With the freshening of the RS e-tron GT and introduction of the RS e-tron GT, Audi has released footage of the car in several launch colors. This car is in Audi Oak Green Pearl (oakgrünperleffekt; metallic uni; Q82; Audi), not to be confused with Oak Green Metallic colors from other brands such as Porsche.
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[source: Audi AG]
The car is an unmistakable expression of one´s own personality – that is the philosophy of Audi exclusive. Since 1995, the brand with the four rings has been setting standards in the personalization of premium vehicles in keeping with this motto. An early example of this pioneering spirit was the Office packages for the first-generation Audi A8, which included a refrigerator, bar compartment, VHS player and monitor, folding table, and power curtains.
The ability to integrate high-demand design options directly into production has improved significantly in recent years. While the standard range for most Audi models boasts up to eleven colors, Audi exclusive allows customers to choose from an even broader spectrum of additional finishes, including a variety of special Audi exclusive finishes and standard colors from other Audi models. Different markets show different preferences among a range of nuances, from matte to gloss finishes in a wide range of colors.
The Audi exclusive portfolio covers three main areas: full personalization, predefined design and stitching packages, and editions. Customers can choose from a range of eight main finishes for the interior, complemented by three accent colors – Alaska Blue, Iguana Green, and Calendula Yellow. They are showcased perfectly in the Bicolor packages for the Audi e-tron GT, for example. “We want to allow everyone to design their Audi to be as individual as they are,” says Michael Binder from the Audi exclusive Product Marketing team. “Every one of our customers wants to express themselves with their Audi – without saying a word. With the color and material combinations and our many years of experience, we help customers express their personality and individual style through their car.”
Since 2005, Audi exclusive has emphasized its presence with its studios at the Audi Forum in Neckarsulm and Ingolstadt. Customers there receive comprehensive advice and enjoy direct access to the wide range of design options on offer. With the knowledge of their product experts, these centers of excellence are open to customers from all over the world to help them realize their preferences and personal vision. The entire spectrum of customization options can be experienced live on site, and tailor-made solutions are created in personal conversations.
A significant innovation was the introduction in 2022 of the Audi exclusive customizer*. This visualization tool provides detailed 3D renderings of thousands of exterior and interior color combinations, giving customers a taste of the virtually limitless customization possibilities.
Car enthusiasts will find the right range of exclusive and limited design-oriented elements for luxury and mid-range models at Audi exclusive. Customers of Audi exclusive value autonomy, luxury, high-quality materials, precise manufacturing and sustainability. On average, one in five Audi R8s delivered by Audi featured a personalized interior by Audi exclusive, making the R8 the most frequently equipped car by Audi exclusive to date.
A current example of this special individuality is the Audi of Canadian racecar driver Jacques Villeneuve, whose characteristic helmet design is reflected in his Audi RS 6 Avant2. His car was given a pink body, blue brake calipers, yellow stitching, green JV logos embroidered on the seats, and red seat belts to create an unmistakable overall appearance.
With the introduction of the new S e-tron GT3, RS e-tron GT4, and RS e-tron GT performance5, Audi exclusive is setting benchmarks for the personalization of electric vehicles. The only Audi model to be built at Böllinger Höfe, the Audi e-tron GT family represents the Neckarsulm site, while the performance variant is the sporty flagship of the Audi portfolio. Audi is using the debut of the new electric Gran Turismo to introduce innovative, customized options from Audi exclusive. Through sophisticated elegance and advanced technology, the electric Gran Turismo is the perfect symbiosis of performance and high tech. With a wide range of finishes and materials, Audi exclusive allows customers to design their e-tron GT model to be one of a kind.
