Jaguar has had a long history of making sportscars – many of which have been famous. And where the F-TYPE is concerned, it has a rich bloodline spanning 75 years that includes some of the most iconic models ever built.
To mark its final model year and also 75 years of Jaguar sportscars, the carmaker is offering special editions in the form of the F-TYPE 75 and F-TYPE R 75. These will be distinguished by unique interior and exterior design elements, carefully curated specifications, and, of course, the supercharged 5-litre Jaguar V8 engine that is synonymous with F-TYPE.
These exclusive models will be a fitting celebration of internal combustion engine performance before Jaguar becomes a pure electric modern luxury brand from 2025.
Well over 40% of all Bugatti vehicles ever created have been open-top in design but in the Chiron era, a roadster was never offered. Therefore, as a farewell to the legendary W16 powerplant, Bugatti decided to create a roadster which it has named the W16 Mistral.
“The introduction of the W16 Mistral continues the legacy, and also opens the next chapter in the Bugatti roadster story, inspired by over a century of open-top legends,” said Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac.
Being a very special Chiron, much consideration went into the name it should have. Inspiration came from the mistral, a powerful wind that blows from the Rhone River valley, through the chic towns of the Cote d’Azur in southern France and into the Mediterranean.
Built around the 1,600 ps W16 engine, first used in the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the W16 Mistral offers superlative performance unlike any open-top car. Its design and engineering is completely bespoke. The existing monocoque is not simply cut off above the A-pillars to make way for the new open-top design but has been reengineered and reshaped to create a more rounded silhouette without compromising performance.
“We know the W16 Mistral will always have significance in the story of Bugatti, marking the last time that perhaps the greatest ever automotive powertrain is used in a roadgoing production car. We, as a design team, felt enormous pressure to deliver styling that immediately conveyed this landmark moment, drawing inspiration from some of the most beautiful roadsters in Bugatti history,” said Achim Anscheidt, Bugatti’s Design Director.
As they considered the project, they looked at the 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid (pictured above), a sporting roadster that represented the pinnacle of elegant design. Marked out by its dual aerodynamic headrests, flowing backwards into the bodywork, and a cut down V-shaped windscreen, this particular Grand Raid was effortlessly sophisticated with an understated sportiness. Finished in a duo-tone black and yellow livery, it would provide the perfect inspiration for this watershed moment in the Bugatti story.
The W16 Mistral has colours inspired by the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid. A warm black with hints of truffle brown and subtle yellow accents can be seen throughout. Not only is it homage to the iconic coachbuilt body, but also to Ettore Bugatti, who chose the black and yellow combination for many of his personal cars.
The open-top hypercar also captures the essence of the Grand Raid’s V-shaped windscreen and evolves it into a modern-day work of art. A curving windscreen that seemingly wraps around the A-pillars, blending seamlessly into the side windows and creating a ‘visor’ effect that hints at the motorsport levels of performance available. The windscreen itself is a marvel of engineering, curved just enough to create the rounded visor design, without distorting the driver’s vision.
The top line of the windscreen and side windows flows purposefully around the side air intakes. This character line then flows back underneath the side glass to shoot through all the way to the front horseshoe grill creating a new three-dimensional character for the famous Bugatti C-line introduced on Chiron.
To keep the body side section slim, but also allow for optimum airflow to the W16, the oil cooler intakes on the side were deliberately separated from the engine air intakes, which now sit on the roof, just behind the occupants.
The two-new roof-mounted engine air scoops also reference the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid, as well as the first open top Bugatti of the modern era: the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Tighter, more powerful and appearing to leap forwards, the W16 Mistral exhibits an entirely different character.
“To reflect the W16 Mistral’s new character, we also totally reinvented its frontal appearance, in line with the vertical layout of our unique or few-off models like Divo and La Voiture Noire. It’s immediately imbued with a sense of exclusivity; the vertically stacked headlights are completely bespoke and the famous horseshoe grille is reimagined to be much more three-dimensional; both deeper and wider. At the rear, we challenged ourselves to create a striking but also more elegant iteration of Bolide’s X-theme taillight motif, which forever left its mark on the world of automotive design,” Anscheidt explained.
