Blog

  • JLR Returns to Pebble Beach with 2024 Spec Range Rover SV Carmel Edition

    JLR Returns to Pebble Beach with 2024 Spec Range Rover SV Carmel Edition

    Last year Range Rover tried something different to celebrate Monterey Car Week, offering a super exclusive Range Rover SV finished by SV Bespoke for an incredibly exclusive special edition. Effectively, you had to be present to purchase one of these very special examples… and they all sold. Apparently, this is not becoming a Monterey Tradition, with JLR revealing their latest Carmel Edition spec that will be available on just 17 long-wheelbase examples.

    Below is the official press copy on the 2024 Carmel Edition:

    [source: JLR]

    Ahead of the historic presentation at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, specially invited Range Rover guests entertained at the Range Rover House witnessed the unveiling of the 2024 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition, a limited edition of 17 long‑wheelbase models finished by SV Bespoke. 

    This year’s Carmel Edition curation draws inspiration from the picturesque landscape of lush woodlands and ocean cliffs along the breathtaking coastal roads surrounding Carmel. featuring a Bespoke Satin Green exterior with Sequoia Green and Perlino interior, colour‑matched wheels and complementary black metal badging with 24k gold accents. 

    The Range Rover SV Carmel Edition was joined by the high‑performance Range Rover Sport SV EDITION TWO, making its world debut. Its exclusive Blue Nebula Matte finish with forged carbon fibre finishers is one of four fresh curations for the 2024 release of the most powerful and dynamic Range Rover Sport ever.

  • Market Find: 2016 Mercedes G 63 Crazy Color Edition in Galactic Beam

    Market Find: 2016 Mercedes G 63 Crazy Color Edition in Galactic Beam

    Back in 2016, the purple color offered in the aptly named Mercedes-AMG G 63 Crazy Color Edition was Galactic Beam(galacticbeam; metallic UNI; 171; Mercedes-Benz). It was one of five very distinct hues that were made available on Mercedes’ then-new W463 G-Wagen. Now, we’ve found one (VIN# WDCYC7DF6GX254809) over at Ryan Friedman Motor Cars in Glen Cove, NY.

    Check out the attached photos and you’ll glean what’s already been known about Galactic Beam. It’s a very special purple that shifts to different hues when the light hits it at various angles. It morphs from an intense purple, to pink, to even orange or bronze.

    Other colors in the Crazy Color Edition included Solar Beam (yellow), Alien Green, Tomato Red and Sunset Beam (orange). However, it was Galactic Beam that was the most expensive to build and thus to order.

    One Galactic Beam specimen of the G 63 Crazy Color Edition is now available at Ryan Friedman Motor Cars. As of this writing, it’s reportedly logged 32,918 miles. So, if you’re searching for a very unique G-Wagen, or perhaps just need to see this color in person, check it out at their showroom in New York HERE.

  • The Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years

    The Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years

    • Exclusive 50th anniversary model of the 911 Turbo
    • Limited to 1,974 units
    • Design evokes historic 911 Turbo models

    [source: Porsche AG]

    Stuttgart. To mark the 50th anniversary of the 911 Turbo, Porsche is launching an exclusive anniversary model of its iconic sports car. The 911 Turbo 50 Years combines outstanding performance and the finest materials with exclusive design elements. The interior and exterior evoke historic 911 Turbo models, complemented by timelessly elegant and contemporary styling elements. An optional Heritage Design Package further refines the aesthetics of the anniversary model. Porsche has limited the 911 Turbo 50 Years, which is based on the last-generation 911 Turbo S, to 1,974 units in honour of the year in which the first 911 Turbo made its debut.

