MAY 31, 2017

(Rolls-Royce images)
The name Rolls-Royce and "exclusivity" go hand in hand, but sometimes even that isn't enough for some customers. A "most valued customer" approached Rolls-Royce back in 2013 inquiring about creating a two-seat machine that would be unique to the world. The result? The Rolls-Royce "Sweptail," which was unveiled at the Concorso d'Elegance at Villa d'Este in Italy last weekend. Inspired by the beautiful coach built Rolls-Royce models of the 1920s and 1930s, the client's desire was for a coach built two-seater coupe featuring a large panoramic glass roof. As a connoisseur of Rolls-Royces, he was inspired by many of his favorite cars from the marque's golden era of the early 20th Century, as will as many classic and modern yachts. "Sweptail is the automotive equivalent of Haute Couture," said Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "It is a Rolls-Royce designed and hand-tailored to fit a specific customer. This customer came to the House of Rolls-Royce with an idea, shared in the creative process where we advised him on his cloth, and then we tailored that cloth to him. You might say we cut the cloth of the suit of clothes that he will be judged by." Well alrighty then!!

(BMW images)
The BMW Group unveiled the BMW Concept 8 Series at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este last weekend. BMW is calling it "the essence of a modern-day BMW coupe wrapped up in an enthralling design study." The concept, of course, is a tease of the forthcoming BMW 8 Series Coupe, which is slated for launch in 2018. “The BMW Concept 8 Series is our take on a full-blooded high-end driving machine,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “It is a luxurious sports car which embodies both unadulterated dynamics and modern luxury like arguably no other. For me, it’s a slice of pure automotive fascination.” Well okay, cue the use of "no other" because that's what luxury car companies say. It does look like a BMW, so it has that going for it. We'll look forward to seeing it in the flesh.

(BMW images)
The BMW Group is also presenting its vision of zero-emission urban mobility on two wheels at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2017: The BMW Motorrad Concept Link. (Catchy name, that.) BMW says that this electric bike is "Inspired by the BMW Motorrad Vision Next 100, the design study unites digital connectivity with the demands of urban mobility on two wheels." Alexander Buckan, Head of Vehicle Design at BMW Motorrad had this to say: “The technical realities of electric drive – such as the flat energy packs in the underfloor and the compact drive on the rear wheel – allowed us to create a highly distinctive design which shapes a new segment. The resulting expressive power of the vehicle is absolutely new for BMW Motorrad and breaks with all conventional viewing patterns.” The focus of the Concept Link is on being able to enjoy the riding experience without any distractions, according to BMW. The traditional instrument cluster has been dropped, instead speed, navigation and battery information is projected onto the windshield directly into the rider’s field of vision. Secondary information is displayed on the large-surface panel located below the handlebars. The panel enables a number of possible ways of interacting with the outside world and for communicating with other vehicles. The touch sensitive surface of the large-size panel displays and controls extensive infotainment, connectivity and routing information. Freely programmable, touch-enabled buttons on the handlebars allow the rider to access preferred and frequently used functions without having to remove his hands from the handlebars. Sounds complicated to us, especially on a bike, but hey it's a concept, right?