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  • Color Focus: Porsche Acid Green – 2M8

    Color Focus: Porsche Acid Green – 2M8

    CODE: 2M8

    TYPE: Non-Metallic uni

    CONTENT ARCHIVE: Acid Green

    SUMMARY:

    According to Porsche Club of America’s Rennbow website, Acid Green (acidgrün; non-metallic Uni; 2M8; Porsche) first came available in 2011 on the 911. Where it really took hold though was as a presence in the 918 program that would launch a few years later. The 918, of course, was a hybrid and pushing the “green” nature of Porsche’s hyridized and models like the Cayenne Hybrid made it the perfect attention-getting accent for these vehicles.

    Acid green seems to hark 70s era neon green colors, though is considerably more saturated and thus intense. By contrast, it makes 70s era neon greens almost look washed out. To this day, it remains a fairly regularly seen offering within Porsche’s Paint to Sample program.

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  • Very Special Porsche 918 Weissach Spyder Headed to Sell with RM in Miami

    Very Special Porsche 918 Weissach Spyder Headed to Sell with RM in Miami

    What: 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder
    Color: White (weiss; non-metallic Uni; C9A; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0CA2A13FS800821
    Mileage: 1,499 miles
    Price Estimate: $2,750,000 – $3,000,000
    CarFax: see attached documents in listing
    Window Sticker: see attached documents in listing
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    Though 918 #821 (of 918 built) was painted White, a standard color offering, it’s clear that this particular example is far from “standard”.

    For starters, it’s got the Weissach Package, nomenclature that suggests lighteweighting in Porsche speak. In the case of the 918 Spyder, this included magnesium alloy center-locking wheels, titanium chassis hardware, ceramic wheel bearings, fabric door-release pull straps instead of conventional handles, lighter Alcantara trim instead of leather, fire-resistant fabric, and six-point harnesses. It also deleted things like air conditioning, the Burmester stereo, and glovebox, though they could be added back at no cost. All told, the package accounted for about 100 pounds of weight.

    The $84,000 Weissach Package also opened up the option of choosing factory-applied wraps that paid tribute to historic Porsche racing liveries. Some owners went even further, skipping the vinyl and having the livery elements painted on the car. One popular car to harken was the red and white Porsche Salzburg 917K that won Le Mans in 1970.

    In the case of 918 #821, Salzburg was the inspiration, though the distinctive striping pattern was applied in a monochromatic black stripes on white body, adding some added flair by integrating Acid Green elements – Acid Green being a common theme in 918 production. It is said to be one of two to be painted with this black and Acid Green configuration, and the only example to be paired with black leather featuring further Acid Green accents on the inside.

    Other options included front-axle lift system, two-zone automatic climate control, HomeLink, cup holder, carbon fiber-look floormats with Acid Green piping, seatbelts with Acid Green striping, Burmester high-end surround-sound audio system, glove box, and center console storage compartment.

    The car was delivered new via Porsche of Roslyn in upstate New York and has one owner. It is now being sold by a consignor who acquired it from that original owner.

  • Rivian’s First Special Edition, the California Dune

    Rivian’s First Special Edition, the California Dune

    Electric SUV and pickup manufacturer Rivian has always made a nice product, though this EV startup has yet to get on the board when it comes to qualifying as tailored. Their handsome cabins boast smart design and their second-generation even has some plaid elements, but with no in-house tailor and no special editions we have yet to cover them on Tailored Driver. Then, today, they dropped a new limited edition package called California Dune. Here’s what we know.

    The special edition is based on Rivian’s updated R1T Tri-Motor. The spec list includes nine drive modes, and photos reveal it may have some unique off-road drive mods unavailable in standard Rivians. Whether or not those go into future over-the-air updates remains to be seen, but for now they appear to be unique to this special edition.

    The most notable element of the package is the color, also named California Dune. Rivian says it’s, “inspired by the shifting shades of windswept sands. It’s hard to tell from photos and it’s not confirmed on their website just yet, so we’re not positive whether this California Dune beige color is a metallic or non-metallic just yet.

    Other cosmetic details on the outside include their “Darkout Package” that includes dark accents “all over the vehicle – from badging to skidplates”. We also see tow hooks, roof bars and maybe a few other pieces of trim.

    The California Dune also sports its own 20-inch wheel design. This rally-looking alloy is available in Satin Graphite or color-matched to the body. These are part of the Dune’s All-Terrain Package that also features reinforced underbody shield and air compressor.

