AUTO

BUGATTI BOLIDE

A COCKPIT DESIGNED FOR EXHILARATING EXPERIENCES ON TRACK

The Bolide’s incredible performance – and therefore its resulting interior packaging requirements – necessitated a monocoque even stronger and stiffer than the Chiron’s.

A new monocoque created the opportunity for a new seating position – one that leans rearwards into the automobile, allowing for the heels of the driver to sit slightly raised and for the passenger to be optimally angled towards the nose of the Bolide, mirroring similar arrangements that feature in some of the world’s most extreme racecars. Due to the raw and uncompromising nature of the Bolide there are no parts nor trim levels shared with the Chiron family; on the contrary, the interior of the Bolide has been exclusively crafted just for this project, including optimized racing seats, a high-tech steering wheel and an array of bespoke arrangements that encompass safety, comfort and performance.

Forming a connection to the captivating exterior DNA of the Bolide, where at the rear of the hyper sports car is its instantly recognizable X-shaped taillights treatment that perfectly frames a striking new central exhaust configuration, Bolide’s cockpit melds elegantly around the same daring ‘X-theme’ design. Just as instantly visible as the exterior rear lights, once inside the Bolide, the primary focal point is a visionary steering wheel that, at its core, has an ‘X-theme’ structure. In essence, the design of the Bolide steering wheel is intended to inspire total confidence as the driver and car become one – especially when taking on the extreme forces that the car will let the driver experience.

Yet with its finely balanced proportions, the steering wheel also takes on a peerless artistic form in its own right, transforming into a creative piece of artistry when the Bolide is resting. The steering wheel can be easily unfastened, taken out of the cockpit, and used to creatively enhance a space in which the Bolide owner sees fit, such as a high-level business boardroom, serving to remind them that another thrilling on-track Bugatti driving experience is never far off.

State-of-the-art modeling software enhanced the development process of the Bolide’s innovative ‘X-theme’ steering wheel. The Bugatti design team intuitively embraced hightech 3D shaping with polygonal modeling, the latter being an advanced technique established by developers from the gaming and visual effects industry. Such a technique allowed the Bugatti specialists to accurately model the steering wheel with all its advanced components and subsystems. Using this innovative process, the team was able to simulate each feature and the varying surfaces of the unit – including the multitude of complex structures, interactions, and meeting points – using just polygon meshes. The entire process enhanced quality and – equally importantly – sped up the design optimization iterations required for the steering wheel as development progressed, allowing the design team to react in real-time to each new feedback based on testing sessions located on race tracks in other parts of the world.

In fact, the design of the steering wheel was also informed by valuable feedback from Bugatti’s test drivers, who specified the need for a tight, compact and ergonomic package featuring eight key buttons placed optimally for ease of functionality when driving at breathtaking speeds on track and dealing with the G-forces the Bolide creates.

Tailored specifically for on-track driving, the Bolide must relay data in real-time to the driver in a highly precise and easy-to-interpret manner. The driver, therefore, has the option to engage with one of two Bolide display interfaces. The first mode features complex and sophisticated data requested by the Bugatti test drivers – essentially core motorsport values that the pilot needs to monitor when undertaking a high-performance on-track drive. The second mode makes available an overview of key information to the customer. This mode provides customers the opportunity to attain a sense of familiarity when being in command of the Bolide, taking on a greater amount of data inputs, the impact of G-forces and the intense overriding emotions that the Bolide experience provides.

The unique ‘X-theme’ aesthetic on which the Bolide steering wheel is formed upon flows with abundance around the cockpit, creating a compelling design unison. The Bolide’s seats are immersed in a striking ‘X-theme’ treatment that is embedded within the multipad-design of the seats. To enable perfect comfort attributes and accessibility when entering the car, the outer pads of the seat’s backrest and of the headrest open together with the door, creating an optimal space in which to enter the cockpit. The ‘X-theme’ aesthetic continues to create a synergy, in this instance featuring within the 3D-printed frame that connects the headrest pad to the door structure.

The multi-pad seats are layered with precision directly onto the monocoque, ensuring an unwavering connection is made between the pilot and their Bolide without any compromise to comfort. Such an arrangement helps to significantly reduce weight and makes Bolide the first Bugatti to have seats that are fixed, in the process ensuring a perfect seating position is realized for a high-performance track-only car. Both the steering wheel and pedals are adjustable to meet the exact needs of the driver.

