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Showing results for tags 'Luxury'.
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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From the album: Genesis GV60 Electric CUV
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Hyundai Exec Says Luxury Brands Focus Way Too Much On Tech
William Maley posted an article in Genesis
The head of Hyundai's N performance division, Albert Biermann said luxury automakers are too focused pm technology that doesn’t give value to customers. “It’s all marketing, first of all. “How many people really buy it later on? Much of this exists for media, to give a hype, to show the technology level. But how many people really buy it later on?" said Biermann to Australian outlet Drive. “If the tech will fail, you’re just adding the burden to the buyer, right?” We can assume some of the tech Biermann is referring to are things like gesture controls for the infotainment system or perfume diffusers. Biermann also brought up the example of a camera that looks at the road and makes adjustments to the suspension, calling it stupid. “In our G90 you will not find any air suspension, or active roll-bars, or active whatever. A camera sensing the road, and this stuff. It’s stupid. We have a solid Hyundai steel platform, tonnes of high-strength steel – okay, it’s a little bit heavier than the other cars – and we have adjustable shock absorbers, and that’s it. We still outpace the S-Class in the double lane-change in the Consumer Reports. We almost beat the BMW, without all the fancy stuff,” said Biermann. Biermann explained that Genesis will be focusing on simple technologies to make them reliable. He said Hyundai's chairman, Chung Mong-koo said he wants all Hyundai and Genesis models to be “like new” after a decade on the road. On one hand, Biermann has a point. Luxury cars are notorious for being expensive to keep on the road, partly due to all the technology equipment fitted to them. On the other hand, those technologies are a big selling point on these vehicles. Buyers use these to justify the price and they are a cool party trick to show to friends and family. Source: Drive.com.au -
The head of Hyundai's N performance division, Albert Biermann said luxury automakers are too focused pm technology that doesn’t give value to customers. “It’s all marketing, first of all. “How many people really buy it later on? Much of this exists for media, to give a hype, to show the technology level. But how many people really buy it later on?" said Biermann to Australian outlet Drive. “If the tech will fail, you’re just adding the burden to the buyer, right?” We can assume some of the tech Biermann is referring to are things like gesture controls for the infotainment system or perfume diffusers. Biermann also brought up the example of a camera that looks at the road and makes adjustments to the suspension, calling it stupid. “In our G90 you will not find any air suspension, or active roll-bars, or active whatever. A camera sensing the road, and this stuff. It’s stupid. We have a solid Hyundai steel platform, tonnes of high-strength steel – okay, it’s a little bit heavier than the other cars – and we have adjustable shock absorbers, and that’s it. We still outpace the S-Class in the double lane-change in the Consumer Reports. We almost beat the BMW, without all the fancy stuff,” said Biermann. Biermann explained that Genesis will be focusing on simple technologies to make them reliable. He said Hyundai's chairman, Chung Mong-koo said he wants all Hyundai and Genesis models to be “like new” after a decade on the road. On one hand, Biermann has a point. Luxury cars are notorious for being expensive to keep on the road, partly due to all the technology equipment fitted to them. On the other hand, those technologies are a big selling point on these vehicles. Buyers use these to justify the price and they are a cool party trick to show to friends and family. Source: Drive.com.au View full article
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This was a cool read on MT, their BIG Test of Luxury SUVs. http://www.motortrend.com/cars/cadillac/escalade/2015/the-big-test-large-luxury-suvs/ The end results were as follows: 6TH PLACE: INFINITI QX80 When you factor in worst in test fuel economy, a cramped third row, and those awkward looks, you have a big SUV that only one of us loved. 5TH PLACE: LINCOLN NAVIGATOR Although it’s cheaper than the others, it’s not nearly as luxurious. We love the powertrain and the ‘Gator’s utility. 4TH PLACE: LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER HSE Gorgeous truck, Gerry McGovern be praised. But the suspect build quality and pricey everything else leaves us cold. 3RD PLACE: LEXUS LX 570 Old age and treachery get some respect! Not ideal for all owners, but there’s something uniquely desirable about Lexus’ go-anywhere bruiser. 2ND PLACE: MERCEDES-BENZ GL450 Our former SUV of the Year is starting to show signs of age. Still, the GL remains one of the smartest SUVs you can buy. 1ST PLACE: CADILLAC ESCALADE PLATINUM The best looking, the best interior, the best sounding, and the quickest in our test. The Cadillac Escalade Platinum stole our hearts. In reading the write up, it was amazing to see many of the folks involved in the testing said while they all picked this as the SUV of the Year in 2015, looking back, the exterior and interior are sadly showing how dated it is. Not holding up well compred to the Escalade. I was also surprised by the fact that they found the Lexus was actually a better off roader and more features for off road driving than the vaunted Range Rover. The lexus had the most features that allowed you to do things the range rover could not. I honestly thought it was a very balanced, one of the better reads from MT.
