All-Weather Floor Mat
Deeply sculpted channels designed to trap water, road salt, mud and sand Will not crack, curl or harden regardless of temperature
Available in Black, Tan and Grey
Accessories Available for Order Now: 800-441-6287 © 2013 by MacNeil IP LLC
Ribbed Design
Underside Nibs and Anti-Skid Ridges
Acura · Audi · BMW · Buick · Cadillac · Chevrolet · Chrysler · Dodge · Ferrari · Ford · GMC · Honda · Hummer · Hyundai · Infiniti Isuzu · Jeep · Kia · Land Rover · Lexus · Lincoln · Maserati · Mazda · Mercedes-Benz · Mercury · Mini · Mitsubishi · Nissan Oldsmobile · Plymouth · Pontiac · Porsche · Saab · Saturn · Scion · Subaru · Suzuki · Toyota · Volkswagen · Volvo · and more!
American Customers WeatherTech.com
Canadian Customers WeatherTech.ca
European Customers WeatherTechEurope.com
Laser Measured FloorLiner™
Channels carry fluids and debris to a lower reservoir Material provides soft touch top, rigid core strength and bottom surface friction
Available in Black, Tan and Grey
Accurately and Completely Lines the Interior Carpet
Textured Finish
Contoured Underside
American Manufacturing Done Right!
‘10 FERRARI CALIFORNIA
‘09 ASTON MARTIN DBS COUPE
‘06 BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT COUPE
‘06 DODGE VIPER SRT10 COUPE
Bianco Avus/Beige. 10k Miles. Over 20K in Factory options including Suderia Shields, Red calipers, Power Daytona seats. Vin#170151
Lightning Silver/Black Leather and Gray Suede. Only 7,149 Miles. 510hp V12 motor. 5K in options including 20” wheels and satellite radio.
Monaco Yellow/Beluga. Only 4,187 Miles. Very rare color combo. Includes “Mulliner Driving Specification” option package. Call for complete option list.
Viper GTS Blue/Black Leather with Blue Suede. First Edition #186 of 200. Only 14,147 Miles. Polished aluminum wheels and color keyed steering wheel
‘11 FERRARI 458 ITALIA COUPE
‘05 FERRARI 575 SUPERAMERICA
‘00 HUMMER HMCS WAGON
‘07 FERRARI F430 SPIDER F1
Bianco Avus/Nero. Only 5,982 Miles. 560hp V8. Over 21K in factory options including Carbon Fiber Racing seats covered in leather, Carbon fiber wheel w/ LED lighting.
Rubino Micalizzato/Red. 2,900 Miles. Showroom condition. Scuderia Shields, Yellow Calipers, Power Daytona seats, Carbon Fiber galore. Loaded! VIN#142459
White/Sandstorm. Only 13k Miles. Very well optioned. Extremely well taken care of. Call for complete spec list and pricing.
Black/Black. 11K Miles. Scuderia Shields, Carbon fiber, Daytoma seats, Asanti wheels, 29K in options. VIN#157608
‘08 FERRARI F430 F1 SPIDER
‘12 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED
‘08 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO SPYDER
‘12 MERCEDES-BENZ SLS AMG RDSTER
Corsa Red/Tan. 7,573 Miles. 483hp V8. Over 30K in options including red calipers, Poer Daytona seats, Scuderia Shields, Challenge Stradale Wheels & More.
SEMA quality Show Vehicle. Matte Gold with absolutely too many options to list. Call for a list of all upgrades and pricing.
Giallo Midas Tri-Coat/Nero Perseus/Giallo Taurus. Only 12,075 Miles. 520hp 5.0 liter V10. 6 speed E-gear. 20K in Factory options. Call for complete list.
Obsidian Black Metallic over Black and Classic Red. 2,200 Miles from new. Bang & Olufsen Sound, AMG Steering wheel, Red calipers and more.
1301 EAST SUNRISE BLVD. — FT. LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA —
877.700.9212
FORTLAUDERDALECOLLECTION.COM
‘13 FERRARI 458 ITALIA SPIDER
‘12 FERRARI 458 ITALIA SPIDER
‘11 BENTLEY MULSANNE
‘82 FERRARI BOXER 512BBI CONV
Giallo Modena/Black. Only 1,897 original miles. Over 33K in Factory options including Carbon Fiber Racing Seats Upholsterd in Leather, Carbon Fiber Trim on Dash, Console, and Steering Wheel and more.
Bianco Avus/Nero. Only 2,431 miles. Powered by a 570hp V8. Over 40K in Factory options including Carbon Fiber Exterior Trim, 20” forged wheels and more.
Beluga/Cream. Only 11k Miles. Stunning example. Tamo Ash Veneer, Picnic Tables, Lower grill matrix, Bentley logo on Seats, #D hood ornament.
Red/Black. 5 speed manual, Only 29K miles. A true classic. Call for history and pricing. VIN#041189
‘56 FORD THUNDERBIRD
‘12 FERRARI FF
‘09 MERCEDES-BENZ SLR MCLAREN CONV
‘08 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM DROPHEAD
Yellow/Black. 4 speed automatic, Hard top, Complete restoration. You will not see one nicer! Call for complete history and restoration details.
Rosso Corsa/Cuoio. Only 2,985 Miles from new. Well optioned. Scuderia Shields, Yellow Cailper, Daytona seats. VIN#186830.
Digenite Blue over Black/Blue. Only 3,100 Miles from new. Carbon fiber interior. Very rare color combo, a true show stopper. “06 Silver also available.
Diamond Black Metallic/Crème Light. 14,018 Miles. Over 24K in options: brushed stainless hood, teak deck, piano black veneered interior and 21” chrome wheels.
‘03 ASTON MARTIN VANQUISH F1
‘11 LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO LP560-4 SPYDER
‘03 FERRARI 360 SPIDER F1
‘02 FERRARI 360 MODENA F1 COUPE
Grey/Tan. 20k miles. 2dr Coupe. Powerful 460hp V12 motor and a six speed F1-style automated manual transmission with shift paddles on the wheel.
Black/Black. 7,400 miles. All wheel drive, a 552 hp 5.2 liter direct-injected V10 and a 6 speed “E-Gear” F1-style transmission with paddle shifters.
Blue Pozzi/Beige. 9,600 miles. 400hp V8 mated to the optional F1 transmission. Power seats, Daytona Seats w/ contrast piping, Scuderia Shields and Gray Calipers.
Rosso Fiorano/Beige. Powered by a 400hp V8. Over 16K in Factory options including power seats, Daytona seats, 18” Rims, Black painted Calipers and more.
