Experiencing some *#*^%$ technical difficulties!

Friends: We've been having some intermittent server outages over the last 2 days. We're trying to sort out the matter with our ISP, but just know that this glitch is temporary and that Automobiliac is not going anywhere!

Autodromo launches new Vallelunga Chronograph

I'm pleased to announce that Autodromo has launched a new Chronograph based on the best-selling Vallelunga watch. It's available right now, priced at $550 over at Autodromo.

The design of the watch is a blend of 1960's chronograph motifs integrated with a dial inspired by racing tachometers of the early 1970s. All of this is framed within a clean, minimalist stainless steel case for a totally refined look that goes with any outfit.

The beautiful new campaign was shot on location in Central France by Amaury Laparra, of the Asphalt Heritage Club!

Like Autodromo on facebook as well!

McLaren F1 Design Study by Marino Binni

Given the recent spy shots of the next generation McLaren F1 floating around the internets, there is much speculation about what the car might look like. Designer and longtime McLaren fan Marino Binni offers his own concept of what he'd like the car to look like. "I didn't want to to copy the look of the F1 but rather be inspired by the compactness and 'feel' of the original," he says. You can click the image below to enlarge it.I find the wheels particularly fascinating, and I like the clean side crease, accented by a very neat and interesting side exhaust treatment. The overall proportions are close to the original car, but the most direct reference is in the shape of the door cut lines. Otherwise the car feels very Italianate to me, and very nicely done! Bravo Marino!

Malaise Era Moment of Zen

Nothing conjures up a feeling of silvery melancholy like this lonely Chevy Celebrity cruising down a two-lane highway. I think Mitt Romney should tour around in one of these to get back in touch with Real America.

Click for higher resolution.

Frog Design's Rana Motorcycle Concept: A Vision of Future Past.

If anything is proof of the cyclical nature of design and taste, the 1985 Frog Design FZ750 Concept, penned by the firm's founder Hartmut Esslinger for Yamaha, is a great example. The bike's styling and color scheme is incredibly dated. Yet time has been kind to the design, which has great proportions and a sleek, geometric style that still seems futuristic despite its clear early 1980s provenance.

The original prototype was created for Yamaha and was never produced, but Honda saw the published design and used it as inspiration for their Hurricane sport bike.  The prototype is now entering SFMOMA's permanent collection.  More info at Frog's blog HERE.

via FastCoDesign