2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport: Disciplined Advantage
November 14, 2012
It was a sunny and breezy day in the Sonoma and Napa Valley region of Northern California for a drive in the shapely 2013 GranTurismo Sport by Maserati in Blu Sofisticato. The Italian purist provided highlight after highlight during my enlightened test drive through the vineyards—especially since the coupe speaks elegance and dominance simultaneously.
With uphill bending roads and open straightaways, I was able to truly understand Maserati’s new GT. And that’s just what the car is—a GranTurismo whose mission is not fixated on all-out acceleration or to become a full-fledged sports car, yet hones the ability to go fast intelligently. The GT Sport’s interior focuses on prestige and character rather than urgency, as demonstrated by its supple leathers, refined woods, interchangeable trims, and contrast stitching.
Detail is especially focused in a few key areas. The new steering wheel features deep thumb indentations that allow you to grip the wheel properly. Leather can be selected in any interior hue Maserati offers, while the ring material can be wood, Alcantara, or carbon fiber with Trofeo shift paddles that can be ordered in carbon fiber. The GT Sport’s new leather seats are designed in-house and feature integrated headrests for both front and rear passengers. A Bose audio system and a multi-media system with navigation and Bluetooth complete the technology package.
As for the body, it’s pretty much the same except for a few accent pieces. The rear tail lamps now have smoked lenses, new front parking sensors have been added to the aerodynamically enhanced front end, the headlamps have new LED daytime running lights, and the side grilles have been enlarged.
Under the hood, Maserati’s venerable 4.7-liter V8 remains, but with a slight power increase to 454 horsepower. And although it’s only 10 added horsepower, I certainly felt the difference from 2012’s GranTurismo S—lighter 20-inch Astro rims wrapped in staggered Pirelli P Zero tires offered amazing stability and grip, while specially-designed anodized blue Brembo six-piston calipers provided superb stopping power.
While thoughts of serenity urged me to drive more like a chauffeur, that notion played second fiddle to exploring the depths of the “sports” button while pushing all 454 horses to the limit. See, Maserati’s “sports” engagement alters the vehicle in five key areas simultaneously. They say this one optimal setting works for their customers. Others may beg to differ since drive style is so random from person to person. But whatever your preferred driving style may be, one thing is certain—the GranTurismo effectively combines sports car and style. Pricing starts at $129,500 after a destination and gas-guzzler tax.
—KIMANTI D. RAWLINS, automotiverhythms.com
Elie Tahari's Fall Collection Favorites
September 17, 2012
A perfect fall look from Elie Tahari’s men’s collection.
With summer over, attaining the right transitional looks for fall can be tricky for men who want to stay cool during the day, but seek warmer clothing for chilly evenings in the Hamptons. According to Elie Tahari, “When designing my men’s 2012 Fall collection, the first question I asked myself was: What do I love to wear during the fall? A season of relaxing moments with my family and friends should be outfitted accordingly, with colorful, well-tailored basics to take you from a day at Gibson Beach to a casual dinner with family and friends at Nick & Toni’s.”
With that objective in mind, layering became a key element to Tahari’s Fall line, which is a mixture of luxurious yet wearable menswear with a European feel. The rich yet subtle pop of color from the Kent knit coat in Blackberry ($98) layered with a Felix zip sweater ($128) creates an effortless, casual look. The leather detailing on the Jake Outerwear jacket ($698) updates the classic piece and makes it work for day as well as for a nighttime stroll down Main Street, when a sweater alone is just not enough. 1 Main St., East Hampton, 329-8883
2013 Range Rover Gets Major Updates
September 16, 2012
Land Rover’s iconic Range Rover has received major updates and changes for its 2013 model, which will debut at the Paris Auto Show in late September. One of the more significant revisions is the adaptation of an all-aluminum unibody that is 39% lighter than the outgoing steel body of previous generations. Contingent on the market, the new Range Rover will see reduced weight of up to 926 pounds. In the United States, a naturally aspirated 5-liter V8 drops roughly 700 pounds. Based on the laws of gravity, this re-engineering technique makes the luxury British SUV faster, stronger, and more agile with greater levels of ride comfort, refinement, and control.
Also retuned is the four-corner air suspension, which according to Land Rover, allows for improved cornering and steering as well as the pairing of the motor with new eight-speed ZF automatic transmissions. The next generation of Rover’s Terrain Response, which examines the conditions and surfaces of the road and automatically chooses the best settings for the terrain, is yet another premium upgrade to the Range.
