SAAB 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition Officially Revealed


Saab has built a limited edition of its 9-3 Convertible to celebrate the first anniversary of its independence, or to put it more realistically, the completion of the sale from General Motors to Spyker Cars. Called the Independence Edition, only 366 examples of the car will be produced, one for each day during the first year and one extra for the start of a second year.

The newcomer in Saab's range is based on the 9-3 Convertible Griffin Aero specification adding a unique, Amber Orange metallic paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with a two-tone satin chrome and black finish. In the interior, the special edition model is distinguished by the orange trimmed beige sports leather seats and glovebox, carbon fiber trim, a unique turbo boost gauge and orange stitched sports leather steering wheel and carpet mats with grey piping.

Depending on the market, the powertrain choices for the 9-3 Convertible Independence Edition include a 180HP, 1.9-liter turbo diesel, a 220HP, 2.0-liter gasoline turbo with direct injection, and a Biopower version able to run on any combination of gasoline or E85 fuel. All three powerplants are available with six-speed automatic or manual transmissions.




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New Aston Martin Virage Coupe and Volante Slot Between DB9 and DBS


Aston Martin has decided to further complicate its range with the presentation of yet another pair of cars that are virtually indistinguishable from the brand's other models (insert Cygnet joke here) - at least for the untrained eye. This time, Aston Martin has resurrected the Virage name for a new coupe and cabriolet that sit between the DBS and DB9. According to the company, the Virage "capitalises on the technology from the DBS and unites it with the comfort and refinement found in the DB9 and Rapide".

The Virage Coupe and the soft-top Volante are both powered by the company's familiar 6.0-liter V12 engine. Given that the same poweplant produces 477HP and 443 lb-ft in the DB9 and 517HP and 420 lb-ft in the DBS, it's only natural that the Virage's V12 would fit in between in terms of output delivering 497HP and 420 lb-ft of peak torque.

The V12 is matched to a six-speed Touchtronic II automatic transmission mounted on the transaxle.

Aston Martin says the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint comes in 4.6 seconds while the Virage can continue up to a top speed of 299 km/h (188 mph). In comparison, the numbers for the 477HP DB9 are 4.8" and 306 km/h (190 mph), and for the 510HP DBS, 4.3" and 307 km/h (191mph), respectively.

The Virage features a new Adaptive Damping System (ADS) with a specific tune, as well as a Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system with bespoke settings, and standard Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes.

On the outside, the Virage sports a new aluminium metal front grille with five horizontal vanes that's inspired by the One-77, along with a redesigned front bumper, a fresh interpretation of Aston's side strake with six LEDs on the front wings, different side sills and a re-profiled rear bumper.

Inside, the two Virage models come with a full leather interior complete with colored piping and several standard features such as cruise control, satellite navigation, Bluetooth telephone preparation and a 700W Aston Martin Premium Audio System with Dolby Pro Logic II and full iPod integration

In coupe form, the Virage will be available as a 2+2 or a strictly two seater as an option, the latter providing a rear parcel shelf, while also reducing weight.

The Virage will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next week and go on sale shortly after.



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Geneva Preshow: New Hardcore Jaguar XKR-S with 550HP V8


Exactly one year after the introduction of the updated XKR, Jaguar is returning to the Geneva Motor Show with its most potent mass production car ever, the new XKR-S which comes with an uprated supercharged V8 engine, overhauled suspension and new aerodynamic enhancements.

The XKR-S is fitted with modified version of Jahuar's 5.0-liter supercharged V8 producing 550-horses and 680Nm (501 lb-ft) of peak torque, an increase of 40HP and 70Nm over the standard car. That's enough power to offer the XKR-S a top speed of 186mph (300km/h) and a 0-60mph (96 km/h) sprint time of 4.2 seconds, with 0-100mph dismissed in just 8.6 seconds.

According to Jaguar, the new XKR-S is also the only car in its class that emits less than 300g/km CO2.

