Martijn Oremus on the BMW Art Car, Art Journey and what to expect from the carmaker in 2019

The recent Art Basel Hong Kong fair marked the seventh anniversary of the fruitful partnership between the mega art event and renowned German automaker BMW. We spoke to the marque’s new managing director Martijn Oremus about this successful relationship, its Art Basel highlights and what Hong Kong’s auto enthusiasts can expect from the luxury carmaker in 2019.

Tell us about the partnership between BMW and Art Basel, and what makes it such a successful one?

The partnership between BMW and Art Basel spans seven fruitful years, but actually, the engagement of BMW in cultural partnerships goes back even further, encompassing five decades. In essence, it’s creativity that ties everything together. Creativity is key, not only to art, but to innovation, design and technology. To that end, it a fundamental part of our business.

With Art Basel being one of the leading platforms for creativity, it brings together all the relevant people from an expansive array of industries in the name of art. We are very happy to be partnered with Art Basel, not just in Hong Kong but worldwide.

Martijn Oremus with BMW Art Car No1 at Art Basel Hong Kong — *Martijn Oremus, Managing Director of BMW Hong Kong, with the BMW Art Car No.1 at Art Basel Hong Kong*

What can we expect from BMW at Art Basel Hong Kong 2019?

We have a range of activities going on, and one I’m particularly proud of is the BMW Art Journey. Each year, we bring young emerging artistic talents and give them an opportunity to travel the world as part of this unique art competition. It’s not just a prize but an opportunity for them to develop as artists. At Art Basel Hong Kong, we’ve announced the shortlist of potential awardees for the next Art Journey. The winner will be chosen in the coming months. This year, we have three female finalists, which is quite special.

Tell us a little bit about BMW’s all-new Art Car. What were the inspirations behind its design?

Over the years, we have brought a total of nine BMW Art Cars to Hong Kong, but this year it’s even more exciting because we have the original Art Car No.1 from 1975. It’s a particularly special occasion because this was the car that laid the foundation stone for the entire Art Car collection. It was French racer Hervé Poulain who commissioned his friend, the renowned American artist Alexander Calder, to transform on his actual BMW racecar. It is that precise car that is on display at Art Basel Hong Kong, and is the pioneer for a line that now boasts 19 unique models. The Art Car really highlights to blending of creativity and artistic flair with our cars, which evokes emotional responses in people’s hearts and emotions, much like the world of art.

What’s can we expect from BMW in 2019? Which new models will be making their debuts?

First and foremost, we will have a range of new models launching in the market. First of all, the new generation of the 3-series. The 3 series for us represents the core of sheer driving pleasure. It’s the most dynamic and sporty car that we have, and will be coming to Hong Kong very soon. On top of that, this year we’ll be focussing on the luxury segment. For example, we will bring a revamped version of the 7-series, but also two all-new concept cars – the BMW 8-series and the X7, which will be the first full-size SAV in this luxury segment to be introduced to the market.

Thank you.

Interview and photography by: Tenzing Thondup
Video: Kingsley Lau

Auto Exotica: Speedy Sale for Lamborghini Miura ’70s Supercar

To describe the Lamborghini Miura as groundbreaking would be an understatement. This, after all, was the speedy Italian roadster that had single-handedly inspired the coining of the term ‘supercar’ when it debuted at the 1966 Geneva Salon. Five decades on, the few extant examples of this true embodiment of race-car royalty remain keenly sought out by admiring auto-enthusiasts. Indeed, their particular pre-eminence was underlined recently when a fully-restored 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, styled by Italian motoring marque Bertone, went for an eye-watering sum at the Sotheby’s Petersen Automotive Museum Auction in Los Angeles.

One of just 150 Miura SVs ever created and one of just 30 vehicles to be fitted with Borletti air conditioning – something of a luxury back then – the car was previously owned by Claudio Zampolli, a former Lamborghini engineer and the founder of the now-defunct Cizeta motoring company. Lovingly restored to its original specifications, it also comes with an impressive racing pedigree of its very own. No wonder, then, that this resplendent scarlet speedster sold for a stunning US$2.18 million.

