Mercedes-Benz has secured approval from the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) for its advanced DRIVE PILOT system, enabling conditionally automated driving (SAE Level 3) at speeds of up to 95 km/h (59 mph). This milestone makes DRIVE PILOT the fastest certified Level 3 autonomous driving system in a standard production vehicle, in Germany.Available as an optional feature on the luxury S-Class and EQS sedan models, DRIVE PILOT will become commercially available in Germany by spring 2025. Existing customers will receive the update free of charge via an Over-the-Air (OTA) software update or during a routine workshop visit, without requiring any hardware modifications.Markus Schäfer, Chief Technology Officer at Mercedes-Benz, expressed pride in this achievement, h...
This year, the art world was filled with dramatic, boundary-pushing moments that captured global attention. From environmental activists making bold statements on historic landmarks to record-breaking auction sales, the cultural landscape has been anything but quiet. High-profile art thefts, street art surprises and provocative installations stirred debate and fascination, reflecting both the power of art and its volatile place in society. Whether challenging traditions, breaking records or sparking controversy, these moments shaped 2024’s art scene in unforgettable ways.Keep reading to dive deeper into these events.Stonehenge VandalizedJust Stop OilJust Stop Oil activists sprayed orange powdered paint on Stonehenge, defacing the historic site near Salisbury, Wiltshire, on June 19, just be...
Zaha Hadid Architects has been chosen to design the Shaoxing Cao’e River Culture and Art Centre in China’s Zhejiang Province. Nestled on the banks of the historic river, the center envisions a dialogue of history and innovation, shaped by the region’s cultural heritage and the lush surrounding landscape.The center unfolds as a composition of interconnected forms. Designed to host an array of opera, dance, drama and symphonic performances, the structure features a 1,400-seat Grand Theater and 500-seat Black-Box Multifunctional Hall, alongside an Arts and Education Center, Heritage Museum, Digital Art Gallery and Conference Center.The space takes cues from the flowing landscapes of the river and the glazed roofs pitched atop surrounding architecture. The jade-green facades pay homage to Cela...
In the latest chapter of their influential partnership, Maserati and Hiroshi Fujiwara join forces to design the first-ever bespoke supercar in the brand’s Fuoriserie By collection. The new series is inspired by the Trident customization program, similarly named Fuoriserie, which gives customers the chance to tailor and modify their prospective supercars into a one-of-a-kind automobile. In celebration of this service, Fuoriserie By is set to invite past Maserati collaborators to put their spin on the most famous models it has produced to date. For his exclusive edition, Fujiwara takes on the MC20 Cielo as a base for his designs. With an affinity for classic cars – as expressed to Hypebeast back in 2021 – the Fragment founder presents two sleek and minimalist versions of the supercar that si...
Through generations of refining and redesigning, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has remained a symbol of luxury and comfort-focused design. Having sold thousands of models worldwide, the series continues to be a go-to for those in the market for a high-end sedan. So, how exactly has the brand stayed true to its iconic heritage in today’s landscape of luxury?The answer lies in the brand’s 360° approach to design. Understanding the purpose of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class – from everyday driving to chauffeured traveling – it has nailed down the various requirements for its models. Mercedes-Maybach has ensured it keeps these needs in mind, paying close attention to every detail in order to give its prestigious clientele an unfaltering series of automobiles that lend to a palatial drive, whether ...
Street artist Slawn, fresh from his sold-out Saatchi Yates Gallery exhibition, has unveiled a striking Lancia Delta Integrale art car in collaboration with London-based car culture collective Spot and Lancia expert Tanc Barratt. This one-of-a-kind creation offers collectors a unique chance to own a piece of Slawn’s artwork following his rise in the contemporary art scene.Known for his vivid, larger-than-life caricatures and bold use of color, Slawn — real name Olaolu Akeredolu-Ale — has already left his mark through collaborations with Dr. Martens, Louis Vuitton and even a redesigned FA Cup trophy. Now, his style meets automotive heritage in a project that reimagines the iconic Martini race livery of the Lancia Delta Integrale.Crafted in a single creative session, the car features Slawn’s ...
