THE TESTA ROSSA J, A SCALE REPLICA OF THE 1957 250 TESTA ROSSA, IS BORN.

A JUNIOR CAR TO EXPERIENCE ONE OF THE MASTERPIECES OF FERRARI HISTORY.

Maranello, 9 August 2021 — The Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a special project that gives Ferrari enthusiasts of all ages the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving an automotive legend.

A new limited edition for our most passionate collectors, the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is a 75% scale replica of a renowned classic, powered by an electric engine. The car is a faithful reproduction of the 1957 250 Testa Rossa, one of the most iconic and successful cars in Ferrari and motorsport history. A limited run of just 299 vehicles will be built.

Ferrari has led every aspect of the project, in collaboration with The Little Car Company, a firm specialising in the production of junior cars. Ferrari’s Styling Centre in Maranello oversaw the proportions and liveries, while the chassis and other components were created using original design drawings held by Ferrari’s Classiche department.

While the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is designed to be driven by anyone over 14 years of age, it is not homologated for road use.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa

A key track protagonist in the 1950s and 1960s, the 250 Testa Rossa is one of the all-time great Ferraris, distinguished by its lengthy list of honors and its longevity. The car claimed some 18 victories in its history, and three championship titles in 1958, 1960 and 1961. It is also the only Ferrari to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times – in 1958, 1960, 1961 and 1962 (considering the 330 TR – the last evolution).

Design

The Ferrari Testa Rossa J meticulously reproduces the lines of the 250 Testa Rossa in the original Scaglietti-designed barchetta version, nicknamed “pontoon fender”. Attention to detail is exquisite: the bodywork is constructed from hand-beaten aluminium, the same process that was employed in historical models. The paint is the same as that applied to Ferrari’s present road car range, as is the insignia on the front.

To accurately recreate the intricate chassis of the 250 Testa Rossa, the original paper drawings from the Ferrari Classiche Department were scanned and digitally recreated. The junior car retains the same steering and suspension geometry, giving it authentic handling to match its original appearance.

The same meticulous detail is found in the interior. Ferrari’s Styling Centre has designed a single seat that accommodates an adult and a teen, faithfully incorporating the piping motif of the original and using the same high quality leather upholstery found in the Ferrari range today. The steering wheel is made by Nardi, the same specialist company that supplied the 1957 model, and features Ferrari’s smallest-ever quick-release system to facilitate driver entry. The classic dials have been remastered and repurposed for their new role in an electric car, but retain the original design and fonts. The oil and water gauges now monitor the battery and motor temperatures, while the fuel gauge is now the battery gauge and the tachometer has become a speedometer. There is even a power gauge which also shows the level of regenerative braking being deployed.

As a nod to the current generation of road cars, the pedals are from the F8 Tributo and the tyres are supplied by Pirelli, Ferrari’s official technical partner, fitted on the handmade 12 inch wire wheels. Suspension is taken care of with Bilstein coilover dampers and custom springs which were fine-tuned and signed off by Ferrari’s test divers at the Fiorano test track in Maranello.

Performance and safety

The three batteries powering the electric engine are positioned at the front of the car, and provide approximately 90 km range, depending on driving style. The batteries are accessed under the front bonnet, while the car can also be charged where the fuel cap previously resided.

The ‘Manettino’ dial gives the choice of four driving modes, ensuring driving pleasure with the highest levels of safety. The Novice mode (1 kW / 20 km/h) eases rookie drivers into the driving experience with controlled acceleration and the ability to remotely disable the car from a distance with a key fob. The Comfort mode (4 kW / 45 km/h), Sport and Race modes become progressively sportier, with instantly responsive acceleration and increased maximum speeds.

Safety has been a priority throughout the car’s development: the metal side panels were reinforced and an optional roll-bar can be anchored to the chassis. Brembo disc brakes replace the original drum system to maximize braking performance, and these are complemented by a hydraulic handbrake.

Customization

The Ferrari Testa Rossa J offers a wide range of personalization and colour combinations. The Ferrari Classiche department carried out extensive research into all the liveries that have adorned the 250 Testa Rossa throughout its racing career. An online car configurator allows clients to choose from 14 historical liveries, 53 bodywork colours and additional personalized racing liveries, all authentically in keeping with Ferrari style.

FERRARI TESTA ROSSA J — TECHNICAL SHEET

PRODUCTION   299 units

MEASUREMENTS   3.1 x 1.1 x 0.7 meters

ENGINE

Electric engine.
Three batteries with approximately 30 km range each, for a maximum 90 km total range.

DRIVING MODES

Novice mode 1 kW / 20 km/h
Comfort mode 4 kW / 45 km/h
Sport mode over 60 km/h
Race mode over 60 km/h

SAFETY

Engine and battery managed by software that governs power delivery
Laterally reinforced chassis
Disc brakes for greater control
Roll-bar anchored to chassis (optional)

STEERING WHEEL   Nardi

TYRES AND WHEELS

Pirelli Cinturato.
Re-proportioned wheels based on the original Borrani rims.
Authentic Borrani wheels are available as an optional.

PRICES FROM   € 93,000 (taxes, shipping and optional features excluded)

 

BMW Black Vermilion

Individual aura, impressive presence: BMW X5 and BMW X6 limited editions Black Vermilion plus BMW X7 limited edition in Frozen Black metallic.

BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X7 combine a high level of comfort and luxury, supreme performance and pronounced dynamic handling capabilities with an equally dynamic, elegant and unmistakably distinctive design. New highlights are the BMW X5 and BMW X6 Black Vermilion editions featuring exclusive equipment details. The BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic combines impressive options into an exclusive package.

