Lamborghini Countach to celebrate its 50th Birthday at the Pebble Beach Concours

At the 70^th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, tribute will be paid to a half century of the Lamborghini Countach. To mark the 50^th anniversary of one of the world’s original supercars, the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will feature a collection of some of the most important Countach models and prototypes. Launched in 1971, just five years after the ground breaking Miura, the Countach inspired a new generation of more aggressive supercars. Some say the Marcello Gandini designed masterpiece with its sharp lines and scissor doors gave birth to the idea of hyper cars that were to come in the following decades.

“The Countach redefined the super sports car segment and became an icon with design language that is still applied to every modern Lamborghini today,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President & CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance is the perfect backdrop to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this legendary Lamborghini with a special gathering of Countach examples that will likely never be seen again in one place.”

Concours Chairman Sandra Button added “We’re excited to share the origin and development of the Countach. These cars have played a distinct role in reshaping the modern automobile, changing our eye for style, and shifting automotive desires.”

Despite the fact that many Countach coupes have competed on the lawn at Pebble Beach, 2021 will be the first time that a full class will be displayed at the event. The full evolution of the Countach will be on display starting with the oldest surviving prototype and ending with the a 25^th Anniversario model. The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be held on Sunday August 15 at the 18th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links. To purchase tickets please visit the Pebble Beach Concours website.

Image courtesy of: Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

A Coach Built Masterpiece | The Rolls Royce ‘Boat Tail’

Unveiled just a few days ago, is the ‘Boat Tail’, a nod to Rolls Royce’s coach building past. This all-new one of one commission is a tribute to a time when discerning clients would personalize almost every detail of their bespoke Rolls Royce. Although custom commissions like ‘Boat Tail’ are few and far between, Rolls Royce sees the “Coachbuild” program as a permanent fixture within the brand’s future portfolio.

Speaking on the program, Rolls Royce Head of Coachbuild Design, Alex Innes states: “Coachbuild provides freedom to move beyond the usual constraints. Normally, there is a natural ceiling to Rolls-Royce Bespoke by way of the canvas. At Rolls-Royce Coachbuild we break through that ceiling, embracing the freedom of expression afforded by coachbuilding to shape a concept directly with our commissioning patrons.” Adding “With Boat Tail we have achieved this. We have created a trio of exceptional cars which, although they share a common body style, are each imbued with the unique, highly personal imprint of the commissioning patron, thereby telling differing stories. Boat Tail is unprecedented. Boat Tail is a distinct counterpoint to industrialised luxury.” 

Despite being entirely unique, the ‘Boat Tail’ instantly reminds Rolls Royce aficionados of the 2017 Sweptail, a Coachbuild example that won the manufacturer much praise. The design of the sweptail was often compared to a J Class sailing yacht, a defining highlight of early 20^th century design. An element of vintage inspiration in the design of the ‘Boat Tail’ was taken from BOVET, the Swiss watchmaking house born in 1822. Following years of close collaboration, Rolls Royce and Bovet were able to integrate a mechanical dashboard clock like never before. A passionate collector of BOVET timepieces, the commissioner of ‘Boat Tail’ was pleased to reimagine the dashboard with two fine reversible timepieces for him and his wife. According to Rolls Royce, the watches have been designed to be “worn on the wrist, or, placed front and [center] within Boat Tail’s fascia as the motor car’s clock.”

Speaking on behalf of the collaboration, Pascal Raffy, owner, BOVET 1822, commented, “I am so proud of the BOVET 1822 team, who worked in tandem with the elite design team at Rolls-Royce to produce something spectacular. These two pieces, and the mounting system, are completely unique and unlike anything we have ever done before.”

