From Bonnet to Boot, The New Lyonheart K Is A Truly British Luxury Sports Car.

Move over Bentley. Aston Martin be damned. Meet Lyonheart K, a new, thoroughly British luxury sports car. A modern interpretation of the classic Jaguar e-Type designed by Robert Palm in collaboration with car designer Bo Zolland, every single part of the Lyonheart K is developed, designed, and hand-built in England.





Over the years, the British car industry has seen many legendary names disappear or fall into the hands of foreign groups. Now, the new truly British car manufacturer, LYONHEART CARS LTD. has launched the Lyonheart K.




Robert Palm, CEO of Classic Factory, said: “We want to make the ‘Made In England’ label into a truthful concept, not just a statement. Every part of the Lyonheart K is developed, engineered and hand-built in England. The design clues of the Lyonheart K reflect Britishness at its best: cool, elegant, refined, understated yet powerful and dynamic.”





Exterior detail images:









Interior images:



Body and exterior:

• Carbon fibre body panels and closures.
• Carbon fibre front-hinged clamshell bonnet.
• Carbon fibre doors with aluminium side impact beams.
• Carbon fibre boot lid housing automatically deployable rear spoiler and fully concealed antennae systems.
• Front wing brake vents.
• Mirror-finish paintwork applied and polished by hand.
• Large choice of paint colours.
• Black matrix grille with chromed metal bar and 'L-Shield' emblem.
• Polished stainless steel brightware to glass surrounds.
• Chromed metal door handles, bumpers and side finishers.
• Polished stainless steel 'Lyonheart K' tread plates.
• Dual round polished stainless steel central exhaust tailpipes.
• Projector headlamps with light-sensing auto operation, daytime running LED signature and washers.
• LED rear light clusters and discreet high-level stop lamp atop car roof.
• Polished stainless steel, electronically adjustable and heated door mirrors.
• Keyless entry system with chromed metal door handles and red glass engine start button on gear lever.
• Soft close power latching to driver's and passenger doors.
• Park distance control to front and rear with audible signal and graphics.
• Dual petrol fillers with polished stainless steel caps.

Interior

• Carefully selected quality leather to all trimmed surfaces including seating, fascia, console, door panels, door pillars, headlining, sun visors, all stowage compartments and glove box.
• Large choice of colours in single tone or duo-tone leather and stitching colour combinations from elegant to sporty moods.
• Colour-matched wool carpet.
• Colour-matched leather bound wool carpet overmats with polished stainless steel fixings.
• Colour-matched seatbelts with chromed metal buckles.
• Veneer to fascia, continuous wooden waistline from fascia to doors, behind the seats and back.
• Large choice of veneer species available.
• High finish interior fittings in brushed aluminium or chromed metal.
• Engine-turned aluminium centre console.
• Polished aluminium switchgear and 'L-Shield'-shaped gear lever arrangement.
• Driver's instrument panel featuring chromed metal surrounded dials for vehicle and engine speed.
• Instruments are highlighted with Jade green traditional illumination.
• Minor gauges panel in centre console fascia with fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge and battery charge gauge, with central analogue clock.
• Passenger-side map lamp.
• Boot trimmed in leather and carpeted to match interior cabin with polished stainless steel sill plate.

Chassis

• All aluminium chassis with carbon fibre substructures.
• Double wishbone front suspension with electronic dampers.
• Multilink rear suspension with electronic dampers.
• Unique 20" wire wheels, highest grade of stainless steel spokes, Permatrue® technology assuring long lasting, durable and adjustment-free use. Optional: 20" alloy wheels.
• Wheel dimensions: front 20"x8"with 255x35xR20 tyres, rear 20"x9.5" with 285x30xR20 tyres.
• Speed-sensitive power steering.
• Adaptive Dynamics: analyses speed, steering and body movements 500 times a second.
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC): comes into play as soon as it detects the wheels slipping.
• Four-channel ABS, supplemented by Emergency Brake Assist.
• High Performance Braking System, with 380mm front discs and aluminium calipers.
• Active Differential: provides superior asphalt and loose surface traction.
• Electronic Parking Brake with drive-away assist and hill hold feature.

