Archive for January, 2012

Get a Superstar Feeling From Signature and Be in Good Company With a Supercar Trendsetter

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012
 

Lifestyles of the rich and famous often keep us mesmerised.   The budget, the glamour, the extravagance all keep us hooked and following the latest trends.  Now one story has emerged which continues to astound with its opulence but gives us a little bit of credit for our own style as well.

Newborn daughter of ex-Destiny’s child singer Beyonce Knowles and RnB superstar Jay-Z was always going to be born into the royalty of rock.  It was to be expected that her birth and everything associated with it was always going to be prefixed with the word ‘super’.  Now it has been seen that the supercar in which she left the hospital of her delivery was a customised Mercedes van, not unlike the bespoke Mercedes-Benz Viano recently delivered to Signature Car Hire.

Blue Ivy Carter left Lenox Hill Hospital in New York in the dark hours of Tuesday morning in a $1 million-outfitted Mercedes van.  This followed a birthing experience whose price tag surpassed even that figure.  Blue was born in the already-exclusive private clinic and then spent her time with her mum in the recovery area and private suite, remodelled by Knowles and Jay-Z over the last few months with a budget in excess of one million dollars. 

Renovations included demolishing up to eight rooms to make way for two suites, and the addition of a bullet-proof door.  Their own personal security force was also brought in to add to existing hospital security.  

The Mercedes van brought them home no doubt to their luxury penthouse, also recently redecorated for her impending arrival.  Beyonce and Jay-Z bought a $20,000 cot in the shape of a carriage with rear luggage rack changing table.   Perhaps having great wheels is very important to this couple.

It is reported that Beyonce acquired the Mercedes a few months ago, in preparation for the birth.  She may have been disappointed to see the back end of her luxury Maybach but the customised Mercedes may well have helped to keep up her spirits.  The oversize engine capacity ensures that the star family can get away from any tricky situations, whilst the enhanced exterior certainly fits with their flamboyant sense of style.

Inside are all the creature comforts that the three of them could enjoy.  Hand-stitched Cream Italian leather seats are lined with Chestnut.  A full bathroom with shower, basin and toilet is installed.  The sumptuous interior is pictured as featuring wide-screen television, plush cream carpeting, and electronic entertainment and privacy controls.

It is not far removed from the customised Mercedes-Benz Viano now available at Signature Car Hire, so it would seem as though the happy family are in good company.   The Viano Ambiente 2.2 CDI is also available in Obsidian metallic black for that classic look.  Tinted privacy glass ensures complete security and comfort at all times.  Inside, the hand-stitched Connelly Italian leather seats are finished in Peltro grey.  Quilted roof panels, electronic climate control, two entertainment screens, laptop stations, and armchair style seating characterise the vehicle.  With such a cocoon of luxury, you can be forgiven for thinking that you are on your way to a glittering awards ceremony or other celebrity occasion.

In keeping with the biggest A-list stars on the planet, the largest fleet of the world’s most beautiful vehicles now contains everything to give you that trademark of the idols.

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Car Purchase Bargains in January Sales Not as Easy as You Think

Monday, January 30th, 2012

Whilst cash on hand after the New Year celebrations is about as plentiful as needles on a Christmas Tree by the twelfth night, retailers are extra-keen to lure buyers onto the forecourt in a bid to attract their share of that scarce money.

Car specialist Glass’s Guide has just published some tips however to help consumers track down the best bargain in new and used vehicles this month.  Room for discounts and negotiations appear as dealers try to move new stock and revive flagging sales.

However, depending on what type of car you are after, there is also a case for buyer beware.   Out-of-factory convertibles could be a particularly good buy right now, as the opportunities for driving around with the top down right now are non-existent.  Should you be a potential 4 x 4 purchaser, the strong demand for all-condition all-terrain vehicles after the last three white winters has made room for bargaining on these prices evaporate.

Given such high levels of want for all-road vehicles, a much more efficient use of your limited budget would be to hire a 4 x 4.  The biggest and best fleet of Range Rovers is available from Signature Car Hire.
The Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8 2011 Exterior BodyKit is a superb car to start your Range Rover self-drive experience.  It offers the best of both worlds, the traditional Range Rover off-road performance and what you need to keep safe on snowy roads with its eight-speed transmission and Drive Select.

