2010 Kawasaki Concours 14
Kawasaki has made some great changes to their top-shelf sport tourer, the Concours 14. Most notably, the Concours gains a complete traction control system, along with revamped fairings and a larger windscreen, and second-generation ABS. It appears that the engineers over at the Green Machine were working overtime to update their biggest bike for the upcoming model year; while most other manufacturers were content to leave their motorcycles virtually unchanged, the Kawasaki also boasts heated grips, a fuel-economy management system, and a neater fit and finish compared to the outgoing model. While the engine and power output remain unchanged, gas mileage improves significantly, as does the two-wheeler’s handling. Aesthetically, the Concours seems to suffer from side-vent overkill, but we are willing to make an exception due to the overwhelming number of high-tech options offered. All this technology comes at a price though-the Concours 14 with ABS starts at $15,299.
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Daihatsu Basket
The Basket, a unique concept car set to debut at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, is one of the few cars unveiled at the show that brings retro styling cues to mind. While most manufacturers are packing new cars with as much as they can find, the Basket is extremely minimalist. The no-nonsense interior is sparse, and covered with fabric throughout, save for an oversized speedometer and the radio. The theme continues outside, where Daihatsu’s boxy contraption gives it a “that’s easy to paraller park” look. The Basket has forsaken fuel-cell or even hybrid technology in favor of a 660cc three-cylinder, borrowed from the Mira. Although the Basket might not be for everyone, its cute, quirky, and retro feel will bring smiles to would-be owners.
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Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano China
Ferrari has collaborated with Chinese artist Lu Hao to create a one-off 599 GTB Fiorano. The 599, a very special car in its own right, has been given a very special exterior finish in addition to a few other unique tweaks. Drawing inspiration from Ge Kiln porcelain of the Song dynasty, Hao has given the Ferrari a similar “cracked glaze” pattern, with exquisite attention to detail; the color shading of the cracks varies throughout, giving the impression of varying degrees of depth. Hao, a Ferrari owner himself, has also added Chinese badging on the interior and exterior, adding a personal touch the the standard gauges and switches. This special-edition will be sold at a Gala on November 3rd, with the proceeds going to charity.
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1961 Ol Yaller VII
This limited edition race car will be sold to the highest bidder (no reserve!) in Las Vegas at the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction. As one of only nine race cars designed by famous gearhead Max Balchowsky, this E-Type based underdog made its name taking down racing’s best. Going up against Ferrari, Aston, and Maserati was no easy feat in the 50s and 60s, but this V8-powered beast was extremely well engineered, and is still spoken highly of by racing greats like Carrol Shelby and Dan Gurney. Ol Yaller’s success wasn’t only on the track, but also on the silver screen. This particular version also appeared in the Elvis Presley film ‘Viva Las Vegas,’ which only adds to its pedigree. Look for it on the auction block this week, complete with race log books.
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Mercedes SLS and its Ancestors
While no one will mistake the SLS AMG for the car it draws inspiration from, the lineage is obvious, and in this case, cause to celebrate. This week, Mercedes brought an SLS AMG to a Benz gathering in Sedona, California to celebrate the rebirth of its iconic gullwing design. The SLS looked right at home with its brethren, which included a bevy of classic sports cars, including the 300SL on which the SLS is based. The highlight of the get-together (other than the SLS, of course) was an ultra-rare 300SL alloy coupe; raced by motorsport greats Bruce Kessler and Lance Reventlow, it represents just 1 of 29 ever produced. All told, more than 30 historic Mercedes vehicles and hundreds of spectators attended the event.
