Omega 42 – the legend lives on …

The story of how the Omega 42 was brought back to life could not sound more incredible: A few years ago, three friends – all sailors, one of whom owns a small shipyard in Waren an der Müritz – are sitting together at a barbecue in the harbor. In a beery mood, they ponder what they would do if money were no object. Which ship should be resurrected? Which yacht deserves to be brought back to life? Which icon of yacht building would people long for? Omega 42 – the unanimous opinion!

“What the E-Type or the famous gullwing roadsters of the Mercedes-Benz SL series are to automobile connoisseurs, a yacht from the 1980s is to sailors.”
Lars Reisberg

A place of longing and a destination – Omega 42

At that time, Swedish boat design dominated the regatta courses of Europe. Owning a boat from Scandinavian production was the dream of many water sports enthusiasts. Even today, the Omega 42 is still widely regarded as a dream yacht. A place of longing and a goal: to sail an Omega 42 once in a lifetime, let alone own one …

The traces lead to southern Sweden

The gentlemen from the barbecue get serious. At least two of them are. What begins as a party mood develops into a project. A Danish owner of a classic Omega 42 built over 40 years ago helps to find the original lamination molds. They are lying in the woods behind a shipyard in southern Sweden. Should you? Can you really? Rebuild this iconic boat from scratch using modern materials and production methods? An enthusiastic investor has already been found: Construction number 1 secured. The molds – exposed to the harsh forces of nature outdoors for decades – have to be painstakingly renewed before the hull and deck can be made from them again. Construction plans? There are no more.

Reverse engineering

Heiner Francke, head of the Waren shipyard

Officially, 160 Omega 42s were built

Peter Norlin, the designer of this yacht, died in 2012. Extensive research, both within the family circle and at the various production yards that built the Omega 42 over the course of 20 years, has yielded very little material. Heiner Francke, head of the Waren shipyard, who wants to resurrect the Omega 42, has to completely “reverse engineer” the boat. After all, 160 boats were officially built. Many are still sailing. There is a respected fan club in Sweden, a bubbling source of information, templates and measurements. However, many boats have been extensively rebuilt over time, adapted to ever-changing preferences and technologies. An original, pure Omega 42 hardly exists any more.

Technical data: Omega 42 replica

Length
Draught
Displacement
Upwind sail area
Price from
Length
42 ft / 12.80 m
Draught

1.67 m

Displacement
7.0 t
Upwind sail area

73 sqm

Price from

€ 510,000 for a masterpiece of the art of sailing

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Norlin’s masterpiece

Peter Norlin designed the extremely slim and chic Omega 42 for himself in the early 1970s: The boat should win regattas. Then as now, race victories were a figurehead, reputation and sales promotion for sailing boats. His new yacht should outperform all others: A very high mast will catch the wind that sweeps across Stockholm’s archipelago, keeping her sailable even in light winds. An extremely short keel should make it possible to sail close to the rocks: Shortcut and lead in regattas. The length-to-width ratio of this new design is more reminiscent of a clipper or a needle. The Omega 42 becomes Norlin’s masterpiece. She is not only beautiful to look at – she sails incredibly fast! At the very first boat show, almost 40 customers sign a build order. The boat immediately becomes a legend. In the close infights of the big and small regattas, this fast-sailing ship immediately gains a very special nimbus.

“Anyone who wants to build a yacht and sell it commercially these days needs CE certification.”
Heiner Francke
Boat builder of the Omega 42

Fighting the demons on the Müritz

Heiner Francke in Waren an der Müritz is battling other demons. Anyone who wants to build and sell a yacht commercially these days needs CE certification. Which is a good thing: modern sailing yachts have to meet high construction standards. The shipyard in Waren is constantly battling with new requirements, which are handled by a Copenhagen-based CE agency. As there are no longer any design or construction documents, the hours slip by. Even the smallest details have to be redesigned, recalculated, repeatedly demonstrated and tested, custom-made. The construction drags on: The mast has to be completely redeveloped, the classic single-saling rigs had a tendency to break. State-of-the-art battery systems, navigation electronics, safe gas installation. The list is almost endless.