Four seating size options – all of which cocoon the driver seamlessly within the interior of the Bolide – are available, including one seat package that takes in the specific and unique shapes of the customer’s body. A range of materials can be specified for the seat, including leather, suede, napa and Alcantara, and detailing that ranges from dynamic quilting’s into fine laser perforations, staying true to the personalization concept at the heart of each Bolide configuration.

Keeping the experience cool for the customer when on-track and behind the wheel of the Bolide is a lightweight climate control system, which channels its airflow out of a beautifully symmetrical quad design system incorporating four pipes with aluminum nozzles – another aesthetic connection to the Bolide’s exterior DNA.

With Bolide customers close to completing the personalization process of their on-track racing masterpieces, Bugatti’s expert test drivers, designers and engineers are finalizing the last remaining modifications to ensure each Bolide example is unparalleled in every respect. Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, said: “Bugatti prides itself on striving for perfection on every level within the ongoing creation of its performancedefining hyper sports cars. This uncompromising approach has also been applied to our track-only car, the Bolide, for which we’ve created a very special bespoke interior and unique driving experience that will leave an everlasting impression on every driver.”

2025 TOYOTA CAMRY

‘Toyota has completely redefined its flagship for 2025, and it’s magnificently majestic. Regaining its crown as king, this seductive sedan possesses additional cargo space, legroom as well as intuition than previous models.’– 360

Toyota Unveils the Powerful and Purely Hybrid Next Generation Camry

Redesigned Stylish New Look and High-Tech Interior
Exclusively Equipped with 5th Generation Toyota Hybrid System available in FWD and AWD
Powerful Hybrid System with Up-to 232 Net-Combined Horsepower on AWD Model – 30HP Increase Over Prior Mechanical AWD Model
Re-Engineered Suspension and Braking System for Balanced Handling and Comfort
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
Development and Manufacturing led by U.S.

Building upon greatness, the Toyota Camry enters its ninth generation with a fresh new look, enhanced performance, and a Hybrid powertrain that’s made to move. Designed and assembled in the U.S., the new Camry masterfully amplifies everything drivers love about the current best-selling sedan in the U.S., with more power, striking good looks, feature packed convenience, and capable handling. And now, as a part of Toyota’s effort to provide electrification for all, the 2025 Toyota Camry will be an exclusively Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV), offering a combination of power and fuel efficiency that is ready to take on the daily drive.

Powering the Camry is Toyota’s first-ever sedan pairing of its 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine and fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System (THS 5). Combining the engine’s power with two electric motors, this dynamic new HEV has a standard 225 net combined horsepower on Front Wheel Drive (FWD) models and 232HP on Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) equipped models. Toyota engineers have also tuned the new HEV system at lower speeds to reduce engine RPMs and increase power from the traction battery to provide satisfying acceleration and torque feel. The Toyota Camry will also adopt the “Beyond Zero” badge to signal Toyota’s strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and its vision for a carbon-neutral future.

For the first time ever on a Camry Hybrid, Toyota’s Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system will be available on all grades. For added peace of mind, the AWD system provides additional traction when needed, like during inclement weather or while cornering. The AWD system’s capability comes from a dedicated rear electric drive motor generator that automatically supplies power to the rear wheels when needed.

The 2025 Toyota Camry is expected to arrive at Toyota Dealerships in the Spring of 2024.

Sleek New Generation

The ninth generation Camry, designed by CALTY’s Newport Beach, California and Ann Arbor, Michigan studios, delivers a sleeker, athletic look to the popular sedan’s design. The distinctive hammerhead front fascia adds a fresh clean look that is sure to turn heads. All grades will feature slim LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights.

The SE and XSE grades have sporty exterior styling with a sleek roofline and a chiseled body. The sport grades feature racing-inspired functional aerodynamic air ducts, front-side canards and a rear diffuser. The rear also has an exposed dual-tip exhaust as well as a rear lip spoiler. The XSE will further the sporty style with a unique color matched front grille and black trunk garnish. With standard 18-inch multi-spoke black-finished alloy wheels on SE grades and standard 19-inch multi-spoke black and smoke gray-finished alloy wheels on the XSE, these models will be a sure stand-out amongst its peers.

Exterior color options include newly available Ocean Gem and Heavy Metal that will join Camry favorites like Ice Cap, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver Metallic, Underground, Midnight Black Metallic, Supersonic Red, and Reservoir Blue. The XSE grades add an available two-tone look with Ocean Gem, Wind Chill Pearl, Heavy Metal and Supersonic Red paired with a Midnight Black Metallic roof.

