Hydrogen Boosted Aston Martin Rapide S Laps into History

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

The first-ever hydrogen powered Aston Martin racer has made history at the Nurburgring racetrack. The Aston Martin Rapide S completed the first hydrogen powered lap on the famous track circuit, drawing headlines and hype around the world. The exterior is all Aston Martin, giving nothing away about what is lurking beneath the hood.

Aston Martin Rapide S

The futuristic hydrogen powered Aston Martin Rapide S hybrid racer burns rubber but boils water

The hydrogen beast completed an impressive 4-hour trip around the Nurburgring with Aston Martin CEO Ulrich Bez behind the wheel. It is the first supercar releasing zero CO2 emissions to complete racing pace laps at the track. The ability to run on just hydrogen for long periods of time is a direct threat to electric hybrid cars, which require semi-frequent charging and therefore cannot compete in long endurance races and events.

Aston Martin Rapide S

Will hydrogen powered cars begin to emerge on the heels of Aston Martin’s success? Competitors are likely already plugging in the numbers.

Electric hybrid cars have failed to secure a large market, as people are uncomfortable with the idea of running out of battery power and getting stuck on the road. While there are certainly fuel pumps all over the states, there are not electric car charging stations on every corner. Current standards equate an electric car with a smartphone, but it is much easier to charge a phone on the go!

Aston Martin Rapide S

The Aston Martin Rapide S hydrogen hybrid racer at a glance:

  • Powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine much like the rest of the fleet.
  • The specialized engine can run on standard gasoline, hydrogen or a combo of both.
  • Capable of storing up to 7.7 pounds of hydrogen
  • Distinctive Aston Martin styling cues

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Most Expensive: $4,260 iPhone 5 Cover with Lamborghini Accents

Posted on May 25, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

In the realm of most expensive iPhone 5 covers, this jewel is certainly among them! The name is a mouthful–it is called the Caviar iPhone 5 Titano Diabolo and it was designed by Elijah Giacometti in cooperation with Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. Like it? It can be yours for just $4,260 dollars, which is equivalent to literally thousands of iPhones. This is not the first time a Lamborghini phone has called the shots.

Caviar iPhone 5 Titano Diabolo

The Caviar iPhone 5 Titano Diabolo costs as much as two exotic car rentals! 

The exclusive Caviar brand began in 2011, when Giacometti, owner of jewelry brand Perla Penna, noticed that there was a somewhat large market for flashy smartphone accessories. Much like customizing a Bentley or other luxury car, celebrities and wealthy individuals enjoy bespoke smartphone cases. When it comes to customized cases for iPhones and more, some will pay exorbitant amounts to be the flashiest.

Caviar iPhone 5 Titano Diabolo

Caviar caters to this demand with items like the Titano Diabolo, and buyers do not wince at the price tag. This iPhone 5 cover boasts titanium, fine leather and carbon fiber, which is popular in the exotic car industry. The highlight is the Lamborghini badge, which attracts fans of the supercar and allows them to show their spirit wherever they wield their phone.

Caviar iPhone 5 Titano Diabolo

The pricing and exclusivity of Caviar iPhone cases have risen, and just 99 examples of this one will be created. 

Shockingly, the Caviar iPhone 5 Titano Diabolo is far from the most expensive. The uber-wealthy can acquire an iPhone cover by Golden Dreams for $100,000 USD that boasts natural sapphires and rubies. To trump that, UUnique London offers one for $302,985 featuring rose gold and diamonds. Hey, it does not have the input of Lamborghini, so no deal!

Golden Dreams iPhone cover

 iPhone covers by Golden Dreams

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Bugatti Veyron Reinstated as Fastest Production Car

Posted on May 23, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

Bugatti has been through much turmoil as of late–having the coveted title of ‘Fastest Production Car’ stripped away by Guinness World Records over a glitch in the rules. The supercar has now been reinstated as the fastest car, following a review by the famous records keeper. Fastest Production Car

The Bugatti Veyron remains the world’s fastest production car after all. We would still love a duel between the Veyron SS and the Hennessey Venom GT!

The title was stripped from the Veyron SS following uproar over the official rules. The rules state that the fastest production car must be made available to buyers as-is. The Veyron won the title at the speed of 268 miles per hour, but limited the production version to 258. The big deal has since been reduced to details, as the brand has its glory back.

