Reviving a Legend: The Eccentrica V12 Brings the ’90s Diablo Into the Future

At The Quail, during Monterey Car Week 2024, Eccentrica unveiled something magical: the Eccentrica V12, a fully drivable restomod that blends the raw soul of the original Lamborghini Diablo with modern performance and luxury—rolling out just 19 tailor-made units.

Beneath its retro-futuristic hood, the V12 packs a reborn heart: a 5.7‑liter V12 from early ’90s Diablos. Upgrades—like fresh camshafts, an electronic throttle, and a refined flywheel—boost power to 550 hp and 600 Nm of torque. That’s 55 hp more than the original, and good for a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph)—a solid 10 km/h bump.

The chassis gets a modern makeover: reinforced composites, a double‑wishbone setup, and active TracTive dampers with three ride modes. Add a front axle lift—and you’re ready for both winding roads and daily driveways. Braking gets a tech upgrade too—with calipers (in unique matte paint) paired with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires and forged 19‑inch alloy wheels. Grip, precision, and style—packed in one. Step inside, and you’re in a cockpit that nods to the ’90s with analog charm—but with matching modern upgrades. Think digital infotainment, a rearview mirror cam, and a luxurious Marantz audio system that turns every drive into an event. The soul behind the build?

Only 19 of these exclusive machines will ever be made, each built to the owner’s specs. With deliveries set to begin in summer of 2025, this isn’t just a car—it’s a piece of rolling art.

Emanuel Colombini, a passionate Lamborghini collector. And advising the project: Maurizio Reggiani, former CTO of Lamborghini—bringing decades of engineering flair straight from the Raging Bull heartland. Imagine the throaty roar of a ’90s V12, the tactile agility of a pure manual gearbox, and the suave aesthetics of retro-futurism—all modernized for today’s roads and regulations. The Eccentrica V12 is more than a restomod—it’s a statement. Would you take a ride in this modernized beast of nostalgia?

Motorlux 2024: The Ultimate Kickoff Party to Monterey Car Week

As dusk fell on August 14, 2024, the Monterey Jet Center transformed into a living tapestry of automotive artistry and culinary craftsmanship. Motorlux, the unofficial but undeniably glamorous gatekeeper of Monterey Car Week, beckoned more than 4,100 aficionados to a night where steel, speed, and savored flavors converged in dazzling harmony.

The evening unfolded like a symphony orchestrated across time and terrain. Anchoring the display were 225 enthusiast vehicles and 14 aircraft, each gleaming under the hangar lights, offering a sensory journey from vintage classics to bold, avant-garde debutantes.

Yet Motorlux wasn’t purely an exhibition—it was a living gallery where culinary artistry met mechanical mastery. Twenty-five local chefs spelled culinary magic, crafting plates that complemented the vehicles’ stories. From delicate amuse-bouches to full-bodied creations, each dish whispered of California’s gastronomic soul.

In a stroke of theatrical flair, the Broad Arrow Auction opened amidst Motorlux’s festivities, unfolding in a fashion-show-inspired runway format. Bidders and enthusiasts gathered on dual galleries, experiencing one of the most spirited auctions in collector-car history. The result: a staggering $71.5 million in sales.

The night also celebrated innovation. Highlights included tremors of the future—the Kindred Motorworks EV Bronco, the rugged Meyers Manx Tarmac Touring Edition, the atmospheric McMurtry Sparrow, and the electrifying Evoluto 355, all making their grand exits onto the Monterey stage.

And amid all the glamour, Motorlux stayed true to heart. A portion of proceeds supported noble causes: the CHP 11‑99 Foundation, aiding families of California Highway Patrol officers, and the Navy Postgraduate School Foundation, where car club members volunteered as integral parts of the event’s machinery.

Motorlux 2024 was more than a celebration—it was a narrative woven from metal, flavors, flight, and collective passion. Under the hangar lights, cars and planes were more than machines—they were stories in motion. Guests left not just impressed, but inspired; reminded that at the heart of Monterey Car Week is a community that loves beauty, heritage, and human connection.

