Fiat 500C Abarth Maserati

Here comes another sexy Fiat 500C! This model is based on the Abarth version and designed for Maserati. Abarth 695 Tributo Maserati, don’t ask me why it is called 695. I really don’t know.

This version is only limited to 499 units and powered by a 1,4-lt turbo petrol engine (180PS) with automated manual gearbox. Actually, design features are more distinctive than the technical features, you may see this through the precise accuracy of the stitches on the seats. Eventually, the quality of the production is really high inside the car; the instrument panel is made by British brand Jaeger LeCoultre, the leather is sand beige Poltrona Frau, exterior is three stage clear coat Pontevecchio Bordeux and looks exquisite. And also a very nice diffuser at the rear end!

This car is a competitor for Mini Inspired by Goodwood and Aston Martin Cygnet. Actually, it is much better than the Cygnet, I am sorry but this is the truth. Why? Because, this 500C has a specially designed exhaust to give the impression of Maserati style excitement in a small car.

Pictures' Copyrights

Fiat

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Interview of Karl Lagerfeld by Karl Lagerfeld

This week, I did not hold any interviews but I would like to share the interview of Karl Lagerfeld by Net-A-Porter. Karl Lagerfeld is one of the most influential fashion designer. He is the design director of Chanel and also own his brand, Karl Lagerfeld. And he drives Porsche Cayenne, I still could not figure out why!

Here is the interview of Karl Lagerfeld by Karl Lagerfeld. Really creative job!

Picture and Video Copyrights

VW, Net-A-Porter

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The Best Car on Earth! The Most Complicated Question

The best on earth is the most complicated question on earth! Everyone has a different opinion, even every nation has its unique opinion. Most of the time, people never agree on a single brand for the best! The conversation starts with Mercedes, jumps to BMW, later on Land Rover, just pass by Audi, moves to Aston Martin, quickly ends up with Bentley! In the meantime, someone says something about Bentley and we start overall again.

In order to resolve this very important issue, I end up with making the best car on planet from the brands that we know. First of all, all electronics are made by Bosch and Siemens. You cannot change this, and I am moving on.

Here are my categories for the best car!

Exterior Design | Engine | Transmission | Chassis | Suspension | Interior Design | Safety | Computer Interface | Ignition Key

I start with Exterior Design; I suggest Frank Stephenson as the best designer. His work can be spotted anywhere on earth and probably his designs are more popular than the Da Vinci’s paints! Welcome to world of social media.

Engine should be designed and manufactured by BMW. They offer the lowest CO2 level and efficiency with the best power output. Also, BMW has Formula 1 racing history. Don’t start saying, Ferrari is better. I am trying to find the best of everything.

Transmission should be manufactured by Ferrari. Their new double clutch gearbox is a state-of-art technology, which combines the comfort of a conventional automatic gearbox with the aggressiveness of Formula 1 shifting speed.

Chassis is really important and should be done by McLaren. They introduced the first carbon fibre technology in Formula 1 races and they always use this material for their road cars (Such as; Mercedes McLaren SLR and MP4-12C). In addition, nobody can manufacture the carbon fibre faster and better than McLaren.

Interior Design, this category has one option and it is called Rolls Royce. They are the best in interior design and comfort. All their cars are beyond extreme comfort. You have to experience it, before judging it.

Safety is the job of the Mercedes-Benz. They introduced the ABS, ESP, ASR, crash prevention systems. Nearly every three or four years, they introduce state-of-art road safety technologies and the competitors cannot keep most of the time.

Computer Interface! Unfortunately, automotive industry still is not good when it comes to design user interface for cars. I cannot ignore the improvement, but still the screen quality is low, menus are sometimes complicated, touch screen may not be that good at sensing the touch. So, there is only one company left for this and it is Apple. Just look at the iPhone, iPad or iPod; they all easy to use and work seamlessly.

Lastly the ignition key! I cannot think any other brand than Aston Martin for this job. They are doing amazing job with their crystal ignition keys.

In the end, in order to manufacture the best car, you need to combine many different brands that would lead to destroy the excitement of driving a car! Each brand has its own unique characteristics, which makes them unique and diversifies from others. So, the best car is the best one that satisfy your need, not others!

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Apple, Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, McLaren, Ferrari, BMW

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How to Camp with A Mercedes-Benz Actros Truck?

