In what was surely a red-letter day for Hong Kong’s automobile aficionados, German motoring marque BMW unveiled two of the brand’s new luxury cars, with the sensational return of its 8 Series Coupé and the launch of its first-ever flagship model X7 at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Aptly named ‘Own The Moment’, the launch party drew the select VIPs from Hong Kong’s high society, all of whom got treated to an evening of high-octane entertainment. Here is our exclusive video footage from the event.
Riva Yachts, the pre-eminent purveyor of luxury Italian yachts, recently hosted a truly special celebration at the historic Venice Arsenal shipyard. The cause of all that fantastic fanfare? It was the seductive world premiere for an all-new flagship 50-metre model evocatively dubbed the Riva Race.
The debut design from the marque’s Riva Superyachts Division, the new Riva Race sets a new high-water mark for high-end maritime vessels while still retaining some of the iconic stylings and traditional touches that set its predecessors – the ’60s- and ’70s-era Caravelle and Atlantic, both created by brand founder Pietro Riva’s great-grandson, Carlo Riva – at the forefront of the yachting world.
The largest vessel in the prestigious yachtmaker’s back catalogue, the new Riva Race boasts a majestic and elegant design that truly embodies a ‘Made in Italy’ spirit. 50 metres long and with a maximum beam width of nine metres, its capacious interiors are stylishly elegant and comfortably functional in equal measure. Under the hood, its cutting-edge technological fittings offer passengers an unrivalled navigation and ride experience.
Speaking of the stunning new Riva Race, Alberto Galassi, CEO of Ferretti Group – which owns Riva Yachts – said: “The largest Riva, the dream of Carlo Riva that came true, a boat of immense beauty, could only make its debut at the Arsenale, which has been for centuries the largest naval factory in the world. The dreams, the skill and the talent that inhabited this space are the same ones that have animated the Riva myth in 177 years of history, up to the birth of this incredible mega yacht.”
Just when you thought the world of autocratic automobiles couldn’t possibly get any more exciting, the very latest supercar – the Bugatti La Voiture Noire – smashed all previous records by commanding a price of US$18 million.
Luxuriously crafted and exotically created by France’s Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S, a Volkswagen group subsidiary, it is now officially the most expensive new car ever sold. At least part of its value is down to the fact that it is a genuine one-off, with no take two planned for this most memorable of motors.
Undoubtedly the most remarkable motor vehicle to have been crafted in the 21st century to date, the genuinely magnificent La Voiture Noire comes equipped with a massive 8-litre quad-turbocharged 16-cylinder engine capable of delivering up to 1,500 bHp.
Describing the “aesthetic feast” that is La Voiture Noire, Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann said: “We are paying tribute to a long tradition, to France and the creative work of Jean Bugatti. At the same time, we are transferring extraordinary technology aesthetics and extreme luxury to a new age.”
Bidding a warm welcome to the sultry summer season, legendary yachtmaker Ferretti Group hosted a special Itinerary Show at Sai Kung’s Club Marina Cove recently. Designed to allow a select group of VIP guests and their loved ones to explore the marque’s latest designs, three magnificent samples of its designs – the Ferretti Yachts 920, the Ferretti Yachts 780 and an old version of the Ferretti Yachts 720 – were all proudly on display.
The Ferretti Group Itinerary Show, which took place from 25 May to 2 June, was hosted in conjunction with Hong Kong dealer Starship Yachts. The week-long showcase afforded the luxury label’s Asian customers a first-hand glimpse of the three vessels’ innovative designs, cutting-edge technological fittings, sleek interiors and inviting outdoor areas.
Simultaneously, over the weekend of 1-2 June, Voyager Financial Group organised a wholly unique Family Fun Day with the help of Ferretti Group. Over 50 children aged 3-10 and their parents were in attendance, being kept fully entertained with handicrafts, rope knot lessons and a dedicated sweet corner with unlimited cotton candy and fresh popcorn.
Be it exploring the maritime spirit of Ferretti Yachts or expanding their artistic side with handicrafts, guests spent enjoyable afternoons at Club Marina Cove in what was surely a unique bonding experience for all.
Last Friday, well-heeled mariners and their loved ones descended on the Aberdeen Boat Club for a truly exclusive event – the Prestige 520 Open Day. Hosted by Asia Yachting, the exclusive dealer of Prestige Yachts, the French purveyors of luxury yachts, lucky attendees were treated to a first-hand tour of the luxurious Prestige 520.
For one day only, guests were welcomed to peruse the luxurious fittings of the Prestige 520, as well as enjoy the comforts of its innovative stylings. Nominated in the “Best of Travel” category at the Best of Boats Awards 2018, this cutting-edge 52ft vessel boasts an XXL Flybridge, a feature unique in a motor yacht of its size. In addition to the vast panoramas offered by its front deck, careful attention has been made to create a wholly convivial entertainment atmosphere within its L-shaped saloon, as well as the spacious top deck.
