Bold, Even For A Baller. The Fenice Rolls Royce Ghost 'Diva' Has Lots Of 24k Gold.

Had I named this blog If It's Tasteful, It's Here, I wouldn't be able to bring you the news of the Limited Edition Rolls Royce Ghost 'Diva'. If you thought gold packages (the gold-plated trim option on some cars) were ostentatious, they are downright subtle in comparison to these outrageously 24k gold accented versions of the Rolls Royce Ghost, courtesy of Fenice Milan.




The luxury automobiles, available in three colors, are embellished with 24k gold grills*, hoods, window trim, side mirrors, door handles, wheels and fenders on the exterior. Inside, numerous 24k gold inserts and grey oak or teak wood can be found. Various combinations for the three colors are explained (with images) in the following press release. *The 24k gold grills, hoods and fenders are available in chromed bronze for those who, you know, want to save a few bucks.

Before going on, I felt it only fair to Rolls Royce to show you an image of the Ghost as they intended it:


the press release:
'DIVA' FENICE MILANO: ELEGANCE AND RACINESS FOR A CAR WITH A STRONG PERSONALITY



Everlasting synonym of class, elegance and perfect English style, Rolls Royce has become through the years the brand of celebrities and of all major international politicians.

In 2009, to meet the market’s modern request, the renowned English manufacturer launched the Ghost model. The 'baby' Rolls (it is only 540 cm long) has a less formal look compared to her bigger sisters, but it doesn't abandon the typical pride of the flagships boasted with the 'Spirit of Ecstasy', the famous little statue on the front. Moreover its sporty character is supported by the 12V engine 570 Hp that make of her the more powerful Rolls ever built, able to accelerate from 0 to 100 Km/h in only 4.9 seconds.

To begin with the exterior, 'Diva' is proposed in three elegant versions with a bi‐colour livery: from the classic blue-navy, to the delicious bronze and the luxury limited edition white golden pearlescent varnishing that includes particles in 24K gold.



For the navy‐blue version, the bonnet and fender are in white golden pearlescent varnishing and chromed frontal grid; while for the white version the bonnet, fender and grid are in 24K gold.



For the bronze version, instead, three combinations are available: bonnet, fender and grid in 24K gold, or bonnet and fender in white golden pearlescent varnishing and grid in 24K gold or chromed bronze grid.





Inside the console design has been maintained, but a few enhancements are provided, which due to the use of fine materials, make 'Diva' the most exclusive car available on the market. The dashboard and the passenger compartment are in biscuit‐coloured leather and wood (teak or grey oak) and include white or bronze Alcantara profiles and inserts in 24K gold, whose outlines have been hand shaped by Fenice Milano's artisans. The wheel, redesigned starting from the original one, has the crown covered in biscuit‐coloured leather and the central part in 24K gold and wood (teak or grey oak).




Below is the original, unadorned Rolls Royce Ghost driver's side interior:


Also the seats take inspiration from the original ones, but are redesigned following ergonomic principles and realized in white combined with biscuit‐coloured pure leather (alternatively a version with biscuit‐coloured pure leather coupled with bronze Alcantara seats is available), and like in the original car the picnic tables and the integrated minibar with glass holders have been maintained and realized in 24K gold.




As it happens for all Fenice Milano’s project, also for 'Diva' the aesthetic embellishments are coupled with technical interventions, able to improve the performances of the base model. The ECU upgrade, the suspensions adjustment and the optimization of the exhaust and suction system guarantee in fact notably superior performances and even more comfort onboard.

About Fenice Milano - the company bio:

Fenice Milano is a project born in 2008 from the intuition of a young entrepreneur,who decided to invest in the development of an activity in line with the tendencies of the actual market.

Symbol of freedom and independence, the car represents nowadays a mean through which we can express our individuality. In a period in which luxury is not affected by crisis and the quality of high‐end products is considered a main feature, the difference is made by personalization and by the emotions that the product is able to inspire in the person who chooses to buy it.