The headlights themselves are intricately shaped, incorporating a 4-light signature that subtly nods to the W16 Mistral’s 4-wheel-drive and 4 turbochargers. But their 3-dimensional surface also functions as an aerodynamic aid that funnels air through the light and out through the wheelarch to improve aerodynamic drag. The wider horseshoe grille allows the high temperature engine radiator to be fully fed purely from one intake, leaving the two side intakes to focus only on providing air to the intercoolers.
The X-taillight, meanwhile, serves the function of venting the side oil coolers through ducts connecting the triangular negative space in between the X beams to the side radiators. Therefore, a pressure drop is created between the side intakes and the outlets at the back, which helps to manage the mid-temperature cooling circuit of the engine most effectively.
Other engineering innovations can be seen in Bugatti’s advanced composite materials are paired with cutting-edge titanium and aluminium 3D-printing for the striking design. A detailed analysis of the W16 Mistral’s dynamic stiffness allowed engineers to develop lightweight solutions that would ensure optimum handling and performance under the most extreme conditions.
The interior follows that in the Chiron, providing an experience that’s both elegant and luxurious, but also functional enough to ensure all information is easily visible at up to 420 km/h. The dedication to material quality remains a hallmark of Bugatti design, with advanced, lightweight titanium, aluminium components milled from a solid block and soft, blemish-free leathers.
An intricate woven leather is used on newly designed door panels, meticulously tested and produced to Bugatti quality standards that envision regular use for over a hundred years into the future. The gear shifter – machined from a solid block of aluminium – features a touch of wood and an amber insert with Rembrandt Bugatti’s famous ‘dancing elephant’ sculpture locked within.
When Bugatti’s last roadster, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, set a world speed record of 408.84 km/h in 2013, its 8-litre quad-turbo W16 had 1,200 ps. The W16 Mistral has 1,600ps, making use of the same power unit that propelled the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to a world-record-breaking speed of 490.7 km/h in 2019.
“The union of a roadster format and our W16 powertrain is absolute perfection. With the roof removed, and a pair of large air intakes directly behind your head feeding around 70,000 litres of air through the engine every minute at full bore, driving the W16 Mistral connects you to the intricate workings of this revolutionary powertrain like no other Bugatti to date,” declared Rimac.
Only 99 units of the W16 Mistral will be built, each with an ex-factory pricetag of 5 million euros (about RM22.4 million). Orders are no longer accepted as the entire production run has already been taken, with first deliveries due to being in 2024.
For its 55th anniversary this year, AMG has been celebrating in various ways and one more is the production of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 EDITION 55. This will be a very exclusive edition because there will be only 5 units in the world, so it will be a much-coveted collectors’ model.
To guarantee and to document the minimal production run, a specific range of numbers (“GT3.190-55”) was created for the chassis numbers of the cars. Each car will have an ex-factory price of 625,000 euros (around RM2.8 million).
While this has a GT3 designation, it is not FIA-homologated so it is not subject to the stringent regulations of the racing class. This has allowed the engineers at AMG to raise the power output of the AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine to 650 bhp, around 100 bhp more than in the homologated version that can be used for racing. Appropriately, the performance exhaust system made of Inconel comes without a silencer, generating an even more characteristic sound pattern as a result.
Maximum exclusivity is also assured as the colour is a special finish in MANUFAKTUR alpine grey uni with red accents. This perfectly complements the matte finish of the aero components in visible carbonfibre (front diffuser, rear diffuser, rear wing including end plates, flicks, louvre, radiator grille, side skirts).
The Affalterbach crest has been painted on the doors, while next to the AMG logo, the 55 year anniversary logo can also be seen on the rear wing.
In the functional racing cockpit, the GT3 EDITION 55 has exclusive details such as the anniversary symbol on the seat embroidery and plaques with ‘EDITION 55 – 1 OF 5’ inscription can be found on the centre console and the carbonfibre seat.