Munich. As spearheads of the BMW X model range, the BMW X5, BMW X6 and BMW X7 impress with a high level of comfort and luxury, supreme performance and pronounced dynamic handling capabilities. The two Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) and the Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) combine these attributes with an equally dynamic, elegant and unmistakably distinctive design. New highlights are the BMW X5 and BMW X6 Black Vermilion editions featuring exclusive equipment details. The BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic combines impressive options into an exclusive package.

In 2020 alone and with almost 250,000 units sold worldwide, the SAV/SAC trio from Spartanburg, USA, contributed decisively towards the success of the BMW brand. Around every eighth newly delivered BMW model was a BMW X5, X6 or X7.

All three edition models go on sale with all engines available for each of their original models. They can be ordered with immediate effect, with the market launch beginning in August 2021. Prices in Germany start at 93,200 Euros for the BMW X5 Black Vermilion, 100,700 Euros for the BMW X6 Black Vermilion and 108,700 Euros for the BMW X7 in Frozen Black metallic (each including 19% sales tax).

Particularly striking: BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion edition.
The central focus of the Black Vermilion edition is the interplay between the colours black and red. For example, the BMW double kidney grille with model-specific red bars creates an effective contrast to the BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Black metallic. On the BMW X6 Black Vermilion this visual highlight is expressed in a particularly impressive way in combination with its kidney grille Iconic Glow. The M headlights Shadow Line with BMW laser light, including accented lighting with blue X signature, complete the distinctive look of the front end. Moreover, on the exterior, the M Sport Package emphasises the dynamic character of the BMW X5 and X6 Black Vermilion editions. It comprises, among other things, specific front and rear aprons as well as the M high-gloss Shadow Line with extended options. Behind the Orbit Grey matt, 22-inch, double-spoke 742 M light alloy wheels with mixed tyres designed exclusively for these edition models, red high-gloss M Sport brake callipers stand out as a striking visual highlight.

In the interior of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 Black Vermilion editions the M Alcantara Anthracite roof liner provides for an exceptionally sophisticated ambience. A finely crafted Edition logo on the cupholder cover in BMW Individual black piano finish emphasises the limited model’s exclusiveness. The glass application Crafted Clarity on the iDrive Controller, the automatic gear selector and Start/Stop button, as well as the BMW Individual precious wood interior trim Fineline Black with aluminium inlays provide additional sophisticated accents. Driver and front seat passenger travel in comfort seats offering a multitude of adjustment options. The BMW Individual full leather trim Merino Black is additionally enhanced by edition-specific red contrast stitching for both the driver’s seat and front passenger seat. Inside the BMW X5 Black Vermilion, the red accents are also to be found on the rear seats. Likewise, the edging on both the front and rear floor mats is finished in red. Sun-protective glass with more deeply tinted rear windows beyond the B-pillar enhances passenger privacy whilst blending in harmoniously with the sporty and dynamic exterior design.

BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic – individual and expressive.
Like the Black Vermilion editions, the new BMW X7 edition also has the BMW Individual special paint finish Frozen Black metallic, dispensing, however, with details in contrasting colour. The BMW M Sport brake callipers of the edition-specific, 22-inch BMW Individual Y-spoke 758 I alloy wheels in Orbit Grey matt are finished in high gloss black. Combined with the M Sport Package and the M High Gloss Shadow Line with extended options, it is this colour restraint in particular that make the 5.15-metre long and over 2-metre wide seven-seater look even more impressive. The interior of the BMW X7 edition in Frozen Black metallic provides for an elegantly discreet atmosphere thanks to the M Alcantara Anthracite roof liner, the glass application Crafted Clarity and sun-protection glass.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.

BMW X5:
Combined fuel consumption: 12.3–1.2 l/100 km (WLTP), 10.9–1,6 l/100 km (NEDC); CO2: 281–27 g/km (WLTP), 251–37 g/km (NEFZ).

BMW X6:
Combined fuel consumption: 12.0–6.6 l/100 km (WLTP), 10.8–5,7 l/100 km (NEDC); CO2: 275–172 g/km (WLTP), 249–149 g/km (NEFZ).

BMW X7:
Combined fuel consumption: 12.8–7.7 l/100 km (WLTP), 11.2–6,4 l/100 km (NEDC); CO2: 292–202 g/km (WLTP), 258–167 g/km (NEFZ).

ARTICLE OFFLINE ATTACHMENTS.

MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GOES INTERGALACTIC WITH THE ALL-NEW MARSIEN:
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE SUPERCAR

Full reveal, specification and images of young entrepreneur Marc Philipp Gemballa’s first completely bespoke production-ready off-road capable supercar, named MARSIEN


• Inspired by the legendary Paris Dakar rally era, the MARSIEN enables the ultimate driving experience for both on and of road use, creating a completely new supercar segment
• The vehicle has been developed in collaboration with internationally-renown automotive partners including performance exhaust manufacturer Akrapovič, suspension pioneer KW Automotive and Porsche engine specialist RUF Automobile
• MARSIEN, formerly known as ‘Project Sandbox’, perfectly blends all the comforts of a modern-day supercar with incomparable off-road capabilities
• A flawless combination of futuristic yet timeless design and cutting-edge technology
• Watch the launch film at marcphilippgemballa.com/launchfilm
• Download the high-resolution gallery of images here Leonberg, 14th July 2021: Today, Marc Philipp Gemballa has revealed its off-road capable, bespoke supercar to the world and confirmed its production name: MARSIEN.  With his newly founded company MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH (not associated in any form with Gemballa GmbH), the 27-year-old entrepreneur and son of late Uwe Gemballa has launched his very first production ready supercar named MARSIEN starting a new era in 2021.

