The jeep has come a long way from the simple utility vehicle it once was. The original army jeep, and the early commercial models that followed it, may have been crude and devoid of any comfort, but it was meant to be a workhorse that could go anywhere, not a luxury car. This very clear division of labour was shattered in 1970 with the introduction of the Range Rover. Every bit as revolutionary as the original American Jeep, it was the first to combine luxury and true off-road capability.

For years, the Range Rover stood alone as the ‘Rolls Royce of four-wheel drives’, while the likes of Toyota, Fiat and even Mercedes continued to build conventional, truck-like jeeps. That is, until the early 90s, when a more pampered clientele made the switch and turned the humble jeep into a must-have status symbol. Manufacturers quickly responded to the executives and housewives who had embraced all-wheel drive, and started producing off-roads that were comfortable, opulent and above all, easy to drive. (more…)

Built for individualists with a penchant for style and elegance, Wiesmann cars are as exclusive as they look – a modern sports car beneath classic retro charm.

On the outskirts of the German town of Dülmen stands a modern building whose stunning architecture offers a hint at what is inside. No, this is not a state-of-the-art museum, a science faculty or a futuristic conference centre but actually a factory where cars are made. (more…)

In the world of motorcycling Triumph is one of those names that reads like aristocracy. Like its car-manufacturing counterpart, the marque was very much at the forefront of the evolving history of motoring, building itself a legendary heritage in the process. The renaissance of this great old name is therefore every bit as important as the revival of the Bugatti brand was – all the more so because today Triumph once again makes some of the most beautiful bikes around.

Some give us the advice never to look back, saying that in the world of business – motor vehicles included – there is no place for tradition or sentimentality. I disagree. Cars and bikes are not just functional machines that perform a function. They never have been and hopefully never will be. Instead, they form a surprisingly important part of our society, becoming the stuff of childhood dreams, the driver of many aspirational ambitions, the way by which we are measured in terms of success and above all an expression of our sense of style and personality.

(more…)

James Bond, eat your heart out!

Arriving at the unique setting of the Venice Film Festival is glamorous enough, but imagine how heads would turn if you made your way across the famous Venetian canals in this mysterious beast?

The Lancia Powerboat is just that – a gorgeous beast of a vessel that contains all the raw beauty of Italian styling and the pedigree of the Lancia marque wrapped up in one hell of a package. (more…)

By Michel Cruz
Photography by KH Photography

One of the perks of writing articles about cars is that you can occasionally drive the type of bolide you would normally never get to take for a spin. I make no claim to being a latter-day Niki Lauda or in any way related to the Stig, but I have thrown the odd car around a bend in my day and even pulled a hair-raising stunt or two. Until I got into the Tygan Speedster, however, I hadn’t driven a ‘real’ car. (more…)