Open-Style Cockpit

Merging with the impeccable craftsmanship of Camry, the modern open-concept and refined materials offer a unique experience to the interior design of each grade.

Beginning with the sport grades, the SE comes with SofTex®-trimmed seats featuring sporty bold white accents in either Boulder or Black while the XSE adds a standard leather-trimmed interior with artistic “shooting blade” patterned perforations found on both the side door trim and seating surfaces. The XSE interior is available in two colors: Black with blue lined perforations or the fan-favorite Cockpit Red. Both the SE and XSE grades come equipped with standard aluminum sport pedals and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters.

The comfort grades also showcase their own interior personality and style. The LE will feature an expertly designed interior inspired by ocean waves with an embossed pattern in woven fabric found on the interior trim and seat surfaces in Boulder or Black. The higher-end XLE grade is the first Toyota Camry to feature leather and Dinamica® microfiber-trimmed seats offered in Light Gray or Black. A quilted pattern in this material can also be found on the front door panels and dashboard.

The Camry will also have enhanced seat comfortability. Toyota engineers achieved this by changing the shape and density of the seat cushion and by increasing the cushion length. The headrest was also softened and moved rearward to enhance seat and ride comfort. That comfort can be extended on the XLE and XSE grades with available front heated and ventilated seats that can be adjusted to three levels. These higher-end grades will also have a quieter cabin thanks to the standard front-side acoustic laminated glass to help reduce wind noise and harshness.

Toyota Camry also sets the standard for convenience. The next generation model comes with a standard smart-key with push-to-start and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with rear air vents. For those who may have multiple drivers in the household, the XLE grade offers an available driver’s memory seat and memory side view mirrors. For added convenience, the XLE has available automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers. And, for the first time on a Camry Hybrid, the XLE and XSE grades will have the option of adding a power tilt and slide panoramic roof with a power-retractable sunshade.

Toyota Crown SUV

Ethereal Elegance

Ghost: Unveiling the Elegance of the Ethereal

•Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ghost is among the oldest name for the world’s leading luxury brand

•Ghost carries the tradition of Rolls-Royce names based on the ethereal realm

•Ghost conveys a sense of subtle elegance, the kind of luxury that lurked in the shadows, never ostentatious but always present.

•Rolls-Royce has reached into the ethereal realm over the past century for some of the most iconic names in luxury

•Rolls-Royce Ghost embodies the silence, power, and poise shared with its spiritual inspiration

“Rolls-Royce motor cars named after spirits or ethereal entities evoke a sense of mystique. This tradition has deep historical roots, carrying on a tradition of more than a century. As the most respected name in luxury, Rolls-Royce has always stood outside and above the automotive arena, and distinctive names like Ghost and Spectre differentiate our brand from all others. Rolls-Royce commissions are instantly recognizable not just by their design but also by their names.” — Martin Fritsches, President & CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, NA

The tradition of naming Rolls-Royce motor cars after spirits, mythical beings, or celestial bodies dates to the early 20th century. It is deeply rooted in the brand’s history and consistently upholds a sense of continuity and heritage. The tradition started with the Grey Ghost, soon followed by The Silver Ghost which was a name bestowed upon one of the brand’s most historic models. Prior to this christening, the model was commonly known as the 40/50 hp, or its smaller counterpart, the 20 hp. Silver Ghost was a name that exuded a certain mystique, a blend design and classic allure, an embodiment of power and poise. Its name matched its essence.

Ghost: Unveiling the Elegance of the Ethereal
Silver Ghost quickly became a legendary vehicle that set numerous endurance records in the early 20th century. Owners soon discovered that it was more than just a car; it was an experience. It was a companion that whispered tales of timeless luxury and drove them through life with an air of sophistication. Silver Ghost was not just an automobile; it was a work of art, a piece of luxury that blended artisanship and engineering. More than a century later the name speaks of tradition, innovation, and luxury. It is a name hinting at the extraordinary, as if the car possessed qualities that were not entirely of this world.

The first Goodwood era Rolls-Royce Ghost, revealed in 2009, rekindled the rich blend of history and mythology. It pays homage to the original Silver Ghost. Today, Ghost represents modernity and allure in the brand’s lineup. This name choice not only celebrates the company’s heritage but also symbolizes the ethereal, whisper-quiet, and ghostly smooth ride that the modern Rolls-Royce Ghost provides, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to luxury and innovation.

Rolls-Royce Ghost has become an enduring legend, a name synonymous with luxury, artisanship, and a touch of the ethereal. It proved that a name could be more than just letters; it could be a portal to a world of elegance and excellence. In the world of luxury, the name Ghost became a byword for perfection.