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G. David Felt Staff Writer Alternative Energy - www.CheersandGears.com My CT6 & XT5 Personal Experience So this is my experience after spending 1hr, 30 min with both a brand new XT5 and CT6 from Doug's Cadillac in North Seattle. This is my home dealership and they have always taken care of me. We finally have gotten the new CT6 and XT5 into the Greater Seattle area. Brad my sales rep called me up thursday afternoon to inform me they had 3 of the CT6 and 3 of the XT5 that got delivered that day and would be ready for driving friday. I called my parents and wife to see if they wanted to go check them out and of course they did. So at 2pm friday afternoon, my work day done, I headed out to be picked up by the wife and my parents and drive to the dealership. I can honestly say we were all excited to see these auto's in person. The CT6 was available in the following colors, black, white and granite. The XT5 was in black, white and red. While my parents and wife went over to compare and check out the XT5 which was backed up against an identical SRX. I started with the CT6. First off and this is directed at SMK and others that have questioned Cadillac and the CT6, before you go and continue to make comments and embarass yourself, you need to go to cadillac and check this auto out for yourself. I can honestly say that Cadillac beat MB E-Class on the interior quality. The over all design both inside and outside is personal and you have the right to like the design language of MB over cadillac. Yet before you say the car cannot compete or is poor quality, moving the goal post or anything else, check the auto out as I now wish I had taken photo's of the 1 year old MB E-Class they had in the used section as it paled in comparison to this car. The CT6 was super quiet on the road, and in fact I was looking at the gauges to see what the response was of the auto due to how quiet it was. The one thing that popped into my mind was my grandfather and his love of Cadillac and how he always owned a Brougham till his death. I loved the extensive back seat room in his cars and the CT6 did not let me down. With the front seat set for me, I could get in the back and still had about 12 inches of room from my knees to the back of the seat. For a 6'6" tall guy, this was impressive to me and my family as everyone was really surprised with the interior room. Handling was tight, solid and the auto never gave any sign that it was under load and could go with a more powerful engine. Yes this had the V6, but still it moved. I loved the soft squishy leather dash with the real wood and carbon fiber accents. It was classy and yet still said modern. Tactile feel of the buttons what few there was, was very impressive and solid to the feel. I fell in love with the touch pad in controlling the interface. This needs to be standard on all auto's, it was very intuitive and I had very positive feedback of getting right into the various options. Having been in the BMW and MB auto's, I felt it was a tie between them for what I could naturally figure out on my own and the frustration with the buried levels of interfaces to find stuff. Cadillac was very intuitive from the start and I was able to find everything fast and easy. With that said and comparing it to the used MB and BMW on the lot, going from one to another you will still need some help from the sales person on either MB and BMW and yet I think while the customer service is nice to have a quick training on the new CUE system, my gut tells me that most people can figure it out without ever having their hand held. My Mom and Dad are perfect example of baby boomers who tech scares them and yet both found this easy to use. I really loved the customizable interface of the dash. With my quick spin around the block done and due to others showing up to test drive the CT6, I moved onto the XT5. As you can see from the pictures, my dad was outside and my mom was inside with Brad going over the interface and the auto. I chose to do a comparison of the outsides and realized that the 2nd gen SRX was very much geared more for the ladies. Even my wife said it was a more feminine looking auto compared to the more masculine XT5. While I was comparing the outsides, the regional Cadillac district manager stopped and asked me how I liked the new XT5. I told him I loved it and was excited for it, but had a question for him. Why not change the SRX to XT3 and continue to sell it for now. He said many dealers had asked that but what they saw at the dealer meeting blew them away and he said a clean cut with a short period of time before the new XT3 is shown and goes into production is the right move as