Concept Cars: Mini has been celebrating its 50th anniversary for most of 2009, with special editions--even a Rolls-Royce custom Mini--multiplying like rabbits. But the next few weeks are set to be very busy for Mini as the company is set to host the reveal of a pair of all-new concepts, the first of which has just been revealed in the form of the 2009 Mini Coupe Concept.
August 26 is the actual 50th anniversary of the Mini brand, and to celebrate the occasion, the company has unveiled the startling "Coupe Concept," which is set to go on display next month at the Frankfurt Auto Show alongside a rumored open-top speedster concept. Furthermore, the new Coupe Concept previews what could possibly the next Mini variant destined for production and the by the looks of it we sure do hope so.
Mini is calling it a prototype for now but its John Cooper Works-tuned 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 211 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque (206 pound-feet with overboost) is entirely plausible for a production model.
It is based on the regular Cooper Hatchback but sports a lightweight aluminum roof to help lower its center of gravity. Strictly a two-seater, the low roof line, compact dimensions, perfect axle load distribution and lightweight construction are all trademarks of a genuine sports car. Other unique elements include a body colored grille and matching inserts on the wheels and rear diffuser.
The muscular stance of the car is a result of carefully calculated exterior dimensions. The Mini Coupe Concept is 1,356 mm high and the steep rake of the A-pillars is accentuated by the high waistline common to every Mini. Sat on 18-inch triple-tone finish light alloy wheels, the concept is 3,714 mm in length and 1,683 mm wide.
Inside, sports seats with strongly contoured side supports feature, as does a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with multi-function controls. Two Chronoswiss clocks to the right and left of the rev counter provide a close link to earlier concept cars by Mini, bridging the gap between the analogue age of the classic Mini and the digital age of new Mini. One acts as a stop watch and the other a standard clock.
A luggage capacity of 250 liters is offered and can be accessed at the rear by a tailgate which is hinged above the roof spoiler, meaning easy access to goods stowed in the rear. The bulkhead between the passenger and luggage compartments comes with a lockable opening, giving passengers access to the rear section at any time.
With a Crossover model in the final stages of development and Hatch, Clubman and Convertible models currently on the roads in nearly 80 countries worldwide, Mini aims to offer a varied range of compact premium cars to customers in the coming years. Hinting that the latest Coupe Concept may eventually enter production, Mini states that it offers a "vision" of how the company's lineup may continue to grow.
Luxury Automotive News: The recently held Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance kept the event's legacy intact as being among the world's greatest automobile shows. The yearly extravaganza held in Pebble Beach, Calif., attracts a mixed upscale audience that includes car collectors, buyers and sellers, patrons of the art, automotive technology buffs, and more. The Concours d'Elegance features a best of show competition, a 17-mile tour open to all entrants, a collectibles and memorabilia forum, the AFAS Exhibition, and, perhaps the most anticipated event of the affair, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance auction.
Rest assured this year's auction, the fourth managed by luxury-auto auctioneers Gooding & Company, did not disappoint. Three world records were set in regard to highest sales price of a 1953 Aston Martin DB 2/4 Drop Head Coupe's sale at $1.65 million, a 1953 Jaguar XK120 SE Roadster's at $192,500 and a 1938 Buick Limited Series 80 Opera Brougham at $506,000. A 1938 Bugatti Type 57C Special Coupe once owned by Ettore Bugatti, sold for $1.375 million, while a 1958 Ferrari 250 GT LWB California Spider, at $2.75 million, was the highest priced lot of the auction. Overall, 74 lots (cars) sold for more than $21 million, according to Gooding & Company.
Several American racecars with historical accolades from the collection of Don and Joan Lyons sold for more than $1 million. The vehicle instrumental in launching the career of legendary racecar driver Mario Andretti, a 1964 Dean Van Lines Roadster, was the leader of the pack at $231,000.
A 1937 Horch 853 Voll & Ruhrbeck Sport Cabriolet, owned by Robert M. Lee, won the 2009 Best of Show award. Mr. Lee is now among the prestigious alumni of repeat winners of the BOS award, having also been awarded the honor in 2006 with his 1931 Daimler Double-Six 50 Corsica Drophead Coupe.