The names chosen for Rolls-Royce vehicles carry a symbolic weight that reflects the qualities and values the company wishes to associate with their cars. Names like Ghost, Phantom, Wraith, and now Spectre convey an air of mystique, grace, and timelessness. Other names, including Corniche, Dawn, and Shadow, evoke a more fleeting concept or emotion. Regardless, a Rolls-Royce motor cars’ name is evocative of the unparalleled quality and Bespoke craftsmanship that goes into every Rolls-Royce vehicle.

Turin Motor Show

On October 30, 1963, the Turin Motor Show – then one of the biggest motoring events in the world – opened the doors to its 45th edition. At the Maserati stand, the Quattroporte made its debut. Today marks the 60th anniversary of the luxury sedan destined to mark new pathways for six generations of motorists.

This is a celebration that recalls some major milestones for the Modena brand, as Quattroporte is one of the greatest expressions of the House of the Trident. From stylistic leaps to innovations and technical developments, Quattroporte encapsulates a journey into one of the most exclusive parts of motoring. This luxury sports sedan has long served a specific cross-section of society behind the wheel and launched a new automotive segment.

As with so many other iconic cars that have been a sign of their times, ever since its debut in the early 1960s the Quattroporte has garnered acclaim and has inspired successive generations. This is a product that has been able to reinvent itself with no fear of pushing the envelope, one faithful to the pursuit of excellence in design and performance. With over a century of history and more than 75,000 Quattroporte models produced, Maserati has created a car capable of being constantly innovative while remaining true to its roots over the years.

Brought about as a result of intuition and the audacity of the Italian marque, the first-generation Quattroporte was a pioneer, featuring a roaring 8-cylinder racing-derived engine which was enhanced by a dynamic yet elegant design and a refined interior.

Positioned over the years as a “living room on the move,” or a “limousine with a racing spirit,” the initial version could reach 230 km/h. A majestic car with extremely welcoming spaces and regal allure, Quattroporte has always been accustomed to the limelight and was destined to generate a fortunate lineage of cars that can still surprise to this day.

It is representative of the passion and talent of all those involved in the project over the years – Frua plotted the initial curvature, followed by other masters including Bertone, Giugiaro, Gandini, and Pininfarina, through to the Maserati Centro Stile, home to the latest and current generation of Quattroporte. An entire family of technicians, mechanics, test drivers, and designers took it from the blueprints to the road. Quattroporte has long been and still remains the jewel in the crown of the Modena company’s intense story and in the professional lives of so many people.

While the second-generation Quattroporte was a more daring attempt, the Quattroporte III – in the hands of De Tomaso – marked a resounding success; followed by a new challenge that was fully overcome toward the end of the intense 1990s; then by a model that severed ties with the past while remaining faithful to its winning formula as did the multi-award-winning 2003 generation, and that – with the sixth-generation – has taken to the stage once again in its most modern version years later. After all the restyling, progress in engineering, changes in corporate structure, and the countless models produced, this sedan has retained its potent approach to exclusivity.

In the garages of the most discerning motorists, royalty, in the background of memorable films (having been featured in more than 60 productions), photographed on red carpets or accompanying the highest-ranking officials at events, and beloved by the most significant VIPs in numerous industries, Quattroporte was a mainstay of the automotive landscape in the 20th century and remains so in the new millennium. Sixty years later and after traveling innumerable miles, it continues its journey as an undisputed star of its times.

Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO: “Quattroporte is Maserati’s history. A car that tells our story and has prestigiously represented us in the world of saloon cars, for over half a century. Since 1963, it has chronicled the evolution of one of the most beloved and appreciated Maserati models, inaugurating a segment that had previously been uncharted territory. A car that has succeeded in reinventing itself every time without ever losing its identity, in adapting to the passage of time, to changes in society, to advancements in technology and industry, and to trends, it has become the choice of our most select clientele, as well as the world of entertainment and for the international establishment. It’s a source of pride for us and an acknowledgement of the distinctively Italian character that Maserati has always aimed to export around the world with its creations. Now as before, Quattroporte remains our flagship, synonymous with a unique luxury. It’s appreciated for its refinement, attention to detail, superior performance, quality, and enveloping spaciousness – all of this combined with its timeless stylistic touch – has made Quattroporte eternal.”

Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognisable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally. The ambassadors of this heritage are the Quattroporte flagship, the Ghibli sports sedan, the Levante – the first SUV made by Maserati, and the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, all models characterised by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Ghibli, Grecale and Levante – V6 and V8 petrol engines, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident Brand, now completed with the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first full-electric SUV. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The new GranTurismo is available with both the powerful V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. By 2025, all Maserati models will also be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2030.

The Pearl Cullinan

‘The Pearl Cullinan’ was commissioned in early 2022 by a longstanding Rolls-Royce client to mark his father’s 90th birthday. Regional Director, César Habib, and Bespoke Lead Designer Michelle Lusby was originally introduced to the father with the purpose of understanding his passions and life story; these meetings provided valuable insights to inform the design direction for the commission.

BESPOKE PEARL ROSE EXTERIOR FINISH

The Bespoke Pearl Rose finish is inspired by the color of the owner’s most prized pearl in his extensive, world-class collection and is reserved exclusively for this motor car: it will not be available to any other client in future. Paint specialists at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood
used carefully selected pigments to replicate a delicate hint of pink rarely found in natural pearls. Unusually, the paint combines both metallic and pearlescent effects to give exceptional depth and luster.

Perfecting the finish required around 30 different iterations, each applied to a full-sized body panel. These were pre-checked under daylight simulation lamps in the Atelier at Goodwood, then
sent to the client to make sure the color was correct when viewed under the Middle Eastern sun.

The paint also underwent extensive technical testing to ensure it will remain unaltered by heat or UV light over its lifetime.

The Pearl Rose finish is complemented with a single coachline, applied by hand in Rose Gold paint, to match the rose gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. The rose gold theme also extends to the bespoke treadplates, which are revealed on each of the four door sills upon opening.

INTERIOR: THE ART OF PRESENTATION

The interior of ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ features two different leather colors. The front seats – where the father prefers to travel as a passenger – are finished in his favorite Cashmere Grey. In
reference to the family’s heritage, the rear seats are trimmed in Ardent Red, which takes inspiration from the color of the material on which pearls are presented to customers, to best highlight their subtle natural colour variations. In a similar vein, the burr walnut veneer echoes the wooden presentation boxes in which pearls are traditionally handed over to customers upon purchase.

Bespoke embroidery detailing includes ‘RR’ monograms in Rose Gold thread on the headrests and rear seat inserts in Grace White, inspired by the symmetrical growth patterns of an oyster
shell and angled at the same precise 55 degrees as the veneer.

A CELEBRATION OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to present ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ – a magnificent, one-of-one Bespoke motor car commissioned by the owner’s family to mark a significant birthday. It is also the first Bespoke project to be revealed by the Private Office Dubai, which works with local
Dealer Partners to bring the authentic Goodwood experience to clients across the Middle East region.

‘The Pearl Cullinan’ features the most extensive use of mother-of-pearl ever seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car. The natural variations of this beautiful material created opportunities and challenges
in equal measure for the marque’s designers and craftspeople.

This is particularly apparent with the detailed design of the rear Picnic Tables. The upper surface features an intricate, circular pattern inspired by traditional Arabic design that draws the eye inwards to a central point. Each tabletop is then inlaid with 1,351 separate pieces of mother-of-
pearl, everyone individually selected and placed by hand in the surrounding burr walnut marquetry and sealed with clear lacquer. The natural shade and color differences in both the
mother-of-pearl and the wood mean each tabletop is a unique work of art.

The burr walnut fascia incorporates an exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay inspired by traditional Middle Eastern art. At its center is the Arabic word for ‘father,’ inlaid in stainless steel. In a first
for Rolls-Royce, the bespoke dashboard clock is set in a mother-of-pearl surround; the dial and hands are in rose gold. The center rotary dial is also finished with mother-of-pearl, giving it a
tactile, jewel-like quality. Above the occupants, the Bespoke Starlight Headliner shows the sky as it appeared on the night and at the very place the commissioning client’s father was born.

Michelle Lusby, Bespoke Lead Designer at the Private Office Dubai, said, “For me, there was a huge emotional connection with this Bespoke project. I had the privilege of spending time with the commissioning family, which allowed me to discuss details of the design directly with them and really understand their true significance. Their unique use of mother-of-pearl was a great creative and technical challenge for us: to see the picnic tables go from my original digital designs to those beautiful, highly detailed finished works of art was fantastic. This is a truly
special commission in so many ways, and a project we aspire to have as Rolls-Royce designers. Emotions inspire our imaginations.”

A New Dawn

Can you guess what’s on the horizon?

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 26 electrified options.

