Remember when...

Somewhere around the age of 18, when we find ourselves locked within the bittersweet crossroads betwixt boy and man, we pull down the wrinkled, once idolized poster of the Lamborghini Countach, tear it up so that it fit neatly into our parent’s trash can, and walk away.

Strange, that only a few years prior, if asked, we would have sworn up and down (in our high-pitched prepubescent voices) that that car would someday be in our driveway. Or at least driven, once. With Farrah Fawcett, Carol Alt or Cindy Crawford sitting shotgun.

But then, we adulterate into a depressing reality. And the only items on our walls become random prints of strange art, photographs and antique mirrors that return a dazed middle aged-complexion.

What happened to the Countach? To the Testarossa? To lusting after the Rolexes and the private jets? What happened to that soul stirring, inherent hope and promise of a prosperous future?

Nothing. It doesn’t have to end. You’re not dead. Just because you don’t have the wall space in your life doesn’t mean it’s not yours to still have.

Here it is. The wall space. To reconnect. To reboot and re-ignite that childhood passion. Here is the latest and greatest, most super luxurious, awe-inspiring, dream-making gadgets and transpo humankind currently has to offer.

Put the poster back up. Cuz it ain’t over. Yet.

Lamborghini Gallardo Stilettos

First I wanted to own Lamborghini Countach. Then, I would've been ecstatic just renting a Lamborghini Countach. Later, I was happy just taking a picture next to someone else's Countach. (Especially of the Lambo that the guy down in Orange County hung on his wall as artwork.) Now... No, I wouldn't be caught dead in these.
Lamborghini Gallardo Stilettos. (Thankfully, just a concept right now).

The all new 200EX Baby Rolls Royce

An entry level Rolls Royce—you have to start somewhere, right?-- emerges with this all new 200EX concept. Rolling on the recently revealed 2009 BMW 7 series platform, this baby Rolls is a bit shorter, narrower and lower than its big daddy Phantom, but inside, it’s still has all the British stately manor.

The 200EX will be officially unveiled at next month’s Geneva Auto show and it will arrive ready to fight packing a 500 horsepower V-12 within an aluminum shell. Pricing should start at around $300K when it becomes available sometime in 2010.

As can be seen by earlier posts on this blog, I was never too smitten on Rolls, until now. This smaller, fresher, not quite so grey-poupony Rolls looks like it will be right up my alley. Literally. More info as it becomes available.

Rolling Thrones of Excess

Most people think of limousines as overindulgent, blatantly despicable rolling thrones of wealth—but isn’t that the point? I must admit, in my youth, there was something magical about having a ridiculously long, stretched out car pull up to my curb. Knowing you were going to slip into rich, soft leather twinkling under neon stars and sip champagne while looking down on others during a rowdy night on the town was indeed satisfying. Although I do remember the beginning of the night was so much better than the end—in fact, the two were quite dramatically juxtaposed. At the start it’s all wine and roses and at the end, it’s vomit, carsickness, almost morning and you have barely enough cash left to tip the driver. Maybe the tree huggers have it right. Party in a Prius.

Or not. Limos will be around as long as the NBA, so check out a few of the best here below:

Is that a sports car or are you just happy to see me?

One of the most detrimental elements of RV travel in the past was the fact that owners would have to tow their ‘tender’ laboriously about behind them. We've all seen it before- the red Jeep Cherokee wasting away behind an RV traveling 43 mph in the fast lane. No longer. Check out the sleekest of the sleek, the Volkner Mobil 800c. (The German’s are fast becoming the go to group for super high end, luxurious recreational vehicles.)

Socotra Island - Alpha Places

Socotra Island
One of the most bizarre looking places on Earth, Socotra Island is truly a sight to behold. Situated in the Indian Ocean (just off the coasts of Somalia and Yemen) this island is truly a land from another time. Home to more than 800 species of plants, it’s the Galapagos of the Middle East and is the largest island found in the region.

Despite having over 40,000 inhabitants, the Yemeni Government just put in the first road only 2 years ago. And there are no real resorts as the island is geared very much towards eco tourism. But make the trip and you will see incredible plants that are over 20 million years old, a walled city, plenty of whales and dolphins, some of the rarest birds in the world and of course, picturesque, sandy, (and desolate) beaches. Leave planet Earth, without, really leaving the planet.

Oculus – 250’ Super Yacht

What better way to design a yacht than to copy mother nature? Enter the Oculus, whose exterior styling is representative of the jaw and eye socket bone structure of large oceanic fish and mammals. Not only is the boat a nod to god, but it’s also a serious work of art.

Check out the elevator tube, low riding berth (for easier recreation) and cylindrical double height dining room. All within 250 feet of ultra futuristic luxury that will do 25 knots and carry 12 guests.

Of course, it’s only a concept right now (by Schöpfer Yachts), but look for this one to emerge soon as plans are currently in the final stage of completion.

Aston Martin Rapide

Bentleys and Roll Royces have never really agreed with me. Sure, the inside of the British alpha cars are a gorgeous and sumptuous indulgence, but the exteriors, the chrome, the stilted, old money looks; to me, it's just a whole lotta Grey Poupon.
Bring on the Aston Martin Rapide. Now here’s something worth all that money—not only is the Rapide an incredible driving machine, but an artform to boot. This is what all those greenbacks should bring you—true class wrapped within true vision. A car that might scream to others, “hey, I’m rich, but look at this thing, can you blame me?” If the Rolls is an arranged marriage, the Rapide is your twenty year old girlfriend.

Of the 2,000 units being built, the first will arrive stateside, not long after their official presentation at this year’s Geneva Auto Show.

Despite it’s sporty looks, the Rapide is roughly the size of a Mercedes Benz S class. Offered will be two engines, a 500 hp V-12 and a entry level V-8. Interestingly, this will be the first Aston Martin to be built outside the UK, thanks to a partnership with Magna Steyr of Austria. As more pictures and details become available, I will post. Maybe that’s because I always wanted to be James Bond—and now with this four door, I still can be/ and have room for the car seats in back.