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SPORTIER PACKAGE | The HS package elevates cornering capability and heightens performance sensations on mountain roads

The Ferrari California T Handling Speciale is due for its official coming out party at the Geneva motor show in March, and there’s a lot that’s special about it. According to information made available by the company, California’s present suspension setup has been overhauled, new springs developed, shock absorbers addressed, transmission reprogrammed and a new exhaust added in the pursuit of making the car more driver-focused.

Like all cars sporting the Ferrari emblem, the standard California T is no slouch. It eats up the 0-100km/h test in 3.6 seconds, metal folding roof up or down, and tops out at 315km/h. That means that in a straight line, there is not much out there in the cabriolet class, with a 2+2 seating arrangement, which can surpass it.

Famously, the California was conceived in the Grand Tourer or GT fashion rather than as a proper speed demon. Of course, it was aimed directly at clients on the west coast of the US. Like all GTs, it is a car for long, straight roads and—in the case of the California in particular—dappled by guaranteed sunshine. The smoothness of the ride quality is a priority, even in a muscular proposition like this.

The US continues to be Ferrari’s biggest single market, but in its most recent financial figures, published at the start of the year, Great Britain, a country famous for its twisty roads and infamous for its weather, has cemented itself in third place, just behind China—a position it has held for much of this decade.

The HS option is designed therefore to put a smile on the faces of northern European drivers who are lucky if they ever get the chance to drive their California with the roof down. Well, you could wear a raincoat but you would definitely not be wearing a smile after such a ride. The HS reportedly sacrifices some ride smoothness in favour of better responsiveness and superior handling. This is particularly true when the steering wheel-mounted switch is in sport mode, which triggers enhanced rigidity, stiffness and reduced body roll.

The new exhaust system delivers a unique note that increases in intensity as the engine revs closer to the limit, ensuring the perfect soundtrack for traveling on the most twisting of canyon roads. And to ensure the car’s looks match these performance changes, Ferrari has switched out the California’s front grille for something slightly more aggressive and has redefined the rear diffuser too. The exhaust pipes sport a matte finish and the center console carries a plaque warning passengers that this is the HS edition.

More details, including pricing, will be announced at the Geneva Motor Show. All the more reason for you to be there!

ROAD ROMANCE | Even with the Handling Speciale calibration, California T remains the Ferrari for romantics, the Ferrari for sybarites

(Source: www.luxuo.com)

Your kids can soon own a wardrobe that once belonged exclusively to Kim and Kanye West’s daughter North West. Designer and Creative Director for French couture house Balmain, Olivier Rousteing is all set to enter the kids’ luxury fashion segment with an entirely new line, including a few runway looks. Slated for launch in June, 2016, the collection, featuring 55 exclusive pieces for both girls and boys, will dress kids aged from 6 to 14 years. From their famous fur coats to the tulle tutu dress and white tuxedos, the collection, it is said, will recreate the runway in miniature sizes, including footwear styles like the suede peep toe booties and caged flats. A fully embroidered dress will cost you close to $6,000—approx INR 4, 08,000.

Celebrating their 75th anniversary this year, American luxury fashion house Coach is all set to make its debut in India with renowned luxury distributors and marketing experts, Genesis Luxury. Alongside New York City, which will flaunt a brand new flagship store of the American label towards the end of the year, India too is gearing up to celebrate Coach’s rich retail heritage and expert craftsmanship. Slated to launch in the second half of this year, the first Coach store, it is believed, will launch in one of the booming metros and will showcase collections for men too. Speaking on the development, Sanjay Kapoor, Managing Director, Genesis Luxury, said, “Coach is a strong addition to the Genesis portfolio and we are confident that the brand’s commitment to heritage and innovative design will be warmly embraced by the growing Indian luxury consumer innately drawn to craftsmanship.” Insisting that Coach has tremendous potential, Genesis believes that their shared vision with the brand and well-defined strategies will help the brand focus on accelerating retail presence and brand visibility across India’s key metros in the next few years.

The underwater restaurant finally comes to India with the opening of The Real Poseidon in Ahmedabad. Offering the country’s foodies and International guests a chance to experience dining 20 feet below the ground, the restaurant is surrounded by 1,50,000 litres of water with more than 4,000 marine species living around. Offering a 360 degree view of the water, punctuated with colourful angelfishes, the restaurant’s menu, which is purely vegetarian, will feature four cuisines—Thai, Mexican, Indian and Chinese. Already open, the restaurant is located in South Bopal in Ahmedabad. Offering an exquisitely delightful experience, the Real Poseidon has already earned its spot on the ‘must-try’ list of gourmands of the country.

