Some things are even better than expected.



You can add the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/shelby-ford-mustang-gt500-code-red-1234742468/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shelby GT500 Code Red</a> to that list. The heavily modified <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ford/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ford</a> Mustang is even faster than initially thought, recently <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajsZ3rrLxjs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">running the quarter mile in just 8.59 seconds</a> at 161 mph. And what might be most impressive about the feat is that it comes more than two years after the track-only muscle car made its debut.



That quarter-mile time makes the GT500 Code Red one of the quickest accelerating cars currently available. Only four other vehicles can cover that much ground in under nine seconds,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2024/09/shelbys-1300-hp-gt500-code-red-runs-1-4-mile-in-insane-8-59-seconds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Car Scoops</a>. They include the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-lucid-air-sapphire-1234882587/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucid Air Sapphire</a>&nbsp;(which runs the quarter-mile in 8.93 seconds), the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/dodge-challenger-srt-demon-170-final-last-call-car-1234820866/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170</a>&nbsp;(an NHRA-certified 8.91 seconds), the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-pininfarina-battista-1234893734/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pininfarina Battista</a>&nbsp;(8.55 seconds), and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=rimac+nevera+robbreport&amp;rlz=1C5GCCM_en&amp;oq=rimac+nevera+robbreport&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBggAEEUYOzIGCAAQRRg7MgkIARAAGAoYgAQyDQgCEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgDEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgEEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyBggFEEUYPDIGCAYQRRg8MgYIBxBFGDzSAQgzMDMyajBqNKgCALACAA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rimac Nevera</a>&nbsp;(8.23 seconds). Three of those vehicles are all-electric, including two seven-figure hypercars, while one, the Demon 170 is gas-powered. That makes the GT500 Code Red the quickest accelerating ICE car currently available.



<iframe loading="lazy" width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ajsZ3rrLxjs?si=En_C5uLLHSy1Lkr3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>



Of course, it’s not a complete shock to see the GT500 Code Red post such a ridiculous quarter-mile time. It is, after all, the pinnacle of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/shelby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shelby</a>’s upgraded Mustang lineup. The hardcore muscle car was designed specifically for straight-line performance. Shelby took the already powerful Mustang GT500, the stock version of which has a 5.2-litre supercharged V-8 that makes 760 hp and 625 ft lbs of torque, and turned everything about it up to 11.



The Shelby wears a carbon-fibre wide-body kit, has a revised suspension setup, and, most importantly of all, has had its powertrain completely overhauled. Its supercharger has been swapped out for a pair of turbochargers and it’s been equipped with Manley pistons, Ferrara competition valves, and a new fuel system. Thanks to those changes the brawny setup churns out a staggering 1,300 horses and 1,000 ft lbs of twist. Shelby didn’t release performance numbers at the time of the vehicle’s debut, but, as we now know for certain, it’s awfully fast. What it isn’t though, is a series production model. Instead, the GT500 Code Red is limited to just 30 units.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/codered02-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791208" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/codered02-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/codered02-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/codered02-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/codered02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/codered02-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shelby GT500 Code Red. Image courtesy of Shelby American</figcaption></figure>



Unsurprisingly, that kind of drag strip dominance does not come cheap. Pricing for the upgraded package starts at US$224,995 (HK$1.75 million). That figure, as Shelby notes on its website, doesn’t include the actual vehicle. When it was last available in 2022, the Mustang GT500 started at US$79,420 (HK$619,685), so you’re looking at more than US$300,000 (HK$2.34 million) for the entire build.

Ford Mustang

GT500 Code Red

modified car

new speed record

quickest accelerating ICE car

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track-only car

The Shelby GT500 Code Red Just Set a New Gas-Powered Car Speed Record

The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/slideshow/robb-reports-top-10-summer-rides/aston-martin-vanquish-volante/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin Vanquish</a>&nbsp;is ready for its comeback.



The British marque has just pulled back the curtain on the third iteration of the long-running nameplate. The powerful coupé will retake its spot atop the brand’s grand tourer lineup when it goes on sale later this year and offers up the best proof yet that the company is listening to its customers.



Earlier this year, company chairman Lawrence Stroll announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aston-martin/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aston Martin</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-combustion-engine-shift-focus-ev-hybrids-1235580040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">was backtracking</a>&nbsp;on a previous pledge to phase out internal combustion engine powertrains. The executive said it had become clear that a big part of the draw of its cars was the “sound and smell” of their potent gas engines, and, as such, the automaker was shifting its development focus from EVs to hybrids.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish01-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791089" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish01-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish01-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish01-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish01-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2025 Aston Martin Vanquish. Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The new Vanquish, which is the first all-new model that’s been unveiled since Stroll’s comments, may not be a hybrid, but it does have one of those big ICE mills that the brand’s customers are so enamoured with. The two-door is powered by an all-new twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V-12 mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox. The engine can make a very impressive 824 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque, making it significantly more potent than the V-12 in the Vanquish’s predecessor as Aston Martin’s top GT, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-dbs-770-ultimate-flagship-goodbye-1234796507/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">DBS 770 Ultimate</a>, which made 759 hp and 664 ft lbs of torque. Thanks to all that raw power, the Vanquish can sprint from zero to 62 mph in just 3.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 214 mph. The mill has also been designed and engineered to meet new stricter emission requirements.



“When you talk about some of those figures, in terms of the differences from the old [V-12] and the new engine, you’re not talking about 10 per cent, 15 per cent, actually, we’re talking about 30, 40 per cent improvements in efficiencies.” James Owen, senior manager of vehicle engineering operations, told us in July. “Because the challenge is there, from a legislative [standpoint], to keep an ICE engine in production, we have to make those steps.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish03-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791090" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish03-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish03-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish03-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish03-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish03-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the new Vanquish. Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



Of course, performance is only part of the grand tourer equation. Fortunately, the Vanquish more than looks the part. The car’s body, which features more carbon fibre and has a longer wheelbase than previous Aston Martin GTs, is both sophisticated and powerful. It’s not a dramatic style departure by any stretch, but it’s also got more edge thanks to a shark-like front end, sculptural insets on the hood and side panels, and Kamm tail rear. It’s the kind of car that looks as comfortable parked at the country club as it does covering winding roads at speed.



Inside, the Vanquish offers all the luxury amenities that drivers have come to expect from the brand. The cushy two-seat cabins are covered in premium materials, like quilted leather. The space is equipped with an Aston Martin-designed digital gauge cluster and infotainment system, plenty of physical buttons and switches, and a standard glass roof (though a carbon-fibre upgrade is available).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish02-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791091" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish02-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish02-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish02-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/vanquish02-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Aston Martin</figcaption></figure>



The new Vanquish will be limited to just 1,000 units per year. Deliveries of Aston Martin’s latest flagship are set to begin before the end of the year. The powerful coupé will start at US$429,000 (HK$3.34 million), which is about US$10,000 (HK$77,960) more than the DBS 770 Ultimate cost last year.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-new-2025-aston-martin-vanquish-1235841781/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the 2025 Aston Martin Vanquish.<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-new-2025-aston-martin-vanquish-1235841781/"></a>

Ashton Martin Vanquish

British car

coupe

infotainment car system

luxury car

new Aston Martin

new car

new Vanquish

Vanquish

The New Aston Martin Vanquish Is a Luxury V-12 Beast

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/pagani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pagani</a>&nbsp;V-12s aren’t going anywhere.



The boutique supercar maker’s founder and namesake, Horacio Pagani,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thedrive.com/news/horacio-pagani-is-sticking-with-v12s-because-no-one-wants-a-hybrid" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">told The Drive</a>&nbsp;that the company’s customers are the reason the company hasn’t built an electrified model, hybrid or otherwise. They just don’t want one.



The Pagani boss talked to the website during the recent unveiling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/pagani-utopia-ideal-hypercar-debut-1234747942/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Utopia</a>’s Roadster variant and revealed that the marque’s third hypercar was almost a hybrid. Back in 2017, at the beginning of the vehicle’s development, the was thought that it would feature a hybrid twin-turbo V-8. But it quickly became clear the powertrain would add too much weight to the car, which just wouldn’t do for a Pagani.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Pagani_Utopia-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790909" style="width:673px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Pagani_Utopia-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Pagani_Utopia-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Pagani_Utopia-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Pagani_Utopia-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Pagani_Utopia-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Utopia, like the company’s other models, is powered by a V-12. Image courtesy of Pagani</figcaption></figure>



“The hybrid V-8 was considered, but the car was just too heavy, 400 or 500 kilos [roughly 900 to 1,100 pounds] more, and our clients didn’t want anything to do with it,” the executive explained. “We have to build what the client is going to buy from us.”



Instead, Pagani and its powertrain partner, Mercedes-AMG, wound up developing a new twin-turbo 6.0-litre V-12. The combustion engine produces 852 horses without the help of any electric motors. It also meets worldwide regulations standards. Because of that last part, Pagani can hold off going hybrid or electric for a while longer. That’s good for the company since it’s a little more reliant on the whims of its customers than some of its bigger peers (although they’re <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/aston-martin-combustion-engine-shift-focus-ev-hybrids-1235580040/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">not necessarily immune to the same issue</a>).



“It’s not about being stubborn on whether it’s electric or hybrid—they are all fresh challenges for us,” he told The Drive. “Pagani is a family, we don’t have a massive automaker or conglomerate behind us, we have to build what the customer wants to buy and we have to have lots of technology to rapidly pivot in case we need to change.”



Pagani’s comments leave room for an eventual electrified Pagani, but for the time being, the company is sticking with traditional internal combustion engines. Pagani models tend to stick around for a while too (the company unveiled the final example of the 25-year-old Zonda earlier this month). That means you should be able to buy a V-12-powered hypercar from the company well into the next decade, if not longer.

pagani hypercar

pagani utopia

pagani v12

Pagani Will Keep Making V-12 Hypercars Because Its Customers Don’t Want Hybrids or EVs

It will take more than money to get behind the wheel of the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/xiaomi-su7-ultra-variant-break-taycan-nurburgring-record-1235787149/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Xiaomi SU7 Ultra</a>.



The Chinese electronics giant won’t sell the upcoming high-performance version of its battery-powered sedan to just anyone,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.carscoops.com/2024/08/xiaomi-will-put-the-wild-1527-hp-su7-ultra-into-production/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">according to CarScoops</a>. The company will require anyone interesting in buying the outrageous EV to pass a special driving test first.



Earlier this year, Xiaomi, which has previously best been known for its smartphones, announced that it would be getting into the car business. Its first model, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/xiaomi-first-ev-su7-sedan-less-than-tesla-model-1235564689/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SU7</a>, has been specifically designed and engineered to compete with two of the best-regarded EVs on the market, the <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/efreshed-2025-porsche-taycan-more-powerful-than-918-spyder-supercar-1235502222/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche Taycan</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/tesla-model-s-plaid-track-package-200-mph-1234840032/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Model S</a>. It was an impressive debut, but Xiaomi has bigger ambitions than that.



This summer, the brand began teasing a high-performance, track-focused version of the SU7 called the Ultra. It will be powered by a tri-motor powertrain that the company claims will pump out 1,517 horses, 853 hp more than the current range-topping SU7 Max. It will also wear an aggressive carbon-fibre aero package that produces over 4,700 pounds of downforce while reducing curb weight by over 1,000 hp. Thanks to the added oomph and body kit, the brand claims the EV will be able to rocket from zero to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds and hit a top speed of 217 mph.



If Xiaomi is able to deliver on what it’s promised, the SU7 Ultra will be a lot to handle. Because of this, Xiaomi is taking the unusual step of requiring customers to meet certain criteria to buy the car. It’s unclear what exactly this will entail, but CarScoops reports that anyone interested in the EV will need to pass a “step-by-step exam” before being given the keys to the powerful four-door.



Luckily, anyone interested in the SU7 Ultra will have time to study and improve their skills. Xiaomi won’t open up the order books for the battery-powered track beast until the first quarter of next year. Pricing information has yet to be announced, but considering that the SU7 starts at around US$30,000 (HK$233,925), it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Ultra costs less than the top-of-the-line Taycan Turbo S (US$195,000/HK$1.52 million) and Model S Plaid (US$90,000/HK$701,780).

Electric Supercar

powerful car

Xiaomi

Xiaomi’s New 1,517 HP Electric Supercar Is So Absurdly Powerful, You’ll Need to Pass a Special Test to Buy It

It looks like the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/first-drive-2023-m2-1234833103/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW M2</a>&nbsp;family is about to get another member.



The German luxury marque’s M motorsports division is hard at work on a race car based on the pint-sized sports coupé. It will be the first official competition vehicle based on the M2 and is expected to hit race tracks in 2026.



News of the racer’s existence comes from no less of a reliable source than&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a>&nbsp;M itself. On Tuesday, the division’s official X account posted a quartet of photos of an in-development vehicle, along with a description, addressed to “racers and M car enthusiasts,” calling it an “entry-level race car” that will come out in two years.



That’s it as far as detail goes, but the included photos make clear exactly what Beemer the division’s latest racer will be based on. That’s because the squat muscularity of the M2 is impossible to hide, even if the vehicle’s front and rear are covered in digital camouflage. Its fierce front fascia, bulging fenders, and aggressive stance shine through clearly and should fit right in on the track.



We’ll have to wait for mechanical details, of course, but the road-going M2 would appear to provide a solid foundation to build on. The high-performance 2 Series, which launched in 2016, is currently powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre S58 inline-six that pumps out a very impressive 473 hp and 406 ft lbs of torque. This mill comes mated standard to a six-speed manual transmission, making it one of the last stick shifts you can easily buy and a favourite of enthusiasts (an eight-speed automatic is available as an option, but what’s the fun in that). Performance is also pretty impressive, with the compact two-door sprinting from zero to 60 in 4.1 seconds and topping out at 155 mph. A race car version would likely be more hardcore, so expect more power and better performance.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BMW2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790677" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BMW2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BMW2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BMW2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BMW2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/BMW2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of BMWMotorsport via X</figcaption></figure>



The big question, right now, is what competitions the M2 race car will be eligible for. BMW currently sells GT-3 and GT-4 racers based on the M4, so those would seem to be out, as well as the much more powerful GT-2 class,&nbsp;<a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a61925431/bmw-teases-m2-based-entry-level-race-car/" target="_blank">according to&nbsp;Road and Track</a>. That could mean that the competition-grade vehicle is destined for spec class or regional racing. Regardless, we imagine there will be plenty of excitement to get behind the wheel of a M2 race car once 2026 rolls around.

competition car

luxury motors

race car

racer

BMW Is Making an “Entry-Level” Race Car Based on the M2

This new automotive startup is a bit of a throwback.



