Courtesy of: Maserati

A few weeks ago, the Maserati Trofeo single-marque motor-race series returned to Monza in northern Italy.

The world-class race brought more another level of prestige and luxury to an already glamorous pastime.

The original Maserati Trofeo series pioneered the “fly-drive” motorsport concept that has subsequently been adopted by other brands. After a short three-year break, the race returns in a new, even more luxurious format.

The idea is that non-professionals such as executives and industrialists can participate in a prestigious international race series, but without the hassle of owning the car or dealing with the mechanical and logistical support.

Maserati supplies the car – a 450hp Trofeo GranTurismo MC. In addition, Maserati deals with any technical support, transports the car to the race track, supplies the mechanics, and ensures that all the driver has to do is show up and race.

And that’s not all. Drivers and their guests have exclusive use of the Maserati Lounge, located in the paddock at each circuit, where they relax and enjoy top-quality refreshments, mingle with the other guests and drivers, and soak up the atmosphere of a prestigious international race weekend.

It’s this effortless style and attention to detail which Maserati say epitomises the GranTurismo road car. However, with prices starting at €150,000 this is a pretty exclusive club.

One member is Peter Kutemann, a 62 year old General Executive Manager of an oil company from Holland, who is a huge fan of Maseratis: “Why? Because they are the most beautiful. The most beautiful in their lines, their styling, their motor, everything! And because I love this type of Italian automobile!”

Kutemann finished 14th in the first race at Monza and is targeting to improve on that result at his “home track” of Zolder in Belgium.

The Maserati Trofeo series runs alongside the World Touring Car Championships, one of the most popular race series on the international race calendar.

There will be rounds at Zolder in Belgium on June 19/20, Brands Hatch in the UK on July 17/18, Brno in the Czech Republic on July 31/Aug 1, Oschersleben in Germany on September 4/5, Valencia in Spain on September 18/19, and Mugello in Italy on October 9/10.

Photo by: Renato Zacchia / AutoWeek

Nissan’s luxury division – Infiniti, introduced the new 2011 Infiniti QX56 full-size SUV several weeks ago at the New York auto show.

Toyota is targeting the SUV market that still desires a lot of seating plus roomy cargo capacity, in addition to powerful towing capability.

The 2011 QX56 will begin going on sale in the early part of summer. Pricing for the QX will begin at $56,700 for RWD (does not include destination charges) and $59,800 for the 4WD.

The new QX offers lots of power – 400 hp from its beefy 5.6-liter V8 engine. That’s a 25 percent increase over the 2010 model.

Even with a bigger and more powerful engine the Infiniti QX56 added 2 mpg to its overall fuel economy – 16 mpg combined. The SUV reportedly gets 14 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

The 2011 Infiniti QX56 does retain several styling elements from its predecessor. The SUV is much smoother, and features harder angles in addition to modified front grill and D-pillar treatment.

Photo by: Renato Zacchia / AutoWeek

Inside, the QX56 is pure luxury. There has been a dashboard upgrade and comes with standard navigation, plus a Bose audio system.

The QX56 comes with attractive twenty-two-inch wheels. The wheels are bundled with Hydraulic Body Motion Control. Infiniti explains the Hydraulic Body Motion Control system helps prevent body roll during the vehicle’s cornering.

Courtesy of: BMW

The new 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo can be quickly recognized as a modern BMW vehicle no matter what angle you view it from.

The Gran Turismo has an overall appearance that takes on look of power and aggression, blended with the typical elegance of a BMW car.

BMW designers have offered a new style and the imposing looks have long been a hallmark of BMW.

From the outside, the 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo car is large, imposing and aggressive, tempered with style and elegance you would expect from a full-size BMW.

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo has been called a “refined, elegant SAV.” Rather than focus on pure luxury, the 550i take son a more sports-activity vehicle look, while also offering performance.

The BMW 550i Gran Turismo features a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that utilizes twin turbos to generate an impressive 407-hp. The power will launch the 4,900-pound luxury car from zero to 60 mph in a fast 5.4 seconds. Top speed of the BMW 550i is 150 mph.

