#Elite Jaguars sports transport

[limo-service-jacksonville]

Experience Jaguars Sporting Events with Jacksonville Limo Rental

Jacksonville Florida Sports enthusiasts often seek thrilling experiences. And what could be more exhilarating than arriving at a Jacksonville Jaguars sporting event in luxury limousine? With Unique Corporate Limos as your trusted transportation provider, that dream becomes a reality.

Why Choose Unique Corporate Limos for Your Game Day?

Luxury Meets Convenience: No need to worry about parking or traffic. Sit back, relax, and get ready for the game.

Make an Impression: Stepping out of a limo not only boosts confidence but ensures you make an entrance to remember.

Safety First: After a spirited game, there's no better way to ensure you get home safely than with a reliable limo service.

A Tailored Experience for Sports Lovers

Every sports fan understands the thrill of supporting their team live. Add a touch of luxury to it, and the experience becomes unforgettable. Unique Corporate Limos, LLC ensures you not only arrive in style but also enjoy top-notch services tailored to your needs.

For Free Jaguars Game Day limo Service Quote Call (904)800-5657

The Added Benefits of Choosing Unique Corporate Limos

Riding with Unique Corporate Limos comes with many perks:

Personalized Service: Drivers are well-trained and professional, ensuring your trip is smooth and efficient.

Punctuality: We prioritize your time. Expect us to get you to the event on time, every time.

Comfort and Elegance: Our fleet boasts modern, clean, and luxurious vehicles. You're guaranteed a comfortable and elegant journey.

Book Your Next Jaguar Event Transport with Confidence

Whether you're attending a Jacksonville Jaguars game or any other event, choosing Unique Corporate Limos, LLC, guarantees an unmatched experience. From top-notch service to a comfortable journey, you get it all. Elevate your game day experience by booking with us. After all, why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary?

In Conclusion

Attending a Jaguars sporting event is thrilling. But arriving in a limo provided by Unique Corporate Limos, LLC, takes the experience to another level. When you combine the energy of the game with luxury transport, you're in for an unforgettable day. Book with us and turn your game day into a spectacular event.

[abhiramiabii]

Explore the Luxury Car Rental Scene in Trivandrum

Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, is known for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and a growing cosmopolitan vibe. Whether you're visiting for business, attending a special event, or simply exploring the city, arriving in style is a must. Renting a luxury car in Trivandrum offers a blend of elegance, comfort, and convenience, making your journey unforgettable. Here’s everything you need to know about luxury cars rent in Trivandrum.

Why Rent a Luxury Car in Trivandrum?

Unmatched Comfort: Luxury cars are designed with superior comfort in mind, featuring plush interiors, advanced climate control, and high-end audio systems.

Prestige and Style: Arriving in a luxury car makes a statement, whether you’re attending a corporate meeting, a wedding, or a social gathering.

Advanced Features: Enjoy cutting-edge technology, including state-of-the-art navigation systems, premium sound systems, and enhanced safety features.

Memorable Experience: Driving a luxury car can transform a mundane trip into a memorable experience, adding a touch of excitement to your journey.

Top Luxury Car Models Available for Rent in Trivandrum

Trivandrum boasts a range of luxury car options to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some of the most popular models:

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Known for its sophistication and advanced features, the S-Class offers an unrivaled driving experience.

BMW 7 Series: Combining performance and luxury, the 7 Series is perfect for those who value both speed and comfort.

Audi A8: With its sleek design and innovative technology, the Audi A8 is a favorite among luxury car enthusiasts.

Jaguar XJ: This car stands out with its elegant design and powerful performance, making it ideal for special occasions.

Porsche Panamera: For those who want a blend of sportiness and luxury, the Panamera is an excellent choice.

Tips for Renting a Luxury Car in Trivandrum

Before you hit the road in your dream car, consider these tips to ensure a smooth rental experience:

Book in Advance: Luxury cars are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance ensures you get the model you desire.

Check the Rental Policies: Understand the rental terms, including mileage limits, fuel policies, and insurance coverage.

Inspect the Car: Before driving off, inspect the car for any pre-existing damage and ensure all features are working correctly.

Understand the Costs: Luxury car rentals come with a premium price tag. Be clear on the costs involved, including any additional charges for extra services.

Consider Chauffeur Services: If you prefer to sit back and enjoy the ride, many rental companies offer professional chauffeur services.

Recommended Luxury Car Rental Services in Trivandrum

Here are some reputable rental companies in Trivandrum offering a range of luxury vehicles:

Southgate Travels: Known for their diverse fleet of luxury cars, Southgate Travels offers top-notch service and competitive rates. They provide everything from high-end sedans to sports cars, ensuring a memorable driving experience.

Royal Wheels: Specializing in luxury and vintage cars, Royal Wheels offers a wide selection of premium vehicles for various occasions.

Elite Car Rentals: Elite Car Rentals provides a range of luxury cars, including BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, ensuring a comfortable and stylish journey.

Conclusion

Renting a luxury car in Trivandrum is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s an experience that adds elegance, comfort, and style to your journey. Whether you're attending a business meeting, exploring the city, or celebrating a special event, a luxury car can make all the difference. By choosing a reputable rental service and following the tips above, you can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

For more information on luxury car rentals in Trivandrum, feel free to reach out to local rental companies and explore online reviews. Drive in style and make your Trivandrum visit truly unforgettable!

[southgatetravels]

Experience Luxury with Premium Car Rentals in Kochi

Introduction

Kochi, often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," is a city that seamlessly blends historical charm with modern sophistication. Whether you’re in Kochi for business, a special event, or just to explore its vibrant culture and scenic beauty, your mode of transportation can significantly enhance your experience. Premium car rentals in Kochi offer the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, allowing you to travel in style. This guide will provide insights into the world of Premium Car Rentals in kochi and how they can elevate your journey.

Why Choose Premium Car Rentals?

Opting for a premium car rental comes with a host of benefits:

Luxury and Comfort: Premium cars are equipped with top-notch features and plush interiors, ensuring a comfortable ride.

Status and Style: Arriving in a luxury car makes a statement, whether it's for a business meeting, a wedding, or any special occasion.

Advanced Features: Enjoy the latest technology, safety features, and superior performance.

Professional Service: Premium car rental services often include professional chauffeurs, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience.

Popular Choices for Premium Car Rentals in Kochi

Luxury Sedans

Description: These cars offer a perfect balance of luxury and performance, providing a smooth and comfortable ride.

Examples: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8.

Ideal For: Business meetings, formal events, and personal travel.

SUVs and Crossovers

Description: Combining luxury with versatility, premium SUVs and crossovers offer ample space and advanced features.

Examples: Range Rover, Audi Q7, BMW X5.

Ideal For: Family trips, off-road adventures, and long-distance travel.

Sports Cars

Description: For those who crave speed and style, premium sports cars deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

Examples: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche.

Ideal For: Special occasions, leisure trips, and making a grand entrance.

Limousines

Description: Synonymous with luxury, limousines provide the ultimate in comfort and sophistication.

Examples: Stretch Limousines, Hummer Limos.

Ideal For: Weddings, VIP events, and glamorous outings.

Electric Cars

Description: Combining luxury with sustainability, premium electric cars offer cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly travel.

Examples: Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron, Jaguar I-PACE.

Ideal For: Eco-conscious travelers and tech enthusiasts.

Tips for Renting a Premium Car in Kochi

Identify Your Needs

Determine the purpose of your rental (business, leisure, special event) to choose the right type of vehicle.

Set a Budget

Premium car rentals can vary in price. Establish a budget to narrow down your options without compromising on quality.

Book in Advance

Premium cars are in high demand. Booking early ensures availability and can sometimes secure better rates.

Check Rental Terms

Review the rental agreement for details on mileage limits, fuel policies, and any additional charges.

Inspect the Car

Before driving off, inspect the car for any pre-existing damage and ensure it’s equipped with all promised features.

Consider Chauffeur Services

For added convenience and luxury, opt for a rental service that includes a professional chauffeur.