Nilu27, a new marque headed by designer Sasha Selipanov, has just unveiled its first model, the Nilu. The name may be a little awkward, but a naturally aspirated V-12 and manual transmission make this the sort of supercar the stuff of purist’s dreams.



The company may just be getting its start, but it has quite the pedigree as far as <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/supercars/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supercars</a> are concerned. That’s because Selipanov, who founded the brand with his wife Inna, has worked on some of the finest supercars of the century, including the Bugatti Chiron, the Lamborghini Huracán, and the Koenigsegg Gemera and CC850. With the Nilu, he’s taken what he learned from its predecessors and turned everything up to 11.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu02-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790262" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu02-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu02-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu02-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu02-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu02-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nilu27 Nilu. Image courtesy of Nilu27</figcaption></figure>



The marque’s first vehicle is one of the more eye-catching automobiles we’ve seen this year. It features a heavily sculpted body with a giant shark’s mouth up front, giant NACA ducts along the side, and a set of gull-wing doors that reveal a stripped-down interior with minimal screens and a gated shifter. The most striking feature, though, is the exposed engine in the back, that gives the rear of the vehicle an almost spaceship-like quality.



It’s easy to see why Selipanov would want to show off the Nilu’s unique “Hot V” mill, which was developed in collaboration with New Zealand’s Harley Engine. The car is powered by a naturally aspirated 80-degree V-12 mated to a seven-speed manual gearbox that pumps out 1,070 hp, 634 ft lbs of torque, and redlines at 10,000 rpm. That last figure suggests that Nilu’s engine will rev like an electric motor. The exhaust and intake positions have been swapped so that the former exits out of the top of the powerplant in a unique “Hot V” configuration. The automaker claims the setup will be able to push the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in under three seconds and top out at around 250 mph.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu03-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790261" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu03-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu03-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu03-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu03-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/nilu03-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside the Nilu. Image courtesy of Nilu27</figcaption></figure>



Intrigued? Nilu27 intends to show off its first vehicle on the ramp at Pebble Beach during this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/monterey-car-week/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monterey Car Week</a>. The company currently plans to build just 15 examples of the car. Pricing has yet to be announced but we imagine it’ll be plenty steep. Anyone hoping to try out the car without buying will be able to do so in Zynga’s mobile video game,&nbsp;CSR Racing 2, later this year.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/gallery/photos-powerful-nilu27-nilu-debut-1235805256/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Nilu27 Nilu.

Hypercar

Nilu

Nilu27

Sasha Selipanov

V-12

This New Hypercar Is a 1,070 HP Beast With a V-12 Engine and Manual Transmission

There will soon be a new butterfly flying over Southern California. <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/overair/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overair</a> today announced the completion of its full-scale Butterfly electric air-taxi prototype. The Santa Ana firm expects to begin flight tests early next year.



Overair joins other California-based <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/evtol/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eVTOL</a> competitors <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/joby-electric-air-taxi-first-piloted-flight-1235268626/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joby </a>and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/archer-midnight-evtol-aircraft-flight-launch-1235386743/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Archer</a>, as well as European firms like <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/voloconnect-evtol-completes-maiden-flight-1234689152/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volocopter,</a> <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/lilium-special-edition-electric-jet-1234751448/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lillium</a> and <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/vertical-aerospace-first-evtol-flight-1234753186/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vertical Aerospace</a>, in testing their electric air taxis. A number of these manufacturers expect to have FAA certification by 2025, with commercial operations starting shortly afterwards.



Overair CEO Ben Tigner, according to the <a href="https://www.ocbj.com/technology/ben-tigner-taking-overair-to-the-skies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orange County Business Journal</a>, expects FAA certification in 2027. “Shortly thereafter we should be able to begin commercial operations,” he told the paper.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782634" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-Prototype-Group-Image85-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Butterfly prototype will soon begin flight testing. Image courtesy of Overair</figcaption></figure>



The Butterfly incorporates four 20-foot-long rotors—about twice as large as other eVTOL models—into its design. Overair says the Optimum Speed Tilt Rotor (OSTR) and Individual Blade Control (IBC) technologies also differentiate its electric aircraft from competitors. OSTR varies propeller revolutions per minute to increase efficiency across vertical, transitional, and forward flight phases. It can also reduce power demand during the hover phase—the most energy-consuming part of an eVTOL flight—by 60 per cent. IBC also reduces vibration and propeller loads, resulting in a smoother, quieter flight, according to the company.



“Together, these technologies deliver an efficient, quiet, and reliable propulsion system in almost any weather, temperature, or altitude,” said a company statement. Tigner co-founded Overair in 2020 with Predator&nbsp;drone pioneer&nbsp;Abe Karem, who remains closely involved with the Butterfly project.



The Butterfly will have space for a pilot, five passengers and bags. The zero-emissions craft will have a 100-mile range and 200-mph top end, and theoretically, will be the quietest eVTOL on the market. The company it is designed to have no single point of failure, with the ability to hover on two of its four propellers.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234782633" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003.webp 1000w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/2.-runway_night_V003-768x432.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The company claims the Butterfly will be the quietest eVTOL on the market, producing decibel levels similar to a normal human conversation. Image courtesy of Overair</figcaption></figure>



After initial testing in Santa Ana, the prototype will move to Overair’s flight centre in Victorville, California, to test in different flight and weather conditions, as well as validating its 55-decibel noise target—equivalent to a normal conversation between two people. The Butterfly can be configured for different markets, including passenger, medical, cargo and military applications.



Overair has signed development agreements with authorities in Arlington, Texas, and Dallas-Fort Worth to explore eVTOL transport from those airports, as well as recently taking orders for 20 aircraft for South Korea air taxis and police. It recently received a US$145 million investment from a South Korean backer, according to the Business Journal.

This New Butterfly-Shaped eVTOL Aims to Be the Quietest and Safest in the Sky

The Best in Aviation, From Bombardier’s Global 8000 to Icon Aircraft’s Icon A5

The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/starliner-spacecraft-launch-details-1235600665/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starliner spacecraft</a>&nbsp;hasn’t had the smoothest ride thus far, but it will soon attempt its return home.



The&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/nasa-starliner-spacecraft-fly-international-space-station-april-1235487687/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing vessel</a>&nbsp;is scheduled to come back to Earth on Friday evening,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/science/space/boeing-starliner-space-station-nasa.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, parachuting into White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico six hours after undocking from the International Space Station. The return will take place a full three months after Starliner arrived at the ISS in June, but it will leave behind the astronauts it delivered to the space station.



“We have confidence in the vehicle,” Steve Stich, the manager of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/nasa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>’s commercial crew programme, said during a news conference, according to the Times. “We’ve had two good landings with Starliner so far, and we’re expecting another one Friday.”



In the works&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/boeing-starliner-iss-launch-1234680879/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">for years</a>, Starliner finally took off for the ISS with astronauts in tow earlier this summer. But as the craft approached the space station, it encountered propulsion system problems,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;noted. NASA officials said they’re still not sure what caused those issues, but they don’t expect them to reoccur upon Starliner’s return.



Still, NASA decided that the vessel should come back sans the astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore. The duo will stay on the ISS until February, the Times wrote, when they’ll return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. Dana Weigel, NASA’s programme manager for the space station, told the newspaper that Williams and Wilmore both trained for a longer mission, and that they know how to perform spacewalks and operate the ISS’s robotic arm.



“We had them well prepared to move into this role,” she said.



As for what will happen with Starliner after it returns to Earth, it’s not clear what NASA has planned. The most recent flight to the ISS was supposed to be the space agency’s last step in making sure that the craft could take astronauts to the space station once a year,&nbsp;The New York Times&nbsp;reported. Now, NASA could ask&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/boeing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing</a>&nbsp;to undertake another crewed test flight before those more regular trips begin. (Last month, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said that Kelly Ortberg, the new CEO of Boeing, had told him that the company would continue to work on Starliner.)



The first step, though, will be the craft’s return home tomorrow. If weather or technical issues force a delay, backup dates are set for 10, 14, and 18 September.

boeing starliner

starliner spacecraft return

Boeing’s Starliner Spacecraft Is Coming Back to Earth—Without NASA Astronauts

Jet-setters just got a luxurious new way to travel between&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/italy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Italy</a> and the dreamy islands of South Asia.



<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/beond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Beond</a>, which markets itself as “the world’s first <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-aviation-start-up-maldives-1235562349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">luxury leisure airline</a>,” recently <a href="https://flybeond.com/latestnews" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched flights</a> between <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/milan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milan</a> and the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/maldives/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maldives</a>. The new route connects Malpensa (MXP) and Malé (MLE), with a 45-minute refuelling break in Dubai in between. (Guests remain onboard during the brief stopover.) The flight takes roughly 12 hours and runs twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays.



Milan is the third addition to Beond’s European network, which includes Munich, Germany, and Zurich, Switzerland. The airline recently decided to reduce flights to Munich (MUC) and Zurich (ZRH) due to seasonal demand and therefore could launch the new service.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790465" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The seats were designed by Optimares and upholstered by Poltrona Frau. Image courtesy of Matheen Faiz</figcaption></figure>



Beond enlisted Poltrona Frau to help glamorise the first aircraft on the Milan-Malé route. The renowned Italian furniture brand upholstered all 44 lie-flat <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/business-class/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">business-class</a> seats on the specially designed Airbus A319. Designed by Optimares, each seat was handmade by artisans using full-grain Pelle Frau leather from Poltrona Frau. They also feature unique quilting that ensures more comfort than the typical aircraft seat, according to Beond.



“Partners like Poltrona Frau and Optimares were instrumental in the design of our luxurious cabin,” Beond CEO Tero Taskila said in a statement. “They understood from the outset our vision for customer comfort.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790466" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_4.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The lie-flat seat.</figcaption></figure>



The cabin décor echoes the dark charcoal livery of the A319. The white leather seats and light walls are elegantly juxtaposed with dark flooring. Seats are in pairs on both sides of the aisle, with enough room in between that each passenger can stretch out and catch Zs. In the air, fliers can expect professional service, top-notch fare, iPads, and Bose headphones.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790467" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Beond_3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The iPad and Bose headphones.</figcaption></figure>



For the unversed, Beond offers three types of “experiences”: Delight, Bliss, or Opulence. Delight is the least expensive fare and offers the fewest perks. Bliss includes access to the airport lounges and premium seat selection. Opulence has those perks, plus a private chauffeur transfer, a more generous baggage allowance, free booking changes, and access to an&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-maldives-apple-vision-pro-1235524165/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Vision Pro</a>&nbsp;headset.&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/beond-aviation-start-up-maldives-1235562349/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently flew “Bliss”</a>&nbsp;from Zurich to the Malé, awarding the overall experience four stars out of five.



Beond recently took delivery of a second aircraft, with the Airbus A321 currently undergoing refurbishment. Look for more new routes soon, then.

Beond

italy

jetsetting

luxury aircrafts

luxury leisure

Maldives

Milan

Luxury Airline Beond Is Now Flying Between Milan and the Maldives

Heart Aerospace is almost ready for takeoff.



The Swedish outfit is set to launch its&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hybrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hybrid</a>-electric airplane in 2028, after reaching several significant milestones in the past few months.



First unveiled in 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://heartaerospace.com/newsroom/heart-aerospace-unveils-new-airplane-design-confirms-air-canada-and-saab-as-new-shareholders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ES-30</a>&nbsp;is designed to make regional travel cleaner and more efficient. (<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/gallery/regional-aircraft-electric-vtols-1235523846/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nine other companies</a>&nbsp;have developed concepts to do the same.) The hybrid can run on either lithium-ion batteries or sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), meaning it will produce fewer emissions than traditional&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/aircraft/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aircraft</a>. It will also be cheaper to operate than conventional competitors, according to Heart.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790041" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_301-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The onboard batteries. Image courtesy of Heart Aerospace</figcaption></figure>



Powered by four electric motors, the ES-30 can fly 124 miles in emissions-free “electric mode” or 249 miles in “hybrid mode” with the help of two turbo generators. The reserve-hybrid system means that the generators only kick in when additional grunt is needed on longer routes. The ES-30 will also be quieter than gas-powered craft and can take off from runways as short as 3,609 feet.



The ES-30 will offer all the usual creature comforts, too. The spacious cabin features three-abreast seating that can accommodate up to 30 fliers. (Having 25 passengers aboard increases the hybrid range to 497 miles.) The interior also features a galley, a lavatory, and large overhead bins to ensure a comfortable in-flight experience.



Heart has a rather aggressive timeline, but is making solid progress. The company opened a new research and development hub in the United States in May to speed up the development of the ES-30. The team plans to test the propulsion system on a full-scale demonstrator and showcase fully electric flight in 2025. It will then pursue type certification in 2028.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790042" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Heart_ES_303-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The ES-30 in flight. Image courtesy of Heart Aerospace</figcaption></figure>



Heart has a decent amount of backing, too. It has already raised US$145 million (HK$1.13 billion) in development funding from significant industry players like <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/aviation/united-airlines-100-electric-planes-from-swedish-1234625038/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United Airlines</a>, Air Canada, and Saab.



“Heart Aerospace has just entered an exciting new phase of hardware testing, and our aim is to have a hybrid-electric passenger plane on the market before the end of this decade;” Heart Aerospace CEO and co-founder Anders Forslund said in a <a href="https://heartaerospace.com/newsroom/swedish-region-gotland-partners-with-heart-aerospace-for-sustainable-aviation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">statement</a>. “As we get closer to this goal, collaborations with airports, operators, and regional authorities are crucial to ensure the eco-system needed to support electric aviation.



Heart has secured 250 orders for the ES-30, with purchase rights for another 120 planes. It has also received letters of intent for a further 191 aircraft.