The BMW 5-Series offers the 550i V-8 GT and a tamer 535i with a 3-liter, 306-hp, inline 6 with just one turbo.

The V-8 engine has a rating of 15 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway. The 18-gallon tank will therefore provide about a 380-mile range. Unfortunately, the gas rating does bring about a $1,000 gas-guzzler tax.

Gran Turismo features BMW’s fourth generation iDrive. Many of the car’s controls used to operate the Gran Turismo are outside of iDrive, including the climate control and the basic CD functions.

For the very first time in a U.S. BMW model, the new 5 Series Gran Turismo comes equipped with BMW’s “Brake Energy Regeneration” system. It will both save energy and reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption.

Like an X-series BMW, the BMW Gran Turismo has a fastback rear glass. Access is still available to the trunk, but you can also open the trunk while fully protecting your passengers from the outide weather.

Other luxury amenities include front and rear heated and cooled seats, and rear-window sunshades. The seat also provide fore to aft power and a recline option as well.

Courtesy of: Charitybuzz

If you are looking for an awesome hybrid car plus contributing to a worthy cause, go to Charitybuzz.com for a chance to bid on a new 2010 Lexus HS 250h.

The 2010 Lexus HS 250h is part of the Christie’s Green: A Bid to Save the Earth online auction. Charitybuzz auctions VIP experiences and luxury goods on its web site to raise millions for nonprofits around the globe.

The luxury 2010 Lexus HS 250h is the most fuel efficient Lexus ever built with a combined 35 MPG rated HS Hybrid that is over 59% more fuel efficient than other luxury competitors.

The car has a 2.4 Liter 16-valve Atkinson-cycle powerplant at the heart of the Lexus Hybrid Drive system.

It works with the electric motor to deliver excellent driving performance and 187 total system horsepower while using earning a Super Ultra-Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEVII) emissions rating.

30% of the combined interior is covered with ecological plastics which are plant rather than petroleum based so they are less harmful to the environment.

Christie’s, the world’s leading art business, is spearheading one of the most buzzed about campaigns honoring the 40th anniversary of Earth Day – The Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth (www.abidtosavetheearth.org).

The Green Auction’s companion silent auction, powered by Charitybuzz, offers ongoing access to a further range of artwork, jewelry, travel packages and celebrity experiences. The auction closes May 6, 2010.

For a full description of amenities, please click here: http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/2000209

Known as the Type 64 or VW Aerocoupe, it was actually the first car that Porsche ever built. The Type 64 was built in the pre-WW II years of 1938-39 and was actually the foundation of the future of luxury Porsche cars.

A parade of over 100 Porsches were seen cruising through the streets of Atlanta headed to their final destination – the Allure of the Automobile exhibit at the High Museum of Art.

Also spotted in the parade is the first 2010 GT3 RS in the United States.

The original Porsche Type 64 is one of the rarest automobiles anywhere in the world, Until now, Type 64 had never left Germany. But the Type 60 is in the U.S. to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of Porsche in North America.

Back in the late 30′s when it was first built, the Type 64 had reached a speed of up to 81 mph, which was quite fast for its time.

Attendees of the Allure of the Automobile exhibit can also view a 1953 Porsche 550 Le Mans/Le Carrera Panamericana coupe, which is on loan from the Collier Collection in Florida.

Additional cars at the High Museum of Art, will be from Jaguar, Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, Duesenberg, Pierce-Arrow, Cadillac, Tucker, Ferrari, Packard and many more.

The entire car collection will cover a a wide range of models from the 1930s up to the 1960s.

The cars will be on display at Atlanta’s High Museum of Art until June 20th 2010.

Courtesy of: McLaren Automotive

McLaren believes the rules in the sports car world are about to be re-written. During a historic event, McLaren will launch a new luxury car brand to the world!

McLaren has seen twenty, successful years of sports car design, engineering and production.

Now combined with the inspirational success in Formula 1, McLaren Automotive Chairman Ron Dennis will soon announce his plans to launch the ultimate line-up of technology-led and customer-focused performance cars for the 21st century.