Bentley’s Mulliner has revolutionised bespoke cars in 2016 with a host of additions to their automobiles. On that thought, buyers can now get a customised version of the Flying Spur. Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house coach-building division, offers over one million options for buyers to choose from, while further lending tailor-made services. The latest bespoke ideas for the Flying Spur are finally out, and they’re beautiful. For the first time, the Flying Spur, a four-door sedan, gets personalisation with a refrigerated bottle cooler between the rear seats, painted veneers, Mulliner quilted leather, sterling silver atomisers and hide-trimmed stowage boxes. Additionally, the car is available with 4.0-litre V8 or 6.0-litre W12 alternative engines..

SPEEDING OVATION | Mercedes-AMG S63 4Matic Cabriolet Edition 130 honours the achievements of its founders and demonstrates the developments the automobile has undergone in the last 130 years

The new Mercedes-AMG S63 4 Matic Cabriolet “Edition 130” is a ravishing tribute to the founding fathers of the brand. Limited to 130 examples worldwide this car marks the celebration of 130 years of Mercedes: the history and heritage of the company, as well as its reputation for making superlative cars. The limited number is quite a change of pace for a firm that sold close to 2 billion cars in 2014 and by all indications, when the final numbers are in, will have raced past that count in 2015. The new limited edition was unveiled at the North American International Autoshow (aka the Detroit Motor Show). Here’s a bit of Merc history at this, well, historic occasion.

In 1885 Karl Benz developed the first vehicle – a three-wheeler – powered by his internal combustion engine and a year later Gottlieb Daimler independently debuted his own gas engine four-wheel car. And although both innovators initially set out with their own businesses to sell automobiles to the public, by 1926 those businesses had joined forces to become Daimler-Benz, Mercedes-Benz’s parent.

“The first automobiles from Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler were open vehicles. Mercedes-AMG honors this achievement of the founding fathers with this highly exclusive cabriolet, and demonstrates the developments the automobile has undergone in the last 130 years, developments which would have been inconceivable at that time,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

CLASS APART | This S Class Cabriolet displays a stunning Bengal Red on its seats and floor mats, with a red fabric folding roof too—unlike any other Merc drop top

To ensure the car stands out from all other S-Class cabriolets, it will feature a special high-gloss silver paint finish chosen to pay homage to the firm’s racing heritage. The fabric folding roof will also be finished in red, an option unavailable on any other production Mercedes drop top. The seats are finished in Bengal red and black Nappa Leather, with the red brake calipers and floor mats in Bengal red making for a visual treat. Exclusive carbon fiber and piano black veneers adorn the console and door panels. The four-seater is accentuated further by matt black 20-inch 10-spoke wheels with high-sheen rim flanges. An engraved steering wheel bezel and a prominently placed plaque on the center console indicate that the car is both a special edition and record which number in the 130-model run it represents.

And that’s not all. Aware that truly limited edition cars very quickly become collectible, each example will come with its own bespoke embroidered car cover, with the lettering – Edition 130 – 1 of 130. Additionally, every example will be handed over personally to its owner along with a Welcome package, which will include a special Edition 130 badge key ring for the vehicle and an aluminum box in which to keep it safe.

But with a 5.5-liter bi-turbo V8 under its hood, an output of 577bhp to all four wheels and a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds, it will be a true shame if these cars are put into storage rather than being used for their intended purpose—a celebration of the automobile.

To be delivered in April this year, the car commands a price of € 226,457 (approx. INR 1 crore). With all that pampering, you wouldn’t expect otherwise.

Last year witnessed the grand launch of the BMW 3 Series 2016 edition globally. And now, the car that laid the foundation for modern sports sedans has finally made its debut in India. For over 40 years, BMW has been reinventing sedan cars, and the 3 Series has set the standard for excellence, efficiency and design, merging a sports car with everyday practicality, becoming one of the brand’s top selling cars. The striking design of this BMW car holds greater precision and flaunts additional details in this edition. There is an added sense of width with the new aprons with revised air intakes at the front end. While the exterior retains the sporty feel, the interiors leave a classy impression with new materials and additional chrome highlights. Additionally, its newly crafted centre console and gearshift lever make the BMW 3 Series ergonomically sound. Buyers can opt for a wide range of personalisation options and can also pick between four petrol units and seven diesel engines. These will be linked with a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. To make your vehicle smart, BMW presents the BMW ConnectedDrive range: a host of additions like web-based services and innovative driver assistance systems. Currently, only the diesel variant is available in the county; the petrol engines will soon be launched in 2016. Prices start at INR 35,90,000.

The InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened their pioneering InterContinental London – The O2 on the Greenwich peninsula; London’s rejuvenated and historic landmark, on January 26 this year. Next door to the world-renowned arena, The O2, The Cutty Sark, Greenwich Observatory and The Maritime Museum, the new-build InterContinental is surrounded by impressive architecture, maritime heritage, state-of-the-art entertainment venues and spectacular views of the River Thames, Canary Wharf and London’s iconic landmarks. The hotel boasts 453 luxurious rooms as well as five destination-inspired restaurants and bars, including the illustrious Peninsula Restaurant and the roof top sky bar, along with a world-class health spa and 59 awe-inspiring suites with breath-taking and far reaching views of London. Diners at the hotel’s Market Brasserie and The Peninsula Restaurant will have the privilege to look upon the expansive views over the Thames and Canary Wharf. The London’s skyline can also be viewed from a number of the hotel’s luxury suites and bedrooms. Situated just 400m from North Greenwich underground station and North Greenwich Pier for easy access into central London, the hotel provides global event organisers and meeting planners with a new large-scale venue of choice in the capital, boasting dedicated conference centres, a 3,100sqm pillar-free ballroom (one of the largest in Europe) and an additional 19 meeting rooms along with 1,600sqm pre-function space exposing unbeatable views of Canary Wharf.

Adding a touch of Hollywood to your vanity this spring season is Chanel’s brand new make-up collection. With vibrant shades for the perfect pout and peepers, the L.A. Sunrise range is a favourite for the sunshine ahead. From delectable pinks to this year’s favourite shade-coral and the delectable raspberry, there’s purple, teal and green to add a burst of fresh hues and snap you out of your winter blues. The Stylo Yeux Waterproof Purple Choc and Fervent Blue for the eyes moves over from the copper tones of last season. Subtle yet colourful, these pencils are super smooth and spread easily. With a light hint of sparkle they last all day long and offer a refreshing twist to your eye make-up. If you’re generous enough, you can use it as an eye shadow as well. The Le Vernis Sunrise Trip nail gloss comes in a deep, rich purple shade a shiny, jelly-like finish that is far reoved from regular nail enamel. Just two light coats and you’ll be ready for the sun. Chanel’s L.A. Sunrise collection has lipsticks, mascara, eye shadow pots and palettes in hues symbolising the summer sun as well as the Sunkiss Ribbon striped blush with colours to suit the Indian skin.

Paresa Resort Phuket has appointed the award winning chef Jordi Valles Claverol as the new Director of Food and Beverage and Executive Chef. Originally from Barcelona, where he grew up surrounded by an extended family of restauranteurs, the celebrated chef spent much of his early career honing his craft in some of the best kitchens in Paris and two of Barcelona’s most glittering establishments, the two Michelin Star Restaurant ‘Neichel’ followed by the illustrious three Michelin Star Restaurant ‘El Racó de Can Fabes’. Leaving Europe for China in 2007 he initially worked at ‘Mare Nostrum Restaurant’, the best Spanish restaurant in Beijing, before taking up the helm at ‘Agua’ Spanish restaurant in the Chinese Capital, in 2008 and received recognition for his superb contemporary Spanish cooking with a string of awards. Notably Time Out’s ‘Best Innovative Cuisine’ award in 2008 and 2009 as well as Beijing’s prestigious City Weekend ‘Chef of the Year’ accolade in 2009, 2011 and 2014. At Paresa Jordi will oversee the resort’s range of culinary offerings from its signature fine dining restaurant, ‘Talung Thai’, which serves authentic Southern Thai cuisine to ‘Diavolo’, Paresa’s Mediterranean style restaurant, where a generous à la carte breakfast and tempting European delicacies are served throughout the day, in a spectacular setting over the Andaman Sea. In addition he would be helping guests to increase their own culinary skills with a series of masterclasses in the resort’s Culinary Academy and developing the choice of alternative dining options. These include the popular ‘Infinity Dining Experience’, where diners are seated on ‘private islands’ positioned within the shallow waters of the fibre optic lit infinity pool; an intimate private chef-cooked dinner deep in the heart of the jungle and a romantic beach seafood BBQ at nearby Hua beach, one of Phuket’s best kept secrets.