Airplane

clean travel

electric aviation

Heart Aerospace

hybrid-electric airplane

Swedish

This New Hybrid-Electric Airliner Could Hit the Skies by 2028

In terms both of size and exclusivity, the pinnacle of private aviation has long been contested between just two parties: <a href="https://businessjets.boeing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing Business Jets</a> (BBJ) and <a href="https://www.acj.airbus.com/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Airbus Corporate Jets</a> (<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/acj/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACJ</a>). Each converts its large commercial aircraft into lavish, sometimes outlandish, business jets commissioned by captains of industry, world leaders, and royalty. Yet these duelling giants have seen shrinking market shares against competitors such as <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/gulfstream/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gulfstream</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bombardier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bombardier</a>, and <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/dassault/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dassault</a>—and in the bizliner biz, less is never more. 



“The biggest wide-bodies comprise only about 5 per cent of the bizliner world,” says Richard Gaona, chairman of <a href="https://comlux.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comlux</a>, a Zurich-based provider of aviation services certified for both BBJ and ACJ interior completions. Gaona notes that, in this rarefied segment, “most interiors tend to be subtle and elegant, designed for heads of state who want their aircraft to represent their countries,” which means total customisation has always been a given. 



After recognising that this elite customer base was an underserved market, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/boeing/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Boeing</a> launched its BBJ arm in 1996. The first four years saw annual deliveries to their interior-completions partners range from 18 to 20 units, but from 2002 through 2015 the number dipped to about 10 examples per year. Since 2019, following Boeing’s second 737 Max incident, demand has steadily declined to the point where, in 2023, BBJ sold only four jets.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789909" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/BBJ_Interiors-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An office and bedroom from a pre-engineered BBJ Select. Image courtesy of Boeing</figcaption></figure>



Last year, the company pivoted by launching&nbsp;<a href="https://businessjets.boeing.com/select/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BBJ Select</a>, for the first time offering semi-custom, modular interiors for the program’s 737-7 model; between layout and material choices, 216 cabin configurations are available. Compared to one of BBJ’s bespoke interiors, the pre-engineered Select versions can drastically reduce variable costs while also saving up to six months of engineering time. “It’s appealing to those who don’t want to design a clean-sheet interior yet want the amenities of a turnkey BBJ,” says BBJ president Joe Benson.&nbsp;



Those hundreds of pre-engineered options from BBJ Select, and the similar <a href="https://www.acj.airbus.com/en/acj-twotwenty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACJ TwoTwenty</a> programme from Airbus, are return salvos against dedicated business-jet competitors including Gulfstream, Dassault, and Bombardier, which represent the bulk of the ultra-long-range market. These three have also invested heavily over the past decade in larger and more amenity-rich flagships. The resulting aircraft offer faster speeds and longer ranges than the BBJ 737, which can cost up to 50 per cent more thanks to the fully tailored cabin. 



The BBJ Select 737-7, though, can drop that price by at least US$25 million (HK$194.4 million), while the ACJ TwoTwenty is set to compete directly with the Gulfstream G700, Bombardier’s Global 7500, and Dassault’s new 10X flagship. These allow BBJ and ACJ to offer bizliners boasting significantly larger cabins and lower operating expenditures, plus a more luxurious in-flight experience. “We’ve reduced costs, production times, and, frankly, the risks involved with bespoke interiors,” says Chadi Saade, ACJ’s president. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789906" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ACJ_MainLounge-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A social area on a recently delivered ACJ TwoTwenty. Image courtesy of Adrien Daste/Airbus</figcaption></figure>



ACJ claimed nine orders when it announced the ACJ TwoTwenty programme in 2020 and has since delivered two aircraft. The third is currently being completed by Comlux (the company was contracted for the first 15 interiors) at its Indianapolis facility, which has “the capacity to do four or five per year,” according to Gaona. 



The big question now is whether BBJ Select can revive Boeing’s flagging bizliner figures in the same way the ACJ TwoTwenty initiative made Airbus a more viable competitor. According to ACJ’s Saade, annual bizliner conversions typically number in the mid-single digits—a small slice of the market compared to last year’s total sales of 164 long-range aircraft from Gulfstream and Bombardier. Boeing’s 737 Max issues will also likely continue to impact BBJ sales, though Benson insists the division is experiencing “continued growth and strong demand” via repeat clients.&nbsp;



“Our customers are already ordering new models that will be introduced and enter service over the next few years,” says Benson, likely referring to BBJ’s 777X, with its 3,700-square-foot cabin and 11,000-mile range. With a projected first delivery in 2025, the 777X is poised to be the world’s largest and most prestigious business aircraft—one on which Boeing, in its struggle to maintain market relevance, is betting big.&nbsp;

Boeing

custom

Luxury Travel

Private Jet

Boeing’s New Configurator Lets You Design a Semi-Custom Private Jet

The world’s wealthiest are <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/spaces/hong-kong-most-ultra-high-net-worth-1234895563/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flocking to Hong Kong</a>, and the city itself is shaping up to be one of the top financial centres in the world.



Adrian Cheng, CEO of investment firm New World Development Co, recently told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-08-14/hong-kong-tycoon-cheng-expects-city-to-become-no-1-hub-for-rich?srnd=wealth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bloomberg</a> he foresees Asia’s World City becoming a global hub for <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/billionaires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">billionaires</a>. “I’m very confident we will be number one for family office wealth management in the future,” said Cheng, who hails from one of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hong-kong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong</a>’s richest families. The third-generation heir recently established the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy and was appointed as the chairman of the board of directors in 2023 in an effort to boost the city’s <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/ultra-wealthy-population-growth-report-1235789531/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-net-worth population</a>.  



As far as Cheng’s ambitions are concerned, the property tycoon admitted to Bloomberg that the goal is to turn Hong Kong into a leading destination for super-wealthy family offices—and the region is already well on its way. A Deloitte survey commissioned by the Hong Kong government revealed that the city had over 2,700 single-family offices at the end of last year and approximately one-third of them managed at least US$100 million (HK$779.2 million) in assets. In addition, Cheng is hopeful that his newly created academy can act as a “super connector” for wealthy individuals interested in setting up offices in Hong Kong.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Adrian-Cheng-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790490" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Adrian-Cheng-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Adrian-Cheng-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Adrian-Cheng-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Adrian-Cheng-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Adrian-Cheng-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Adrian Cheng, chief executive officer of investment firm New World Development Co. Image courtesy of Stewart Cook/Getty Images for Asia Society Southern California</figcaption></figure>



In 2023, Hong Kong had the largest population of ultra-high-net-worth people in the world, according to a report by Wealth-X. At the time, the data found that there were 12,615 individuals worth US$30 million (HK$233.7 million) or more. More recently, Altrata’s latest World Ultra Wealth Report revealed that Hong Kong’s UHNW population dipped to 12,546. The bustling metropolis was only slightly behind <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York</a>, which currently has the<a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/finance/new-york-city-millionaires-1235609330/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> most millionaires </a>of any other locale around the globe.  



“Hong Kong has a long-standing and proven history as a global financial hub,” said&nbsp;Ho-Pin Tung, head of private office at Knight Frank Hong Kong, in a&nbsp;<a href="https://apac.knightfrank.com/hubfs/Research%20Reports/Residential/Report%20PDFs/Rise%20of%20the%20Super%20Wealth%20Hub%20Series%20-%20Hong%20Kong%20Edition.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new report</a>. “The city’s connectivity to the Chinese mainland, robust infrastructure, and extensive experience with legislation and compliance have fostered stability, making it an attractive destination for family offices to establish themselves.”&nbsp;



Cheng added that Hong Kong is also in the midst of building an ambitious, tax-free art hub in a bid to lure more wealthy residents to the city.&nbsp;

Adrian Cheng

billionaires

family offices

global financial hub

global hub

high-net-worth population

Investment

New World Development Co.

ultra-rich

A Hong Kong Billionaire Says the City Will Become a Global Hub for the Ultra-Wealthy

<a href="https://robbreport.hk/brands/sothebys/stories" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sotheby’s</a>&nbsp;has unveiled its new&nbsp;maison&nbsp;at Landmark Chater in the heart of Central, Hong Kong. A dazzling testament to the auction house’s finest curation of grand art, the opening puts divine Asian sculptures, rare books and first editions, vintage artefacts, large-scale ink drawings, paintings, diptychs, triptychs, rare antiquities, and a dinosaur skeleton on display to showcase the breadth of its collection.&nbsp;



Sotheby’s has morphed what was once prime retail real estate—goodbye, Armani café, Armani Fiori, and more blue-chip brands that were housed there before—into a 24,000-square-foot exhibition and retail space; some of the collections on show within the salons (the first floor is divided into thematic rooms) are available now, others will eventually be auctioned off to a discerning global clientele at calendar-scheduled auctions.



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234789816" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01059-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789816" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01059-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01059-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01059-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01059-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01059-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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However, there are rare exceptions. Not up for auction, Gerhard Richter’s 1982 masterpiece&nbsp;Eisberg&nbsp;is on loan from the Long Museum, Shanghai, and an exceptionally rare Ru brush washer from circa 1,100 AD is housed and displayed in its own enclave, paired with the sounds of an ever-raging storm to enhance the multi-sensory experience. Similarly, Banksy’s unfailingly popular half-shredded canvas,&nbsp;Girl with Balloon [Girl without Balloon, renamed after the shredding!] , is on full view, on loan from its owner.



Embracing great art and priceless relics in novel perspectives could be the seminal theme of the entire enterprise, a new way of looking at often-historic things of rare vintage and provenance. Pieces are brought to light and to music, and palpable and sensorial experiences invite the visitor to set sight on visionary works beyond dusty archives and secluded storage spaces. Where else can you find samurai armour, a first edition of HG Wells’s&nbsp;The War of the Worlds, Kim Dong-jun’s&nbsp;Moon Jar, and a signed edition of Picasso’s&nbsp;Profil de Jacqueline&nbsp;in one place?



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="774" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00785-enhanced-nr-1024x774.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789818" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00785-enhanced-nr-1024x774.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00785-enhanced-nr-300x227.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00785-enhanced-nr-768x581.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00785-enhanced-nr-1536x1161.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00785-enhanced-nr-2048x1549.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, and worldwide head of Asian art.</figcaption></figure>



&nbsp;“Sotheby’s salons drive a tension between objects—these unexpected juxtapositions tell a story of diverse cultures, across time and geography, and narratives intertwine like the pages of a compelling book,” says Nicolas Chow, chairman of Sotheby’s Asia, and worldwide head of Asian art. “This diversity [and] synthesis creates an emotion that will resonate with the discerning eye and the curious soul.”



In more ways than one, Chow leads the way as he showcases what might seem incongruous—a prehistoric woolly mammoth skull close to&nbsp;A Collection of Record Covers with Cover Art&nbsp;by Andy Warhol—but is perfectly in harmony in the salons.&nbsp;



While many of us are used to the austere hush of most exhibits, the soundtracks are a key component of the salons, altering the reception of art works by enhancing one’s reaction to it. Ambrosius Benson’s&nbsp;Circle, The Virgin and Child with the Veil&nbsp;looks very different when observed with&nbsp;Carmina&nbsp;Burana’s&nbsp;O Fortuna&nbsp;playing in the background versus The Beatles’&nbsp;Baby It’s You.



“Music has the power to intensify emotions, and the perception of a piece of art can evolve based on the setting and sensory experience,” says Chow. “At Sotheby’s, we strive to create a multi-sensory experience that enriches the way we engage with art, inviting individuals to delve into a realm where different forms of expression blur. Our endeavour is to cultivate a space where art resonates on a deeper level, sparking new perspectives and emotions within each observer.”



“To see rare, exceptional work must be an experiential process,” Chow continues as he leads a group through Sotheby’s salons for a preview of the space, where the popular can meet the esoteric, where the curated and the kitsch keep each other company. On one of the glass partitions, a quote by HG Wells reads, “I was a battleground of fear and curiosity.”



Yoshitomo Nara’s&nbsp;Agent Orange (In the Milky Lake)&nbsp;is in fine company near Banksy. Yuichi Hirako’s&nbsp;Tree Ring&nbsp;warrants explanation, while an oft-photographed Cartier brooch dazzles not far from a limited-edition Hermès White Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalaya Birkin. If you were wondering, the Birkin is up for grabs for a cool HK$1.8 million. From bags to riches, there are multiple narratives at constant play at Sotheby’s.



“Our new&nbsp;maison&nbsp;promises to be a destination where history is told and made,” says Chow, “a place where the most remarkable tales come to life.”&nbsp;



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="684" data-id="1234789827" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00828-1024x684.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789827" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00828-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00828-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00828-768x513.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00828-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc00828-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



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While the first floor features a finely honed retail experience, with art and luxury showcased in bell-jar salons spanning 80 million years of history (the slack-jawed dinosaur skeleton will make you pause) and prices range from HK$5,000 to HK$50 million, there’s another section that has us captivated. Go down the rabbit hole, or, in this case, the wood-panel pathway designed by Rotterdam-based architecture studio MVRDV, to enter a whole new world, the debut exhibition of Bodhi: Masterpieces of Buddhist Art.



An entirely contrasting feel takes over the ground floor as sculptures and statues repose in a darkened, high-ceilinged hall. “I wanted it to be a totally different experience upstairs and downstairs, night and day,” remarks Chow to a stunned audience.&nbsp;



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<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="684" height="1024" data-id="1234789820" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01032-684x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789820" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01032-684x1024.jpg 684w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01032-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01032-768x1151.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01032-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dsc01032.jpg 1068w" sizes="(max-width: 684px) 100vw, 684px" /></figure>
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Mission accomplished: the larger-than-life sculptures astound. The grey schist standing figure of Buddha from the Kushan period, the wood figure of a seated Bodhisattva dating back to the Song dynasty, or any of the statues and sculptures arranged under the arc lights are presented with such exalted elegance that the serene series will have you lost in nirvana. The cynosure of all eyes, mystifying from every angle, is the seated bronze figure of Buddha from the Ming dynasty, dating back to the fifteenth or early sixteenth century.&nbsp;



“Another world embodies the philosophy of our&nbsp;maison&nbsp;in Central,” affirms Chow, “a place where visitors will be able to enjoy both unique museum experiences as well as an extraordinary retail journey across art and luxury spanning millions of years to the present day, from all cultures and civilisations, 365 days a year.”



<a href="https://www.sothebys.com/en/videos/happening-now-in-hong-kong-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sotheby’s Maison</a>



Landmark Chater, 8 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong



All original images by Chris Yau, shot exclusively for Robb Report Hong Kong.&nbsp;

Hong Kong

Sotheby's

Sotheby's Maison

Sotheby’s New Maison at Landmark Chater Features Artwork Ranging From HK$5,000 to HK$50 Million, Encompassing a Timeline of 80 Million Years

The wealthy are only getting wealthier.