Safety and Security

• Dual-stage driver's and passenger air bags with passenger air bag deactivation facility.
• Side airbags fitted to seats.
• 3-point seatbelts to with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and force limiters.
• Tyre pressure monitoring system with provision for speed related warning.
• Vehicle Immobiliser & Interior volumetric alarm system.

Audio and Multimedia

• 7" high-resolution colour touch-screen: controls most major functions and keeps the number of conventional switches to a minimum. A masterpiece of clarity and intuitive functionality, used to operate the in-car audio system, the Bluetooth® telephone system, satellite navigation and the climate control. Automatically concealed under top dash panel when not in use.
• Portable Audio Interface: provides full-function control of an iPod or other MP3 player via the Touch-screen. USB storage devices can also be accessed via the Touch-screen and other players can be connected to the car through the standard 3.5mm stereo auxiliary input port.
• Audio system: Bowers & Wilkins™ 525W system with Dolby® Pro-Logic II Surround Sound for extraordinary sound quality throughout the cabin. Exceptionally clear reproduction, enhanced by Kevlar® cones in the larger speakers and aluminium domes on the tweeters.
• Satellite navigation system: controlled through the touch-screen, it will store details of up to 20 destinations and can provide congestion alerts, with possible alternative routes. When fuel is running low, it also shows details of the closest filling stations.

Comfort

• Seats with 16-way electrical adjustment, including lumbar support, memory function, heated and cooled.
• Dual zone climate control system: individual cabin temperature control for both driver and passenger. Fully automatic, with auto-recirculation, humidity control and automatic window demisting.
• Traditional, polished stainless steel bullseye air vents.
• Three-spoke, thin wooden ring with brushed aluminium spokes, multi-function steering wheel with electric adjustment for tilt and reach with memory function.
• Centre armrest with leather trimmed storage and multimedia connectivity and 12V power socket.
• Cruise control.
• Brushed aluminium interior rear view mirror with auto-dimming function.
• Remote-controlled garage door opener integrated in roof console.
• Rain sensing windscreen wipers.
• Power windows with one-touch operation and anti-trap protection.
• Twin cup holders concealed in centre console.
• Leather trimmed glove box with illumination and 12 V power socket.
• Leather-bound owner's handbook housed in dedicated stowage under passenger seat.
• Document stowage pockets to seatbacks.

TECHNICAL DATA

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Engine 5000cc Supercharged V8, 32 valves, Variable Inlet Camshaft Phasing
Max. Power 550PS / 405kW @ 6000-6500rpm
Max.Torque 680Nm / 502lb-ft @ 2500-5500rpm
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Emission Level EU 5 / LEV II
Fuel Transmission EU 95 to 98 RON
ZF 6HP28 6-speed automatic

PERFORMANCE
Max. Speed 300km/h / 186mph (limited)
Acceleration 0 - 100km/h 3.9 seconds*
Acceleration
*Subject to Type Approval 0 - 60mph 3.7 seconds

FUEL CONSUMPTION
EU DRIVE CYCLE
Urban 15.2mpg* 18.4 litres/100km*
Extra-Urban 35.0mpg* 8.2 litres/100km*
Combined 24.0mpg* 11.9 litres/100km*
CO2 emissions (combined)
*Subject to Type Approval 292g/km*

WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS
Kerb Weight 1575kg*
Gross Weight 1990kg*
Fuel tank capacity 80L
Overall Length 4749mm
Width without mirrors 1893mm
Height 1289mm
Wheel Base
*Subject to Type Approval 2752mm

Non contractual information. Subject to change without notice.

Price for the 2013 LYONHEART K is €495,000* ($643,518.31 USD) (Local taxes not included)

Delivery included in the EU and Switzerland.
Delivery in other countries upon quotation.
Lyonheart is not currently available in the USA. Boo hoo!!