500 N. Federal Hwy
— POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA —
877.708.2426
Publisher/Editor Rick Castillo National Advertising Sales Rick Castillo rick@luxuryautodirect.com
Creative Director Chad Kirby
info@luxuryautodirect.com
Web Development Malcom Hogan
info@luxuryautodirect.com
Contributing Writers Sharon Pagano Rick Castillo Angel Torres SecretEntourage.com Contributing Photographers Angel Torres Rick Castillo Danny Henriquez Vince Miniet Michael Torres William Stern
Subscriptions 1 year – 6 Issues $29.99 2 year – 12 Issues $39.99 813-833-6405 or info@luxuryautodirect.com
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission. Luxury Auto Direct Magazine TM is published in the U.S.A 6 times per year by Luxury Direct Media, Inc.. For subscription or advertising rates, call 813-833-6405 or write to Luxury Auto Direct Magazine, PO Box 1058, Lutz, FL 33548. Luxury Auto Direct Magazine TM makes no representation or warranty for accuracy or content. The pictures of automobiles for sale and the written offer for sale are the responsibility of the individual advertiser. All photos become property of Luxury Direct Media, Inc. when printed unless otherwise agreed to by the publisher.
CONTENTS VOL 7 ISSUE 42
12 MAZZANTI EVANTRA The Goddess of Immortality
20 LP 570-4 SQUADRA CORSE Race Track Emotion Direct to the Road
22 TECHART CAYMAN More Aggressive
30 BEN BERMUDEZ His Secret to Success
36 SIMPLY RED Wheels Boutique McLaren MP4-120
44 SECRET ENTOURAGE The Rules of Entrepreneurship Have Changed
46 THE ULTIMATE VOLANTE Aston Martin Unveils the Vanquish Volante
54 REDEFINING TRADITIONS The Xhibitionist
62 LYKAN HYPERSPORT The First Arabian Hypercar
#1 DEALER OF HRE, ADV.1 AND VORSTEINER WORLDWIDE.
WHY SHOP ANYWHERE ELSE?
1-866-51-WHEEL
GODDESS THE
IMMORTALITY
OF
MAZZANTI EVANTRA After the ANTAS debut at TMM 2007, Luca Mazzanti is proud to present the world premiere of the new exclusive MAZZANTI EVANTRA: powered by a V8 engine 7.0L with 701Hp, hand made in Italy in a limited production of 5 bespoke cars per year, it embodies passion, creativity and artisanal culture of the company. Mazzanti automobili take this fantastic opportunity to show in world premiere also the exclusive “Evantra collection� by FB 1913: a special made in Italy one off and limited accessories for EVANTRA realized by FB 1913, the Italian atelier specialized since 1913 in high level Luxury cashmere and special leather items.
12
vantra V8 is the exclusive “tailor-made” supercar of Mazzanti automobili produced only in limited series of 5 examples per year, each of them individually personalized. As the brand tradition, its name comes from the ancient etruscan language and represents an object unique, eternal and exclusive, infact Evantra was also the name of the Godess of immortality for the etruscan people. The design of the Evantra was created sideby-side by Luca Mazzanti and Zsolt Tarnok (Mazzanti automobili chief designer), with the concept of perfect equilibrium of classical and modern. The object was to conciliate elements difficult to harmonize to each other: a personal concept that is absolutely out of todays market trends, a really precise and tipically italian stylistical identity and a powertrain with “ absolute” performance are perfectly united in forms and function. The smooth surfaces, the classically shaped fenderlines come from the traditional classic cars which influenced
14
most the past creations. For the styling of the Evantra a modern and a bit more aggressive appearance was desired, so in the details more modern solutions were used. Such parts are the shape of the lights with the modern LED lights, and the precise and neat outlines and connections of the air inlets and outlets around the car. These virtually different concepts have been merged together in harmony to create this unique supercar, Evantra.
“THE CREATION OF EACH EVANTRA IS A UNIQUE AND EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE FOR THOSE WHO PARTECIPATE IN THE PROJECT SUCH AS FOR THE CLIENT WHO FOLLOWS THE BIRTH OF THE CAR IN EACH PHASE.” ~ LUCA MAZZANTI
The steel chassis is reinforced by a new chrome-molibden rollcage positioned under the roof while an other one connects the new engine to the rear suspension hardpoints this way enchancing the structural stiffness of the chassis and in the same time helps protecting the occupants. The body is a 2 seat coupe. The bodywork is produced in two different options, the first called PRO-BODY: made of carbon fiber composite materials; or the second, called ONE-BODY: entirely hand crafted, aluminim body, personalized by the client. With this option the client can have a project dedicated exclusively to the single vehicle, virtually building a One-off. The tailor-made interior of the client is covered with allnatural leather prepared with special aniline leather treatment. The incredible soft touch of the leather is achieved thanks to a collaboration with a leader of the fashion/luxury sector. Every aspect of personalization is possible with the infinite options of special material, including exotic leather and precious materials. The center console is equipped with a dash and data acquisition
15
system from AIM and a Headunit (NAVI/CD/MP3) from BOSCH as first equipment. The “Tricolore” engine starter button is placed onto the roof panel in “Mazzanti” style as in the “sister car” ANTAS. On the lower part of the console the modality selector is placed with different maps for the engine/ gearbox, “Strada - Street” and “Corsa – Race”. On the Nardi steering wheel a small display shows the actual gear, while behind the paddles are placed (version with sequential gearbox). The Evantra’s “mechanical heart” is an aluminium V8, naturally aspirated 7.0 L. which is capable of developing 701 Hp @ 6600 rpm and 848 Nm @ 4500 rpm. The engine has a compression ratio of 11.0, a dry sump lubrification system, and valves, connecting rods in titanium. The performance of the Evantra V8 equipped with a 6-speed manual or sequential gearbox arrives up to the maximum velocity of over 350 Km/h with an acceleration of 0-100 in 3.2 seconds. The aerodynamic development process was realized in partnership with Ysim, a company with notable experience in F1 and Le mans. Sila holding industrial, leader company of gearshift systems has developed a special version of its robotized gearshift system “silatronic” for Mazzanti. The power of the Evantra V8 is transferred onto the tarmac thanks to special high performance tires from Continental, 255/30 R20 front and 305/25 R20 rear, mounted on special 20” OZ alloy wheels. The braking system comes from Brembo, formed by 380mm discs with 6 piston calipers in the front and 360mm discs with 4 piston caliper in the back. ❚ ❙ ❘
R E A D M O R E AT L U X U R YA U T O D I R E C T. C O M
16
EVANTRA V8 WAS NOT BORN TO PLEASE EVERYONE, INSTEAD TO BE HERSELF AND TO GENERATE EMOTIONS WITH HER CHARACTER AND EXCLUSIVITY”. –––––––––––––––––– ~ LUCA MAZZANTI
Au t om o t i v e A c c e s s o r i e s Laser Measured, Custom-Fit
FloorLiner™
Accurately and Completely Lines the Interior Carpet
Textured Finish
Contoured Underside
Available in Black, Tan and Grey for over 900 Applications
Cargo/Trunk Liner Complete trunk and cargo area protection
Digitally designed for each application with a raised lip to keep dirt, spills and grease off your interior Available in Black, Tan and Grey
Accessories Available for
Acura · Audi · BMW · Buick · Cadillac · Chevrolet · Chrysler · Dodge · Ferrari · Ford · GMC · Honda · Hummer · Hyundai · Infiniti · Isuzu · Jeep · Kia · Land Rover · Lexus · Lincoln · Maserati · Mazda · Mercedes-Benz · Mercury · Mini · Mitsubishi · Nissan · Oldsmobile · Plymouth · Pontiac · Porsche · Saab · Saturn · Scion · Subaru · Suzuki · Toyota · Volkswagen · Volvo · and more!
