2013 Infiniti JX Concept

Infiniti recently unveiled the luxury 2013 Infiniti JX Concept crossover at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Luxury automaker Infiniti offers a complete line of luxury performance automobiles, such as the G Coupe, Sedan and first-ever Convertible, Infiniti M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, plus the QX full-size SUV.

The innovative new 7-passenger/3-row luxury crossover JX Concept was unveiled by Senior Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura at the 2011 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, at the famed Lodge at Pebble Beach.

Beyond its stunning exterior, the new Infiniti JX Concept is designed to excel in three areas where luxury crossover buyers put an emphasis – interior flexibility and roominess, safety, and innovative hospitality features.

Infiniti is scheduled to add the 2013 Infiniti JX Concept to its luxury vehicle line-up in spring of 2012.

The interior of the production Infiniti JX is expected to offer class-leading roominess, in addition to a 2nd row seat design that both tilts and slides forward providing passengers exceptionally easy 3rd row access.

2013 Infiniti JX Concept grill

Also, the Infiniti JX will become the first Infiniti vehicle to utilize a sport-tuned, but fuel-efficient continuously variable transmission.

Through a combination of a powerful V6 engine and all-wheel or front-wheel drive, the 2013 Infiniti JX Concept will feature a unique balance of driving exhilaration and fuel efficiency.

Chief Creative Officer Shiro Nakamura was quoted, “The JX Concept advances the Infiniti design language, sharing design cues of the Infiniti Essence concept, yet interprets those elements in ways suitable to the needs of a family luxury crossover. From the dramatic front grille and headlight design to the crescent-cut D-pillar and greenhouse shape, the JX Concept shines as a fresh, bold alternative to the many flavors of vanilla currently dominating the three-row luxury crossover segment.”

The Infiniti JX will also feature numerous technologies that were designed intot he luxury new car to make owners lives a bit easier and more efficient. Several of these features include: a 14-speaker Bose® Studio Surround® sound system with Waveguide bass technology and an advanced Infiniti Connection Telematics system that can automatically synch the owner’s calendar and provide navigation guidance to appointments.

Nakamura continues, “As a premium crossover with a real 3rd row – along with Infiniti levels of hospitality and driving pleasure, the new JX is another breakthrough design from the brand that has been breaking new ground for more than 20 years. We will continue to challenge conventional thinking.”

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

The 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will be held next year from March 9-11 on the 10th and 18th fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach next to the luxury The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

1962 marked the iconic debut of this most significant Ferrari – the Ferrari GTO. 2012 will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the classic Ferrari GTO.

This will be a rare gathering at 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, including legendary GT racers that made its international debut at the 1962 12 Hours of Sebring and proceeded to rule international GT racing for three years.

The Ferrari GTO was built between 1962 and 1964, but yet only 36 three-liter cars and two four-liter cars were created by the factory. Ferrari 250 GTOs were constructed to meet new racing rules for the FIA’s World Championship Grand Touring category.

The stylish racing car’s name is derived from the Italian language as GTO means “Grand Turismo Omologato” and translates to “Grand Touring Homologated.”

Racing was Enzo Ferrari’s life. As the legendary GTO went from drawing board to metal, shockingly a civil war within Ferrari rocked the organization to its foundations. The disagreements left 26 year-old Mauro Forghieri to pick up the pieces and bring Ferrari’s newest GT racer to life.

Due to its limited production numbers, sleek GT styling, and rich competition history, Ferrari GTOs are highly prized and considered a work of art by collectors and automotive journalists around the world.

The Ferrari GTO sold originally for about $18,000 in the United States. On the rare occasion when one does change hands, it is usually in extremely private circumstances and the price tag is easily in the multi-million dollar range.

2011 Jaguar XF

The 2011 Jaguar XF is truly a luxury vehicle. This year’s Jaguar XF model has received only several  minor changes as compared to the 2010 model.

The luxurious 2011 Jaguar XF car is tops on the list for many industry experts in the midsize luxury sport sedan category.

The 2011 Jaguar XF is a rear-drive, four-door Jaguar combining style and top performance of a coupe-bodied sports car with the elegance, roominess and ultimate sophistication of a more luxury sedan.

The midsize luxury 2011 Jaguar XF sedan comes available in four different trim levels: base XF, XF Premium, XF Supercharged and XFR.

Featuring many high-performance capabilities including the Jaguar Drive Control Dynamic mode, which is a system providing sportier settings for the throttle, suspension, and transmission shift points.

