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I find this far more sexist than sexy, but Audi is targeting women with a new limited edition version of their A1 designed with Norwegian goldsmith and jeweler Thomas Heyerdahl. The A1 Diamond Edition is adorned with a real diamond studded gearstick, comes with a genuine diamond pendant, a cosmetic case and mirror nestled in the armrest/console, a collection of Guerlain make-up and keys presented in a "jewelry box."
Heyerdahl claims "Women today choose their cars based on their own preferences, and have completely different needs and priorities in a dream car than men." Personally, I do not agree with that statement, nevertheless, here's a look at the automobile, of which on 57 versions have been produced.
above: jeweler Thomas Heyerdahl with the Audi A1 Diamond Edition
Audi A1 Diamond Edition - "The story behind" (text by Thomas Heyerdahl)
Audi is a leader in automotive design and technical development. Heyerdahl is a gold and diamond specialist, and is behind several innovative projects in recent years. Together they have launched an innovative world first - Audi A1 Diamond Edition.
Audi creates attractive and technically perfect cars, qualities that also describe the diamond's unique characteristics. Never before has a car been accompanied with a diamond certificate.
Audi A1 Diamond Edition is a tribute to women, a jewel on the road.
Cars and diamonds evokes strong emotions
The A1 Diamond Edition combines the best of progressive automotive design and engineering solutions with Heyerdahl's skills in handicrafts and jewelry design. Emphasis is placed on the simple, aesthetic and refined expression. Women today choose their cars based on their own preferences, and have completely different needs and priorities in a dream car than men. Today's cars are first and foremost, about design and sensuality, not unlike a woman's passion for jewelry.
above: The sterling silver and diamond pendant that comes with the Audi A1 Diamond Edition
Both cars and diamonds evoke strong emotions and ever lasting memories, a shared feature we have taken in account in developing this concept. Diamonds stand for authenticity, perfection, and ever lasting values. The same values as Audi express through their cars. Some cars evoke special emotions at first glance. It is the combination of the car's lines, interior and overall design expression that touches you.
A dream
I have always had a dream of combining these feelings in a holistic concept that would result in a car. To implement the diamonds in an aesthetic and sophisticated manner has been a challenging and exciting task. There is a fine line between aesthetically pleasing and "too much". Audi has given me free reins in terms of developing the ideas I had as a starting point for this concept. Working with teams of the best in their fields has been a great inspiration and joy. A number of subcontractors from six different countries have been involved in the process, all equally focused on doing their best to create something genuine.
Audi was my first choice
The basis for the concept was hatched in March 2010 and presented for Audi in May of that year. Audi was my first choice, and stood out as the company I wanted to work with on this project. The company stands for design and engineering, attracting urban, sporty people with a playful attitude to life. When I first heard rumors that Audi was working with a brand new small premium class car, I knew I had found the right car for the project. A prestigious car with a compact design that does not play on other strings than Audi's own design concepts. The A1 Diamond Edition is a sleek and sexy car, created for those who appreciate the unique.
Adapted to the modern, urban woman
Both the exterior and interior of the A1 Diamond Edition have been chosen from a female perspective. Everything from the colors and the original equipment has been created to tailor to women's emotions, senses and desires.
above: The Guerlain make-up collection that comes with the vehicle
Our overall goal has always been to keep the concept of a simple, clean and stylish design. There have been many good ideas on the table along the way, and we have opted out more than what we have retained. The unique Diamond Edition modifications emphasize the car's female touch and refine the concept of the car as a tribute to the modern, urban woman.
Only 57 issues
The Audi A1 Diamond Edition is designed for those who like the feeling of owning something unique and different, and is therefore restricted to only a few. The car has been issued in only 57 copies, one for each facet of the brilliant cut diamond. A laser-engraved limited edition plaque is discreetly hidden inside the lid of the glove compartment. The plaque is individually engraved for each car, and reveals which of the 57 cars you own.
