MC Customs Shows off a Range Rover Sport

Miami's own, MC Customs released photos of a newly designed Range Rover Sport. If you noticed, the 2012 Range Rovers have been slightly modified in the rear. So check this out...



















I love how clean the trunk is. They still added aftermarket subs, however, instead of putting them in a box that takes up a lot of trunk space, they outfitted it to where it comes out of the side panels.

Butler Tire Shows off a Range Rover Sport

The hardworking guys at Butler Tire released shots of a Range Rover Sport outfitted with a complete Strut package and 22inch Asanti AF176 Wheels. Check this out...







Looking good, guys...

Butler Tire Shows off a Range Rover Evoque

The guys at Butler Tire released photos of a Range Rover Evoque... and other than the Victoria Beckham edition, this is the first one I've seen sitting on aftermarket wheels. Butler Tire outfitted this Evoque with 22 inch Lexani CVX44 Wheels.







This looks cute, although the Evoque is just a little small for me... and not enough horsepower. It has less than my Envoy, and I can't work with that.

Better Late Than Never: Felix Hernandez's Range Rover

(Photo: CelebrityCarblog.com)

In 2008, Derek Jeter said the most truthful statement "The New York Yankees has the best fans". And that's true. But since my beloved Yankees aren't getting their cars customized, I'll show off a player of a lower-tier team: the Florida Mariners. Felix Hernandez celebrated him winning the Cy Young award, and he celebrates the best way possible- having MC Customs customize a Cy Young edition Range Rover.



It's called Better Late Than Never, since apparently I'm late as hell on this customization. Oh well, he's still no Robinson Cano.

Interesting List: 10 Most Expensive Vehicles to Own

24/7 Wall St released a list about the 10 most expensive vehicles to own in America. They compiled this particular list based off of depreciation, fuel costs, and repairs. And I paraphrased off of their comments, because they looked at every aspect of owning a vehicle, something that most lists do not take into consideration.

10. Nissan GT-R
Style: Premium 2dr Coupe AWD (3.8L 6cyl Turbo 6AM)
True cost of ownership: $117,892
Purchase price: $91,830
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 19

"The GT-R ranks among the top 10 most expensive thanks largely to two additional costs on top of its depreciation. First is the car’s maintenance costs, which average $10,043 over five years — the highest amount among all models. The GT-R also has the second-highest insurance costs, at $22,334 for the five years." Now I'm thinking back to all of those GT-Rs I saw at SEMA.

9. Land Rover Range Rover
Style: HSE 4dr SUV 4WD (5.0L 8cyl 6A)
True cost of ownership: $118,158
Purchase price: $88,862
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 14

"Compared to other models, Range Rover’s biggest expense is repairs, which cost an average $4,214 altogether for five years. This amount is the third-highest. Also expensive for Range Rover owners are fuels costs. Over five years, owners will pay nearly $22,000 to fuel the car, which gets a mere 12 MPG in the city." Most of Los Angeles and Atlanta are in trouble...

8. BMW 750i
Style: 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A)
True cost of ownership: $122,076
Purchase price: $101,545
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 20

"The true cost of the car is much more than the $101,000 price tag. After five years, outside costs, including taxes and fees, insurance and financing interest, ownership of the vehicle averages more than $122,000. Sales also have been low, with only 118 registrations in the U.S. in 2011." The 750 as well as the 745 is the car people buy in Atlanta as soon as they get a little money.

7. Mercedes-Benz G550
Style: 4dr SUV 4WD (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
True cost of ownership: $126,714
Purchase price: $108,900
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 13

"The car has the third-most expensive fuel costs among all models examined, at approximately $23,500 for five years. The car gets a combined MPG of just 13, and just 11 MPG in the city. The G550 also has among the highest finance interest rates. Five years of ownership result in an average $12,000 in interest. Customers apparently do not mind paying these high costs, as the G-Class has been in production since 1979."