    Inside, there’s also a unique interior treatment. Rivian calls it “high contrast”, with the same leather panel design as the standard Rivian, but uniquely utilizing their seat’s upper segmentation as a separate element by skinning it in dark leather along with their usual seat center stripe, seatbelts and more. The main parts of the seat and door panel segments are in a light beige Sandstone leather for high contrast. Dark Ash wood trim accents can be found on the dash and around the cabin, while discreet California Dune badge can be found on the right side of the dashboard’s wood trim. On the floor are unique Sandstone Chilewich mats. Also part of the package is the brand’s Sound + Vision package.

    Finally, the California Dune also features some unique sand-ready gear. The dark cross-bars look like standard Rivian accessories in optional black finish. They’re paired with MAXTRAX Recovery Boards that’ll help you traverse soft sand dunes.

    Rivian’s product website, already live, shows that the California Dune version of the R1S and R1T are available now for order with availability in one to six weeks.

  • MCL38 Celebration Edition Artura and 750S supercars Honor McLaren’s F1 Championship

    MCL38 Celebration Edition Artura and 750S supercars Honor McLaren’s F1 Championship

    • MCL38 Celebration Edition Artura and 750S mark McLaren winning its ninth Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship
    • Just nine Artura and nine 750S MCL38 Celebration Edition cars globally
    • Bespoke exterior livery echoes McLaren Formula 1 colours of signature Papaya Orange and Anthracite, with branding of Champions’ Laurel and Nine-Star logos
    • Both models feature Visual Carbon Fibre Sill Covers personally signed by drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri
    • ‘MCL38’ dedication plaque on each car incorporates a piece of carbon fibre bodywork from 2024 MCL38 Formula 1 car

    [source: McLaren]

    Eighteen McLaren customers will have the opportunity to be a part of the brand’s commemorations of winning the 2024 Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship, following confirmation that a very limited production run of MCL38 Celebration Edition supercars are to be built. Just nine Celebration Edition Arturas and the same number of 750S will be offered for sale, the number of each chosen to mark McLaren’s ninth Constructors’ Championship victory.

    McLaren won the 2024 Formula 1 World Constructors’ Championship at the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, having led the standings since the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in September. Drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri accrued a combined eight pole positions and six Grand Prix victories with the McLaren MCL38 on their way to the team’s first such success since 1998.

    The ultra-exclusive Celebration Edition cars are named in honour of the MCL38 2024 World Constructors’ Championship-winning Formula 1 car. Both models feature a bespoke livery curated by McLaren Special Operations, reflecting the Papaya Orange and Anthracite colourways that distinguish McLaren within the motorsport world and incorporating the chevron colour transition that has become synonymous with the brand. A Champions’ Laurel and ‘Nine-Star’ logo are proudly displayed, alongside additional orange accents including a bonnet stripe that features a Champions’ Laurel and brake calipers.

    “The relentless pursuit of excellence is intrinsic to the McLaren mindset and in 2024 we demonstrated this with incredible success on both the track and the road. The achievements of Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and the entire McLaren Racing team in winning the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship are beyond inspirational – and what better way to mark this than with an ultra-exclusive Celebration Edition of our award-winning Artura and 750S. Just nine examples of the Artura and nine of the 750S MCL38 Celebration Edition cars will be produced, each proudly commemorating McLaren’s most recent championship victory as well as delivering the exhilarating and unbeatable driving experience inherent in our world-class supercars.” 
    Michael Leiters, CEO, McLaren Automotive

    The interior of the MCL38 Celebration Edition is equally striking, with the Visual Carbon Fibre Extended Sill Cover on the driver’s side personally signed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Champions’ Laurel on the seat headrest section. Each example of the nine Artura and nine 750S MCL38 Celebration Edition carries a bespoke and rare souvenir – an MCL38 dedication plaque incorporating a genuine section of carbon fibre bodywork from an MCL38 Formula 1 car. An additional bespoke track record plaque, located in the bonnet storage area, lists the pole positions, race wins and fastest laps recorded by the MCL38 Formula 1 car during the victorious 2024 season.