    Unique anniversary model with Turbo feel and design
    When it was introduced in 1974, the Type 930 Porsche 911 Turbo shifted the boundaries of what was possible. It brought the benchmark turbo technology from the 917/10 and 917/30 racing cars into a production sports car with superior performance and combined it with a unique design and unprecedented day-to-day usability. The 911 Turbo 50 Years anniversary model – based on the 911 Turbo S introduced in 2019 – both pays tribute to and reinterprets this heritage. The standard side vinyl graphics are a nod to the historic livery of the Porsche 911 RSR Turbo presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1973, itself a forerunner of the 911 Turbo. It features the current Porsche Turbo-exclusive colour Turbonite, which here makes its first appearance on a 911. Turbonite is also used on inlays in the rear engine cover, the fuel tank cap and in the Porsche crest. It is also being used as a contrasting colour in the Turbo 50 model logo. Another historical reference is the use of Anthracite Grey on the rear wing blade, rear apron, mirror base and air intake trims. A badge on the rear engine cover grille features a turbocharger icon and the years 1974–2024. When the door is open, the LED door projector projects the image of a turbocharger onto the ground next to the car. The 911 Turbo 50 Years comes with the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Design wheels in Turbonite as standard.

    Interior recalls the zeitgeist of the 1970s
    The interior of the 911 Turbo 50 Years is also redolent of Turbo history. As an exclusive tribute to the early Porsche 911 Turbo models, the iconic McKenzie tartan adorns the centre panels of the seat covers and the interior door panels. Additional contrasts in Turbonite further differentiate the car from the regular 911 Turbo S series-production model. These Turbonite accents include the seat belts, controls, decorative stitching, trim strips with decorative inlays in black leather and the Porsche crest on the GT sports steering wheel. An illuminated Turbo 50 logo, meanwhile, features on the door kick plates, which are finished in black brushed aluminium. The logo is embroidered into the headrests of the Adaptive Sports Seats Plus. There is also a Turbo 50 logo on the back of the left rear seat. Above the glove compartment is an anniversary plaque in aluminium, which bears both the Turbo 50 logo and the individual limited-edition number of the sports car. The A-pillar, sun visors and roof lining are upholstered in perforated Race-Tex. An analogue Porsche Design Subsecond clock with a special Turbo 50 design adorns the dashboard.

    Even more history with Heritage Design package
    The historically inspired, optionally available 50 Years of Turbo Heritage Design Package complements the anniversary model with numerous additional exclusive design and equipment features that hark back to the 911 Turbo models of the 1970s. The base colour of the Heritage Design Package is provided by the Aventurine Green Metallic paintwork. Alternatively, both the standard 911 colours and Paint to Sample programme colours are also available. One component of the Heritage Design Package is a high-quality decorative graphic in White (satin finish) consisting of three elements: the lollipop with individually selectable car numbers between 0 and 99, the 50 years of Turbo logo and a Porsche logo. Those who prefer a minimalistic look can dispense with some or all of the graphic elements. The historic Porsche crest from 1964 is used on the front bonnet as well as on the centre caps of the Sport Classic wheels, painted in Brilliant Silver and White (satin finish). The Turbo 50 and Porsche logos on the rear are in Gold. In the interior, additional leather features and additional tartan design elements round off the anniversary model. The dashboard trim, glove box and seat backrest inlays are covered with the classic pattern. The historic Porsche crest is mounted on the steering wheel, while the centre console storage compartment bears the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur logo embossed in the leather. The dials in the instrument cluster and the Sport Chrono clock in the Heritage Design Package are finished in green.

    Outstanding in performance, style and history
    Technically, the Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years is based on the 911 Turbo S that has been in production since 2019. Its 3.7-litre boxer engine with variable turbine geometry (VTG) twin turbocharging delivers 478 kW (650 PS) and 800 Newton metres of torque. With a kerb weight of 1,640 kilograms, the result is a power-to-weight ratio of 2.52 kg/PS. The 911 Turbo 50 needs just 2.7 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h and hits 200 km/h in a mere 8.9 seconds. Power is transmitted to the wheels by the 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (PDK) and the active all-wheel-drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), including the electronically controlled rear differential lock with fully variable torque distribution. A sports exhaust system with black tailpipes comes as standard. The 10 millimetre-lower Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension and the lift system on the front axle are also included as standard, as are the LED matrix headlights, including the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus. The brake callipers of the standard PCCB brake system feature a black finish.

