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  • Manthey Kit for Porsche 911 – Motorsport Technology for Maximum Performance on Track

    Manthey Kit for Porsche 911 – Motorsport Technology for Maximum Performance on Track

    Few, if any, other cars bring more pure motorsport technology to the road than the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. The new Manthey Kit can further enhance the on-track performance of this top-of-the-range sports car through improved aerodynamic efficiency, modified suspension and optimised braking components.

    Porsche is offering a Manthey Kit for the current 911 GT3 RS (992) for even higher performance on track. The kit provides significantly increased contact pressure and, as a result, higher cornering speeds. The suspension has been specially adapted for driving on the racetrack, while the brakes are optimised for the particularly high demands of track-day driving. The new Manthey Kit was developed as part of a close collaboration between the Porsche Development Centre in Weissach and the Manthey engineers in Meuspath. These track-focused components will be distributed via Porsche Centres.

    More than a tonne of downforce at 285 km/h

    The extensive changes to the aerodynamic components make the Manthey Kit for the 911 GT3 RS immediately recognisable. The spoiler lip with its new wing profile has been significantly enlarged and is supported by reinforcing elements made of carbon fibre. Together with redesigned wheel arch Gurney flaps and two dive planes on each side of the front bumper, the spoiler lip increases downforce on the front axle. The rear window is replaced by a 25-per-cent lighter carbon fibre panel on which a carbon fibre shark fin is mounted. The fin was derived from the World Sportscar Championship-winning 963 and is designed to increase cornering stability. In conjunction with six additional roof fins, it also diverts the warm output air from the front radiator outwards, thus ensuring that cooler intake air is drawn in at the rear, even under extreme operating conditions.

    The split carbon fibre DRS wing element – in conjunction with larger, redesigned end plates – increases downforce on the rear axle. The significantly widened rear diffuser with longer carbon fibre fins also increases downforce without increasing air resistance. The carbon fibre ‘aerodisc’ wheel covers reduce air resistance and make the perfect addition to the combination of aerodynamic components, which work seamlessly to optimise air flow and maximise overall efficiency. Overall, the downforce has been increased significantly, without increasing drag. At 285 km/h, the 911 GT3 RS with Manthey Kit produces more than 1,000 kg of downforce. This enables higher speeds on fast and medium-speed corners and maximises vehicle stability.

    Semi-active coilover suspension

    The spring rates of the semi-active coilover suspension have been adjusted for the higher downforce figures. The spring rates were increased by 30 per cent on the front axle and by 15 per cent on the rear. Four wheel- and three body-acceleration sensors – along with a newly developed control unit – ensure fully automatic damper tuning that is extremely fast and even more precise than before. The new shock absorbers operate with two separate valves for the compression and rebound stages and are independently controlled. This ensures precise adjustment for changing driving situations and road conditions, which maximises stability on the racetrack. Depending on the driving mode (Normal, Sport, Track), different sets of parameters are available for different basic damper characteristics. In Track mode, the basic setup can also be manually adjusted to your personal preferences using the rotary controls on the steering wheel. 

    Racing brake pads specially optimised for track days

    The braking components of the Manthey Kit are tailored to the requirements of driving on the racetrack. The steel-sheathed brake lines provide an even more direct pedal feel and a faster response time. Optional racing brake pads are available for cars with the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). These pads have been specially developed for track-day use and reduce fading while also increasing responsiveness and control precision. The brake pads are characterised by consistent performance over a wide temperature range and very good wear resistance for both the pads themselves as well as the discs.

    Extensive accessories enhance individuality

    Customers wishing to add more visual touches can customise their 911 GT3 RS with particularly sporty accessories. Illuminated door sill guards in carbon fibre with Manthey lettering in red and white, LED door projectors with white Manthey lettering, and decals in various colours on the carbon ‘aerodiscs’ emphasise the distinct character of the 911 GT3 RS. In addition, the Manthey lettering can be applied to the car doors in either Neodyme, white or black. A towing eye is available for when driving on the racetrack, and can be used on the front or rear. It is available in red, black or yellow and can be attached to either end using the appropriate threaded hole. It must be removed if the car is to be used on public roads.

