Billionaire Bill Koch on Collecting Wine, Avoiding Counterfeits
Although vintners in Provence are complaining about the new roadside wine vending machines rolling out across their region, I can't think of a better start to summer than having rosé at the ready.
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Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance Adds F1 Power To An Iconic Roadster
The Mercedes-Benz SL roadster, a sleek, luxury-filled convertible, has been an icon of sporty luxury and the pinnacle of top-down driving since it made its debut in 1954. Over the years Mercedes-Benz has retooled the SL adding things like heated arm rests and all wheel drive to ensure the SL is capable and accommodating on all roads in all seasons. But for 2025 the Mercedes-AMG SL takes on a new distinction thanks to the company's F1 experience: electric boosted twin-turbo power that notches horsepower up to 805 and torque to 1,047, putting it solidly in hyper-car territory. Don't let the looks of this demure convertible fool you; it's a thrill. AMG-Only Production Adds To The Mystique Back in the day, Mercedes-Benz produced an SL for all luxury appetites, ranging from smaller powertrains to high performance. But for the current generation the company decided to focus on performance, offering four options produced by the house of AMG, the Affalterbach, Germany-based performance division of Mercedes-Benz. The starting point is the AMG SL 43 Roadster, a 4-cylinder turbo that generates 416 hp and starts at $112,000; the SL 55 increases power to 469 hp and the price to $145,000; the SL 63 Roadster generates 577 hp and is priced from $187,000. The F1-inflected, PHEV boosted SL 63 S E Performance starts at $207000; our test model, equipped with a nice set of upgrades, came in at $225,000, making it a true pinnacle of both luxury and sport driving. External Cues Let You Know This Mercedes-AMG Is A Powerful Machine The iterations of power and luxury are notable by each model name, of course, but the S E Performance gets a little extra panache: A red-backed 'S' badge that signifies its 805 hp and 2.8-second 0-60 MPH acceleration. The red-flecked badge is also seen on the side panels under the V8 Biturbo badge, yet another nod to the roadster's power. On the rear there's a retractable spoiler that deploys when the car hits a minimum speed and needs the downforce assistance, though a button on the control panel under the multimedia screen can deploy or retract it, too. Just under the wing is a small power port for charging. On the front end of the AMG SL 63 S E Performance conveys the luxury of Mercedes-Benz and its AMG Affalterbach heritage with a crest on the hood just above the Mercedes logo badge. The Many Performance Options Allow A Custom Experience The great thing about a performance PHEV is that you get to choose when and how to put the car's power to work: creep out of the neighborhood in silence in hybrid mode; the electric motor will deliver about eight miles of all-electric driving before the gas engine kicks in. Or, turn the drive mode dial on the steering wheel to Sport to crank up both the power and the sound. While owners can charge the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance for maximum hybrid range, there's no real need to charge the roadster to ensure there's enough electric power to deliver all 805 hp. The system is designed to maintain a minimum amount of power and to regenerate its charge on its own while you drive. In our first test of its sister S E Performance, the AMG C 63, the battery nearly fully recharged on a day of driving through the mountains of Southern California. Manufaktur Options Increase the Luxury Quotient The luxury of the AMG SL 63 S E Performance starts with the soft-top convertible, a quickly-retracting top that can be operated even while driving. With the top down the cabin feels like chic and refined, not overly windy or loud. With the top up the outside world is hushed thanks to a nicely constructed soft top that dampens outside noise. The heated, cooled massaging quilted leather front seats add to the quiet luxury of the cabin. Buyers who want to really personalize their SL 63 can choose Manufaktur options, bespoke details that include a wider range of colors and trim details for a unique and personal style package. Our model came standard with some of the best Mercedes goodies: Burmester premium sound, 'Hey Mercedes' voice activation, Napa leather massage seats and 'air scarf,' a neck-level vent on the front seats that blows warm air on cold days. This is especially nice when the top is down. Not that the SL 63 S E Performance needed any extras to make it the most desirable SL; its F1 DNA and dynamic drive experience make it a true thrill, adding another dimension to its luxury heritage.
