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Magic at Monterey thanks to Automobili Pininfarina

We already published our article on the Automobili Pininfarina Battista making her dynamic debut on the streets of California only days before the start of Monterey Car Week, but it turned out this wasn’t the only Hyper GT Pininfarina was bringing to the US this time, they also unveiled the one of five Battista Anniversario for the first time to the public at The Quail and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

Per Svantesson, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina, said: “The first production-specification Battista hit the ground running on its arrival in the US, not only with the overwhelmingly positive reactions from our clients, who were impressed by the exquisite and intricate detailing of the hyper GT, but quite literally as the car made its dynamic debut on the beautiful Californian roads. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved here in the US, honoring Pininfarina’s rich history, and Automobili Pininfarina’s bright, exciting future. We’re looking forward to making the first deliveries later this year, where our clients will enjoy the definitive expression of sustainability, luxury, and exclusivity.”

And while the normal production version of the Battista was already seen on the open road in California, the Black Exposed Signature Carbon body on this Hyper GT was combined with Impulso forged alloys and a stunning black leather with quilted Iconica Blu Alcantara on optional Pilota seats … and she looked amazing, but let’s emphasize the fact Automobili Pininfarina’s recently announced their bespoke personalization service, which will make sure no two Battista will be the same by the time they start delivering this amazing beauty.

During its stay in the United States, the Pininfarina Battista will be made available to a very select group of clients that can get a stint behind the steering wheel of this production-ready car, which is referenced to as the most powerful road-legal Italian car ever built both on track and on the road with 1,900hp.

While I personally love a clear carbon fiber body car like the Battista, I have to admit the bi-color tinted Furiosa Pack as seen on the limited edition Battista Anniversario looks amazing too, this pack comprises of a front splitter, side blades and rear diffuser, and surely drew a lot of attention during Monterey Car Week as a showcase of the modern interpretation and the result of Pininfarina’s heritage and innovation, this specific model was unveiled at the exclusive The Quail event and at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

As we all know, Automobili Pininfarina has a long history when it comes to designing cars, and lined up alongside the Battista were a number of stunning historic Pininfarina-designed icons to celebrate over 90 years of design heritage, and several of these cars took home the winning title during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The very nice and elegant looking, pre-war Italian 1938 Lancia Astura Pinin Farina Cabriolet took first place in the ‘Pinin Farina Prewar’ category, while a 1953 Lancia Aurelia Pinin Farina PF200 C Spider took the same honor in the ‘Pininfarina Postwar’ class with its iconic pronounced oval grille. There was a special ‘Pinin Farina Ferrari Early’ class that was won by a 1953 Ferrari 375 America Pinin Farina Coupe, while the 1966 Ferrari 365 P Pininfarina Berlinetta Speciale, Ferrari’s first mid-engined V12 presented by Pininfarina, took first place in the ‘Pininfarina Ferrari Late’ category, this latter was even listed as one of three ‘2021 Best of Show Nominees’.

August 23, 2021 / Comments Off

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The Ruma MIGMA Is A Luxury Catamaran With A Hydrogen Fuel Cell Propulsion System

A few weeks ago, we talked about how hydrogen-electric systems are facing an uphill battle against battery-electric technology. The key issue here is the lack of infrastructures such as limited refueling stations and the overall cost of producing the gas. Still, it’s not stopping forward-thinking companies from using it. To illustrate, we have the MIGMA concept from Ruma.

The Spanish design group presents a 180-foot watercraft with a hydrogen fuel cell system. This is not the first sustainable proposal we’ve seen, but it has been a while since we heard of something innovative like this.

From the renders, we’re looking at a sleek and futuristic vessel that does not skimp on luxury. This recreational twin-hull yacht flaunts elegant curves and sophisticated aesthetics inspired by nature. The fluid theme shows spaces flowing into one another seamlessly.

Ruma envisions interiors that provide 360-degree views with minimal obstructions. Thus, the MIGMA will use electrochromatic smart glass technology. The transparent surfaces allow natural light to flood in. When the need for a shade or privacy arises, the tint activates with a quick toggle of the settings.

RUMA says they can also configure some areas as meeting rooms for owners who want to conduct business while at sea. If you’re spending for something this grand, going for a bespoke trim is probably best.

The emission-free catamaran stores hydrogen in two tanks – one on each side. PEM fuel cells, electric motors, power electronics, and switchboards reside within the hulls.

Aside from the images, we’re still waiting for RUMA to share more details about it. So far, the MIGMA boasts a spacious deck, lavish accommodations for up to two families, cutting-edge controls, and eco-friendly propulsion.

Discover more

Images courtesy of Ruma

August 23, 2021 / Comments Off

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2022 Acura NSX Type S Revealed

Acura has just announced that they will be producing a limited-edition NSX Type S variant for the 2022 model year, which will also serve as the swan song for the brand’s halo car (now in its second generation). Officially unveiled during Monterrey Car Week, the Type S will be the “quickest, most powerful and best-handling production NSX ever” according to the automaker, with an enhanced version of the 3.5L twin-turbocharged hybrid engine now producing 600 hp and 492 lb-ft of torque. The 9-speed DCT and Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) have also been optimized to get the most out of the car’s improved performance. The NSX Type S will also come standard with a carbon-fiber roof, as part of its weight reduction protocols.

