
In addition to being renowned for its cosmopolitan clientele, Knightsbridge in London is also rated as one of the top destinations for enthusiasts to spot the world’s newest and most exotic sports cars. It is therefore appropriate that the newest addition to the Porsche family makes its first public appearance here.
Fresh from celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013, an example of the iconic 911 coupé – in this case, the new 560 hp Turbo S – sits beside the Macan in the display, together with the latest Panamera S E-Hybrid, the world’s first plug-in hybrid in the executive saloon class.
Special prominence is given to a scale-model of the ground-breaking 918 Spyder, a plug-in hybrid super sports car which features a V8 petrol engine and two electric motors to deliver 887 hp combined. The two-seater has set a new production car lap record around the Nürburgring race track of 6:57 secs, yet offers an outstanding breadth of performance that includes being able to return up to 94 mpg and 70 g/km CO2.
Each day between 10:00 and 20:00, fans, prospective customers and passers-by alike will be able to get up close to each of the cars on display and find out more information – furthermore, a series of evening receptions are planned to formally introduce the new Macan.
“We are delighted to be able to show the new Porsche Macan here at Harrods in London throughout January,” said Ragnar Schulte, Marketing Director, Porsche Cars Great Britain. “It is a great opportunity to see the car since it will not be arriving at the official Porsche Centres until the beginning of April.”
Harrods Media Director, Guy Cheston, added;”Harrods’ iconic exhibition windows are one of the most sought after and visited retail display areas in the world, and we’re thrilled to showcase the latest Porsche models to our discerning, international clientele.
The Porsche Macan – the most dynamic vehicle in the compact sports utility vehicle segment
As the first Porsche in the compact SUV segment, the Macan will set new standards in terms of dynamic performance, both on the road and over uneven terrain. This is because the Macan combines the typical handling characteristics that have become indelibly associated with Porsche. The sporting DNA of the Macan, as with every Porsche, is immediately recognisable in the design, with several styling cues taken from other models and then enhanced for the Macan. It is therefore clear to see from the very first glance that the Porsche Macan is the first compact SUV that is also a sports car.
The Macan is available in three versions, and each features Porsche Traction Management (PTM) active all-wheel drive and the Porsche PDK double-clutch transmission. With a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine and 258 hp (190 kW), the Macan S Diesel is the long-distance sports car. The engine accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds and returns an average of 46.3 mpg (NEDC). The Macan S is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers 340 hp (250 kW), accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds and returns up to 32.5 mpg (NEDC). The 3.6-litre V6 twin-turbocharged engine in the Macan Turbo produces 400 hp (294 kW) and accelerates the vehicle to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds, with an average fuel consumption of up to 31.7 mpg (NEDC).
The Macan S Diesel and Macan S are priced from £43,300, and the Macan Turbo is priced from £59,300.Standard equipment on all models includes Porsche Traction Management (PTM), seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch transmission, alloy wheels, digital radio, front and rear ParkAssist, floor mats, multi-function steering wheel with gearshift paddles, electronic tailgate release, USB port connection and a three-year warranty.
The Macan Turbo adds BOSE Surround Sound audio system,Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with satellite navigation, leather interior, alcantara roof lining, 18-way adjustable adaptive front sports seats with memory, Bi-Xenon headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), sideblades in exterior colour and 19 inch diameter alloy wheels.
Jaguar North America has announced Sir Ben Kingsley, Tom Hiddleston and Mark Strong to apper in “Rendezvous,” its 60-second television advertisement to debut during the second half of Super Bowl XLVIII. Their largest-ever brand and product marketing campaign called “British Villains,” introduces the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe (on sale spring, 2014). The TVC was filmed by Oscar-winning British director, Tom Hooper, in London.
“With ‘British Villains,’ Jaguar will present itself on the Super Bowl stage as a challenger to the usual luxury car suspects, with a unique cinematic expression of our modern British style,” said Jeff Curry, Brand Vice President, Jaguar North America. “With the three renowned actors, Sir Ben, Tom and Mark, who have all played memorable film rogues, we have brought together the best of British film to star in a major motion picture caliber campaign that addresses the simple cultural observation that Brits often play the best villains in film. This talent, coupled with the direction of Academy Award-winner director Tom Hooper, enables us to launch our campaign for the F-TYPE Coupe in a manner that captures the new spirit of the entire brand inspired by our latest sports car.”
“Jaguar is truly a beloved British brand and it’s exciting to help them make some noise as they debut in a beloved American event, the Super Bowl,” said Sir Ben Kingsley. “As for being known for playing the roles of renowned villains, I’ll have to ponder that one – I think I’m flattered?!”
“2014 will continue a very significant period in the growth of the Jaguar brand, marked by quickly rising sales, and new beautifully designed products coming to market, like the F-TYPE Coupe this year, and in the future, an all-new compact sports sedan,” added Curry. “This is perhaps the brand’s most memorable marketing campaign and deserves to appear in one of the most-watched sporting events, the Super Bowl.”
