one-off Archives

Ferrari reveals SP48 Unica designed specially for just one customer

Ferrari’s Special Projects programme creates unique models which have a design so exclusive that each one can be considered a ‘One-Off’. Each project originates from an idea put forward by the customer and is then developed with a team of designers from Ferrari’s Styling Centre. The entire process can last for more than a year on average, during which time the customers closely assesses the design and verification phases.

Customers are, of course, entitled to privacy and their creation may never be shown to the public but some may be agreeable and we get to see a unique one-off Ferrari. The latest is the SP48 Unica revealed today and designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre. The 2-seater sports berlinetta sits on the F8 Tributo platform, with its taut lines and aggressive stance making it instantly recognisable with respect to the original model.

Also unmistakable is the arrow-shaped front profile; central to achieving this effect was the redesign of the headlights and the subsequent relocation of the brake air intakes.

A pivotal aspect of the design of this unique new car is the extensive use of procedural-parametric modelling techniques and 3D prototyping (additive manufacturing) which enabled the designers and engineers to completely redesign the front grille and engine air intakes. This advanced production process, ideal for low-volume items, resulted in perfect 3D grilles that seem carved from a solid volume creating a sense of seamless continuity and dynamic fluidity.

The procedural graphic solutions adopted on the bodywork dialogue directly with the grilles and influence the SP48 Unica’s overall design. Here, the transition from black – which includes the windows, roof and engine cover – to the body colour is especially clear.

The striking visor effect of the front is further heightened by the reduction in the size of the side windows and the elimination of the rear screen. This highlights the powerful muscularity of the SP48 Unica, giving the impression of being sculpted from a single block of metal.

Looking down on the car, the central section of the roof is emphasised. A graphic representation of the air intakes is set into the rear part of the carbonfibre engine cover before the rear wing. This angle allows the viewer to appreciate the styling research that went into the car and reveals the sophisticated interplay of symmetries and intersecting lines created by its forms.

The SP48 Unica’s thermal-fluid-dynamic design has been honed and perfected to guarantee it satisfies all cooling requirements in addition to delivering a different aerodynamic balance. The biggest changes compared to the F8 Tributo’s styling include the air intakes for cooling flows for the engine on the front bumper and beneath the rear spoiler. Each has a deep procedural grille, every section of which is optimally angled to maximise the amount of air passing through.

The car’s configuration also allowed the engineers to locate an intercooler intake immediately behind the side windows, which in turn enabled them to reduce the dimension of the intakes on the flanks. The longer rear overhang reduces suction from the roof area, boosting rear downforce.

The cabin retains the F8 Tributo’s technical identity – excluding the rear screen – and to reflect the car’s personality, specially developed black laser-perforated Alcantara is used on the seats and most of the cabin trim. Beneath are glimpses of iridescent reddish-orange fabric that match the exterior colour.

The motif picks up the hexagonal motif of the grilles and the procedural livery on the roof, creating an appealing continuity between the car’s interior and exterior. In the cockpit, the eye is immediately drawn to the polished sill covers with the same laser-embossed hexagonal motif. Matte carbonfibre creates a sense of technicality and exclusivity, complemented by the Grigio Canna di Fucile accents.

Only one person in the world can own the Ferrari BR20

For the Cullinan owner who wants to go camping in style with his SUV

The Cullinan SUV by Rolls-Royce costs upwards of RM1.8 million and for most owners, it would probably be part of a fleet, perhaps used for occasions when some rough conditions are expected. There might be some owners who will want to make use of all the off-road capability that Rolls-Royce engineers have given it and travel far off-road.

One such customer in the Arabian Peninsular seems to have such an intent and got Delta 4×4, a German tuning company, to ruggedize his Cullinan and also add some accessories for camping in comfort (probably in the desert). In total, the project would have cost the owner at least 150,000 euros (about RM690,000).

It’s the sort of assignment that Delta 4×4 has expertise in and apart from installing its own line of accessories like a brush bar, spotlights (10 PIAA units in total), skid plates, and a snorkel, it also incorporated a roof rack with a rooftop tent.