Mark August 15, 2010, on your calendar for the next PB Concours d'Elegance. For more information, visit Pebble BeachConcours.com. For details on luxury-automobile auctions by Gooding & Company, visit GoodingCo.com.
Luxury Vehicles: Tired of your dreary 2009 models collecting dust in the garage? Now is the perfect time of year for the forward-thinking, luxury car enthusiast to preview the latest upcoming models. Notable reveals include: the Maserati GranCabrio, the 2011 Infiniti M, the Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu, the Ferrari F458 Italia Spider & the 2010 Hyundai Equus. Enjoy!
2010 Maserati GranCabrio Maserati just revealed the GranCabrio, a.k.a. convertible version of the GranTurismo, which will make its official debut on September 15 at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The new vehicle comes with a canvas-made soft-top, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition, capable to transform the coupe to a convertible in less than 20 seconds.
The new car continues the Maserati tradition in open-top cars, joining models that have played such an important part in the Modena carmaker's history such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, 1960 3500GT Vignale Spyder, 1964 Mistral Spyder, 1968 Ghibli Spyder and 2001 Spyder designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the car that marked Maserati's return to the United States. The new 4-seater carries the 4.7-liter V8 engine capable to deliver 323 kW. Maserati plans to introduce the new GranCabrio in Europe next winter, while the rest of the world will receive it the following spring.
2011 Infiniti M
Infiniti unveiled today the all-new 2011 Infiniti M performance luxury sedan, the 3rd generation of the popular M. The new model, which will be sold across all of Infiniti's 32 markets around the world, including Western Europe is going to be offered with V8 (capable to deliver more than 400 hp) and V6 engines.
These new models will be designated as the Infiniti M56 and Infiniti M37 respectively, reflecting their more powerful, larger displacement engines. As you can see, the new car comes with a completely redesigned body clearly inspired by the Essence Concept Car. The interior of the vehicle promises to be highlighted by the use of innovative materials, an advanced climate control system, superior audio and an enhanced quality feel. Despite improved performance from the new engine lineup, fuel consumption will be reduced. The new 2011 Infiniti M is which is scheduled to go on sale across the world starting from spring 2010 and will make its official public debut later this year.
Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu
Continuing this year's 100th anniversary celebrations, behold the Bugatti Sang Bleu, described as an exclusive, one-off Grand Sport, honouring the marques precious heritage. Instead of applyingtwo paint colours or paint and material to highlight the two tone design the "Sang Bleu" exclusively concentrates on materials: carbon fibre and aluminum.
The chosen colour combination is blue carbon fibre with polished aluminum. Also, the rear airscoops are tinted in the same nightblue and integrate perfectly into the overall design philosophy of this unique model. The entire design is completed by the rims inspired from the Grand Sport Roadster and highlighted in a Midnight Blue and Diamond Cut two tone finish. Inside we find a newly developed Gaucho leather which completes perfectly the design of the car!
Ferrari F458 Italia Spider
Fast on the heels of the enthusiasm being displayed for the 2010 Ferrari F458 Italian coupe, it is believed that a 458 Italia Spider also already being lined up. The coupe is set to be officially unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show while the 458 Italia Spider is anticipated to follow in Geneva next spring.
Similar to the 458 Italia coupe, the Spider would be powered by a mid-engine 4.5-liter V8. The direct-injection flat-plane crank V8 produces 570 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, and 398 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. It sends power to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the coupe, that results in a top speed of near 202 mph while the Spider will be limited to a speed of just under 200 mph. To lower its weight, the 458 Spider will opt not to install a retractable hardtop and will instead go for a conventional soft top.
Luxury Vehicles: Any vehicle with an adjustable twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that lets the driver choose from fast, faster and downright hairy (450, 550 and 650 horsepower, respectively) with a curb weight of just 2,810 pounds and a top speed of 225 mph can only be described as the true essence of driving, and that's exactly what Noble has distilled with its latest M600 supercar.
Like few other supercars - the veritably nutty and completely desirable Vermot Veritas RS III among them - the Noble M600 is also completely free of so-called 'computer assistance': no stability aids, no ABS, nothing to box you in or, conversely, save you from your lack of skill. Which is a beautiful thing in some eyes.