Diamond Edition logo
A special logo has been specially designed for this car. A D and an E shaped like an infinity sign stands for the duration and substance - "Diamonds are forever".
The car is stripped of the original emblems, and the new logo in genuine chrome-plated metal is discreetly visible marking of the car's exterior. Two small Diamond Edition logos on the car's fenders and a discreet Diamond Edition logo on the tailgate are the only indicators that you are driving a unique car from the outside. Inside you will find a small diamond edition logo beautifully embedded on the steering wheel.
The A1 door moldings have been replaced with new Diamond Edition moldings. This gives the car its own identity, while being hidden from the uninitiated. You must be familiar with the concept to see that the car is a Diamond Edition, this is precisely what makes the car so delicate and refined.
Genuine diamonds
The gear lever is the finishing touch the concept. A platinum-plated brand with the new logo made with 24 brilliant cut diamonds of top quality, with a total of 0.48 carat.
The gear lever is a vital part of the car, a visual focal point. The diamonds are set in a way that provides a sporty and luxurious look. The goal has always been that all modifications were to be made with the finest quality and a sleek finish, as Audi is known for.
Makeup Case in leather, perfect fit in center armrest
The A1 Diamond Edition is the world's first car that comes with a quality cosmetic kit from Guerlain. A special customized cosmetics case in genuine leather and a mirror in the lid are perfectly adapted to the car's armrest, so it will always be at hand. A dream for women who are always on the go.
Diamond pendant 
As a reminder of the car even when one is off the road, the car also comes with a specially designed diamond pendant. The Diamond Edition logo is an aesthetic form in itself and with each car follows, therefore, a pendant shaped like the emblem on a rough leather cord made of genuine 925 silver and consisting of 10 diamonds.
Key in a jewel case
The car key is encased in beige leather, and emphasizes the feminine look. The keys are presented in a specially designed "Jewellery case", which also contains a USB card containing all information about the car, images, its history, technical information and the diamond certificate.
The press release:
Audi A1 Diamond Edition - Jewel on the road
The Norwegian importer of Audi, Harald A. Møller AS has initiated a unique collaboration with the renowned Norwegian goldsmith and diamond specialist Thomas Heyerdahl from Heyerdahl Jewellery Design. Together they have created the beautiful and sensational: Audi A1 Diamond Edition.
Diamonds are a girl's best friend
The Audi A1 Diamond Edition has been released in 57 cars, corresponding to the 57 facets in a brilliantly cut diamond. Mr. Heyerdahl has adorned the gearstick of this unique vehicle with 24 diamonds, totaling 0.48 carat.
In addition, the car is equipped with a cosmetic box with exclusive products from Guerlain. Every detail of this car has been carefully considered for sophisticated women who value uniqueness and high quality. For the sake of discretion, the Audi A1 Diamond Edition logo, a D and E fused together in infinity, is only visible on the fenders and boot hatch of the car. The car keys are accompanied by an exclusive diamond necklace, encrusted with ten diamonds, designed by Mr. Heyerdahl.
During the project, Audi and Mr. Heyerdahl have worked towards emphasizing the common features between cars and diamonds. Both cars and diamonds are reputed for their great beauty, evoking strong emotions and contributing to creating everlasting memories. Contemporary cars are first and foremost about design and sensuality, as are diamonds. This is how they enchant and fascinate us. It is the quality of the beauty that invokes a woman's desire.
The Diamond Edition combines a futuristic car design and engineering solutions with Mr. Heyerdahl's expertise in craftsmanship, detail and jewelry design. The emphasis is placed on aesthetic and refined expression. A diamond represents authenticity perfection and the unbreakable, the same qualities that Audi emphasizes in their creations.
A designer's dream:
“I've always had a dream of combining these feelings in a car, to implement the diamonds on the aesthetic in a sophisticated and complete way. The concept has been a challenging and exciting task.