A NEW ERA BEGINS
Growing up in an environment where building the fastest and most powerful production car on the planet and setting the next world record on the Nürburgring was key, now over a decade down the road, the market has changed radically. Marc Philipp believes the horsepower game is over, that tuning is done by the OEMs themselves and that the market is constantly being flooded with an
influx of new supercars with brandishing hyped horsepower figures. Marc Philipp realised, when aiming to build a successful company for the future and not just toss the next imitator product
onto the market, he needed to come up with something very special for his clients.

AN ENTIRELY NEW CONCEPT – DEFINING A NEW SUPERCAR SEGMENT
Inspired by the legendary Paris Dakar rally era and more than two years of intense design and engineering development has resulted in the young entrepreneur’s first project: an ultramodern
yet timeless looking supercar.

The new concept of the vehicle forms a hybrid between a modern-day supercar with all its comfort and day-to-day practicality combined with off-road capabilities enabling the ultimate
driving experience for both on and off-road with the latest technologies.


BASED ON THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Looking for the latest cutting-edge platform featuring state-of-the-art technology for their first project and with the need of the base vehicle to be equipped with a modern and sophisticated all-wheel drive system to master the intense challenges in the off-road terrain, the all-new

Porsche 992 Turbo S

provided the perfect base to realise the young entrepreneur’s vision. © MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico
Manufactured in Germany, tested in the sand dunes of the Arabian desert and available to clients worldwide, production is limited to just 40 units with more than half of the small series production sold prior to launch.


THE NAME – MARSIEN © MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico
With its outstanding design, cutting-edge technology and strong performance, the name of the vehicle needed the right moniker to capture its unique qualities and reflect the characteristics and
DNA of the vehicle.

During the intense test phase in the beautiful Al Faya desert, the development team was amazed by the stunning red desert sand in combination with the sharp fossil rocks and mountain
backdrops shaping the landscape of the desert making it very special and unlike any other. “We felt like as if we were in an entirely different universe,” says Marc Philipp Gemballa. The Al Faya
desert located in the emirate of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates has been famous ever since for its unique and extremely red desert sand and Mars-like environment visually. “Since it looked
and felt like we were on Mars paired with the futuristic design and the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, we couldn’t think of a more fitting name for our first project.” The name ‘MARSIEN’was born – derived from the French word ‘Martian’ or ‘from Mars’.

© MARC PHILIPP GEMBALLA GmbH / Oskar Bakke & Victor Goico The MARSIEN features a full carbon fibre body. All exterior components are produced in pure carbon fibre, exclusively designed for performance, light weight and cooling. Each body panel is manufactured by a leading German carbon fibre specialist who also supplies leading OEM supercar manufacturers and several leading Formula one teams. For the design, Marc Philipp Gemballa left nothing to chance and brought on board designer and Porsche aficionado Alan Derosier, known for his stunning Porsche 908 design study, who has been responsible for the ultra-modern yet timeless looking design of the MARSIEN. His artistry can be found in every smooth curve and sophisticated lines of the MARSIEN’s spectacular and timeless design.

Besides the full carbon fibre body, the exterior features functional design upgrades such as a completely bespoke taillight. Featuring the latest LED technology, the rear light has been
developed together with light specialist GERG Lighthouse, enabling a completely holistic design appearance of the MARSIEN. The shape of the MARSIEN had to prove its aerodynamic efficiency and undergo intensive CFD

(Computational Fluid Dynamics) analysis. A development effort that is crucial for optimum driving dynamics at all speeds, efficiency, and maximum safety. A task which has been accomplished by
engineering partner KLK, who has gained expertise in developing aerodynamics for LMP1, Formula E, and Formula One racing teams for over 20 years. The MARSIEN is currently undergoing full road homologation process by renown and certified German technical service provider FAKT, who has been integrally involved in the development of the body. Marc Philipp Gemballa’s technical team are working hand in hand with FAKT to ensure the vehicle successfully passes the relevant crash tests required for approval and road homologation in Europe (including Switzerland), Middle East, the USA, as well as other major global markets in the future.

The MARSIEN’s rear design features a completely new developed and bespoke taillight The exterior paint is applied by a state-of-the-art and certified paint shop via a team that is able
to fulfil the most daring customer colour requests. The launch vehicle has been painted in an elaborate tripe layer pearl white with special metallic flakes and received additional protection
through a ceramic coating.

Combined with the standard exposed carbon fibre components such as the front splitter with side flaps, side sills, wing mirrors, the air intakes and outtakes, decklid as well as the exhaust frame
and rear diffuser with rear flaps; the conversion has been created to take a sophisticated and overall dynamic appearance. There is also the offer a fully exposed carbon fibre body on request
as part of its special options list. For the ones this is not enough, there is also the option to have a fully exposed carbon fibre body.

Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Two German design icons sought and found each other: Berlin-based eyewear manufacturer ic! berlin and Mercedes-Benz are jointly launching a sunglass collection. The Designers of both brands have worked hand in hand to develop a design language that goes far beyond a pure logo cooperation. It combines the essential expressive features of both worlds. The result is five new exclusive eyewear models, which are based on design elements of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles and are crafted in the ic! berlin manufactory in Berlin-Marzahn.

Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Exclusive Eyewear Collection from Mercedes-Benz and ic! berlin

Dynamic shapes, exclusive materials, colour accents in lacquer and excellent wearing comfort characterize the new Capsule 2021. The Puristic design, typical of ic! berlin, meets the avantgarde spirit of Mercedes-Benz and interprets the vehicle design in each model in a special way. Stainless steel frames, high-performance ZEISS lenses, soft silicone nose pads and high-quality temple hinges ensure that every pair of eyewear remain an expression of individual lifestyle for a long time. In addition to the classic Mercedes-Benz logo, the new Mercedes-Benz pattern is lasered onto the temples as stylish branding.

The Mercedes-AMG model AMG 02 for men is a masculine and a sporty reinterpretation of the pilot shape design. They are available in four colour variations. The frame of the AMG 02 shows a powerful edge with its straight lines and underlines the extroverted appearance with accents in the three paint colours; red, yellow and blue. These colours were also developed in collaboration with the Mercedes-AMG designers. The hand-applied varnish adorns the thin-connecting brow arch over the bridge and the front upper sides of the temples.

The AMG 02 is available in the following colour variations:

  • Storm Grey and Gun Metal / Yellow – grey-blue frame, grey glass with colour gradient, yellow lacquer accents
  • Ultra Beam and Chrome / Blue – frame and temples in chrome, mirrored glass, blue colour accents
  • Nightfall and Black/ Red – black frame and temple, dark grey lenses, red accents
  • Black to Grey and Black – black frame and bracket, black glass with a gradient, no colour accents

The Mercedes-Benz variant, MB Shield 02, is a unisex model with a futuristic look. The simple mono disc is held in place by a stainless steel half frame, which is accentuated by a Plotic Clip in the area of the bridge. This is painted in the colour variant Ultra Beam and Fashion Silver as a contrast to the mirrored glasses and the silver frame in iconic Lemon Verbena. The Plotic Clip is black in the colour variant Night Shadow and Electric Light Blue with dark blue lenses with a colour gradient and light blue frame. In addition to the clean version, the Night Shadow glass is also available with a striking Mercedes-Benz pattern.

“The collection proves how our design philosophy of ‘sensual clarity’ can be expressed in different styles – from classic and elegant to sporty and futuristic – in the form of eyewear. For me, it was important to develop a wide range of formal interpretations, analogous to the range of our vehicles, in order to appeal to different customers. The high aesthetic standards, which include the continual reinterpretation of stylistic elements which create the identity of both partners, form a convincing product with the goal of maximum functionality. This goal is also inherent in both companies,” says Martin Bremer, Head of Creation Corporate Design at Mercedes-Benz.

The MB 04 is a unisex model with sporty elegance and a real flyweight at only 17 g. The trapezoidal glasses with bevelled sides are held by a discreet stainless steel frame. Here, too, the design highlight is the lacquer accent on the brow-bones and on the temples – in colour variants:

Black to Clear and Graphite / White in white
Night Fall and Black / Red versions in red
The MB 04 Blueberry Fade and Electric Light Blue, on the other hand, achieved their colour brilliance through the blue-violet glasses with a colour gradient in the light blue frame.

A reinterpretation of the iconic trapezoidal shape is the men’s MB 05 model. The sophistication of the MB 05 lies in its cool simplicity. It is offered in the colour combinations:
Storm Grey and Gun Metal / Yellow
Ultra Beam and Electric Light Blue / Off White
as well as Nightfall and Black / Red.
On this straight frame, the subtle lacquer application on the middle brow arch sets the colour accent.

The women’s model of the collection, MB 06, is a fashion statement. Oversized in the shape of a butterfly and with an accentuated frame on the side, these sunglasses combine trendy retro chic with luxurious style. The combination of ocean fade and rose gold is particularly striking. The colour gradient of the lenses change from dark blue to a delicate shade of purple, which the frame, with the widened side sections and the bridge in rose gold, take up again. The model in Sunset Boulevard and Aubergine with brownish-purple lens is a little less playful and yet very feminine. The classic colour combination Black to Grey and Black has a delicate mauve stripe along the upper edge as a design element.

“With our new Capsule Collection, we want to show that something very special can arise in the eyewear segment when two design-savvy brands as ic! berlin and Mercedes-Benz team up,” explains Harry Skinner, Lead Designer ic! berlin.

About ic! berlin

The eyewear manufacturer ic! berlin was founded in Berlin in 1996. It manufactures innovative eyewear made in Berlin by hand. ic! berlin models are extremely light, flexible and are characterized in particular by a screwless joint solution that is unique worldwide. Each collection line stands for its own unique form language and represents a part of the company’s own design identity. By now, eyewear from ic! berlin is sold in over 60 countries around the world. The company has its headquarters in Berlin and currently employs more than 180 people.  www.ic-berlin.de

GREENSBORO, N.C. – May , 2021 – Honda Aircraft Company today revealed a new upgraded aircraft, the “HondaJet Elite S,” at its first ever virtual product launch event themed “Innovation Continues: Elite S.”

The HondaJet Elite S features several upgrades that expand operational capability and improve flight operation. With an increased maximum takeoff weight of 200 lbs., customers can now fly up to 120 nm (138 mi) further* at a higher payload, or take an additional passenger* during their typical mission.

Additionally, the new avionics features of FAA DataComm and ACARS replace traditional voice commands with text-based messaging to improve the clarity and efficiency of communications. Combined with the newly introduced Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS), the Elite S further reduces pilot workload and maximizes safety.