Ship christening in Krummin on Usedom

In 2020, the time has come: ship christening in Krummin on Usedom! The “Windfänger”, official construction number #401, enters the water. An emotional moment. Over 40 years have passed since the last Omega 42 built in Sweden first touched the salt water of the Baltic Sea. Exciting lines, beautiful from every perspective. A mast that seems to scrape against the clouds: the boat draws attention to itself. And just like back then in the Swedish archipelago, the Omega 42 begins to shake up the regatta scene.

It can be controlled with two fingers.

Peter Norlin, designer of the Omega 42

Intuition and natural talent

Norlin has succeeded in drawing a yacht that is wonderfully balanced. Even though today’s modern boats are designed with CAD and AI on the computer, it was experience, intuition and certainly a lot of natural talent that enabled Peter Norlin to design a boat that delivers high performance on all wind courses and in any weather. She goes through the waves like a hot knife through butter: graceful, unflinching. It can be steered with two fingers, child’s play in the truest sense of the word. And that even with real pressure on the rudder.

Omega 42 – Norlin’s masterpiece

Wherever the Windfänger docks today, there are always people on the jetty. The fascinating thing about it, says owner Stefan Gossing, is that it’s not just the old hands, the connoisseurs, who get their fill of the exciting lines of this icon. There are many young people on board, enthusiastic sailors in their twenties and even teenagers. They often know neither Norlin nor the legend of the Omega 42, but they seem to be intuitively attracted by the boat’s lines and see that something very special has moored here.

“As with fine automobiles, there are many classics,
but only a handful of true icons.”
Stefan Gossing
Owner of the Omega 42

Stefan Gossing is a man with a sense of true form – for classics that not only please, but also touch. His guiding principle sums it up: “As with fine automobiles, there are many classics, but only a handful of true icons.” This is exactly how he talks about his boat: the Omega 42 “Windcatcher”, whose elegant lines and character captivate even people who don’t know the story behind it.

With this mixture of passion, attention to detail and respect for the special, Stefan Gossing stands for an attitude: quality is recognizable – and genuine icons even more so.

The legacy of the Omega 42

What began in a group of men having a barbecue in the evening is developing into an ongoing business at the shipyard in Waren an der Müritz. You can imagine how enthusiastically the sailing scene reacts to this if you imagine what would happen if the E-Type or the SL Gullwing were to be relaunched. Of course, a brand-new Omega 42 with a starting price of 510,000 euros is no bargain: Custom-made, one-off construction by hand, carried out by competent master boatbuilders, naturally has its price. However, anything other than first-class build quality would be unthinkable given the Omega 42’s heritage.

Alpha animal and sailing legend

Construction number #402 is being completed and will float in spring 2026. Her name? Alpha, like the beginning, or like the alpha animal. Alpha and Omega, that fits. It describes the millennia-old concept of a perpetual cycle. And thus lives on in this wonderful story of the resurrection of an iconic sailing legend.

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Rare models at the 16th Arlberg Classic Car Rally

The 16th Arlberg Classic Car Rally (ACCR) took more than 120 international teams through spectacular Alpine routes – a celebration of tradition, driving culture and enjoyment.
The classic car event not only offered a journey through the history of the automobile, but also a stylish encounter with the present: rare models from Jaguar, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche drove from the Arlberg through picturesque villages, past astonished spectators and through fascinating natural scenery.

Tour highlights at a glance

Day 1 - Arlberg Prologue (June 26)

Start in Lech, over the Arlberg Pass to St. Christoph and on to St. Anton. Due to the weather, the planned trip was interrupted. A cozy evening in a mountain hut on the Trittalpe was the highlight of the day.

Day 2 - Via Claudia Augusta (June 27)

Via St. Anton and the Stanzertal valley to Fiss and Ladis as far as Samnaun. After the lunch break through the upper Inntal valley towards Prutz, on into the Pitztal valley, before the spectacular Hahntennjoch with its panoramic views awaited.