Revival of a Legend — with a V12 Heartbeat

At its core lies a 5.7‑liter, naturally aspirated V12—reworked from the early Diablo lineage—with upgraded camshafts, electronic throttle, and optimized flywheel. The result? A roaring 550 hp and 600 Nm of torque, shattering its original limits with an extra 55 hp and a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).

Shift into nostalgia with a custom 6‑speed manual transmission and power steering—absent from the original Diablo—delivering a ride that’s both retro and razor-sharp.

This isn’t just a rebuild—it’s a modern marvel:

• Lightweight reinforcements: composite-enhanced chassis, double-wishbone suspension, and active TracTive dampers with adjustable settings.

• Practical perks: front axle lift, ultra-grippy Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, and 19‑inch alloy wheels for prime handling.

• Braking innovation: Brembo systems featuring their first matte-finish calipers.

Step inside: the signature retro-futuristic vibe of the Diablo is preserved—but updated:

• Sleek digital dashboard, modern steering controls, rearview mirror with integrated camera.

• Ambient luxury: a custom Marantz sound system that turns every lap into a concert.

Eccentrica founder Emanuel Colombini sums it up best: “The Eccentrica V12 is a personal passion project… a completely modern hypercar with the heart and soul of a ’90s classic.”

Only 19 units of the Eccentrica V12 will be built, each one tailored to its owner’s dreams. Expected delivery kicks off in summer 2025.

This is more than a car—it’s a time machine, bridging visceral nostalgia with 21st-century performance.

New Aston Martin Vantage wins again in IMSA

During IMSA WeatherTech Sportcar Championship series, the newest Vantage GT3 from Aston Martin claimed its second win in succession. At the Canadian Tires Motorsport Park, also known as Mosport, the Heart of Racing dubs this new GT3 as the first GTD class win, thereby dominating the GTD category.

The amazing performance of Aston Martin Racing Driver Roman De Angelis, was another brilliant achievement for this 2021 Aston Martin Academy graduate and 2022 IMSA GTD champion holder. Alongside Spencer Pumpelly from the US circuit, Roman secured this impressive victory in the 27th Thor GTS for a second time in three years. The team worked extremely well in keeping their advantage ahead of other racers, all the while withstanding the pressure of a late-race Full Course Yellow.

This win for the Aston Martin Vantage marks it’s 13th victory for the GT classes during IMSA, as well as being the 8th time Thor had emerged victorious in the GTD class since its first entry into the renowned Wings in 2020. The Thor crew has earned their podium positions with Aston Martin 26 times in four and a half years.

“This was a great day for the Heart of Racing team and another fantastic win for Vantage,” said team principal Ian James, who was racing the team’s FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC] Vantage LMGT3 in Brazil. “Winning in IMSA, at the Canadian Tires Motorsport Park, was an awesome way to start the day, and a well-deserved reward for all the hard work this year from everybody on the #27 crew. Then we finished second, equalling our best result, in WEC. It’s a great feeling to be on the podium again and hopefully there will be many more moments like this to come!”

Adam Carter, Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “The new Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is really hitting its stride now, and to see it win its class with The Heart of Racing for the second successive IMSA race is extremely satisfying. The team also came very close in WEC, once again demonstrating race-winning pace just as it had in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, last month. It feels like if the competitive level can be maintained, a first WEC victory with Vantage is within our grasp in 2024.”

The 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship will be taking place at Road America (USA) on the fourth of August. WEC will undergo a summer break before returning to the Circuit of the Americas (USA) for round six of the championship on the first of September.

Celebrating the 73rd Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

During Monterey Car Week, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is one of the most iconic events. Gracing the 18th fairways of Pebble Beach Golf Links, the number of vintage and rare automobiles create a wide expanse completely covering the lush green grass of this beautiful venue. With a backdrop of the magnificent coastline. this grand automotive event celebrates the history and tradition of each automobile in attendance.

Many recognized this particular event as the flagship throughout the automotive week in Pebble Beach. Since its foundation in 1950, its celebrated time-honored tradition and class of the most iconic cars in automotive history. Car collectors from all around the world enter this event in hopes of winning the title: Best of Show.