“British Villains” captures the premise that Brits have long made the best villains in landmark films, combining intelligence with charm, restlessness with calm, and always confident. In the world of pop culture, villains disrupt the status quo and challenge the establishment, while living one step ahead of, and better than, the pack. The campaign asks the question, ‘Have you ever noticed how in Hollywood movies, all the villains are played by Brits?’ It was filmed by Hooper in London in a creative partnership with his Smuggler Films production house.
“This is one of those jobs that can really be a lot of fun, so I was quite happy to oblige when Jaguar asked me to be a part of their first Super Bowl commercial,” said Hooper. “To work with the caliber of great actors we cast in this project is a truly special experience on its own and reflects the cinematic approach that we took in the production with Jaguar.”
Unlike in Dubai this supercar wont actually be patrolling so in this case things aren´t as they first seem to be but it is still an attention grabbing sight to see the McLaren 12c Spider with Police livery.
Safety: Police hope mocked up 200mph supercar will spread safety message
Britain’s fastest police car has been unveiled – a McLaren supercar capable of a scorching 207mph.
The £240,000 McLaren 12c Spider, was revealed at the Autosport International event in Birmingham on Saturday – but it won’t be patrolling the motorways any time soon.
The supercar, which can do 0-60 in just 3 seconds is on loan from Formula 1 manufacturers McLaren.
It’s been mocked up with full police livery in the hope that it will break down barriers with motorists and spread a road safety message.
Chief Inspector Paul Keasey, from West Midlands based Central Motorway Police Group, said: “Shows like this are a fantastic opportunity for us to meet and engage with motorists who are interested in performance cars and are out and about on our roads.”
PC Angus Nairn – star of BBC TV show Motorway Cops – will be behind the wheel of the supercar through the weekend, and hopes it will be a bit hit.
“We have taken extraordinary cars to the event before and the response has been overwhelming” he said.
“People literally flock around them. The McLaren 12C is a stunning looking car, capable of high speed. With the police livery it will certainly be very remarkable and look like no other sports car.”
He also hoped it would drive a road safety message through to young motoring enthusisasts.
He said: “Although the car won’t be used operationally on the motorways, at the show we get a lot of interest from younger drivers and those with an interest in performance cars and that gives us the chance to talk with them over issues of road safety.
“Excess speed, using mobile phones, drink driving and not using seatbelts are a few of the topics we will discuss.”
Germany is thought to have the world’s fastest police car, after they introduced a Brabus Rocket with a top speed of 255mph.
Still, the West Midlands Police Department has a long way to go if it wants to keep pace with the Dubai law enforcement crew. The Dubai police already have the 12C. They also have an Aventador, a GT-R, a Ferrari FF, and even an Aston Martin One-77. Now that is a fleet of cars… and it’s only part of a longer list that also includes a Bugatti Veyron.
Reported by http://www.mirror.co.uk and www.motorauthority.com
Although the Ferrari 458 always figures very high on the list of most desirable cars for every-one, it has to be said it isn´t always the best match for every Hemingway client. Those clients who are best described as big guys should read what The Rock posted on Facebook recently.
The Rock is a big, bad dude, so he needs a car to match. On paper, the Ferrari 458 Italia would be a perfect match. It’s fast, beautiful and exclusive.
The Ferrari 458 Italia is also a pretty small car. Being a track-ready sports car means they didn’t include a lot of extra room for comfort, because that would mean extra weight.
The Rock’s car needs to be big enough to fit his massive 6’5” frame inside, so the Ferrari might not be the best bet for the actor’s daily driver.
The Rock lamented on Facebook that he loved the Ferrari but just doesn’t fit:
“570 horse power of brilliant Italian engineering + 260lbs of Samoan Black Silverback = another fine ride I don’t fit in.
#Ferrari458
Why I’m a pick up truck man.”
Or we would suggest the Audi A8 maybe? Tall, big guys, let us know what you think the best option for The Rock would be.
Model, actress and Real Housewife Joanna Krupa was spotted giving the paparazzi a real show while washing her white Ferrari 458 Italia recently. Could you imagine if Kim Kardashian did this with her Ferrari 458?
When it comes to fantasising about your dream car it seems that British marques are in pole position, taking 5 out of the top 6 spots in a giant poll of the most coveted cars.
And it’s Range Rover which is streets ahead of the pack beating Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche to claim not just one but three of the top ten places.
A survey of more than 55,000 petrolheads by Best of the Best, the airport and online car competitions’ company, has revealed British motoring is in a league of its own, even out-classing previous front runners of German and Italian descent.
The Range Rover, once the preserve of the country gent, has eclipsed its rivals with a series of new models adding to its widespread appeal to both men and women. The Sport TDV6 SE version is top of the podium with the Evoque in third place and the Vogue SE in fourth position.
With James Bond’s latest adventure, Skyfall, a massive hit in 2013, the Aston Martin badge has never had more pulling power with the Vantage named the second most popular.
British cars feature strongly throughout the list of more than 140 cars, giving a clear indicator the feel-good factor really is slowly returning to the UK economy.
While there are three Porsches in the top 20, there is no Ferrari – the 458 Italia only manages 21st place. Meanwhile, the recently launched Jaguar F-Type has proven hugely popular, reaching number six in the list.