Day 3 - Tyrolean Loop (June 28)

The final stage led through the Lech Valley to Plansee, past Ettal Monastery to Oberammergau and Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Along the Eibsee lake to Lermoos, with a lunch stop at the stylish MOHR life resort and return through the Berwangertal valley to Lech.

Stylish ambience with culinary delights

The crowning finale was the festive evening gala in the stylish ambience of the Lechwelten, where the numerous winners from six classes in different categories were honored.

The two chefs from the Romantik Hotel Die Krone in Lech and the Hotel Arlberg provided the culinary experience, giving the gala evening an exclusive and enjoyable setting. The subsequent finale at the Arlberg Club House invited guests to network and celebrate.

"What makes the Arlberg Classic Car Rally so special is the quiet solidarity among like-minded people - people who share a passion for classic cars, but above all appreciate the joy of genuine encounters. The joint evening in a mountain hut and the gala in the Lechwelten reflected exactly this attitude: personal, connecting, genuine."

Christoph Brunner

Tourism Director Lech Zürs Tourismus GmbH

Arlberg Classic Car Rally Golf Cup

Once again this year, the classic car event was preceded by the Arlberg Classic Car Rally Golf Cup . For the first time, the successful golf tournament was combined with Road to Lech. The golf course in Lech, surrounded by the mountain panorama of the Zug Valley, was the perfect venue on Wednesday, June 25.

With style, horsepower and panorama

The ACCR has long been an indispensablehighlight in the summer calendar of events in Lech Zürs – and much more than just a classic car excursion: it combines precision, tradition, style and hospitality to create an experience that delights both national and international guests.

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Classic convertibles
at the Arlberg Classic Car Rally 2025

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

Credit: Lech Zürs Tourism by Simon Rainer

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Abarth 500e is one of the "Best Cars"

The electrically powered Abarth 500e was voted the winner in the “Mini Cars” category by the readers of the specialist magazine “auto motor und sport.” The first electric model of the traditional Italian brand prevailed with a 23.6 percent share of the votes against domestic and imported competitors, whether electric or conventionally powered.” as the winner of the “Mini Cars” category. With 23.6 percent of the vote, the first electric model from the traditional Italian brand beat off competition from domestic and imported models with electric drive or conventional drive systems. combustion engine through.

To 100 in seven seconds with the Abarth 500e

The Abarth 500e is available as a three-door saloon and as a convertible with an electrically operated soft top. Depending on the body variant, the electric range is up to 265 kilometers (combined according to WLTP) or up to 360 kilometers in city traffic. The Abarth 500e accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around seven seconds.

More sound and driving fun is not possible

The Abarth 600e Scorpionissima
impresses with 200 km/h

The Abarth 600e delivers even more impressive figures. The electrically powered compact sports car is available in two versions. The Abarth 600e Turismo delivers 175 kW (240 hp) [energy consumption 18.6 kWh/100 km; range 322 km (combined); CO2 emissions 0 g/km, CO2 class A*]. The top model is the Abarth 600e, limited to 1,949 units Scorpionissima [energy consumption 18.7 kWh/100 km; range 321 km (combined); CO2 emissions 0 g/km, CO2 class A*].. 207 kW (280 hp) enables a top speed of 200 km/h. From from a standstill The most powerful production vehicle in Abarth’s history accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.85 seconds.

Abarth 500e makes the dolls dance

About Stanka

Stanka is my friend and a Slovakian model who impresses with her charming and stylish appearance and unconventional shoots. She brings a breath of fresh air to the world of automobile presentation and knows how to embody innovation and sportiness. With her ability to authentically convey brand values, she attracts the attention of the public.

Abarth 500e - electrifying performance

Under the aerodynamically cut hood of the Abarth 500e, a powerful electric drive with 113.7 kW (155 hp) works in combination with a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery for locally emission-free driving pleasure at an unrivaled level. Thanks to the immediately available torque of 235 Nm, the “Scorpion” responds seamlessly to every intermediate sprint. This ensures exciting acceleration and adrenaline rushes at every start.