All three model variants of the new Audi e-tron GT are also available as a 299-unit limited Audi exclusive edition in North America, Europe, and other overseas markets. Since the creative minds at Audi find inspiration everywhere in their environment, it is no surprise that the Audi Design team turned to nature and its constant change to inspire the new worlds of color on offer. Like a kind of design sculpture, each new Audi e-tron GT is meant to always look exciting and fresh from every perspective. Color and trim designer Christopher Kroener was inspired by the subtle ways that nature changes temperature and light throughout the day. “Our choice of colors was not for a specific tone per se, but rather an emotional approach to the possibility of reproducing a fleeting moment of nature,” explains Kroener. Inspired by morning dew, Mint Gray evokes the fresh feeling of a morning walk, while Mora Violet provides a stylish contrast that reflects a strong, modern aesthetic.
Combined with creativity, an affinity for trends, and technical expertise, the new materials on offer help the new worlds of color make a stirring impact.
One unmistakable feature of the series is the expressive exterior finish in Arabica Gray. Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, a very popular classic, inspired the color. Arabica Gray is versatile and premium quality. When viewed in the shade, the tone appears dark, but it takes on a golden hue when viewed in the light. This mix of brown, gold, and gray is unique. The luster of the finish is reminiscent of roasted coffee beans, and depending on the lighting, it can take on a unique depth and sophistication.
Based on the new 6 double-spoke RS design, the progressive wheel design of the Audi exclusive edition is available for the first time in black, matte Neodymium Gold, and burnished silver. This three-tone look echoes the bold hue of the Arabica Gray finish and elevates the appearance of the exterior to perfection. Metallic Neodymium underlines the car’s sporty elegance and exclusivity. “I took a new approach to the design of the different wheels, deliberately choosing not to use a dark aluminum and instead opting for a warmer variation that systematically reflects the gold particles in the Arabica Gray finish,” says wheel designer Andreas Valencia Pollex. “A vehicle’s wheels can harmoniously complement or radically change its overall look, just like your choice of shoes can complete your entire outfit.” During development, the wheel colors evolved from silver through black and bronze to their final iteration in bright gold. The desire for conspicuous elegance resulted in the increased use of matte Neodymium Gold. This extraordinary wheel color was first available for the RS 6 Avant performance6.
The distribution of its colors gives the leather-free interior the appearance of a four-seater, but it legally seats five. The seats’ center panels, shoulder arches, and side bolsters come in Mint Gray to contrast with the Mora Violet areas. This is the first time that Audi exclusive has used these new colors. As a particular highlight, the decorative inlays on the instrument panel come in eucalyptus wood (in addition to carbon variations) trimmed in anthracite, which is used in this way for the first time. Eucalyptus is known for its characteristic look, created by the dense grain of light and dark waves. The distinctive Sport seats plus ensure maximum comfort. They are optionally available with ventilation and massage functions, either alone or in combination. The seats are upholstered in a combination of Cascade fabric, Dinamica microfiber, and Mono.pur 550 artificial leather with special waterfall stitching. Details such as door inserts in Mint Gray Dinamica microfiber with Audi exclusive badges, color-coordinated loudspeaker grilles, and switch covers, as well as color-coordinated seat belts, steering wheel, and floor mats round out the interior as an expressive statement.
As part of the Audi exclusive edition, Audi is also making personalization possible in the digital world. Instead of an embossed number badge, the MMI indicates each limited model’s sequential number. Edition-specific MMI wallpaper with color-coordinated ambient lighting completes the digital experience. All previous MMI designs remain available along with these new features and can be freely selected by customers as before.
In addition, Audi exclusive offers other packages that transform the interior into an expression of the customer’s personality through the use of contrasting colors. The two-tone Audi exclusive Bicolor design package is particularly noteworthy, combining fascinating charisma and differentiating colors. Interested customers can choose from four predefined interiors: Alaska Blue, Calendula Yellow, Iguana Green, or Crimson Red, each in combination with black. Contrasting stitching, exclusive leather accents on interior elements, and the air vent frames are color-coordinated with the selected package.
On the other hand, the Cognac Brown / Jet Gray design package sets a timeless accent characterized by an elegant command of style. The premium quality of the fine Cognac Brown Nappa leather, combined with subtle Jet Gray contrast stitching, gives the interior a sporty look with an understated touch. It stands as a stylish contrast to the vivid Bicolor packages.
