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What Next? iCar?

08.26.10

By Ari Cheren
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Brabus, that company that loves to customize Mercedes performance to within an inch of its ability to stay planted on the road, has upped its game this week, adding a slew of high-tech electronics to an S600 sedan to create a G5 jet for the asphalt. And what gadgets did they bolt into the rear passenger compartment? Apple, of course.

The idea of an Apple vehicle may seem crazy to some, but to this author it makes perfect sense; hook up with a manufacturer (perhaps GM? Tesla?) and co-brand a car that utilizes Apple’s mastery of human interface and electronic navigation. But while our fantasy of such a vehicle remains, for now, just that - some aftermarket companies aren’t waiting for the revolution. They’re integrating Apple’s products now, creating a mash-up of vehicle and personal electronics that could - some day - turn the industry on its head as cars become commoditized. Case in point, the new Mercedes Brabus iBusiness edition.

According to today’s press release, The “iBusiness” represents the world debut of an absolutely unique luxury sedan. The four-seater based on the Mercedes S 600 reaches a top speed of 211 mph, thanks to a 12-cylinder engine with a rated power output of 750 hp. The fun part is that they’ve combined this engine with an innovative multimedia system that features the latest Apple components. Two iPads in the rear compartment not only play movies, music and Internet content, they also control all functions of the S-Class COMAND system - masterfully crafted from a two-tone combination of high-quality BRABUS leather that is especially soft, breathable and highly durable.

At the heart of the “iBusiness” is state-of-the-art entertainment and communication technology on wheels. The centerpiece of the system is an ultra-small Mac minicomputer safely housed under the rear shelf in an electrically deployed drawer whose design mirrors the design of the computer itself. While on the move the two tablet computers and the Bluetooth keyboard can be safely secured in rear tables. The table tops are covered with the same leather as the entire interior and are bordered by high-gloss aluminum frames. The tables are electrically deployed from special BRABUS seatback consoles and are infinitely adjustable to any angle. They offer ample space for perusing documents, the Apple mouse and keyboard.

When the iPads are not in use or when the “iBusiness” is parked they can be stored securely and hidden from sight in custom-tailored compartments in the BRABUS center console. A special BRABUS app will be available shortly for iPad and iPhone, the latter of which is also part of the standard equipment of the luxury sedan. And, while the app may only run 99 cents, we have a feeling the car will cost a bit more. No pricing announced yet, but we have to say it’s one heckuva storage case for an iPad…

http://www.brabus.com

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Luxury Linens for Less

08.24.10

Frette, coveted luxury linens from Milan, are on sale for a limited time at Frette’s boutique at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. Ask for manager Salwa Cohen. She’s wonderful and will introduce you to linens that you never knew you couldn’t live without—and they’re 60% off.

Choose from spring/summer linens, duvets, towels and ready-to-wear. Frette’s finest Egyptian cotton linens are already found in the world’s most elegant hotels, homes, and restaurants.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Level 2, near Nordstrom at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. 714.556.7080.

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