Silver-plate and oak humidor trunk in original patina by Bourne & O’Neill, Birmingham, circa 1881 the “belt” design on the box was a favorite motif during the Victorian era, often used in furniture, objects and jewelry. Ralph Lauren has even adopted the belt motif in many ways over the years.
Style Number: 24017766
the year 2011 so far, has seen a number of limited edition cars being launched. Catering to different events and themes, these limited edition cars have been the apple of every auto-lovers’ eyes hence garnering significant attention. Following is the list of 10 such cars launched this year:
1. Porsche 911 Turbo S 10th anniversary China Edition
Editions: 10
With the climbing annual sales of 14,000 units, China has now become the 2nd largest market for the carmaker, who has decided to create a limited 10th anniversary China edition of its hit sports car, the Porsche 911 Turbo. Powering the car from 0-100 km/ph of speed in just 3.3 seconds is the 3.8 liter 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine, which will generate a total of 530 HP of engine muscle. The vehicle will have a top speed of 314 km/ph. On the car’s exterior, will be a special gold and bronze paint, carbon fiber roof top, matte black sporting alloy wheels, special sporting chrono package apart from the golden bronze stitching on the black alcantara leather seats and upholstery.
2. Bentley Continental Flying Spur China Edition
Editions: 10
China was one of the countries which got numerous limited edition models of high-end vehicles this year, owing to various conditions within the nation. Bentley was one of them, who presented the Continental Flying Spur limited edition created in special collaboration with designing firm Linley, who did extensive handiwork on the interiors. Door panels, leather seats and even the front console featured the use of rare handcrafted leather fabrics, along with single pattern oak wood. The seats even had stitch work done in burnt oak wood threads! The extras included the cigar humidor box, hand stitched leather bag, cashmere blanket, and luggage tag – all engraved with the Linley and Bentley logos.
3. Lamborghini Sesto Elemento
Editions: 20
After much speculation about the production and features of the car, Audi AG finally went ahead and produced 20 of these Lamborghini Sesto Elementos for lucky buyers around the world. Armed with a 570 HP V10 engine, the car zoomed from 0-100 km/ph in under 2.5 seconds. One of the significant technological leaps was the use of the CFRP (carbon fiber re-enforced plastics) which meant that the overall bodyweight was just under 1 tonne, that too for a vehicle of this size, which would normally weigh the double of this. This also played a significant role in reducing the carbon footprint of the vehicle.
4. 50th Anniversary Shelby Cobra
No. of editions: 50
Originally created in 1962, the Shelby Cobra was the highlight of the 1965 FIA World Championship, where it garnered significant coverage, and became a significant threat to some of the auto-world’s biggest names. This particular edition launched to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the brand, had been given much of the original touches, but adding some extra features like the aluminum or fiber glass body, Rosso leather interior upholstery, Wilton wool carpeting, chrome on steel wire plated special radial tires, and also modern disk brakes. As per research, all the numbered 50 limited editions were sold out within 48 hours of launch!
5. Audi A1 Diamond Edition
Editions: 57
Audi seemed to be having a busy time creating limited edition of its cars including the A1 diamond edition, which will have the classy lady buyers clamoring for the car. Embellished with diamond studded gear stick, special sterling silver and platinum diamond logo on the steering wheel, chassis and car keys, this edition of the car will have a specially crafted make up kit and pendant as freebies for its buyers. The credit for the design, including the infinity logo, goes to designer Thomas Heyerdahl, with Guerlain pitching in with the make-up kit.
6. 2011 range Rover Autobiography Limited Edition
Editions: 500
This 2011 edition of the Range Rover truly stood out for the sheer handcraftsmanship that it showed in the car’s interiors. Featuring a unique purple-maroon color for the body exteriors and interior natural leather upholstery, the luxury SUV had built in iPads for the special passengers of the car. With the foldable table located on the back of the front seats, one can easily plug in a keyboard to the iPads above for their usage. The detailing of the interiors also have yacht inspired shiny teak wood detailing alongside matte finished aluminum, which indeed speak volume about the rather regal ambience inside. The engine is a new 4.4 liter TDV8, with 8-speed transmission, which is known to have comparatively higher mileage than normal. Also it powers the SUV to zoom from 0-100 km/ph in just 7.5 seconds.
7. Audi Q7 Halo Edition
Editions: 555
The Halo edition of the Audi Q7 was launched to add exclusivity to the brand’s already imposing presence in the world of automobiles. Sporting dual-tone velvet black and phantom black body, this car will have the usual interiors with a V-12 TDI engine. The pricing jump is primarily for the reason that it will be a rare case that 2 separate finishing of the same color will be used on an Audi, and is targeted mainly towards buyers in Russia, who are known to have taste for flashy vehicles.
8. 2012 London Olympics Mini Cooper
Editions: 2012
With the London Olympics not too far, BMW decided to launch a special edition of its sporty small car, The Mini Cooper in a special avatar, to commemorate the sporting event. Available in 4 models with 3 color options, the car will have white roof tops with the Union Jack stripe running from rear end to the front bonnet, and also have it stitched on the black leather seats and upholstery inside. Also in the additions would be a new air-conditioning system, audio system, and the special 17-inch bespoken alloy wheels. The price range for the car was between $27,842- 32,629, and its delivery by order, is slated to begin in the first half of 2012 just before the Olympics actually begin.
9. Infiniti FX Sebastian Vettel Edition
Editions: n.A
This was also another vehicle that was speculated upon for its limited edition version but very recently got launched by the brand ambassador, Sebastian Vettel. Though the engine largely remains the same in specification, the internal and external components have undergone changes such as pearl white paintjob, rear rocker panels, mirror caps, rear spoilers, grille slats, front fascia in carbon fiber amongst others. The height of the chassis was lowered by 0.8 inches and the bespoken 21-inch wheels added further stability to the SUV. Since this was launched by Sebastian Vettel, it had its initials as a monogram towards the rear part of the vehicle.
10. Maserati Granturismo Convertible Cabrio Fendi Special edition
Editions: N.A.
We know how good the Italians are at car-making and fashion designing, and a perfect example is this limited edition Maserati Granturismo Convertible, which was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year. Made in joint collaboration by Maserati and Cabrio Fendi, this limited edition vehicle has 3-layer grey paint with golden hues, making it a rather unique shade not noticed anywhere. A rather unique brown was featured in the Cuoio leather trimmings inside, such as on the seats, dashboard and side handles. This leather variety is best known for the unique patterns it presents itself in. Also one could see generous use of Pergamena wood in these areas. As for the engine, it was a 4.7 liter V8 with auto-transmission, created especially for this model, giving it power along with the existing style quotients.