Strong of a thirty‐years experience in the activity of modeling and realization of special components for private and racing cars, Fenice Milano enters the market of luxury cars customization today, offering its clients the chance to make of their car a concrete realization of their personal spirit. Exactly like one chooses the furnishing for their own living room, it becomes possible to make unique a car that, although already entering the market with a high level of personalization, nonetheless suffers a natural degree of alignment caused by production in series. Trusty to the concept of an automotive 'Sartoria' (tailor in Italian), Fenice Milano doesn't produce cars, but true art oeuvres hand made by its expert artisans and 'sewn' onto the client.

An artisanal reality, where 30‐years experienced professionals work closely with young specialists interested in the new technologies and where all the processes, from the technical and stylistic project to the varnishing and the plumbing, from the disassembly to the replacement of accessories and the finishing are carried out rigorously with a particular attention to details, which make the difference.

The choice to present fine materials like gold and teak, coupled with the most innovative electronic and technical instrumentation matches the request of the markets, above all of middle‐eastern and Russian, that are always looking for products representing the best available on the market. All the projects are studied to offer different solutions that could anticipate the clients' needs, making the car of their dreams even more precious thus maintaining an elegant and refined style, immediately recognizable as Made in Italy.

After the realization of the very first project based on a Ferrari 360 Modena named 'Su Misura F101', Fenice Milano has projected many others to launch. Among these is the model 'La Dolce Vita' Fenice Milano ‐ a restyling of the new Fiat 500C born to answer the request of those who are looking for the maximum exclusivity and elegance in a "fashionable" car ‐ and 'Diva', a touch of Italian elegance and style able to make the original Rolls Royce Ghost a true masterpiece with an even stronger personality.

The 'Diva' by Fenice Milano is produced in a limited quantity (Thank God).

11 RCA Students Design The Future Of Bentley. The Aero-Ace Project Finalists.

The Mirage, design proposed by David Seesing.

I noticed a story on a student design project for Bentley at the UK's Royal College of Art called the Aero-Ace in the always fabulous Wallpaper magazine. Definitely worth sharing, and adding to as well. The text and images below are from their January, 2010 issue, plus I've added some video and additional images and sketches from the artists.

The challenge:
"Explore a new Aerodynamic lead design direction for Bentley, develop a digital design for a Bentley coupe that speaks to lean mid 21st century tastes, and that truly embraces aerodynamics to both reduce energy consumption and form part of a future Bentley design aesthetic."



Bentley's Aero-Ace project
Sam Livingstone, senior tutor in vehicle design at the Royal College of Art recently noted, ‘We are seeing a return to the prominence of aerodynamics, and the aerodynamic look, to both deliver and visually convey efficiency.”

This was the initiative behind Aero-Ace, a collaborative design project, just completed with Bentley - the objective being to explore a new aerodynamic design direction for the luxury marque. Second year RCA students were asked to identify a new vehicle direction for Bentley that would appeal to the ecologically conscious consumer.


above: design by Rui Guo

Aided by specialist EXA evaluation software PowerFlow, their two-dimensional design proposals for a conceptual coupé needed to embrace aerodynamics in order to both reduce energy consumption and form part of a future Bentley design aesthetic.

The software simulates the aerodynamics of design at a digital model stage. The advantage being that it enables two-dimensional models to be accurately tested for their aerodynamic performance without having to make an actual real-life car.

The 11 participating students came up with very different proposals, with aero performance results ranging from CD 0.167 to 0.35. Livingstone notes: ‘There are no two that are thematically similar despite all being large Bentley coupés.’ The degree to which aerodynamics plays a role depends on the marque, although Livingston has noticed a growing trend in considering aero performance at the early stages of design.

Exacting customers now expect their cars to have unwavering stability in all conditions, offer refined driving and the sort of speeds that 20 or so years ago would have applied only to purist sports cars. ‘So aerodynamics in car design is unarguably more important than ever. However, some companies still consider aerodynamics only at the end of a programme where they merely tweak details,’ says Livingstone.