More details

Toyota Newsroom

AutoBlog

Motortrend

2024 LEXUS TX

‘First-ever, three-row Lexus TX is intuitive, luxurious, and agile’–360®

PODCAST

Everything is bigger in Texas! And, the national debut of the Lexus TX follows suit. Our wave’s ride and drive was suitably held in the capital of the Lone Star State–Austin.

Hosted at the magnificent Four Seasons Hotel Austin, it defined Hometown Love as an incredible place to live, work, and relax with ample shopping within an arm’s reach of its entrance. Upon check-in, we were furnished with an eco-conscious wooden room key card. It provided us with unparalleled access to our balcony suite with breaktaking city views, a massive Samsung TV, a steam shower for two, and a rollaway bed if needed. Further, the luxurious lodge presented the Key of Fall–a live music lineup at the lobby bar as well as a pleathora of playground activities: ping pong, cornhole, and giant Jenga. At nightfall, the backyard trees were roped in white LED lights, creating magical moments with new friends. Or, guests can sway in hammocks or relax in Adirondack chairs while they count constellations. Moreover, Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL), Congress Bridge Bats, and Formula 1 racing is a brisk walk away. We took advantage of the hiking and biking trails behind the resort, leading to the Lady Bird Lake. Additionally, you can partake in poolside sips and light bites in a cabana while sunbathing. After a salt water pool dip, we headed to the 24-hour fitness facility.

During the day, 360® enjoyed an afternoon picnic at Lake Austin. We hopped in our Lexus TX 350 Luxury with our Four Seasons branded basket and blanket for twenty-two miles. Upon arrival, we were greeted by water sports enthusiasts to take part in a half-day of kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. We clamped our JBL Clip 3 portable Bluetooth speaker to the life vest, blasting Tems single, Me & U.

TECHNOLOGY

Within the driver-focused cabin, based on the Tuzuna Concept, it takes the reins with faithful controllability. 360® ‘Experienced Amazing’ within the sanctuary of the Lexus TX 350 Luxury AWD model, estimated at $69,814 MSRP. Nevertheless, the infotainment system seems to be increasing in brains and Braun. With a 14-inch touchscreen, sophisticated driver’s assist platform, 21-speaker Mark Levinson, it’s probably one of the best offerings in competitive set. As usual, it continues to boast Android Auto and CarPlay.

DESIGN

Its flamboyant spirit and silhouette, at first glance, are comparable to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. A design configuration that allows 7 guests of all sizes access to the 10-way power folding third-row seating without sacrificing ergonomics. Unfortunately, customer feedback on its sibling, the RXL, wasn’t pleasant. However, the ventilated leather captain seats prevent your tush from slipping and sliding around the cockpit. And, it’s third-row actually has enough room for an average sized adult rather than an average sized pet. TX 550h + plug-in hybrid offers additional muscle but in this fear driven socioeconomic patriarchal new world order, our TX 350 model was more than enough as many newage customers are learning to live below their means while understanding the true value of frugality. Lastly, the large panoramic moonroof allows more light, making the interior appear clean and clear.

PERFORMANCE + PRICE

TX 350 pricing starts at $58,450 FWD for premium to $60,050 AWD for luxury package. As always, the Lexus DNA continues to offer a plethora of powertrains, including TX 550h F-Sport AWD ($69,350 – $72,650). It’s perched on the 22’s while pushing 275 to 366 horses, achieving 0-60 in 6 secs with a top track speed of approximately 112 mph. Furhermore, it’s well-equipped: adaptive drive train, 5000lb tow capacity, and 20.3 cubic square feet of cargo.

CONCLUSION

To put it simply, the Lexus TX 350 Luxury is the ideal vehicle for busy families and Gen Y. Why? The benchmark for luxury SUVs in its market segment will be set by its overall curb appeal, performance, and intuitive interface. And let’s not forget, it’s made in America.

Articles in Media

Lexus TX

360 MAG podcast on IMDb.com

Vaughn Lowery and Armon Hayes report on the 2024 Lexus TX at Four Seasons Austin via 360 MAGAZINE.

Articles in the Media

YT Review

TripAdvisor

ROLLS-ROYCE CEO RETIRES

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced today that Torsten Müller-Ötvös is to retire as its Chief Executive Officer on 30 November 2023. He will be succeeded by Chris Brownridge, currently Chief Executive Officer of BMW UK.

Torsten joined Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in 2010, making him the company’s longest-serving Chief Executive since Claude Johnson, the man who brought Charles Rolls and Henry Royce together in 1904.

