Ugh. So badass. Hedonist Open by the Art of Kinetic. Image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

If you’re wondering why the two latest posts look vaguely familiar to items found in the most recent Robb Report, it’s because they were featured in the latest Robb Report.

Surprise!

We’re fans of the publication (we actually pay the yearly subscription to get the magazine) and especially loved their feature on the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetik. 

The design of this 19m open yacht caught our attention and quickly made us check our bank accounts.

Pull up to the yacht party with this bad boy and the ladies will come-a-runnin'. Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

Sadly, we quickly realized we still possessed a complete lack of zeroes to afford a yacht in the first place.

But for those that are in the market for a bespoke yacht built with the best materials and impeccable craftsmanship, may we suggest you take a moment to review the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetik.

Screw "Cribs" when you've got the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic. Image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

According to Art of Kinetik’s official website:

Hedonist turned heads with its unrivalled fusion of art and technology. Our convertible model will open your mind to a new definition of luxury at sea.

With its daringly sleek profile and mono-frame stainless steel windshield it is a unique statement in yachting design. The sleek, all-weather canopy unfurls effortlessly to reveal subtle new cockpit shades – retro harmonising with futuristic – allowing you to savour the sights and sounds of every voyage. Inside, elegant white textures and designer accessories feel even more like home.

Outside, the new mahogany colour and enhanced detailing feels like nothing you have seen before.

Looks like they're in a hurry. Awesomeness waits for no one. Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

If you’re like us and have never heard of Art of Kinetik, here’s a little bit about the company from their official press release:

Art of Kinetik was founded in late 2007 with a vision to create a new kind of luxury boats, marrying timeless materials such as mahogany, teak, stainless steel and leather to modern progressive design. Our focus is on creating a new way of living on the water, with interior design and space more often found in fine homes, and functions in line with a contemporary style of living.

Art of Kinetik is principally based in Belgrade, Serbia, where research and development, including design, naval architecture and engineering, is being done. Our shipyard in Belgrade handles the production of hulls and installation of systems and has four primary workshops: carpentry, metal works, composites and upholstery. Design and manufacturing of interiors and accessories is done in Bavaria, Germany.

Our concept is to produce highest quality bespoke wooden yachts between 10m and 30m in size, with emphasis on contemporary design, utmost luxury and highest quality.

Our philosophy is to create unique crafts where one feels like being in a fine home rather then in a boat. This is reflected in use of materials like wood, stone and leather, as well as in contemporary open layouts, with all the conveniences of a modern home.

As company name suggests, our boats just happen to be yachts, but they are in fact floating pieces of art. They are beautiful and they are timeless.

Now the only issue for us is how to stop associating the word “Hedonist” with an adults-only resort and instead relate it to this unbelievable yacht by Art of Kinetik.

Floating works of art. We agree. Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetic image from http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

For more information about the Hedonist Open by Art of Kinetik, you can visit their official website at http://www.artofkinetik.com/hedonist-open.html.

You can also check out the video below with quite possibly the worst audio track on the planet:

Secret Entourage's Project "Heaven". One of the prettiest Aston Martin V8 Vantages out there. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

Jealousy isn’t really our style.

Well, that is until we saw this 2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage project build by the guys at Secret Entourage.

Dubbed “Project Heaven”, this beautiful V8 Vantage was tastefully done with upgrades from D2 Forged Wheels, RSC Tuning, The Vantage Collection and Klutch22.  Although we’ve seen photos of this car around, we didn’t realize how much work went into the build until we read the full article series on Secret Entourage.

This could be the beginning of an action movie. Secret Entourage's Aston Martin V8 Vantage Project Heaven in full effect. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

According to the articles on the build, they chose some of the best partners to create one of the best V8 Vantages on the road:

• Vantage C upgrade from RSC Tuning (includes ECU upgrade, exhaust and new CAT filters)
• 20″ D2 Forged VS1 wheels (staggered, of course)
• Carbon fiber body upgrades from The Vantage Collection

They even successfully increased the notably “sluggish” (the term being relative of course) V8 Vantage into a proper 430 HP sports car.

