2010 Cars for the Cure Photo Gallery Featuring 2 Bugatti’s

The 6th Annual “Cars for the Cure” Auto Show extravaganza was held this weekend at beautiful Colonial TownPark in Heathrow/Lake Mary Florida. This charitable event, with proceeds going to support the American Lung Association of Florida, was an auto enthusiasts dream! Some of the most powerful and highly-tuned cars from around the world were on display: International and American Customs, European Exotics, High Power Racers, custom bikes and more. The streets were lined with great shops, restaurants and attractions as well as a variety of sponsor and vendor booths including Luxury Auto Direct Magazine.

Take a look at the full photo gallery below.

LuxuryAutoDirect.com gets Exclusive Look at the Bugatti Galiber 16C Concept Car

Story & Photos by Mike Daly

Bugatti is currently attempting to elicit feedback on the recently unveiled 16C Galibier sedan concept by inviting customers and members of the media to participate in interviews that will help the company gauge the strengths of the car and its potential market viability.  Two exclusive invite-only events, a November 5 presentation in Beverly Hills and a similar effort to follow in Dubai, mark only the second and third exhibitions of the concept car.  Bugatti designer Achim Anscheidt and worldwide head of marketing and sales Alasdair Stewart were part of a contingent of Bugatti personnel that presented the Galibier at Beverly Hills’ Ace Gallery and explained how the car’s visual cues had evolved from seminal prewar models such as the Type 35 and Type 57 Atlantic, as well as the 16.4 Veyron. 

 The 16C Galibier takes its name from the 8.0 liter W16 engine also used in the Veyron, as well as the 2,645-meter southern Alpine pass whose name graced the Type 57 Galibier saloons of the 1930s.  As in the 30s cars, the C refers to compression, in this case provided by two superchargers (as opposed to the Veyron’s four turbochargers).  Anscheidt described the prodigious W16 as “our most unique selling point for this car.”

 Like the one-off Sang Bleu version of the Veyron GrandSport that was exhibited at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the 16C Galibier concept is finished in a two-tone color scheme of blue-tinted carbon fiber and polished aluminum.  Though the garish use of materials is appropriate for an exotic sports car such as the Veyron, or even a concept car such as this Galibier, those in attendance seemed to concur that the color scheme would not translate well to a production version.  Flashy materials aside, though, the Galibier concept is a stately and impressive car, true to Bugatti’s reputation for cutting edge technology and artistic craftsmanship.  From a raised center spine that traces from the front fascia through the rear hatchback (even visually continued through the windshield by an elongated mirror support), to the company monogram outlined by the headlamp filaments, this Galibier is replete with aesthetic details.  The car is larger than photos would suggest, and particularly from the front, strikes a pose of stately elegance.  In a visual cue that is probably more presentational than functional, two separate panels on the hood automatically rise from a central hinge in what the company describes as a butterfly bonnet, clearly a modern translation of the hand-lifted hood covers that granted engine access to the mechanics of yesteryear.

 Bugatti opulence is even more pronounced in the car’s interior.  A large knurled wood console that stretches from door to door is minimally accented with instruments, including two large central gauges that measure power use and speed.  Between them lies a chronograph by Parmigiani that can be removed and worn as a wristwatch.  Artfully constructed leather seats are accented with classic wicker, a suggestion of a material more common to coachbuilt cars of the 30s.  The wicker is also employed in door trim that doubles as speaker covers.  Anscheidt explained that innovation is required in using such classic cues and materials to avoid the dreaded “retro” label.  “We’re always striving for a new interpretation,” he said.  “Sometimes this new interpretation comes in technical terms, sometimes in stylistic terms, but never just the same” as the original.  Bugatti tradition is even evident in the trunk, where a handmade luggage set contains a vintage leather racing helmet and goggles. 

