last update: May 17th 2012

Motoring

Performance or luxury? Centurion readers rate their favourite cars

by Staff | May 15th 2012 | 05:46 pm

You can wear all the Manolos and Armani suits in the world, but nothing quite says "I have arrived" like arriving in the latest swoon-worthy model from a top automaker. And just as we all have our own individual taste in apparel, we also each have our own preferred ways to roll.

For the majority of Centurion readers who responded to our recent question "which category of car is your personal passion?", it's all about burning rubber – 56% said they'll take a performance sports car any day. 24%, however, enjoy a somewhat higher ride, choosing the space and command of an SUV or 4x4, and another 11% are partial to the classic charm of a limousine or sedan. Finally, 9% opted to give their own answers, which ranged from "alternative fuel/indie car" to "convertible". One different-thinking reader, however, said, "My passion is for bikes, not cars: you get more power, beat the traffic and have less impact on the environment."

Take this chance to voice your opinion on the latest poll: what do you look for when purchasing a watch?

All Green, All Speed

Surprise Croatian all-electric hypercar

by Matt Mensley | May 3rd 2012 | 10:59 am

It can be safely said that, when asked to think of the great supercar nationalities, countries like Italy, America and Germany would be most likely to be the first words out of most people's mouths. Though Croatia could possibly be ranking with those in the lexicon of automotive hallmarks soon.

With an incredibly low profile and sleek, swept-back styling, the carbon fibre-sided Concept_One (though no longer a concept, as it once was) claims to fill some impressive boots.

Stunning Calleija jewellery inspired by Aston Martin car

by Jessica Miller | April 28th 2012 | 07:00 pm

Birds, flowers, Russian ballets – we've seen a lot of things inspire jewellery collections, but cars? This may be a first. Leave it to a mastermind like Australian jewellery designer John Calleija to find a spark of imagination in the metal-and-rubber domain of auto-making, but then again, he did have a lot to work with in Aston Martin's sexy new Supercar, the One-77.

Fittingly limited to 77 pieces, the 'Calleija for Aston Martin Collection' took six years to develop, and Calleija was so inspired by the car – the grille of the car, to be specific – that he invented an entirely new cut of gemstone, the Astar, to mimic it.

The 2013 SRT Viper heralds the return of an American supercar

by Geoff Poulton | April 25th 2012 | 10:00 am

American car companies have had a tough time in recent years, which makes it all the more refreshing to welcome an exciting new arrival from one of the country’s flagship manufacturers. The recent New York Auto Show saw the unveiling of the 2013 SRT Viper – a car which had looked doomed until the Fiat Group took over the bankrupt company in 2009.

What happened to the Dodge Viper, you may be wondering? SRT (Street & Racing Technology) – Chrysler’s high-performance vehicle unit – had worked on developing previous Vipers, and after Chrysler decided to make SRT into a brand in its own right, it seemed only right that the new Viper should become its flagship. It will be available in standard and GTS versions, with the GTS offering ‘sport’ and ‘track’ modes for racier handling.

The raciest highlights from the recent Geneva Motor Show

by Geoff Poulton | March 22nd 2012 | 08:30 pm

Still very much one of the high points of the automobile calendar, the Geneva Motor Show gives manufacturers a chance to show off new models and present the odd daring new concept.

Ferrari F12berlinetta

The most powerful roadgoing Ferrari ever made, the F12berlinetta proved one of the main attractions of the show. This prancing horse boasts the power of 740 of them under the bonnet, taking it from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds. The aerospace-influenced bodywork uses 12 different types of alloys and cutting-edge joining techniques, meaning the F12 is 70kg lighter than its predecessor, the 599 GTB Fiorano, and delivers 30% better fuel economy. Sleek, low-slung and aerodynamic, optically the F12 doesn’t disappoint – countless hours in the wind tunnel mean that not only is it a beautiful car, it is a fast-looking car.
Go to the Ferrari homepage

Eurocopter celebrates 20th anniversary with new generation

by Cornelia Marioglou | March 11th 2012 | 08:00 pm

Mobility is key. You own a private island or a superyacht? Then the latest helicopter models presented during last month’s Heli-Expo 2012 show, including the introduction of next-generation Eurocopter EC 130 T2, might be of interest.

On the occasion of the world’s largest helicopter industry event in mid-February, the EADS subsidiary Eurocopter Group presented a light, single-engine, rotary-wing aircraft promising versatile civil usage and all the latest technology, plus a roomy modular cabin that accommodates the pilot and up to seven passengers. As Eurocopter president and CEO Lutz Bertling noted: “The market is really back.”

Lyonheart’s homage to a classic 60s favourite

by Geoff Poulton | March 6th 2012 | 07:00 pm

How can you recreate one of the most iconic sports cars of all times? Some would say that it can’t be done – and they might be right – but you can’t blame the folks at Lyonheart for trying. Their brand new Lyonheart K is based on a concept car created last year to honour the 50th anniversary of none other than the Jaguar E-Type.

CURRENT TOP TEN STORIES

CENTURION Collectables

Click to discover the CENTURION Collectables special.

MAGAZINE