Alongside the engine upgrades, the British firm's engineers also made changes to the suspension and reprogrammed the Adaptive Dynamics system, while the XKR-S rides on a new set of lightweight alloy wheels shod in performance tires.

As you can see from the pictures, the XKR-S is distinguished by a new aerodynamics package with a more aggressive looking front bumper, re-profiled side skirts, additional air vents on the hood and bumpers, a large rear wing and a redesigned rear bumper housing a diffuser and quad tail pipes.

“The XKR-S is a bold and exciting new model for Jaguar,” said Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s new Global Brand Director. “We expect to attract both loyal and new Jaguar driving enthusiasts who still want the comfort, opulence and class only a Jaguar can offer, combined with inspirational performance.”

Jaguar said it will release full details and images the XKR-S at the Geneva Show on March 1.


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"ST. HELENA FARMHOUSE," BY BACKEN, GILLAM + KROEGER ARCHITECTS

BEAUTIFUL SCREEN PORCH OF ST. HELENA FARMHOUSE BY BACKEN, GILLAM & KROEGER ARCHITECTS, PHOTO: BGARCH.COM
Architect Howard J. Backen, principal of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects of St. Helena, California, redesigned a simple 1890s Napa Valley farmhouse for a couple who had initially intended to construct a brand-new residence. Mr. Backen turned a once-unremarkable structure into a beautifully open, bright and livable home.*

"KIAWAH ISLAND ESTATE," BY SHOPE RENO WHARTON, RUSS COOPER ASSOCIATES, INC. + JACQUELYNNE P. LANHAM DESIGNS, INC.

The other day, I came across an entry about the brand new website of Atlanta-based interior designer, Jackye Lanham, on one of my favorite blogs, Things That Inspire.  As I browsed through the beautiful images, a few rooms seemed very familiar. I finally remembered where I had seen the designer's elegant work: Ms. Lanham was part of the talented team of professionals who collaborated to create this stunning shingle-style estate, located on Kiawah Island, a barrier island just twenty-one miles off the coast of historic Charleston, South Carolina. The house is, coincidentally, on the market.

"CHARMING SOUTHERN KITCHEN," JACQUELYNNE P. LANHAM DESIGNS, INC.

I have to thank Holly at Things That Inspire for featuring the brand-new website of Atlanta-based interior designer, Jackye Lanham. Ms. Lanham's work embodies the elegance and grace of the South, while still maintaining a sense of livability.
This charming kitchen, for example, feels vintage, but still so fresh. I love the kitchen table in its center, as well as the seatcushions atop the surrounding chairs; and the plates, in their antique finish, grouped around the stainless steel hood provide a wonderful accent.

2011 ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST HOME DESIGN SHOW

Architectural Digest Magazine and the New York Times are co-sponsoring the 10th Annual Architectural Digest Home Design Show, March 17th through 20th, at Pier 94 in New York City.

"BUCKHEAD RENOVATION," BY SPITZMILLER & NORRIS

You can own this stately Buckhead residence, masterfully renovated by premier Atlanta architects, Spitzmiller & Norris.

POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA ARCHITECTS BUILDERS HONORED WITH NAHB 2010 NATIONAL CUSTOM HOME BUILDER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Congratulations to Polhemus Savery DaSilva Architects BuildersPeter Polhemus, recently "named the 2010 National Custom Home Builder of the Year by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). This is the first time the award has been given to an individual who is both a Builder and an Architect leading an integrated architecture and construction firm, and is the first National Custom Home Builder of the Year Award by NAHB to a firm in New England."

"LOMBARDY," BY NEUMANN LEWIS BUCHANAN ARCHITECTS

Visit Clem Labine's PERIOD-HOMES.COM to read "Summer Ensemble," by Lynne Lavelle. The article highlights Neumann Lewis Buchanan Architects' extensive restoration and renovation of Lombardy, a beautiful two-hundred acre farm situated on the Miles River in Talbot Country, MD. "The clients’ principal goals were to make the house more family-friendly, to open up its riverfront façade to take advantage of the views, and to renovate the earlier structure for use as a guesthouse."

