Author: Gordon Welsh

With the Geneva Auto Show hosting a myriad of new innovations and big name supercars, the 2011 Volkswagen Toureg could have easily slipped by, but was actually one of the most talked about SUV’s at the show. One of the biggest reasons for all the hype was the loss of a whopping 459lbs over previous models, while increasing how rigid the structure is. Along with the weight loss, VW puts their 4-Motion all-wheel-drive system alongside a new Torsen limited slip differential, allowing some off road capability out of the box, and an all-terrain package for those headstrong travelers.

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The men from Wolfsberg didn’t stop with the weight loss for the new Toureg either. Instead, they made standard a new 8 speed automatic giving more fuel economy no matter what of the engine type. In that regards, Volkswagen is not only offering the conventional V6 petrol and V10 Diesel motors, but also a V6 hybrid version to accompany them. The Toureg will be the first to sport the hybrid V6, and is a fore-runner for the sub-category of off-road SUVs. While working with both the electric and petrol motors, the Toureg can put down 427 lb/ft of torque and 275hp all while getting close to 29 mpg.

On the inside, the driver is treated to a normal radio/CD system and touch screen information center, displaying current oil levels (no dipstick required) and the general vital signs of the truck. In upscale versions, the driver gets navigation controls with 3D building displays and a 60gig hard drive. The firsts just keep on coming with this vehicle, being that it also incorporates the largest panoramic sunroof, giving occupants the maximum amount of light no matter how overcast your day may be.

VW debuted quite a beauty at Geneva, making the all new 2011 VW Toureg a big player in the SUV scene. Whether you want a daily driver with all the bells and whistles or you want an off-road capable trail burning truck, the Toureg will do it all in style, and keeping your gas money in your wallet.

By Lucas Welsh

We’ll be the first to admit, we’re Mercedes apologists and we were eagerly anticipating the debut of the latest and greatest from Stuttgart. This time it came in the form of the F800, a research design study that really speaks to the current direction of the brand. While some seem to think the F800 is a precursor to the next-generation CLS, we think it’s more likely that the CLS would merely borrow from a few design successes of the F800. The vehicle itself was lent a few things from existing Benz models, with the C-Class pug nose and the heroic, single-bar grille found on the SLS, among others. The headlamps certainly scream CLS, and with LED-mania still in full swing it stands to reason that we could be looking at the newest iteration of Mercedes lights. The rear of the car is not traditional Benz; the rear lights have migrated from the top of the trunk and are now oblong, bearing a resemblance to several current Jaguar lights. The F800 has also jumped on the oversized exhaust-port bandwagon, which is typically a sleek look but on this model looks too chunky and futuristic. The car really shines from the side, however; the beltline fades in and out at the rear doors, which is a truly terrific look. The rising line from the bottom of the front doors (a look copied on both luxury and economy cars these days) continues seamlessly onto the rear bumper and integrates very well into the overall design of the car.

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Engineers have presented the car as having two powertrains available, specifically a plug-in hybrid and a fuel cell. The hybrid mates a powerful V6 to an 81-kilowatt motor to produce an astonishing 403bhp, enough to get the F800 to 60mph in under five seconds. The fuel cell, which Mercedes has used in a number of concept vehicles, would produce roughly 135bhp and double the torque; four hydrogen tanks are mated to an onboard oxygen supply, ultimately powering a lithium-ion battery to drive the vehicle. Look for the F800 to evolve over the next year or two; we’re hoping to see it or something like it on the road someday.

