New BMW i8 Roadster ideal for top-down fun in the sun

The BMW i8 Roadster had many a gearhead in a tizzy when it made its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show earlier this year. And now, this futuristic, tech-laden automobile has finally landed in Hong Kong’s streets, just in time for the city’s car lovers to take it for a test drive and have some top-down fun in the summer sun.

The soft-top new BMW i8 Roadster is the first-ever two-seater, plug-in hybrid supercar to go into commercial production. Hailed as the turbo-driven phenomenon of tomorrow, this truly designer drive boasts futuristic exteriors, the brand’s in-house iDrive technology, and truly top-notch interiors.

Part of BMW’s electric ‘Project i’ fleet, its cutting-edge hybrid engine is capable of travelling up to 54 kilometres without producing any emission while still cruising speedily at up to 120kmph.

Blending environmental responsibility with all the poise of a fully paid-up member of automotive aristocracy, the BMW i8 Roadster is truly one of the motor highlights of the year.

Record numbers of Ferrari Dino cars gather to mark the model’s 50th anniversary

Last week, Maranello, home of supercar maker Ferrari, hosted a special gathering to pay tribute to the 50th anniversary of one of its most well-loved cars – the Ferrari Dino. More than 150 specimens of the classic supercar came together for this special occasion.

The original Ferrari Dino was designed by founder Enzo Ferrari’s son, who unveiled a prototype of the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive sports car at the Paris Motor Show in 1965. Three years later and exactly half a century ago, the first production model took to the streets.

The day’s festivities began with Ferrari Dino owners gathering at the Maranello Museum, followed by drive around its iconic Fiorano race track. Invited attendees were then given an exclusive tour of the Italian car maker’s factory, before closing the day with a full-fledged motor parade through the historic arch of Via Abetone Inferiore.

Ferretti Yachts celebrates 50th anniversary in Venice

Ferretti Yachts, that renowned Italian purveyor of luxury boats fit for royalty and Hollywood icons alike, staged a jaw-dropping birthday bash in Venice to celebrate its 50th anniversary last weekend.

The extremely exclusive gala dinner was hosted at the Doge’s Palace, a venue usually inaccessible to the public. VIP guests came dressed to impress, and were treated to amazing aeronautical gymnastics courtesy of the Frecce Tricolori, the legendary acrobatic arm of the Italian air force, as well as a beautiful parade of Ferretti Yachts models in the waters directly in front of the historic Palazzo.

The evening culminated in a tantalizing dinner served in the main hall of the palace, the first such gathering to be allowed within this hallowed space since the late 18th century, when the last Doge died. Taking place of pride in the expansive room was famed artist Tintorini’s Il Paradiso, the largest canvas oil painting in the world.

Ferretti Yachts 920 Tai He Ban version: The ultimate yacht for entertaining

2018 marks a very important milestone for Ferretti Yachts, as the brand celebrates its 50^th year in business this year.

To commemorate the event, the Ferretti Group made its worldwide debut of the FY920 in its Tai He Ban version at the 2018 Ferretti Group Itinerary Show held at the impressive Club Marina Cove in Hong Kong.

Celebrating Ferretti’s string of stunning yachts and successes, the 10-day event was an opportunity for visitors to tour both the FY920 THB and Riva 100’ Corsaro, two exceptional boats offered by Ferretti Group and to witness some of the brand’s most successful models.

According to the brand’s sales manager, Fabiomassimo Discoli, the Asian market tends to enjoy having more social interaction spaces rather than guest bedrooms. With this in mind, Ferretti Group has paid special attention to maximising the entertainment areas on board the Ferretti Yachts 920 Tai He Ban. Discoli explains the rationale behind the decision: “As a key player in the Asian nautical scene, we have deeply studied and understood the needs of the market. Asian customers use their yachts less for long vacations and cruises and more for entertainment and socialisation with guests. Most of the yachts are used during the day, which is why there is more need for entertainment spaces than bedrooms. We have listened and responded to this need with the Ferretti Yachts 920 Tai He Ban edition.”

With the Ferretti 920 THB already getting a good response, it’s evident that the Ferretti Group has struck the right chord with its Asian clients.

