Though the updated RS e-tron GT is a fully forward-facing modern EV, the paint chosen for these launch photos of Audi’s updated electric autobahn stormer is a bit of a throwback. You see, Audi’s Nimbus Grey Pearl (nimbusgrau; pearlescent UNI; Z7X; Audi exclusive) first debuted back in 1995.
It’s subtle color to be sure, a medium grey with an equally low-key pearl undertone that won’t sear out eyes or cause jaws to drop at the local Cars & Coffee, but it is handsome, teutonic and will draw an nod of appreciation from knowing Audi aficionados.
So, when Audi chose to paint a new RS e-tron GT in this color, many may have been hard pressed to recognize a difference from the ubiquitous Daytona Grey already offered on the pre-facelift model. However, there is a difference and we certainly appreciate it both for its most excellent appearance and its draw to Audi’s rich color heritage.
Audi released video of this car that we’ve also added to our YouTube channel. We’ll embed both that video and the photos below.
Nowadays at the factory tailors, it tends to be more affordable to specify a factory color of the marque in question than it does to cross the badge divide and choose from another carmaker’s palette. Such is definitely the case of Audi where deviation to that level will jump you to another price tier. Given the disparity, cars deviating from the brand tend to be a little more special and a lot more rare. Such is the case for this 2020 Audi R8 V10 (Vin: WUAKBAFX7L7901975) painted Chalk (kreidegrau; non-metallic UNI; M9A / 3H; Porsche).
Maybe it’s the Porsche + Audi association of 1970s Can-Am, or perhaps the Porsche and Audi collaboration on the RS2, but we love the look of an established Porsche color on an Audi offering. Yes, Audi has colors that are close – Siam Beige, Nardo Grey, but Porsche Chalk is its own thing and pairs excellently with an R8 V10 slathered in black optics and carbon fiber componentry like he R8’s signature side blades. Yes, it’s all a but subdued, but the owner thought of that when they went for blue stitching as an accent. It’s an excellent specification.
It’s also now four years old, has logged just over 8,000 miles and is used. Yes, $199,000 is on the higher side of the R8 market, but it looks impeccably maintained and even the facelifted naturally aspirated R8 is now out of production, meaning fewer and fewer new inventory exists. People seeking this car, much less a very special specification such as this, are running out of options.
We found this car for sale over at Southeast Auto Showroom in Palm Beach, FL. Check it out HERE.
In a world of neutral cars painted every shade of grey and silver, how are there not more green interiors? In our opinion, a bold-colored interior such as red, blue and especially green take a neutral tone car from forgettable to must-have. It’s on that theme that we’re directing your attention to RM Sotheby’s upcoming Münich auction and this Graphite Grey (graphit grau; non-metallic UNI; DB 190; Mercedes-Benz) over green 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster (VIN 198.042.7500672).
1957 was the first year of production for the 300 SL Roadster, with 554 produced that year. The car is finished in its factory shade of Graphite Grey, paired with reupholstered dark green leather. This roadster is a North american specification car acquired by the Germany-based consignor in 1986.
More information is provided by RM Sotheby’s, including confirmation that the green interior isn’t original. It reads:
“A copy of the original delivery card details that chassis 198.042.7500672 was finished by the factory in Graphite Grey, while the interior was trimmed in optional Cream leather. Arriving in the USA on 25 November 1958, a Becker Mexico radio and whitewall tyres were also selected.
According to Eric Le Moine’s 300 SL registry, chassis 198.042.7500672 was owned on the West Coast by Mr Tom McBurney of Santa Barbara in California. Fittingly for a Roadster, it remained on the state’s coastline, being acquired in 1974 by financier Mr Alfred T Moret in Carlsbad. This example was then bought by The Aumann Collection, who imported the car to Germany in 1986 to add to an illustrious collection.
Subsequently reupholstered with the current dark green leather, the car is fitted with its matching-numbers body, chassis, and 3-litre straight-six engine. Please note that it appears as though the front chassis crossmember has been replaced at some point in the car’s life, but all other numbers match.
Further complemented by a history file, this Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster could be returned to its factory colour combination by its next owner. Alternatively, the car is ready to be enjoyed in its current form by virtue of offering the ultimate droptop driving experience.
When Ferrari went about creating the limited-edition Monza SP1 barchetta, it planned just 499 examples. Each was powered by Maranello’s 6.5-liter V12 derived from the 812 Superfast and tuned for 810 PS (798 hp). It’s rare that these cars come on the market, but we’ve run across this one headed for the block at RM Sotheby’s Münich auction set for November 23.