 As this Galibier is still a concept, Bugatti offered no hard numbers in terms of anticipated performance.   The car does not share a platform with any other, and has been engineered from the ground up as an individual model.  Bearing in mind that the car’s W16 was originally devised for mid-rear placement in the Veyron, we asked Anscheidt if challenges were posed in fitting the powerplant into a frontal location, and what impact the new placement had in the remainder of the concept’s layout and overall design.  He conceded that at first he was concerned, but soon realized that the W16’s remarkably compact construction would not affect the rest of the Galibier’s creation.  “If we had to deal with a monstrous engine in the front it would have translated on to the rear of the car which would not have been beneficial for the overall sporty character that was important for us.”

 Bugatti has also declared that the W16 will be flex fuel capable, able to run on either traditional gasoline or E85.  It is surely no coincidence that Bentley, another marque owned by the VW Group, has already begun to integrate similar flex fuel technology into their model line.  When pressed to explain the connection, Anscheidt readily admitted that Bugatti would be foolish not to capitalize on its parent’s research and development gains.  “As much as we’re looking for individual customer solutions, we’re not closing the door on the benefits that we can have from the overall Volkswagen Group in terms of the latest technology.”

 Focus group questions sought reaction to the Galibier, including opinions and criticisms.  They also asked how much such a car should cost and if a market for the car truly exists.  Though there is clearly a limit to the number of auto enthusiasts in the world that are capable of dropping $2 million on another car, it seems that Bugatti would ignore a glaring market gap by not producing a sedan.  Furthermore, Bugatti has a renowned history of producing elegant touring cars and saloons, including the original Galibiers.  A new Bugatti sedan of some kind would seem to be the long-awaited legacy to those prewar classics.

 Depending on customer feedback, Bugatti will either continue with this Galibier concept, or change course by developing one of a number of alternative sedan ideas that Anscheidt stated were in “healthy competition.”  Anscheidt would not commit to clarifying the chances that this car will reach production, but did suggest that Bugatti will likely soon field a sedan that is based on significant input from the company’s customer base.  “We very much need to and want to involve [our customers] in our processes.  Our customer base is not that vast – between 200 and 400 people.  We need them; we want to tailor our products with and for them.”

See our previous post on the Bugatti Galiber 16C Concept Car 

 

First Images of the 2009 SEMA Show in Las Vegas

The 2009 SEMA Show , the largest after market show in the world, began today. Here are some of the first photos, with many to follow I promise you.

The custom Lamborghini Gallardo in the GH Wheels booth is a work of art. Luxury Auto Direct Magazine spoke with the owner and we hope to feature this car in an upcoming issue.

The Pagani Zonda R in the Pirelli display was attracting crowds as soon as the doors opened. With the horse power to do 0-60 in less than 2.7 seconds, this car not only has the looks but the performance of the world’s finest exotics.

Gila Wheels which was featured on the cover of Luxury Auto Direct Magazine’s October/November ‘09 issue had an impressive display of there current 2009 wheels as well as their upcoming 2010 line.

Keep checking www.LuxuryAutoDirect.com these photos were just the beginning.

IACOCCA SILVER 45TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION FORD MUSTANG TO BE SOLD AT NO RESERVE AT BARRETT-JACKSON LAS VEGAS

This is a follow up to a story LuxuryAutoDirect.com released in August when the Iacocca 45th Anniversary Mustang debuted at Galpin Motors.

One of the most anticipated limited edition versions of the renowned Ford Mustang will be sold at No Reserve to celebrate the pony car’s 45th anniversary during the 2nd Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Las Vegas Oct. 7-10, 2009. The No. 5 Iacocca Silver 45th Anniversary Edition Ford Mustang is one of only 45 to be built and is specially equipped with a 550 horsepower engine; as one of the featured cars, the Mustang will cross the auction block at approximately 6:30 p.m. PDT on Friday, Oct. 9. The 2009 Las Vegas event will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and feature approximately 400 collector vehicles for sale, posh lifestyle events and live, high-definition TV coverage from SPEED.

Known as the “Father of the Mustang,” Iacocca presented the Ford Mustang to the world during a dramatic press conference at the 1964 New York World’s Fair. During his time as Ford Division president and general manager, Iacocca made the Mustang a household name. He even tapped veteran racer Carroll Shelby to build special high performance versions of the car. A video from Iacocca to the crowd will air before the car is sold on Oct. 9.