Super-rich families are set to be worth a bonkers US$9.5 trillion (HK$74 trillion) by 2030, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-04/ultra-rich-families-set-to-control-9-5-trillion-by-2030-deloitte-says?srnd=wealth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> on Wednesday. That sky-high number, from a new Deloitte report that surveyed family offices, is an impressive 73 per cent increase from the US$5.5 trillion (HK$42.8 trillion) currently owned by people with such businesses. In that same time span, the number of family offices is expected to jump by one-third to 10,720.



In recent years, family offices have become more popular with those wealthy enough to have them, Bloomberg noted. It’s become easier to open a family office, for example, and they have fewer restrictions than a hedge fund. Because of that, though, they can also lead to major problems—take the case of Bill Hwang: The investor’s Archegos Capital Management defaulted in 2021, and in July, he was found guilty of criminal charges related to the collapse.



The family offices assessed in the Deloitte report managed an average of US$2 billion (HK$15.5 billion) in assets, according to Bloomberg. With just about 15 employees, only one-third were led by someone outside the family in question. “It can definitely be risky managing that much <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/wealth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wealth</a>,” Rebecca Gooch, global head of insights for Deloitte Private, told the outlet. “Family offices really need to be careful about who they bring on board.”



The new data are just the latest signal that the super-rich are controlling more money than ever before. To even be considered a member of the 1 per cent in the United States, you would need to have at least US$5.8 million (HK$45.2 million), a report from earlier this year <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/finance/world-1-percent-threshold-1235527233/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">showed</a>. That’s a 15 per cent increase from 2023. (If you live in Monaco, you would need an even more hefty US$12.8 million/HK$99.7 million to meet that threshold.) And just last month, another report noted that the world’s ultra-wealthy population—those with a net worth of US$30 million (HK$233.8 million) or more—is <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/news/ultra-wealthy-population-growth-report-1235789531/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expected</a> to grow 38 per cent by 2028.



Those numbers pale in comparison to the wealth depicted in Deloitte’s report, which is largely focused on <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/billionaires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">billionaires</a> rather than millionaires. And in fact, the 500 richest people in the world collectively got <a href="https://robbreport.com/lifestyle/finance/richest-people-2023-wealth-gains-1235459176/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US$1.5 trillion (HK$11.6 trillion) wealthier</a> last year. They’re on track to bring in only more dough in the next six years.

ultra-wealthy

wealth

Ultra-Wealthy Families Will Be Worth HK$74 Trillion by 2030, a New Report Says

Real estate in any region is always worthy of inspection, a fine harbinger charting the state of the economy, mood of a city, and even demarking times of historical significance. Just ask Georgina Atkinson of Origin Private Office, who only works on prime global real estate and ultra-luxury properties for a clientele with global interest.



Several images, graphs, and reports on Hong Kong property and rental price indexes show dramatic highs followed by incremental dips, and, almost inevitably, staggering heights again. But if you take a step back, you’ll notice the overall arc, an incline that has grown exponentially over the past century. In a world with no surefire bets, dealing in property in Hong Kong has served UHNW individuals exceedingly well.



In conversation with Origin’s new Private Office, dedicated to “ultra-prime” real estate,&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;learns about how the company deals bespoke client services within the real estate sector to VVIPs.



“At the moment, we don’t have an office in Hong Kong, or currently a project in the city, but we do have many clients who are based in Hong Kong, which brings me back often,” says Atkinson as we mull over the markets. “I’ve had the privilege to travel back and forth to Hong Kong regularly and it is considered a global powerhouse and financial hub that attracts foreign talent and foreign investment, which has an impact on the real estate sector, and because of the geological scarcity of land, it supports prime pricing in real estate.”



“Despite market trends, which obviously come and go in every real estate market around the world, Hong Kong continues to witness strong demand for ultra-prime real estate from both local and international buyers.”



Chances are, this will never change. Looking at the property sales graph of Hong Kong, it appears like the erratic heartbeat of an island, one where luxury property prices are surreal. Ultra-high net worth individuals in Hong Kong don’t just dabble in real estate—their net worth and it are one and the same.



“In Asia, wealth preservation and diversification in real estate is a primary purchasing driver,” says Atkinson, “and we see Asian ultra-high net worths view prime real estate as a store of value, and, of course, as a hedge against inflation.



“We see sustained demand for ultra-luxury real estate, both domestically in Asia, and internationally; and we continue to see this appetite for homes in the ultra-prime, ultra-luxury segment of the market. Buyers from Asia enjoy exclusivity, privacy, access to the very best amenities and service, and, of course, they enjoy unique, beautifully tailored finishes.”



What&nbsp;has&nbsp;changed in recent years is the role of women in wealth. The recent tangent brought to business has not gone unnoticed by savvy purveyors of property ownership. And the number of female-led ones is only growing.



“We’ve seen it increase considerably, and I think this will only continue,” agrees Atkinson, who herself mentors women working in real estate, and counsels high-net-worth women buyers. “Particularly in Asia. Today, more than ever, we are seeing women make an enormous difference in business, but also, obviously, that then transpires into the wealth side of many women now owning real estate in different markets around the world. We are acting for several prominent Asian women at present who are building portfolios in different markets. For example, I was recently in New York with some celebrity clients of ours from Asia—myself and my colleague took them over for the weekend to view property in Manhattan. We looked at real estate, we ate together, we shopped together, we met some of our partners on the ground together. It is incredible to see the rise of female wealth.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="682" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GA-Headshot-Colour-2-682x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789643" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GA-Headshot-Colour-2-682x1024.jpg 682w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GA-Headshot-Colour-2-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GA-Headshot-Colour-2-768x1153.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GA-Headshot-Colour-2-1023x1536.jpg 1023w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GA-Headshot-Colour-2.jpg 1066w" sizes="(max-width: 682px) 100vw, 682px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Georgina Atkinson of Origin Private Office.</figcaption></figure>



For the Origin team, led by Ross Savas, Georgina Atkinson, and Scott Tanner, Zoom calls are part of the gig, and so is hopscotching the world, either to meet a client or to view developments in the most stunning—you know it—location, location, locations!



“I’m in Dubai now and it’s a wonderful time to get business done. The UAE market is fast paced and very exciting—we continue to see buyers from around the world gravitate to Dubai in particular, and we are now witnessing new developments come forward every day. I think the UAE government has created some extraordinarily strong initiatives, and they are putting incredible infrastructure into place for their residents. From a lifestyle perspective, there are many pluses.”



As with any agency of this calibre, there really is no singular country that has all its attention, but a global market that includes Australia, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the US, the UK, and the UAE. Also of note, the recent global health crisis shifted the wants and needs of buyers who turned introspective, looking at health as a priority.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="640" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-r342r-1024x640.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791031" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-r342r-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-r342r-300x188.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-r342r-768x480.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-r342r-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG-r342r-2048x1280.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">888 Brickell, Dolce &amp; Gabbana, Ballroom, JDS Development Group.</figcaption></figure>



“We absolutely see wellness now as a preference when it comes to purchasing real estate,” concurs Atkinson. “On the development side, we see many offerings of customised health and fitness programmes that are delivered in-house. We are seeing fully integrated medical facilities; we’re seeing open space be prioritised more so than ever. And we are seeing the incorporation of multi-functional wellness spaces into home design from the outset. Healthcare and wellness is definitely become an increasing trend that we’re seeing particularly in the new development segment of the market.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="677" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Af10Eld4-1024x677.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790998" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Af10Eld4-1024x677.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Af10Eld4-300x198.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Af10Eld4-768x508.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Af10Eld4-1536x1015.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Af10Eld4-2048x1353.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">111 West 57th Street, New York.</figcaption></figure>



One of the many perks of the job, Atkinson gets a first look to locations that will eventually be sold for staggering figures. The world loves to get a glimpse of how the one per cent lives.&nbsp;



“I have just returned from New York; there is a building that is complete, called 111 West 57th Street, which sits central on Central Park South. It is the former Steinway Building—it is incredibly elegant and truly unique,” says Atkinson, listing off some of the most memorable places that are, or soon will be, on the market. “The developer is Michael Stern’s JDS Development Group.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/shop-architects-site-santa-fe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SHoP Architects</a>&nbsp;designed&nbsp;the exterior, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/inside-the-new-york-offices-of-ad100-firm-studio-sofield" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AD100 designer Studio Sofield</a>&nbsp;designed the interiors. What it has brought to the table, probably for me, is one of the most iconic residential buildings in the world. You have the sweeping full floor and duplex residences overlooking the park; however, what also it really represents is a marriage of the old and the new: the former historic Steinway Building co-existing with the new tower that rises above.”



And what of properties in Asia that have caught her—and many Asian buyers’ eye? “In Asia, in respect of city destinations, I love Aman. I think Aman creates incredible spaces and homes. The brand really sets a benchmark when it comes to the ultra-luxury segment of the market. On that level, if you just look at, for example, Aman in&nbsp;Azabudai Hills,&nbsp;Tokyo; this is Aman’s very first standalone private residences. Overlooking Tokyo Tower, you have residences that really offer owners a sanctuary within the city, surrounded by art, dining, cultural experiences, and an international school, all within a beautiful urban green space in central Tokyo. Aman across Asia and globally deliver a truly special product.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="715" data-id="1234790985" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EgBncafL-1024x715.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790985" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EgBncafL-1024x715.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EgBncafL-300x210.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EgBncafL-768x536.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EgBncafL-1536x1073.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/EgBncafL-2048x1430.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nihi Sumba in Indonesia.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="575" data-id="1234790983" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AZke4Y0l-1024x575.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790983" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AZke4Y0l-1024x575.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AZke4Y0l-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AZke4Y0l-768x431.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AZke4Y0l-1536x863.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AZke4Y0l-2048x1150.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nihi Sumba in Indonesia.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="779" data-id="1234790986" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/uKj73oOq-1024x779.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790986" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/uKj73oOq-1024x779.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/uKj73oOq-300x228.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/uKj73oOq-768x584.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/uKj73oOq-1536x1168.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/uKj73oOq-2048x1557.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nihi Sumba in Indonesia.</figcaption></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" data-id="1234790984" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ReadMcKendree_2017-06-09-Nihiwatu-51-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790984" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ReadMcKendree_2017-06-09-Nihiwatu-51-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ReadMcKendree_2017-06-09-Nihiwatu-51-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ReadMcKendree_2017-06-09-Nihiwatu-51-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ReadMcKendree_2017-06-09-Nihiwatu-51-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/ReadMcKendree_2017-06-09-Nihiwatu-51-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Nihi Sumba in Indonesia.</figcaption></figure>
</figure>



For those seeking something off the beaten path, there’s always the exotic, the eccentric, the island, and the not-on-the-map destination that can intrigue the average billionaire buyer. “I recently had the privilege of spending time in <a href="https://www.robbreport.hk/posts/inside-nihi-sumba-where-you-can-stay-in-all-inclusive-treehouses-and-get-chocolate-spa-treatments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nihi Sumba</a> in Indonesia; this was developed by Christopher Burch and James McBride. I can only describe it as magic. I’ve been lucky enough to experience many ‘luxury’ hotels around the world. However, this, for me, is, hands down, one of the most magical places on earth. It is barefoot luxury, leaning into its finest. You have the hotel, and then you have a handful of very special private residences. Owners of the residences in Sumba are offered award-winning, uniquely designed villas, which really make you feel you are sitting on the edge of wilderness. You have an array of wonderful amenities, wellness activities, and programming on your doorstep coupled with exceptional local&nbsp;Sumbanese service, which&nbsp;only enhances what I would call ‘paradise.’ The Nihi Group are currently developing their new resort and private residences in Santo Tomas, Costa Rica, which will be coming forward in 2026—given what has been created in Indonesia, I have no doubt that Costa Rica will be just as magical.”



All in all, when it comes to today’s UHNW market, it’s not just square foot that is considered, but amenities, the news, the weather—everything is a touchpoint that can affect the mood of the market. “I wake up to Bloomberg! But of course, absolutely, so many things affect a client’s proclivity to purchase—and rightly so. Currency, the weather, political and economic stability, education, transport, amenities, cultural destinations. There are many factors that go into that decision of where to purchase property.”

Hong Kong Property

property

Real Estate

Hong Kong Will Always Be a High-Interest Ultra-Luxury Property Market. Here’s Why. 

For some time now, branded residences by household names like Armani and Fendi have attracted those with a lust for designer luxury. Car makers have entered the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/real-estate-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">real estate</a> market, too, with unique offerings by Bugatti and Bentley as well as <a href="https://www.porsche-design.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche Design</a>, which has launched residential towers in Stuttgart, Germany, and Miami, Florida. The German lifestyle brand, founded by Ferdinand Alexander <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/porsche/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Porsche</a>, creator of the iconic Porsche 911, now has plans to take their real estate endeavours to Asia. 



On Tuesday, the company unveiled it’s third real estate development, a collaboration with Ananda Development, a&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/thailand/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thailand</a>-based developer, to introduce the Porsche Design Tower&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bangkok/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bangkok</a>. Construction on the 21-story tower begins next year and is set to wrap by the end of 2028. The ultra-luxury condo will be located on Sukhumvit 38, one of the most prestigious addresses in Bangkok.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok1-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790937" style="width:840px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok1-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok1-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok1-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok1-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok1-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Residences will have double-height living spaces with aerodynamically curved walls of glass. Image courtesy of Porsche Design</figcaption></figure>



“The Porsche Design Tower Bangkok is the next big thing for Porsche in Southeast Asia,” says Lutz Meschke, deputy chairman of the executive board at Porsche AG, in a statement. The region is becoming increasingly important for us, which is highlighted by major events taking place here these days. To name just one example: in January we celebrated the world premiere of the new all-electric Macan in Singapore.”



The tower’s striking design, as seen in renderings, is inspired by the kinetic movement of the 911 Targa roof mechanism, according to a press release. Its exposed pedestal structure, called “X-Frame,” takes cues from the design of the auto brand’s Mission R concept car and its exoskeleton structured to create a unique entry experience. A vibrant red light strip crowns the building, mirroring light displays on Porsche’s iconic sports cars.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok7-1024x683.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790938" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok7-1024x683.png 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok7-300x200.png 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok7-768x512.png 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok7-1536x1024.png 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Porsche_Bangkok7-2048x1365.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside one of the “passion spaces,” which can be tailored to fit the needs of residents. Image courtesy of Porsche Design</figcaption></figure>



The tower will house 22 exclusive duplex and quadplex “Sky Villas,” aimed at attracting “ultra-high net-worth individuals,” according to a press release. The abodes will range from 5,651 to 12,217 square feet, with a price range of US$15 million to US$40 million (HK$116.9 million to HK$311.9 million). Owners can expect to find luxury furnishings and high-end appliances throughout the residences and the building that evoke the car company’s commitment to elegance, power, and flawless craftsmanship.