The matte Anthracite metallic is characteristic for the AMG interior with the high-quality visible carbonfibre elements harmoniously blending in, from the door sills, door covers and centre console to the dashboard. Another exclusive feature in the interior are the seatbelts with silver accents.
As a technical highlight, the cockpit of the includes a Data Display Unit (DDU) of the latest generation. The Bosch DDU 11 has a high-resolution graphic display that shows relevant information like speed, engine speed, operating temperatures, lap times, gear and shift indication, among others. The 55 year anniversary logo makes its appearance each time the car is started.
Besides a tailor-made and specially designed car cover, each owner will also receive an exclusive watch. IWC Schaffhausen has created a limited EDITION 55 box that contains a Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition ‘AMG’ with each watch matched to the specific unit by the Mercedes-AMG car’s chassis number engraved on the back of the watch case made of grade 5 titanium.
The Volkswagen Golf R celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and to mark this milestone, a Golf R “20 Years” became the fastest R model of all time on the famous Nurburgring-Nordschleife racetrack in Germany. The anniversary model bettered the previous lap record of a Golf R on the 20.832-km long course more by 4 seconds with its official lap time of 7:47.31 minutes.
From 241 ps to 333 ps The achievement reflects how the Golf R’s performance – particularly engine output – has risen from the first model in 2002 which had 241 ps/320 Nm. It was known as the Golf R32 then and used a 3.2-litre 6-cylinder engine.
The Golf R “20 Years” delivers 333 ps/420 Nm from its 2-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, 13.6 ps more than the latest Golf R. With this increase output, the Golf R “20 Years” is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and can go faster than 270 km/h but is electronically limited to that top speed.
But it is not just the power of the turbocharged engine that makes the special-edition model the most dynamic Volkswagen R of all time on the Nordschleife. The clear increase in performance is also the result of the extensive standard equipment with technical highlights such as the R-Performance package, Driving Dynamics Manager and R-Performance Torque Vectoring.
The record was set by touring car racing driver and Volkswagen R development driver, Benjamin Leuchter, who actively involved in the development of the R-Performance package for the Golf R “20 Years”.
Custom driving profile Alongside the regular ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ driving profiles, the special-edition model also comes as standard with the additional ‘Special’ and ‘Drift’ profiles. For racing around the Nordschleife, the driver chose the ‘Special’ profile which was developed specially for the track.
This profile gives the Golf R a set-up that meets the unique requirements of what is probably the most demanding racetrack in the world. This includes adjusting the shock absorbers to a more soft and comfortable setting due to the enormous loads at the maximum performance level when driving on such tracks.
As one of the 15 possible settings of the controlled shock absorbers, this guarantees optimum road contact on tracks with a large number of bumps, just like the Nurburgring. Together with the adapted steering wheel and drive settings, this makes it possible to take the large number of fast and medium-fast bends on the Nordschleife in an ideal way.
The modified shift characteristics of the 7-speed gearbox allow gear changes with more intensive. The optimised exhaust system sound in the low engine speed range and the rougher engine sound in the cabin underlined the car’s increased dynamic performance.
Enhanced engine tuning The step forward in development compared with the predecessor model is also shown by the enhanced engine tuning of the Volkswagen Golf R anniversary vehicle. The preloaded turbocharger is also kept at a constant speed in overrun mode so that the engine can develop its power more quickly in subsequent acceleration. This process is supported by the continuously open throttle valve. When the driver takes his foot off the accelerator and then accelerates again, this allows faster build-up of the torque and noticeably improves the engine’s responsiveness.
“With this car, I can drive here on the Nurburgring and the next stop is then the baker’s shop or the DIY store. The car is really an all-rounder that can do everything,” said a visibly impressed Leuchter. That’s exactly the concept pursued by Volkswagen R which has developed models as Volkswagen’s premium performance brand since 2002.
The story of the Golf R began in 2002 when Volkswagen put a 3.2-litre 6-cylinder engine into the Golf, and the R32 badge. With 241 ps going to all four wheels, it became the most powerful Golf that Volkswagen had built for sale up to that point. And just like the first Golf, the planners under-estimated demand and sales were triple what had been expected.