Amazing V8 Vantage, amazing picture. Secret Entourage's Project Heaven sitting pretty. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

Check out the V8 Vantage Project “Heaven” in action below:

So why are we jealous with envy?

Aside from Secret Entourage’s V8 Vantage being one of the prettiest cars out there, we had been toying around with the idea of doing a project car of our own here at ESM for a few months.

Yup, it was going to be a Vantage.

Secret Entourage is paving the way for all the V8 Vantage upgrade builds out there. We're glad we found the site. Image from http://www.secretentourage.com.

Hopefully if we still do our own project Vantage, the boys from Secret Entourage will take it as a sincere form of flattery more than anything else. 

They did such an amazing job on this build, we’ve got it on our favorites and will probably use some of the advice they gave in their article series.

For full build details and more information about Secret Entourage’s Aston Martin V8 Vantage Project “Heaven”, you can check out their official site at http://www.secretentourage.com/category/project-cars/aston-martin-vantage-project.

The NPA Ducati from Roland Sands Design. I would marry this bike if it was a woman. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Another RSD modified Ducati?

What is this, Christmas?

For your viewing pleasure, we have this beautiful NPA Ducati 1098 created by the folks over at Roland Sands Design.

Custom swingarm. Looks much lighter and badass then stock. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get the complete details on the build, but based on the photos we can do some true investigative journalism (by guessing the upgrades).

Here are the easy ones:

• Custom paint
• RSD Ronin Wheels
• Vance & Hines Exhaust

God is in the details. RSD slider to save that pretty paintjob. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Here are the ones that aren’t so obvious:

• RSD sliders
• Custom built rear swingarm
• Upgraded slipper clutch and vented clutch cover (presumably from Ducati)
• Upgraded rearsets (tough to tell the brand, CRG maybe?)
• Modified rear license plate holder
• Upgraded hand controls (this was purely a guess)

Love these wheels on the NPA Ducati 1098. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Knowing the guys from RSD, I am pretty sure the list still goes on and on, especially with any gearing and engine mods.

One thing we know for sure – this bike is one of the dopest Ducati 1098′s around and we wouldn’t mind having it featured in our Dream Garage any day of the week.

With this bike, I would want to ride 24/7. NPA Ducati 1098 image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

For more information about Roland Sands Design and the beautiful NPA Ducati 1098, you can check out their official site at http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2009/07/08/npa-ducati-1098-2/.

Vance Harper's Ducati 696 "SSS Conversion". Don't fall in love because this one belongs to someone else. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/.

We love whenever Ducati has their Monster Challenge.

It brings out all the hardcore amateur bike builders out there and we get to see some of the most amazing modified Ducati monsters across the nation.

Vance Harper's Ducati 696 "SSS Conversion" looks like a true labor of love. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/.

One that particulary caught our attention from 2011 was Vance Harper’s Ducati 696 “SSS Conversion”.

To call this a Ducati Monster 696 would be huge mistake – we would call it a Ducati Frankenstein Monster with all the work that was done.

According to Vance Harper’s Ducati page, the build included the following modifications:

• Rizoma grips and mirrors
• Painted Tank ( Gloss black and Flat Black )
• Ducati low seat
• Speedymoto Top Triple
• Metaltech Racing Rearsets
• Monster 1100 Swingarm
• Hypermotard Rear Wheel
• Motocreations Boomtubes
• Ducati Performance oil cap
• Modified POD brackets…Lowered display

This Ducati 696 looks more like a track bike than a road bike. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/

The Boomtubes on this bike sounds badass. Check out the exhaust note on the video below:

Big ups to Vance Harper for bringing this beautiful Ducati 696 to life.  You did an amazing job.

Vance Harper should be pretty happy riding this highly modified Ducati 696 on a regular basis. Image from http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696--sss-conversion/.