Porsche enthusiasts from across Southeast Asia and the world descended upon Bangkok for Das Treffen 9, breaking attendance records and cementing its status as the region’s premier event for Porsche fans. Held on December 15, 2024, at IMPACT Speed Park, Muang Thong Thani, the ninth edition of the celebrated Porsche gathering saw 627 cars and over 3,050 enthusiasts come together under this year’s theme of "Limited Edition."A Showcase of Rarity and ExcellenceDas Treffen 9’s “Limited Edition” theme spotlighted an extraordinary array of rare and iconic Porsche models. From the ultra-exclusive Carrera GT and 918 Spyder to the newly unveiled 911 S/T, the event’s display area was a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. A centerpiece of admiration was the Taycan Turbo S Celestial Jade, a one-off crea...
Streetwear brand PRIX has teamed up with die-cast car specialist Tarmac for a collaboration celebrating automotive culture and iconic hero cars. This partnership pays tribute to PRIX founder Esther Ng's Mazda RX-7 FD and the black Nissan Silvia S15s owned by close friends Kota and Tonnderu.For Esther and her team, this collaboration marks the realization of a long-held dream. Known for their passion for both real and model cars, PRIX has spent years researching ways to merge their love for automotive design with their brand ethos. The connection with Tarmac was facilitated by Hana Burton, a sponsored driver and mutual friend of both brands. With Tarmac expanding into streetwear collaborations, this launch marks the beginning of an ongoing partnership.As PRIX's community continues to grow, ...
In 1966, Stanley Kubrick sought out to create “the world’s scariest movie.” A decade later, Stephen King’s The Shining landed on his desk, setting the stage for his 1980 adaptation which stands as one of cinema’s most iconic horror films, continuing to chill audiences even four decades later.Taschen is celebrating this cinematic masterpiece with a newly released edition of Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, just in time for the holidays. Across 1,396 pages and ten years in the making, the two-volume collection offers an unparalleled behind-the-scenes look at the film featuring exclusive interviews with cast and crew, rare production photographs from the Stanley Kubrick Archive, conceptual art and more.Edited by Academy Award winning, Toy Story 3 director Lee Unkrich, with text by J.W. Rinzler ...
In 1985, visionary land art duo Christo and Jeanne-Claude unveiled The Pont Neuf Wrapped, a striking, large-scale installation that cloaked Paris’ oldest bridge in 41,800 square meters of golden fabric, fastened with 13 kilometers of rope and 12 tons of steel cables.“I wanted it to become a sculpture for the first time, but an ephemeral one,” Christo explained. Marking the efforts of over 300 specialists across ten years, the installation saw three million visitors over its two-week exhibition period.Forty years later, French artist JR is set to honor the duo’s legacy with an equally ambitious reimagination. Slated for September 2025, Projet Pont Neuf will once again transform the bridge, this time, into a cavernous delight.Created in collaboration with the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Founda...
Die Polo-Doku der Sussexes fiel beim Publikum durch. Nun soll zudem die geplante Netflix-Show von Herzogin Meghan auf der Kippe stehen.
Seoul Light Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is closing off the year strong with 5 Cheers!, a media art showcase featuring the work of Jean Jullien, Sunwoo Kim, Recording Life, Joguman Studio and JE BAAK. The large-scale immersive installation adorns the building with powerful messages of hope and connection, bidding farewell to the old year and ringing in the new.Spanning 222 meters, the exterior facade of the Zaha Hadid-designed structure is transformed into an animated dance of art and technology. Audiences are invited to explore five illuminated worlds – Choir, Play, Magic Show, Claymation and Performances – each of which uniquely contribute to a larger narrative of collectivity and dreams.From now through December 31, 5 Cheers! will unfold nightly from 7 pm to 9:30 pm, with 18-minute pr...