    Significantly improved performance on track

    “With the Manthey Kit, the 911 GT3 RS has improved significantly on the racetrack, especially on medium-speed corners,” says Porsche Brand Ambassador Jörg Bergmeister. “The car dives, pitches and rolls even less, offering a much more stable aerodynamic platform. The high contact pressure therefore remains very constant under all driving conditions.”

    “Over a period of two years, we worked together with Porsche engineers on the new Manthey Kit for the 911 GT3 RS and tested it over several thousand kilometres on European racetracks and on the Nürburgring Nordschleife,” says Nicolas Raeder, Managing Director of Manthey Racing GmbH. “Our data promises a significant improvement in lap times compared to the standard 911 GT3 RS. So far, weather conditions have prevented us from achieving an official lap time on the Nordschleife. We want to make up for this at the next possible opportunity.”

    The Manthey Kit for the 911 GT3 RS can be ordered now. It will be available in EU markets from January 2025 and outside the EU from March 2025. The manufacturer’s warranty for the 911 GT3 RS remains unaffected.

  • Color Check: Audi exclusive RS 6 performance in Oak Green Metallic

    Color Check: Audi exclusive RS 6 performance in Oak Green Metallic

    There’s just something about a green long roof. Maybe it wasChevy Chase taking the Holiday Road to Wally World, or the fact that even his Wagon Queen Family Truckster still made him hot to Christie Brinkley at the wheel of a Ferrari, it seems like a certain segment of the car enthusiast population has chased the idea of a station wagon (often green) that could be that cool in reality. That’s exactly where performance wagons like the Audi RS 6 enter the fantasy, especially specially painted examples in green.

    We caught this particular RS 6 Avant over on the Only Wagons Group on Facebook. Posted by Darin Scherba, the car is in RS 6 performance specification, meaning later lifecycle production with a slight power boost and optional Y-spoke alloys that complement the car in any finish. In this case, that finish is grey matte, though the European market or special edition neodym gold would have also paired amazingly here.

    Whichever wheel finish, they complete this RS 6 Avant perfect spec that, at it’s heart, uses Porsche’s Oak Green Metallic (oakgrünmetallic; metallic uni; 265 / 22L / 60K; Porsche) over standard RS 6 Cognac leather. The net look is incredibly tasteful, not the first RS 6 Avant we’ve seen in this specification, but the first RS 6 performance and captured in some great photography.

  • Deep Dive on Sultan of Brunei Ferrari F40 Collection

    Deep Dive on Sultan of Brunei Ferrari F40 Collection

    We’ve found a new set of photos posted by All-Star RADwood Facebook Group member Dave Skulman depicting photos of Ferraris from Brunei royal family collection and notably F40s with a few F50s thrown in. Skulman shared the shots along with some itemization, and we saw that as a good reason to make a post documenting them as best we can through some research and a very informative video from Car Throttle. So, with this post we’re going to focus on the F40s and link all the sources. We’ll also update this as further information is collected or shared with us. If you have a tip, drop it below in the comments.

    First is the Skulman post from earlier today. It appears embedding isn’t available for it, so we’ll link it HERE. The associated shots seem to be from one of the many holding buildings that has housed the Brunei collection over the years. We’ve heard rumors of these buildings not being HVAC controlled, and further that this tends to see the cars degrade in condition where they sit. Based on some of the mold seen on the interiors, it suggests these rumors are correct and that the damp air isn’t helping these cars any.

    Even still, by piecing together these photos and the details outlined in the post and in the CarThrottle video posted above, we’ve done our best to identify each car.

    So, let’s begin with a brief history. The Ferrari F40 (type F120) was a mid-engined rear-wheel-drive sportscar built from 1987-1992, with LM race versions built until 1994 and GTE specification race cars extending to 1996.