Fastest Production Car

A Guinness World Records rep explained the predicament and final solution:

“Following a thorough review conducted with a number of external experts, Guinness World Records is pleased to announce the confirmation of Bugatti’s record of Fastest production car achieved by the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. The focus of the review was with respect to what may constitute a modification to a car’s standard specification. Having evaluated all the necessary information, Guinness World Records is now satisfied that a change to the speed limiter does not alter the fundamental design of the car or its engine.”

Fastest Production Car

Bugatti has unloaded a jaw-dropping 30 units of the million-plus dollar Veyron. That is some serious dough, and much of the commissions are enjoyed by just one woman! Bugatti’s top salesperson is Anita Krizan, who sold 11 Veyron supercars in just one year. Her impressive endeavors include the sale of the one-off Bugatti Veyron L’or Blanc, the flawless porcelain beast.

Now that things have returned to normal, Bugatti can continue its quest to develop meaner and faster hypercars rather than haggle with Guinness.

 

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BMW Destroys Guinness World Drift Record!

Posted on May 22, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

BMW has stolen the Guinness World Drift Record with an unbelievable 51-mile drifting session at the BMW Performance Center near Greenville, South Carolina.

Guinness World Drift Record

Check out the highlight videos below:

Watch the BMW lap the wet track

Apparently it is not against Guinness regulations to position sprinklers onto the track for this event. For some reason, the Bugatti Veyron Fastest Production Car issue comes to mind! Will BMW be stripped of this title in a few years after enough people point out the water issue? It did take years for Bugatti to be stripped of its title–after it was highlighted repeatedly that the actual production Veyron was limited to a speed lower than the record. The rules state that the “Fastest Production Car” must be able to hit top speed in production form.

Note the strategically placed sprinklers used to keep the track wet and thus increase the longevity of the tires

The previous record was obliterated at the BMW Performance Driving School with an unmodified BMW M5 sedan. Chinese drifter Wang Qi previously held the record in 2011 when he drifted nearly 4 miles. It was then taken by Abdo Feghali in Abu Dubai with an impressive 7 miles in a Chevy Camaro. BMW now holds the official record for the longest sustained drift, clocking 51 jaw-dropping miles straight. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you scoff at your opponent’s efforts. The BMW M5 will see your 7 miles and raise you…51 glorious miles of continuous delicious drifting.

Guinness World Drift Record

Instructor Johan Schwartz gripped the wheel of the BMW M5 to secure the Guinness drifting record

The BMW M5 sedan used was fitted with a fresh pair of Continental ContiSport ultra-high performance tires for the feat, measuring 255/30/20 front and 295/30/20 rear. The 2013 M5 packs a M-DCT transmission. The Guinness World Record attempt signaled the start of the BMW Charity Pro-Am, which raises funds for over 150 various charities.

Guinness World Drift Record

BMW Performance Driving School steals Guinness World Drift record with BMW M5 sedan 

 

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Another BMW Concept Car Gets Pininfarina Touches

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

BMW and Pininfarina have teamed up again to produce a predecessor for the Zagato coupe, dubbed the BMW Gran Lusso. The teaser photos give little away, though it appears to be an aggressive and rather elongated luxury coupe. The official unveil of the latest collaboration between the famous design house and BMW will be at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

BMW Gran Lusso

Pininfarina and BMW collaborate on another concept car

The teaser photos show badging that spills a V12 powerplant, which is fairly intense for a BMW. While it looks sporty, there are also elegant touches by Pininfarina that depict its high-performance profile through a stretched hood and long wheelbase. Inside, the BMW Gran Lusso coupe is likely going to be quite lavish.

BMW describes the secret Gran Lusso as follows: “Generous surface design and taut contours highlight an elegant vehicle body, while hallmark BMW proportions – a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline – imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé with authoritative dynamics even before a wheel has been turned.”

BMW Gran Lusso

The Gran Lusso coupe is likely a one-off and there are currently no hints at production. It will be among dozens of classic vintage cars, exotic cars and sports cars. The Concorso d’Eleganza began in 1929 and ran through 1949. The luxury car show was given new life in 1995 and continues to attract some of the best examples of auto design and performance on the planet today.

BMW Gran Lusso

This year the show is on May 24th, where the BMW Gran Lusso coupe will make its first appearance. The event will last until May 26th, and RM Auctions is hosting a luxury auction at nearby Villa Erba on the 25th as part of the celebrations.