All-Weather Floor Mat Deep sculpted channels designed to trap water, road salt, mud and sand
In-Channel Side Window Deectors
Will not crack, curl or harden regardless of temperature
EASY TO INSTALL! No Exterior Tape Needed
Light and Dark Tint Available
Increases ventilation Reduces wind noise and allows interior heat to escape
Solid Billet Aluminum Plate Frames
Ribbed Design
Underside Nibs and Anti-Skid Ridges
Premium Automotive Care and Cleaning Products Available in three anodized finishes: Clear Bright Silver, Black and Titanium.
Order Now: 800-441-6287
American Customers WeatherTech.com
Canadian Customers WeatherTech.ca
European Customers WeatherTechEurope.com Š 2013 by MacNeil IP LLC
LAMBORGHINI GALLARDO
LP 570-4 Squadra Corse Race track emotion direct to the road
With the new Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse, Automobili Lamborghini brings race track emotion directly to the road. It delivers high performance and brings the fascination of motor racing to the street-legal world. This new and most extreme model in the Gallardo line-up is based on the Gallardo Super Trofeo, the successful race car from the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, the world’s fastest onemake series. 20
The name Squadra Corse refers to the recently-founded department within Automobili Lamborghini, which manages all motorsport activities from GT3 to the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo championships in Europe, Asia and America where gentlemen drivers battle face-to-face in fierce contests on the most challenging racetracks. The new Gallardo Squadra Corse is very close to the race cars. Both share the same V10 engine, which is used in the racing version with no modifications. Likewise, the Squadra Corse has the same rear wing for greater aerodynamic load – achieving, under the best aerodynamic conditions, three times the load of the Gallardo LP 560-4 – for increased dynamic stability during tight, highspeed driving. Another element taken directly from the racing version is the removable engine hood with quick-release system. Both the rear wing and the hood are made from carbon composite material, as are a host of other components on the Squadra Corse.
Like the Super Trofeo competition version, the new Squadra Corse is based on the technical underpinnings of the Gallardo Superleggera. The V10 engine generates 570 hp, equivalent to 419 kW, which is fully available at 8,000 rpm. The V10’s unique firing order delivers the striking sound you hear in motor racing. Like the race car, the Gallardo Squadra Corse comes as standard with the robotized e-gear six-speed transmission operated
by steering wheel paddles. This electronically controlled system shifts through its six gears smoothly and much faster than any pro driver could. Extremely lightweight carbon fiber and Alcantara®, the perfect combination of sporty minimalism, are the dominant materials inside the Squadra Corse. The door panels, the racing seats and the center console cover are made from carbon fiber, a technology in which Lamborghini has achieved world-leading expertise. Carbon is also used for the middle of the center console, the lower rim of the steering wheel, the trim around the instrument panels, the door handles, and more. Comfort seats can be ordered in place of racing bucket seats. ❚ ❙ ❘ R E A D M O R E AT L U X U R YA U T O D I R E C T. C O M
Together with aluminum, carbon fiber is the basis behind the extremely lightweight construction of the new Gallardo new top model. The Gallardo LP 570-4 Squadra Corse boasts a dry weight of 1340 kilograms, 70 less than the already lean Gallardo LP 560-4, which gives the Squadra Corse a stunning power-to-weight ratio of 2.35 kilograms per hp for breathtaking performance. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 3.4 seconds and reaches 200 km/h in just 10.4 seconds. Its forward thrust finally tops out at 320 Km/h. The production-standard carbon-ceramic brake system guarantees unmatched stopping power.
21
M O R E
AGGRESSIVE
T E C HA RT P O R S C H E C AY M A N
[
Transferring the principles of sportiness and individuality into TECHART-typical design – this is the key demand made by TECHART on its new options for the Porsche Cayman models. The front apron with a TECHART two-part front spoiler, integrated splitter as well as re-designed and bigger central air duct gives the Porsche Cayman a more aggressive look and offers additional dynamics to the mid-engine sports car’s powerful outline.
