Cars+Toys

Cadillac Escalade Receives Facelift Thanks to Lexani

2013-02-01T19:32:09Z

Has your experience getting from point A to point B lately seemed a little, well, lacking? Like the sound of heated massage chairs, a Mac Mini computer with a touch screen monitor, a built-in cooler and accents in luxurious materials like suede and 24K gold? Now picture these little luxuries on the road.

A leader in the customization of high-end vehicles, Lexani Motorcars has recently lent its hand to upgrading one of Cadillac’s most popular models. The result is the highly-coveted Custom Cadillac Escalade ESV Luxury Coach.

Meticulous attention to detail and eye-catching, yet subtle, style is apparent in every facet of the vehicle. Available for purchase with an impressive range of amenities, the auto maker is also able to meet customized requests using the talent of a team of hand-picked craftsmen.

Lexani Motorcars: Escalade E1 Interior

“The Cadillac Escalade ESV ES1 from Lexani Motorcars offers a brilliant blend of technology, luxury, and artistry, to provide the ultimate traveling experience,” reads a statement released by Lexani. “The customization options allow clients to create their own ideal environments. Whether the vehicle is to be used for business, family, entertainment, security, or all of the above, the owner can rest assured that it will be unrivaled in every respect.”

A full list of available amenities include:

Interior

• European style premium leather 6-way power seats

• Multi user Wi-Fi 4G network capability

• Mac Mini computer with touchscreen monitor

• Two 10” monitor stations

• Samsung Blu-ray /DVD player

• Digital clock and temperature panel

• Custom luxury finish accents in burl wood

• Plush, high quality carpeting with real lambskin floor mats

• 1000-watt Alpine sound system

• Luxury center console with patented design and digital control panel

• 4 Luxury power seats

• Alcantara suede-lined headliner and cabin walls

• 1 cu ft. compact cooler

Exterior

• UV resistant tinted privacy glass

• Custom color-matched exterior accents

Optional

• Vehicle security/alarm system

• 24K gold plated custom accents

• Custom logo embroidered on headrests

• 22” Lexani wheel and tire package

• Video conferencing system

• Massage, heated seats

• Perimeter armor options

The customized Escalade runs for, on average, $209,000 USD. Sometimes it really is the little things that make everyday life bearable, and it looks like Lexani has nailed it this time.

Teaser: Rolls-Royce Long Awaited Wraith

2013-01-29T17:31:55Z

Rolls-Royce is playing the long game with its highly anticipated coupe, the Wraith and CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös has just ignited yet more anticipation after describing the model as “the most powerful Rolls-Royce that has ever played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.”

The Wraith is set to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 5, but motoring enthusiasts have already begun speculating about what’s in store after Rolls-Royce released an image of its roof line, looking extremely different from its signature style.

“Rolls-Royce Wraith will draw superlatives when it is unveiled in Geneva,” says Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Expect the boldest design, the most dramatic performance and the most powerful Rolls-Royce that has ever played host to the famous Spirit of Ecstasy figurine.”

Bold Design, Dramatic Performance & Power

The Wraith will only be the third Rolls-Royce model, after the famous Phantom and its smaller cousin, the Ghost. The Phantom made a name for itself as a powerhouse, extracting 453 horsepower from its V-12 engine, setting the bar pretty high for the Wraith.

The brand has always been known for its stately, austere and rather serious image, so everybody has their fingers crossed that the Wraith will have all the gumption, class and power of the Phantom and the Ghost, but also a modern, slick and sexy new feel.

Roll on March, we can hardly wait to see the final new model.

Auto Concierge Members Club Protects Your Pride & Joy

2013-01-28T21:27:12Z

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There is a new members-only-club in town called Auto Concierge and it will not only provide you with 24-hour access to a luxury private clubhouse, private changing rooms, and a serving bar, which is available for business meetings and social gatherings, it will also look after your finest cars. It’s the only members club for devoted car collectors.

Brainchild of CEO Scott Elrod, the members-only vehicle storage center and private club opened its first location in a 15,000 square-foot facility in West LA. Chosen for its wealthy location and its close proximity to Santa Monica Airport and LAX, the club is convenient for locals wishing to use it and close enough to the airport for international clients.

