Wanderlust

Tag: green

  • Singer Presents Client DLS Car for First time in North America

    Singer Presents Client DLS Car for First time in North America

    Californian Luxury Brand Returns to The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering Showing Latest Work from both US and UK.

    [source: Singer Vehicle Design]

    Los Angeles, CA — Singer will show a client-specification Porsche 911, representing the results of its Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS), for the first time in North America, at The Quail, during Monterey Car Week on Friday, August 13, 2021

    DLS represents Singer’s exploration of the ultra-high-performance potential of the air-cooled Porsche 911, on behalf of their clients. All 75 restorations are sold. Operations for the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study are based in the UK.

    Singer will also present the latest results of its restoration services from California, referred to as the Hollywood commission, in Bahama Yellow over Forest Green. This car is inspired by the 1969 911E, restored by Singer Founder, Rob Dickinson, in 2003. After being used as a daily driver, the reaction to Rob’s car, also in Bahama Yellow, led to the concept of offering restoration services to air-cooled 911 owners. As such the 1969 car epitomizes the genesis of Singer.

    Together these two cars represent both Singer’s origins and its latest work on behalf of discerning owners and drivers.

    Combining iconic design with cutting-edge engineering and material science, the two cars embody the ongoing Singer philosophy – A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence.

    Singer’s Founder and Executive Chairman, Rob Dickinson notes:
    “The restoration of my 1969 car was an intensely personal project. I drove the hell out of the car everyday around the Hollywood Hills and kept getting stopped to ask if I’d sell it. My answer was always no. But the experience was the seed that led to the founding of Singer as a way to enable other owners to pursue their personal vision for the ultimate air-cooled 911.

    We’ve followed that path ever since, and ultimately it led us to undertake the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study. Seeing the first client-specification DLS car, from our operations in the UK, back here in California is a significant milestone for us. Side-by-side with the latest completed restoration from our California facility is a very proud moment and the ultimate testament to the talents of our amazing teams on both sides of the Atlantic and our incredible clients.”

    About the Dynamics & Lightweighting Study
    The Dynamics & Lightweighting Study originated with a request from Singer’s clients to further evolve restoration services for owners of the air-cooled 911. No more than 75 cars will be restored in the UK, each as a bespoke commission for its owner. The starting point is a Type 964 Porsche 911.

    In cooperation with Williams Advanced Engineering, Formula One technology allowed the development of aero-optimized carbon fiber bodywork, an extensive lightweighting program and a unique, 4.0L naturally aspirated, 4-valves per cylinder, air-cooled, flat six, developing 500 hp at 9000 rpm. A formation of additional technical partners included: Multimatic, Bosch, Michelin, Brembo, Hewland and BBS Motorsport.

    High levels of personalization are available for both exterior and interior, allowing each owner to tailor the precise specifications of their restoration.

    About Unico and Hollywood Commissions

    Specifications for the Unico commission

    • Naturally aspirated, 4.0L, air-cooled flat six, with 4-valves per cylinder
    • 500 HP at 9000 rpm
    • Bespoke double-wishbone front suspension and lightweight rear suspension
    • Lightweight magnesium gearbox and magnesium center-lock wheels
    • CCM-R carbon ceramic brakes with bespoke aluminium monobloc calipers
    • Titanium and Inconel exhaust system
    • Bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
    • ABS, traction control and electronic stability control with selectable drives modes
    • Nose lift, lightweight air-conditioning, heated front screen
    • Aero-optimized carbon fiber bodywork in Absinthe Green with Nickel polished bright trim
    • Light-ghosted side stripes with lettering in Blood Orange
    • Lightweight carbon fiber seats in Blood Orange with Nickel polished grommets

    Specifications for the Hollywood Commission

    • Naturally aspirated, 4.0L, air-cooled, flat six
    • Manual 6-speed transmission with RWD
    • Carbon-fiber bodywork in Bahama Yellow with light-ghosted side stripes and green lettering
    • Lightweight track seats in Forest Green with bespoke, leather-weave seat centers and brass grommets
    • Michelin PS4S tires
    • Carbon-ceramic brakes, calipers in Nato Green with white lettering
    • External center-mounted fuel filler and side-mounted oil filler
    • Titanium sports exhaust system

