Jackson owned at least four limousines, including a 1999 Rolls Royce Silver Seraph that was unusually decorated, to say the least. Our friends at Jalopnik described it well, when they said, "The dark blue Seraph wears an interior which looks to have been pulled directly from the Palace of Versailles." Jackson was said to have designed the interior himself, which probably explains the generous use of 24-carat gold. The vehicle was said to have a 5.4-liter V12 aluminum engine that generated up to 322 horsepower.
Michael Jackson 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Touring Limousine
Back in February it was announced that a collection of items belonging to Michael Jackson would be auctioned off, including his own fleet of vehicles. Although that auction was cancelled in mid-April, it gave us a chance see how the King of Pop lived while being chauffeured around California.
Michael Jackson 1999 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph Limousine
Now that MJ has passed on, we decided to take a look back at these vehicles. It is unknown what will happen to many of the Neverland Ranch possessions (Jackson did have a lot of debt), and surely some of these will wind up either on the auction block, or in a museum.
Michael Jackson's 1956 Cadillac Fleetwood Series 60 Special 4 Door sedan from Driving Miss Daisy
Jackson owned a 1990 RollS Royce Silver Spur II, trimmed in contrasting white leather and black fabric. Dark, tinted windows were adorned in white curtains, and a full-service bar that was used for god-knows-what. His white, 1988 Lincoln Town Car had a much more subdued interior that used gray leather and fabric. The fourth limo is the same 1954 Cadillac Fleetwood used during the filming of Driving Miss Daisy. Jackson's collection included a 1997 Neoplan Tour Bus with individual seats and booths, and a king's crown embroidered in the carpet. Possibly used on the HIStory World Tour, the bus featured a bathroom lined in porcelain, gold, and granite.
Michael Jackson 1988 GMC V Jimmy Half-Ton High Sierra Classic and 1993 Ford Econoline E150 van
Jackson other vehicles included a 1993 Ford Econoline van with leather seats, individual tv screens, and an old-school video game console, a 1986 GMC High Sierra firetruck, a 1988 GMC Jimmy, and a replica of a 1909 Detamble Model B Roadster. Amongst the collection was an electrified horse-drawn carriage, and a 2001 Harley Davidson touring police bike.
Michael Jackson's Neverland Valley electrified horse-drawn carriage
Michael Jackson's custom Peter Pan golf cart
Michael Jackson's black Dodge Viper mini-car with The Simpsons decorations
Michael Jackson's 1909 Detamble Model B Roadster Replica Source:worldcarfans
Volvo has launched a PC-based video-game, featuring Volvo models past and present, that can be downloaded for free from its website.
The video-game, simply called Volvo - The Game, was developed in collaboration with SimBin Studios, a Swedish video-game design company. The game features six current and classic Volvo models. These include the new S60 Concept, the S40, C30, the previous generation S60, the old Volvo 850 and a Volvo 240 Turbo Group A.
Volvo has made the game as realistic as possible, with each model bestowed with its real-world driving characteristics, including engine sound.
The game can be played on any PC using keyboard commands. For a better experience, using a steering wheel and pedals gaming accessory is recommended.
To download the game, go to www.volvocars.com/game.
Press Release
'Volvo - The Game' released on Internet today
Volvo - The Game: the exciting new challenge for everyone who enjoys racing games is being released today. It features all of Volvo's racing legends over the years and also introduces a new star: the Volvo S60 Concept. Just download the game, select your favourite Volvo and test your skills on one of the two highly authentic tracks. The game has been developed together with SimBin Studios.
One person who will definitely play Volvo - The Game is Swedish racing star Robert Dahlgren. He has achieved immense success for Volvo in the STCC - the Swedish Touring Car Championship - since 2004. His current racing car is a Volvo C30.
Like most other professional racing drivers, Robert Dahlgren uses virtual racing games to train when the racing season comes to an end. "Playing racing games helps me train my ability to concentrate and to maintain my level of concentration over many laps," says Robert Dahlgren.
Volvo - The Game features six different cars and the race is run on two authentically reproduced racing tracks.
The six racing cars are the stars. The lead roles are played by the Volvo S60 Concept, the Volvo C30 that is currently competing in the STCC, the previous Volvo S60 that also competed in the STCC, the Volvo S40 that notched up many notable successes in the BTCC (the British Touring Car Championship), the Volvo 850- the estate car that became a legend in the BTCC - and finally a true racing classic from the past, a Volvo 240 Turbo Group A.
