Is there not a more well recognized brand in the luxury car industry than Rolls-Royce? Rolls-Royce has just introduced the incredible 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification.

The 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification is an upgraded Ghost sedan model that delivers more power and luxury. The Rolls-Royce Ghost was first introduced in 2010. It’s a slightly smaller option versus the highly popular and large Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan.

Don’t worry, the new 2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification brings the speed. The Rolls-Royce sedan features an enhanced twin turbo V12 6.6 engine that produces 593 HP and 80% of torque from idle.

Paired with an eight-speed automatic, the Ghost V-Spec goes from 0-60 mph in under 4.7 seconds. The sedan’s top speed is limited to 155 mph. The unique powertrain delivers an impressive 30bhp / 22kw power increase.

Rolls-Royce offers a wide variety of color schemes to choose from. There are stunning luxury colors including Arctic White, Graphite, Black Kirsch and Infinity Black.

2014 Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification features 21-inch part-polished wheels. Looking for more bling, then select the optional, visible chrome exhausts.

Rolls-Royce will offer the Rolls-Royce Ghost V-Specification at price higher than the standard Rolls Ghost which starts at $267,300. Don’t wait since the luxury sedan will only be available through June of this year.

Another successful Pebble Beach Automotive Week just wrapped in California. For those in attendance at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show got to see two iconic luxury cars from Lamborghini – their first-ever prototype car and their latest car model.

Automobili Lamborghini was first founded back in 1963 and headquartered in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy. At that location, the luxury car brand manufactures some of the world’s most sought-after super sports cars in the world.

Lamborghini is celebrating its 50th Anniversary in a big way at Pebble Beach Automotive Week. The luxury carmaker will be displaying a rare U.S. appearance of its 1963 350 GTV in addition to the new 2013 Veneno show car which is making its American debut.

The 1963 350 GTV luxury car is first-ever prototype from Lamborghini, so car show attendees had a special treat by being able to view it up close and personal.

Stephan Winkelmann, who is the President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.was quoted, “Lamborghini’s presence at Pebble Beach will be the pinnacle of the brand’s 50th anniversary celebrations in North America. We’re celebrating 100 years of innovation in half the time – what better way than by showing the first Lamborghini ever built alongside our latest racing prototype and road-going super sports car – the Veneno.”

The ‘one-off’ 2013 Veneno show car offers 750-horsepower and sells for about $4 Million. It was first viewed at The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on Friday night.

The Veneno then joined the 350 GTV, which first made its world debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1963, in an exclusive display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance car show on Sunday.

Friday night, Lamborghini hosted a display and exclusive executive retrospective presentation at Concorso Italiano. On Saturday, the general public also was able to see the two luxury cars during a Concorso Italiano-hosted parade that wound its way through downtown Monterey and historic Cannery Row.

Lamborghini continues to marked major milestones in the history of luxury super sports cars. In 2011 was the introduction of the best-in-class Aventador LP 700-4 and this year’s presentation of the SUV concept car Urus at the Beijing Auto Show,

Three lucky clients from around the world will begin receiving delivery of their Veneno production cars later this year.

If you are an avid luxury car lover and would like to make plans to attend one the luxury car shows from around the world, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help arrange your trip.

Looking for those unique, luxury vintage or classic cars can be a challenge. First, how do you easily find them and more importantly how do you know you are getting your money’s worth?

One of the best certified brokers we work with is Luxury Brokers International, who specializes in the purchase, sales, and brokerage of investment grade classic cars.

One of the nice options is offering your luxury car as a consignment sale. The primary advantage of a consignment sale of your car is you get the power of leveraging the entire car network in the automotive field to help sell your vehicle.

Here’s a small sample of the many quality classic cars available on the market for sale.

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1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C (CSX Continuation) – pictured above
An extremely high quality Shelby Continuation car with under 5K from new, and well optioned.
Offered at $109,500

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1964 Jaguar E-Type FHC
A Numbers Matching, Two Owner Example, Retaining An Original Interior.
Offered at $64,500

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1968 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
A Restored, Factory Black/Black Example With Two Tops.
Offered at $72,500

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1981 Rolls-Royce Corniche
RROC Member Owned With Great Original Colors And Well Serviced.
Offered at $39,500

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1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SL
A Cosmetically Restored, Well Sorted Driver Quality Pagoda in Interesting.
Reduced to $59,500

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1986 Porsche 930 Track Car
A Very Well Engineered Example With Much East Coast Pedigree.
Reduced to $64,500

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1965 Mercedes-Benz 230SL
An Excellent, Well Sorted Euro-Spec 4-Speed Example With Two Tops.
Offered at $42,500

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It is important to understand the always evolving market price, car features and options plus the condition of the car you may be interested in buying. There are several important investment factors that need to be taken in to account and a quality, certified car broker can assist in breaking down those detail and help you in buying the right car.

