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BRABUS 800 based on the E-Class

The Mercedes E-class is what we might consider a mid-class sedan, a nice four-door, four or five-seater luxury car that’s not the massive size of the bigger S-Class, but still larger and more comfortable than the C-Class, it’s a car that doesn’t shout for attention and most of the time isn’t even noticed when you drive it, in Germany we see many E-Class being used as a taxi in fact … but none of those are the powerful E 63 S 4MATIC+ version, most of the taxis are diesel-powered, some are switching to hybrid and electric in the near future.

When you opt for the most powerful version of the 2021 model year Mercedes E 63 S 4MATIC+, you will end up with a 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine that delivers 612 hp straight from the factory, which isn’t bad to haul you and your family around on the Autobahn at speed, but we wouldn’t be talking about BRABUS if this company from Bottrop, Germany didn’t tweak it a little further … well more than a little.

With over 40 years of experience in pulling more power from standard Mercedes engines, BRABUS has shoehorned their performance upgrade into the Mercedes E 63 S 4MATIC+, which doesn’t void the warranty mind you, the BRABUS 800 is fully TÜV-tested and comes with a 3-year, 100,000 km (62,000 Mile) BRABUS Tuning Warranty … which is usually not seen for this kind of tuning anywhere else, but BRABUS offers it nonetheless.

They don’t call this the BRABUS 800 without a reason, and that’s because they add 188 hp to the base from Mercedes, at 6,600 rpm you effectively have 800 hp available, and 1,000 Nm of torque at as low as 3,600 rpm, and as you can order a Mercedes E 63 S 4MATIC+ in either sedan or station wagon, this BRABUS 800 is one of the most powerful sedans/station wagons in the world today.

To achieve this massive 188 hp power increase, BRABUS developed their own high-performance turbochargers, with a bigger compressor unit, modified core assembly, and reinforced axial bearings, boost pressure sits at a maximum pressure of 1.6 bar, naturally, there is a custom engine management system called PowerXtra from BRABUS, and with this much power going on, the large engine needs more cooling, so BRABUS created bespoke, carbon-fiber air intakes to be integrated into the grille.

Being based on the E 63 S 4MATIC+, this BRABUS 800 is an all-wheel-drive car, the nine-speed automatic gearbox will hurdle this sedan to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3 seconds from standing still while if you opt for the station wagon this figure is 3.1 seconds, top speed for both body styles has been electronically limited to 300 Km/h (186 mph), which is probably more than enough … usually.

An engine like this BRABUS 800 unit needs to breathe, hence you can install an amazing stainless-steel high-performance exhaust that comes with four stainless steel/carbon tailpipes, not only for looks but also with an amazing sound thanks to integrated flaps into the exhaust system … a ‘silent’ mode when you drive up to your house and you don’t want to wake the neighbors… or a ‘Sport’ position if you just don’t care about those neighbors anymore.

You could go for the more subtle look and just have the BRABUS 800 engine tuning installed while you keep the rest of the Mercedes E 62 S 4MATIC+ factory standard … or you go all-out and fit the entire BRABUS aerodynamic package to your car, the new front spoiler does create more downforce at speed, as does the really nice looking rear spoiler on the sedan while a clear carbon fiber insert can be fitted to the rear diffuser on both the sedan and the station wagon … just so it looks the part with that BRABUS exhaust.

With engine tuning and aerodynamic from BRABUS, you’ll just have to go the extra mile and get a set of BRABUS alloy wheels, up to 21 inches in diameter is available, pictured here are the famous BRABUS Monoblock “PLATINUM EDITION” Z forged wheels, painted to match the rest of this black BRABUS 800, 9×21 wheels with 255/30 ZR 21 tires for the front, and even wider 10.5×21 rims with 295/25 ZR 21 tires for the rear, tires are either Continental, Pirelli, or YOKOHAMA as advice by BRABUS themselves.

New wheels just scream for a lowered suspension too, and because the Mercedes E 63 S 4MATIC+ comes with air suspension, BRABUS offers their Sports Unit that allows the car to be lowered by 10 or 20 mm (0.4 or 0.8 in) depending on the selection of the available Comfort, Sport or Sport+ modes.

If a client wants something really special for his, or her bespoke BRABUS 800 E-Class, they can go for a complete interior overhaul, BRABUS offers the best selection of leather, Alcantara or cloth, in whichever combination or shade the customer can think of, add custom veneers or carbon fiber inlays, again in a multitude of colors, and you can create a truly unique car for yourself, or as a gift for someone else.

Ferrari 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A

From the official press release by the Ferrari Press Office: The 812 Competizione, the new limited-edition special series car derived from the 812 Superfast, was presented today to media, clients and fans all over the world. In the course of the event, which was broadcast live on Ferrari’s social media channels, the wraps were also whipped off the 812 Competizione A, a spectacular Targa-top version, again a limited-series and an homage to the Prancing Horse’s glorious open-top tradition.

The presentation took place in a very special venue, the recently-opened GT Sporting Activities Department located alongside the Fiorano track, further strengthening the inextricable link between Maranello’s road-going sports cars and the peerless racing DNA developed as a result of over seven decades of success on the world’s circuits.

The launch began with the 812 Competizione completing several laps of the circuit to give viewers a full appreciation of the car’s forms in this dynamic and high performance context in addition, of course, to hear the unmistakeable sound of Ferrari’s iconic naturally-aspirated V12. After the hot laps Enrico Galliera, Ferrari’s Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer, officially presented the car and then unveiled the 812 Competizione A.

This duo of cars is dedicated to a very exclusive group of collectors and enthusiasts of the most noble of Ferrari traditions, which focuses on uncompromising maximum performance. The innovative technological concepts applied to the engine, vehicle dynamics and aerodynamics have raised the bar to new heights.

Once behind the wheel of the 812 Competizione and the 812 Competizione A, the driver becomes one with the car, regardless of whether it is on road or track. The car guarantees instantaneous responsiveness to commands and absolute control even in the most complex of manoeuvres. Maximum fun behind the wheel and driving exhilaration are ensured at all speeds, thanks in great part to the new independent, four-wheel steering, which delivers exceptional agility and precision in cornering.

POWERTRAIN
The 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A sport the most exhilarating V12 on the automotive scene and is derived from the multi-award-winning engine powering the 812 Superfast. The result is a naturally-aspirated 830 cv engine that pairs impressive power with electrifying delivery and the inimitable soundtrack that Ferrari V12 purists know well. To boost the output of the engine, which has the same 6.5-litre displacement as the 812 Superfast’s V12, several areas have been significantly re-engineered to achieve a new record red line while optimising the fluid-dynamics of the intake system and combustion, and reducing internal friction.

Maximum revs are now 9,500 rpm which, together with a rising crescendo of torque delivery, unleashes a feeling of progressive and boundless power and acceleration. A result delivered by the meticulous redesign of key engine components such as the con-rods, pistons, crankshaft and distribution. The titanium con-rods are 40% lighter than steel versions whilst delivering the same mechanical resistance; the piston pins, on the other hand, have been given a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating to reduce the coefficient of friction to the benefit of performance, fuel consumption and wear. These modifications are combined with a rebalanced crankshaft, which is also 3 percent lighter than the previous version.

The most significant improvements, however, are to the distribution and the cylinder heads, which have both been completely redesigned. The cams (which now feature DLC coating) now action the valve stems via DLC-coated steel sliding finger followers, which are derived from Ferrari’s F1 experience and were developed specifically for this engine to provide a higher lift profile.

To ensure that the engine breathes correctly across the entire rev range, the intake system was redesigned: both manifold and plenum are now more compact to reduce the overall length of the tracts, thus delivering more power at high revs, while the torque curve is optimised at all engine speeds by a system of variable geometry inlet tracts. This enables the length of the intake tract assembly to be continuously modified, adapting it to the firing order to maximise the dynamic charge in the cylinder. The result is an engine that revs with tremendous speed all the way to the cut off with no drop off towards the red line.

To reduce friction and mechanical losses, thereby improving the engine’s overall efficiency, the engineers developed a new variable-displacement oil pump that continuously adjusts oil pressure across the engine’s entire operating range. Another important point to underscore is the adoption of a less viscous oil (Shell Helix 5W40) than used on previous V12s and the improvement in the flow rate throughout the entire oil scavenge line.

The direct fuel injection management strategy has been further developed to keep abreast with increasingly stringent emissions regulations. The calibration of the timing and amount of fuel injected, as well as an increase in injection pressure, have reduced emissions and the generation of particulate, especially when the engine is cold.

The ignition system is constantly monitored by the ECU which has an ion-sensing system that measures ionising currents to control ignition timing: it has a single and a multi-spark function to the benefit of smooth, flexible torque delivery. The ECU also controls combustion in the chamber to ensure that the engine is always working at peak thermodynamic efficiency, something also achieved in part by a sophisticated strategy that recognises the octane rating of the fuel being used.

To maintain the traditional incredibly high standard of engine sound to which Ferrari V12 owners are accustomed, whilst simultaneously introducing a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) to the exhaust system that ensures compliance with the very latest emissions regulations, the engineers added a new exhaust tailpipe. This unusual and innovative design solution reinstates the medium-high frequency sound muffled by the use of the GPF.