Like its older sister, the ‘Boat Tail’ contains a myriad collection of discreet features executed to the highest standard. A defining highlight, in our humble opinion is the picnic chest, perfectly equipped for a luxurious al fresco dining experience. Half of the chest is devoted to aperitifs, whereas the other half is cuisine focused. The latter half has a pleasant surprise, a set of Christofle flatware engraved with the name ‘Boat Tail’. But you may ask yourselves ‘what meal is complete without a bottle of champagne?’ Well for this, you need not worry, as Rolls Royce has equipped the ‘Boat Tail’ with a refrigeration unit complete with color matched polished surrounds to accompany your favorite vintage of Armand de Brignac. An exacting requirement of the Boat Tail’s wine enthusiast commissioner was that the refrigeration unit must have the ability to rapidly cool champagne to 6 degrees centigrade. Finally cocktail tables open on either side of the ‘Boat Tail’ and are complemented by blue leather stools, which match the interior hide. Developed through a collaboration of Rolls Royce and celebrated Italian furniture maker Promemoria, the slim-line interlocking stools can be discreetly stored.

As opposed to most Rolls Royce models, which anticipate England’s rainy forecast, the ‘Boat Tail” is optimistic for sunshine. For this reason, a parasol can be effortlessly deployed from underneath the rear centerline via a telescopic movement. With this in mind, we’ll hope to see the ‘Boat Tail’ along the French Riviera this summer season.

All images courtesy of: Rolls Royce Motor Cars

The All New Bentley Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid

As part of Bentley’s Beyond 100 Strategy, the British Luxury Marque has unveiled one of two Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles for 2021. The announcement of the Bentayga Hybrid is a major step in Bentley’s strategy to “consider [their] environmental, social and economic impact,” which has helped transform “the 80-year-old Crewe headquarters into the UK’s single carbon neutral luxury car factory.”

“The Bentayga Hybrid is the next step on our journey to becoming the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company. Bentley will transform from a 100-year-old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury, and the Bentayga Hybrid is the first model to pioneer our company’s recently announced Beyond100 strategy,” said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors

Despite the fact that the Bentayga Hybrid boasts a range of just 31 miles in pure electric mode, “Bentley’s research shows over 90 per cent of customers use their first-generation Bentayga Hybrid on a daily basis or several times a week, and nearly 100 per cent of customers use EV mode, with half of them consistently undertaking journeys of less than 30 miles.” The Bentayga combined range when utilizing petrol and electric power is 536 miles. By combining the E Motor with a 3.0 litre twin-scroll turbocharged V6 petrol powertrain, the engineers at Bentley have given the Bentayga an impressive 443 brake horsepower (449 PS) and 516 lb.ft (700 Nm) of torque.

The Plug-in Hybrid Bentayga has adopted elements of Bentley’s newest design language. Every panel of both the front and back side of the vehicle have been altered to ensure a more purposeful design configuration. These updates include significant improvements to the grilles and LED matrix headlights with a cut crystal design.

“We spent a long time examining how to improve the proportions and character of the car. New Bentayga is still instantly recognisable as a Bentley but now has a much greater road presence, a more self-confident looking SUV from whatever angle you look at the car. The prouder grill and higher, more focused elliptical headlights give a much more modern expression,” said JP Gregory, Head of Exterior Design at Bentley Motors

The new Hybrid model is being delivered to customers with any required region specific charging cables, which will allow the vehicle to be charged at a wide variety of charge point locations. Additionally, customers can request an at-home wallbox to house the charging unit and cables at no extra cost. A dedicated control unit allows the driver to manually manage battery usage by selecting one of three different E Modes. Options include Hold Mode, EV Drive, and Hybrid Mode, with an additional option to allow the Bentayga to manage the system automatically.

The interior of the Bentley Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid enjoys several new design elements, such as new door trims and two new straight grained veneer options. The two new veneers include both Koa and Crown Cut Walnut. A new steering wheel design along with the reimagined center fascia and digital driver’s display are fresh and simplified. In addition to an entirely new seat design, a particular highlight is a the quilted seat stitching available exclusively in Mulliner Driving Specification models.