For more photos and information about Vance Harper’s beautiful Ducati 696 “SSS Conversion”, you can check out his official Ducati site online at http://ducati.kontain.com/xskiervh/entries/57932/monster-696–sss-conversion/.

It’s not everyday a new McLaren dealership opens on this side of the pond– in fact, it’s never happened in their 46 year history– so when I got the last-minute call asking (as co-creator of themclarenforum.com) if I wanted to attend I jumped at the chance. Who wouldn’t?

Dealership openings aren’t typically very exciting (pony rides and balloons, anyone?) but when you’re known worldwide for your Formula One team, producing the uber-exclusive McLaren F1 road car,  Mercedes SLR and the new MP4-12C a different crowd tends to show up and help you celebrate:

Ron Dennis, Chairman of McLaren Automotive

Jay Leno, first in line to get his MP4-12C

..and there were a whole host of others who wandered in and out of the party all night. To be honest I don’t usually keep track of such things (unless I’m jockeying for a spot at the bar and bump into them) but it was just a sincere treat to get up close to a few of my dream machines that night.

Unfortunately I also figured out that since I’m well over the standard driver height it will probably never be possible to pilot a contemporary F1 car, but who cares? It would sure look pretty sitting in my living room:

Kimi Raikkonen's Formula One Car.. acres of beautiful carbon fiber in impossible shapes.

More my speed, the M8FP 72-09 Can-Am racer. It's my honest opinion that McLaren needs to incorporate those intake stacks into future models. Do you hear me, Mr. Dennis?

The star of the show.. the MP4-12C. Much better looking in the flesh than I anticipated.

In between all of this we had women hanging from the ceiling in all sorts of aerobatic poses, DJ Lindsay Luv spinning (with Top Model winner Caridee English on drums) and the excellent race simulator from CXC Simulations. I definitely see an ESM field trip to Seat Time in our near future (sorry Chas, I really didn’t feel like shaking up my stomach after a few Vodka tonics during the night- better to decline than be that guy).

Having been to a few Auto Gallery parties in the past I would expect nothing less than one hell of a party and certainly wasn’t let down. If you’re in the market for a McLaren in the LA area you can rest assured that they take their service and sales to an equally high level, but we have just one question.. can we tag along on the test drive?

More Pics:

http://www.gettyimages.pl/editorial/search.php?eventid=40681

http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2012/01/mclaren-beverly-hills-grand-opening.html

The Aston Martin DBS "Legacy" project from SR Auto Group and ADV.1. Image from http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/aston-martin/aston-martin-dbs-adv10dc/.

I love when auto tuners take really high end cars and upgrade them.

It sends the message “I know that the car is almost a quarter of a million dollars, but I am going to modify it anyway.” 

Aston Martin DBS "Legacy" projects from SR Auto Group and ADV.1. Supersized. Image from http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/index.php?album=ADV10%20Deep%20Concave.alb.

For us here at ESM, that lets us know the car tuners are straight up gangster.  Take for example this modified Aston Martin DBS “Legacy” project from the folks at SR Auto Group and ADV.1.

Rear 3/4 shot of the Aston Martin DBS "Legacy" from SR Auto Group and ADV.1 Wheels. Image from http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/index.php?album=ADV10%20Deep%20Concave.alb.

Modifications included changing the stock wheels to 22-inch ADV10 DC (Deep Concave) wheels, H&R lowering springs and an upgraded exhaust system from RSC Tuning.

Check out the sound from the exhaust note below:

So the next question is:  how can we get our hands on this vehicle 6 months from now for the end of our Becoming Bond article series?

For more photos and information about the Aston Martin DBS “Legacy” project from SR Auto Group and ADV.1, you can check out ADV.1′s official site at http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/advgal/aston-martin/aston-martin-dbs-adv10dc/ and this article from Secret Entourage: http://www.secretentourage.com/lifestyle/autos/sr-auto-group-aston-dbs/.