    Overview
    Founded in California in 2009, Singer has become globally known and respected for its celebration of the Porsche 911. The company undertakes bespoke restorations for owners of the air-cooled cars. Singer is guided by a philosophy that encompasses:

    • A passionate focus on iconic design and a homage to the world’s most iconic sportscars.
    • Highly personalized restorations with superlative attention to detail, guided by Singer’s mantra “Everything is Important.”
    • Modern engineering and material science combined with beautifully executed interiors and jewel-like details.
    • A deep connection with California and its automotive zeitgeist.

    Over the past decade Singer has become a luxury brand with a global clientele and is now synonymous with the concept of Reimagining – bringing together heritage with twenty-first century engineering and material science. The brand has been growing beyond car culture, with an award-winning Swiss watchmaking division, Singer Reimagined, launched in 2017. 

    Singer Quick Highlights

    • 2009 – Singer Vehicle Design launched – first Porsche 911 reimagined by Singer presented during Monterey Car Week
    • 2014 – First AWD restoration completed
    • 2015 – First Targa restoration completed
    • 2016 – Singer 67 company formed to undertake Dynamics and Lightweighting Study
    • 2017 – Singer Reimagined watch company launched in Geneva, Switzerland
    • 2019 – TUV certification completed for European markets
    • 2020 – Global Partner Network expands to Germany
    • 2021 – Global Partner Network expands to Taiwan, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand
    • 2021 – First client-specification examples of Dynamics and Lightweighting Study are driven at Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK and presented in North America at The Quail.

    About Singer Group, Inc.
    Singer Group, Inc. (Singer) restores and reimagines 1989 to 1994 Porsche 911s, based on the 964 chassis for its clients.  Singer does not manufacture or sell automobiles.  Singer’s Global Partner Network represents the brand across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

    Singer is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor, in any way, affiliated with Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche, AG. The Porsche® name and crest and 911® are trademarks of Dr. Ing. h.c.F. Porsche AG, and any other products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders. Any mention of trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only. 

    The product of Singer’s painstaking effort is a Porsche 911 restored and reimagined by Singer.  Out of respect for Porsche, and to respect Porsche’s trademark rights, this incredible machine should never under any circumstances be referred to or described as a “Singer,” “Singer 911,” “Singer Porsche 911” or a “Porsche Singer 911,” or in any other manner that suggests that it is anything but a Porsche 911.

  • HIMALAYA 4×4 Unveils Handmade Vintage HUE 166 DEFENDER with Upgraded Performance and Drivability

    HIMALAYA 4×4 Unveils Handmade Vintage HUE 166 DEFENDER with Upgraded Performance and Drivability

    [source: HIMALAYA 4×4]

    CHARLESTON, SC – World famous Defender builder HIMALAYA is thrilled to unveil the company’s newest handmade truck paying homage to the legendary HUE 166. Aimed at providing the best of both worlds for enthusiasts, the new $300,000 HIMALAYA HUE 166 presents itself as a perfectly restored Defender that simultaneously features an incredible list of luxurious upgrades carefully engineered into the truck to make it a joy to drive in modern roadgoing conditions. 

    Now new for 2021, HIMALAYA is celebrating that same legendary heritage by introducing a fully restored custom HUE 166 made for the modern road and beyond. Modeled after the first-ever production Land Rover ever made, HIMALAYA’s newest build features the exact same paint scheme as the original HUE 166. The HUE 166 was the first Rover off the Solihull manufacturing line back in 1948, and the “Grasmere Green” rig was Land Rover’s very first production color. The original HUE 166 was the dawn of the Defender as a world class truck known all over the globe for its dignified durability, handsome styling, and dependable performance even in the harshest conditions. 