customers like us will be very happy with what they are working on. This left me very excited for the near future of where Cadillac is going. I really hope that Cadillac does deliver on 110% on the new XT3 that is coming. Back to the XT5, Many of us have already seen under the hood of the SRX and know that Cadillac like everyone else has always had the V6 engine and even the 4 bangers in the ATS and CTS well covers and clean looking. I have to say I was a bit surprised and disappointed in the engine bay of the XT5. I actually feel that some type of cover is missing from this engine bay and that I should not be seeing this mess. This was my first and last disappointment with the XT5. In the lower left hand corner is the Horn next to the oil fill tube for the DEXOS 5W-30 oil. The rest I think is pretty clear for everyone to figure out what is what. The horn was surprising as it is small but is still very loud and bassy, not a high pitch tin can beep. I will say that Cadillac has fixed their injector noise issue as even with the hood up, I could not hear them. The engine was super quiet and on the road showed just how silky soft yet powerful it was. Very impressed with this V6 over the existing V6 in my 2008 SRX. Since as you all can see it is longitudinal, it does confirm that this is FWD based and yet with that came the other surprise a button on the center console that allowed you to turn off the AWD system so you can run it in FWD only and get much better MPG. This is a change from the 2016 SRX4 that is full time AWD. This option is a nice to have as many can buy and still get better MPG driving in FWD most of the time and then use the AWD when winter comes or if you do a road trip to colder climates and need better traction. Moving onto the inside as my parents took the black XT5 out for a spin, I was pleasantly pleased with the dash. Over all it is customizable just like the CT6 but had a clear different layout. I actually liked the speedo in the center compared to the right side in the CT6. Also being much bigger and taller I liked having the air vents on top rather than on the bottom. The CUE system and dash controls were the same and worked just fine for me. What was interesting was the different shifters. You had a much more tradition one in the CT6 with just forward or back on the auto shifter to go into gear for drive, reverse and yet on the XT5 you had more of a joystick style of shifter. Once Brad pointed out I had to not only step on the brake but also press the button on the left side of the shifter you just moved the shifter back into D for drive, a second time goes into manual mode. For reverse while pressing the brake pedal down and pressing the button on the left side of the shifter you move it forward and to the left. Be in reverse or drive, one thing I loved was the top button on the shifter or joystick that you pushed that had a P on it and it auto puts into park the transmission. I can honestly say I really liked the new shifter in the XT5. Comfort of the seats, WOW, my wife, parents and I have always enjoyed taking my 2006 ESV Platinum Escalade on road trips and the comfort of the seats for long drives. The XT5 just showed me why I need to wait for the update to the escalade, these newer much slimmer seats are really comfortable. No one would have a problem going on a long road trip in this CUV. Interior noise on the road, this again was a pleasant surprise as I expected the CT6 to be dead quiet, I was not expecting the XT5 to also be dead quiet. Not sure if Cadillac is using the Buick quiet steel technology or not, but they nailed it for a very quiet lovely ride with no wind noise, road noise or other auto noise intruding into the inside. Fit and Finish is first rate on both auto's, the interior room is just splendid. Room in the back as well as the front is so much more than in the SRX. SRX drivers side even with the seat all the way back, my long legged mom could still reach the pedals. In the XT5 and CT6, with the seats all the way back, she could not reach the pedals. This just continued to confirm that big people in the back seats of either auto will have plenty of room. Not sure what kind of fans Cadillac is using now in their auto's but the one thing that surprised me was how quiet they were even on high with AC. You had a pleasant stream of cool air with no fan noise. Radio once turned on showed the quality BOSE stereo system that both auto's have and how great they are. Over all I have to say that Cadillac hit the ball out of the ball park on both the CT6 and XT5 and BMW and MB needs to pay attention as these two auto's clearly are a big big step up from their equal in both product lines. Got question, just ask.