The Bentayga Plug-in Hybrid benefits from a suite of new technology. A next generation infotainment system with a 10.9 inch screen with high resolution graphics and improved connectivity is a major perk. New features also include several new services from My Bentley connected, which utilize a built in SIM with Hybrid content, “meaning they no longer require a data connection from a customer’s mobile device.” These new services include My Car Statistics, My Battery Charge, My Cabin Comfort, and E-Charging to discover the nearest charging point. Last, but surely not least, is the welcome addition of Wireless Apple CarPlay standard with Android Auto.

_{Images courtesy of: Bentley}

This 1993 Land Rover Defender Has A Powerful Secret

Osprey Custom Cars in Wilmington, North Carolina is well regarded for crafting exceptionally customized vehicles, though few combine the best of power, luxury, and extreme off-road capability, like the customization shop’s latest build. Yet, this 1993 Land Rover Defender 110 ticks all three boxes with it’s “Supercharged 600 hp V8, modern chassis with multiple upgrades, [as well as] high end paint and interior [finishes].”

“We gave this truck performance and aesthetic upgrades that make this a very distinctive vehicle”, said Aaron Richardet, founder and manging director of Osprey.  “This truck looks great at the country club or off road.  And it will surprise a lot sport car drivers from a stop light.”       

Beneath a striking exterior finished in Land Rover’s classic Alaskan White, is a remarkable 6.2 litre supercharged LSA V8 boasting “approximately 600HP and 580lb-ft torque”. Additional powertrain and chassis modifications to the example include “a 6L80E 6-speed automatic transmission, HD transfer case, HD front and rear axles, custom front and rear drive shafts, galvanized chassis  powder-coated gloss black, MD Terra Firma springs, shock absorbers, steering damper, steering components, HD caster-corrected front radius arms, HD rear cranked control arms, front and rear anti-sway bars, 4-wheel power disc brakes“. The exterior of the vehicle has been outfitted with a Stornoway Gray hood and top as well as 8” Sterling defender rims finished black/silver and extensive LED lighting.

On the inside, this Defender 110 boasts an interior that combines luxury with utility; sporty charcoal leather seats pair well with the PUMA-spec gauge cluster and piano-black finish center dash binnacle trim. Technological amenities such as “Dual USB charging points with wireless charging pads in front of center console and a 7” touch screen Alpine AM/FM/CD/MP3/Bluetooth head unit w/ Apple Car Play, set this Defender apart from the pack.

_{Images courtesy of: Osprey Custom Cars provided via Publicity Factory}

Too Many Cars and Not Enough Space? Gordon McCall has the Perfect Solution!

Do you suffer from the all too common problem of having too many cars and not enough garage space? We’ll, a garage condo at Gordon McCall’s 90,000 square foot Monterey Motorsport Park might be just the solution for you. Whether you own a residence on the coveted Monterey Peninsula or are an annual car week pilgrim, there are few comparable options to store your prized exotic cars, vintage automobiles, or cherished motorcycles than your very own garage condo steps from the Monterey Airport and Jet Center.

Not only does Central California pay host to the annual Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the area also offers enthusiasts one of the world’s most spectacular stretches of coastal roads. With units at the complex ranging in size from nearly 18 by 30 to 50 by 64 feet, space is generous to say the least. Aside from easy access to a joy ride down to Big Sur, Monterey Motorsports Park offers “24-Hour Gated Entry, Proactive Remote Guarding, Easy Drive-In or Walk-In Access, Wall and Roof Insulation, and Unique Mezzanines [perfect for entertaining.]”

Speaking on the subject of Monterey Motorsport Park, one of the developments’ partners Gordon McCall told The Extravagant “Every unit has a mezzanine in it, so every [space] has the ability to have a getaway office, a satellite office, home office, whatever you want to call it. We have been approved [for] multiple business uses. For instance, wholesale and retail dealer licenses have been approved by the State, which is a big deal. [The units] range [in size] from 600 square feet up to about 2700 square feet. It’s a great opportunity, it really is. So many people around [the Monterey Peninsula] have storage units tucked away. They’ve got Wifi, they’ve got their car collection, but they’re in a storage unit. It’s like ‘you pay your rent, you go month to month and there you are.’ Well, here’s your chance to own a place and actually have a nice address that goes along with it.”