    “Vintage Defenders are some of the most beautiful pieces of transportation ever made, but seventy-year-old trucks are difficult to drive these days. HIMALAYA gives vintage Defenders new life. The HUE 166 is our answer to enthusiasts looking for modern drivability and comfort in a classically cool vintage truck,” comments HIMALAYA President Greg Shondel. “Four years in the making, our new HUE 166 is a truck without sacrifices. This really is our company’s blueprint moving forward. The level of attention to detail and quality is always sky high for everything that we do, and this HUE 166 build really pushed us to perfect what a hand-built custom Defender has to be for our clients.”

    The new HUE 166 custom signals a strategic shift from HIMALAYA to a decidedly more modern vehicle platform where only the classic styling of the exterior Defender body remains. Powered by a fiery new LT4 Corvette engine smoothly paired with an eight-speed transmission, the Grasmere Green Defender is the most refined truck to come off the line from the South Carolina-based builder yet. This reimagined HUE 166 incorporates a four-link coilover suspension, Dynatrac axles alongside a powerful Brembo disc brake set-up. The result is that HIMALAYA has produced the smoothest driving rendition of a classic Defender to date. 

    “HIMALAYA’s new suspension makes 650 horsepower feel very natural, which on a truck like the HUE 166 sounds ridiculous, but it’s a complete game changer,” continues Shondel. “From a suspension and drivetrain perspective, our new custom Defender platform is a big departure from our previous builds. Anyone who gets behind the wheel of the HUE 166 will instantly feel how effortless this truck is in terms of power, handling, and modern amenity.”

    Modern additions from the HIMALAYA engineering team abound, including custom fender flares, rock sliders and power folding boards for easy vehicle entry/exit. Guided by a heavily modified Jeep power steering box, the new HIMALAYA HUE 166 can comfortable navigate nearly any terrain in its path. Incorporating dual air conditioning systems, a state-of-the-art audio system, and several other interior amenities, including a handstitched interior, HIMALAYA’s brand-new HUE 166 is its most elegant undertaking yet, and one that guarantees the comfort of driver and passengers alike.

    Priced at $300,000, HIMALAYA will be commissioning similar builds to the new HUE 166 based off the company’s new modernized Defender platform. Made by a team of dedicated technicians and expert designers with decades of experience restoring and rebuilding Defenders from every era, HIMALAYA is excited about the new series of applications the company has perfected following four years of engineering and designing their latest Defender restmod.

    “Keeping the heritage of the HUE 166 in mind, we really wanted to keep it as classic as possible and didn’t opt for any big winch packages or roof racks. Everything is classic in feel. We even designed the wheels to replicate the classic steel wheel look, but with Brembo disc brakes tucked underneath. The HUE 166 build is about introducing a classic Defender made for modern everyday driving,” continues Shondel. “Serviceability is probably the most important aspect of this truck. HIMALAYA Defenders have to be amazing to drive, but we also wanted them to be easy to manage for our clients for the next 10 years and beyond.”

    For more information on the HUE 166 Defender and all builds from HIMALAYA, please visit www.drivehimalaya.com or call 800-956-9481.

  • Only Fully Aluminum-Bodied Aston Martin V12 Zagato in Existence Goes on Sale

    Only Fully Aluminum-Bodied Aston Martin V12 Zagato in Existence Goes on Sale

    • Incredibly rare car is also one of only two pre-production coupes built from a limited run of just 64 models
    • Owned by Aston Martin until 2016, then bought by a high-profile collector, it has been the subject of a full recommissioning by the Gaydon-based supercar maker
    • Beautiful aluminium body features traditional Zagato styling cues, including a ‘double-bubble’ roof and short overhangs
    • Finished in Aston Martin Racing Green and currently for sale at Bell Sport & Classic’s dedicated showroom in Hertfordshire

    Markyate, Hertfordshire, UK –  Bell Sport & Classic is delighted to offer for sale an incredibly rare, limited run Aston Martin: a one-of-one fully aluminium-bodied V12 Zagato.

    Originally unveiled at the 2011 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the DB4GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato went on to win the ‘Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes’ before going into a limited production run of just 64 cars.