To enable it to cross rougher terrain, Delta4x4 added wider fenders over the custom bead-lock 20-inch wheels and Mickey Thompson off-road tyres. Ground clearance is extended with a 3.15-inch lift kit to add 150 mm more than a standard Cullinan.

The 6.75-litre twin-turbo V-12 engine under the long bonnet has plenty of power – 563 bhp with 850 Nm of torque – so no upgrading would be necessary. The exhaust system, however, is customised ‘for a nicer sound’ and improved performance. Likewise with the 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive which are also unchanged from the standard model the customer purchased originally.

While this is a one-off conversion for the Cullinan, Delta 4×4 can apply the same expertise for other models and it has done so with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and X-Class, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amaro, Mitsubishi Triton and even a Porsche 911 Carrera 4S.

Unique features for Rolls-Royce Cullinan owners to enjoy their outdoor adventures

Pushing prototypes to the limits – and having fun as well

The engineers who have to test prototypes go all over the world to places with extreme environments. Their job is to see how the future model will perform in the toughest conditions on the planet and collect data that will help them ensure reliability and durability. Much of the time, the work can be monotonous as it’s not a joy-ride and the vehicles must be driven in specific ways… and not always at high speeds.

For Polestar’s engineers, there are occasions when they must enjoy their work, especially when within the Arctic Circle where the company’s intense winter testing programme runs for 15 weeks from December to March every year. Teams of engineers pushing prototypes to the limits in harsh conditions that can be as low as -35 degrees C.

It’s not just components that are tested but also the prototype’s driving dynamics. “Tuning a chassis on snow and ice allows us to develop our cars in what feels like slow motion and with better accuracy,” said Joakim Rydholm, Polestar’s chief chassis engineer who has led the dynamic development of Polestar vehicles for over a decade and advocates tuning in this extreme environment.

“With such low levels of grip, we can feel and analyse the dynamics at a much slower pace than on tarmac, which means we can really fine-tune the way our cars behave, down to the smallest details. This is my absolute favourite place to develop cars,” he revealed.

To exhibit this expertise, and being a rally driver in his spare time with numerous trophies to his name, Rydholm created the unique Polestar 2 ‘Arctic Circle’ as a one-off special version that brings winter rally inspiration to a Polestar for the first time.

The base car, a Polestar 2 Long-range Dual motor with Performance Pack, has several specific modifications. The ride height is higher (+30 mm), with increased power and torque output (350 kW and 680 Nm) and custom-made 19-inch studded winter tyres, each having 4 mm metal studs (490 per tyre). These give the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle the mechanical credentials to be quick and agile on snow and ice.

In combination with springs that are 30% softer, the 3-way performance Ohlin’s dampers, specially designed and tuned for this car together with Ohlins, are set to 9 clicks front and rear and feature auxiliary adjustment chambers. The standard 4-piston Brembo front brakes are good enough, so they are retained without changes.

The front bumper has a carbonfibre skid plate for additional under-body protection. The front and rear strut braces have been fitted to increase torsional rigidity and steering responsiveness. A new prototype launch control system has also been integrated via steering wheel-mounted paddles. And just in case the drivers get stuck in snow far away, a carbonfibre snow shovel and a recovery strap are mounted in the rear of the car as well.

Visually, rally inspiration has seen the fitment of 19-inch OZ Racing rally wheels, four Stedi Quad Pro LED front lights and a unique exterior livery in matte grey and white. Inside, there are custom-upholstered Recaro front bucket seats in charcoal with Swedish gold branding.

“I wanted to have more fun than usual with this car – really being able to push it in terms of performance and handling in a winter environment like a frozen lake. The balance and predictability we have achieved with the raised ride height and specialised tyres are particularly noticeable when you enter a bend completely sideways, with a bigger-than-usual smile on your face, and in total control,” said a happy Rydholm, adding that the Polestar 2 Arctic Circle is a one-time-only showpiece there are no production plans.