There is, however, a big red lever in the passenger compartment marked 'TC'. Even purists will acknowledge there are times when traction control is handy - like when trying to merge a supercar with traffic on a bumpy, narrow street on a rainy day. The rest of the time, it'll likely be switched to the 'off' position, however.
As the images also show, the interior of the car is anything but a stripped-down racer. It's somewhat reminiscent of the high-quality austerity of other highly-focused and capable street-legal track cars like the Porsche GT3 RS - also new today.
Performance figures for the M600 are expected to land near the 3.0 second mark for the 0-60 mph run, with 100 mph flashing by in just 6.5 seconds. All of this is done without flashy gearboxes or electronic doo-dads as well: just a solid H-pattern six-speed and a healthy serving of bravado.
The M600 will make its official debut at the Goodwood Revival, which runs September 19-21.
Luxury Cars: As you may know already Bentley promised to unveil its new flagship sedan at this year's Pebble Beach Concours D'Eelegance and it did: this is the new 2010 Grand Bentley Mulsanne.
Although when we saw the first spy photos with the new vehicle we did not like it at all, we have to admit that the new car looks really impressive, showing a spectacular design line. Unfortunately the British manufacturer did not reveal any details yet, but we do know that the 2010 Grand Bentley Mulsanne will carry the powerful 6.75-liter V8 engine capable to develop over 550 hp. More details to be revealed!
Luxury Partnerships: Two legends are teaming up to bring you two of this year's sexiest, most powerful products. Blancpain, the world's oldest watch brand, and Lamborghini, one of the most iconic car manufacturers the world has ever seen, are combining forces. The results are nothing short of stunning.
This partnership brought about the creation of an exceptional automobile championship. The Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo is not only the first Lamborghini racing series, but also the world's fastest and most demanding single-make championship.
30 gleaming Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 cars, the latest version of the legendary model, are to take to the pavement in each of the races, setting the bar for luxury automotive racing the world-over.
To match the sophisticated lines of the latest racing version of the Gallardo line, Blancpain designers and master watchmakers created the latest gem from the Manufacture in Le Brassus: the Super Trofeo Chronograph equipped with a flyback function.
With the exceptional performances fuelled by 570 HP and 540 N/m torque harbored in the new Gallardo, Blancpain has had their work cut out for them in creating a timepiece as powerful and sexy as Lamborghini's latest masterpiece, and the Super Trofeo Chronograph does not disappoint.
In alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces, the 43.5 mm-diameter steel case contains the heart of the piece: the Calibre F185. Self-winding and endowed with a 40-hour power reserve, the "engine" comprises 308 meticulously crafted parts. The movement has been coated by NAC, a state-of-the-art electroplating treatment that blackens the movement bridges and main plate.
As the cherry on top, the Super Trofeo Chronograph sits comfortably on your wrist with a strap made of the same Alcantara suede that hugs the seats of the Lamborghini Gallardos, and a DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) treatment-- blacker than ruthenium and more resistant than PVD--coats the steel, ensuring that it is waterproof up to 100 meters, resistant to wear, corrosion and friction as well.
True to the exclusive nature of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the first single-make racing series in Lamborghini's history, Blancpain is only manufacturing 300 of these exceptional timepieces, each with its individual number engraved on the case-back. Due to this legendary partnership, you can bet that those 300 will go fast.
Luxury Vehicles: Hot on the heels of the ActiveHybrid X6 revealed yesterday, BMW has announced the production version of the all-new ActiveHybrid 7 sedan, which will also premiere at next month's Frankfurt Auto Show. Combining twin-turbocharging and direct-injection technologies with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries, the ActiveHybrid 7 manages to churn out 455 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque and sends this all through a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission.
The end result is a full-size luxury sedan that is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, while delivering fuel economy approximately 15 percent better than the similarly powerful 750i. Some of the other advanced fuel-saving measures include an engine stop-start system and electronically-powered auxiliary systems.
Additionally, BMW's ActiveHybrid technology uses energy that would be normally converted into heat through the brakes, and therefore wasted in conventional cars. The ActiveHybrid 7 features an enhanced version of the automaker's Brake Energy Regeneration system already used in some current BMW models running on a combustion engine alone.