Honda Aircraft Company the HondaJet Elite S

Honda Aircraft Company the HondaJet Elite S

Taking the HondaJet’s signature exterior profile to the next level, the HondaJet Elite S introduces new styling with exclusive paint schemes available in Gunmetal, Luxe Gold, and Deep Sea Blue. These new color options are topped off with a signature Elite S logo, with the bold red S and further customization available depending on exterior color selections.

While introducing the HondaJet Elite S, Honda Aircraft Company unveiled an Elite S with a special paint scheme, which represents the company’s continued commitment to research and development of leading-edge technology to realize new possibilities and propose new value for business aviation.

 “Since its introduction in 2018, the HondaJet Elite has achieved the best performance in its class while also being the most efficient, and with the new Elite S, we take another step forward in expanding the aircraft’s capability,” said Honda Aircraft Company’s President and CEO Michimasa Fujino. “As a result of the innovation, design and engineering on the new Elite S, we are once again setting a new standard in business aviation.”

The HondaJet Elite S has inherited the aeronautical breakthroughs developed by Honda Aircraft Company, including the Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) fuselage nose and wing, composite fuselage and a highly customized avionics suite. The aircraft continues to be the most efficient, quietest, fastest, highest, and farthest-flying in its class. *additional range benefit begins to phase in above 650 lbs. of payload; additional passenger/payload benefit ranges from 170-200 lbs. depending on range of mission

– Key new features of the HondaJet Elite S –
Increased Gross Weight 200 lbs.
• Carry additional payload for the same distance, or load more fuel and fly further with the same payload.

Avionics Software Upgrade *optional featuresA
Building on the highly customized HondaJet avionics suite based on G3000, the Elite S introduces several new advanced features enabling more seamless communication and reduced pilot workload for more efficient operations.
• FAA Data Comm: Functionality intended to replace traditional voice commands with text based messaging for departure clearance and enroute services where available in the United States.
• ACARS: Enables text based messaging with both air traffic services and operation centers. Air traffic services include terminal information, terminal weather, and departure clearance from supported airports. ACARS also provides several functionalities for communicating with operation centers including: flight plan upload, messaging, weather, and automatic transmission of position reporting and Out/Off/On/In status.
• COM3: This functionality allows the operator to disable the Datalink Mode of the radio and use it as a 3rd VHF, to increase dispatch reliability. This function will come with selection of FAA Data Comm and ACARS.

Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS)
• Advanced Steering Augmentation System (ASAS) reduces pilot workload and enhances safety for missions in specific weather conditions.

New Styling Options
• New exterior paint schemes: Gunmetal, Luxe Gold, Deep Sea Blue
• Several color options for the new Elite S logo with the bold red S as a standard offering.
For more information, visit hondajet.com.

About the HondaJet Elite S

The HondaJet Elite S is the fastest, farthest and highest-flying plane in its class. The HondaJet Elite S incorporates Honda Aircraft’s many technological innovations, including the unique Over-The-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration, Natural Laminar Flow (NLF) nose and wing, and composite fuselage. The aircraft is also powered by the GE Honda Aero Engines HF120. All of these advancements contribute to the aircraft’s superior performance, unparalleled efficiency and maximized fuselage space, making the aircraft’s cabin the largest in its class. The HondaJet Elite S cabin features a full service galley, a private lavatory with optional belted seat and an industry first Bongiovi sound system. The aircraft sets the standard in safety and human-machine interface technology with an ergonomically designed cockpit and highly customized Garmin® G3000 avionics suite.

Honda Aircraft continues to be committed to improving lives through personal mobility, while living in a sustainable society. The HondaJet Elite S remains significantly more fuel efficient and emits less greenhouse gases than all other similarly sized twin-engine business jets. Certified for single pilot operations, the HondaJet Elite S continues to live up to the company’s reputation for superior performance, efficiency, quality, and value.

About Honda Aircraft Company

Honda Aircraft Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Founded in 2006, Honda Aircraft’s world headquarters is located in North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation. The challenging spirit upon which Mr. Soichiro Honda founded Honda Motor Co., Ltd. is alive today as Honda Aircraft fulfills one of Honda’s longstanding dreams to advance human mobility skyward.

THRILLING NEW OPTIONAL BESPOKE SPECIFICATION REVEALED FOR LIMITED EDITION ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER

  • Historic DBR1 optional specification offered for visceral open cockpit sports car
  • Meticulously crafted details pay homage to 1959 Le Mans winning original   
  • 88 examples of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster to be built

28 April 2021, Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin is revealing today more details of its forthcoming V12 Speedster – the open cockpit celebration of the British luxury sports car brand’s proud past and exciting future.

Just 88 examples of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster are available to buyers worldwide and today the brand is unveiling details of a custom specification that is certain to underscore the cars’ instant collector’s item status.

The new car aligns gracefully with a heritage that features not only the exceptional DBR1, but also the breathtaking CC100 which was unveiled in 2013 as a stunning celebration of Aston Martin’s century of sports car excellence – reflecting the sporting heritage and exceptional design capability woven throughout well over 100 years of Aston Martin history.

The DBR1 is, to date, the most successful racing machine constructed by Aston Martin, having triumphed in the 1959 staging of both the 24 hours of Le Mans and the 1,000 km of Nürburgring, also winning the latter in 1957 and 1958.

After its debut in 1956 the DBR1 recorded a string of famous victories, including at the Spa Sportscar Race (1957, Tony Brooks); the Goodwood Tourist Trophy (1958, Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brookes; 1959, Sir Stirling Moss, Carroll Shelby, Jack Fairman); and the 1000 Km at the Nurburgring (1959, Sir Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman) in the same year as that famous Le Mans triumph which culminated in Aston Martin taking the World Sportscar Championship.