The most notable change in the 2011 Jaguar XF model the base model’s former 4.2-liter V8 has been replaced with a more powerful 5.0-liter V8 engine that we first saw in the 2010 XF Premium.

Once you start the engine, you;’ll notice the JaguarDrive Rotary Gear Selector rises up from the center console. In addition, rotating vents then turn 180 degrees from the flush “parked” position to become fully functional.

The spacious interior provides room for five adults in comfort. You can find generous interior stowage as well as large trunk capacity to easily handle grocery shopping or your travel luggage.

Another luxury feature is the JaguarSense™ electronic control system. It features touch-sensitive operation for the overhead light, plus soft, Phosphor Blue interior mood lighting offers halo illumination around certain switches.

The Jag’s XF Supercharged and XFR models come equipped with powerful options of the 5.0L AJ-V8 engine.

A list of the key safety features of the new 2011 Jaguar XF include – Dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual side-curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, cornering brake control, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, active speed limiter, HomeLink garage door opener, active whiplash protection system, automatic headlamps, keyless push button start,

Base EPA Fuel Economy is noted as:
– 5.0L V8 – 16 city/25 hwy
– 5.0L V8 Supercharged – 15 city/23 hwy
– 5.0L V8 (XFR) – 15 city/21 hwy

MSRP pricing for the base 2011 Jaguar XF sedan begins at $52,500 for the XF and increases from $79,600 for the XFR model.

Gold knobs by Black

Gold knobs by Black Italian company BLACK has created luxurious gold knobs for your car.

These gorgeous car accessory products, combine elegance, with luxury and sportiness.

How many people do you know have real gold in their car? Now you can be the very first.

BLACK accommodates the elegance of gold along with its thermal conductivity nature to create the perfect, car gear knob.

Now you can drive your car and show off the ultimate elegance like a luxury car with a gold shift knob.

Immediately change the look of the interior of your car and make heads turn as the sunlight glistens off the gold knob. Every one will notice it.  Can be personalized with your name on top.

Gold knobs by Black

Black utilizes anathomical nature of gold to get the perfect form. The gold knob is then partially leather wrapped with top quality leather and a 9 gr. insert of 18 carat gold.

The leather cover is sewed with real 18 carat gold to emphasize the uniqueness of this luxury product.

The gold knob by BLACK is suitable only for manual gear configurations for the following luxury cars – Mercedes, BMW, Porsche.

The gold knobs come in 3 different colors: black, brown or light brown. Other colors are available as a custom order.

To learn more or purchase, please visit: www.blackit.it

2012 Jaguar XKR-S

The new 2012 Jaguar Line-up was introduced at this year’s 2011 New York International Auto Show. Next years Jaguar models will feature substantial changes and improvements across the entire range of luxury cars.

To start, the Jaguar XF will receive restyled front and rear bodywork. This change continues the evolution of the Jaguar design language. The supercharged 510 horsepower Jaguar XFR now features dramatic new styling that will further differentiate it from the XF sedan.

The Jaguar XK range will receive elegant styling changes, while further personalization can be made through a series of options packages.

The new 2012 Jaguar XK features new interior options allowing the discerning driver to emphasize both the luxury and performance aspects of the Jaguar XK.

2012 Jaguar XF, XJ, XK cars

The Jaguar XKR has been restyled to create a powerful new visage that stands apart from the standard Jaguar XK. A thrilling new pinnacle model, the 550 horsepower XKR-S coupe was on display for Jaguar fans at this year’s New York International Auto Show.

The XKR-S is capable of a top speed of 186 mph and an impressive 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Just introduced last year, the flagship Jaguar XJ luxury sedan will feature multiple enhancements to both the interior as well as the options lists.

You will find a new Rear Seat Comfort package on the top of the line XJL Supersport includes electric recline, lumbar adjustment and massage functions.

2011 is an exciting year for Jaguar, as it marks the the 50th anniversary of one of the most famous and desirable cars in automotive history – the Jaguar E-Type.

The Jaguar E-type made it’s U.S. debut fifty years ago as the Jaguar XKE at the 1961 New York International Auto Show.

Type-41 Supercar Club

We have all dreamed about driving in an expensive luxury supercar.  Only a limited group of people around the world actually own or have driven one of these rare supercars.

Well now is your chance to become one of the lucky few and personally drive incredible Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Ferraris, Audis, Porsches and many more.

Type-41 is an exclusive, by invitation only, supercar sharing club that will definitely become the hot new topic in the luxury car market.