The Agera is exactly what car lovers flock to international auto shows for: aggressive styling, brute force, unattainability…the list goes on. With Swedish manufacturer Koenigsegg freed of their burdensome purchase of their troubled countrymen, they were undoubtedly excited to focus on the debut of their latest and greatest, the Agera. Built to celebrate the esteemed company’s 15th anniversary, the Agera was presented as the ultimate track and street machine. A modest-sized 4.7 liter V8 produces an absolutely brutal 898bhp allows only 3.1 seconds to pass before the car hits 60mph; it propels the four-wheeled rocket upwards of 200mph (The Swedes claim an approximate 245mph top speed). The CC-inspired supercar also boasts adjustable ABS, custom Michelin rubber, and some of the biggest ceramic brakes we have ever laid eyes on. While it’s hard to define one feature in particular that’s astounding about the car (without elaborating on them all), we are enamored with Koenigsegg’s so-called “Ghost Lighting,” which consists of microscopic carbon nanotubes to hide the lighting until it’s turned on; once functioning, the lights appear to be shining through solid aluminum. The Agera will be tested exhaustively for the rest of the year, ultimately going on sale at the end of 2010.

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Citroen continued their rampage of stylish cars with the unveiling of their GQ Concept, which strangely enough was absent from Geneva earlier this month. With a look that says “X6 meets Panamera meets Citroen’s aggressive design team,” the French company created the plug-in hybrid as part of a joint venture with none other than GQ magazine. The idea behind the partnership was to create a stylish vehicle that fit “with the current attitudes of conspicuous consumption.” While designer Mark Lloyd had the gall to call the car “understated,” we love the double-chevron emblem design, Savile Row-styled interior, and the swooping curves around the back, which imply that the eco-conscious concept is packing more than just a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine. Nonetheless, Peugeot is claiming a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, while producing only 80 grams of CO2 per 100 kilometers. As part of a joint marketing project, the car was actually introduced online, and can also be found in the April edition of GQ.

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Source: WCF

We were excited to see the Peugeot SR1 come quickly to fruition, as it promises to be a dynamic vehicle. However, as its debut at this year’s Geneva Motor Show approaches, we are learning more details about the SR1 that make it even more endearing. It seems that renowned Swiss watchmaker Bell & Ross has contributed a significant design to the vehicle that will come in the form of a special-edition timepiece. While we find analog clocks very striking in most upscale luxury cars, it is rarely fitting that anyone would consider having a similar design strapped to their wrist for an extended period of time. Bell & Ross has set out to change that mentality, and in doing so has created an integrable watch that is multifunctional and unique.

We don’t know what the watch will be called just yet, but it appears to be a spinoff of the BR 01-97. Its stainless steel 46mm square case houses a gorgeous dial that resembles a snowflake with its intricacy; Bell & Ross achieved this through what they call some of the most advanced machining processes currently available. Four Arabic hour marks are surrounded by metal ridges that are designed to catch light, and the nickel-plated hour and minute hands are industrial and bold but fit well with the overall theme. The timepiece’s grained leather strap is made from exactly the same leather as the Peugeot’s interior. Look for the SR1 and its stunning dashboard watch to debut in Geneva next month.

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Tormod Amlien and Klaus Ulvestad may not be your best friends yet, but sure you could live vicariously through their Norwegian escapades in an attempt to make the round-the-world trip on vintage motorcycles. The new age Vikings started their journey April 1st 2009 in none other but Toten, Norway. From there the fantastic duo will journey through the Baltic countries, up through Siberia, through Mongolia and then to the most easterly point of Asia before sailing or flying to Anchorage, Alaska. Saying that the two have a plan would be using that term very loosely. As described by Amlien and Ulvestad, making plans doesn’t make sense when criss-crossing central and South America, or going through Africa. What are the only definites on the journey? An amazing trip brought to you by two guys riding 70-year-old Danish Nimbus motorcycles equipped with side cars.

Sites: KCCD, KCCD Blog, KCCD Videos

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So what makes these two the best men for the job? Well besides the fact both have been riding Danish Nimbus motorcycles since an early age, it seems from their blog absolutely nothing. The two have a true understanding of their simple machines, and plan on doing any roadside work to their cycles by hand. Since the times of the Vikings, and even earlier, Norwegians have had the deep desire to explore and travel, so it makes sense it would be in the blood of these two overly ambitious men.