"The award for the Abarth 500e as one of the 'Best Cars' makes me very proud for several reasons. On the one hand, this success once again proves the high status of Abarth among German car fans, who have already voted our brand's models as their personal favorites in the past. Secondly, the first victory for an electrically powered Abarth at 'Best Cars' shows that our traditional brand has arrived in the public consciousness not only in its core competence of performance, but also when it comes to electromobility."

Andreas Mayer

Management of the brands Abarth, FIAT and FIAT Professionales

835. Hamburg Harbor Birthday

Water program - Parade of departures
©Hamburg Messe und Congress
Author: Nicolas Maack

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835. Hamburg Harbor Birthday

Elbe in Concert - The spectacular birthday show with fireworks
©Hamburg Messe und Congress
FAIRPLAY TOWAGE GROUP, Author: Nicolas Emrau

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835. Hamburg Harbor Birthday

Water program - Parade of departures
©Hamburg Messe und Congress
Author: Nicolas Maack

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Award ceremony for the Abarth 500e
at the 836th Hamburg Port Birthday

The trade magazine “auto motor and sport” surveyed its readers for the 49th time on what they thought were the best cars on the German market. More than 94,000 votes were received for the record number of 462 candidates in 13 competition categories. In the “Mini Cars” category, almost a quarter of all votes went to the Abarth 500e. The official award ceremony for the “Best Cars” competition takes place in a very special setting: the Hamburg Harbour Birthday. The election, the award ceremony at the 836. Hamburg Harbor Birthday definitely gives the event a very special atmosphere, because thehe historic fish auction hall is certainly the perfect place to celebrate the winners.

The trophies will be presented in the fish auction hall on May 9, 2025.

Technical data

Abarth 500e C Turismo

Performance

Battery capacity

Loading times

Acceleration

Maximum speed

Performance

Battery capacity

Loading times

Acceleration

Maximum speed

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Fiat 500 – a story with charm

The story of the Fiat 500 began in 1899 when Fiat was founded by Giovanni Agnelli in Turin. In addition to automobile manufacturing, the forward-thinking company soon expanded its production to include commercial vehicles and aircraft.

Fiat 500 "Topolino"
Mickey Mouse car

As early as 1919, the Fiat Type 501 Balilla appeared in huge numbers for the time. The first small car to cause a sensation was the Fiat 500 A, known as the “Topolino”, which was produced from 1936. Even Walt Disney liked the Topolino, namely as “Mickey Mouse’s car”.

The Topolino was followed by the B model and finally, in 1949, the C model with a modernized body but still with the same technology.

The Fiat 500 Nuova was a completely new model that was smaller than its predecessor but offered space for four people. It was this model that launched the small Italian’s success story.

Fiat 500 Nuova
Very popular among women

With the introduction of the Fiat 500 N in May 1957, a new era began in the company’s small car history. This model was particularly suited as a city car and, with its compact size and low fuel consumption, was also very popular among women.

It gained both a technical and spatial advantage with its rear-mounted engine, although some contemporaries considered its 13 horsepower too weak. For ambitious drivers, a sport version with a closed roof and a proud output of 21.5 horsepower was soon introduced. Additionally, Austrian car enthusiasts were offered a fine vehicle with the Steyr-Puch, initially produced in Graz with 19 horsepower.

Fiat 500 - absolutely suitable for the mountains

Markus Hänsler is a passionate Fiat 500 driver. He has taken his photos in the Dolomites, on the Splügen Pass, the Gotthard Pass, and the Stelvio Pass. He regularly participates in the Axel Gerstl’s photo competitions with his pictures, as well as in regularity orientation drives and club rallies (e.g., Fiat Club Italia).

