The World’s 25 Fastest Production Cars

When car companies compete for top-speed bragging rights, the world wins.

By Sean Evans 02/07/2021

The first production vehicle to crack 320km/h was the Ferrari F40. The year was 1987; immediately after that Italian stallion’s speedometer registered 321km/h, the race to enter the 400km/h club began. In 2019, amid fervent competition between Koenigsegg, Hennessey and Bugatti, the Chiron Super Sport bested the others by a horseshoed nose, achieving a staggering 490.3km/h. In early 2020, a bevy of new hypercars was announced—several promising at least 480km/h. Then, this year, SSC North America turned a claim into reality, cementing the SSC Tuatara’s spot at number two—at least for now. So, we’re updating our list of the fastest cars in the world and expanding it to show more wheeled lightning. (Three quick editor’s notes: our sole criterion is top speed, our floor for consideration is at least 350km/h and unproven manufacturer claims are denoted.)

Porsche 918 Spyder — 350km/h

A Porsche 918 Spyder.

The Porsche 918 Spyder Courtesy of Porsche AG.

Porsche did some light sandbagging when it claimed the top speed on its 918 model was 344km/h. In 2018, one 918 Spyder was recorded clocking 351km/h. Still the fastest production car the Stuttgart marque has produced, the hybrid power train features a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V-8, good for 446kW, and twin electric motors that contribute another 210kW, bringing the sum to 656kW.

Ferrari Enzo — 350km/h

An example of the Ferrari Enzo.

The Ferrari Enzo that sold last year through RM Sotheby’s. Karissa Hosek, courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

Only 400 of these carbon-fibre beauts emerged from Maranello, all singing the glorious, throaty song of a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V-12. With 484kW lurking in that mill, and a lithe-for-the-time curb weight of 1360kg, the Enzo shredded the quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat, with the ability to continue on to 350km/h, given enough asphalt.

Aston Martin One-77 — 354km/h

The Aston Martin One-77 supercar.

The Aston Martin One-77. Courtesy of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC.

This limited-edition coupe from Aston Martin was capped at 77 units, though after an accident in Asia, only 76 examples remain. Beneath the long hood lies a 7.3-litre V-12 from Cosworth, good for 559KW. That propels the aluminum-and-carbon-fibre chassis from a dead stop to 97km/h in 3.5 seconds. A series of tests by Aston showed that its steed was capable of 354km/h back in 2009.

Rimac Concept_One — 355km/h

Rimac Concept_One

Photo: Courtesy Rimac

This gorgeous stunner hails from Croatia, the first road-legal production vehicle to emerge from the brain of Mate Rimac. The fully electric hypercar employs four motors that, in concert, make 913kW and 1600Nm of torque. Less than 10 examples were produced, including the one that Richard Hammond famously crashed on camera, so when one came up for sale in New York City in September of 2020 for approx. $2.1 million, it was a big deal.

Pagani Huayra — 383km/h

Pagani Huayra BC Macchina

Pagani Huayra BC Macchina Volante Shutterstock

The successor to the game-changing Zonda, the Huayra comes from Italian speed master Horacio Pagani and is named after Huayra-tata, a Quechua wind god. Fitting, considering the 536kW coming from a twin-turbocharged Mercedes-AMG V-12. A seven-speed single-clutch gearbox puts down the power while delivering chunky, whiplash-inducing shifts, allowing you to scream from zero to 97km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds.

Pagani Huayra BC Roadster — 386km/h (Estimated)

A Pagani Huayra BC Roadster.

The Pagani Huayra BC Roadster. Courtesy of Pagani Automobili S.p.A.

The “BC” in the moniker of this entry is an homage to Benny Caiola, an Italian-born businessman who became a New York real estate titan. Caiola bought the first Zonda off Horatio Pagani himself, subsequently becoming a dear friend. This iteration of the open-top Huayra launched in 2019, after Pagani left the Geneva International Motor Show with five unsolicited deposits for a more aggressive version of the Huayra Roadster. The resulting machine features a new Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V-12, tweaked to be about seven per cent more powerful than the coupe version of the BC. The 590kW output should be more than ample to rocket the approx. $4.6 million open-top hypercar to 386km/h.