For more information about SR Auto Group, you can check out their official site at http://www.srautogroup.com/.

For more information about ADV.1, you can check out their official site at http://www.adv1wheels.com/adv1wheels/home.php.

Paul Budnitz' Number 1 in Titanium. If you didn't know we were talking about bikes, you would be wondering: "How can you do number 1 in Titanium?" Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

I love it when people make things in titanium.

Titanium is strong, light, has a killer brushed finish unreproducable with other materials and even makes a better David Guetta remix.  In fact, I once had a watch with titanium parts and it made such a difference versus the steel version.

So what about an entire bicycle made out of titanium?  Wouldn’t that be a pretty interesting concept?

Very unique Gates Center Track belt drive & singlespeed White Industries hub used on Paul Budnitz' No.1. Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

The folks over at Paul Budnitz Bicycles agree and has created a set of beautifully made bespoke bicycles created almost entirely of titanium.  

The one that particularly caught our attention was the No.1. 

According to the official Paul Budnitz website:

This is the fastest, most comfortable, and most beautiful commuting bicycle in the world. Created for daily trips to the office or for a 2-week trek across Europe.

Includes our trademark super-light all-titanium No.1 Cantilever Frame™, Half-Crown™ fork, proprietary Ti handlebars & seat post. Available as a belt-driven single speed or with an 11-speed internally geared transmission. Shifter & brake cables are elegantly hidden inside bicycle frame tubing. Rack and water bottle mounts.

Created by hand in limited quantities, featuring some of the best components in the world. Built to last a lifetime. This bike is extremely fast!

I wonder how they determined it was the fastest commuting bike?  People racing to work?

Another great detail - Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes. Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

As you can tell from the photos, the No. 1 from Paul Budnitz Bicycles is built with quality parts and craftsmanship that makes it worth the $5,600 price tag.

I mean, it’s cheaper than a $120,000 car that does 12 miles per gallon right?

Look at it this way - it's cheaper than a $20k Ducati and a LOT cheaper than a $100k sports car. Plus you're saving money on gas and getting in shape. Image from http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

For more information about the Paul Budnitz Bicycle No.1, you can check out the official Paul Budnitz Bicycles website at http://budnitzbicycles.com/number_1.html.

The STaSIS Audi R8 v10 Challenge Extreme. When fast isn't fast enough. Image from http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

Most people would think the V10 Audi R8 is pretty damn fast.

According the the Audi R8 Wiki:

Audi AG unveiled the Audi R8 V10 on 9 December 2008. It uses a 5.2 litre FSI engine, based on the unit in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 (which in turn was based on the 5.2 FSI V10 as used in the Audi C6 S6 and Audi D3 S8), but is re-tuned to produce a power output of 525 metric horsepower (386 kW; 518 bhp), and generate 530 newton metres (391 ft·lbf) of torque. Compared to the V8 variant, the R8 V10′s performance numbers are enhanced. Audi states the new 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) time as only 3.9 seconds, 60 to 124 miles per hour (97 to 200 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, and a top speed of 317 kilometres per hour (197.0 mph).

The folks from STaSIS, however, think “pretty damn” fast isn’t fast enough.  With their top-of-the-line Challenge Extreme package, they have successfully turned the out-of-the-box beast into a legitimate monster on the asphalt.

They wanted “holy crap I think I peed in my pants” fast.

The STaSIS Audi R8 V10 Challenge Extreme looks so harmless from the outside. Image from http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

According to the official STaSIS website, the power has gone from 525 hp to 710 hp, torque has gone from 391 lb-ft to 523 lb-ft, 0 to 60 from 3.7 seconds to 3.1 seconds, lateral acceleration from 0.99 G to 1.01 G and brake acceleration from 1.02 G to 1.05 G.

What does this mean to you, the driver?  It means you better hold on and get ready for the ride of your life.