    The car was named F40 to celebrate Ferrari’s 40th Anniversary, and only 400 units planned to be sold at a price of approximately $400,000 U.S.. In the end, 1,311 to 1,315 were built with 213 going to the USA. Power came from a high-revving 2.9-liter version of the turbocharged V8 from evolved from the 288 GTO. The Pininfarina-designed body was made of kevlar, carbon fiber and aluminum, and each one was painted Rosso Corsa, with red fabric interior and left-hand drive steering configuration. Ferrari didn’t deviate. While some of these cars have been repainted over the years, all of the cars were produced in identical spec when new.

    Enter the Sultan of Brunei. Known for perhaps the most lavish car collection the world has ever seen, the infamous dictator loaded with oil wealth amassed over 2,500 vehicles many of which were the embodiment of an appetite for the most extreme funded by unlimited resources. The Brunei royal family’s collection was said to include cars like Zonda-powered Mercedes-Benz S-Class station wagons, four-door and long roof Ferraris, Jaguar XJ220s, one-off Bentley Java road cars, Bentley SUVs built long before any Bentayga ever existed, McLaren F1s and of course many, many other Ferraris including a large mix of F40s (source: WhichCar.com.au)

    Relevant to this story, the Ferrari F40 LM was produced as a series of racing cars by Michelotto, the same Paduan firm that had produced the Ferrari GTO Evolution and had produced parts for the road cars. 19 cars were produced.

    Worth noting, much of the information about the Brunei royal family’s F40s comes from Paulo Garella. Garella was Pinifarina’s Prototype Manager in the 1990s and was in charge of tailoring most of the F40s they had. His account is critical to this mix. So, let’s dig into what we know.

    Following their procurement, most of these cars were sent to Pininfarina where Garella and his team set about their customization. Seven were road cars, each fitted with leather interiors and comfort seats sourced from the Ferrari 512 TR parts bin. Each were also fitted with air conditioning, radio, electric windows and adjustable tilt steering wheel. Several were also said to be fitted with freer flowing exhaust and ECU flash to augment power from a peak 428 lb-ft. to 480 lb-ft, though which cars received the performance upgrades is unclear.

    Most were converted to right-hand drive. These included a gloss black over black leather, emerald green over green leather, forest green over black leather, Rosso Corsa over black leather and gloss white over black leather. Two of these seven cars reportedly remained left hand drive as they came from the factory, but received similar tailoring and interior changes. These were said to include a matt black over black leather and grey over black leather, however photos from today’s post confirm the matt black car is right hand drive.

    Beyond these seven, there were two F40 LMs. One was left in its original Rosso Corsa and remained largely original. The other was resprayed in black with distinctive red stripe around the beltline. The latter is also believed to have been in an accident while on a test drive during its time at Pininfarina, but it was reportedly repaired before being delivered.

    Built before Paolo’s time in his position at Pininfarina were two other earlier F40s. Both were converted to right-hand drive. The first was yellow with black leather interior and the second was painted matte grey with grey leather interior and fitted with comfort seats from the Testarossa rather than the 512TR like the later cars. This car also featured a red stripe around the beltline.

    Here’s a breakdown of what we know of each car. Given there’s no conclusive list that we’ve yet found, we’re piecing this together largely based on the original Facebook post we found this morning and comparing that to the previous CarThrottle video that contained all but one of the cars. If you have a source for further information, drop us a note below in the comments and we’ll update this list.

    F40 #1 – F40, Gloss Black / Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate:
    Color: Gloss Black (Resprayed by Pininfarina, Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive, Full leather interior with 512TR comfort seats, power windows, and radio. We have no photo of this car at this time.

    F40 #2 – F40, Green / Green, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate: BP77
    Color: Emerald Green (Resprayed by Pininfarina, Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive, Full leather interior with 512TR comfort seats, power windows, and radio (radio missing in photo). Car is listed as “emerald green” by CarThrottle but appears to be darker in these photos shot in admittedly dark lighting.

    F40 #3 – F40, Green / Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate:
    Color: Forest Green (Resprayed by Pininfarina, Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive, Full leather interior with 512TR comfort seats, power windows, and radio. We have no photo of this car at this time.

