Cars

Classic Innovation

December - January 2011

Valentino Balboni’s Custom Lamborghini Bringing together two masters in their field isn’t an everyday occurrence. Yet the opportunity for hotelier Peter Shaindlin (Halekulani) to converse about the finer points of automobiles with legendary Lamborghini test driver Valentino Balboni was cause enough for space in this luxury magazine. After all, the duo have excelled for more…

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Mercedes Soars

December - January 2011

The SLS AMG Combines Power & Elegance CERTAINLY ONE OF THE MORE MEMORABLE CARS in the middle of last century is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL. Introduced in 1954, the 300 SL was an instant sensation with gull wing doors, unique styling with its rounded body, exhaust vents in the front fenders, and a powerful and…

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Porsche’s Bold New Spice

October - November 2010

The Cayenne Turbo Goes Big NOW THAT THE PORSCHE DEVOTEES have overcome their initial resistance to the issuance of a Porsche SUV, for 2011, this famed sports car manufacturer has released version 2.0. Although the basic styling, including the classic Porsche sloping hood, has been refined with a more exciting grill and roofline treatment, the…

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Jaguar XKR Supercharged Convertible

August - September 2010

Modern evolution of a classic automobile OFTEN REVERED BY AUTO ENTHUSIASTS and collectors as one of the most beautiful sports cars ever, the Jaguar XKE of the 1950s is a near-impossible act to follow. Yet with the newest edition, Jaguar has done an impeccable job of blending sensual tradition with fresh technology and stunning performance….

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Maserati GranCabrio

June - July 2010

NOTHING LIFTS ONE’S SPIRITS like some top-down driving on a beautiful, sunny Hawaiian day, with the burble of a powerful V-8 and music from a great stereo in a shapely convertible. And so it is with this brand new for 2010 Maserati exotic. By taking the GranTurismo coupe, chopping the top and reinforcing the chassis,…

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Range Rover Supercharged

April - May 2010

A sleek combo of off-road toughness and elegance Land Rover has been one of the leading manufacturers of authentic four-wheel drive vehicles since 1948. With various models encompassing a range of amenities and technologies, Land Rover is proud of its work as representing “a true breadth of capability” in automobiles. Entering the new decade, the…

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Porsche Panamera

February - March 2010

A new four-door sports sedan takes to the road The Porsche faithful may think the newest Porsche Panamera has gone off-course, just like the Cayenne SUV. Why, you ask? Unlike the tried-and-true Porsches of the past, the Panamera is not a sports car with two doors, a rear air-cooled engine and a true stick shift….

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BMW 750 Li

December - January 2010

Impressive handling and impeccable room in this luxury German sedan BMW 750Li Engine: 4.0 liter, V-8, 400 horsepower Acceleration: 0-60: 5.2 seconds; top speed 150 mph Braking: Four-wheel disc brakes Sound system: High-fidelity sound system, 10 speakers with two subwoofers; 205 watts of power Price: $84,200; as equipped $101,320 With last year’s edition of the…

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Cruising California

October - November 2009

Experience Ferrari’s luxury Formula One cruiser In the recent past, Ferrari has emphasized rear- or mid-engine cars with sleek, low bodies by following Formula One racing technology. With the brand-new Ferrari California, which is a remake of models produced in the 1950s, Ferrari has hit upon Formula One performance and features in a practical and…

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Audi R8

August - September 2009

Entering the ultra-performance car league With the introduction of the super high-performance exotic R8, Audi has literally moved into almost every automotive niche. Now Audi dealers can satisfy virtually everyone from the economy car customer (albeit with some flair) to the thrill-seeking driver. Fresh from a number of wins at Le Mans and other major…

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