You can almost feel the roar of the engine when you look at this picture. STaSIS V10 Audi R8 Challenge Extreme image from http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

That is, of course, assuming you can afford not only the v10 Audi R8 but also the $56k STaSIS Challenge Extreme Package.

Want to see it in action? Check out this short video STaSIS produced about the Challenge Extreme package for the v10 Audi R8:

For more photos, videos and information about the STaSIS Signature Series Audi R8 V10 5.2 Challenge Extreme Package, you can check out STaSIS’ official site at http://www.stasisengineering.com/signature/stasis-signature-series-r8-v10-52-2010.

Alloy Yachts' Vertigo. Image from http://www.alloyyachts.co.nz/yachts/sailing+yachts/Vertigo.html.

Leave it to The Bankroll to always find the some of the most exclusive, most beautiful, most awesome-est items of luxury out there.

A few days ago he sent me a link to the Vertigo from Alloy Yachts and I was blown away by the sexiness of the design, the modern interpretation of the interior and the sheer massiveness of this masterpiece of floating art designed by naval architect Philippe Brand.

Two words: pimp. I can imagine lounging around on this bad boy wearing white linen. Image from http://www.alloyyachts.co.nz/yachts/sailing+yachts/Vertigo.html.

According to thecoolist.com:

This massive 220-foot sailing yacht is lined with luxury from bow to stern, capable of carrying captain, crew and company around the world in the highest of fashion. The Vertigo 220 is powered by a pair of 1400 hp main engines that combine with bow and stern thrusters for a massive amount of thrust to compliment the wind at its sails. In contrast to most yachting designs, the interior is not overly compartmentalized, it is open and airy, making for a grand approach to luxury yacht living.

For those that missed it – this yacht is a  220 foot sailboat.  Think the Black Pearl from Pirates of the Caribbean, but double the length, cut the height by a third and then fill it with a tenth of the capacity.

And when comparing sailboats versus motor powered yachts on a sexy scale, sailboats are on the higher end of the bringing-sexy-back spectrum.

Why? Because instead of using a loud, clunky engine, you use mother nature to help you glide over the water for a more visceral experience.

The first stop of your journey is here. Alloy Yachts Vertigo mage from http://www.alloyyachts.co.nz/yachts/sailing+yachts/Vertigo.html.

Need another reason to add this bad boy to our ESM Dream Garage?  According to superyachttimes.com:

Vertigo is the largest yacht to be built at Alloy Yachts and is also the largest luxury sailing yacht to be built in the Southern Hemisphere.

Now that’s some killer bragging rights. 

Stop #2. Alloy Yachts Vertigo image from http://www.alloyyachts.co.nz/yachts/sailing+yachts/Vertigo.html.

For more information about Alloy Yachts’ AY41 Vertigo, you can visit Alloy Yachts official site at http://www.alloyyachts.co.nz/yachts/sailing+yachts/Vertigo.html.

The RIVA 86 Domino. If I have to be the baddie in a James Bond movie to own of these, I will. Image from http://www.rivaboats.com.

Want to know what made today awesome?

Opening my inbox and finding our media credentials to Riva Yachts.  Riva Yachts.

More specifically, our real source of joy was getting more information on the Riva 86 Domino – Riva’s successor to their 68′ Ego Super model. 

According to Riva’s official site:

This 26 metre coupè, result of the working relationship between Officina Italiana Design, the exclusive designer of all the yachts in the Riva range, AYT – Advanced Yacht Technology – Ferretti Group’s naval research and design centre, and the team of architects and designers of Centro Stile Ferrettigroup, is an evolution of the 68′ Ego Super model, featuring larger spaces and several living areas which allow ever more socialising. These characteristics make this yacht ideal for both long cruises and daily life on board.

Based on these images, we think you’ll agree - living on the Riva 86 Domino isn’t such a bad proposition.

I know. Living on the Riva 86 Domino is a STRUGGLE. Image from http://www.rivaboats.com.