    Exclusive Chronograph for a timeless sports car
    Exclusively for the owners of the 911 Turbo 50 Years, Porsche Design Timepieces is releasing a special timepiece as an homage to the anniversary model. The 911 Turbo 50 Years chronograph is equipped with the COSC-certified Porsche Design WERK 01.200 movement with flyback function. Like the vehicle, the watch is limited to 1,974 units and combines classic design with modern technology. Its black dial with elements in Turbonite is a perfect likeness of the timepiece on the dashboard. The strap, made of black vehicle leather with decorative stitching in Turbonite, features a folding clasp. The transparent case offers a view of the winding rotor in the same style as the wheels of the 911 Turbo 50. The limited-edition number engraved on the titanium housing corresponds to the limited-edition number of the vehicle. The chronograph is also available in a special version in conjunction with the Heritage Design Package.

    Ready for immediate order
    The limited-edition 911 Turbo 50 Years anniversary model can be ordered now at prices starting from € 274,000 including VAT and country-specific equipment. Deliveries will start in autumn 2024. It can already be seen in the ongoing Beyond Performance – 50 Years of Porsche Turbo special exhibition at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.

  • Henry Catchpole Drives the Remastered Lancia Delta Integrale Stradale and Rally for Hagerty

    Henry Catchpole Drives the Remastered Lancia Delta Integrale Stradale and Rally for Hagerty

    Henry Catchpole does what Henry Catchpole does by offering an incredible amount of historical trivia along with an entertaining review of some of the finest cars and remasters. This time around that focus is on the Lancia Delta Integrale and Maturo’s take… or takes, since he drive both the Stradale specification and also the Rally specification.

  • Market Find: Paint to Sample Porsche Taycan in Underberg Green

    Market Find: Paint to Sample Porsche Taycan in Underberg Green

    Though EVs are far from traditional and the debate of the ubiquitousness of their future is never ending, we find the tradition of PTS carrying over to electric Porsches like the Taycan to be undebatable. Take for example this MY2023 Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo (VIN: WP0CD2Y1XPSA90074) in classic Underberg Green found over at Porsche Sugar Land.

    We see Underberg Green regularly amongst the many green Paint to Sample Porsches that cross our news desk, and for good reason. The legend goes (via @PTSRS) that the origins of the color tend to be attributed to the Underberg family who both owned the Underberg brand of German digestif bitter and the cars they may or may not have ordered in that color… and apparently they were more of a Mercedes-Benz owning clan.

    Whatever the case, the color starts showing up on Porsche models during the 991 era and has since enjoyed a lot of followers for its handsome non-metallic dark green that sometimes gets mistaken for Irish Green.

    In this case, it’s been sprayed on a now Certified Pre-Owned Taycan GTS long roof with about 15,000 miles on it. If you’re looking for a unique wagon and at the same time are EV curious, this car may very well be for you.

    That link again is HERE at Porsche Sugar Land. Find more photos and info about the car there.

  • Porsche 911 S/T in Dani Blue: When a Dream Color Becomes Reality

    Porsche 911 S/T in Dani Blue: When a Dream Color Becomes Reality

    Porsche enthusiast and horse breeder Jorge Carnicero will soon have a new unique specimen in his stable. As part of the Porsche Sonderwunsch program, a comprehensively customized 911 S/T in Dani Blue has been created. The Kentucky-based sports car collector named the color after Color & Trim designer Daniela Milošević, who developed the shade of paint special for this car. One striking feature of the interior is the tricolor pepita pattern on the seat centers. Like the extensive leather upholstery in Graphite Blue, the pattern complements the blue color of the exterior paintwork. The 911 S/T in Dani Blue will be a featured highlight for Porsche this year at Monterey Car Week.

    The sports car collector from the US state of Kentucky named the colour exclusively developed for him after Colour & Trim designer Daniela Milošević. One striking feature of the interior is the tricoloured pepita houndstooth pattern on the seat centres. Like the extensive leather upholstery in Graphite Blue, the pattern runs with the blue colour of the exterior paintwork. The 911 S/T in Dani Blue will be one of the highlights of the Monterey Car Week (15 to 17 August 2024) before Porsche hands the car over to its long-standing customer.