    F40 #4 – F40, Rosso Corsa / Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate: Unknown
    Color: Rosso Corsa (Possibly Original from Factory, Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive, Full leather interior with Testarossa (listed as 512TR by Car Throttle) comfort seats, power windows, and radio. Photos also show hole in front bumper.

    F40 #5 – F40, Gloss White / Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate: BP8883
    Color: Gloss White (Resprayed by Pininfarina, Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive, Full leather interior with 512TR comfort seats, power windows, and radio.

    F40 #6 – F40, Silver / Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate: BM7878
    Color: Silver (Resprayed, likely by Pininfarina)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive, Full leather interior with 512TR comfort seats. This car is not in the CarThrottle video inventory but shows up in this photo set and with specification similar to other Paolo Garella Era RHD cars.

    F40 #7 – F40, Charcoal Grey / Black, LHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate: BM8686
    Color: Charcoal Grey Matt (Resprayed by Pininfarina, Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Left-hand drive with red beltline stripe, Full leather interior with Testarossa comfort seats, power windows, and radio. This car is listed as

    F40 #8 – F40, Matt Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate: Unknown
    Color: Matt Black (Resprayed probably by Pininfarina)
    Modifications & History: Left-hand drive according to CarThrottle and right-hand drive according to RADwood post inventory and photos. Full leather interior with 512TR comfort seats, power windows, and radio.

    F40 #9 – F40 LM, Gloss Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 LM
    VIN: 88523
    Registration Plate: KF7899
    Color: Black (Resprayed by Pininfarina)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive with leather interior including Tesstarossa-style comfort seats, radio, and power windows.

    F40 #10 – F40 LM, Rosso Corsa / Red Fabric, LHD

    Specification: F40 LM
    VIN: 92237
    Registration Plate:
    Color: Rosso Corsa (Original from Factory)
    Modifications & History: Largely remained original from factory. This car was reportedly acquired by UK Ferrari dealer John Collins who sourced it for the Brunei royal family but it never made it to Brunei and was resold. We have no photos of this car at this time.

    F40 #11 – F40, Matt Grey, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: 91283
    Registration Plate: BM8383, (Unknown in UK)
    Color: Matt Grey (Resprayed by Pininfarina, Prior to Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive with red beltline stripe, grey leather interior with Testarossa-style comfort seats. It has since been exported to the UK by Ferrari dealer John Collins. In the early 2000s it was painted back to Rosso Corsa and fitted with LM seats in red fabric, then in 2018 was painted back to matte grey by DK engineering and retained the red cloth interior.

    F40 #12 – F40, Yellow / Black, RHD

    Specification: F40 Road Car
    VIN: Unknown
    Registration Plate:
    Color: Yellow (Resprayed by Pininfarina, Prior to Paolo Garella Era)
    Modifications & History: Right-hand drive, Full leather interior with unconfirmed specification comfort seats, power windows, and radio. It was never shipped to Brunei and kept in the UK for the use of the Brunei royal family when in England. This car was also later resold by UK Ferrari dealer John Collins and was later changed back to Rosso Corsa and fitted with red cloth interior as it would have come from the factory. It remains right-hand drive. We have no photos of this car at this time.

  • Bentley Unveils ‘The Mews’ – Exclusive Customer Experiential Space Near Crewe Factory

    Bentley Unveils ‘The Mews’ – Exclusive Customer Experiential Space Near Crewe Factory

    • The Mews provides a new English country home for Bentley Motors 
    • Historic property previously reserved as private residence for Bentley CEOs architecturally redesigned and refurbished
    • Furnished with key pieces from the Bentley Home collection – the only location in the UK where the collection can be seen
    • Complementing its established CW1 and factory tour experiences – enabling the brand to offer its most valued customers an intimate space for bespoke commissioning while also acting as an expression of the brand’s history and values 
    • An elegant and sophisticated country retreat, nestled in lush parkland amidst picturesque and tranquil Cheshire countryside

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors unveils ‘The Mews, The Home of Bentley’ an exclusive use country retreat, a short drive from its Crewe factory providing clients with an intimate space for bespoke commissioning while also acting as an expression of the brand’s history and values. The property, historically used as a private residence for Bentley CEOs, has been fully refurbished over the past 12 months to provide a state-of-the-art space in an English country house setting. 