"CLASSIC KITCHEN," BY INES LOMBARDI OF OSBORNE CABINETS + MILLWORK

Ines Lombardi, of Osborne Cabinets & Millwork, won a regional award in the 2008/09 Sub-Zero/Wolf Design Contest for this classic kitchen. Ms. Lombardi incorporated wonderful accents into the design scheme, like the copper pendant lighting and cookware; a splash of (what appears to be) robin's egg blue paint inside the glass-front cupboards; rustic beams to add interest and warmth to the room; and slate tiles (as opposed to ubiquitous hardwood flooring, which scratches so easily).*

"EARLY AMERICAN STONE COLONIAL," BY PERIOD ARCHITECTURE, LTD.

Just today I stumbled across the portfolio of Period Architecture, Ltd. of West Chester, Pennsylvania. The firm "draws on the classic building traditions of the Delaware Valley for inspiration in creating thoughtful designs."*
I posted a few screenshots from the firm's website, but unfortunately, their galleries (right now) are organized by "exteriors" and "interiors" rather than individual projects (so I can't provide much information). Nonetheless, the photos exemplify the style and craftsmanship of their beautiful work.

"POOL PAVILION," BY CATALANO ARCHITECTS AT WILLOW DECOR

Check out this "Spectacular Pool Pavilion" by Catalano Architects Inc., featured today on one of my favorite blogsWillow Decor.
I also recommend reading "Lessons from a Grand Home" to see additional images of this beautiful residence. 
The wonderful photographs were taken by the talented, Eric Roth.

"HOUSE AT SEASIDE," BY ROBERT A. M. STERN ARCHITECTS, LLP

The couple who wisely commissioned Robert A. M. Stern to design their oceanfront home in the New Urbanist town of Seaside, Florida, "wanted a house that would become an icon." Mr. Stern and his associates certainly satisfied their clients' request.*

"GEORGIAN ESTATE," ALLAN GREENBERG ARCHITECT + CULLMAN & KRAVIS

Allan Greenberg, "one of the most lauded revivalists of American classical architecture," and the talented Elissa Cullman, of Cullman & Kravis, Inc., collaborated on the architecture and interior design of this "new Georgian-style house, set on one-hundred acres in New Jersey’s horse country." Architectural Digest featured the residence in a wonderful article entitled, "In the Georgian Fashion," in its October 2009 issue.*

ONE OF OUR FAVORITE SITES: DESIGN*SPONGE

Check out Design*Sponge, Brooklyn-based writer Grace Bonney's lovely blog, which "features store and product reviews, cityproduct, and gift guides, diy projects, before and after furniture and home makeovers, (house) tours..." and so much more. Click here to visit Design*Sponge today!
This stunning residence, situated on two acres overlooking the Long Island Sound, was designed by Halper Owens Architects LLC and built by the master craftsmen of Mayfair Construction.  The home was "inspired by the free eclecticism of early-twentieth century architects, which combined English, French and American architectural elements freely."*

"MAINE COASTAL GEM," BY BARNES VANZE AT WILLOW DECOR

Visit Willow Decor (one of my favorite blogs) to read "Maine Coastal Gem," which highlights a beautiful historic renovation by Barnes Vanze.
James Salomon traveled to Bar Harbor, Maine, to photograph the residence, and he was kind enough to allow Willow Decor to post his gorgeous images.