Roll-up truck doors of 14′ x 14’ or 12’ x 14’, 26 foot high ceiling, and mezzanines along with the potential to install a private restroom and kitchen make units entirely unique and luxurious. With well over 75% of the 86 unit complexes’ condos already spoken for, it’s the perfect time to invest in that extra space for your cherished automobiles. 686 square foot units are priced from $242,000 USD.

Image Credit: Chase Woodward (CodyCreek), images provided courtesy of: Monterey Motorsport Park

Top Luxury Cars to Drive in 2020

When it comes to high-end middle range luxury cars, there is quite an extensive list for automobile enthusiasts to choose from. These cars have everything from advanced technological features and precision engineering to luxury interiors and stunning bodywork. When you drive a luxury car in 2020, you can look forward to an experience like no other.

Although there are many exotics choices in the sub $100,000 USD range, such as models from automobile giants like Ferrari or Rolls Royce, you may want to consider purchasing a brand new vehicle to avoid the common issues of acquiring some used cars. Buyers should avoid having to call in professionals like those at Tariolaw.com as a result of an accident in an unsafe vehicle. So, always purchase your used luxury vehicle from a reputable or a reliable dealer. Or better yet, consider a brand new car.

Some Top Luxury Cars You Can Consider

Below we’ve taken a moment to assemble a list of some of our favorite affordable choices to consider in 2020. From the stunning Mercedes Benz S Class to the powerful Tesla Model S, this list has something for everyone.

Mercedes Benz S Class

With its superb functionality and sleek design language, the Mercedes Benz S Class is a great choice for those who seek a combination of uncompromising luxury and extraordinary performance. The vehicle boasts advanced hybrid electric power train technology options, a wonderfully spacious interior, and constitutes an array of integrated technology so you can look forward to advanced features galore. The 2020 S Class has a base price of $95,245.

Tesla Model S

Elon Musk’s Tesla has become a popular choice for those who desire embracing unique functions and technology. The Tesla Model S is luxurious, spacious, and functional, as it is one of the longest-range electric cars currently on the market. And, as to be expected, you can look forward to a wonderfully quiet drive when you get behind the wheel of one of these vehicles. It is a great choice for those that want to benefit from luxury combined with cost-efficiency. Base pricing for the 2020 Model S begins at $81,190.

Audi A8

Packed with advanced features and modern tech, the Audi A8 is a luxury vehicle that ticks all the boxes. Once activated, it will provide excellent capabilities for autonomous motoring. You can choose from a range of engines that are turbocharged, including petrol and diesel. You can sit back and relax in the comfortable yet luxurious interior and, when you are behind the wheel, you can enjoy a smooth driving experience. The 2020 Audi A8 is available from a starting price of $84,795.

BMW X7

BMW is a big name in the luxury vehicle market. A great addition to the luxury SUV market, the BMW X7 integrates with a variety of benefits and features that make it a great choice. Many of the features are geared toward entertainment, information, and convenience. While it may not be quite as luxurious as some of the other models, it is a very functional and practical vehicle that offers powerful performance and comfort. With a base price of $74,895, the 2020 BMW X7 is the most affordable vehicle on this list.

A Unique Driving Experience

No matter which of these luxury vehicles you decide to pursue in the end, you can look forward to a fabulous motoring experience. You can also enjoy the chance to enjoy both leisure and luxury when you are behind the wheel, as well as a vehicle that will look incredibly impressive while on the road or simply parked in your driveway!

Featured Image Courtesy of: Mercedes Benz

2020 Luxury Electric Cars: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint In Style

It has become clear during this new decade that protecting the environment is a responsibility that is shared by everyone. As the push towards reducing our need to consume fossil fuels expands, the rise of many alternative sources of energy has taken over many parts of the economy.