Experimental Polestar 2 with higher output shown at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Only one person in the world can own the Ferrari BR20

Although the models which Ferrari usually publicises are those produced in more than a single unit, there are also cars which the carmaker has made which are not shown or mentioned because the customers may not like publicity. But some do agree to the exposure and the customer who commissioned the Ferrari BR20, the latest addition to the brand’s One-Off series, is one of them.

The BR20 is a 2-seater V12 coupe developed on the GTC4Lusso platform which, in terms of its philosophy and styling approach, references the Ferrari coupes of the 1950s and 1960s, without the slightest hint of nostalgia. Instead, it incorporates styling themes typical of some of the most iconic 12-cylinder models in Ferrari history, such as the 410 SA and 500 Superfast.

The GTC4Lusso’s two rear seats have been removed to add extra dynamism to the BR20’s ultra-sleek fastback line. The new car is about 75 mm longer than the original, thanks to a specific rear overhang treatment designed to create a silhouette that beautifully emphasises its proportions.

One of the cornerstones of the design process for this one-off was the radical modification made to the cabin volume. This in turn gave the design team the freedom to conceive the innovative proportions that ultimately produced a powerful yet stylistically coherent exterior design theme.

The new cabin design creates the impression of a pair of arches running lengthwise from A-pillar to rear spoiler. The rear volume of the arch has been hollowed out to create an aerodynamic channel with the air outlet concealed by the black rear fascia under the spoiler. This modern take on Ferrari’s ‘flying buttress’ theme firmly connects the car to the brand’s signature styling cues not just from its GT tradition, but also sportscars such as the 599 GTB Fiorano.

To visually lighten the cabin, the black paint of the roof visually connects the windscreen to the rear screen, which stands above the surface of the rear tailgate as if to channel the airflow. A muscular rear bumper melds with the aggressive look of the rest of the car. Twin taillights create a visual dialogue with the tailpipes, which are lower and set into a prominent aerodynamic diffuser with active flaps on the underbody. Even the BR20’s twin round exhaust tips were designed especially for this one-off model.

The BR20’s many carbonfibre details highlight the edgy dynamic characteristics and powerful performance of this car which has all-wheel drive. The wide front grille sports an upper carbonfibre element, a note of stylistic consistency with other recent Ferrari one-offs, while unusual chrome side inserts help underline the car’s dynamic front stance.

The BR20’s unique identity is further underscored by the front grille’s striking new horizontal slats that lend a powerful sense of three-dimensionality. A virtually endless list of elements was designed specifically for the BR20, not least its modified headlights. They are lower in height compared to those of the GTC4Lusso with slimmer DRLs, which makes the bonnet seem even longer and sleeker. The 20-inch tone-on-tone diamond-finish wheels were also created especially for this unique car.

The BR20’s interior, trimmed in two shades of brown leather and carbonfibre, was developed to meet the customer’s expectations. The seats are trimmed in dark brown Heritage Testa di Moro leather and sport an exclusive pattern at the front as well as silver cross-stitching. The cabin volume runs uninterrupted from the windscreen to the luggage compartment at the rear, creating a sense of unique lightness and airiness for occupants. Oak trim with carbonfibre inserts adorns the rear bench and luggage deck, which conceals a deeper loading area when folded flat, as well as the door handles.

Customers who make use of the Special Projects programme receive unique cars with an exclusive design following the requirements of the customer. This is a one-of-a-kind car and ownership of all design features and elements will be the customer’s. The entire process of development from the time the customer provides a brief can last, on average, more than one year. Typically, customers are involved in every phase of work.

A Ferrari automotive legend reborn – in 3/4 scale

Exclusive ‘Albert’ Speedtail by McLaren Special Operations pays homage to first prototype

McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has built a very exclusive model in the 106-car Speedtail range which pays homage to the first Speedtail attribute testing vehicle from 2018. Known as the ‘Albert’ Speedtail, its name refers to that the 1992 McLaren F1 test mules, which were named after the Albert Drive premises in England where the F1 was designed and built.

