Latest articles on Transportation by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz Fri, 05 Dec 2008 03:37:12 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz Latest articles on Transportation by The Cool Hunter - for more checkout www.thecoolhunter.net http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1374&Itemid=45 Quickly now, name a cool camper, caravan, trailer, motorhome or RV. Indeed, the only thing even close to cool in this category is a something retro. But this may be changing. Forget the 1973 Winnebago Mini Winnie, forget Shasta Airflyte, forget even the shiny retro Airstream, because a new generation of caravans is just being introduced at the Caravan Salon (http://www.caravan-salon.de.) in Düsseldorf (August 30-September 7, 2008) Visitors to Europe’s biggest camper show are getting a first look at the prototype of Mehrzeller (http://www.mehrzeller.com/), a completely customizable trailer. While RV designers and manufacturers the world over were nodding off at the wheel, Theresa Kalteis and Christian Freissling, two students at Austria’s Graz University of Technology’s faculty of architecture, decided to make a move. Their thesis project on “mobile living solutions” under professor Peter Schreibmayer was going to be not just a theory; it was going to become reality and something that will change the world of trailers. They made the very simple assumption that the people who know best what the ideal camper needs are the people who will use it. On the Mehrzeller’s project website, the designers explain (in German) that when their “configurator” interface is fully functional in the spring of 2009, potential buyers can input their data and wishes, and order their unique Mehrzeller camper online. The name Mehrzeller can be translated as “moreceller,” i.e. something with more cells. The name is fitting as the pods or units that form the Mehrzeller in various configurations do look somewhat “cellular.” The production will be based on the principle of mass customization, and production costs will not be significantly higher than those of standard campers. The basic architecture and design parameters remain the same, while the customers get to choose pretty much everything else. Using the configurator interface, they input the number and age of the people and animals that are going to be using the camper. Then they input the usage of space — eating, sleeping, cooking, working, entertaining, relaxing and so on — and the relative importance of each function. The system will then determine the floor plan and generate a 3D rendering. Next, the buyers select the materials and appliances. The program then calculates the price and creates the production specifications. Mehrzeller will most likely move forward, and not remain just a crazy one-off prototype, because it has the backing of such heavyweights as BMW, 3M and many others. If you cannot catch the camper in Düsseldorf, you can see it at the Caravan Salon (http://www.caravan-wels.at/ne07/?pn=6400019) Austria, held in Wels October 15.-19, 2008. By Tuija Seipell (via squob (http://www.squob.com)) Mon, 01 Sep 2008 05:42:56 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1355&Itemid=45 It took a while, but it finally happened – an environmentally friendly car is being released that does not in any way resemble a small fridge and is actually quite cool. Yes, this stunning looker is going to turn some heads. Austin-based automotive design and manufacturing company Ronn Motor's (http://www.ronnmotors.com/cms) has built the Scorpion; a hydrogen fuel injected hybrid. The vehicle utilises new 'hydrogen on demand' technology, which, simply put, generates water from the inbuilt tank, turns it into hydrogen and then injects this into the car's system. Not only does this approach allow fuel mileage to increase by between 20 to 40%, it also reduces carbon emissions to nearly zero. Couple this with its exclusive styling, and the Scorpion is sure to be a strong contender in the exotic performance car segment. The Scorpion is out early 2009 and can be yours for a tidy $150,000. Go on, do it for the planet. - Brendan McKnight Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:21:50 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1294&Itemid=45 The MINI Chateau, based on the MINI Clubman S, made its world debut at the recent Top Marques show in Monaco. It will be limited to just 12 units and radiates exclusivity and luxury with its wood trims and a miniature, shock-absorbent wine cellar (room for 6 bottles and chalices) in the trunk.The MINI Chateau is painted in changeable pearly brown, matched with sandy/gold metallic paint for the roof, bumpers and some details. But what really stands out, is the use of precious wood, both on the inside and outside of the car. Inside Aznom fitted the upholstery with gaucho