The boundary between the clean and simple phrase, and “too much” is a fine line. Audi gave me no restrictions in developing the ideas that I had for this project. To work in a team with people who are the best in their fields has been a great inspiration and joy. A number of suppliers from six different countries have been involved throughout the process. Everyone has been dedicated and passionate about excelling with this car.
The launch of the Audi A1 Diamond Edition is a dream come true, now we merge the two world together in one concept” says a proud goldsmith Thomas Heyerdahl.
For more information please contact:
Heyerdahl Jewellery Design AS / Thomas Heyerdahl / thomas@heyerdahl.no / +47 926 16 966
Harald A. Møller AS / Marius Tegneby / marius.tegneby@moller.no / +47 950 75 235
via Luxury Launches
above photos by Romina Shama
Evo Citroën - The Evomobil
Paris, France, April 2011 — Citroën has always been considered as the most innovating brand of the car industry. The brand has created some of the most symbolic cars become the classics as the DS. The logo is also an institution.
After more than 3 years of collaboration with Citroën on the development of architectural projects, Ora-ïto turned to the manufacturer to develop his first artistic project. The iconoclastic artist wasn’t dreaming about another concept car but a genetic transformation. An unusual creation reuniting more than 400 years of history, a reflection on the evolution of the mobility and the legendary know-how of Citroën.
The genetic transformation is a fact resulting from errors of copies during the cellular division. When they are caused by interventions, they become extremely rare. The monumental sculpture created by Ora-ïto is the crossing of two typologies, a machine of the past and a current car, a subtle historic and sociological testimony on the functional mobility of the XVI Th century mixed to the modern world.
On the edge of the hypothesis and the contemporary art, this hybrid object is based on the fulfillment of child’s dream with an obvious commitment for the ecology. In the vocabulary of Ora-ïto, we find a real assertion expressing and realizing the imagination.
This creation becomes by definition a vision in opposition with the aggressive universe of the car industry. Inspired by the first Citroën car and based on his designer’s competences, Ora-ïto wonders about the ergonomics of the interior of the first mobile module. He has worked on the codes, the DNA and the philosophy of this industry to modernize it with the possibilities and the existing technologies. Associated to the research and innovation department of the dynastic Citroën, he has developed a surprising and unexpected sculpture joining all the parameters and the technologies appropriate for the universe car manufacturers, partner of the international fair of contemporary art of Paris (FIAC).
Baptized “Evomobil” he creates a monotypic kind, which possesses only single specie. The term “genetic transformation” is used to indicate an irreversible modification of the genetic and hereditary information. If the transformation arrives up to cells then, it is passed on to the descendants of the mutant individual. This change can get a selective advantage. This is the base of the process of the evolution.
Ora-ïto has naturally imagined others modules to join the initial project. A continuity of the imagination allowing to multiply new actions and uses of “Evomobil” as car options. He has named this “plugs” which are independent and can be connected on the front and the back of the vehicle. In case, several genetic transformations combine, we can say they share a common ancestral genetic pool. Every pod is original and unique as a sculpture that allies the dream to the formal, the past to the technology. The idea to work several entities allows all the “genetic transformations “ to spread an universal message on the evolution of the mobility and gives to the car industry new directions never investigated.
above: ORA-ÏTO is the label and the name of the French designer who created, at the age of 19 the very first virtual brand.
Ora-Ito
Citroen
n2a [No Two Alike] Motors Inc. in Corona, California is producing a series of cars to appeal to the true Chevrolet enthusiast who wants to relive the 1950's styling or visit this era for the first time.
Most car enthusiasts recognize the look of a 1957 Chevrolet. In fact, many believe this car represents the essence of the styling of the 1950s when almost all cars could easily be identified by make, model and year. Those were the times when General Motors changed the complete body design of their cars each year in 1957, 1958, and 1959; a feat manufacturers say cannot be done economically today.
The model above is, in fact, a design that features the front end styling of a 1957 Chevrolet Belair, the middle section reflecting a 1958 Chevrolet Impala and the distinctive rear extremity of a 1959 Chevrolet. Thus the model designation, "7-8-9" covers the three years of the most popular Chevrolets of all time. The Chevy 789 is available in a Coupe or Convertible for $135,500 or $139,500 respectively.