Type-41 will officially launch tomorrow (April 14th, 2011) at the Top Marques Supercar Show in Monaco. Type-41 will become the first supercar club in the South of France, offering residents and frequent visitors to the French Riviera access to a variety of limited edition supercars.

The term “Supercar” can be described as a rare or exotic, luxury sports car. Supercars are engineering marvels, specifically designed and hand-made to push the physical limits of both speed and performance.

Ferrari GTO – Type-41 Supercar Club

An example is the luxurious 2010 DBS Volante by Aston Martin, with a custom stereo system that automatically adjusts the sound depending if the convertible roof is open or closed.

Members of the new Type-41 supercar club will have the unique opportunity to drive an unrivaled range of exciting and rare supercars in Europe.

Even those with extreme wealth are often not able to purchase a supercar because like many things, it’s “who you know.” It often takes personal connections to buy one of these rare supercars, but Type-41 now makes it possible for its elite members to actually drive these rare cars.

Imagine choosing from a variety of rare supercars such as Ferrari, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini. How about a limited edition DBS UB-2010 Aston Martin Volantes? Only 20 were ever built. Lucky for you, Type-41 has one of them for you to drive yourself.

Juergen Obermann

Type-41 founder and president Juergen Obermann personally understands the frustration of caring, maintaining and driving an expensive supercar. He now solves those frustrations with his Type-41 “caring and sharing” business model.

When asked to describe his new supercar club, Juergen Obermann answered,
“Type-41 goes to great lengths to offer the best of the best to today’s discriminating car enthusiasts. These cars are some of the most elite cars in the world and just a few have been manufactured making them very difficult to purchase or even rent. We are pleased that our extensive global network has allowed us to offer these exotic cars to our members. Anyone that has ever owned a supercar knows the hassles and headaches it takes to care for these very special cars. Type-41 alleviates these difficulties while providing a financially astute opportunity to experience a full range of supercars and each of their distinctive driving advantages.”

In addition to Juergen’s love of supercars, he is a very successful entrepreneur and experienced businessman. Mr. Obermann has spent more than two decades in senior sales and marketing positions in the technology industry. He founded and ran FMT Management Consulting Group, plus was the CEO of GFT Inboxx.

Type-41 membership is truly exclusive and is available to only 111 invited members. This arrangement provides members premier access to these exceptional, distinctive supercars located on the amazing Côte d’Azur in France.

Type-41 logo

Supercar fanatics love their cars and have a deep passion for the technologically advanced design, warp speed and ultra-luxury features.

Type-41 now brings supercar aficionados together for special events to provide its members “once-in-a-lifetime” experiences, in addition to enabling them to meet other like-minded individuals from around the world. The result is the creation of a special community of supercar fans, found nowhere else.

One of the upcoming Type-41 exclusive events offers the unforgettable opportunity to drive Formula One cars at Le Castellet in the Var. It’s a truly world-class modern race track with a high tech environment used by many F1 and Les Mans teams for testing.

As an invitation only club, Type-41 enables its members to drive its exclusive and luxurious cars for a specified amount of time – on a yearly basis. Juergen Obermann’s personal goal was to ensure car availability was never an issue, so that’s why club membership is severely limited.

Just a few of the limited edition supercars available to drive include:
– Ferrari 599 GTO, the fastest road car ever built by Ferrari
– Audi R8 GT which delivers a Lamborghini and Porsche level of performance for a street car with serious track intentions
– Porsche 911 GT2RS, the most powerful street-legal, factory-built Porsche of all – Only 500 models were built
– Lamborghini LP570-4 Spyder Performante combines sheer sporting excellence and extreme performance

Lotus – Type-41 Supercar Club

Type-41 membership offers its exclusive members an extremely cost effective method of enjoying some of the most sought-after cars in the world. Type-41 can only be described as “the best way to enjoy rare and exceptional supercars – hassle free and at an attractively low price.”

Each membership is personal and nontransferable. Every Type-41 member is allocated points which can then be exchanged for supercar rentals. There are four different Type-41 membership levels to choose from:
1) “Enthusiast” – €36,000 fee and comes with 36,000 points providing up to 45 days of driving time.
2) “Resident” – €72,000 fee and includes 72,000 points, to have twice as much fun with.
3) “Corporate” – €99,000 fee and is limited to nine companies and offers a 3 year commitment and 99,000 points.
4) “Elite” – €250,000 fee and is offered to nine select individuals who will receive a 3 year membership and 83,500 points plus an extra 3000km usage.