"RIDGESIDE VINEYARD FARMHOUSE," BY BARNES VANZE

The Washington, DC-based firm of Barnes Vanze designed this new farmhouse in the Virginia countryside for a recently-retired couple who decided to pursue their dream of opening a vineyard. According to the architects, "the house is conceived of as a farm compound, a small village. It is sited so that one climbs the hill and enters the house from the high side, saving the overwhelming view for your entry into the (home)."*

"STONE GEORGIAN," BY MARK P. FINLAY ARCHITECTS, AIA AT PERIOD HOMES

Check out Clem Labine's Period Homes to get an in-depth look at this beautiful stone Georgian, designed by Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA.
Mr. Finlay "started off his design scheme with a small-scale main structure," which is "classic Georgian in character." He then "added larger structures at the rear" to suggest that the house grew with the family over time, as "most of these Connecticut houses evolved."
To learn more about this project, and see additional photos of this exquisite residence, visit PERIOD-HOMES.COM.

HIGH GLOSS MAGAZINE

Check out the premier issue of High Gloss Magazine, a beautiful new digital publication founded by Paloma Contreras, creator of the style blog, La Dolce Vita.
"High Gloss brings a fresh, glamorous, stylish approach to every facet of your life. We aim to inspire you continually through a perfect balance of things that are aspirational and attainable. Our mission is to be your preeminent source for fabulous interior design stories, new decorating ideas, the latest in fashion and accessories, unique perspectives on entertaining, and exciting features on some of our favorite travel destinations. High Gloss is where high style meets real life."
Learn more at HIGHGLOSSMAGAZINE.COM.

"HOUSE AT HARDING SHORES OVERLOOK," BY POLHEMUS SAVERY DASILVA

"The work of Polhemus Savery DaSilva beautifully melds the traditions of New England with the way we live today, affirming that an architecture of place trumps an architecture preoccupied with passing trends." When an iconic figure like Robert A. M. Stern, Dean of the Yale School of Architecture, praises his colleagues in so gracious a manner, clearly the houses they design (and in this case, also build) must be superb. Take one look at Polhemus Savery DaSilva's portfolio and you'll surely agree with Mr. Stern's assessment.

"ON THE WATER IN SOUTHPORT," PETER ZIMMERMAN ARCHITECTS + HOBBS, INC.

Peter Zimmerman Architects and fine homebuilder Hobbs, Inc. were presented with a HOBI Award in 2010 (Best Custom Home in the 5,000 to 6,000 square foot category) for this exceptional new residence on the waterfront in the charming town of Southport, Connecticut. The period design and meticulous craftsmanship pay homage to New England's rich architectural tradition.

"HOUSE IN NEW CANAAN," BOXWOOD HOME + INTERIORS | BROOKS + FALOTICO

The Winter 2011 issue of New England Home's CONNECTICUT featured this cozy shingle and stone home, which I immediately recognized. I knew exactly where I'd seen it -- the beautiful portfolio of Fairfield County architects, Brooks & Falotico.

"HUDSON LIGHTING," BY CAMPION PLATT

I wanted to point out the incredible lighting fixtures from yesterday's post ("Shingle Estate on the Hudson," Mackin Architects + Campion Platt).
Campion Platt custom designed the fabulous pendant lighting above the kitchen island, along with several other fixtures for the project. Take a closer look.

"SHINGLE ESTATE ON THE HUDSON," MACKIN ARCHITECTS + CAMPION PLATT

I remember picking up the July 2010 issue of Architectural Digest. "Cher's New Hollywood Home" was supposed to be the big story. I began flipping through the glossy pages until this house caught my eye. Needless to say, my jaw dropped.

"HOUSE AT BLUE WATER HILL," BY ROBERT A. M. STERN ARCHITECTS, LLP

I had every intention of featuring the work of another architect (since my last post had focused on Robert A. M. Stern's "House on Lake Michigan"), but I couldn't help myself. Once you see "House at Blue Water Hill," a beautiful shingle-style home "perched on an extraordinary site 300 feet above Compo Beach" in Westport, Connecticut, you'll quickly understand why.*

"HOUSE ON LAKE MICHIGAN," BY ROBERT A. M. STERN ARCHITECTS, LLP

What better way to launch a blog that highlights the work of our favorite design professionals than to feature a home by the venerable Robert A. M. Stern?*