Here's a look at the three original vehicles whose combined designs inspired the custom built Chevy 789.
The original ’58 Chevrolet Impala hardtop:
and convertible:
The original ’57 Chevy Belair hooded headlights and chrome grille:
The original ’59 Chevrolet tail fins:
Melding the design elements from the different Chevy models shown above, the 789 looks instantly iconic. It blends the best of three classics mounted atop a Le Mans-winning Corvette C6 chassis.
Aptly named for the three years represented in the overall design, the 789 has the "hooded eyes" and chrome grille of a ’57, a mid-section that’s reminiscent of a ’58 Impala and the "bird in flight" rear tailfins of a ’59. These three vehicles are all instantly recognizable classics celebrated by people around the world.
Based on the very reliable and extremely performance oriented new Corvette, known as the C6 for Corvette's sixth generation, the body panels are replaced by newly designed carbon fiber body pieces specially sculptured for the 7-8-9. What results is a two seat sports car with production restricted to 'no two alike', thus the name of the company, n2a Motors. With more than 10,000 exterior and interior color combinations and hundreds of wheel designs, you can have the specific car of your dreams.
The Chevy 789 in baby blue and white with black interior:
If the performance of the C6 Corvette at 440 horsepower doesn't satisfy your needs, a vast array of upgrades from performance intake and exhaust manifolds to over-the-top 1,000 horsepower enhancements are available. Turbocharging or supercharging options can be added to your individually commissioned dream machine. Brake packages including ceramic, carbon fiber or other high performance systems along with custom made exhaust packages all add to the overall wish list.
The Chevy 789 in Aqua and Black with tri-toned interior:
Inside, each 789 the interior is tri-toned as standard equipment, just like the 1958 Impala that inspired it. You can choose from virtually any available commercial fabric or leather combination at no extra cost.
Obviously, sound system upgrades are expected as well as some interior features designed to surprise and delight, such as lighted door panels that glow in different colors in sync with the music. Special embroidery on the seats is also a personal touch that reflects your wants. Body colors and combinations will not be duplicated adding to further individualism.
The Chevy 789 in orange and black with black interior:
The 789 offers the best of both worlds: retro looks and styling, and it will fire up every time you turn the key. The body is constructed of lightweight composite panels. n2a Motors has developed a process of using 80% carbon fiber with 20% fiberglass. This process yields a light weight rigid part as if it was 100% carbon fiber with the minimal properties of fiberglass that allows for show quality paint and finish.
The customer can either provide n2a Motors with a donor C6 series (2005-2009) Corvette, which currently retails for around $60,000 (though used models can be had for less), or they can locate one for you.
After stripping the ‘Vette of its stock body, n2a hand-grafts the retro body panels over the stock frame, suspension, and massive 440-horsepower, 6.0-liter aluminum-block V8 engine. The base cost of conversion is $80,000, which includes choice of interior and exterior color schemes, specific 789 exhaust, and PST high-performance sway bars. A full range of upgrades are available, including up to 800 hp powertrains, custom suspension, audio/video/navigation systems, interior customization, and more. They will build each 789 to meet the customer's specifications. However, please note that no previously built combination of paint scheme and interior treatment will be duplicated.
List Price
Coupe = $135,500
Convertible = $139,500
Transmission: 6 speed manual or 6 speed auto with paddle shift
Top Speed: 180 mph
0 - 60: 4.5 seconds (stock)
Engine: 6.2L LS3 V8
Weight: 3,355 Coupe and 3,385 Convertible
Horsepower: 440HP +++
Torque: 440 @ 4600 +++
Length: 177.2 inches
Tires: 245/35ZR-19 front and 285/30ZR-20 rear
n2a Motors
1771 North Delilah Street Corona, CA 92879
Phone (951) 898-2000 Fax (951) 898-2091