To learn more about this incredible supercar sharing club, please visit www.type-41.com or email Type-41 direct at info@type-41.com

2011 Mercedes_Benz GL-Class luxury SUV

Luxury 4x4s – you either love them or hate them.  These are the cars that more often than not, are at the receiving end of the harsh criticisms from the opinionated eco-warriors and extreme environmentalists.

There are many nicknames that these beasts of the car world have been given, such as “Gas Guzzlers”. But this doesn’t seem to detract from their high rate of vehicle sales or the elite esteem that many still hold them in.

And so, despite the green conscience and pressure that is often placed on automotive ratings, we have decided to compile a list of the top 7 luxury 4x4s, high-end SUVs, Premium 4x4s or whatever title you prefer to label this class of multi-purpose vehicles.

Luxury SUVs offer both on and off road capabilities, size, space, practicality, plus a large amount of luxury features.

Coming up with a list of 5 Top Luxury 4x4s – SUVs was not easy, so why stop at 5? We decided to add on an extra two, but this didn’t making the choices that much easier. Here is our list of the Top 7 Luxury 4x4s –

Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover is often recognized as the best premium off-roader on the market, and it has the advantage of 40 years of experience, courtesy of the British marque.

The variety of models that Range Rover offers makes it appeal to a wide range of customers. For example, the Sport models attract plenty of sports stars and WAGs, while the more subtle, tradition Range Rover appeals to the laid back, Labrador-owning, middle-classes.

Whether it is the Vogue model or the Sport Supercharged HSE, the Range Rover brand offers comfort, style and smooth driving conditions. There is also a massive variety of engines and specifications available so you can really tailor the vehicle for your needs.

The Range Rover brands offers quality in all aspects and is a great car, not to be overlooked.

Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg is massive. In fact, probably the widest in the category, and this is shown in the off road performance of this luxury model.

That being said, the Volkswagen variant doesn’t receive the same kind of reception or the same reputation as the other more extravagant members of this category. However, the price tag does reflect this.

Just like most of the premium luxury 4x4s, the German option is also available with a wide range of engine variants, although only two petrol engines are available.

Volkswagen is a brand known for quality, both in terms of the drive and interior quality, across the range. However, the Touareg does not achieve the same levels as some of its more extravagant competitors. That isn’t to say quality is low, just that this model is more at home at the budget end of the segment.

Audi Q7

The Audi Q7 has been updated for the 2010 launch with a new set of engines and a reduction in running costs.

If the Touareg is the widest, the Q7 is definitely the largest on the market… its huge. At times, it can be seen as too big because it makes simple things like parking difficult and nerve racking.

As it is an Audi, you’d expect a good interior quality and an equally good drive quality, and you won’t be disappointed. This luxury feel is furthered by the enormous range of technology, including ‘Intelligent’ airbags, Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) and an Electronic Stability Programme. Also, just for that added touch of luxury, there is an option of a HDD Satellite Navigation System.

Porsche Cayenne
The Cayenne was famously awarded one of the worst ratings by WhatGreenCar? for the shocking impact this performance focussed 4×4 has on the environment. As is often the case, the more environmentally damaging a car is, the better its performance is. This is most certainly the case for the Porsche entrant in this segment.

You won’t be disappointed with any of the models in the Cayenne range as they all deliver in terms of shear performance. The entry level 295bhp 3.6 litre V6 petrol engine will take you from a standing start to 62mph in just 7.8 seconds and then will take you to a top speed of 143mph.

In terms of interior quality, it’s not in the same league as the Range Rover, but the performance almost makes up for it. It is quick, handles well and is a good looking car. A good choice if you’re looking for a luxury 4×4.

BMW X5
The BMW X5 is one of the more economical cars in this category, although that isn’t the most difficult title to achieve. However, when you combine that economy with the X5’s performance, it makes it a very strong contender for top luxury 4×4.

The X5 is the popular choice for the executive, and its road performance is very befitting of that reputation.

The executive appeal of the luxury 4×4 is not confined to the drive quality, but also in the executive feel of the cockpit. Leather is present throughout the interior, as well some executive technology such as cruise control and many more driving aids.

Pricing for the BMW X5 isn’t the cheapest, but it instead sits in the middle of the road. When these prices are put together with drive quality and an excellent feel, it makes the BMW a very attractive proposition.

Mercedes GL
The GL is renowned for its interior space and comfort, and as that first comment would indicate, the Mercedes option is another big 4×4.