The original ‘Albert’ prototype vehicle was developed to validate the concept of the Speedtail’s central seat driving position, testing driver ergonomics and visibility and rearview camera positions. Built with the front panels from a 720S, the ‘Albert’ prototype was the first Speedtail to be driven on public roads.

“The name ‘Albert’ has a special resonance with MSO as we are the custodians of the McLaren F1 and are based at the Albert Drive premises that McLaren Cars occupied in the 1990s. The Speedtail experience has been an exciting journey for our customers, from visualising their imaginations to realising these inspirations and sharing their delight when unveiling the finished product. ‘Albert’ brings this project to a conclusion and we are thrilled to finish on a high note,” said Ansar Ali, MD of McLaren Special Operations.

When the original ’Albert’ travelled outside McLaren’s premises in public, it was camouflaged. The exterior design ‘camouflage’ was achieved by a simple 2-metre vinyl body wrap with design lines printed to represent the optimised airflow over the car.

The ‘Albert’ Speedtail carries on this legacy, which is one of the most complex paint themes ever completed by MSO. The colours selected for the ‘Albert’ homage are Magnesium Silver – the colour used for the F1 roadcar first shown at the 1992 Monaco Grand Prix – and Ueno Grey, the colour of the F1 GTR that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. The full design treatment is closely based on the 2018 vinyl ‘camouflage’ wrap.

The new ‘Albert’ was built in the McLaren Production Centre (MPC) with a 1K gloss visual carbonfibre body. Due to the incredibly complex and detailed nature of the paintwork design, the MSO team completed test panels first to understand process feasibility and worked alongside the visualiser team to refine renders.

In total, ‘Albert’ would require a 12-week post-build modification at MSO’s facility to reach completion. This included 2 week’s masking, 6 weeks of painting and the remaining time to dry and reassemble the vehicle after spraying.

Referring to large-scale print-outs of the renders, the livery masking was completed by two specialist paint technicians. This had to be completed on the built car, with wheels fitted, to ensure accurate cross-panel alignment of the design as it flows around the vehicle. The masking of the livery required almost 2 kms of fine line-out tape to complete the initial design layout.

The 6-week painting process required the car to be disassembled to ensure complete accuracy and flawless finish. The paint blend effect was located on the door applique’s outer body panels with the front painted in Ueno Grey and rear in Magnesium Silver. After the first paint application, all body panels were treated and refitted to ensure perfect alignment and only after this the final clearcoat was applied.

Based on the form of a teardrop, the most aerodynamically efficient shape found in nature, the Speedtail is the ideal streamlined hypercar, a 3-seat hyper GT that became the third car in McLaren’s Ultimate Series line-up. With its 1,070 bhp hybrid powertrain, the Speedtail is claimed to be able to cover 112 metres each second when travelling at its top speed of 402 km/h, making it the fastest McLaren roadcar to date.

The 2021 ‘Albert’ Speedtail will be unveiled to the public this weekend in Los Angeles. ‘’As one of the very last Speedtails to be built at the McLaren Production Centre, it was very important to us at McLaren Beverly Hills that ‘Albert’ honours the brand’s rich heritage, particularly paying tribute to the icon that is the McLaren F1,” said Parris Mullins of McLaren Beverly Hills.

“We worked alongside MSO through every stage, including concept ideation, to produce a truly bespoke and beautifully detailed car that celebrates the innovation and design excellence behind the fastest McLaren roadcar to date. We are fortunate to have been able to procure ‘Albert’ for one of our top clients and are absolutely thrilled with the finished result,’’ he added.

McLaren celebrates 1995 victory at Le Mans with 5 exclusive Senna F1 GTRs

Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.

Bugatti’s RM55.1 million La Voiture Noire ready for delivery to only customer

For the 0.003% of the world’s population who are classified as ‘ultra-rich’, buying cars is no longer just about personalization to the highest degree. That may make the car unique but there may still be many of the same model that others can own. These days, some manufacturers are selling cars so exclusive that they are true ‘one-offs’ which no one else can own.