With a cruising speed of 22 knots and room for up to 6 passengers, the newest iteration of the Prestige 520 builds on the strengths of her predecessor, while introduce innovative new technology to ensure that any seafarer who graces her deck will enjoy the ultimate maritime experience.
Click here to find out more about this motor yacht. Or, for details on how to purchase your very own Prestige 520, email marketing@asiayachting.net.
For one day only, Asia Yachting, the exclusive dealer of Prestige Yachts, the renowned French luxury yachtmaker, will be hosting an exclusive viewing of its Prestige 520 design. Hosted at the luxurious Aberdeen Boat Club, the showcase will take place from 11am to 7pm this Friday, 31st May.
The Prestige 520 Open Day will afford lucky guests the opportunity to view this award-winning design first-hand. Nominated in the “Best of Travel” category at the Best of Boats Awards 2018, this latest iteration builds on the strengths of her predecessor with an innovative new style that ingeniously maximises space and enhances comfort.
Featuring an XXL Flybridge – unique in a motor yacht of 52ft – the Prestige 520 also boasts an L-shaped saloon whose sofas and modular cockpit bench evoke an inviting air. The extra large windows, meanwhile, allow ample natural light to flood the space with unrestricted views of your surroundings. With a cruising speed of 22 knots and room for up to 6 passengers, this state-of-the-art vessel is a must-see for any well-heeled seafarer.
To RSVP for the exciting Prestige 520 Open Day, email marketing@asiayachting.net. For more information, click here.
Earlier this month, luxury yacht purveyor Sunseeker joined forces with Brit automaker Aston Martin and yacht dealer Nextwave to host a truly special showcase at Sai Kung’s Marina Cove. The weekend-long event saw an exclusive list of VIPs invited to explore all the latest models from their high-end inventories and view their sumptuous interiors first-hand.
The first of the three Sunseeker luxury yachts on display was the Manhattan 52. Winner of the ‘Flybridges up to 55ft’ category at the 2017 Motor Boat Awards, this sleek flybridge motoryacht boasts a maximum speed of 31 knots and a range of 230 nautical miles per trip. Its 56.6ft length has further been optimised to house a capacious living and entertainment space, while its main deck and upper gallery offer even more venues to relax and socialise.
Then there’s the stunning new 76 Yacht, built to harmonise performance, elegance and spaciousness. Boasting the latest V-hull design, the main deck affords near 360-degree views of your chosen surroundings. Personalisation is the name of the game here. The flybridge layout can be customised to allow for a spa tub, extra sunbeds or a space to store your jet skis. The cockpit area, meanwhile, can be adapted to include a cocktail bar, with the stern available for the addition of extra fold-out seating, a barbeque grill or even a rain shower.
Finally, the pièce de résistance came in the form of the Sunseeker 86 Yacht, crafted for the most discerning maritime wayfarers in mind. Measuring 86’3-ft in length, this exclusive vessel features an expansive range of up to 1,300 nautical miles per trip and can accomodate up to 8 guests and 4 crew. Luxury is the byword here, with the sumptuous main saloon hand-furnished with the finest interior decor and state-of-the-art technology. Below deck, the owner’s stateroom and guest bedrooms also offer extravagance and comfort in equal measure. Whether you’re in the mood for open-air marine exhilaration or a more sedately intimate gathering with loved ones, the 86 Yacht truly exemplifies high-end living at its finest.
Car enthusiasts in attendance, meanwhile, were treated to an up-close viewing of luxury motoring marque Aston Martin’s latest DBS Superleggera. This sporty supercar’s twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12 pumps out a massive 715bHp that translates to a top speed of almost 340kmph. When combined with its carbon fibre body, this luxury auto offers super lightweight yet aggressively powerful drive experience. What’s more, lucky buyers can customise the roomy interiors to their exact requirements. From start to finish, the new DBS Superleggera truly embodies the best of masterful motor engineering.
Text: Tenzing Thondup
The 120-year-old Former Marine Police Headquarters, now known as 1881 Heritage, was the venue for a very special car unveiling – that of the all-new Porsche 911. Now in its eight iteration, this iconic speedster superbly blends its traditional heritage with an unmistakably contemporary design.
The new 911 models are fitted with Porsche’s new generation of flat-six turbocharged engines, whose power is delivered through a newly-developed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. For the S type models, this translates to a whopping 450bHp produced – a 30bHp increase to the previous generation – which sees these sportscars zip from 0-100kmph in less than four seconds.
Aware of the demands of driving in today’s Digital Age, the Porsche 911 models been fitted with cutting-edge technology to ensure ultimate comfort and convenience to its driver, including a 10.9-inch touchscreen monitor from which to control the car’s settings. More interestingly, Porsche has also unveiled the world’s first Wet mode, designed to detect wet road conditions and adjust for a safe drive experience accordingly. If that weren’t enough, there’s also a Night Vision Assist function debuting in the new models, where a thermal imaging camera helps improve vision in the dark.
