In the context of the new and facelift RS Q8, Ascari Blue isn’t an Audi exclusive color. Nevertheless, getting a closer look at the color in the real world lighting of these new shots from Audi UK, as well as how it pairs with Neodym Gold Matte wheels from the RS Q8’s latest parts bin convinced us to run a gallery anyway.
First, let’s consider Ascari Blue. Like some other colors and shades at Audi (looking at you Nardo Grey), Ingolstadt quietly launched the paint color as a most definitely Audi exclusive offering. Our first memory of the color was being painted on a collection of Ascari Blue RS show cars from Audi Sport GmbH at a European Auto Show. It eventually filtered into standard color palettes at first for RS cars, but most recently on many, many more – the new A5, new A6 e-tron, SQ8 and more. Like Nardo Grey, it is a fantastic color, though one that likely suffers from its own success and subsequent ubiquity. It is no longer on the more exclusive side of Audi exclusive color offerings.
But yes, it’s still handsome. It also pairs interestingly with these new double Y-spoke 23-inch wheels finished in Nodym Gold Matte. For starters, the wheels aren’t far from the great-looking wheels seen on some of Audi’s more recent concept cars, while also seeming to harken both the brand’s 6-spoke Avus heritage, and also perhaps the split spoke look of wheels made most famous on the B7 RS 4. Whatever the inspiration, some or all of the above, the wheels look great… especially in a subtle gold matte.
Granted, the blue and gold motif in the context of the United Kingdom does have echos of Subaru Rally’s 555 era with Colin McRae, but for a car nerd reference at that depth we’re guessing the same critic will appreciate Audi’s own first player position as early all-wheel drive proponent and world rally champion in its own right… though maybe more Mouton than McRae.
Back to the RS Q8, we’ve added it here for color check purposes. If you like Ascari, then you probably don’t mind seeing how it pairs with gold. And if you’re interested in the new RS Q8, then you probably appreciate seeing some of the first real-world shots of the car thanks to our friends at Audi UK.
Before the current generation of Boxster/718, Porsche’s entry level sports car struggled to gain respect. Considered simply a Porsche for folks who couldn’t afford a 911, the Boxster was a bit underpowered and was in most trims outclassed by it’s competitors during magazine shootouts of the day. I suppose it’s without too much shock then, that we can say PTS on early Boxster or Cayman models is fairly rare.
Finished in Paint to Sample Mexico Blue, this 2007 Porsche Boxster S (VIN: WP0CB29887U731094) has covered just 18,613 miles since leaving Porsche Rocklin some 17 years ago. That’s a shame, because Paint to Sample Mexico blue paired with Cocoa Brown extended leather is quite the head turner. Understandably the car appears to be in quite good condition having never really been used, but the slightly lower stance suggests each trip was a spirited one.
This Paint to Sample Porsche Boxster S is currently on offer by our friends at Gran Prix Motors in Portland, Oregon for an asking price of $39,900. Get all the details on this Tailored Driver, here.
When the S3 finally made its way stateside in 2015, it served as a shot of adrenaline to many in the brand’s enthusiast scene. The S3 shared its size and underpinnings with the contemporary Golf R, making it the perfect alternative for those looking to get into something a bit more premium without being too large. It also didn’t hurt that the demographic for this car was eager to make a statement, making the S3 (and RS 3) a perfect candidate for Audi’s exclusive program.
The Audi exclusive Riviera Blue S3 seen here (VIN: WAUB1GFF0J1078846) is one such example, and what a statement it makes. This particular one also features an aftermarket exhaust, intake, and from what we could find by using Google to search the VIN, an APR software tune. In total, this S3 is a potent package, making it compelling to say the least.
Those who agree can find this Tailored Driver currently on offer at Haus of Imports in Lemont, Illinois for an asking price of $27,500. Find more information about this Audi exclusive Riviera Blue S3, here.
Here we go again with the broken record- Car dealerships can be absolutely awful at marketing their cars. It’s in part why we started Tailored Driver, hoping to shed light on vehicles that are uniquely built with secret menu paint colors, interior finishes and other custom touches when the dealers themselves are frankly unable to. This Tailored Driver is one such vehicle, which features Audi exclusive touches both inside and out.