The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is an example, and claimed to be the most exclusive model in the world. The design for a customer was first presented 2 years ago and now, the hypercar has been completed and can soon be delivered.

“With the completed La Voiture Noire, we are demonstrating once again that we develop the world’s most sophisticated hyper sportscars,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “With its use of visible carbonfibre in jet black, the coupe’s breathtaking sculpture looks especially elegant. It’s a veritable grand tourer that went from being a vision to a reality – a unique project which stands for Bugatti’s full creativity and artistry.”

Historically significant name
The name ‘La Voiture Noire’ will be familiar to Bugatti enthusiasts. Ettore Bugatti’s son, Jean, developed and drove one of just four Type 57 SC Atlantics produced, a car which was described as the ‘most perfect’ and the fastest automobile of its time. Jean named his model ‘La Voiture Noire’ – the black car. Jean Bugatti had a real flair for shapes and developed saloons and coupes of dramatic beauty. With the Atlantic, he had created a masterpiece.

That car disappeared without a trace shortly before the Second World War. It is now considered the automotive equivalent of the Amber Room, one of the greatest mysteries of the automotive world, and as a vehicle of indescribable value.

Reinterpreting the Atlantic
The idea for this homage came to Design Director Achim Anscheidt more than 20 years ago but years passed until it became possible to realize this unusual project. “We were rather in awe of the idea of developing the La Voiture Noire. No other vehicle in the long history of Bugatti has acquired the same legendary status as the Type 57 SC Atlantic and has become so synonymous with the brand. We had a great deal of respect for this historical responsibility as well as for the customer,” explained Anscheidt.

For the reinterpretation, the designers had to cast their minds back and seek to understand the automobile, the bygone times, the technology, the materials, and the creators – and then update this work to the 21st century.

Minimalist coupe
The 21^st century La Voiture Noire is a minimalist coupe, much like the Atlantic back then, thanks to reducing the essentials, reduced lines, and the absence of a large and dominant rear wing. The designers reinterpreted the spirit of the historical car and developed a specific shape stylistically and technically speaking. This includes the dorsal seam down the centerline, the extended front section, the clear lines, and the romanticism of the rear.

With great attention to detail, they created a bodywork with a unique surface finish – visible carbon fiber with a clearcoat known as ‘Black Carbon Glossy’ which generates virtually no reflections. The bumpers are integrated gently into the bodywork while the windscreen appears to merge with the side windows like a helmet visor.

The lack of disruptive lines means the surface appears to have been cast in one piece – nothing interrupts the visual flow. This transforms the vehicle’s attitude from a hyper sportscar to a grand tourer. A unique sense of drama is generated by reducing the essentials and the teasing out of this essence of beauty and elegance from the surfaces.

Extraordinary details
In addition, it boasts some extraordinary details. There are more than 25 individually milled lighting elements per side in the headlamps – an immense amount of work, even for a one-off. Each and every cell of the 3D-printed front grille has been refined and examined to ensure they all look perfect together.

The rear is dominated by an elegant rear light which, for the first time, features a single-piece surround with no joints. Six individual tailpipes serve as a nod to the car’s well-known template. A newly developed parametric design at the front and rear means the body parts appear to be sealed, but they are actually air-permeable.

The interior is entirely with grain leather in Havana Brown, basing its choice on the historical model. This natural material contrasts with specially polished and turned aluminium inlays in various locations on the centre console, the centre spine, and the doors. The driving modes can be changed by means of a sophisticated rosewood switch.

During development, every new part had to pass strict Bugatti testing and quality procedures, was measured, and was put through its paces time and again. Extensive simulations were followed by testing in the wind tunnel and on test benches, and then on test tracks and proving grounds covering the entire range of speeds. Modifications to the bodywork, cooling, thermodynamics, wheels, and wheelbase result in new balance which requires perfect coordination.

And what’s the price of having the only car of its type in the world? Bugatti says that it cost the customer 11 million euros (about RM55.1 million). Yes, you would have to be among that 0.003%…

Click here for more articles about Bugatti.