    The unique features include:

    McLaren Artura MCL38 Celebration Edition

    • Bespoke painted livery
    • Visual Carbon Fibre Extended Sill Cover signed by Lando and Oscar and MCL38 Formula 1 car line graphic
    • Dedication plaque incorporating MCL38 Formula 1 car bodywork
    • Champions’ Laurel on headrest
    • Bespoke track record plaque
    • Papaya 12 o’clock steering wheel marker

    McLaren 750S MCL38 Celebration Edition

    • Bespoke painted livery
    • Visual Carbon Fibre Extended Sill Cover signed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, with MCL38 Formula 1 car line graphic
    • Dedication plaque incorporating MCL38 Formula 1 car bodywork
    • Champions’ Laurel on headrest
    • Bespoke track record plaque
    • Visual carbon fibre steering wheel with papaya 12 o’clock steering wheel marker and papaya accent on the clasp
    • Papaya mirror stripe
    • Papaya stripe on the leading edge of the front splitter

    Like the MCL38 Formula 1 car, both the Artura and 750S have been decorated with awards in 2024* and owners of the Celebration Editions will be able to experience the astonishing performance of a McLaren supercar, whether it is the Artura’s 3-litre V6 hybrid powertrain or the 750S’s 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8. Both models feature McLaren’s signature carbon fibre monocoque chassis and supreme aerodynamics, with the 750S also equipped with an active rear wing and Proactive Chassis Control III suspension system.

    About McLaren Automotive:
    McLaren Automotive is a producer of ultra high-performance, lightweight supercars. Launched in 2010, the company is now the largest part of the McLaren Group.

    Headquartered at the McLaren Technology Centre (MTC) in Woking, Surrey, England, McLaren Automotive is driven by the challenge of creating the world’s most exhilarating, engaging and benchmark setting vehicles. Leveraging over 60 years of history in authentic, racing performance, McLaren has delivered some of the most spectacular supercars ever made.

    The company’s product portfolio of GTS, supercar, Motorsport and Ultimate models are retailed in over 40 markets around the world. Its cars are assembled by hand at the McLaren Production Centre (MPC), based on the same campus as MTC in Woking.

    McLaren is a pioneer that continuously pushes the boundaries. In 1981, it introduced lightweight and strong carbon fibre chassis technology into Formula 1 with the McLaren MP4/1.

    Then in 1993 it designed and built the legendary McLaren F1 road car. Built around a carbon fibre chassis, it established McLaren’s supercar DNA, realised for the 21st century in 2011 with the introduction of the McLaren 12C – McLaren Automotive’s first production car.

    McLaren was the first to deliver a hybrid hypercar, the McLaren P1™, in 2013. Launching the Ultimate Series of vehicles, P1™ was followed by the McLaren Senna in 2018 and its track-only GTR derivative followed a year later. 2019 also saw the introduction of the Speedtail hybrid hyper-GT and at the end of the year the  open-cockpit Elva roadster – the lightest McLaren road car ever – was announced.

    McLaren’s LT models represent the ultimate expression of track performance in series production supercars. Limited in volume, they are distinguished by a name coming from the ‘Longtail’ version of the F1 GTR, which first raced in 1997. The LT designation was incorporated into McLaren Automotive nomenclature in 2015 with the arrival of the 675LT coupe and 675LT Spider. In 2018, the McLaren LT portfolio grew with the announcement of the 600LT, and in 2020 and 2021 respectively the 765LT coupe and 765LT Spider were introduced.

    Also in 2021, the company unveiled its all-new high-performance hybrid supercar, the McLaren Artura. The Artura is the first McLaren to benefit from the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA). The MCLA is designed, developed and manufactured at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield region of England using world-first processes and will spearhead the brand’s electrified future.

    2022 saw McLaren announce the Solus GT, a single-seat, closed-cockpit track car which brought to life a futuristic concept that was originally created for virtual gaming.

    In 2023, McLaren unveiled its lightest and most powerful series-production supercar, the 750S – a thorough development of the award-winning 720S supercar. McLaren also introduced the new GTS, replacing the McLaren GT.

    The McLaren Artura Spider was revealed in early 2024 as the brand’s first high-performance hybrid convertible. Its introduction was part of a major model year uplift for the Artura nameplate, and meant McLaren’s series-production line-up of GTS, new Artura and 750S had been introduced within 12 months of each other.

    A new chapter in the McLaren ‘1’ car story was announced in October 2024, with the reveal of the McLaren W1 supercar. A clear successor to the McLaren F1 and McLaren P1TM, the W1 is the manifestation of McLaren’s World Championship mindset, with epic power and performance and new heights of dynamic and aerodynamic excellence.

    McLaren Automotive also chooses to partner with like-minded, world-leading companies and organisations who push the boundaries in their respective fields. These include Ashurst, Bowers & Wilkins, Dynisma, Gulf, Pirelli, Richard Mille and Tumi.

    About McLaren Group: 
    The McLaren Group is a global leader in high-performance supercar production and elite motorsports.