6. Lexus LS 600h L
Style: 4dr Sedan AWD (5.0L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
True cost of ownership: $129,542
Purchase price: $119,019
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 20

"According to Edmunds, the full-size luxury sedan is the most expensive model that Lexus produces in large numbers. The car’s base price of $119,019 is the fifth-highest among all companies."

5. Mercedes-Benz SL500
Style: 2dr Convertible (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
True cost of ownership: $129,588
Purchase price: $106,718
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 17

"Although it is the seventh-most expensive when ranked by purchasing price alone, it ranks the fifth-most expensive model for overall cost of ownership because of its particularly costly financing interest and insurance. Total registrations of the car have dropped dramatically from more than 5,600 in 2007 to less than 1,500 in 2011." I never saw the big deal behind this body style. I think it's the ugliest one out of the house of Mercedes Benz.

4. Mercedes-Benz CL550
Style: 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A)
True cost of ownership: $142,558
Purchase price: $121,671
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 18

"The CL550 has the fourth-highest purchase price and finance interest. It also has the third-highest cost of maintenance. Sales of the car have steadily decreased over the years. There were more than 3,200 total registrations in 2007. In 2011, there were 980." Of course, this is the best body style out of the house of Mercedes Benz.

3. ALPINA BMW B7
Style: SWB 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6A)
True cost of ownership: $153,150
Purchase price: $133,445
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 17

"The car’s purchase price alone exceeds $133,000. It also has among the most costly interest on financing and insurance."

2. Audi R8
Style: 5.2 quattro 2dr Coupe AWD (5.2L 10cyl 6M)
True cost of ownership: $193,429
Purchase price: $170,175
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 15

"The two-door sports car also has the second-most expensive maintenance costs, reaching $7,370 over five years. It also has particularly high fuel costs, thanks to its 13 MPG fuel efficiency in the city. The R8 does relatively poorly by JD Powers’ standards, scoring a three out of five for both overall quality and design. Despite this, there were 1,173 registrations for the car in 2011 — the most of any year." I'm a little biased about this vehicle, since someone close to me bought one.

1. Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
Style: 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 7AM)
True cost of ownership: $245,469
Purchase price: $210,875
Combined (city and highway) MPG: 16

"After depreciation, finance interest, insurance, fuel costs and maintenance over five years, the car’s true cost of ownership during those years is nearly a quarter million dollars. This cost has not prevented the SLS AMG from being popular; total registrations of the automobile increased from 470 in 2010 to 707 in 2011." I'm sure that owning this vehicle isn't hurting Kanye West.

So the one thing we learned is that Mercedes Benz are the biggest car hustlers of all. If you don't believe me, look at this list again...

What is black and red and has 8 wheels?

Answer: Two fully customized vehicles by 713 Motoring. My Houston rays of sunshine released two videos showing off what they are known for- making sure that the city of Houston looks good while driving. Check this out...





You know, I'm actually excited to go to Texas in November. *clears throat* The stars at night are big and bright... And that's odd of me to be excited to go somewhere that isn't Los Angeles and everyone's favorite city, New York. I hope Texas is ready for me, because after all, everyone loves a New York girl. Don't be surprised if you see me at a car show wearing a wife-beater that says "Everyone loves a New York Girl."

Bernie’s Favorite: Victoria Beckham and the new “Posh” Range Rover Evoque

(Photo: Land Rover)

Victoria Beckham teamed up with Range Rover and finally unveiled the special edition Range Rover Evoque in Bejing, China. Borrowing style hues from her husband, David, this particular limited edition Evoque is as equally stylish as she is.

I said that Victoria borrowed the design aspect from David because she did say that “I wanted to design a car David and I would want to drive. I want everyone who gets in to feel special.” Also, the customization specs equal to what David has done to his vehicles in the past (i.e. The Porsche 911 and Rolls Royce Phantom).

The customization specs goes as follows: the first-ever Land Rover to feature hand-finished matte paint – offset by Santorini gloss black details and special 20-inch gloss-black forged alloy wheels with rose-gold accents. There’s also a rose-gold plated grille surround and badging.