Load donkey for a lot of luggage

Of course, the family was not to be left out and so the model range was extended to include an estate, the Fiat 500 D-Giardiniera. With its underfloor engine, it offered enough space for more than hand luggage. Most of these models, however, were soon worn out as the workhorses of small businesses. The D-Giardiniera was later followed by the F-Giardiniera with improved performance features. From 1972, Autobianchi continued to produce the estate under license until 1977.

More than 2 million cars

The direct successor to the Nuova was the Fiat 500 D, which was produced from 1960 to 1965. The D model had a shorter sunroof and larger rear lights, finally had crank windows and, with its standard 17.5 hp, already reached a speed of almost 100 km/h. These improvements boosted sales figures, so that by 1965 an impressive 640,000 units of this model had been produced.

The Fiat 500 F, which no longer had “suicide doors”, appeared in the same year. Technically mature and at a whopping 2.97 meters long, this Fiat had all the advantages of a small car. With its larger windshield and significantly improved seats, it was also more comfortable. This best-known variant of the Fiat 500 is probably the most popular of its kind, which may also be due to the fact that the luxury version of the F model, namely the Fiat 500 L (Lusso) with more chrome and slightly more upmarket equipment, was launched at the same time from 1968. By the time production of the Fiat 500 F ended in 1972, a total of 2.2 million of these two models had been sold, meaning that we can still enjoy many of them today.

Closing the book on a success story

Fiat produced the Fiat 500 R from 1972 as the last model in the 500 classic car series. This model was characterized by a 594 cc engine with a whopping 23 hp. Despite the more modern technology borrowed from the Fiat 126, which was already being sold at the same time, sales were rather sluggish. Not least the French competitors Renault 4 and the 2 CV from Citroen, but also the Fiat 126 itself, ensured that production of the R-series, which had only started three years earlier, was discontinued on August 1, 1975. This marked the end of the long, very successful era of the Fiat 500, which we always look back on with pleasure.

The post Fiat 500 – success story appeared first on Cabriolife.

Drivestyle,
but non-alcoholic please!

Classic drinks reimagined

Why interrupt driving fun? Enjoy non-alcoholic drinks during your convertible tour! More and more manufacturers are launching non-alcoholic alternatives to classic spirits that taste so good you won’t miss their alcoholic counterparts. Whether as a long drink or cocktail, these non-alcoholic interpretations of bar classics offer intense flavor and fine ingredients, without the alcohol.

Whether before the ride, during a break or as the crowning glory of a perfect day on the road. Driving pleasure and enjoyment definitely belong together here!

"The real drive is in the taste – high-quality cocktails without alcohol are the order of the day."

Angela Braun, lifestyle expert

ABContent, content & influencer marketing

Limoncello non-alcoholic

Fruity, sunny and refreshing – non-alcoholic limoncello brings all the intensity of Sicilian lemons to your glass. Perfect as a digestif or for sparkling summer drinks. The natural sweetness and slight acidity provide a Mediterranean taste experience – ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy the sweet life without compromising on their drivestyle.

Signature Drink
Limello Spritz

Ingredients, non-alcoholic

40 ml San Limello

160 ml tonic water

optional: non-alcoholic Prosecco

Ice cubes

Decoration: Mint

Preparation

For a refreshing San Limello Spritz, simply fill a wine glass with ice cubes and pour in 40 ml of San Limello. Then top up with 160 ml tonic water or alternatively add 160 ml non-alcoholic Prosecco. Stir everything briefly so that the flavors combine but the carbonation is retained. Finally, lightly press on the fresh mint, place on top of the drink and enjoy.

Food Pairing

Burrata, antipasti, seafood - to go with San Limello

These food pairings go perfectly with the non-alcoholic limoncello from Dr. Jaglas.

The creamy burrata complements the refreshing citrus notes of the aperitif, while antipasti offer a variety of flavors that complement the taste sensations.

Seafood harmonizes perfectly with the Mediterranean freshness of limoncello, creating a delicious combination for your enjoyment.

Alternative to gin - naturally alcohol-free

Gin without alcohol? Yes, and with a full aroma. High-quality distillates of juniper, coriander and citrus provide the typical complexity – perfect for a stylish gin & tonic or creative cocktails. The typical spicy note of a classic gin is a given, but without the alcohol. Ideal for your drivestyle and enjoyable moments without remorse.