Commenting on the announcement, Torsten said, “Leading Rolls-Royce for almost 14 years has been the greatest privilege and pleasure of my professional life. To have grown the company and its world-class people to the position it is in today, at the pinnacle of the luxury industry, has been a remarkable adventure. I am proud of the role my exceptional team and I have played in contributing significantly to the UK economy and to the global recognition of Britain’s ability to produce the world’s best luxury products.”

Oliver Zipse, BMW Group Chief Executive, said, “Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a jewel in the crown of our organization. Torsten’s outstanding leadership, unswerving commitment, clear vision, and exceptional ability to build a strong, focused team have helped make Rolls-Royce the world-class luxury brand it is today. We wish him the very best for his future endeavours.”

When Torsten took up his appointment, Goodwood produced just two models, Phantom and Ghost. Under his leadership, Rolls-Royce Wraith and Dawn were introduced, as was Rolls‑Royce Cullinan, the first SUV in the marque’s history. This year sees the introduction of Spectre, the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé that begins the marque’s transition to a fully electric product portfolio by 2030. Torsten also saw Black Badge, the edgier, more subversive Rolls-Royce alter-ego, conceived and launched – a bold venture that has broadened the brand’s appeal significantly.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce, retires via 360 MAGAZINE.

Pebble Beach Highlights

ROLLS-ROYCE UNVEILS LA ROSE NOIRE: THE FIRST DROPTAIL COACHBUILD COMMISSION

First of four unique Rolls-Royce Droptail commissions, named ‘La Rose Noire’
Inspired by the allure of the Black Baccara rose
Incorporates most complex expression of parquetry in Rolls-Royce history
1,603 wood pieces hand-finished and hand-placed over almost two-year period
New exterior paint process required 150 iterations to perfect
Matching Champagne Chest commissioned to stage client’s exclusive vintage
Features wearable Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept timepiece

Bugatti’s Golden Era

Bugatti debuted the recently announced Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

The embodiment of Bugatti’s Sur Mesure program, the Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ represents the pinnacle of hand-crafted luxury performance.

Bugatti debuted the one-of-one Chiron Super Sport “Golden Era,” which celebrates the incomparable legacy of the French marque via 360 MAGAZINE.

RIMAC NEVARA

Rimac unveiled the special edition Nevera “Time Attack” at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering.

This one-of-12 electric hypercar celebrates a year of performance records for the brand, one of which was achieved with a new electric production car benchmark at the Nürburgring of 7:05:298.

Rimac Nevera unveiled at The Quail via 360 MAGAZINE.

MEYERS MANX NEV UNVEILING BY FREEMAN THOMAS

Listen to 360 MAG Podcast

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport

Molsheim

The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ is perhaps the most challenging bespoke project that Bugatti has ever undertaken. It is the result of two years of innovative and bespoke craftsmanship, featuring entirely new techniques that elevate it from the world of automotive and into pure artistry. It is the very embodiment of the Bugatti Sur Mesure offering, in which customers’ ambitious visions for their vehicles – which stretch beyond the already near-infinite levels of Bugatti customization – are brought to life in a collaborative process with the design team.

In this case, that vision came from a Bugatti collector with a deep appreciation for Bugatti history and for the intricate engineering of the W16 engine. Not only did he choose a Chiron Super Sport to celebrate the combustion engine design, but he wanted to appropriately pay homage to the history that had led to the creation of this engine. With this vision presented to Bugatti, the design team developed a proposal that captured the essence of what makes Bugatti special, told through its most memorable and extraordinary creations. And the result is: ‘Golden Era’.

Achim Anscheidt, former Bugatti Design Director in charge of this creation, explains the ideation’s starting point: “Our customers can be incredibly creative and we take great pride in helping them realize what they dream of, but extensive special commissions such as this are exceedingly rare – we usually see no more than one or two creations on this scale each year. Given the vision and exacting nature for this project – and the fantastical ideation we wanted to realize – ‘Golden Era’ is probably the most demanding piece of tailored personalization work that my team and I have ever worked on.

“A very important customer came to us and during our conversations, he expressed that he believed the Chiron Super Sport and its W16 engine represented a landmark moment in the world of the automobile. He wanted to do something truly unique in celebration. We looked back through Bugatti history to find a number of these landmark moments, including the times of Ettore Bugatti, Jean Bugatti and Roland Bugatti, which really marked the first golden era for the brand. And then, of course, the modern-day incarnation of Bugatti from 1987, picking out the icons from these times that came to define the Bugatti brand. Our team proposed a concept featuring 45 sketches of the brand’s icons that would be hand-drawn directly onto the car itself, and the owner immediately fell in love with the idea. The implementation may sound quite straightforward, but achieving a perfect finish, and one that would last the test of time, took more patience and craftsmanship than you could ever imagine.”