Here’s some more information about the living spaces on the Riva 86 Domino from Riva’s official press release:

As already experimented on (the) 92’Duchessa, a large sundeck at bow features a dinette with a table for 6, whilst another table, which can also seat 6 guests, and a comfortable sofa, are located in the cockpit.

The sundeck is perfectly integrated into the upper part of the deckhouse, so that it cannot be perceived from outside. It features a second steering position, ideal for mooring manoeuvres, and a sunpad with a reclining back which can accommodate 3 guests.

The closed, air-conditioned upper salon, creates an open space area with the dinette, and is separated from the helm station by a large LCD television. This solution guarantees the passage of natural light both through the large side windows and the windshield, fully lighting this area. The design of the furnishing elements, and the choice to match the special shades of elm and grey durmast with natural-coloured leather inserts and grey lacquering make this an attractive, welcoming environment, emphasising the spaciousness.

The fully-equipped galley is located on a mezzanine level, and accessed from the left hand side of the helm station, whilst the crew cabins (for 4 people) are accessed from the stern cockpit. They feature a head and dinette, guaranteeing total privacy for owners and their guests.

The special design of the large window in correspondence with the full beam master cabin located amidships follows the surfaces of the hull, integrating into it perfectly and ensuring as much light as possible in this environment. Equipped with an en-suite head and walk-in wardrobe, the master cabin also has a private living-room area and vanity. The VIP cabin, with en-suite head, is located at bow, whilst two twin-bedded guest cabins with en-suite heads, are located between this and the master cabin. The portside guest cabin also features a system of sliding beds on tracks that allows to transform it into a second, double-bedded cabin.

So how much for all this awesomeness? According to luxury-insider.com, just a mere 5,900,000 Euros (or about $7,889,778.00).

Is this a yacht or is this a New York condo? The Riva 86 Domino making sea living an easy choice. Image from http://www.rivaboats.com.

I mean, if you’re going to dream big, might as well DREAM BIG, right?  We’ll take ours in the stock color.  Just throw in a few supermodels waiting for us before we show up.

We’ve got room for a few of them.

If someone were to take a picture of my dreams, it would look just like this. Riva 86 Domino image from http://www.rivaboats.com.

For more information about Riva Yachts and the Riva 86 Domino, you can check out their official site at http://www.rivaboats.com/.

I’m going back to sleep so I can keep dreaming about this yacht, an Ultimat martini, Miami and…. other things.

Want some more to dream about? Check out this killer video about the Riva 86 Domino from LuxuryLifestile on YouTube:

The RSD Desmo Tracker. Crazy and awesome at the same time (crawesome?!?!). Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2011/10/26/wp20111026rsd-desmo-tracker.

Want to know what we love most about Roland Sands and his team over at RSD?

They’re fucking nuts.

But nuts in a good way.  Take for example this RSD Desmo Tracker – which was built from a zero mileage Ducati Desmosedici.  That’s right, they cut up a brand new, limited-edition Ducati Desmosedici.

This is just going to hurt a little bit. RSD Desmo Tracker during the build process. I am crying just thinking about the old Desmo. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2011/10/26/wp20111026rsd-desmo-tracker.

Don’t know what a Ducati Desmosedici is?

For starters, the Ducati Desmosedici RR (the street legal version of the race bike named the Race Replica) costs about $72,500.  There were only 1,500 made.  Only 500 of them made it to the United States.

So cutting one up, in most traditional cases, is bananas.

Unless of course you are the Leonardo da Vinci of bike modification (like Roland Sands), then it isn’t so bad.  According to the original blog post on the RSD Desmo Tracker, the owner of this particular Desmo had 2 other ones in his garage.

I guess having 3 copies of the Mona Lisa helps.

Check out this video about the RSD Desmo Tracker build from CycleWorld.com:

So you’d think they would create another race bike for the street right?  Not quite.

They made a “Desmo Tracker” – which is a race bike for dirt tracks.  Yep, you heard me right, dirt tracks. 