The complex’s many amenities will include an 82-foot-long swimming pool, fitness centre, spa, social lounge, and a luxury garage with “passion spaces,” similar to showrooms, that can be tailored to the individual liking of residents. Upscale restaurants and shopping malls are located nearby for a variety of entertainment options. Visit <a href="https://www.pdtowerbangkok.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pdtowerbangkok.com</a> for more details.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/homes-for-sale/gallery/porsche-design-tower-bangkok-photos-1235832636" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for additional renderings.

porsche bangkok condo

porsche design bangkok

porsche real estate

porsche thailand

Porsche Design Unveils a Luxury Residential Tower in Bangkok

Julien’s&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/auctions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auctions</a>&nbsp;may mostly sell Hollywood memorabilia, but the auction house is gearing up to take its wares all the way across the globe.



Next month, Julien’s will hold its very first auction in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hong-kong/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong</a>, the company announced on Thursday. “Legends in Motion” will encompass 89 lots, spanning items that once belonged to <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/music-memorabilia-from-michael-jackson-john-lennon-to-auction-1235332972/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Jackson</a>, Bruce Lee, Taylor Swift, <a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/art-collectibles/kobe-bryant-rookie-jersey-auction-record-1234615181/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kobe Bryant</a>, and more stars. Leading the way is a signed Tompkins and Bush embellished denim jacket that Jackson wore in 2002, expected to hammer down for up to US$200,000 (HK$1.55 million).



“Julien’s is thrilled to kick off our first auction in the dynamic city of Hong Kong with this stellar line-up of iconic items from Hong Kong hero Bruce Lee to other legends in motion including Taylor Swift, BTS,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/michael-jackson/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Jackson</a>, as well as winning sports memorabilia from FIFA, the NBA and more,” David Goodman, the CEO of Julien’s, said in a statement. “We look forward to being a part of the tremendous excitement Hong Kong is creating in the art and auction world and welcome the public to discover these incredible objects at our museum-like exhibition at Pacific Place.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bruce-Lee-Chops-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790514" style="width:731px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bruce-Lee-Chops-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bruce-Lee-Chops-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bruce-Lee-Chops-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bruce-Lee-Chops-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bruce-Lee-Chops-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bruce Lee’s onyx chops. Image courtesy of Julien’s Auctions</figcaption></figure>



Almost half of the lots are dedicated to Lee, the martial-arts legend and film star who became known for Enter the Dragon, one of the most profitable Warner Bros. movies of all time, according to the auction house. The highlight of Lee’s memorabilia is a pair of onyx chops that feature the icon’s signature (estimated at US$80,000 to US$100,000/HK$623,345 to HK$779,180). Lee used the chops to endorse contracts, personal letters, official certificates, and more. Elsewhere, Julien’s is offering a stunt nunchaku from Enter the Dragon made to Lee’s specifications (up to US$50,000/HK$389,585), screen-used nunchakus from Fist of Fury (US$30,000/HK$233,750), and vale-tudo gloves (also US$30,000/HK$233,750).



With the realms of movies and music covered, Julien’s is also bringing to the block pieces of sports history—notably, a game-worn Bryant jersey that the Los Angeles Lakers star wore during the 2013–14 NBA season. Expected to fetch up to US$100,000 (HK$779,180), the jersey was worn by Bryant during two road games.



Prior to the auction on 28 September, the public will have the chance to view the various lots during an exhibition open 14 to 27 September in Hong Kong. Then the bidding begins—for Julien’s, the first time the company gets to see the city’s appetite for its offerings.

auctions

Bruce Lee

Hong Kong auction

Kobe Bryant

Michael Jackson

Pacific Place

Taylor Swift

Julien’s First Hong Kong Auction Will Offer Memorabilia From Bruce Lee to Taylor Swift

Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;is delighted to announce that the first&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leaders of Luxury Summit</a>&nbsp;will be held in Hong Kong at the spectacular Regent Hong Kong from 26 to 28 November 2024 for what is expected to be the most exciting international luxury event to take place in Hong Kong this year.



Organised by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong, the leading voice in the global luxury market, the Leaders of Luxury Summit will gather luxury leaders, heads of international luxury companies, top business leaders and entrepreneurs, C-level executives, and international&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;editions to deep-dive into the dominant trends, disruptions, and direction of the global luxury industry through a series of engaging talks, thought-provoking panel discussions, and stimulating keynote speeches under the theme “Redefining Luxury Through a Global Lens.”



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From exploring the Greater Bay Area and how family offices can drive luxury growth, to the impact of AI on luxury commerce, and the role sustainability plays while defining the financial forces impacting the global luxury market, a rich variety of seminal topics will explore the direction of the luxury industry and how current economic development in the region is creating opportunities for global luxury markets. 



Major tentpole topics covered by&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong&nbsp;pages, such as wheels, wings, and water, as well as travel, fashion, watches, and all matters of lifestyle, will be discussed at length as the Leaders of Luxury Summit represents a platform for speakers to engage, enlighten, and inform a gathering of influential guests and fellow industry players.



“I am delighted to announce that Hong Kong has been chosen as the city to host the inaugural&nbsp;Leaders of Luxury Summit,” says Tak Man, CEO and publisher of&nbsp;Robb Report Hong Kong. “For the first time ever in Asia, to bring this kind of event to Hong Kong is exciting on a global level—an event like this sets the stage to announce that Hong Kong is the definitive luxury hub of Asia, and we are thrilled to be the host.”



Hong Kong remains a dynamic luxury consumer hub and an all-important gateway to mainland China, one of the most significant markets for any brand worthy of its stripes.&nbsp;The Leaders of Luxury Summit sets out to zero in on Hong Kong’s position as the defining luxury hub of Asia, analysing its unique position as a leading consumer of luxury goods and services, as well as a driver of redefining luxury on a global scale.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="628" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--1024x628.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790842" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--1024x628.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--300x184.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--768x471.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--1536x943.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/botb--2048x1257.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Capping off the entire event, the spectacular&nbsp;Best of the Best themed black-tie gala dinner will be held in the grand ballroom of Regent Hong Kong on 27 November 2024 to honour the finest in luxury, burnished by an exclusive awards presentation. It will be attended by top leaders of luxury and the global publishers and editors of international&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;editions.



Click <a href="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.rr1hongkong.com/leaders-of-luxury" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more information.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791214" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_-2024-09-11-at-10.49.17 AM-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>

Leaders of Luxury

Robb Report

Robb Report Hong Kong

Summit

Robb Report Hong Kong Launches Inaugural Leaders of Luxury Summit this November

A gastronomic powerhouse is making his presence felt at Galaxy Macau this summer.



Miyakawa Maasaki, one of only six sushi masters in Japan to be honoured with three Michelin stars, has landed at <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/what-its-like-to-stay-at-raffles-at-galaxy-macau-the-groups-largest-suite-only-hotel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raffles</a> in Macau with his new restaurant, the first outside of his native Japan. Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa distils the essence of traditional Edomae-style sushi into a refined dining ritual, where the meticulous preparation of seasonal ingredients at their peak shapes the sophisticated heart of the intimate experience.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1707" height="2560" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-scaled.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789960" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-scaled.jpeg 1707w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Masaaki-Miyakawa-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Miyakawa Maasaki is one of only six sushi masters in Japan to be honoured with three Michelin stars.</figcaption></figure>



Diners might recognise Miyakawa from Sushi Yoshitake’s Hong Kong outpost, where he had led the restaurant to achieve three Michelin stars in the mid-2010s. He later returned to Hokkaido to set up the equally lauded Sushi Miyakawa, another establishment conferred with three-star status in the 2017 edition of the Michelin Guide Hokkaido. Sushi Shin by Miyakawa in Niseko and at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo hotel soon followed, as did the acclaim and praise from guests, critics, and press alike.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1707" height="2560" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-scaled.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789963" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-scaled.jpeg 1707w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-200x300.jpeg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/20240524-Sushi-Kissho0185-v1-1-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w" sizes="(max-width: 1707px) 100vw, 1707px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sushi Kissho’s concept is inspired by wabi-sabi, the art of finding beauty in the simple, imperfect state of things.</figcaption></figure>



Now, in Macau, Miyakawa has set yet another stage to further the art of sushi, in a simple, wabi-sabi way that celebrates this delicate Japanese cuisine through a trinity of honouring tradition, taste, and trust between chef and diner. Miyakawa is a soft-spoken conductor—a small smile is perched upon his face throughout the refined omakase dinner as he leads the gastronomic action, deftly slicing through aged otoro tuna, shaping bite-sized pieces of seasoned shari rice, and preparing a delicate nishin herring roll with shiso leaf. 



His team is equally composed, each man at his station, well-oiled cogs in a culinary machine to advance the seamless procession of the meal. Executive chefs Satake Hironori and Maeda Norihisa and their cadre of skilled sushi chefs stationed at Kissho, all trained by Miyakawa himself, are positioned across the culinary stage of the open kitchen, demonstrating every step that results in the lengthy, almost 20-course omakase menu, from mochi-pounding to unagi-roasting over a live fire.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789964" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chu-Toro-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chu-toro medium fatty tuna is one of the sushi courses on the omakase menu. </figcaption></figure>



A symphony of flavours is the result, beginning with a Hokkaido corn pudding with sea urchin that perfectly captures the essence of the season, followed by appetisers such as tender Shimane black abalone dressed in a rich liver sauce and Nagasaki beltfish, among others. 10 sushi courses follow in efficient succession, from chu-toro medium fatty tuna, delicately prepared kohada gizzard shad, and kuruma-ebi prawn to arguably the most fawned-over moment of the night: Hadate’s Murasaki uni, the highest-rated batch of sea urchin available that day, a highly sought-after item that Miyakawa had successfully secured for the day’s service. From one nigiri to another, Sushi Kissho takes diners on an oceanic adventure, hopping from prefecture to prefecture for a taste of the freshest catches and regional specialities.



Its curation of accompanying sake is just as painstaking and features rare homegrown labels including the likes of Kokuryu, Mutsu Hassen, Hakurakusei, and Tatenokawa, which boasts a 180-year-old history. Sushi Kissho is also one of the few establishments that offers a taste of Wa8, a private-label junmai daiginjo sake developed by Sumikawa Shozo Brewery and Wa Creations.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789966" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Kohada-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa0-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kohada gizzard shad. </figcaption></figure>



Guests, meanwhile, spectate the goings-on from behind an imposing 300-year-old kiso hinoki cypress slab inlaid with momiji maple-leaf motifs, crafted by a seasoned Japanese carpenter who specialises in constructing counters for sushi restaurants. Hand-installed on-site, this fine centrepiece anchors the minimalist dining space, punctuated by exquisite handmade pottery sourced from generations-old producers and workshops in Japan. Ceramics made by the Miyagawa family, specialists in the delicate art since the Edo period, and antique ikebana baskets add character to the natural setting. As expected of an experience this exclusive, Sushi Kissho seats just 10 at the main carved counter, with another 10 in a private dining room, but you really want to be close to the action to take in the meticulous artistry practised by the masters.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-1024x683.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789961" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sushi-Counter-Sushi-Kissho-by-Miyakawa1-2048x1365.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Diners spectate the preparation of the omakase meal while seated at a 300-year-old kiso hinoki cypress counter.</figcaption></figure>



As luck would have it, the restaurant recently announced that Miyakawa will return to Sushi Kissho from 1 to 4 August to offer an exclusive, limited-time omakase menu and curated beverage pairing featuring Japanese wines and spirits that will tantalise the senses. In these bimonthly visits, the chef, alongside his team, will showcase seasonal ingredients sourced from a trusted roster of farmers, foragers, and fishermen.



Run, don’t walk, to make your booking—this is one sushi dinner you don’t want to miss.



<a href="https://www.galaxymacau.com/dining/restaurants/sushi-kissho-miyakawa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa</a>



2/F, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Cotai, Macau



Tel: (+853) 8883 2221



All images courtesy of Sushi Kissho.

Japanese Cuisine

Macau

Miyakawa Maasaki

Omakase

Raffles at Galaxy Macau

Sushi

Sushi Kissho

Inside Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa, a New Edomae-Style Sushi Restaurant Helmed By a 3-Michelin-Starred Chef

Bali

Nirjhara

Tabanan

What It’s Like to Stay at Nirjhara, a Boutique Luxury Retreat in Tabanan, the “Rice Bowl” of Bali

Gary Lowe, 66, and his wife, Pam, 69, have long been adventurous travellers, but two years ago, the couple challenged themselves to the ultimate trip: circumnavigating the globe—solo. Their inspiration wasn’t The Amazing Race, but rather the book that likely inspired that show, Jules Verne’s Around The World in 80 Days. Published in 1873, Verne’s novel follows eccentric protagonist Phileas Fogg and his loyal valet, Jean Passepartout, as they attempt to win a wager and prove that then-novel modes of transport—like the steam train—have made it possible to circumnavigate the world in less than three months (Spoiler alert: Fogg wins the bet, albeit only just). To see if they could match Fogg’s jaunt the Lowes, who live between rural England and Cataluña in Spain, the Lowes traveled using a combination of planes, trains, and buses. They spent around US$85,000 (HK$662,740) on the entire trip, creating extraordinary memories along the way.



This is their story.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Plans and Prep</h2>



They dreamed up their ambitious adventure on a whim—sitting in a restaurant in Italy one winter day, dreaming of warmer climes.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_l-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791059" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_l-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_l-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_l-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_l-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_l-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Gary and Pam Lowe landed in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/sydney/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sydney</a> after a club hopping in <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/malaysia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Malaysia</a>. Image courtesy of Gary and Pam Lowe</figcaption></figure>



We thought about doing this in January 2022, and we departed on 2 October that year, so we didn’t have an awful lot of time to make detailed preparations. I had a fairly clear idea of where I wanted to go, and we got the basic itinerary drawn on a placement in a restaurant. We were paying lip service to Jules Verne’s novel and wanted to go round the world in exactly 80 days, and to a number of the places Phileas Fogg went. But obviously, he couldn’t use air transport. We didn’t want to suffer, but we also didn’t want to do it in the most luxurious way, either; so we didn’t consider one of those air cruises.



