CR&S DUU Concept
Milan-based CR&S (an acronym for Cafe Racers and Superbikes) made quite an impact at this year’s Milan International Bike Show. The custom built naked bikes seem to incorporate a fusion of ideas, combining the sportiness of a European bike with an American-style v-twin engine. The styling is simply terrific; it seems to unify the brutal engineering of a Confederate bike with the chrome simplicity of a Harley, and adding curvaceous touches here and there with Ducati-esque edges and mini-fenders. Aside from the seating options, we’re not sure what else can be customized on the bike, but for a relatively low $30,000, we would be happy to let the professionals at CR&S decide that for us.
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BMW Demonstener D1200R
As we have said in the past, it’s not too often that conceptual projects make it off the drawing board and onto the showroom floor; often times when the transition is successful, the general public is left with a bastardized version of the initial creation that was so riveting in the first place. Enter the Demonstener D1200R, a breathtaking version of BMW’s popular two-wheeler. Creative geniuses Pablo Gonzalez de Chaves and Carlos Beltran Carrión worked tirelessly on the D1200R to make sure the production version was exactly what we expected. Only five will be made, and will be built to the customer’s specifications, down to the rims, materials, paint, and even framework; the bike will also feature BMW’s bulletproof boxer engine and hub-steering. Despite the extremely low production numbers, the bike is available on Ebay; all five failed to meet the ‘Buy It Now’ price of $75,000 and will most assuredly be back up on the auction block shortly.
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Sapporo Space Barley Beer
Japanese brewmasters Sapporo have outdone everyone. Forget the highest alcoholic content, or the most expensive packaging; their latest creation, Space Barley, is a superlimited brew whose barley was cultivated during a five month space mission. Since the beer came to fruition as a joint research project with Okayama University, most of the 100 liters that were brewed will be used for experimental purposes (read into that what you will). Sapporo will be conducting a lottery for 60 lucky people to take part in tasting events at their six breweries; the winners will pay $115 for a six-pack, with the proceeds going to a charitable science program for Japanese children.
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2011 Audi A8
Audi unveiled the newest version of its flagship sedan earlier this month, and like its predecessor, will compete heavily with BMW and Mercedes for the claim to the most technological and safety additions since their last update. The A8 boasts an aluminum body structure and a collection of electronic wizardry. The newest version of Audi’s MMI in the centerpiece, in addition to night safety assist, full LED headlights, and our personal favorite, a handwriting recognition touch pad (for what, we are not quite sure). Aesthetically, the A8 seems to favor the typical Audi sleek and powerful look, staying conservative without adding any vents or cosmetic flares as most manufacturers have done in recent years; the now-familiar front of the car, with LED accents as Audi’s new trademark, will surely be the face of the German marque for years to come. For now, the A8 will remain powered by its longtime companion, the 4.2 liter FSI V8, which produces 372bhp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission; the combination should be enough to propel the sedan to 60mph in under six seconds. Word from Audi AG is that the A8 will be joined by a hybrid variant and the expected long-wheelbase version. S-Class buyers, it’s time to reconsider your options.
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Wrench Monkees Custom Motorcycles
The triumphant return of the cafe racer continues unabated. From Copenhagen, Denmark, comes a new type of custom motorcycle. Wrench Monkees’ designs aren’t necessary works of art, and don’t seem to use the most high-tech materials, but they are unabashedly unique and are a real melting pot of materials. And, while they look more like something you would build with your father using spare parts from the garage, the Monkees’ creations are surprisingly streamlined and well-engineered. Think you could build one yourself? Then forsake the $20,500 starting price and give it a shot; but we would rather leave this to the professionals.