For more intense color variations, the Audi exclusive stitching packages allow customers to choose distinctive stitching colors for a range of interior applications in combination with black leather to give their vehicle a sporty touch. What all the packages have in common is attention to detail, maximum precision, and the highest quality, all of which combine to give the interior a truly personal appearance.
In addition to these packages, which have been predefined by Audi design experts and will be expanded throughout the product’s lifecycle, another highlight is free personalization, which allows Audi exclusive customers to express their personal style on numerous interior components. These personalization offers have been in high demand since the launch of the Audi e-tron GT. The steering wheel is the most frequently personalized component, with 30% of all personalization requests, followed by the floor mats with 22%. The predefined design packages were used 16% of the time, a significant portion of the total Audi exclusive offering.
The creative minds at Audi will have no shortage of ideas going forward. Current developments in the field of digitalization point to a future where traditional design elements will increasingly blend with virtual immersion. This opens up new dimensions for customized experiences and increases the impact of the offerings. The Audi e-tron GT and Audi exclusive stand for this harmonious combination of progressive personalization and modern electric mobility.
*The configurator is available in German and English. Please select your preferred language directly within the configurator.
To quote YouTuber and Cars and Bids founder Doug DeMuro.. “Now THIS is cool!” We’re big fans of BMW’s Z3 platform and even bigger fans of early BMW Individual builds, so when this came across our desk there was admittedly hesitation- do we add to the fleet, or do we showcase for our obsessive audience?
This BMW Individual Atlantis Blue Z3 2.5i Roadster (VIN: WBACN33411LK46065) might not pack the punch of it’s M sibling, but it’s still quite special in our eyes. To fully understand why, consider that BMW Individual formally announced themselves in the US at the 2006 Miami Auto Show- a full five years after this car was built. To put it bluntly, the original curator of this Z3 had some insider knowledge.
If you fancy yourself a cheap point of entry into the world of Tailored Driver, look no further. This BMW Individual Atlantis Blue (atlantisblau; metallic; 399; BMW) Z3 2.5i Roadster is currently located in Buffalo, New York and offered for sale by it’s current owner on Cars and Bids. At time of writing, the current bid is a scant $2,244. Find additional photos and more information about this Tailored Driver, here.
Modena, Italy – From Thursday 12 to Sunday 15 September, Maserati made its first appearance at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, the prestigious French event that since 2014 has brought together the best of automotive and haute couture in the elegant and historic setting of the Domaine du Château de Chantilly (Oise).
[source: Maserati]
The leading light for the Trident was the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello, created as a result of the tailor-made experience of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme. The first 100% electric luxury cabriolet is inspired by the history and powerful character of the renowned Italian wines produced by Marchesi Antinori, one of the oldest and most illustrious winemaking families in Italy, which reflects the same passion and the strong values of tradition and innovation that have always characterised the spirit of Maserati.
GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is a unique model made specially for the 50th anniversary of Tignanello, an event at which the car was unveiled in person for the first time at Chantilly, to follow its presentation in July at Festival Napa Valley, California.
Having gone under the hammer at the 2024 Arts for All Gala, one of the most important arts and education charity events in the US, held during the festival, GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello stopped off in Europe to catch the eye of the audience of connoisseurs and enthusiasts attending Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille: a perfect setting to celebrate all the uniqueness and refined customisation of one of the Modena-based marque’s most exclusive creations.
Designed and built in collaboration with Marchesi Antinori, the Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is a reflection of the most advanced craftsmanship, luxury and all the elegance that has long distinguished the Trident’s cars, with their ability to leverage both the tradition and the futuristic vision of the Italian brand’s production.
At Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, Maserati welcomed its guests and the public to Terrazza Italiana by Giorgetti, a historic design company founded in Meda in 1898 and an outstanding figure in artisan carpentry made in Italy. Specifically for the event, it worked with the Trident to kit out the spaces with a selection of its outdoor collection; GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello caught the eye of the crowd intent on admiring the great panoply of classic and modern cars from the best-known and most beloved luxury brands.
