InsideLux – The Luxury News Authority

Italian motorists near Foggia were thanking their lucky stars yesterday when a bullion van en route to a bank in Bari overturned spilling its load of 2 million Euros (£1.6million).

One and two euro coins scattered across the busy motorway after the van burst a tyre, hit another car before crashing into a barrier. Two drivers in the truck and two in the car were hurt but no-one was bothered about them as passing motorists stopped to scoop up at least 10,000 Euros.

Later police in Foggia said that after a further recount the estimated amount missing was closer to 50,000 Euros.

Pop singer, fashion designer and now creative design executive for Range Rover, looks like the sky is the limit for Victoria Beckham.

Mrs. Beckham’s new role was unveiled at the 40th birthday celebrations of Range Rover at ‘The Orangery’ at London’s Kensington Palace. To mark the celebration the brand unveiled a smaller, sleeker model called the Range Rover Evoque.

Beckham will be working in collaboration with the creative team on the Range Rover Evoque which goes on sale next summer and is described as the “greenest” Range Rover yet.’’

In explaining the decision to take on Victoria, Land Rover and Range Rover design director Gerry McGovern said “She knows a lot about fashion and a lot about trends, a lot about luxury products; she has her own fashion business that’s been going for three years and has gained critical acclaim.”

Here’s the first look at 2011 Aston Martin DB9 which hits showrooms this month. According to Aston Martin, the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 has the most significant upgrade programs since the model was first introduced back in 2003.

The 2011 Aston Martin DB9 is powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine that develops 470bhp and 442lb ft of torque

The official numbers say the 2011 Aston Martin DB9 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and that it has a top speed of 190 mph.

John Hennessey has outdone himself again with the creation of the new super light and ultra powerful Hennessey Venom GT. Known for his impeccable work with the Dodge Viper, this space-aged toy is based originally from a Lotus Elise (the only part in relation to Lotus and this car is the body shape and odds and ends) but, the Mad scientist had inserted a LS7 engine with twin ball bearing turbochargers producing up to 1200 horsepower and 1135 lbs/ft of torque. If that doesn’t make you salivate enough, the body was replaced with lightweight carbon fiber and stylish upgrades to make the Venom GT more appealing then the original Elise thus making its curb weight a scant 2,685 pounds. Hennessey is offering two engine choices, one being the less severe supercharged LS9 version producing 725 horsepower and the Behemoth twin turbo LS7 producing close to 1200 horsepower. All cars are offered in either left or right hand drive, and each is specially designed so no two Venom GT’s are alike. Hand crafted in England, the Venom GT is limited to production to only 10 units per year and specifically tailored to each owner. Watch out Ultimate Aero, there is a new sheriff in town and it has the capability of taking the new top speed record.

The Fisker Karma, an ultra-sleek hybrid car, has more energy saving technology than just it’s plug-in capabilities; it also features rooftop solar panels. First of it’s kind, Karma can sit in the sun and not only display its super-sexy luxury vehicle status, but soak in the suns rays to actually re-charge the batteries! While saving the planet, the stylishness of the outside of the coup seeps in with two different interior options. “EcoChic”, which used “100 percent bamboo viscose and frames authentic fossil leaves inside the EcoGlass” and the “EcoSport” boasts top-of-the-line leather for a more sophisticated and luxurious option.

At $90,000, the eco-friendly high end vehicle goes from zero to 60 in 5.8 seconds and reaches up to 200km/h. With a fully charged battery, the driver can travel on electric power for 80 kilometers without needing a re-charge. When the battery is low, a two-litre gas engine starts up knocking the distance capacity up to 380km.

Thanks to German Magazine ‘the Bild.de’ we finally get a preview of Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell.

The Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell is said to be powered by four electric motors, one for each wheel developing a total of 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque. Rumour has it the final production model of the E-Cell is expected to go on sale in 2013. We wait with baited breath for more information from official sources but enjoy the pictures in the mean time.

Pierre Veyron, the French Le Mans winner, was awarded by his sponsor, Bugatti, with not just one full size super car named for him, but also the most expensive model car to date. The Bugatti Veyron Diamond Ltd Edition model car lives up to its robust name not only with its 24-carat gold and platinum construction, but also the diamond detailing throughout the ‘toy’ car. With only three in existence, designer Stuart Hughes and model car maker Robert Gulpen were able to go all out, making the model appear to own as many real vehicle characteristics as possible. Working doors, steering and a lifting bonnet encasing the 16-cylinder “W” engine are all tiny replicas of the real car, which can reach speeds of nearly 254mph. The ultra-lux components of the replica combined with master craftsmanship and attention to detail have left a $2million price tag on the lavish keepsake.

The yet to be completed Ferrari 599 Spider will be launched this coming August according to Ferrari’s boss president Luca di Montezemolo, he also mentioned it will have an emotional, romantic name such as Italia or Fiorano.”

The upcoming vehicle could offer a power premium that would allow it to maintain its dynamic qualities in spite of the added weight just as the company’s latest topless V12 model and the Superamerica did.

Di Montezemolo also confirmed the new Ferrari 599 Spider will not be shown at a traditional motor show instead prospective customers will get a private viewing of the car at Ferrari’s HQ in Maranello. The Ferrari 599 Roadster will be the first open top V12 from Maranello since the 575 Superamerica five years ago and like its predecessors will be sold in limited numbers.

Purchase the Strand Craft 122 Open and get a matching stored-aboard 880HP, twin-turbocharged v12-powered coach-built super car… FOR FREE. Considering the price of the high-speed, super-luxurious, 38-meter yacht does not publicly boast a price tag; there is no telling how much of a deal this truly is. The deco, ultra sleek yacht houses a planned speed of 55 knots (63 MPH), making this stylish water ride more than just eye candy. Paired with the classy twin car, the transition from car to yacht has never been more smoothly maneuvered.

The economic climate causing the Euro to lose more than 7 per cent in May has resulted in luxury car makers such as Mercedes-Benz being able to make their cars more affordable to the Chinese market.  The car maker expects to deliver more than 300,000 cars for the 2010 financial year, making it their fastest growing market in the world.  BMW also announced that the weakening Euro has helped them reap a record profit this year in spite of the recession which has claimed other luxury car makers including Saab and Hummer.