Text: Suchetana Mukhopadhyay; Video: Lai Tin Yeung

One-off Ferrari SP 38 with custom-ordered specs revealed

This week, a one-off Ferrari SP 38 was unveiled in Fiorano, Italy. This supercar is the latest offspring of the Italian marque’s One-Off programme, a specialised means to allow true fans of the brand to order custom-built dream cars.

The unique Ferrari SP 38 draws its design inspirations from the award-winning 488 GTB, from its chassis and running gear right down to its 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which generates a staggering 600bhp.

What truly sets it apart, though, is the custom-designed bodywork. Here, elements of the brand’s classic F40 are clearly visible, from the sloping front hood to the rear-focused weight distribution.

Painted in the Prancing Horse’s iconic red and replete with a ‘Tailor Made’ cabin design, the Ferrari SP 38 will make its public debut today at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

Beneteau shines bright at 2018 Asian Marine and Boating Awards

Boating enthusiasts and industry leaders descended on Shanghai two weeks ago for the annual Asian Marine and Boating Awards. The event, which honours outstanding winners from across the breadth of Asia, saw luxury yachtmaker Beneteau nab two highly-coveted awards in one single swoop.

Beneteau received its first accolade of the evening – Best Sailing Boat over 40ft – for its much-lauded Oceanis Yacht 62. First unveiled in 2016, this model blends high performance and precision maneuverability with the utmost levels of comfort and luxury, and has already received the title of European Yacht of the Year 2017.

Beneteau team win big at 2018 Asian Marine and Boating Awards — *Beneteau collects two coveted accolades at the 2018 Asian Marine and Boating Awards*

Beneteau’s second triumph of the night was being awarded Best Brand Penetration in Asia. It was, perhaps, the logical choice, given the yacht maker’s dedication to and investment within the region over the last decade.

Take a virtual tour of the award-winning Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 62 below.

New Mercedes me store boasts all-inclusive customer experience

Two weeks ago, German luxury auto brand Mercedes launched its latest Mercedes me store in Central. Built on a haus (home in German) style principle of service, the new venue provides a home away from home for loyal Mercedes customers.

Visitors to the new 500sqm venue will be greeted by an entrance living room, a boutique retail area in addition to housing the latest luxury car models in its garage area. To go the extra mile, Mercedes is also offering an all-day dining location on site, which will offer guests tasty treats and cocktails from morning to night.

Over 1,000 honoured guests were invited to celebrate the opening of this latest Mercedes me store. Attendees were treated to live musical performances, tasty treats, as well as a first look at the Mercedes-AMG Vision Gran Turismo – a car that made its debut in the superhero-studded Justice League blockbuster.

To book your own visit to the new Mercedes me store, visit reservations@mmehk.com or call 2598 7080.

Mercedes me store
G/F, Manning House, 48 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
www.mercedes.me/hongkong

The roarsome new 2018 BMW M5 makes its much-awaited Hong Kong debut

The latest generation of the ever-popular BMW M5 model has finally arrived on Hong Kong’s shores. Thanks to the brand’s well-known dedication to craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology, this new car boasts even more advanced specs than its predecessors.

First of all, there’s the 4.4-litre V8 engine which delivers up to 600bhp and 750Nm of torque, and can zip from 0 to 100km/h in a speedy 3.4 seconds (the fastest acceleration of any M Series to date). What’s more, it comes equipped with the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that can comfortably take riders on even the most challenging of terrains.

Blending performance and comfortability in one perfect package, the BMW M5 offers individualisable options designed to suit its driver’s every need. With just the touch of a button, this ‘roarsome’ four-door sedan shifts seamlessly between Efficient, Sport and Sport Plus modes.

Keen to get a glimpse at its extreme sports and handling capabilities? Check out the clip below of the BMW M5 clinching a Guiness World Records title for the longest vehicle drift ever at 8 hours.

The Evolution of Bentley: Exploring 90 years of iconic cars

Since opening its doors in 1919, British car manufacturer Bentley has become one of the most beloved motoring brands in the world, synonymous with luxury, quality and impeccable attention to detail. We take a look back at some of the iconic cars that have punctuated the evolution of Bentley over the last century, from the infamous 4½-litre Blower to the most recent Continental GT, which we reviewed here.

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And now the latest chapter in the evolution of Bentley has been unveiled: the Bentayga Hybrid. Check out this innovative new concept car in the video below.