McLaren F1 — 386.4km/h

McLaren F1

McLaren F1 Photo: Courtesy of McLaren

The iconic three-seater from McLaren was a revolutionary model from the brilliant mind of designer Gordon Murray. Built in 1993, it was the first carbon-fibre-bodied production car ever built, and featured a 6.1-litre V-12 from BMW that was good for 460.8kW and 640Nm of torque. For the then-expensive, now-bargain price of approx. $920,000, you were rewarded with blistering speed: zero to 97km/h in 3.2 seconds and zero to 160km/h required just 6.3 seconds. Simply mental performance figures, especially when you factor in that the engine is naturally aspirated. When it officially set the world speed record back in 1998, the 386.4km/h run remained top dog until 2005, when the Koenigsegg CCR bested it by all of 1.6km/h.

Saleen S7 Twin Turbo — 399km/h

2005 Saleen S7

2005 Saleen S7 Simon Davison/Flickr.

Steve Saleen set out to build a Bugatti Veyron challenger, and this street-legal race car was the result. One of the first American mid-engined performance machines ever crafted, the Saleen S7 was 100 percent hand-built. A heavily-tweaked 7.0-litre twin-turbo Ford 351 Windsor Small Block gets bored and stroked, bestowing the handsome coupe with 559km/h.

Koenigsegg CCXR — 400km/h

Koenigsegg CCXR

Koenigsegg CCXR Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.

The CCXR uses the same 4.7-litre twin-turbo V-8 mill as the CCX, but the Swedish company modded the power plant to run on E85 race gas, which shot the power from 593kW up to 748kW be exact. Given the CCXR’s upgraded aerodynamics package and engine, it would be interesting to see how it performs in a proper top-speed run that’s in a straight line and not on a circular track (which is how the aforementioned CCR ran).

Koenigsegg Gemera — 400km/h (Claimed)

The Koenigsegg Gemera supercar

Koenigsegg Gemera Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.

The second hypercar from the Swedish automotive wizards to grace our list is referred to as a “mega GT” by founder Christian von Koenigsegg. That’s because it’s packing 1267kW, 3500Nm of torque and has four seats, each of which was designed to hold an actual human. (Thoughtfully, there’s room for the storage of one carry-on suitcase per passenger.) The sprint to 97km/h is over in 1.9 seconds—faster than you can read this sentence.

Tesla Roadster — 400km/h+ (Claimed)

The Tesla Roadster.

Tesla Roadster Photo: Courtesy Tesla.

Elon Musk launched Tesla with a coupe, so this electric Roadster is a fitting return to his roots. Only he’s turned everything up to 11. Tesla claims its 200 kWh battery pack will provide up to 997km of range, while a trio of motors will propel the approx. $300,000-plus four-seat supercar to 97km/h in 1.9 seconds. With that quickness, the quarter-mile is in your rearview in just 8.8 seconds.

Aston Martin Valkyrie — 402km/h (Claimed)

Aston Martin Valkyrie

Aston Martin Valkyrie Courtesy of Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC.

When engineers from Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing put their heads together, the world benefits. The Valkyrie, or AM-RB 001 as it was known in development, is a fantastically wild-looking hypercar. Behind your seat, a 6.5-litre Cosworth V-12 churns out 865kW, more than enough to compress your innards during the 2.3 seconds it takes to hammer to 97km/h. And it has recently been spotted road-testing.

McLaren Speedtail — 402km/h

McLaren Speedtail

McLaren Speedtail Courtesy of McLaren Automotive Limited.

The rear-wheel-drive Speedtail employs a hybrid system good for 772kW, and its sleek shape and lightweight carbon-fibre construction is tailor-made for its top speed of 402km/h. McLaren claims it’ll take only 12.8 seconds to go from a dead stop to 300km/h, which is an eye-watering stat.

Bugatti Veyron — 407.2km/h

Bugatti Veyron

Bugatti Veyron Courtesy of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

When Bugatti launched the Veyron in 2005, it represented a number of firsts, including fastest, most powerful and most expensive car available at the time. Behind your head, an enormous 8.0-litre W-16 engine generates746kW and a staggering 1248Nm of torque. That’ll rocket you to 97km/h in 2.5 seconds, 200km/h in 7.3 seconds, 300km/h in 16.7 seconds and, if you’ve got the guts, all the way to a top speed of 407km/h.

SSC Ultimate Aero TT— 412.1km/h

Ultimate Aero TT

SSC Ultimate Aero TT Courtesy of Wikipedia.

