The Dark Side of Rolls-Royce

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GHOST GOES DARK

Rolls-Royce expands their Black Badge offering with the introduction of the new Ghost Black Badge, building on the latest iteration of the impressive ultra-luxury limousine. Adding unique detailing and even further customisation options this car has more than a lot to offer.

Adapting and shifting alongside an evolving client base has afforded Rolls-Royce Motor Cars the opportunity to craft and create unique offerings across its model line and this close relationship with their clients has lead to the latest introduction from the British marque. Taking account of aesthetic preferences, uncompromising lifestyle requirements and changing taste patterns, Rolls-Royce have taken the already impressive latest iteration of Ghost - watch out for the full review coming soon - and delivered a vivid representation in Black Badge guise.

Responding accordingly to a subversive clientele who engage with luxury products very much on their own terms; new colour palettes have been developed, more technical surface treatments offered and even more powerful driving experiences delivered.

Black Badge - the highly successful alter ego of Rolls-Royce - now represents over 27% of commissions worldwide and is codified by the mathematical symbol that represents a potential infinity, which is found within each of these unique vehicle's interiors. This graphic, also known as the lemniscate, was applied to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s record-breaking Rolls-Royce-powered Blue Bird K3 hydroplane and the marque’s designers nominated this hallmark for Black Badge motor cars to reflect their own unrelenting pursuit of power.

This new 'Post Opulent' expression of Black Badge delivers the purest and most technologically advanced Black Badge car yet. Conceived in response to a group of clients who requested a Rolls-Royce that was agile, discreet, highly connected and free of any superfluous design, the new Ghost is not just the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet, but also the most aesthetically pure.

That rebellious subset of clients have sought to create a disruptive expression of Ghost by permanently cloaking it in a shade so pure that its very classification as a colour remains a subject of debate: black. Black Badge Ghost is a direct reflection of this desire, bringing the dark side of Post Opulence: minimalism in extremis.

Clients are free to select any of the marque’s 44,000 ‘ready-towear’ colours or create their own entirely unique bespoke hue. However, the overwhelming majority of women and men who requested this darker expression of Ghost selected the signature Black - unsurprisingly. To create what is the automotive industry’s darkest black, 45kg of paint is atomised and applied to an electrostatically charged body in white before being oven dried. Two layers of clear coat are then applied before being handpolished by a team of four craftsman to produce the marque’s signature high-gloss piano finish.

An entirely customisable process allows hallmarks such as the high-polished Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon Grille to be subverted: instead of simply painting these components, a specific chrome electrolyte is introduced to the traditional chrome plating process that is co-deposited on the stainless-steel substrate, darkening the finish. Its final thickness is just one micrometre - around one hundredth of the width of a human hair.

The exterior treatment is completed by a bespoke 21-inch composite wheelset. Designed in the Black Badge house style and reserved for Black Badge Ghost, the barrel of each wheel is made up of 22 layers of carbon fibre laid on three axes, then folded back on themselves at the outer edges of the rim, forming a total of 44 layers of carbon fibre for greater strength. A 3D-forged aluminium hub is bonded to the rim using aerospace-grade titanium fasteners and finished with the marque’s hallmark Floating Hubcap, ensuring the Double R monogram remains upright at all times. To celebrate the material substance and remarkable surface effect, a lightly tinted lacquer is applied to protect the finish but still allow clients to observe the technical complexity of the wheels unique carbon fibre construction.

Black Badge isn't just an aesthetic and in this instance, the capacity of the celebrated twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine was deemed sufficient. However, the flexibility of this unit has been exploited to generate an extra 29PS, creating a total output of 600PS. The sense of a single infinite gear has also been dramatised with the addition of a further 50Nm of torque, for a total of 900Nm.

Key to its potent character is the Architecture of Luxury, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminium spaceframe architecture that debuted with Phantom. This sub-structure not only delivers extraordinary body stiffness, but its flexibility and scalability allowed Ghost to be equipped with all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and the award-winning Planar Suspension system. For Black Badge, these peerless engineering qualities have been comprehensively reengineered, including the fitting of more voluminous air springs to alleviate body roll under more assertive cornering.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge doesn't shy away into the shadows, it is bold in its presence and performance and delivers an all-encompassing package of ultra-luxury driving - whether you're behind the wheel or in the back sipping on a freshly chilled bottle of champagne.