In this case the integrated electric motor acts as a generator when coasting or applying the brakes, in order to feed electric power into the battery. Brake Energy Regeneration converts some of the vehicle's kinetic energy into electric power for the on-board network whenever the driver lifts off the accelerator or applies the brakes. On acceleration, electricity is fed back into the on-board network from the lithium-ion battery. This sequence relieves the combustion engine from the task of converting some of its fuel energy into electric current, and thus enables the engine to provide more power directly to the rear wheels. The result is better acceleration even than the 750i, despite the fact that the additional power is obtained in a way that does not require additional consumption of fuel.
Under the front hood is the regular 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the 750i, which produces a peak output of 440 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque and is matched with a three-phase synchronous electric motor.
The motor is positioned between the engine and the torque converter, and is connected to the crankshaft. Shaped like a disc, it weighs 50.7 pounds. The motor generates boost of approximately 20 horsepower and peak torque of 155 pound-fee. When operating as a generator in Brake Energy Regeneration, the electric motor produces approximately 27 horsepower of brake force.
As mentioned, the electric motor in the ActiveHybrid 7 is powered by lithium-ion batteries. Importantly, the car gives up almost no luggage capacity to its conventional siblings (750i and 750Li), because the 120-volt battery is small enough to be mounted underneath the trunk floor.
The useful energy provided by the battery is 400 watt-hours. The battery itself is comprised of 35 cells and an integrated control unit which continuously analyzes the charge level and ensures appropriate dependability under all conditions.
Special displays are included in the instrument cluster and the central display so you will know just how much fuel you are actually saving.
To set it apart from the regular 7-Series and to ensure onlookers know owners are slightly environmentally concerned, the ActiveHybrid 7 is distinguished by custom aerodynamically-tuned 19-inch alloy wheels, unique badging, and a special "Bluewater" metallic paint scheme.
The new ActiveHybrid 7 will reach America shores in Spring in next year and both standard and long-wheelbase versions will be offered. Official EPA ratings will be available closer to the U.S. market launch.
Private Racetrack Clubs: In case you have not noticed, the pages of JustLuxe are filled with reviews and news about the latest supercars, high-performance vehicles, and luxury automobiles! Until now, I have always wondered where does an owner of a car capable of accelerating to 150 mph or more go to just let it all hang out? There must be a way to remain in third gear for more than a flash without the risk a traffic ticket each and every time! The evolution of the luxury lifestyle has led to the advent of a new strain of country clubs that just may be the ticket to a very satisfying solution for owners of high-performance cars.
Country clubs with raceways are being built for members with special driving needs. While many country clubs have catered to golf enthusiasts for years, these country clubs similarly are reaching out to high-performance automobile lovers who seek quality track time as passionately as golf lovers want to play on the finest championship golf courses.
These private clubs provide driving academies, performance-enhancing driving courses, and professional-style tracks circuits in a luxury-resort setting designed to offer a vacation-like environment for the entire family to enjoy. These social clubs for drivers and like-minded car enthusiasts provide stomping grounds where members can experience the thrill of driving their own cars or select from a stable of high-end vehicles provided by the club to take on a private course that is fit for professional motorsports competitions. Members of such clubs may also own racecars that can only be driven on private tracks, such as an Ariel Atom or a Radical Sports Racer.
Many of the country clubs also have full social calendars and sponsor various motorsports events year round. Here is a closer look at six top raceway resorts in the mix.
VIR Motorsport Country Club
The VIR Motorsport Country Club is located in Alton, Va., which is between Danville and South Boston. The driving club has its get-togethers at the heralded VIRginia International Raceway. The storied track, a favorite among both professional racecar drivers and driving enthusiasts, is among the first raceways to offer a luxury-resort on the property. The accommodations for visitors are lavish and provide extraordinary views of the racecourses. It is a unique experience.
The villas, which are rented as whole units or by the floor, are two-story residences with more than 2,000 square feet of space. The decorum of the ViR's Plantation Clubhouse replicates the style of the 1940s South with uncanny panache. The country club is an all-encompassing luxury-lifestyle enclave fit for family vacations, on-track getaways, and the environment works well for special events both personal and corporate. This is a sanctuary for car lovers and friends.