Found at Audi Norwell in Massachusetts, this relatively tame looking S6 (VIN: WAUHFBFC9JN084206) is much more special than you’d expect. Finished in Audi exclusive Northern Lights Blue Metallic (Z7R) and featuring Audi exclusive Night Blue deviated stitching, not to mention the extended leather covering the center console, knee panels and seat bases, we’d guess at time of ordering upwards of ~$15k in Audi exclusive touches were applied. If that’s the case, the dealer simply calling this car “grey” is at best an oversight, and at worst pure laziness.
Priced at $43,900, we think this is all the money for any S6 of this generation, especially one with a knock on the CarFax, and lacking the ultra cool optional Akrapovic Titanium exhaust. Regardless, we’re just happy to be able to feature it here on Tailored Driver.
Hat tip to Chris of Parts by Topher on Facebook for help with verification. See all the details of this Audi exclusive Northern Lights Blue Metallic S6, here, and additional photos on AutoTrader.
If you’re a fan of bold racing blues then it’s worth taking note of the latest set of M3 Competition Touring photos posted by BMW M to social media (HERE). BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue (borusantürkischblau; non-metallic; P9E; BMW) seems to fall more on the green side of the blue spectrum, almost similar to Porsche Riviera Blue.
On social media, the folks at BMW M have gotten quite adept at regularly posting great photography of interesting tailored builds in order to promote the BMW Individual program and its many, many offerings. They’re also using it to drive traffic to the BMW Individual Configurator, which makes for a great way to spend a couple hours imagining the possibilities.
Also, hat tip to Frank van Meet and the rest of the team at BMW M who keep building cars like a Borusan Turkish Blue M3 Competition in long roof, station wagon “Touring” guise. In a world of SUVs, driving enthusiasts can’t thank you enough.
Like a deer in lights – that was probably the best way to describe my state of mind in 2009 when I’d been prepared to order an Audi exclusive S5 Coupé. Audi’s V8 coupe marked the four rings’ return to a two-door gran turismo, one Volkswagen Group design boss Walter De Silva to this day claims was his favorite design of all time.
Back then, I was editor of the Audi-focused blog Fourtitude.com (merged into its sister website VWvortex long ago by its current publishers), and my focus was the Audi brand specifically. Our publication was granted an Audi each year on long-term loan in order to generate year-round content and see duty at car shows. After seeing the always unique lineups at auto shows in Geneva, Paris and Frankfurt, I’d pitched Audi to consider granting me access to Audi exclusive tailoring for the car. They agreed and sent me an order guide. Now, it was time to pick that color and frankly I was at a loss. There were just so many choices.
As I weighed my options, I’d decided to stick to known Audi colors, and had two opposing concepts forming in my head. One option looked backward to something classic, and the other looked forward towards modernism and Audi’s future.
Option #1 leaned the GT nature of the then-new S5 had me thinking of the recently retired Goodwood Green. That slightly darker take on classic British Racing Green had shown up on cars like the TT 3.2 VR6, B5 RS 4 in Europe and B6 S4 here in the USA. I envisioned it with tan leather (or brown if they’d let me dip into custom leather colors) and wood or aluminum trim. Creating a rendering in photoshop, I remember it looking like a baby Bentley Continental GT, a car that had also recently come to the fore thanks to the Volkswagen Group.
Option #2 went a totally different direction. The also-recently-introduced mid-engined R8 Coupé had a very distinct light blue metallic paint that mimicked the Le Mans concept on which the R8 was based. Jet Blue (1Y1Y) looked even better in the renderings. I went further in my pursuit of a tailored spec by choosing the stock Pearl Silver Silk Nappa Leather that was also a launch options for the S5. Combined with carbon fiber, the cockpit was fresh and modern with a high-tech feel that suited the Audi well.
Looking back at it, the pricing for Audi exclusive paint in those years was incredibly reasonable. On the car’s build sheet, the Jet Blue Metallic paint is listed at $1,300 and another $1,200 Audi exclusive order fee. That’s only $2,500 for special paint in that model year.