1957 Mercedes-Benz 219 'Ponton' Saloon £POA

MERC PONTON

The four door, front engine, rear-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz Ponton was introduced in 1953. The marque's first monocoque, unitary body production models, the 'Ponton' model line expanded with the introduction of the 219 in 1956. Featuring a 2.2-litre straight-six M180 engine, the 219 boasted double downdraft carburettors and a top speed of 92mph.

Ponton model cars were Mercedes' main production models until 1959 adding up to 80% of the manufacturers car production between '53 and '59 with some models continuing until 1962. Supporting this were the five body options, four different wheelbases and numerous engine choices providing an incredibly varied offering for the time. This example - a six-cylinder saloon sitting on the 275cm wheelbase - is presented in black coachwork with a striking red leather interior. The car also benefits from a Webasto factory sliding soft top which creates an open-top driving experience. The car was recently imported from Florida, with the last owner being a wealthy businessman who cosseted and garaged the car. It was fully restored in California complete with a full repaint, new leather and wood, updated soft top and carpets and a fully overhauled engine. The car comes with the original Mercedes-Benz books and manuals with all necessary duties paid and will be UK registered and ready to enjoy. This is a very high end restored dry example, and it presents and drives very well. Despite the relatively high production run of the 219, you won't see many up for sale, so this is a great opportunity to get your hands on a must see car.

LUXURY PERFORMANCE

POWER VS ECONOMY

Despite Audi's continuing expansion of their electric model line, they haven't forgotten about the impressive internal combustion offering with numerous options now available throughout the marque's catalogue. What's more, they have combined the best of both worlds to deliver the all-important gateway into the electrified world: hybrid options.

But what is important to you when you think of the phrase 'performance'? This word carries many connotations, from ride to speed, then endurance and yes, even economy, and Audi have been keen to cover every base possible with their offering.

Take the A8 - a luxury executive saloon that borders on limousine status once you get to the top of the line variants - it is available in a whole host of different guises with everything from entry level combustion powered options delivering no frills transportation while maintaining luxurious comfort for your passengers to the top end S8 which boasts a substantial 4.0-litre V8 producing 571 PS and staggering 800 Nm of torque. Pair this with the iconic quattro system and 8-speed tiptronic transmission and you will find yourself in control of a serious piece of engineering that, if you're not careful, will propel you from standing to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds and continue to a limited 155mph.

Unfortunately, you will find that visits to the petrol station become considerably more frequent when enjoying every aspect of the S8's performance. With a combined consumption of 24.6 mpg, it's not the most efficient of options, but who ever had fun

watching a car's fuel efficiency in the real world. If however that is something that interests you, there is another option, the Audi A8 TFSI e.

Yes you guessed it, the 'e' stands for electric and in this case the electrification is paired with a - not to be scoffed at - 3.0-litre V6 petrol powered unit to create a potent powertrain that is more than worth its weight. Does it transport you at equally blistering speed as the S8, well statistically no, but when you consider it is still capable of a zero to 62mph time under 5 seconds, you would be forgiven for saying yes and with an equally limited top speed, the performance variation as far as speed is concerned is somewhat negligible.

Where this option gets interesting is when you start delving in to the other aspects of performance and in this case, more specifically the fuel efficiency. Thanks to the clever hybrid technology, Audi boasts near 100mpg combined economy from their partly electrified A8 and the difference is somewhat noticable on the road, especially when you're making the most of the cars comfort and taking it for a proper drive.

Enjoying the same quattro system - with a few less options to play with - the A8 TFSI e is able to provide every level of ride required, from comfort when you're transporting elderly relatives, to dynamic when you want to show off and all at the convenient push of a button on the unmissable dual central touchscreen display console.

This is one area that the hybrid can't quite compete. Dynamism comes not only from the pace of the car and its ability to turn corners - faster than it probably should - but equally in

its design. Every aspect of the S8 has been specifically designed to evoke a sense of dynamism even when the car is standing still. From the subtle yet prominent front intake features to the very obvious double dual exhaust system protruding from the rear, the exterior aesthetics are there for everyone to see.