The purpose of the trip seems so simple at first, they must have a death wish and want to end it all while on the uncomfortable hard tail 1937 Nimbus motorcycles. Upon closer observation, they reveal it happens to be one of the manliest ventures point-to-point that any person, or couple of everyday chaps, could undertake. Where as in the past, Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman made the journey from London eastward to Manhattan on the comfortable BMW crafted cycles, Tormod and Klaus are roughing it without the repair crew, and stuck on hard tail vintage overhauled toys. Much like a college road trip, the two men will do repairs on site, and the trips are planned based on where friends live, and which roads are less traveled.

The noble steeds these two heroes enjoy their long days on are anything but the ordinary. The 750cc Single overhead cam straight fours are overly exposed, along with the valves and rocker arms. Although exquisite to see a bike’s motor like that in action, it can leave the riders at the mercy of the elements they plan on traveling through. The flat strips of steel and lack of rear suspension seem to be the least supportive of any motorcycle, but that just adds one more thing to this momentous journey.

So it seems with a lack of any direct planning, a couple of 1937 Danish Nimbus motorcycles, and two guys with the largest of hopes, a trip aptly name “The Dumb Way Round” comes to fruition. Although Tormod Amlien and Klaus Ulvestad may not be household names just yet, their journey is going to be one for the record books, and definitely a couple of fellows you want to keep a close eye on as their journey continues back across the US in the coming months.

Source: Bike EXIF

Calm down, Bateman. More American Psycho than American Standard, Best Made’s Axes are modern works of art that, as the name would suggest, offer superior craftsmanship and unique color finishes that are so generally appealing it’s impossible to think of a reason not to own one. The company itself is remarkable; their axes came to fruition through a passion for nature and design and they happen to be one of the oldest tools in history, one that founders Peter Buchanan-Smith and Graeme Cameron call “indispensable and sublime, the epitome of fortitude and strength, a perfect design object, a timeless instrument.” Accordingly, they create their axes as passionately as they speak about them; their hatchets are made to order and the forged blades are complimented by genuine American hardwood, which is then handpainted and polished. Best Made debuts new axes just as a fashion label would, drawing inspiration from certain seasons and utilizing different designers for different projects. They are currently shipping orders from their Winter 2010 collection directly from their Manhattan workshop, but be patient, as quality takes time; expect a 4 to 6 week wait for yours.

Visit: Best Made Co.

A lot of cross-promotional ideas can come off as gimmicky, especially when they are advocating unity in reference to the greatest tournament on the planet. We’re all for Puma Unity Beer, however, which represents a truly outstanding convergence of ideas. The renowned sports apparel and clothier has teamed up with artisanal brewers Collective Sao Gabriel to concoct a special World Cup brew meant to promote unity. While Puma may not be an official sponsor of the World Cup, it’s hard to argue their place in the annals of football history, and the current direction of their company reflects a desire to use their position to raise awareness about the need for good sportsmanship and a common goal. Collective Sao Gabriel is not as well known but certainly no less esteemed; in fact, they claim that their company was founded during “a search for truth and honesty in the world of beer,” and a “quest for more substance, more authenticity, and more meaning from our day-to-day experiences;” these are concepts we think just about anyone can relate to. What the beer actually tastes like is anyone’s guess, as both companies are keeping it under raps until the Cup draws closer; however it’s safe to say that with these two companies at the helm we’re sure it’s nothing short of spectacular. Oh, and the bottle looks awesome, too.

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Source: Beervertising

We wish we had all the time in the world; if we did, we might extol the creation and racing success of the Ford GT40 and its ultimate rebirth as a street-legal supercar, the Ford GT. Swiss Team Matech Racing has found considerable success racing Fords, have piloted their team of three GT3s to a class championship only two years ago. Naturally, success inspires creation, and Matech has been working diligently to finish their GT1, which they promise to be completely new. According to test driver Thomas Mutsch, “[N]ot a single element, be it the engine, the transmission system, the suspension or aerodynamics are the same;” this kind of drive towards continued victory leaves no doubt that the Swiss team has created a monster. Matech will be simultaneously testing their newest creation and trying to put together a comprehensive racing team from a pool of seven drivers. The car will make its media debut March 1st, but until then, enjoy the high quality video the team has put together, aptly titled ‘Matech Symphony No.1.’