“This is a stunning modern-day muscle car from the visionary who started it all,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “It’s hard to imagine where collector car enthusiasts would be if Lee Iacocca hadn’t championed the Ford Mustang project 45 years ago. Now, he has teamed up with some of the top automotive talent in the world to produce the 45th Anniversary model. It’s an instant collectible.”

Nearly two years in the making, the Iacocca Silver Edition Mustang is a collaborative effort by Iacocca, designer Michael Leone, and Gaffoglio Family Metalcrafters. The new business venture is called I Legacy. The Mustangs are being offered exclusively through Galpin Ford in Southern California.

“It has been the most amazing time of my life, working with Mr. Iacocca on this car,” said Leone. “This 45th Anniversary Edition Mustang is a rare, complex, elegant and extraordinary piece of moving artwork. With innovative technology, the visual impact of its fastback design and expert craftsmanship, it is truly exceptional in every way; the only car that can bear the Iacocca name on it. We couldn’t be prouder to have the number five car crossing the auction block at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas.”

Each of the 45 limited edition Mustangs is custom built by a team of talented artists using composite construction laminates, a reinforced material from the aerospace industry. The hand-crafted vehicles, all painted in a specially created Iacocca silver hue, are fabricated using the finest tooling, with each part separately cured in an autoclave.

The Iacocca-designed hood crest is custom built by a distinguished jeweler and every emblem is hand-finished and polished. Front and rear wheels are cast aluminum and chrome plated for a sheen-like finish and the center caps are machined and also chrome plated.

While the exterior fastback design of the Iacocca Silver Mustang is compelling, the mechanical underpinnings are true American muscle. The No. 5 Iacocca Mustang was specially equipped with a 550 horsepower engine featuring a Ford Racing polished Supercharger that includes dyno sheets and other documentation. The driver can harness the extra power through a quick-shifting 5-speed manual transmission.

Inside the Iacocca Silver Mustang, the interior is resplendent with luxurious touches that highlight the car’s special heritage. These include Iacocca Diamond Design leather seats with embroidery stitching, an Iacocca signature dash plaque with serial number, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with “I” badge and Iacocca-badged aluminum door sill plates.

“The most appealing aspect of the Iacocca Mustang is its sleek appearance,” added Davis. “Each line is clean, very sharp and seems to flow endlessly with the car. And the custom silver color is extremely bold, which embodies the spirit of the Mustang.”

When it crosses the block at No Reserve in Las Vegas, the Iacocca Silver Mustang will join a famous group of Mustangs sold at Barrett-Jackson.

“From first production Ford and Shelby models to one-owner classics, we’ve sold just about every Mustang possible at Barrett-Jackson,” continued Davis. “There’s a passion and aura surrounding the Mustang brand that is like no other, and it shows when one crosses our auction block. The energy will be through the roof when the Iacocca Mustang is sold in Las Vegas.”

About The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Ariz., Barrett-Jackson specializes in providing products and services to classic and collector car owners, astute collectors and automotive enthusiasts around the world. The company produces “The World’s Greatest Collector Car Auctions™” in Scottsdale, Palm Beach, Fla. and Las Vegas. Barrett-Jackson also endorses a one-of-a-kind collector car insurance offering for collector vehicles and other valued belongings. For more information about Barrett-Jackson, visit www.barrett-jackson.com or call (480) 421-6694.

LuxuryAutoDirect.com Road Tests the 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante

As most people are well aware by now, Aston Martin has been producing legendarily refined sports cars for decades.  Those slightly more versed in the subject know that the DBS is the brand’s latest V-12 flagship, and has gotten more than its share of press with its role as the new preferred ride of fictional superspy James Bond.  True Aston illuminati will also know that the DBS moniker is lifted from a late 60s successor to the DB6 and that Volante is the brand’s traditional nomenclature for a convertible.  So what makes the 2010 DBS Volante so special?  Quite a bit, as it turns out. 

