In its 125th anniversary year, Bianchi has developed and created two new road models, Oltre (Beyond) and Sempre (Always), standing out for innovative design and technical features. As part of the HoC category (Horse Categorie), the new Oltre (Italian word that means beyond) is the best performance Bianchi road frame ever made. What makes the Oltre a truly special bike is the X-Tex Technology: Bianchi’s unique  process to internally mold X-weaved structural carbon to provide best stiffness and impact resistance. Bianchi will showcase at Eurobike a limited edition of the Oltre model with Campagnolo Super Record components, available in the market this Autumn. It is black with touches of the unmistakable Celeste Bianchi and stands out for a truly aggressive and mysterious style. 

Also the Sempre model (B4P Born for Performance) is expected to impress the visitors at Eurobike. Sempre means always and it is the bike for all kind of rider, with a full carbon frame built with Nanotechnology. For the Sempre model, Bianchi  has developed a complete new range of customized components (Bianchi Reparto Corse) that perfectly match bikes’ colours.

Through successful and close collaboration with professional road and MTB teams, Bianchi improved the optimization of construction techniques, aerodynamics and design. Italian Professional cycling team Ceramica Flaminia took solid results throughout the whole 2010 season with the 928 SL IASP, whilst TX Active-Bianchi’s international line-up brought the Methanol SL model to victory in several occasions. All the riders gave Bianchi’s product department important feedback to reach the excellence.

An increasing number of women chose a Bianchi bike for their rides. With this in mind, Bianchi created an ample range, including the new Infinito Lady road bike, to satisfy the various levels of performance required by the female public. 

Visitors in Friedrichshafen will enjoy not only road and MTB models but also the new and trendy Urban Fixed Gear bikes. Bianchi was one of the first companies believing in the use of track-single-speed bikes in the street. For 2011 Bianchi will showcase at Eurobike the cool Pista Sei Giorni and Pista Dalmine models, marked out by modern look and fashion style.

Bianchi’s legendary former cyclist Felice Gimondi will attend Eurobike at Hall A4 – Stand 305, on Wednesday 1st and Thursday 2nd. A great opportunity for visitors to meet a piece of Bianchi’s history and share comments about 2011 new collection.

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Oltre and Sempre to lead Bianchi at Eurobike

As the nation’s favourite pundit, ‘Mr F1’ kept viewers entertained with all the thrills and spills of Formula One for over 20 years. Fans missing Murray from their TV screens will get the opportunity to see him at Autosport International, on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 January at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.

Murray said: “I was very upset at having missed Autosport International earlier this year, so I’m delighted to be back in 2011. The show’s a great day out for all the family: I love getting the chance to interact with fans as well as see friends from the world of F1.”

Having begun his career in broadcasting by reporting on the Shenley Walsh hillclimb in 1948, Murray became the voice of F1 in the 1980’s and 90’s before retiring from TV commentary in 2001. Awarded an OBE by the Queen, Murray is now a F1 blogger on the BBC website.

Tickets for Autosport International 2011 are now on sale. Not only will fans get to see Murray, they’ll also have the opportunity to see their favourite drivers and celebrities, as well as a selection of race cars from a wide range of motor racing series, including Formula One.

The ever-popular Live Action Arena shows make a return, hosted by Fifth Gear TV presenter and touring car driver Jason Plato with racer turned motoring personality Tiff Needell. The pair will introduce thrilling racing and awe-inspiring stunts to entertain the whole family, and with a reserved seat in the Fifth Gear Live Action Arena included with every show ticket, Autosport International offers great value for money.

Tickets are now on sale for the public show, which is held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on 15-16 January. Adult tickets cost £30 per day, with children’s tickets priced at £19.50. Group tickets are also available. To book please visit www.autosportinternational.com.