Top Premium Car Rental Services in Kochi

Southgate Travels

Renowned for their exceptional fleet of luxury vehicles, Southgate Travels offers personalized services and well-maintained cars to ensure a premium experience.

Elite Car Rentals

Elite Car Rentals provides a diverse selection of high-end cars, from luxury sedans to SUVs, with a focus on customer satisfaction and quality service.

Royal Rides

Specializing in luxury car rentals, Royal Rides offers a range of premium vehicles along with professional chauffeur services for a seamless experience.

Conclusion

Premium car rentals in Kochi are the perfect way to add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your journey. Whether you're attending a high-profile business meeting, celebrating a special occasion, or simply exploring the city in style, a premium car rental offers unparalleled comfort, convenience, and class. By considering your needs, setting a budget, and choosing a reputable rental service, you can ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience.

Make your visit to Kochi truly special with the perfect premium car rental. Enjoy the ride!

[shynim]

The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Car Rentals in Trivandrum

Weddings are special occasions that deserve every bit of the grandeur and elegance they promise. Among the many elements that contribute to the splendor of a wedding, the wedding car plays a pivotal role. In Trivandrum, the capital city of Kerala, wedding car rentals have become increasingly popular, offering a variety of luxurious options to make the big day even more memorable. If you’re planning your wedding in Trivandrum and looking for the perfect ride, this guide will help you navigate through the myriad choices available.

Why Opt for a Wedding Car Rental?

Grand Entrance and Exit: A stylish car sets the tone for the entire event. Making a grand entrance or exit in a luxurious vehicle can add an extra layer of sophistication and class to your wedding.

Comfort and Convenience: On your big day, the last thing you want to worry about is transportation logistics. A wedding car rental ensures that you have a comfortable and stress-free ride, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day.

Photographic Opportunities: Wedding cars serve as stunning backdrops for wedding photos. The right car can elevate the visual appeal of your wedding album, giving you cherished memories to look back on.

Luxury and Style: From vintage classics to modern luxury sedans, wedding car rentals offer a range of vehicles that cater to different tastes and themes. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional or contemporary look, there’s a perfect car for you.

Popular Wedding Car Options in Trivandrum

Vintage Cars: Classic cars like the Ambassador or vintage Rolls Royce models are perfect for those who want a touch of old-world charm. These cars exude elegance and are ideal for traditional weddings.

Luxury Sedans: Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi offer luxury sedans that are both stylish and comfortable. These cars are a popular choice for modern weddings, offering a sleek and sophisticated look.

Limousines: For those who want to go all out, renting a limousine can make the occasion even more special. Limousines are not only luxurious but also spacious, making them perfect for accommodating the bridal party.

SUVs and Sports Cars: For a more contemporary and bold statement, high-end SUVs like the Range Rover or sports cars like the Jaguar or Porsche can be a great choice. These cars combine luxury with a hint of adventure and excitement.

Top Wedding Car Rental Services in Trivandrum

Classic Wedding Cars Trivandrum: Known for their collection of vintage and classic cars, they offer a range of beautifully maintained vehicles that can add a touch of nostalgia to your wedding.

Luxury Rides Trivandrum: Specializing in high-end luxury vehicles, this service provides a fleet of modern sedans and SUVs, ensuring you arrive in style and comfort.

Royal Wedding Cars: Offering a mix of classic, vintage, and modern cars, Royal Wedding Cars provides tailored services to meet the unique needs of your wedding day.

Elite Car Rentals: With a focus on customer satisfaction, Elite Car Rentals offers a variety of luxury cars, including limousines, making sure your ride is as special as the occasion.

Tips for Renting a Wedding Car in Trivandrum

Book Early: Wedding car rentals are in high demand, especially during peak wedding season. To ensure you get your preferred vehicle, book as early as possible.

Visit and Inspect: If possible, visit the rental service and inspect the cars yourself. This ensures there are no surprises on the day of your wedding.

Read Reviews: Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the reliability and quality of the rental service.

Check Packages: Many rental services offer wedding packages that include additional perks like decorations and chauffeur services. Compare packages to find the best deal.

Clarify Terms: Make sure you understand the rental terms, including the duration of the rental, mileage limits, and any additional charges.

Choosing the right wedding car rental Trivandrum can significantly enhance the overall experience of your wedding day. Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a vintage car or the modern luxury of a high-end sedan, Trivandrum’s car rental services offer a plethora of options to make your special day unforgettable. Plan ahead, choose wisely, and get ready to make a grand entrance on your wedding day!

[sandeepsrk007]

Discovering Elegance on Wheels: Top Luxury Car Rental Companies in Kerala

Introduction: Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," is a tapestry of lush landscapes, serene backwaters, and vibrant culture. As a premier destination for both tourists and business travelers, the demand for luxury car rentals in Kerala has surged, providing a seamless blend of comfort, style, and convenience. This blog explores the top Luxury Car Rental Companies in Kerala, helping you choose the perfect ride for your next trip.

Why Rent a Luxury Car in Kerala? Renting a luxury car in Kerala isn't just about transportation; it's about an experience. Whether you're cruising along the scenic coastal roads, navigating through the bustling streets of Kochi, or exploring the tranquil hills of Munnar, a luxury car adds a layer of pleasure and prestige to your journey.

1. Kerala Luxury Car Rentals

About: Known for their impeccable service and wide selection of high-end vehicles, Kerala Luxury Car Rentals offers everything from sedans to premium SUVs and limousines.

Fleet Highlights: Audi A6, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Services: Professional chauffeurs, airport transfers, wedding car services, and customized tours.

Why Choose Them: With a focus on customer satisfaction and tailored services, they cater to both individual preferences and corporate needs.

2. Exotic Rides Kerala

About: Exotic Rides Kerala specializes in providing an exclusive fleet of luxury cars and sports cars for rental in Kerala. They are perfect for those looking to add an extra thrill to their travel.

Fleet Highlights: Porsche 911, Ferrari California, Lamborghini Huracan.

Services: Self-drive options, personalized road trip itineraries, special event rentals.

Why Choose Them: For enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Exotic Rides offers the thrill of driving a high-performance vehicle through Kerala's stunning landscapes.

3. Elite Drives

About: Elite Drives focuses on combining luxury with traditional Keralan hospitality, ensuring a first-class experience.

Fleet Highlights: Jaguar XF, Lexus ES, Tesla Model S.

Services: Chauffeur-driven cars, corporate travel, special occasion rentals.

Why Choose Them: Elite Drives emphasizes environmentally friendly options, including hybrids and fully electric models, for the eco-conscious traveler.

4. Regal Rides

About: With a reputation for excellence and a deep understanding of the luxury market, Regal Rides offers a bespoke travel experience tailored to the discerning traveler.

Fleet Highlights: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series.

Services: VIP airport pickups, business travel services, luxury tour packages.

Why Choose Them: They provide premium amenities like onboard Wi-Fi, refreshments, and the latest entertainment systems, ensuring a comfortable journey.

5. Prestige Luxury Rentals

About: This company stands out for its comprehensive service and attention to detail, making it a favorite among high-profile clients and luxury travelers.

Fleet Highlights: Range Rover Sport, Bentley Flying Spur, Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Services: Wedding car rentals, VIP concierge services, custom sightseeing tours.

Why Choose Them: Prestige Luxury Rentals offers unmatched elegance and exclusivity, focusing on providing a high-end experience from start to finish.

Conclusion: Luxury car rentals in Kerala offer more than just a means to get from point A to point B; they promise an unforgettable journey steeped in comfort and class. Whether for a special occasion, business, or leisure, these top luxury car rental companies in Kerala ensure that every trip is memorable. With each providing unique services and a distinguished fleet, choose the one that best fits your style and needs, and experience Kerala like never before.

[vivekbsworld]

Premium Cars For Rent In Trivandrum: Elevate Your Travel Experience

Trivandrum, the vibrant capital city of Kerala, is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. From its historic temples to its bustling streets, Trivandrum offers a plethora of experiences to its visitors. And what better way to explore this cultural gem than by cruising through its streets in a premium luxury car? Here, we delve into the world of premium cars for rent in trivandrum, offering you a glimpse into the opulent experiences awaiting you.