Jaguar I-Pace: The Car of the Year at Geneva Motor Show 2019

If the trends at the recently-concluded Geneva Motor Show are anything to go by, electric cars are officially here to stay. Nowhere was this more apparent than in the Car of the Year winner at the show, which went to Jaguar I-Pace, British car manufacturer Jaguar Land Rover‘s latest fully Battery Electric Vehicle(BEV).

It’s easy to understand just why the Jaguar I-Pace, which is touted as “the world’s smartest five-seater sports car” won the coveted prize. Not only is it the most value-for-money compact car in the market, it also scores high on innovation. One of the most impressive features is, however, its powerful engine performance that allows the car to go from 0 to 100km in just 4.8kms.

The other pros of this dynamic 400-PS vehicle offers tons of torque and good on/off-road capabilities, according to vehicle experts. What’s more, its 50kW DC rapid charger is apparently one of the most common types of chargers available at public charging stations, making it super-convenient to power up the I-Pace.

Watch the video to know more:

Rolls Royce Silver Wraith: Rare car sees accelerated bidding in Mumbai

A classic 1947 Rolls Royce Silver Wraith proved the star turn at India’s first-ever online bidding war for truly classic automobiles, as organised by AstaGuru, one of the country’s leading auction houses. In the end, this most luxurious of land vehicles went for a whopping US$247,216 (HK$1.9 million), with the winning bid – from an anonymous Mumbai-based businessman – accounting for nearly half of the sales’ total takings of around US$500,000.

A product of the immediate post-World War II boom period, the car reflected the optimism of the times, as well as the reborn love for the finest things life had to offer. This particular vehicle was actually an upgraded take on a 1939 model, complete with oodles of additional legroom and a judiciously-enhanced 30bHp engine.

Stashed below its magnificent blue paint job, the engine in question was a six-cylinder Bentley Mark 5, an internal combustion system said to be so smooth that it outperformed the most luxurious of limousines in terms of travel experience. With few such vehicles ever coming up for public sale, it’s really of little surprise that the expected bidding shifted up several gears.

Photo credit: AstaGuru

McLaren 600LT: The latest car in the ‘Longtail’ series unveiled in Hong Kong

A sexy beast has been let loose on the streets of Hong Kong, and it comes courtesy of acclaimed automobile marque McLaren. Yes, we’re talking about the McLaren 600LT, the fourth model in the iconic Longtail range and so far the lightest, most powerful and fastest model to join McLaren’s hallowed Sports Series.

Explaining why the 600LT is a fitting addition to the Longtail range, Charlotte Dickson, Head of North Asia McLaren Automotive Asia Pacific, explains: “The 600LT is a testament to McLaren’s unwavering commitment to producing the ultimate supercars through pioneering design and ground-breaking engineering. McLaren 600LT pushes driving performance to the absolute edge.”

While it may seem a bit like PR speak, with its impressive specifications, the 600LT is more equipped than most to deliver on this claim. Indeed, thanks to its carbonfibre body and relatively light weight of 1,274kg that allows for breathtaking acceleration, juxtaposed with McLaren Senna-inspired brakes for accurate stopping, this car can be a fine example of precision control in the right hands.

With this wondrous automobile, McLaren breathes life into its famous Longtail range. The legacy of the Longtail began in 1995, when the McLaren F1 GTR swept to victory at Le Mans at the first attempt, becoming one of the most important racing cars in motorsport history.

BMW X5 unveiled at the immersive new BMX X Hub in Wanchai

Design. Innovation. Performance. Luxury. Versatility. These are the guiding principles that helped shape the renowned German car maker BMW’s latest automotive model, the BMW X5, launched recently at the brand’s Wanchai Showroom.

The unveiling ceremony was graced with the presences of BMW’s own Kevin Coon, Vice President of BMW Group Importer Office (Hong Kong, Macau & Taiwan), Joseph Lau and Andy Hau of BMW Concessionaries (HK) Ltd, and Gary Wong and Raymond Lee from Sime Darby Motors Group (Hong Kong and Macau).

Even without the impressively-arranged backdrop, the aggressive styling of the new BMW X5 is apparent, most notably in its one-piece active kidney grille and trapezoid exhaust finishers. The luxury Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) also boasts a higher ride than its predecessors thanks to the brand’s first-ever factory-available 22-inch wheels.

