With the BMW Group as its patron, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este is the ideal place away from the madness of Auto Salons for the unveiling of something special. Last year it was the BMW Zagato collaboration, and once again this year saw the German automaker joining forces, but this time with a different Italian name synonymous with tradition and aesthetics – Pininfarina.

As far as video games go, the special editions usually offer nothing more than tenuously linked trinkets that end up gathering dust on a shelf – not quite the case with the soon-to-be-released racing game GRID 2, which offers a special edition, the Mono Edition, limited to one quick-acting customer. What's so special? It comes with its very own car.

Several years ago, Aston Martin and Jaeger-LeCoultre launched the AMVOX 1, a technically interesting mechanical watch that also contained an electronic transponder that could unlock your Aston Martin. Latest to this is a sleek, black and surprisingly modern version of the Master Hometime, which presents a very unique piece given the Master series' relatively classic look and feel.

One of the most unique watch brand relationships over the last decade has been Swiss Breitling’s partnership with British high-end mark Bentley. While most car/watch long term product cooperations end in failure, the Breitling for Bentley family of products has been proof that a dual-branded timepiece can work.

Dependability and persistence compose the philosophy upon which Mercedes-Benz has built up a solid reputation in the world of luxury cars. On the occasion of the new 2013 E-Class unveiling, Alexander Mankowsky – sociologist, futurologist and trend scout at Mercedes-Benz – talks to DEPARTURES about future trends and the appeal of consistency.

Normally, loud traffic is something travellers look to avoid when booking a hotel. That rule doesn't apply to Formula One aficionados wanting to get close to the race action. As motorsports fans get geared up for the 2013 Formula One season, we take a look at the best hotels in the host cities – with trackside accommodation and spectacular views.

When we last wrote about the 4C, it was a gorgeous little number in red, tempting us with its curves in a way only the Italian (automakers, of course) can.

Following their official launch at the Geneva Auto Salon, Alfa romeo will produce a limited number in ‘Carrara White’, for the lucky and passionate few who commit to her now.