 

For starters, this Volante is only the 16^th convertible that Aston Martin has produced in 95 years.  Though the automatic retractable soft top is largely identical to that of the earlier DB9 Volante, it is now for the first time integrated into a DBS, that muscular synergy of bulbous fenders, functional vents and twelve-cylinder power.  Like its coupe sibling, the DBS Volante features a six liter V-12 good for 510 bhp.  Coupled with the optional “Touchtronic 2” paddle shift 6-speed transmission, this car rockets and slaloms with the ease and grace of a video game.  Throw in standard 20” wheels and carbon ceramic brakes and the agile DBS Volante has the tools to stay glued to the road and stop on a dime. 

 

Aston has attempted to maximize the engine’s power by reducing weight in some areas, namely by using carbon fiber in the hood, fenders and trunk lid, and a fabric soft top rather than a hardtop.  Though it might be considered a ragtop, this smooth gizmo is a far cry from the wrestling match that was your dad’s MG.  Featuring a sound-deadening layer of Thinsulate as well as a more aesthetically pleasing alcantara headliner, this convertible top automatically retracts at the push of a button, stowing neatly under a tonneau that seamlessly blends with the trunk.  The collapsibility of the soft top also minimizes the reduction of trunk space, a contrast to the retractable hardtops that tend to significantly impede cargo capacity.

 

Though a standard drive mode is always available (certainly a better choice if one is distracted by phone calls or navi use), the true fun of the DBS Volante lies in its paddle shifting.  In this mode one not only more fully utilizes the engine’s innate capabilities, but also benefits from the beautiful exhaust note to be found in the upper tach reaches. The exhaust system features an active bypass valve that transforms the usual raspy exhaust note into a climaxing, monstrous explosion when the revs exceed 4,000 rpm.  As an acquaintance of mine summed it up, this pretty much feels like one would imagine the Batmobile does when it bursts out of the Batcave with fire belching out of its exhaust. 

 

Typical to all Aston Martins, performance is balanced with considerations of comfort and luxury.  Memory seats, iPod connectivity, satellite radio and a navigation system are just a few of the amenities that make the DBS Volante feel more like a Bimmer or Mercedes than a demanding exotic sports car.  And with the top down, this car is almost as easy to get in and out of as those more pedestrian luxury models, resulting in an Aston that is far more tractable than some of its competitors.  

 

The capper of luxury points comes in the form of the truly awesome Bang & Olufsen “BeoSound DBS” sound system, one that has been exclusively designed and built for the DBS.  With a subwoofer poised at one’s leg and 13 speakers peppered throughout the cabin (punctuated by two hidden dash-top tweeters just inside the A-pillars that automatically rise into view when the system is turned on), the BeoSound creates an acoustic environment that disguises the speakers’ location, resulting in a subtle wall of sound whose beginning and end are nearly impossible to discern.  Perhaps the best aspect of the BeoSound is an automatic volume attenuation function that senses speed changes and the top’s position.  Simply stated, the BeoSound automatically raises the volume to overcome any wind noise from acceleration and conversely, returns the volume to its original level upon deceleration or raising the top.

 

Aston Martin has forged an identity based on handbuilt cars that are sporty enough to compete with race-tuned exotics, and comfortable enough to attract the luxury segment.  No exception to this pattern, the DBS Volante is a stunning looker with nary a bad angle; it is exceedingly close to external design perfection and harmony.  And with the V-12 engine, there’s no arguing that this is a fast and capable performer.  But at 3,990 pounds, this is not a lithe track car…nor is it meant to be.  Likewise, with a dauntingly long front overhang and low slung chassis, this car isn’t predominantly characterized by luxurious ease of use…nor is it meant to.  Aston quite simply knows their market very well, and though this car may not be Ferrari fast or Bentley comfortable, it perfectly straddles that small gap in between, that target niche that the company has been mapping beautifully for the last 60 years or so.