SSC North America’s 2007 Ultimate Aero TT has a Guinness Book of Records–verified top speed of 412.28km/h. That record has since been broken by others, and now belongs to its successor, the SSC Tuatara. But that doesn’t take anything away from this fully carbon-fibre behemoth. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged Corvette C5R V-8 that’s tuned to produce more than 820kW and 1483Nm of torque. The rip to 97km/h is 2.7 seconds, and the task of stopping the land missile is aided by twin air brakes that pop up from the rear wings.

Rimac Concept Two — 415km/h (Claimed)

Rimac Concept Two

Rimac Concept Two Courtesy of Rimac Automobill.

The second model from the Croatian electric hypercar manufacturer is aptly named Concept Two (also known as C_Two) and comes with a lot of boastful claims. The 1407kW  coupe purportedly hits 97km/h from a standstill in 1.85 seconds, has a maximum range of 646km and hustled around the Nürburgring twice without a dip in performance.

Bugatti Chiron — 420km/h

BUGATTI CHIRON SPORT EDITION 110 YEARS

Bugatti Chiron Sport Edition 110 Years Courtesy of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

While Bugatti bosses said they wouldn’t do a top-speed run (and instead just did a zero-to-400km/h-to-zero sprint), one owner hit up Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds to see the 1118 kW Chiron realise its limited top speed of 420km/h. The speedometer goes up to 500km/h, though, so undoubtedly the 2018 Chiron can go much faster, but the folks at Bugatti cite tyre limitations as the reason for the factory-installed governor.

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport — 430.98km/h

Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4

Bugatti Veyron Courtesy of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

Here’s yet another Bugatti, this one built back in 2010 for the sole purpose of securing the accolade of fastest production car ever built. And the Veyron Super Sport achieved it, per Guinness. From the same W-12 power plant, engineers managed to eke out an additional 134kW, bringing the grand total to 882kW. To unlock the potential for max speed, you’ll need a second key that’ll give unfettered access to the engine.

Hennessey Venom GT — 435.1km/h

Hennessey Venom

Hennessey Venom Courtesy of Hennessey Performance Engineering.

John Hennessey’s eponymously named performance group is obsessed with power and speed, evidenced by shoehorning as much oomph as it can into production cars from other manufacturers. Then Hennessey built his own supercar in 2014, powered by a 7.0-litre twin-turbo GM V-8 packing  927kW. The Venom reached 435.1km/h at the Kennedy Space Center’s 5.1km landing strip, but only in one direction. Since both directions are required for a record-holding run, in addition to a production volume of 30 or more cars (only 13 Venoms have been sold), the Hennessey doesn’t qualify for official record books. But still, the beast has surpassed 434km/h and that’s impressive as hell.

Koenigsegg Agera RS — 447.07km/h

Koenigsegg Agera

Koenigsegg Agera Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.

In November of 2017, a Koenigsegg Agera RS, running E85 fuel (meaning it was getting 1014kW), was driven by a factory driver to a two-way average speed of 447.07km/h on an 17.7km strip of closed road in Nevada. The car, owned by a customer who suggested the feat, actually hit 457km/h during the record attempt, which is staggering. At the time, it also nabbed the fastest zero-to-400km/h-to-zero metric (33.2 seconds), the highest average speed during the flying kilometre (431km/h) and for the flying mile on a public road (444.6km/h).

Hennessey Venom F5 — 482km/h+ (Claimed)

A production version of the Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar.

A production version of the Hennessey Venom F5 hypercar. Dean Smith, courtesy of Hennessey Performance Engineering.

Hennessey Performance Engineering’s Venom F5 picks up the baton from its older sibling and rockets away. A 6.6-litre twin-turbo V-8 pumps out 1354KW and 1617Nm of twist, which propels the 1338kg coupe to 100km/h in under two seconds. And in case you were wondering, its name is an homage to the F5 category of tornados, the most intense level possible on the Fujita scale.

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut — 531km/h (Claimed)

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut

The Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Courtesy of Koenigsegg Automotive AB.

The fourth and final Koenigsegg to make the list is named after the founder’s father. While the Swedes have yet to officially cite a top speed for the 1193kW asphalt assaulter, in theory, the 5.0-litre twin-turbo V-8 can reach 530km/h+. To achieve this kind of speed, the only expanse of tarmac long enough would be the 8.7km straight at Ehra-Lessien in Germany, but that’s a Volkswagen facility and it’s unlikely VW would welcome a hopeful contender to bust its Chiron’s record.