22
23
The TECHART design vocabulary spreads to the vehicle’s rear via trims at the side mirrors and upright fins in the side air intakes at the rear wheel arches. The combination of a fixed TECHART rear spoiler, a rear diffuser with TECHART diffuser trim and central TECHART sports tailpipes completes the car’s exterior appearance. The audible enhancement of the TECHART individualization program for the Porsche Cayman is alternatively undertaken by either a TECHART sports exhaust muffler or the new forthcoming TECHART sports exhaust system with valve control, which gives the 6-cylinder boxer engine a sporty and powerful sound at the push of a button. TECHART wheels in 21-inch perfectly match the TECHART aerodynamic kit for the Porsche Cayman. Customers can choose between TECHART Formula light alloy wheels in classic 5-spokes design or the weight reduced TECHART Formula III forged wheels in dynamic twin-spokes design. These are optionally available in new attractive surfaces and color versions such as high gloss ceramic polishing and bi-color finish. The TECHART sport spring kit lowers the ride height of the Porsche Cayman by 35 mm compared to a standard suspension and by 25 mm compared to a PASM suspension. ❚ ❙ ❘
R E A D M O R E AT L U X U R YA U T O D I R E C T. C O M
24
25
AWARD WINNING 2007 COLORADO SPEED
$150,000
Built in partnership with GM & dozens of sponsors, this one-of-a-kind sport truck is an expression of beauty & technology with an extensive list of custom & hand-built parts: 1050HP LSX motor, ATI F1 ProCharger intercooler, dual rads, stainless steel headers, hand built engine covers, 6 speed Tremec trans, Vintage Air system, Hydratech hydraulic brakes, Forgeline wheels, 31” tall X 14” wide Mickey Thompson’s, Autometer gauges, Cobra carbon seats, chrome Moly sway bars, 9” Mosier axles, Eaton Detroit True Trac differential… the list goes on & on. M A R T I N B A R K E Y | 8 8 8 - 5 6 9 - 6 0 0 5 | E M A I L : M B @ M B R P. C O M
1970 CHEVELLE SS PRO TOURING
$150,000
You won’t find a more meticulously built Chevelle with everything right down to the nuts & bolts specifically chosen for this ground up build. Everything is new.... less than 500 miles driven since build. Dart block 825HP 555ci motor, AFR heads, Edelbrock manifold, Crane roller cam, Holly Dominator carb, Moroso aluminum oil pan, Ultimate Turbo 400 trans, 9” 4000RPM stall converter, Currie 9” rear end 4:10 gears with Detroit Locker, Wilwood 4wheel disc brakes, Autometer gauges, powder coated frame, QA-1 adjustable shocks, custom upholstery/seats, more, more, more. M A R T I N B A R K E Y | 8 8 8 - 5 6 9 - 6 0 0 5 | E M A I L : M B @ M B R P. C O M 26
SUPER CLEAN 1970 EL CAMINO SS
$39,000
Texas car with great frame, body, interior and all new driveline. Fresh roller 427ci, 600+ HP motor sounds tough yet idles away with just a bump of the key. Brand new pro built 700R4 trans, 2500 stall, new rear diff with 4:11 gears, new BFG tires, Eibach lowered suspension and a custom built MBRP stainless exhaust system. This car is super clean, very dependable and is 100% ready to enjoy, drives great and turns heads everywhere it goes. M A R T I N B A R K E Y | 8 8 8 - 5 6 9 - 6 0 0 5 | E M A I L : M B @ M B R P. C O M
HEMI DEMON
$55,000
You'll rule the track and the street in this custom Hemi Demon. A hand built 720HP 475 ci Hemi under the hood with Childs & Albert rods, Venolia pistons, Comp cam, 1150 Dominator carb, aluminum heads and Indy intake manifold. There's also a Dana 60 trans with 4:56 gears, 100HP shot of nitrous & much more to make this a rock-solid performance car. This was a ground-up build for a collector using all the best parts and has very low mileage. She starts with a bump of the key, runs like new & is super easy to drive. M A R T I N B A R K E Y | 8 8 8 - 5 6 9 - 6 0 0 5 | E M A I L : M B @ M B R P. C O M
27
FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY – NOVEMBER 22, 23 & 24, 2O13
P
O
NS
ORED
B
Y
WE SOLD 80% OF ALL CARS ENTERED AT OUR LAST AUCTION! The McCormick family invites you to their 55th auction featuring over 54O antique, classic, exotic, muscle, sports and special interest autos.
S
er s! Ov Car 0 50
Ask for Keith, Jason or Julie to answer your questions (760) 320-3290.
WHERE TO STAY
MEDIA SPONSOR
Call our host hotel at the Hilton Palm Springs at 76O.32O.6868 and use promo code “MCK” for special room rates. Also visit VacationPalmSprings. com for more options.
ENTRY FEES
Friday night, Saturday and Sunday $300. Add $100 for prime time placement – only 128 cars. No numbers will be reserved without consignment fee being paid in full. Visa, Mastercard and AMEX are accepted. Positions will be filled on first-come, first-served basis. To reserve the position you desire, send your check covering the entry fee or phone in your credit card number. You may specify the cars you’re entering at a later date. Entry fees are REFUNDABLE less $50 handling fee if you notify us in writing 14 days prior to the auction. Color photographs may be included in our exclusive color brochure. We strictly limit the number of positions available in this three-day event of 540 cars. COMMISSION STRUCTURE: FLAT 5% OF SALES PRICE (One of the lowest in the business). WE SOLD OUT OF LOT NUMBERS DURING OUR PREVIOUS SALE SO BOOK EARLY.
www.Classic-CarAuction. com
Located at the Rear of Our Showroom in the Spa Resort & Casino Show Area:
McCorMiCk’s Palm SPringS ColleCtor Car aUCtionS 244 North Indian Canyon Drive Palm Springs, California 92262
SECRET TO SUCCESS
Story and photos courtesy of
SecretEntourage.com
Being privileged enough to be born within a family business can sometimes almost guarantee success in life. This would have been the case for Ben Bermudez, unfortunately mother nature destroyed not only his family business, but also his home and way of living. With this setback in life, Ben took a proactive approach in learning about his passion of cars and now owns Wheels Boutique, the nations largest wheel dealer.
30
Tell us about your childhood and your parents business… I grew up in Miami, FL but more specifically the Redlands area. My family business was agriculture and we had few 100 acres lots and grew mostly coconut trees for resale. I would have probably stayed in the family business but fate would have it in 1992 for Hurricane Andrew to destroy our business and our way of life, leveling our house to the floor, and all our trees! Nothing was left, so we moved and just lead a normal suburb life. It took 6 months plus just to get power at the house which was leveled. It was crazy because the life I knew and trusted was gone. Our family business was gone and it was time to start all over and not by choice. I was young but it was scary. Still to this day I have nightmares about this event. Many people don’t know you hold a masters degree in business. Has it helped you? In this industry I couldn’t tell you, it’s all about taste. I think Wheels Boutique is modeled by my personal style and look of cars. As you can see, our cars are not over done with exaggerated body kits, color changing paint jobs, and so many mods that you don’t even know what car it is. Why destroy the lines of a car? For that start with a different platform. What kind of jobs did you have after the setback? I started in the wheel industry as a salesman in 1994 and ended up managing a large wheel mail order company. Within weeks I out sold everyone and just loved it. It wasn’t a necessity, rather more for experience and to learn the industry, you have to start somewhere. I hated selling off the shelf cheap wheels since I already had clientele interested in custom wheels since
I was building custom spec wheels that no one else could. This started with custom HRE wheels in 1997 at the company I was working. I couldn’t really service my high end clients so, I decided I need to do this for myself. In 1999, I opened Wheels Boutique. How large has Wheels Boutique grown since you’ve started in 1999? Well Wheels Boutique started in a 500 sq ft location in 1999 only doing mail order. Now we have 2 built locations with 3rd one in the works. Main warehouse now is 15000 sq ft and our retail location is 3500 sq ft. Employees including myself and my partner Carlos bring the total up to 21 total now.
and Lowenhart who really ran the game. There weren’t forums like now and everything was magazine ads. We got rolling by offering wheels to high end cars in which no one else knew the fitments/specs to which got me my nick name ‘wheel god’. We know specs enough to push wheels to the limits. Honestly, I wish it was like back then where you don’t have everyone just slapping a name on no name brand wheels and saying it’s the best. They’re just over whelming the market and honestly customers end up with junk.
