Topic: Leisure
A DIFFERENT SUPERCAR EVERY WEEK
The car lover’s dream year: a spectacular and never done before opportunity of driving a different supercar every week for the duration of a year. This tantalising scenario for any motoring enthusiast features legendary marques including: Aston Martin; Bugatti; Bentley; Ferrari; Lamborghini; Lotus; Maserati; McClaren; Porsche and TVR.
Shaken and Stirred
Land Rover unveiled its new 2014 Range Rover Sport in New York earlier this year. Showing off the exterior's super-sleek design and some rather sophisticated changes inside was none other than James Bond actor Daniel Craig. In the spirit of the British intelligence agent, Land Rover has both shaken and stirred the world of motoring for this forthcoming year.
Land Rover is calling the 2014 Range Rover its most agile vehicle ever. Weighing 360kg less than the previous Range Rover Sport edition, there has also been a power-operated third row feature added as well as new park assist, blind spot monitoring and included traffic sign recognition system.
Four models of the 2014 Range Rover will be available when it launches in autumn 2013. The base Sport SE edition will begin at £42,000 with a 3-litre supercharged V6 340hp engine. Pricing then jumps for the upgraded models...
Launching: September 2013
Price: £42,000 - £60,000
THE NEXT GENERATION SUPERCAR
Described by McLaren as the next generation ultimate supercar, the new McLaren P1 delivers on many levels. Making its public debut at the International Motor Show, the new supercar takes much of its technology and design inspiration from the company’s racing division...
Launching: Autumn 2013
Price: £866,000
The future of the Italian Stallion
Lamborghini is redefining the future of super sports cars with a very limited special edition. Boasting an extremely lightweight construction thanks to advances in carbon-fibre technology, the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento has an overall curb weight of just 999 kilograms, features a V10 power unit and permanent all-wheel drive...
The Fast and Furious
‘Super-fast’ and ‘super-expensive’ sum up luxury brand Bugatti. Now the French car manufacturer intends to continue its well-earned reputation for producing the world’s fastest road cars, with plans to unveil a new 1,600 hp Bugatti...
Launching: September 2013
A Sporty Makeover
The new Bentley Continental Flying Spur is due to launch this autumn. With sharper styling and upgraded cabin materials expected of the revamped luxury saloon, the new Flying Spur is said to complete the Bentley Continental family...
Launching: Mid 2014
A Maserati Fit for the Future
Among an array of new car models that are in store for 2013, this year presents the Maserati Quattroporte. It introduces a number of important changes to the Maserati brand, including a new range of Ferrari-built twin-turbo engines. The car is physically bigger and more luxurious, aiming to compete more directly with established models like the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7-Series.
Maserati has incorporated new technology, using aluminium for a lightweight body and overall better performance. Ferrari is responsible for development on the new engine, which is built in Maranello and exclusively for Maserati. It’s no surprise then that its top speed is a claimed 191mph! While the sprint to 62mph takes a mere 4.7secs. Refinement is the name of the game here.
The good news is that Maserati has been keeping busy in 2013. If you’re craving some of the old Quattroporte magic, Maserati will be launching the smaller four-door Ghibli saloon also in 2013...
Launching: Spring 2013
The Wrangler Upgrade
To call the Jeep Wrangler iconic would be something of an understatement. Its body shape and infrastructure stands as successor to the famous vehicles of World War II and has since become an enduring symbol of Americana. Ten years have passed since Jeep introduced the more hard-core Rubicon Wrangler variant to the iconic model and for its anniversary a new edition is to be released; one which the off road driver will truly appreciate.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition will be available early this year as a two door or four door Wrangler Unlimited mountain trail monster. With a choice of standard six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission mated to a 3.6 litre V-6 engine, the car can produce an impressive 285 horsepower and 260 ft-Ibs of torque. For those who are more impressed by appearances, the Wrangler Rubicon comes standard with a soft top and is available with three-piece hardtop or body colour hardtop. The real touches however, have been made to the car’s interior. Jeep is celebrating its 10th anniversary in true lavish style with embroidered red leather seats and matching red leather wrapped steering wheel as well as centre console...
Launching: March 2013
Luxury Way To Travel Safe
Döttling are pioneers in the production of high security luxury safes. Characteristically large and expensive, the release of the Guardian Travel Safe gives customers who require the protection of their valuables while travelling a new small and portable safe...