Instead, we flew business everywhere we could, and the airlines themselves were terrific—Qatar especially, because of the cleanliness of the plane, and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Adventure Begins</h2>



The first leg of the trip: Europe and the Middle East, with a detour to North Africa.



When Phileas Fogg did his trip, he went from London to Paris to Turin, which we did, too. But we also decided to stay longer in places we thought we’d need more time to see, like&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rome/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rome</a>. We walked everywhere, in all the cities. My belief is that you can’t really get the feel of a place without walking it, so we walked and walked and walked.



We went to Jerusalem, Cairo, and Alexandria, too. Cairo was probably Pam’s least favourite place: big, dirty, and busy. It was almost impossible to cross the road. But we took the train from Cairo to Alexandria, which cost around £5 [HK$50] in first class for a three-and-a-half-hour journey, and it was very comfortable. We needed somewhere luxurious to stay at the end of that, but the Four Seasons there was disappointing. It was under construction, so the bars and swimming pool were not available. In Alexandria, you feel the history but not in the same way as in, perhaps, Istanbul.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Highlight</h2>



Both Gary and Pam treated&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/india/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">India</a>&nbsp;as the crown jewel of their trip.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_i-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791060" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_i-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_i-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_i-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_i-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_i-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">India was a highlight of the journey. Image courtesy of Gary and Pam Lowe</figcaption></figure>



India was the central focus—the driving force behind the whole trip. We picked a train called the <a href="https://www.the-maharajas.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Maharajas Express</a> around the Golden Triangle and really enjoyed it. I’d absolutely recommend it unreservedly.



We slept pretty well, though some people found that difficult. The most important feature was the logistics: We were travelling at night, at low speed. That’s how we got to Bombay. Phileas Fogg went to Bombay by going down the Suez Canal. We thought about maybe doing that, as we have a friend who’s in shipping and said “I can get you down there, no problem, any day of the week.” But I wasn’t sure we really wanted to travel on a container ship, or finish up in Yemen, because it’s a conflict zone.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Change in Itinerary</h2>



Lingering pandemic-era restrictions forced the Lowes to deviate further from Fogg’s journey.



From Bombay, Fogg went to Calcutta, Singapore, and Hong Kong. But Covid was still a problem in China [in late 2022], and if we had gone there, it would have been very risky, as we could have got stuck. So we went to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, as we have a very good friend there, and neither of us had been. We stayed with friends and Pam booked our hotels. A few of the clubs had reciprocals for mine in Europe. We’re also part of the <a href="https://www.cresta-run.com/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cresta Run Club</a> in Switzerland, and we played golf with the grandson of the most recent king, who’s also ridden the Cresta with us. That was terrific.



From here, Fogg went to Japan before taking the steamer from Yokohama to San Francisco. He never went south of the equator. But we deviated again, going down to stay with more friends who are members of the Cresta, this time in Sydney. Pam’s oldest son lives in Perth in Western Australia, and he came over for a few days. They played golf together. I’m a keen cyclist, so I rented a bike to cycle down the south of Sydney to a place called Wollongong, with such a beautiful coastline. It was a thrill for me.



We went from there to Santiago. It took some persuading for Pam to drive over the Andes, going from Santiago to Mendoza. It was a very long trip, but it had to be done, and in the end, it was on a fabulous coach that was quite luxurious as coaches go. It took about 10 hours, but that included a three-hour stop at the border as you go into Argentina. Goodness knows why it takes so long, but it’s well known to happen.&nbsp;We flew back. That took one hour.



After time in Lima and California, plus a brief stop to see Chicago’s skyscrapers, the couple was on the home stretch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_o-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791061" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_o-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_o-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_o-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_o-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_o-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/RR_Around_the_World_in_80_Days_o.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/new-york/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York</a> was an opportunity for indulgence. Image courtesy of Gary and Pam Lowe</figcaption></figure>



I had lived in the States, and we went to New York where our friends put us up and threw a big party—we’d been relatively abstemious on the trip. But that night we definitely had too much to drink. I was celebrating my birthday on 17 December. Then we flew home the next day, just in time for Pam’s birthday on 19 December.



Famously, in the novel, Fogg got his timings wrong because of the dateline, so we thought the sensible thing to do in case anything went wrong was to build in a two-day buffer, which we didn’t end up needing. Then we went to the Reform Club, as he had, on the 80th day after leaving, for a nice lunch with some Champagne. It was December 21, the same day as Fogg.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Travel Hacks</h2>



The two biggest tips from Lowe: cutting costs on laundry, and a need-to-read book in prep.



One of the great problems is how to manage your clothing situation. We travelled with quite a lot of luggage—two hard suitcases and a backpack, each—which was no problem on airlines, but became a problem when we took the train. For the most part, it was hot everywhere we went; in fact, all the way until we got to North America. So we had sent a suitcase ahead to our friends in Los Angeles, full of warm clothes, and that’s when we switched.



Pam also became an expert on the laundromats of the world. Most places, you have serviced laundry done, with all your clothes washed and ironed back within 24 hours. We didn’t use the hotel laundry service, which saved us a fortune.



I read the Jules Verne novel maybe once or twice before we planned our trip, and re-read it again while we did. But there’s another book that’s just as interesting, by this fascinating woman who wrote under the pen name Nellie Bly. She did a round the world trip, more or less on his route, as a woman alone, in the 1880s, and wrote&nbsp;Around The World in Seventy-Two Days.&nbsp;That’s quite a story.

around the world

Around The World in Eighty Days

California

global travel

India

London

New York

rome

We Recreated Jules Verne’s ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ and Had the Journey of a Lifetime

When the modern globetrotters evoke the golden age of <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/travel/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">travel</a>, they’re usually referring to the sophisticated jet-setters of the 1950s and 1960s. And yet, even that model of luxuriantly civilised air transport pales in comparison to the extravagant trains of the Orient Express during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Operated today by <a href="https://www.belmond.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopzZXcn8YTXvtz2asI5Y1hfg9x1i0a3Mhf4oOVMUzNmzMZYESpI" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a> (and not to be confused with the Accor-managed Orient Express brand), the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is a study in opulence from the moment uniformed porters greet you at the station entrance to escort you to your gold-trimmed carriage. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-1024x576.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791026" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-1024x576.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-300x169.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4-768x432.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express4.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The rail car’s sophisticated design evokes a bygone era. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



With access to three dining rooms and a bar car, you needn’t worry about being confined to your suite—though once you’re ensconced, it’s remarkably easy to spend hours marvelling over the details in the captivating space. Each Grand Suite is named for cities along the route—Istanbul, Venice, Budapest—and showcase beautifully inlaid panels, delicate marquetry work, Venetian-style lanterns, and myriad hidden compartments. Large picture windows next to the king-size bed and dining table provide views of towering mountains, rivers, and quaint villages as you sip <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/champagne/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Champagne</a> and nibble on blini topped with Beluga caviar. Even the two closets are small wonders (no easy feat on a train), with lovely curved doors and enough room for shoes and three hangers, which is all you need for your eveningwear and a smart change of clothes or two. The ample marble shower boasts elegant brass fittings, and, somehow, there’s a surfeit of power outlets and USB chargers nestled within this paragon of old-world luxury. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790925" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express1.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">One of the several dining areas. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



Onboard menus are designed by chef Jean Imbert, who recently earned a Michelin star at the Plaza Athénée in Paris. Lunch and dinner are served in spacious dining rooms outfitted with plush velvet, crisp white tablecloths, fine porcelain, and Italian silver. For a limited number of <a href="https://www.belmond.com/ideas/articles/solairejourneys?srsltid=AfmBOoqH9av172AhH_Z9D8WEQYGJ1IcYPNz0JNmbF3N07EbCWFa71z_-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Solaire Journeys</a>, which travel east-to-west following the sun, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/belmond/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Belmond</a> has partnered with <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/veuve-clicquot/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Veuve Clicquot</a> to offer luxurious, Champagne-focused rail expeditions with gala dinners (both prior to embarkation and on board) paired with exquisite prestige cuvées courtesy of Veuve’s cellar master Didier Mariotti or director of winemaking operations Pierre Casenave. Breathtaking landscapes are another feature of the journey, with a focus—as the name suggests—on epic sunrises (the Champagne house’s sunshine-yellow label was an inspiration).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790926" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express7.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Veuve Clicquot never stops flowing. Image courtesy of Belmond</figcaption></figure>



The first of this year’s Solaire Journeys rolled from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur via the Eastern &amp; Oriental Express, while the year’s final voyage—from Cusco, Peru, to Arequipa and Machu Picchu—will take place in October aboard two Belmond trains: the Hiram Bingham and the Andean Explorer. In July, we traveled from Vienna to Reims on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (a nod to the fact that Madame Clicquot’s first exported bottles were delivered to Venice) for an over-the-top exercise in hospitality that included a pre-trip stay at Vienna’s Hotel Imperial, a former palace that properly sets the stage for the pampering ahead.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790927" style="width:713px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Orient_Express5.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An enchanting Art Deco-style suite. Image courtesy of Mattia Aquila</figcaption></figure>



The opening-night dinner in the <a href="https://www.palaisliechtenstein.com/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Liechtenstein Palace</a>, followed by a carriage ride around the ancient city the next morning, conjures a level of royal treatment that carries over seamlessly as soon as you set foot on the train. Vintage Veuve Clicquot and La Grande Dame flow freely the entire trip, particularly during the multi-course lunch prepared by Imbert and chef Mory Sacko during a stop at the Champagne house’s limestone crayères in Reims, ending only when you finally pull into the station in Paris three days later. In-between, there’s nighttime entertainment in the bar car featuring piano and burlesque dancers, in-suite breakfasts of caviar-topped omelette—served with more vintage Veuve, naturally—and, the closing surprise, a live DJ set paired with Champagne and sliders during the final 90 minutes of your adventure. Disembarking from such a lavish fantasy world was a difficult step down, indeed.

luxury train

luxury train tour

Michelin food

old world luxury

Orient Express

Paris

rail expeditions

Solaire Journeys

Vienna

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express and Veuve Clicquot Team Up for Luxe, Bubbly Train Trips

Come 2025, one of the youngest conductors in the world will officially take his place as the music director designate of the <a href="https://www.hkphil.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HK Phil)</a> at just 25 years old. To open the orchestra’s 51st season, Tarmo Peltokoski and young violin virtuoso Daniel Lozakovich, 23, will headline two performances at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall on 5 and 6 September.



It is an exciting time for the HK Phil, which recently celebrated its <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/hong-kong-philharmonic-orchestra-50th-anniversary-gala-dinner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">50th anniversary</a> and released the headline-worthy news revealing its next maestro’s identity. With global interest rising since the news broke, the musical institution maintains itself as one of the most reputable in the world, its young blood making for a leap in interest among music lovers of all ages, inspiring aspiring musicians and making classical music accessible to multiple generations.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tarmo-Peltokoski-c-Peter-Rigaud-683x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790409" style="width:684px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tarmo-Peltokoski-c-Peter-Rigaud-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tarmo-Peltokoski-c-Peter-Rigaud-200x300.jpg 200w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tarmo-Peltokoski-c-Peter-Rigaud-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tarmo-Peltokoski-c-Peter-Rigaud-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Tarmo-Peltokoski-c-Peter-Rigaud.jpg 1067w" sizes="(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Tarmo Peltokoski. Photo by Peter Rigaud</figcaption></figure>



Its upcoming season’s programme is set to attract over 200,000 music lovers to a whopping 150 concerts over a 44-week period. A diverse array of classical celebrated gems as well as Chinese composers of historical significance are among the symphonies that the HK Phil has in store. Composers soon to be revived in concerto include, among others, Brahms, Haydn, Bruckner, Grieg, Stravinsky, and Sibelius. Adding to the mix, Huang Ruo and Erkegali Rakhmadiyev’s creations will inject more contemporary compositions to the harmony.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC09911-c-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790408" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC09911-c-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC09911-c-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC09911-c-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC09911-c-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/DSC09911-c-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by Desmond Chan </figcaption></figure>



But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First, the 2024/2025 season opening is marked by Daniel Lozakovich’s Hong Kong debut. Lozakovich, who has already received several awards, including first prize at the 2016 Vladimir Spivakov International Violin Competition, gets to prove his mettle for the first time in the region. Renowned for being one of today’s most remarkable violinists, Lozakovich regularly performs with eminent conductors and promises to inspire audiences like never before as he brings to life Sibelius’s ethereal Violin Concerto.



In honour of Anton Bruckner’s bicentenary, Tarmo Peltokoski will also lead the HK Phil to the notes of the Austrian composer’s&nbsp;Ninth Symphony, an unfinished masterpiece that stands witness to the musician’s devotion to the arts, a portentous sign of the night’s grandeur.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="681" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vasily-Petrenko_c-Mark-McNulty-1024x681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790422" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vasily-Petrenko_c-Mark-McNulty-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vasily-Petrenko_c-Mark-McNulty-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vasily-Petrenko_c-Mark-McNulty-768x511.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vasily-Petrenko_c-Mark-McNulty-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Vasily-Petrenko_c-Mark-McNulty-2048x1363.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Vasily Petrenko Photo by Mark McNulty</figcaption></figure>



Just a few weeks later, and in anticipation of its region-wide celebrations, it will be time for National Day concerts. For the occasion, the HK Phil will welcome guest conductor Vasily Petrenko—who was honoured with the Artist of the Year Award at the prestigious Gramophone Awards in 2017—and cellist Li-Wei&nbsp;Qin, who remains one of the most sought-after musicians of his generation. As they bring&nbsp;Huang Ruo’s&nbsp;Folk Songs for Orchestra&nbsp;to the hall, Petrenko’s baton will direct Qin as he performs Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1, a composition by Delius, and Stravinsky’s complex&nbsp;The Rite of Spring.&nbsp;



September ends with another concert conducted by Vasily Petrenko, joined by the famed pianist Anna Fedorova. Fedorova’s mass appeal is a towering testament to her fine talents; her live recording of Rachmaninov’s&nbsp;Second Piano Concerto has over 42 million views on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEGOihjqO9w&amp;t=2s">YouTube</a>,&nbsp;and she has&nbsp;collaborated with the greatest orchestras in the world.&nbsp;Theshow kicks off with an orchestral showpiece by Kazakhstani composer Rakhmadiyev. Although it’s only at its dawn, Fedorova’s highly anticipated Piano Concerto with the HK Phil within the Hong Kong Concert Hall promises to be one of the highlights of the entire season.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HK-Phil-Tarmo-Peltokoski-photo_-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790407" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HK-Phil-Tarmo-Peltokoski-photo_-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HK-Phil-Tarmo-Peltokoski-photo_-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HK-Phil-Tarmo-Peltokoski-photo_-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HK-Phil-Tarmo-Peltokoski-photo_-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/HK-Phil-Tarmo-Peltokoski-photo_-Desmond-Chan_HK-Phil-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo by Desmond Chan </figcaption></figure>



Best of all, the above-mentioned shows are but the tip of the iceberg as the calendar year ahead promises great symphonies, and great evidence why the HK Phil was deemed Orchestra of the Year at the 2019 Gramophone Classical Music Awards ceremony, continuing the Hong Kong institution’s grand legacy of music and maestros.