This theme continues inside with more athletic materials being chosen to adorn certain areas of the interior space such as carbon fibre along with distinctive design features including the striking steering wheel. Through this wheel you have access to the Audi Virtual Cockpit which provides every piece of information you could possibly need and in this case can be altered to suit you depending on your driving style and what information is important at any given time.

There is no denying the S8 is a high performance vehicle, but it is one that carries itself with such poise and class that its understated appeal would be enough to fool anyone at the lights, just make sure your passengers are aware of what's about to unfold as there's no going back once that right foot is firmly placed in the accelerator.

For a car of the S8's size, it is surprisingly dynamic through corners - largely thanks to that little system they like to call quattro - offering stability and responsiveness more akin to a shorter wheelbased option. Of course, if you try a little too hard, you won't be having fun anymore as every car has a limit and this isn't one that you will stop easily if pushed too far.

If you are in the market for a luxury saloon, you have your work cut out, as there are numerous feasible options on the market, but if you're looking for something that will not only perform when you need it to, but will take you where you need to go with ease and comfort - and likely do it much cheaper than other options - then a plug-in hybrid option is more than certainly the way to go.

Set up your home charging point and away you go with almost 30 miles of fully electric driving available from a full charge. Alternatively use that electric power as a range extender to help your tank of fuel last - quite a bit - longer.

There is no argument for which of these two options is 'better'. Although the same model designation, they are two very different cars designed for two very different purposes and delivering two very different options for potential buyers. So it's really up to you whether you want to put pedal to the metal while you still can and make the most of that open road, soaking up the miles without a care for how many times you might need to stop to fill up or take a step towards the inevitable. Dip your toes in the proverbial electrified waters (not advised in real life) and see what the future might hold for your driving experience whilst holding on to the sounds and smells a petrol internal combustion engine that we're all accustomed to affords.

Whichever way you sway, there is no denying Audi's commitment to creating performance vehicles whether you're talking about power or economy - or both - and these two cars are just one small example of the work that is going on behind the scenes with this German marque's design and engineering teams. It's just a shame that sooner rather than later there will be no if, but or maybes, we will all be confined to the electric world and all of that knowledge will begin to disappear into the history books. Now might be a good time to get yourself a slice, before it's too late.

AUDI S8

Engine 4.0-litre V8 Power (PS) 571 Torque (Nm) 800 0-62mph (secs) 3.8 Max Speed (mph) 155 (governed) Transmission 8-Speed Tiptronic Fuel Consumption (mpg) 24.6 CO2 Emissions (g/km) 261 Price (from) £98,450

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The Future of London's Prime Property

With London property markets enjoying a healthy hint of recovery following the reintroduction of foreign buyers, there are signs of a bright forecast over the coming years, but will the Central markets benefit most as many look for more space and greener pastures.

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ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this modern built 3rd floor studio apartment within ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this modern 2 bedroom apartment with beautiful this riverside development. The apartment benefits from open plan lounge and views over the ornamental canal of Wapping. The apartment comprises of 2 bedroom area, fitted kitchen and 3 piece bathroom suite. Laminate wood floors. bedrooms, a fitted kitchen semi open to the lounge and a modern bathroom. Video entry-phone system. Parking space. Close to Wapping station and local bus Laminated wood flooring. Allocated parking space. Ideally located close to St. routes. £365,000 Katharine Docks and Tower Hill with an easy reach to the City and Canary Wharf. Chain free.

£475,000

Cape Yard, West Wapping E1W Newlands Quay, Wapping, E1W

ea2 are pleased to offer for sale this 1st floor 2 bedroom modern built apartment within this popular West Wapping development. The apartment benefits from Duplex apartment overlooking the Basin in this popular secure gated lounge, fully fitted kitchen, en-suite shower room to master bedroom and family development in Wapping. Modern built fully refurbished apartment comprises bathroom. Floor to ceiling windows. Laminate wood floors. Video-entry phone a large reception, a separated fully fitted kitchen, 3 bedrooms and a modern system. Allocated parking space. On-site caretaker. Close to St Katharine’s Dock, bathroom. Amazing views of the Basin and Canary Wharf. Garage and allocated Wapping station and Tower Hill stations. Share of Freehold. parking space. Share of Freehold. Ideally located in Wapping within close proximity of Wapping and Shadwell Stations. Offered Chain Free.£675,000 £620,000