Although a car made for competitive racing, the DBR1 was also a precursor for some of the marque’s most well-known heritage ‘DB’ road cars. It was styled in-house by a highly talented designer, Frank Feeley, and, working alongside Chief Racing Designer Ted Cutting, represents what is unquestionably his ‘finest hour’ – indeed the shape of the DBR1 remains one of the most beautiful and graceful of all time.

At the car’s heart from 1958 onwards lay a 2,992 cc straight six engine mated to a David Brown five-speed gearbox. It was capable of powering this c. 800 kg sports car to an estimated top speed in excess of 150 mph.

Produced as a pure racing model – not directly derived from a road car – just five examples of DBR1 were built: four used to such commanding effect by the Aston Martin Works’ team, and a single car for private use.

With such a rich and important history it’s no surprise, then, that the brand should choose to create a dedicated optional DBR1 specification for it’s new V12 Speedster.

Featuring cleverly integrated custom elements reminiscent of the Le Mans winning race car, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 specification offers highlights such as the iconic Aston
Martin Racing Green paint finish, Clubsport White pinstripe and roundels, a Satin Silver anodised grille with Clubsport lipstick graphic, Conker saddle leather and Viridian Green technical textile/Caithness leather. All these features hint at the period attributes that made DBR1 the undisputed icon it remains today.

Unique Aston Martin Racing Green driver and passenger helmets sit under transparent ‘windows’, while solid silver ‘wings’ badges glint beneath transparent enamel. The finely judged application of gloss carbon fibre, Caithness Green leather and satin silver brushed aluminium switchgear in the V12 Speedster’s open cabin underline the tasteful homage to a true motoring great.

Satin black diamond turned 21-inch centre lock wheels are a feature of this specialist specification, which each Aston Martin V12 Speedster spending more than 50 hours in the painting process alone at the brand’s advanced paint facility.

Outlining the rationale behind this V12 Speedster tribute specification, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: “Emotion and exclusivity are at the heart of this car. A rare and exceptional Aston Martin, It has  been engineered to offer a visceral driving experience that belies its elegant, artistic shape.
 
“Creating a bespoke specification that nods to the glory of the DBR1 has been a huge privilege for my team and I, and I very much look forward to seeing these cars being driven with the same enthusiasm that we have applied to their design.”

At the new car’s heart lies a high-performance variant of Aston Martin’s now iconic, 5.2-litre V12 Twin-Turbo engine, capable of generating an output of around 700 PS and 753 Nm. Offering a compelling breadth of performance, superb response and thrilling V12 soundtrack, the engine is mated to a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission mounted towards the rear of the car.

This translates into a 0-62 mph time in the order of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph – no mean feat in a car devoid of roof or windscreen.

Orders are now being taken for the DBR1 custom V12 Speedsters, each being hand built at the company’s Gaydon headquarters, with deliveries expected to begin in mid 2021.

Lamborghini Urus: 6 driving modes to enjoy the Super SUV in 6 different ways

Lamborghini Urus: 6 driving modes to enjoy the Super SUV in 6 different ways

Sant’Agata Bolognese, March 30, 2021 – The Lamborghini Urus keeps on delivering a dynamism to be enjoyed by both driver and passengers. The speed record set last week at Baikal Lake is the latest emotion delivered by the Super SUV.

The Urus offers six different driving modes plus EGO, which allows the driver to fully customize the car’s set-up, choosing the required rigidity for a very comfortable ride to an extremely sporty, aggressive setting dependent on driving style and road conditions.

Check out these pictures of the Urus on and off different roads.

NEVE: the Arancio Borealis of the new Urus Pearl Capsule stands out from the brightness of ice and snow, ready for new adventures, together with the Urus record-breaker at the Days of Speed on ice at Baikal Lake.

TERRA: off-road discoveries, like here on the wild tracks of Iceland

SABBIA: higher ground clearance for climbing dunes, here in Nazarè, Portugal

STRADA: for daily life, comfort enhanced by height adapted to speed, here in Rome, Italy

SPORT: enjoying country roads with no fear for up hills, down hills and turns here in Altai, Russia

CORSA: performance oriented, minimum roll, racing at the track, here in Vallelunga Circuit, Italy.

The first Japanese full-electric hypercar

Car manufacturing and engineering – Aspark Company

The first Japanese full-electric hypercar

Body, chassis and much of the components entirely made by top-level carbon fiber materials, extremely powerful four electric motors, a unique torque vectoring system, an exclusive battery system, and handmade premium interior. The full-electric hypercar Owl is a compendium of state-of-the-art technology, design and functionality, mixed with a genuine passion for beauty.

The production version of the Owl, after its world premiere in Dubai last November, was scheduled to be exhibited at the Geneva International Motor Show.

“After unveiling the Owl at Dubai International Motor Show the company has achieved many progresses on development and production, as well on future strategy as a car manufacturer”, Head Of Sales and Communication Agshin Badalbayli points out.

All major tests related to performance, safety and durability were completed successfully and now the Owl can be seen running on the road.

Meanwhile, the production has been accelerated to deliver the orders on time and the sales and after-sales networks around the world are growing fast.

A second project is coming up

Aspark kicked off a new era in full-electric hypercars with the Owl: but the first project of the Japanese car manufacturer won’t remain alone, as a the development of a second project has already started. Details will be given in the next weeks.

The Power is in our Nature

“The Power is in our Nature” – the official claim of the Owl – perfectly catches the essence of this incredible full-electric hypercar.