The cars are graded by a group of experts in the automotive field, all of which are evaluated by their degree of elegance, technical merit, and history. This event brings many fans to cheer for their favorite car to win the Best of Show award. For example, last year’s winner was a prewar Mercedes-Benz roadster with its first owner being the Shah of Afghanistan. This car was just one of three surviving models in the world and was rightfully dubbed Best of Show during the 72nd Annual event.

This event also plays host in conjunction with new car concepts, giving everyone a glimpse into the past and a look into the future of automotive development. Please join us at this world-renowned event on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Tickets can be purchased here.\

Photo Credit: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: The Garden Party of a Lifetime

The Monterey Peninsula plays host to generations of automotive afficionado and their private collections every year during the famed Monterey Car Week. And during this 10-day long week celebration, one event goes way beyond just paying homage to the development of automobiles, they create an expansive yard of automotive bliss.

This heralded event, dubbed ‘The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering’, is the predominant milestone to top off this magical week. Situated among a vibrant golf course facing the picturesque Santa Lucia mountain range, this event brings to life all things automotive accompanied by a fine dining experience among fellow car enthusiasts.

At the Quail Lodge and Golf Club, we welcome 4 signature themes this year: 100 Years of MG, 50th Anniversary of the Porsche 911 Turbo Type 930, 30th Anniversary of Koenigsegg Automotive and the Tribute to World Rally Cars. This is followed by the traditional classes of Pre-War Sports & Racing cars, Post-War Sports, Post-War Racing, the Evolution of the Supercar, the Great Ferraris, Custom Coachwork as well as Sport & Racing Motorcycles.

Among this great collection of automotive works, the venue is lined with tents featuring yacht brokers, aviation companies and more. As the host for this grand event, the Peninsula Hotels owned by the Hon. Sir Michael Kadorie, has also curated 5 culinary tents, boasting a bit of each of their world class cuisine from 5 different regions.

Another notable event taking place just on the western field of the Quail Lodge and Golf Club, is the 27th Annual Bonhams “The Quail Auction”.

Apply for tickets before they are sold out! Please visit their website for more information. Event is set for Friday, August 16th, 2024.

Hagerty’s 40th Anniversary: MOTORLUX To Kickoff Monterey Car Week

Its once again that time of year, when everyone gathers to enjoy a week solely devoted to their mutual love of cars, the world-renowned Monterey Car Week. Calling forth car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe, this weeklong celebration incorporates the best of the best throughout the whole automotive industry. And the kickoff party to this incredible week, all starts at the grand Motorlux event held every year at the Monterey Jet Center.

Set the date, on August 14th the ultimate party begins incorporating not only a plethora of automobiles, from vintage to superlatively charged models, but also an impressive array of motorcycles and aircrafts. We not only pay homage to this famed week of nothing but the best of the automotive world with this one party, as we also bond with like-minded individuals who share this deep-seated passion.

To offer the ultimate experience, Motorlux doesn’t only boast all things auto-aero-motor with over 100 airplanes and automobiles, they have gone through much effort to provide guests with the best of California’s cuisine from master chefs as well as local wines and cocktails. Furthermore, this year’s event marks the anniversary of Hagerty’s 40th year, with a special surprise in store for attendees: all access previously exclusive for VIP guests is now granted to all who attend. From being able to be move throughout the whole party, including the upstairs that overlooks the entire jet center, to all access to the event’s Broad Arrow Auction held on the 14th and 15th of August.

Cars connect us through life, they represent the past, present and future. Our innovation and ingenuity have developed the automotive industry into what it is today. The same can be said for aircrafts and motorcycles; we have watched and participated in the development and preservation for these incredible mechanical marvels, and now is the time to fully immerse yourself in this unperturbed environment that is synonymous with an automotive paradise.

Prepare to shift gears, get ready for the party of a lifetime, and rev your engines for a night of automotive bliss!

To purchase tickets for this amazing event, please visit motorlux.com. Tickets come in two different packs this year, starting at $625 for standard tickets, and $725 for their early access ticket.