In order to deliver excellent acoustics, performance and aesthetics, the exhaust tailpipes are visible to underscore their function and the car’s track-inspired character without impinging on the signature elegance of all Ferraris. Work was also carried out on the intake tract to which a second pair of resonators was added to enhance specific frequencies and the engine’s more noble combustion order harmonics, creating the perfect melding of the sound from the exhaust and from the intake system.

Both the 812 Competizione and 812 Competizione A are equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, pushing the performance of the latter to new extremes and delivering a new gearshift feeling for the V12. Calibration of the control strategies has reduced shift times by a further 5 percent. Although it retains the same gear ratios as the 812 Superfast, the new car’s changes are even more sporty, thanks to the extra 500 rpm in maximum revs allowed by the new V12.

Hand-in-hand with the performance boost comes further fine-tuning of the cars’ respect of emissions norms with an evolution of the HELE system, which enables an on-the-move Start&Stop function, and a series of emissions-reducing engine maps, which maintain the signature Ferrari V12 sound even at low speeds. When the HELE is deactivated, performance driving-oriented maps return with lightning fast gear-shifting for maximum response.

The cooling system has also been adapted to cope with the additional heat generated by the new engine’s extra 30 cv, resulting in the introduction for the very first time on a Ferrari V12 of a single front air intake that maximises the amount air of cooling air channelled towards the radiators. The entire coolant circuit has also been improved, increasing cooling efficiency by 10 percent compared to the 812 Superfast. In addition, the single air intake has been further optimised to improve the fluid dynamics of the engine intake manifold, thereby minimising charge losses along the tract.

Lastly, the engine oil tank was redesigned to cope with the extra flow (up by 30 percent) and to cope with the car’s greater lateral and longitudinal acceleration. Thanks to the optimisation of the interior chambers and volumes, the new tank saves over one kilo of oil compared to the 812 Superfast, making the 812 Competizione and the 812 Competizione A the cars that require the least oil in the current V12 range. In the final analysis, this also contributes to the overall reduction in the car’s kerb weight.

AERODYNAMICS
The increase in both the 812 Competizione’s engine output and maximum revs have resulted in a consequent increase in the heat to be dissipated. To meet these new demands, the efficiency of the cooling flow management has been improved without increasing the dimensions and weight of the radiating masses.

While on the 812 Superfast, the engine air intakes are set either side of the large central grille, the 812 Competizione adopts an integrated solution with a single air duct. This allowed the intake for the engine radiators to be extended sideways as far as the chassis allowed as well as reducing not just weight, but also losses to the intake plenum and thus the combustion chamber, which in turn, improved the overall performance.

The evacuation of the hot air coming off the radiator was improved by exploiting both the vents on the bonnet either side of the central ‘blade’, and the louvers in the wings. These areas are particularly efficient in terms of cooling and so allowed the designers to optimise and reduce the apertures on the underbody, all to the benefit of the efficiency of the front aero. All of this translates into 10 percent more efficient cooling of the engine fluids than in the 812 Superfast.

The shape of the engine vents either side of the bonnet’s blade is designed to guarantee correct management of the flows even when the 812 Competizione A is being driven in the open configuration: the hot air flow lines are deviated away from the cockpit and are channelled along the flanks until they eventually merge with the car’s wake.

The fact that the car is faster into corners demanded an improvement in braking power. Brake cooling is fundamental to avoiding compromising on either downforce generation at the front of the car or on the weight of the brakes themselves. Compared to the 812 Superfast, the brake cooling concept was completely redesigned around the new front “Aero” calliper which debuted on the SF90 Stradale and which has an air intake integrated into its casting.

Ventilation of the callipers and the pads is achieved by channelling the cool air captured by the generous opening on the side of the bumper towards the integrated air intake which then distributes the air flow inside the component. Naturally, the solution is only as good as the route the flow follows to get to the calliper area at the rear of the wheel assembly: for this reason the front suspension was optimised around the hub and the layout of pipes and ancillaries in that area.

Thanks to these modifications, the temperature of the brake oil has seen a significant reduction: compared to the brakes on the 812 Superfast, operating temperatures have been reduced by around 30° C, thus guaranteeing consistent braking and equally consistent pedal feel even under prolonged track use. The removal of the 812 Superfast’s turning vanes and specific duct shaved a further 1.8 kg off the car’s weight, thus compensating for the additional weight of the “Aero” calliper.

Two carbon-fibre side air intakes for the brakes flank the main grille, which feeds cooling air to the engine and cockpit. These intakes are square in section and are split between brake cooling and a double air curtain duct. Thanks to the latter, the charged flow that strikes the side of the bumper is channelled and used to reduce the turbulence generated by the outer part of the tyre tread, thereby improving the front downforce generated by the outside edge of the bumpers.

Externally the front air intakes are hugged by the scooped side area of the bumper, which extends forwards along its lower edge, defining the shape of the splitter. Two apertures in the wheelarch, one at the top and one at the rear, reduce pressure and enable the underbody to work even more efficiently. The turbulence is channelled and evacuated by the vent rear of the bonnet’s blade, and by that on the wing.

Optimising thermal flows was a fundamental part of developing the 812 Competizione’s front underbody. In fact, the louvres on the bonnet and vents on the front wing meant the size of the vents in the front underbody designed to dissipate hot air coming off the radiators, could be reduced. This translated into a smaller area of the underbody being affected by apertures that would negatively impact downforce generation. The end result was a higher level of downforce at the front and a more energised flow striking the rear of the car.

The modifications made to the braking system also enabled the engineers to redesign the front underbody to extend it into the wheelarch well. The new layout, which freed up space around the lower front wishbone, made it possible to extend the surface area that could be used to generate downforce. It also allowed the insertion of a new S-shaped side vortex generator crafted specifically in the wind tunnel to improve the lateral expansion of the vortex generated and ensure it works in synergy with the front diffuser. The geometry of the latter was also optimised and can now generate even more downforce than the 812 Superfast as well as improving cooling of the calliper. Taken together these solutions hail a significant improvement in performance: optimising the air vents contributes to a 30 percent increase in overall front downforce while the new side vortex generator adds a further 40 percent.

Like on the 812 Superfast, the front diffuser is equipped with a passive mobile aero system which opens over 250 km/h. When the panel rotates it completely stalls the diffuser allowing the car to reach its maximum speed.

The 812 Competizione’s distinctive tail-end treatment incorporates a number of innovative engineering solutions regarding the exhaust layout, diffuser geometry, spoiler volume, patented rear screen and the bumper design. The rear diffuser extends right across the full width of the car to guarantee maximum horizontal expansion of the underbody’s aerodynamic flows and hails a distinct break with the solution seen on the 812 Superfast.

The silencers and tailpipes have been completely re-engineered: from a classic set up of two circular tailpipes each side of the bumper there is now a single exhaust pipe with an unprecedented vertical rectangular form. This had two positive impacts: it maximised the volume dedicated to the rear diffuser’s expansion and opened up the possibility of introducing a solution typical of F1 cars from the 2010s to a road car – dynamic interaction between the exhaust gases and the diffuser’s field. In this configuration, the hot flow of gas from the exhaust pipes interacts with the prominent curved exterior fences on the diffuser, generating extra vorticity at the trailing edge of the fences, which energises the “cold” flow from the diffuser thereby guaranteeing additional downforce.

Overall, the rear diffuser development produced an increase in downforce that equates to 25 percent of the total increase compared to the 812 Superfast. This jumps to 35 percent if the contribution of the exhausts blowing into the wake is also taken into account. The rear underbody, on the other hand, is responsible for a 10 percent increase in rear downforce.

The aerodynamic development of the diffuser forms allowed the areas of the car dedicated to downforce generation to be extended transversely. The spoiler is now not only higher than on the 812 Superfast, but extends across almost the entire width of the car, working in perfect aerodynamic synergy with the diffuser to guarantee maximum downforce possible over the rear axle. The redesign of the rear wings also benefits aerodynamic performance: the volume has been scooped out rear of the crest to create an aerodynamic channel in the flank to the outside edge of the spoiler which is thus struck by a highly energised flow.

But what really captures the attention is the rear screen which, for the first time on a production car, is completely closed and thus allowed the engineers to explore some unprecedented aerodynamic solutions. It has been equipped with three pairs of profiled elements which protrude from its surface and act as vortex generators. From the LaFerrari onwards, vortex generators of this type have been used on production cars to maximise downforce generated by the flat underbody. However, this solution was applied to the rear screen on the 812 Competizione to distort the flow and thus redistribute the rear axle’s pressure field.

These vortex generators further enhance the work of the rear spoiler-diffuser system, creating areas of strong pressure gradients in the flow immediately above the rear screen and generating vortexes on the transverse plane. Thanks to this solution, part of the flow is deflected towards the sides of the spoiler which boosts downforce generation, benefiting the efficiency of the diffuser. The patented vortex generators alone guarantee 10 percent of the total increase in rear downforce compared to the 812 Superfast.