Inside, Land Rover Spices it up with semi-aniline leather seats, door inserts and armrests and, yes, more rose-gold accents. The look is complemented with black lacquered veneers, textured aluminum and soft-feel black finishes.
 Basically it’s matte black paint, with black wheels, and a black interior.



Vanity Fair Magazine was lucky enough to sit down with Victoria and asked her a few questions about cars.

Why is the Range Rover Evoque the right choice for a Victoria Beckham special edition?
Victoria Beckham: I’ve driven a Range Rover for as long as I can remember, and I have a lot of respect for Range Rover as a brand and for their heritage. So I think it feels very natural. I think that people will look at the car, and they’ll obviously see Range Rover, but they’ll also see me. It looks like me. I joked the other day—I had a matte-black crocodile structured handbag with me, and I looked at the bag and I looked at the car, and I said, “The car looks like a bag on wheels.” It’s very me. It’s very, very me.

One of the ways that we can chart the various stages in a person’s life is through their cars. So tell me about your cars. What was your first car? 
My first-ever car, my parents bought me a red Fiat Uno. I was 17 and just so happy to have a car, so I was very fortunate that my parents were in a position to get me one—it was a secondhand car, but I was just so happy to have it. And my mum, to make it extra special for me, sprayed the hubcaps red.
And what do you drive now? 
I drive a Range Rover Sport. I love things that look great, but I love the practicality as well. I’ve got four kids. [Brooklyn, 13; Romeo, 9; Cruz, 7; Harper, 9 months.] I’ve got to put a stroller in the back of my car. I drive my kids to school every day; I drive everywhere. I love my Range Rover. But David’s trying to make me sell my Range Rover.


Each of the limited run of 200, English-made, four-wheel-drive coupes will cost around $90,000, and sadly, only 5 will be sold in the US.

I love it. Now I’m just waiting for Kimora Lee Simmons to come out with a special edition vehicle.

Range Rover Evoque’s 103rd Crown: World Design Car of the Year

The Range Rover Evoque has truly all the qualities to reach this milestone in this young age, the performer is merely a year old and takes automotive enthusiasts across the globe on a twist with its design and performance.

At the 2012 New York International Auto Show Evoque was crowned the World Design Car of the Year 2012. The announcement sees Evoque's awards tally reach more than 100 global accolades.

Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director said: "We are honoured that the Range Rover Evoque has been names 2012 World Design Car of the Year. This prestigious accolade recognizes the overwhelmingly positive response that we have received to the Evoque's bold and dramatic design. It is a car that truly resonates on an emotional level."

The Evoque was shortlisted from an original 46 nominations and beat off stiff competition from the two other finalists - the Citroen DS5 and the Volkswagen Up!

A design panel of five highly respected world design experts decided on the shortlist, which was then voted on by each of the 66 World Car Jurors. The jurors are all highly respected, top-level automotive journalists and come from 25 separate countries.

One of the five panel expert was Silvia Baruffaldi, Managing Editor of Auto & Design magazine, who said: "True to the concept car it derives from, it is a contemporary automotive design masterpiece. Besides not having equals on the markets, it is able to deliver the Land Rover DNA in a more compact, sporty bodystyle. A premium product without the bad habit of showing off."

Evoque awards till date:

1. China Best Car in Class Award, Motor Trend, China

2. Best Production Design, Autodesign and styling magazine, Czech Republic

3. Best Car 2011 SUV category, Motorpress Portugal and Autohoje magazine, Portugal

4. Most Exciting Car for 2011, What Car? Car of the Year Awards, UK

5. Anticipated SUV of the Year, Top 4x4, China

6. The Most Anticipated Import Car of the Year, Sohu Auto, China

7. SHAS most popular imported car, Dragon TV, China

8. Best Car for Urban Young, Elites International Finance News, China

9. Most fashionable car at Auto Shanghai, Beijing Times, China

10. Car Design of the Year award - best production car unveiled in 2010, Car Design News

11. Stunning Design Award, Orient Car, China

12. Auto Express New Car Honours Best Compact 4x4, UK

13. Auto Express New Car Honours Car of the Year 2011, UK

14. Best SUV, Women on Wheels Women's Car of the Year Awards 2011, South Africa

15. The Most Anticipated Luxury Car, Chengdu Business Daily, China

16. Car of the Year Design and Performance, Car China

17. Golden Steering Wheel Award for Best SUV, AutoBild, Austria

18. Fashion Style Award, Sina Auto, China

19. Best Compact SUV, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, UK

20. Scottish Car of the Year, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, UK

21. Autonis Design Award - Best New Design, Auto Motor und Sport, Germany

22. Best SUV, Autorevue, Austria

23. SUV of the Year Award 2011, Motor Trend, US

24. Urban Truck of the Year, Decisive Magazine, US

25. Star of the Show, 41st Annual South Florida International Auto Show (Miami), US

26. 2012 Automobile Magazine All-Star Award handover at LA motor show, US

27. Continental Irish Executive/Luxury Car of the Year 2012, Irish Car of the Year Awards

28. Best Luxury Compact Utility Vehicle, ALG Residual Value Awards, US

29. Best Luxury Utility Award, Auto123.com, Canada

30. Indian Import SUV of the Year, CNBC TV and Overdrive Awards, India

31. Car of the Year, Stuff magazine, UK

32. Best SUV 2012, Car & Driver magazine, Brazil

33. SUV of the Year Award 2011, BBC Top Gear Magazine, UK

34. Car of the Year, BBC Top Gear Magazine, UK

35. Import SUV over 30,000 Euro, Autozeitung, Germany

36. Best SUV 2012, Car & Driver magazine, Spain

37. Car of the Year, Stuff magazine, India

38. Auto Style Award, Auto Style Award, US

39. Best Luxury SUV of the Year, National Business Daily, China

40. Best Import Car of the Year, Guangzhou Daily, China

41. Best Import SUV of the Year, Top Gear China

42. Best Import SUV of the Year, Sohu.com, China

43. Best Luxury SUV of the Year, China Business News, China

44. Most Fashionable Import SUV of the Year, Southern Metropolis News, China

45. Most Attractive SUV of 2011, Xinhua News, China

46. Design Trophy, l'Automobile Magazine, France

47. 4x4 Car of 2012, Auto Club Bulgaria

48. Crossover Car of the Year, Bloomberg, US

49. 2012 4x4 of the Year, 4x4 Magazine, UK

50. Car of the Year 2012, Czech Republic

51. Best SUV 2012, Auto Press, Brazil

52. Car of the Year, Independent Online, New Zealand

53. Readers' Choice 2011 - Launch of the year, Carro Online, Brazil

54. Ruedes ESPN Best SUV, US

55. Best Luxury SUV, Middle East Motor Awards

56. 2012 Car of the Year, Hispanic Motor Press Association, US

57. Carro Online Best Car of 2011, Brazil

58. Sunday Times Best Car of 2011, UK

59. Sunday Star Times Best Car of 2011, NZ

60. Drive Car of the Year, Christchurch Press, NZ

61. Import SUV of the Year, NDTV Car & Bike Show, India

62. Car Design of the Year, NDTV Car & Bike Show, India

63. Car of the Year, The Sun, UK

64. SUV of the Year, The Sun, UK

65. Premium 4x4 of the Year, Wheels Magazine, Middle East

66. Best Premium SUV, Evo Middle East

67. Best Cars of 2011, Vroom Girls, US

68. Top Winter Vehicle of the Year, Kelly Blue Book, US

69. Editor's Choice, SUV of the Year, AOL, US

70. Car of the Year 2012, Readers' vote, AROnline, UK

71. Small 4x4 of the Year, 2012 BusinessCar Awards, UK

72. Best of Best Truck 2011 Autoweek, US

73. 2012 Luxury SUV of the Year, Autobytel, US

74. 2012 International Truck of the Year, Road & Travel Magazine, US

75. Car of the Year, Stuff Online, NZ

76. 2011 Car of the Year, Straits Times, Singapore

77. 2012 North American Truck of the Year, US

78. Car of the Year, Scotsman Awards, UK

79. MSN Cars' Readers' Best New Car of 2011 honour, UK