Innovative companies like Tesla have been on the frontier of hybrid and electrically powered vehicles for over a decade. Although the aim is to create affordable electric vehicles for the common man, Tesla and other luxury car manufacturers are in a tight race to match eco-friendliness with style and class.

Reducing your carbon footprint is now possible while maintaining an elite status. Combining powerful and elegant machinery using the most eco-friendly manufacturing methods has never been a hotter trend. You can get freedom from the gas pump, qualify for environmental discounts from Allstate car insurance and still drive a stunning vehicle that is in the class that you deserve.

The top luxury electric cars for 2020 are imagined by teams of engineers dedicated to the classic looks and quality that their companies have always been known for as they help buyers drive in elegance through the 21st century.

Tesla Model X

The Model X debuted in 2016 and has undergone a number of updates as it is redesigned each and every year. As a midsize crossover vehicle, it provides eco-conscious drivers a zero-emission drive that is at the height of technological advances.

With the ability to deliver the electric equivalent of 90 MPG in the city and 89 MPG on the highway, the Tesla Model X can run longer than its competitors with an extended range between charging. With innovative features including all-electric door entry, extensive onboard safety features and a sleek look, you will feel like you are driving towards the future.

Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan does not disappoint those that are looking to embrace the power and style of the brand while keeping the environment in mind. The Taycan is a stunning sedan that utilizes two unique electric motors for the best in handling and power.

The interior is designed with the classic style of Porsche using only the best and most luxurious fabrics and accessories. This all-wheel-drive electric vehicle with the ability to convert to rear-axle steering will give you 68 MPG in the city and 71 MPG when you let it loose on the highway.

Jaguar I-PACE

The EPA has estimated that “the Jaguar I-PACE can travel up to 234 miles on one charge.” This incredible distance that could cover the span between New York and D.C. is a true game-changer for drivers looking for an electric hybrid that packs a punch.

Using an advanced set of rechargeable motors, the I-PACE is the epitome of the style and grace that Jaguar has always been known for. The I-PACE delivers all-wheel-drive navigation, advanced safety technology and over 80 MPG on both city roads and the highway.

BMW i8

BMW continues to deliver the height of sophistication in both the Coupe and Roadster models of their innovative i-8 design. Both stylish and practical models boast an impressive 369 horsepower all-electric engine that gives it a jump on the competition. With luxurious interiors, onboard navigation and technology that rivals the best in the industry, the BMW i8 is a classic ride that will not disappoint. It is the path of the elite that the masses will follow in fashion and trends. Comfort yourself in style and luxury while reducing your carbon footprint with one of these extravagant, yet environmentally responsible vehicles of the future.

Feature Image Credit: Pixabay

A 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder Takes The Win at the 5th Peninsula Classics Best of the Best

For The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Awards’ fifth year, an award that draws eight of the concours circuits’ ‘Best of Show’ winners to compete against one another, a stunning 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder emerged as the champion among the competition which included some of the most coveted and timeless automobiles ever produced. This year’s winner, which boasted coachwork by Scaglietti, was dubbed the ‘Best of the Best’ after claiming “Best of Show” at the 2019 Cavallino Classic. You may be curious as to what contributed in making the car stand out among its fierce competition? Aside from its irrefutably breathtaking exterior design and famed Ferrari V12 engine, this 335 S Spyder offered finely-detailed accounts of its past glory both inside and outside the racing circuit.

When the classic 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder was showcased at The Peninsula Paris during a private party, the car soon became the center of attention as it defeated the other seven competitors that were chosen for their own distinguishable qualities. The Ferrari’s sleek body, incredible curves, powerful engine and extensive documented provenance surely contributed to its victory. It was a great battle between these fellow nominated vehicles due to the fact that each of them were the 2019 Best of Show winners hailing from top-class concours events from across the globe. The judges for this competition included leading figures in the automotive world, such as names like Henry Ford III, Jay Leno and Nick Mason of Pink Floyd.