On March 18, 2010 – McLaren will launch a completely new car brand, titled ‘McLaren Automotive‘. The press conference will be hosted by Chairman Ron Dennis and Managing Director Anthony Sheriff.

View the live press conference here (Time: 10:30 GMT – London, UK):

The press conference will provide an exciting overview and tell the story of the new McLaren Automotive and the MP4-12C. Topics covered will include: investment, manufacturing, production, development, design, heritage and the Formula 1 process and technology transfer.

There is no doubt that McLaren’s new MP4-12C will re-write the rules of sports car design through Formula 1-inspired engineering, revolutionary chassis architecture, and McLaren’s absolute focus on efficiency.

Courtesy of: McLaren Automotive

There is no denying McLaren’s long history of luxury cars. Their automotive division has already built the world’s most critically acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1 (1993-1998), as well as the world’s best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2003-2009).

Chairman Ron Dennis is quoted, “It is a long-held dream of mine to launch high performance sports cars that set new standards in the industry.”

McLaren Automotive now looks to carry on that luxury tradition and deliver well into the future with a new range of revolutionary sports cars.

The first car from the new company – McLaren Automotive, is the McLaren MP4-12C. It’s a high performance two-seat mid-engine model in the ‘core’ sports car market segment for cars costing between £125,000 and £175,000.

Courtesy of: McLaren Automotive

For additional information, please go to McLaren Automotive

Courtesy of: Ferrari

There was much anticipation last year, as avid Ferrari lovers anxiously awaited the replacement of the Ferrari F430. Well that day finally arrived, and the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia was presented to the world.

The Ferrari 458 Italia was designed from the ground up. Almost every detail is new, including the engine, design, aerodynamics, instrumentation, handling, plus ergonomics.

The Ferrari 458 Italia, was designed along with Pininfarina. The stylish car body creates about 309 pounds of downforce at a speed of 125 mph.

With the introduction of the 458 Italia, Ferrari considers the new edition to the Ferrari family as “a synthesis of style, creative flair, passion and cutting-edge technology.”

The 2010 458 Italia has a both a compact yet aerodynamic shape. This design will help to reduce drag and improve downforce.

The front of the sports car features a bold grille, housing small aero-elastic winglets. These winglets generate downforce and as the car’s speed increases, will deform to reduce the section of the radiator inlets and therefore reduce drag.

The back of the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia features an aggressive rear end, featuring a large diffuser, three center-mounted exhaust tips, and California-style taillights.

The car rests on lightweight aluminum chassis, offering a 42/58 weight distribution that will deliver a deliver outstanding driving dynamics.

The direct injected 4499 cc V8 engine engine is new as well. It will produce power of 570 CV (at 9000 rpm) and 540 Nm of torque (at 6000 rpm, with over 80% available from 3250 rpm).

With the beefy new engine, the Ferrari 458 Italia can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in under 3.4 seconds. The car can hit a top speed in excess of 202 mph (325 km/h)

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2010 Ferrari 458 Italia specifications
Layout -Mid-engine rear-wheel drive
Engine – 4.5-liter / 570 hp DOHC 32-valve V-8
Displacement, cc – 4499
Compression ratio – 12.5:1
Transmission – 7-sp dual-clutch
Tires, size, front / rear 235/35R20 / 295/35R20

Dimensions
Length, in. – 178,2
Width, in. – 76,2
Height, in. – 47.8
Wheelbase, in. – 104.3
Dry weight, lbs – 3,042

Performance
0-60 mph, sec – <3.4 Top speed, mph – >202
Fuel econ., mpg, EU combined – 17
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There is a luxury car boom going on in China and there is no end in sight. Racing down the crowed streets of  Beijing, Shanghai and other Chinese cities are luxury cars form Aston Martin, Bugatti, Lamborghini.

As the Chinese economy continue its torrid pace, many are becoming millionaires and spoiling themselves with the riches of own a luxury car.

Many of the most luxurious sports cars manufacturers in the world, have recently opened new showrooms in thriving Beijing. The glittering showrooms can be found on famous Jinbao Street.

