With the A1, Audi has a solid contender in the super-compact market – competing with the Fiat 500, Mini Cooper, and the BMW 1 Series for young, urban, affluent drivers. And after introducing a 3-door A1 in 2010, Audi is now hoping to lure more buyers by offering a 5-door version of the sporty and unique car. The new Sportback will offer a full backseat, with an optional 5th seat, as part of an interior that offers more room and storage space than the 3-door. Audi is also committed to offering plenty of options for the A1, in both performance and personalization; at the high end is Audi’s MMI navigation plus, with DVD drive voice control, a 6.5-inch fold out 3D LCD, and a 14 speaker 465-watt Bose surround sound system. For performance, buyers can choose between three gasoline and three TDI diesel engines, for an available 185 hp, and Audi’s 7-speed S Tronic transmission is available. In all, the small size of the A1 requires few compromises – solid exterior lines, a full range of performance and comfort options, and a well-engineered and designed interior. Still no word on a US release of the A1, but you can see a gallery of what’s going to be hitting European markets in 2012 after the jump. via: Autoblog.

Read the rest of: 2012 Audi A1 Sportback Five-Door

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Well lighted, orderly and clean, McLaren‘s new factory in Woking, U.K., is precisely what you’d expect from the Formula One automaker, though the just opened McLaren Production Centre is a 34,500 square meter facility that will allow for the mass production of an upcoming street legal model, the MP4-12C, in addition to its motor sport vehicles. Like the nearby McLaren Technology Centre, the two-story production center was designed by London based architectural firm Foster + Partners. Consequently, both structures are connected by similar design motifs — as well as an underground walkway — featuring the same circular glass entranceways and similar building materials. The factory is built into the sloping landscape, so as to mitigate its presence in the undeveloped environment. The lower level is entirely belowground, making the building nearly invisible from afar. Inside, there’s plenty of open space, with manufacturing facilities that form a production line encompassing every stage of the vehicle’s build. At peak performance, factory workers will complete an MP4-12C vehicle in five days, and begin work on a new car every 45 minutes. Finally, the McLaren Production Centre is eco-friendly, with a low-energy ventilation system and roof designed for rainwater collection, as well as future solar panel installation. via: ArchDaily

Read the rest of: McLaren Production Centre – An Inside Look

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The Volkswagen Beetle R Concept made its debut this past week at the LA Auto Show. Developed by Volkswagen R GmbH — the same people who designed and built the Scirocco R and Golf R — the Beetle R Concept is styled more aggressively than the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, featuring a front bumper widened by 1.2 inches, as well as expanded wheel arches to make room for the 20-inch five-spoke wheels, with bigger brakes and visible blue “R” brake calipers. There’s an oversized lower grille that supplies cooling air to both the engine and brakes, and at the back, a massive Porsche-like rear wing and quad exhaust. The interior, meanwhile, is outfitted with racing buckets covered in black Nappa leather with grey nubuck panels, and an instrument panel that relocates the tachometer front and center. VW wouldn’t disclose what’s under the hood, but it may be similar to what’s powering the current Golf R — a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit good for 270 horsepower. Though there hasn’t been any official word, it’s likely the Beetle R will in fact see production, with most rumors pointing to a 2014 start date. via: WCF

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A first delivery from the Fall/Winter 2011 collection of Herschel Supply Co. is making way into retailers just in time for the holiday season. The drop consists of Zippo backpack, Journey duffel bag, Heritage backpack and Johnny zip wallet. Each item is constructed from durable canvas bodies reinforced by real and synthetic leather paneling. The neutral Earth tones lends itself to any style and its classic design should transcend trends, making these timeless items. All of these bags can be found at The VANS DQM General store and Herschel Supply Co. stockists around the world. Take a closer look at the bags after the jump.

The VANS DQM General – New York
93 Grand Street | Map
New York, NY 10013
TEL #: 212-226-7776

Read the rest of: Herschel Supply Co. – Fall/Winter 2011 Collection | Delivery 1

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Vans loyalists who thought they’d have to abandon their favorite footwear brand once the weather took a turn for the worse needn’t worry. Vans California introduces the Switchback CA Water Resistant, built for inclement weather without sacrificing any of the inimitable Vans styling. The mid-cut shoe features a premium leather upper, rubber protective overlay, reinforced toe, padded collar and reverse waffle outsole for increased traction. Metal eyelets and cord laces finish the look. The sneaker boot hybrid comes in black or tan colorways and is available now at New York’s DQM.

DQM
7 East 3rd Street | Map
New York, NY 10003
TEL #: 212-505-7551

Read the rest of: VANS Switchback CA Water Resistant

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Considering the difficulties in locating this, or for that matter, any items from OriginalFake this side of the Pacific. Canadian retailer HAVEN saved you from the frustration and stress with the release of OriginalFake x Loopwheeler – Sweat Varisty Jacket. Made from the resilient Loopwheeler cotton jersey, the varsity jacket features a two-tone design of black sleeves and grey body. Embroidered with KAWS‘ Chum caricature on front and details like custom snap button, the perfect outerwear for Fall is now available at both HAVEN retail points and its online store. Hurry before they’re gone!

HAVEN Flagship
10528 108 Street NW | Map
Edmonton, AB Canada

HAVEN Select
7 Gaoler’s Mews | Map
Vancouver ON Canada

Read the rest of: OriginalFake x Loopwheeler – Sweat Varisty Jacket | Available Now

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Post tags: adidas Originals, HAVEN, Kaws, Loopwheeler, MEDICOM TOY, OriginalFake

NEXUSVII is celebrating 10th year in business and its longevity is a testament to the brand’s pursuit of great products. Not to be over shadowed by its aesthetics, NEXUSVII is forever progressing, paying close attention to its manufacturing process. NEX-WCS, acronym that stands for NEXUSVII Weather Clothing System, is inspired by the US military wear from 1980′s. Each piece is given an LV or level rating, which corresponds to its use. LV-1 is the lightest garment in the collection while LV-7 is reserved for the most heavy weight outerwear. All of the garments are carefully crafted in Japan and HAVEN in Canada already took the first delivery from NEXUSVII, which can be found on their online store and retail stores.

HAVEN Flagship
10528 108 Street NW | Map
Edmonton, AB Canada

HAVEN Select
7 Gaoler’s Mews | Map
Vancouver ON Canada

Read the rest of: NEXUSVII Fall/Winter 2011 – NEX-WCS Collection | Available Now

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Coleen attended the Children in Need gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel in Manchester last night and did so in her third custom-made Philip Armstrong dress in about as many weeks.