    All V12 Zagatos are special, but the model at Bell Sport & Classic is unique. Not only is it one-of-two pre-production versions, built to tour the world as show cars for prospective clients at exclusive events, but while all other cars in the limited run feature a hand-crafted aluminium and carbon skin, this car’s body is made solely from the lightweight metal.

    Owned by Aston Martin itself up until 2016, this right-hand-drive example was due to go to Zagato to form part of the design house’s own collection. However, a very special Aston Martin client – and the car’s only owner – persuaded the company to let him purchase it, and before it was delivered to him, underwent a full recommissioning.

    Originally painted Titanium Grey, it was refinished in Aston Martin Racing Green and the interior retrimmed, while Aston Martin engineers are also rumoured to have fettled the 5.9-litre V12 engine to give it a little more power than the standard car’s 510bhp. Under the bonnet, it also features the original plaque denoting its pre-production model status.

    Featuring design elements seen on previous cars from the Milanese carrozzeria such as the ‘double-bubble’ roof and short body overhangs, inside the hand-trimmed leather features the quilted Zagato motif, which is carried across the door cards and seats accompanied by a matching leather bag set. It also comes with a book detailing its recommission, further adding to its appeal.

    Tim Kearns, Managing Director, Bell Sport and Classic said: “We are very pleased to offer for sale this truly unique Aston Martin V12 Zagato. All of the cars in the limited run of 64 are, of course, very special indeed but this outstanding example is one of only two pre-production cars and the only fully aluminium-bodied model ever made. It has been treated to a meticulous recommissioning by Aston Martin itself and would be a wonderful addition to any collection.”

    About Bell Sport & Classic
    Bell Sport & Classic brings together a highly experienced world-class team to offer unrivalled expertise and authenticity across the sales, service and restoration of the world’s most revered classic and modern classic supercars, specialising in Aston Martin, Ferrari and Lamborghini.

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  • Audi A6 allroad Returns to USA, Including Limited Anniversary Edition

    Audi A6 allroad Returns to USA, Including Limited Anniversary Edition

    • All-new Audi A6 allroad returns following its original introduction in 2000
    • Offers high versatility and maximum comfort with enhanced capabilities on and off-road enabled by adaptive air suspension
    • Limited Anniversary Edition offers exterior design elements and exclusive Gavial Green exterior color is available in celebration of original allroad

    HERNDON, VA – Following the success and enthusiast fanfare of past generations, the A6 allroad makes its U.S. return in 2020 with a specially tuned adaptive air suspension and quattro® with ultra® technology. The A6 allroad is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 TFSI® engine that gives it the power to match the vehicle’s versatile character and distinctive design. Whether making first tracks on dirt roads or arriving to opening night at the theatre, the allroad remains the perfect car for any occasion. 

    Designed for adventure 

    The dynamic and refined design of the A6 model line is combined with striking off-road enhancements to emphasize the wagon’s distinct character. Wheel arches and rocker panels are painted in Scandium gray matte that contrast the body paint to emphasize rugged elements. For a more refined esthetic, a full-paint option is also available. A wide allroad-specific grille with chrome vertical slats and 20-inch wheels also differentiate the wagon from its sedan counterpart. Alu-optic finish can be found on the standard roof rails, front blade and underbody protection, and the allroad-specific diffuser in the rear, to further complement the Avant design cues of the vehicle.

    The inside of the A6 allroad yields a truly premium experience by maintaining the same extensive infotainment range and driver assistance systems that can be found in the A6 sedan. Further premium features include a standard dual pane panoramic sunroof, Ambient LED interior lighting package, and a Bang & Olufsen® 3D Premium Sound System.

    The road ahead

    A specially tuned adaptive air suspension with controlled damping allows the A6 allroad to switch between on and off-road driving situations, making it ready for the adventure ahead. Ride height is adjusted depending on the mode set using the Audi drive select system and road speed. At its maximum height, the allroad sits 1.8 inches higher than the A6 sedan to enable additional clearance over rugged terrain for a total ground clearance of 7.3 inches. Drivers can choose between six driving modes to best fit nearly any driving scenario.