leather and Alcantara to create a warm, vintage atmosphere.The car rides on 18-inch TSW 'Pace' alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Yokohama S-Drive rubber. The Mini Chateau’s 12 limited-edition exclusive samples will each display a numbered label with the name of the lucky owner. By Tuija Seipell. Mon, 12 May 2008 07:31:22 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1284&Itemid=45 Most of us know when we see an ‘M’ on the back of the BMW passing us on the freeway, there’s virtually no way we’re going to catch up. The ‘M’ division BMW has recently revealed its latest concept – a tribute to their first mid-engine supercar originally manufactured by collaborative efforts of BMW and Lamborghini thirty years ago – the M1. In the world of supercars, the M1 certainly looks like it will hold its own – an effortless blend of retro cool with revolutionary elegance. The new Liquid Orange M1 may only be a concept right now, but just know if you see those beady headlights quickly approaching from your rear view mirror, move out of the fast lane – you’re about to be overtaken! By Andrew J Wiener Wed, 30 Apr 2008 10:37:20 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1257&Itemid=45 The annual Detroit Auto Show serves as a platform for American automobile manufacturers, specifically, to flex their muscles, so-to-speak – and this year the Chrysler Corporation did just that. Dodge unveiled three models of the Challenger that will be available in 2009: the SE (3.5 liter V6, 250 hp), the R/T (5.7 liter HEMI V8, 370 hp) and the SRT8 (6.1 liter HEMI V8, 425 hp).Originally hitting the streets in 1970 at the dawning of a new generation of design in automobile manufacturing, the Challenger was one of the original American muscle cars (along with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro). Power and steel were king, gritty, dirt solid performance ruled over clear smooth edges and lavish aesthetics. The auto industry in Detroit was destined to enter its glory days.Now, almost 40 years later, the auto industry, especially in Detroit is facing more than a handful of obstacles – including attempting to recover from an arguably failed race to build the largest petrol-guzzling trucks on the market. Compact and fuel-efficient has been all the latest rage – but what about performance? Based on the model chosen, Dodge almost guarantees blood-pumping sensation. The SE model doesn’t come with racing stripes and spoilers like its two bigger brothers, and the less sporty version only has a single exhaust pipe in the rear, rather than duel pipes on the more powerful models.Dodge believes a retro-styled coupe can deliver exactly what auto enthusiasts are seeking in the three Challenger models: a varying array of performance options and features including voice-activated MyGIG Multimedia and UConnect systems, Remote Start with Keyless Go and five-speed manual models get the Hill Start Assist. Time to kick up some dirt – driving’s about to get messy again! By Andrew J Wiener Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:30:24 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1249&Itemid=45 We've often wondered how certain high-end brands manage to maintain their global exclusivity especially as the number of millionaires and billionaires continues to skyrocket. Drive down prominent streets in Beverly Hills, Dubai, London and you're certain to pass more than a handful designer Italian and German sportscars. Chances are the valet parker at your local Ritz Carlton will have sat behind the steering wheel of cars totaling more money than most of us could only dream of making in a lifetime. Thankfully the expert minds at Ferrari have devised a plan nearly guaranteeing you'll have a difficult time parallel parking between the same Ferraris your neighbours are driving around town. Ferrari customers are undoubtedly accustomed to getting what they want out of their cars, but now the ability to add personalisation has become paramount - and here's all you need to know: Book a trip to the Ferrari factory (http://www.ferrariworld.com/FWorld/fw/index.jsp) in Maranello, Italy where you will meet with a consultant in a special dedicated atelier area. Rivaling a personal fitting by Valentino for the Oscars, your consultant will welcome you to the new One-To-One Personalisation Program where you will design your own Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, accessory by accessory, detail by detail. The front-engined rear-wheel drive flagship Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the only two-door four-seater in the line. The 612 is available with Ferrari's SuperFast gearbox that allows a driver to shift the paddle shifters located on the steering column in an astonishing 100 milliseconds. Whilst shiftting away, the V12 is capable of reaching top speed of 