Devel Sixteen — 558km/h (Claimed)

Devel Sixteen

Devel Sixteen Matthew P.L. Stevens/Flickr.

A V-16 with 2237kW? Sounds like a dream, which may explain why it’s been in development for more than a decade in Dubai. That mill is made by slapping two LS V-8s together, and if that’s not enough oomph, you can opt for a truly bonkers 3700kW+  iteration of the Devel Sixteen for more than $3 million. That’ll just be for drag-strip dominance, as that version won’t be legal on the road.

SSC Tuatara — 455.2km/h

SSC North America Tuatara hypercar

SSC North America’s Tuatara hypercar Courtesy of SSC North America.

In October of 2020, SSC North America’s founder Jerod Shelby took his latest hypercar to a Nevada desert and hammered out a run that was touted to have averaged 508.73km/h. The internet, however, was sceptical, and shredded that session’s data in short order, negating it. In January of 2021, Shelby decamped to proving grounds at Kennedy Space Center for a redux, bringing ample recording devices and external groups to monitor. That trial resulted in a 449.43km/h speed on a northbound run, followed by the car reaching 460.27km/h on a southbound pass. Those (certified) results average to 453.85km/h, which is more than enough to notch the SSC Tuatara above the Koenigsegg Agera RS on this list.

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport — 490.48km/h

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Courtesy of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

The top spot for the world’s fastest supercar goes to Bugatti. In 2019, pilot Andy Wallace railed a tweaked version of the 1193kW, 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged Chiron Super Sport around the Ehra-Lessien track. The modifications included lengthening the body by 10 inches, lowering it and giving it a new rear aero kit, as well as a new exhaust setup. The real heroes, however, were the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres that were x-rayed before fitment to ensure perfect structural integrity. Watch the Chiron hit 490km/h below:

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Escape from the Ordinary

Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean.

By Robb Report Team 19/02/2024

Not all cruises are created equally. Ponant, the luxury cruise line known for its meticulously planned itineraries and high-end service, ups the ante on their upcoming European Journeys that promise an unrivalled exploration of the Mediterranean. From the stunning Amalfi Coast to the pristine Greek Islands, the narrow Corinth Canal to the picturesque Dalmatian coast, historic Istanbul and beguiling Malaga, each destination is a unique adventure waiting to be unravelled. With Ponant, these aren’t just locations on a map; they’re experiences that come alive with the intimate knowledge and insight that their expert guides provide.

Ponant’s luxury cruises are renowned for their individuality, with no two journeys the same. This is not by chance. Itineraries are scrupulously designed to ensure that each passenger is left with a feeling of having embarked on a journey unlike any other.

Athens-Venise. Photograph by N.Matheus. ©PONANT

In 2025, their fleet will set sail for a combined 56 departures from March to October, exploring the dreamy locales of Greece and the Greek Islands, Malta, Italy (including Venice and Sicily), Croatia, France, Turkey, Spain and Portugal. These European Journeys offer an intimate encounter with the Mediterranean, its people and culture. As you cruise in luxury, you’ll dive deep into the heart of each destination, exploring historic sites, engaging with locals, sampling scrumptious cuisine and soaking in the vibrant atmospheres.

The company’s small, sustainable ships, which can accommodate from as few as 32 to 264 guests, have the exclusive ability to sail into ports inaccessible to larger cruise liners, affording privileged entry into some of the world’s most treasured alcoves. Picture sailing under London’s iconic Tower Bridge, crossing the Corinth Canal, or disembarking directly onto the sidewalk during ports of call in culturally rich cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, Nice and Venice, among others.

Photo by Tamar Sarkissian. ©PONANT

This singular closeness is further enriched by destination experts who unravel the tapestry of each locale’s history and traditions.

Onboard their luxurious ships, every guest is a VIP and treated to refined service and amenities akin to sailing on a private yacht. Whether at sea or ashore, their destination experts guarantee a fascinating experience, immersing you in the rich cultural and historical diversity of each region.

Indulge in the finest gastronomy at sea, inspired by none other than gastronomic virtuoso and Ponant partner, Alain Ducasse. Each voyage offers an expertly crafted dining experience, from a-la-carte meals with perfectly matched wines by the onboard Sommelier at dinner and lunch, to a French-inspired buffet breakfast, featuring all the favourite pastries, fresh bread and quality produce.