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2010 Triumph Rocket III
Despite the current trend in the automotive world to constantly do more with less, Triumph has apparently gone in the opposite direction with their newest cruiser, the Rocket III. Saddled with the distinction of being the worlds “largest capacity bike,” the Rocket III Roadster is powered by a 2.3liter inline three-cylinder engine that generates an astounding 165 lb-ft of twist. Simon Warburton, Triumph’s GM, promises a dynamic riding experience thanks to the engine’s ability to provide “instant drive at any point” coupled with a drastic change in riding position from the previous Rocket III. The footrests have been lowered and moved further back, and the seat has been raised and repositioned to give the rider a sportier experience. Despite the hefty 807 pound curb weight, a retuned suspension should keep the Rocket nimble on both straights and twisties. The use of Triumph’s familiar twin headlights (recognizable from the Speed Triple, a great touch) returns, but the instrument panel changes to improve functionality and encourage a better riding experience. Available only in black (at least you can choose matte or gloss), expect to see Triumph’s newest creation hit dealers early next year.
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Audi Car Configurator on Microsoft Surface
While Audi’s R8 electric turned heads at this year’s IAA, the tech-happy German brand also debuted its A4 Configurator. Using Microsoft Surface, the Configurator allows multiple users to create the A4 of their dreams in an immersive 3D environment. Simple hand gestures or motions allow the user to alter virtually anything on the A4, with instant results. Paint finish, wheel and tire packages, and interior color scheme are just some of the options that will be available for the user to manipulate. Whether or not Audi plans to take their tech partnership to local dealers remains unknown, but this will surely be a welcome change from the tired 100-page option booklets that luxury car manufacturers cling so fondly to.
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1932 Ford Track Nose Licorice Streak Special
The good news? This one-of-a-kind beauty was not sold on Ebay this week. The bad news? Even with bidding at $178,000, the reserve was not met. Commissioned by gearhead Tim Allen and put together by the renowned Moal Coachbuilders, this hot rod is unquestionably a fine piece of rolling art. Although the title lists it as a 1932 Ford, there’s not a lot about this vehicle that Henry and company would remember if they saw the Licorice Streak Special cruising through Dearborn on a sunny afternoon. Between the Art Deco inspired trim and moldings made by Takayuki “Kaki” Kakizaki and the Ford SVO 351 (with GT40 heads) lurking within, this is a truly unique and beautiful vehicle, as its 10 years worth of awards will attest to as well. With such an immaculate and spellbinding vehicle primed to go back on the auction block, it’s only a matter of time before it finds another home.
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Rolls Royce Ghost
Rolls Royce has pulled the sheets off of the Ghost, which was known as the 200EX during its concept phase. The mini-Phantom looks undoubtedly like a Rolls, but as a smaller vehicle it has incorporated a lot of new, modern design features. The familiar grille is flanked by slimmed xenon headlights, which are further augmented with contrasting satin silver paint that extends past the hood and seems to wrap around the car’s a-pillars. The car has a sleeker profile than its big brother, and is almost two feet shorter; it is said to share approximately 20% of its underpinnings with the current BMW 7-series. Inside is typical Rolls paradise: veneered picnic tables, lambswool floormats, and massaging seats are just some of the goodies that set the Ghost apart from its competition. Techies will be happy to hear that Goodwood has packed its newest car with all the latest gadgets. Night vision, adaptive cruise control, and a bevy of cameras assist various parking and lane-changing situations. Power comes from an all-new 6.6-liter turbocharged V12, which will produce 563bhp and 575lb/ft of torque and mates to an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Ghost debuts this week at the Frankfurt auto show.
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Honda EV-N Concept
Honda plans to show off a recent deisng study at the upcoming Tokyo Auto Show, which they call the EV-N. An obvious homage to the quirky N360, the EV-N is a two-door electric-driven sedan that would most likely have similar power output to its much older brother (31bhp from a hearty 360cc engine). Sustainable ideas like replaceable seat fabrics and roof mounted solar panels (to recharge the lithium-ion battery) help keep the EV-N predictably green. The updated grille is a departure from the current Honda lineup, and actually houses the headlights behind the front fascia. Clearly, the EV-N will never be a production model, but it’s neat to see Honda pay tribute to one of its earliest models with such a tech-happy and eco-friendly concept.
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