The Range Rover Sport 5.0 SuperCharged Autobiography is the flagship vehicle in the Range Rover Sports selection allowing you to take charge in any weather conditions. The Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 HSE 2011 is your choice of hire car if you want the ultimate in luxury and comfort to shield you from the icy weather outside.

Range Rover Sport 3.6 TDV8 HSE with its powerfully efficient TVV8 engine is the perfect vehicle for anything that Mother Nature can throw at us.  It can also help you assist other motorists less fortunate, to pull them out of their stranded position.

The Range Rover Vogue 4.4 TDV8 Diesel, new in 2011, means that you get to drive a car ‘as new’ without any of the ownership hassles.

The advantages start with the fact that all their vehicles are purchased new with high levels of specifications, and all you pay is the flat rental fee.  The cost of hidden extras and options is just not something you need to worry about.  Their vehicles come to you registered, with MOT, serviced, warranteed, and even valeted.  There is absolutely no hassle whatsoever.  Should you wish, the Range Rover can even be delivered to whatever point of collection in the UK that you require.

When you are finished with your Range Rover of choice, you can simply return the vehicle.  Depreciation is not a factor in this decision, as it is not your worry.  Maintenance is also something that is simply nothing to be concerned about.

Range Rover hire remains the smartest way to acquire a 4 x 4 this season.

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Porsche on Parade at Autosport International

Friday, January 27th, 2012

The latest gift from the team at Porsche AG is a stunning video of their stand at this year’s Autosport International event.  Held every year since 1991, this exhibition is one Motor Show that you can really relate to.  Everything that you see has earned its racing stripes, and a great many will be familiar to petrolheads whether you have seen them in the flesh or on screen. 

This year’s show was no exception.  The 2012 event was held in Birmingham.  It has become regarded as the preview to the forthcoming motorsport season.  Classic race cars though, as well as the latest speed machines, were on view. 

There is no better way to see the pedigree of Porsche’s racing heritage.  Since much of the development of any Porsche road car happens through their racing team, this is a wonderful window to look through and see their marquee in action.  It has become crucial for Porsche to present their new models at the show due to the intense link between race track prowess and new products. 

Months of planning and preparation go into ensuring readiness for the show.  From the show brief, they decide on which cars they will promote to the public.  

At the forefront of their exhibit are their flagship cars, the 911 GT3 Cup entrants.  The new 911 Carrera S road car is thus a worthy descendant of the racing heritage and also earned its place on show, displaying its horsepower to the full. The relationship between the 918 RSR and 918 Spyder is therefore also of interest. For the 918 RSR, this was its swansong before it takes up its place in the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. 

The Porsche Experience Centre, located at Silverstone, was also showcased at the show.  Since visitors to the Porsche stand may all have some degree of interest in getting behind the wheel of a racing Porsche, the entry levels and details of how to do so are freely dispensed. 

This really is a great opportunity to get into the driving seat of a Porsche. That and hiring one of our Porsches of course!

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Signature Boss Gives Staff a New Year Get-Fit Incentive with VV Fitness

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Definition, energy, power, and style are all hallmarks of the cars on display in the experience centre at Signature Car Hire.  Now, it may be possible to see this in the team with whom you interact when you visit.   There is a New Year’s resolution in swing at the head office.  Demonstrating true leadership, Signature boss Dee Bhatia has given his staff a weekly in-house training session with a personal trainer to help them get fit and active for 2012.     

Vahdaneh Vahid has accepted this invitation and has already engaged with the sales team.  Given her experience and the backing of her own organisation, VV Fitness, it is likely that there will be some high-performance results seen soon, just like the beautiful cars around the experience centre.  

Vahdaneh works on the well-established principle that healthy employees are good for their families and for their employers, and of course for themselves.  She works first on improving their health levels and then on their weight and other indicators.  Believing in the uniqueness of each person, just like the good-looking cars around the experience centre, Vahdaneh will make sure that every employee receives personalised attention to their health and fitness.  She will make sure that not only do they get an individualised work-out once a week, but that they will also receive nutrition and diet advice for total-body wellness.