    Founded in 1963 by racer, engineer and entrepreneur Bruce McLaren, the Group is formed of McLaren Automotive, which hand-builds lightweight supercars and races them in global series, including the World Endurance Championship; and a majority stake in McLaren Racing which competes in six racing series.

    The team competes in FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the ABB FIA Formula E World, the Extreme E Championship as the NEOM McLaren Extreme E Team, and F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix, and the F1 Sim Racing Championship.

    The Group is globally headquartered at the iconic McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey, England.

    With a reputation for innovation and technological excellence, McLaren is one of the UK’s largest independent companies.

  • Rolls-Royce Announces Black Badge Spectre

    Rolls-Royce Announces Black Badge Spectre

    • Black Badge Spectre is the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history
    • Development informed by hundreds of thousands of miles of anonymised Black Badge client driving data
    • Early client demand prompted creation of a clandestine fleet of Black Badge Spectres
    • New Infinity Mode changes driving character and summons 485 kW (659 hp) of power, delivered effortlessly
    • Black Badge aesthetic denotes a more visceral Rolls-Royce driving experience: coloured canvas behind Illuminated Pantheon Grille, new Vapour Violet colour inspired by the neon lights of 1980s and 1990s club culture, Illuminated Black Badge Treadplates, Technical Fibre, Illuminated Fascia
    • Spirited Mode, inspired by Rolls-Royce Merlin engine feature, unlocks landmark 1075 Nm of torque
    • Black Badge is Rolls-Royce’s formidable alter ego, made for clients who fearlessly reject convention

    [source: Rolls-Royce]

    “Black Badge Spectre is one of the clearest statements of power and purpose we have ever made. It has been created in the image of our boldest and most audacious clients, with meticulous attention to detail. From the beginning of Black Badge Spectre’s journey, the clients who requested this extraordinary motor car dared us to share their fearless spirit. In response, our engineers combined data science, qualitative feedback, and their own deep knowledge of the brand’s alter ego to craft an intense and uncompromising character, and the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history. Reflecting the Black Badge character, our designers and artisans realised their most dramatic and provocative vision with vivid details and exquisite contemporary crafts. The result is Black Badge Spectre: the alter ego of our brand, amplified.”
    Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

    “The development of Black Badge Spectre began with our deep understanding of engineering the uncompromising nature of the Black Badge character, overlaid with the detailed analysis of client feedback and their driving style. Black Badge owners from around the world permitted our specialists to access their anonymised data, enabling us to create a new driving experience perfectly suited to – and validated by – the way our clients use their motor car. Following internal development, a small tranche of ‘secret’ Black Badge Spectres was built for a group of clients who requested the earliest possible access to this motor car. They emphatically approved of our engineering response, highlighting the powerful connection between Rolls-Royce and its clients.”
    Dr Bernhard Dressler, Director of Engineering, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars unveils Black Badge Spectre – the marque’s alter ego, amplified. In addition to debuting bold exterior finishes, vivid interior details, and innovative opportunities for Bespoke, Black Badge Spectre can summon a four-figure torque output (1075 Nm), with a record 485 kW (659 hp) of power. This makes Black Badge Spectre the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history.

    In every way, Black Badge Spectre is Rolls-Royce at its most potent and audacious – which perfectly captures the spirit of the bold individuals it has been created for, and who requested it. Black Badge clients are unique within Rolls-Royce – building their success on pushing boundaries and refusing to be defined by traditional codes of luxury. Their approach to luxury is no different. They accept nothing less than the most exquisitely crafted products and uncompromising experiences, but demand a dynamic edge and an unapologetic attitude that reflects their world, their story, and their daring.

    The decision to craft such a potent motor car was driven by the extraordinary expectations of the marque’s Black Badge clients. Their rigorous demands required an equally formidable engineering response, built on Rolls-Royce’s profound understanding of what a Black Badge should be: effortlessly intense, immediate, and precise.

    To ensure this philosophy accurately reflected how clients use their motor cars in the field, a group of Rolls-Royce owners granted engineers access to their anonymised driving data, allowing drivetrain specialists to quantitatively analyse their driving behaviour across hundreds of thousands of collective miles. This revealed that clients exploited maximum power in short pulses more than over extended periods. This insight provided powerful validation of the marque’s approach, perfectly matching the dramatic, intense character of the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever created – meticulously developed in the image of this bold client group.