Body, chassis and much of the components entirely made by top-level carbon fiber materials, extremely powerful four electric motors, a unique torque vectoring system, an exclusive battery system, and handmade premium interior: the Owl is a compendium of state-of-the-art technology, design and functionality, mixed with a genuine passion for beauty.

The fastest accelerating car in the world: 0-60 mph in 1.69 seconds

The most astonishing performance of the Owl is the acceleration: from 0 to 60 mph in 1.69 seconds*.

The Owl has a unique battery pack for a range of up to 450 km. Top speed is 400 km/h. Furthermore, the Owl has a height of 99 cm: it is probably the lowest road legal electric hypercar in the world.

The world most powerful electric hypercar

The Owl has the most powerful 4 electric motors ever made. They produce a total power of 1480 kW with 2012 horsepower. Overall torque is around 2000 Newton meters.

The Owl has almost three times more power than Formula-E cars and two times more than Formula 1 cars.

The rotation of the motor should be the fastest in the world with 15000 rpm.

Delivered in the second quarter of the year

The production version of the Owl is limited to only 50 cars worldwide. Each one will be fully customizable, each one will be different from the other: exclusivity now has a real meaning.

Production is taking place in Turin, Italy in collaboration with Manifattura Automobili Torino, with the full support of Aspark engineering centres in the world. The first set of the Owl will be delivered by the second quarter of 2020.

Price of the base version is Euro 2,900,000. The Owl can be reserved with a reduced deposit of Euro 50,000.

*One Foot Roll-Out

Running on the road.

All major tests related to performance, safety and durability were completed successfully and now the Owl can be seen running on the road.
“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

Stuttgart, Germany. Under the title “Porsche Unseen”, Porsche is for the first time publishing design studies from 2005 to 2019 which have until now been kept under lock and key. The sports car manufacturer is showing spectacular visions of 15 different cars. The early studies cover the segments “Spin-offs“, “Little rebels“, “Hyper cars“ and “What’s next?”. In this way, Porsche is offering an exclusive insight into its design process – from the very first drawing to the finished model ready for series production.

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“People all over the world love the timeless and innovative design of our sports cars,” says Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche AG. “Visionary concept studies are the foundation of this success: they provide the pool of ideas for the Porsche design of tomorrow, and combine our strong tradition with trailblazing future technologies.”

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

The previously unpublished design studies are being presented exclusively by the Porsche Newsroom in a series of articles. The 911:Magazine web TV format has also dedicated an episode to selected studies and examines the connection between the studies and the current production models together with Porsche Chief Designer Michael Mauer. For fans of the brand, the book entitled “Porsche Unseen” is released today by the Delius Klasing publishing house. Interested readers are given a detailed look behind the scenes of Style Porsche. A selection of studies will also be on display later for fans to admire live: the Porsche Museum will be integrating the models in the exhibition in 2021.


The design process: from the first drawing to the drivable prototype
The design process starts with a sketch. This is visualised in the next step as a 3D model. As soon as an idea is to be developed further, small models are produced in a scale of 1:3, then followed by hard models in the scale 1:1. “The virtual world is the first step, but you especially have to experience the unusual models in reality in order to understand whether a car has small, large or surprising proportions,” says Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche. In contrast to the development of a production model where several models are always developed with different styling formats, the vision projects, on the other hand, concentrate on a single vision model which serves as a protagonist for the central idea.


“Porsche intentionally has just a single design studio – located in the direct proximity of development,” says Michael Mauer. “Weissach is our epicentre. Instead of opening advanced design studios in the distant metropolises of North America and Asia, our designers come from all over the world to Porsche in Weissach in order to create the latest production sports cars and automotive visions at the heart of the brand. More than 120 designers, experts for interior, exterior, colours and materials, model builders, modellers and study engineers work in the Porsche Design Studio.

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

“Porsche Unseen” provides a glimpse of unreleased concept cars

The design studies: on a journey of the mind into the future of mobility
“When it comes to the visions we develop, it is not about bringing every car onto the road. Instead, it is more a question of establishing creative space and a relationship with the future,” says Michael Mauer when describing the design process and adds: “There are two possibilities for continuing to develop as a brand: either you improve your products from the present, that is to say step-by-step. However, it is difficult to be really innovative in this process. Or you give free rein to your creativity. The idea is to let your thoughts jump to the day after tomorrow, and to then move back from there to tomorrow.”

Based on this idea, Porsche develops the product and brand identity which characterises and secures the appearance of all models in the long term. The design language for future models develops from the long-term vision. In this process, the higher-level goal is to combine the Porsche design DNA with state-of-the-art vehicle engineering. On the one hand, this secures the innovative capability of future Porsche models and, on the other, also provides an evolutionary reference to the rich history of Porsche. A closer look at some examples:

The Porsche 919 Street (2017; 1:1 clay model) was developed on the basis of the technology used in the Porsche 919 Hybrid, promising to make the exhilarating driving experience of the LMP1 race car available to amateur drivers. Under the outer shell are the carbon monocoque and powerful 900 PS hybrid racing drivetrain that helped the Porsche 919 to achieve numerous victories at Le Mans. The dimensions and wheelbase were also the same as on the race car.

With its spartan, puristic cockpit, the characteristic radiator grilles over the mid engine, red graphic elements and the suggested fins at the rear, the compact Porsche Vision Spyder (2019; 1:1 hard model) clearly calls to mind the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder from 1954. At the same time, the study was intended to further develop the design identity of Porsche and provide a pool of ideas for future details – for example, the ultra-modern roll bar.