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MR F1 MURRAY WALKER CONFIRMED FOR AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL 2011

3008 + HYbrid4 (DIESEL + ELECTRIC) = VIRTUOUS ASSOCIATION

An obvious association
Adapting HYbrid4 technology to the 3008 crossover makes obvious sense. This successful crossover results from the hybridization of several motoring concepts: SUV, saloon, compact MPV, coupé… Added to this are the benefits of HYbrid4, which in the present case and for the first time combines diesel and electric power to offer the perfect response to customer expectations: “ecological” four wheel drive, controlled power, a high level of safety, assured modularity and a new driving sensation, all within an environmentally responsible approach.

Driving enjoyment for the next generation
For Peugeot, the legitimacy of this technology goes well beyond its eco-efficiency. It must also provide new driving sensations, improved driveability and improved driving enjoyment.

These new sensations find expression in a number of ways:
- silent operation, with the possibility of driving in electric only mode,
- peace of mind offered by the safety inherent in four wheel drive,
- high performance combined with high levels of driveability,
- unique freedom and simplicity of use with the possibility of choosing four operating modes: ZEV, 4WD, Sport, Auto.

In terms of performance, the 3008 HYbrid4 can benefit from the combined power of the HDi diesel engine and electric motor during acceleration, for an immediate surge in power (“boost” function). The maximum combined power output can then reach 147 kW (200 bhp) through the addition of 120 kW (163 bhp) from the 2.0 litre HDi FAP diesel engine and the temporary peak of the electric motor (27 kW, or 37 bhp).

A maximum torque of 500 Nm is available, split 300 Nm at the front from the HDi diesel engine and a maximum of 200 Nm at the rear generated by the electric motor. This level of performance gives the 3008 HYbrid4 recordbreaking credentials in terms of the CO2 emissions/maximum power ratio.

The end result is a crossover with a length of 4.36 m, four wheel drive, a maximum power output of 200 bhp, fuel consumption in the combined cycle of only 3.8 litres/100 km and emissions of 99 g/km!

On higher specification versions, emissions can rise to 104 or 108 g/km of CO2 in the combined cycle. In terms of road holding, this innovative power train is well served by the chassis, recognized for its dynamic qualities. The rear module of the HYbrid4 system also includes a multi-arm rear suspension system providing the guarantee of excellent road holding.

Simplicity of use
From a functional point of view, a selection knob on the center console enables the driver to choose between four different operating modes:

- “Auto” mode: the electronics automatically control the entire system, including transitions between the HDi diesel engine and the electric motor. This allows optimal driving with a mix of low fuel consumption and
dynamic driveability,

- “ZEV” mode (Zero Emission Vehicle) provides access to an extensive all-electric mode. In this case, activation of the HDi diesel engine is programmed to coincidenwith more sustained phases of acceleration. This requires the high-voltage batteries to be sufficiently charged. The vehicle then becomes a “city run-around” par excellence thanks to the total absence of noise and emissions. The driver can apply this mode to drive discreetly around town or demonstrate the silence of the vehicle in electric mode, etc,

- Four-wheel drive mode (4WD) instructs both power trains to operate together as far as possible; the rear wheels are then driven by the electric motor and the front wheels by the HDi diesel engine. Offering peace of mind, safety and driveability, four-wheel drive accentuates the vehicle’s dynamic character. Indeed HYbrid4 technology, at low speed, allows all-terrain capabilities equivalent to those of an SUV: the driver will no longer be worried by the prospect of a muddy path or a snowbound uphill drive to the ski resort;

- “Sport” mode favors quicker gear changes at higher engine speeds than normal mode. In this mode, the notion of “controlled power” comes into its own: coupling of the diesel engine with the electric motor provides more dynamic performance, optimally distributed and transmitted to the road by the four wheel drive for a level of stability and driveability that will appeal to all motoring enthusiasts.

With a 3008 benefiting from HYbrid4 technology, the aim is to appeal to customers who expect not only environmental-friendliness and technological sophistication, but also real driving enjoyment. Indeed, as well as the social benefit of a steep reduction in fuel consumption, the level of performance provided by this technology will delight even the most demanding customers in terms of road holding, responsiveness, driveability and peace of mind, regardless of road conditions, with the possibility of enjoying silent operation in town in all-electric mode.