    “Blue has always been my colour. I was never a fan of green,” Jorge Carnicero already revealed during one of his previous projects with Porsche. That highly individual 911 GT3 Touring was based on the millionth 911, which had rolled off the line in Irish Green in 2017. Despite Carnicero’s preference, this model from four years ago ended up green after all – British Racing Green.

    [source: Porsche]

    Atlanta. During the configuration of a 911 S/T, the sports car collector Jorge Carnicero asked the color experts at Porsche to create a special blue that would suit the sporty, pure character of the limited anniversary model. With its ‘Paint to Sample Plus’ program, Porsche lets customers develop colors based entirely on their own ideas. It is rare for the designers at Style Porsche to be involved in the configuration process of a single vehicle, but they were in this case.

    Elaborate development of Dani Blue in ‘Paint to Sample Plus’

    “Before getting started, we had four “paint frogs” painted in iconic blue colors,” Color & Trim designer Daniela Milošević said, recalling the beginning of this Sonderwunsch project. Paint frogs are miniature cars in the form of a current 911 that enable the effect of colors on a larger 3D body to be better assessed. Enamel Blue soon emerged as the general favorite. This was the color of the Porsche 901 sports coupé from 1964.

    Milošević and her colleagues further developed Enamel Blue, adapting it to the current era. During this process, the tone became “a little more colorful, more intense and darker, but not too loud”, she said. She interpreted Carnicero’s taste perfectly, leading him to name the color after her; ‘Dani Blue.’

    Even the Gurney flap on the rear and the PORSCHE script are painted in this exclusive color on Carnicero’s 911 S/T. Dani Blue’s exceptional brilliance, particularly in daylight, is a result of its sophisticated coating cycle. Of the four coats of clear lacquer in total, the first was additionally sanded. This also enabled the 911 S/T logos painted in contrasting Brilliant Silver to be embedded flush with the surface.

    The customer as a member of the Sonderwunsch family

    “Giving the paint my nickname is an overwhelming sign of gratitude for me and my work,” says Daniela Milošević. It’s also the highlight of the customer’s very appreciative attitude towards the Porsche employees, who found working with him very inspiring and motivating.

    Carnicero happily returns the compliment: “Porsche doesn’t just create unique cars in the Sonderwunsch program. What’s special for me is the journey itself, the extraordinary team feeling, the people behind it all. Everyone is committed to making a personal dream come true, and for this I cannot thank Porsche enough.” With its Sonderwunsch program, Porsche offers its customers individualizations of the highest quality.

    “Jorge Carnicero is a highly valued Porsche customer of many years’ standing and a member of the Sonderwunsch family. We’re so happy that he really appreciates the Manufaktur philosophy,” says Alexander Fabig, Vice President Individualization and Classic. “For some reason, a Porsche in his dream color has never worked out until now. Probably the 911 S/T had to come along, the car that this new color suits so perfectly.”

    Harmonious overall concept with attention to detail

    The classic look that is a feature of all of Jorge Carnicero’s Porsche cars is created by the combination of Dani Blue with Brilliant Silver on the lightweight magnesium wheels, the borders of the side windows (Daylight Opening), and the 911 S/T logos painted in Brilliant Silver behind the front wheel arches. The high-quality overall impression is also underlined by the mirror attachment pieces and the frame of the engine cover around the air intake grille being painted in high-gloss Black.

    There’s also a special Easter egg on the exterior: the motto ‘Simply the Best’ on the underside of the rear bumper. Befitting for the derivative, the letters S and T in this motto are typographically emphasized using the design of the model logo.

    Comprehensive leather interior upholstery and seats with exclusive pepita pattern

    The exterior color concept carries over to the interior. The most striking feature is the tricolor pepita pattern on the seat centers. The iconic check pattern, which first adorned the seats of the Porsche 356 at the start of the 1960s, is composed in this case of threads in Graphite Blue, Chalk and Blue.