Another Exciting Year at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

When Monterey Car Week rolls right up to you, there are many places to go to share your love for the automotive world. Yet, few can compare to The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering. This highly anticipated event is one of the most immersive automotive experiences to be had each year. By incorporating a phenomenal lineup of vintage and ultramodern vehicles with a fine selection of international delicacies all the while set on a verdant golf course with a backdrop of the Santa Lucia Mountain range, the Quail prevails as a meeting point for connoisseurs to truly delve into the world of motorsports.

Marking its 19^th year, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, has provided car collectors and enthusiasts from all across the globe with a haven of rare automobiles and motorcycles. Situated atop the lush landscape of the Quail Lodge & Golf Club, this garden-party will also be filled with booths for sponsors to introduce their latest innovations. In addition to the party taking place across the golf course, the 25^th annual Bonhams Motorcar Auction will also be set on the western grounds of Quail Lodge & Golf Club.

The Quail will be featuring several traditional classes this time around, from pre-war sports and racing to custom coachwork. The wide range of automotive innovations from past to present is an impressive sight to behold. There will be three themes that will also be eager additions to the 19^th annual The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering: All Things MINI Cooper. 70 Years of Jaguar and their Wins at Le Mans and the 50^th Anniversary of the BMW M Division.

This year’s gathering is sure to create an experience that will leave both the guests and sponsors in complete exultation. A vast array of cars and culinary pavilions, not to mention the gratification of on-site parking, will allow guests to delve into this automotive marvel in utter contentment.

The event is set to take place on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 10 am to 4 pm.

For more information, please visit Peninsula.com

The McCall’s Motorworks Revival’s New Legacy: Motorlux

Starting this year, a new host has taken over the torch for renowned McCall’s Motorworks Revival, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to Monterey Car Week. The legacy carries on with Hagerty as they bring together automotive elegance and refined aircraft in one exclusive party at the Monterey Jet Center.

Having been partnered with McCall’s Motorworks Revival for 20 years, Hagerty is enthusiastic to be taking on this long-cherished event as part of their ever-expanding portfolio of automotive events that span across the country. With a new chapter beginning for this massive jet center party, the new host, Hagerty has renamed the event Motorlux. In what started as a fun place for Molly and Gordon McCall to bring the motorworks community together and share their love of the art, has now spiraled into one of the most exclusive events of the year.

This exciting venue of classic automobiles and state of the art airplanes will also be showing a preview to the inaugural Broad Arrow Group auction. Motorlux introduces three new types of tickets to guests as they provide a different level of benefits to make the experience more immersive. Starting with the Lux Pass at $450 per person or $405 with Hagerty Drivers Club Discount, the next ticket is the Lux Plus pass that offers early entry and access to the Lux Lounge for $650 per person. Lastly, on top of upgraded parking on the tarmac and access to the Lux Lounge, the Lux Premium pass, which is priced at $700 per person, includes admission to the Broad Arrow Group Auction on Thursday. The auction will be offering a stunning collection of over 80 rare automobiles.

Please note that tickets for the Lux Plus and Lux Premium are in limited supply. Don’t miss out on this auto-moto-aero aficionado escape with fine foods and drinks accompanied by interactive entertainment.

For more information visit: motorlux.com

Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance Opens the Field for their 71st Year

Just around the corner is yet another event we automotive enthusiasts never seem to forget, and why should we? What was first founded in 1950, we are just shy of two months away from celebrating the 71^st annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. One of the most unforgettable events to see during famed Monterey Car Week, this vast oasis of cars has been dubbed the ultimate place to be for anyone with a true passion for automobiles.

Like the years before, this event takes place on the 18^th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, where fine cars and their owners gather for an impressive display of automotive brilliance. This affair is also a heated competition where cars from all generations are judged by automotive authorities based off their technical specifications, sheer elegance and history to be dubbed the Best of Show winner. This riveting event ushers in automotive aficionados from all across the globe to see this incredible lineup, which also includes new car debuts and concepts that we all have been eagerly awaiting.

This year’s event will begin on Sunday, August 21, 2022. For more information, please visit PebbleBeachConcours.net.

Images Courtesy of: the Pebble Beach Concours