During the event, journalists and selected Maserati guests also took part in a dedicated test drive session in the latest innovations in the Trident range – GranTurismo and GranCabrio Trofeo and Folgore, MC20 Cielo and Grecale Folgore – and participated in a special wine tasting with experts from Marchesi Antinori.
The moment the attendees at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille were all waiting for was undoubtedly the Concours d’Etat, which brought together 100 extraordinary cars and the greatest collectors from all over the world. Various classic Maseratis belonging to private collectors were also competing: Maserati A6G54 built by Frua and Zagato, Maserati 5000GT, Maserati Quattroporte, Maserati 5000GT (Kidston Collection).
Giovanni Perosino, Maserati Chief Marketing & Communication Officer: “Maserati GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello’s presence at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille is a big moment for us to celebrate the prestigious collaboration with Marchesi Antinori once again after the debut of this wonderful creation in the United States. It is an exclusive car, tailor-made and inspired by tradition, innovation and artisanship 100% made in Italy. GranCabrio Folgore Tignanello is the best way to set out the brand’s luxury image and epitomises the bespoke production of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation personalisation programme, for our customers to create the car of their dreams: unique models with the ability to combine unmistakable design, extraordinary performance, luxury and prestigious materials, and the most extreme and refined creativity. This car is the greatest interpretation of the brand’s identity and of a DNA that has always been devoted to innovation, looking ahead into the future and defining the concept of ‘Italian luxury’ around the world”.
Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognizable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally. Maserati line-up includes the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, the GranTurismo, the iconic Italian grand tourer, and the GranCabrio, the new convertible of the Trident; all models characterized by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Grecale – and V6 petrol, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The GranTurismo is available with both the high-performance V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. Today the full-electric range includes also the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first full-electric SUV, and the latest addition, GranCabrio Folgore. By 2025, all Maserati models will also be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2028.
We love forums. They’re where we cut our automotive enthusiast teeth- we dreamed, we learned, we maybe embellished a little, and we met some friends along the way. Some on the Tailored Driver staff were even fortunate enough to call forums and the sites associated their employer. With all this as context, Market Finds sourced via the forums like this one almost feel like somewhat of a homecoming.
Finished in Paint to Sample Albert Blue and hiding more than $32,000 in custom tailoring approved through Porsche’s Sonderwunsch program, this 911 Speedster (VIN: WP0CF2A96KS172707) represents the level of obsession that made forums the go-to for enthusiasts like us. So far as we can tell from the photos, Sonderwunsch tailoring is mostly in the form of (but likely not limited to) deviated brown extended leather on the dash, center console, steering wheel and upper door cards. For good measure, the owner also had Justin Placek create heritage seat inserts with additional lumbar pads to complete the package.
Speaking of the photos, they’re not great. And surprisingly enough, we’re also having trouble tracking down additional images from the usual suspects on Instagram like PTSRS, but that almost adds to the allure- a Tailored Driver, built for the Tailor themselves, and not for social media. So for this example we’ll forgive the less than ideal shots, because to have the vision and the funds to secure this build, the owner is clearly talented in other areas.
This Paint to Sample Albert Blue (albertblau; 325 / 1818 / 387; Porsche) Porsche 911 Speedster is currently for sale by owner in Scarsdale, New York at an asking price of $435,000. Find more information about this Tailored Driver on Rennlist, here.
Mercedes-AMG turned to Facebook to drop a few photos of this very interesting specification. The copper orange theme is strong here, making you wonder you wonder if the Pumpkin Spice is getting a bit strong at the office espresso bar.
Seriously though, MANUFAKTUR Copper Orange Magno is a color we sometimes see on G-Wagens, though looks exquisite here on an AMG GT 63 S E Performance. Also interesting is the badging. It’s hard to tell, but the typically silver or polished aluminum brightwork such as the new yet classic AMG badge on the hood and the AMG lettering on the trunk appear to be copper finished themselves? Are they, simply carrying the orange light that bathes the car in this studio shoot or is there a new copper finish available?