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The world’s first diesel hybrid crossover.Combining environmental protection and driving enjoyment.

You may have selected fine luxurious wool for your new custom made to measure suit as clients do of NELSON WADE, such as Super 150s  fine wool from Dormeuil or Scabal.  Or, maybe you went to an even higher level within the world of custom made to measure suits and chose ultrafine wool such as  Super 200s from John Foster. In any case, you have an elegant made to measure suit that you love to wear. How do you take care of it?

At NELSON WADE, we would like to offer you some tips in caring for your custom made to measure suit.

Do’s & Don’ts…

• Before you change out of your made to measure suit, empty your pockets! Heavy objects, such as keys, phones, loose change, etc. can strain pocket seams and pull the fabric out of shape.

• If you are away from home and do not have a proper hanger, take your trousers and match the pant legs together, carefully folding them over the top of a chair. Hang your suit jacket over a chair; don’t throw it on the bed or couch thinking that it will be okay. Wrinkles will want to form permanently.

Wrinkles…
Luxury fine wool has a resiliency and can shed wrinkles if properly cared for. After each wearing of your suit, hang your suit on proper wood hangers, so it can breathe.

Note for Business Travelers… When you check into your hotel suite, hang your suit in a steamy bathroom for 10 minutes or so. Then, give your made to measure suit a rest, preferably 24 hours. The circulation of air can help the fine wool spring back into shape.

For Spots & Stains…
Some custom suiting fabric, such as Scabal’s, Nanotechnology made wool fabric “Business Class” repels liquids and stains without changing the look or hand of the fabric.  But always avoid the possibly of STAINS or SPOTS and treat stains promptly. Take your clothes only to a reputable dry cleaner.

Dry Cleaning and Seasonal Storage…
Have your made to measure suit dry cleaned at a reputable dry cleaner at least once per season, and especially before storing. When you are getting ready for seasonal storage,  make sure suits are cleaned before storage.  Store your suit carefully, preferably in a breathable suit bag. The smallest stain can invite moths. Cedar lined closets or fresh cedar blocks are best for storing your tailored made to measure suit.

Fine quality custom made to measure suits are a significant investment.  It only takes a few minutes of maintenance to make them last for years.

LIVE WELL!  DRESS WELL!

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How to Care For Your Fine Custom Made to Measure Suit

Click on Images for enlarged views

As part of Saman Villas’ continued efforts to be one of the best boutique hotels in Asia as well as to cater to the growing demands of the top-end traveler, an extensive refurbishment project was commissioned in 2010.

The hotel has undergone a major transformation after the £580,000 refurbishment program and now boasts a brand new look and feel while keeping the distinct Sri Lankan concept for which it has become renowned.

Major modifications have taken place in all of the guest rooms focusing on luxurious comfort including soothing water features, a complete over-haul of fixtures and fittings, oversized terrazzo bath tubs and open-air showers.

All public areas have been completely revamped with impressive use of carved teak wooden pillars and a fresh new roof design. The infinity poolside has also been given a facelift.

For more information or to book Saman Villas visit http://www.ghotw.com/saman-villas or call +44 (0) 20 7380 3658

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Saman Villas in Sri Lanka re-opens after refurbishment

Key elements of this Panamera Turbo Powerkit are two new turbochargers with titanium aluminum turbine wheels. Engine management has been adapted accordingly and thus, the result is an appreciable further improvement of the engine’s response. Maximum torque rises to 750 Nm. If in overboost mode included in the Sport Chrono package which is available ex factory as part of the Panamera Turbo Powerkit, it goes up to 800 Nm. In Sport Plus mode, the Panamera Turbo accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 sec – 0.1 sec faster than the production car. Top speed is 305 km/h compared with 303 km/h of the production vehicles. With 11.5 ltr/100 km (24.6 mpg imp) during the NEDC test cycle, fuel consumption of an Panamera Turbo with Powerkit is not higher than that of the 500 hp production model. This, too, is what Porsche Intelligent Performance means to Porsche. As a Porsche Exclusive option, the Powerkit is available from September 2010 at a price of Euro 16,695.70 including VAT. Porsche Tequipment will launch the Powerkit as a retrofit kit from November 2010.