The three horizontal slots on the side of the rear bumper just behind the rear wheel are another visually striking novelty. In addition to recalling the F12tdf, they also hide a system of three aerodynamic flicks. Due to the low-pressure area created by the car’s wake, part of the flow downstream of the rear wheel naturally tends to be drawn towards the centre of the car. However, with this new solution, it enters the bumper through the three horizontal slots and is then deflected upwards by the internal flicks, contributing to rear downforce.

In the 812 Competizione A, to compensate for the impact of the removal of the vortex generators, a bridge element has been introduced between the flying buttresses. Thanks to meticulous optimisation, the flow is deflected effectively and efficiently towards the rear spoiler, essentially restoring the downforce to the same level as the 812 Competizione. The presence of the bridge allowed the increase in physiological drag for a Targa type car to be reduced: aerodynamically, the bridge behaves like a wing so the pressure on the upper surface creates a positive pressure field which increases the speed of the flow downstream of the rear screen and reduces drag.

Occupant comfort in the open configuration is ensured by the introduction of a flap integrated into the windscreen header rail which deflects the energised, incident flow upwards avoiding that it disturbs the interior. This extends the bubble that covers the entire length of the cockpit, thereby also avoiding irritating excess pressure in the area behind the occupants’ heads.

Two aerodynamic apertures have been created between the two buttresses to manage the flow entering over the side windows and to force it to follow a specific route, a fundamental factor in reducing both pressure inside the cabin and the instability of the flow itself. The result of this strategy is twofold because, aside from improving comfort, it also increases aerodynamic efficiency by making the flow stable even when the top is open.

VEHICLE DYNAMICS
The guidelines in the development of the 812 Competizione’s performance strategy were to boost overall performance levels, improve driving pleasure in lateral dynamics and a specific focus on the handling characteristics of a special version.

The 812 Competizione debuts many innovative components and contents, which have ensured it delivers on its vehicle dynamics performance targets. Specifically, these include the first use of independent four-wheel steering, the evolution of the Side Slip Control (SSC) system to version 7.0, and the development of the dedicated new Michelin Cup2R tyres.

The independent rear-wheel steering features a new electronic management system that enables the right and left actuators to be actioned individually rather than synchronised. This evolution yields a significant boost in performance in relation to the control of the position demanded of the individual actuators, and quicker response times.

This system emphasises the front axle’s response to steering wheel commands, maintaining the feeling of grip from the rear axle, which responds promptly to front inputs, and also manages the car’s lateral dynamics response more efficiently as a function of the actuation frequency of the steering wheel angle.

The new solution has resulted in the evolution of the SSC system which brings together all of the control systems developed in-house and uses a shared dynamic control language to integrate the actions of all of the systems to improve efficiency. The Side Slip Control 7.0 spans the electronic differential (E-Diff 3.0), traction control (F1-Trac), SCM-Frs magnetorheological suspension control, brake pressure control when driving on the limit (FDE) available in Race and CT-Off Manettino settings, and the Virtual Short Wheelbase 3.0 which integrates the electric front steering with the electronically controlled independent rear-wheel steering.

Particular attention was also paid to making the car as light as possible, which resulted in 38 kg being slashed off its overall weight compared to the 812 Superfast. The areas primarily involved were the powertrain, running gear and bodyshell. Carbon-fibre was used extensively on the exterior, especially on the front bumpers, rear bumpers, rear spoiler and air intakes.

The powertrain contributions to weight reduction came from the use of titanium con-rods coupled with a lighter crankshaft and a 12V lithium-ion battery. Great attention was also paid to the design of the cockpit with the extensive use of carbon-fibre trim, lightweight technical fabrics and a reduction in sound-proofing. There are also dedicated sporty, lightweight forged aluminium rims and titanium studs.

All-carbon-fibre rims are also being made available for the very first time on a Ferrari V12 and offer a total weight reduction of 3.7 kg compared to the lightweight forged 812 Superfast wheels. The inside of the channel and of the spokes is coated in a layer of white aerospace-derived paint that reflects and dissipates heat produced by the car’s extremely efficient braking system, guaranteeing consistent performance over time even under hard use on the track.

STYLING

EXTERIOR
The 812 Competizione has a personality all of its own that sets it very clearly apart from the 812 Superfast in terms of its proportions and formal balance. The engineering modifications adopted allowed the Ferrari Styling Centre to give the car a whole new connotation, by choosing styling themes that further enhance its architectural design, sculptural forms and sporty vocation.

One of the 812 Competizione’s many striking features is its bonnet, which has a transverse groove in which the carbon-fibre blade sits. This proved an original way of disguising the air vents for the engine bay, whilst also increasing their surface area. From a design perspective, the choice of this transverse element rather than the louvres seen on some previous Ferrari sports cars, means that the bonnet looks cleaner and more sculptural. This theme also acts as a three-dimensional interpretation of the concept of livery, recalling the signature stripe across the bonnet that characterises certain historic racing Ferraris.

The modified front-end aerodynamics allowed the designers to endow the car with a more aggressive character befitting its limited-edition special status. The car’s nose shows off all of its imposing power with a very wide front grille flanked by the two distinctive and prominent side brake intakes. The carbon-fibre splitter underscores the car’s broad, squat stance, hinting at its impressive road-holding.

The most noticeable aspect of the 812 Competizione’s aesthetic is the replacement of the rear screen by an all-aluminium surface. The vortex generators on the upper surface that boost the car’s aerodynamic efficiency simultaneously create a backbone effect that underscores the car’s sculptural forms. Together with the carbon-fibre blade that traverses the bonnet, this motif changes the overall perception of the car’s volume: the car seems more compact than the 812 Superfast, accentuating its powerful, fastback look. Not having a rear screen also creates a textural continuity between roof and spoiler, providing owners with the opportunity to personalise the car even more with a whole new single continuous graphic livery that runs unbroken its entire length.

Even the rear spoiler now looks more imposing. It is higher but the specific design treatment used also makes the tail look very wide, almost horizontal, giving the rear greater stance. The extremities of this aerodynamic appendage intersect with the line of the rear wings, highlighting their muscular appearance and referencing iconic cars like the Ferrari 330 P3/P4. The bodywork rear of the crests is fluted and this accentuates the three-dimensionality and distinctiveness of the car’s flanks and their forms.

The taillight clusters lend the car a more aggressive and suggestive look. They fit seamlessly into a slit just below the spoiler and contribute to creating the horizontal feel to the rear. The rear bumper is particularly sculptural and characterised by a scoop at wheel height that incorporates two imposing air vents. Three aerodynamic slots have been created along the outer bumper surface rear of the wheels, creating an instantly recognisable styling feature that recalls the shape of the vortex generators on the rear screen.

COCKPIT
In terms of its interior architecture, the 812 Competizione has remained faithful to the 812 Superfast, retaining the same general parameters and main dash and door panel interfaces, including the latter’s signature “diapason” motif. The door panel itself has been lightened overall both formally and in terms of actual weight to underscore the sportiness of the cockpit.

The door panel pocket juts out from the main structure almost as if it were a floating element. This creates a sense of lightness and formal and textural continuity with the rest of the cabin. Only a small appendage that connects to the door handle remains as an armrest, but creates a dynamic muscle on the panel.

Right in the central area of the cockpit is a link between Ferrari’s past and future, the iconic gear-gate theme here given a modern twist. This is the first time it has appeared on a V12 car and is very much mirrors the spirit of the 812 Competizione and the marque’s tradition.

812 Competizione A
The 812 Competizione A provided the Ferrari Styling Centre with the opportunity to use the modifications required for the rear of the car to create a truly unforgettable architecture. The flying buttress concept, which has long been a much-loved part of Ferrari tradition, harmonises effortlessly with the arrow theme of the front created by the blade and lends a sense of forward thrust to the car’s body, but also gives it a completely different connotation to the coupé.

The car’s centre of gravity appears lower, particularly when seen from the side, not only because of the roof and wraparound windscreen that flows into the side windows, but also because the flying buttresses at the rear are lower than in the 812 Competizione. With the Targa top stowed, the roll bars partly jut out above the rest of the bodywork but because they are carbon-fibre, they become secondary visual elements and so do not compromise the broader, more squat stance created by the flying buttresses. This amplifies the visual lowering of the side view.

In the closed configuration, the roll bars connect perfectly with the roof structure forming a seamless unit. The targa top is made from carbon-fibre to create a sense of aesthetic continuity with the roll-bars. In the open-top configuration, it is stowed in a compartment with the same design shape as the targa itself. Being able to stow the top at any time means the car can be enjoyed to the full, whatever the weather.

7 YEARS MAINTENANCE
Ferrari’s unparalleled quality standards and increasing focus on client service underpin the extended seven-year maintenance programme offered with the 812 Competizione and the 812 Competizione A. Available across the entire range, it covers all regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This scheduled maintenance programme is an exclusive service that allows clients the certainty that their car is being kept at peak performance and safety over the years. This very special service is also available to owners of pre-owned Ferraris.

Regular maintenance (at intervals of either 20,000 km or once a year with no mileage restrictions), original spares and meticulous checks by staff trained directly at the Ferrari Training Centre in Maranello using the most modern diagnostic tools are just some of the advantages of the Genuine Maintenance Programme. The service is available on all markets worldwide and from all Dealerships on the Official Dealership Network.

