After working on machines powered by BMW and Ferrari engines (Wazuma V8F) among others, Ludovic Lazareth went digging into the Maserati catalog to find a motor that would fit his latest project, which he recently unveiled at the Geneva show.  Enter the outrageous Lazareth LM 847. The weird looking beast you see here weighs in at a massive 882 lbs (400 kg) and measures 8.7 ft (2.65 m) in length and 3 ft (0.9 m) in width, so it’s safe to say you need to be a strong fella to keep it under control.  Its heart beats to the rhythm of a 32-valve V8 borrowed from a Maserati Quattroporte, which develops no less than 470 horsepower at 7000 revs/min.  Everything is transmitted to the ground via four Michelin Power Cup Evo tires.  Yes, you read right!  Under its gargantuan body, the LM 847 has in fact four wheels, the rear ones featuring two chain drives and two single-sided swingarms (one for each) with a transversely-mounted TFX rear shock, while the front has hub-steered front wheels (each with its own shock) and Buell-style rim-mounted brakes. Other crazy details include winged front lamps, split carbon fiber aerodynamic shields, a bulky air intake behind the screen, out-of-place footboards, single-speed transmission with hydraulic coupling & electric reverse, and a Ducati Panigale tail section.  We don’t know how this monstrous vehicle handles on the road, but it sure makes a bold statement, both visually & mechanically.

For travelers who enjoy the comforts of traditional train travel but need the speed of an intercontinental jet, a new interior from Airbus creates a synchronisation of the differing luxuries provided by both. The Airbus Corporate Jet Centre, in Toulouse, France, has completed an art deco–inspired custom cabin in an ACJ319 jet for a company in Asia. Combining comfort, function, and innovative design, the interior (for up to 19 passengers) features five individual mini-suites—each with its own storage spaces—that evoke the privacy and coziness of a vintage-train cabin.

wide main lounge

A wide main lounge adjoins a separate parlor where two passengers can share a widescreen movie. The master bedroom offers an en suite bathroom with a square shower, a private office space, and a two-place sofa that can convert to a conversation nook, with two VIP seats separated by a low table.

brown cream palette

A brown-and-cream palette creates a sense of space and simplicity in the cabin, and gold-colored details enhance the classic retro aura. The dining area seats up to six in a snug booth-like setting. The retro styling is paired with state-of-the-art amenities and cabin controls. All 15 of the seats can recline to a fully flat position and are adjustable via Wi-Fi from a digital tablet.

two cocktail bars

Two cocktail bars are hidden behind mirrors, emerging when needed with the push of a button. The cabin design was the most complex challenge ever completed by Airbus, the company said. The ACJ319 cabin is 78 feet long by 12 feet wide, and the jet can travel up to 6,900 miles nonstop, at speeds up to about 540 mph.

Now that’s what we call the best of both worlds!

vintage train

(Source: www.robbreport.com)

As one of the safest cars in the world makes its way to India, billionaires, celebrities and political personalities can now commute safely in the country with the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 Guard. Last year has been iconic for Mercedes-Benz with over 10 launches. But in 2016 it has created a new benchmark in the category of highly exclusive armoured vehicles in India with the launch of the Maybach S600 Guard. It is certified with the highest ballistic and blast protection level of VR 10 available for a non-military vehicle. Additionally, it comes with various safety features including cabin fresh air system and a fire extinguisher system with automatic activation. The vehicle is powered by a V12 petrol engine that generates 390 kW and has a7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. It achieves a top speed of 190 km/h. All this protection doesn’t come at the cost of comfort. The S 600 Guard features elegant and spacious interiors, and is available as both a 4-seater and a 5-seater car. The seats have complete infotainment access and come with heating and massage systems. Speaking on the launch, Eberhard Kern, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India stated, “We are glad to introduce this ‘fortress on wheels’ for our exclusive set of high profile Indian customers, who require the highest levels of protection when on the move.” Markus Rubenbauer, Head Guard Sales, further added, “This is the first vehicle in Germany to be offered with the highest class of ballistic protection (VR9), which can withstand rifle fire from military weapons and protection from grenades and explosive charges. We are very pleased to present this engineering marvel and epitome of luxury for Indian customers”. The estimated cost of the Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 Guard is INR 10.5 crores and its expected to be available in the market shortly.

