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Lincoln debuts MKC: Luxury on a smaller scale


The latest iteration of the Lincoln Motor Company is starting to take shape with the unveiling of the second new vehicle in its range, the MKC. A compact, luxury crossover, the MKC is not what you’d expect from a company best known for building Town Cars and Presidential limousines.
Whether through the genius of foresight or a stroke of luck, the MKC which was shown in concept form at the 2013 North American International Auto show, couldn’t be hitting showrooms at a better time. The market for smaller luxury cars is booming and this car fits squarely into that trend. Designed to compete with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3, the MKC faces stiff competition.
The MKC’s balanced exterior design isn’t a show-stopper, but its lines are well drawn and fluid. Highlights include an excellent expression of the Lincoln signature split-wing grille and a single piece, wrap-around liftgate. The low roof height, wider stance and 19-inch wheels give it an aggressive look that hint at what should be a more sporting feel than is usual for Lincoln.
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Another unique feature for the MKC is approach detection. Using wireless technology embedded in the car and the key fob, the MKC knows when the driver is nearing the vehicle and turns on several lights, welcoming the driver and passengers to the vehicle. These include soft lights in each door handle, the front and rear parking lamps, warm interior lighting and illuminated “welcome mats” projected on the ground by each front door from LED lights embedded in the side view mirrors.
One of the knocks on Lincoln vehicles recently is that they have been little more than “fancy Fords,” sharing significant mechanicals dolled up with a dash of leather and chrome. The MKC is a dramatic departure from this practice.
While the MKC began its life on the same platform on which the Escape is built, that’s where the similarity between the two vehicles ends. The platform itself has been widened to create more interior room and help with ride dynamics. The Continuously Controlled Damping suspension is a Lincoln exclusive and allows the driver to adjust the suspension from sport to comfort and normal driving modes, based on the desired dynamic. The MKC also sports an all-new ABS braking system and more significantly will have an exclusive powertrain.
The MKC will feature an optional 2.3L Ecoboost engine that is projected to deliver 275 HP and 300 lb. ft. of torque. These numbers should give it the highest horsepower per liter in its class. The torque number should also deliver excellent acceleration, but we won’t know for sure until we get to drive the vehicle next spring. Available in all-wheel drive with vectoring that biases toward the rear wheels, the MKC should be able to handle the elements and still provide an enjoyable driving dynamic.
Inside the MKC is well-designed and well-crafted. The two-tone color scheme is dramatic without being gaudy and the materials are well-chosen for a vehicle that hopes to attract buyers from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus. The open pore, real wood panels add a warm touch to the interior and are nicely matched. The Scottish Bridge of Weir leather seats are supportive, comfortable and meticulously sewn.
With plenty of room up front to accommodate my 6’3″ frame, the steering wheel and controls fall readily to hand. Though it will still take me a while to get used to the push-button transmission, I do appreciate the openness it creates in the smaller cabin. The other delightful surprise was to find both tuning and volume knobs on the audio control panel. It’s nice to see a manufacturer understand that new and different aren’t always better. And for my money this is the most intuitive, effective and efficient way to control a radio.
All in all, the MKC is both surprising and promising especially at an announced starting price of $33,995. According to Jim Farley, EVP, Global Marketing, Sales and Service at Lincoln, that’s the point “The idea with the MKC was to challenge what people think of Lincoln and use it to create a more relevant and modern brand.”
While the design and content seem to be exactly what drivers in this segment are looking for, the proof is always in the driving. That should happen some time this spring. The MKC is expected to hit dealer showrooms in June of 2014. Once we’ve had some time behind the wheel, we’ll render our final verdict.

Tony Bennett, Cyndi Lauper headline Gap’s ‘Make Love’ holiday campaign


The Gap has turned to some cultural icons to promote their new holiday campaign. “Make Love” focuses on giving and spreading love, hope and joy this holiday season.
The new campaign, which includes print, outdoor, direct mail, social and cinema features an influential group of artists and activists who are using their creative talents to make a difference in the world.
People involved in the campaign include 87-year old Tony Bennett, musician Cyndi Lauper, Broadway star Billy Porter (pictured above with Lauper), filmmaker Quentin Jones, Alexandra and Philippe Cousteau, actress Connie Britton, singer/activist Harry Belafonte, musician Q-Tip and model Kyleigh Kuhn.