There are four driving courses on the pastoral 1,200-acre property. The courses include two separate paddocks (complete repair centers) with timing towers, covered tech bays, a pro shop, classrooms, and a restroom with showers.
The VIRginia International Raceway hosts major motorsports events year round. Along with driving privileges on the VIR circuits, members of the VIR Motorsport Country Club can drive on the track at the New Jersey Motorsports Park. There is a pact in place where members of either club have access to both circuits.
Palm Beach Driving Club
Members of the Palm Beach Driving Club head to the all-new Palm Beach International Raceway for their track time and socializing. The raceway is among the top motorsports parks in the nation with drag racing, road racing, karting, and performance testing areas onsite.
This is a playground for supercars and proud owners to matriculate and accumulate track time. While the driving experience is first and foremost, this is a luxury-lifestyle enclave of variety with great proximity to many of South Florida's finest attractions.
Members of the Palm Beach Driving Club community have a cigar club, fine-dining options, and concierge-assisted planning to put members front and center for all activities in the area. The Palm Beach International Raceway is located near various luxury hotels such as the Ritz-Carlton, the Breakers, and the Jupiter Beach Resort & Spa just to name a few.
Luxury Cars: Since the release of its official strategy in September of 2007, media sources around the world have been speculating that BMW was looking at either launching its own new brand or acquiring one to help expansion. BMW already has a foothold in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments with its BMW and Rolls-Royce brands, respectively, plus it has the Mini small car brand as well, but reports suggested that the automaker may launch or revive a fourth brand for its upcoming family of Project i cars.
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has now made the final word on the topic, putting an end to claims of a new brand and reconfirming earlier statements that no existing brand fits the criteria BMW seeks in a partner at present. At one point it was thought BMW was interested in acquiring Volvo or possibly even the Triumph brand.
Speaking with the Wall Street Journal, Reithofer said the first Project i car will feature an electric drivetrain and will be launched under a "BMW sub-brand" comparable to BMW's M badge, which marks high-performance cars.
Reithofer also revealed that the vehicle will be launched "in the first half of the next decade," but failed to provide any further details. Earlier this week BMW confirmed that it would be partnering with SB LiMotive, a joint-venture between Bosch and Samsung SDI, for the supply of lithium-ion batteries for the new vehicles.
In related news, Reithofer also confirmed that BMW was still in talks with France's PSA Peugeot-Citroen over a possible deal to build new engines together, as well as Daimler on joint purchasing and sharing certain components.
Luxury Cars: BMW revealed today the production version of the brand new 2010 ActiveHybrid X6. Which will be showcased at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The new vehicle comes with a significant increase in driving dynamics but also a reduced fuel consumption with up to 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone.
This means that we will have greater driving pleasure combined with enhanced fuel economy and CO2 management. The new car comes with a twin-turbocharged V8 gasoline engine capable to deliver 400 hp and two electric synchronous motors delivering 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively. Maximum system output is 480 hp, and peak torque reaches 575 lb-ft. With these numbers the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds while the top speed is limited electronically to 130 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle improved by roughly 20 percent, and a CO2 emission rating of 231 grams per kilometer. EPA ratings will be available closer to the market introduction.
Luxury Cars: Ferrari has released the first details of its newest supercar, the Ferrari 458 Italia, which represents one of the largest leaps forward in technology, performance and emissions ever seen from the legendary Italian automaker.
Its new 4.5-liter V8 engine produces 570hp (425kW) and 400lb-ft (540Nm) of torque, enough to blast the car to 62mph (100km/h) in less than 3.4 seconds and on to a 202mph (325km/h) top speed, yet it uses less fuel than the car it replaces - the already amazing F430. But these raw figures are just the start of the technological story of Ferrari's newest model.
While the outgoing F430 was largely based on the 360 Modena that preceded it, the Ferrari 458 Italia is a completely new car from every point of view: engine, design, aerodynamics, handling, instrumentation and ergonomics are all new.
