Need to get a jump on your competition? Give yourself an edge with a very special car.
No, not a screaming red Ferrari or a purple Hummer.
I'm talking about more affordable vehicles that are a lot more subtle--even discreet--but are also unique standouts. They're called "limited" or "special editions," and as their name implies, not everyone can have one because only a few hundred or a few thousand are built. So right away you're assured of exclusivity.
High-end versions of their stablemates, early editions of the limiteds, such as Lincoln's Mark V models, were gussied up in the 1970s with glittering badges and bejeweled dashboards created by haute couture designers such as Emilio Pucci and Bill Blass. Today, limited models are far more practical in their quest to provide buyers with a vehicle that gives you a competitive advantage--or at least recognition of your trend-setting approach to transportation.
Here's a rundown on some current limited models you might want to check out:
Lexus has partnered with the ritzy Pebble Beach Resort in Monterey, California, to produce its Pebble Beach Collection. The collection comprises two limited luxury vehicles, the $38,290 ES 350 sedan and the $41,580 RX 350 luxury SUV.
Both vehicles carry logo badging and special colors, and can be customized with matching three-piece luggage sets, including a briefcase. And if you conduct business on the golf course, Lexus also has clubs that can be personalized. You can even add personalized sunglasses.
MINI Cooper Elicits Smiles
Looking for a budget-conscious limited edition? This one's guaranteed to generate smiles from all of your customers and suppliers: the unconventional MINI Cooper Clubman. It's priced from $20,850 to $24,350, and its MPG is estimated at 28 city/37 highway. Distinctively styled, the Clubman hatchback has twin, hinged, swing-out rear cargo doors for easy loading. It might resemble a frog, but its equipment is princely, with six airbags for four passengers and plenty of high-tech features, such as remote keyless entry, heated mirrors and washer jets, and heated front seats. And at nearly 33 cubic feet (with the rear seats folded), the Clubman trunk is longer than the standard model. Individualists who want a standout paint job can choose from 40 color combinations.
Another limited edition small car with a large presence is the $23,090 Mazdaspeed3. A sporty five-door hatchback built in the tradition of Mazda's "wild child" lineup, this special release will remind observers that Mazda buyers go for the zoom-zoom, the essence and soul of the company's vehicles. Despite its size, the car seats five and has a cargo capacity of 43 cubic feet with the seats folded down. It's the world's quickest front-wheel drive, with 263 horsepower under its compact hood, able to take you to all your meetings lickety-split.
Lincoln Goes Hollywood
In the sedan arena, Lincoln is planning to release its MKS flagship sedan with a flourish this summer: The luxury four-door is being featured in its own three-minute movie. The flick was filmed in Hollywood, but the car is no high-priced celebrity. In fact, the MKS is budget-priced considering its full-size, limo-type luxury: It starts at just $38,465. Loaded with high-tech bells and whistles--such as push-button start, invisible keyless entry and rain-sensing wipers--MKS also has its own version of GM's OnStar communication/entertainment system, called SYNC.
Ending on a high note, the Cadillac Escalade SUV Platinum Edition is spectacular--beginning with its atmospheric price of $78,935. The luxury Platinum Edition features tailored, hand-stitched French seams on the leather seats, dashboard and console; wood inlays; heated and cooled cup holders; and a push-button power lift gate. Built-in video screens controlled by the driver allow you to pop in DVDs of your company wares and services for the viewing pleasure of business clients riding with you. The vehicle runs on ethanol, gasoline or a combination of both.
With so many choices, and a little imagination, you could soon be driving a vehicle that helps set you apart from the crowd.