Distinctive design cues and more aggressive aerodynamics are also at the core of the car’s improved driving character, with race car components – such as a GT3-inspired rear diffuser – being among the most easily distinguishable features. The NSX Type S will also come with redesigned front and rear bumpers, unique 5-spoke wheels, Pirelli P-Zero tires, and a retuned adaptive suspension system. Optional features such as Gotham Gray exterior paint and an available Lightweight Package – which includes carbon-ceramic brakes and more carbon fiber components – are also exclusive to the Type S.

Limited to a production run of only 350 units (of which 300 will be allocated for U.S. customers), this latest rendition of the NSX further sets itself apart from the regular model with special ‘Type S’ logos and nameplates visible throughout the interior and exterior of the car. The NSX is also the latest model – with the TLX Type S and MDX Type S having already been announced – to partake in the automaker’s image-rebranding project, which through an expanding line-up of Type S variants, looks to establish Acura as a legitimate high-performance marque. It will also mark the first time the ‘Type S’-badged NSX has been sold outside of Japan.

While the new NSX Type S marks the end of an era, Acura said that it “will continue to pursue sports cars,” with Vice President Jon Ikeda noting that the company is “already investigating what the next generation of sports cars should be in the coming electrified era”. It wouldn’t be farfetched to see the return of a new NSX model in the future, though the automaker is already hinting that it would look very different from the cars of the past, should it ever be reintroduced. “NSX is an incredible success story for Acura, leading the reestablishment of Acura as a performance brand and setting the stage for the return of Type S.

The 2022 Acura NSX Type S starts at $169,500 (with the optional Lightweight Package adding another $13,000), which isn’t significantly more than the base model’s MSRP of $157,500 when factoring in all the improvements and considering the rarity of the Type S. Acura is already open for orders via its official website, though prospective buyers will have to fight over the remaining 349 build slots; VIN #001 for the Type S has already been sold, with the rights to being ‘numero uno’ auctioned off to a buyer who would end up paying $1.1 million for that privilege (as part of a charitable event). We understand that the buyer opted for the Lightweight Package, which seemed trivial at that point, but we’re sure he or she is very happy!

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August 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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Acura Integra Returns For 2022

…Plus a Brief History of the Iconic Sport Compact Car

At supercars.net, we’re laser-focused (as our name suggests) on creating content that revolves around the world’s greatest supercars. However, the need to include more “regular” cars in the conversation is not lost on us either; after all, so many of these automobiles have contributed significantly to the vast and impressive automotive landscape we now see on history’s canvas.

One such car is the Acura/Honda Integra, and the automaker just revealed that they are bringing it back to their line-up after a 20-year hiatus. It was Acura – Honda’s North American based luxury division – who took the reigns on making this surprise announcement during Monterey Car Week, so there’s nothing definitive just yet on whether the parent company will produce their own take on it as well. Oh, and let’s not forget that they also unveiled the new limited-production Acura NSX Type S.

What has been confirmed is that production will begin in 2022, and all media – albeit provided in teaser form – indicates that the new Integra will once again take the form of a 2-door sport compact coupe/hatchback. “The Integra is back,” Jon Ikeda, VP of Acura, said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to say the Integra is returning to the Acura lineup with the same fun-to-drive spirit and DNA of the original, fulfilling our commitment to Precision Crafted Performance in every way—design, performance and the overall driving experience.”

Reintroducing another Type R variant for the new Integra needs to be both the bare minimum and standard bearer, if the brand truly hopes to generate sufficient fanfare and interest; particularly from sports car enthusiasts and the performance-loving community, which will serve as the catalysts in doing so. At this conjecture, giving the green-light on a new Integra Type R feels as natural as it does necessary, with Honda already having a treasure trove of a parts bin to loot from; sharing some DNA with the impressive Honda Civic Type R seems logical, and could only produce positive results.

The above rendering (first seen on Instagram) pays some proper homage to the original Integra Type R – a car which would go on to help define the hugely popular sport compact and import car genres in the late ’90s. More on that iconic car, below.

The ‘OG’ ITR

From a North American point of view, the last model year for the Integra was effectively in 2001. After being collaboratively introduced in 1985 by Honda and Acura, the car would live through three generations within that time frame, with the Integra Type R (DC2) – first introduced in Japan in 1995 – eventually becoming its halo model. Exclusively sold under the Acura flag west of the Atlantic, the Type R provided top-of-the-line performance within the Integra roster, and is most famous for its peppy, high-revving and naturally-aspirated 197 hp b18c5 engine. Significant improvements to the chassis also ensured that the front-wheel drive sport compact was just as beloved for its handling capabilities and raw nature.

While the Integra badge would persevere in the post-DC2-era through Honda, the 2001-2006 Honda Integra was produced solely for certain countries in the eastern hemisphere. For the North American markets, the car was ultimately replaced by the RSX while continuing to be branded as an Acura. While both the Integra and RSX shared basically the same underpinnings – and for the most part, the same appearances – it became a lot more difficult for those in the west to consider the Integra and RSX as contemporaries. Here, the RSX felt more like a successor or even a different model altogether, and not necessarily in a good way. The biggest reason for this? There were no Type R models produced for any markets outside of Japan.