BMW Goes Green
BMW’s cars of the future are going green, forecasting the company as a front-runner along the road to a more environmentally friendly industry. The production of the 2013 BMW i3 compact and the 2014 BMW i8 sport, two electric cars which have been highly anticipated in the past few years, follow concept studies as part of ‘Project i’ that depend heavily on lightweight materials and various takes on electric drivetrains- from pure electric to plug-in-hybrids and at times something in between.
Launching: 2013 and 2014
The New Beetle Brand Ambassador
Volkswagen has created a new, third-generation Beetle Convertible for next year’s model. A not too distant cousin of the Beetle Coupe, its throwback style seats four. With a wide array of powertrain options the charismatic car, seen exhibited (December) at the LA Auto Show is eagerly awaited for release in 2013.
When one thinks VW Beetle, ‘cute’ immediately springs to mind. 2013 sees the Beetle Convertible in a whole new light. Its iconic car body design has been reinterpreted and re-released multiple times in the last decades. What sets this edition apart from it predecessors is that it’s a modern version of a classic car rather than a pure retro-model. The Beetle Convertible adopts a tauter, less rounded look, the inside of which feels more business like than previous models. For one the old flower vase is nowhere to be found...
Launching: 2013
Lamborghini goes full throttle
Lamborghini has announced its Gallardo model has been revised for 2013. The Gallardo LP570-4 Super Trofeo racer, a version of the standard LP570-4 has been prepped to race in the Italian company's one-make series sponsored by Blancpain.
Launching: TBC
Price: TBC
Drive with wings
This car may be small, but it’s easy to see why it’s causing such a stir. Smart, in collaboration with fashion designer Jeremy Scott, have designed the most creative electric Smart Car yet...
Launching: 2013
Price: TBC
Jaguar roars with the New F-Type
2013 will be the year that Jaguar surpasses all other front engine, rear drive cars, with the release of the Jaguar F-Type. The latest model from the luxury car company incorporates the indulgence of Jaguar with all the best elements of a traditional sports car...
Launching: April 2013
Price: From £58,500
Porsche Polishes its Performance
Porsche’s Panamera line has pleased its devotees with models such as the V6, Hybrid and GTS. Next year a new model will be in town, the Panamera Platinum Edition, reinforcing Porsche’s commitment to bolster its Panamera concept, which aims to combines ultimate luxury with performance, and has brought new dynamism to its high-end vehicle segment.
The Platinum Edition introduces a selection of further refinements from previous models. At first sight there seems only to be a subtle differentiation but the sophisticated detail found within the upgrade, and unique design features in Platinum Silver, only further enhance the vehicle’s individual style. On top of all this, the New Year promises you’ll get to experience a powerful yet smooth ride courtesy of its elegantly constructed V6 engine and 19-inch turbo wheels with signature Platinum Edition embossed Porsche crest on the hub covers...
Launching: January 2013
Price: TBC
Folding e-bike causes a stir
Debuted at this year’s Eurobike – the cycling world’s leading trade fair - back in August, the Mando Footloose has been causing quite a stir amongst bike enthusiasts.
The folding e-bike, developed by South Korea based Mando Corp. and Meister Inc, combines engineering more commonly seen in cars with good old-fashion pedal power. Its unique chainless design, compact folding ability and dual winding motor in the rear wheel has made the Mando Footloose a much sought after item
Launching: Europe mid 2013
Price: TBC
Hennessy ltd edition collaborations
After the launch of its second Very Special Cognac Limited Edition Bottle, the number one selling cognac producer Hennessy continues to celebrate the alliance of spirits and art with the addition of another unorthodox collector’s item. The intersection of art and the collectable cognac bottles feature designs which incorporate traditional elements and the brown hues of Hennessy with signature styles of invited artists...
Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S
First debuted at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, official details of the new Porsche Carrera 4 and 4S have finally been released. On sale in time for Christmas, the new all wheel drive models will be available as either a Coupe or Cabriolet. A revamp of the new generation Porsche 911 Carrera, the 4 and 4S have been eagerly anticipated for quite sometime and prove to be the most sought after stocking filler by the all-season sporting playboy.