The two tracks are the Gothenburg Eco Drive Arena in Göteborg, Sweden and Chayka outside Kiev in the Ukraine. Volvo - The Game is the only virtual racing game in the world to feature the Ukrainian racing track.
STCC game inspired
The idea behind Volvo - The Game was born in autumn 2008 when the STCC game was released. The STCC game inspired Pontus Berger, who at the time worked with licensing issues at Volvo Cars. He contacted SimBin. His question was simple: "Can you make a PC-based racing game that has broad public appeal, features only Volvo models and introduces our new concept car, the Volvo S60 Concept?"
A team of 15-20 people worked together to create Volvo - The Game. The aim was to make it as realistic as possible. The game developers have invested huge numbers of hours in getting all the details exactly right. Just "building" a car for a racing game takes about one month.
True to form, the six cars each have different driving characteristics. It's almost like getting behind the wheel, which is rather unusual in car games. The classic Volvo 240 Turbo Group A, for instance, has entirely different driving characteristics compared with the latest newcomer, the Volvo S60 Concept.
In order to recreate the older cars' interiors as authentically as possible, the designers visited the Volvo Museum to study the former racing legends.
"In terms of audio quality we're also remarkably close to reality. One example is the S40. For that car we pulled one of the race cars out of hibernation last autumn and gave it a thorough full-speed workout, recording the engine sound straight from the racing track," explains Magnus Ling Executive Vice President at SimBin.
The two racing tracks have been reproduced with faithful detail and immense precision. It takes about 1000 hours to create a virtual racing track. Even the kerbs alongside the track have to be of exactly the right height. Many of the people playing the game are experts - and they are very particular about the tiniest details.
Robert Dahlgren is convinced that his own Volvo C30 will be the best car in the game. But he will of course be testing them all, and one of the contenders seems to be exerting a particular attraction.
"How cool is it going to be to race the Volvo 240 on the Gothenburg track! When I was growing up, all my friends were driving 240s. But not me. I was out competing. Now I finally get the chance," says an eager Robert Dahlgren.
Authentic feel
The aim of the game is to reach out to a broad public. A seven-year-old can have fun with it but in order to truly get the most out of the game's many advanced features, players really should be a few years older.
For the most authentic feel, Volvo - The Game should be played with a steering wheel and pedals connected to the computer. However, it is also possible to operate the car via the PC's keyboard or with a game-pad. The game offers a choice of skill levels: "novice with all the driver assistance technology activated such as ABS brakes, "semi-pro", and finally "pro" where there is no assistance whatsoever.
It is possible to select the Volvo of your choice, compete against your own best times and have the track all to yourself. Or you can compete against up to eleven computer-controlled competitors. There are several alternative settings for graphics and sound. For instance, the star, the Volvo S60 Concept, will be available in two versions - "natural" and racing.
Footnote: Volvo - The Game can be downloaded free of charge to your own PC www.volvocars.com/game (English version). The game is available in English, German, French, Italian and Spanish. Go to volvocars
Volkswagen has released a new virtual racing game in order to help promote the 2010 Golf GTI's UK launch scheduled for May 22.
Press Release
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI IS VIRTUALLY HERE
Ahead of the UK launch of the new Golf GTI on May 22, Volkswagen has constructed a Scalextric track on an epic scale inside a hangar to lend armchair (or office chair) enthusiasts the chance to race the new hot hatch online and against the clock.
The 30ft by 25ft track is the work of a team of 60 modellers and features over 200 scale buildings. It forms the basis for the ‘GTI Project', a new online game through which you can control the 1:43 scale Golf GTI as it negotiates the hairpins, straights and narrow bridges that make up the track. There's no need to spend hours setting it up on the living room floor, no potential damage to furniture (and family pets) should you crash at high speed. Simply log onto www.gtiproject.com and you'll be guided to the virtual workshops of the GTI Project and the track itself.
As with the real thing, too much enthusiasm leads to crashes and lost time. A delicate approach and a little perseverance lead to quick times and your chance to appear on the online global leader board, possibly resulting in universal acclaim from friends and colleagues.
Along the way you can learn more about the new Golf GTI, from its new 2.0-litre TSI engine to the advanced six-speed DSG gearbox, colours, trims and performance information. In addition you can order a brochure or even book a test drive.