    Located in Cheshire, England it boasts gated private access leading down a sweeping driveway framed by lush parkland that spans approximately four acres. A short drive from the Bentley factory and an hour from Manchester Airport and Piccadilly station.    

    In addition to the exclusive commissioning suite, the living spaces provide an opportunity to be immersed in the Bentley brand and lifestyle experience. 

    Bentley Home furniture, which celebrated its 10th anniversary last year, is displayed throughout the property – and is the only location in the UK where clients can view the collection in situ. Each piece reflects the Bentley design aesthetic with meticulous craftsmanship and groundbreaking materiality from the Paper Marble used in the Thames Coffee table created by Federico Peri (first launched at Milan Design Week 2023 and new to the UK) to meticulously crafted veneers and hides. The newly launched Wilton Desk from Milan Design Week 2024 can also be viewed in the commissioning suite which saw Bentley Home’s first foray into the world of the home office. 

    In the dining room guests will have the chance to see the innovative The Macallan Horizon vessel on display, the first product born from the brand’s partnership with The Macallan. The limited-edition release designed and crafted in collaboration with the Bentley design team features a unique 180-degree twist vessel was years in the making, being released in March this year. Furthermore, the drinks cabinet is exclusively stocked with broader The Macallan expressions to be enjoyed.

    Exceptional audio can be experienced throughout the home thanks to a fully integrated Naim and Focal system, also incorporating the outside space. Naim having offered their exclusive sound system within Bentley vehicles as an option for over 10 years.  

    Wayne Bruce, Project Lead of The Mews, said “In addition to our esteemed customer experience centre, CW1 House, where we provide clients with an exclusive environment immersed in the Bentley brand, The Mews stands as the definitive Home of Bentley. It embodies a seamless integration of heritage, luxury, and exclusivity, set within a tranquil yet sophisticated atmosphere that enhances the overall brand experience.”

    The Mews is now officially open to welcome guests. 

  • European Market Find: 1981 BMW E23 735i Touring by Euler in Cypress Green

    European Market Find: 1981 BMW E23 735i Touring by Euler in Cypress Green

    What: 1981 BMW 735i Touring
    Color: Cypress Green Metallic (cypressgrün; metallic; 152; BMW)
    VIN: N/A
    Mileage: 15,400 km / 9,569 miles
    Price at Time of this Writing: CHF 64,900
    CarFax: N/A
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Zurich, Switzerland
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Though it appears to be painted the standard 1981 E23 7-Series color of Cypress Green Metallic, this well-kept early 7er is anything but ordinary. You see, BMW never built a station wagon version of the E23 7er, but a small firm called Euler did and now one of these rare cars has hit the market.

    Here’s what we know. Euler, a firm that had built a following personalizing the early 7 series and one of their creations was the station wagon you see here. The transformation required a complete reworking of the rear of a perfectly good E32 – no easy task.

    Changes included a unique hatch design, rear doors redesigned to match the more upright rear roof architecture, and side windows that lost their trademark Hoffmeister Kink design in the process. Roof rails from the car’s period rival from Mercedes-Benz, while an Alpina front bumper makes for a more aggressive look at the front.

    Though we’ve not found a final number of Euler 735i Touring builds, accounts suggest that only a few were built.

    Given there aren’t many of these cars around, we’re fairly certain this is the same car listed on Facebook and subsequently shared by The Truth About Cars (TTAC). The spec is identical, and the mileage at the time was 11,000 km so suggests it may be. If so, TTAC shared that the car was previously imported to the USA and federalized (note the U.S. side markers in the most recent photos) where the car was reportedly put into storage and where its condition degraded. It would eventually sold at an estate sale in 2010, then exported at some point back to Europe where it landed in Switzerland. In 2016, AutoWeek Magazine drove the car and reported on the experience, and in those photos it still appears to wear American plates.