IF YOU TRULY BELIEVE & WANT SOMETHING BAD ENOUGH YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH IT My partner Carlos was brought on in the beginning for help. Carlos ran Wheels Boutique and all the accounting from day 1 and he is Vice President and now a brother to me. You need someone you can really trust. After launching Wheels Boutique, was it successful from the launch? Well in 1999 there weren’t any three piece companies like there is now. Back then you had HRE, Racing Hart
That’s why at Wheels Boutique we don’t sell no name brands. People just don’t understand why companies like HRE have been around forever and the engineering that goes into building wheels. I won’t name names but you have to see how many wheels we see that fail and honestly put a customer’s life at risk. This is why we don’t sell those brands. So if brands aren’t listed by us, do your research because we did.
31
Well depends which location. Obviously our retail store mostly does walk-ins, while our main warehouse does everything but most sales are phone orders. We service people all over the world who can’t get the look they want until they call Wheels Boutique.
In 2003 we became HRE’s largest dealer in the world and have never looked back since. We also have been the largest dealer for a lot of other brands but most recently when we acquired ADV1 as a new brand, we also became their largest dealer overnight. Did you have any significant setbacks or obstacles as you were building your company? Yes, plenty of obstacles. Finding good guys to work for us has always been hard and in the beginning cash flow was always hard to find. Especially in 2004 when we tripled in size just out of demand. What do you offer that other dealers do not? A lot but mostly 15 years of custom
32
wheel experience. People need to research where they buy from before they buy. We have full staff of over 21 people and have been in business since 1999. A lot of online stores are young guys out of their bedroom and its easy for them to close and run off with your money and have zero knowledge of this industry. We stand behind all of our fitments and stand behind all brands we sell. I have always been in the wheel industry since day 1! I’m mostly known for my custom offsets and super aggressive fitments and color combos that other can’t replicate. Such as my SLS AMG and 1st Nissan GTR ever done with 375 rear tires! Do most of your sales come from online or offline?
Was Wheels Boutique affected by the recession? Honestly what recession? I’m very proud to say that. We have seen some dips in our market but really never affected us! Either we’re that good or god really likes us. I’ll take either one. What do you consider the most important aspect on a set of wheels? The most important aspect is fitment. Anyone can bolt on a wheel but will it be right? Wheels with a perfect lip, not so cambered that the wheels look like they face the sky but ‘hella flush’ style, making it fit so perfect that it looks like the wheel and car just flow together perfectly. We don’t like to make cars look like rainbows and incorporate 5 different colors into wheels, especially if they aren’t part of the original car color. The most popular finish is two tone brushed with polished windows.
I believe the main brands we carry have the perfect style to fit every taste and gap in the wheels industry. I guess that can be easily proven as we’re the world’s largest dealer for what most people believe to be the hottest brand in the wheels game: HRE and ADV1!
Where do you see Wheels Boutique in five years? I’m not a dreamer in that way but I hope to have a larger operation and more involved in wholesale as were expanding that department as we speak. A few more retail store wouldn’t hurt either.
What was hot for 2011 and where are things moving towards in 2012? Main trends in 2011 was concave or conical design as some manufactures use different terms. But still the hottest to date is forged monoblock 1 piece design. People really like the durability and style of a forged 1 piece design. As for something new I have seen a few things in the works that will change the wheel game again.
What does success mean for you? Success to me is being content with what you have, although I do consider myself content but I always want more for me and my company and strive for it daily. As of today I feel very successful. Especially after doing what others have tried to do and failed, I guess makes anyone feel good.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to get in the wheel game? Buy mine cause I won’t do this again lol. It’s a very very hard industry. I have seen countless stores in every avenue open and close in my last 12 years doing this. It’s not easy and it’s not about how much money you have. Selling is all about reputation, style, and image.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to an aspiring entrepreneur? I really don’t know what to say without sounding cliché — but if you truly believe and want something bad enough you will accomplish it. What was your project car growing up before you started Wheels Boutique? Wow my 1st car build is still famous here in these parts. It was a 1st ever
fully built 1996 Honda Prelude with an S trim Vortech supercharger making over 600 WHP. It ran low 11’s back in the day with no traction and would break axles at the track every time but it was a street monster. Of all the project cars you’ve done, which would you say is the most memorable? Wow for the earlier projects I have built and owned over 50 cars personally to date. I don’t know where to begin but 1 of my favorites was my 1997 Dodge Viper GTS with 250 shot of nitrous and my 2002 E39 BMW M5 with 200 shot of nitrous also which would eat Porsche turbos with 4 people in the sedan. That was an epic car! What are you currently got in the garage for daily and weekend use? Well right now I have 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG, 2012 Porsche Turbo cabriolet, 2011 Audi R8 v10 and my daily is a 2011 Ford Raptor and or 2011 BMW X5M. Each have custom wheels of course and too many mods to list. I’m my own best customer lol. ❚ ❙ ❘
33
SIMPLY
RED As the latest road going cruise missile to launch out of McLaren Technology Centre in the UK, the MP4-12C has become quite the target of auto enthusiasts around the world.
Needless to say, we include ourselves amongst these die-hard auto fans so naturally we wanted to get our hands on one…or ten. But with a growing array of aftermarket selections available to improve this already beastly machine, the decision of what to do first can be tough. At Wheels Boutique our priority is usually a gorgeous set of shoes… and this case would be no different. Except, what wheels do we put on it? A car inspired from racing heritage and engineered to be a street monster by some of the best in the industry… it didn’t feel right picking a simple style…we needed something wild.
37
“THIS CAR SCREAMS MIAMI ...AND WE LOVE IT.”
In come the boys at ADV.1 Wheels with their latest 2-piece configuration: the M.V2. Fusing the styling and functionality of both a forged monoblock and 3-piece wheel, the M.V2 was the perfect match for this cross between supercar and well, racecar. Next step was the matter of finish. And what looked like a gleaming blank white canvas when it pulled up – upon closer inspection of the interior – turned out to be beating with the red heart of what we can only guess are lots of very red cows. There was only one finish that would truly do this car the wild supercar justice it deserves: Brushed Red.
38
39
40
Sprinkled with a heavy dose of concavity in the rear, the 20”/21” set-up was wrapped in Pirelli rubber – 245 up front and 325 in the back. The exposed hardware was also painted black along with the ADV logo in the center cap to match the massive red and black brake calipers. The flaming red paint would have popped against pretty much anything, but does so exquisitely well against the white McLaren. It pops right out and steals the attention of passers-by wherever it is, parked or rolling. It was our pleasure to work with this speed demon of an automobile, to really be able to push the envelope with wild colors and fitments.