Set a particularly quick time and you'll be entered into the prize draw to stand the chance of winning the opportunity to drive a new Golf GTI for three months.
The order books are now open for the full-scale Golf GTI. Prices for the three-door model start at £22,410 and rise to £22,995 for the five-door model. More information on the new Golf GTI can be found at www.volkswagen.co.uk or at any Volkswagen Retailer. via:World Car Fans
MINI is once again teaming up with Life Ball to raise awareness and funds to fight AIDS by raffling off a customized MINI Cooper Convertible.
Press Release
The Life Ball MINI 2009, designed by "The Blonds" for Katy Perry.
Prize draw for the first time at this year's Life Ball.
Munich/Vienna. When fashion and music come together at the Life Ball, the result will always be something fascinating and unique - the new Life Ball MINI created in Katy Perry style by American designer duo The Blonds.
MINI is supporting the Life Ball for the ninth year in succession in 2009. The 17th Life Ball - taking place on 16 May 2009 - marks the beginning of a four-year cycle, the elements water, earth, air and fire representing both metaphorically and in their artistic embodiment the fundamental symbols of life. Europe's biggest AIDS charity event offers MINI an outstanding platform on which to underline its socio-political commitment.
The Life Ball MINI will be offered in a prize draw for the first time in 2009.
Becoming the owner of the new Life Ball MINI has never been easier for all MINI, Life Ball and Katy Perry fans. A ticket costs 10 euros and can be purchased at all Life Ball events, from all BMW and MINI dealers in Austria, directly from the Life Ball, from the official distributor of Austria's "class lottery" Prokopp and, of course, over the Internet. Go to www.mini.at for detailed information on the various sources. All the proceeds from the draw will go to the Life Ball and projects fighting HIV/AIDS.
The "Life Ball MINI 2009 designed by The Blonds for Katy Perry".
MINI handed American creative double-act The Blonds the latest addition to the MINI family - a new MINI Convertible - to serve as the canvas for their inspiration. The brains behind The Blonds are Puerto Rican Phillipe and US designer David Blond. The Life Ball MINI 2009 is dedicated to their friend Katy Perry. The singer has been in the music business since 2001 and achieved her international breakthrough in May 2008 with the worldwide hit "I Kissed a Girl". Its success was then surpassed by the follow-up single "Hot N Cold". Katy will escort "her" MINI down the Blue Carpet at the Life Ball.
The Blonds specialise in stand-out couture oozing sex appeal and glamour. Their outfits are striking, richly decorated and complemented by knock-out accessories: sparkling, dazzling, dramatic. Stars such as Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Shakira, Madonna, Britney Spears and Dita von Teese have all worn creations by The Blonds at big occasions.
And now The Blonds' signature style and Katy Perry's personal look have come together to produce a one-off piece of automotive couture: the Life Ball MINI 2009.
"MINI is a long-standing Life Ball Partner with an exceptionally fine understanding of how to incorporate creativity into the fulfilment of a partnership," said Life Ball organiser Gery Keszler. "Year after year, the Life Ball MINIs created by the designers of the Life Ball Fashion Shows provide stunning evidence of this. The Life Ball MINI 2009 will be a special edition reflecting a life in the limelight; after all, international pop star Katy Perry and New York's The Blonds - the designers of this year's Life Ball Fashion Show - are responsible for the Life Ball MINI. The signature features of the pop princess and the cutting-edge designers are sex appeal and maximum glamour, set off by striking, richly decorated, knock-out accessories. I wish the future owner lots of fun with the Life Ball MINI."
MINI. A history of success.
The MINI has been a magnet for public affection ever since its launch in September 2001. In April 2007 - just six years after the start of series production - the one-millionth MINI rolled off the assembly line at the Oxford plant in England. The design, charisma and agile handling of the MINI made it a highly desirable car from day one.
The new MINI Convertible lays on an even more intense experience of freedom on the road. With its beautifully evolved design and extended functionality, state-of-the-art chassis technology, even more powerful and yet more economical engines, and further optimised safety systems, the latest edition of the open-top four-seater builds soundly on proven strengths. Added to which, new and attractive colour options and equipment details lend an extra level of appeal. An unbeatable standard of materials and workmanship reinforces the stand-alone status of the MINI Convertible as the only open-top premium car in its segment.