    From the looks of the photos, it appears the car is now in very presentable condition.

    If you’re a North American and interested in this car, we’d suggest checking out its importation history. If it’s the same car that came to the U.S.A. (and we believe it is given the U.S. side markers), then it likely doesn’t need import duties paid a second time. That would create some savings from the usual importation process.

  • Ian Callum’s Firm Names First Color of the Year, Forecasts 2025 Trends

    Ian Callum’s Firm Names First Color of the Year, Forecasts 2025 Trends

    • First “Colour of the Year” from British design and engineering studio CALLUM forecasts 
      colour trends for 2025
    • Aqua Mist is a fresh pastel blend of green and blue, symbolising optimism, tranquillity 
      and rejuvenation
    • It’s the first in what will become an annual forecast of colour trends from CALLUM, 
      spanning the automotive, textiles, interiors and technology sectors

    [source: CALLUM]

    CALLUM, the British design and engineering studio, has introduced its Colour of the Year 2025, Aqua Mist. A fresh pastel blend of green and blue, it is vibrant and optimistic while promoting relaxation and tranquillity.

    Aqua Mist represents renewal and innovation in a fast-changing world. The refreshing, soothing hue combines the calm of blue with the rejuvenation of green, perfect for creating peaceful, balanced spaces.

    The CALLUM Colour of the Year 2025 is the first in what will become an annual forecast of colour trends from CALLUM’s growing team of colour, material and finishes experts. Inspired by recent projects, the team has redefined its approach to colour, centring on its impact and the emotional responses colour can evoke. By selecting a signature shade for the year ahead, the brand anticipates and influences design trends while demonstrating its creativity and innovation, reinforcing its position as a forward-thinking leader in design.

    CALLUM’s colour, material and finishes designer, Charlotte Jones, said, “Aqua Mist offers a fresh, calming energy. Its soft and cool undertones are associated with tranquillity and openness, providing a balanced base that doesn’t overwhelm the senses. Its versatility means it is suited to a number of applications, materials and surface textures, while layering with CALLUM’s specially-selected balancing colours creates a fun, energetic vibe.

    “Recent projects and collaborations have given us valuable insights into the needs, preferences and experiences of a variety of customers, particularly those who rely on well-considered inclusive design to enhance accessibility and comfort. We want the CALLUM Colour of the Year to spark conversations about how colour resonates with the emotional needs of customers and can help shape spaces and products that elicit deeper emotional responses.”

    The CALLUM team has identified a concise complementary palette. Teaming Aqua Mist with balancing colours Neon Riot and Midnight Tide, it has created a playful, dynamic trio that offers an energetic yet approachable look, ideal for designs that need both vibrancy and sophistication – perfect for playful brands.

    Neon Riot is an attention-grabbing hot pink. It brings energy, fun and vibrancy to the palette by adding a pop of brightness, evoking feelings of excitement and creativity. Neon Riot is bold and youthful, which gives any design a sense of dynamism and fun.

    Midnight Tide is a rich, deep blue. It grounds the other two colours with its darker, more intense shade, making the overall palette feel balanced and mature.

    Commenting on the CALLUM Colour of the Year, design director Ian Callum said, “Every design team in the world looks at future aesthetics to stay relevant and appeal to ever-evolving consumer tastes.Plus, it’s creative and a lot of fun. The CALLUM Colour of the Year 2025 is the first time we’ve made any of our forecasting work public.”

    Aqua Mist 
    HEX #16E0B8 
    R:9 
    G:88 
    B:72
    C:90%
    M:0%
    Y:18%
    K:12%

    Neon Riot
    HEX #FF0073 
    R:225 
    G:0 
    B:115
    C:0%
    M:98%
    Y:25%
    K:0%

    Midnight Tide
    HEX #002646
    R:0 
    G:38 
    B:70
    C:100%
    M:84%
    Y:43%
    K:46%

    CALLUM Aqua Mist in automotive
    The combination of Aqua Mist, Neon Riot and Midnight Tide in automotive projects can create a bold, futuristic and attention-grabbing aesthetic, especially for brands or models aimed at trend-conscious audiences.