There are additional services available such as classic car storage, classic car consignment, brokerage, and other consulting services

If you are in the market to buy a classic or vintage car or have one to sell, please contact The Life of Luxury to see how we can help.

Courtesy of: Mercedes

The all-new Mercedes 2010 E-Class series of vehicles continues to prove just how advanced these German designed cars really are.

It’s obvious that one look at an E-Class car and you can quickly see the complete effort: planning, designing, testing, and overall driver luxury goes into creating a line of cars.

The E-Class has a feature called Attention Assist which is amazingly cool and incredibly brilliant. Mercedes mentions that that people who wrongly drive when they are tired and drowsy get into car accidents approximately 100,000 times a year. That is surprisingly almost as much as driving while intoxicated.

The Attention Assist feature monitors about seventy different parameters to develop a baseline of your driving habits. It then uses that data to compare it in real-time against your current driving habits.

As you begin to drive your car, the intuitive system automatically is monitoring different things that you do for the first 20 minutes. Variables are measured such as how aggressive you are with the steering wheel, braking patterns, and much more.

Once that personal driver baseline is determined, the car’s system then can decide if your patterns changed for the worse and then alerts you. The driver receives both an audible alert, in addition to a visual one in the instrument cluster.

Research conducted by Mercedes shows that drivers of their luxury cars typically have a heart-rate that’s reduced by 5% compared to other drivers of other brand vehicles.

Why you ask? Well, it seems the reason is because of how much attention Mercedes pays to the vehicle’s cabin and the entire experience of making the driver feel like a driver. A driver that’s driving safe and comfortable is more at ease.

Another intelligent feature on the new E-Class is named the Adaptive High Beam Assist. It uses a camera that views oncoming headlights and taillights of cars in front of you. Based on that information, it can automatically soften your headlights as other cars pass by to minimize the lighting so not to blind them.

The Adaptive High Beam Assist can actually switch between both your high-beams and low-beams automatically. Even more incredible … the whole system is totally automatic and will auto-adjust your headlights to compensate for 1,000 feet of road (including vehicles) in front of you.

Mercedes also offers another technological achievement titled the Pre-Safe Brake. It utilizes a feature called Distronic Plus that uses radar to detect whether another vehicle that’s front of you has stopped and actually stops your car in emergency conditions. The system works by sensing that a possible rear collision may occur and sounds three warning tones to alert you.

Although the Mercedes 2010 E-Class is loaded with features, the car is also very customizable. You can easily configure your car and turn on or off the array of advanced features as you wish.

Courtesy of: Lexus

Toyota’s Lexus recently unveiled its highly anticipated and first-ever LFA Supercar at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Lexus announced that their luxury LFA Supercar will go into production this December. Orders are now being taken at http://www.lexus.com/LFA/.

The launch of the LFA high-performance supercar, illustrates a strategic move by Lexus as it enters the exotic sports car market alongside such legendary names as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Aston Martin.

The LFA will offer a bold design structure with an intensely powerful engine that is unlike any other Lexus vehicle on the road today. Lexus is redefining the supercar for the 21st century.

The first Supercar by Lexus redefines the segment with ultimate performance, featuring:
• 4.8L V10 Engine Generates 552 Horsepower for Powerful Rear-Wheel Drive
• Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Helps Provide a Light and Strong Structure

The Lexus LFA supercar will be on display for the first time in North America at two back-to-back premier venues – the 2009 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) trade show in Las Vegas this November and the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show in December.

In 2010, Lexus will show the LFA Supercar at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Chicago Auto Show, Dallas Auto Show and New York International Auto Show.

As the first Lexus supercar, the LFA serves as the flagship for the F portfolio of Lexus performance models and redefines the supercar for the 21st century. The Lexus F brand complements the core Lexus DNA by emphasizing serious performance. The LFA was carefully developed from a blank canvas by a small and dedicated team of hand-picked engineers that pushed every possible dynamic boundary.

“The development of the LFA was unlike any other Lexus,” said Mark Templin, Lexus division group vice president and general manager. “Minute details were engineered to provide an engaging and serious supercar that delivers impressive performance on and off the race track. Only 500 will ever be built worldwide, and each will be assembled to customer order, offering a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of a small, exclusive group of individuals.”

Courtesy of: Lexus

All 500 LFA supercars will be hand-assembled by skilled technicians in the “Lexus LFA Works” at the Motomachi Plant in Toyota City at a rate of no more than 20 per month.

The rear-wheel drive LFA is dynamically styled and powered by a sophisticated new high-revving 9,000 rpm (redline) 4.8-liter V10 engine that generates 552 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque for adrenaline-fuelled 202- mph performance. This specially-developed powerplant is paired with a unique six-speed Automated Sequential Gearbox (ASG) with blazing-quick paddle-activated shifts for ultimate driver control.

