Luxury unlimited
With India’s billionaire club growing, makers of super-pricey cars are keenly eyeing this market. H. Kishie Singh checks out these opulent beauties 

Mention Rolls Royce and a picture of luxury and opulence comes to mind. At the top of the line is the Rolls Royce Phantom. “Sold exclusively to the royalty and heads of states. Any other potential buyer need not apply!” So said Rolls Royce in the 1930s when the Phantom was the quintessence of automobile engineering. World War II changed all that. Today anyone with Rs 3.5 crore can buy one.

With impressive exterior and spacious interiors, the Rolls Royce Phantom is a picture of opulence

The Phantom has a rare sense of scale and occasion, which makes it a truly modern interpretation of a Rolls Royce. The grill and spirit of ecstasy immediately mark out the Phantom. The gentle downward curve of the roofline and upward sweep of the lower bodyline suggest movement even when the car is stationary. Combined with the electronically controlled six-speed transmission, pressing the accelerator gives the driver a feeling of smooth, endless acceleration from standing position or at speed

Even more impressive from the outside and more spacious inside, the Phantom’s extended wheelbase offers a further 250mm of legroom for rear passengers. With a choice of the best in contemporary communication technology, it’s an indulgent space, perfect to work in, to sit and think or just watch the world pass smoothly by. Thanks to the adaptability of the space frame, there is no compromise on the performance or aesthetics of the car. The rear seats are set back in the car, ensuring passengers’ privacy, without restricting their view of the world.

The Phantom has a 6.749-cc V 12 engine, putting out 453 bhp and a massive 720 Nm of torque at 3500 rpm.

There are a few vehicles on the road today that can match the sheer performance and world-class design of the Maybach Exelero

The Bentley Azure is another super-luxury car. It is among the finest British cars in the market today. The rare and well-renowned Bentley Azure features a classical look in convertible style. The aluminium vehicle can be customised in a number of ways, catering to the whims of the owner and features an automated top that makes it ideal for both winter and summer driving. An impressive transmission features sports, manual or drive mode, putting the power back in your hands. Classic 20-inch tyres, LED lights and fine leather interiors make it a true luxury car for the ages.

The Azure has a 6.750 cc twin turbo V8 engine with 450 bhp and 875 Nm of torque, which can rocket the 2.7-ton vehicle from 0-100 km/ph in 5.9 seconds. The prices start from Rs 3.5 crore onwards.

For luxury car buyers, who truly want to up the ante on the competition, the Maybach Exelero will have fellow drivers in awe of its road presence. A massive V12 engine, the German-engineered vehicle is capable of more than 700 horsepower and features a design straight out of the movies. With superior handling, acceleration and design, the Exelero is second to none. There are a few vehicles on the road today that can match its sheer performance and world-class design. For buyers with lighter budgets, there are additional Maybach options within a more refined budget. It is priced at Rs 4 crore onwards.

If the Brits and Germans were in the luxury car business, could Italy be far behind? It was Maserati, which has brought out one of best luxury cars out of Italy. A test drive report reads as follows:

“In the lofty niche of high-end four-seat convertibles, few stars shine brighter than the new Maserati Gran Turismo. With the heater on high, the bum warmers on max, and the polished 20-inch wheels shod with go-anywhere Pirelli SottoZero tyres, it was a real pleasure to thumb a nose at winter from behind the wheel of this gorgeous Maserati. There’s no doubt about it: Maserati made the right decision when it halted the production-ready retractable hardtop in favour of this roomier, prettier, and more involving soft-top.

The Gran Turismo convertible (which will be known elsewhere as the Gran Cabrio) is the third and final iteration of the Quattroporte platform that was first unveiled in 2003. Although this component set was originally not meant to go topless, Maserati is now claiming best-in-class torsional rigidity as well as unrivalled rear leg space and headroom. The latter is an important asset, after all, 72 per cent of convertible buyers order cars with more than two seats.

The Gran Turismo is not only one of the prettiest and most involving soft tops money can buy, it also comes fully loaded. Included in the list price are power everything, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. Buyers can specify more than 400 million different colours, trim, and roof combinations! In addition, the Maserati is quick enough, fast enough, and entertaining enough to satisfy the most demanding driver. The only serious drawback this car suffers from is impossible packaging. What good is the ability to seat four when there isn’t enough room for anyone’s bags?

The Maserati Gran Turismo convertible has a 4,700 cc DOHC V8 engine putting out 433 bhp at 7,000 rpm and 361 Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm and has top speed of about 300 km/ph. The price is about Rs 6.5 crore.

Needless to say, all these cars boast of luxury that oozes out of the leather, wood and chrome. These are all gorgeous to look at, to be in and drive the socks off! That’s luxury unlimited.

There is rider though. None of these cars have a diesel option.

 

World’s fastest The Bugatti Veyron’s claim to fame is that it is the fastest production vehicle ever made. Veyron’s 16.4 super sport costs around Rs 20 crore. The reason for its exorbitant price is the research and development that went into making this car road worthy, having 1200-horsepower, an 8000 cc, 16-cylinder engine, which guzzles 10 litres of petrol per minute, thanks to the Quad-Turbo. The Bugatti Veyron can record a top speed average of 408.47 km/ph  The car documents state a maximum velocity of 407 km/ph but on April 19, 2005, inspection officials recorded a top speed average of 408.47 km/ph. For years, the Bugatti engineers had worked hard to push the 400-km/ph boundary. No wind tunnel can simulate this velocity, which is why after each of a long series of improvements, the rear fenders, spoiler and underbody were tested separately on high-speed test ranges. This ambition and diligence paid off as the official speed measurement proves. The Veyron’s high velocity is due to the perfect combination of engine technology, consistent lightweight construction and specially developed tyres. The aerodynamic drag is a crucial factor at very high speeds. The precise adjustment of the downforce production vehicle meets the highest safety, reliability and manoeuvrability standards of even the most discerning drivers. To create the optimum aerodynamics, the Bugatti engineers developed three configuration modes. In the standard mode, used for speeds up to 220 km/ph, the rear spoiler system is completely retracted. In the handling mode, used at higher velocities, the vehicle’s nose is pulled down and the monumental rear spoiler deployed. This produces an additional 350 kg of downforce without compromising on the Veyron’s exceptional turn dynamics. And then, there is the top speed mode for velocities beyond 375 km/ph, which is activated before the engine is started. At top speed mode, the front diffuser flaps are shut to make the underbody absolutely level, and the spoiler is completely aligned with the chassis, forming a tearing edge – thus, the Veyron is perfectly adapted for top velocities. The downforce is reduced to minimise the strain on the tyres, which is already considerable. The car is held down on the road by its own weight and the downforce. The Veyron starts immediately at top speed mode, allowing only for a limited turn of the steering wheel. As soon as the driver brakes, the Veyron automatically switches to handling mode. But those who dare to accelerate consistently on a long, straight road will experience the power of the fastest production vehicle of all times. It is owned by the VW group, which invested about half a billion Euros to give you this one-of-a-kind wild animal. — HKS