The Genuine Maintenance programme further extends the range of after-sales services offered by Ferrari to satisfy clients wishing to preserve the performance and excellence that are the signatures of all cars built in Maranello.

812 Competizione* – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

ENGINE     

Type V12 – 65°
Overall displacement 6496 cc
Bore and stroke 94 mm x 78 mm
Max. power output** 610 kW (830 cv) at 9,250 rpm
Max. torque** 692 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Max. engine speed 9,500 rpm
Compression ratio 13.5:1

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

Length 4,696 mm
Width 1,971 mm
Height 1,276 mm
Wheelbase 2,720 mm
Front track 1,672 mm
Rear track 1,645 mm
Dry weight*** 1,487 kg
Dry weight/power 1.79 kg/cv
Weight distribution 49% front – 51% rear
Fuel tank capacity 92 l


WHEELS & TYRES
Front                                                                      275/35 ZR20; 10” J x 20”
Rear                                                                        315/35 ZR20; 11.5” J x 20”

BRAKES
Front                                                                      398 mm x 223 x 38 mm
Rear                                                                        360 mm x 233 x 32 mm

TRANSMISSION AND GEARBOX
7-speed F1 DCT

ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
PCV 3.0 (Passo Corto Virtuale – Virtual Short Wheelbase) with 4-wheel independent steering; ESC; high-performance ABS/EBD; F1-Trac; E-Diff3; dual-coil SCM-E; SSC (Side Slip Control) 7.0

PERFORMANCE
Max. speed                                                           > 340 km/h
0-100 km/h                                                           2.85 sec
0-200 km/h                                                           7.5 sec
Fiorano lap time                                                    1’ 20”

FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS
Under homologation

FOR SALE: 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT

The Ferrari Dino sits on the must-have list for many sports car enthusiasts. Today, one has been posted to BringATrailer with only 14 days left on the auction. This 1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT is one of 255 to roll out of the Modena factory finished in Blu Dino Metallizzato. Right now, the bid sits at $155,000 but will likely bring double or even triple that figure.

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT FrontThe car is powered by a numbers-matching 2.4-liter V6 and paired with a five-speed manual transaxle. The interior features tan vinyl with beige cloth seats and Veglia Borletti instrumentation with only 57K miles on the odometer. Over the last three years, this Dino has received new windshield seals, rubber trim, freshening of the Cromodora wheels, a brake system refresh, new Koni suspension, carburetor rebuild, and many other maintenance items you would want to be addressed for this vintage. 

1972 Ferrari Dino 246 GT interior

This gorgeous Ferrari is just one of the many cars to be sold from DriverSource’s Spring Motoring Collection. Some of the other vehicles come in the shape of an E30 M3, Aston Martin DB4, Euro 1975 BMW 3.0CSi, to name a few. If I miss out on this timeless Dino 246 GT, I can settle with another low-mile euro car from the DS collection. 

DriverSource Sping Collection 2021

The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider

I’ve always been a fan of the Eighties TV Series, Miami Vice, and while the black convertible from the early seasons was only a kit car, it was intended to look like the stunning Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider from the Seventies, in the end, when Miami Vice became too popular they had to swap out that car for a real Ferrari, and the Vice cop received an impounded Testarossa, that was black when the ‘criminal’ owned it, but it was repainted to white because the good guys don’t drive black cars.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

But back to the Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, in the Seventies, the Spider was a Scaglietti build, and initially, only 121 of these Daytona spiders were built, many Coupe would later be converted into a convertible, which could make a Coupe the rarer car eventually, but this 1971, yellow Spider we’re admiring here was the 36th built of the original 121 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti, and to make her even more interesting, chassis 14863 was the actual 1972 New York International Automobile Show car, and she’s coming up for auction later this month.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

That’s right, at the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island auction in Florida to be held on 22 May 2021, this yellow over black classic Ferrari will pass the block, with an estimate between $2,250,000 and $2,750,000, adding this Prancing Horse to your collection will not come cheap, to put this evaluation into perspective, there is a 1972 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta finished in the classic red over tan combination enlisted at the same auction, presented in her restored and carefully maintained condition, that’s only estimated between $500,000 and $600,000!

1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was launched, and initially, there weren’t any plans to create anything else than a closed coupe GT, but Scaglietti and Pininfarina put their minds together to create an open-top design, the prototype was approved by Ferrari and the 1969 Frankfurt Auto Show the official Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider production model was unveiled.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

In December 1971 this Giallo Fly (20-Y-191) over Pelle Nera (VM 8500) finished Spider left the factory in Maranello, this car was built for the US market, complete with instrumentation in miles and air conditioning, and in early 1972 it would be shown at the New York International Automobile Show, after which the car was sold to a long-time Ferrari client, Alfredo Ducato of Hillsborough, California. By 1990 the car was sold to to Herb Boyer of Burlingame, California who had it repainted in the original shade in 1997, at the same time the black leather interior was redone too.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

This rare Ferrari would change hands several times more over the next years, on 26 January 2008, when Mr. Yassky owned the car, he showed her at the Cavallino Classic Concours d’Elegance in Palm Beach, Florida where she received the coveted Platinum Award, today, the car shows just 13,442 miles from new, and such a low, original mileage Ferrari Daytona Spider, that is also Classiche Certified, and a Platinum award-winning example, will not go cheap when the hammer comes down at the end of this month, but this might be the chance of a lifetime to acquire such an amazing car from Maranello.

1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s
1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider by Scaglietti Robin Adams ©2021 Courtesy of RM Sotheby’s

Last Lotus to Carry Gas Engine to Hit US Market 2022

Lotus recently let some details slide about the release of a new mid-engine sports car set to be unveiled on July 6th in Hethel, Norfolk. The new Lotus Emira will have a formal debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed taking place on July 8-11, 2021. 

The name “Emira” has translated in many different languages to “leader” or “commander” – very fitting considering the new Emira is set to replace the Lotus Elise, Exige, and Evora. Sales won’t begin until 2022 but luckily for you, the Emira will be sold in the US, unlike many previous Lotus models. With that being said, we likely won’t see the Lotus Emira hit dealerships until 2023 – but again, at least we’ll get them here. 

Lotus Emira Teaser Shot

The released teaser shots of the Emira point out that style cues come from the Evija, the brand’s $2M+ electric hypercar. The Emira also happens to be the brand’s last car with an internal combustion engine. Gathering design for the Emira from an electric car sounds a bit morbid since the Emira will be the last one holding the gasoline torch. 

Lotus Evija Front
Lotus Evija Front
Lotus Evija

The Emira will come packing a couple of different engine options in both four and six-cylinder. According to MotorAuthority, the inline-four engine will be brand new while the V6 is said to be coming out of the Exige/Evora. The 3.5-liter supercharged Toyota V6 will pump out about 430 horsepower while the four-cylinder engine will give you 300hp. 

Lotus Emira Rear

Pricing for the new Emira will vary depending on the engine and other options and is said to range from about $75,000 and $105,000. These figures were tossed out by Phil Popham, the former Lotus CEO back in January. 

The news of the Emira is bittersweet for ICE lovers but Lotus has a lot coming out in the near future. They are said to be offering a selection of “lifestyle” autos such as the likes of a crossover.

Italian Coachbuilder to Release Its First Ever Mid-Engine Build

Italian coachbuilder, Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, has been in the business since 1926 and they have big plans to celebrate their 95th anniversary. They plan to unveil a mid-engine coupe but details have been kept under wraps until the big reveal in June. 

According to MotorAuthority, the Milan-based company is said to be releasing a two-seater with a mid-engine – the first-ever mid-engine vehicle to come from the coachbuilder. The new car will likely be based on an Italian car. The design cues for the unreleased car will come from the Aero 3 and the Disco Volante – based on the Ferrari F12 and the Alfa Romeo 8C

Touring Superleggera
Touring Superleggera
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Aero 3

Touring says the car is in the final stages of production and has pegged a release of June 2021 – they have also said a more formal unveiling will be appropriated during the 2021 Monterey Car Week held at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in mid-August.

Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Exterior
Touring Superleggera Disco Volante Exterior
Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera Disco Volante

While Touring tends to stick to a dozen production cars the chances are high that the new masterpiece will be available in the US. Last year, Touring launched the Sciadipersia – based on the Maserati GranTurismo, to the US market. 

TECHART GrandGT

TECHART has been known for some of the most impressive Porsche modifications we’ve ever seen, and now they’ve released their GrandGT into the wild, based on the Porsche 971 series, better known as the Panamera and Panamera Sport Turismo, the TECHART GrandGT comes with a significantly modified exterior, custom made interior, and more importantly, a massive power boost.

If your base Porsche is the Panamera GTS version, TECHART will boost power by no less than 180 hp and 150 Nm of torque, on the Porsche Panamera Turbo S the increase is still 90 hp and 130 Nm of torque. This boils down to a healthy 660 hp in the GTS edition, while the Turbo S goes up to a massive 720 hp, in the latter this offers acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3 seconds flat, reaching 200 km/h only takes 10,5 seconds while the Panamera Turbo S GrandGT runs out of breath at 315 km/h … that’s Ferrari and Lamborghini territory, in a four-door, four-seat GT car.