Many of us may start the New Year with resolutions about improving our weight, body shape, or overall health.  A personal trainer is one way to make sure that one’s investment is put to the best possible use.  VV fitness avoids the temptation of just paying for a gym membership and then never actually going.  Vahdaneh comes to you, and will be putting the Signature Car Hire team through their paces in their sublime surroundings at the experience centre.

VV fitness demonstrates their dedication in the variety of experiences they can offer their trainees, just like that offered by the cars in the experience centre.  Power, strength, and agility are built up through the use of kettle bells, boxing, free weights, core strength training, and metabolic training.  

Dee says ‘my team works very hard to ensure my business achieves the highest standards, so I wanted to give them something back, something that they could enjoy together, benefit from and have a fit of fun. I know Vahdaneh will motivate the team and revitalise them after all the Christmas and New Year partying! It’s my way of saying thanks to my valued team and to ensuring they all stay fit and healthy.’

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New Pictures of our Limited Edition Aston Martin N420 V8 Roadster

Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

Our Aston Martin N420 V8 Roadster Limited Edition really is a supercar. It was honed on one of the world’s greatest race circuits, the Nurburgring in Germany, and is one of Signature’s flagship hire cars.. Delivering on both visual beauty and technological excellence, supercar fans won’t fail to be impressed by the awesome acceleration speed of 0-60mph in only 4.7 seconds.

Our in house photographer has just taken some new pictures of our breathtaking Aston N420 so that you can see it in all its glory.

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Audi R8 V8 Limited Edition Spectacular is a Must-See

Saturday, January 21st, 2012

 

The latest evolution of the R8, the V8 Limited Edition, has just been released by Audi AG.  As seen in their promotional video, this is an audiovisual dream come true.  Headlined by its titanium-look painted body and alloy wheels with red brake callipers, this dramatically-styled supercar takes the limelight in this new midnight video clip.  

An upgraded specification level, the R8 Limited Edition has been created to celebrate the phenomenal tenth victory at Le Mans, in the twenty-four hour endurance race. This race was first won by Audi in 2000, of course in the R8 sports prototype. 

The stunning visual aspect of the R8 is enhanced by this special Titanium metallic paint effect as an inclusive feature of the Limited Edition.  Whilst the standard metallic and pearl-effect paint options remain available, it is only on the R8 Limited Edition that the Titanium-effect hue is sprayed.  The distinguishing 19-inch five-arm double-spoke ‘Y’ design alloy wheels complete the look.

Should that not be enough for the most discerning of Limited Edition collectors, a Carbon package is an option.  Featuring carbon sigma side blades, door mirrors, monoposto, inlays, and door sill trims, it also frames the illuminated engine bay with carbon fibre.  This adds to the view of the V8 engine, when seen through the rear window. 

The engine itself is a 4.2 litre 430PS V8 FSI unit.  Limited to 8250 rpm, this allows the R8 Limited Edition to achieve 62mph from standing in 4.6 seconds.  This Audi is available with both manual and R-tronic automated manual gearboxes.  

Standard in the R8 Limited Edition is Audi’s magnetic ride adaptive suspension.  This is a system which uses sensors to monitor road conditions and adjust the dampers through a varying magnetic charge.   Also found packaged are the ultra-lightweight aluminium and magnesium Audi Space Frame and Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive.

Inside the car, black Nappa leather upholstery is accented with scarlet stitching.  The instrument cowl and multi-function leather-covered flat-bottomed steering wheel is also cued in red needlepoint.   Red leather is used to finish the knee pads and passenger door handles. As a final tasteful flourish, floor mats feature red trim with a silver R8 monogram.

Entertainment is provided through the Audi Music Interface and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.  Communications are supplied through the satellite navigation system and Bluetooth mobile phone interface, complete with integrated seatbelt microphones.  Interior lighting rounds off the ambience.