To celebrate its 20th year, the fifth edition of the sporty variant of the Golf range gets a special anniversary version called the Golf R ’20 Years’. Volkswagen plans to produce it for about 12 months, so the actual number has not been determined. But the Golf R ‘20 Years’ will undoubtedly become a collector’s item with its special-edition status.
Golf R ’20 Years’ and 2002 Golf R32 (right)
Most powerful production Golf
As with other R-badged models, the Golf R draws on racetrack experience in its development, using many technologies developed for the high-pressured and demanding competition environment. With the Golf R ‘20 Years’, the company says that the model ‘surpasses everything that has been launched with the ‘Golf’ label up to now with its drive technology.
Unlike the first Golf R32, the latest one has a 4-cylinder engine and 2 litres of displacement. But with direct injection and turbocharging, its output has reached 333 ps – the highest ever for a production Golf. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is claimed to be just 4.6 seconds but the top speed is somewhere beyond 270 km/h, the electronically limited maximum speed.
Enhancing the driving experience
The enthusiasts at the company’s performance division have installed an ‘Emotion Start‘ to activate an initial engine speed overshoot extending up to 2,500 rpm, thereby enhancing the ‘R driving experience’.
The DSG is also said to provide noticeable feedback from the gearbox and drivetrain each time the right paddle is operated (when shifting up manually in S and S+ modes). In addition, the optimised engine tuning means that the load change response is extremely spontaneous. The turbocharger is preloaded to keep it at a constant speed during part-load driving. This then allows faster power development for subsequent acceleration and quickens response.
The Golf R ‘20 Years’ will be offered with the R Performance package already available with the current Golf R. This package includes R-Performance Torque Vectoring in conjunction with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager and 2 additional driving modes, Special and Drift.
Exclusive design and styling elements
The exclusive design highlights use blue accents and for the first time in a production Volkswagen model, the dashboard panel and door trim feature decorative trim elements in Genuine Carbon. There are blue R logos also found on the steering wheel and on the vehicle key cap.
First deliveries start from next month to many European markets and North America, with each unit priced in Germany at 59,995 euros (around RM283,000).
To know more about the latest Golf 8 and other Volkswagen models in Malaysia, visit www.volkswagen.com.my.
The Bespoke department of Rolls-Royce already offers the ultimate in personalisation of the brand’s limousines and Cullinan SUV. Virtually every customer today uses the services of the Bespoke team in some way to add or create something special for their Rolls-Royce. But there is yet another level beyond Bespoke and that is Coachbuild. The department, re-established in 2021, brings back a lost art and science of making cars which goes back to the earliest years of the motorcar, before mass production began in factories.
“Our Coachbuild department is for those patrons who wish to go beyond the existing restraints, and explore the almost limitless possibilities this opens up for them. We are able to offer our customers the opportunity to create a motor car in which every single element is hand-built to their precise individual requirements, as befits our status as a true luxury house,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.
The Sweptail, presented in 2017 as a demonstration of the coachbuilding expertise of Rolls-Royce attracted the attention of a number of customers. Within this group, it emerged that three potential customers shared a deep appreciation of contemporary nautical design. In consultation with the customers concerned, an agreement was reached whereby three cars – to be known as Boat Tail – would share a common body, but each would then be individually, highly personalised, reflecting the confluence between vision, capability and ambition of the marque and each of the individual commissioning patrons.
The second (of only three) Boat Tail comes one year after the first one which was unveiled in May last year (below).
The first Rolls-Royce Boat Tail was completed a year ago and the commissioning customers, who are a globally successful couple, were willing to let the world see their ultra-exclusive car. Their fascination of the Boat Tail form was furthered by a car in their private collection – a 1932 Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, lovingly restored by them, in time for their modern Boat Tail’s completion.
Now comes the next chapter of its Boat Tail coachbuilt commission and as will be the case with all three cars, each will have a story entirely unique and personal to its owner, reflecting their own history, tastes and sensibilities. With this in mind, the latest Boat Tail, to be revealed at Concorso d’Eleganza, Villa d’Este 2022 on the shores of Lake Como in northern Italy, is a masterwork of restraint, sophistication, elegance and attention to detail.