Rebirth of the Abarth 1000 SP

Abarth is an old name in the European car industry, with a history going back to 1949. It was an independent company back in the days when even small companies could do okay even with small volumes. But by the 1970s, as competition increased, it was a challenge if you didn’t have sufficient size and so Abarth was taken in by the Fiat group where it has remained to this day (continuing its existence in the Stellantis Group).

Historically, Abarth has been a performance brand (and this was long before such a term came into use). After all, founder Carlo Abarth was sporting director of the Cisitalia factory racing team which ceased operations and led to him founding the company. Later, when acquired by Fiat, Abarth was responsible for motorsport activities to make use of its long experience.

Strong presence in motorsports
The 1960s were probably the period the brand was well known in motorsports, having a presence in sportscar racing and hillclimbs and challenginf Porsche and Ferrari. One of the sportscars from this period of its history was the Abarth 1000 SP. This was an ambitious and revolutionary project where the ‘SP’ indicated Sports Prototype, a covered-wheel car made exclusively to compete in racing competitions, with few models actually built.

Built in 1966, the car was a light and powerful spider featuring simple, low and streamlined shapes. The technical and stylistic excellence of this car soon led to an outstanding series of victories – both for teams and private customers – which further contributed to reinforcing the Abarth brand’s sporting prestige.

Although few cars were built, the story of the Abarth 1000 SP did not end in the 1960s. In 2009, Abarth and Alfa Romeo (also in the Fiat empire) renewed their bond and looked at how to expand the range of the Abarth brand. Various alternatives were considered, including that of a reinterpretation of the 1000 SP involving the creation of a medium-sized sportscar with an attractive silhouette and essential lines

The Alfa Romeo 4C
This concept – a light car with an excellent weight/power ratio – became the basis of two distinct projects, which were developed in parallel. The first was that of the new Abarth 1000 SP, while the second focussed on another car which would soon continue the tradition of Alfa Romeo sportscars: the 4C. The Alfa Romeo 4C went into production but the 1000 SP project remained at the draft stage.

In 2021, the modern 1000 SP has finally been built, albeit as just one unit. The new Abarth 1000 SP project was shaped fully in line with its forerunner – the points and lines of the original car’s design have been respected, to ensure continuity between the sportscar of the 1960s and the concept car of the new millennium. In between lay the creative process and the rediscovery of an ambitious idea.

A ‘remastering’ operation
The spark for the revival of the old project came from the same mathematics as the prototype imagined in 2009, subjected to a ‘remastering’ operation to advance and perfect the car’s ultimate design. Furthermore, it would also be an evolution of the Alfa Romeo 4C, benefitting from another decade of technological advancements,

The 2021 1000 SP is an organically balanced car, in which three key design principles that were embedded in the original model of the 1960s have been respected – its lightness; the aerodynamics; and ergonomics. And being a sportscar, this concept is embodied in the optimisation of vehicle control, and how one ‘feels at ease’ on board, in terms of spacial and dimensional perception, and of driveability.

Echoes of ancestor
All three elements have played a fundamental role in the design of this one-off car. The lines and aesthetic elements that shaped its ancestor echo strongly in the new 1000 SP which also echoes the layout of the central-engined spider. The cockpit windscreen, which protects even the tallest drivers from strong airflow, boasts the famous sculpted side deflectors, with a low profile sweeping up towards the roll-bar. The roll-bar is deliberately exposed, further underlining that fact that that this is a genuine spider.

The rear geometries emphasise the perfect harmony between the back headlights and exhausts, and also the open slots for engine cooling which were present on its ancestor. The paintwork is categorically red and the characteristic air intakes appear all over the car body. The lights too respect the minimalist scheme of the historic 1000 SP, with point-like headlamps on the nose and a single pair of round headlights at the back, to emphasise the car’s width.

Under the “skin”, the tubular frame of the historic Sport Prototype is replaced by a hybrid frame with the central cell in carbonfibre and the front in aluminium. This helps keep the car’s dry weight to just 1,074 kgs.