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New compact luxury crossovers are being introduced apace, with strong-selling models like the Lexus NX and the Lincoln MKC claiming large slices of a pie once carved up almost exclusively by Acura, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi. But there’s still goodness to be found among the older guard, particularly BMW’s X3. Read more at: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-bmw-x3-xdrive35i-test-review
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From the album: 2003 Buick Park Avenue Ultra (Accident 1)
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Hyundai Motor America's New CEO Hints What The Future Could Hold
William Maley posted an article in Hyundai
Dave Zuchowski, the new CEO of Hyundai Motor America has some ideas for new products in segments where the company doesn't compete. The first is an addition of a third premium model to join alongside the Genesis and Equus. "That's one of the conversations. I think it's fair to say that within a couple of years there may be another premium" nameplate. "That's a space where we think there's some opportunity," said Zuchowski to Automotive News For the past couple of years, we've been hearing rumors of a compact luxury sedan to possibly compete with the likes of the BMW 3-Series. When asked about this, Zuchowski declined to comment. The other model in consideration is a subcompact crossover. "We're always looking at segments that we're not in right now that maybe we should be based on where the market's going. We're very intrigued by this B-segment CUV," said Zuchowski. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
Dave Zuchowski, the new CEO of Hyundai Motor America has some ideas for new products in segments where the company doesn't compete. The first is an addition of a third premium model to join alongside the Genesis and Equus. "That's one of the conversations. I think it's fair to say that within a couple of years there may be another premium" nameplate. "That's a space where we think there's some opportunity," said Zuchowski to Automotive News For the past couple of years, we've been hearing rumors of a compact luxury sedan to possibly compete with the likes of the BMW 3-Series. When asked about this, Zuchowski declined to comment. The other model in consideration is a subcompact crossover. "We're always looking at segments that we're not in right now that maybe we should be based on where the market's going. We're very intrigued by this B-segment CUV," said Zuchowski. Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required) William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 29, 2013 Sometimes you have to admit the truth, even if its harsh. Case in point; Ford’s design chief J Mays recently told The Detroit News that Lincoln is 'not true luxury'. “No, we’re not true luxury. We’re in an investment stage with Lincoln. We’ve probably got a 10-year investment to make,” Mays said. Its easy to see Mays' point. Most of Lincoln's lineup are tarted-up Ford products. The first real product that shows Lincoln is trying to change its ways is the new MKZ. The model has some features such as a panoramic sunroof and push-button transmission that are unique to Lincoln. Mays explained that Lincoln has a “whole list of things” it will implement in future cars. “Every brand needs to have a DNA and a unique selling point and things in the vehicle that make you think, ‘That’s that particular brand.’” Source: The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 29, 2013 Sometimes you have to admit the truth, even if its harsh. Case in point; Ford’s design chief J Mays recently told The Detroit News that Lincoln is 'not true luxury'. “No, we’re not true luxury. We’re in an investment stage with Lincoln. We’ve probably got a 10-year investment to make,” Mays said. Its easy to see Mays' point. Most of Lincoln's lineup are tarted-up Ford products. The first real product that shows Lincoln is trying to change its ways is the new MKZ. The model has some features such as a panoramic sunroof and push-button transmission that are unique to Lincoln. Mays explained that Lincoln has a “whole list of things” it will implement in future cars. “Every brand needs to have a DNA and a unique selling point and things in the vehicle that make you think, ‘That’s that particular brand.’” Source: The Detroit News William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 15, 2013 Lincoln is previewing their next step in revitalization with the introduction of the Black Label line at Pebble Beach today. Lincoln says Black Label is 'a collection of ultra-premium exterior and interior themes mated to an even higher level of personal