1. Luxe Wheels:

Imagine gliding through the streets of Trivandrum in a sleek Mercedes-Benz or a sophisticated Audi. Luxe Wheels specializes in providing top-of-the-line luxury cars for rent, ensuring that your journey through the city is nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re attending a special event or simply wish to indulge in luxury during your stay, Luxe Wheels has a fleet of meticulously maintained vehicles to cater to your needs.

2. Prestige Rentals:

Prestige Rentals sets the standard for luxury car rental services in Trivandrum. With a diverse range of premium vehicles including BMWs, Jaguars, and Range Rovers, Prestige Rentals offers an unparalleled driving experience. Whether you’re exploring the scenic landscapes of Kerala or navigating through the city streets, their fleet of high-end cars ensures both comfort and style throughout your journey.

3. Royal Rides:

For those seeking an extravagant travel experience, Royal Rides delivers in every aspect. From luxurious Bentleys to powerful Porsches, Royal Rides offers an exclusive selection of elite cars for rent in Trivandrum. Each vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge amenities, ensuring that your ride is not only stylish but also exceptionally comfortable. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, Royal Rides caters to the discerning needs of its clientele with unparalleled sophistication.

4. Dream Drives:

True to its name, Dream Drives offers the opportunity to turn your fantasy of driving a luxury car into reality. With an impressive lineup of premium vehicles ranging from Lamborghinis to Ferraris, Dream Drives caters to the desires of automotive enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. Whether you crave the thrill of a high-performance sports car or the elegance of a classic Rolls-Royce, Dream Drives ensures an unforgettable driving experience through the enchanting streets of Trivandrum.

5. Elite Exotics:

Embark on a journey of luxury and refinement with Elite Exotics. Specializing in exotic car rentals, Elite Exotics boasts an exclusive collection of rare and prestigious vehicles for the ultimate driving experience. From the iconic Aston Martin to the exotic McLaren, each car in their fleet exudes unparalleled sophistication and prestige. Elevate your stay in Trivandrum with Elite Exotics, where luxury knows no bounds.

In conclusion, luxury car rental services in Trivandrum offer an enticing opportunity to elevate your travel experience to new heights of sophistication and indulgence. Whether you’re exploring the city’s cultural landmarks or embarking on a scenic drive through Kerala’s picturesque landscapes, these premium car rental companies ensure that every moment of your journey is imbued with luxury, comfort, and style. So, why settle for an ordinary mode of transportation when you can indulge in the extraordinary with a luxury car rental in Trivandrum?

[thedreamcars]

Luxury cars for a wedding in Chandigarh

In the Dream Cars, with well-decorated, nice and clean vehicles driven by well-trained chauffeurs, we established our name in the market for luxury cars for weddings in Chandigarh, Panchkula, and Mohali. We have the largest fleet of Luxury Cars that can be booked across Punjab and Chandigarh. Book A traditional car rental in Chandigarh for your wedding. Experience fantastic cars and trucks. The most romantic and contemporary wedding car selection.

We offer premium cars for marriages, Doli events, or other occasions in the dream cars. We have a variety of Elite luxury cars for weddings in Chandigarh including AUDI, AUDI A3, A4, Range Rover, Jaguar XF, Mercedes Benz C/E/S. A chauffeur drove a luxurious car. We have Innova Crysta, Fortuner/Endeavour Automatic 4x4, Kia Seltos, etc in the medium range of products.

 Wedding Car Rental in Chandigarh

A wedding is an event for life. Do you want premium car services to make this memorable then can be a way to make it memorable? For 10+ years in Chandigarh, Panchkula, Mohali & Punjab Dream Cars Serving Luxury wedding car rental. That turns us into a trustworthy luxury car rental Chandigarh company for Weddings and nothing is punched as a luxury Jagaur car. The Dream Cars offers luxurious cars for self-driving, honeysuckle, self-driven car tours.

Wedding luxury car rental Chandigarh, wedding car service & luxury car hire companies in Chandigarh will be available to you when you search for marriage cars. However, The Dream Cars, Wedding Cars Chandigarh, is the leading luxury rental company for cabins.

Hire Classic from your local Chandigarh Supplier, vintage, wedding transportation. For everyone, marriage is a major part of life. We offer premium wedding cars to support you in style and elegance on the big day. Our range of high-end luxury cars offers professional self-drive luxury car rental Chandigarh Wedding car rental.

 Types of Luxury Wedding Cars in Chandigarh

     Audi  Wedding Car in Chandigarh

Whether you want a traditional or contemporary car, you will be able to enter the Chandigarh wedding with The Dream Cars. We supply Audi cars for weddings in Chandigarh. Audi A3 convertible cars, Audi Q7, Audi A6, and Audi A4 are available to us. Book Audi vehicles online, get discounts and offers and receive Audi A6, Audi A4 information about availability.

2.                Mercedes Wedding Car in Chandigarh

Mercedes Cars are supplied for marriage in Chandigarh. Mercedes C class, S class, Mercedes E Class, Mercedes GLX are available. Chandigarh is the most popular car rental service in Chandigarh, which is why we offer luxury Cars for weddings in Chandigarh. Share your wedding date with us so that we can provide the best price for your wedding car. 

3.                Jaguar Wedding Car in Chandigarh

The professional and experienced champions recruit the Chandigarh wedding taxi. We offer a flexible, comprehensive service that ensures comfort and sleek style for your travel arrangements. Our marriage service provides for a smooth-running, from collection to drop-off. Jaguar XF, Jaguar XF, Jaguar XJL, Jaguar XJ50 are our products.

4.                Range Rover Car in Chandigarh

The Dream Cars are one of Chandigarh's leading luxurious car rentals. Wedding cars in Chandigarh Rental offer luxury car rental for your marriage ceremony. Whether you are interested in luxury, modern, or classic wedding cars, Dream Cars will offer one of Chandigarh's best collections. We offer a wide variety of vehicles for Range Rover Evoque, Range Rover Sports, Range Rover Vogue.

5.                BMW Wedding Car in Chandigarh

For all kinds of vehicles like BMV wedding cars, 5-series BMW 7 series, vintage cars, luxury cars, BMW marriage cars service, Luxury BMW wedding cab services, BMW cab hire in Chandigarh. we offer not only highly qualified Doli cars but also highly trained drivers. Share your wedding date with us so that we can provide the best price for your wedding car.

 We offer the Dream Cars wedding cars in Chandigarh, Wedding wagons, Luxury wedding wagons, Doly wagons, marriage wagons, wedding wagons, luxury rental cars, and luxury rental cars for business customers. You will certainly impress your guests with our broad array of luxury cars that synonymous with comfort and style, our complete services, and our outstanding customer service. Luxury rented wedding car for the ceremony Barat. For Special Day, book a special Wedding Car.

 for more Call Us: +91 88263 44244 & Visit Us:  https://thedreamcars.com/

[langkous]

And Then The Rains Came. Sears Point April 1983. Lotus 26R, A Lotus Elite Rain Hat for a Lister Jaguar, Lotus XI and Osca 1600 Zagato. Lotus Sports Racer, Simply exquisite wet Morgan, a very wet DB Panhard and two 1941 Buicks for elegant transport to the races.

[britesparc]

Weekend Top Ten #400

Special Commemorative Top 100 Videogames

400! Blimey! That’s a lot. Four hundred lists. Crikey. This feels like it deserves some kind of, I dunno, special edition. Sorry, Special Edition. But what to do? And how can I somehow tentatively tie it into the number four or even four hundred?

Reader, I can’t. I’ve just sacked it off basically.

But that’s not to say I haven’t tried very hard to make a really, really special list. So special in fact that I’m doing something I’ve only done once or sort-of twice before: a Top 100. Yes, that’s right; despite this being a Top Ten, today I’m squaring the circle and going the Full Ton.

So having done films before, this weekend I’m looking at one of the few other things I feel I can talk about with a degree of authority: videogames. I’ve been a gamer pretty much as long as I can remember. Whilst I was probably reading comics first – especially Transformers – I wasn’t really collecting them, or reading them widely, until I was in my twenties. Games, on the other hand, I got into pretty hard as a young boy and they’ve maintained my interest ever since.