The BMW X5 also ramps up its power factor, with its 3-litre, 6-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo engine delivering up to 340bHp and the Dynamic Damper Control offering even better suspension. When paired with the innovative BMW iDrive 7.0 operating system, this is truly a Digital Age automobile.

To launch the BMW X5, the luxury marque unveiled a wholly immersive BMW X Hub showcase at its Wanchai Showroom, replete with multi-sensory experiences including a Digital Facial Analyser, Celebrity Audio Tour (narrated by HK celeb Timothy Cheng Tse Sing) and an Interactive Product Zone.

Don’t miss out. Register here for an exclusive chance to get up close and personal with the latest BMW X5 and see the newly-unveiled BMW X Hub first-hand.

The special showcase runs from now until 7 December, with six showings per day (11am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3.30pm, 5pm and 6.30pm).

BMW Wanchai Showroom. G/F, Everbright Centre, 108 Gloucester Rd, Wanchai.

Daring Drive: The 2018 Lexus LS500h thrills and delights in Hong Kong

Luxury Japanese automotive marque Lexus has Hong Kong’s auto enthusiasts at the edge of their seats with the latest hybrid edition of its flagship sedan – the fascinating LS500h. Nigh on 30 years after the original LS first took the motoring world by storm and became a byword for quality and comfort, this latest edition boasts even better style, performance and luxury accoutrements than ever before.

Every aspect of this flagship sedan exemplifies the legendary Japanese notion of omotenashi, a mindset of hospitality that entails going to great lengths to ensure a guest’s comfort and happiness, that Lexus is renowned for. This manifests itself in the technical details – like the intelligent air suspension system that lowers or raises the chassis based on the driver’s determination – as well as comfort-driven aspects like the Climate Concierge, which automatically adjusts the in-car temperature based on passengers’ body surface readings.

Outfitted with a brand new Multi Stage Hybrid System, the LS500h has a naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with electric motor that is capable of churning out up to 299PS and 350Nm of torque. When paired with its lean, sporty silhouette and premium rear-wheel drive system, it offers one of the best gas mileages, be it in city driving or highway cruising.

Speaking of the design, Lexus Chief Engineer Toshio Asahi explains: “We designed the 2018 Lexus LS to be spacious yet aerodynamic, comfortable yet high-performance, beautiful yet functional. It speaks of our uncompromising drive for quality and our obsession with detail.”

Visit the Lexus flagship showroom now to test drive the LS500h automotive masterpiece.

G/F Centre Parc, 11 Sheung Yuet Road, Kowloon Bay
http://www.lexus.com.hk

BMW hands keys of all-new 740e to the German Consulate of Hong Kong

German luxury automaker BMW is already world-famous for its ability to consistently deliver beautiful and technologically innovative cars. But recently, it added yet another feather to its cap when Kevin Coon, Vice President, BMW Group Importer Office – Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan handed the keys of an all-new BMW 740e plug-in hybrid to Dieter Lamlé, German Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau at an exclusive ceremony in the brand’s Wan Chai showroom.

Following a round of celebratory photo-taking, we sat down with Coon and Lamlé to find out more about Germany’s legendary automotive industry and Hong Kong’s own love affair with their beautifully manufactured vehicles.

What do you think is the reputation of German cars in Hong Kong?

German Consul General Hong Kong & Macau Lamlé: I believe Hong Kong absolutely loves German cars, especially when you look at the figures. 75% of all premium cars found in the city are German. I think Hongkongers feel a connection to our innovative designs, precision engineering and, of course, the high build quality.

Kevin Coon, BMW Vice President and Dieter Lamlé, German Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau at the BMW 740e Handover Ceremony — *Kevin Coon, BMW Vice President, and Dieter Lamlé, German Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau, at the BMW 740e Handover Ceremony*

What made you decide on the BMW 740e Plug-in Hybrid as your new car?

Lamlé: As the German Consul, I have to showcase German products and our country’s latest technological developments. The automotive industry is the backbone of the German economy, and we are the third largest automaker in the world, behind China and the US.

Having said that, my predecessor also previously owned a BMW, a i3 electric car, but as my family moved to Hong Kong with me, I needed a bigger car. I wanted to stay within the BMW family as an outstanding German automotive brand, and so I opted for the new BMW 740e plug-in hybrid. (The Federal Government uses the full range of German automobiles for their embassies and consulates world-wide.)