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Aston Martin CC100 Speedster Concept Lacks Creature Comforts

Posted on May 20, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

The Aston Martin CC100 Speedster concept is a racy tribute to the brand’s 100 years in the luxury auto industry. The CC100 is missing a few key comforts, including a roof and the lower portion of its doors. What it lacks in creature comforts, the concept makes up for with power and prowess.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster

The Aston Martin CC100 racer stirred up excitement recently at the Nürburgring racetrack. The sporty blue and yellow exterior is fitting of a track car and draw attention to the elongated body.

The CC100 Speedster boasts a blend of components borrowed from its predecessors. Under the prominent hood lurks a mean 6.0-liter V12 borrowed from the rest of the range. The transmission is a 6-speed semi-automatic with paddles positioned directly on the steering wheel. It has the aluminum architecture of the road going cars, but is built strictly for the track.

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster at a glance:

  • This racer nails the 0-60 jump in a scant 4 seconds
  • The top speed is around 180 miles per hour
  • It took only six months to create. Most concept cars consume about 3-5 years to get from paper to the road.
  • The bodywork is the bare minimum to reduce weight
  • It is a nod to the brand’s famous 1959 DBR1 racer, a successful Le Mans endurance race champion
  • No production plans or pricing have been announced
  • Hardware from the Vantage, DB9, Rapide and Vanquish were utilized in the CC100. This is how it was created so rapidly

Aston Martin CC100 Speedster

The green light has not been given for production, and the only existing version turned in a stunning performance at the Nürburgring racetrack in Germany as part of Aston Martin’s centennial celebrations.

Aston Martin CC100

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Extremely Rare Bugatti EB110 Car for Sale

Posted on May 18, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

Just 31 examples of a Bugatti EB110 with scissor doors were created. Of those 31 cars, just two were then enhanced by German tuner Brabus. One of those glorious cars is now for sale by Oakfields, a specialty dealer. The rare exotic machine can be yours for around $730,000.

Bugatti EB110

One of two Bugatti EB110 supercars to receive the Brabus treatment is now available

This version boasts a bespoke blue and black leather interior and identifiable Brabus side sills with an enhanced quad-exhaust system. Aside from the aesthetic and aerodynamic changes, Brabus did not alter the EB110’s multi-turbocharged 3.5-liter V12 engine–which is a bit unusual for an aftermarket tuner. Brabus specializes in enhancing supercars to pull out a few more horses by chip-tuning the production engine. Apparently, the Bugatti production version packed sufficient prowess as-is. That can be expected with so many turbochargers and dual overhead camshafts.

Bugatti EB110

Basically, Brabus manipulated the exhaust system, look and feel of the Bugatti EB110. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox powering all four wheels. The Brabus exhaust enhancements are four fluted round pipes that serve as the only exterior clue that the model was tuned.

Bugatti EB110

The Bugatti EB110 was unveiled in GT form in 1991, with production ending in 1995 due to bankruptcy. Automotive powerhouse Volkswagen eventually purchased the name, and today we have the hyper-machines that comprise the Bugatti Veyron line.

 

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Lamborghini Egoista Concept is Selfish

Posted on May 17, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

The Lamborghini Egoista concept name loosely translates to “selfish” in Italian. The beast also boasts just one seat, so it is obviously for those who prefer the company of…well, themselves. All jokes aside, the Egoista (think ego) concept was officially unveiled to an amped up crowd of about 700 Lamborghini owners recently as part of the brand’s 50-year anniversary celebrations.

Lamborghini Egoista Concept

Renderings of the Egoista are exciting

The entire 2013 calendar year is dedicated to celebrating the special 50th birthday of Lamborghini. The crowd of 700 owners gathered from around the world for a weeklong brand heritage celebration involving clouds of smoke, hypercars and exclusive events.

Lamborghini Egoista Concept

The renderings look more aggressive than the Aventador

During the final gala of the week, Walter De Silva drove the single-seat car on stage with dramatic strobe lights to show off the styling cues. De Silva is the head of design for Volkswagen Group, which owns Lamborghini. His team was charged with overseeing the development and design of the Lamborghini Egoista.

Lamborghini Egoista Concept

De Silva stated: “I wanted to pay homage to and think up a vehicle to underline the fact that Lamborghinis have always been made with passion, and the heart more than the head.”