Membership includes routine mechanical checks and access to Rstrada—a performance and tuning shop for classic, luxury and super automobiles that is located next door. Members have 24-hour access to their vehicles, and can request to have their vehicles delivered to a specific location by Auto Concierge staff.

Auto Concierge has also installed the most advanced security software, which is running and monitored around the clock; members can even remotely view a live video feed of their vehicles. To gain access to the club, there is a monthly car fee of $850.00 ($400 for each additional vehicle, depending on the level of service), a relatively small price to pay for complete peace of mind and to protect your pride and joy.

California Spider Ferrari Sold For $8.3Million

2013-01-22T00:21:02Z

A midnight blue convertible 250 GT LWB California Spider has sold at auction for a staggering $8.3million. The Ferrari, which was one of only 50 ever made, sparked a bidding war at the Gooding & Company auction house in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The car had just three previous owners and was lovingly restored to its former glory in 2012, subsequently scooping a platinum trophy and a set of almost perfect scores when it was shown off at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the American Ferrari Club Meet.

The model, certified as genuine by the Ferrari Classiche Department, features rare covered headlights, and a tan leather interior.

In June last year, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO made for race driver Stirling Moss was sold to US car collector Craig McCaw for a reported £22m. Could this be a sign that vintage sports cars are a sound investment for the future? Scoop the right model and it could be worth its weight in gold.

BMW Introduces First Coupe in All-Electric Concept Line

2012-11-28T18:25:34Z

BMW unveiled its i3 Concept Coupe at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show this November, the first all-electric coupe from BMW and the world's first fully-networked electric vehicle, according to the Company.

"The state-of-the-art, clean-cut and open design showcased by the BMW i3 Concept Coupe represents a pioneering form of urban mobility that makes sustainability awareness an intrinsic part of the premium profile," the Company said about the unveiling. "Beyond this, the three-door model employs the design idiom that has been created especially for the BMW i cars to convey an undeniable sense of dynamism and driving pleasure."

The coupe's motor, entirely electric like in the BMW i3 Concept predecessor, has a maximum 170 horsepower behind its rear wheel, single-speed transmission. The i3 Concept Coupe has two horizontally split parts, consisting of "two self-contained elements, which intrinsically focus on the technical requirements of the electric drive train, and helps to produce a design concept, sense of spaciousness and driving experience that are unique to BMW i cars."

The "Life module," the driver and passenger area of the car, is built from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic, an extremely light-yet-durable material, and the "Drive module" is composed chiefly of aluminum. In comparison with the BMW i3 Concept predecessor, "the new study has a broader, lower-slung look that serves to highlight its agile nature at first glance," BMW reports.

Two displays within the coupe offer full technology integration, including BMW ConnectedDrive functions that "have been devised by BMW i for use in production vehicles, operation of the navigation system, as well as the information transfer between the vehicle, the outside world and the driver's smartphone," and geared for e-mobility and consumer ease of use and convenience. 3D, high-definition graphics help owners receive information en route and enjoy connectivity among all personal electronics.

The BMW i3 Concept Coupe is powered by eDrive technology, creating zero tailpipe emissions and can travel 80 to 100 miles before charging. Additionally, an optional DC charging option allows the battery to replenish to 80 percent within 30 minutes. At charging stations, the driver can begin or end charging remotely or set a timer to prevent wasting of power.

Tractormaker Giant Mahindra & Mahindra May Purchase Part of Aston Martin

2012-11-28T13:13:25Z

Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd., a $15.9 billion multinational group headquartered in India, is using private counsel this week in negotiations to purchase part of Aston Martin Lagonda Limited, the nearly 100-year-old English luxury carmaker.

Aston Martin was owned by Ford Motor Company from 1994 until 2007, when 90 percent of the company was purchased by an investor group for more than $767 million. The brand has been used in the James Bond movie series for decades, the sleek getaway car of choice for fictional spy James Bond.

The negotiations are entirely private thus far and no announcement has been made from either company, although some news reports say Mahindra has bid to own 50 percent of the company and recently outbid Italian private equity fund InvestIndustrial, says First Post Business.