Today, the Acura Integra Type R has gained a cult-following and is wildly sought-after amongst grassroots motorsports circles, the tuner community and avid car collectors alike. While the original ITR will always occupy a special place in our hearts, we also hope that a modern iteration of the car will breathe new life into the brand and the return of its iconic sport compact model.

August 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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Rimac CEO on Porsche-Bugatti deal: ‘I am not somebody to play it safe’

Mate Rimac is used to being the underdog. At the Geneva auto show in 2009, the then-21-year-old Croat walked to the Koenigsegg booth looking for his idol, Christian von Koenigsegg. In those pre-YouTube-saturation years, Rimac didn’t know what the namesake of his favorite car brand looked like. And no one knew him. So he approached “the most serious-looking guy” at the stand and went on to befriend his idol, Rimac said in an interview on Aug. 13 in Carmel, Calif.

Twelve years on, Rimac, now 33, has more than leveled the playing field with his Swedish friend. On July 5 his Rimac Automobili — the tech and supercar company he founded in his garage — announced a joint venture with Porsche AG to take control of Bugatti. The 112-year-old French crown jewel in parent company Volkswagen AG’s crown, Bugatti sells cars like the 1,480-horsepower Chiron Pur Sport, which gets 8 mpg in city driving. The brand traditionally does not disclose specific sales results but is known to deliver roughly 80 vehicles globally each year. Rimac has characterized the acquisition as “removing some distractions” from VW.

According to the terms of the deal, Rimac holds a 55% stake in Bugatti-Rimac while Porsche owns the remaining 45%. Earlier this year, Porsche had also separately increased its stake in Rimac to 24%.

Rimac himself will take the helm of Bugatti-Rimac, while Porsche’s Oliver Blume and Lutz Meschke will join a supervisory board for the company. It’s all quite a change of view for a guy used to working behind the scenes.

“The stakes are getting bigger,” Rimac said. “But I am not somebody to play it safe. Never. Not even close. So if there is going to be some friction with our shareholders and more experienced people that come into the company, it’s going to be that.”

The arrangement marks the first time Volkswagen has ceded control over one of its brands to a company and a person so young. It also signals a subtle stratification of the company’s premium marques, dividing those aligned with Rimac, which includes Porsche and Bugatti, from those such as Audi and Bentley that are likely to continue using VW’s own electric components.

“We are already developing stuff that will be soon in high-volume Porsches,” Rimac says. “Not special projects, but the mainstream.” The company provides EV tech such as batteries for carmakers including Koenigsegg and Pininfarina.

At this point, Rimac admits that his 1,000-person, decade-old operation is far from an underdog. Porsche just paid the company $70 million, he says, and Rimac’s $2.4 million Nevera supercar recently turned in the quickest quarter-mile time ever for a production car. The Bugatti-Rimac venture will retain both Bugatti’s headquarters in Molsheim, France, and Rimac’s headquarters in Zagreb, Croatia.

“It feels really interesting when you think where we came from — this country has never had an automotive industry,” Rimac says of Croatia. “We had absolutely no idea what we were doing. And now our tech is in so many cars, and with Bugatti this whole thing is a huge responsibility.”

He is used to the pressure by now. Call it discipline à la automaker.

“I was told by our big OEM customers, if you screw up, the next day we send 30 trucks, they pick up everything, you are dead,” Rimac says. “If you screw up and you don’t deliver, everything stands still, and then you are dead. You are dead.”

Related Video:

August 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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British Designer Paul Smith Proposes A Radical Sustainable Design For The MINI Strip

Perhaps in a bid to appeal to more discerning clients, many automakers are collaborating with brands that don’t have anything to do with anything automotive. The practice might seem odd at first, but when you get something like the Paul Smith MINI Strip it all makes sense. This is a cool project between two brands promoting a greener future.

Instead of just reworking the MINI Strip for an electric powertrain, Smith is trying something different for this build. They’re starting off with a Cooper SE and taking it all apart. As strange as that sounds, it’s actually living up to the namesake here. This process even goes as far as the paint job.

This leave leaves us with an exterior that’s bare metal with only a thin transparent coat to protect it from the elements. Smith is going for an absolute minimalist aesthetic and the MINI is more than happy to oblige. With all components off, the next step is to identify which ones to omit yet still keep the vehicle functional.

“Maybe in the future, we’ll not need lots of gadgets in our car. If we added less and used recycled and recyclable materials, then it would create a more sustainable world,” says the British fashion designer. This is admittedly strange, but somehow fascinating when you really think about it.

The MINI Strip looks no different on the outside, but Smith reminds us of its eco-friendly nature. A view of the cabin shows an almost barebones theme. There’s mesh panels, recycled cork elements, climbing rope door pulls, and more. It even gets a transparent recycled Perspex roof for superior visibility. Now, this is one way to make a statement regarding sustainability.

Learn more

Images courtesy of MINI

August 22, 2021 / Comments Off

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11 exotic cars seized by Indian authorities for tax evasion

On Sunday, road transport officials in India intercepted a convoy of 15 supercars out for a drive in Hyderabad. By the time the traffic stop had ended, 11 of the luxury and sports cars had been seized. Cars involved included those made by Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Rolls Royce, and Maserati.

According to The Times of India, the 11 confiscated vehicles were impounded on charges of tax evasion. In India, the so-called “life tax” applies to all motor vehicles, but each state levies their own rates. In Telangana state, where the 6.8 million-large city of Hyderabad is located, taxes are more expensive than other states.