In my year of time with that car (VIN WAURV78TX9A003802), on loan as it was from Audi of America, it served as daily driver and constant show car. Its understated nature gave it more of an “if you know you know” status than any in-your-face color would have.
A friend who worked with executives at Volkswagen Group gave it the best back-handed compliment. “It looks like something a board member would order,” she said. While I’m not sure it would have been her choice, ordering something avant-garde like a senior executive with a large company car budget and access to whatever they wanted seemed like a solid compliment to me.
A few years later the car popped up at Audi North Scottsdale on trade and I was tempted to try to pick it up given how unique it remained, though a friend at the dealer informed me it was having some issues with an aftermarket theft tracking system that had been installed so I ultimately never bothered.
Searching the VIN today shows it made its way to California where in 2019 it appears to have turned up at a Copart auction with the front clip missing, likely due to a light front end collision. Shots of the interior show the exceptionally light-colored Pearl Silver leather looking a bit dirty and worn, while the wheels are refinished in black. IT asold at that auction for just $1,350. It shows up looking repaired and looking a lot better at a used car lot in Sacramento with a salvage title. Where it is today remains unknown.
A celebration of luxury and wellbeing, the new Collection builds on the success of the first Riviera Collection
A unique blend of craftsmanship, luxury, and cutting-edge comfort, featuring the most advanced airline seat specification ever fitted to a car
Designed with bespoke exterior and interior elements echoing the essence of modern sailing yachts
Model will be exclusively available for the European region
[source: Bentley]
Crewe, England – Bentley Motors has unveiled the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) Azure Riviera Collection, the latest expression of luxury, comfort and bespoke design. Following in the tracks of the first Riviera Collection of Continental GTC launched in 2023, this new collection reimagines Bentley’s iconic Bentayga in its long wheelbase model, in a way that pays tribute to the sophistication and serenity of modern yachting.
The Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection epitomises Bentley’s commitment to luxury, innovation and wellbeing, embodied by the inclusion of Bentley’s revolutionary airline seats, which offer an unprecedented level of comfort and personalisation. This blends the finest materials, craftsmanship, and advanced technologies, ensuring a serene and indulgent driving experience.
Exterior design: Elegance Inspired by the sea Drawing inspiration from the yachting world, the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection showcases a striking Aegean Blue exterior, echoing the deep hues of the Mediterranean as found on the French Riviera.
The elegant design is complemented by bespoke 22” five-spoke polished wheels with black-painted pockets as well as Aegean Blue painted lower brightware, front apron, and roof rail inserts. These, together with the Blackline Specification, highlight the vehicle’s refined silhouette and were deliberately chosen to emphasise the clean modern exterior design of modern luxury yachts.
Interior craftsmanship: A sanctuary of luxury Inside, the Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection offers a bespoke environment with a sophisticated interior colour palette that includes Brunel secondary hide, Linen main hide, and Autumn accents. The new Pale Pinstripe Veneer, inspired by the light teak decks of luxury yachts, adds a fresh, contemporary aesthetic to the interior. Special Riviera Collection ‘knot’ embroidery on the headrests and “Azure” embroidery on the seat backs in Autumn accents underscore this collection’s attention to detail and exclusivity.
Comfort and craftsmanship are further emphasised through features such as Mulliner overmats in Brunel with Autumn micro-piping, loose cushions in Linen with Riviera embroidery, and bespoke Riviera treadplates. The Bentayga EWB Azure Riviera Collection is designed to be a haven of comfort and luxury, reflecting the tranquillity and elegance of the yachting lifestyle.
Technology and comfort: A new standard for luxury SUVs The Bentayga EWB Azure sets a new benchmark for comfort with its Airline Seat Specification, offering 22-way adjustability and advanced climate sensing technology. The Bentley Diamond Illumination, ‘Bang&Olufsen for Bentley’ audio system, Mood Lighting Specification, and rear entertainment options, combine to ensure a bespoke and immersive experience for all passengers. Further luxury features include a heated, duo-tone, three spoke hide trimmed steering wheel, Power Close rear doors and picnic tables with Brunel leather insert.