    The interior also decorated with cross-stitching in GT Silver along the dashboard trim and the upper door panel trim. Each cross stitch is done carefully by hand by the experts at the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur saddlery. The interior of this special 911 S/T is generously upholstered in leather in Graphite Blue, with the natural material also being used for the knee pad and the trim on the A-pillars. Even the air vents are bordered in Graphite Blue leather, which is also used for the door opening loops. The entire roof lining is in Race-Tex of the same color. An eye for high-quality details is also evident in the high-gloss Black belt passages of the carbon fiber full bucket seats. The headrests feature the 911 S/T logo in GT Silver.

    Several members of the project team have signed the collector model on the passenger-side dashboard trim. Another Easter egg is to be found in the interior. The lateral ends of the dashboard, which can only be seen when the doors are open, bear an embossed ‘Dani’ signature from Daniela Milošević – a surprise and acknowledgement from the customer to the designer.

    One further detail with a personal note: a logo designed especially for Carnicero’s one-off car is embossed on the cover of the center console and on the vehicle document folder. It combines the 911 S/T logo with the current World Champion titles from Porsche. Everything comes full circle here, as a Metallic Silver 911 S from 1971 that carried the iconic ‘Porsche Manufacturers’ World Champion 69, 70, 71’ sticker in the side window was Carnicero’s first Porsche. Thus, with the support of Sonderwunsch Manufaktur, he also had a memento of his first great Porsche love attached to this latest Sonderwunsch project.

    As with the car, the luggage compartment has also been extensively customized. It is upholstered in Graphite Blue leather, and the exclusive pepita houndstooth pattern is also used here. The trunk mat and the bag for the roadside warning triangle are made of the tricolor textile that is a hallmark of Porsche.

    A special blue car cover with the 911 S/T logo and the 60th anniversary logo in contrasting grey round off the car’s exclusive look. And finally, the vehicle key is painted in Dani Blue.

    About the Porsche 911 S/T

    The Sonderwunsch model is based on the 911 S/T with which Porsche celebrates the 60th anniversary of the 911. This special edition, limited to 1,963 units, offers a one-of-a-kind combination of agility and driving dynamics. It combines the naturally aspirated, 518 hp 4.0-liter flat-six engine from the 911 GT3 RS with a close-ratio manual transmission. This is complemented by resolutely lightweight construction down to the tiniest detail and a running-gear setup optimized for agility and drivability. The name identifies the new 911 S/T as the descendant of a particularly performance-focused version of the first 911 generation. Starting in 1969, Porsche offered a special racing version of the 911 S. Internally, these vehicles were called 911 ST. 

    About the Porsche Sonderwunsch program

    In the spirit of truly luxury, the Porsche Sonderwunsch program provides bespoke customization services for unique sports cars with a combination of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. The sports car manufacturer thus reinterprets its legendary Sonderwunsch program from the late 1970s to enable individualized, one-off cars – co-created by the customer and professionally produced by Porsche.

    The range of services encompasses individual customer color and material requests directly in production, as well as subsequent modification after the car is delivered to the customer. Practically speaking, everything complying with local regulatory requirements is possible, from new colors and equipment for existing cars to the creation of individual one-off cars at the customer’s request.

  • Market Find: BMW Individual Urban Green M4 Competition

    Market Find: BMW Individual Urban Green M4 Competition

    As anyone who had Army Men toys or even a casual interest in the armed forces can attest- Urban Green is just cool. This criminally(?) underused hue of green looks right at home on most sporty variants, and the BMW M4 (VIN: WBS4Y9C04LFH71553) you see here is no exception.

    Featuring a claimed $16,880 in factory options, this highly spec’d BMW M4 is the kind of build that may cause some to initially scratch their heads, but really draws a crowd upon arrival.

    This BMW Individual Urban Green M4 Coupe is currently on offer at Park Place LTD for $61,950, and does feature one minor incident on the CarFax. Find more info about this Tailored Driver, here.