Chef Mickael Legrand. Photograph by NickRains. ©PONANT

For a more intimate discovery, consider Le Ponant, with its 16 high-class staterooms and suites—perfect for private charter—sailing eight exclusive routes between Greece and Croatia, offering guests unparalleled experiences both onboard and ashore. Ponant’s commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences extends beyond itineraries. Aboard their ships, the luxury is in every detail. Unwind in opulent cabins and suites, each offering private balconies and breathtaking views of the azure water and destinations beyond.

Ponant’s upcoming European Journeys are more than just cruises—they’re your passport to a world of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and unrivalled luxury. Don’t miss this opportunity to embark on the voyage of a lifetime: the Mediterranean is calling.

To book European 2025 sailings visit au.ponant.com; call 1300 737 178 (AU) or 0800 767 018 (NZ) or contact your preferred travel agent.

 

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Saint Laurent Just Opened a New Bookstore in Paris. Here’s a Look Inside.

The chic new outpost is located on the city’s arty Left Bank.

By Rachel Cormack 14/02/2024

Saint Laurent is taking over even more of Paris.

The French fashion house, which only just opened an epic new flagship on Champs-Élysées, has launched a chic new bookstore on the Left Bank. Located in the 7th arrondissement, Saint Laurent Babylone is a mecca of art, music, literature, and, of course, fashion.

The new outpost is a tribute to the connection that Yves Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Bergé had to the Rue Babylone, according to Women’s Wear Daily. (In 1970, the pair moved to a 6,500-square-foot duplex on the street.) It is also inspired by the house’s original ready-to-wear boutique, Saint Laurent Rive Guache, which opened in the 6th arrondissement in 1966.

The exposed concrete in contrasted by sleek marble accents. SAINT LAURENT

With a minimalist, art gallery-like aesthetic, the space is anchored by a hefty marble bench and large black shelves. The raw, textured concrete on the walls is juxtaposed by a soft blue and white rug, a wooden Pierre Jeanneret desk, and sleek Donald Judd stools.

The wares within Saint Laurent Babylone are the most important part, of course. Curated by Saint Laurent’s creative director Anthony Vaccarello, the collection includes everything from photos by British artist Rose Finn-Kelcey to books published by Saint Laurent itself. Some tomes on offer are so rare that white gloves are required for handling.

The store also offers an enviable selection of records that are no longer being pressed. Highlights include Sade’s Promise, Kate Bush’s Hounds of Love, and the debut studio album of electronic band Kraftwerk.

Other notable items on the shelves include Leica cameras, chocolates made in collaboration with pastry chef François Daubinet, prints by Juergen Teller, and brass skull sculptures. You’ll also find an assortment of YSL merch, including pens, lighters, and cups.

To top it off, Saint Laurent Babylone will double as an event space, hosting live music sessions, DJ sets, book readings, and author signings over the coming months.

Saint Laurent’s latest endeavor isn’t exactly surprising. With Vaccarello at the helm, the Kering-owned fashion house has entered new cultural realms. Only last year, the label established a film production company and debuted its first movie at Cannes.

The space is fitted with a Pierre Jeanneret desk and Donald Judd stools.
SAINT LAURENT

Perhaps Saint Laurent film reels and movie posters will soon be available at Babylone, too.

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The Best Watches at the Grammys, From Maluma’s Jacob & Co. to Jon Batiste’s Vacheron Constantin

Music’s biggest names sported some outstanding watches on Sunday evening.

By Rachel Mccormack 08/02/2024

Weird yet wonderful watches punctuated this year’s Grammys.

The woman of the moment, Taylor Swift, who made history by winning Album of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time, wore an unconventional Lorraine Schwartz choker watch to the annual awards ceremony on Sunday night. That was just the tip of the horological iceberg, though.

Colombian singer-songwriter Maluma elevated a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds, while American musician Jon Batiste topped off a stylish Versace ensemble with a sleek Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon. Not to be outdone, rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a rare Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for the occasion.

There was more understated wrist candy on display, too, such as Jack Antonoff’s Cartier Tank LC and Noah Kahan’s Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo.

For the rest of the best watches we saw on the Grammys 2024 red carpet, read on.

Maluma: Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon

Maluma busted out some truly spectacular bling for this year’s Grammys. The Colombian singer-songwriter paired a classic Dolce & Gabbana suit with a dazzling Jacob & Co. Astronomia Tourbillon and a pair of custom, diamond-encrusted Bose earbuds. The sculptural wrist candy sees a four-arm movement floating in front of a breathtaking dial adorned with no less than 257 rubies. For added pizzaz, the lugs of the 18-karat rose-gold case are invisibly set with 80 baguette-cut white diamonds. Limited to just nine examples, the rarity is priced at $1.5 million.