    • Auto: provides the most balanced engine and chassis response (5.5 inches of ground clearance)
    • Comfort: lighter steering feel and smoother throttle input makes smooth and comfortable driving (5.5 inches of ground clearance)
    • Dynamic: heavier steering feel along with immediate throttle responses and sporty gear changes (-0.6 inches lower)
    • Individual: driver chooses each setting according to preference
    • Offroad: provides increased ground clearance (+1.2 inches) at speeds up to 21.7 mph
    • Lift: provides an additional 0.6 inches of lift above Offroad mode, when traveling under 21.7 mph

    The A6 allroad also offers additional standard comfort features including standard hill descent control, tilt angle assist and dynamic all-wheel steering. When negotiating light terrain, the driver can call up a display on the MMI monitor that shows the current tilt angle in the longitudinal and transverse directions – displaying a warning when the vehicle is at risk of tipping over. On a steep slope, the hill descent control limits the speed to a speed decided by the driver and brakes all four wheels selectively and individually as necessary. On loose surfaces the system provides an additional braking wedge in front of the wheel by using a special ABS brake function.

    Comfortable meets capable

    The 2020 A6 allroad is standard equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter TFSI® engine and Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology that work in tandem to efficiently produce 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The allroad uses a seven-speed S tronic® dual-clutch automatic transmission and standard quattro® with ultra® technology.

    Anniversary Edition: celebrating 20 years

    The available Anniversary Edition A6 allroad pays homage to the vehicle’s adventurous history by offering an exclusive Gavial Green color option, as well as Sarder brown Valcona leather with Fine Nappa accents. The special Gavial Green color in the modern Avant takes its cues from the Highland Green color of the original A6 allroad model that debuted in 2000. The Anniversary Edition also includes Fine Grain Ash Natural Noble Wood inlays, pedals and footrest in stainless steel, a leather seat base, and leather airbag cap with contrast stitching.

    For more information on the 2020 Audi A6 allroad, visit Audi USA.

    ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
    Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands, delivering about 1.812 million vehicles globally in 2018. In the U.S., Audi of America sold nearly 224,000 vehicles in 2018. 2019 marks 50 years for the brand in the U.S. Visit audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.

    This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

    When in Off Road Mode, always ensure that your vehicle is equipped with appropriate tires and equipment and always adjust your speed and driving style to the road, terrain, traffic, and weather conditions. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

    When using MMI touch response system, always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

    Driver-assistance features are not substitutes for attentive driving. See Owner’s Manual for further details, and important limitations.

    Only drive and park where permitted. See owner’s manual for important information regarding off pavement use.

  • Jay Kay’s Verde Signal LaFerrari a Crowd Pleaser at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Jay Kay’s Verde Signal LaFerrari a Crowd Pleaser at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Maranello, Italy – Ferrari was definitely one of the main attractions over the three days of the Festival of Speed held at Goodwood this weekend, both with the drivers and F1 cars of the Scuderia and its road cars. The one that drew the most admiring glances in England was definitely the LaFerrari. On the Goodwood hill, there were no less than two, one of which caught the eye, not just because of its exclusivity and performance, but because it is painted green.

    Editor’s Note: By most accounts, the color on this LaFerrari is Verde Signal, better known as Signal Racing Green (signalgrün; non-metallic uni; 22S / R6001 / 6829 / 217 / 7878 / L62Y / 22S / M1; Porsche).

    [source: Ferrari]

    The car belongs in fact to Jay Kay, lead singer with Jamiroquai, who is a major Ferrari collector. He drove his car up the hill and also signed autographs for the crowd. “I own an F40, an Enzo and now the LaFerrari, three unique cars and with the last one, it’s incredible just how much advanced technological research is behind it. Tackling the Goodwood hill in the LaFerrari is an incredible feeling,” added Jay Kay. “My Enzo is black with a green interior and so I went for the same scheme but switching the colours round. I’ve always liked green cars and green interiors and green in general. It gives me a thrill”.