Category Archives: Reviews

Review of the 2023 Kia Telluride X-Pro: A Midsize SUV with Luxurious Ruggedness

The space in the Kia Telluride is good across all three rows. The second-row captain’s chairs are equipped with ventilation, which is a nice touch. They are just as comfortable as the first-row seats and can slide forward and backward. There are buttons on the side to make accessing the third row easier. If you prefer a second-row bench, you’ll have to go for the lower Telluride trims, as it is not available in the X-Pro.

In the third row, there is enough space for at least two adults or three children, although it does compromise the legroom in the second row. Even with all three rows up, there is still an impressive 21 cubic feet of cargo space. However, if you need more space, you can easily fold down the second and third rows using the buttons and cords provided, expanding the trunk to 46 cubic feet or a maximum of 87 cubic feet.

The infotainment system in the Telluride is comprehensive, allowing you to access features like Driver Talk, which transmits the driver’s voice through the rear cabin speakers for effective communication. However, it only supports wired connections for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, not wireless. Kia has included physical controls for the HVAC and multimedia functions, as well as additional controls in the center console for drive modes and other drivetrain settings. One feature I appreciate is Kia’s Auto Hold, which remains active even after restarting the SUV, unlike many other competitors’ systems.

Rolls-Royce Unveils Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’: A Celestial Journey into the Infinite Beauty of Space.

  • Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils stunning Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ Private Collection
  • Inspired by the Kármán Line – the mysterious invisible boundary 62 miles above the Earth’s surface, where outer space begins
  • Limited to 62 examples worldwide, available exclusively through Rolls-Royce Private Office
  • ‘Edge of Space’ fascia artwork finished in lacquer incorporating blue and clear glass
  • ‘Lunar’ Starlight Headliner features 250,000 stitches and 1,183 fibre-optic ‘stars’
  • Leather seating with 75,000 individual perforations creates unique impression of ‘Earth from space’
  • A matching Bespoke car cover, luggage set and 1:8 scale model replica of Blue Shadow available to commission

Rolls-Royce Unveils Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’: A Celestial Journey into the Infinite Beauty of Space

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is proud to introduce the extraordinary Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow,’ a unique creation inspired by the enigmatic realm of outer space. This remarkable vehicle, crafted by the renowned Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, draws inspiration from the Kármán Line, an invisible boundary 62 miles above the Earth’s surface, where the atmosphere gives way to the vast expanse of outer space.

The Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ Private Collection is a testament to Rolls-Royce’s relentless pursuit of perfection and a celebration of the spirit of exploration. It is designed for individuals who embody the essence of adventure, pushing boundaries and representing the pinnacle of human endeavor.

The exterior of the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ is adorned with the captivating ‘Stardust Blue’ bespoke paint, reminiscent of the deep blue hues found in the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere. The satin-tinted grille surround and aero bumper insert sets pay homage to the thermal tiles used on Space Shuttles, which protect them from the intense heat during atmospheric re-entry. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament is crafted using advanced 3D printing techniques, utilizing titanium and finished with a delicate layer of blue-tinted lacquer, creating a mesmerizing pearlescent effect. The Black Badge infinity logo and ‘Blue Shadow’ Private Collection name are engraved on the Spirit of Ecstasy base, infilled with Charles Blue. The wheels of the Blue Shadow edition are subtly darkened using a translucent lacquer, adding to the vehicle’s distinctive allure.

Stepping into the interior of the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ is like entering a realm of elevated perspective. The painted fascia and door panels showcase a breathtaking representation of the transition from the ethereal blue halo at the Kármán Line to the profound darkness of outer space. Six layers of paint, incorporating five different shades of blue and a deep black hue, are meticulously applied to create a mesmerizing three-dimensional effect. A clear-coat layer, enriched with blue and clear glass particles, adds depth and luster, with the precise ratio of particles determined to perfection. The bespoke clock, exclusive to the Private Collection, features light blue anodized details and ‘Blue Shadow’ engraving, adding a touch of elegance to the interior ambiance.

Taking the celestial experience to new heights, the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ features the ‘Edge of Space’ headliner. The renowned Starlight Headliner is elevated with intricate Moon embroidery, surrounded by a constellation of ‘stars,’ immersing passengers in the mystical ambiance of space. The three-dimensional embroidery represents the Moon’s surface, meticulously crafted with five different colors of thread and 250,000 individual stitches, taking two days to complete. The Starlight Headliner contains a total of 1,183 hand-placed ‘stars,’ 799 in white and 384 in blue, creating a mesmerizing celestial glow.

A groundbreaking addition to the interior is the perforated leather artwork that adorns the front and rear seats. Inspired by the view of Earth from space, the intricate pattern evokes the ever-shifting clouds swirling over the continents and oceans. Each seat features over 75,000 individually placed perforations, meticulously designed and aligned to create a cohesive appearance. The pattern extends to the picnic table backs, which, when lowered, reveal a captivating Piano Black veneer with a glass sparkle finish, reminiscent of the mysterious depths of space. The inlaid polished aluminum text beneath the lacquer layer reads, ‘The Blue Shadow occurs at the outer extremes of our world, affording an

extraordinary perspective and the ability to touch the stars.’

To complement the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow,’ Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective has crafted a range of exclusive accessories. The indoor car cover features a pattern inspired by the seats, while a unique luggage set continues the colorway of the Private Collection. Additionally, clients have the opportunity to commission an exact 1:8 scale replica of their Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow,’ complete with functioning lights, opening coach doors, and a meticulously recreated interior featuring all the bespoke details, including illuminated collection treadplates.

The Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ is a rare gem limited to just 62 examples worldwide, symbolizing each mile from Earth to the Kármán Line. Exclusively available through Rolls-Royce’s Private Offices, this remarkable vehicle encapsulates the essence of exploration and offers a unique opportunity to embark on a celestial journey into the infinite beauty of space.

Introducing the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’: Embark on a Cosmic Odyssey of Unparalleled Luxury and Exploration

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the awe-inspiring Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow,’ a masterful creation that takes you on an extraordinary journey into the mysteries and wonders of the cosmos. This exceptional vehicle, meticulously crafted by the revered Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective, draws inspiration from the fabled Kármán Line, a boundary 62 miles above the Earth’s surface, where the shackles of our planet yield to the infinite expanse of outer space.

The Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ Private Collection is a testament to Rolls-Royce’s unwavering commitment to perfection and an ode to the indomitable spirit of exploration. It is designed for those unique individuals who push the boundaries of human achievement, expand horizons, and embody the epitome of excellence.

Step into a world of enchantment as you behold the mesmerizing ‘Stardust Blue’ bespoke exterior paint. This captivating hue encapsulates the deep blue tones that grace the upper layers of our atmosphere. The satin-tinted grille surround and aero bumper insert sets pay homage to the thermal tiles that shield space shuttles during the fiery descent into our planet’s embrace. The iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, crafted using advanced 3D printing techniques, emerges as a symbol of unparalleled elegance. Its titanium construction, finished with a delicate blue-tinted lacquer, reveals a shimmering pearlescent sheen. The Black Badge infinity logo and ‘Blue Shadow’ Private Collection name, engraved on the Spirit of Ecstasy base and adorned with Charles Blue, add a touch of exclusivity. Completing the exterior aesthetic, the wheels of the Blue Shadow edition are subtly cloaked in a translucent lacquer, exuding an aura of mystique and allure.

Crossing the threshold into the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ interior is akin to entering a celestial realm of elevated perspective. Behold the painted fascia and door panels, adorned with a captivating representation of the ethereal blue halo that marks the Kármán Line. The meticulous application of six layers of paint, incorporating five distinct shades of blue interwoven with a deep black hue, creates a spellbinding three-dimensional effect. A final clear-coat layer, infused with blue and clear glass particles in an exacting ratio of 0.05%, adds an unparalleled depth and luster to the ensemble. The bespoke clock, a masterpiece exclusive to the Private Collection, showcases light blue anodized details and ‘Blue Shadow’ engraving, evoking a sense of timeless elegance.

Prepare to be immersed in cosmic wonder with the ‘Edge of Space’ headliner. Building upon the renowned Starlight Headliner, this extraordinary feature transports you to the outer reaches of the universe. Delicate Moon embroidery takes center stage, surrounded by a constellation of ‘stars,’ as if gazing upon the lunar surface and the vastness of space itself. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the embroidery utilizes five different colors of thread, intricately applied through various techniques, resulting in a texture that replicates the Moon’s craters in breathtaking three-dimensional form. A total of 250,000 individual stitches bring this celestial masterpiece to life, requiring two full days of painstaking craftsmanship. As you bask in the cabin’s gentle glow, you’ll be captivated by the Starlight Headliner’s 1,183 hand-placed ‘stars,’ with 799 shining in brilliant white and 384 twinkling in resplendent blue, providing an enchanting celestial illumination.

Elevating the interior ambiance even further, the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ features a groundbreaking perforated leather artwork adorning the

front and rear seats. Inspired by the mesmerizing view of Earth from space, this intricate pattern is achieved through thousands of precisely placed perforations that evoke the ever-shifting clouds swirling above the continents and oceans. The land is represented by smaller perforations measuring a mere 0.8 mm in diameter, while larger perforations of 1.2 mm define the sea. The interplay between the leather and blank spaces mimics the ethereal nature of clouds. With over 75,000 individual perforations meticulously applied to each seat, the pattern required two weeks of design and underwent five trials to ensure impeccable quality and alignment. The result is a harmonious, uniform appearance across all four seats, evoking a sense of serenity and evocative beauty. The perforation pattern gracefully extends to the picnic table backs, which, when lowered, reveal a stunning Piano Black veneer with a glass sparkle finish, reminiscent of the captivating darkness of space. Each table bears the Collection theme text, inlaid in polished aluminum beneath the top lacquer layer, further reinforcing the Blue Shadow’s enchanting narrative: ‘The Blue Shadow occurs at the outer extremes of our world, affording an extraordinary perspective and the ability to touch the stars.’

In addition to this exceptional motor car, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective has curated a range of bespoke accessories to accompany the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow.’ The exclusive indoor car cover mirrors the seat pattern, while a distinctive luggage set continues the colorway of the Private Collection. For the discerning collector, a precise 1:8 scale replica of the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ is available, featuring fully functional exterior and interior lights, coach doors that open and close with grace, and an interior meticulously replicating all the exquisite details of the collection, including the illuminated Collection treadplates.

Limited to just 62 examples, each symbolizing a mile from Earth to the Kármán Line, the Black Badge Cullinan ‘Blue Shadow’ is an unrivaled masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship and celestial inspiration. Exclusively available through Rolls-Royce’s Private Offices, this extraordinary vehicle invites you to embark on a cosmic odyssey where luxury and exploration merge, allowing you to traverse the boundaries of possibility and touch the very stars themselves.