The seized cars – estimated by The Times to be worth between $500,000 and $1.3 million a piece – were registered in states where the life tax rates are cheaper, the article reports, while authorities say that the cars had been operating on Hyderabad’s roads. Authorities had been following the cars on CCTV for six months prior to Sunday’s traffic stop. In addition to the tax issues, some of the cars had outstanding traffic violations as well.

“They have been living and playing in Hyderabad. We have enough evidence for it,” said Papa Rao, the enforcement team leader who led the seizure. Rao had another message for those who might be bankrolling the drivers. “We are also requesting the parents of the youngsters to ensure that these youngsters do not speed.” According to the news outlet, the drivers were between 25 and 35 years old.

In recent years, there’s been talk in India of creating a single, country-wide road tax. While the move will help reduce confusion for car buyers, one of the goals is also to close the loophole of paying taxes in states with lower rates.

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August 21, 2021 / Comments Off

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Bugatti Bolide will be built

It seems the several customers for hypercars are ready for the next step, track-only versions of their street-legal dream cars, we’ve seen it with the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, an extreme version of the Aventador, but also with the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, the track-only version of the already limited edition Valkyrie … and now Bugatti joins this exclusive club with their Bolide.

Similar to Lamborghini’s Essenza SCV12, Bugatti will be offering only 40 units of a production version of their Bolide, built in 2020 as a one-off concept, the Bolide was an experimental car created as a test-bed for future technology from Bugatti, as the ultimate driving machine in terms of power, lightness, and pure acceleration … the most extreme version of the famous Bugatti 8-Liter W16 engine.

Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti, explains why they will build 40 units of this car that was never meant to be sold to customers: “The Bolide generated a great deal of enthusiasm and intrigue last year. Following its presentation, a significant number of enthusiasts and collectors asked us to develop the experimental Bolide as a production vehicle. I was absolutely amazed by the reactions and feedback from customers from all over the world. We therefore decided to make the Bolide a few-off in order to give 40 customers the opportunity to experience this incredible vehicle. Our team has now been developing a production model – the ultimate driving machine for the track.”

The Bugatti Bolide was created with the idea of ‘what if?’ … what could we do with the existing W16 engine if there were no restraints … and that is how the Bolide’s minimal bodywork was designed around the 1,850 PS engine (on 110-Octane racing fuel) … but for the Bolide production version the engine will be configured for 98 RON fuel, that will reduce the power output to 1,600 PS but still offer a massive 1,600 Nm of torque as low as 2,250 rpm, with a modified rev setup for use on the race track, together with an intake and exhaust system, this car will achieve faster, more spontaneous, and very extreme responsiveness.

The impression from the front of the Bugatti Bolide is unmistakenly that of a Formula One car, thanks to the elaborate number of air ducts and aerodynamics, the Bolide also boasts an extremely low ride height, and you can’t have a hypercar like this without a big roof scoop that runs into a massive rear wing and equally impressive rear diffuser.

While clients will most likely not be able to enter their Bugatti Bolide into any official racing class, the car is being developed with FIA rules in mind when it comes to safety and driving experience, among the safety features developed by Bugatti for the Bolide are a HANS system compatibility, an automatic fire extinguishing system, pressure refueling with a fuel bladder, central wheel locking, and a six-point safety belt system.

The Bugatti Bolide production version will come in at 1,450 kg, a weight-to-power ratio of 0.9 kilograms per PS when 98 RON gas is used, but the car is still being developed at Molsheim at the moment of writing, this will take another three years according to Bugatti, with the first customer cars ready for delivery by 2023 … at a net price of €4,000,000 each, or about US $4,680,000, but you should be quick as only 40 units will be available worldwide.

August 20, 2021 / Comments Off

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Best Sounding V12 Supercars in the World 2021-2022

10 years ago V12s were just as common as V8s, today the number has reduced drastically for both engines. V12s have been ‘restricted’ to million dollar hypercars while V8s are no longer available in the

7. Ferrari 812 + Aftermarket Exhaust

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Why aftermarket exhaust? Because of the current restrictions put on these cars. While manufacturers are forced to adhere to strict emission rules, the aftermarket world steps in with unfiltered solutions that allow these cars to bellow properly. The Ferrari 812 especially when paired with a Novitec export exhaust system sounds completely nuts and is one of the most affordable V12 supercars on the market today.

Engine: 6.5L V12 Naturally Aspirated
Output: 789-820hp (Superfast, GTS and Competizione)
Redline: 9,500rpm
Top Speed: 340km/h+
Price: $335k – $600k+

6. Apollo IE

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The Apollo IE is limited to just 10 cars which were all sold out a while back. This is the first model from Apollo Automobil (formerly Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur). The car is built in collaboration with HWA AG among other partners.

Engine: 6.3L V12 N/A
Output:780hp
Redline: 9,000rpm
Top Speed: 335km/h
Price: $2.6 million

5. Lamborghini Aventador SVJ + Aftermarket Exhaust

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One of the last remaining V12 supercars that costs under $1 million, even cheaper if you chose trims such as the Aventador S. Due to emission restrictions one may not fully appreciate the melody that comes with these cars, but throw in an aftermarket exhaust like Gintani or Brooke Race and you have yourself a screamer!