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Maybach Zeppelin 62
Maybach has never been known for their restraint, and the Zeppelin 62 is no exception. In reviving the Zeppelin model, Maybach has actually awakened a nameplate which hasn’t been seen since after World War I. The Zeppelin was, at the time of its production, one of the largest and most powerful luxury vehicles ever created. Tipping the scales just shy of a jaw-dropping 7,000 pounds, the DS7 and DS8 were powered by 7 and 8-liter V12s, respectively, and were regarded as being some of the most powerful and luxurious cars available at the time. It’s safe to say that today’s Zeppelin 62 feels comfortable filling those shoes. The 62 is defined by its unique two-tone finish, and is complimented by a two-tone interior as well; inside, the 62 will feature the world’s first customizable perfume atomizer, another defining luxury attribute of Maybach’s new flagship. A twin-turbo V12 producing 640bhp will power the behemoth, which is only fitting given the car’s rich performance history.
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Utopias 2009
It’s banned in 13 states and has an alcohol content of 27 percent. Yet, this year’s version of Boston Beer Company’s Utopias will once again be highly sought after and promises to be even more complex and unique than those that came before it. The Massachusetts based-geniuses (who also bring us Samuel Adams) achieve the beer’s extraordinary ABV and taste through a 15-year process; the beer is aged and finished in wooden containers like Scotch whisky barrels and sherry casks, and the drink’s yeast strains are regularly used in making malts and champagne. The beer (if you could really call it that) is obviously meant to be savored, not shotgunned; the first sip hits like a cognac then quickly reveals notes of vanilla, honey, and maple. The high alcoholic content exceeds the maximum allowable in many states, and the limited run of 10,000 bottles means that this year’s Utopias will be difficult to obtain. Bottles will sell for approximately $150, and the neat ceramic and copper-styled mini-kettles are sure to be collector’s pieces whether filled with the potent brew or not.
Read more on Utopias 2009 here.
Trabant
It looks like our old Komrades from Germany are resurrecting the cult icon of the communist era. The Trabant, in its heyday, was the automotive darling of East Germany and will be remembered for its quirky styling, practicality, and underpowered two-stroke engine that smoked like a chimney. With its founding company, VEB Sachsenring, out of business, the Trabant name has been revived and the car has been restyled for the modern era, retaining much of what made it special in the 50s and 60s, but losing the problematic two-stroke. Instead, the new Mini-esque vehicle will be powered by a clever electric motor that promises to alleviate any concerns by those in the green corner. The 45kW asynchronous motor is powered by a lithium-ion battery and is estimated to have a 100 mile range and hit a top speed of 80mph. As mentioned, the design seems to be very similar to that of the Mini Cooper, yet design cues from older vehicles (like the rounded point at the end of the hood) draw inspiration from postwar American cars. Currently, two German companies are attempting to gather investors to get the project off the ground; with the Trabant’s history, clever styling, and green power, we wish them the best in their endeavor, as it would be great to see them back on the road.
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Lotus Evora
It’s always tough to find that one special person to ride shotgun with you when taking your grand tourer out for the night. Lotus has graciously solved that problem with the Evora. The Evora has the distinction of being the first modern Lotus to seat four, and this week it was announced that they will begin distribution to stateside dealerships shortly. The Evora is unquestionably one of the most practical and usable Lotuses ever built; despite its hefty performance numbers it is intended as a luxurious and well-rounded 2+2, and boasts a bevy of options more commonly found in cars from Ingolstadt than Norfolk. The starting price for the only mid-engine 2+2 in production? $73,500. If you think that’s a bit over the top consider this: the first two months worth of production models have already been presold.
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Evolution 911 Competition
Do you lack the sophisticated palate to discern the difference between French regional wines? Perhaps your senses could be better tested elsewhere, namely at the Evolution 911 Competition challenge. Simply the most fun we’ve ever had trying to win something, the challenge tests a combination of automotive knowledge and an ear for fine German engineering. Think you can detect the subtle differences between the 2.7, 3.0, and 3.8 liter Carrera RS? Then turn your speakers up and match the exhaust note and engine sound to the appropriate 911 model. The engine noises include Carrera, Classic, Race Derived, 911 Turbo, and Motorsport, with three choices for each category. The reward for guessing correctly? A comped trip to UK’s Silverstone Raceway to participate in the 911 Challenge. And if you guess wrong? No loss, you still got to listen to some of the finest machines on the planet. Go try for yourself.
Visit: Evolution 911 Competition