The Porsche vision “Renndienst” (2018; 1:1 hard model) is the free interpretation of a family-friendly space concept for up to six persons. The design team designed a futuristic “space shuttle“ with exciting proportions. The study shows how the Porsche design DNA with its characteristic surface modelling can be transferred to an unknown vehicle segment for the brand. In the interior, passengers find a comfortable and modular travel cabin. The driver sits in a central driver’s seat. The all-electric drive technology is located in the underbody. As a result, passengers can enjoy an unexpectedly generous space and travel experience combined with Porsche-like flair.

The book “Porsche Unseen” is now available from retailers with the ISBN number 978-3-667-11980-3. The design studies are presented in detail over 328 pages with impressive photos from Stefan Bogner and informative text by Jan Karl Baedeker. It is published by Delius Klasing Verlag and is also available in the Porsche Museum shop.

The-new-Mercedes-Maybach-S-Class-Exterior-design

Exterior design of the new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: Exterior design

Well-balanced proportions and many exclusive details

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class expresses the superlative luxury that is the hallmark of the brand. It is a well-conceived combination of sublime beauty and trailblazing technology. It has an 18 centimetre longer wheelbase than the long Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Plus a number of exclusive features.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is a classic three-box saloon with perfect proportions. These are determined by a short front overhang, the longest wheelbase in this model family, a well-balanced rear overhang and large wheels.

Distinguishing features at the front include the distinctive bonnet with a chromed fin and the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille. This is highly recognisable by its vertical, three-dimensional trim strips. The word mark MAYBACH is elegantly integrated into the chrome surround of the grille. The equally distinctive bumper further emphasises the vehicle’s width with the shape of its air inlets, whose black mesh is also optionally available in chrome.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class also differs from its brother models when viewed from the side: The rear doors and flowing, more upright C-pillars underline the model’s superlative status. The fixed quarterlight in the C-pillar is framed by a high-quality surround that seamlessly blends into the side trim. Exclusivity is emphasised by the Maybach brand logo on the C-pillar. In some countries the brand logo is illuminated. The side view is characterised by flush-fitted door handles and 19, 20 or 21-inch wheels specially designed and reserved for this model. The optional ambient illumination projects the brand logo next to the opened front doors in LED technology.

The luxury saloon has the progressively designed, two-section rear lights of the new S-Class generation. Additional lights in the precisely laid-out interior, as well as partly animated functions, also make the Mercedes-Maybach unmistakable at night. The model-specific rear bumper and exhaust tailpipes also lend uniqueness to the rear view.

As well as non-metallic, metallic and designo paint finishes, the range of paintwork for the Mercedes-Maybach additionally includes two-tone finishes with a fine, hand-painted dividing line known as the pin-stripe (see “Under the microscope”). This particularly reinforces the extraordinary hand-built impression.

The new Mercedes-Maybach S-Class: Under the microscope: Two-tone paintwork

One week for the second colour

On request, the exclusive appearance of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class can be enhanced by a two-tone paint finish with dividing line. This is applied by hand according to the highest quality criteria. It can take up to one week before the vehicle is returned to the regular production process from the custom paintshop.

Even a two-tone Maybach begins its painting process in regular production. In the paintshop, the bodyshell is automatically and electrostatically given a full coat of paint in the colour that will eventually embellish the lower half of the body – plus a layer of clearcoat. In the electrostatic painting process, statically charged paint particles are atomised and deposited on the (earthed) bodyshell.

The bodyshell is then sent to the custom paintshop. Once there, the entire bodyshell is ground to a matt finish by hand. Thorough cleaning is followed by the first, particularly demanding work stage: masking off. As the designers did not position the dividing line between the upper and lower paint finishes in a recess or below a trim strip, this requires extremely precise hand-painting. A special adhesive tape with a corresponding gap is used to apply the only four‑millimetre wide dividing line between the two colours.

As an interesting detail, the doors are weighted with weights before masking the dividing line. This is to simulate the effect of subsequent interior finishing with windows, power window fittings, loudspeakers, panelling and other technical equipment. This allowance ensures that the dividing line along the side and doors will later be at exactly the same height.

All the surfaces that will later bear the lower colour are masked off. These also include the transitions to the interior, e.g. at the doors or wheel arches – even where trim or a lining will later be installed. This too is part of the dedication to quality.

The exposed parts of the body are now completely painted by hand. Pneumatically atomised by compressed air, the paint is applied so that it presents the same picture as after electrostatic painting – this is important because removable parts installed later on, e.g. the bumpers, must precisely match the paint finish. Before the new base coat has fully dried, the masking tape is carefully removed without damaging the edges. The complete bodyshell is then given a new coat of clear varnish.

This has to happen within a very short time window, so that the edges between the paint coats blend into each other and cannot be felt afterwards – unlike competitors, where the dividing line is painted on. If the experts in the custom paintshop are not satisfied, the complete bodyshell is reground, the topcoat is re-finished and the whole bodyshell is given a clearcoat. All in all, the process including the necessary drying times can take up to one week.

The following colour combinations from the Mercedes-Maybach paint chart are available, the choice being dictated by whether the upper colour can fully cover the lower colour:

Lower colour Upper colour
designo diamond white bright obsidian black
high-tech silver selenite grey
obsidian black selenite grey
nautical blue high-tech silver
rubellite red designo kalahari gold
onyx black designo kalahari gold
obsidian black high-tech silver
obsidian black rubellite red
emerald green Mojave silver
Mojave silver onyx black