    CALLUM Aqua Mist in textiles
    Aqua Mist can be featured in matte or satin finishes, and is especially on softer materials such as rubberised surfaces, textiles or smooth plastics. Its calm, cool vibe can be elevated using tactile textures like pebble-grain leather or mesh fabrics, providing a soft, inviting touch while maintaining a fresh and modern look.

    CALLUM Aqua Mist in interior design
    This soothing hue combines the calm of blue with the rejuvenation of green, promoting relaxation and mental clarity, making it perfect for peaceful, balanced spaces.

    CALLUM Aqua Mist in technology
    Aqua Mist represents innovation and forward-thinking in a rapidly-changing world, ideal for cutting-edge technology.

    To mark its Colour of the Year, CALLUM will subtly incorporate Aqua Mist into its branding throughout 2025. CALLUM also looks forward to discussions with partners and brands about potential collaborations interpreting Aqua Mist in creative, impactful ways.

    Download the full report, click here.

    About CALLUM
    CALLUM is a design and engineering business that creates and crafts its own bespoke and limited-edition products, and provides consultancy and services to partners and third parties. Combining progressive design with engineering that pushes boundaries, CALLUM’s products and services span automotive, lifestyle, and travel.

    Nimble and agile, CALLUM operates from its 20,000ft2 facility in Warwick, UK, that houses the latest technology to deliver: design; 3D modelling, printing and scanning; colour, materials and finishes development; whole vehicle engineering; vehicle development and homologation testing; prototyping; machining, and trim services.

    CALLUM takes a collaborative approach: bringing together a team of 20+ talented individuals with experience across art, audio, automotive, fashion and motorsport, as well as embracing opportunities to collaborate with other businesses. Striving to build a legacy through innovative design and engineering, CALLUM takes on projects that intrigue and excite, creating stories that stir the imagination.

    Established in July 2019, CALLUM’s founding members include British designer Ian Callum CBE, admired for his prolific automotive work that includes the Aston Martin Vanquish. Through its NextGeneration initiative, CALLUM strives to support and nurture young minds and talent, fostering an environment that encourages peer-to-peer learning to ensure CALLUM remains relevant, progressive, and true to its roots.

    www.callumdesigns.com

  • Market Find: 2024 Porsche Paint to Sample Nogaro Blue Cayenne Turbo GT

    Market Find: 2024 Porsche Paint to Sample Nogaro Blue Cayenne Turbo GT

    What: 2024 Porsche Blue Cayenne Turbo GT
    Color: Porsche Paint to Sample Nogaro Blue (nogaroblau; pearl effect UNI; Z5M; Audi)
    VIN: WP1BK2AY2RDA72826
    Mileage: 9,956
    Price at Time of this Writing: $199,991
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Houston, TX
    Dealer listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    We’re suckers for Nogaro Blue, but this Tailored Driver in some ways brings it back to its roots. But rather than be an Audi massaged by Porsche like the RS 2 where Nogaro debuted, this is a Porsche with Audi’s 4.0TFSI slightly massaged by Stuttgart. Beyond the Nogaro Blue hue, this Cayenne Turbo GT tastefully restrained and incredibly well equipped. We struggle to think of a better, more capable runabout.

  • Color Check: SQ7 in Oak Green Pearl Effect from Audi South Africa

    Color Check: SQ7 in Oak Green Pearl Effect from Audi South Africa

    At least in paint naming convention, the term “Oak Green” can be a bit confusing because multiple manufacturers have coined the term. Porsche has an Oak Green Metallic and its more recent updating called Oak Green Neo. It’s a great color that other manufacturers such as Audi exclusive will be happy to paint for you. So, that Audi has its own Oak Green, specifically Oak Green Pearl (oakgrünperleffekt; metallic uni; Q82; Audi), can make it more confusing.