With that much power available, we wouldn’t be looking at a TECHART GrandGT if she didn’t come with some serious body modifications too, so for starters, you’ll get a new front bumper that completely replaces the factory unit and flows neatly into a set of wheel arch extensions and wider side skirts, we’re talking about adding 50mm (2 inches) width to the front and 80mm (3.15 inch) at the rear.

And the fun continues at the rear with a new bumper at the back too, with air vents behind the wheels, vertical fins for stability, and a quartet of titanium carbon-fiber tip exhausts, two on either side, for that thundering sound from the tuned Porsche engine at the front. And we’ve saved the best for last … how about a lightweight, carbon-fiber replacement front hood in a new design with an impressive power dome and functional air vents? You can order this front hood in either glossy or satin-finished carbon-fiber, or painted to match the rest of your TECHART GrandGT.

With a body style as aggressive as this, you need a set of matching wheels, and to make the choice even harder, TECHART has come up with three different styles, all in massive 22 inch, to cover the large disk brakes. Also, note TECHART can change the color of the massive calipers into any shade you might desire, either to match the wheels or to contrast them even more, and just in case three different wheel styles isn’t enough, you can opt to have these wheel painted to match anything you like, or go for a diamond polish rim even.

The TECHART Formula V wheel is a classic-looking, multispoke turbine-look design, a total of 20 spokes make this an unmistakable design that never gets old. If you want something more contemporary, the TECHART Formula VI might be more to your liking, thin spokes on this forged aluminum wheel make the GrandGT look very different from the factory original Porsche Panamera.

TECHART Formula V

But probably the most striking design comes with the TECHART Daytona II wheel, an evolution of the classic TECHART wheel, it has been engineered in modern forging technologies. Tires come in 285/30 ZR 22 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear, it doesn’t get much wider than these on a road-going car.

TECHART Daytona II

And that’s only the exterior, let’s take a look at the interior inside this imposing black TECHART GrandGT, with their in-house saddlery, TECHART can create just about any bespoke look for the luxurious interior of the Porsche Panamera by using smooth leather, perforated leather, and Alcantara in a stunning combination.

A really impressive look is achieved by the meticulous perforation executed on leather parts of the seats, doors, dashboard, and the steering wheel, by using a contrasting color underneath this perforated design you get a kind of ‘glimmer’ effect, the shade is visible through the perforation in a very special way, making it look almost magical. The pattern for this perforation can be bespoke for the client, which could make for some really amazing designs in the future.

Naturally, you can also go down the more classic route of contrasting stitching, special piping on the seats, central console, doors, and dashboard, or go for color matching trim around the personalized floor mats, both for the front, the rear, and even inside the trunk … just to make sure you know you are driving in a bespoke TECHART build, their logo gets embossed on the door panels, in the floor mats, while both front and rear seats get a TECHART logo embroidered on the headrests, preferably in a contrasting color.

A completely custom-made steering wheel is on your request list? No problem at all for TECHART, a bespoke ‘driving mode’ switch, for instance, color-matched painted sections, perforated leather with that ‘glimmer’ look combined with Alcantara, a splash of carbon-fiber, contrasting stitches … everything is possible from TECHART, and the factory original items like multifunction buttons, paddle shifters, and even the steering wheel heating are kept fully functional for your comfort.

If you really want a Porsche Panamera you don’t see on every corner of the street (in some regions), you should get in touch with TECHART and have them build a bespoke GrandGT just for you …

TECHART Formula VI wheels

Mercedes AMG One on the track

We are all eagerly awaiting the official, public unveil of the new Mercedes-AMG One hypercar, but at the moment we’ll have to be content with watching one of their latest prototypes hurdling down the famous Nürburgrin Nordschleife in Germany, taking corners while remaining virtually flat, this will be an amazing car once available, I for one can’t wait to encounter one on the road.

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Some rumors mention a power output close to 1,200 hp from an F1 derived 1.6-Liter V6 engine, with Hybrid added naturally, I wonder if they are going to create a Roadster version of this one, as they did with the extremely rare CLK GTR, after they made the initial 20 units, the intention was to create 5 CLK GTR Roadsters, but six of the latter were built, one in Black, one in dark silver and the remaining four in the classic silver paint …

The latest information we have is that customers should be taking delivery of their Mercedes-AMG One in 2021, but there are only a few months left this year, and they are still testing prototypes on a closed track … if Mercedes-AMG still wants to have their One in a customer’s garage before the end of the year, they might want to speed things up … no pun intented.

2016 Dodge Viper ACR Extreme

Remember our article on the amazing looking 2017 Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR we posted a while ago, one of only 100 GTS-R Final Edition ACR units that came with a mere 840 miles on the counter being listed for auction? The bidding on that rare car went up to $230,000, but you might get a second chance of owning one of these amazing Dodge Viper ACR models … well kind of.

Currently listed at the same BringATrailer auction site, we found a 2016 Dodge Viper ACR that comes with the Extreme Aero Package, granted, it’s not a 2017 Final Edition, but it’s close, and the best part, the bidding sits at $100,000 with just 3 more days to go, so you might be able to scoop this one up for considerably less than $230,000 … it does come with 10,000 miles on the counter however.

Chassis 1C3BDECZ4GV100303 is finished in the classic Viper White, but it boast some impressive striping, a massive black stripe is accompanied by a thinner red stripe running from the front to the back, all the way up to that massive, towering rear wing, while we get a very low splitter at the front, complete with stabilizing struts and those ‘air-cutting’ canards on the side of the front bumper.

Power comes from the famous 8.4-Liter V10 engine going to the wide rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox with limited slip differential, this specific Viper does come with a few upgrades, like a a Belanger Headers exhaust system and a TeamTech six-point harness fitted to the driver seat.

The stunning, gloss black cross-spoke wheels come in 11×19 inch size at the front, and even wider 13×19 inch at the rear, fitted with Kumho Ecsta V720 ACR tires, 295/25 and 355/30 respectively, covering 15.4 inch carbon-ceramic disk brakes with six-piston calipers for the front, and 14.2 inch disks with four-piston calipers  for the rear, naturally an adjustable suspension is standard on the Dodge Viper ACR.

The steering wheel inside this Dodge Viper ACR comes in Alcantara, a material also used for the center part of the seats, contrasting red stitching and smooth black leather complete the cockpit of this supercar with its 645 hp V10 brute up front, keep in mind the Extreme Aero Package back in 2016 was a $6,900 option on this $140,140 beauty, so head over to BringATrailer and put in your bid now if you would like to add this special Dodge Viper ACR Extreme to your garage.

The Phantom Oribe

Once you get to a point in life where you can walk into a Rolls Royce dealership and buy one of their top of the line Phantom models, you should feel a sense of achievement I guess, and if you are even able to custom order one of these flagship models with the exact options you like, that feeling gets even better, you’ll have to wait for it to be built in the UK, but in the end, you’ll have YOUR Rolls Royce Phantom, and your bank account will see a check for several hundreds of thousands of dollars being cashed … but you’ll be the proud owner of a Rolls Royce, you’ve made it in life.

But just like the world of yachts, you’ll have different degrees, and most of the superyachts or megayachts will be fully custom build to the exact wishes of the client, so you’ll either be rich … or super-rich, depending on the size of the yacht, and the people that are able to have Rolls Royce build them a truly bespoke car, with the help from one of the most famous designers in the world, will probably own one or more megayachts too, now I don’t know for sure if Japanese entrepreneur, art collector and supercar enthusiast Yusaku Maezawa owns a megayacht, but he is the proud customer for this Phantom Oribe, created in collaboration between Rolls Royce and Hermès.

This one-off gets its own, bespoke two-tone MZ Oribe Green and cream exterior finish, which was inspired by shades found in Mr. Maezawa ‘s private collection of ancient Japanese ceramics, this luxury on wheels has been specifically commissioned to complement a private jet the customer recently added to his collection.

The Rolls Royce Phantom Oribe is a one-of-a-kind car for sure, combining two houses with more than three centuries’ combined experience and heritage between them, the Oribe combines ancient and modern into one car, it shows unique stitching and upholstery techniques for the luxurious interior, while hand painting techniques were required for the stunning exterior.

The bespoke Oribe Green shade for this specific car has been created specifically for this single unit, matching the characteristic green and cream glazes of antique Japanese Oribe ware, and Rolls Royce even allowed the customer to use their bespoke paint mixture to be applied to his private jet, even after it took several months for the specialists in the Surface Finish Centre at Goodwood to match the lustrous, deep-green glaze that characterizes these 16th-century ceramics.

The Oribe style continues in the interior where it took Hermès designers and craftspeople in Paris, and the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers, and craftspeople at Goodwood in West Sussex many months to create the individual components to showcase the tradition of both houses, mainly finished in Hermès Enea Green leather with Hermès piping on the headrest cushions and calf supports of the rear seats, while soft Seashell White accents and matching lambswool floor mats create a sense of light and space in this amazing interior.

