Tag Archives: Miami Beach

Explore Miami in the 2018 Audi Q7 2.0T Premium SUV

Agility is not commonly used to describe an SUV, but the 2018 Audi Q7 2.0T SUV will thrill you. The benefit of finding a luxury car with the room and comfort of an SUV is that you can have the best of both worlds. This car impressed enthusiasts so much that it earned Car and Driver’s Best Mid-Size Luxury SUV – 2017 10Best Trucks and SUVs.

The engine is turbocharged with four cylinders, though you can upgrade to a V-6 engine. As you drive through the coastline, you’ll be able to take this machine from 0-60 in 7 seconds. For an SUV, that’s not too shabby. This SUV’s fuel economy is great compared to many others in its class, at 25 mpg for highway driving. That means less interruptions for a peaceful, longer drive. Pair that with the 252-horsepower engine, and you’re on your way.

The infotainment display is much more than that—Audi’s Virtual Cockpit is full of advanced features, including interconnectivity that links to your smartphone so you can safely drive without missing a thing. This SUV is engineered for a smooth drive that you’ll look forward to–even a commute to the office.

Test drive this Audi at the Ugo Colombo Miami dealership THE COLLECTION.

Alfa Romeo’s New SUV: The Stelvio

Alfa Romeo has outdone themselves by introducing an SUV into the American luxury car market. Introducing the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio, First Edition. Built in Cassino, Italy, this model has a 2.0-liter direct-injected turbo-four engine coming topping out at 280 horsepower. You’ll find yourself going 0-60 in 5.4 seconds.

The exterior features 18-inch wheels, with chrome accents throughout. The frame is taller than other models, and headlights and backlights are LED. It weighs almost 4,000 pounds and gets a combined 24 miles per gallon, not surprising being that it’s an SUV. Inside the Ti models, you’ll see wood on the interior as well as an 8.8 inch screen and 12-way power seats.

This machine uses the Chassis Domain Controller and the DNA drive-mode system so it can perfectly detect which wheels to transfer power to. Though it is all-wheel-drive, the car mainly keeps the control in the rear wheels, but it can transfer up to 60% of control to the front wheels. The driver can choose to shift between three modes: dynamic, natural and advanced.

It’s no wonder this car specializes in control and handling, as it’s named after the winding mountainside roads of the Italian Alps. The notorious Stelvio mountain pass has 48 corners and is not suitable for inexperienced drivers. Though you might not choose an SUV for such a setting, American roadways will be suitable for this fine vehicle.

To read more about this model, visit Autoweek.com.

Find your new Alfa Romeo in Miami at The Collection, the premier luxury auto dealership, which real estate mogul Ugo Colombo owns.

The Audi A5 Sportback

Finally arriving in the US after finding success in Europe, the Audi A5 Sportback is here. It feels like a condensed version of the Audi A7, but based on the design of the A4 sedan. It’s a blend of the best parts of a coup and a hatchback, with a roomy interior and lots of power.

The engine is turbocharged with a two-liter engine with 252 horsepower, taking it from 0 to 60 in 5.7 seconds. The Quattro all-wheel drive feature enhances handling in addition to active torque distribution in the rear axle.

One of the best parts of this 2018 Audi is the technology featured throughout the vehicle. The virtual cockpit has endless possibilities for customization, with a seven-inch infotainment system with elements for navigation, audio, and Apple CarPlay and even Google Earth. The engine is packed with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic, so shifting in most traffic settings can be done with foot controls.

The Audi A5 model went on the market in May 2017, and tested to have an observed 29 mpg fuel economy. The exterior is gorgeous, and the interior is ergonomic. This Sportback is a great mix between a coupe, sedan and hatchback. This model can be found at Ugo Colombo‘s The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida.

Read more about this model in Auto Week.

 

Miami Skyline at dusk

New Miami Real Estate Study: Where to Invest

The polling firm Bendixen & Amandi International and the Miami Herald conducted a survey in June of 2017 to evaluate the current state of the Miami Real Estate market. The survey was focused on the mid-range market, so luxury real estate agents’ perspectives were less of a focus–an interesting move, being that the luxury market is bustling in Miami.

The survey was based in the idea that the best investments in Miami real estate lie in appreciating property values. They found that the hottest neighborhood in Miami is Miami Beach. Specifically, Miami Beach is the best place to purchase an apartment, and the best neighborhood for young professionals.

If you are in the market for a single-family home, the research suggests that the best investment would be found in the Coral Gables area. Another notable mention is the Brickell area, which a survey respondent (a real estate agent or broker) said was “one of the hottest areas for millennials”.

Interestingly, the most undervalued neighborhood is Homestead, which is known for gated communities, new restaurants and shopping, as well as the Homestead Hospital. They believe the next emerging market, with a good ROI over the next five years, is Little Havana.

Overall, the survey revealed that 36% of respondents believe real estate values in Miami-Dade County will appreciate, and 73% believe that now is the time to own, rather than rent.

Ugo Colombo has helped shape the Miami real estate market as a commercial and residential developer. Starting out in the Brickell community, Ugo also had a huge stake in redefining the market in South beach by rejuvenating the Waldorf and Casa Grande.
To read more about this study, visit The Miami Herald.