For $7000 to $10,000 a kilogram, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Beluga caviar is arguably one of the most expensive types of caviar. This exquisite black, pearlescent wonder is primarily found in the world’s largest salt-water lake, or the Caspian Sea. The Beluga caviar is also less commonly found in the Black Sea basin and in the Adriatic Sea. Caviar is harvested from the increasingly endangered Beluga sturgeon in a tricky game of time. Ideally, the eggs from a female sturgeon is said to be the most flavorful and taut three days before she labours. Eggs taken too early are fat and gooey without the signature caviar “pop” when eaten. Too late and the caviar is a milky mess. The caviar is an extraordinary food and should therefore be eaten as such. That means an absolute no-no to metal spoons, which will alter the taste dramatically, adding an awfully metallic taste. Caviars should always be served raw, eaten best with crystal, bone or mother-of-pearl spoons to preserve the exquisitely authentic taste. Caviar is also best taken as it is; while it is tempting to season the lavish eggs to enhance their taste, or serve it with crisp, buttered toast, the caviar can also be eaten on its own. Also, remember that traditional etiquette dictates the caviar to be taken in small bites for a balanced and authentic experience that is not too overwhelming. Finally, no matter what caviar you have, it must be served chilled.

Looks like Chanel is on a drive to sign up celebrity kids as ambassadors. Creative director and designer Karl Lagerfeld recently appointed Will Smith’s daughter,Willow Smith, as Chanel’s new brand ambassador. After being spotted by Lagerfeld in a magazine’s fashion shoot in 2014, Willow Smith has become his muse since; he was left impressed by how the 15-year-old songwriter and actress has been setting trends and holds a knack for good fashion. While her role in Chanel’s upcoming campaigns and collections is yet to be disclosed, the young celebrity kid is already seen posing in Chanel creations at various events, her recent being the Chanel show at the Paris Fashion Week. In the league of Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart and Lily Rose-Depp, the future already looks bright for this young trendsetter.

Geneva Motor Show may be dazzling the world with brand new cars, but riding a sporty bicycle on an open road has its own charm. Just in time for summer, German automobile giant  BMW has released four new bikes. BMW has produced some really sturdy bicycles in the past, and now it has introduced new models with a revised design with a host of innovative additions. The first one is a BMW Cruise bicycle available in three sizes. It is specially designed to match the rider’s body size and is ideal for city rides. The BMW Cruise M Bike mixes functional design and smooth looks. Inspired by the M-Type cars, this one is ideal for slopes and flat spaces. The Cruise e-Bike is the luxe electric variant. It has an aluminium frame made by Bosch; the bike cruises at a top speed of 25 kmph. The motor runs on 400 Wh battery. Finally, the Cruise Bike Junior is ideal for the billionaire kids as it is lightweight and offers a 6-speed Shimano gear system. All four models of the bikes will available from April 2016. Prices for adult bikes start at €995 (approx. INR 73.796), while the junior ones cost €450 (approx. INR 33,375).