If you are a Porsche fan you will be familiar with the engine selections in the Carrera 4 and 4S. The Carrera 4 boasts a 3.4 litre flat-6 engine, delivering a total of 350-horsepower, reaching 60mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 177mph. Cruising ahead, its sibling the Carrera 4S version with a 3.8 litre flat-6 engine, boasts 400-horsepower and can reach 60mph in 4.1 seconds. A top speed of 185mph makes the Carrera 4 and 4s more powerful than ever before.
The redesigned 2013 models look as you’d expect, and although not straying too far from the roots we know and love, Porsche has scrapped some of the ‘all-too-typical’ features of previous models in order to fit the most recent trends gaining steam in the auto industry...
Launching: December 2012
Price: From £77,924
Lamborghini to unleash Aventador Roadster.
Synonymous with luxury, style and sports prowess Lamborghini’s prestigious standing is well deserved. Never one to play safe, the Italian luxury sports car maker’s latest model, the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster does not disappoint. Combining high sports performance with elegance, the Aventador LP 700-4 convertible is powered by a 700 horsepower 6.5-liter aspirated V12 engine, enabling it to exhilarate from 0-100km/h in only three seconds, and boasts a top speed which exceeds 200 miles per hour...
Launching: Summer 2013
Price: Europe is €300,000 (£240,000)
Read more about Lamborghini to unleash Aventador Roadster. ›
Foldable car transforms parking experience
Parking problems are set to be a thing of the past with the release of the ‘Hiriko’, the world’s first folding car. Developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with the Basque Center for innovation, the compact car has been designed to fold in on itself for an upright, space-saving, almost futuristic parking manoeuvre.
The concept of a foldable car will especially appeal to residents of congested metropolitan areas, who are used to allocating time to finding a parking space. Hiriko’s miniature size also allows drivers to squeeze through the tightest of gaps.
The eco-friendly two seater runs on a lithium-ion battery and can cover an impressive distance of 75 miles before it needs to recharge. It also boasts a zero-turn radius, which allows the car to spin round 360 degrees or move sideways in a crab-like manner – perfect who those who fear parallel parking!
Launching: Early 2013
Price: TBC
Read more about Foldable car transforms parking experience ›
BMW Introduces Third Generation Scooter
First detailed in early July, BMW finally unveiled the first model of the highly anticipated BMW C Evolution Scooter at the annual auto-show in Paris last September.
The third generation of BMW’s electric scooter programme, the C Evolution, is what BMW has called a “near production prototype” of an electric scooter. The electric scooter, which claims a petrol based performance - but will never need a drop of fuel, boasts impressive specifications. Powered by a liquid-cooled electric motor producing 47hp, the scooter can reach an (electronically limited) 75mph and whilst BMW hasn’t cited any performance estimates as of yet, they have suggested that the C Evolution can ‘comfortably hold its own” against 600-cc scooters...
Launching: TBC
Price: TBC
Mini sports a new model
Enthusiasts of super-hatches will be pleased to hear a prototype of the seventh Mini model has been revealed. The Mini Paceman, pitched as a sportier version of the Countryman model, debuted at the Paris Motor Show in September.
The standard model Cooper features a 1.6-litre petrol engine and is driven by 122bhp, reaching 62mph in 10.4 seconds. Prices will start from £18,970.
Six other versions of the Paceman will be offered including a Cooper S which can charge from 0 - 62mph in 7.5 seconds and the 'ALL4' a four-wheel drive version, which will cost an additional £1,100.
For those who have the need for serious speed, the Cooper SD, with it's two-litre Diesel engine and 143bhp, is the variant of choice. At £24,290 it is the most expensive car in the range.
Standard specs on all models include lowered suspension and a lowered roof ensuring that the Paceman is sportier than previous models, both visually and physically.
Launching: March 2013
Price: From £18,970
Art on Water… Z.Boat by Zaha Hadid
Her many design feats span across luxury furniture to unique fashion products, yet Zaha Hadid is best known for her visionary architectural creations. The Cardiff Bay Opera House, The Peak in Hong Kong and most recently the London Aquatics Centre, part of the London 2012 Olympic Park to name but a few. Zaha Hadid has now turned her design prowess to the world of luxury boats.
Launching: Spring 2013
Price: 375,000€