The winner will be announced on 4 February and will spend six months working at Bentley.


above: Shawn Deutchman, 26 from the US
Deutchman has proposed the Silhouette, an electric car that announces its power through a long bonnet and muscular rear stance. ‘Like a sprinter leaving the blocks, the vehicle has a forward momentum,’ he says.


above: Anand Krishnan, 29 from India
‘Bentley is associated with power and style, which I interpret as refined aggression,’ explains the designer. The second skin works as a layer to channel air away to the rear for improved aero performance.


above: Augustin Barbot, 26, from France
Barbot has created an aerodynamic sports car with very thin wheels, featuring four wind turbines integrated in the wheel arches to provide the batteries with electricity. The double curved roof minimises air resistance. ‘The two-part retractable roof allows the seats to move into three different configurations: the driving position of a speedster, a coupe and a roadster, all in one car,’ says the designer.


above: Dalibor Pantucek, 26, from the Czech Republic
The Spitfire was inspired by Bentley’s airplane engine-making heritage – the teardrop body shape taking direct cues from aviation. The hidden wheels work like aircraft wings helping with down force


above: David Seesing, 26 from Germany
The Mirage is a 2+2 seater electric concept car, aimed at a younger buyer. ‘With only two eyes, the Mirage shows its real identity when the blacked out headlights are switched on,’ says Seesing. ‘The vertical orientation of the lights takes inspiration from Bentley’s historic 8-litre car.’


above: Gabriel Tam, 27 from Australia
The Speed VI aims to revive and celebrate the sporting heritage of Bentley Motors. ‘Following in the footsteps of the original Speed 6, 4½ -litre, and more recently the Speed 8 Le Mans racer, the Speed VI is created for the discerning Bentley track day enthusiast,’ says Tam.


above: Jong Won Lee, 33 from South Korea
The N(Neo fire) has been inspired by the post-neoclassical period, says the designer who has covered the wheels for enhanced aerodynamic efficiency.



above: Miika Heikkinen, 26, from Finland
TEN11 is inspired by the number of feathers in the Bentley logo - 10 on the left, eleven on the right. Heikkinen designed the electric prototype with a professional kite boarder in mind. ‘The traditional long bonnet creates a possibility to have a big storage place under it - a feature demanded by a lot of Bentley customers,’ says the designer.


above: Niki Merriman, 24 from the UK
Insects were the inspiration behind Nodus, with its overlapping layers on the body panel. Merriman has covered the rear wheels to aid the aerodynamics. When stationary the side windows have the ability to change to the same colour as the body for security and privacy. When the vehicle is in use the colour bleeds away to a clear window.



above: Philipp Siebourg, 30 from Germany
‘My mid-engine vision is influenced by Bentley’s racing tradition,’ says Siebourg. The teardrop cabin guides airflow to the rear, the diffuser manages to reduce the lift of the vehicle in the back, plus the low bonnet cuts back on turbulence at the front of the vehicle.


above: Rui Guo, 22 from China
The Serenade GT is an electric sports car inspired by jewellery. The two channels between the hood and front wheels guide airflow through the body to the side, for reduced air drag. Guo explains: ‘The structure at the rear end naturally forms a two-layered diffuser, increasing the down-force from the airflow.’

Now, some additional images of the work not found in Wallpaper, courtesy of the artists:

Sketches of the Bentley Aero Ace project by designer Dalibor Pantucek who was inspired by Bentley's airplane heritage:



Sketches from Round II of the Bentley Aero Ace Project by designer Miika Heikkinen:


Kketches of the Bentley Aero-Ace project by Augustin Barbot:


Additional designs for the project by Philipp Siebourg:



Additional designs for the project by Gabriel Tam:



And a video of 27 year old designer Gabriel Tam's Bentley Aero Ace - Speed IV Concept Car

Inspired by the original Speed 6 driven to victory by the Bentley Boys of the 20s'at Le Mans, the Speed IV concept is an overtly sporting vehicle with the raw aggression of a pure blood racer, whist retaining the refined elegance of past Bentleys. -Gabriel Tam:


Many of these same talented students were noted in Dezeen's 2008 article on design concepts for the EuroK- Car


Bentley Fan?
Then check out these Bentley Art pieces by their own design team.

A Cool Crib For Your Car: Luxe Garages By GarageMahals

As the world's only company (self-proclaimed) dedicated to the complete transformation of the garage, GarageMahals® provides all the services and products to create a completely unique space. Each garage can be customized around a central theme, from high tech, Art Deco (think Batman, or Route 66), to old world Tuscan.

