Don't hate the models of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week because they're beautiful. Or because they get to recharge in the Model Lounge of the Gansevoort Park Avenue South. Or because they get chauffeured around in the new Porsche Panamera. If you think you can stand a look, grab a behind-the-scenes peek at what's making their tough lives a little easier here.
Tonight, carmaker Lexus took the wraps off a top-of-the-line sportscar to be known as the LFA. The matte black vehicle on display was surely worthy of Batman and appropriately enough, Gotham sat up and took notice.
At a cocktail party held at Espace, the sportscar took its rightful place at center stage, where guests ogled the hand-built auto, which has a V-10 engine capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 in 3.6 seconds. Lexus luxury partners on-hand to celebrate the debut included Pratesi linens, Soolip paperie, Napa Valley Vintners, Riedel Crystal, Marquis Jet and concierge service Quintessentially.
Reportedly, only 500 LFAs will be produced; the car, a 2011 model, will carry a sticker of $375,000. Clearly, being Batman is not an inexpensive proposition.
Men who love cars and the women who love men who love cars were out in force at the tenth annual East Side House Settlement preview gala of the New York International Auto Show last night.
After a lively cocktail reception in the main corridor of the Javits Center, where Porsche models (mechanical and otherwise) were on prominent display, guests moved into an indoor tent for dinner, where the highlight was an auction of a 2010 Porsche 911 GT3. The Stuttgart speedster went to the highest bidder for $150,000. Combined with ticket sales and the proceeds of a silent auction, more than $500,000 was raised for the charity, which works with underprivileged families.
It was a palpable reflection of the economy that the Italian luxury auto manufacturers, Maserati, Lamborghini and Ferrari, took this year off from the auto show. Quite a change from last year's outing, when a Lamborghini Gallardo was auctioned for East Side House for $340,000. Here's hoping that next year the economy is strong enough to support the auction of a Bugatti Veyron (sticker price: $1.4 million) for East Side House.
OK, we'll admit that the Bavarian automaker has had at least 15 minutes of notoriety since its founding in 1916. None quite like this, however. Unveiled today in Grand Central Station's Vanderbilt Hall, the company's Art Cars exhibit shows off the painted bodies of vintage Beamers that were decorated by the hands of men including Frank Stella, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and yes, even Mr. Fifteen Minutes himself, Andy Warhol. In the east wing of the hall, commuters can view "Expression of Joy"--a massive canvas ramp that was painted not with a brush but by the wheels of a Z4 roadster skidding through pools of primary-color paint. The Z4 is there, too, looking not the least bit embarrassed about the red paint that is splashed across its sides and wheels. (For video, check after the jump.)
The creation of artist Robin Rhode, "Expression of Joy" is aptly named. Wouldn't you be joyous getting to ride through puddles of latex, leaving a multicolored tire tread trail in your wake?
The exhibit will be on view through early April. For a teaser video, see below.
Bugatti, maker of the world's fastest production automobile, has mated with French luxury goods purveyor Hermès to create what is arguably one of the most pedigreed monsters ever to grace four wheels. The specially equipped Veyron made its debut last week at a location near Battery Park, not far from the new Hermès store on Broad Street.The Veyron's top speed is more than 250 miles per hour. Cost of this beaut s $2.25million. Just don't expect a roomy trunk in which to store your Hermès luggage. First availability: end of this year.
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Thursday, September 16, 2010 at 11:28AM 