It was commissioned by a customer whose family business has grown from his father’s origins in the pearling industry. Widely travelled, internationally educated and cosmopolitan in his tastes and influences, the customer is an established patron of the arts, who additionally owns a sizeable collection of classic and modern cars, housed in a dedicated private museum.
A level of sophistication, garnered from the client’s extensive knowledge of luxury, is clearly. The overall design aesthetic is restrained; a study in carefully considered materials and precise details that together create a highly personal and emotionally resonant homage to the customer’s father.
At the onset of the commissioning process, the customer presented Rolls-Royce Coachbuild designers with a selection of 4 pearl shells, personally chosen from his private collection for their unique colour and complexity. The shells provided inspiration for the exterior colour, which is one of the most complex Bespoke finishes ever created by Rolls-Royce.
The foundation of the colour is a shimmering blend of oyster and soft rose, with large white and bronze mica flakes adding a unique pearlescent quality that changes subtly under different light conditions. The contrasting cognac-coloured bonnet, created specifically for this Boat Tail, contains fine bronze and gold coloured aluminium mica flakes complete with a layer of crystal and iced matt clear coat, adding significant warmth and depth to the car’s appearance. The technical fibre lower sills of Boat Tail incorporate a rose gold woven thread.
The rear deck, which houses Boat Tail’s unique ‘butterfly-design’ hosting suite, is swathed in Royal Walnut veneer, inlaid with rose gold-plated pinstripes with a satin-brushed finish to ensure a sensitive and sophisticated appearance. The Royal Walnut was specifically selected by the customer for its beautiful properties as it matures over time, a material that will gradually transition to the tonal properties of the cognac colour. From above, one observes a harmonious balance and satin effect of the iced bonnet and tactile wooden rear deck, in contrast with the high-gloss front and side perspectives.
The interior is a beautifully curated combination of perfectly matched cognac and oyster-coloured leathers and Royal Walnut veneer, with rose gold and mother-of-pearl accents throughout. The leathers, complete with a pearlescent finish, accentuate the surfaces and forms of Boat Tail’s seats and interior design. The transmission tunnel is formed from Royal Walnut veneer with rose gold pinstripes, drawing a direct visual reference to the rear deck and adding a glowing warmth to Boat Tail’s interior.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is a timepiece made from mother-of-pearl, chosen and supplied by the client from his own collection. The fascia is pure and minimal in its appearance so as not to detract from the precious material. The same prised substance graces the control switches and instrument dials, creating a strong visual and material connection between the car, the owner, and his family heritage.
The Boat Tail is entirely hand-built, with the body panels fashioned from vast, single sheets of aluminium to create the distinctive outline inspired by the racing yachts of the early 20th century. From the front, the Pantheon Grille, milled from a single, solid billet of aluminium, is graced with a Spirit of Ecstasy fashioned in rose gold.
With the Architecture of Luxury – which includes a proprietary all-aluminium spaceframe chassis – the marque has ushered in a new coachbuilding movement that encompasses both highly sophisticated 21st Century technology and materials, and a tradition extending back more than 100 years.
Nissan started participating in the Safari Rally in 1963 and in 1966, a Bluebird entered by the team became the first Japanese car to win its class in the gruelling event. Other victories followed and by 1970, Nissan finally took top honours, winning all three prizes – overall (with a Datsun 1600 SSS), class and team. In 1971, a Datsun 240Z won to give the brand its second consecutive overall victory in the rally.
The original Datsun 240Z which won the Safari Rally.
From concept sketch to one-off model
Paying tribute to the successes in the legendary rally half a century later is the Nissan JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute. The special model has now moved to become a fully operational one-off vehicle following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the original concept images. Its unveiling previews the European introduction of the JUKE Hybrid soon.
“The JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute represents our optimism and daring mindset. We are currently preparing an exciting new chapter of JUKE history in advance of the introduction of the new JUKE Hybrid in the summer. It will offer the excitement and agility customers would expect of our iconic crossover, with both improved performance and efficiency. The JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute takes its playful character to a new level. “Speaking about the decision to bring the JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute to life,” said Coralie Musy, Vice-President, Brand and Customer Experience of Nissan’s AMIEO region.