The interior has been stretched a bit to permit for over 4.7 inches more legroom than the 2012 model, while the option of a two-place rear seating package adds dimension to the interior execution. Rounding out the offerings for the all-new 2013 Range Rover are standard sound systems by British audio maker MeridianTM; a split power folding upper and lower tailgate; and intelligent safe driver assistance technologies. U.S. deliveries are currently scheduled for December.
—Kimatni Rawlins, automotiverhythms.com
David Webb Jewelry Dazzles the Hamptons
September 10, 2012
FROM TOP: Gold, diamond, and carved-jade cuff ($46,000), gold and diamond bangle ($69,000), lion bracelet ($138,500), and gold, diamond, ruby, and carved-jade cuff ($89,000), David Webb. London Jewelers, 2 Main St., East Hampton, 329-3939; 47 Main St., Southampton, 287-4499.
As post-Labor Day transitions back to city life, Hamptonites are left searching for ways to hold on to carefree summer elegance while curating strong fall wardrobes. The timeless designs from elite jewelry house David Webb offers exquisite ornaments still appropriate for end-of-summer soirées at Wölffer Estate Vineyard, as well as early-fall evenings at the Met. “The aim of the jewelry is to be sculpturally inventive, colorfully bold, and suited to personalized expression,” says Mark Emanuel, one of three estate jewelers that acquired the 63-year-old house in 2010. “We are creating jewelry right now that harkens back to an era of exuberant self-expression. It is modern, timely, and always requires a bit of ‘fashion-forwardness’ to wear.”
Debuting at London Jewelers for the first time this season, the brand’s archive is home to an impressive 40,000 original styles, including the renowned animal bracelets finished in signature yellow gold and precious stones. These iconic designs were beloved by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, and Diana Vreeland.
Known for his love of art and travel, Webb was inspired by his collection of Chinese art and porcelain works. Oriental tones and intricately carved jade shapes create awe-inspiring cuffs, reflecting the strong Asian influence on the fall runways. Paying homage to the Gilded Age, an endless array of grand designs focused on lavish, Baroque elements are illustrated in the rubies, emeralds, and diamonds covering Webb’s ornate bracelets. Says Emanuel, “David Webb Jewelry explores all possibilities of color and form.”
—SARAH LIEBOWITZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN KLUTCH
Trina Turk's Top Tips for Fall
August 31, 2012
She may be a California girl, but her penchant for bright colors and patterns make Trina Turk’s pieces a natural fit for the Hamptons. The designer’s namesake store on East Hampton’s Main Street stocks a slew of graphic ready-to-wear and accessories, most of which have been inspired by the designer's love for 1960s and 70s vintage.
Here Turk gives us her take on Cali vs. Hamptons style, fall trends, her New York Fashion Week plans, and more.
Given that you're from California, how would you say Hamptons style compares to California style?
TRINA TURK: California and the Hamptons do share a relaxed, summertime-at-the-beach vibe. California may have the edge on casual though, as the Hamptons lean more toward tradition. Everyone in the Hamptons also seems ready and able to transition from the beach to more formal evening cocktail parties and soirees.
What trends are you most excited about for fall?
TT: The changing seasons are always fun and bring an automatic tweak to your wardrobe. I like the crispness in the air as fall approaches, which means we get to wear our jackets and coats again. This autumn, paisley, floral, and geometric patterns will dominate as accents to your basics and solids. Mixing prints, patterns, and textures, and layering pattern on pattern are key trends.
What are some of your favorite pieces in your fall collection?
TT: The Peplum is one of my favorite silhouettes of the collection because of its delightful scoop neckline, cinched waist, and pristine pleating. The Lexi dress in paisley jacquard takes lady-like style to the next level with its wrap-front bodice and flared waistline, which is flattering for most body types. The fitted, cropped jacket style is the best addition for a fall wardrobe and the Cider jacket feels luxurious in brushed suiting with a faux mink collar. The Royal coat in Faux Mink with its oversized collar and boxy shape is decadent and sumptuous. Another great cropped jacket is the Spence in the Brilliant Fuchsia Tartan Plaid.
Can you give us any sneak peeks into what you're working on for New York Fashion Week?
TT: We are holding a presentation in October where I will be presenting our Spring 2013 collection, titled “Trina Turk Surf & Racquet Club.” The collection is perfect for tennis, surfing, lunching, and cabana-lounging by day, followed by elegant cocktail party evenings. 79 Main St., East Hampton, 324-7075
—SHARON FEIEREISEN
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