*Based on March 2012 exchange rate, subject to change accordingly.


all images and information courtesy of Lyonheart Cars, Ltd.

Pre-order this beauty here

The Fiat 500 by Gucci Promoted With These Four Short Films By Various Directors.

About a year ago, I gave my readers a good look at the Fiat 500 by Gucci (and the chic matching accessories).

Now, Gucci's Creative Director, Frida Giannini, and Fiat invited Jefferson Hack (Editor in Chief of Dazed & Confused and AnOther Magazine), NOWNESS, Olivier Zahm (Editor in Chief of Purple Fashion magazine), Franca Sozzani (Editor in Chief of Vogue Italy), and Alexi Tan (Film Director) to produce a short film with FIAT's 500 by Gucci as the inspiration.

The results are the following four short films of varying lengths starring the 500 by Gucci seen through the eyes of some of the most visionary creatives in the world today.

Vogue presents "Reverse to Perfection" for Fiat 500 by Gucci Reverse to Perfection, a film by Francesco Carrozzini where luxury recaptures its place:


Purple presents "Polaroid Papillon" for Fiat 500 by Gucci, a film by Olivier Zahm featuring Betony Vernon at the Museo Casa Mollino, Torino:


"The Race", a short film by Will Davidson. The Fiat 500 by Gucci, an exhilarating embodiment of Italian spirit stars in The Race - a short film exclusive to Dazed directed by Will Davidson:


"Assembly line", a short film by Chris Sweeney. Chris Sweeney's film for the 500 by Gucci fuses two power houses of Italian design with a playful twist that brings the 500 to life in a completely unexpected way:



Get a good look at the Fiat 500 by Gucci and some matching accessories.

500 by Gucci

Prada Revvs Up Their New Collection & Ad Campaign With Vintage Automobiles.

The Women's Spring Summer 2012 ready to wear collection for Prada didn't strut down the catwalk, it drove.

Hot Wheels On Steroids - Slot Mods Luxury Custom and Replica Slot Car Raceways.

With humble apologies to Mattel's Hot Wheels, once you've seen these luxury slot car raceways, it's hard not to move them to the top of any slot-car hobbiest's wish list.







Slot Mods creates museum quality hand-crafted custom and replica raceway slot car tracks (of some of the world's most famous raceways) for serious slot car racing enthusiasts. Whether you're a NASCAR, Formula One or Vintage Car racing fan, these miniature scaled functioning raceways will blow you away.






From the pole position to the pit-stop, incredible detailing and beautiful craftsmanship make these perfect for commercial applications, showrooms or simply the ultimate man cave. Founded by David Beattie, the creations start at $15,000 and can go as high as $75,000.







A video of one of their custom slot car raceways in action:


Born from their passion of vintage racing, Slot Mods is now offering limited-edition replicas of cars from one of the greatest eras of racing inside which is a slot car raceway.



Their first offering: the RCR 917 that Vic Elford and Gerald Larrousse drove to victory at the 1971 12 Hours of Sebring. With just a push of a button, the body opens to reveal the ultimate slot car racing experience!



The RCR 917 is a faithful reproduction with fiberglass body panels true to its original shape. Specifications: rolling aluminum 3-piece original-style center lock wheels, race-worn tires, working headlights and taillights, and inside…a beautiful 1/32 scale wooden slot car raceway, featuring handcrafted, period-correct signs, banners, aluminum Armco railing, trees and structures.

But they couldn’t stop there. Also available to test your endurance, they’re offering the RCR GT40, RCR P4, and RCR T70. Choose period livery, or your own design.

"This is slot racing at it’s best!…combining the fun of slot car racing with the great tracks and history of the sport." Derek Hill – Race Drive & son of legendary Phil Hill

“Bodies provided by Race Car Replicas. Slot Mods has no affiliation with Ford Motor Co, Porsche, Ferrari, and Lola Cars.“

See their impressive portfolio and learn more at Slot Mods

New Mercedes Benz Film by Alex Prager Stars Lara Stone. And a Look Behind The Scenes.