80. Auto Express 2012 New Car Championship - Compact SUV category, UK

81. Auto Illustrierte magazine Best Cars 2012, Switzerland

82. Most outstanding debut vehicle of the year Golden Klaxon Grand Prix, Russia

83. Best Cars 2012 - Off-Road Import winner, Auto Motor Und Sport, Germany

84. La Novità dell'Anno 2012 Quattroroute readers' award, Italy

85. The Golden Steering Wheel 2011, Auto Swiat, Poland

86. Playboy Car of the Year 2011, Poland

87. Crossover SUV of the Year, Abto Poky, Ukraine

88. Design Award 2012, Abto Poky, Ukraine

89. Best SUV & Off-roader Award, Auto Motor Und Sport, China

90. Newcomer of the Year, Off Road Magazine, Germany

91. New Car of the Year, AM Awards, UK

92. Best Cars' in SUV Category, Auto Magazine, Slovenia

93. Off-Road & SUV Category 10th Internet Auto Award, Germany

94. Best SUV, Volante, Portugal

95. Best Car chosen by the public, Autosport, Portugal

96. Premium SUV of the year, Business Standard Motoring Awards, India

97. Best SUV readers award Auto Motor and Sport, Czech Republic

98. It's my business and I'll buy what I want to' award, Business Car Manager, UK

99. Best Car on the Internet, Coches.net, Spain

100. SUV of the year award 2012, Car of the Year 2012, Luxembourg

101. Luxury SUV of the Year, Top Gear Malayalam, India

102. Parkers Cost of Motoring New Car Awards 2012, UK

103. 2012 World Car Design of the Year, US

Bernie's Favorite: Crystal Rock Range Rover by West Coast Customs

You know what? Let the photos speak for themselves.

Here's why. First and foremost, not sure if you realized it but I am a girl. Don't let the name Bernie fool you. Yes I do have pink accent on my blog. I'm not overly girly, but I do like girly things. Next to a completely blacked out vehicle, I love crystals on a car.

I really really wished that they waited for a nice, sunny day to photographed this Range Rover. Because if it was sunny, the light would hit the crystals ever so perfectly.

My favorite customized vehicle by Unique Autosports is Pam Anderson's LoveStream trailor. But this Range Rover, even though I HATE the body kit on it, is my favorite vehicle by West Coast Customs. *drops mic and walks off stage*

Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept to be unveiled at 2012 Geneva Motor Show

A convertible SUV, huh? Range Rover Evoque, the sexiest SUV from Land Rover will display their Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. This will mark the Range Rover Evoque Convertible Concept as world's first premium convertible SUV.

This Convertible Concept builds on the international success of the Evoque and aims to gauge reaction and to assess the potential of reality of the concept through its display at the motor show.

The concept has been developed by Land Rover Design Director, Gerry McGovern and his team. Commenting on the concept, McGovern said: "The Evoque lends itself beautifully to the idea of a convertible. This study is not a traditional convertible design execution - instead we have worked with the balance of the Evoque's lines to retain its distinctive shape and create something that is unique and, we believe, highly desirable."

The Evoque has been launched to worldwide media acclaim and to date has been honoured with over 90 international awards.

John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director says: "The Evoque Convertible Concept is a new twist to the Evoque story and explores the potential to further extend the nameplate's appeal by giving existing customers more choice, whilst at the same time reaching out to a completely new customer base. We are excited to see the response to this concept as we assess the potential for building on the Evoque's exceptional success so far."

The Evoque Convertible Concept will be revealed at Geneva as a design and engineering study. There is no production plans confirmed.

What happens when 713 Motoring gets their hands on Three Range Rovers???

This past weekend, I accidently published the 2012 Houston Auto Show/Dub Car Show Coverage. The last photo happened to have the caption: Would have loved to see a full photo of the Range Rover. It was a white Range Rover HSE with illegal window tint, smoked out headlights, and black aftermarket wheels. But the photographer of the photo took a general crowd shot and cut out half of the Range. Well I got my wish...