The Egoista is based on the existing Gallardo and kicks out 600 horses thanks to a 5.2-liter V10. The center-mounted cockpit of the Lamborghini Egoista is made of carbon fiber and aluminum and is removable. Note that there are no doors!

Lamborghini Egoista Concept

The recent reveal of the Lamborghini Veneno sparked fanfare and the voluptuous Egoista certainly has potential

For those interested, the brand has already put the brakes on any talk of production. The Egoista concept is strictly for Lamborghini’s use and will not be produced. Don’t worry, for about $4 million USD you can always stalk one of the 3 owners of the new Lamborghini Veneno and try to get one of those.

 

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Top 10 Fast Bugatti Veyron Facts

Posted on May 16, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

The Bugatti Veyron is one of the most-loved and most-powerful hypercars on the planet. Below is a top 10 list of some of the most interesting facts about the car.

Bugatti Veyron

10. Since production began in 2006, less than 400 Bugatti Veyrons have been created. The marquee will produce just 300 coupes and 150 convertible Veyrons.

9. The fastest model is the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport coupe. The car held the title of “Fastest Production Car in the World” until recently. The title was stripped due to a breach in official Guinness rules. (Follow link for full details).

8. It only takes 6 weeks to build the Veyron. It takes about a day to produce a standard car. Perfection takes time!

Bugatti Veyron

7. The $120,000 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is designed by Ricardo, an English specialty engineering firm.

6. The Bugatti Veyron has 10 radiators working overtime to keep those 1,200 horses cool. Very few hypercars even come close to packing that much in the stable.

5. A set of wheels for a Veyron is quite costly. The special tires are $40,000 and Bugatti recommends that the $70,000 wheels be replaced after every 2 sets of tires as part of general maintenance.

4. The Veyron is thirsty. It guzzles 8 miles per gallon city and 14 highway. At top speeds, it downs 1.4 U.S. gallons per minute. No, it is not Irish.

3. Near top speed, its special spoiler pivots to effectively become an air brake. This spoiler works about as hard as a standard car’s brakes.

Bugatti Veyron

2. It only takes about 10 seconds for the Bugatti Veyron to come to a complete stop from top speed.

1. The interior leathers are derived from cows raised at an altitude where there are no insects to puncture their precious hides. The leather is premium and blemish free, as you can see in the photo of the one of a kind Bugatti Veyron L’or Blanc below.

Bugatti Veyron

The cockpit of the Bugatti Veyron L’or Blanc is flawless

Bugatti Veyron L'or Blanc

The one-off Bugatti L’or Blanc is porcelain 

 

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Marussia F1 May Get Ferrari Engines for 2014

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Imagine Lifestyles

Marussia F1 is a Formula One racing team based in Banbury for the United Kingdom. The team is likely to get some shiny new Ferrari engines for the 2014 year as new regulations come into effect. Previous supplier Cosworth is pulling out of engines, saying that it cannot find any commercial justification for building an engine for the 2014 year. That leaves just 3 engine suppliers: Ferrari, Renault and Mercedes-Benz.

Marussia F1

Marussia F1 is in their fourth season in Formula 1, having finished 12th, 12th and 11th overall in the championship standings and are due to score a point.

Marussia F1 will need to choose between Ferrari and Mercedes-Benz, as Renault is already jam packed for the season. Rumors are circulating that the team may opt for the Ferrari turbo engines for next season, which is likely pleasing to the Prancing Horse.

Marussia F1

The current engines used by Marussia are 2.4-liter V8s. Due to new regulations and changes, the next engine will be a 1.6-liter V6. Ferrari and Marussia have an existing relationship, as they run F1 rookie Jules Bianchi academy driver alongside Max Chilton.

Marussia F1

Marussia F1 technical director Pat Symonds stated that the team is likely to use Ferrari turbo engines. He relayed that: “There will be only 3 suppliers next year—Renault, Mercedes and Ferrari—and while we have spoken to all of them, I think we are rapidly heading in the direction of Ferrari. We need to head in a direction rapidly because we really need to sign a supply agreement with someone quite soon—and Ferrari, at the moment are top of that list.”

Marussia F1

Marussia has added Kers recently and with the help of a Ferrari turbo engine, could fare far better in the racing circuit next season

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