HSV Black Edition Sedan Photos

General Motor’s Holden Special Vehicles unit in Australia is following in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz’s AMG division as well as more recently, Porsche, with the presentation of a black-themed and named special edition series based on the E Series 3 range launched last September.

Making its world debut at the 2011 Australian motorshow in Melbourne, the SV Black Edition package is offered in the ClubSport R8, Maloo R8 and ClubSport R8 Tourer, which are the sports versions of the Commodore sedan, ute, and station wagon models respectively.

Despite the name, the SV Black Editions are available in four more colors other than Phanotm black, namely Alto Grey, Nitrate, Sting and Heron.

The “darkness” of the limited edition comes in the details starting with the exterior and the matte black trims on the front and sides as well as the “Vector” hood scoops and side vents. It continues with the new, 20-inch forged SV Performance alloy wheel finished in gloss black.

Inside, all models feature a unique finish on the console, instrument panel and steering wheel while special edition sill plates, Onyx leather trim, matte black badging and a subtle lip spoiler on the ClubSport R8 complete the package.

There are no upgrades under the hood with power coming from HSV’s 317 kilowatt (425HP), 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine.

“I believe this is one of the best looking limited edition vehicle’s we have ever produced at HSV,” said HSV’s General Manager of Sales, Darren Bowler. “The matte black paint outs combined with an all new, forged alloy wheel and subtle badging gives these vehicles a truly unique HSV look. I am confident these limited edition models will become true collectors items,” he added.

HSV plans to limit production of the SV Black Edition package to 100 ClubSport R8s, 100 Maloo R8s and 25 ClubSport R8 Tourer’s. Prices for the SV Black Edition start at AU$67,990 for the Maloo R8, AU$71,990 for the Clubsport R8 and AU$72,990 for the ClubSport R8 Tourer. Sales officially start in September.

PHOTO GALLERY

Bugatti’s L’Or Blanc Sport Special Photos

Say hello to the world’s first car to wear fine porcelain on its body as well as in its cabin, the one-off Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport 'L'Or Blanc'. Admittedly, applying porcelain fittings on one of the fastest and most powerful production sports cars ever made doesn’t seem like a sound move, but when it comes to Bugatti, anything goes.

Created in partnership with Konigliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM), the 'L'Or Blanc' was unveiled on Thursday at the porcelain manufacturer’s workshop in Berlin, German.

“At first, it seems to be an unusual idea to use porcelain in a car, especially in the world’s fastest convertible,” comments Dr. Stefan Brungs, Director of Sales and Marketing at Bugatti Automobiles. “But this is what Bugatti stands for: the realization of exceptional ideas whilst striving for the utmost in quality and aesthetics. This allows us to continue Ettore Bugatti’s heritage, who himself loved to experiment with new materials,” Brungs added.

Porcelain is used for the inlays of the centre wheel badges, the fuel filler, cap and the oil filler cap as well as the signature “EB” badge at the rear. Along with the delicate decorations, the 'L'Or Blanc' also gained an impressive paint job that mixes a dark blue hue with a white color in a way that it represents the reflections of light on the convertible Veyron’s body.

The white and blue color theme is continued inside with porcelain making its appearance on either side of the centre console, the rear panel between the seats, and somewhat unfittingly for a Veyron, there’s also a removable porcelain dish with edges finished in diamond polishing that belongs to a picnic set that was designed by KPM exclusively for Bugatti.

And the price for all this, we hear some of you ask? A mere…€1.65 million which is roughly equal to US$2.4 million.

PHOTO GALLERY