This former World Performance Car, as named at the 2010 World Car of the Year awards, the R8 was launched in 2007 in the 4.2 litre V8 Coupe format.  Works and after-market releases since then have seen the R8 available and tuned in any number of ways to suit your preferences.  To prepare you for this final iteration of the R8, a bespoke driving experience on the Silverstone track is part of the Limited Edition, to prepare you to be truly appreciative of this magnificent creation.

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Range Rover 5.0 V8 Autobiography – Take Your Pick

Friday, January 20th, 2012

 

The Range Rover 5.0 V8 Autobiography is such a popular car hire model that we have two within our fleet. They are almost identical, the only difference being the difference in seat colour, one boasting a luxurious two tone colour. Take a look at the latest pictures taken in our experience centre.

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Signature’s Armoured Range Rover offers Anonymity Compared to Chinese Military Armoured 4 x 4

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

 

There is a lot going on in the Chinese motor market lately.  Range Rover, Rolls Royce, Audi, and Lamborghini, to mention a few, have all focussed serious attention delivering customised products and launches on this fast-growing market.  Not all of it is something to be particularly envious of however.  The idea of seeing the latest in Chinese motor engineering on British roads is perhaps not something we would hope for.

The most recent release to hit the tarmac or some certain parts of it at least, is an armoured version of the Dongfeng EQ2050.  The original version of this vehicle is certainly favoured by the Chinese military, for its role in protecting its nation.   Hummer-like in its exterior appearance, the armoured version is also a 4×4.  High ground clearance allows the vehicle the freedom to cross any number of terrain conditions for its missions.  A virtual all-rounder, the vehicle is designed for offensive and fast hit-and-run attacks.  For this purpose, a gun turret on the roof can accommodate either a rocket-propelled grenade launcher or an automatic machine gun.       

From the Chinese specialists in multi-purpose vehicles, an all-road ambulance is one of their other recent releases; this vehicle is built on the heritage that brought forth tanks and IFVs.  Under the bonnet in this particular model however, the V8 diesel engine was built by Dongfeng in collaboration with Cummins.   

Standing 1.8 metres high, armouring appears to have been kept lightweight.  The advantage of this vehicle in a protection situation would seem to be in its speed and agility.  Inside the vehicle, reinforcement is available in terms of steel bars supporting the roof and flexible armour curtains on the interior sides.

The overt nature of this vehicle’s objectives are a stark contrast to our own native breed of protective vehicles, epitomised by the armoured Range Rover currently available for self-drive hire or with chauffeur or CPO service.  

The bullet-resistant Range Rover may take a completely different approach to its duties but it certainly does so with panache and respect.  Our more tasteful vehicle may not be able to launch an RPG but it certainly has a lot more flair.  Even with its lightweight Armormax ballistic composite material covering the body and bullet-resistant glass protecting its windows, our Armoured Range Rover still manages to look as elegant as any other Range Rover on the road.

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Dynamite Comes in Small Packages; See Explosive New AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper Coupe

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

Treating the already-thrilling new MINI Cooper Coupe to some special attention, the German after-market tuners AC Schnitzer have not held back for this supercar in miniature. 

Wrapping up the MINI Cooper Coupe was always going to be a fun job.  This seductive little bundle of joy is attractive already.  More-usually famed for their work in blue-blooded German marques such as BMW and Porsche, AC Schitzer did not hold back in their timeous release of a comprehensive package of performance outfitting.

Delivering the AC Schnitzer MINI Cooper Coupe almost as swiftly as the original MINI Cooper Coupe has been released; it is a good example of their own attitude to high-performance.  The speed with which they have applied after-market finishing doesn’t mean however that they have held back in either quantity or quality. And the best news on those treats is that there will be more modifications available in the near future.

The Cooper S now has a limited slip differential, and a sports rear silencer together with chrome exhaust pipe trim.  The prized John Cooper Works Coupe models also benefit from this exhaust system. 

Given that the promised and upcoming power tuning will increase the MINI Cooper Coupe’s ability to go, Schnitzer have already made progress on its ability to stop.   The diminutive yet punchy sportscar will be able to benefit from the new high-performance brake system, complete with four-piston fixed callipers and slotted discs.