R E A D M O R E AT L U X U R YA U T O D I R E C T. C O M
This car screams Miami…and we love it. ❚ ❙ ❘
41
The Rules of
Entrepreneurship Have Changed Entrepreneurship is about vision, creation, and innovation, it’s a way of life and a means to a living. In the past decade entrepreneurship has lost its true meaning and prestige and instead has been looked at as a synonym for being self employed. There was a time when entrepreneurs were admired for their guts and their courage and their innovative thinking for undertaking some of life’s biggest challenges and resolving them for the benefit of those around them. This selflessness that made entrepreneurs who they are and gave them their identity in the world has been changed into nothing more than a rat race for who has or can make the most money, but more importantly the world of entrepreneurship has been invaded by false opportunities. Entrepreneurs are not defined by how much money they have made but rather by the innovations they create and the impact they make on others around them, 44
and while most will tell you they are entrepreneurs when they have learned to master a skill that enables them to make money, that certainly isn’t true. A true entrepreneur sees the world for what it can be, not what it is and even though there is a significant reward for entrepreneurs who see their efforts to the end, a true entrepreneur’s drive and passion never revolves around the reward but rather the journey itself, and the birth of innovation. Entrepreneurship is a word often used carelessly. It has significantly lost its true meaning in the last 10 years. From the self-help books and DVD sets, to the seminars and workshops designed to convince the minds and wallets of those wanting to succeed that success is only an introductory payment away, rather than truly helping a generation make their mark on society. The world
of entrepreneurship has become nothing more than a moneymaker for false self-proclaimed gurus without merit and without past records of success. “Entrepreneurship is not about making money, but rather an art that can help individuals identify themselves and bring value to those around them ultimately helping to bring about true purpose for our very own existence.” The world of Entrepreneurship needs to be redefined and the concept re-established as a prestigious and exemplary way of living. Society is taught at an early stage in life that conventional success comes from methods such as school based education and working years for someone else as the only ways to succeed, which indirectly makes society complacent to opportunities out there and less energized to explore those possibilities. This message is passed on through generations at a time and certain rules are established within our circles to help maintain this course to the very end. As society evolves and our economic climate changes, the rules behind what makes one successful needs to be updated and the methods that were once taught as the only reasonable path available needs to be revisited. Those that have walked the path and understand the dynamics of this new world need to be socially responsible and help lead others to a better future, one that is more than just driven by money, but one driven by purpose and fulfillment.
The old days governed by the saying “Money talks, and Wealth Wispers” are long gone and today’s latest generations of Entrepreneurs needs to hear the real stories of how other have made their impact on society and have established themselves enough to enjoy the rewards of their hard work through their lifestyle. The diminishing value of the education system and its increased cost makes more and more students look at alternative ways of living and succeeding and unfortunately often find themselves lost in a never ending loop of survival. There lies an important opportunity for everyone to help reshape the way Entrepreneurs look at the world around them and find the support and motivation they need to succeed to the end. Secret Entourage is an organization founded by some of today’s top millionaires who all share a common passion for helping others but also a common belief that education is taught from experiences, rather than textbooks. While showcasing the lifestyle of the wealthy is not the answer to reforming the education system, it certainly is a great tool to help reconnect a newer generation doomed by instant gratification and a past generation that lacks online efficiency. It is ultimately the common passion and pursuit of a perfect life that leads us to appreciate each other’s capacity and unite us rather than divide us. ❚ ❙ ❘ Join us at www.secretentourage.com 45
the ultimate
— GT — the ultimate
VOLANTE Aston Martin unveils the Vanquish Volante – a stunning new luxury sports car that brings the thrill of open top motoring to the super GT class. Alongside its coupe sibling, launched to worldwide acclaim last autumn, the Vanquish Volante sits at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker’s sports car line-up. Benefitting from all of the technical, engineering and design advances present in the Vanquish coupe, the new Volante enhances the driving experience still further through the option of exciting convertible driving. Instantly becoming one of the most beautiful cars in its class, Vanquish Volante crucially retains the coupe’s dynamic character and sporting capability. It boasts the same new AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine as the coupe and the same blistering performance figures, meaning the 0-62 mph sprint is despatched in just 4.1 seconds (estimated) while the top speed stands at 183 mph. Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in the brand’s 100-year history, while also being the stiffest Volante body structure yet created by the engineering team at Aston Martin’s global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England. The new car’s triple-skin lightweight fabric roof takes just 14 seconds to fold. Announcing the arrival of the Vanquish Volante Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: “This car is what luxury super GT driving is all about. Great performance, fantastic style and exhilarating Volante motoring in one superb package. The design of Vanquish Volante represents the latest take on Aston Martin’s iconic visual language. Styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar while the folding fabric roof sits beneath a tonneau and decklid that have been aerodynamically tuned for optimum performance.
46
47
The windscreen, meanwhile, is now full height – a first for Aston Martin – which means that the glass runs up to meet the fabric roof, thereby achieving a particularly clean transition. The Vanquish Volante’s ‘suit’ of carbon fibre panels cloaks a cabin that is both sophisticated and comfortable. The 2+2 cabin is elegantly attired in authentic and luxurious materials: full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, metal controls and satin chrome trim underscore the car’s well-appointed nature. Each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre not just because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, but also for its flexibility of form. This not only reduces mass but means that fewer individual body panels are required – reducing joints and contributing to a more coherent and svelte shape. As practical as it is well-dressed, the Vanquish Volante boasts a boot that’s fully 50% larger than that of the previous DBS Volante. It measures 279 litres – roof up or down – and makes the new Aston Martin the perfect choice for continent-crossing grand tours as well as daily drives. Perhaps one of the most striking interior design elements is the centre stack with refinements providing a more elegant form that is also more intuitive and accessible for
48
both driver and front seat passenger. A direct descendent of the One-77 centre stack, the Vanquish and Vanquish Volante’s set-up retains familiar elements such as the ECU engine start button and glass gear selection buttons while featuring a new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design. The facia trim now stretches down the whole centre stack and is manufactured from a single piece of material giving a uniform finish. The user interface boasts a simple, ergonomically efficient layout as well as technological updates that make it the brand’s most advanced in-car system available today. Capacitive glass buttons with illumination and haptic feedback feature in the rest of the centre stack’s switchgear. Haptic feedback is more commonly found in touch-screen mobile phones and Aston Martin became among the first significant luxury car manufacturers in the world to use the technology in a series production model when it debuted on Vanquish coupe in 2012. Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: “Vanquish Volante is a sports car, of course, but more even than that it is the ultimate Volante. A car which follows a long line of elegant Aston Martin convertibles, this super GT is sculpted to convey sophistication as much as raw power.