If you know, let us know in the comments and if we find out for sure we’ll update this story.
Do you spell “grey” G-R-E-Y or G-R-A-Y? Stylistically we tend to go with the E for a bit of British flair, so we’re thrown off when Bentley goes with an A. Take for instance this Facebook post by Bentley depicting one incredible looking FlyingSpur by Mulliner.
The color in question is Grey Violet (a.k.a. Gray Violet to Bentley’s social media team). Whatever your vowel preference, we can probably all agree that Grey Violet is a great-looking medium purple, especially when paired with high gloss black and polished silver adornments. It’s a great spec.
Even though we’re primarily a U.S.-based publication and tend to focus on North American cars, we occasionally pivot to other markets. That might be to cal out a particularly unique color or compelling specification, or in the case of our Market Find series, it might be to call out a car that is either older than 25 years (so an easy import) or on the NHTSA list of importable cars. In the case of this purple 1995 968 Clubsport, it’s both older than 25 years and also a desirable model in an even more unique Paint to Sample color.
First, a little background. America did get the Porsche 968 coupé and cabriolet, however the more aggressively sporting Clubsport model never came here. And while the engine was largely the same as the U.S. model (think 964 RS America), it got a host of upgrades and lightening measures in order to make it more of a turn key track weapon with practically a 50:50 weight distribution. Since attaining 25 year status, 968 Clubsports have begun finding their way into the U.S., and Paint to Sample specimens tend to be the preferred lot.
When we consider Paint to Sample on the 968 Clubsport, we tend to see of that era’s Carrera Cup colors. Think Maritime Blue, Ruby Stone, Mint Green, or Speed Yellow. This one painted Amaranth Violet (L39D) may be the first purple 968 Clubsport we’ve seen.
This car was a Belgian-delivered example featuring the standard seats in black cloth, multi-function steering wheel, rear seats with backrests, basic alarm system and power door windows and mirrors. The car has logged 178,464 km (110,892 miles). It’s currently for sale in Belgium at Autos-David.be with a price of €44999.
Singer has shown photos of its latest classic reimagined Porsche 911 and the understated specification does not disappoint. The confirmed name is “Nine One Six commission”, and the basic details and photos were posted to the company’s Facebook and Instagram pages..
As per the post, Nine One Six is painted paint-to-sample Fashion Grey. The name is the same and the color appears the same as the light grey that first dropped with the Porsche 911 Sport Classic (type 997.2).
Fashion Grey is a great color, and one we’ve always wondered if Porsche didn’t miss the mark pairing with a colored-leather such as red, blue or green. The client who commissioned Nine One Six may have been wondering the same, because Burgundy leather plays a major part in the interior seen here. Also seemingly in a nod to the Sport Classic that saw the modern production return of Pepita a.k.a. Houndstooth cloth, the owner of Nine One Six also specced the signature woven leather Singer is known for in a pattern that echoes bicolor houndstooth of some Porsche seating back in the day. Very tasteful.
You can also check out the Facebook post on Nine One Six HERE.
One of a claimed 34 to be produced in BMW Individual Java Green over Silverstone leather, this Tailored Driver (VIN: WBS8M9C51J5K98980) has quite a lot going for it. Apart from the obvious BMW Individual Java Green paint and must-have Competition package, the original curator if this spec opted 666M wheels in black, the Executive and Driver Assistance packages along with the incredibly tasteful but often overlooked extended leather package.
In the 36,000 miles since taking delivery, this M3 saw quite a few performance add-ons as well including a full turbo-back exhaust, intakes, upgraded intercoolers and injectors, and a stage 2 tune to ensure it all works cohesively. Add to that the OEM+ items from the GTS variant and a Vargas V2 crank hub as preventative maintenance, and it’s a fairly compelling package if you’re into this sort of thing.
This BMW Individual Java Green M3 is currently offered for sale at Clearwater, Florida’s Premier Auto Lounge for an asking price of $65,500. See additional images and get more details on this Tailored Driver, here.