Improved handling is available from the height-adjustable racing suspension.  This is used to take the car lower to the tarmac for optimal race conditions, improved aerodynamics and down-force, and reduced drag.  Track conditions are mirrored with a stiffer spring suspension kit, aluminium strut brace, and rear antiroll bar all being available.   

Beauty as well as brawn is enhanced with the 17’’ Mi 1 Silver, or 18’’ M12 Bicolour alloy wheels.  These are available for all distinguished MINI Cooper Coupe models.  Further embellishments are present in the form of an exterior decal set, a gear knob with digital gear display, aluminium pedal set and ‘Black Line’ handbrake handle.   Of course, the unique AC Schnitzer hallmark is adhered on the rear bumper and slicing through the MINI Cooper stripe towards the rear wheel arch. 

With apparently more to come, this is one instance where Christmas really does come twice.  If it’s the sort of car you would like to see in the Signature Car Hire experience centre, let us know by leaving a comment.

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Range Rover China Edition as Bright as the Stars of their Flag

Monday, January 16th, 2012

It would seem that everybody wants to produce editions customised for the Chinese market.  It is after all one of the most important markets for the world’s luxury marques.  Rolls Royce, Lamborghini and Audi have all given this growing new world special attention lately.  The increasing interest from the higher-income Chinese customer is matched by what they have to spend. 

But as they say, flattery will get you anywhere.  Paying respect to the Chinese connoisseur, the designers and after-market outfitters of the most beautiful cars on earth are really showing some ingenuity and creativity to capture their piece of this lucrative market.  The spin-offs for us are some particularly exciting models.  Whether these eventually come to a car showroom near you however remains a question.  

The latest in this oriental outlay comes from the British-based after-market tuner, Overfinch.  Specialising in Range Rover models, Overfinch has been tuning the best in 4x4s since 1975.  Experts in making these superb allroaders even better, they recently accepted a commission from a JLR dealership in China.  High-performance specialists, they have truly lived up to their name in their latest creation.  A larger-than-life edition of the Range Rover 5.0 litre V8 SC has been produced in Canary Yellow. 

Not a camera-shy car to begin with, the Range Rover 5.0 litre V8 SC is the flagship of the modern onroad-offroad marque.  Commanding to the point of presidential, it was an obvious choice for this important market offering.  Pictures taken show a Range Rover Sport in full golden glory.  The most striking feature of this custom-made capitalist icon is the vivid China-yellow paint.  This reflects the sparkle of stars in the scarlet flag of this Republic.   The customary ‘Range Rover’ decal over the leading lip of the bonnet is replaced by the customised ‘Overfinch’.  This again appears on the rear bumper.  The hallmark Range Rover Sport aerofoil-shaped ‘gills’ behind the front wheel arch are highlighted in carbon fibre.

The China Edition also shows its might underneath as well.  Power to the tune of 503 bhp has been made available for those who will put their foot down in this marvel of globalisation.  Lowered suspension increases the appeal to the urban Chinese customer.    

Inside, the China Edition continues to amaze.  An array of aviation-inspired parts, yellow-trimmed interior, and custom-made seats give the passenger cabin the feeling of a private jet.  Seating features yellow cladding and stitching, to contrast with the graphite leather.  The three rear seats give an impression of first-class luxury and comfort, with a certain sporty edginess.     The monogrammed driver and passenger seats feature ‘Overfinch’ in a stamp of sunshine yellow.   

At Signature, we are already experts at fine tuning and customising our vehicles all to the highest specifications. Although we won’t be adding a yellow Range Rover to our fleet, we do opt for some stunning colour choices and designs to make our vehicles truly unique. Take a look at our White Range Rover Sport 5.0 Supercharged Autobiography and you will note the striking red and black interior or choose our Range Rover Sport 3.0 TDV6 Autobiography which has a stunning cream and black colour combination on the interior, both making a change from a standard black.  When we order our vehicles we add on many additional extras, including bodykits and upgraded alloys, in fact some of our Range Rovers already have Overfinch features added as extras. We are happy to consider  any client’s requests, for example if you want the Overfinch kits added to a specific model of Range Rover, just let us know. We take it as a compliment that the Chinese market is following in our footsteps of a bespoke Range Rover, but we think it perhaps a little over the top.

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