    We’re doing our best to be specific and keep track of it all. So, when we caught this post of an SQ7 by Audi South Africa on Facebook, we inquired. The SQ7 in this photo almost looked like the much-more-common District Green currently offered on many Audi models as a standard color. However, it was a bit dark, making it quite close to Audi exclusive Oak Green Pearl specimens we’ve seen in person, so we reached out to Audi South Africa and they were able to confirm that it is Oak Green Pearl.

    Check out more photos below, and click the embedded Facebook post above in order to give Audi South Africa a follow.

  • Market Find: 2024 Bentley Mulliner Personal Red Violet Metallic Continental GTC Speed

    Market Find: 2024 Bentley Mulliner Personal Red Violet Metallic Continental GTC Speed

    What: 2024 Bentley Continental GTC Speed
    Color: Bentley Mulliner Personal Red Violet Metallic (Code TBD)
    VIN: SCBDT4ZG8RC014369
    Mileage: 508
    Price at Time of this Writing: Auction
    CarFax: Link
    Window Sticker: Pictured below
    Location: Scottsdale, AZ
    Auction listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    This Tailored Driver is an incredibly big swing at individuality, and frankly we’re here for it. With a $462,680 original MSRP ($23,680 of it representing love it or hate it Red Violet Metallic paint by Mulliner), and enough Magenta inside and out to make Barbie blush, the original Tailor of this Continental GTC Speed certainly isn’t afraid to flaunt. They also seem to embody a “have fun, die smiling” mentality, frankly we’d love to shake their hand.

  • European Market Find: Restored 1980 BMW 323i in Biscay Blue

    European Market Find: Restored 1980 BMW 323i in Biscay Blue

    What: 1980 BMW 323i
    Color: Biscay Blue (biscayblaau; non-metallic; 140; BMW)
    VIN: Unknown
    Mileage: 115,000 km (71,457 mi)
    Price at Time of this Writing: € 29.999
    CarFax: N/A
    MonroneyLabels.com Window Sticker: N/A
    Location: Palm Harbor, FL
    Private party seller listing: Link

    Why we love it:

    Though not as iconic as the 2002 that came before it, nor as loved by enthusiasts as the E30 that came after it, BMW’s E21 3-Series still captures that classic 80s BMW style and makes for an excellent driver… particularly in top-of-the-heap 323i form. Alas, we didn’t get the 323i in the States, which means you have to look in Europe for cars like this private party listed example from Haren, Germany.

    Likely its color, Biscay Blue, wasn’t a BMW Individual specification but rather simply a color that is exceedingly rare today. In this case, it’s also a respray as perusal of the listing will show in both description and ample photography you don’t always find in a European mass market listing. That it also has Alpina kit like those wheels and wooden shift knob doesn’t hurt either.

    Check out the full listing description below, and a mix of photos below that. For the full mix of photos and further details, check out the link above.

    We offer here on behalf of the customer a fully restored BMW E21 323i in the rare and beautiful color Biscay blue with black leather interior for sale.

    As usual with these European market finds, a car older than 25 years is easily importable into the United States (15 years for Canada). Our European Market Find listings take this into account, only focusing on cars old enough for easy import. Any number of companies out there cater to American buyers seeking to bring vehicles such as this one here to North America.

    Details:
    • Engine REVISED incl. attachments, timing belt and water pump
    • Bilstein chassis with H&R lowering springs, HA height adjustable
    • Rims from OZ King 6 & 7×15 with 195/50R15 and 205/50R15 Hankook
    • Alcantara canopy
    • ESD BOSI
    • With TÜV, H license plate, accident-free, approved, restored and ready to drive immediately.
    • Extensively and expertly restored.
    • (German) vehicle documents, TÜV and service reports.
    • The restoration was documented with photos.
    • Expertly completely repainted.
    • New tires and brake system.
    • Hollow sealed and preserved underbody.
    • With sunroof and radio.
    • Very good overall condition.