The specification for this particular example in question (VIN ZFF94MSB000244381) is definitely handsome, painted Titanium Grey with Giallo Modena accents, and the cockpit trimmed in Cioccolato Leather. The car is has had just one owner since new, and comes with factory-supplied accessories including helmet and carry case, driving gloves, goggles and Ferrari folio.
Read the full Lot description below. Also see more photos, addendums and associated documents at the auction lot listing HERE.
In the pursuit of ultimate performance, supercar manufacturers have in more recent years seen fit to bestow their creations with increasingly complex and intricate aerodynamic devices. Arguably, this has come at the expense of classic beauty and elegance—not something that can be said of the stunning Ferrari Monza. Revealed in October 2018, this open-top showstopper was the first model devised under the marque’s new “Icona” series.
The Maranello designers had delivered a clear throwback to the pure barchetta race cars of the 1950s, such as the Mille Miglia- and 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 166 MM, 750, and 860 Monza. But beneath the flowing lines of the single-seater SP1 and two-person SP2 sat the underpinnings of Ferrari’s latest grand tourer. A sonorous 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V-12 engine lifted from the 812 Superfast gained revised inlet ducts and a remapped ECU to produce some 810 PS. Sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, a 305km/h top speed was achievable. Between both SP1 and SP2 variants, only 499 cars were produced for Ferrari’s most prized clients.
This example, chassis 244381, is predominantly finished in the attractive shade of Titanium Grey. Meanwhile, the livery design running over the rear fin and bonnet is Giallo Modena. Personalised exterior flourishes include the airbrushed Scuderia shields and yellow brake callipers while components such as the engine cover, wheel arches, rear diffuser, front air vents, and under-door covers are completed in carbon fibre. As for the interior, a large-size GT2 monocoque racing seat trimmed in Cioccolato leather is equipped with a four-point harness. A Testa di Moro hue was selected for the famous Cavallino logo stitched into the headrest and yellow chosen for the tachometer. Optional extras include the installation of a suspension lifter in addition to front and rear parking cameras. A carbon fibre finish for the luggage compartment completes this car’s impressive specification.
The SP1 was initially registered on 28 July 2022 by its one and only owner, who is based in Nürtingen, to the south of Stuttgart. Used sparingly since, the odometer displays just 1,903 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. Issued with its most recent TÜV certificate in July of this year, the car is complemented by a suite of accessories, including a Berluti carbon fibre helmet and accompanying leather carry case, plongé leather driving gloves by Loro Piana, goggles, display models, plus Ferrari folio.
Rare, beautiful, sophisticatedly specified, and housing a howling V-12, this exquisite Monza SP1 will be welcomed at a vast array of concours events for the rest of its life and, therefore, is sure to appeal to all Ferrari aficionados.
From the Grass is Always Greener department come these photos of the Audi RS 6 Avant GT released by Audi Japan. While they’re CGI renderings likely from the Audi exclusive configurator, they show the RS 6 Avant GT in Chronos Grey and Mythos Black, colors you can’t get here in America given all of ours will be built in Arkona White with heritage stripe livery in vinyl.
According to the German market configurator, it appears that Europe will have choices between the Arkona White heritage specification, Nardo Grey or Mythos Black. According to Audi Japan, they’ll be getting just ten units with five in Mythos Black and five in Chronos Grey (although these renderings make it look more like Daytona Grey).
For the RS 6 Avant super fans, there are a few other pieces of kit the Japanese (and Europeans) will have access to that won’t be coming to America officially. These include the optional sport shell seats and the 6-arm Avus wheels in either black matte or gloss black metallic with partial polished segmentation. The latter appears on all renderings released from Japan and may be their only wheel option.
Foresight is a gift relegated to the precocious few, but the original Tailor of this Paint to Sample Grigio Telesto 911 GT3 Touring (VIN: WP0AC2A92KS149134) certainly had it in spades. You see, Porsche’s 991-generation GT3 Touring (and the 991R that preceded it) were always going to be future classics, and ticking the Paint to Sample box proved a way to maximize that ‘investment’ and its return. But choosing a Lamborghini color, especially one that created a high that’s still being chased by OEMs across the board to this day was an incredibly prudent choice.
Found at the Tailored Driver powerhouse Merit Partners, located outside of Atlanta, Georgia, we’re struck by just how timeless this build is. We’ll concede that Grigio Telesto is a more recent hit having been introduced on the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, but non-metallic slate grey has repeatedly proven itself to be a timeless classic. The interior is much the same story, with silver stitching, seat belts and hounds tooth inserts found in Porsche’s full bucket seats.