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Forbes
Roger Dubuis Releases The Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph
Roger Dubuis released a high horology version of a chronograph that showcases the traditions of fine watchmaking, while transforming many of the traditional components of a racing watch through the brand's expressive style. The new limited-edition Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is powered by the RD780SQ, an automatic flyback chronograph movement that operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and has a 71-hour power reserve. Released in 2023, It is the fifth generation of the brand's original chronograph movement created in 1995 by the founder of the brand, independent watchmaker Roger Dubuis. The brand was fully acquired by the Richemont Group in 2016. One of the historical features of the caliber is the column wheel displayed at 6 o'clock, which operates the chronograph's start, stop and reset functions, making it vital for both aesthetic purposes and performance. The stainless-steel column wheel is finished with a poli zinc decoration—a technique that creates a high shine and is usually reserved for components that have an unusual shape. The movement's 310 components feature 16 matte and polished in-house finishes, including those tailored for Poinçon de Genève certification. The watch also has a 120-degree Rotating Minute Counter (RMC) at 3 o'clock, which is described as a 'theatrical feature' by the brand. It is crafted in a rare isotoxal shape. This counter showcases a patent pending display that bears the digits 0, 1 and 2. As its tripartite hands rotates, it moves past the 0 to 9 digits on the right with oversized red numerals ensuring easy readability. Once the chronograph is activated, the RMC puts on a visual performance. The second innovation is the patent pending Second Braking System (SBS), which is part of the movement's vertical clutch mechanism. It adds stability to the chronograph seconds hand and reduces its flickering, the brand said. At 9 o'clock is the Roger Dubuis tilted balance wheel set at a 12-degree angle for increased visibility for the wearer, while delivering the same inertia as a tourbillon. Its performance is enhanced by diamond-coated silicon escapement components, which provide anti-magnetic properties. The movement is housed in a 45mm skeletonized case in 18K pink gold and black DLC Titanium with an open caseback and skeletonized pushers. Its thickness is 17.13mm and has a water resistance of 10 BAR (100 meters and approximately 325 feet). The rotor on the caseback is shaped with five arms, like the rims of a supercar's wheel, further accentuated with the signature sharp lines of Roger Dubuis. The combination of the multifaceted movement and the overall skeletonization results in a dial with a visual impact of multiple moving parts and layers of detail. The black lower flange has transferred texts and minute tracks. The pink gold coated upper flange has screw-like hour markers that are rhodium plated and filled with Super-LumiNova. The hour and minutes hands are crafted of white gold and coated with black PVD. Outline tips are filled with Super-LumiNova. The watch is completed with a black rubber strap equipped with the Roger Dubuis 'Quick Release' system. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph is limited to 88 pieces. It retails for $135,000. The watch was released August 14, timed for Monterey Car Week, which concluded August 17.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Diogo Moreira to join Honda ahead of 2026 MotoGP debut
Diogo Moreira is finalising the details of an agreement that will see him step up to MotoGP next season, riding a Honda for the LCR team, has move, which will promote the 21-year-old Brazilian – currently battling for the Moto2 world championship with Italtrans – to the premier class, is expected to be completed in the coming days, most likely at this weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. Moreira's arrival at LCR will mean the departure of Somkiat Chantra, who has struggled to make an impact since his MotoGP debut earlier this year and remains sidelined through injury. understands that the Thai rider's exit will also bring an end to Japanese petroleum company Idemitsu's role as title sponsor of Lucio Cecchinello's team on that side of the garage. That entry's established Asian market connection will thus be severed as MotoGP welcomes a South American rider back to the grid. But Moreira dislikes suggestions that his nationality would be a major factor in his signing. 'If I move up to MotoGP, it's because I'm performing well; [my nationality] doesn't matter. It will be because I twist the throttle, not because of the [Brazilian] flag,' Moreira said on Sunday, shortly after dominating the Austrian Grand Prix to claim his second Moto2 victory of the season. He hinted that his known ties with Yamaha's Brazilian branch amounted to little more than a practical arrangement: 'They simply lend me the bikes for training, and I return them at the end of the season." As reported on Monday, Moreira had two offers on the table for a MotoGP seat in 2026 – one from Honda and another from Yamaha. While Yamaha initially appeared to have taken the lead by lining up the Sao Paulo native for its satellite Pramac team, where he would have partnered Toprak Razgatlioglu, Honda launched a late offensive in recent days that ultimately convinced Moreira to side with the golden-winged marque, which has committed to giving him factory rider status. Jack Miller's future at Pramac is looking more secure after Moreira opted for Honda understands that Honda's proposal includes a long-term deal, likely spanning three years, with 2026 regarded as a transitional season. The aim is for the Brazilian to be fully up to speed in MotoGP by the time the new technical regulations come into force, when 850cc prototypes will replace the current 1000cc machines. Strategically, the move makes sense for Honda both from a sporting perspective – Moreira is currently just 35 points adrift of the Moto2 championship leader – and from a promotional standpoint, with the championship's return to Brazil looming in 2026. The decision also has wider repercussions. Chief among them, Jack Miller now looks increasingly likely to extend his deal with Yamaha and remain with Paolo Campinoti's Pramac squad, at least through 2026. The Australian, who had been understood to be in a battle with team-mate Miguel Oliveira for the one available Pramac ride, now appears to have a stronger case than the Portuguese. Oliviera, who initially signed a two-year contract through to the end of 2026, may find himself vulnerable to a performance clause working against him after missing several rounds due to injury. understands that Miller has also been courted by both Honda and Ducati for a switch to WorldSBK. To read more articles visit our website.