The car also benefits hugely from Ferrari's F1 experience. This is particularly evident in the speed and precision with which it responds to driver inputs and in the attention focused on reducing internal friction in the engine for lower fuel consumption than the F430, despite the fact that both overall displacement and power have increased.
The 458 Italia features an innovative driving environment with a new kind of steering wheel and dashboard that is the direct result of racing practice. Once again, input from Michael Schumacher - who was involved from the very start of the 458 Italia project - played a major part.
The Ferrari 458 Italia's Pininfarina design provides further evidence of the complete departure from the past that this new car hails. As with every Ferrari, the car's styling has been very heavily influenced by the requirements for aerodynamic efficiency, as can be seen from the downforce of 140kg at 124mph (200km/h) generated by the new model.
The new V8 is the first Ferrari direct injection engine to be mid-rear mounted. It has a very low piston compression height typical of racing engines that contributed to achieving its compression ratio of 12.5:1. Equipped with the traditional flat-plane crankshaft, the engine delivers its peak 570hp (425kW) at 9,000rpm and, with a power output of 126hp (94kW) per liter, sets a new benchmark not only for the whole Ferrari range and the history of company, but also for the entire market segment.
Maximum torque is 400lb-ft (540Nm) at 6000 rpm, over 80% of which is available from 3,250 rpm.
The 458 Italia is also equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission similar to the unit found in the California. According to Ferrari, the addition of a dual-clutch transmission plus direct injection technology helps lower the car's CO2 emissions to 320g/km and fuel consumption to 13.7L/100km. A low kerb weight also helps here and Ferrari engineers have managed to keep the weight of the 458 Italia down to 1,380kg with a 42/58 front to rear weight distribution.
Dimensions stand at 4,527mm in length, 1,937mm in width, and 1,213 in height. The wheelbase measures in at 2,650mm.
The Ferrari 458 Italia's suspension features twin wishbones at the front and a multi-link set-up at the rear. Furthermore, the integration of the E-Diff and F1-Trac traction control systems (now controlled by the same ECU) and their respective mappings is even greater, resulting in a 32% increase in longitudinal acceleration out of corners compared to previous models.
Most of the controls of the 458 Italia will be mounted to the steering wheel.
The same ECU also governs the ABS. The brakes also feature a prefill function whereby the pistons in the calipers move the pads into contact with the discs on lift off to minimize delay in the brakes being applied. This combined with the ABS has cut the 62-0mph braking distance to a mere 32.5m.
Inside, the 458 Italia features a new interface where the main controls are all clustered on the steering wheel. Unfortunately, Ferrari is yet to reveal any other details for the interior.
The new model will make its official world debut at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in the first half of next year.
Luxury Cars: Loeven SportwagenTouren, Europe's premier supercar touring company, is now offering a version of its incredible Tour des Niveaux. The tour leads from Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur in a Bugatti Veyron. The 7-day journey beginning in Zurich traverses the most breathtaking alpine roads including the famed Col dʻIseran, the world's highest alpine mountain pass at over 9,000 ft. above sea level. Hairpin turns and eye-popping scenery are the norm both in the mountains - Mont Blanc is an early destination - and on the famous seaside Grande Corniche between Nice and Menton.
As if piloting a supercar wasn't enough excitement already, the Tour de Niveaux also includes stopovers at the best boutique luxury hotels, many of them historically significant, as well as incredible cuisine at Michelin-starred eateries en route; founder Reinhard Loeven knows his chefs as well as his exotic autos. Doing the trip in the Veyron, the né plus ultra, will cost about $18,000 per day (?13,000, with a ?50,000 security deposit); Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Maseratis are also available on a sliding scale, though Loeven will happily locate you a Rolls-Royce, Pagani or even a Konigsegg should you wish.
JustLuxe is a luxury Web publication providing objective analysis and information to affluent consumers to assist with their decision making, decisions such as charting a yacht, purchasing a jet membership card, booking a luxury hotel, traveling to a specific destination, or buying real estate. Our writers conduct interviews with industry executives and leaders in their fields, analyze product offerings and review the Web sites of leading companies to ensure our readers have up-to-date data to make informed decisions. Consumers can find purveyors of fine luxury goods, services and travel solutions throughout the pages of JustLuxe via content or with our advertising partners. See our Best of Luxury High end Brands and partners.