  • Aston Martin Unifies F1 Pedigree and SUV with Unique DBX707 AMR24

    Aston Martin Unifies F1 Pedigree and SUV with Unique DBX707 AMR24

    • New and exclusive DBX707 AMR24 is a celebration of Aston Martin’s Aramco Formula 1® Team and their involvement at the pinnacle of motorsport
    • Exclusive DBX707 AMR24 Edition gets the same racing identity as the AMR24 F1® car and the Official Medical Car of Formula 1®
    • Additional highlights are available to amplify the racing look even further to reflect the brand’s racing pedigree

    [source: Aston Martin]

    03 July 2024, Gaydon, UK: Aston Martin is once again celebrating the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team with the release of an exclusive AMR24 Edition for the world’s most powerful ultra-luxury SUV: the DBX707. Named after the brand’s Formula 1® challenger, the AMR24 Edition is a DBX707 that shares a racing identity with both the AMR24 F1® car and the Official Medical Car of Formula 1®

    The AMR24 F1® car is a culmination of countless hours of work and uncompromising craft, built on the strengths of its predecessor and with the learnings from Aston Martin Aramco’s most successful season to date. The first car to be designed and built at the state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone, the 2024 challenger is a strong evolution, designed to provide the perfect platform for in season development throughout the relentless pursuit of progress.

    In celebration of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® on-track presence, the DBX707 AMR24 Edition raises the intensity and road presence even further for the brand’s critically acclaimed ultra-luxury, performance SUV. A curation of unique colour and trim features creates a DBX707 that unifies the exhilarating world of F1® with the world’s most dynamic and powerful luxury SUV, delivering truly dynamic, racing look.

    The AMR24 Edition offers exclusive content to both the interior and exterior of the DBX707: A choice of Podium Green, Onyx Black or Neutron White paint, complimented by Aston Martin Racing Green or AMR Lime brake calipers and paired with the 23” Fortis wheel in either satin or gloss black, as well as an exclusive AMR24 engine plaque.

    With the addition of either Lime Green or Trophy Silver accents to the sculptured in either gloss black or carbon, reminiscent of those on both AMR24 F1® car and the Official Medical Car of Formula 1®, the F1® connection between the road car and those on the track is underlined.

    Inside the AMR24 Edition, the Inspire Sport trim is available in a choice of two colourways, enhancing the overhauled cabin even further: Onyx black (Monotone) with a striking Lime stitch and piping, or Onyx Black / Eifel Green Duotone with a lime contrast stitch. Finer details can be specified with extended carbon fibre and dark chrome jewellery or titanium mesh complimented by satin chrome. The Aston Martin logo is also applied in foil to the dash panel and AMR24 is etched into the door sills, leaving occupants in no doubt of the Aston Martin racing bloodline. This identification is also supported by the application of a unique, lime hand-stitched saddle strap to the wireless charging station.

    The intensity inside the DBX707 AMR24 matches the exterior with a new sound system developed with Aston Martin’s audio partner, Bowers & Wilkins. Acoustically engineered to the DBX707’s interior volume and shape, this exceptional system uses technologies and innovations found in Bowers & Wilkins acclaimed world-class loudspeakers.

    The Aston Martin DBX707’s unique blend of immense performance, exceptional dynamics, unmatched style and true luxury saw it rapidly ascend to the pinnacle of the sector as the true Supercar of SUVs. The highlights are the 707PS/900Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and 9-speed ‘wet clutch’ automatic gearbox. Mated to a sophisticated all-wheel drive system capable of sending up to 100% of the torque to the rear axle on demand, the DBX707 AMR24 can launch from 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds and achieve a top speed of 193mph.

    As such DBX707 is now the marque’s single powertrain in the British ultra-luxury performance brand’s SUV portfolio. Comprehensive upgrades to the interior, announced earlier this year, are central to the new DBX707 with the adoption of Aston Martin’s state-of-the-art in-house developed infotainment system and a striking new cabin architecture. The addition of the AMR24 Edition provides a true racing look underlining the DBX707’s driver-focussed credentials.

    Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer said: “Now with a technically advanced interior to match its class leading performance, the DBX707 AMR24 Edition is a stand-out ultra-luxury SUV with incredible road presence. Aston Martin are competing at the pinnacle of world motorsport, which represents a key pillar in our brand and product strategy for our road cars, and it’s a real pleasure to offer this special edition in celebration of the Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1® Team.”

