On behalf of the entire team at GTspirit I wish you happy holidays and all the best for 2016! We are enjoying the Christmas days with our friends and family and apologize for being slow on news. For the new year we are working on some surprises that will add new levels of usability and entertainment.
As always we also use these days to reflect on the past year and below you will find some of my personal favorite cars, hotels and events!
1. Ice Driving in Finland with Porsche
We attended the Porsche Ice Driving Academy in the Finnish town of Levi at the beginning of this year. Set on frozen swamp lands Porsche created over 20 small tracks and practice areas where you can master snow and ice driving in the entire Porsche line-up. During our time there was even a 918 Spyder present for passenger laps.
2. The Return of Maybach
The Maybach brand returned this year with the new Mercedes-Maybach S500 and S600. We drove and were driven in both in California and really welcome its return.
3. Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4²
Probably the most insane car we drove this year was the Mercedes-Benz G500 4×4², conceived as the little brother of the G63 6×6 it is the ultimate G wagon money can buy at the moment. On the road its wider track makes it handle surprisingly well and off road there is nothing that can stop this beast from reaching its destination.
4. Beverly Hills Hotel
One of the most exclusive hotels we stayed this year was the Beverly Hills Hotel. Experience life of the rich and famous first hand in this magnificent hotel moments away from the boutiques on Rodeo Drive.
5. Geneva Motor Show 2015
The Geneva Motor Show is the most important motor show of the year for us. Packed with luxury and performance premieres it is the place to meet all the brands and see all the latest innovations. Follow the link below to see our highlights of this years Geneva Motor Show!
6. Picking up two Porsche 918 Spyders
Two of our photographers joined Dutchbugs with their three Veyrons to pick up two new 918 Spyders at the Porsche factory in Leipzig. A unique experience that they will not forget for a long time to come.
7. Exploring the Presidential Suite at the Ritz Carlton Hong Kong
I had the exclusive opportunity to explore the Presidential Suite at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Hong Kong. One of the most expensive hotel suites in Asia. It offers amazing views over the skyline of Hong Kong Island and Victoria Harbor and comes fully equipped with a large dining room, office and bathroom with jacuzzi.
8. Mille Miglia Tribute 2015
Mercedes-Benz invited us to join the Mille Miglia Tribute 2015, a once in a lifetime opportunity to join the modern equivalent of the most enduring and challenging road rally of all times. Driving a brand new Mercedes-Benz SL 500 147 Mille Miglia Tribute this was the by far the drive of the year.
9. Villa d’Este 2015
A week after the Mille Miglia we returned to Italy for the Concorso Villa d’Este, one of the most prestigious Concours d’Elegances in the world hosted at the famous Villa d’Este hotel directly on the shores of Lake Como. Hosted by BMW access is limited to invited guests only and we were very happy to join the event this year.
10. Smart ForRail Concept
A car on rails? Yes, Smart created this unique concept car for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Read the full story via the link below!
11. GTspirit Tour 2015
To celebrate our 9th anniversary our team once again hit the road. Powered by six Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Maybach and Mercedes-AMG cars we drove a scenic Alpine route to Turin for the Parco Valentino event.
12. GTspirit Website Relaunch
This Summer we relaunched GTspirit with a brand new design and new technical background. We hope you enjoy our new style and expanded focus on luxury lifestyle.
13. Salon Prive 2015
Another amazing event we attended and covered this year was Salon Prive! For the first time hosted at the stunning Blenheim Palace this could be the UK’s most prestigious motoring event.
14. Goodwood Revival 2015
The closest thing you can get to time travel is Goodwood Revival. Feel like the 1950s at this event in Goodwood, even a 1950s Tesco supermarket is present on the event selling products of yesteryear.
15. Frankfurt Motor Show 2015
The Frankfurt Motor Show saw the introduction of the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo along with various other jaw dropping concept cars.
16. GTspirit Awards 2015
Traditionally we end the year with the GTspirit Awards! Our editorial team voted in five different categories this year awarding the Car of the Year, Concept Car of the Year, Tuning Car of the Year, Track Car of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year. Check out the winners now!