NONA June Minona

Ingredients, non-alcoholic

5 cl NONA June

5 cl freshly squeezed orange juice

Tonic (Mediterranean or Indian)

Ice cubes

Orange peel

Optional: a sprig of rosemary

Preparation

Pour 5 cl NONA June and 5 cl freshly squeezed orange juice into a nice glass filled with ice. Top off with tonic and stir gently. Garnish the cocktail with orange peel or a sprig of rosemary. A non-alcoholic version of the Mimosa cocktail.

The perfect start to a brunch!

Martini is also alcohol-free

The iconic Martini Vermouth also works alcohol-free – with finely balanced herbs, wormwood and citrus notes. It is the perfect base for a dry martini “without” or sparkling aperitif drinks. Whether pure on ice or as a mixer element – this non-alcoholic Martini variant impresses with its elegance and depth. A delight for style-conscious drivers who love their convertible and fine drinks.

Non-alcoholic rum - without revolutions

Tropical flair without alcohol? Non-alcoholic rum brings the typical notes of caramel, vanilla and oak to the glass – perfect for cocktails such as mojito, daiquiri or a non-alcoholic rum old fashioned. The complex aromas ensure an authentic taste experience, without any twists. Whether pure or mixed – enjoy the Caribbean feeling while you continue to celebrate your convertible lifestyle in style.

Wonderoak Cup

Ingredients, non-alcoholic

5 cl Wonderoak

12 cl ginger ale

Ice cubes

Orange peel

Decoration: slice of cucumber and mint

Preparation

Fill the glass with ice cubes. Gradually add all the ingredients and stir carefully. Garnish with cucumber and mint to finish.

Tequila - Mexican spirit non-alcoholic

Whether margarita or paloma, a non-alcoholic tequila brings the typical agave notes into the glass without any percentages. Thanks to sophisticated distillation, the earthy, slightly smoky aroma is retained. Combined with lime and salt, every drink becomes a full-fledged moment of pleasure. The perfect choice for anyone who loves the Mexican spirit but wants to avoid alcohol.

Virgin Margarita

Ingredients, non-alcoholic

5.5 cl Wonderazul

3 cl freshly squeezed lime juice

2 cl agave syrup

1 cl Curacao / Triple Sec (non-alcoholic)

Slice of lime

Decoration: Salt rim on the glass

Preparation

Shake all the ingredients over ice and then strain through a sieve into a pre-cooled margarita bowl (or coupette).

Only place the salt rim on one half of the rim of the glass. This way, everyone can decide for themselves whether they want to drink with or without salt.

Alcohol-free with "Esprit de Provence"

Floral notes of lavender, rosemary and vanilla

The classic Campari is a bitter-sweet aperitif with herbal and citrus flavors that are well suited for spritz drinks or Negroni variations. If you are looking for a gentler, herbal and alcohol-free Campari alternative, Lav’a Belle’s aperitif could be the perfect fit! While the classic has a strong bitterness with orange notes, Lav’a Belle has a softer, more floral note thanks to lavender, rosemary and vanilla.

Lav'a Belle Sour

Ingredients, non-alcoholic

6 cl Lav’a Belle

3 cl fresh lemon juice

1.5 cl sugar syrup

1/2 egg white (optional: vegan protein powder)

Ice cubes

Preparation

First shake all the ingredients vigorously without ice cubes, then a second time with ice cubes. Then strain onto new ice cubes in a glass. The egg white is optional and does not change the taste of the drink much – with ice white it is creamier in consistency and slightly smoother, without egg white it is slightly thinner and fresher.

Alcohol-free: cocktail or spritz?

Is this still a cocktail, or almost a spritz again? You can serve the Nice Mule in a long drink glass or a stemmed glass, depending on how you interpret it. Only the classic metal cup would be a shame in this case because of the color.