    HARNESSING FORMIDABLE POWER
    For Black Badge Spectre, the concept of formidable bursts of power is taken to an extreme with two powertrain innovations. Although these functions are new for a Rolls-Royce motor car, they have a historical precedent. In aircraft powered by the legendary Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, including the Supermarine Spitfire, pilots could obtain a burst of additional power by pushing a switch on the throttle quadrant. While the robust Merlin engine was easily able to accommodate these temporary pulses, pilots were required to report the use of the function on landing as a precaution to flight engineers – a requirement that does not apply to Black Badge Spectre drivers today.

    The first innovation is a unique Infinity Mode, a tribute to the Infinity symbol used to signify a Black Badge Rolls-Royce. Unlocked by pressing the Infinity ∞ button on the steering wheel, the full 485 kW (659 hp) of power is made available, providing a more direct throttle response to the driver. Once this mode is activated, the dials become more vibrant to match the change in the motor car’s character.

    Black Badge Spectre also features Spirited Mode, which allows the driver to experience a burst of intense, instantaneous acceleration. When the motor car is stationary, the driver engages this function by fully depressing the brake and throttle at the same time, waiting for a haptic and visual response signalling the car is ready, before fully releasing the brake. This temporarily amplifies the torque output to a landmark 1075 Nm, unleashing a surge of force and propelling the motor car from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds.

    BLACK BADGE CHASSIS ENGINEERING
    Rolls-Royce chassis specialists have introduced a number of changes to inspire clients to wield the unprecedented power of Black Badge Spectre with confidence. The steering weight is increased and the roll stabilisation is adjusted to create more feedback from steering inputs and reduce body-roll during cornering. Enhanced dampers also increase body control, reducing ‘squatting’ under acceleration or deceleration. These revisions perfectly balance an enhanced sense of engagement with the effortless operation and fêted Magic Carpet Ride associated with Rolls-Royce motor cars.

    A CLANDESTINE AGREEMENT
    Our conversations with clients made it clear that they were eagerly anticipating this motor car’s arrival long before its official debut, compelled by the potential of Spectre reimagined through the bold, unwavering lens of Black Badge. In response to their frequent enquiries, Rolls-Royce granted a select group early access to this motor car on the condition that they would keep their ownership secret until the official unveiling – a discreet introduction that resonated with the rebellious spirit of these individuals. A small, highly exclusive fleet of clandestine Black Badge Spectres was commissioned for these individuals ahead of the motor car’s reveal. Their emphatically positive response to Black Badge Spectre, and the motor car’s daring treatment that had been developed in their image, provided powerful validation of the most potent Rolls-Royce in history.

    A DARKENED AESTHETIC  
    Black Badge Spectre makes its global debut in a new Vapour Violet paint finish, a deep black-violet inspired by the neon ambience of 1980s and 1990s club culture – a celebrated reference among many Black Badge clients. A painted Iced Black bonnet has also been introduced, creating a bold contrast that can be paired with the marque’s palette of 44,000 ‘prêt-à-porter’ colours. Alternatively, clients can develop a Bespoke hue reserved for their exclusive use, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce Bespoke designers.

    In addition to the existing shoulder and fender coachline options, clients are now able to commission a ‘waft’ coachline, located on the lower half of the super coupé. This accentuates a crisp design line on the lower third of the motor car, subtly emphasising its commanding form and generous proportions.

    Black Badge Spectre also introduces a bold new 23-inch five-spoke forged aluminium wheel design. Available in a part-polished or all-black finish, the complex geometry subtly indicates the hidden technical complexity and potency of this motor car. Highlighting the increasingly broad geography of Black Badge clients, winter tyres are available for the new wheelset from launch.

    As with all Black Badge models before it, Black Badge Spectre’s mirror-polished brightwork is presented in a signature dark finish, signalling its subversive, noire character. This includes the marque’s hallmark Pantheon Grille surround, Spirit of Ecstasy, and the double ‘R’ Badge of Honour, as well as the motor car’s door handles, expansive side window surround and bumper accents.

    VIVID ILLUMINATIONS
    Furthering its commitment to advanced, contemporary crafts, Rolls-Royce has developed a unique feature that enhances and intensifies Black Badge Spectre’s Illuminated Grille. A new Illuminated Grille backplate has been introduced for the motor car, which is offered in Tailored Purple, Charles Blue, Chartreuse, Forge Yellow and Turchese, allowing clients to extend their chosen colour onto this new canvas, or create a unique accent to complement a coachline or the interior. This vibrantly coloured illumination can extend into the interior with newly developed Illuminated Black Badge Treadplates, which are available in ten complementary colours.