As this was a collaboration between Rolls Royce and Hermès, the glove compartment lid proudly shows an embossed with Habillé par Hermès Paris signature, while Wooden speaker frets, are formed by meticulously perforating the Open Pore Royal Walnut veneer applied to the doors, and to really stand out, Hermès ‘Toile H’ canvas is used on the door armrests, center, and rear consoles and, most notably, the signature headliner … a first for Rolls Royce.

Because this is a Hermès edition Phantom, the leather upholstery boasts stitching and edge-painting techniques originally employed by master saddlers, while the dashboard fascia on this specific Rolls Royce Phantom has been adorned by a special commission artwork based on a design by the celebrated French artist and illustrator Pierre Péron (1905–1988), inspired by the famous Hermès horse motif, is hand-painted on Open Pore Royal Walnut and is shown in true art gallery style … behind glass.

I guess it might be true what they say, you drive a Bentley, you are chauffeured in a Rolls Royce, so Mr. Yusaku Maezawa will probably be found in the rear seat of this truly amazing looking Phantom, in the utmost luxury and style, another unique masterpiece made in Goodwood, the UK.

The Aston Martin V12 Speedster

The Aston Martin brand has been around for many years, and always been recognized as a high-end, luxury sports car brand, with amazing road cars, but also with at least as impressive race cars, with a Palmares of winning the most prestigious races known to date, like the Aston Martin DBR1 from the Fifties, that not only won the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 1,000 km of Nürburgring in 1959, but also the latter both in 1957 and 1958.

The Aston Martin DBR1 debuted back in 1956 and become one of the most successful racecars on the scene, with some impressive drivers behind the wheel, for instance at the Spa Sportscar Race (1957, Tony Brooks); the Goodwood Tourist Trophy (1958, Sir Stirling Moss, Tony Brookes; 1959, Sir Stirling Moss, Carrol Shelby, Jack Fairman); and the 1000 Km at the Nurburgring (1959, Sir Stirling Moss and Jack Fairman) in the same year as that famous Le Mans triumph which culminated in Aston Martin taking the World Sportscar Championship.

Back in the late Fifties, this 3-0 Liter straight-six engine was already capable of reaching speeds over 150 Mph, only five were ever made, four of them used by Aston Martin Works themselves, and one as a private entry … none of them were ever legal to drive on the open road, however, this changes today with the introduction of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 specification.

For this new limited-edition Aston Martin, only 88 units will be available to customers worldwide, there is only one shade that would be appropriate … Aston Martin Racing Green, complemented with Clubsport White pinstripe and roundels, a Satin Silver anodized grille with Clubsport lipstick graphic, Conker saddle leather, and Viridian Green technical textile/Caithness leather … as a reminder of what made the classic DBR1 the undisputed icon almost seventy years ago.

It seems open-top cars without a windshield are ‘en vogue’ these days, and this new Aston Martin V12 Speedster DBR1 is no exception, there is no protection from the elements inside this purposeful looking car, this car is meant to go fast without compromise, still, Aston Martin gives you the option of wearing a bespoke, color-coded helmet for both the driver and the passenger, sitting under transparent windows.

On the interior, we’ll find a mixture of gloss carbon fiber, Caithness Green leather, and satin silver brushed aluminum switchgear in the V12 Speedster’s open cabin that further underlines the homage to the motoring legend from the Fifties, while the massive 21-inch Satin black diamond polished wheels bring us back to the present day.

Each of the 88 units of this Aston Martin V12 Speedster will be hand-built at the Gaydon headquarters in the UK, after spending over 50 hours to create the perfect paint finish, the lucky customers will receive their car by mid-2021, and they might want to consider wearing those helmets, as this car, with no windshield or roof of any kind, is capable of reaching a top speed of 198 mph, the 700 PS V12 Twin Turbo engine with a capacity of 5.2-Liter puts down an acceleration of 0 to 62 mph in just 3.4 seconds …

FOR SALE: A 1 of 9 2013 SLS AMG Electric Drive

One of the latest gems to hit the stage at RM Sotheby’s is a rare, one of nine, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive. This beauty only has 3,814km on the odometer and is flawless in every way. It’s only seen two owners and has been well cared for since taking original delivery in Switzerland.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Front Angle

The 2013 SLS AMG was originally set to have a limited production of under 100 examples. This was a slight overestimation as only nine examples rolled out of production. This disappointing news only meant the examples delivered upon purchase were guaranteed to skyrocket in value, and they sure did. 

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Yellow

The SLS AMG Electric Drive model is fully electric and carries 864 batteries that provide power to its electric motor, putting out a whopping 740bhp and 736ft-lbs of torque. Underneath its hi-viz cloak, the SLS shows off four high-tech motors to each wheel and a Formula1-style pushrod suspension. This bright-colored beast pulls a zero-60 time of 3.9-seconds and a top speed of 250km/h. 

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Charging

The sale of this SLS AMG ED will include service records, accompanied by the latest, carried out in May of 2018 at 2,297km at a Mercedes-Benz authorized service center. The car resides in the Netherlands but is more than willing to take a journey to its new owner.

The BRABUS 800 Black & Gold Edition

There was a time when the Mercedes G-Wagon was built as a spartan utility vehicle, mainly used by fire departments and the military in Europe, it became an off-road vehicle for farmers too when it was built as a two-door model, and a longer, five-door model, but more recently the massive, angular styled Mercedes G-Wagon become somewhat of a status symbol among the rich and famous, and while the current model still boasts amazing off-road capabilities, not too many see muddy fields these days anymore, especially not the top of the line G63 AMG model, which comes with an MSRP of nearly $160,000 before adding options.

And while many would be over the moon being able to own a factory original Mercedes G63 AMG, that just won’t do for some of the wealthy customers that get in touch with German-based BRABUS, to get more power from this massive SUV, and make it look stand out from the factory original model even further … and that is exactly what the customer can expect from this new BRABUS 800 BLACK & GOLD Edition.

As you would expect, this limited edition of the BRABUS 800 will be finished in black paint with several gold-painted details, and from the name, you also should gather we’re talking about 800 hp (588 kW) from the 4.0-Liter supercharged V8 engine, a monumental 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft) of torque can propel this off-roader to 100 km/h from standing still in only 4.1 seconds … right up to an electronically limited top speed of 240 km/h (150 mph).

The looks of the G63 AMG base are enhanced by the famous BRABUS WIDESTAR body kit, which effectively widens the factory car by a full 10 cm (4 inches) with massive fender flares, but also comes with new front and rear bumpers to further distinguish the BRABUS from the standard Mercedes version, on this BLACK & GOLD edition we even find air vents behind the front wheels, and if you look closely at the front grille, you’ll notice two of the vertical bars get a touch of gold paint. An even more aggressive-looking engine cover completes the looks of this BRABUS 800.

Such an impressive aerodynamic modification also requires a matching set of wheels and these gold-painted 23-inch BRABUS Monoblock Y “Platinum Edition” hi-tech forged wheels with Yokohama tires are just what this car needs to make a statement as if the actively controlled exhaust flaps inside the BRABUS stainless sport exhaust system wouldn’t be enough to draw attention with their two black chromed side pipes on each side, offering a choice between a discreet “Coming Home” mode or a markedly sporty V8 sound.

And the fun continues on the inside, being a BRABUS limited edition model, I don’t think they’ve left anything on the interior of the base Mercedes G63 AMG untouched to create this BLACK & GOLD edition, everywhere you look, you’ll notice the best fine-grain leather available, naturally in black, but with touches of gold paint everywhere on the dashboard, doors, central console, and even the steering wheel.

While we all know stitching patterns and quilted seats, BRABUS goes beyond that with their shell-shaped quilting on the seat surfaces and on parts of the door panels. In addition, all these leather-trimmed areas are perforated with pinpoint precision and additionally fascinate with the golden fabric that shimmers through the perforations and thereby brings the BRABUS 800 BLACK & GOLD EDITION motto to life.

But what really sets the new BRABUS 800 BLACK & GOLD EDITION apart from the more ‘normal’ BRABUS 800 G-models can be found in the rear … no more bench seat like in the base G63 AMG, instead a pair of bucket seats take its place, complete with a central console in between them housing the 4.3-inch BRABUS Touch Control Panel which in ‘standby mode’ shows a clock with BRABUS 800 illustration while ‘in use’ you can control various seat functions in the rear, or move the front passenger seat to get more legroom. This panel also provides access to the standard COMAND system of the G-Class. For example, it allows turning the sound system up or down or even muting it from the rear in addition to controlling the reading lights and the starry sky in the headliner can also be controlled with it.

Just in case you might be wondering, the BRABUS 800 BLACK & GOLD EDITION starts at 380,672 euros MSRP (export price excluding VAT in Germany!).

2017 Dodge Viper GTS-R

I have a special interest in the Dodge Viper, initially created in an era when my all-time favorite car brand, Lamborghini, was owned by General Motors, the V10 engine from the Dodge Viper has been developed with the help from engineers in Sant’Agata, it’s a car intended for a totally different segment in the car market, but I am also a big fan of the classic Cobra … and as the Viper has been seen as a modern-day interpretation of the famous Cobra, and it has ties with Lamborghini … what’s not to love?