Season Opening: Tarmo Peltokoski &amp; Daniel Lozakovich 



5 &amp; 6 September 2024, 8 pm



Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui



Tickets from HK$50, $380, $520, $700, and <a href="https://www.urbtix.hk/event-detail/11809" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.



For enquiries, please call (+852) 2721 2332 or visit <a href="https://www.hkphil.org/concert" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hkphil.org</a>.

Concert

Daniel Lozakovich

Hong Kong Music

Hong Kong Musicians

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra

Orchestra

Tarmo Peltokoski

Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra’s 51st Season Springs to Life with Virtuosos

Since its introduction late last year, the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-spectre-arrival-1234864752/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce Spectre</a>&nbsp;has made quite some wafting ripples in the luxury EV landscape. Enough, in fact, for&nbsp;Robb Report&nbsp;editors to have named it the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/best-of-the-best/gallery/2024-botb-automotive-1235638998/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Best of the Best&nbsp;</a><a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/electric-vehicle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Electric Vehicle</a>&nbsp;for 2024. Its substantial presence and performance make it an obvious choice, with the latter every bit the equal of that found in any of Goodwood’s V-12-engined cars.



What makes the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-spectre-ev-on-sale-blacklist-1235497187/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spectre&nbsp;</a>a standout among other zero-emissions models is its very EV-ness as it embodies the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/rolls-royce-facts-2900540/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce&nbsp;</a>ethos of silent comportment and refined luxury, something to which even the most muffled&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/the-dirty-dozen-why-12-cylinder-engines-remain-magical-2747474/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">V-12</a>&nbsp;can never match. (It’s to be noted that the original 2004 Phantom did not have visible exhaust tailpipes, so discreet and elegant was its design.)



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790121" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-w-Spectre-Semaphore-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The one-off <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolls-royce/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolls-Royce</a> Spectre Semaphore. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



Rolls-Royce automobiles, though, have never been shrinking violets. The automaker has been amenable to bespoke commissions from the very beginning, some of which have been remarkable in the extreme. Today, the latest one-off Rolls-Royce is the Spectre Semaphore, which pushes the creative envelope far afield. This unique Spectre features one-of-a-kind artwork on the bonnet (Brit-speak for a car’s hood), which is, according to Rolls-Royce, “a dramatic ‘Marbled Paint Spill’ requiring 160 hours of development by Rolls-Royce craftspeople, who applied silver lacquer and multiple layers of clear coat for a seamless finish.”



To us, it recalls paintings by Morris Lewis or Paul Jenkins, whose poured colour fields expressed lyrical abstract patterns across vast expanses of canvas or paper, though these were created in far less time than it takes to paint a bespoke Rolls-Royce. The Semaphore Yellow colour was “inspired by the informal elegance of coastal California,” according to the marque’s official statement, which we interpret as a romantic glance over the shoulder at the days when driftwood beaches instead of concours lawns were a destination for drivers coming up from bustling Los Angeles or down from freezing-in-the-summer San Francisco.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="2400" height="1600" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790122" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11.jpg 2400w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/2-w-Spectre-Semaphore-11-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2400px) 100vw, 2400px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has given the name “Marbled Paint Spill” to the abstract artistic expression adorning the hood. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



Donovan’s hit album&nbsp;Mellow Yellow&nbsp;was all the rage in 1966, and the psychedelic patterns of the Spectre’s hood—er, bonnet—would be perfectly at home on a fluorescent Fillmore poster stapled to the wall at a Haight Ashbury love-in. Inhale (the nostalgia) deeply.



Like a field of&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/shelter/auctions/christies-auction-van-gogh-1235600846/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Van Gogh</a>&nbsp;sunflowers, yellow is carried through the Spectre’s interior in a combination of Bespoke&nbsp;Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow leather across the seats, Starlight doors, and above&nbsp;the instrument panel. Grace White and Slate Grey leather is enlivened by Lemon&nbsp;Yellow stitching that enhances the creative vision.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790123" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/3-w-Spectre-Semaphore-6-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Bespoke Lemon Yellow and Citrine Yellow leather dress the interior. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



The team at Goodwood also programmed the Spectre’s SPIRIT operating system to illuminate instrument dials in the Semaphore Yellow colourway. Highly polished wood serves as complementing trim, and is finished in Cashmere Grey paint infused with silver mica flakes that sparkle when illuminated.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790124" style="width:680px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/4-w-Spectre-Semaphore-9-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Semaphore Yellow paint colour was “inspired by the informal elegance of coastal California,” according to the marque’s official statement. Image courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars</figcaption></figure>



The Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore is infinitely rarer than even a sealed first pressing of Yellow Submarine (The Beatles, 1969). In fact, the factory is emphatic that only one Spectre Semaphore will be built for the entire global market. This one-of-one is available exclusively through authorised dealer partners of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in the United States.



Click <a href="https://robbreport.com/?post_type=pmc-gallery&amp;p=1235801503/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> for more photos of the Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore.

Best of the Best 2024

Electric Vehicle

Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce Spectre Semaphore

Rolls-Royce Just Unveiled a Psychedelic, One-of-a-Kind Spectre. Here’s What We Know.

<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/ferrari/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ferrari</a>’s electric future will be before you know it.



The storied automaker’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna, has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/ferrari-boss-sets-ambitious-brief-2025-debut-ev" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">confirmed to&nbsp;Autocar</a>&nbsp;that the company’s first EV will make its debut in 2025. He also revealed that the company’s test drivers have already put thousands of miles on test mules of the vehicle.



Vigna was careful not to reveal too much about the vehicle, but he did say it will be unveiled late next year, before going on sale sometime in 2026. That timeline isn’t all surprising since Ferrari has been spotted testing out mysterious prototypes around Maranello. The executive didn’t have to say much about that other than that the company’s drivers had already put “several thousand kilometres” on the test mules. Spy shots have shown a heavily camouflaged vehicle wearing a modified version of the Maserati Levante’s body. It remains to be seen whether the finished EV will look at all like that SUV, though. Prototypes of the Ferrari Purosangue (which is pictured above) were also based on the Levante, but the production version was significantly different.



Whatever shape the battery-powered model ends up taking, Vigna is convinced it will appeal to the brand’s most ardent supporters and tech-savvy newcomers alike. That’s because, as Vigna puts it, there’s not one thing that makes a Prancing Horse a Prancing Horse—though they are all fun to drive.



“There is not a pattern really,” Vigna told the magazine. “People buy a Ferrari because when they buy a Ferrari, they have a lot of fun. They don’t buy a Ferrari because A, B, C, D or a single element. It’s a combination of things. When we do electric cars, we will produce them in the right way.”



Although Ferrari is keeping information about the model close to the vest, there has been plenty of speculation about the vehicle. Last month, Reuters reported the company’s debut EV <a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferraris-first-ev-will-cost-over-1235661037/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">will likely start at well over US$500,000</a> (HK$3.9 million) and that another battery-powered model is already in the works. Vigna wouldn’t comment on the report other than to say that the price likely won’t be finalized until just before launch.



An electric Prancing Horse may be on the way, but the sports car&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/ferrari-exec-says-first-ev-deliver-authentic-sound-1235650084/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">remains committed to the traditional gas-powered engine.</a>&nbsp;Vigna didn’t go into much detail about the company’s future but did say it plans to offer internal combustion, hybrid-powered, and all-electric models.

battery-powered

electric car

Ferrari

gas-powered engine

Ferrari Confirms Its First Electric Car Is Coming Next Year

There’s more than electricity in&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/bmw/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BMW</a>’s future.



The German luxury marque has <a href="https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0444790EN/hydrogen-pioneers:-bmw-group-and-toyota-motor-corporation-take-collaboration-to-the-next-level-to-offer-fuel-cell-electric-vehicle-fcev-options-for-passenger-cars" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">announced plans</a> to put its first <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/hydrogen/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hydrogen</a> car into production. You won’t have to wait long for the vehicle, either. If everything goes to plan, it will be here by 2028.



BMW is teaming up with&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/toyota/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Toyota</a>&nbsp;to develop a new generation of fuel-cell powertrains. The two automakers have worked together in the past, most notably on the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/2021-toyota-gr-supra-review-3-0-1234577829/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">current-generation Supra</a>, but hope that pouring more resources into the partnership can help make hydrogen vehicles more viable. Up until now, the technology, which converts hydrogen into electricity while only emitting water, has failed to catch on despite the abundance of the element due to high costs and the lack of infrastructure,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-05/bmw-to-sell-hydrogen-cars-from-2028-in-partnership-with-toyota" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Bloomberg</a>. Sales of hydrogen cars, the most popular of which may be the Toyota Mirai, dwindled to just 9,000 units last year.



With 2028 still four years away, BMW’s announcement was devoid of concrete details about its first hydrogen car other than it will be integrated into the brand’s existing portfolio. The brand has previously tested a hydrogen-powered iX5 pilot fleet (pictured above), so it would not be a surprise if the vehicle is based on the mid-size SUV. The next generation of the model is expected to debut before 2028, <a href="https://www.motor1.com/news/732646/2028-bmw-hydrogen-car-confirmed/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Motor1.com</a>, so the timing would work out nicely.



“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,”&nbsp;Oliver Zipse, the chairman of BMW’s Board of Management, said in a statement.



Don’t view BMW’s pledge to build a hydrogen car as a pivot. The company remains committed to electrifying its lineup of vehicles—and with good reason. At a time when the rest of its peers are pumping the breaks on their electrification strategy due to a lack of customer demand, BMW’s EVs are&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-sold-more-evs-in-europe-tesla-july-1235825216/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">selling better than ever before</a>. In fact, the company is expected to debut its next-generation of battery-powered vehicles, dubbed the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/motors/cars/bmw-boss-confirms-neue-klasse-suv-sedan-1235612189/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neue Klasse</a>&nbsp;lineup, next year. Instead, hydrogen vehicles will become just another segment for the automaker, along with gas-, hybrid-, and battery-powered vehicles.

hydrogen-powered car

new BMW

toyota

BMW’s First Hydrogen-Powered Car Is Coming in 2028

Worried that the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/lucid-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lucid Air</a>&nbsp;isn’t tough enough? You’re in luck.



<a href="https://www.usarmorgroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">US.Armor Group</a> has just announced plans to sell an armoured version of the top-of-the-line Air Sapphire. The toughened EV offers bullet-proof cladding, “impenetrable Wi-Fi,” and the option of poison gas detection to put even the most paranoid of drivers at ease.



The Air Sapphire is easily one of the most impressive battery-powered vehicles currently on the market. The luxury sedan range-topping variant combines a sleek design with luxe amenities and boundary-pushing performance. The quad-motor powertrain produces 1,234 hp, which is enough might to rocket the car from zero to 60 mph in just 1.8 seconds. Best of all, it can run for 427 miles on a single charge and if you are short on juice you can add another 200 miles or range in just 15 minutes. The only thing missing is the ability to withstand a gunshot.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid02-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790944" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid02-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid02-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid02-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid02-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid02-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">US Armor Group’s bulletproof Lucid Air Sapphire. Image courtesy of US Armor Group</figcaption></figure>



That’s no longer the case thanks to US Armor Group.  The Los Angeles-based operation has equipped the four-door with a military-grade composite that’s 10 times stronger than ballistic steel and covered its windows in a transparent laminate that can withstand a shot from a .44 magnum. Despite the added toughness, the armour adds just 385 pounds, or well under 10 per cent, to the Air Sapphire’s 5,336-pound curb weight. Because of this, the sedan can still reach a top speed in excess of 200 mph, though we imagine its range has taken a hit.



“With the armoured Air Sapphire, our company has taken one of the world’s fastest production vehicles ever built and transformed it into the fastest armoured car on the planet,” US Armor Group founder Jeffrey Engen said in a statement.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid03-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234790945" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid03-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid03-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid03-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid03-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/armoredlucid03-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Inside US Armor Group’s Air Sapphire. Image courtesy of US Armor Group</figcaption></figure>



Inside, the armoured EV looks almost identical to its stock counterpart but includes several updates. These features include technology that’s constantly scanning for threats, a one-touch safety outreach system, and “impenetrable Wi-Fi,” that will safeguard your personal data from hacking attempts.



Interested in the bullet-proof Air Sapphire. US Armor Group is selling upgraded examples of the EV for US$475,000 (HK$3.7 million), which is US$226,000 (HK$1.76 million) more than the EV’s sticker price. That is just a starting price. The company also offers a long list of options to further beef up security, including electric shock door handles, poison gas detection, concealed gun ports, and even stronger armour that can stop grenades and other explosives.

Air Sapphire

Armoured Vehicle

bulletproof car

military-grade

Supercar

This Armoured, Bulletproof Lucid Air Lets You Drive Through the Apocalypse Emissions-Free

Following on the heels of <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/lists/audemars-piguet-new-watches-royal-oak-mini-1235632777/royal-oak-mini-frosted-gold/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the May release of multiple Royal Oaks</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/audemars-piguet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Audemars Piguet</a> is back with a <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/41-mm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">41 mm</a> self-winding <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/openworked/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">openworked</a> offering, now in three striking case and bracelet materials. Stainless steel is going to resonate with the traditionalists, the yellow gold with those who like a louder wrist flex, and black ceramic will offer up a stealthy, futuristic vibe.