Asake: Hublot Big Bang Essential Grey

Nigerian singer-songwriter Asake may not have won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance for “Amapiano,” but did wear a winning Hublot Big Bang at Sunday’s proceedings. Released in 2023, the Essential Grey model is made purely of titanium for a sleek, uniform feel. The 42 mm timepiece was limited to just 100 pieces and cost $37,000 a pop.

John Legend: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding

Multihyphenate John Legend wore a legendary Audemars Piguet with silky Saint Laurent on Sunday evening. The self-winding Royal Oak in question features a 34 mm black ceramic case, a black grande tapisserie dial, and striking pink gold accents. The watchmaker’s signature is also displayed in gold under the sapphire crystal. The piece will set you back $81,000.

Jon Batiste: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon

American musician Jon Batiste received four nominations but no wins at this year’s Grammys. The “Butterfly” singer can take solace in the fact that he looked ultra-sharp in Versace and Vacheron Constantin. A tribute to the spirit of travel, the Overseas Tourbillon features a 42.5 mm white-gold case, a bezel set with 60 baguette-cut diamonds, and a blue dial featuring a dazzling tourbillon cage inspired by the Maltese cross. Price upon request, naturally.

Fireboy DML: Cartier Santos

Fireboy DML’s outfit was straight fire on Sunday night. The Nigerian singer paired an MCM wool jacket with a Van Cleef & Arpels bracelet, several iced-out rings, and a sleek Cartier Santos. The timepiece features a steel case, a graduated blue dial with steel sword-shaped hands, and a seven-sided crown with synthetic faceted blue spinel.

Noah Kahan: Panerai Luminor Quaranta BiTempo

Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan wore one of Panerai’s best new watches to Sunday’s festivities. The Luminor Quaranta BiTempo features a 40 mm polished steel case and a black dial with luminous numerals and hour markers, a date display at 3 o’clock, and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock. The timepiece can be yours for $14,000.

Busta Rhymes: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore

Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes busted out a chic Audemars Piguet for this year’s Grammys. The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph in question is distinguished by a 42 mm rose-gold case and a matching pink méga tapisserie dial with an outer flange for the tachymeter scale. The face is fitted with three black subdials, large black numerals, and a black date display at 3 o’clock. You can expect to pay around $61,200 for the chronograph on the secondary market.

Jack Antonoff: Cartier Tank Louis Cartier

Producer of the year Jack Antonoff took to the red carpet with a stylish Cartier on his wrist. The Tank Louis Cartier in question appears to be a large 33.7 mm example that features an 18-carat rose-gold case, a silvered dial with black Roman numerals and blued steel hands, a beaded crown set with a sapphire cabochon, and a brown alligator strap. It’ll set you back $19,900.

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This 44-Foot Carbon-Fiber Speedboat Can Rocket to 177 KMPH

The new Mayla GT is available with a range of different powertrains, too.

By Rachel Cormack 03/02/2024

We knew the Mayla GT would be one of the most exciting boats at Boot Düsseldorf, but a deep dive into the specs shows it could be downright revolutionary.

The brainchild of German start-up Mayla, the 44-footer brings you the blistering performance of a speedboat and the luxe amenities of a motor yacht in one neat carbon-fiber package.

Inspired by the go-fast boats of the 1970s and ‘80s, the GT sports an angular, retro-futuristic body and the sleek lines of a rocket ship. Tipping the scales at just 4500 kilograms, the lightweight design features a deep-V hull with twin transversal steps and patented Petestep deflectors that help it slice through the waves with ease. In fact, Mayla says the deflectors decrease energy usage by up to 35 percent while ensuring a more efficient planing.

The range-topping GT can reach 185 kph. MAYLA

The GT is also capable of soaring at breakneck speeds, with the option of a gas, diesel, electric, or hybrid powertrain. The range-topping GTR-R model packs dual gas-powered engines that can churn out 3,100 hp for a top speed of more than 100 knots (185 kph). At the other, more sustainable end of the spectrum, the E-GT is fitted with an electric powertrain that can produce 2,200 horses for a max speed of 50 knots. The hybrid E-GTR pairs that same electric powertrain with a 294 kilowatt diesel engine for a top speed of 60 knots (111 km/h/69 mph). (The GT in the water at Boot sported two entry-level V8s good for 650 hp and a top speed of over 70 knots.)