It’s not just the mechanics that have seen a significant improvement. The new Porsche 911 models also feature a more muscular appearance, boasting wider wheel arches, recessed bonnet, wider rear spoiler and automated pop-out door handles, yet despite its sportier appeal, its underlying charm is all classic Porsche.
Four new Porsche 911 models are now available in Hong Kong – the 911 Carrera, the 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, the 911 Carrera 4S and the 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. To find out more, visit www.porsche.com.hk.
The annual Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE) is the go-to event to explore the latest happenings in the world of aviation. At the 2019 iteration of the mammoth event, we spoke to Roger Sperry, Senior Regional Vice President of Gulfstream, to find out what we can expect from the luxury aircraft maker in the year to come.
What’s the highlight of Gulfstream at this year’s ABACE?
Once again, we brought the Gulfstream fleet to be displayed to Shanghai for ABACE 2019. Our display this year includes five aircrafts – the ultralong-range Gulfstream G650ER, the high-performing Gulfstream G550, the all-new Gulfstream G500 and G600, and the super-midsize Gulfstream G280.
ABACE is an important show for Gulfstream. Since 2014, we have seen our Asia-Pacific fleet grow by 24 percent, and in Greater China by 35 percent. In particular, Gulfstream large-cabin aircraft continue to do very well in this region thanks to their unsurpassed combination of speed and range. The G650ER is a great example of this. It just recently flew from Singapore to Tucson, Arizona in a record 15 hours and 23 minutes – 44 minutes faster than any competitor. This monumental feat proved our aircraft can get our customers farther, faster and in utmost comfort.
You’ve also recently launched a new aircraft, the G500. How does it compare to its predecessors?
In September 2018 we delivered the very first G500. Its sister aircraft, the G600, is expected to enter service soon.
These two new models represent highly optimised speed capabilities, wide-cabin comfort and efficiency, and offer best-in-class performance with advanced safety features. Equipped with touch screens, the industry’s first active control side sticks and fly-by-wire technology, the advanced flight deck further allows for greater situational awareness and crew coordination, making the aircraft the most technologically advanced in the market.
Providing best-in-class comfort, each aircraft offers the signature Gulfstream Cabin Experience: 14 panoramic windows, low cabin altitudes, a cabin designed to be the quietest in business aviation, high-speed connectivity and bespoke interior design tailored to each customer’s wishes.
How long does it take to deliver?
We work with our customers to design and customise an aircraft that is suitable to their unique needs and aircraft usage. That said, delivery times can vary.
How many passengers can your aircraft carry?
Gulfstream’s largest aircraft, the four-living-area G650ER, can seat up to 19 passengers and sleep 10. Each Gulfstream can be configured for enhanced productivity and comfort – depending on each customer need.
How does Gulfstream ensure the safety of its aircraft?
Our planes undergo thousands of hours of rigorous testing before they fly. Additionally, our aircraft are equipped with advanced and redundant features that enhance safety, including multiple touch screens in the flight deck, back-up flight controls and sensors.
Thank you.
Interview by: Dai Xuan
Known for its superb customer service, German carmaker Mercedes-Benz continues to delight customers not just by delivering the finest of luxury automobiles but with delicious fine-dining fare as well. The innovative pop-up Mercedes me Store, which opened last year, has continued to wow Hongkongers with innovative culinary treats within this dynamic space, which has been used for an array of lifestyle events as well as corporate functions.
So, when we got word that the Mercedes me Store had launched a new lunch menu, we immediately took the chance to see what had additions had been made to its already-impressive menu.
Upon walking up the stairs to its second floor, we were seated to an almost-empty dining area. However, within minutes of our arrival, every table on the floor filled up. The dimmed ambient lighting and busy chatter amongst the guests matched with the rainy-day sky outside, making it easy to forget that only half the day was complete, and leaving us in a boldly after-work mood.
Excited to try out Head Chef Joaquin Elizondo’s newest dishes, we began the three-course meal with the Whipped Sweet Potato with Sichuan chickpeas and home made lavash. Every bite was savoured as the hummus-like spread was ably paired with crisp pita bread bites, delighting us with a creamy Middle East-inspired treat.
Next to arrive was the Wagyu Striploin, smoked with spice rub and placed atop abéarnaise sauce – a presentation so wonderous that even the vegetarian at ourtable remarked: “that looks incredible”. And so it was, with the steak’s insides remaining wholly succulent despite our ‘well-done’ request – a true feat indeed. Meanwhile, the béarnaise sauce worked its charm as the extra bit of flavour to make the dish a must-try.
Last, but certainly not least, we opted for the Homemade Carrot Cake – moist and flavourful, but not overly spiced the cake offered finely chopped walnuts at just the right size. The icing was especially memorable as just the right amount of sugar was used, so one could truly appreciate the taste of the cream cheese.
With this innovatively re-engineered new lunch menu, the Mercedes me Store brings a delightful new culinary treat to Central’s already-bustling lunchtime scene, impressing us so much that we’d happily make it a weekly experience.
Mercedes me Store
Shop 38 & 40,
G/F, 48 Queen’s Road Central
Text: Bailey Atkinson