On compiling a list like this, however, I run against the thing I always run against, which is my knowledgebase isn’t really that wide. I had an Amiga growing up, and then graduated to a PC when I was a teen. Before that I played on my cousins’ computers, which were Spectrums and Commodores. Apart from brief trips to friends’ houses, I barely touched games consoles; indeed, I indulged in a lot of pre-teen “console toy” sectarianism, thinking the likes of Sega and Nintendo were enemies to be defeated (whilst, at the same time, being slightly covetous of the hardware). The first console we ever had in our house was my brother’s Nintendo 64; the first one I ever owned was an original Xbox. To this date, I have only owned (or had in the house, at least) the following: Xbox; GameCube; Xbox 360; DS Lite; Wii; Xbox One. I’ve never had any Sony console, being swayed by Halo and Fable when I finally decided to take the plunge into console-land around 2001.

So all this – combined with a sort-of ingrained frustration and the commonplace mechanics of a lot of “classic” console titles, especially stuff like Zelda and Metal Gear – means there will no doubt be big famous names not on this list. It’s not an apology. I’m not an expert or a journalist; I’m just some bloke wasting time on the internet. Added to this is the fact that, even when I was a kid with oodles of free time, there were only so many games my parents could afford – or, beyond that, only so many that I had time for. I remember longingly looking at screenshots in The One Amiga, PC Gamer, or Edge, wishing I could either find the money or time for the likes of Lure of the Temptress, Starcraft, Baldur’s Gate, LA Noire, Morrowind, and more. Most of these I’ve played, but not really very deeply (ditto the likes of Thief, System Shock, and most of the 3D Grand Theft Autos). And that’s before we even get onto the PlayStation games like Uncharted, Shadow of the Colossus, The Last of Us, and Spider-Man!

Anyway, what I’m saying is, this is a very personal list, and it feels incomplete even from my point of view. There’s stuff that I feel is missing, even from my own personal gaming biography. But it is what it is, and its fractured, fragmented nature is probably a good overview of my psyche, and as such it feels appropriate for a large anniversary like my 400th list.

A couple of other, technical points. In compiling a list this large, I’ve argued back-and-forth with myself over placements, but generally I’ve looked at a game, and the games around it, and asked whether it’s better or worse than its neighbours; as such, that’s where the game is stuck. Sometimes this means I’ll look at the list and think, oh, such-and-such looks too high or too low, but it feels right when nestled against its contemporaries. Also, sequels and franchises: I’ve tried to treat each game individually (both Half-Lifes are there, for instance) but with something like, say, Mass Effect, it felt a bit redundant to include the slightly-inferior parts 1 and 3 when they’re all quite similar but Mass Effect 2 is the best. So quite often one title ends up representing a franchise, unless I feel other instalments are terrific enough to stand on their own, or represent something quite different. But that’s not really a hard-and-fast rule anyway. Oh, and formats: generally speaking, they’re on the formats I discovered or most enjoyed the game on, which may throw up some non-standard entries (like SWOS, which even I think of as an Amiga game, but which I really got into years later on PC). Finally, my memory; there are some older games on here that maybe if I played a bit more recently would go up or down. But they feel important to me and my life as a gamer, so that’s where they’re staying. All that being said, I’m very comfortable with the Top Ten, which is appropriate.

TL;DR: it’s my list, it’s very subjective, it’s based partly on memory or nostalgia, it’s emotional, it’s things that I loved and that meant something to me and that still mean something to me, and that’s all there is to it.

So here we go: Top Ten numero 400. Except it’s a Top 100. Make of that what you will.

The Secret of Monkey Island (Amiga, 1991)

Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge (Amiga, 1992)

Half-Life 2 (PC, 2003)

Deus Ex (PC, 2000)

Civilization VI (PC, 2017)

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (Xbox, 2003)

Halo: Combat Evolved (Xbox, 2001)

Lemmings 2: The Tribes (Amiga, 1993)

Crackdown (Xbox 360, 2007)

Fable II (Xbox 360, 2007)

LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (Xbox One, 2013)

Command and Conquer: Red Alert (PC, 1995)

Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II (PC, 1997)

Half-Life (PC, 1998)

Sam & Max Hit the Road (PC, 1995)

Medieval II: Total War (PC, 2003)

Portal (PC, 2003)

Perfect Dark (N64, 2000)

Sensible World of Soccer 95/96 (PC, 1995)

Duke Nukem 3D (PC, 1995)

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Switch, 2018)

Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360, 2008)

Wii Sports (Wii, 2005)

Super Mario Galaxy (Wii, 2007)

Flashback (Amiga, 1993)

Batman: Arkham City (Xbox 360, 2011)

Animal Crossing (GameCube, 2004)

Halo 3 (Xbox 360, 2007)

Forza Horizon 2 (Xbox One, 2014)

BioShock (Xbox 360, 2007)

Drop 7 (iPhone, 2010)

Roller Coaster Tycoon 2 (PC, 2000)

Quake III Arena (PC, 2000)

GoldenEye 007 (N64, 1997)

Doom (PC, 1993)

Plants vs. Zombies (iPhone, 2011)

Age of Empires II (PC, 2001)

LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham (Xbox One, 2015)

James Pond II: RoboCod (Amiga, 1992)

Syndicate (Amiga, 1992)

Blade Runner (PC, 1997)

Grim Fandango (PC, 1998)

Peggle 2 (Xbox One, 2013)

Superhot (Xbox One, 2017)

Quake (PC, 1997)

Gears of War (Xbox 360, 2005)

Viva Pinata (Xbox 360, 2008)

Unreal Tournament (PC, 1999)

Cannon Fodder (Amiga, 1993)

Banjo Kazooie (N64, 1998)

Quake II (PC, 1998)

Another World (Amiga, 1992)

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (MegaDrive, 1993)

Grand Theft Auto (PC, 1997)

Doom (Xbox One, 2016)

Braid (Xbox 360, 2007)

Limbo (Xbox One, 2014)

Worms World Party (PC, 2001)

The Sims (PC, 2000)

The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (GameCube, 2003)

Pikmin (GameCube, 2002)

Super Skidmarks (Amiga, 1993)

Minecraft (Xbox 360, 2012)

Indiana Jones and the Fate of Atlantis (PC, 1992)

Project Gotham Racing (Xbox, 2001)

Tomb Raider (PC, 1996)

Carcassonne (Xbox 360, 2008)

Black & White (PC, 2001)

Frontier: Elite 2 (Amiga, 1993)

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne (PC, 2003)

Alien Breed: Tower Assault (Amiga, 1994)

Two Point Hospital (PC, 2018)

Thimbleweed Park (PC, 2017)

Red Dead Redemption (Xbox 360, 2010)

Sim City 2000 (PC, 1993)

Super Mario 64 (N64, 1997)

The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time (N64, 1998)

Midtown Madness 2 (PC, 2000)

Civilization Revolution (Xbox 360, 2008)

Jaguar XJ220 (Amiga, 1992)

Simon the Sorcerer (Amiga, 1993)

Chuck Rock II: Son of Chuck (Amiga, 1993)

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 (PC, 2000)

Tomb Raider (Xbox One, 2013)

Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen (GBA, 2004)

Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice (Xbox One, 2018)

LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Xbox 360, 2007)

Back to Skool (Spectrum, 1985)

Transport Tycoon Deluxe (PC, 1994)

Zool (Amiga, 1992)

Super Smash Bros. Melee (GameCube, 2001)

Jetpack Joyride (PC, 2013)

Amped: Freestyle Snowboarding (Xbox, 2001)

Spellbound Dizzy (Amiga, 1991)

Putty (Amiga, 1992)

Ghostbusters (Spectrum, 1984)

Void Bastards (Xbox One, 2019)

Transformers (PS2, 2004)

Seymour Goes to Hollywood (Amiga, 1992)

Microsoft Ultimate Word Games (PC, 2017)

There you go. I already disagree with myself.