“The aerodynamically shaped tonneau, the proportions of the folding fabric roof, the luxurious nature of the cabin – these elements have been pored over by the Design team, working with our Engineering colleagues, to ensure we deliver the aesthetic appeal for which Aston Martin is renowned around the world.” Under its curvaceous carbon fibre bonnet the Vanquish Volante comprises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine which drives the rear wheels via a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox. The V12’s power peak of 573 PS (565 bhp) arrives at 6,750 rpm while the torque peak of 620 Nm (457 lb ft) is available at 5,500 rpm. These numbers translate into performance that matches the Vanquish coupe’s and ensures the new car supports its Super GT billing.
“ASTON MARTIN IS CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN 2013, AND THE ARRIVAL OF THIS NEW SPORTS CAR – OUR ULTIMATE VOLANTE – UNDERLINES THAT OUR MISSION TO MAKE THE NEXT 100 YEARS EVEN MORE SUCCESSFUL IS STARTING PERFECTLY.” The dynamics have been tuned precisely, with new springs and damper settings calibrated to deliver the same crisp handling yet compliant ride as the coupe. Strenuous efforts have been made to limit the new car’s weight; contributing to its impressive performance, agile handling and compelling power-to-weight ratio. The combination of controlled weight, near-perfect 51:49 weight distribution, a powerful V12 engine and a performance-honed sixspeed transmission unite to make the Vanquish Volante as rewarding on the move as it is beautiful standing still. Like its coupe counterpart, the Vanquish Volante uses the latest generation of Aston Martin’s class-leading VH
49
(Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. In this iteration, the Vanquish now includes the addition of significant semi-structural carbon fibre components, as well as the use of bonding derived directly from the latest aerospace technologies. As well as being light, strong and flexible in its application, the gen4 VH architecture is also extremely rigid. The new Vanquish Volante is, in fact, 14% torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volante which preceded it, making it highly resistant to flex and allowing for responsive and predictable handling. This rigid structure also provides an ideal foundation from which the suspension can control the vehicle effectively, further highlighting the importance of the body structure and the effect it has on the dynamic performance of the car. Aston Martin’s engineering teams have worked particularly hard to minimise the weight outside the wheelbase of the new car to reduce yaw inertia. As a result, carbon fibre has been used extensively in the rear structure and the weight of the aluminium front structure has been limited. To take full advantage of its precise and rigid architecture, the Vanquish Volante employs a battery of sophisticated technologies including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Positive Torque Control (PTC). Aston Martin’s Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allows the driver to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track, delivering instant adjustment of the car’s ride and handling characteristics. The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond quickly to different driving conditions. The different damping modes available help significantly broaden the Vanquish Volante’s character, adapting its set-up to suit the driver’s mood and requirements. Thus it can be a cruising GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into an assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes. The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car’s systems including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car. Steering, too, is crisp, precise and communicative. The rack’s quick 15:1 ratio – 2.6 turns lock-to-lock – is allied to speed sensitive power assistance that’s tuned to deliver optimum assistance. The car’s braking system features third generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) parts to deliver shorter
50
stopping distances with resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension. The front brakes use 398 mm x 36 mm CCM discs with larger front pads and six-piston callipers from the One-77, while the rear brakes use 360 mm x 32 mm CCM discs with four-piston callipers.
Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez added: “Vanquish Volante, like the Vanquish coupe before it, uses the very latest technologies employed in the very best ways to create a sports car which is easy to control, and to enjoy dynamic performance at the finest level. “This is not simply a great-looking car – this is a great car engineered and crafted for the connoisseur by people dedicated to delivering exceptional sports cars with clearly defined characters.”
R E A D M O R E AT L U X U R YA U T O D I R E C T. C O M
Priced from $297,995 MSR, first deliveries of the new sports car are expected to begin in the UK and Continental Europe late in 2013. ❚ ❙ ❘
51
X
hibitionist
Redefining
Traditions
54
Y
TEXT BY CHRIS RIDER
Brainchild of renown Swedish-based designer, Eduard
ou can be forgiven for thinking, at first Gray, the Xhibitionist is partly inspired by traditions as old glance, that you’re seeing a leaked as seafaring itself. The desire to rekindle some of those
traditions in an ultra-modern setting has resulted in, not
still from a yet-to-be released, Fifth only, the creation of a jaw-dropping superyacht, but the Element style sci-fi blockbuster. Far creation of a veritable entity that has almost developed a personality of its own. As much thought has gone into the
from being fiction, though, this yacht conception of this vessel in terms of its viability as has gone has been designed with very real, very modern into the actual structural design itself. It is, quite simply, a masterful blend of style, purpose and efficiency. One of
and very useful applications in mind. It is, first the most striking elements on this one-of-a-kind vessel and foremost, a cleverly engineered workhorse; is the hull. The inverted trimaran configuration has been employed for one overriding reason; stability. That, in itself,
a nautical tool designed to fulfill many different speaks volumes about the real reason the Xhibitionist has roles. As the name and unconventional come about. appearance may suggest, this is no ordinary FUTUREPROOF yacht. This is something completely different. Stability in any line of business can quite often mean This is the Xhibitionist.
going with the flow: literally. The Xhibitionist is endowed
55
with the capability to evolve with and adapt to the pace of change we see in todays world alongside maintaining its enduring aesthetic appeal. It has been futureproofed in some respects; both in terms of its actual features and its potential ‘lives’, as it were. Unlike a ‘private’ yacht, this versatile yacht has been designed to do a job; or rather, jobs. What those jobs are could vary tremendously but one of them is probably abundantly obvious: this thing has been designed to wantonly, shamelessly, unabashedly and knowingly steal the show. ‘Show’ is, really, at the crux of what the Xhibitionist is all about. Aside from being a ‘show’ unto itself, it has been created in such a way that some of the real showing takes place on the inside. The shape of the outside may give some people a clue as to where we’re heading next. The undeniably automotive lines are testament to Eduard Grays achievements as a designer of supercars (one of which, the Xhibit-G, has been specially created to complement the Xhibitionist). A common first reaction, it has to be said, is just that; ..’it looks like a car’ (indeed, Batman has been mentioned a few times, too).
56
ART-NOUVEAU STYLING
As far as investments go, the Xhibitionist resembles more of a real estate and marketing venture than a yacht. If so desired, it can effectively be used as an exclusive, floating showroom. A Steinway piano completes the scene beautifully while the vessel is in ‘guest mode’. The dual staircase by Cornish Stairways adds a homely familiarity to the main exhibition room in its full open glory and the
Baccarat lighting perfectly complements the subtle ArtNouveau styling throughout. In ‘Retail Mode’ the partitions are in place creating many individual spaces for a more private retail experience and the Nuance smart shading feature from Vision Systems provides yet more privacy at the swipe of a fingertip.
SUN LOVER
At the stern is the sprawling beach club area providing space for events closer to the lapping water. It is, as with most yachts, also an access point and will likely be the first place one would set foot on board. Matching pontoon extensions are also an option, should they be required.