    A VIBRANT INNER SANCTUARY
    From the moment you enter Black Badge Spectre, its rebellious character is immediately apparent through the bold interior treatment.

    The unique pattern on the Illuminated Fascia, which is an abstract expression of the Spirit of Ecstasy, now incorporates the Infinity symbol used across the wider Black Badge family. A statement of infinite power, the emblem once marked historical water-speed records and is a hallmark trusted by adrenaline pioneers. The fascia comprises over 5,500 ‘stars’ of varying proportions and intensity, set in a Piano Black ‘sky’.

    Framing this advanced craft feature is a richly complex Technical Fibre surface finish. This diamond-shaped weave uses carbon and fine metal thread on top of a black Bolivar wood base. The thread is laid by hand in a diamond pattern between layers of carbon fibre, creating a three-dimensional effect. Once cured, each interior piece is sandblasted, sealed with six layers of lacquer, and hand-polished to a flawless finish, adding striking depth and clarity.

    The Black Badge Infinity symbol is further incorporated in the motor car, stitched into the leather ‘Waterfall’ section, which separates the rear seats.

    Black Badge Spectre’s instrument dials can be curated with a choice of five colour themes: Vivid Grellow, Neon Nights, Cyan Fire, Ultraviolet and Synth Wave, allowing clients to harmonise the physical and digital surfaces within their motor car via the SPIRIT operating system. This digital architecture of luxury also grants access to remote charging and location information, and the marque’s exclusive digital members club, Whispers.

    DRAMATIC BY DESIGN
    Black Badge Spectre is a motor car born of fearless expression and focus, meticulously crafted in the image of the daring individuals it was made to serve. Its landmark power output, chassis technologies, and expansive potential for Bespoke open a vivid new chapter in the highly successful stories of Black Badge – the formidable alter ego of Rolls-Royce.

    INSIGHTS: THE SPECTRE CLIENT AND THEIR MOTOR CAR
    Now in its second year of production, Rolls-Royce Spectre has established itself within the marque’s pantheon of super-luxury motor cars. With deliveries well underway, Rolls-Royce specialists have mapped key trends, revealing how clients use their Spectre and its role within their lives.

    Typically, Spectre is a client’s second Rolls-Royce and forms part of a seven-car garage, allowing them to select a motor car to suit every occasion. Yet, despite its exclusivity, Spectre is being driven extensively highlighting the confidence and enthusiasm of its owners. One client in Dubai has already completed more than 8,000 miles in their Spectre in a single year. Another, a renowned British entrepreneur, regularly drives their motor car on a 300-mile round trip between their business headquarters in Suffolk and the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood to review various commissions. Perhaps the most extensively driven Spectre belongs to a client in Slovakia, who commutes nearly 250 miles to Prague and has covered more than 6,000 miles in the first six months of ownership. They take particular pleasure in the electric motor car experience – having swapped coffee stops at traditional fuel stations for an elevated pause at a renowned café with a fast charger.

    On average, Spectre owners drive approximately 4,000 miles per year – a figure comparable to previous two-door Rolls-Royces, including Wraith, Dawn, and Spectre’s spiritual forebear, Phantom Coupé. This means clients technically only need to fully charge their motor car up to 20 times per year. The vast majority charge at home, reflecting the effortless nature of Spectre ownership. Spectre is also predominantly a driver’s car: nearly all journeys are taken by the owner alone, with only a quarter including a front passenger, reflecting the enjoyment of driving this uniquely potent and agile motor car for its own sake.

    Beyond its day-to-day usage, Spectre’s dynamic capability is also shaping how clients interact with their motor cars. One client, based in Gstaad, Switzerland, was so compelled by Spectre’s agility on the mountain passes of the region that they ordered a second motor car for use on the Corniche roads of the French Riviera, close to another of their properties in Monaco. Notably, this route was among those used by the marque’s engineers during Spectre’s Lifestyle Analysis testing phase, enabling critical refinements to the suspension and drivetrain to ensure the motor car met client expectations in the very environments where they would drive it.

    Demand for Spectre has exceeded expectations. In 2024, it was the second most-requested Rolls-Royce globally and the best-selling model in Europe. It also contained the second highest level of Bespoke content per motor car in the marque’s portfolio, reflecting its significance within Rolls-Royce’s contemporary offering. With Black Badge Spectre now making its debut, this extraordinary momentum is set to continue.

    TECHNICAL INFORMATION
    Black Badge Spectre: WLTP: Power consumption: 2.6-2.8 mi/kWh / 23.8-22.2 kWh/100km. Electric range 306-329 mi / 493-530 km. CO2 emissions 0 g/km.