[southgatetravels]

Wedding Cars in Kochi: Adding Elegance and Style to Your Special Day

Kochi, often referred to as the "Queen of the Arabian Sea," is a city that blends traditional charm with modern sophistication. This vibrant city, known for its picturesque landscapes and cultural richness, is a popular destination for weddings. One of the key elements that can add a touch of elegance and style to your wedding is the choice of the wedding car. Here’s a guide to wedding cars in kochi, helping you make an entrance that leaves a lasting impression.

The Importance of a Wedding Car

A wedding car is more than just a mode of transportation; it’s a symbol of style, luxury, and the beginning of a new journey together. The right wedding car can:

Enhance the overall aesthetic of your wedding.

Provide a comfortable and luxurious ride for the bride and groom.

Serve as a beautiful backdrop for wedding photographs.

Ensure timely and stress-free transportation on your special day.

Popular Wedding Car Options in Kochi

Vintage Cars

Ambassador: Known for its classic appeal and nostalgic value, an Ambassador car adds a traditional touch to any wedding.

Vintage Rolls Royce: Exuding elegance and sophistication, a Rolls Royce is perfect for making a grand entrance.

Luxury Sedans

Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Offers unparalleled luxury and comfort, making it a popular choice for modern weddings.

BMW 7 Series: Combines performance and elegance, ensuring a stylish arrival.

Audi A8: Known for its sleek design and advanced features, perfect for a contemporary wedding.

Limousines

Stretch Limousines: Ideal for those looking to make a statement, stretch limousines offer ample space and a luxurious feel.

Hummer Limousines: Known for their bold appearance and roomy interiors, making them perfect for larger bridal parties.

SUVs

Range Rover: Combines luxury with ruggedness, suitable for weddings with varied terrains.

Audi Q7: Offers a commanding presence and spacious interiors for a comfortable ride.

BMW X5: A blend of sporty elegance and luxury, perfect for a chic wedding.

Exotic Cars

Porsche 911: For those looking to add a dash of excitement and glamour, an exotic sports car like the Porsche 911 is an excellent choice.

Jaguar F-Type: Offers a combination of luxury and speed, making it a standout choice for special occasions.

Trends in Wedding Car Decorations

Floral Arrangements

Fresh flowers remain a timeless choice for decorating wedding cars. Roses, lilies, and orchids are often used in elegant arrangements on the car’s bonnet and sides.

Ribbons and Bows

Large, flowing ribbons and bows in colors that match the wedding theme add a festive touch to the car.

Personalized License Plates

Custom plates with the couple’s initials or wedding date provide a unique and personal touch to the wedding car.

LED Lights

For evening weddings, soft, glowing LED lights can enhance the car’s appearance and create a magical effect.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Car in Kochi

Plan Ahead

Book your wedding car well in advance to ensure availability, especially during the peak wedding season.

Consider Your Wedding Theme

Choose a car that complements the overall theme and style of your wedding. A vintage car might be perfect for a traditional wedding, while a luxury sedan or limousine might suit a modern celebration.

Set a Budget

Determine your budget and find a rental option that offers the best value without compromising on quality and style.

Check Reviews

Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the reliability and quality of the rental service.

Inspect the Car

If possible, inspect the car beforehand to ensure it meets your expectations in terms of appearance and comfort.

Top Wedding Car Rental Services in Kochi

Royal Rides

Known for its fleet of vintage and luxury cars, Royal Rides offers personalized services to make your wedding day special.

Elite Wedding Cars

Provides a range of high-end sedans, SUVs, and limousines with professional chauffeurs to ensure a smooth ride.

Classic Car Rentals

Specializes in vintage cars that add a timeless charm to your wedding.

LuxCar Kerala

Offers a variety of luxury vehicles with customizable decoration options to match your wedding theme.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding car in Kochi can significantly enhance the splendor of your special day. Whether you prefer the classic allure of a vintage car, the luxurious feel of a sedan, or the grandeur of a limousine, there is a perfect wedding car waiting to make your entrance unforgettable. By planning ahead and considering your theme and budget, you can find the ideal vehicle that complements your wedding vision, ensuring a memorable and stylish journey into married life.

[aapnugujarat1]

SWAC KICK STARTS AIR FORCE DAY CELEBRATIONS WITH AN AIR SHOW AT AIR FORCE STATION VADODARA

In a run up to the momentous occasion of 87th Air Force Day Celebrations which falls on 8th October, Air Force Station Vadodara organised a colourful and breathtaking aerobatics display by the IAF ambassadors, ‘SARANG’ Helicopter Display Team, Jaguar fighter formation flying and Sky Diving by IAF Akash Ganga Team on 27 Sep 19. The display also saw the IAF elite Special Operations ‘GARUD’ Commandos conduct ‘Engine Running Operations’ from an AN-32 aircraft and Slithering operations from a helicopter.  In consonance with the underlying theme of ‘KNOW YOUR AIR FORCE’, AF Station Vadodara also organized an impressive Static display of Fighter, Transport and Helicopter, Missile systems and Radars show casing a wide variety of IAF combat platforms. The celebrations kicked off with slithering operations by the ‘GARUD’ Commandos and the magnificent formation flying by 04 Jaguar (Deep Penetration Strike aircraft) fighters. This was followed by Sky Diving by Akash Ganga Team, the most exciting adventure sport the world over with Paratroopers jumping from 8000 ft without opening their parachute at a steady speed 120 miles per hour. They performed various free hand acrobatic drills in the air before opening their parachutes at low levels to carry out precise landings. Thereafter an AN-32 carried out an ‘Assault Landing’ with GARUD Commandos doing ‘Behind Enemy Line’ operations. The highlight of the event was the aerobatic display by ‘SARANG’ which in Sanskrit, means Peacock, the National bird of India, four ALH display team of the IAF. The team is led by Gp Capt SA Gadre performed a synchronized aerial ballet of 04 brightly painted metal birds drawing comparisons with the graceful peacock.  The visitors were made aware of career prospects in the Indian Air Force and its role in aid to civil authorities and during war through a publicity stall, screening of movies and interaction with Air Warriors.  The Air Force Station came alive with an enthusiastic crowd thronging the display area. The show was witnessed by nearly 6500 visitors including students from schools and colleges, personnel from Army, NDRF, Police and district administration and their families.  Of special note was the whole hearted participation of a large number of school/college students & NCC Cadets of Vadodara. The display served as an introduction of Air Force to the young minds and gave them an exposure about the life and work in IAF. Their interaction with service personnel and introduction about basics of aircraft, equipment and infrastructure went a long way in motivating the youths and making them more aware about National security, a very important factor towards Nation building. Read the full article

[sandeepsrk007]

Elevate Your Travel Experience: Premium Car Rentals in Kochi

Kochi, the vibrant port city nestled on the southwestern coast of India, is a melting pot of cultures, history, and stunning landscapes. As one of Kerala's primary gateways for travelers, Kochi offers an array of experiences, from exploring ancient forts and bustling markets to unwinding on pristine beaches. Amidst this bustling cityscape, the demand for premium car rentals has soared, providing travelers with an opportunity to navigate Kochi's streets in style and comfort. If you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your Kochi adventure, here's your guide to Premium Car Rentals in kochi .

Why Opt for Premium Car Rentals in Kochi?

Comfort and Convenience: Navigate Kochi's bustling streets and scenic outskirts in the lap of luxury, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free travel experience.

Style and Prestige: Make a statement as you explore Kochi's landmarks, whether it's the iconic Chinese fishing nets at Fort Kochi or the vibrant streets of Jew Town.

Customized Itineraries: Many premium car rental services offer personalized itineraries tailored to your preferences, allowing you to explore Kochi at your own pace.

Safety and Reliability: Premium car rentals prioritize safety and reliability, offering well-maintained vehicles equipped with modern amenities and professional drivers.

Top Premium Car Rental Services in Kochi

1. Kochi Premium Car Rentals (KPCR)

Fleet Highlights: Boasts a diverse fleet of premium vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and luxury cars from renowned brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.

Services Offered: Airport transfers, city tours, corporate bookings, and wedding car rentals.

Unique Selling Point: KPCR offers personalized concierge services to assist with hotel reservations, restaurant bookings, and sightseeing recommendations.