William Hindmarch, who founded Best of the Best in 1999 and has since given away more than £15m of dream cars, said he was amazed with the results.
“It is great to see how popular British motors are, particularly when they are in direct competition with your ordinary motoring fan who dreams of winning his ultimate car. There is no better test of their popularity and proof that the ones we would assume are top of the list are nowhere near,” he explained.
“Our survey shows that drivers want performance and of course a good-looking car but it is the prestige of a British badge which is winning time after time.
“One of the really exciting things about this survey is that more than 80 nationalities took part, which means the British brand really is valued across the globe.”
And the least popular on the list? That prize goes the BMW Alpina D5 Saloon.
In the world of cars we always seem to be waiting for new innovations and more beautiful cars but the same preparation goes into watches. We have been updated by www.atimelyperspective.com that these have finally hit the stores, the new Jaeger LeCoutre Aston Martin watches are here– so you can race right out and see and touch these babies.
Jaeger-LeCoultre AMVOX5 World Chronograph Cermet
Finally, the three timepieces released last year by Jaeger-LeCoultre – in cooperation with the 100-year-old Aston Martin – are here. They feature many fine-tuned high-performance components for which both the automotive and watch industries are known. One of the more impressive timepieces – one we really love, is the AMVOX5 World Chronograph Cermet. In my opinion, this is one of the best combinations of these two brands thanks to the innovative materials and the chronograph function for
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Compressor Extreme Alarm
timing. The case of this watch is made of reinforced cermet, a revolutionary composite made of an aluminum core and strengthened with particles of ceramic. It is then coated with a 40 micron-thick protective ceramic layer for strength and sleek looks. The watch offers world time indication via a city disk on the inner bezel and the chronograph is amazingly readable. It is powered by the Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 752, beating at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour. The high performance watch is finished with a black calfskin strap with red stitching and just 500 pieces will be made, each retailing for $22,200.(€16,300)
Also a superb blend of both brands, the Master Compressor Extreme W-Alarm Aston Martin features a dial made to look like the grille of an Aston Martin. The hands illuminate, just like the gauges inside the cockpit of an
The Master Hometime Aston Martin dual time watch. $9,000. (€6,500)
Aston Martin. Equipped with date indication, as well as world time display and an alarm, the watch is exceptionally useful and easy to read. Powered by the automatic Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 912 with 315 components, it is an elaborate movement, and is equipped with a compressor key that further enhances the watch’s water resistant by over compressing one of the crown’s four gaskets. The 46.3mm watch case is crafted of sophisticated shock-absorbing titanium and stainless steel case. It retails for a cool $17,800.(€13000)
Our American clients still have a few weeks to visit “Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed” at North Carolina Museum of Art, as the museum has extended the exhibit until February 2 of 2014. Since opening in October of last year, the exhibit has attracted thousands of Porsche fans, and featured rare cars such as a Type 64 from the Automuseum Prototyp from Hamburg, Germany, Ralph Lauren’s 959, Miles Collier’s 917 in Martini & Rossi livery, as well as a factory 16-cylinder race car that was built as a technology demonstrator. Visitors also got to see Steve McQueen’s 356A Speedster, on loan from his son Chad, in addition to many other prototypes and historic race cars.
The exhibition hosted a number of short documentaries about Porsche.
“Porsche by Design has been extremely popular with our traditional members and visitors, as well as visitors from across the country who are intrigued by high design and the idea of cars in an art museum,” said Museum Director Lawrence J. Wheeler. “We’re thrilled to keep the exhibition open for an additional two weeks and excited to offer a ‘hoods up’ event to the public.”
2013 being the 50th anniversary of the Porsche 911, a number of celebrations took place in addition to the release of an anniversary 911 model, though we can’t think of a better way to wrap up the year’s festivities than to see historic Porsches and learn about where it all began. In addition to two museum members-only “Hoods Up” events, the museum will also host one open to the public over an entire weekend.
“Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed” will stay open through Feb. 2, at the North Carolina Museum of Art (www.ncartmuseum.org) in Raleigh, N.C. Visit the museum’s website here or call (919) 839-6262 for hours and directions.
Read more: http://www.autoweek.com, thanks to Jay Ramey. Picture from www.performance.porschedealer.com
If there was a super SUV we think it would come from Rolls Royce. They have been teasing us with plans to move into the SUV market and today we are hoping that they may actually start the process.
Frankfurt – Luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is getting closer to deciding on whether to make a sport utility vehicle, chief executive Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes signalled on Thursday.
“It’s a very interesting segment, definitely, and we are thinking about it,” Mueller-Oetvoes told Reuters Insider television in response to a question about whether building such a car would be feasible.
“We are playing with some drawings and we are starting now to look even deeper into the whole thing. A decision will only be done if we are convinced that this fits to the brand,” Mueller-Oetvoes said.
He said the main difficulty was reconciling such a vehicle with the Rolls-Royce brand values which have not been associated with sportiness or offroading.
Hemingway Luxury Car Hire think that it would be a simply awesome option to combine Rolls Royce brand values with sportiness and offroading, what are your views?
Rolls-Royce is a unit of Germany’s BMW Group. -Reuters
