Alfa Romeo Brera Italy Independent Special Edition
There are few things we love more than a good collaboration. Alfa Romeo, a brand we rarely see stateside, has put forth a joint effort with contemporary stylish goods brand Italy Independent, and the result is a number of aesthetic changes to the vehicle. This version of Alfa’s Brera, the stock version of which is featured as the star of Forza Motorsport 3, can be distinguished by its matte black wheels with a BMW turbine-esque design; an aluminum gas cap and red brake calipers provide a little contrast against the muted colors. The interior receives a touch-up as well, with red-stitched leather, aluminum pedals, and the obligatory carbon fiber treatment. While none of this can be deemed revolutionary design, these simple touches on an already terrific car compliment the original design perfectly. Only 900 models will reach their eager buyers, and the first has already been delivered; it will start its European tour in early 2010 to promote the project.
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SpaceShipTwo by Virgin Galactic
It’s time to sell your timeshare in the Bahamas and upgrade to something better. Billionaire commercial cosmonaut Richard Branson unveiled his company’s space tourism craft, the SpaceShipTwo. Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo will be escorted to a suborbital altitude of about ten miles by a mothership, the WhiteNightTwo; upon detaching the SST’s thrusters take over and catapult the craft 65 miles above the Earth’s surface, nestling comfortably between the outer reaches of our atmosphere and the beginning of space. During the 2.5 hour flight, passengers will be able to experience full weightlessness and see a view of Earth that only a few dozen people have been able to take in. Tickets for the voyage will fall around the $200,000 range; that’s well worth it, especially since you can begin your sentences with “When I was in space…”
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Vorsteiner V-GT Aero Package – Porsche 911 Carrera
Vorsteiner’s motto is “Passion Does Not Compromise.” In viewing their new aero package for the current generation Porsche 911 Carrera, we wholeheartedly agree. Following in a seemingly odd tradition of renowned stateside Porsche tuners, Vorsteiner has been successfully modifying the 911 for years, to tremendous results. Their newest creation, the V-GT package, will be available for the whole Carrera range and promises to turn the valet’s rolled eyes into raised eyebrows. The front spoiler is a carbon fiber masterpiece that is meant to improve downforce; the clever design also houses integrated dual brake duct openings with a black protective mesh grille. The rear of the car is altered by a super-sleek carbon diffuser, which looks deadly with its GT-esque fins. Other items in the package include a moonroof delete option (saving almost 50 pounds) and 19 and 20-inch forged wheels.
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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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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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Derringer Cycles
Adrian Van Anz’s vision of a commuter bike that embodied elegant and classic design came to fruition when he started up Derringer Cycles – named after the pocket size old pistol. His bikes fuse classic motorcyle design with a standard bicycle. There are some old-fashioned details such as the leather bicycle seat that play up the vintage appeal. The bike features a 4-stroke Honda engine and can achieve speeds up to 40 mph (see specifications after jump). Placed orders take up to a month, and the cost tops $3,000 US for many of their models.
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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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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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