2. Kochi Prestige Rentals

Fleet Highlights: Features a selection of high-end vehicles, including the Volvo XC90, Range Rover Evoque, and Lexus ES.

Services Offered: Self-drive options, chauffeur-driven rentals, and long-term leasing for corporate clients.

Unique Selling Point: Kochi Prestige Rentals provides 24/7 roadside assistance and complimentary vehicle delivery to your preferred location.

3. Cochin Prestige Cars

Fleet Highlights: Offers a range of premium cars, including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, and Land Rover Discovery Sport.

Services Offered: Airport transfers, city tours, and luxury wedding car rentals.

Unique Selling Point: Cochin Prestige Cars prides itself on its immaculately maintained fleet and personalized customer service.

4. Luxury Drive Kochi

Fleet Highlights: Specializes in luxury sedans and SUVs, including the Mercedes E-Class, BMW 5 Series, and Porsche Macan.

Services Offered: Bespoke travel experiences, corporate rentals, and event transportation services.

Unique Selling Point: Luxury Drive Kochi offers themed tours, such as heritage trails, culinary journeys, and wellness retreats, curated to showcase the best of Kochi.

5. Elite Wheels

Fleet Highlights: Provides a selection of premium vehicles, including the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Services Offered: Airport transfers, city sightseeing tours, and special event rentals.

Unique Selling Point: Elite Wheels offers flexible rental packages with options for self-drive or chauffeur-driven experiences.

Tips for Booking a Premium Car Rental in Kochi

Plan Ahead: Reserve your premium vehicle in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.

Review Terms and Conditions: Familiarize yourself with the rental company's terms and conditions, including insurance coverage, mileage limits, and additional fees.

Communicate Your Preferences: Discuss your travel preferences and itinerary with the rental service to tailor the experience to your needs.

Inspect the Vehicle: Before accepting the rental, thoroughly inspect the vehicle for any damages and ensure all amenities are in working condition.

Conclusion

With its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty, Kochi beckons travelers from around the globe to embark on an unforgettable journey. By opting for a premium car rental service, you can elevate your Kochi experience to new heights, ensuring a luxurious, comfortable, and memorable exploration of this captivating city and its surroundings. Whether you're cruising along the waterfront promenade, savoring traditional Kerala cuisine, or immersing yourself in the city's cultural heritage, a premium car rental in Kochi promises to enhance every moment of your adventure.

[ramialkarmi]

The secret to how Tesla gets its cars to look absolutely fantastic (TSLA)

Designer Franz von Holzhausen had an impressive resume before joining Tesla.

But the combination of his frustration with the traditional auto industry and Elon Musk's distinctive ideas about how to solve problems has taken his work to a new level.

He's followed an unlikely path to becoming the most influential car designer of his generation.

Before Franz von Holzhausen signed on with what was then called Tesla Motors in 2008, he was on his way to being a member of the automotive design world's elite.

He had graduated from Art Center College of Design in the early 1990s, making him an alumnus of the world's most prestigious transportation design program, counting among its graduates the likes of J. Mays, Chris Bangle, and Henrik Fisker.

At General Motors, he designed a pair of exquisite roadsters, the Pontiac Solstice the Saturn Sky. From there he went to Mazda North America, where he ran the entire show and garnered praise for his concept vehicles.

If von Holzhausen had remained on that track, he would have been a car-design aristocrat. Instead, he took a huge leap of faith and joined a buzzy Silicon Valley startup, far from the automotive capitals in Michigan, Japan, and Germany. And he became the most influential designer of his generation.

Yes, I know that's a big statement. Jaguar's Ian Callum or Aston Martin's Marek Reichman might object, and Luc Donckerwolke is capturing plenty of attention for his work at Hyundai, following a stint designing Lamborghinis.

But the key factor for von Holzhausen is that as Tesla rolls out its Model 3 sedan, attacking the mass market, he's witnessing the return on his risky decision to join CEO Elon Musk back when Tesla was selling only one car, the original Roadster. Many designers of high reputation who are about von Holzhausen's age (he's 49) continue to imagine the future within the context of the past.

Von Holzhausen gets to envision the future on its own terms — gorgeous electric cars that will someday be able to drive themselves. The car designer of the coming decades might admire the legends of the profession's history (and there have been many). But when it comes to crafting a career and a reputation, they will look to Holzhausen.

I recently got the chance to speak with von Holzhausen and he shared some details about how he came to join Tesla and what guides his design philosophy.

Correction: An earlier version of this post said that von Holzhausen joined Tesla in 2010; he joined in 2008.

SEE ALSO: 'So, do you want to see the car?': The story of the day that Tesla stunned the world

FOLLOW US: on Facebook for more great car content

It was von Holzhausen, not Musk, who was the budding superstar back in the late 2000s.

When von Holzhausen joined Tesla in 2008, the company was contending with a near-bankruptcy. The company had only a single vehicle to sell — the Lotus-based Roadster — and although it had stoked enthusiasm with all-electric cars that were fast and sexy and would raise $226 million in an IPO after von Holzhausen arrived, the carmaker lived on the edge of a knife.

Even though the traditional auto industry had endured its own near-death experience during the financial crisis, by 2010 General Motors had staged its own IPO, returning to the public markets after a government bailout and bankruptcy. Moribund auto sales had begun a recovery, and other electric-car startups were showing the strains of introducing new technologies; most would fail. A lot of experts figured Tesla would be out of business in a few years, as the cost of launching new vehicles killed the company.

But von Holzhausen was frustrated with the traditional industry and ready to leave Mazda. A few chats and meetings with Musk proved that the experienced designer and the entrepreneur with a designer's sensibility were on the same page, sharing vision and values.

For von Holzhausen, it was Musk's and Tesla's absolute commitment that cinched the deal. Musk has said that he and von Holzhausen share the same taste, so beyond that critical aspect of the relationship, it boiled down to how serious Musk was about completely remaking the landscape of transportation.

The bottom line for von Holzhausen? 

"Tesla was all in," he said in an interview with Business Insider.

  Von Holzhausen mission was to create a "world-class design competency" for Tesla. The company's first car was cool, but the Roadster was based on a Lotus design. Von Holzhausen would have the nearly unique opportunity to start from scratch.

Tesla's roadmap, drawn up by Musk, was straightforward. The company had to first create an exciting electric car that would change the impressions that EVs were glorified golf carts. That car would be sold at a high price to early adopters and fans of high-performance, exotic sports cars. 

The money would fund additional, luxurious, pricey electric vehicles, and that money would provide the funding for the first major endgame: a mass-market vehicle intended to bring long-range electric mobility to the masses.

The Roadster's Lotus underpinnings meant that when those ran out, Tesla would need a new car. For von Holzhausen, going to work at Tesla's earliest design studio in Hawthorne, CA, at SpaceX headquarters, that meant about two years to come up with a new vehicle — a rare opportunity to pen a "clean sheet" design.

Roadster production would phase out by 2012. And regardless, Tesla had to start selling a more versatile lineup of vehicles. While a snazzy two-seater was fun to drive and thrilling to look at — more so when you realized you were running only on electrons — people wanted to buy sedans and SUVs.

Von Holzhausen had a lot of work ahead of him.

Tesla zigged rather than zagged with the Model S, which was revealed in 2011 and went on sale the following year. And von Holzhausen introduced his own design philosophy.

The auto industry is over a century old. Tesla is the first new carmaker to emerge in decades. So it's just about the rarest thing imaginable for a car designer to be able to imagine a new vehicle without feeling the explicit burden of the past. Just try to sketch a new Mustang at Ford or Corvette at Chevy. 

Tesla was announcing itself as a real car company with the Model S, so von Holzhausen knew that his ideas would define the visual vocabulary of numerous vehicles to follow: SUVs, sports cars, coupés, probably even pickup trucks and vans. The whole tamale. 

A lot of designers would have let it rip and tried to be the next Giorgetto Giugiaro, the crucial Italian designer of Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, and Maseratis. In a sense, von Holzhausen did become the next Guigaro, minus the more flamboyant efforts. Giugiaro designed dozen of cars, and not all of them made viewers automatically weak in the knees.