Like the Alfa Romeo 4C. the 1000 SP also has a powerful 1.8-litre supercharged 4-cylinder aluminium central engine. This is tuned to deliver up to 240 bhp, giving a top speed capability of over 250 km/h.

Abarth 695 70th Anniversario special edition comes with a variable spoiler

Porsche takes personalisation services to a new level

*Visit www.bhpetrol.com.my for more information.*

Henry Ford created a revolution when in introduced mass production, using high volume to bring the cost of making cars down significantly – and making them affordable for the masses. The more cars he could build and sell, the cheaper they became and the world was motorised.

But mass production also meant that thousands and thousands of cars of the same model looked the same and at one point, Ford even made customers accept his Model T ‘in any colour as long as it was black’. Colour did provide a little bit of differentiation but generally, mass-produced vehicles were all the same although as time went on, ‘variants’ were produced.

‘Personalising’ a mass-produced car is possible today to a limited degree as many manufacturers offer optional accessories. Perodua, for example, has its GearUp range which customers can choose from to add some items which other owners may not. Sometimes the manufacturers or their distributors will prepare limited editions with exclusive accessories, eg Isuzu Malaysia with its D-MAX ‘Stealth’ edition.

As you move higher up, the level of personalization changes and it’s no longer just accessories which are available to every customer. With brands that offer very expensive cars, personalization is something which is sophisticated and elaborate, with divisions set up to meeting personal customer wishes.

For Porsche, personalization has been offered to customers since the 1970s and in recent times, the sportscar manufacturer has set up business divisions such as Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, Porsche Tequipment and Porsche Classic for the purpose. The company now plans to respond to the wishes and needs of its customers to an even greater extent with a new and significantly extended range of products and services.

Rising demand for personalisation
This includes various options for individualization of Porsche sportscars, turning them into unique one-offs. The personalization options for individual components are extended directly in the Car Configurator, supplementing its offering for new, used and classic vehicles with a ‘Performance Parts’ range. According to Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur, 25% all 911 models delivered worldwide have undergone extensive vehicle enhancement.

As part of its Co-Creation strategy, the company is also offering a new interpretation of the legendary Sonderwunsch (special request) program of the late 1970s. This will make it possible to design individualized one-off cars in future – co-created by the customer and realized professionally by Porsche.

The range of individualization options for new vehicles currently extends from personal customer consulting during the configuration process through to realization of limited small series. Through Tequipment, Porsche can offer numerous accessory products and retrofit options and even for classic models, spare parts supply and factory restorations are available.

“It is our goal to provide customers around the globe with even more accurately tailored and demand-based products within the context of classic, existing and new cars, and to also offer a comprehensive range of individualization options,” said Alexander Fabig, Vice-President Individualization and Classic. “With the new offerings we are responding to the great global demand for our products. Starting with new possibilities for individualization and personalization of individual components, through the additional range of Performance Parts, up to realisation of uniquely individualized sports cars, we have the right option for every customer.”

More personal than ever
Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur is expanding the range of products (currently more than 700) that can be individualized and personalized. Examples include various exterior wrap options, prints on the floor mats, illuminated door entry guards and logo projectors in the vehicle doors. In addition, customers can choose to become designers themselves in the ordering process, with advice and guidance from specialists at Porsche.

Using a digital application in the Porsche Car Configurator, it is possible to specify own designs for various items. For example, a customer can have their own signature embossed on elements in the vehicle interior. This could be on the cover of the centre console or the seats, while personalized wraps and decals can be placed on selected exterior areas and even individual paint finishes applied on the wheels.

New components for GT models/classic cars
Porsche will offer a large number of new components for new vehicles as well as used and classic cars under the name ‘Performance Parts’. The Porsche Tequipment range for new and used vehicles is aimed at drivers who are motorsport enthusiasts and amateur race drivers. Porsche Classic will offer new developments with a historical reference, components for performance enhancement and also lifestyle products for both young and older classic cars. These will increase the performance of the classic vehicles or improve their everyday usability.