“It is difficult as a judge to choose a winner for The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award because each vehicle has already been selected as one of the best and most prestigious in the world and they’re all immaculate,” states Jay Leno. “For 2019, we selected the Ferrari due to its extremely detailed history, including its racing heritage. Of course, it’s also an incredibly beautiful vehicle.”

Having previously been on display at the New York International Auto Show in 1959, this particular Ferrari competed on multiple raceways in the United States, including Watkins Glen, Daytona International Speedway and the Virginia International Speedway. The last of which resulted in the car sustaining a blown motor in May of 1960. Following this incident, repair costs were so exceedingly high that the Ferrari was left to rest at a New York customs facility where it remained unclaimed and patiently awaiting the day for it to be unleashed upon the world.

Although this Ferrari’s nap at the customs facility was not too excessive, it still had taken roughly three years until the car was eventually acquired in April 1963 for around $1,000 USD. The car was then passed through the hands of many owners and across many countries from 1963 to 2013, until it reached the hands of Andreas Mohringer of Salzburg, Austria. Mohringer wanted to fully restore the car to its former glory, so he commissioned a complete restoration by Paul Russell and company. The firm, which is famed for specializing in restoration, preservation and maintenance of fine vintage vehicles, truly demonstrated their skills as the Ferrari once again made a name for itself by claiming Best of Show winner at Cavallino Classic and later obtaining the Best of the Best award. Other notable achievements from the years before include being the top of its class at the 2017 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance as well as the best of show for the 2018 Concorso d’Eleganza d’Este. 

“This Ferrari is the ultimate combination of beautiful Scaglietti coachwork and racing pedigree,” said Andreas Mohringer, the vehicle’s owner. “After restoring this extremely noteworthy car back to its former glory, it is an absolute joy to share it with the world. We’re thrilled that the judges have recognized how special this vehicle is and it is a great honour to be presented with this prestigious award.”

The private party held at the The Peninsula Paris’ subterranean garage announced the 1958 Ferrari 335 S Spyder as the winner of the award in a very exciting way. After dinner came to a close, a vertical bi-fold door together with numerous lighting effects wowed the crowd as the vehicle made its entrance into the festivities. Big names within the automotive world, international press and authoritative members of Parisian society ended the party with a high-note as they danced to music by Model and Dj Amber Le Bon.

“As the automobile industry continues to evolve, not least technologically, with each passing year, celebrating the beauty, innovation, and craftsmanship that defined a century of automobile manufacturing takes on an ever-greater significance” said William E (Chip) Connor, co-founder of The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award , Chairman and CEO of William E. Connor & Associates Ltd., a regular judge and vintage racer. “Everyone associated with this fantastic award should be proud of the work they have done.”

For more information visit: The Peninsula Classics Best of the Best Award 

Images Credit: Peter Singhof

The Final Bentley Mulsanne

In a recent announcement Bentley has stated that they will be kissing goodbye to the Mulsanne and its legendary six and three quarter litre V8, the longest V8 ever in continuous production. Bentley’s farewell kiss you may ask? The Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner, which will be limited to just thirty examples.

After 60 years in production the awe inspiring 6¾-litre engine will no longer grace the production lines at Crewe. Bentley’s 6.75 litre V8 debuted under the bonnet of the 1959 Bentley S2, and although that masterpiece has been tweaked here and there it largely remains almost identical to the original. In what appears to be an effort to lower emissions, Bentley will be replacing the Mulsanne with the Flying Spur and offer hybrid options for all models by 2023. As of yet the Bentayga is the only Bentley available with a hybrid power-train.