Advanced hybrid powertrain
The JUKE Hybrid powertrain consists of a new generation Nissan internal combustion engine specifically developed for working in a hybrid powertrain application. It produces 69 kW (94 ps) and 148 Nm of torque.
The main electric motor produces 36 kW (49 ps) with 205 Nm of torque, while there is a 15 kW contribution from a high voltage starter/generator, all of which is fed by a 1.2 kWh water-cooled battery. The net result is a powertrain providing 25% more power than the current petrol engine option, with a claimed fuel consumption reduction of approximately 40% in the urban cycle.
Smart automatic gearbox
Also carried over from the production version of the JUKE is an advanced low friction multi-modal gearbox that provides optimal use of the propulsive power, whether electric, petrol engine, or both. To reduce friction, this motorsport-inspired gearbox uses dog clutches instead of conventional synchroniser rings to shift the 4 ICE (internal combustion engine) gears and 2 EV (electric vehicle) gears.
Additionally, to reduce friction, this gearbox does not use a clutch. All vehicle starts are 100% electric, and the 2 EV motors are used in combination to synchronise the gears, delivering smooth, connected and responsive acceleration.
The gearbox is controlled by an advanced algorithm, managing the shift points, battery regeneration, as well as the advanced series-parallel architecture. The powertrain can seamlessly navigate through different hybridisation combinations (series, parallel, series-parallel) according to acceleration and power requirements and without any driver input.
Rally-inspired modifications
Like the Gripz concept car that was displayed at the 2015 Frankfurt Motorshow, the JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute takes its design cues from the iconic 240Z that competed so successfully in the desert rally over 50 years ago.
The most obvious modification are the enlarged wheelarches to accommodate the tailor-made off-road tyres, while the additional lights mounted on the bonnet and roof echo those of the 1970s era.
Similarly, the black of the bonnet and enlarged black wheels are a visual homage to the 1971 rallycar. To further provide period accuracy are vintage sponsor logos and the number 11, while the additional reinforced plates under the front and rear valances offer protection to the vehicle’s underside. Reinforced and long-travel suspension has been fitted all-round, while the tyres are 265/70 R16.
Inside, the cabin has been modified with the fitment of a tubular cage to stiffen the bodyshell and to offer protection in the case of an incident at speed in the challenging desert environment. The rear seats have been removed to provide space for spare wheels and 4-point harnesses have been added to secure the driver and navigator safely in their racing seats.
Other modifications to the interior include the fitment of a competition fire extinguisher, an intercom system with a pair of headphones (though the JUKE Hybrid Rally Tribute would be much quieter than the rallycar), the fitment of Alcantara trim on the steering wheel, and a hydraulic handbrake with a high-reach handle.
As part of the Juke Hybrid Rally Tribute project and in line with exploring rallying while being as eco-conscious as possible, the powertrain uses liquids and biofuels provided by Shell, Nissan’s partner for the 1971 East African Rally.
During the second half of the 1970s, one Fiat model stood out in the World Rally Championship (WRC) and other international rallies. It was the 131 Rally, a specially-built sedan for competition jointly produced by Fiat, Abarth and Bertone. 400 units were built to meet homologation requirements and Abarth mechanicals were installed in them.
The 131 Abarth Rally debuted in 1976 as a Group 4 entry and its track record up till the early 1980s has put it in history books as one of the legends of rallying. It ran for 6 years in the WRC, with victories at 18 international events, and captured 3 World Constructors Championship titles. Legendary drivers Markku Alen and Walter Rohrl also won their championship titles driving the car.
This year, on the 40th anniversary of its last race, special tribute is paid to the 131 Abarth Rally with the Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally special series. This is a limited edition with a production run of 695 units which will be available worldwide.
225 km/h top speed
The Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally has a 1.4-litre T-jet engine which develops 180 bhp/250 Nm to rocket the car from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds, after which it can continue on to a top speed of 225 km/h.