The GT is suitable for more than just high-speed jaunts, of course. The multipurpose cockpit, which can accommodate up to eight passengers, features a sundeck with sliding loungers, a wet bar and BBQ, and a foldaway dining table for alfresco entertaining. Further toward the stern, a beach club sits atop a garage with an electric transom door.

The garage has an electric transom door. MAYLA

The GT is even fit for overnight stays. Below deck lies a cabin with a double bed, sofa, wardrobe, vanity, and en suite. You can also expect a high-tech entertainment system with TVs and premium audio.

As for price, the GT with the entry-level powertrain will cost between $2.7 million and $2.9, depending on the final configuration. (You can fine-tune the layout, hull color, and interiors, naturally.) Interested buyers can set up a sea trial with Mayla, with test-drives set to begin this spring in Europe.

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Red Centre

First Nations artist Shaun Daniel Allen joins forces with Chopard to create a timepiece inspired by the Australian landscape.

By Horacio Silva 29/01/2024

Shaun Daniel Allen does not look like your typical collaborator on a prestige watch. For one, Shal, as he prefers to be known (“There are many Shauns but only one Shal,” he explains), is more heavily tattooed than your average roadie. His youthful appearance, bad-boy ink and all, belies his 38 years and leads to a disconnect. 

He recounts being recognised on the street recently by a journalist, who, unable to remember his name, shouted out, “Chopard!” “I was with a friend,” Shal says, holding court in his apartment in Sydney’s inner city, “and he’s, like, ‘What the hell? Does that happen to you often?’”

Perhaps because of his body art, he reasons, “People don’t put me and Chopard together.” It’s not hard to understand the confusion, Shal adds; even he was taken aback when Chopard reached out to him about a potential collaboration a little more than a year ago. “When I first went in to see them, I was, like, I don’t know if I’m your guy. I’m not used to being in those rooms and having those conversations.”

He’ll have to adapt quickly to his new reality. Last month Chopard released Shal’s interpretation of the Swiss brand’s storied Alpine Eagle model, which in itself was a redo of the St. Moritz, the first watch creation by Karl-Friedrich Scheufele (now Co-President of Chopard) in the late 1970s. 

Previewed at Sydney’s About Time watch fair in September, to not insignificant interest, and officially known as the Alpine Eagle Sunburnt, the exclusive timepiece—issued in a limited edition of 20—arrives as a stainless steel 41 mm with a 60-hour power reserve and a burnt red dial that brings to mind the searing Outback sun. Its see-through caseback features one of Shal’s artworks painted on sapphire glass.

When the reputable Swiss luxury brand approached Shal, they already had the red dial—a nod to the rich ochre hues of the Australian soil at different times of the day and gradated so that the shades become darker around the edges—locked in as a lure for Australian customers.

Shal was charged with designing an artful caseback and collectible hand-painted sustainable wooden case. After presenting a handful of paintings, each with his signature abstract motifs that pertain to indigenous emblems, tattoos and music, both parties landed on a serpentine image that evoked the coursing of rivers. “I have been painting a lot of water in this last body of work and the image we chose refers to the rivers at home,” he says, alluding to formative years spent at his grandfather’s, just outside of Casino.

It says a lot about Chopard, Shal points out, that they wanted to donate to a charity of his choosing. “Like everything else on this project,” he explains, “they were open to listening and taking new ideas on board and it actually felt like a collaboration, like they weren’t steering me into any corner.”

In another nice touch, a portion of the proceeds from sales of the watch will go to funding programs of the Ngunya Jarjum Aboriginal Corporation—an organisation, established in 1995 by Bundjalung elders, whose work Shal saw firsthand after the 2022 eastern Australia flood disasters ravaged their area. “Seeing Ngunya Jarjum suffer from the floods,” he says, “and knowing how much they do for the community on Bundjalung Country was heartbreaking. I want to see Bundjalung families thriving and supported.”

So what’s it been like for this booster of Australian waterways to be swimming in the luxury end of the pool? “I’ve done a few things with brands,” he offers, referring to the Louis Vuitton project earlier this year at an art gallery in Brisbane, “but nothing on this scale. It’s definitely fancier than I’m used to but I’m not complaining.” Neither are watch aficionados.

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