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Source: WCF

Have you ever wondered what the Rogue would be if it was actually a cool car? So did Nissan, apparently, and it seems we should have been taking last year’s Qazana concept vehicle more seriously when we saw it in Geneva. The Juke is poised to be the perfect urban entry-level crossover, and will bring a healthy dose of style, utility, and youth to the marketplace. Nissan’s newest entry serves up a great combination of car and sport-ute; it has excellent ground clearance and a wheel/tire combination much better suited for rolling over curbs than cruising down the PCH. In typical Nissan fashion, the Juke also gives away its sports car heritage; the 370Z-inspired boomerang taillights, high curvy beltline, and sexy roofline (complimented nicely by a spoiler) all indicate that the vehicle was designed for spirited driving. With the Juke scheduled to arrive in the United States, Europe, and Japan, three different engines will be available, including a 1.5 liter common-rail diesel to compliment turbocharged and naturally aspirated iterations of their 1.6 liter powerplant, capable of producing 117 and 190 horsepower respectively. Other clever options by Nissan include an improved AWD system that allows for better cornering, and their Dynamic Control System, which allows front passengers to access system information and control functions. Our favorite feature, other than the lights, has to be the motorcycle gas tank-styled center console; it’s great to see that Nissan just continues to make fun vehicles with sport in mind. Look for official pictures of the Juke after its Geneva debut next month.

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Source: WCF

Every up-and-coming distribution firm strives to create the next LVMH group, but frankly there are so many that fall between the cracks that entering the field is more likely to result in a cautionary tale than a success story. Craft Distillers has gone in the complete opposite direction, and in doing so has managed to represent some of the best small-batch booze on the planet during a time when high-quality handcrafted intoxicants are en vogue. In standing by their time-tested philosophy of making extraordinary spirits using “rigorous, old-fashioned, hands-on pot-distillation methods,” they have built a deep stable of liquors that has further enhanced their reputation. Among the spirits captured by Craft include Maison Surrenne cognac, Los Danzantes and Mezcalero mescals, Crispin Cain’s Rose Liqueur, and the esteemed Hangar One collection of vodkas. Contact Craft through their website for more information on any of their top products.

Visit: Craft Distillers

It’s only fitting that two of Great Britain’s finest creations have been paired up with a common goal in mind. Under the tutelage of Raul Pires, Bentley’s Head of Exterior Design (credited with the Mulsanne, among others), a group of eighteen RCA students were given the task of developing a range of futuristic Bentleys that drew upon the company’s iconic history. Four of the eighteen were ultimately shortlisted and have been chosen to refine their designs with Pires’ help; eventually, a winner and a runner-up will be selected to join the company in Crewe for a six month secondment in the Bentley design studio. Pires and the Bentley team made their final cuts based on the participants involvement with the latest automotive software, specifically Exa’s PowerFLOW, which aided in the creation of the Continental Supersports. The finalists, based on their creations (and according to the wisdom of Pires), were able to succeed by capturing the essence of the Bentley brand, while embracing cutting-edge technology and terrific design that optimizes the vehicle’s potential in every way imaginable. We wish the final four the best of luck, as Bentley will be making their final decisions in the coming weeks.

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Source: Luxury Issues

Warrior Footwear was originally created in 1935 to supply China with affordable athletic shoes, and after decades of dominating their respective market, they have evolved to become a beloved brand among alternative-minded youth in Beijing and Shanghai. Referred to as “Hui Li” in China, the Warrior brand has defined itself by using lightweight canvas with flexible rubber soles to achieve what they call a “a classic silhouette with clean sophisticated definition.” We love their iconic look and are excited to see their upcoming spring/summer collection, which promises to almost double their current lineup, adding four new styles and seven new color options.