It goes without saying that the new MINI Convertible comes with the latest fuel-saving systems and optimisations. This MINIMALISM strategy includes the Auto Start Stop Function, Brake Energy Regeneration and the Shift Point Display. All of these measures reduce fuel consumption and therefore CO2 emissions.
The social commitment of the BMW Group.
Worldwide measures to combat HIV/AIDS are one of the main elements of the corporate and social policy pursued by the BMW Group. The company's involvement in South Africa is particularly wide-ranging, covering a comprehensive workplace programme for employees and their families, plus a number of different projects in the local communities and further afield. The carmaker is also committed to fighting this pandemic in other affected countries, such as Thailand and China. Membership of the Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS (GBC) underlines its long-term commitment at its various locations.
Bureau every year we have our flights Geneva Motor Show, the U.S. told significant others (wives, unmarried couples, virtual girlfriend) said, we have to drive. We can even think, when we say it, but we are here and batting eyes, lips and in his capacity as the mile-long legs more and prevent us from camera. We want to ask them out of the framework, but, as well as ... This is just rude, we have proposed is superior. (Some of us have, anyway.) So it may not be able to help us in the rear, but who are here, we met at this year's show. Bonus: In accordance with the Jump to see who we met at last year's Show. More Photos
The BMW Art Car Project is the brainchild of race car driver Hervé Poulain who in 1975 commissioned an American artist to paint his race team's BMW. Since then, prominent artists have from time to time been asked by BMW to re-interpret their cars. There are currently a total of 16 such vehicles and the project is still ongoing. Yes, California is still the freaky/funky haven it has always been for alternative creative expression...art that is way out there, Man.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) will be the first US venue for the display of a collection of BMW Art Cars each of which was designed by a famed artist.
The four BMWs which will be seen at the LACMA were the imaginative works of artists Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and Frank Stella. The cars will be on view in the museum's BP Grand Entrance, free-of-charge to the public. The display will run from February 12th to the 24th.
The display will also feature never before seen footage of the four cars, including film of Warhol at work on his design.
After the Los Angeles debut, the four BMW art cars will go to New York to be put on display at Grand Central Terminal before continuing on their world tour.
BMW Art Cars have made it to some of the world's most prestigious museums including the Louvre in Paris and the Guggenheim museums in New York and Bilbao. via:World Car Fans
The importer UK Garage, known in Italy for the management of brands such as TVR, Noble and Radical, has submitted a new project-based Lotus, the Extrema. This is essentially a Exige Mk1 distinguishable for some cosmetic changes, such as car headlights and enlarged in the second series. The aluminum chassis has undergone, as well as a slight widening of roadways to mount tires increased, a significant lengthening of the pitch (20 cm), required for the new transaxle of power (in this case longitudinal)-exchange. The transmission can be manually or alternatively sequentially.
The alloy rims, very light, are available with the attack on 5 bolts that with monodado and in the body, you can choose between the fiberglass and kevlar-carbon composite. The most powerful engine available are Chevrolet V8 Origin: two LS3 420 or 500 HP (total dry mass of 970 kg), the 513 HP LS7 from the Corvette Z06 ol'LS9 by the 647 hp ZR1 (in this case the mass reaches 1,000 kg). The outstanding performance is an inevitable consequence: 2,8 s on 0-100, 0-200 on 7 s and maximum speed of over 320 km / h. Source: autoblog.it
A model poses next to Mazda Motor Corp's new Mazda Axela at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, east of Tokyo, January 9, 2009. The annual auto show, which showcases custom cars, will be held until Sunday Models pose next to Smart Fortwo Cabrio mhd, a customized vehicle, displayed at Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, east of Tokyo January 9, 2009.
A member of staff polishes the Toyota Motor Co.'s custom vehicle iQ x Verbal at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2009 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba, east of Tokyo January 9, 2009. Xinhua
Hyundai will air its first two television advertisements for the new 2010 Genesis Coupe during the Super Bowl XLIII on Sunday, February 1, 2009. The two distinct 30-second spots will see race driver Rhys Millen getting behind the wheel of the 306HP Genesis Coupe 3.8L V6. Millen will navigate the rear-wheel drive sports car around the 2.54-mile, 12-turn race track at Road Atlanta in Northeast Georgia to show off the Genesis Coupe's capabilities. Read More