The concept of GarageMahals® began as the brainchild of founder Michael Rhodig in early 2003. After having several quite boring, but yet state of the art garage interiors for the time, Michael knew the garage could be so much more. After three years of research and development, GarageMahals® was launched in September 2005 and continues to grow.

The First GarageMahal - Industrial High tech




This was the original and first true GarageMahal built by Michael Rhodig to show the world his concept of what a luxury garage environment is supposed to be. Incorporating as many design elements, functionalities, and materials as possible while still maintaining a cohesive and stunning environment was the objective of this project.






See the "Red Button"? When you push the button, a flashing yellow industrial warning light and "awnk - awnk" warning sound draws your attention to mid ceiling above. You observe a large 2 ft. by 10 ft. panel with the far end rotating down from the darkness of the flat black ceiling. The panel rotates to about 65 degrees and stops. Then the bottom of an extension ladder lowers until it touches the floor and everything stops. Your access to the attic above the 13 ft ceiling is now conveniently available. Simply push the red button again and the whole process repeats in reverse until the large panel is again flush with the ceiling.

Smith Garage- Retro Art Deco Gas Station Pumps



This garage was the first for the Smith Family of Paradise Valley, AZ. Mr. Smith really enjoys both the art deco gasoline pumps he had already collected, and the look and feel of high tech. He asked Michael to see if he could make those two world's come together in his garage. Red, silver, and white are the dominant colors of this garage. The lighting facades over the pumps simulate service station awnings of the same time period, while the lighting, workbench, wainscoting, and door panels are purely high tech in appearance.



Michael paid very close attention to detail and to his customer's background and taste. For example, whenever possible, automotive finishes are used, and the white paint on the hanging facades in not just any white, but GM Alpine White, first used on Cadillacs of the late 1950's. Michael chose this color while attending an auto show in Payson, AZ while this project was in design.





You can't miss the use of aircraft safety switches for lighting controls at the workbench. Michael did this as a surprise for the client based on his background as an US Air Force pilot.



The large red panels seen in the image above are actually rolling doors. Mr. Rhodig created these for another customer needing larger storage capacity at floor level than typical box style cabinets. This garage design cost approximately $130.00 per sq. ft.

Scottsdale Garage A Modern Makeover




This project is a perfect example of a Prestige Class GarageMahal. The client desired a garage environment with a big "Wow Factor" without a big "Oh my God" price.

Before:

After:


Using combinations of metallic paints, automotive finishes, GarageMahals Rolling Door Storage, and GarageMahals unique metallic epoxy flooring, created an environment that thrilled the customer and stayed within his budget.

Zen Garage with Waterfalls, wetbar and tv




This is one Michael calls the "Zen" garage, and is a significant departure from previous work. This home in Paradise Valley, AZ is a custom design using an Asian theme with some elements of Frank Lloyd Wright styling. After careful study of the existing home, Michael knew he could use some elements to produce a stunning and tranquil garage space of organic colors, natural metallics, sounds of falling water and blend them with high tech lighting, surfaces, and audio visual enhancements.



For example, sparkling rain glass complements the water walls and is also used in the home interior. The GarageMahals metallic Bronze epoxy flooring produces a fascinating liquid metal appearance, and the deep crystal clear finish makes the color coats look as though they are under glass. The green-gold metallic tone of the Valspar Brilliant Metallics paint is a perfect blend with the gold and bronze wainscoting, another GarageMahals exclusive product. This material is a shimmering metallic rubber product over a geometric pattern of truncated pyramids. This durable surface prevents damage to the wall and the car door.





The old garage doors were hand painted in a copper/bronze patina that incorporated some of the wall color. Vertical door tracks, lift motors, power outlets, etc., are concealed behind decorative columns. When the door is in the up position, it is hidden behind a decorative cover that suspends from the ceiling. The Zen garage cost approximately $125,000 (for a 752 sq. ft. space).

all images and info courtesy of GarageMahals®

GarageMahals
11445 E. Via Linda
Suite 2, Box 437
Scottsdale, AZ 85259-2638
602.315.4473