So if you’ve got $325,794 burning a hole in your pocket and some Delta miles that are otherwise unaccounted for, we think you should take the flight to Atlanta and give this Tailored Driver a loving home. Because much like the dive watch or a pair of Converse All-Stars, it’ll never go out of style.
See additional details about this Tailored Driver, here.
Creators of the Restomod Movement Present a Top-Down Modern Reinterpretation of this Iconic Classic Jeep
[Source: ICON]
LOS ANGELES, CA – ICON 4×4, the pioneering automotive design firm that started the automotive restomod category, is proud to introduce the latest over-the-top build created with expert craftsmanship and design. A 1975 Jeep Cherokee is part of ICON’s exclusive series of one-off builds, called The Reformers. The Reformer series seeks to play a bit of revisionist history, transcending and elevating classic vehicles with a focus on revolutionizing the drivability, all while elevating every detail within the builds themselves.
ICON and its founder and lead designer, Jonathan Ward, undertook an additional mission with this build: to address the negligent errors of the original Detroit designers by correcting the Native American tribal homages that were incorporated into the vehicle’s original design and adding new ones where it made sense. Detroit designers of the 1960s paid little attention to tribal accuracy or historical references in their work. However, drawing on Jonathan Ward’s experience with his leather goods brand, J. Ward, and his apparel line, Campfire Coats, ICON was uniquely positioned to correct these historical oversights and honor the true cultural significance of the original designs. The original concept of the Jeep Cherokee featured several missteps, including an inaccurate depiction of a Native American tribal graphic on the beltline and the use of imitation Naugahyde leather instead of genuine cowhide. The tribal graphic? Not from the Cherokee nation. The stamped ‘hide’ of faux Naugahyde in a Western style? Completely off the mark. One of the most compelling aspects of these Reformer projects is the chance to thoroughly study the original design priorities. By understanding both the strengths and shortcomings of the original, ICON is able to expand on the design from a fresh, more authentic perspective—correcting inaccuracies while staying true to the spirit of the vehicle.
ICON began with an original 1975 Cherokee and a 1965 Jeep Gladiator, carefully selecting the best elements from these key moments in Jeep’s evolution. Jonathan Ward blended these iconic features to create something truly unique and exceptional, paying homage to the brand’s rich history while simultaneously elevating it to new heights. Drawing on his expertise and the communities connected to his leather goods brand and apparel line, Jonathan Ward conducted a deep dive into traditional Cherokee textile and clay arts. He explored the rich symbolism embedded in each pattern and detail, ensuring that every element in the design was authentic and respectful of Cherokee traditions.
After extensive research and close collaboration with tribal leaders, Jonathan Ward discovered a traditional Cherokee pattern symbolizing ‘safe flight’—an abstract representation of an eagle feather. Historically, this design adorned water vessels and blankets when tribe members embarked on perilous journeys. It was a natural choice for the vehicle, featured prominently along the body and integrated into numerous details, from the gauges and coat hooks to the door trim and more.
For the interior, Ward selected two premium leathers in place of the original vinyl. The primary leather, sourced from Moore & Giles, was chosen for its rich aroma and exceptionally soft texture. The second, from Wickett & Craig, North America’s oldest tannery since 1867, is a vegetable-tanned leather traditionally used for saddles. This durable material was the perfect choice for the hand-tooled seat and door panel accents. In keeping with traditional craftsmanship, Ward enlisted Trajan Vieira, a master artisan and founder of Mercury Leather Works, to carve the leather in the Sheridan style, a technique that gained popularity in early 1900s Wyoming. With German wool square weave carpets hemmed in leather, an Alcantara headliner, bespoke gauges in the original housing, dash knobs, and custom trim, the result is a legitimate piece of art on wheels.
The vehicle is finished in Custom Porsche Chalk paint (kreidegrau; non-metallic UNI; M9A / 3H; Porsche), a sophisticated shade that provides a striking contrast against the sleek Bentley black roof, enhancing the vehicle’s modern silhouette. Along the side, a meticulously hand-painted graphic, an abstract representation of the eagle feather in black and blood red, pays homage to Cherokee heritage, adding a powerful visual statement. Every exterior detail is a testament to ICON’s design prowess. From the grille and badges to the mirrors, handles, and taillight housings, all hard trim was custom-designed and meticulously crafted from machined 6061 aluminum, ensuring durability while exuding refined craftsmanship.
