How to make a supercar even more super? Cover it in diamonds of course.
A Swiss company has manufactured a diamond-encrusted bonnet and grill for a Bentley Continental GTC, which is being sold by a Dubai dealer for Dh2 million (US$544,414).
"We are very proud because they came one day into our showroom and told me we want to put diamonds on the car," says Christopher Baer, a senior salesman at Centurion Cars. "I thought what a freaky idea, let's do it."
The paint includes 101 carats of tiny diamonds and the car even comes with a certificate of authenticity to prove the jewels are real.
"If you go very closely you will see this is not a flat surface," says Mario Steglegger, a GCC sales consultant for the company that produced the paint, Luxury Refinish.
The bonnet and grill is covered in 31 layers of paint, creating a structure that allows the diamonds to settle at different heights and shine and making it stronger than ordinary paint.
"You can even go into a car wash," says Mr Steglegger. "I'm not saying you would take this car into the car wash but we have 31 layers of coating here with a lot of clear coating on the top to make it proof for daily use."
Centurion has had "a lot" of inquiries about the supercar, according to Mr Baer, but it is not necessarily aiming to sell it with the diamond-encrusted bonnet and grill attached.
"You can also take the parts and put it on your Bentley. We don't care. First of all we want to sell, and if we sell it separately it's no problem for us."
The bonnet and grill cost Dh1m, he added.
But what if you own a Rolls-Royce?
That is no problem either, as Luxury Refinish is happy to make a bonnet for any make or model.
"We want people to come with their high-end products and we will make them a little bit more high-end," added Mr Steglegger.
gduncan@thenational.ae
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Constant Variable (CVT)
Power: 141bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: Dh64,500
On sale: Now
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Name: Samar Frost
Born: Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends
Favourite singer: Adele
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Creator: Jenna Lamia
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
Surianah's top five jazz artists
Billie Holliday: for the burn and also the way she told stories.
Thelonius Monk: for his earnestness.
Duke Ellington: for his edge and spirituality.
Louis Armstrong: his legacy is undeniable. He is considered as one of the most revolutionary and influential musicians.
Terence Blanchard: very political - a lot of jazz musicians are making protest music right now.
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Keane on …
Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League bid: “They’re great. With the attacking force they have, for me, they’re certainly one of the favourites. You look at the teams left in it - they’re capable of scoring against anybody at any given time. Defensively they’ve been good, so I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t go on and win it.”
Mohamed Salah’s debut campaign at Anfield: “Unbelievable. He’s been phenomenal. You can name the front three, but for him on a personal level, he’s been unreal. He’s been great to watch and hopefully he can continue now until the end of the season - which I’m sure he will, because he’s been in fine form. He’s been incredible this season.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant impact at former club LA Galaxy: “Brilliant. It’s been a great start for him and for the club. They were crying out for another big name there. They were lacking that, for the prestige of LA Galaxy. And now they have one of the finest stars. I hope they can go win something this year.”
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'Lost in Space'
Creators: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Irwin Allen
Stars: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins
Rating: 4/5
Results
- Brock Lesnar retained the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns
- Braun Strowman and Nicolas won the Raw Tag Team titles against Sheamus and Cesaro
- AJ Styles retained the WWE World Heavyweight title against Shinsuke Nakamura
- Nia Jax won the Raw Women’s title against Alexa Bliss
- Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon beat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
- The Undertaker beat John Cena
- The Bludgeon Brothers won the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos and New Day
- Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle beat Triple H and Stephanie McMahon
- Jinder Mahal won the United States title against Randy Orton, Rusev and Bobby Roode
- Charlotte retained the SmackDown Women’s title against Asuka
- Seth Rollins won the Intercontinental title against The Miz and Finn Balor
- Naomi won the first WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
- Cedric Alexander won the vacant Cruiserweight title against Mustafa Ali
- Matt Hardy won the Andre the Giant Battle Royal
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Naga
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