Lav'a Belle - Nice Mule

Ingredients, non-alcoholic

5 cl Lav’a Belle

15 cl ginger beer

1 cl elderflower syrup

Ice cubes

Preparation

Add the ice cubes, ginger beer, Lav’a Belle and elderflower syrup to a glass of your choice and stir gently once.

The post The real drive is in the taste appeared first on Cabriolife.

Popular city runabout with a retro look

The FIAT 500e Convertible combines iconic design with sustainable electric mobility and an open-top driving experience. The model was launched in 2023 as part of the extended electric 500e range and is primarily available on the European market.

As a charming e-convertible, the Italo Stromer focuses on lifestyle and sustainability – ideal for urban adventures with an ecological conscience.

FIAT 500e Cabrio - ladies' man with a cloth cap

There is a choice of three different soft top colors: black, blue or with the exclusive Fiat monogram (only available in the PRIMA version, however).

The most eye-catching color of the pokeball is rose gold, matching the iPhone …

Stanka - model and friend - is an enthusiastic convertible driver.

In the Italo-Stromer through the city Source: Stellantis photo archive

Stanka - model and girlfriend - looks in the direction of the sun.

Retro-modern with LED headlights and 17-inch wheels Source: Stellantis image archive

Fast charging in 30 min: 80 %

Stanka - model and girlfriend - freaks out.

Stanka - model and girlfriend - in an open-air mood.

Convertible - ideal for golden days in the city Source: Stellantis photo archive

Decent range of up to 320 km

The little Italian is also great fun outside the city. It accelerates swiftly to 100 km/h in nine seconds and is a real eye-catcher in sunny winter weather compared to the typical cold-season vehicles.

With a storage capacity of 42 kWh, the Italian electric car has a range of up to 320 km – which is more than enough for a small car. Charging time at a DC 100 kW charging station takes around 35 minutes – sufficient for 80% of the full battery charge and just the right amount of time for an espresso on a longer journey.

Great attention to detail in the interior

The cockpit features smart digital instruments that are easy to read. The 10.25-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5 infotainment (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto) is self-explanatory. The optional navigation system quickly calculates the route entered and there is an inductive charging station for the smartphone in addition to regular USB ports.

Sustainable materials such as recycled plastic and vegan leather are used in the interior. Incidentally, the e-convertible is produced CO2-neutrally at the plant in Turin and is one of the few fully electric convertibles in the compact segment.

The post FIAT 500e Convertible 118 ICON appeared first on Cabriolife.

Exclusive car fragrances are on trend

Luxury perfumes are no longer just available for personal use or as room fragrances. More and more convertible enthusiasts are discovering that a fine fragrance can give their vehicle a very special, individual touch. High-quality car diffusers ensure optimum distribution of this fragrance.

A car perfume can perfectly complement the exceptional nature of your convertible and at the same time ensure even more driving pleasure and relaxed travel.

"Car diffusers with sophisticated fragrances are a perfect update for your drivestyle."

Angela Braun, lifestyle expert

ABContent, content & influencer marketing

More than just fragrance

High-quality car diffusers ensure an exclusive driving experience

A high-quality car fragrance gives your vehicle a signature that reflects your character and leaves your personal signature. At the same time, a pleasant fragrance enhances your sense of well-being and emphasizes the upscale style of the vehicle, creating a sense of luxury and elegance in the interior.

In addition, high-quality car fragrance dispensers ensure comfort by effectively neutralizing unpleasant odours and creating a pleasant atmosphere. A suitable fragrance can also have a calming or refreshing effect, making every journey even more relaxing and pleasant.

High-quality car diffusers blend stylishly into the interior, as they are available in elegant designs that perfectly match the luxurious interior of your vehicle.

Car diffusers and the effect of fragrances

Vanilla fragrance in the car is often ridiculed, but if it is made from high-quality essences, it definitely has an aromatherapeutic effect. Our brains associate vanilla with childhood memories – think vanilla pudding – and the comfort that goes with it. Vanilla is the ideal anti-stress fragrance and can have both a calming and stimulating effect.