    The DBX707 AMR24 Edition is now available for customers to order.

    The Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team will continue its fight for Formula 1® success at the FORMULA 1 QATAR AIRWAYS BRITISH GRAND PRIX 2024 this weekend.

  • Market Find: BMW Individual Phoenix Yellow M3

    Market Find: BMW Individual Phoenix Yellow M3

    Originally available on the E46 generation M3, to say that Phoenix Yellow was somewhat divisive would be putting it lightly. This almost mustard yellow hue was certainly a product of early-2000s Europe, but has in my opinion aged incredibly well. And this 1 of a claimed 2 BMW Individual Phoenix Yellow M3 certainly has a charm to it.

    Moving past the incredibly in-your-face exterior paint and Fox Red interior, this M3 sports a 6 speed manual gearbox, lowering springs from RD Sport Suspension Solutions, and the OEM+ addition of BMW Style 359 wheels in gloss black. Rod Bearings are said to have been done, which provides a good bit of peace of mind. F

    This BMW Individual Phoenix Yellow M3 has covered just over 92,000 miles, and is priced at $68,000 at time of writing. Learn more about this Tailored Driver, here.

  • Bentley First Car Manufacturer to Join Global Body for Responsibly-Sourced Leather

    Bentley First Car Manufacturer to Join Global Body for Responsibly-Sourced Leather

    • Leather Naturally welcomes luxury British marque as first automotive member
    • International NGO encourages use of certified, responsibly-sourced leather
    • Global body promotes leather as natural by-product that supports responsible circular economy
    • Bentley was first car-maker to introduce a fully organic leather option and join the Leather Working Group in 2021
    • Company’s sustainable leather policy a part of its Beyond100 strategy

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, UK –  Bentley Motors has become the first automotive member of Leather Naturally, the global voice of the sustainable leather industry. The international, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) is dedicated to promoting the use of certified, properly-sourced leather as a natural by-product of a responsible circular economy.

    The new partnership with Leather Naturally is just the latest environmental initiative by Bentley, underscoring the brand’s ongoing commitment to its Beyond100 strategy to become the global leader in sustainable luxury mobility. In 2021, Bentley was the first automotive member of the Leather Working Group, promoting responsible business practices and environmental compliance within the leather industry.

    As a next step, the luxury British marque introduced the first, sustainable leather option for customers, utilising a sustainable leather tanning process that uses an organic by-product of the olive oil industry. Olive Mill Waste Water tanned Leather is produced with tanning agents free of harmful heavy metals, minerals and aldehydes.

    Marc Stang, Technical Expert, Leather and Colour Development at Bentley Motors, said:
    “Leather is a timeless, luxury material that has always epitomised the elegance, durability and quality of a hand-crafted Bentley interior. It has a rich history that dates back decades in our cars and has always stood the test of time. The application of the latest sustainable leathers allows an even wider variety of choice for our customers and further supports our industry-leading Beyond100 strategy.”

    Debbie Burton, Chair of Leather Naturally, added:
    “Leather Naturally is delighted to welcome Bentley as a member. As a brand synonymous with both luxury and leather, this partnership underlines its commitment to furthering sustainability and ongoing improvement through its Beyond 100 vision.”

    Leather Naturally has a global membership from a wide range of industries.  The NGO uses educational and promotional activities which focus on leathers made from hides that are a by-product of the food industry, therefore supporting a responsible, circular economy. Such materials would otherwise be turned into waste.

    About Bentley

    Bentley Motors is the most sought-after luxury car brand in the world. The company’s headquarters in Crewe is home to all of its operations including design, R&D, engineering and production of the company’s five model lines, Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, Flying Spur, Bentayga and Bentayga EWB. The combination of fine craftsmanship, using skills that have been handed down through generations, alongside engineering expertise and cutting-edge technology is unique to UK luxury car brands such as Bentley. It is also an example of high-value British manufacturing at its best. Bentley employs around 4,000 people at Crewe.