Big wheels keep on turning

Financial worries fail to slow

the pace of magnificent automobiles

When it comes to safe driving, you can’t do better than the maximum five-star rating awarded the new Audi A6. That recognition for passive crash safety comes from the Euro NCAP consortium, whose tests underscored the trustworthy protection afforded adult and juvenile passengers in the event of a frontal, rear or side collision – and the added protection extended to pedestrians as well. The Audi A6 is one of the safest cars in its class.

Maximising safety for pedestrians and cyclists as well as occupants of the car in the event of an accident is an important concern for Audi. The vehicle’s front end is specially designed to mitigate the consequences of a collision.

Integral pedestrian protection takes the form of standard daytime running lights and an optional Night Vision Assistant with a pedestrian warning. Additional driver assistance comes from the Active Lane Assist and all-weather lights with adaptable headlight-range control.

And Audi’s Pre Sense Plus system – a milestone in active safety – initiates partial braking if a collision is likely. If a collision is unavoidable, full deceleration is initiated to reduce the intensity of the impact. Target Braking assists drivers in situations where they do not apply sufficient braking force despite having received visible and audible warnings from the control panel.

All of these reassuring features sometimes distract from the A6’s athleticism and elegance. Customers can choose among five powerful and highly efficient four- and six-cylinder engines – two gasoline and three TDI engines that produce between 130kW (177 horsepower) and 220kW (300hp). Compared to the previous model, fuel consumption has been reduced by 21 per cent – the highest achievement in its class.

Meanwhile the A6 Hybrid, with its 2.0 TFSI and electric motor, produces a combined 180kW (245hp) for sporty performance, and average fuel consumption is just 6.2 litres per 100 kilometres.

The economy might falter, but motorists want to keep moving, and the manufacturers of luxury cars are expected to enjoy continued solid growth this year amid new models and impressive advances in performance and fuel efficiency.

Among the leaders of the pack, yet again, Maserati will be unveiling the GranCbrio Fendi at this month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. Designer Silvia Venturini Fendi has united the iconic brand that shares his surname with another made-in-Italy masterpiece, in a natural blending of their common values of craftsmanship and tradition.

The vehicle is a masterpiece of scientific technology and artisan skill developed at the historic Maserati plant in Modena, using materials created in various colours specifically for this project.

The three-layer hue of the body is called Grigio Fiamma Fendi – dark grey with an iridescent golden finish. Pergamena Fendi wood trim runs across the width of the dashboard, on the doors and at the crest of the gear lever, offset by the Fendi yellow of the brake callipers and embroidered trident on the headrests.

There is the bold trident, and there is Fendi’s unmistakable double-F logo, stitched on the seat and at the centre of the 20-inch alloy wheels, as well as the Fendi logo along the rocker panel.

Cuoio Romano – the precious leather of Fendi’s Selleria line – has been used for such details as the instrument cluster cover, the gear lever and the profile of the floor mats. It also features in the limited-edition Travel Set of luggage and accessories.

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi represents a perfect marriage between fatto a mano (handmade) art and the high technology of ths 4.7-litre V8 engine coupled with automatic transmission, which brings to life a unique roar, music to the ears of car connoisseurs.

Silvia Venturini Fendi’s specially crafted logo seals this collaboration. It’s engraved on a silver oval plaque with the Maserati Trident and the model’s five-digit series number on the dashboard in front of the passenger seat and on both sides of the black-cloth folding roof. And a black car cover with the double-F dresses the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi when it’s at rest.