We’ve been <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/shopping-time-audemars-piguet-royal-oak-prices-are-dropping-fast-heres-5-you-can-buy-right-now-1235684745/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reporting that Royal Oaks are coming down in price</a> on the pre-owned and <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/neo-vintage-watches-how-to-collect-them-1235624589/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">neo-vintage</a> market, and we’ve even just published <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/audemars-piguets-royal-oak-history-1234669410/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a brief history of the “RO.”</a> The <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/royal-oak/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Royal Oak</a> was originally penned by acclaimed designer <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gerald-genta-2864111/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gerald Genta</a>, who singlehandedly revolutionised the sports watch market.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="555" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-1024x555.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789172" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-1024x555.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-300x163.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm-768x416.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Audemars-Piguet-Royal-Oak-Openworked-41-mm.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked 41 mm in stainless steel. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet</figcaption></figure>



Audemars Piguet is sometimes said to have a hard time getting past its <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=patek+royal+oak+robb+report&amp;rlz=1C5GCEM_enUS1103US1104&amp;oq=patek+royal+oak+robb+report&amp;gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyCQgAEEUYORigATIGCAEQRRg8MgYIAhBFGDwyBggDEEUYPNIBCDQzNDdqMWo3qAIAsAIA&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">strong association with the Royal Oak</a>, but this doesn’t seem to be hurting the brand whatsoever. As expert collector and vintage dealer at <a href="http://shift/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analog:Shift</a>, <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/slideshow/5-dapper-vintage-timepieces-from-the-analog-shift-x-j-press-pop-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Lamdin</a>, told us last week, “The brand is still in demand, and so [the Royal Oak] is still hard to get at the boutiques.” This situation may not come as a surprise to experienced collectors of the Royal Oak, though this new iteration may be especially difficult to get one’s hands on, as it’s at what many consider a perfect size (41 mm) with just enough technology (dual-barrel calibre 3132) and flash (openworked dial) to sing on the wrist.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="555" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-1024x555.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789173" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-1024x555.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-300x163.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold-768x416.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Royal-Oak-Openworked-41mm-Black-Ceramic-and-Yellow-Gold.webp 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Openworked 41 mm in black ceramic (left) and yellow gold. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet</figcaption></figure>



Especially attractive here is the rose gold movement in the steel and ceramic versions. Rose gold from Audemars Piguet is especially warm due to its copper content. Against the steel, you’ve got a unique <a href="https://robbreport.hk/posts/two-tone-watches-are-having-a-comeback-here-are-5-worth-buying" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bi-metal</a> (or <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/two-tone-watches-1235484110/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">two-tone</a>) sensibility, and against the black ceramic that rose-gold movement seems to blossom like a midnight flower. Both are very chic. But it may be the yellow gold iteration that comes closest to classic Royal Oak vibes, with the long-used 18-carat case and bracelet featuring a much quieter rhodium-plated movement that’s all smoke and shadow.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="619" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1024x619.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234789174" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1024x619.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-300x181.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-768x464.webp 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-1536x929.webp 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image.webp 1882w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The dual balance wheel mechanism of calibre 3132 helps stabilise the balance staff in its ruby mount, which improves precision. Image courtesy of Audemars Piguet</figcaption></figure>



Calibre 3132 employs a dual balance wheel, which is a unique approach to minimising the tilt of the balance staff (the axil on which the balance wheel oscillates back and forth). When the balance wheel swings, there is a tendency for it to tilt within its ruby mount, which allows gravity to have its way with it, causing timing discrepancies in different positions (known as positional variance). By adding a second balance wheel (not just a second spring, as found in some movements), Audemars Piguet has added stabilising mass to the mechanism, as well as counter-force that steadies the balance staff as it changes direction, according to Audemars Piguet.



Prices are US$76,400 (HK$596,650) for stainless, and US$101,100 (HK$789,545) for either the ceramic or yellow-gold model.

Audemars Piguet

Royal Oak

Audemars Piguet Just Unveiled 3 New Openworked Royal Oaks

Still flying under the radar, but gaining in popularity among the most discerning collectors, <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/parmigiani/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parmigiani</a> Fleurier has slowly updated its sports watch catalogue since 2021 when the Swiss brand introduced <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-sport-1234857775/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the “PF” line of watches</a>. These PF models replaced previous versions, as is the case with the PF <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/tonda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tonda</a> Sport <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/chronograph/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chronograph</a>, which stepped in for the <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/parmigiani-tondagraph-gt-hands-on-review-2940379/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">previous Tonda GT Line</a>. This most recent refresh of the Tonda Sport Chronograph brings a fresh trio of luxurious colours.



These new models feel very much on trend with <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/from-grand-seiko-to-parmigiani-pale-green-watch-dials-are-low-key-killing-it-right-now-1235586760/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paler shades making the rounds</a> these days, as well as with the rest of<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/parmigiani-fleurier-tonda-pf-micro-rotor-_e8354c/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the 2024 Parmigiani catalogue</a>, which blew us away at <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/new-watches-watches-wonders-2024-1235570773/a-lange-sohne-datograph-perpetual-tourbillon-honeygold-lumen-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Watches and Wonders</a> this year. Parmigiani is calling these new colours Milano Blue, Arctic Grey, and London Grey, names evocative of entirely different locations united by a sense of adventure and/or sophistication. But what makes these new Tonda Sport Chronographs so special are rather subtle upgrades.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788321" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



Consider, for example, the new guillouché dial, which refines the previous engraving pattern with a subtler clou triangulaire pattern. This new pattern is akin to a clous de Paris dial, also made of pyramids, which Audemars Piguet would call a tapisserie dial. But putting French semantics aside, we can agree that this Parmigiani guillouché pattern breathes more than the chunkier pyramid-grid dials out there, lending the watch a quietness that suits the desaturated colourways.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788320" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Fleurier-Chronograph-Tonda-Black-and-Rose-Gold-2024-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



Further distinguishing these chronographs is the movement. Calibre PF-070 is crafted in-house, and the beat rate of five Hz lends 10th of a second precision, a smoother sweep of the seconds hand on the sub-dial as well as the central timing hand, and—most would agree—improved precision. Rather impressively, the movement still provides 65-hours of power reserve, despite burning through power at a greater frequency than most mechanical watch movements do.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-1234788322" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1.webp 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1-300x300.webp 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1-150x150.webp 150w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Parmigiani-Macro-Tonda-Chronograph-2024-Back-1-768x768.webp 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image courtesy of Parmigiani Fleurier</figcaption></figure>



None of that may interest the person who is buying this watch to luxuriate in its immaculate elegance, and instead may turn their interest to the solid-gold oscillating weight that imitates the steering wheel of a Ferrari 250 GTO, one of the most beautiful and iconic cars of all time. A watch like the Tonda Sports Chronograph seems perfectly suited to unabashedly luxurious driving experiences, including the inevitable long lunch, glamorous destinations and high-end accommodations surely to appear on the roster when cruising in a vintage air-cooled Ferrari—or the latest electronic super car.



The watches come in satin stainless steel in the new colourways at US$30,000 (HK$234,520), or 18-carat rose gold at US$50,000 (HK$390,865).

Parmigiani Fleurier

Tonda PF

Tonda PF Sport

Parmigiani Fleurier Unveils New Tonda PF Sport Chronographs

Only seeing watches in person can suffice when it comes to meaningfully judging them. So, we recently visited the folks at&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/piaget/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piaget</a>&nbsp;to spend some extended time with the current watch collection, which dazzled us far beyond our expectations. From amazing&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/slideshow/seeing-green-11-spring-ready-green-dial-watches/piaget-altiplano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ultra-thins</a>, to watches fully&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/best-womens-diamond-pave-releases-1235517866/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paved in diamonds</a>, to the tasteful solid-gold 35 mm time-only&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/altiplano/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Altiplano</a>, today’s Piaget watch collection&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/womens-collections-watches-wonders-1235578527/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">challenges horological norms</a>, just as it has since&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/piaget-watches-complete-history-1235807418/#:~:text=Like%20many%20older%20watchmaking%20concerns,movements%20with%20skill%20and%20precision." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piaget began producing</a>&nbsp;its avant-garde, design-forward timepieces in the 1950s. &nbsp; Over the past couple of years, we have documented the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/2024-watch-auction-data-report-suggests-trends-1235637516/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent turn away from tool watches</a>&nbsp;toward&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/small-dress-watches-are-back-1235821302/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dress watches</a>. We’ve noticed&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/gallery/the-best-dress-watches-of-1235609724/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dress watches themselves shrinking</a>, sometimes to proportions that—like the&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/cartier-tank-louis-mini-watches-and-wonders-1235578638/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cartier’s&nbsp;new&nbsp;Tank Mini</a>—can illicit a giggle from behind a man’s well-oiled beard. However,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/men-wearing-jewelry-1235423279/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">men and broaches</a>&nbsp;are now having a little moment, as are men and&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/jewelry/initial-pendant-jewelry-marie-lichtenberg-harwell-godfrey-1235778191/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">initial-pendant necklaces</a>, and together all of this may explain why the daring, design-forward watches from Piaget—vintage and new—are also having a moment.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="671" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-1024x671.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791076" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-300x197.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-768x504.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-1536x1007.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-1-2048x1343.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



This softening of style and embracing of bodily luxury hasn’t done away with our manly love of the fastest, loudest cars and motorcycles, dangerous deep-sea adventures, safaris, and all the other Hemingway-esque stuff that folks who took Feminism 101 freshman year sometimes suggest might be deployed as compensation for a lack of stature in an area Freud indicated might otherwise cause envy. But look, our masculinity—OK,&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watches-fashion-gender-1235569136/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">our&nbsp;gender</a>—is complex, perhaps more now than ever before, and Piaget watches seem to speak to that complexity.



I’ve been known to douse myself in Chanel Blue before hopping onto my 175 hp BMW S1000R so that I can catch a bit of sweet, romantic Paris up in my otherwise not-great-smelling helmet while doubling the speed limit. I’ve seen uncouth straight men rubbernecking as a gorgeous woman passes by, all the while fidgeting with some 31.5 mm vintage gold watch on a mesh bracelet, or puffing on a lime-green anodised e-cigarette emitting a tropical fruit scent that elicits from my middle-aged memory the Kool-Aid Man crashing through the nearest wall. Men are complicated, and for some of us the surfacing of that complication in today’s fast-changing watch fashion is a good thing. It affords us a bit of freedom to explore our identities.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791077" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Limelight watch with <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/diamonds/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diamonds</a>. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



The good news is that you don’t have to sell your jacked-up Ford F350 to enjoy a bit of razzle-dazzle on your wrist, and in fact it may be that such a juxtaposition is what’s chic right now. And the fast lane to insanely cool, high-quality, mechanically sophisticated, ultra-tasty wrist dazzlers is none other than the modern Piaget watch collection. Mashing these dazzling <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/how-watch-collectors-styling-piaget-timepieces-today-1235582152/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">watches up with everyday fashions</a> is becoming increasingly hip.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791078" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-3-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Altiplano Ultimate. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



As my esteemed colleague, Paige Reddinger, wrote of<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/piaget-brings-back-all-gold-polo-watch-from-1235500996/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the reissued Piaget Polo</a> in April of this year: “Its release has aligned with the style zeitgeist, with ‘mob aesthetic’—think luxe track suits and fur coats—trending and flashy dress watches, the kind once worn with macho suiting and a heavy dose of cologne, now seen on guys more apt to pair them with a T-shirt and APC jeans.” James Lamdin, founder and operator of Analog:Shift, recently walked us through an <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/vintage-piaget-watches-how-to-collect-1235801897/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">incredible vintage Piaget selection</a> and told Robb Report, “I didn’t expect for men to embrace it the way [they have].”   We were also recently blown away when visiting with Manhattan-based watch dealer Gai Gohari, who showed us what is likely the<a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/biggest-vintage-piaget-watch-collection-north-america-gai-gohari-1235822484/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> largest vintage Piaget collection in North America</a>, if not the world. Gohari was scooping up <a href="https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/italy-vintage-watches-1235824016/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vintage Piaget in Italy</a> years ago, well ahead of the curve, and found great value there. Gohari told us, “I mean, you have a super funky watch: gold, mechanical, all in-house, made from A to Z with a stone dial, totally unique, for like, at the time, US$2,000 to US$2,500 (HK$15,595 to HK$19,490).”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791079" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-4-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Limelight Gala watch with opal dial. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



But vintage isn’t for everyone, with its inherent risks. And vintage Piaget—being less known and wildly varied compared to, say, vintage&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/rolex/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rolex</a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/omega/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Omega</a>, which adhered to the regularity of industrial production—is particularly hard to get to know (though we’ve made strides in understanding vintage Piaget watches better lately).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791080" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Altiplano Moonphase watch. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



During our appointment at the Manhattan Piaget boutique at Hudson Yards last week, we were able to feel out what the modern Piaget collection has to offer. What we found was just as mind-blowing as the vintage Piaget collections we’ve seen, but with ramped-up complications of the highest order, exceptional modern sport models in the <a href="https://robbreport.com/tag/polo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Polo</a> line, and of course the bejewelled dazzlers that are, suddenly, seeming more “unisex” than ever before.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791081" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-6-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



If there was a stand-out watch, it was unexpectedly the simplest: a 35 mm time-only watch in rose gold with a red alligator strap. This watch represents one of the very few truly vintage-sized dress watches currently available on the market today, and in so doing it seems that Piaget is, once again, ahead of the trend—or is setting it, perhaps. At around US$20,000 (HK$155,940), you’re paying quite a bit for this Altiplano, but this is a watch we’d put up against a Lange Saxonia Thin or even the modern Patek Calatrava, both of which come in at 37 mm—which really does feel large for a dress watch with a narrow bezel.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1234791082" style="width:711px;height:auto" srcset="https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cms.robbreport.hk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Piaget-Collection-In-Person-2024-7-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Piaget Altiplano Origin watch at 35 mm. Image courtesy of Allen Farmelo</figcaption></figure>



Overall, wearing these modern Piaget watches felt like a journey into an entirely unique corner of today’s Swiss watchmaking, a corner that is filled with unabashed luxury, complication, design, jewel-setting, and—for lack of a better word—imagination. As we continue to explore Piaget’s wonderful watches, this time spent with the Piaget collection has confirmed that no other brand has done so well what Piaget continues to do: dazzle.

dress watches

Luxury watches

new Piaget watches

Vintage Piaget Watches May Be All the Rage, but the Brand’s Current Collection Is Utterly Dazzling