The customer himself has a great appreciation of Bugatti, and the designers’ collaborative process with the owner – in which he made countless visits to the team to see the vision come to life – was sparked by his unbridled passion. Initiating the relationship between the customer and the Bugatti team in Molsheim – and overseeing the project through to its final stage – was Bugatti’s trusted dealer partner located in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Bugatti Managing Director, Hendrik Malinowski, says: “Sur Mesure literally translates as tailored and it is this complete ultra-luxury customer-centric approach to car design that really sets it apart. Our teams will work hand-in-hand with our customers to craft exactly what they want, and then work closely with them over the course of months or even years to transform it into a reality. Each step, every decision and – in the case of the Golden Era – every stroke of the pencil, was completed with the close oversight and input of the owner to exceed his expectations in a way that no other brand is able to do.”

The overall project for the car would capture the incomparable legacy of Bugatti, a story told through a composition of beautifully intricate sketches depicting milestones from the legendary brand. On the passenger side, 26 hand-drawn sketches reveal icons like the Type 41 Royale – lauded as the most luxurious car when revealed in 1926 – and the Type 57 SC Atlantic, widely regarded as the most beautiful car ever designed. It is a showcase of the moments when Bugatti changed the course of automotive history with its new innovations. On the driver’s side, 19 sketches portray the rebirth and enduring success of Bugatti since 1987, tracing from the EB110, through the Veyron and Chiron. A beautifully simple representation of the 3,712 individual components that come together to create the legendary W16 engine – the most advanced automotive engine ever built – rightfully takes its place as a part of the masterpiece.

The team honed and refined their artwork for the project until they achieved precisely the right scale, proportion and form for each of the individual sketches, bringing them together to form one beautiful artwork. But this art would need an appropriate canvas. A bespoke color, a timeless and celebratory shade of gold named ‘Doré’, was created and applied to the car with a gradiented color split into a special metallic variant of ‘Nocturne Black’, creating the perfect base for the designers to begin the daunting process of sketching directly onto the car.

Achim Anscheidt continues: “It was very clear to us from the beginning that we can only achieve an authentic finish for these sketches – and at Bugatti authenticity is paramount – if we actually used the pencils that we use for sketching on paper – anything else would result in something looking fake or low in quality. So that’s why we had to find a process that would allow us to use pencils and do all of the sketches by hand, directly onto the paintwork.”

Of course, even for the most experienced and skilled designer, the task of sketching, purely by hand, onto a specially commissioned hyper sports car, was extremely intimidating. From the very first stroke of the pencil, this painstaking, manual process saw Bugatti’s uniquely talented team of designers elevating their craft further still in pursuit of perfection. Inevitably, this took a great deal of time, and involved some setbacks along the way. But with extremes of passion, a degree of trial and learnings, the last one of the sketches was eventually completed, having developed a brand new technique to achieve the desired finish for the exterior artwork. In all, this stage of the process took more than 400 hours – testament to the complexity of the artwork.

To create a fully immersive celebration, the design team ensured their proposal would be reflected in the interior. On each of the door panels, three Bugatti icons were hand-applied with a bespoke paint and fine paint brush that would allow one of the design team to draw directly onto the leather. The EB110, Veyron and Chiron, legends of the present day, are facing the icons of the past that had inspired them: the Type 35 – the world’s greatest racing car – Type 57 SC Atlantic – the most beautiful car in the world – and Type 41 Royale – renowned as the most luxurious car ever created – applied to the opposite side of the interior. When Bugatti’s innovative past meets with its revolutionary future in a car that symbolizes the epitome of Bugatti’s savoir-faire. New methods and processes were crafted to ensure that these details would stand the test of time. They sit proudly within the interior as a focal point of beautiful bespoke touches, including subtle ‘Golden Era’ stitching and hand-written ‘One-of-One’ motifs.

A timeless and incomparable homage to the era-defining moments in Bugatti history, the Chiron Super Sport ‘Golden Era’ is beyond comparison in the scale of its bespoke ambition; a project that could only have sprung from the minds of true Bugatti enthusiasts, and one that could only have been finished to such a perfect level of detail by the craftsmen in Molsheim. The car now awaits an official handover to its owner at Monterey Car Week.