Now I know this 2017 Dodge Viper GTS-R is several steps away from the original, bright red topless model from the Nineties, but it’s still related, so when I saw this white one listed for sale, with only 840 miles on the counter, I just had to keep reading about it, more so as this is a special Dodge Viper GTS-R Commemorative Edition ACR.

2017 was the final year of production for the Viper, during which a total of 100 GTS-R Final Edition ACR units were built, this bright white with blue racing stripes unit listed here is number 80, finished a paint scheme to commemorate the 1997 FIA GT2 championship-winning factory Viper race cars.

Chassis 1C3BDEDZ9HV500261 has covered only 840 miles since new and is powered by the famous 8.4-liter V10, coupled to a six-speed manual with a limited-slip differential, among the additional equipment are GTS-R badging, a 10-way manually adjustable suspension, a front splitter, a rear diffuser, a rear wing, dive planes, Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, and 19″ ACR wheels with ACR-spec Kumho Ecsta V720 tires measuring 295/25 at the front and 355/30 at the rear, just in case, this car comes with a spare front splitter.

As we are talking about a Viper GTS-R edition, the leather and Alcantara seats on the interior are only manually adjustable, seat belts are bright red while Viper door sills are fitted … this being a limited edition version, there is a special plaque on the passenger side of the dashboard showing the #80/100 in the 2017 GTS-R Final Edition.

Still, there are some creature comforts to be found on this track-derived supercar, you get help from a five-mode electronic stability control, you can stay cool with the automatic climate control, a keyless entry is always nice to have, while an 8.4 Uconnect touchscreen display with navigation, a rearview camera, and SRT Performance Pages makes sure you don’t get lost … either on the open road or on the race track.

At the time of writing, the bidding stands at $204,000 with only one day remaining, so if you are interested in adding this rare Dodge Viper with very low miles to your collection, you better act quickly and check out the BringATrailer website to put in your bid.

Tailormade by Hispano Suiza

Hispano Suiza presents Unique Tailormade, a customization program that will convert each Hispano Suiza created into a unique work of art. The brand raises the concept of luxury to its maximum exponent, thus creating the concept of “Hyperlux”, which allows its discerning customers to create a totally custom-made car. In total, there are 1,904 different customization combinations, achieving unmatched differentiation.

Hispano Suiza Carmen is much more than a vehicle. Its performance, materials, and technology make it a dream come true both for the Suqué Mateu family, who brought the legendary Spanish brand back to life and for luxury car lovers. As if it were a work of art, each Carmen produced is unique, since the buyer can make countless customizations inside and outside.

It is here where the concept of “Hyperlux” is raised to its maximum exponent. The Hispano Suiza Carmen is already a highly exclusive piece, due to the fact that its production is limited to 19 units, of which only five will be built in the Boulogne version. Carmen’s design inspiration is based on the Dubonnet Xenia from the 1930s, although the technology has nothing to do with that of the past, nor with that of any other car in the market today. Proof of this is the more than 1,000 CV of power that it achieves thanks to its four permanent magnet synchronous motors housed in the rear axle, its 1,160 Nm of torque, or the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 2.6 s.

Hispano Suiza also wants its customers to turn the vehicle of their dreams into reality, and for this reason, the Hispano Suiza Design Studio has created the Unique Tailormade Program based on the Color&Trim defined by the brand. Each customer will have at their disposal an internally developed customization program to configure their vehicle. Through this, they will be able to choose between three configuration lines that reflect the main values ​​of the brand’s DNA – Elegance, Heritage and Sport – and, based on these, each client will have the option of choosing different colors or materials for the interior and exterior of the vehicle, which will allow them to add a personal touch to the design and adapt it to their tastes. The colors have been named after the historic landmarks and milestones of the brand, such as Peralada Green, Swiss Red, Xenia Gray, Birkigt White, or Begur Blue, among others.

Customizable exterior parts include the grille, rear-view mirrors, body color, wheels, and air intakes; with regards to the interiors, the customer can choose different options and colors for the steering wheel, dashboard, seat upholstery, or floor mats. In total, there are 1,904 possible combinations, which practically prevents two identical Hispano Suiza Carmen from leaving the Barcelona factory.

“To create the Hispano Suiza Carmen we were inspired by one of the brand’s most iconic vehicles, the Xenia Dubonnet, a vehicle commissioned by André Dubonnet in the late 1930s,” says Francesc Arenas, Design Director of Hispano Suiza. “Its futuristic lines linked the past of the brand with the present and the future that we want for the brand. We were also inspired by the art deco movement and by Mrs. Carmen Mateu, granddaughter of Damián Mateu, founder of Hispano Suiza, and mother of our president, Miguel Suqué Mateu. His premise was very clear, when we were designing the interiors, he told us that the Carmen, in addition to being a Hispano Suiza, should look like one. We were inspired by the tradition of the brand and recovered all those materials that the historical Hispano Suiza carried inside ”, he points out.

With the Unique Tailormade Program, we wanted to capture the most diverse possibilities of creating a unique Hispano Suiza Carmen for each client. We want these 19 units of the Carmen to be a work of art on wheels, collectibles, symbols of excellence, and that each owner can participate in the customization process of their vehicle ”. explains Francesc Arenas, Design Director of Hispano Suiza. “Starting from the original DNA and taking into account the Color & Trim of Hispano Suiza, we have created three lines of configuration – Elegance, Heritage, and Sport – that reflect the main values ​​of our vehicles. We are aware of the needs and desires of our buyers, so we have developed an online tool and a catalog that will allow them to configure the design of the vehicle according to their needs. We want our customers to be able to drive the car of their dreams ”.

Hispano Suiza maintains its original essence of manufacturer of elegant, exclusive, and reliable vehicles, as well as sporty and now sustainable, values that have been present in the company’s models since its founding in 1904.

The GTO Engineering Squalo

GTO Engineering has confirmed that Squalo will be the production name for its new car and has revealed the final exterior design updates and a first production-ready look of the new 4.0-liter quad-cam engine.

Squalo, meaning shark in Italian, has been chosen for GTO Engineering’s all-new car due to its shark-like look, instincts, and speed. The team, who were previously using the codename Moderna for its all-new, sub-1,000kg, V12-powered car, has been working behind the scenes on updated surfaces and production-ready engine alongside a completely bespoke wheel and tire package.

Now gaining momentum and pace as it works towards the production-ready car, GTO Engineering and its design team has signed off on the all-important exterior aesthetics including the door handles, wing mirrors, as well as working on a bespoke alloy wheel, which will be available in 18”. The tires, which will be produced by a leading manufacturer in conjunction with GTO Engineering are also in development.

The GTO Engineering Squalo will stick to the same principles since the car was announced: sub-1,000kg, with a manual gearbox, inspired by the Sixties sports cars of old but with modern engineering principles and materials. The Squalo will be powered by a bespoke V12 engine, in keeping with GTO Engineering’s ethos, and both engine and the complete car will be built completely by the firm from the ground up at its UK HQ.

The engine has been announced as a quad-cam V12, but following the last update in February, it has had significant aesthetics and light-weighting engineering upgrades including the surround of the carbs removed to ensure you can see the open trumpets when the bonnet is opened. More news on the engine’s capacity calculated bhp figures, as well as a target weight for the engine, will be revealed next month.

“There’s been an outpour of admiration for what we’re doing here and we realize a little bit of skepticism whether we’re actually making this: a V12-powered, sub-tonne sports car with a Sixties feel but modern reliability, enjoyment, and manufacturing quality. We’re here to hopefully set the record straight to say yes, it’s happening and we’re sticking to our original ethos for the car as well as timing promises for production. We are also delighted to have early adopters and customer orders received already, and we thank them for the trust in our vision and business,” said GTO Engineering Managing Director and Founder Mark Lyon.

“It’s often the small parts of a car that take the longest time. We’re now at a stage where the design models are being created here in the UK and soon we will announce our technical partners working with us on the exterior manufacturing and interiors, as well as wheels and tires. In all my years working in the automotive]industry, I’ve never been as excited about the creativity of manufacturing and design as I am now.”

This update follows the initial renderings and intentions for the new vehicle, which was initially announced in November 2020. Since then, the team continues to grow with in-house and external consultants collaborating together, all working on the same goal to create one of the most exciting enthusiast cars of the decade, with the first customer deliveries in 2023.

Hongqi S9 Hypercar

Hongqi was launched back in 1958, which makes it the oldest automotive manufacturer in China, and at the 2021 Auto Shanghai show they show us a peek into the future, not only with a three-seater limousine with no steering wheel, called the L-Concept, but also the latest evolution of their S9 Hypercar, a car this will go into production as we speak.

The Hongqi S9 prototype was shown at the 2019 IAA in Frankfurt, as the ultimate sports car, designed by Walter de Silva, if that name rings a bell, it should. Walter de Silva was the former Volkswagen Group design chief, and he took over from Luc Donckerwolcke at Lamborghini back in 2005 when de Silva was Head of Design for the Audi brand group, he designed the stunning Miura Concept and the unique Lamborghini Egoista, he is now working for the Silk-FAW joint venture, which helped Hongqi with the development of the S9.