Von Holzhausen let Musk be his guide. Musk embraces something called "first principles thinking" and has made it into a mantra at Tesla. The idea is to avoid thinking by analogy — let's make this car look like that car, just sort of different or better — and instead deal with problems by stripping them down to the core and working your way up.

Von Holzhausen's version of this has been to embrace what he calls "efficiency." He assumes that every Tesla has to be beautiful, and besides, making a piece of industrial design beautiful doesn't really cost anything. It's more a matter of choosing beauty as a first principle because, in a competitive market, the best-looking product stands out.

With efficiency, von Holzhausen had a concept that could inform not just the design of the Model S sedan but also the entire, evolving Tesla brand.

  See the rest of the story at Business Insider

[tortuga-aak]

The secret to how Tesla gets its cars to look so good (TSLA)

Timothy Artman/Tesla

Designer Franz von Holzhausen had an impressive resume before joining Tesla.

But the combination of his frustration with the traditional auto industry and Elon Musk's distinctive ideas about how to solve problems has taken his work to a new level.

He's followed an unlikely path to becoming the most influential car designer of his generation.

Before Franz von Holzhausen signed on with what was then called Tesla Motors in 2010, he was on his way to being a member of the automotive design world's elite.

He had graduated from Art Center College of Design in the early 1990s, making him an alumnus of the world's most prestigious transportation design program, counting among its graduates the likes of J. Mays, Chris Bangle, and Henrik Fisker.

At General Motors, he designed a pair of exquisite roadsters, the Pontiac Solstice the the Saturn Sky. From there he want to Mazda North America, where he ran the entire show and garnered praise for his concepts vehicles.

If Holzhausen had remained on that track, he would have been a car-design aristocrat. Instead, he too a huge leap of faith and joined a buzzy Silicon Valley startup, far from the automotive capitals in Michigan, Japan, and Germany. And he became the most influential designer of his generation.

Yes, I know that's a big statement. Jaguar's Ian Callum or Aston Martin's Marek Reichman might object, and Luc Donckerwolke is capturing plenty of attention for his work a Hyundai, following a stint designing Lamborghinis.

But the key factor for Holzhausen is that as Tesla rolls out its Model 3 sedan, attacking the mass market, he's witnessing the return on his risky decision to join CEO Elon Musk back when Tesla was selling only one car, the original Roadster. Many designers of high reputation who are about Holzhausen's age (he's 49) continue to imaging the future within the context of the past.

Holzhausen gets to envision the future on its own terms — gorgeous electric cars that will someday be able to drive themselves. The car designer of the coming decades might admire the legends if the profession's history (and there have been many). But when it comes to crafting a career and a reputation, they will look Holzhausen.

I recently got the chance to speak with Holzhausen and he shared some details about how he came to join Tesla and what guides his design philosophy.

It was Holzhausen, not Musk, who was the budding superstar back in the late 2000s.

Wikimedia Commons

When Holzhausen joined Tesla in 2010, memories of a near-bankruptcy in 2008 were still fresh. The company had only a single vehicle to sell — the Lotus-based Roadster — and although it had stoked enthusiasm with all-electric cars that were fast and sexy and would raise $226 million in an IPO shortly after Holzhausen arrived, the carmaker lived on the edge of a knife.

Even though the traditional auto industry had endured its own near-death experience during the financial crisis, by 2010 General Motors had staged its own IPO, returning to the public markets after a government bailout and bankruptcy. Moribund auto sales had begun a recovery, and other electric-car startups were showing the strains of introducing new technologies; most would fail. A lot of experts figured Tesla would be out of business in a few years, as the cost of launching new vehicles killed the company.

But Holzhausen was frustrated with the traditional industry and ready to leave Mazda. A few chats and meetings with Musk proved that the experienced designer and the entrepreneur with a designer's sensibility were on the same page, sharing vision and values.

For Holzhausen, it was Musk's and Tesla's absolute commitment that cinched the deal. Musk has said that he and Holzhausen share the same taste, so beyond that critical aspect of the relationship, it boiled down to how serious Musk was about completely remaking the landscape of transportation.

The bottom line for Holzhausen? 

"Tesla was all in," he said in an interview with Business Insider.

  Holzhausen mission was to create a "world-class design competency" for Tesla. The company's first car was cool, but the Roadster was based on a Lotus design. Holzhausen would have the nearly unique opportunity to start from scratch.

Tesla

Tesla's roadmap, drawn up by Musk, was straightforward. The company had to first create an exciting electric car that would change the impressions that EVs were glorified golf carts. That car would be sold at a high price to early adopters and fans of high-performance, exotic sports cars. 

The money would fund additional, luxurious, pricey electric vehicles, and that money would provide the funding for the first major endgame: a mass-market vehicle intended to bring long-range electric mobility to the masses.

The Roadster's Lotus underpinnings meant that when those ran out, Tesla would need a new car. For Holzhausen, going to work at Tesla's earliest design studio in Hawthorne, CA, at SpaceX headquarters, that meant about two years to come up with a new vehicle — a rare opportunity to pen a "clean sheet" design.

Roadster production would phase out by 2012. And regardless, Tesla had to start selling a more versatile lineup or vehicles. While a snazzy two-seater was fun to drive and thrilling to look at — more so when you realized you were running only on electrons — people wanted to buy sedans and SUVs.

Holzhausen had a lot of work ahead of him.

Tesla zigged rather than zagged with the Model S, which was revealed in 2011 and went on sale the following year. And Holzhausen introduced his own design philosophy.

Tesla

The auto industry is over a century old. Tesla is the first new carmaker to emerge in decades. So it's just about the rarest thing imaginable for a car designer to be able to imagine a new vehicle without feeling the explicit burden of the past. Just try to sketch a new Mustang at Ford or Corvette at Chevy. 

Tesla was announcing itself as a real car company with the Model S, so Holzhausen knew that his ideas would define the visual vocabulary of numerous vehicles to follow: SUVs, sports cars, coupés, probably even pickup trucks and vans. The whole tamale. 

A lot of designers would have let it rip and tried to be the next Giorgetto Giugiaro, the crucial Italian designer of Ferraris, Alfa Romeos, and Maseratis. In a sense, Holzhausen did become the next Guigaro, minus the more flamboyant efforts. Giugiaro designed dozen of cars, and not all of them made viewers automatically weak in the knees.

Holzhausen let Musk be his guide. Musk embraces something called "first principles thinking" and has made it into a mantra at Tesla. The idea is to avoid thinking by analogy — let's make this car look like that car, just sort of different or better — and instead deal with problems by stripping them down to the core and working your way up.

Holzhausen's version of this has been to embrace what he calls "efficiency." He assumes that every Tesla has to be beautiful, and besides, making a piece of industrial design beautiful doesn't really cost anything. It's more a matter of choosing beauty as a first principle because, in a competitive market, the best-looking product stands out.

With efficiency, Holzhausen had a concept that could inform not just the design of the Model S sedan but also the entire, evolving Tesla brand.

  See the rest of the story at Business Insider from Feedburner http://ift.tt/2j83Lmr

[newstfionline]

The Latest Populist Craze in Britain: An Unabashed Elitist

By Ellen Barry, NY Times, Sept. 29, 2017

LONDON--On a recent afternoon, when the very tall, very thin British lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg rose from the bench where he had been reclining, his fellow members of Parliament perked up, confident that what followed would be amusing.

What upper-crust kookiness would it be this time? Would he call someone a “degenerate libertine”? Reference Darius the Mede? Invoke his floridly named sixth child, Sixtus Dominic Boniface Christopher Rees-Mogg? Slip in a 29-letter word as if no one would notice?

For years, Mr. Rees-Mogg, 48, has been one of British politics’ favorite eccentrics, affecting a languid, antiquarian poshness that verges on performance art. He was an obscure backbencher, though, never once included in an annual ranking of the country’s top 100 right-wing thinkers.

Among the most unlikely developments of this political season in Britain has been that Mr. Rees-Mogg--whose conservative views include a hard line on departure from the European Union and on abortion and gay marriage--is being talked up as a possible Conservative Party leader.