Celebrating her timeless line of Indian wear, veteran designer Anita Dongre unveiled a brand new boutique in the posh neighbourhood of Kemps Corner in Mumbai. Right next to Meena Bazaar, Shyamal & Bhumika and other well-known bridal destinations in the vicinity, the sprawling space is dedicated exclusively to the designer’s bridal and occasion wear ensembles. It was unlike any other fashion boutique launch as the designer took the opportunity to unveil her upcoming campaign for Summer 2016, titled Love Notes, in the presence of the face of this campaign – Aditi Rao Hydari. The campaign, revealing a rhetoric narration, compiles the beautiful evocative thoughts of a young princess who is experiencing the magical feeling of falling in love, and the changes it brings to her life. The campaign sees Aditi posing in stunning outfits featuring bright prints and pastels in cotton, georgettes and Chanderi silks. The campaign gave a glimpse into Anita Dongre’s fine occasion wear including exquisite lehengas featuring her signature gotta patti and handcrafted resham embroidery.  Shot across the majestic courtyard of Bikaner’s Junagarh Palace, the campaign portraits placed across the store made it livelier as it features a few Bikaneri conjunctions in its interior. In fact, the glass chandeliers suspended from the roof and the hand beaten bronze metal door were enough to lend the feel of a Rājputāna state recreated in the chic environs of Mumbai.

Celebrating the unmatched beauty of nature and its beautiful creations – diamond brand Forevermark and maestros of diamond jewellery Kirtilal jewellers unveil a magnificent diamond encrusted gold ring called The Secret. Blooming to reveal a precious one carat diamond, the brilliant cut stone is nestled in a handcrafted flower shaped gold dome studded with diamonds in a pave setting. Embodying Forevermark’s promise to offer beauty, rarity and responsibly sourced diamonds, the ring is a gorgeous reincarnation of a budding flower with a mystical charm set in the heart of the loop. Available at Kirtilal Jewellers stores, The Secret ring is the ideal addition to your coveted spring jewellery trunk.

Gear up for Aqua Season 2016 at Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. Beginning this summer from May 1 and stretching all the way to October 31, the Aqua Season encompasses a series of aqua, wellness and culinary events. You can take your pick from among the myriad activities planned at the spa, including International Surfing Day, Global Wellness Day, World Turtle Day and International Day of Yoga, along with dream-like experiences such as diving with Mantas. Surfing freaks would enjoy a day full of surfing at the Yin Yang, one of Maldives most famous surf breaks, on International Surfing Day on June 20, while instructors would offer lessons at one of the smaller breaks. The Manta Trust joins hands with Ocean dimensions to provide an exhilarating experience of diving with Mantas, photographing and photo-identifying manta rays, along with weekly presentations on their conservation. Another delightful treat is the turtle-nesting season starting in March, when you would have the chance to welcome Green and Hawksbill turtle-babies hatching at the resort. Special events would also be organised on World Turtle Day on May 23. Enthusiasts of the natural world would have a chance to glean insights on conservation photography from Joanna Lentini. Amid all this, Michelin starred chefs would provide exclusive signature culinary experiences; Geranium’s Chef Rasmus Kofoed along with Jesper Koch, from the famous Restaurant Koch and UK Celebrity Chef Anton Manganaro are some of the names on the starry cuisine list. Australia’s Spa chef Samantha Gowing will offer workshops on Food Healing and Spa Food in Six Senses Spa. For those seeking complete healing, ayurvedic, naturopathic and homeopathic doctors as well as crystal healers would be available too. To top it all, Six senses Laamu has a summer package for guests in the Aqua Season, which includes, among others, one complimentary night for every three nights booked, with half board meal plan included.

Grammy award-winning Barbadian singer-songwriter Rihanna has collaborated with Manolo Blahnik, Spanish fashion designer and founder of his eponymous luxury shoe brand to present a limited collection titled “Denim Desserts”. The collection certainly lives up to its name with the gorgeous series parading shades of blue in varying hues and materials – sequined, embellished or dazzlingly adorned. Crafted from denim and taking inspiration from the singer’s hand tattoos, the collection ranges from a casual day boots to strappy heels and beautiful classic footwear. The highlight, of course, are the over-the-leg boots that come with an embellished belt. The limited-edition capsule collection includes six styles and will be available from May 5 this year. To be sold exclusively at Blahnik’s boutiques in NYC, Hong Kong, and London, the shoes are priced from $895 to $3,995 (approx. INR INR 60,004 to 2 lakhs).