Houston's Own 713 Motoring recently had the opportunity to fully customize three different Range Rovers: A Range Rover Sport, A Range Rover HSE, and a Range Rover Autobiography Edition. One of 713 Motoring employees, Shaun, sent me a video of each Range, including the one I wanted to see a full photo of. Let's start with the first one...

The Autobiography Range Rover (also known as the most expensive Range Rover) sitting on Forgiatos happens to be owned by Johnathan Joseph of the Houston Texans (Not gonna lie, I really had to google that one. I don't do football.)



The Second Range Rover has a mystery owner (let's be real- all three of them are a mystery since I'm not into football.) but it's a Range Rover Sport



Finally, the third Range Rover HSE (The one I've been waiting for...), the one with the smoked out headlights and tail lights sitting on 26 inch Asantis. This fully customized Range Rover belongs to Derrick Ward of the Houston Texans (smile and nod). And check this out....



I'm so out of touch with football. I could only name one player from the New York Giants and the only reason I know who Osi Umenyiora is because he rents his Atlanta mansion out for video shoots. Remember my motto "If it's not the New York Yankees, it's over my head." Either way, no matter who the owner was, all three of them walked away with some great customized Range Rovers.

Range Rover Autobiography spotted

Suresh and Naveen, two auto enthusiast from Bangalore shared their exotic car spottings today. Indeed it’s an exotic one, the Range Rover Autobiography edition.

Now, what has the Autobiography edition of the Range Rover got in its basket, the most eye-catching features are the unique Autobiography tailgate badge, Supercharged grille, side vents and front bumper which feel unique and commanding on-road presence.

Under the hood is a superb 4.4 litre LR-TDV8 Diesel engine with a new eight-speed transmission incorporating Drive Select with Paddle Shift as standard.

The interiors of the Range Rover Autobiography features virtuoso design that is truly inspired. A rarefied combination of real wood veneers and the finest leather. Renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious automotive interiors, this is the most beautifully appointed and most sublime Range Rover yet.

Range Rover Autobiography showcases an ultimate in Range Rover luxury, craftsmanship and exclusivity.

Pamela Anderson is getting rid of her Range Rover

World Famous Pamela Anderson is finally parting ways with her Range Rover. This particular Range Rover has been photographed with Pamela for the cover of Dub Magazine. Her White 2007 Range Rover Supercharged is being sold on Ebay, with less than 80,000 miles for only $30,000. Let me repeat myself... a 2007 Range Rover Supercharged with under 80,000 miles, with a clean record, previously owned by Pamela Anderson for $30,000. That is a STEAL!!!

The photos of the truck are locked, but you can check out the ebay listing here.

P.S. I still loved her trailer that Unique Autosport customized for her.

Playboy Picks Their 2012 Cars of the Year

In the latest issue (January/February 2012 aka the Lindsey Lohan cover), iconic magazine Playboy has picked their choices of their 2012 Cars of the Year. The list isn't just limited to only SUVs or only luxury cars. This list is a solid, well rounded list, and I do love the particular car that's in the photo above.

Per Playboy, here's their picks for the top 2012 cars...

2012 Lamborghini Aventador; MSRP: $387,000

Fiat 500; MSRP: $15,500

Range Rover Evoque; MSRP: $41,145

Lexus CT 200H; MSRP: $29,120

BMW 1 Series M; MSRP: $46,135

Bentley Continental GTC; MSRP: $205,600

Audi A7; MSRP: $59,250

Mercedes-Benz CLs63 AMG; MSRP: $94,900

Hyundai Veloster; MSRP: $17,300

Jaguar XKR-S; MSRP: $132,000

And I saved the best for last...

Ford Mustang Boss 302; MSRP: $40,310

Noticed how all of the cars are black? I still think all cars look great in black. Pick up Playboy's January/February 2012 issue on newsstands now...