Engine: 6.5L V12 Naturally Aspirated
Output: 770hp
Redline: 8,700rpm
Top Speed: 350km/h+
Price: $570k+

4. Aston Martin Valkyrie

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Aston Martin’s latest hypercar, with deliveries scheduled to begin soon. The Valkyrie is one of the best sounding V12s money can buy today. The development has been overseen by both Red Bull Racing and Cosworth.

Engine: 6.5L V12 NA Hybrid⁣
Output: 1155hp
Redline: 11,100rpm⁣
Top Speed: 350kmh+
Price: $3 million

3. Lamborghini Essenza SCV12

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One of the last purely naturally aspirated V12 from Lamborghini, its limited to 40 units and is also not road legal. It has the same engine from the Aventador SVJ but used a 6 speed sequential manual gearbox.

Engine: 6.5L V12 NA
Output: 830hp
Price: $2.6m+

2. Gordon Murray T.50

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Gordon Murray is back with his genius creations, this time a true spiritual successor to the McLaren F1. Its powered by a naturally aspiared V12 mated to a 6-speed manual and like the F1, it has a centralized driving position.

Engine: 4.0L V12 by Cosworth
Output: 654hp
Redline: 12,100rpm
Price: $3.2 million

1. Pagani Huayra R

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A track only Pagani Huayra to mark the end of the road going Huayra production, and like the Zonda R, it is powered by a naturally aspirated V12. It is limited to 30 units worldwide.

Engine: 6.0L V12 NA⁣
Output: 850hp, 750nm torque (RWD)⁣
Gearbox: 6 spd sequential ⁣
Redline: 9,000rpm
Dry Weight: 1050kg
Price: $3 million

August 20, 2021 / Comments Off

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LEGO Just Built A Driveable 477,303-Piece Toyota GR Supra For LEGOLAND Japan Resort

When we were kids, it was everybody’s dream to build machines out of LEGO and actually ride them. The concept might sound crazy at the time, but these days, nothing is impossible with the right technology. To prove a point, Toyota’s engineers are teaming up with the Danish toymaker and building a 1:1 scale and drivable GR Supra.

The life-size coupe will be on display at the LEGOLAND Japan Resort as one of its unique attractions. In fact, to show off the accuracy of the copy, an actual Toyota GR Supra parks just right beside it. This is not LEGO’s first rodeo with these types of projects.

A few years ago, the company was also messing around with working replicas. It was a Bugatti Chiron with Technic elements and driven by the luxury marque’s test driver and former Le Mans winner Andy Wallace. What makes this Toyota GR Supra more impressive is the use of regular LEGO bricks.

At first glance, the exterior looks jarring. The surfaces look rough and pixelated, but you have to admit that they did a bang-up job with what they had. A total of 477,303 pieces and 2,400 hours were used up to complete it. Of course, a combustion engine is out of the question for obvious reasons.

Instead, the LEGO GR Supra runs on an electric powertrain. Apart from the chassis, other parts of the vehicle that are the real deal include the lighting, driver’s seat, steering wheel, instrument cluster, wheels, tires, and Toyota badge.

Too bad LEGO has no plans to mass-produce this as a limited-edition item. Nevertheless, at least we can get the GR Supra as a regular kit under the brand’s Speed Champions lineup. It’s more manageable at only 299 pieces.

Buy the kit – $29.99

Images courtesy of LEGO

August 20, 2021 / Comments Off

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2022 Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner Revealed

Bentley Mulliner officially unveiled the new Flying Spur Mulliner at Monterey Car Week in California .

The most luxurious Flying Spur was created and developed by Bentley Mulliner and designed , engineered and handcrafted in Britain.

In addition, the detailing of the vehicle includes an exclusive 22 inch wheels by Mulliner finished in polished Grey with self-leveling wheel caps that remain upright even during wheel rotation, ‘Double Diamond’ front grille, chrome front lower grille matched by the bespoke Mulliner branded wing vents and mirror caps painted in Satin Silver.

The Bentley Flying B is electronically deployed and illuminated whereas the Flying Spur Mulliner features jewel fuel and oil caps. The illuminated outer tread plates and the deep-pile overmats welcome passengers inside the cabin, the cabin features 8 custom-made three-color combinations, trimmed cockpit finished in colour piping accents and hand-stitched seats with unique Mulliner embroidery.

The interior further features a combination of Imperial Blue leather to the instrument panel (Ascot), headlining and door trims whereas the style of the seats is emphasized by the light tan leather (Camel). Flare and Sirius combinations add bolder combinations such as Hotspur and Beluga and Linen and Brunel both with silver accents.

The Mulliner Driving Specifications bringing the Diamond-in-Diamond quilting to the seats and to the three-dimensional leather on the doors has been fitted as standard, contrast seat piping has been designed to match the accents surrounding the occupants from the centre console, the instrument panel and the door waistrail as well as to highlight the B chrome inlays.

In addition, the Diamond-in-Diamond interior quilting involves an embroidery process that took approximately 18 months to complete, each diamond consists 712 stitches each aligned to the centre of the diamond it creates.

The vehicle also presents a classic Bentley theme that features an LED instrument panel with new graphics, a Rotating Display, sport pedals, heated duo-tone 3-spoke steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof for a luxurious ambience.