Alex Prager’s New Short For Mercedes-Benz starring Dutch model Lara Stone (and shown further down in this post) is a bit Mary Poppins, a bit Wizard of Oz, heavy on the pretty and light on the concept. Given that it's one top model shilling for another, it may not matter. Both Lara Stone and the SL Roadster are nice to look at and the film shot by Alex Prager is compelling visually. I have no idea what it says about Mercedes Benz, but perhaps you will see something I don't.



press release:
Mercedes-Benz USA announces today the 2012 Fashion Collaboration starring the new SL Roadster with Lara Stone in Calvin Klein Collection, captured by Alex Prager.



The 2012 Mercedes-Benz Icons of Style images by Alex Prager can be described as: A beautiful woman stands alone in the desert, suitcases in hand. Yet in this 21st century update on classic Film Noir, the blonde is her own getaway driver, outpacing a tornado in a sleek SL Roadster by Mercedes-Benz.




The American photographer and filmmaker, Alex Prager, is known for creating surreal and enigmatic movie moments inspired by Frederico Fellini and David Lynch. Yet in her versions - heady with mystery, lust and desire - the woman is in control.



Of her enigmatic images for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Icons of Style, Alex Prager said she chose cinematic greats as her Icons of Style. "I constantly reference Fellini characters and Hitchcock as well," said Prager. Dutch supermodel, Lara Stone plays the update on the Hitchcock blonde, a strong protagonist who overcomes loneliness and fear. This inner strength is underscored by a timeless and elegant dress worn by Lara Stone and designed by Calvin Klein Collection's Women's Creative Director, Francisco Costa.



The SL Roadster featured in the latest Mercedes-Benz Icon of Style campaign, combines technical innovation with sleek sportiness and classic luxury and reinterprets the legendary Mercedes-Benz classic of the 1950s for today. Lara Stone commented, "It's an honor to work with Mercedes-Benz on a project like this.




Both Mercedes-Benz and Calvin Klein Collection brands represent great luxury and timeless elegance and it was a really unique experience."With a notoriety of creating images inspired by Fellini and Lynch, American photo and film artist Alex Prager, working alongside Creative Director Valentina Ilardi Martin, references the Wizard of Oz in the production of the A/W 2012 Mercedes-Benz Icon of Style.



But make no mistake, the femme fatale portrayed by Dutch supermodel Lara Stone is no Dorothy. This Hitchcock blonde is in complete command of herself, heady with mystery, dressed in Calvin Klein Collection, and aloof in the setting with the new Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster.


above: Lara Stone is dressed in Calvin Klein in the short film

In essence, this is the 1950s brought up to speed with today's look and pace: The luxury dynamism of the car and the timelessness of the fashion pieces designed by Calvin Klein Collection’s Women Creative Director Francisco Costa, all captured with a Hitchcock flair.

The short film:


The making of video:

Some production stills:




An interview with Alex Prager about the film:
Lara talks about the film:

Described by the director as “Mary Poppins meets The Wizard of Oz meets James Bond,” the fanciful short was shot in the dusty surrounds of Los Angeles. As well as conveying a sense of danger, Prager says her creation aimed to give “the impression that Lara is going somewhere interesting, off on a secret mission tucked away in those suitcases.” Known for her hyper-stylized, emotive work, the sought after young photographer and filmmaker was impressed by Stone's acting chops. “She was very on board with the whole tornado idea,” says Prager. “Being strapped into a harness with fans and rain blowing in all directions isn't the most fun thing to do, but she seemed to be enjoying herself and looking totally beautiful throughout.”



The star of campaigns for the likes of Givenchy and Jil Sander, Stone says she was more than happy to play opposite an automobile during her acting stint: “The difference about modeling with a car as opposed to with another model is that the car doesn’t talk back—which I quite like!”