services and experiences that mark the next step in the brand’s reinvention.' Think of Black Label as being akin to Audi Exclusive, BMW Individual, and Mercedes-Benz designo. All offer a variety of special leathers, paint colors, wood treatments, and other stylized treatments. However in the case of Lincoln, Black Label will be offered in three different trim levels or themes as the brand calls them. Center Stage: Inspired by fashion and theater. Features Jet Black interior with a Foxfire Red headliner. Exterior comes in a Black Tie paint color. Indulgence: Inspired by the lure of premium chocolate to ignite a rich sensory experience. Features Truffle-colored Venetian leather and Ziricote wood trim. Comes in a Chroma Couture exterior. Modern Heritage: Features a white interior with distinctive wood trim. Exterior painted in a Confidential White tri-coat. “The new Lincoln Motor Company is built on three foundational elements – design, quality and personal service; Black Label represents our highest expression of these elements,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The progressive luxury client craves to know the story behind the products and services they engage – they want to feel that personal connection. That’s at the heart of Black Label; we want to provide special experiences for every Black Label client before, during and after they choose their new Lincoln vehicle.” Black Label will be available on all Lincoln models starting in late 2014. Source: Lincoln William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 AUG 15, 2013 | PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. NEW LINCOLN BLACK LABEL COLLECTION FOR THE LUXURY CUSTOMER PREVIEWED AT PEBBLE BEACH > Lincoln Black Label previews a new and higher level expression of Lincoln design, style, materials, craftsmanship and personal service and experience > Ultra-premium materials and meticulous execution complement three stylish and sophisticated themes from Lincoln Design team > Brand and dealers to collaborate on consistent, personal and integrated customer experience that respects the luxury of time Lincoln, the luxury automobile brand, today previewed Lincoln Black Label, a collection of ultra-premium exterior and interior themes mated to an even higher level of personal services and experiences that mark the next step in the brand’s reinvention. Showcased on an all-new MKZ and the MKC Concept, Lincoln Black Label eventually will be available on every new Lincoln vehicle. This full-range availability enables more vehicles in the model portfolio to be equipped with this higher-level expression of luxury than currently offered by any competitor. “The new Lincoln Motor Company is built on three foundational elements – design, quality and personal service; Black Label represents our highest expression of these elements,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The progressive luxury client craves to know the story behind the products and services they engage – they want to feel that personal connection. That’s at the heart of Black Label; we want to provide special experiences for every Black Label client before, during and after they choose their new Lincoln vehicle.” Lincoln and Black Label dealers will collaborate to create a consistent, personal and integrated client shopping and ownership experience. The entire process will provide respect for the luxury of time with a complete suite of elevated customer services to be unveiled at the time of Black Label market introduction. Limited-edition design themes, ultra-premium materials, meticulous execution and elevated client service will be the hallmarks of Lincoln Black Label. Black Label was conceived and designed by a select Lincoln Design team to reflect the breadth of the brand. In its earlier days, Lincoln was a favorite vehicle for unique, sophisticated and luxurious bespoke exterior and interior themes. This has inspired a new direction to provide a higher level of luxury available to all clients of the brand – not just those who purchase the most expensive, top-of-range models. Creating a family of elegant themes that represents confidence and sophistication, each of the three interior environments presented at the preview is coordinated with exclusive exterior colors. The materials for each interior environment have been selected to reflect the team’s desire to create a warm and sophisticated package that also tells a story. After starting with nearly two dozen concepts, the Lincoln Black Label design team honed in on a select few themes, each inspired by trends in fashion, food and architecture as well as lifestyles and experiences. “Each of the theme-based offerings from Black Label is designed with a