Beijing is the favorite destination for China’s rich to shop. The city is also home to the largest number of super rich in the country. According to China’s Hurun Report there are an amazing 8,800 billionaires and 143,000 millionaires in Beijing. Most of wealthy own between a minimum of two to five luxury cars.

The world’s economic problems have not hit China nearly as bad. With sales down in the rest of the world due to the current global recession, China is actually seeing a boom in car sales across the country. The wealthy, Chinese elite are even trading up and purchasing  more exotic cars.

China is clearly in the bulls eye of all luxury car makers, who expect China to lead them to higher sales in the coming years. It’s been reported that China is currently either the number one or two market for most car brands.

For example, iconic Lamborghini soon expects China to overtake Italy and capture the two spot, behind only the United States. In 2009, Lamborghini sold about 80 cars in China, out of the 2,000 total sold globally.

Beijing’s crowed streets may be a factor in future sales. The city has an incredible population of 17.5 million people and there are already over four million cars on its roads.

Whether the ultra-rich drive their new luxury cars in Beijing, Shanghai or out in the open country, luxury cars sales will continue to surge in China.

Luxury British auto manufacturer Aston Martin is changing its strategy a bit. It plans to morph its stylish, Aston Martins sports car into the Cygnet microcar.

In collaboration with Japanese automaker Toyota, Aston Martin will sell the compact car concept, the Cygnet.

The Cygnet is based on the Scion iQ micro-subcompact hatchback.

It will be interested to see how the luxury car markets responds. It’s quite a shift for Aston Martin, as the world-class sports car maker has a long history of luxury and quality, including V8 Vantage.

Aston Martin has not finalized the price of the Cygnet, but it may have a staggering starting price of $35,000. This level is approximately $20,000 higher than forecasted base price of the Scion iQ.

The Aston Martin 2,000 of its iQ mini-commuters to be adapted, with a target sale date of 2010 in Europe.

Aston Martin is known around the world as the car of choice of British spy James Bond 007, The company will graft its signature grille onto the iQ microbox.

Courtesy of: Ducati

The new 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 is both comfortable and versatile. In fact, the technologically advanced motorcycle is four bikes in one – and can be ridden in either Urban, Sport, Touring and Enduro mode.

This outgoing explorer is perfect for any rider heading out on the open roads for the weekend or slammed in city traffic day to day.

For the man who loves a great journey and discovering what life has in store for him, the Multistrada 1200 from Ducati is his ultimate companion.

Courtesy of: Ducati

The official unveiling of the new Multistrada 1200 took place last November at the EICMA 2009 International Motorcycle Show in Milan, Italy.

Ducati will offer sport-bike technology combined with a comfortable, upright seating position and excellent flexibility on all road surfaces …. including dirt.

The four revolutionary settings (Urban, Sport, Touring and Enduro mode) allow the Multistrada 1200 to achieve impressive levels of performance with maximum comfort for both the rider and passenger.

The Multistrada tackles any journey and comes equipped with the latest technology and amenities riders have come to appreciate.

Not only does this bike rev its engine at the touch of a button, but its Garmin touchscreen GPS and mobile phone charger give the Multistrada 1200 the capability to take any adventure in stride.

For more information, please visit: Ducati

The SLR McLaren by Mercedes-Benz is an incredible driving experience. The luxury car symbolizes possibly the ultimate automotive pleasure that can be found anywhere.

McLaren is famous for its rich F1 racing history. McLaren’s emblematic supercar – the McLaren F1 – teamed up with Mercedes-Benz to produce one of the most exciting, exotic, powerful, and absolutely outrageous exotic cars ever – the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

Drawn from the tradition of the legendary 1955 300 SLR race car, this modern-day SLR McLaren combines an impressive and powerful supercharged V8 motor, that produces about 615 HP.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren offers drivers all-out performance, plus all the comforts of a classic, luxury Mercedes-Benz. The combination is a luxury car offering a fine balance between every-day drivable and cutting loose on the German Autobahn.

The power of a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is amazing. The vehicle’s torque is immediately available and the the handling is smooth as butter.

One of the most striking features of the SLR McLaren is of course that the doors open up … rather than out.

The overall body is sleek, commanding, and awe inspiring.