With its new Sport Design Package, Porsche offers its Panamera customers another possibility to customize their cars optically. The package includes a unique, exterior colour painted front end with widened black air intake grilles, separate side skirts and the standard, exterior colour painted rear underbody apron with diffuser and fins.

Starting in October 2010, the Sport Design Package will be available from Porsche Exclusive, or for retrofitting from Porsche Tequipment. The price from Porsche Exclusive is Euro 4,581.50 including VAT. On request, side skirts can be supplied separately at a price of Euro 969.85 including VAT.

For an especially sporting performance with enhanced appearance and driving dynamics, the third feature of the extended range of options offered for the Panamera are the new 20-inch Panamera Sport wheels. The light alloy multi-spoke wheel is 9.5″ wide on the front axle, and 11.5″ on the rear axle. Thus, it does not only have a larger tyre contact area but is also flush with the wheel arch. The wheels are available from Porsche Exclusive in GT silver metallic, black, or in the car colour from Euro 1,588.65 including VAT, and from Porsche Tequipment in GT silver metallic and black for
retrofitting.

With its Porsche Exclusive and Porsche Tequipment programmes, Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, offers you the possibility to enhance each Porsche model beyond its standard equipment to fit your personal and exclusive wishes: from the factory through Porsche Exclusive, or in each Porsche Centre through Tequipment
Retrofitting.

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New Individualization Programme for the Panamera

Bentley Motors is displaying the company’s new limited-edition Continental GTC and GTC Speed 80-11 models, designed exclusively for the North American market, on the Concept Lawn at the 60th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Both of these new cars combine the legendary performance, luxury and craftsmanship for which the 91-year old Bentley marque is renowned, as well as the added exclusivity of being commissioned for a single market. The 80-11 designation underlines just how limited these luxury British convertibles will be with Bentley building only 80 examples of each drophead in 2011.

Unique and Distinctive Exterior Styling

The GTC and GTC Speed 80-11 models deliver the same outstanding performance as their ‘standard’ Bentley counterparts but with their own strong and original styling stories.

The luxurious GTC 80-11 features new 20-inch, 14-spoke alloy diamond wheels, polished with unique black center caps featuring Bentley’s distinctive ‘B’ emblem. The more performance-oriented GTC Speed 80-11 offers the muscular Supersports’ 20-inch wheels, now finished with an eye-catching dark tint, and displaying sporty red brake calipers underneath.

Both cars give a nod to Bentley’s British heritage and incomparable craftsmanship, with Union Jack brightware badges featured on the front fenders.

Bentley’s extensive choice of colors is available for both GTC 80-11 models but for those seeking even more exclusivity, a new and unique color – Midnight – has been commissioned for these high-performance convertibles. The 80-11 GTC and GTC convertibles offer the Dark Grey Metallic soft top and the Mulliner fuel-filler cap as standard.

A Unique Interpretation of Bentley Craftsmanship and Refinement

Bentley’s styling team has created two unique interiors for these exclusive convertibles. The main leather hide choice for both vehicles is Beluga, and the contrast stitching, piping and Bentley emblems are white on the GTC and Pillar Box Red on the GTC Speed. The result is a strong, dark main hide color, accented by the contrasting hand-stitching and piping.

To complement the Piano Black veneers on both 80-11 Editions, the engine-turned aluminum dash has a bright finish in the GTC and a sportier dark finish for the GTC Speed. Race-inspired drilled alloy sport foot pedals are standard on both vehicles and to further differentiate the special editions, the vehicles’ treadplates and a badge on the console are branded with the “80-11 Edition” signature.