specific customer profile in mind,” said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color and Material Design. “Lincoln Black Label will offer a variety of choices as well as a narrative that speaks to luxury clients – we want them to feel a personal connection with the theme and see themselves in the car.” Lincoln Black Label themes Center Stage, inspired by fashion and theater, is designed for the most expressive clients. The Jet Black interior is highlighted by a Foxfire Red headliner, capturing the drama of being in a dark theater with the impact of a rich, deep red accent color. Alcantara suede with uniquely designed perforation adds plush texture to the doors and seats. Indulgence is inspired by the lure of premium chocolate to ignite a rich sensory experience. Ganache- and Truffle-colored Venetian leather with a subtle antiqued finish adds richness and depth. The Ziricote wood trim features a beautiful natural grain and color inherent in the wood with no added dyes or stains. This wood - new to the automotive industry - is often used in high-end yachts. Modern Heritage offers a fresh take on the classic black-and-white interior with subtle red accents. Designed for the client who appreciates a clean, modern aesthetic, the soft white interior is warm and inviting. Renewed and engineered wood trim - imbued with metal flake between its layers - creates a sparkling effect to stylishly highlight this modern classic design. The selection of Lincoln MKZs with Black Label execution includes: Indulgence with Chroma Couture exterior and Truffle interior Center Stage with Black Tie exterior and Jet Black with Foxfire Red accents interior Modern Heritage with Confidential White tri-coat exterior with Vianca interior MKC Concept features Chroma Flame exterior with its Modern Heritage theme. Material selection, meticulous execution and craftsmanship will elevate Lincoln Black Label vehicles. Lincoln Black Label materials experts examined options from the entire sphere of luxury offerings to create the Black Label palette. “Because Lincoln Black Label is our highest offering of the expression of personal luxury, we took our materials selections personally as well,” said Lampinen. “We believe this personal touch and involvement will help separate Lincoln from other offerings.” Specialty leathers: Carefully selected and engineered to deliver the softest feel with a premium appearance, the seats are made from Venetian leather. Custom-made for Lincoln Black Label, less than 1 percent of hides globally meet the requirements for becoming Venetian leather. The instrument panel, center console and doors are leather-wrapped and stitched. Subtle Diamond-L and Linking-L perforation patterns specially designed for Black Label accent the seats and door trim. Natural woods: Sought out globally and selected for maximum richness of color and grain, these woods for the instrument panel, door appliqués and steering wheel bezel complement the themes. The Ziricote wood used with Indulgence was selected because its natural beauty resonates without stains or dyes. Alcantara®: A long-recognized premium material associated with high design in a variety of industries, including interior design, consumer electronics and aviation, as well as automotive, Lincoln designers specifically selected it to wrap the headliners, visors and pillars and to trim the floor mats. Clients interested in acquiring a Lincoln Black Label-equipped vehicle will find the shopping and selection process personal and enjoyable. Whether a client’s first point of contact is through the Lincoln website or at the dealership, Black Label experts will guide them through the process. Lincoln Black Label is intended to launch near the end of 2014. “Lincoln Black Label will offer an experience for our clients that will engage them, not overwhelm them,” said Farley. “Lincoln Black Label is another important step in our brand’s reinvention to appeal to a whole new group of progressive luxury clients.” -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 15, 2013 Lincoln is previewing their next step in revitalization with the introduction of the Black Label line at Pebble Beach today. Lincoln says Black Label is 'a collection of ultra-premium exterior and interior themes mated to an even higher level of personal services and experiences that mark the next step in the brand’s reinvention.' Think of Black Label as being akin to Audi Exclusive, BMW Individual, and Mercedes-Benz designo. All offer a variety of special leathers, paint colors, wood treatments, and other stylized treatments. However in the case of Lincoln, Black Label will be offered in three different trim levels or themes as the brand calls them. Center Stage: Inspired by fashion and theater. Features Jet Black interior with a Foxfire Red headliner. Exterior comes in a Black Tie paint color. Indulgence: Inspired by the lure of premium chocolate to ignite a rich sensory experience. Features Truffle-colored Venetian leather and Ziricote wood trim. Comes in a Chroma Couture exterior. Modern Heritage: Features a white interior with distinctive wood trim. Exterior painted in a Confidential White tri-coat. “The new Lincoln Motor Company is built on three foundational elements – design, quality and personal service; Black Label represents our highest expression of these elements,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The progressive luxury client craves to know the story behind the products and services they engage – they want to feel that personal connection. That’s at the heart of Black Label; we want to provide special experiences for every Black Label client before, during and after they choose their new Lincoln vehicle.” Black Label will be available on all Lincoln models starting in late 2014. Source: Lincoln William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 AUG 15, 2013 | PEBBLE BEACH, CALIF. NEW LINCOLN BLACK LABEL COLLECTION FOR THE LUXURY CUSTOMER PREVIEWED AT PEBBLE BEACH > Lincoln Black Label previews a new and higher level expression of Lincoln design, style, materials, craftsmanship and personal service and experience > Ultra-premium materials and meticulous execution complement three stylish and sophisticated themes from Lincoln Design team > Brand and dealers to collaborate on consistent, personal and integrated customer experience that respects the luxury of time Lincoln, the luxury automobile brand, today previewed Lincoln Black Label, a collection of ultra-premium exterior and interior themes mated to an even higher level of personal services and experiences that mark the next step in the brand’s reinvention. Showcased on an all-new MKZ and the MKC Concept, Lincoln Black Label eventually will be available on every new Lincoln vehicle. This full-range availability enables more vehicles in the model portfolio to be equipped with this higher-level expression of luxury than currently offered by any competitor. “The new Lincoln Motor Company is built on three foundational elements – design, quality and personal service; Black Label represents our highest expression of these elements,” said Jim Farley, executive vice president of Global Marketing, Sales and Service and Lincoln. “The progressive luxury client craves to know the story behind the products and services they engage – they want to feel that personal connection. That’s at the heart of Black Label; we want to provide special experiences for every Black Label client before, during and after they choose their new Lincoln vehicle.” Lincoln and Black Label dealers will collaborate to create a consistent, personal and integrated client shopping and ownership experience. The entire process will provide respect for the luxury of time with a complete suite of elevated customer services to be unveiled at the time of Black Label market introduction. Limited-edition design themes, ultra-premium materials, meticulous execution and elevated client service will be the hallmarks of Lincoln Black Label. Black Label was conceived and designed by a select Lincoln Design team to reflect the breadth of the brand. In its earlier days, Lincoln was a favorite vehicle for unique, sophisticated and luxurious bespoke exterior and interior themes. This has inspired a new direction to provide a higher level of luxury available to all clients of the brand – not just those who purchase the most expensive, top-of-range models. Creating a family of elegant themes that represents confidence and sophistication, each of the three interior environments presented at the preview is coordinated with exclusive exterior colors. The materials for each interior environment have been selected to reflect the team’s desire to create a warm and sophisticated package that also tells a story. After starting with nearly two dozen concepts, the Lincoln Black Label design team honed in on a select few themes, each inspired by trends in fashion, food and architecture as well as lifestyles and experiences. “Each of the theme-based offerings from Black Label is designed with a specific customer profile in mind,” said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color and Material Design. “Lincoln Black Label will offer a variety of choices as well as a narrative that speaks to luxury clients – we want them to feel a personal connection with the theme and see themselves in the car.” Lincoln Black Label themes Center Stage, inspired by fashion and theater, is designed for the