    Further technical information: https://bit.ly/3XtQW7q

    You can also follow the marque on social media: LinkedInYouTubeInstagram; and Facebook.

    ABOUT ROLLS-ROYCE
    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a true luxury house, creating the world’s most recognised, revered and desirable handcrafted Bespoke products for its international clientele.

    There are over 2,500 people working at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex. This comprises both its global headquarters and Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence – the only place in the world where Rolls-Royce motor cars are designed, engineered and meticulously built by hand. An independent study by the London School of Economics & Political Science confirms that since the company first launched at Goodwood in 2003, it has contributed more than £4 billion to the UK economy and adds more than £500 million in economic value every year.

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and is a completely separate, unrelated company from Rolls-Royce plc, the manufacturer of aircraft engines and propulsion systems.

  • Market Find: Porsche Paint to Sample Venetian Blue Metallic 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

    Market Find: Porsche Paint to Sample Venetian Blue Metallic 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet

    What: 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S Cabriolet
    Color: Paint to Sample Venetian Blue Metallic (veneziablaumetallic; metallic UNI; 35U / 36P F8; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0CB299X7S777613
    Mileage: 19,222 miles
    Price: $93,800
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Link
    Location: Schoolcraft, MI
    Link: Reggia Auto Group

    This 997 is finished in Porsche’s Venetian Blue Metallic, a medium blue-ish grey with deep roots in the G body era of 911s, which we simply do not see very often. Perhaps a byproduct of the G body’s underappreciation until very recent times, we can’t really blame any Tailors for simply overlooking Venetian- it’s not the brightest, the most vibrant, and nor the most legendary of Porsche’s secret menu. But as we frequently say, fortune favors the bold and the original Tailor of this 997 C4S Cab was certainly rewarded with a knockout.

  • Color Focus: Goodwood Green Pearl Effect – Z6X

    Color Focus: Goodwood Green Pearl Effect – Z6X

    CODE: Z6X

    TYPE: Metallic uni

    CONTENT ARCHIVE: Goodwood Green

    SUMMARY:

    Aud’s Goodwood Green (goodwoodgrünperleffekt; metallic UNI; Z6X; Audi) was introduced in the early 2000s, quickly making its way to the RS 4 Avant (B5), then TT (Mk1), A4 and S4 (B6), S6 and RS 6 (C5) and S8. Unlike other Audi greens, Goodwood was close enough to British Racing Green to be universally appealing. No doubt this wasn’t lost on Audi designers and marketers who named the color for the historic British Estate that plays home to a historic racing circuit plus incredibly exclusive racing and automotive events.

    Despite the appeal of British Racing Green-like colors in the market, Goodwood didn’t prove to perform particularly highly when it came to install rates. Cars offered with Goodwood as standard remain relatively rare in their respective places, however the color has done much better within the Audi exclusive special paint program where it remains a popular choice.

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  • Scherer Sport Shares ABT Sportsline RS 7 Legacy Edition in Audi exclusive Kyalami Green

    Scherer Sport Shares ABT Sportsline RS 7 Legacy Edition in Audi exclusive Kyalami Green

    Even though the car you see here is for sale, we’re foregoing running it as a Market Find given it’s being sold via Scherer Sport’s dealership in Germany and our finds are tailored for North American buyers. Nevertheless, there’s a lot to love about this ABT RS 7 Legacy Edition.

    Let’s start with the paint. Though it’s been a factory color for cars such as the TT RS and RS 3 sedan, you’d need to place an Audi exclusive order to get Kyalami Green (kyalamigrün; non-metallic Uni; LZ6A; Audi) on an RS 7.

    Next, the car is built to ABT Sportsline’s Legacy Edition specification, upgrading a whole host of components while adding the very distinctive body kit.

    Though most of the cars ABT Sportsline builds are current-generation Audi offerings, we still count them as a remaster. Rather than simply selling upgrades and components, which they also do, ABT builds series cars to set packages like the Legacy Edition and then finalizes those with client determined details of the specification.

    Check out more on the Scherer Sport website and also via their Facebook post.