The 80-11 Edition GTCs and the 80-11 Edition GTC Speeds arrive at Bentley dealers in fall of 2010 as model-year 2011 vehicles.

Exhilarating Bentley Performance and FlexFuel Technology

Since its launch in 2006 the Continental GTC has enjoyed sales success in over 50 countries around the world and drawing younger buyers to the Bentley marque. Customers are attracted to its combination of sleek design, interior craftsmanship, dramatic performance and refined but agile handling. The GTC boasts a twin-turbo 6-liter W12 engine, producing 552hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The GTC’s top speed is 195mph (190mph with the top down) and its 0-60mph sprint time is just 4.8 seconds.

Responding to customer demand for an even more potent and driver-focused convertible, the GTC Speed debuted in summer of 2009. The Speed also uses the twin-turbo 6-liter W12 powertain but Bentley’s engineers have further optimized its performance to create 600hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. With a top speed of 200mph (195mph with top down) the Speed was the world’s fastest four-seat production convertible, before the recent arrival of its Bentley stablemate the Supersports Convertible, with a 0-60mph time of only 4.5 seconds.

For model-year 2011, the GTC and GTC Speed, along with all Bentley Continentals, features FlexFuel technology, which enables the vehicle to run on gasoline, E85 biofuel or any mix of the two without any compromise in performance. As part of its environmental strategy, Bentley has pledged to reduce CO2 by 15% by offering FlexFuel powertrains across its entire vehicle lineup by the end of 2012, and it has pledged to introduce a new powertrain that reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 40%.

About Bentley Motors, Inc

Bentley Motors, Inc. is the Sales, Marketing, distribution and Aftersales channel for the Bentley brand in The Americas. Nearly one in every three Bentley products sold worldwide is delivered to a customer in the Americas, making the region the single largest for the company. Headquartered in Boston, MA, Bentley Motors, Inc. has approximately 35 employees and 48 retail locations throughout the region. The wide majority of the region’s sales and retailers are located in the United States, with the southern California, New York and southern Florida metro markets being the three largest.

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BENTLEY MOTORS ANNOUNCES DEBUT OF TWO LIMITED-EDITION DROPHEADS AT PEBBLE BEACH

Forza Coffee Company has teamed up with Genuine Scooter and Ducati Seattle to offer Washington State residents an opportunity to win a brand new Genuine scooter.

The stylish, Italian-inspired 50cc “Buddy” scooter is a fun and exciting way to zip around the daily commute, run errands, or just take in the wonderful scenery of the Pacific Northwest.

The “Buddy” scooter, selected because of its authentic Italian ties, especially prevalent at the gathering place in Italy – the espresso café, is currently on display at many Forza stores,

The contest is open to all Washington State residents. Anyone over the age of 16 can register at participating Forza Coffee locations and online at www.ForzaScooter.com until September 15th, 2010. Customers are encouraged to enter daily at the website to get a special discount coupon valid for 24 hours. The grand-prize winner will be randomly selected based on all entries and a number of consolation prizes will be available to selected winners from each Forza store.

The scooter giveaway is part of Forza’s Community Project, a movement to bring neighborhoods and communities together through interactive programs. Past involvements have included youth sport sponsorships and fundraiser programs, local artist showcases, Bible study and church group meetings, and first responder programs.

Forza Coffee Company is a Washington State-based company with 23 stores in Puget Sound area, two stores in Spokane, WA, and one store in Westminster, CO. Forza has been selected for numerous awards, including Best Coffee Shop by South Sound Magazine in 2009 and 2010. Their corporate website is www.ForzaCoffeeCompany.com

Genuine Scooter Company’s award-winning product line of gas-powered motor scooters have more buzz in the scooter market than any other brand. Their corporate website is www.genuinescooters.com

Forza Coffee Company, Ducati Motorcycle of Seattle, and Genuine Scooter Company of Chicago, Illinois sponsor the scooter promotion.