most expressive clients. The Jet Black interior is highlighted by a Foxfire Red headliner, capturing the drama of being in a dark theater with the impact of a rich, deep red accent color. Alcantara suede with uniquely designed perforation adds plush texture to the doors and seats. Indulgence is inspired by the lure of premium chocolate to ignite a rich sensory experience. Ganache- and Truffle-colored Venetian leather with a subtle antiqued finish adds richness and depth. The Ziricote wood trim features a beautiful natural grain and color inherent in the wood with no added dyes or stains. This wood - new to the automotive industry - is often used in high-end yachts. Modern Heritage offers a fresh take on the classic black-and-white interior with subtle red accents. Designed for the client who appreciates a clean, modern aesthetic, the soft white interior is warm and inviting. Renewed and engineered wood trim - imbued with metal flake between its layers - creates a sparkling effect to stylishly highlight this modern classic design. The selection of Lincoln MKZs with Black Label execution includes: Indulgence with Chroma Couture exterior and Truffle interior Center Stage with Black Tie exterior and Jet Black with Foxfire Red accents interior Modern Heritage with Confidential White tri-coat exterior with Vianca interior MKC Concept features Chroma Flame exterior with its Modern Heritage theme. Material selection, meticulous execution and craftsmanship will elevate Lincoln Black Label vehicles. Lincoln Black Label materials experts examined options from the entire sphere of luxury offerings to create the Black Label palette. “Because Lincoln Black Label is our highest offering of the expression of personal luxury, we took our materials selections personally as well,” said Lampinen. “We believe this personal touch and involvement will help separate Lincoln from other offerings.” Specialty leathers: Carefully selected and engineered to deliver the softest feel with a premium appearance, the seats are made from Venetian leather. Custom-made for Lincoln Black Label, less than 1 percent of hides globally meet the requirements for becoming Venetian leather. The instrument panel, center console and doors are leather-wrapped and stitched. Subtle Diamond-L and Linking-L perforation patterns specially designed for Black Label accent the seats and door trim. Natural woods: Sought out globally and selected for maximum richness of color and grain, these woods for the instrument panel, door appliqués and steering wheel bezel complement the themes. The Ziricote wood used with Indulgence was selected because its natural beauty resonates without stains or dyes. Alcantara®: A long-recognized premium material associated with high design in a variety of industries, including interior design, consumer electronics and aviation, as well as automotive, Lincoln designers specifically selected it to wrap the headliners, visors and pillars and to trim the floor mats. Clients interested in acquiring a Lincoln Black Label-equipped vehicle will find the shopping and selection process personal and enjoyable. Whether a client’s first point of contact is through the Lincoln website or at the dealership, Black Label experts will guide them through the process. Lincoln Black Label is intended to launch near the end of 2014. “Lincoln Black Label will offer an experience for our clients that will engage them, not overwhelm them,” said Farley. “Lincoln Black Label is another important step in our brand’s reinvention to appeal to a whole new group of progressive luxury clients.” View full article
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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com June 13, 2013 At one time, the term 'luxury pickup truck' was an oxymoron. But now, automakers are churning them out like they're not going out of style. Ford has three different luxury versions of the F-150 (King Ranch, Platinum, Limited), General Motors has the GMC Sierra Denali and Chevrolet Silverado High Country, and Ram has the Laramie Longhorn and Laramie Limted. However, Ram CEO Reid Bigland believes there is more room for a more posh truck. “I don’t even know where the ceiling is on the premium pickup truck,” Bigland said to reporters this week. For those wondering, the Ram Laramie Longhorn models start at $44,585 for the 1500 and goes upward from there. “We don’t even know if that’s the ceiling or if we should go above that,” Bigland said. Bigland didn't go into details of what a super-premium pickup would look like, but noted Ram would have to be careful the add-ons weren’t “frivolous.” Source: Automobile Magazine William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. View full article