During this week’s interview with Rob Halloway, he mentioned about his camping trip with an Actros truck. For people who don’t know anything about Actros, I would like to give a brief information. Actros is the top of the range from the Mercedes-Benz Truck, it features very high powered diesel engines with enormous amount of torque. The one Rob drove had 600PS and more than 2000nm torque, which means it is nearly ten times more powerful than a normal family hatchback!

Anyway, these trucks are designed for long journeys and offer state-of-art comfort for driving and sleeping. Double cab models offer two beds in the back of the cab, where Rob slept during his camping. Also, these trucks have automatic gearbox and lots of electronic features similar to passenger cars. Theoretically they are easy to drive but in practice, you need lots of experience!

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Interview with Rob Halloway (Mercedes-Benz UK)

Today’s interview is with Rob Halloway, PR Manager of Mercedes-Benz UK. He is the person responsible for the passenger and commercial vehicles, and one of the most active Twitter users from the automotive industry. We know each other through the Twitter and the MIPAA.

From the beginning, Mercedes-Benz did a great hospitality for me. They picked me up from the train station with a Mercedes C350 Coupe. It was a fully loaded vehicle with everything, radar guided cruise control, blind spot system, traffic sign recognition, and ventilated seats! Five-star transportation.

Mercedes-Benz HQ is always amazing place for someone, who likes cars. They have many different types of vehicles in one place, from trucks to AMG high performance vehicles. Actually, my best piece was Lego Unimog that has more than one thousand parts and takes around at least six hours to build it!

With Rob, we talked about the new Mercedes vehicles. In 2011 and 2012 Mercedes revealed many new vehicles; SLK, CLS, SL, M-Class, B-Class and Actros truck. He summarised each vehicles’ unique feature and explained the new crash prevention system in B-Class.

In addition, we talked about the social media, its role in automotive industry and whom should manage it!

And, his journey with the Actros truck for a camping trip! And you will see what he drive at work ;)

Again, thank you very much to all Mercedes-Benz team for their great hospitality :)

The Actros camping post is here!

More photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page

  

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Flash News: New BMW M6

A few minutes ago BMW released the photos of new M6. I never copy paste press release information but I do an exception just for M6.

For more photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page

Here is the official press release information for M6.

  

•   New edition of the BMW M6 in Coupe and Convertible body variants; generous dose of M feeling combined with alluring design aesthetics, a luxurious aura, seating for four and innovative equipment features; high-performance sports car with superior performance attributes and extremely exclusive character; BMW M6 Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible both occupy a unique position in the premium segment of the executive class thanks to their blend of outstanding dynamics, hallmark M conceptual harmony and everyday usability; further development of both concepts breaks new ground with significantly improved efficiency, optimised controls for individualising the car set-up and a wider variety of driver assistance systems and infotainment functions available from BMW ConnectedDrive.

•   Visually imposing body design with dynamically elegant lines and hallmark M athleticism provides an accurate visual showcase for the car’s high-performance properties; BMW M6 Coupe with strikingly contoured roof made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP); BMW M6 Convertible with high-quality soft-top boasting distinctive “fin” architecture.

•   High-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control; hallmark M power delivery headlined by instantaneous responsiveness and a sustained wave of thrust; highest output in the segment; 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, maximum torque: 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm; maximum engine speed: 7,200 rpm; engine output 10 per cent higher than predecessor models, maximum torque 30 per cent higher.

•   Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds (BMW M6 Coupe) or 4.3 seconds (BMW M6 Convertible); 0–200 km/h (124 mph) in 12.6 (13.1) seconds; electronically governed top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package.

•   Extraordinarily fine balance between performance and fuel consumption represents major improvement on previous models; average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle: 9.9 litres per 100 km / 28.5 mpg imp (BMW M6 Coupe) and 10.3 litres per 100 km / 27.4 mpg imp (BMW M6 Convertible); Auto Start-Stop function and further Efficient Dynamics technology as standard; fuel consumption of the respective predecessor models cut by more than 30 per cent.

•   Seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic; automatic gear selection tuned to deliver optimum traction, Launch Control and Low Speed Assistance; bespoke M gear selector; newly developed M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.

•   Power sent to the rear wheels; Active M Differential ensures fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels. Result is optimised traction and directional stability during dynamic lane changes and when accelerating out of corners.

•   High-performance characteristics with outstanding dynamics and precisely controllable handling, thanks to hallmark M harmony in the interplay of powertrain and chassis technology, aerodynamics and weight balance; weight-to-power ratio –   BMW M6 Coupe: 3.3 kg/hp (7.3 lb/hp),

BMW M6 Convertible: 3.5 kg/hp (7.7 lb/hp).