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Since its inception, the BMW 335 has, in every iteration, dominated its respective market. It is only natural that its near-perfection would catch the attention of both inhouse and third-party tuners, and modified versions of the 3-series can be found in nearly every major market except one. Thankfully, that’s about to change, as BMW recently announced that the United States will actually get the first shot at the newest horse in its stable, the 335is. With club racers in mind, BMW made a series of modifications that could make this the best 3-series yet. The engine and cooling system were modified in tandem, the latter being done to allow for better breathing and the added stress that comes from an additional 20bhp (up to 320) and 32 pounds of torque (up to 332). Don’t stop grinning yet, though. The 335is is able to ratchet its performance up one notch further, with a devestatingly powerful overboost feature; by upping the boost to 14.5psi, the car is able to provide 370bhp for up to seven seconds. With the whole 3-series range slated for a minor aesthetic overhaul this year, this special edition can be identified by its ferric 18-inch wheels, gloss black kidney surrounds and mirror caps, black window trim, and a deadly-looking pair of blacked-out exhaust tips that rest below its functional rear diffuser. The suspension and interior have both been upgraded with M components, and the transmission will come as either a 6-speed manual or with a 7-speed DCT, which had previously been unavailable on any other 3. The 335is is supposed to come in between the 335i and M3 in virtually every way, but we can’t help but wonder if BMW has done too well here. One is reminded of Porsche’s Cayman, which was supposed to offer a nice middle road between the Boxster and 911; however, it has since become debatable as to whether or not most versions of the 911 should even exist. Like the Cayman, the 335is promises to offer outstanding performance for its price, and should be a stylish and well-rounded vehicle. We are hoping enthusiasts stateside really warm up to the 335is, as it would likely open future doors to other special editions. The convertible will debut first, hitting dealerships in March and costing about $59k; the coupe will be available in June and is priced just over $50k.

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Source: AB

In a thesaurus somewhere in Germany, look up Brabus and one may find a suitable synonym: hardcore. The Bottrop, Germany-based tuners have never produced vehicles for the faint of heart, and we are pleased to see they are still up to their best work. What they have done with Mercedes’ lauded family-hauler can best be described as aggressive, both aesthetically and performance-wise. Stepping up to bat for inhouse tuners AMG (who neglected to offer a high-strung version of the GL), Brabus’ first step was to massage the venerable 6.3 liter V8 into the sport-ute, then adding a pair of turbochargers and a massive water-to-air intercooler. The intake, exhaust, brakes, suspension and gearbox were given the Brabus treatment as well, and the end result is 650bhp and a 0-60 time under 5 seconds. The exterior is upgraded with lightweight rolling stock and a widebody treatment, giving the truck a more aggressive stance to match what’s under the hood. The interior is absolutely breathtaking, and boasts custom quilted leather with alcantara piping and a ton of carbon fiber tech pieces. The only thing we were disappointed to see was that Brabus has continued its tradition of aggressive pricing as well; the uber-truck is rumored to cost over $500,000. It will debut at the Geneva Auto Show in a few months but orders are being placed now.

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Source: AB

Sometimes we think there are too many tuners out there, period. But then, the clouds part, and we’re left with a more concise thought. There are only a few tuners out there that really matter. Carlsson’s 20-year pedigree of tweaking Mercedes’ finest has staked their claim to this smaller group of tuners. In anticipation of the Geneva Auto Show, Carlsson has posted some renderings of its latest creation, the C25, which they refer to as a ‘Super-GT.’ In the words of Markus Schuster, Carlsson’s CEO, his intent was “[T]o develop a car which is highly exclusive on the one hand and can be used for the daily journey to office on the other hand.” How many C25 owners will be visiting their offices is what we’re not too sure about. Picking up where the SL65 AMG Black Series left off, the C25 is the proud owner of 753bhp and a tire-melting 848lb-ft of torque, which helps the supercoupe arrive at 60mph in a brief 3.7 seconds. While that in and of itself isn’t out of the ordinary these days, Carlsson’s unique method of allocation is sure to draw headlines. As the name alludes to, there will be only 25 of these magical vehicles up for grabs; the caveat is that each country is only allowed one. So who do you think will be lucky enough to pick one up? Weigh in and let us know. In the meantime, enjoy these images until it breaks cover at Geneva.