Reuter’s has reported that an unnamed informant said that Mahindra hopes to reach a deal by the end of this week, possibly to the tune of more than $400 million. Kuwaiti company Investment Dar led the private acquisition in 2007 by the investor group, and the Company itself has denied rumors of any negotiations.

Mahindra is currently the largest tractor maker in the world, a stark contrast from would-be investors BMW, Daimler and Toyota, each of which reportedly showed lack of interest in the Aston Martin brand. The company’s farm equipment backbone are consistently profitable and the purchase of Aston Martin (which uses 25 percent of resources toward research and development) would mean a slight rebranding and expensive reevaluation of Aston Martin’s strengths as a moneymaker.

Mahindra has a unique outlook committed to service, with a purpose statement to “challenge conventional thinking and innovatively use all our resources to drive positive change in the lives of our stakeholders and communities across the world, to enable them to Rise.” It is unclear how the message for empowering communities will blend with the luxurious extravagance of an automaker producing vehicles costing a few hundred thousand dollars, but the brand would add new excitement and could prove to revive the Aston Martin brand.

Space Age Apple HQ Delayed Until 2016

2012-11-21T18:26:53Z

The late Steve Jobs was nothing if not ambitious and in 2011, he filed plans to build a 176-acre Apple campus within the city of Cupertino, California. Jobs filed the petition in June 2011 and cited a completion date of 2015. The spaceship inspired HQ resembles something from a Hollywood blockbuster film set and was expected to take up to three years to complete. However Bloomberg released information today, which suggests the project will not be complete until 2016 and work will not begin until 2014.

Jobs’ original plans have remained largely unchanged since the project was first pitched, however a few minor alterations to the plans may have contributed to the delay. Bloomberg has reported that the company no longer wants to use trucks to remove dirt from the building site, and has altered the location of a 1,000 person auditorium, which may be used for future product launches, further way from public roads. Apple has also reportedly planned to accommodate more parking spaces for its ever growing work force.

When plans for the building were initially conceived, Jobs' main focus was on creating a ‘green’ building that was environmentally sympathetic. The finished project will have on-site fuel cells and 650,000 square feet of solar panels as well as acres of green parkland and orchard. The circular design, which Jobs famously said would not include one piece of straight glass, has underground parking, allowing the center and surrounding area to be kept as green as possible.

As yet, there have been few images of the building released, however word on the grape vine is that Cupertino hopes to have the updated plans online and available for public download after Thanksgiving. For all you Apple enthusiasts out there who cannot wait any longer for a sneak peak at the new Apple HQ, 9to5Mac obtained some leaked images of what the inside of the facility may look like back in September 2012.

One thing is for sure, 2015 or 2016, when the building finally comes into fruition it will be a feat of engineering and a stunning addition to Apple’s already inspirational portfolio. Apple strikes yet again… how do they do it?

Fiat £18,000 for British PM David Cameron

2012-11-21T00:04:24Z

British Prime Minister David Cameron has sold his Fiat 500 for a whopping £18,000. He bought the pint sized city run around for his wife Samantha in 1998 as a birthday present for what we can only imagine was a small percentage of the price he sold it for.

The final sale price was £18,480, down in part to the fact that the Camerons had put only 1,000 miles on the clock and kept the car in great condition, but down largely I suspect to the fact that he happens to be the British Prime Minister.

The car was sold as part of a £1.32 million sales bounty at the recent NEC Classic Car Show auction hosted by Silverstone Auctions. Nick Whale, Managing Director of Silverstone Auction, told reporters “David Cameron’s old car was always going to generate a great deal of interest because of its fascinating history.”

However, he was quick to merit the car and not just its owner with the hefty selling price. “It was almost out performed by another 1971 Fiat 500 L, rebuilt to concours standard, which made £17,000. It surely proves that these stylish little cars are very desirable in their own right.”

Other highlights included a one-on-351 1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series II, which made £224,000, and a concours 1997 Ferrari 456 GTA which was sold for £41,200.

American Suzuki Files for Bankruptcy

2012-11-07T13:00:00Z

Japanese automaker Suzuki has announced the end of its car sales in the United States under American Suzuki, declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The company will continue its U.S. sales for motorcycles, ATVs and boats.