A few years after Ken Block flipped the automotive world on its collective head with his matte black Mercedes CLS, it became quite clear that some folks in Munich were big fans. BMW went on to release more than a few “Frozen” editions during the E90-generation, and this Market Find counts itself among them. In 2013, BMW brought a reported 150 of these to the US, and 72 of them were painted in their Individual Frozen Blue Metallic (frozenblau; metallic matte; K5J; BMW) color.
Having covered approximately 50,000 miles since new, this BMW Individual Frozen Blue Metallic M3 (VIN: WBSKG9C55DJ594559) retains the matte finish that made it special- a clear indication that this car was well cared for, at least aesthetically. You see, Frozen paint requires a more complex operation when washing as to not ‘dull’ the matte and turn it back to a more traditional glossy finish.
This BMW Individual Frozen Blue Metallic M3 Coupe is currently on offer at Scottsdale, Arizona’s Proper Performance Motors at an asking price of $51,995. When looking at the current state of a softening overall market, we feel this still represents a solid value, with scarcity more than making up for the approximately +20% premium.
See more details about this Tailored Driver, here.
As part of the Global Media Drive for the new Continental GT Speed in Andermatt Switzerland, Bentley has released photos of each car on location for the drive. This includes full build specifications. Over the next couple of days we’ll color check all of them, and next up is a great-looking super light blue known as Jetstream II (jetstreamii; metallic UNI; 6572 / 9560249; Bentley).
A pastel blue, Jetstream seems incredibly well suites for the new droptop Continental GTC. The hue is accented on this car with blackware on the exterior trim and grey-painted 22-inch ten swept spoke wheels with machined accent surfaces.
Inside, the cabin is a monotone Imperial Blue leather with Pillar Box red accents, open pore Crown Cut, Walnut fascias and contrast stitching throughout.
Worth noting, the car also has several options that we’ll list here along with U.S. pricing. These include First Edition Specification ($41,190), Carbon Ceramic Brakes with Painted Calipers ($18,820), Extended Range Solid and Metallic Paint ($8,655), Continental Blackline Specification ($4,745), 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke Wheels ($4,000) and Contrast Stitching ($3,930).
First Edition Specification includes Touring Specification, Front Seat Comfort Specification, Front Wellness Seating including postural and lumbar adjustment, Naim Audio, Bentley Rotating Display, Technical Veneer Choice or Single Finish Veneer, Animated LED Welcome Lamps by Mulliner, Mood Lighting Specification, Deep Pile Overmats front and rear, First Edition Exterior Badge, First Edition Treadplates, First Edition Embroidery to Seats, Garage Door Opener and Valet Key.
Front Seat Comfort Specification (included in First Edition Specification) includes Adjustable Seat Bolsters, Adjustable Seat Cushion Length, Power Adjustable Headrest, Ventilation and Massage, Heated Front Armrest and Hide Trimmed Seat Belt Buckles.
Touring Specification (included in First Edition Specification) includes Lane Guidance, Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Night Vision and Head-up Display.
The Perfect Pairing of Power and Elegance is Evidenced by a Blistering 825 Horsepower from the Reimagined Cherokee Along with a Stylish Two-Tone Colorway & Corresponding Denim Interior
[source: Vigilante]
JOHNSON CITY, TX – With a well-deserved reputation as the world’s finest restorers and enthusiasts in the vintage Jeep sector, Vigilante is consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible underneath the hood of a classic-style Jeep. In keeping with the company’s tradition for building the finest custom Jeeps available in the marketplace today, the Texas-based builders have once again established a new high watermark of performance and drivability from a classic-style Jeep. In a true masterclass of design and engineering, Vigilante is proud to unveil a completely reimagined 1979 Cherokee S imbued with Viper V10 power good for an astonishing 825 horsepower and 750 lb.-ft. of torque. In successfully incorporating the dominant V10 powerplant into this 70’s-era Cherokee, Vigilante has created the fastest vintage Jeep in the world.