The rear of the front seats have been mounted with electrically-operated picnic tables, the veneered tables feature unique overlays, leather-trimmed surface with a recess for stylus or pen and it can be opened and closed at the touch of a button. Customers buying the vehicle are also provided with two leather-bound keys and a Mulliner branded handcrafted presentation box that matches the three-color cabin.

The Flying Spur Mulliner is available with V8 and W12 powertrains and V6 hybrid. When powered by the 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 powertrain, the vehicle can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8seconds at a top speed of 333km/h. On the other hand, the 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 engine can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.1 seconds and delivers a top speed of 318km/h. The V6 hybrid delivers a top speed of 285km/h and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.3 seconds.

The Flying Spur Mulliner is the third member of the new Mulliner collection alongside the Continental GT and the Continental GT Convertible.

Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner

August 20, 2021 / Comments Off

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200 HP On A Side-By-Side Is What The 2022 Can-Am Maverick X3 Delivers

While everyone else is hitting the beach or trails this summer, there are some of us who are craving another kind of adventure. For some adrenaline-pumping fun, driving a side-by-side always equals a great time. Can-Am is about to shake up the scene with the 2022 Maverick X3. From what we hear, it’s game-changing off-highway UTV.

To tame this beast, you’ll need balls of steel to push it to the limit. Just remember to gear up properly and put on some sunscreen before you take it out for a spin. Under the hood, you have a Rotax ACE Turbo RR triple-cylinder engine good for 200 horsepower.

With podium finishes at the Dakar rally for three years straight under its belt, this is one mean machine. Can-Am now lets you experience what it feels like to drive around in a race-winning platform. The beefy powerplant is just one of the many components that make the 2022 Maverick X3 a champion.

Even when challenging surfaces and terrain lie ahead, the Smart Lok front differential delivers maximum traction. Go on! Make the jump, roll right over that rough patch, climb that dune, and do everything else you want. The robust FOX suspension system will handle whatever you throw at it.

Chunky all-terrain tires in 30” and 32” options on aluminum wheels make short work of anything in your path. Ergonomics and safety come first, so Can-Am gives us 4-way adjustable seats with 4-point harnesses all within a robust yet lightweight chassis.

Nothing beats a killer soundtrack while you’re rampaging across the trail. Can-Am agrees and equips the 2022 Maverick X3 with an audio roof system. The hardtop lifts up to reveal six Bluetooth-ready speakers with LED lighting so you can jam to your tunes anytime and anywhere.

Discover more

Images courtesy of Can-Am

August 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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Nissan Unveils 400-Horse 2023 Z

Powered by a 400 horsepower twin-turbo V6, the 2023 Nissan Z loses its number designation but retains the outline of the current 370Z. All that power is managed by a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with a high-performance clutch. A more rigid & wider front-end improves G forces in the corners. Sport brakes and 19-inch forged aluminum wheels wearing Bridgestone sneakers complete the package on this drift-ready daily driver.

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August 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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The 2022 Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 Sells Out All 112 Examples After Unveiling

A month ago, Lamborghini fans got wind of the company’s plans to finally bid goodbye to the Aventador lineup. To commemorate the final production run of the supercar, we have the highly tuned LP780-4 Ultimae edition. What followed was a lot of speculation as to what comes next. To our surprise, it’s none other but the return of a legend — the Countach LPI 800-4.

Close to 2,000 examples of the Countach were in circulation before the Diablo took over as its successor. While others suggest Lamborghini might have something in development, this retro revival answers a question we all have in mind.

What could cutting-edge technology improve upon the original and how would it perform against the competition? Thankfully, Lamborghini can now answer that question with the 2022 Countach LPI 800-4. Let’s start with the powertrain, which is surprisingly a hybrid one at that.

In 2017, the Italian automaker shared a glimpse into its all-electric future with the Terzo Millenio concept. Fast-forward to 2021 and it inches closer to that goal with the Countach LPI 800-4 revisit. Taking cues from the Sián FKP 37, it’s packing a 6.5-liter V12 engine with a capacitor-powered 48V electric motor.

This setup combines for a total output of 802 horsepower which courses to all four wheels via a 7-speed automated manual transmission. On paper, it dictates a top speed of 221 mph and a 0-62 mph acceleration in 2.8 seconds.

Lamborghini is doing a stellar job retaining the aggressive silhouette while adding some aesthetic tweaks reflecting its modern stature. Even the sophisticated interior reflects that with its digital instrument cluster and infotainment package. The 2022 Countach LPI 800-4 is such a big hit as all 112 units are already spoken for.

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Images courtesy of Lamborghini

August 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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Koenigsegg impresses during Monterey Car Week

Christian von Koenigsegg, CEO and Founder, was visibly happy to be able to bring his two latest masterpieces to California this year for the Monterey Car Week, he had the absolutely stunning Koenigsegg Jesko in her Absolut version with him, together with the mindblowing, four-seater Gemera … to be shown at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, but also on The Ramp at Pebble Beach and furthermore on the Concept Lawn at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

The Jesko Absolut is the fastest hypercar made by Koenigsegg, they even confirmed they aren’t contemplating building a faster series-production car in the future, the Jesko Absolut will be their fastest ever, period. Clients have the option between the Jesko Absolut or a track-oriented Jesko version, also mentioned as being the ‘Attack’ variant. The first deliveries of the 1,600 bhp Jesko are set for the spring of 2022.