This probably explains why the styling for the S9 looks European from most angles, in fact, the 99 units Hongqi intends to built are rumored to be assembled in Modena, with production to start in 2022, you can now lock in your order for this 1,400hp hypercar with its sleek lines, exposed carbon fiber and butterfly doors.

“The Hongqi S9 brings to life the dreams of those who design and drive it,” says Walter de Silva. “With people who seek exclusivity in mind, my team and I designed this forward-thinking hypercar, linking functionality and aesthetics that looks toward the future.”

There are some interesting styling details to be found on the Hongqi S9, for instance, the headlights combine an air intake to draw cooling air onto the hybrid powerplant, but the most interesting item they mention are the smart electrochromic windows that vary in tint intensity, how cool is that you can make the windows darker so the airconditioning doesn’t have to work so hard to cool the interior … and it looks amazing too.

Power comes from a Hybrid V8 engine that should deliver 1,400 hp (1,044 kilowatts) and propel the car from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 1.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 mph (402 km/h), on pure battery power the Hongqi S9 should be able to travel up to 25 miles (40 km).

Lamborghini in the Rocket League game

I don’t know if you’re familiar with Rocket League? It’s a multi-platform video game that apparently has won more than 150 “Best Game” awards all over the world, it’s a combination of two of the most popular passions ever: sports cars and soccer.

Psyonix is the production company behind the Rocket League game, and they opted to add the new Lamborghini Huracán STO for its unique design inspired by Lamborghini race cars and for its performance figures (top speed 310 km/h, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds). The virtual version of the Huracán STO is available for gamers around the world from today through April 27 and will be used to compete in the Battle of the Bulls during the Rocket League Championship Series X Lamborghini Open of which Automobili Lamborghini is the official sponsor.

The purchased package includes the car in Blu Laufey and Arancio California and with different liveries and customization options. The package is completed by the roar of the engine, two sets of tires, and the exclusive “Huracán STO Player Banner” and “Antenna” systems developed by Psyonix.

Stephan Winkelmann, President, and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini commented: “The debut of Huracán STO in the world of Rocket League is a further step in the digital strategy of Lamborghini, which entered eSports in 2020 with its own one-make championship. Gaming and simulation are phenomena of particular interest to the automotive industry, important for engaging the new generations and making our cars even more popular with young people.”

“Battle of the Bulls” will be played in a five-match series from the 23rd to the 25th, and fans can follow the action live on Twitch. The best Rocket League gamers will compete in a series of one-on-one matches, an event format created for Lamborghini, and each winner will receive a prize of US$5,000.

Ferrari 812 Superfast Versione Speciale

Ferrari’s Most Powerful and Highest-Revving V12 Engine. Ever.

In the face of the global pandemic, Ferrari is holding no punches as it continues to roll-out newer, wilder and faster models with aplomb. The latest of these to be (partially) revealed is the Ferrari 812 Superfast Versione Speciale. The “Limited Edition” and “Versione Speciale” monikers currently being associated with this hardcore 812 Superfast variant are said to be unofficial – a complete unveiling of the car will take place on May 5, 2021 via livestream, where all of the final details will be hashed out. For now, we’ll amicably refer to it as the Ferrari 812 Superfast VS.

Now, on to the stuff we already know for sure… and oh boy, is it juicy. The Ferrari 812 Superfast VS will continue to be equipped with a 6.5L naturally-aspirated V12 engine sending power to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. This version however, has been upgraded to produce 819 hp and revs all the way up to 9,500 rpm – up 30 hp and given an extra 500 rpm of vocal range over the standard model, thanks to some valve timing and exhaust flow wizardry. The math says that’s good for 125 hp per liter. And not a single turbo in sight.

Though torque figures are still a mystery, we’re still inclined to suggest that this should make the VS a better all-around performer; allowing it to surpass the standard car’s 0-60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h, if only by a smidge. The 812 Superfast VS will continue to embrace Ferrari’s most impressive tech, with familiar features such as the Side Slip Control (SSC) traction and stability control system, and rear-axle steering coming standard. However, we wouldn’t be surprised if Ferrari engineers had decided to tweak the electronics to be better optimized with the revisions made elsewhere on the car. Aerodynamics and weight reduction will obviously play a huge role in this as well, so let’s dive into that next.

The visual differences between the 812 Superfast and the VS are immediately obvious, with the latter cutting a much more aggressive figure. One of the most notable changes takes place at the back end of the car, with the rear glass being replaced by a body-colored panel which could be best described as a “super-louver” made from carbon fiber and aluminum. This is one element of the VS’s extreme-downforce mandate, which comes at the loss of some of the regular car’s utilitarian demeanor.

Other displays of the car’s aerodynamic effectiveness are less intrusive, but just as wild. At the front, larger air intakes flank the grill, which is enclosed by a more aggressive bumper with fins at each end appearing to function as integrated canards; a massive front splitter is then added for good measure. Air vents right behind each of the rear wheels and a reimagined carbon fiber diffuser also form part of the organism responsible for optimizing any air flow going under, through or over the VS’s silhouette.

Typical of just about every performance-biased special edition car ever produced by Ferrari, is a strict carbon fiber diet – and this is no different for the upcoming Ferrari 812 Superfast VS. Owners should expect a healthy serving of the carbon fiber good stuff – inside and out – which not only upgrades the car aesthetically, but also allows for the just-as-important art of weight reduction. It’s a given that the VS will weigh less than the standard Superfast’s 1,525 kg, but by how much, we will have to wait and see.

Similarly, there can be absolutely no doubt that the VS will command a “not insignificant” amount more than the regular car’s $340,000 base price. Likewise, the May 5 world premiere will provide more insight and specifics into what is shaping up to be an absolute riot of a car – we will be providing our coverage of the event as soon possible, so stay tuned!

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Mansory Ferrari F8 Tributo

After MANSORY presented the open-top “MANSORY Stallone GTS (MY21)” a few weeks ago, a Spider for the highest demands of open-top driving, the presentation of another super sports car from the Italian noble brand from Maranello follows within a truly short time – the completely new “MANSORY F8XX” based on the Ferrari F8 Tributo.

While the “MANSORY Stallone GTS (MY21)” is primarily designed for MANSORY customers, for whom driving with an open-top is a priority, the “MANSORY F8XX” is clearly and unmistakably aimed in the direction of high performance and uncompromising lightweight construction, in order to do justice to the MANSORY clientele who expect and desire precisely these characteristics from their vehicle.

But as always, a complete vehicle conversion from MANSORY not only impresses with its high technical demands for increased performance but also with its visual appeal, which clearly underlines the technical demands visually.

While the special “Catania Green” paintwork may attract the viewer’s attention at first glance, the countless details of the “MANSORY F8XX”, lovingly and hand-crafted made to the highest standard, succeed in captivating the viewer almost simultaneously, so that the F8XX is able to present itself to the viewer as a harmonious overall work of art.

To achieve this, only the finest ingredients of automotive refinement are used in this complete conversion: lightweight body components made of forged carbon, striking forged and gold-colored sports rims, and various interior modifications made of the finest leather.

Following a tradition of more than 30 years, the luxury manufacturer MANSORY produces its Ferrari aerodynamic components unchanged and exclusively from the ultra-light material carbon. In the case of the “MANSORY F8XX” in the particularly attractive version called “Forged Carbon”.

In addition to the front apron, the side skirts, and the rear apron, one component of the body conversion deserves special attention: the rear wing of the “MANSORY F8XX”, which is divided into two L-shaped angles. A rarely perfect example of how extravagant looks and high technical standards can be combined in harmony.

In addition to the appearance of the “MANSORY F8XX”, the technology of the F8 Tributo has also been extensively revised and refined in detail. While the mid-engined V8 produces an impressive 720 hp and 770 Nm on the crankshaft from its 3.9-liter displacement as standard, the engineers in MANSORY’s in-house engine department were able to increase these figures to an impressive 880 hp and 960 Nm thanks to extensive modifications to the engine management and exhaust system. And this without changing the driveability and excellent response of the standard engine. The corresponding figures for driving performance increase to 354 km/h and the sprint from zero to 100 km/h is reduced to 2.6s.

The high engine power is transferred into maximum performance in combination with adapted suspension components and the “YT.5” rims used for the first time on the “MANSORY F8XX”. These one-piece, ultra-light forged rims in the dimensions 9.5 x 21 and 12 x 22 are used as a wheel-tire combination with high-performance tires in the sizes 255/30 ZR21 (VA) and 335/25 ZR22 (HA).

But the interior is not left untouched either, and so the interior specialists at MANSORY create a sporty atmosphere that once again perfectly combines high functionality, comfort, and design. The passenger compartment of the “MANSORY F8XX” is completely lined in beige leather with white applications and continues the luxury standard that applies to all MANSORY complete conversions at the highest level in the interior. But not only almost all components of the interior are upholstered in leather, but they are also accentuated with carbon in certain areas. A MANSORY sports steering wheel in leather, MANSORY floor mats, and several precisely embroidered MANSORY logos elegantly round off the all-encompassing refinement in the interior.