Most people wouldn’t even take their Ducati Desmosedici out of their garage, so it is almost impossible to think they were turning this Ferrari into an off-roader.

Now, "Desmosedici" can mean: sliding my bike across this dirt track. Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2011/10/26/wp20111026rsd-desmo-tracker.

But after checking out the final product of this bike, you can now see the genius in the plan to begin with.

The best analogy would be the first time someone thought of an airplane.  You just have to see it to believe it – and as you can see in these pictures, it is a beautiful and fully functioning beast of a bike.

This Desmosedici just went from "boom" to "BOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMM". Image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2011/10/26/wp20111026rsd-desmo-tracker.

Our friend Summer Hoover, brand manager for RSD gave us the specs for the build:

• A whole lot of awesomeness
• Custom built gas tank, seat, rear fender, swingarm and subframe
• FMF handbuilt titanium exhaust with crossovers
• RSD PM Flat Track Race Wheel (Black Ops finish, 19 x 3.0″ front and 19 x 3.5″ rear)
• Brembo brakes and hand controls
• Race Tech (custom 50mm offset for flat track performance) triples
• Renthal Fat Bar (819 bend) handlebar
• PIAA 1100X Platinum headlight
• Öhlins ‘FG353′ 43 mm PFF inverted suspension pressurized, with preload, rebound and compression adjustment, TiN coated sliders
• Custom paint by Chris Wood at Airtrix

But seriously, they cut up a Ducati Desmosedici.  That is just seriously balling.  Out. Of. Control.

Want one of these in your garage? Well you can't. Ever. Ever ever. RSD Desmo Tracker image from http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2011/10/26/wp20111026rsd-desmo-tracker.

For more information and photos about Roland Sands Design and the RSD Desmo Tracker, you can check out their official site at http://www.rolandsands.com/wp/2011/10/26/wp20111026rsd-desmo-tracker.

The Ducati 1199 Panigale. Are you ready to ride?

After months of anticipation, the Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike is finally here.

Yay!

Promising to be the most advanced, fastest and illest bike in their 2012 range, the 1199 Panigale Superbike takes Ducati to the next evolution in two-wheeled motorsport.

The Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike. Now imagine racing Trinity from the Matrix: Reloaded while on aforementioned superbike.

To be honest, when we first saw these pictures of the 1199 Panigale, we immediately got transported back to 2003 watching Carrie-Ann Moss as Trinity in The Matrix Reloaded, where she rode the Ducati 996 to escape from Agents with the Keymaster (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eF9AC2Ce2ow).

Mmmmm… Trinity on a Ducati.  So good.

We really loved that 996 design and definitely think this 1199 Panigale pays homage to Ducati’s tradition of awesomeness.

The first thing we thought about? Trinity from the Matrix: Reloaded. The second thing? How disgustingly sick the new 1199 Panigale is.

According to today’s press release:

Ducati has unveiled the long-awaited 1199 Panigale Superbike alongside its entire 2012 range in a stylish Press Conference at the Teatro Dal Verme in Milan, Italy. Setting a new benchmark in the motorcycle industry with their ground-breaking and innovative new Superbike, the Italian manufacturer’s incredible lineup of dream motorcycles are now set to be exhibited from 10-13 November at EICMA 2011, the 69th edition of the Milan International Motorcycle Show.

During the unveiling, Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding stated, “Ducati has continued to increase its market share,production volumes and global sales, confirming their solid position and underlining the efficient and well organised business structure that will now serve the company in the coming years.” 

Furthermore:

“It is the hard work of all the men and women at Ducati that has resulted in the positive results that I present today and it validates the strategy we followed during the period 2007-2011,” said Gabriele Del Torchio during the conference. “Thanks to our focus on product development, increased investment and our work to maintain the desirability of our brand around the world, I take great satisfaction in announcing that 2011 has been the most successful year in the history of Ducati.”