Why did you opt for a plug-in hybrid instead of a non-electric car?

Lamlé: Honestly, when you’re driving the electric car, you can barely tell the difference in performance as compared to a more traditional model. But going electric is not just the environmentally-friendly choice, it also promotes a lifestyle that is linked with the interconnectivity of a ‘Smart City’, which is where the future is heading.

Do you think electric cars are the way of the future?

Kevin Coon, Vice President, BMW Group Importer Office – Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan: Absolutely. In terms of BMW, itself, last year we sold a little over 100,000 electrified cars – which includes both full-electric and hybrid motors. This year we’re looking at an increase up to 150,000 units, which by the end of 2019 is forecast to reach over half a million electrified cars around the world.

Kevin Coon, BMW Vice President and Dieter Lamlé, German Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau pose with the i8 Roadster — *Kevin Coon, BMW Vice President, and Dieter Lamlé, German Consul General to Hong Kong & Macau, pose with the i8 Roadster*

What do you think is the next step forward for BMW?

Coon: In response to the rise of electric cars and the Smart City, BMW has invested significant resources to developing what we call ACES (Autonomous, Connected, Electric, Shared) technologies. Already, cars have become giant mobile devices, connected to satellites and the internet for up-to-date information relay, and it will only continue to be more and more so. We hope to remain at the cutting edge of that transformation.

BMW has also just unveiled its iNext concept car, which is a prototype autonomous vehicle that’s currently touring the world, which is very exciting. We’ve also launched the new 5 series which now has some of these autonomous driving features, and are currently working with the government to bring more of these technologies to the city since automated driving hasn’t really taken off here yet.

Thank you.

Interview by: Tenzing Thondup

Audi brings “A Symphony of Luxury, Performance and Passion” to HK

In a seamless blend of music and high-performance cars, Audi invited a veritable who’s who of Hong Kong A-listers to attend the luxury automobile brand’s first-ever “A Symphony of Luxury, Performance and Passion” showcase at the Central Harbourfront.

For one night only, the exclusive event saw a series of the latest Audi models unveiled while paired with unique music compositions played by a live orchestra that highlighted each car’s unique attributes. Among the models on display were the newly launched flagship Audi A8 L, the debut of the Audi A6 and A7 Sportback, as well as the reintroduction of the RS 4 Avant, TT RS Coupe Sportback and R8 Coupe V10 Plus – the marque’s cutting-edge supercar.

Aside from the beautiful cars on display, guests were also invited to sample a range of cutting-edge, high-tech entertainments including a Virtual Reality experience, a racing simulator and an Interactive Art Gallery which showed off the multi-faceted features of the A6, A7 and A8 vehicles. If that weren’t enough, attendees could also sample a series of tailor-made cocktails inspired by these glamorous automobiles.

Audi Hong Kong Managing Director Lothar Korn at A Symphony of Luxury, Performance and Passion showcase — *Audi Hong Kong Managing Director Lothar Korn at ‘A Symphony of Luxury, Performance and Passion’ showcase*

Lothar Korn, Managing Director of Audi Hong Kong, said: “This event features a glorious symphony performance interpreting the gorgeous temperament of different models. While bringing the best experience to our customers, it also makes Audi the most creative premium brand.”

All Aboard: Simpson Marine’s first Sanlorenzo 44Alloy sold in Asia

Asia’s superyacht selection just got a whole lot sexier recently when Simpson Marine announced the first sale in the region of its all-new Sanlorenzo 44Alloy ahead of its official launch next year. Despite being yet to launch on the market, three such models have already been sold.

Built to replace its predecessor – the Sanlorenzo 40Alloy – the Sanlorenzo 44Alloy boasts some truly impressive specs. Measuring 44m long and 9m wide, the superyacht is capable of reaching speeds of 23 knots thanks to an innovative aluminium La Spezia Hull No.1

The crown jewel of this innovative new vessel’s design lies in an two-storey, loft-style owner’s cabin – a first for any yacht of this size. The expansive suite even has its own private front deck area. The rest of the ship is no less luxurious, boasting sleek exteriors and spacious interiors. But should any potential buyer wish for something a bit more personalised, Simpson Marine goes the extra mile to offer an expansive array of customisable layout and configuration options as well.