This unfurled in phases all summer. Youth activists coined the term “Moggmentum,” touting him as the only Tory, as Conservatives are also known, with the charisma to match the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn. A 24-year-old man from South Yorkshire had the phrase tattooed on his chest, sending the newspapers into transports of delight. Memes followed. There were online quizzes (“Name Your Child the Jacob Rees-Mogg Way”) and T-shirts (“This fellow is a Rees-Moggian teen”). Someone recorded electronic dance tracks called Moggwave.

By fall, it was no longer a joke. Prime Minister Theresa May had become dismally unpopular, and when a conservative website asked party members who should be the Conservatives’ next leader, Mr. Rees-Mogg got more votes than anyone else.

An interview on a morning TV show highlighting Mr. Rees-Mogg’s positions was expected to put an end to the chatter. But it appeared, for many, to have the opposite effect.

Voters understood that his positions were to the right of his party, but they had found a quality in him that mattered more than positions. He was, they said, “authentic.”

A decade ago, many Conservative Party leaders wanted nothing to do with Mr. Rees-Mogg. He first attracted national attention in the late 1990s, when he ran unsuccessfully for a seat in a working-class Labour stronghold in Scotland and went out to shake voters’ hands in the company of his nanny. (It was reported that they had campaigned in a Bentley, but he later denied this charge; it was a Mercedes.)

At that time, Tory leaders were intent on demonstrating a “common touch,” even if it meant obfuscating their own elite backgrounds. David Cameron, who attended Eton and Oxford, made a point of wearing jeans and riding a bicycle to work.

Mr. Rees-Mogg had less interest in restyling himself as a common man. At 12, around the time he was busted for running a roulette game during recess, he grandly told a radio interviewer about his stock-trading and his collection of antique silver.

At Oxford, his classmates seized on him as a figure of fun, and he played along, recommending that every student wear a morning suit and a mortarboard and remarking, “I do so like to cycle around Oxford with it on.” Then, as now, it was difficult to know whether he was serious.

“I have tended just to plod along, really, and do what I’ve done,” he said, in an interview, adding that journalists typically write about him when they have nothing else to report.

But this air of being a cartoonish aristocrat is in large part schtick. Mr. Rees-Mogg’s father was not a man of leisure, but the influential editor of The Times of London, and his grandmother was an American actress, from Mamaroneck, N.Y. Though Mr. Rees-Mogg is very wealthy, most of his wealth was not inherited but earned during a 25-year career as an investment banker and fund manager, he said in an interview.

He made his home in Hong Kong in his 20s, taking careful and tactical steps toward entering politics, until a promising seat came open in his home region, North East Somerset, in 2010. He then stopped managing funds, though he remains a partner in Somerset Capital Management, which has $8.5 billion under management.

“He had the right connections but trod the path and the slippery pole like everyone else,” said Richard Harris, another British fund manager who met Mr. Rees-Mogg through a Hong Kong conservatives’ group. “He had no easy ride to politics.”

Margaret Brewer, a local Conservative Party official in North East Somerset, recalled that party leaders made repeated calls warning her and the other local representatives not to select him. “It was made quite clear that was not what they wanted in a candidate,” she said. Ms. Brewer was not deterred, though, and neither was Mr. Rees-Mogg. “Jacob doesn’t care what people think,” she said. “He must do,” she added. “But he doesn’t seem to.”

Mr. Rees-Mogg’s gentle, erudite manner made him a favorite among his fellow lawmakers, even those repelled by his ideas. But only with “Brexit” did the populist mood swing fully in his direction. Attributes that once made Mr. Rees-Mogg an unviable candidate--like his opposition, as a conservative Roman Catholic, to abortion under any circumstances--now make him look brave and honest, wrote Freddy Gray, deputy editor of The Spectator.

In the age of social media, Mr. Gray added, a comic persona also comes in handy. “It’s all part of the LOL, nothing matters, Twitter thing,” he said in an interview. “It’s dangerous, in a way, that if you don’t make yourself an obviously comical figure, or seem like you’re on the fringes, people will regard you with suspicion.”

As the Conservative Party conference approached--it begins on Sunday, and Mr. Rees-Mogg is expected to give as many as nine speeches in two days--moderate Conservatives sent up flares of warning. One of his colleagues in Parliament said she would quit the party if he became leader (though she added that she found him “incredibly charming”).

Those hesitations had not reached Radstock, where Mr. Rees-Mogg traveled on a recent morning to meet with his constituents. Radstock was a mining town until the last pits closed down, in the 1970s. Among those waiting to see him was Scott Williams, a knife-maker with brawny forearms and the accent of a Hollywood pirate. Mr. Williams said he had always considered himself staunchly Labour, but was increasingly concerned about attacks on his personal liberties. He had fiercely supported Brexit.

“I belong in Texas,” he said. “That’s the type of person I am. I don’t fit in in England.”

Mr. Williams said he had paid little attention to Mr. Rees-Mogg’s voting record on taxes or welfare--“I don’t really keep count on politics”--but had been drawn to him in recent months, and was impressed when he stood by his hard-line view on abortion.

“Something I do like about Jacob, he’s a straight talker,” he said. “He is who he is. He may be blue blood, but at least you get a straight answer.”

Mr. Rees-Mogg was expected at a party gathering in Kent, so he climbed back into his Jaguar sport utility vehicle, a history of the Hapsburg dynasty queued up on the stereo. As he steered through narrow country lanes, past haystacks and swelling hillsides dotted with sheep, he denied any ambition to become leader of the Tory Party, or for that matter, prime minister.

But he admitted to enjoying the speculation.

“It was just a jolly summer,” he said. “It was all very amusing.”

[abhiramiabii]

Experience the Best of Kochi with Premium Car Rentals

Kochi, often referred to as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, is a vibrant city blending rich history, modernity, and scenic beauty. Whether you're visiting for business, a special occasion, or a leisurely exploration, renting a premium car can elevate your experience. Here’s an in-depth guide to premium car rentals in Kochi and how they can enhance your visit.

Why Choose a Premium Car Rental?

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Top Premium Car Rental Services in Kochi

Kochi Luxury Car Rentals: Known for their extensive fleet of luxury cars and exceptional customer service, offering a range of options from sedans to SUVs.

Royal Drive Car Rentals: Specializes in providing high-end vehicles with flexible rental plans to suit different needs.

Elite Car Rentals Kochi: Focuses on premium car rentals with an emphasis on quality and customer satisfaction, offering both chauffeur-driven and self-drive options.

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How to Choose the Right Premium Car Rental

Identify Your Needs: Determine the purpose of your rental. Are you looking for a car for business, a special event, or leisurely exploration?

Set a Budget: Premium car rentals can vary significantly in price. Establish a budget to help narrow down your choices.

Research Rental Companies: Look for reputable car rental services in Kochi. Read reviews, compare prices, and check their fleet options.

Inspect the Vehicle: If possible, visit the rental company to inspect the car. Ensure it is in excellent condition and meets your expectations.

Check Inclusions: Understand what is included in the rental package—insurance, fuel policy, chauffeur services, etc.

Book in Advance: Premium cars are in high demand, especially during peak seasons. Book your car well in advance to secure your desired model.

Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience

Verify Documentation: Ensure that you have all necessary documents, including a valid driver’s license, identification, and credit card.

Understand Insurance: Clarify the insurance coverage provided with the rental and consider additional coverage if needed.

Plan Your Routes: Familiarize yourself with Kochi’s roads and traffic patterns to make the most of your driving experience.

Return on Time: Adhere to the agreed return time to avoid additional charges.

Enjoy Responsibly: Drive responsibly and enjoy the luxury experience without compromising safety.

Advantages of Using Premium Car Rentals

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Conclusion

Renting a premium car in Kochi can transform your visit, adding a touch of sophistication, comfort, and style. Whether it’s for a special event, a business trip, or simply to indulge in a luxurious driving experience, premium car rentals offer an array of benefits. By planning ahead, choosing the right rental service, and understanding the terms of your rental, you can enjoy a seamless and memorable premium car experience in Kochi.