This vehicle has the ability to comfortably seat seven people whilst still being able to maintain a roomy and comfortable interior. It is a nice place to be, and this feeling is only furthered by the luxury interior of the German entrant.

This space and comfort is the main asset of the Mercedes option and it stands out as the most practical choice on the market.

However, the GL is expensive to run and fairly awkward in urban areas and in traffic, the same way the Touareg is.

If you are looking for comfort and practicality – and don’t mind paying for it – then the GL is the one for you. If you are looking for a class leading drive and performance, you would be best off looking at a different vehicle.

Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is available in either 350 or 450h variants. The ‘h’ isn’t there to trick you, it does stand for hybrid, and it is a 4×4. This oxymoron proves that you can be environmentally concerned and drive a 4×4 – apparently they’re not mutually exclusive terms.

The Lexus is cheaper than many of the other 4x4s on the market, starting at around £41,000 and going up to around £55,000 for the 350 model.

The hybrid version is a little more expensive, starting at £42,000 and going up to around £57,000. This brings it into middle of the 4×4 pricing range, but the hybrid technology should make a lot of the cost redeemable in the long term.

The Lexus come with a high quality interior but lacks the more exclusive, luxurious quality of some of the 4x4s on the market.

1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet – Pope Paul VI.

As the 125 year anniversary celebration of the invention of the automobile continues, Mercedes-Benz is one of several special car makers planning to exhibit at the amazing 16th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance show.

The 16th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will be held from March 11-13, 2011.

The Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is now in its second decade and is among the top automotive events in all of the world.

One of the most anticipated cars to make an appearance at the car show is the famous 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet, which was specifically built for Pope Paul VI.

The 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet is a historic vehicle and will make its first appearance on U.S. soil at Amelia Island.

The historic car will be part of a featured Class of Mercedes-Benz 600 vehicles on display during this popular automotive event.

The 16th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will feature about 250 rare vehicles and the car show benefits the Community Hospice of Northeast Florida.

The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet was originally presented in September 1963 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany.

Due to its luxury look, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman landaulet quickly became the vehicle of choice for many of Europe’s wealthy elite.

The luxurious Mercedes-Benz car that was built for the Pope was custom and constructed with an individual seat for the pontiff that could be raised and lowered during the car’s procession through crowded streets.

An elevated roof, extended rear doors, and raised floor were also fitted along with other special equipment such as bulletproof glass.

Over two decades, the car was used by three popes and was returned to Mercedes-Benz’s Stuttgart, Germany headquarters in 1985.

For additional information about the upcoming 16th Annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance car show, please call 904-636-0027 or visit www.ameliaconcours.org

The Auto Collections at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas is home to one of the world’s largest and finest collection of antique, classic, muscle and special-interest cars in the world.

As you enter the Imperial Palace Auto Collection, the sign reads ”No longer just a museum, but a place where the vehicles are actually available for purchase,”

The Imperial Palace Hotel – Casino dedicated a whole floor of its parking garage, added carpeting, and installed lighting to create a showroom for vintage cars.

The twist is although the Imperial Palace Auto Collection charges an admission fee, similar to a museum, the primary focus is displaying the many vintage cars for collectors to buy.

A big worry for a car collectors is having enough auto insurance to cover their pricey purchase. Put your worries to rest, there’s even a kiosk advertising Classic Collector Car Insurance.  It doesn’t get any more commercial than that folks.

Years ago, the Imperial collection used to showcase Adolf Hitler’s car. The car was finally sold off. A woman at the ticket counter stated,  ”I could never look at it.  I was too scared.”

For the true car enthusiast, take your time and check out all the vintage cars.  If you feel urge and find something you like, just go ahead a purchase one.

That double take you did spotting a huge limo in Vegas may be justified. The “Midnight Rider” is the world’s largest and grandest limousine around.

In fact, Midnight Rider is a traveling luxury ground vehicle, cruising Southern California and Las Vegas with an 1,800 watt Sony surround sound in each of her three lounges, large screen televisions, a full bar, two bartenders and yes, a bathroom! Sweet.

Representative of the luxury days of railroad travel, she is classified as a “Tractor-Trailer Limousine”, and is the only one ever built. The air-ride suspension makes for a ride so comfortable, it allows you to stand up and move from lounge to lounge, mingling and partying with your group.

1955 Biscayne dream car

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance car show celebrates 100 Years of Chevrolet.

See a display of the 1955 Biscayne car.  The 1955 Biscayne car designed by Harley Earl.