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Forza Coffee Moves You in Italian Style

George Reisch, a Fifth Generation Brewer and Brewmaster at AB/InBev will be on hand to speak with customers about the rich history of Belgian beer as well as what makes it so special. Customers will enjoy samples from 6 specially selected Belgian beers, which will be paired with food items to complement the taste of the beer. Once the sampling has taken place, attendees will receive 2 pints of their favorite beer and a $10 dinner credit for after the event.

Craig Winning, General Manager of Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant shares, “Belgians, like the Irish, take their beer very seriously. We want to share that with our customers on a very personal and intimate level. George knows more about beer than anyone I know and having him involved will make this event so much more than just a beer sampling night”

Fadó Irish Pub has carefully selected 6 beers from a potential list of thousands to pair with delicious food items for a taste experience like no other. The beer list features some well known brands such as Stella Artois and Hoegaarden, but also aims to introduce beer fans to new beers such as Boon Gueuze and Lindeman’s Framboise. People love to drink beer but know very little about what makes beer great, this event will change that.

In order to sign up for this intimate affair, beer lovers should call the pub and leave their details with one of the managers. $25 per ticket in advance and $35 if you show up on the day. Space is limited, booking is recommended.

About Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant
Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant is a group of Irish pubs distinguished by their genuine, traditional Irish hospitality, quality and craic (Irish for good times). Located in the heart of the restaurant district of downtown Chicago at the corner of Clark and West Grand Ave. Fado Irish Pub is easy to find and once you come in, it will be difficult to leave.For more information, please visit Fado Irish Pub

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Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant to Host Belgian Beer Experience

The majority of travellers (59%) who were polled from across the world for the annual Hotels.com taxi report said that London’s black cabs were far and away the pick of the world’s taxis, fending off competition from New York (favourite amongst 27% of travellers) and Tokyo with 26% of the vote. The German city of Berlin and Bangkok’s tuk tuk taxis completed the top 5.

Travelling by taxi is one of the first experiences that many travellers have upon arrival in a new city, so it is significant for the UK capital’s tourist industry that London taxis are making such a good impression on visitors. The majority (55%) of UK travellers said that they regularly take a cab to their hotel when arriving in a foreign city or resort, as opposed to 16% who tend to use a private car, or 14% who prefer to venture onto a train.

The global poll scored city based taxis for their levels of cleanliness, value, quality of driving, knowledge of the area, friendliness, safety and availability. The overall findings include:

- London taxi drivers are the friendliest in the world with 8% of the global vote, beating their Irish (6%) rivals to the title.

- 12% voted Parisian and New York taxi drivers the rudest in the world.

- 9% of travellers think the Italian capital boasts the world’s worst taxi drivers when it comes to the quality of driving.

- 36% voted London taxi drivers as having the best knowledge of their city.

- One in five travellers voted New York as having the most available taxis.

- Despite also being named the most expensive (39%), London’s taxi drivers fared the best across a number of categories including friendliness, cleanliness, quality of driving, safety and knowledge of the area.

Alison Couper, director of Communications, Hotels.com, commented: “It’s great to hear that London has won the best taxi vote for the third year running. The journey to your accommodation should not be a stressful or off-putting experience as it can severely taint your view of a destination, if bad.

“A friendly, knowledgeable taxi driver helps form a positive first impression and they are most definitely an important part of any country’s tourism industry.”

Bob Oddy, general secretary of the London Taxi Drivers Association, said: “Taxi surveys are fast becoming a one horse race. I can’t recall any independent research during recent years which has not placed London cabbies top of the list. I’m confident that the vigorous Knowledge of London training which our drivers are required to undertake is the bedrock of our success.”

* Research was conducted amongst over 1900 travelers worldwide 11-28th May, 2010.

** Includes EMEA, LATAM, APAC and USA

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Hotels.com Survey Finds London’s Taxis Ranked Best in the World