While all citrus scents are perfect for staying fresh on longer journeys, the scent of lemon can boost your concentration, making it ideal for long car journeys.

The elegant, high-quality car diffuser from Jo Malone London is available in the best-selling fragrances Lime Basil & Mandarin, Peony & Blush Suede and Wood Sage & Sea Salt. It can be easily attached to the air vents and adds an exclusive fragrance to any convertible journey. Each Jo Malone London product is individually packaged in a high-quality beige signature box, making this car diffuser an ideal gift for convertible lovers.

The best refillable car diffusers and car fragrances

With its woody-green notes, the Figuier car fragrance diffuser from Diptyque Paris is reminiscent of the scent of a fig tree and ensures a relaxed Mediterranean driving experience.

The car diffuser set from Maison Berger is available in many different designs and fragrances. The “Untouched Landscape” fragrance lends your classic car masculine elegance thanks to mineral sea notes, rose and exotic woods.

The car fragrances from Rituals are available as a spray and as a car refresher for attaching to the ventilation system. Both versions have an elegant wooden look and can be filled with one of seven fragrances to suit your mood or preference.

The car air freshener from Ceeniu is the perfect car gadget for those who like it more technical. Integrated vibration sensors and intelligent chip technology automatically start the interior fragrance when the car is started and switch the car fragrance off again after the journey. The fine fragrance mist is easy to regulate, and thanks to the rechargeable battery, the car air freshener is wireless.

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The history of the BMW Isetta

After the resumption of motorcycle production in 1948 and the restart of automobile production in 1952, the difficult years for BMW were far from over. Although the production of the hard-to-sell luxury cars of the 501 and 502 series restored the brand name to its former glory, it did not improve the company’s difficult financial situation. BMW was once again building automobiles for the “cream of society”, but even the good motorcycle business could hardly finance this luxury. The time was ripe for a small car – the BMW Isetta.

The heyday of scooters and microcars

Around 1954, it became clear that BMW would not survive without a model that was easy to sell and inexpensive to produce. However, a completely new development of an automobile would no longer have been financially viable for the company. It was the heyday of scooters and microcars, and so the search was on for a high-quality small vehicle that BMW could build under license. They soon came across an egg-shaped mobile with a front door from the Milan-based company Iso. After careful examination, this very original and practical “Isetta” was found to be suitable for rolling off the production line as a BMW small car after certain modifications. The license agreement was signed.

A motorcycle engine for the Isetta

Instead of the two-stroke engine, the Isetta was fitted with the single-cylinder four-stroke engine from the R 25 motorcycle; production started in spring 1955 with 250 cc and 12 hp, followed at the end of the year by the 1 hp more powerful Isetta 300. It quickly became clear that BMW had hit the bull’s eye with this unusual model. Well over 10,000 Isettas were sold in the very first year of production.

Special versions such as the Tropical Isetta

This first version of the Isetta 250 and 300 still largely corresponded externally to the original Italian model. In Munich, however, a different engine cover was used and, after an initial series with long headlight housings, a revised model with smaller housings was offered. There were already export variants with large bumpers and headlights for the USA and special versions such as the “Tropical Isetta” with additional ventilation openings in the front door, the Isetta Cabriolet with a soft top instead of the rear window, or the cargo Isetta with a tiny loading area.

Export version of the Isetta

A revised Isetta with a modernized body appeared at the end of 1956. It bore the name BMW Isetta Export. The previous model was called the BMW Isetta Standard and was offered at a lower price for a few more months. The Export Isetta 250 or 300 produced from November 1956 was very different from the previous version. Similar to a coupé, the roofline was now continuous and numerous details had given way to more modern solutions. Like the previous model, the Isetta Export could also be ordered in various special versions and country versions.

BMW Isetta – Brand embossing

BMW produced a total of 161,728 Isettas worldwide between 1955 and 1962.
The BMW Isetta gained a high degree of popularity for the brand and shaped an entire era in automotive history.

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