Linked by a rigid torque tube for excellent drivetrain integrity, the ASG is located in a transaxle layout over the rear axle for an optimal 48:52 front-to-rear weight distribution. Motorsport-developed lightweight aluminum alloy suspension components are complemented by Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brake discs and an innovative electrically assisted rack and pinion steering system.

Lightweight, powerful and balanced, the LFA features advanced Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) construction for its chassis and much of its bodywork to deliver a light, incredibly strong and impact-resistant structure. Rather than outsource this sophisticated materials technology, the LFA team took the radical step of developing its own CFRP processes internally for ultimate quality control and to make a sound engineering investment in the future.

The LFA’s sporty styling is distinguished by coherent lines that flow from roof to sill in a seamless convex to concave line for sophisticated aerodynamics. Its front-mid engine layout, long wheelbase, short overhangs, and snug, low-slung cabin identify it as a supercar.

CFRP also gave the LFA’s designers a far higher degree of design freedom, allowing them to create shapes, curves and edges that would have been impossible with metal. For example, the sharp trailing edges at the rear of the LFA that help provide superlative aerodynamics would not have been possible had traditional metal been used for the bodywork.

A dramatic low-slung cockpit has been intelligently designed and hand-assembled with the finest materials to reflect the car’s driver-centric dynamics. The intimate two-seat cabin has been conceived at every stage – ergonomics, acoustics, materials, comfort, versatility and visibility levels have all been painstakingly engineered – to put the driver at the center of the driving experience.

Production of the LFA supercar will begin in December 2010 with deliveries continuing for the following 24 months.

Consumers may contact the Lexus LFA Information Center at 866-LFA-4794 to express interest, or visit www.Lexus-LFA.com for more information.

Photo courtesy of: Hyundai

Hyundai’s new deluxe Genesis sedan had been named the North American Car of the Year for 2009

Selling for less than $40,000, this luxury Hyundai Genesis could easily pass as a twin for a particular German made sedan that costs twice as much money.

The Hyundai Genesis sedan, known as the 4.6 model, is named for its V-8 engine. The large engine offers a whopping 375 horse power but delivers an economical 24 mpg at an average speed of 53 mph.

The Hyundai Genesis 4.6 offers a sooth running six-speed automatic transmission plus rear-wheel drive.

The Genesis 4.6 is priced at $37,250 and has about every modern convenience a luxury drive could want. The sedan comes loaded with rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone automatic heating/cooling, a power rear sunshade in addition to tire-pressure monitors.

A few features the standard 4.6 does lack include, rear-view camera, GPS, swivel headlamps, and backup sensors. These features are of course available as moderately priced upgrades.

The 3.8 model is Hyundai’s entry-level sedan. It comes equipped with a 290hp V-6. The Genesis 3.8 lists at $32,250.

Do to the cost of a new Hyundai Genesis Sedan, some car buyers may wait for used cars to become available.

Hyundai announced the Genesis received the highest score among mid-size premium cars in the latest J.D. Power 2009 Automotive Performance Execution and Layout Study.

For more information, go to Hyundai – Sedan

Photo courtesy of:  autoweek.com

Luxury automobile manufacturer Bugatti, just unveiled a brand new concept sedan – Bugatti Galibier 16C.

What is significant here, is it gives us a heads up to what Bugatti may head after it ends its production of the luxury Veyron model.

The word is that luxury automaker Bugatti plans to introduce the new Galibier 16C concept sedan by 2013.

The plan is for the Bugatti Galibier 16C to have the same 16-cylinder engine as the Veyron.  The difference is that a pair of superchargers will replace the current four turbochargers  in the Veyron.  The Galibier 16C will also offer owners all-wheel drive in addition to am automatic transmission.

Ultimately, the goal is for Bugatti to produce the Galibier 16C and target it as the world’s fastest sedan.

To learn more about new the Bugatti Galibier 16C, go to Autoweek.com

If you are looking to bring more sophistication to your life, the BMW M5, embodies class and style all with everything it stands for.

The M5 is equipped to take you and your entourage anywhere you want to go, equipped to seat five passengers comfortably, there is plenty of room for everyone to fit without feeling the least bit cramped.

Although the M5 appears to have a modest look, don’t let the exterior fool you. This BMW is probably faster than most other cars in its class. Not only does it beat out others with its fast speed it also has impeccable stopping capabilities as well as handling capabilities that will take turns and rough patches with ease.

This high speed BMW doesn’t just come with a speedy athletic package it also the brains the too. The M5 comes standard with an MDrive that is located on the steering wheel. The MDrive button will allow the driver to customized their favorite settings and the car will remember it for next time. If you travel a certain path to work every day, this BMW will memorize every mile you pass. Smart and sophisticated, what more could you ask for?