 Specs:

 All-alloy, quad overhead camshaft, 48-valve, 5,935 cc V-12

Rear-mid mounted ‘Touchtronic 2’ six-speed paddle-shift gearbox

Max power: 510 bhp at 6,500 rpm

Max torque: 420 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds

Max speed: 191 mph

MSRP as tested:  $300,870

Photos & Text by Mike Daly

Drop-Top Revenge R/T Challenger is Ready for Vegas Baby!

With the International Motor Show taking place this week, leaked photos and debuts from Frankfurt are common place. Here is the first of 2009 SEMA Show photos to be released. LuxuryAutoDirect.com is proud to be the first to get our hands on the images of the “Drop-Top Revenge” R/T Challenger by Droptop Customs (A division of Convertible Builders, LLC) that will make its debut at the 2009 SEMA Show. If it is anything like its 2008 sister car which won the Chrysler Design Excellence Award, it will be the Crown Jewel of the 2009 SEMA Show taking place in November at the Las Vegas Convention Center .

2009 represents a year of financial turmoil that spread like a wild fire across the globe. Chrysler, not unlike many other organizations was not immune to the chaos and soon joined GM as both giants were ushered by our Congress into bankruptcy. With a change of leadership and forced intervention by the US Government, Chrysler reorganized and quickly moved out of bankruptcy. Those faithfully following the recently reintroduced Challenger saw rumors of introducing a 2009 convertible crushed and the masses watched intently for signs of Dodge pulling out of further production and ending what will likely be this generation’s last great pony car war. Instead, America and the rest of the world got a glimpse of better times and witnessed the resurrection of a Mopar icon!!

Special ordered from the Brampton factory by Chrysler of Cortland, N.Y,  Drop Top Revenge represents 1 of only 450, Deep Water Blue Pearl, 2009 Challengers built with a 6 speed manual Tremac  transmission. The basic design that comprised the early Project N96 concept actually occurred months before the order was placed.

Using scrap paper during hospital visits and later, the time associated with the many sleepless nights that followed a life threatening motorcycle accident; from the Shaker Hood and the custom graphics, to the Hurst Shifter the intent up to this point was to bring back the Classic look of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, with an eye for new and modern electronic technology. 

As a S.E.M.A. attendee for numerous years, the research associated with building Project N96 brought forth a certain show stopping car that won the Chrysler Design Excellence Award and had become the talk of the 2008 show.  It was a Snake Green Creation that the Chrysler Corporation commissioned to be built by a company called Coach Builders Limited (now called Drop Top Customs) A company who has the reputation of being the oldest convertible conversion company that specializes in OEM look, fit, and finish. This car was also featured in the February/March 2009 issue of Luxury Auto Direct Magazine.

What happened to this award winning show machine? After S.E.M.A. this car was quietly scrapped by the Chrysler Corporation! 

And so the final piece of the build fell in place…to cut a perfectly good roof from the car…and re-create the legendary look of the Dodge Challenger Convertible!  The factory order was changed….the car was re-routed to Gainesville Florida instead of to his hometown dealership in Cortland.  Having flown down to Gainesville to witness the first “cut”, here this build took its second and final turn!  Hidden in the corner of the shop, under cover and away from prying eyes…the wheels!   The wheels that were from the Original Drop Top Convertible of the 2008 S.E.M.A. show car.  They sat on a pallet.  You see, Chrysler did not own the wheels…so they were saved from the crusher! 

It was decided then, between the owner and the builder, that this was to be more than a convertible, this would become a tribute to a car whose life ended just as it had begun to live.
The Foose Challenger Classic “shoes” and the addition of Snake Skin Green highlights as well as the custom Katzskin Leather Seats are a tribute to the “Big Brother” of this little Hemi that there is nothing little about.

The addition of Green Halo effect lighting creates an effect that catches onlookers by surprise.  As though it stirs from within.

As though something lives within it.  Perhaps the spirit of Drop Top has been re-awakened.

This vehicle represents all muscle car enthusiasts who are aware of the story of Drop Top,  and it fills their need for…..REVENGE!

Photography and Graphics by Eyespike Design