Analysts, including auto-industry analyst Koji Endo, say profits dwindled because of low sales numbers and the strength of the yen, which made the manufacture and transport of vehicles from Japan to the United States costly. In the U.S. market, which favors larger models, Suzuki's lower cost compact car sales have not thrived as they have in markets like India and Southeast Asia, which the fastest growing markets for the brand, according to the New York Times.

A $346 million debt prompted Suzuki's bankruptcy. A statement from the Company reported various challenges including low sales volume, the limited number of models offered by Suzuki and the exchange rate differential imposed by the strength of the yen.

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Suzuki also noted that "disproportionately high and increasing costs associated with stringent state and federal regulatory requirements unique to the U.S.," added to the demise of the brand in the United States. The company plans to help "structure a smooth transition from new automobile sales to exclusively parts and service operations, or, in some instances, an orderly wind down of dealership operations."

All current Suzuki owners will retain full warranty benefits, and Suzuki will honor any "automobile buyback agreements that are currently in place with financial institutions," the statement said.

More than 200 dealerships in the United States will be affected by the bankruptcy, as Suzuki may be excused from contractual obligations with the dealerships. During the past few years, several dealerships were offered buyouts as the Company struggled, including more than 50 dealerships which accepted the buyout offer in 2010.

ÉCURIE25 Supercar Network Lets You Drive a McLaren

2012-10-24T15:47:00Z

Supercars are fabulous, but sometimes owning one turns out to be more hassle than its worth. ÉCURIE25 frees up the fancy driver from this burden, by offering a unique supercar timeshare that puts some of the world's most expensive cars at their member's immediate disposal. In fact, the company is the world's longest and largest established network of supercars.

The company's success has them set to open a new location in Austin, Texas. The company had this to say about their new Endeavour "We will debut its first Texas location in Austin this fall, with some of the world’s most desired cars such as Lamborghinis, Maseratis and even McLarens, available to members in October."

"Lone Star Exotics, Austin’s luxury car rental agency, is launching the state’s first supercar time share program. Membership is capped at 20 people through 2012 and will open up to an additional 30 members in 2013."

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Here is more information about the company via their press release:

For those who already own an exotic car or for those who want to, but are not quite ready for the expense and responsibilities of ownership, écurie25 provides a great opportunity to drive an array of exotic autos without ownership costs. An individual membership is $25,000 per year, which covers all insurance and car maintenance. Corporate accounts are available for an additional $3,000 per individual. There is also a one-time joining fee of $2,500.

Beyond having access to the world’s top cars, the club also provides the opportunity for members to connect with like-minded enthusiasts for adrenalin-charged events around the world. écurie25 plans a variety of social gatherings worldwide, including driving tours, motorsport events and private clubhouse events. Members may use their credits at any location where an écurie25 clubhouse is established, like NYC, London, Paris, and Brisbane.

“As a native Austinite, I’ve seen this city grow exponentially over the past 10 years. With an upwardly mobile set of business owners and entrepreneurs making Austin their business headquarters and home, and Formula 1 coming to town, it’s the perfect backdrop to introduce écurie25,” says Jacob White, co-owner of écurie25 Austin and Lone Star Exotics.

Membership Plans and Perks

Austin’s écurie25 club offers the V12 Membership Plan. A $2,500 initial joining fee (covering administration and setup charges including insurance and a high performance driving course) is required along with a $25,000 annual membership fee. Averaging around $550 daily, the cost is nearly half the price of renting similar cars while providing a true ownership experience.

The first 10 members to join Austin’s écurie25 will be part of a charter “200 MPH Club” valued at $6,000-$7,000 – a dream drive in a Lamborghini Aventador to take place at a track in England or near San Antonio. All expenses are included, with the exception of airfare and transfers. In addition, Lone Star Aquatics, Lone Star Exotics’ sister company, offers reduced price boat rentals for Austin members.