“SUNSHINE IS SOMETHING THE XHIBITIONIST IS PARTICULARLY FOND OF.”
Above all the fly deck is where the serious relaxation takes place. Two separate areas, one with a jacuzzi, provide guests with ample space to unwind in comfort and take in the views and sunshine.
Further aft we have the powerplant gallery. ‘Engine room’ doesn’t quite cut it in this case and, being a somewhat unique feature, the engines are plainly visible; housed behind glass walls allowing for easy access for maintenance and, of course, hours of unfettered entertainment for engineering enthusiasts. They will be the ones most impressed by the choice of hybrid drive systems that control this 75 meter (14m beam) nautical wonder. Their position in the floor accounts for the Xhibitionists relatively shallow, marina-friendly draft which, at a snip under two metres is extremely efficient for a yacht of this size.
Sunshine is something the Xhibitionist is particularly fond of. The animation in the video below shows the massive solar panels in operation; a sight to behold in itself. Opening up out of what looks like the hood of a giant sports car, they serve two purposes. The solar panels themselves not only provide power to the vessel; they’re sturdy enough to act as a helipad, concert stage, or whatever else suits the need of the owner. The frontal section that drops down serves the same purpose as its counterpart on aircraft carriers; allowing for access and loading. It is not beyond the realms of imagination: seeing a celebrity DJ or a live
57
band perched on the platform performing in front of ten thousand people in a marina. At the bow of the yacht is another fascinating addition; the viewing window, Jacques Cousteau himself would have approved. Although it’s above water, in this case, it provides a select group of guests with something of a secluded alcove; one with a spectacular view.
FLOATING, WORKING ASSET
The Xhibitionist is an intelligently designed and finely tuned instrument that was made, quite simply, to turn heads.
“IT MARKS ITS TERRITORY AND KEEPS IT LONG AFTER THE SUN HAS SET.”
58
More than that, it poses a serious option for investors when comparing to the real estate market in terms of Dollars per square foot and as a key feature in a business model literally represents a floating, working asset. The size alone of the solar panels gives some indication of just how efficient the Xhibitionist can be (and how quietly it can glide into a marina). They also go to provide free energy for the final piece de resistance when talking eye candy..the nighttime illumination. As though the Xhibitionist weren’t spectacular enough, and as you can see from the images below, evening lighting by OceanLED have ensured that it marks its territory and keeps it long after the sun has set. ❚ ❙ ❘ R E A D M O R E AT L U X U R YA U T O D I R E C T. C O M
59
LAD MacNeil classified ad (6-7)-12_Layout 1 2/7/13 5:47 PM Page 1
Introducing The Easy to Install Floor Tile • Snaps Together
Single Action Latch System
• Easy to Install • Non-Slip TractionSquaresTM • Patent Pending TwoShotTM process • Attractive Color Options
Single-Action, Dual-Latch Drawer Mechanism
Great For Garage • Shop Basement • Laundry Room Kid’s Play Room Workout Room • Mud Room
SAfEty Drawers stay securely closed, especially in transport.
InnovAtIon Patent-pending design does not sacrifice any drawer capacity.
EASE–of–uSE one-finger operation is smooth and whisper-quiet.
Now Available On Every New Drawer!
Made in USA
©2013 by MacNeil IP LLC
TechFloor.com 800-441-6287
Call
1-(888) 995-8583 or visit www.modulinecabinets.com/A222
W Lykan THE FIRST ARABIAN HYPERCAR
T
he Middle East is renowned for their automobile crazy audiences and it is a common sight to see roads in Dubai, Beirut and other parts of the Gulf Region adorned with the finest automobiles from around the world. Channeling this very obsession for cars, it was only a matter of time before a revolutionary hypercar emerged from the Middle East, courtesy of the world’s first Arabian Motor Company, W Motors.
July 2013 witnessed the lavish launch of W Motors at the Sursock Palace in Beirut wherein the company’s shareholders publicly vowed to deliver the world’s most exclusive hypercar to the passionate addressees. This ambitious promise and vision has now been realized with the birth of the elite and radical hypercar, Lykan, which was recently revealed at the renowned Qatar Motor Show held on the 29th of January, 2013 at the Doha Exhibitions Centre. Speaking out on the Lykan, the CEO, Ralph Debbas said, “This is history in the making, the First Arabian Hypercar, the most exceptional Hypercar the world will ever see”
Named after the most advanced species of wolves in mythical legends but written with a “K,” the Lykan possesses a luxurious blend of power, advanced design and technology and exclusivity with only seven units of the car being
62
63
“THIS IS HIST
THE MOST EXCEPTIONAL
64
TORY IN THE MAKING,
L HYPERCAR THE WORLD WILL EVER SEE”
65
66
Adding a touch of modern luxury with the integration of the most refined and luxurious materials both inside and outside, the Lykan comes with Diamond encrusted LED lights that lend the hypercar a magnificent finish. Additionally, the car comes with goldstitched interiors, a 24/7 concierge service and a patented design Cyrus Klepcys watch, that has been dedicated to Lykan owners only. Touted a “modern machine with a touch of humanity,’ the limited edition Lykan
is priced at 3.4 million dollars making it one of the most exclusive and exquisite cars in the world. Speaking out on W Motors, the founding partner Sari El-Khalil said, “In a bid to closely cater to our clientele in the region, W Motors have also recently set up offices in Downtown Dubai with plans to open offices, showrooms and design studios around the Gulf region.” ❚ ❙ ❘ 67
R E A D M O R E AT L U X U R YA U T O D I R E C T. C O M
manufactured. Absolutely distinctive in every way, the innovative Lykan boasts of 750 horsepower (395 kilometers per hour) and features a holographic display, an ID4 motion dashboard and uniquely designed seats for ultimate comfort and safety. The engine, Flat 6 twin-turbo, has been engineered with the perfect balance between power, torque and speed, creating an exceptional driving for an inimitable driving experience.
68
69
CODE 420213
Sharing your passion for the world’s finest automobiles.
BEST DEAL
q $29.99 1 year (6 issues) q $39.99 2 years (12 issues) Add $20 per year to Canadian Orders(includes GTS). Add $120 per year to Foreign orders. All subscription orders must be pre-paid in U.S. funds.
Name(please print) Address Apt.
Credit Card info
q American Express q Visa q Mastercard Card number
City State Zip email phone
Mail to: Luxury Auto Direct Magazine P.O. Box 1058, Lutz, Florida, 33548
q Payment enclosed
Code
exp.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery
1680° 90 minute fire protection · More steel · More security features The most comprehensive warranty in the industry Call today for a complete catalog and price list
1-800-821-5216 — www.ftknox.com SECURIT Y
PRODUCTS