“The Mulsanne has played a pivotal role in maintaining Bentley’s position as global leader of the luxury limousine segment. The flagship of our model range, its longevity is a testament to our ongoing commitment to hand-building the finest motor cars in the world. The new Mulsanne 6.75 Edition is the culmination of that achievement. While production of the Mulsanne will end in Spring 2020, this decision has been taken at a time when we are experiencing significant customer demand across our other existing model lines. As such, we will be redeploying all of our manufacturing colleagues who currently work on the Mulsanne to other areas of the business,” stated Chris Craft, Member of the Board, Sales, Marketing and After-sales at Bentley Motors

The Final Edition will feature blacked out bright work in a gloss finish aside from the lights, which will maintain their chrome finish to highlight the customer’s choice of paint color. A tinted hood ornament, 21 inch rims, and Mulliner Serenity radiator grille and exhaust finishers complete the vehicle’s exterior key design elements. The intake manifold will be finished in black instead of typical silver and the engine number plate will be signed by Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Adrian Hallmark rather than the craftsman that built the car’s engine.

Based on the 530 bhp, 1100 Nm Mulsanne Speed the most driver focused Mulsanne ever created, the Final edition is sure to raise some eyebrows with its tasteful yet sporty design elements, which include the classic ‘organ stop’ ventilation pulls replaced by designs capped by miniature versions of the engine oil cap and a 6.75 Edition motif is stitched into the seats.

As far as interior customization goes, the Final edition will offer four single tone leather color choices: Imperial Blue, Beluga, Fireglow and Newmarket Tan. A stunning bespoke color split spreads a silver accent throughout the cabin. The silver spreads across the seat pipping and center console in leather as well as a silver-painted veneer with a unique metal commemorative plaque fitted to the front console.

The iconic Bentley Mulsanne originally hit the road in 1980 and truth be told we are incredibly disappointed to see this handmade masterpiece exit production.

Images courtesy of Bentley Motors

HENNESSEY PERFORMANCE UNVEILS THEIR TAKE ON THE UPCOMING ELECTRIC PORSCHE TAYCAN

Texas based Hennessey Performance Engineering is set to take on their very first electric vehicle project. Hennessey, which is best known for their work on the super-fast Venom F5, is set to tackle modifications of the all electric Porsche Taycan. With nearly thirty years of experience modifying fast cars, the team at Hennessey is set to add an electric vehicle to their entirely petrol propelled fleet.

“We’ve been planning to do something with electrified vehicles for a while now,” said company founder & CEO, John Hennessey.  “We felt that the new Porsche Taycan was the right platform from which to modify our first EV.  Initially, we will start with simple modifications such as wheels, tires and interior upgrades as well as exterior modifications such as more aggressive front and rear bumpers.  After that we will see what might be possible in terms of adding more power.”

The 2020 Porsche Taycan is described by the German automaker as a four door coupe. Porsche boasts about the new vehicle’s extreme performance and everyday usability. Porsche claims that the sustainably designed “Taycan Turbo S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, while the Taycan Turbo completes this sprint in 3.2 seconds. The Turbo S has a range of up to 412 kilometres, and the Turbo a range of up to 450 kilometres (according to WLTP in each case). The top speed of both all-wheel-drive models is 260 km/h.” Though here at Extravagant we were most impressed by the two-speed transmission fitted to the Taycan’s rear axle, which is an innovation pioneered by Porsche. 

“We promised a true Porsche for the age of electromobility – a fascinating sports car that not only excites in terms of its technology and driving dynamics, but also sparks a passion in people all over the world, just like its legendary predecessors have done. Now we are delivering on this promise,” emphasizes Michael Steiner, Member of the Executive Board of Porsche AG – Research and Development.

“Nearly all of our clients still want raw, powerful ICE engines.  But some of them have begun to add an EV to their collections for daily driver duties,” said Hennessey.  “We don’t want to reinvent the wheel in the electrified market, we just want to make it roll a little faster and cooler!”

Hennessey anticipates that they will begin their work on the Taycan shortly after Porsche starts to fulfill delivery of models to the United States in 2020.

Images courtesy of: Hennessey Performance Engineering