The current fleet consists of a McLaren MP4-12C, Aston Martin DBS, Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Gallardo, and Dodge Viper SRT10.#

About écurie25

Founded in London in 2005, écurie25 is the longest established and largest supercar club in the world. With eight clubs across the USA, UK and Australia – members have access to a collection of more than 50 of the most desirable cars in the world. Members also enjoy access to all écurie25 clubs worldwide. The club also organizes a wide range of social events and experiences such as driving tours, VIP hospitality at the world’s top motor shows, Grand Prix experiences and parties in and around the clubhouses.

The Austin clubhouse is located at Lone Star Exotics,5002 Burleson Road, Austin, TX 78744. (512) 828-7979. Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday: 8am-5pm, Sunday-Monday: By Appointment

Ferrari to Unveil Hybrid Supercar at Detroit Auto Show

2012-10-12T21:39:19Z

Ferrari as a brand represents power and speed, however their legendary line-up is about to enter the progressive world of hybrid technology. The company announced they would reveal their most powerful car ever this January at the Detroit Annual Auto Show describing it as, “A new hybrid model, which will be produced in a limited-edition, special series.”

The most impressive part of the Ferrari will be its 900 horsepower rating that will make it as powerful and fast as any traditional engine supercar out there. The system, called a HY-KERS system will reduce CO2 and fuel consumption by fourty percent, ultimately achieving the standard results of an amazing supercar engine, with the environmental impact of a Prius.

Another component that is sure to guarantee this car will have great seep even though it is ‘green’ is the cars new carbon fiber chassis which is approximated to cut the car’s weight down by twenty percent.

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Another feature worth noting is the car’s auxiliary electric motor which regenerates the system and reduces driveline drag while the batteries recharge.

Experts predict the Ferrari hybrid will hit the market early next year, and will be priced in competition with Ferrari’s typical supercar lineup.

VIDEO: Ferrari's Hybrid Engine Technology

iPhone Controlled Porsche Carerra: A Fancy Kid's Dream

2012-10-09T19:10:05Z

Porsche is a name synonymous with class, taste and elite wealth. However, the luxury car brand has often neglected a hot market in its marketing endeavors, a market with pockets full of dispensable piggy-bank income.

I’m talking ‘bout children.

Finally someone has released a miniaturized Porsche Carerra that is remote-control operated through an iPhone app. Just how many children had to endure the bland, tedious, blasé styling of a traditional remote-controlled Porsche, or worse...a push car?!!

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Mashable reviewed the car and this is what reviewer Lance Ulanoff had to say…

“It looks like your run of the mill R/C toy, featuring just the right amount of verisimilitude (you can’t open the doors, trunk or hood). But it eschews a bulky remote control for your iPhone, iPod or iPad. The Porsche communicates via Bluetooth and allows you to control it via gesture-based controls and on-screen virtual joysticks,” said Ulanoff.

He also had problems with hearing the sound-effects on his iPhone 4, “Other on-screen controls include manual blinkers, headlights and a horn. None of the sound-based effects or controls worked with my iPhone 4. They did, however, work on the iPhone 5. You hear the engine accelerate, the horn honk and the wheels screech as you turn, but all sounds come through the phone, not the car.The app also throws in some acceleration rumble that you feel in the phone. The faster you go, the more rumble you feel,” he said.

The Bluetooth-controlled car is made by the manufacturer Silverlit who is also responsible for the famous iCybie Robot Dog and it will cost a whopping eighty bucks to score one. Meh, I think that is a steep price for such a small toy, but hey, your kid should grow accustomed to inflated prices for luxury goods if he is ever to enjoy the lifestyle’s many hoighty-toighty perks.

VIDEO: iPhone Controlled Porche 911 Carerra

Luxury's First Eco-Friendly Yacht: The Columbus Sport 130

2012-10-01T16:21:41Z

Luxury is a curious thing. On the one hand, it uplifts the purchaser by offering an elite outlet, something the majority does not have the privilege to enjoy. Elitist as it may seem, in a world reaching maximum occupancy - such luxury outlets become the only way for some people to stay sane.

Simply put, luxury makes the user feel special. However the nagging feeling that your heightened experience comes at the expense of the environment and fellow-earthlings often negates the glorious feeling of opulence.