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Source: Autoblog

Infiniti is finally poised to replace their aging flagship, and it will debut here in the United States this September. Said to be inspired by the Infiniti Essence (the Japanese Marque’s coolest concept car ever), the third-generation M has been thoroughly redone both inside and out and will offer a bevy of engine choices to compete with the class-leading boys from Munich and Stuttgart. The base model will be equipped with a 3.7 liter V6 (good for 330bhp), with a 5.6 liter V8 available as well; the latter engine will of course be the highlight of the model and we hope the driving dynamics of the M are not compromised by such enormous power gains. The skin of the M looks great; Infiniti has incorporated some curves from the newer G37 as well as the squared-off grille from the Essence; the rear of the car, surprisingly, looks very Jaguar-esque (not to say that’s unflattering, just unexpected). The interior, as expected, is bathed in wood, aluminum, and leather as a proper luxury sports sedan should be. Whether or not the newest M can compete with the 5-series and E-Class remains to be seen, but as always Infiniti manages to bring a lot of sport into the typically banal sedan category.

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Source: CBD

The genius Scots who, for centuries have made some of the world’s finest whiskey, have erected another suitable tribute to Magnus Erlendsson, the first Earl of Orkney. Situated in Orkney themselves, the distillers at the The Highland Park have made yet another masterful whiskey. This booze is bottled at cask strength, in this case a whopping 52.6 percent ABV (just as Magnus would have wanted it), but don’t fear that its potency will overtake the whiskey’s traditional notes of peat; also present are hints of lemon, ginger, and vanilla. Another unique aspect is a customized label depicting Earl Magnus in a stained glass window; the bottle is housed in a wooden gift box etched with Highland Park branding and the story of Earl Magnus. In this respect, the whiskey is a tribute not only to Magnus but to Orkney itself, and the Highland Park has done them both proud.

With Saab’s future teetering on the brink, we thought it prudent to look back at the vehicle that they started with. Like some other European carmakers, Saab originally had its place in the aircraft manufacturing industry. And, like its brethren, the end of the second World War meant branching out to other aspects of manufacturing. Its first creation, the Ursaab (meaning ‘Original Saab’), came to be after 16 aircraft engineers collaborated on a vehicle that would ultimately be one of their finest creations. Out of the 16, only two had drivers licenses, and virtually none had automaking experience. Using a few junked cars and some intuition, the Saab team developed a prototype that racked up over 300,000 miles during late night and early morning super-secret test runs. With their background, the team also managed to make the car with an extremely low drag coefficient; by utilizing a streamlined design and eliminating a large back windshield and boot, the Ursaab was more aerodynamically advanced than the more recent Porsche 996 and Ferrari F40. Obviously, the Ursaab proved to be a huge success and paved the way for the Saab 92, their first production vehicle and an automotive icon. The ‘Original Saab’ has since been cleaned up and is on display at the company’s museum in Trollhättan, Sweden.

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Source: The Coolist

Mercedes is once again conjuring up thoughts of summer come early with two special editions available on the SL and SLK. The SL Night Edition is finished in matte black paint, and rests on 19-inch AMG five-spoke alloys in a two-tone gloss. The head and tail-lights are also given the dark treatment, rounding out the look. The SL also receives some interior touchups and has been draped in black nappa leather; silver accents in the cockpit and seats contrast nicely with the dark decor. The smaller SLK is treated to a graphite paint job and rolls on unique 18-inch five-triple-spoke wheels. Color-coded headlamps and silver-treated hood fins complete the exterior look of the Grand Edition, and as with its SL counterpart the interior is not neglected. On the inside, basalt grey nappa leather maintains the color theme and is counterbalanced by red topstitching on the seats and door armrests. The packages are available in Germany only and cost between €2,300 and €3,500 for the SLK Grand Edition and €3,700 and €5,200 for the SL Night Edition, depending on which iteration of the car is being modified.

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Source: WCF