  • Green-on-Green Porsche 959 SC by Canepa Slated for RM Miami

    Green-on-Green Porsche 959 SC by Canepa Slated for RM Miami

    What: 1988 Porsche 959 SC Reimagined by Canepa
    Color: Emerald Green Metallic (smaragdgrünmetallic; metallic Uni; 264 / 249; Porsche)
    VIN: WP0ZZZ95ZJS900214
    Mileage: 38,500 kilometers (~23,923 miles) at restoration, shows 7,503 km now
    Price Estimate: $400,000 to $600,000
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: RM Sotheby’s 2025 Miami Auction, Coral Gables, FL
    Listing: Link

    Reimagining any car to the exacting specification is an impressive thing, though beginning with one of 292 legendary Porsche 959s is a whole other level of commitment. That’s where Canepa comes in, with their reimagining of these Group B homologation specials into what they call a 959 SC (SC standing for Super Carrera).

    Worth noting, Bruce Canepa and his firm aren’t just incredibly talented fans of the brand or model. It was none other than Bruce Canepa who was contracted by Paul Allen and later Bill Gates to get the first 959s imported legally into the USA. That effort would result into the legendary “Show and Display” exemption rule. During that time, Canepa taught himself capabilities and familiarity with the 959 that may have been second only to Porsche themselves. Bruce was the go-to for the 959, and his learnings over decades brought him to his 2015 launching of the 959 SC program where a client could bring a 959 for a recommissioning and reengineering that would raise performance as well as luxury.

    RM goes into great detail in their listing:

    Whereas the original 959 left the factory with 444 horsepower from its 2.85-liter sequential-turbo flat-six, the 959 SC Reimagined by Canepa uses upgraded BorgWarner turbos (with internal wastegate) in a parallel twin-turbo system and new engine management based around MoTec hardware to nearly double that figure to 825 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque.

    Standard 959 engine internals give way to forged pistons, Pankl titanium connecting rods, and other upgraded componentry. The camshafts have been revised to offer improved low-end torque and mid-range power, and the valve train has been entirely redesigned for better responses. Individual coil packs supplant the original ignition distributor, while completely revised intake systems, equal-length, tungsten-ceramic-coated exhaust headers, and a two-stage exhaust system of stainless steel and titanium give the new engine sufficient bark to match its bite.

    As for the suspension, by upgrading the original 959 Sport coilover system with custom valved shocks from Penske and titanium springs, the 959 SC’s handling is greatly improved at all speeds, along with the ride quality on all types of surfaces. Canepa also produced new cast-magnesium 18-inch hollow-spoke wheels that take full advantage of the latest advancements in production and materials technology while staying true to Porsche’s original 959 design.

    More than 4,000 hours go into each build and over 3,000 individual pieces get restored, rebuilt, or upgraded. Nothing is left unchecked or untouched on every 959 that Canepa reimagines; they are completely disassembled, and entirely rebuilt as better-than-new machines. Color combinations and final touches are tailor-made to each client’s specifications in close collaboration with Bruce Canepa. Those fortunate enough to secure a 959 SC order slot can choose from over 200 Porsche factory and “paint-to-sample” colors. Each example is one of one, with production set at just 50 in total.

    959 SC 003

    This particular 959, 959 SC 003, began life as one of 207 959 “Komfort” models, was originally finished in Silver Metallic over grey leather and delivered to its first owner in Monaco. It was later sold to Japan where it was displayed in a private Tokyo museum, remaining there until it was imported into the U.S.A. in 2016.

    At that point, it was completely disassembled in order to begin its restoration and 959 SC augmentation.

    The car is was painted paint-to-sample Emerald Green Metallic, matched tastefully with Dark Green leather. It features 18-inch variants of the stock 959 wheel design , these featured in Canepa’s proprietary graphite finish that matches the appearance of oxidized magnesium.

    Since the completion of its conversion, 003 has been displayed at Luftgekühlt 4 in 2017, Rennsport Reunion VI in 2018, and the 2022 Velocity Invitational. It returned to Canepa in December 2024 for an engine-out service and other work totaling $70,000.

  • EU Market Find: BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic 528i

    EU Market Find: BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic 528i

    What: 1998 BMW 528i
    Color: BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic (metallic UNI; 379 / 576; BMW)
    VIN: Unknown
    Mileage: 6,990 kilometers
    Price: €29,784
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Neustadt, Germany
    Link: Autohaus Cuntz

    Europe in the 90’s, man. What a strange time. The kind of time, in fact, where a well-to-do professional would put down real money for a brand new 528i, opt for BMW Individual Velvet Blue Metallic (great!), and also check the box for whatever this two-tone blue and beige, umm, statement piece is. Then, we can only assume, the owner came-to from whatever they’d ingested, and simply never drove it. Having covered just 6,990 kilometers in the past 27 years, a lot of statements can be applied here, but we can all agree that those who saw this car likely never forgot it.