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Collaboration, Icons of Style, is making its US debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2012 from February 9-15, 2012. The 2012 Icons of Style key visual is the latest in a stunning series of outstanding visuals celebrating the unique combination of design and style that is Mercedes-Benz. Nick Knight has posed Julia Stegner in Gareth Pugh with the SLS AMG; Miles Aldridge photographed Milla Jovovich wearing a spectacular hat from Philip Treacy next to the Mercedes E-Class Convertible; Craig McDean and David James staged Karolina Kurkova next to the new CLS and last season, Terry Richardson captured Jessica Stam on the roof of the A-Class concept car.

The protagonists:

Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster

above: unveiling the car on set

The designers have presented the most recent generation of SL icons in an unmistakable way, by combining a deep sense tradition with new perspectives and visions. The result is a stylish, sporty and elegant luxury sport's car with the classic, SL-typical well-balanced proportions: the long bonnet is followed by a compact passenger compartment and the wide, sleek rear perfects the look.


above: the other star of the film on location

Understated, artistically designed lines define the powerfully modelled yet smooth surfaces of its silhouette. Finely engineered details from the dynamic, traditional form repertoire of Mercedes-Benz visually underline the legend of the SL. From a technological perspective, the SL presents itself as a spectacular trendsetter. Manufactured almost completely from aluminium, it weighs a lot less than its predecessor. Innovations like the unique FrontBass system, which turns the SL into a concert hall, whether open or closed, or the adaptive MAGIC VISION CONTROL System are all pioneering developments with an eye to the future.

Alex Prager

above: Alex Prager watching a playback on set

Self-taught Alex Prager from Los Angeles is a rising star in the photographer sky. On a visit to a William Egglestone exhibition, Alex Prager made the decision to start taking photos herself. Since then, the 32-year-old photographic artist and filmmaker has impressed with her unconventional photography at several solo and group exhibitions. Her productions are inspired by the style of the sixties, as well as by the films by great directors like Alfred Hitchcock, David Lynch and Frederico Fellini. Alex Prager describes her photography as a documentation of a world that at the same time exists and yet does not exist. In addition to her well-received trilogy with the series "Polyester", "The Big Valley" and "Week-end", Alex Prager has also made a name for herself as a fashion photographer. Her "Lofty Ambitions" editorial featured in the September issue of US Vogue and she also shot the spring/summer 2011 campaign by Bottega Veneta with Karolina Kurkova.

Lara Stone


The native Dutch model is currently top of the worldwide rankings on Models.com. Since her breakthrough in 2006 she has been the campaign face for top labels like Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Max Mara and Versace, has worked with star photographers including Mario Testino, Steven Meisel, Craig McDean, Mario Sorrenti and Terry Richardson and has modelled on the catwalk for all major, international fashion houses. The gap between her two front teeth has become one of her trademark features.She is currently the face of Calvin Klein and has been linked to the brand for quite some time. French Vogue dedicated a whole issue to Lara Stone in February 2009, and fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld shot a short film with her.

Calvin Klein Collection's Francisco Costa
Francisco Costa is the critically acclaimed Women's Creative Director of Calvin Klein Collection. Mr. Costa assumed this role in 2003 after working directly with Calvin Klein and other top design houses of Gucci, Balmain Couture, and Oscar de la Renta. Mr. Costa's first collection for Calvin Klein Collection debuted for Spring 2004. Known for his timeless, elegant designs, Mr. Costa has received numerous awards for his work, including being twice named the Womenswear Designer of the Year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and is a recipient of the Cooper-Hewitt National Fashion Design Award. A graduate of F.I.T., Mr. Costa was born into a family with deep roots in fashion, and grew up in the small Brazilian town of Guarani near Rio de Janiero, where his mother and father owned a successful apparel business.

www.mercedes-benz.com/fashion

Calvin Klein

Alex Prager is represented by M+B