Audi’s new ad campaign showcases its latest in-car connectivity
"In my opinion . . ."
he new ad campaign by Audi entitled "Challenge All Givens" is supposed to resonate with those who defy convention. The campaign has two new TV commercials that aim to draw attention to technology used by Audi—and these days, it seems to be all about technology, not the driving experience as it...
Spy shots are nothing new. But the Bentayg is.
"In my opinion . . ."
he world of automotive design and styling is highly competitive and has its own kind of paparazzi as well. Automotive spy shots are taken and “leaked” all the time. These spy photographers, with their long lenses are always on the lookout for engineers testing power trains and running gear in the...
Mercedes has a lighter side. Who knew? Those zany Germans!
"In my opinion . . ."
instead of taking a typically Teutonic approach, using a lab coat-wearing talking head, droning on dryly about the company’s history, engineering and innovation, the producers here have taken a fresh approach: They have lightened things way up with a hip, fun, friendly fast paced informative series of short video...
The new Asterion . . . bella macchina?
"In my opinion . . ."
ow . . . this new Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4—the name being a hybrid creature that's part bull and part man—hits all the right buttons for me.
I say that, not because it's another rolling hybrid hypercar technology showcase. Being more of an old-school sports car enthusiast, where mere mortals can work on...
High-end automakers reach back into history for Mille Miglia tour
"In my opinion . . ."
he Mille Miglia is alive and well . . . and praise be! Held in Italy (of course) historic, venerable marques such as Ferrari, Jaguar, Bentley, Maserati and such other automakers are are getting ready for the historic Mille Miglia race May 15-18 that limits participants to models made before 1957.
The...
Maserati covers its cross-US travels in Quattroporte
"In my opinion . . ."
aserati's Quattroporte coast-to-coast campaign today. The brand is releasing many videos—12 so far—showing the Quattroporte driving through different parts of the U.S. The videos show the car from the point of view of a helicopter, suggesting a race and very little beyond driving down a road happens.
Will this series maintain fan interest?
I would...
Ferrari launched its new California T during the Geneva Auto Show.
"In my opinion . . ."
ill this car improved and strengthen the brand? Ferrari's tifosi says "sì!"
Why? It's quite simple.
Better styling: when looking at the earlier California from behind you could tell it had a bit too much junk-in-the-trunk. In fact, the California T has been voted "Most Stylish Car of the Year" by...
Exclusive luggage fits well with an exclusive BMW
"In my opinion . . ."
ouis Vuitton is creating an exclusive luggage for the BMWi8. The set includes a business case, two travel bags and a garment bag. The luggage compliment the colors, cues, shape and ethos of the i8.
There's nothing wrong with fitted luggage for cars. It's been done for a long time. Brand partnering is a...
After more than a decade, Porsche is returning to the LMP1 class of the FIA World
"In my opinion . . ."
was asked for my opinion today by Luxury Daily . . . does Porsche has a strong racing reputation? I had to smile.
Porsche has one of the richest racing reputations and legacies of any automotive marque, anywhere, EVER. The company has earned major...
Aston Martin's Centenary Celebration
"In my opinion . . ."
ston Martin's Centenary celebration today, specifically the brand's film series on its DB line deserves a hearthfelt "well done mate . . . we're glad you're still here."
David Brown's "DB" series is legendary and goes all the way back to the DB1 series (my dad had a DB2 and DB3 when I was a kid). Aston...
This new program aims to create responsible drivers, provides workshops for parents and their kids and is inspired by the high teen car-crash rates.
"In my opinion . . ."
tandard driving schools do just one thing: teach you how to pass the DMV's written exam and driving test. You are on your own from there on. On the other hand, the Mercedes-Benz Driving Academy...
Does the notion of "craftsmanship" matter to auto buyers any longer?
In my opinion . . ."
was reading about Audi's Factory yesterday and was startled by the sophistication and number of robots that play a role in the construction process. There are still humans that monitor the robots and handle some of the more unpredictable elements of construction, but it seems like only a...
How important are branded driver's shoes to automotive enthusiasts?
"In my opinion . . ."
ritish automaker Aston Martin is renewing its partnership with bespoke British shoemaker John Lobb to produce the second incarnation of the Winner Sport driving shoe meant to fortify bonds with brand loyalists. Retail price, $1,100.
The Winner Sport MKII driving shoes feature traits treasured by both brands such as rows of twin...
Recently, at the Luxury Retail Summit 2013 in New York, McLaren spoke at a conference and discussed their strategy to distance the brand a bit from its racing roots to appeal to a larger audience. I'm wondering if the reverse should be practiced by some brands.
"In my opinion . . ."
iven that I am a dyed-in-the-wool car enthusiast, raised around Ferrari, Aston Martin and...
AT-A-GLANCE:
Rolls-Royce is meeting with a group called the Chinese Entrepreneur Club (CEC). The club comprises the elite of the Chinese business community. Here’s the most luxurious auto brand wooing the most affluent Chinese consumers.
"In my opinion . . ."
he world has certainly changed in the last half-a-century. The developing world has developed. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations and the concept...