With two show cars based on two first-generation Cayenne models, the Classic division is also providing a preview of possible additional individualization offerings with an outdoor and off-road focus.

One-off models
As part of its Co-Creation strategy, Porsche will make it possible to design individualised one-off cars in future. While this doesn’t mean totally unique designs, it does allow individual customer colour and material wishes to be conveyed directly in production and subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning and Factory One-Off after vehicle delivery to the customer.

Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is also aimed at implementation of individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off is a systematic technical new development. Depending on the age of the vehicle in question, either the technical experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or the specialists at Porsche Classic take care of implementation.

Porsche distributors worldwide can provide more information on the personalization services available. In Malaysia, this would be Sime Darby Auto Performance.

SC20 by Lamborghini Squadra Corse – a road-legal track car

Some customers of Lamborghini are not satisfied buying the production models that are manufactured in a number of units. They want true exclusivity (and can pay for it) with a car that is completely personalized to their wishes. The project to meet such a demand has seen the creation of the SC20, a unique specimen of an open-top track car type-approved for road use.

Second one-off model
The SC20 is the second one-off model engineered by the carmaker’s motorsports department, Lamborghini Squadra Corse. It brought to reality a customer’s dream car and the customer was also involved in the project from the very first drawings by Lamborghini’s designers.

The common goal was to build a unique vehicle, extreme in its design and performance, and able to combine aerodynamic solutions taken from racing Lamborghinis incorporating unprecedented lines and exclusive details.

“Two years after the SC18 Alston, the SC20 was a new, intriguing challenge. The chief sources of inspiration were the Diablo VT Roadster, Aventador J, Veneno Roadster and Concept S, and the result is a dramatic combination of creativity and racing attitude,” explained Mitja Borkert, Head of Design Lamborghini Centro Stile.

Inspiration from racing Lamborghinis
The carbonfibre body was polished and slicked down by hand by the Lamborghini aerodynamic engineers to deliver optimal airflow for both performance and the cockpit’s occupants, ensuring comfortable open-air driving even at high speeds. The pronounced front splitter is framed by two fins and the air intakes on the bonnet are inspired by those of the Huracan GT3 EVO.

The sculpted body sides reflect the solutions adopted on the Essenza SCV12, and the muscular rear is topped by a large carbonfibre wing that can be set in three different positions: Low, Medium and High Load.

Exclusive details
The SC20 features exclusive details starting from the body colours on a Bianco Fu (white) base, created for the customer, on which the Blu Cepheus (blue) livery stands out. The same shade is found in the interior, alternating with Nero Cosmus (black) and Bianco Leda (white).

The most significant element of the passenger compartment is the visible carbonfibre used for the dashboard cover, rear wall, door panels, centre console and steering wheel trim, in addition to the monocoque. The lightweight material is also used for the shells of the seats upholstered in Alcantara and leather. The door handles on the other hand, are machined from solid aluminium. Lastly, the air vents are created using 3D printing technology at the factory.

“The SC20 is a combination of sophisticated engineering, Italian craftsmanship, sportiness and advanced design. It is also an example of applying our V12 engine and carbonfibre to a radical open-top vehicle that unmistakably carries the Lamborghini DNA,” said Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini.

Its engine is based on Lamborghini’s flagship V12 – the 6498 cc 12-cylinder that delivers 770 ps at 8500 rpm and 720 Nm of torque at 6750 rpm. It is managed through the optimized 7-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox. The power reaches the four wheels through a 4-wheel drive system with a central electronic differential. To give the required grip are Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres are mounted on single-nut aluminium rims, 20 inches in front and 21 inches at the rear.

“The SC20 is one more technical and styling exercise that associates Squadra Corse experience with Lamborghini design, masterfully interpreted by our Centro Stile based on the customer’s wishes, which was the focus of the project during the entire vehicle development and construction process,” said Giorgio Sanna, Head of Lamborghini Motorsport.

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