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The Tower, Wapping E1W King Charles Terrace, Wapping, E1W

ea2 are pleased to offer this executive Studio apartment to rent within a luxurious landmark Larger than average 1 bedroom apartment in a newly refurbished development development. This South Facing apartment comprises of modern open plan fitted kitchen, on the top of Wapping Lane and near the Tobacco Dock, Sovereign Court. contemporary fitted bathroom & Balcony, The flat totals 382 Sq. ft. Residents of Wapping Lane Available 24/12. Parking available at £25 p/week. Finished to a high standard have the benefit of 24hr concierge facilities, exclusive residents health club, gym and enjoy close proximity to DLR and underground stations. £360 Per Week with wooden floors, under floor heating, built-in wardrobe and contemporary bathroom and kitchen. Available either on a furnished or unfurnished basis. 24hour concierge and bike storage.

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ea2 are pleased to offer a fantastic opportunity to rent this 2 double bedroom house which has been re furbished completely to a high standard throughout. The property offers a reception with bi-folding full length doors leading to garden. Fully fitted kitchen. First floor bathroom. Utility room/ground floor cloakroom. Can be Great top floor self contained studio apartment with its own entrance ideally located in West Wapping and close to the historic canal. The L-shaped living area benefits from a double aspect and amazing views towards the River, Tower furnished or unfurnished. Garden with decking. Close to Tower Hill and within easy Bridge and the Shard. Separate kitchen & modern bathroom. Conveniently access to the City & Canary Wharf. located for both The City and Canary Wharf and the numerous shops, £460 Per Week restaurants, and bars in Wapping, St Katharine Docks. Allocated Parking Space. £290 Per Week

Five Bedroom Detached House

Helms Way, Walderslade, Chatham, ME5 8RN www.reedsrains.co.uk Price £335,000

Brand New Home Semi-Detached Eco-Friendly Stunning Three Bedrooms

Brendon Avenue, Walderslade, Kent

Reeds Rains are pleased to present this lovely home. When entering you will immediately feel the sense of natural light and space making it a perfect family home. The ground floor offers an entrance hall which flows through to the lounge/diner overlooking the rear garden, modern fitted kitchen/breakfast room with a selection of integrated appliances to include a double oven, halogen hob. On the first floor you are greeted by the landing, four double bedrooms three with fitted wardrobes and a good size fifth bedroom, family bathroom with a four-piece suite.

OIEO £450,000

To the outside you have a driveway to accommodate numerous cars leading to a large single garage and very good sized front garden. The rear garden is a secluded area, ideal for the summer family gathering with a large, raised patio area. The location of this family home is ideal as you will find local schools, shops and amenities only a short drive away as well as Hempstead Valley shopping centre with various branded name stores. You will also find easy access to the M2/M20 motorway links to London and the Kent Coast.

www.reedsrains.co.ukBrand New Home Brand New Home Semi-Detached Semi-Detached Eco-Friendly Eco-Friendly Stunning Three Bedrooms Stunning Three BedroomsBrand New Home Semi-Detached Five Bedroom Detached House Stunning Three Bedrooms

Walderslade Road, Walderslade, Kent

Reeds Rains are delighted to market this wonderful detached home, set back from the road consisting of five bedrooms. This property has been improved and well maintained throughout. On entering this lovely home you will not be disappointed with the sizeable accommodation suitable for the whole family. Comprising of a spacious hallway, large lounge which over looks the beautiful rear garden, bedroom 5/reception room, shower room with W.C which is access via the study, modern kitchen/diner with ample units and work surfaces plus good size utility room. To the first floor you are welcomed by a landing where you are offered three

OIEO £600,000

double bedrooms, family bathroom and a large single which is currently open plan to the landing but can easily be closed off by fitting double doors. The main bedroom also benefits from a very good sized dressing room. Outside the wow factor continues with a well established garden which is mainly laid to lawn with a large patio area with a remotely controlled sunscreen pergola. There is side access which leads to the front of the property where you have access to the double garage and drive to the front. This wonderful home most certainly should be top of your viewing list if you are looking for your forever home.