Ugo Colombo speaks at the ULI Southeast Florida/Caribbean Miami Condo and Community Development Symposium

In November 2016, Ugo Colombo and other industry veterans took part in a 3-panel event at the Urban Land Institute’s Southeast Florida/Caribbean Miami Condo and Community Development Symposium, held at the Brickell City Centre. Ugo Colombo has been credited with igniting the Brickell area’s condo boom.

According to the ULI, “Most agree that Miami offers a lot of advantages to both developers and buyers alike. A favorable tax climate, a surplus of underdeveloped land and a sexy, high-end image as a global city attracts plenty of luxury consumers to its shores.”

With new condos coming to market soon, it’s important for developers to differentiate their properties from others. Brickell Flatiron, the new development from Ugo Colombo and CMC Group, was designed by Luis Revuelta to be a tower of soaring glass, enhancing the skyline with persuasive curves, while the interior offers a renaissance revival that contrasts the powerful structure.

Inside this sleek high-rise, Italian interior architect Massimo Iosa Ghini combines sleek glass walls and curved lines to create a sense of movement – welcoming residents upon arrival with warmth, light, and precious stone. Exquisite design paired with fine art creates a masterpiece gallery for residents to enjoy.

Learn more about Brickell Flatiron and all of the features and amenities at http://brickellflatiron.com/

Read more about the Miami real estate market at http://urbanland.uli.org/development-business/access-public-spaces-waterfront-locations-driving-healthy-luxury-condo-market-south-florida/

Miami Real Estate Gaining Momentum

Despite real estate prices falling in many parts of the country, the Greater Miami real estate market in August posted gains in both volume and median prices for single-family homes.  The Miami Downtown Development Authority reports that the area is experiencing growth, and the population should surpass 100,000 by 2021. [1]

Ocean Drive Magazine reports on some of the reasons that the Miami real estate market continues to thrive, including speaking with Ugo Colombo.

One of the reasons is that international buyers are interested. Miami is more accessible by air, and strengthening currencies in some countries gives international buyers more purchasing power.  Ugo Colombo told Ocean Drive that he’s seeing buyers from Latin America, Europe, Turkey and even Kazakhstan.

Of course, the best thing about the Miami real estate market is that it’s in Miami. Between the weather, beaches, and the lifestyle, Miami is a great place to live.

Read more at https://oceandrive.com/why-miami-real-estate-continues-to-thrive

[1] http://www.miamidda.com/business_research_current.asp

Ugo Colombo’s Brickell Flatiron Retail/Restaurant Space Under Contract

Part of Ugo Colombo‘s under-construction Brickell Flatiron building located at 1001 South Miami Avenue in Miami includes 24,800 square feet of retail and/or restaurant space on the ground floor.  The rest of the building will house 549 condo units, and construction is expected to be completed by 2019.

The retail/restaurant space is now under contract for $22.5 million by Elysee Investments, a firm which owns and manages a portfolio of commercial properties in both
New York and South Florida.  The space includes high ceilings and will be attractive to some of the best restaurants in the world.

The Brickell area is seeing an infusion of new shops and restaurants, between the Brickell Flatiron space, Brickell City Centre, and other properties. Ocean Drive magazine says that “Brickell is now, unequivocally, the center of Miami. It is the heart of the city’s financial, residential, and soon, commercial, universe.”

Ugo Colombo’s Brickell Flatiron RetailRestaurant Space Under Contract

Read more at http://therealdeal.com/miami/2016/08/16/ugo-colombos-brickell-flatiron-retailrestaurant-space-under-contract-for-22-5m/

Jack Portman Responds To Bid Results

A statement was recently released by Jack Portman after the decision was made on who would construct the new Miami Beach Convention Center. He stated that the Portman-CMC workforce enjoyed working with the residents, business owners, and the officials of Miami Beach. Even though they are disappointed with the results, they are thankful to have had the opportunity to bid on the project. They’re confident they worked their hardest for their vision and are happy they put in the effort. Jack concluded with a congratulations to South Beach ACE and wished them luck.

You can read Jack Portman’s Full Response on PortmanCMCMiamiBeach.com.

Residents of Miami Praise the Miami Beach Convention Center

When designing the Miami Beach Convention Center, Portman-CMC took into account the variety of events that will be hosted there. The environment needs to be adaptable and versatile in order to accommodate all the various functions. Providing both an indoor and outdoor exhibition space will help accomplish that goal. The idea is to create a welcoming and engaging experience to all attendees. Many residents share that very same perspective.

Check out what the residents thought of the Miami Beach Convention Center.

A Balance of Art and Nature

Portman-CMC would like you to have a better day. They recently discussed how including pieces of artwork in the parks of Miami Beach could compliment them. These Art Parks will offer a unique setting for outdoor activities such as picnics or simply going for a stroll. Roughly 26 acres will be dedicated to some quality outdoor time so you can enjoy the weather in a different way. Art Parks could be a good way to inspire awe and wonder for both children and adults.

Find out more about Miami Beach Art Parks.