•   M-specific chassis with bespoke front and rear axle kinematics;

M-specific Dynamic Damper Control as standard; DSC stability control incl. M Dynamic Mode; M Servotronic steering; body strengthening using special panels; lightweight compound high-performance braking system; available as an option are newly developed, globally unique M carbon-ceramic brakes with optimum resistance to fade and wear, and lower weight.

•   Engine responses, M Servotronic mapping, Drivelogic shift program,

DSC mode, damper characteristics and information shown on the Head-Up Display can be programmed individually; two M Drive buttons on the steering wheel can be used to store and call up individually configured car set-up options.

•   Body design with classical BMW Coupe/Convertible proportions, customary sporty yet elegant BMW 6 Series looks and typical M sporting edge; special M design features provide an accurate visual representation of the car’s technical profile and performance; three-section, strikingly modelled lower air intake with aerodynamically optimised flaps; new M kidney grille with black double slats; flared wheel arches; hallmark M gills with integrated direction indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and side skirts; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; exposed reflectors below the rear lights; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; 19-inch (standard) or   20-inch (optional) forged M light-alloy wheels, each with a distinctive interpretation of the familiar M double-spoke design.

•   Luxurious, elegantly sweeping interior design with special M controls and styling features; newly developed M double-spoke leather steering wheel; M gear selector and car set-up controls on the model-specific centre console; exclusive M sports seats with integrated belt system (optional: M multifunction seats); Merino leather upholstery with extended features; exclusive carbon-fibre interior trim strips; illuminated door sill finishers with model lettering; M-specific instrument cluster with black-panel technology; 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, ambient lighting.

•   Adaptive LED Headlights fitted as standard, extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features, some unmatched by any rival: BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific information, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, rear-view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

•   Almost all BMW 6 Series equipment options available, including Comfort Access, active seats, heated steering wheel, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, Navigation system Professional, Bang & Olufsen High- End Surround Sound System.

Performance, fuel consumption and emissions data:

BMW M6 Coupe:

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.2 seconds,

acceleration [0 – 200 km/h (124 mph)]: 12.6 seconds,

top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189 mph) with

M Driver’s Package,

average fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp),

CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

BMW M6 Convertible:

Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.3 seconds,

acceleration [0 – 200 km/h (mph)]: 13.1 seconds,

top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph), 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package),

average fuel consumption: 10.3 litres/100 kilometres (27.4 mpg imp),

CO2 emissions: 239 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

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Interview with Ian Cook, Pop Bang Colour

Today I was with Ian Cook known as Pop Bang Colour for an interview. I was lucky to have an interview with him, probably ten years later, he will be so busy and famous it will take ages to contact with him. Why I said this? Ian draws his paints without the usual brush. He uses something else! Remote controls cars and tyres. Yes, all his paints are done by them. In addition, he is the only person on earth draws like this.

Therefore, I am not surprised how his work became so popular in last couple of years. He created a new dimension in art, no one else achieved before. And I pretty sure that His unique talent is going take place in art history, he will become more famous and ten years later I have to wait for months to have an interview with him.

I cannot say I am an art person and judge the paints. I am just a normal person, no talent for arts. However, when I see his works, I cannot imagine how he creates so many details with just remote control cars and tyres. We all can have these materials very easily but I am pretty sure that, we cannot paint something proper. Controlling the remote control and constructing story in paint is a very complicated process but he achieves this perfectly.

He works is not limited with paintings, also has contemporary sculptures. I had chance to see his works and took some pictures. They are also amazing, I think this type of talent comes from birth. People like Ian have these abilities, receiving the properly education makes them perfect.

For more check the interview and visit his website! Pop Bang Colour and Twitter @PopBangColour

And thank you very much for Harvey Nichols Birmingham Cafe and Studio Venues.

For more photos please check Cars & Life Facebook Page

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Bentley Time

Last week, after my Lamborghini trip I went to HR Owen Bentley London. I was expecting to catch the new Bentley Continental GT V8 but I was too late! However, the rest of the cars in the dealer were worth to see.

Especially the Mulsanne is my favourite piece. Like in Arnage, it reflects the Bentley heritage and combines with the modern technology. And they told me that, despite its size Mulsanne is still a driver’s car and offers sporty handling when needed!

And I would like to thank you very much staff of HR OwenBentley, they are great people!

More photos: Cars & Life Facebook Page

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