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Concept Cars: Mini has been celebrating its 50th anniversary for most of 2009, with special editions--even a Rolls-Royce custom Mini--multiplying like rabbits. But the next few weeks are set to be very busy for Mini as the company is set to host the reveal of a pair of all-new concepts, the first of which has just been revealed in the form of the 2009 Mini Coupe Concept.
Luxury Automotive News: The recently held Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance kept the event's legacy intact as being among the world's greatest automobile shows. The yearly extravaganza held in Pebble Beach, Calif., attracts a mixed upscale audience that includes car collectors, buyers and sellers, patrons of the art, automotive technology buffs, and more. The Concours d'Elegance features a best of show competition, a 17-mile tour open to all entrants, a collectibles and memorabilia forum, the AFAS Exhibition, and, perhaps the most anticipated event of the affair, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance auction.
Luxury Vehicles: Tired of your dreary 2009 models collecting dust in the garage? Now is the perfect time of year for the forward-thinking, luxury car enthusiast to preview the latest upcoming models. Notable reveals include: the Maserati GranCabrio, the 2011 Infiniti M, the Bugatti Grand Sport Sang Bleu, the Ferrari F458 Italia Spider & the 2010 Hyundai Equus. Enjoy!
Luxury Vehicles: Any vehicle with an adjustable twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that lets the driver choose from fast, faster and downright hairy (450, 550 and 650 horsepower, respectively) with a curb weight of just 2,810 pounds and a top speed of 225 mph can only be described as the true essence of driving, and that's exactly what Noble has distilled with its latest M600 supercar.
Luxury Cars: As you may know already Bentley promised to unveil its new flagship sedan at this year's Pebble Beach Concours D'Eelegance and it did: this is the new 2010 Grand Bentley Mulsanne.
Luxury Partnerships: Two legends are teaming up to bring you two of this year's sexiest, most powerful products. Blancpain, the world's oldest watch brand, and Lamborghini, one of the most iconic car manufacturers the world has ever seen, are combining forces. The results are nothing short of stunning.
Luxury Vehicles: Hot on the heels of the 
Private Racetrack Clubs: In case you have not noticed, the pages of JustLuxe are filled with reviews and news about the latest supercars, high-performance vehicles, and luxury automobiles! Until now, I have always wondered where does an owner of a car capable of accelerating to 150 mph or more go to just let it all hang out? There must be a way to remain in third gear for more than a flash without the risk a traffic ticket each and every time! The evolution of the luxury lifestyle has led to the advent of a new strain of country clubs that just may be the ticket to a very satisfying solution for owners of high-performance cars.
Luxury Cars: Since the release of its official strategy in September of 2007, media sources around the world have been speculating that BMW was looking at either launching its own new brand or acquiring one to help expansion. BMW already has a foothold in the luxury and ultra-luxury segments with its BMW and Rolls-Royce brands, respectively, plus it has the Mini small car brand as well, but reports suggested that the automaker may launch or revive a fourth brand for its upcoming family of Project i cars.
Luxury Cars: BMW revealed today the production version of the brand new 2010 ActiveHybrid X6. Which will be showcased at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The new vehicle comes with a significant increase in driving dynamics but also a reduced fuel consumption with up to 20 percent versus a comparable vehicle powered by a combustion engine alone. 
Luxury Cars: Ferrari has released the first details of its newest supercar, the Ferrari 458 Italia, which represents one of the largest leaps forward in technology, performance and emissions ever seen from the legendary Italian automaker.
Luxury Cars: Loeven SportwagenTouren, Europe's premier supercar touring company, is now offering a version of its incredible Tour des Niveaux. The tour leads from Lake Geneva to the Côte d'Azur in a Bugatti Veyron. The 7-day journey beginning in Zurich traverses the most breathtaking alpine roads including the famed Col dʻIseran, the world's highest alpine mountain pass at over 9,000 ft. above sea level. Hairpin turns and eye-popping scenery are the norm both in the mountains - Mont Blanc is an early destination - and on the famous seaside Grande Corniche between Nice and Menton.
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