Mechanically, this Cherokee rides on a one-off Art Morrison chassis with coil-over suspension, hydroboosted Brembo brakes, Fox Racing adjustable nitrogen-charged shocks, and tunable sway bars. Under the hood, a HEMI 6.4 V8 delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb-ft of torque, paired with a custom-built GM 4L85E transmission, Atlas II transfer case, and a PSC power steering box. The vehicle is equipped with Currie Industries ICON-specific Dana high-pinion axles (44 front, Extreme 60 rear). The build is completed with BF Goodrich All-Terrain K02 tires and ICON Old School Forged 18″ aluminum rims with stainless dog dish hubcaps.
Modern conveniences, including a Vintage Air Gen IV HVAC system, power windows, door locks, a digital audio system with Focal Utopia speakers, and discreet LED interior lighting, are subtly integrated to preserve the vehicle’s timeless aesthetic, ensuring it will be cherished for decades.
Jonathan Ward, Founder of ICON, reflects on the project; “This project was both an incredible honor and a true joy from a vehicle designer’s perspective. Commissioned by a long-time ICON client with whom we’ve built a deep bond of trust, we were given the rare opportunity to push boundaries and ‘go further.’ The level of creative freedom we were afforded is something every custom designer dreams of. Immersing myself in the various art forms and traditions honored in this build was a deeply rewarding experience, making this project truly one-of-a-kind.”
For more information on the all-new 1975 ICON Cherokee “Safe Flight” and their other builds please visit www.icon4x4.com or call 818-280-3333.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announces the one-of-one Spectre Lunaflair
Inspired by a lunar halo, where light refracts through ice particles in cirrus clouds
Effect creates a brilliant, ethereal technicolour ring around the moon
Bespoke holographic paint captures this phenomenon for one-off motor car
Creating Lunaflair paint required one year of development
Bespoke paint reserved exclusively for the commissioning client
[source: Rolls-Royce]
“We are constantly astounded by the diversity of ideas that inform our clients’ Bespoke concepts, which frequently draw inspiration from materials, finishes and themes they see in other commissions. Spectre Lunaflair is the perfect example of this, exploring the ethereal beauty of a lunar halo and sparked by the client after witnessing a paint finish on another Bespoke motor car. This symbiotic relationship and cross-pollination of ideas is fostering a ‘virtuous circle’ of innovation and creativity, which is incredibly important to our team of Bespoke designers, as we focus on delivering unparalleled value to those who entrust us with their vision.” Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the breathtaking Spectre Lunaflair – a Bespoke commission undertaken on behalf of a significant client from the United States. The extraordinary and exquisite highlight of this landmark motor car is the remarkable holographic paint finish that creates a captivating ‘rainbow’ effect.
The commission takes its inspiration and name from the optical phenomenon of a lunar halo, which appears as a colourful circle of light around the moon. It is caused by moonlight passing through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which act as microscopic prisms: the light refracts creating a spellbinding technicolour ring effect, similar to light passing through a diamond.
Capturing this phenomenon in a Bespoke paint finish required more than one year of experimentation. The paint chemistry, application timings, and base coat were extensively trialled in order to meet the client’s concept. The final finish is achieved by applying seven layers of lacquer, including a specially formulated pearlescent coat, infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminium. This creates a deep metallic effect under low light that bursts into rainbow technicolour in bright sunshine.
The Spectre Lunaflair concept was partially inspired by another Bespoke masterpiece, the one-of-one Phantom Syntopia. Revealed in 2023, it features a dark iridescent Liquid Noir finish, infused with colour-shifting, mirror-like pigment. Captivated by Phantom Syntopia’s appearance, the commissioning patron asked the Bespoke Collective to create a light and luminous expression of this concept that reflected their fascination with the lunar halo phenomenon.
This cross-pollination of ideas, where a previous commission directly informs and inspires a completely new concept and story, speaks to the power of Bespoke. For the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, this virtuous creative circle and interconnection of ideas constantly provides new opportunities for the advancement of their art.
Spectre Lunaflair’s dramatic coachwork is complemented by a fully Bespoke interior. It includes Navy Blue, White, and Peony Pink tones, recalling the spectrum of hues that can be witnessed during a lunar halo. The colour scheme appears on the seats, doors and the Starlight Headliner. This theme is also carried onto the dual-tone steering wheel, with a Navy Blue outer and an Arctic White inner side.
Only one Spectre Lunaflair will ever be produced. The unique Lunaflair paint finish is reserved exclusively for the commissioning patron.
It appears Audi has reintroduced Nimbus Grey on the updated RS e-tron GT. First introduced on the TTS concept and then later popularized on TT models, the first-generation TT in particular, it’s a great-looking mid-to-dark grey.