320 kph. The new model comes complete with an electrochromic panoramic roof that covers the length of the top of the cabin. With a turn of a knob, the entire ceiling changes from opaque to translucent, instantly adjusting the level of sunlight that may penetrate the interior. OK, so we’ll admit that Ferraris are not quite as common as we make them sound, but we’re also sure it’s refreshing for some of you to know that with the assistance of a personal design consultant, you can soon be cruising the streets in a truly unique Ferrari. By Andrew J Wiener Mon, 31 Mar 2008 07:14:24 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1242&Itemid=45 We're back to tell you about another missed opportunity to add another supercar to your fleet. Bugatti (http://www.bugatti.com) has built the Veyron 16.4 'Pur Sang,' or 'pure blood.' The Veyron, a special addition version, is one of the world's fastest cars ever made with a top speed of over 400 kph. Again, all five models have been pre-purchased for approximately $2 million each. Bugatti has been off the radar for quite some time, but with the introduction of the 'Pur Sang' clad in a revealing paintless carbon and aluminium structure, the Volkswagen-owned manufacturer has clearly repositioned itself among the world's most exclusive and exceptionally engineered automobiles. By Andrew J Wiener Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:20:01 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1219&Itemid=45 One of our favourite auto magazines, the ever-stylish Intersection (http://www.intersectionmagazine.com/carcovers/) (think of it as I-D for car buffs), has always made its mission to mix man and machine, art and design and all things culture into their its of the automotive world. Its latest project is no exception In an aim to portray cars as more of a reflection of the human race then simply a way to get from A to B, Intersection asked 6 different fashion designers from 6 different cities to create a car cover that represents their individual fashion styles. The designers were chosen for their conceptual yet sensual, witty approach and because they each represent the city they're based in. From the real-size print by Parisian Martin Margiela to the mammoth box of Sydney's Ksubi, each piece offers a perspective true to the designer's style and method, while also portraying an aspect of the car's personality. The car that each cover is modelled on is the Alfa Brera that will now be parading at events from New York to London, Tokyo to Sydney, Paris to Berlin, and finally back to Milan where she will be showing off her exclusive new clothes. If this approach proves popular, look out for a couture-covered car on a street near you. By Brendan McKnight Mon, 03 Mar 2008 07:47:01 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1206&Itemid=45 Here are the first pictures that Alfa Romeo have released of its sexy 8C Spider, to be introduced to the world at next months Geneva Motor Show. Based on the hard-topped 8C Competizione, the two-seat Spider featuring a twin-layer fabric roof which can be raised at the press of a button, is expected to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of around 180mph. The mechanics will be similar to that of the Competizione as it uses the same 4.7-litre V8 engine and six-speed semi-automatic gearbox. As the limited run is just 500 vehicles, we expect to see all of these selling like hotcakes and commanding more than their £130,000 price tag. So roll up your sleeves and have your cheque books ready; the fight to get one of these beauties is not going to be pretty. By Brendan McKnight Random archive Real Estate Window (http://www.thecoolhunter.net/stores) Cool Tatts (lifestyle/THE-COOLEST-TATTOOs-YOU-WILL-EVER-SEE/) A Swiss Chalet (architecture/The-Swiss-Chalet/) W Maldives (travel/W-MALDIVES-Review-/) Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:30:04 +0100 http://www.thecoolhunter.co.nz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1196&Itemid=45 Inspired by the F-22 Raptor fighter jet, US$1.5 million Lamborghini Reventón (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UovB1UjaPX8) was unveiled. If numbers mean anything to you – the new supercar is powered by a 650hp 6.5L V12 engine, accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and has a maximum speed of over 340 km/h. The Lamborghini design team used the technical base of their Murcielago LP640, compressed it and then amped it up. As with other current models, the Reventón is defined through its sharp edges, smooth surfaces and aerodynamic lines. Tempted as you may be, put away your cheque books and credit cards, all twenty models that will be manufactured are taken as the Lamborghini brand reinforces its legendary status. By Andrew J Wiener Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:39:06 +0100