Because of a few added bells and whistles, this BMW M5 doesn’t come cheap, although above average, the price tag is well worth it. This car makes for a sophisticated drive that is flashy enough on both the interior and exterior to turn some heads and cause a little stir. Although it doesn’t live up the flashy flair of most BMW’s in its class, the M5 makes up for it with its brain and it’s brawn, leaving you anything but disappointment.

Enjoying the life that you have worked hard to maintain makes it all that more pleasurable with the BMW M5. Sometimes things are actually better on the inside than from how they appear on the outside and the BMW M5 is a good example of that.  Author: Richard McCombe

The latest RL luxury sedan from Acura, which actually made its world debut at this year’s New York Auto Show, steps up to the plate with a larger engine and improved handling characteristics.

This latest RL from Acura is a highly desirable, luxury performance sedan that comes loaded with virtually everything one could possibly want in such a vehicle in its price range, and then some. Factor all this in with the more powerful V6 engine, and you have a car that can comfortably compete with European sport sedans.

The Acura RL is a smooth, quick and comfortable luxury sedan, and complements its sleek, sporty appearance. To enjoy maximum performance in terms of acceleration and shift points, simply select the Sport mode and let the RL do the work for you, or utilize the paddle shifters to chose gears at will. Either way, the RL delivers a satisfying and exhilarating ride.

The Acura RL for 2009 also showcases advanced new technologies including AcuraLink weather, AcuraLink Traffic Rerouting, a new note function for XM radio, active sound control and Bluetooth audio – all additions to the already rich inventory of high-tech features found on the previous RL model.

Even the innovative Super Handling All-Wheel Drive system has been enhanced and improved, along with a revised steering system, upgraded coil springs, better shock absorber performance, a larger rear stabilizer bar and bolder, more aggressive wheels and tires.
Source: SFGate.com

From the Mercedes Simplex to the E Series, Mercedes vehicles are, and have always been, sought-after vehicles. Mercedes has been known for their cars since 1871, when the company was founded in Stuttgart, Germany.

The company crafted its first car in 1886, and in 1901 the original Mercedes was released for public consumption.

The Mercedes Simplex, technically the third vehicle they ever created, was first produced in 1902 and again in 1909 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. Wilhelm Maybach was the designer of the Mercedes Simplex, which offered more engine performance and more stability than previous vehicles.

The Mercedes 35hp, that was created the year before the Mercedes Simplex, broke with several standards of automobiles of their time. To keep up with the tradition Maybach and Daimler knew they needed the Simplex to be even more of what consumers were considering a “standard” car. They decided to added comfort by means of simplicity, hence the name “Simplex.”

As you can imagine, cars like the Simplex are highly sought after because of rarity. With the 1902 vehicle improving the horse power of the engine, the Mercedes Simplex had to prove its worthiness on the race track. The first race track to see the Simplex in action was at Nice, France.

That same year, in the United States, the Simplex raced in Detroit offering another win. William Vanderbilt Jr. was a high-profile fan of the Simplex, boosting the profile of Mercedes in the United States.

In 1903, the Mercedes Simplex gained another fan in Kaiser Wilhelm II. He expressed such admiration for the car in stating that it was a truly magnificent engine, but not as simple as its name implies.

Currently, antique vehicles like the Mercedes Simplex can only be seen at the Mercedes Benz Museum in Stuttgart. They still have 13 original Simplex units on display. These vehicles still take part in competitions each year as some of the best cars ever made.

Whether you are interested in new, antique, or used Mercedes cars performance and dedication to luxury are marked factors. The modern line of Mercedes vehicles includes SUV’s, trucks, and compacts. They recently began offering Smart cars for city driving. The reputation of Mercedes Benz will continue to be on the top of the quality car list for performance, endurance, and comfort for quality vehicles.

Author: by Fabian Toulouse

Corvette ZR1

Within the troubled walls of auto giant General Motors, a competition was brewing.

A couple of years ago, Chrysler’s Dodge division announced it’s 2008 V10 Viper would offer 600 horsepower for its base engine. That was a direct jab at Chevy’s Corvette ZO6 and a power struggle ensued in the muscle car arena.

G.M.’s engineers went to work and the result is another classic – the 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1.

The new model surpasses the Dodge Viper by 38 more horsepower with an entry price of $105,000. That price is about $33,000 more expensive than the next-in-line Corvette ZO6 model and $15,000 higher than the Dodge Viper.

The Corvette ZO6 was considered one of the best values in outright car performance, and the ZO6 was the starting point for the new Corvette ZR1.

Besides the many feature upgrades, Chevy says the rise is better than the base Corvette, in additIon to offering better handling capabilities than the ZO6.

If you want one of these babies, you better move fast.  Only 1,800 ZR1’s are planned for the 2009 model year.  Each ZR1 will wear a vehical identification number specifically designed to enhance the car’s status as a future collectible.

For more information, go to official Corvette site