“Sales of approximately 42,000 motorcycles have generated revenues of €480m, a 20% increase over the previous year and just reward for our highly innovative products. It gives us the confidence to believe in the pillars of our strategy and to continue on our ‘mission’ to be specialist leaders of the sportbike segment by further developing innovative and class-leading motorcycles.”

“All of this has enabled us to present the incredible new 1199 Panigale, the new benchmark in the sportbike arena. Without doubt, this has been the most ambitious project in Ducati’s history and underlines our engineering excellence and ‘product emotion’, an aspect of our brand which, in such a competitive market place, has become more important than ever. This motorcycle represents pure Italian style, the reference point for performance and a safety-enhanced, confidence-inspiring experience for our customers on road and track.”

“We are particularly proud to have created a special ‘Tricolore’ version of this new motorcycle, in the red, white and green of Italy. What better occasion to celebrate the 150th anniversary of our national flag and underline our role and responsibility as ambassadors of the title ‘made in Italy’, than with a product of such style and technical excellence.”

Ducati Motor Holding General Manager, Claudio Domenicali continued:

“Throughout our long and successful twin-cylinder history of racing, Ducati has never built a sportbike as advanced as the 1199 Panigale,” said Claudio Domenicali during his presentation. “We are moving into a new generation with a ‘revolution’ of the species that establishes new limits for the category. Its Desmodromic heart, the new Superquadro engine, is the most powerful twin-cylinder ever produced and represents the base of a new concept of frame and engine integration. This concept enables the 1199 Panigale a dry weight of just 164kg and gives it a riding sensation that is closer than ever to a full race bike. With revised ergonomics, full Ride-by-Wire engine management and enhanced systems of ABS and traction control, we have controlled the beast within the 1199 Panigale so that the full emotion of this motorcycle can be enjoyed easily and safely.”

The Ducati press release also stated:

Indeed, the 2012 Ducati Superbike family marks the official introduction of the ground-breaking 1199 Panigale, 1199 Panigale S and flagship 1199 Panigale S Tricolore and opens a new chapter in the company’s iconic Superbike history. Available early in 2012, Ducati’s new generation Superbike, goes beyond the barriers of motorcycle design and engineering to set the most extreme benchmark ever and the direction for future sport bikes. Developed in the red-hot environment of racing and designed to raise the performance bar to its highest, the 1199 Panigale uses innovative Ducati Corse-derived solutions to make World Championship level technology available to everyone.

The most high tech, most powerful twin-cylinder production engine on the planet is now an integral part of an innovative monocoque chassis that combine to deliver an astonishing 195hp from 164kg (361.5lb) of futuristic Italian thoroughbred. The highest production motorcycle power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios in the world are fitting trophies for the incredible results that Ducati have achieved. Bred for the track and trained for the road, the new 1199 Panigale is a true revolution of the species destined to influence the entire sportsbike environment.

With the click of a button, Ducati’s Riding Mode concept delivers performance with enhanced rider confidence by combining seven class-leading technologies. The latest-generation sports ABS system, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Electronic Suspension (DES), Ducati Quick-Shift (DQS), Ducati’s new race-derived Engine Brake Control (EBC) and Ride-by-Wire (RbW) are now all programmed into seamless, electronic rider assistance. Even the full colour Thin Film Transistor (TFT) display changes to suit the rider’s environment.

State-of-the-art from the ground-up and melding latest technologies with exciting new family features, the 1199 Panigale is totally “Ducati” in every respect. Its no-compromise approach to sport design and stylish attention to incredibly fine detail presents authentic Italian performance at its purist. The highly successful 848EVO and new for 2012, 848EVO Corse Special Edition with enhanced electronics, suspension and stunning Ducati Corse livery, complete an incredible 2012 Ducati Superbike range.

So are you ready to take delivery of your own Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike?

Yes, but tight on cash like us?

No worries, you can check out more photos and information about the Ducati 1199 Panigale Superbike on Ducati’s official site: http://www.ducati.com/.

I’m sure it will be available for you when you finally resolve your cashflow issues.