Alas, relief has finally come for yachters! A new eco-conscious yacht equipped with hybrid technology has hit the market. The Columbus Sport 130, designed by Hydro Tec Naval Architecture, combines world class style with technology that does not threaten the marine environment. The super-lightweight, all-aluminum yacht sprawls over three decks and 40 meters, offering spacious hospitality for up to eight guests.

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Giuseppe Palumbo the general manager for Palumbo Shipyards in Naples says this about the yachts, "The boat is really an innovative concept because (it) melds together very modern lines and high technology with environmentally friendly features.”

Such efficiencies include twin electrical and diesel engines, offering elite hybrid technology that ultimately reduces emissions while generating electricity to fuel the yacht’s luxury amenities. Other eco-features include reduced noise pollution and maintenance costs.

So for those boaters who take pride in their ‘Green’ impact on the environment, the Columbus Sport is sure to satisfy both your ostentatious whims and environmental conscientiousness.

Supercar McLaren P1 Debuted at 2012 Paris Motor Show

2012-09-26T17:04:31Z

Known to many as the future ‘King’ of supercars, the McLaren P1’s debut has been on everyone’s mind for months. While the elite car is not set to be released until 2013 - and many of its design specs are still underwraps until then - auto-insiders received a sneak peek of the slick ride at this week’s 2012 Paris Motor Show.

'The McLaren P1 will be the result of 50 years of racing and road car heritage,' says McLaren Automotive Executive Chairman Ron Dennis said in a press release, 'Twenty years ago we raised the supercar performance bar with the McLaren F1 and our goal with the McLaren P1 is to redefine it once again.'

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Some of the released specs include a mid-engine design which utilizes carbon fibre, and speeds that are comparative to the company’s racing-grade vehicles. Aiming to be the best car on the track and the road, the McLaren 01’s comes equipped with active real wings which automatically adjust to reduce boost downforce, ultimately offering superior aerodynamics.

“Our aim is not necessarily to be the fastest in absolute top speed but to be the quickest and most rewarding series production road car on a circuit,” said McLaren automotive managing director Antony Sheriff. “It is the true test of a supercar’s all-round ability and a much more important technical statement. Our goal is to make the McLaren P1 the most exciting, most capable, most technologically advanced and most dynamically accomplished supercar ever made.”

Here is a visual feast to hold you over until the car’s debut in 2013!

A Collapsible Electric Car? Hello Future!

2012-09-21T16:06:01Z

I discovered the Hiriko collapsible car after a flash day-dream I had where I imagined myself folding up a car and storing it in the closet alongside my vacuum cleaner.

As we are in the age of imagination, innovation and instant manifestation, I merely had to Google search ‘Collapsible Car’ to discover such an invention has already been made, perfected and prepared for the mass markets.

The Hiriko collapsible electric city car was developed out of an idea imagined at MIT’s media lab known as ‘the city car.’ A commercial version of the vehicle was recently released in Brussels, and so far 20 vehicles have been built for the 2013 project launch program.

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The stackable car was developed to fulfill the need for ‘off-the-grid’ personal transportation that is also spatially convenient enough for storage in the teensy limitations of the modern city. The two-seater vehicle is so streamlined it does not contain any doors or windows, and is entered through the windshield that swings up like a garage door.

Some of the cars respectable features include a zero-turn radius which enables the car to spin in place without taking up any additional square footage. The stackable technology is enabled because the car's motor is spread out amongst its four wheels, meaning the car’s motor, steering, braking and suspension is split up and located in the four wheels, so nothing is smooshed when the car is collapsed.

The Hiriko’s driving range is 60 miles, and it is slated to be priced at $16,335.

I personally think such technology should be most people’s standard of transportation, especially as we all move to more localized urban-centric lifestyles. Or at least the Hiriko should replace those New Yorkers who insist on driving their Range Rovers five blocks to Whole Foods only to waste $22 in gas.

I quite fancy the idea of scooting along the city’s streets in a glamorized, four wheeled inflated roller skate. Though I did wish the car collapsed into a chic pinky ring, and you could unfold it like a Captain Planet kid activating a mission.

What about you? @execdigital

Video: Hiriko Collapsible Car