“I was overwhelmed by the extremely positive reaction the Jesko Absolut and Gemera received during our time in Monterey”, said CEO and Founder Christian von Koenigsegg. “It was gratifying to personally hear from people who have long followed our brand and our passion.”

But what really impressed visitors, press, owners, and possible prospects was the fact another five of these rare Koenigsegg were shown during Monterey Car Week, one of them being the beautiful CCR, which happened to be in the United States of America for the first time ever, joining the trio of baffling hypercars were customer car from the US Koenigsegg Ghost Squadron, a CCX, the Agera FE, a Regera, and the intimidating Agera RS.

At this time the Koenigsegg Gemera is still a concept car, production isn’t planned before 2023, and it is introduced as the world’s first MEGA-GT, this is an ultra-high performance hypercar that can seat four people and take their luggage with it at the same time … and it still shows those traditional Koenigsegg dihedral synchro-helix actuation doors to access the spacious cabin.

Power comes from a 2-Liter 3-cylinder engine, developed by Koenigsegg and its sister company, Freevalve, this ‘Tiny Friendly Giant’ is future-proofed given its extreme performance, reduced fuel consumption and lowered emissions, and it can run on second-generation CO2 neutral renewable fuels, but the Gemera is a Hybrid, adding 3 electric motors, one on each of the rear wheels, and an additional one on the crankshaft, boasting a 50 km (31 mi) electric range, total power output is a massive 1,700 hp.

August 19, 2021 / Comments Off

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2022 Ford GT Heritage Edition: Ending The Model’s Production Run With A Bang

As Ford is nearing the final legs of production for the legendary GT willing buyers are in for a treat. By 2022, the Blue Oval will no longer accept new orders for the sleek supercar. Before that happens though, you now have a chance to own what is perhaps the ultimate version of the vehicle. This is the GT Heritage Edition, and it is a mechanical beauty.

Gearheads are pointing out that Ford is building this trim as a tribute to the prototype of the GT. Just like the 1964 supercar, this modern ride boasts a two-tone paint job of Wimbledon White with Antimatter Blue. Depending on the viewing angle you can easily miss the single racing tripe.

It starts from where the roof meets the windshield and runs all the way down the back. Of course, this is a visual reminder of Ford’s rich motorsports legacy that ships with every GT Heritage Edition. As for the other sections such as the engine louvers, side mirror stalks, side sills, front splitter, and rear diffuser, these are all in exposed carbon fiber in a glossy finish.

Meanwhile, the 20-inch carbon fiber wheels have a matching Antimatter Blue coat as well. Powering this beautiful beast is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 visible under the Gorilla Glass engine cover. This is mated to a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. The output should be around 660 horsepower with 550 lb-ft of torque.

As for the interior, the cabin of the Ford GT Heritage Edition is oozing with luxe charisma. Black leather and Alcantara upholstery wrap most of the surfaces. For contrast, there’s Lightspeed Blue Alcantara on the seats as well as silver stitching. Production of the supercar begins early next year.

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Images courtesy of Ford

August 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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Media Advisory – McLaren Elva heritage video from McLaren Beverly Hills highlights the rich past that inspired the exhilarating open cockpit speedster

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August 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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2023 Nissan Z: 7th Generation Z Car Revealed Officially

The US market version of the new Nissan Z Sports car officially premiered at a special event in New York and the sale is scheduled to begin in spring 2022 at Nissan dealers in the US.

The new Nissan Z offers attractive style, advanced technology and performance. The vehicle is currently a global top selling sports car after successfully selling over 1.8 million units.

The original Nissan Z was developed in 1969, the vehicle was built by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and it was designed to bond with the driver through a visceral and physical connection. For the US market, the vehicle will be offered in Sport and Performance grades each with a choice of a 6-speed manual transmission or the new and advanced quick-response 9-speed automatic transmission as optional.

The new model is powered by a 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine with a maximum output of 400hp and 475 Nm of torque at a low 5,600rpm. The new engine has increased the output power by 68hp and the torque by 30% over the previous generation 370Z.

The 6-speed manual transmission features an advanced launch assist control system (performance grade) for the first time in a rear-wheel-drive, the system ensures the acceleration from a stopped position is smooth. The 9-speed automatic transmission on the other hand offers quick and direct response as a result of its wide gear ratios,

Additionally, all models equipped with an automatic transmission feature the launch control system whereas the models equipped with manual transmission features a carbon-fibre composite drive-shaft and Downshift Rev Matching.

The engineering team enhanced the body rigidity and fitted the vehicle with an electronic power steering with rack assist and wider front tires in order to increase the cornering performance by 13% and improve the the handling.

Furthermore, the automatic transmission features standard and sport drive modes. Standard mode is perfect for commuting and long-highway drives whereas Sport mode is best suited for a spirited run through a winding road. Additionally, Sport mode unlocks the performance potential for faster acceleration control, a sport-mode steering profile, active sound enhancement and sports-mode dynamic control setting.

The exterior and interior design theme of the Nissan Z is ‘tradition with modern technology’. The exterior features a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports design with a long hood, lower rear stance and a silhouette paying homage to the first generation Z. Latest technologies have been utilized by the engineers to streamline the design and incorporate LED lighting to provide dimensions without the need of unnecessary elements. The LED headlights have two half circle designs based on the Japan-market only Fairlady 240ZG of the 70’s.