Ricky Martin’s $8 million Greenwich Village condo hits the market


Latin music super star Ricky Martin has placed his 40 Bond Street condo on the market for $8.3 million. The condo has 3-bedrooms and 4-baths. The Greenwich Village condo’s highlight is a massive 33′ x 17′ great room.
The floors, kitchen cabinets, and wood paneling in the master bathrooms are “finished in Austrian smoked oak treated with natural oil,” and there’s a “wet room in seamless Corian embossed with the building’s signature graffiti pattern.”
The residence was designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects Herzog & de Meuro.
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First look at the 2014 MINI Cooper


The third generation of the modern MINI Cooper has been unveiled. The launch coincides with the 107th anniversary of the birth of Sir Alec Issigonis, the designer of the original Mini. The MINI, beloved by its fans, has been completely redesigned. It goes on sale in March 2014. Only the three-door Hardtop will be released, with the other variants coming in later.
The new MINI will get a new platformed – titled ‘UKL. It’s a little bigger (4.5 inches longer and 1.7 inches higher), a little more robust, with new safety features (backup camera, parking assistant) and improved quality. As you would expect, there are numerous technical updates, including a new infotainment system and LED headlights.
Under the hood, the new MINI will have a 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine that produces 134 horsepower or a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 189 horsepower.
Take a look at the 2014 MINI Cooper.
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New Mulholland Drive Estate Offers Major Views


Located on legendary Mulholland Drive in the Hollywood Hills is this new estate with panoramic city views all the way out to the Pacific. This estate is the ultimate in L.A. glamour and has every amenity customized for the ultimate life of luxury. Making the most of the beautiful Southern California weather, the home’s full height sliding glass panels open completely, showcasing the uninterrupted glittering cityscape below.
The three-bedroom home offers over 5,200 square feet of living space with an open kitchen with self-closing cabinets and top of the line Miele appliances including: a built in coffee system, separate full size refrigerator and freezer, wine refrigerator and 6 burner cook top. The home includes an elevator. The master suite has a sleek fireplace and a master bath with a giant steam shower and heated floors. The home is wired for stereo surround sound through the entire space as part of a state-of-the-art smart home system. Large glass doors lead to out to the infinity pool with a swim up bar and spa. The home is listed for $7.825 million with Jennifer Winchell of Rodeo Realty.

















Moët & Chandon Champagne Vending Machine at Selfridges


Moët & Chandon has unveiled the world’s first Champagne vending machine at Selfridges on Oxford Street. Just in time for Christmas, Moët & Chandon’s mini bottle vending machine offers sparkling stocking stuffers. Simply press the red Moët & Chandon button and watch as the golden arm carefully selects your bottle and elegantly delivers it via a glowing cylindrical window. Each 200ml bottle, costing $29, is wrapped in gold and features 350 art deco-inspired Swarovski crystals.
The Moët & Chandon Champagne Vending Machine is located in the “Destination Christmas” section of Selfridges’s London store on Oxford Street.

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante Bespoke Neiman Marcus Edition


The open-top supercar, customized by +Aston Martin’s in-house ‘Q’ service, was inspired by Prince Charles’s classic 1969 DB6 Volante, a car that became world famous when Prince William and Kate Middleton took it for a spin during their royal wedding.
Although the standard +Aston Martin Vanquish Volante has already made its European debut, this strictly limited version will be the first example to arrive on US shores and will be the first model offered for sale on the US market.
This bespoke edition costs $344,500 — strictly limited to 10 examples — is finished in a shade of blue that Aston calls Seychelles that was painstakingly color-matched to that of Prince Charles’s classic DB6. It also has subtle flashes of wealth, such as badges that appear to be chromed but are actually silver on the hood and tailgate and special 20″ alloy wheels finished in what the company calls ‘liquid silver’.
Inside, the seats are finished in Obsidian Black leather and the standard Vanquish steering wheel has been replaced for the one that features in the +Aston Martin One-77 hypercar. Other notable features include a rather old fashioned walnut veneered fascia which contrasts against the ultramodern satin chrome instrumentation.
Completing the look is a four-piece set of matching bespoke luggage.
Under the hood, however, it’s business as usual. The 6-liter V12 remains untouched, meaning that the car is still capable of going from 0-60mph (100km/h) in a little over 4 seconds and onto a top speed, roof up or down, of 183mph (295km/h).
Julian Jenkins, Regional Director for +Aston Martin the Americas said:
“Since first being shown as a coupe, the Vanquish has quickly established its Super GT credentials and a loyal following amongst sports car enthusiasts worldwide. We are therefore delighted to launch the new Vanquish Volante, and in particular this very limited edition here at the Los Angeles Auto Show in conjunction with our dealer partner Galpin Aston Martin.”
“Not only is this an opportunity for customers and enthusiasts to see a truly unique example of the Vanquish Volante but it also serves as a fitting demonstration in the degree of personalisation now possible via Q by +Aston Martin.”
The car will be unveiled to the press on November 20 and +Aston Martin fans will get their first chance to see it in the flesh on November 22 when the LA Auto Show officially opens to the public.


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