“I am proud to say that we have built the fastest vintage Jeep in the world. This 1979 Cherokee S with a Viper V10 is the result of countless hours of design, engineering, fabrication, paint, and so much more. It’s a true labor of love, and you’d be hard-pressed to find another team around the globe who has as much knowledge and experience working in Jeep restoration and modification as we have here at Vigilante,” comments Vigilante Co-Founder and CEO Daniel van Doveren. “We encourage all Vigilante customers to think big when designing their dream Vigilante Jeep, and the Viper V10 Cherokee is our latest example of pushing the boundaries of what a classic Jeep can do.”
Following months of design and preparation and involving thousands of hours of dedicated authentic restoration, Vigilante’s Viper V10-powered Cherokee is an exceptional example of what these Texas Hill Country automotive innovators are capable of. Starting life as a solid-colored 1979 Jeep Cherokee S, Vigilante began the modification process by completely stripping the body down to its bare metal. The backbone of the new Vigilante 1979 Cherokee starts with a newly developed modern chassis designed exclusively by the company following a complete 3D scan of the original vehicle to ensure no body modifications are necessary. A purpose-built wiring harness and all electrical components are then implemented to ensure that all modern upgrades and components plug-in seamlessly.
Known for meticulously restoring classic Jeeps to a level that few others are capable of, Vigilante’s new 1979 Cherokee S features an astonishing level of speed and control by way of modern upgrades expertly implemented throughout. The Mopar Gen V Prefix Viper 550/9.0L V10 crate engine provides stunning performance figures with a peak RPM of 6400 and 550 cubic inches of displacement. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission that is HEMI compatible and with four-wheel drive capabilities allows the Cherokee S to handle much smoother than the original. Performance is distributed to all four wheels via the Atlas-II transfer case and durable Dana 44/Dana 60 Currie Enterprise axles. To ensure optimal handling and comfort, the 4-link Eibach coil suspension combined with Fox Racing shocks provides a more balanced stance and smoother ride for all within the cabin. Braking performance is enhanced by signature 6-piston brakes with Hydroboost power assistance, delivering confidence-inspiring stopping power when needed. Stainless steel exhaust manifolds mated to a Borla dual in-out muffler with mandrel bent stainless steel dual exhaust system provides a boisterous engine note that commands attention out on the open road.
The absolute genius of each Vigilante build goes far beyond just performance and drivability. Paying homage to one of the finest 70’s-era Jeeps ever built, Vigilante chose to implement a stylish Frosted Glass Blue & Stratus White two-tone paint scheme along with a tribal stripe on the Cherokee’s exterior. Utilizing the original 1979 Jeep body, no reproduction panels are incorporated at any point.
In order to effectively match the 70’s-era aesthetic adoring the outside of the Cherokee S, Vigilante incorporated original Levis Denim interior fabric along with Moore & Giles fine leathers to create a stylish vintage interior. Each seat also underwent an extensive restoration, including a thorough powder coating process, along with the installation of new springs, foam, and padding for unparalleled comfort.
Other cosmetic accouterments include signature machined Vigilante wheels, mirrors, grille, and emblems placed strategically throughout. Vigilante’s impressive attention to detail is evident throughout every build aspect, ranging from the careful restoration of the Cherokees chrome trim to the extensive noise-canceling Dynamat soundproofing. Modern climate control for both the front and rear seating along with Bluetooth radio compatibility are also subtly inserted under the dash, interfaced with the original-style radio & HVAC controls.
“Our team at Vigilante is committed to building the finest custom Jeeps on the planet. We take great pride in the sheer level of attention-to-detail that goes into each new creation, down to every last nut and bolt,” continues van Doveren. “We specialize in preserving the classic Jeep aesthetic while subtly empowering these legendary vehicles with the performance and reliability our customers need and deserve for modern-day driving. It is our great pleasure to breathe new life into classic Jeeps such as this 1979 Cherokee S, and we look forward to making our clients dreams continue to come true with new custom Jeep creations in the future.”
Representing the pinnacle of Vigilante’s skill in restoration and engineering, the exclusive custom Viper V10-powered 1979 Cherokee S commission was recently sold.
All Vigilante builds are available with a starting price tag of $295,000. For more information about Vigilante’s Viper-powered 1979 Cherokee S, or to inquire about vintage Jeep custom commissions, please visit www.vigilante4x4.com or email info@vigilante4x4.com.