The exterior is available in three Monotone colors and six two-tone colors including the all new Seiran Blue and Ikazuchi Yellow both with Super Black roof.

The interior of the vehicle features modern technology with vintage touches i.e a center stack based on the previous generation, three analog pod gauges on the instruments panel, climate control switches next to the shifters, suede seats for suppressing lateral shake on the body and reducing body movements when the vehicle is cornering, deep spoke steering wheel with quick access controls and an 8.0 inch touchscreen audio display in the centre.

The environment of the interior is available in three colors; Graphite, Red and Blue.

The Nissan Z Proto Spec is a limited edition model with the production limited to only 240 units. The Proto Spec will feature Yellow accents in the cabin including stitchings on the instruments panel, Yellow brake callipers with Z logo, aluminum alloy wheels in bronze and sport leather seats with Yellow accents.

2023 Nissan Z

August 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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Pagani Unveils The Pacchetto Tempesta Version Of The Huayra BC To Mark A Milestone

Early last week, Pagani already teasing the public with a commemorative machine. Now that Monterey Car Week 2021 is over, the curtains are open to reveal what the hype is all about. The Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta finally makes its debut and the specs it comes with are jaw-dropping.

The new supercar is a powerful tribute to the Italian marque’s Zonda successor. They are marking the 10th anniversary of its original’s launch with a souped-up take on the Benny Caiola (BC) variant. The exclusive Huayra had a production run of only 20 examples.

For those wondering, he was an entrepreneur with a huge collection of exotic cars. Now that Pagani is celebrating its own milestone, the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is packing even more upgrades. Starting with the 6.0-liter Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo V12 engine, we’re looking at an impressive bump.

Pagani is pushing the supercar to its absolute limit and ending up with 815 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. For comparison, it was previously rated at 791 horsepower with 775 lb-ft of torque. It also receives a new exhaust system in a four and two arrangement to produce a deafening roar.

This matches the numbers of the track-only Pagani Imola hypercar wherein only five examples exist. With its enhanced powertrain, the carmaker equips the supercar with a new suspension system. Drivers can likewise engage a Soft Driving mode which makes for a smoother ride.

Other notable changes include the aero and air intakes. Pagani says the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta will also sport a revamped interior. For now, available images only show us the exterior, but clients will likely go for a bespoke setup anyway.

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Images courtesy of Pagani

August 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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2022 Mercedes-Benz S680 Guard: Fully Armored S-Class for $535,000

Mercedes-Benz just presented the new and first Guard saloon model with all-wheel drive, the 2022 S 680 Guard 4Matic. The new model features an integrated protection system (iSS) which ensures necessary protective materials were previously combined with the standard body shell structure of the Guard saloon.

The core of the iSS is represented by the self-supporting protective cell, the aluminium outer skin of the model serves as a design shell and ensures the appearance is unnoticeable and the adaptation of the transmission, engine and transmission enhance the handling and performance of the vehicle.

The unseen armoring elements equipped in the new model includes; the transparent area of the window and a thick multi-layered glass ‘sandwich’ that meets the requirements of the VR 10 safety classifications. The inner surface of the glass is coated with polycarbonate for protection and it doesn’t affect the visibility.

The iSS concept has also been applied in the interior space, the four and five seater versions features more than 80 personalized options for the S-Class including active ambient lighting, media display with OLED technology, First-Class rear suite and rear airbag.

Thorough tests for the new model were carried out by the only testing and certification body for weapons, ammunition and safety technology in the German state of Baden-wurttemberg, Beschussamt Ulm. According to the standard VPAM BRV version three (Bullet Resistant Vehicles), the new Guard S-Class meets the requirements of the highest civilian protection class VR 10 as well as the requirements of Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA).

Additionally, the test was to ensure the vehicle can withstand fire from an assault rifle using armour-piercing ammunition.

Furthermore, protection from blast attacks will be documented with the latest version of the VPAM ERV (Explosive Resistant Vehicles) as standard and by compliance, the Guard S-Class was the first vehicle to complete the test and achieve top scores of 3/3 in all the three test (roof, floor, sides). The test indicated no damage to the human-like dummies or the indicators.

Other technical refinements equipped in the vehicle include, new door actuators with electro-mechanical system which allows only low operating forces when opening and closing the door, high-intelligence hydraulically operated window lifters which can function even when the on-board power supplies dies, fire extinguishing system with automatic triggering function and emergency fresh air system and extensive range of equipments i.e sirens, flashing lights, radios and panic alarm system for alerting the official authorities in case of emergencies.

The vehicle has been fitted with a set of Michelin PAX run-flat tires which can move out of danger zones upto a distance of 30km even when defective.

The Guard S-Class is powered by a biturbo V12 engine with an output of 612hp, 830 Nm of torque from 2000rpm, the top speed is electronically limited to 190km/h for weight reasons and the displacement is 5980 cc. Additionally, the engine features an all-aluminium crankcase, one-piece chain drive, forged crankshaft made of high-quality tempered steel, forged pistons and multi-spark ignition system with 12 double ignition coils.

The new S 680 Guard 4Matic is available in four and five seater versions and the standard start price is €457,100 including tax.

Mercedes-Benz S 680 GUARD

August 18, 2021 / Comments Off

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