For this special edition, Abarth has installed Koni FSD shock absorbers on both axles and a dedicated braking system which includes aluminium Brembo calipers and 4 pistons on the front and 305 mm and 240 mm ventilated discs on the rear.
Record Monza sound system
The special equipment list includes black 17-inch alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish and the ‘Record Monza Sovrapposto’ exhaust system – an evolution on the Record Monza system, now with four vertically overlaid terminals. The Record Monza exhaust system is named after the famous Italian circuit where Carlo Abarth achieved one of the many speed records of his racing career. The exhaust system features dual-mode technology and tailpipes that together create the unique and unmistakable Abarth sound.
The variable rear spoiler
The Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally naturally comes with the Spoiler ad Assetto Variabile, an aerodynamic feature which Abarth engineers developed. Just like in a race, where it is not unusual to see technicians manually fine-tune the spoiler angle so the driver can set the car’s behaviour to suit the conditions and driving style, the spoiler fitted to the car is adjustable to 12 positions. These positions range from 0° to 60°, influencing airflow in such a way that cornering stability can be improved. At the maximum a 60° angle and at a speed of 200 km/h, the aerodynamic downforce load increases by up to 42 kgs.
The 131 Abarth Rally in the colours of Italy’s Alitalia airlines which was a major sponsor of Fiat’s competition teams.
While the 131 Abarth Rally cars are often remembered for their green, red and white colours – which were from Alitalia, one of the main partners of Fiat’s motorsport teams – the Abarth 695 Tributo 131 Rally has a bicolour 3-layer ‘Blue Rally’ glossy livery, which reinterprets another its original colour on some of the rallycars in a contemporary manner.
‘Easter Eggs’ around the car
This is the first Scorpion vehicle which contains ‘Easter Eggs’ – tiny stylistic ‘gems’ which the designers hide to surprise customers. Some examples: the silhouette of the 131 Rally engraved on the lower part of the car door, on the Alcantara dashboard and on the headrests of the new seats.
Specifically for the 695 cars, the livery is embellished with a roof and uprights in black Scorpion Black. The same blue can be found on the mirror caps and some details in the interiors. The sporty image is further emphasised by the Sabelt fabric seats with blue inserts and stitching inspired by those of the historic car but reinterpreted in a modern way.
will.i.am, well known for his association with the Black Eyed Peas which he also founded, is more than just a singer and musician. Today, he’s a tech entrepreneur, philanthropist and was even chosen as the TIME 100 IMPACT Award winner. Recently, he’s been working on a special project with Mercedes-AMG under strict secrecy which will culminate with the presentation of the WILL.I.AMG at the Miami F1 Grand Prix this weekend.
It’s also the sixth collaboration that he is having with West Coast Customs, a customisation outfit in California, to create the one-off vehicle for the project which is known as ‘The Flip – – Innovation for Purpose’. The Flip is intended to give more students from disadvantaged communities access to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) education in order to be equipped with the skills required for future-focused jobs and to invent new technologies.
“I grew up in a ghetto. I grew up with hip hop. I watched legendary hip hop artist rap about Mercedes, so it was always a dream to own a Mercedes. For a lot of inner-city kids, owning a Mercedes is a symbol of progress and advancing out of struggle,” explained will.i.am. “Now I’ve reached my goal and pushed even higher by re-imagining and creating my own vision of an AMG model. But I didn’t touch the engine, because AMG really does make the best engines. The story of the founders of AMG truly inspires me and it is energizing to collaborate with like-minded people who also seek continuous improvement.”
Inspired by the Mercedes star logo and the vehicle sound, will.i.am created a bear-like face icon, which has been dubbed ‘BEAR WITNESS’. This icon is also the focal point of the BEAR WITNESS collection that features limited-edition apparel and accessories available at the Mercedes-AMG Experience Centre in Miami and online.
The elaborate conversion and construction of this car, based on Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, has been captured in an extensive 6‑part documentary series, ‘DRIVE’ that will sneak preview at the May 5 reveal event.
All the activities surrounding this one-of-a-kind vehicle influenced by design elements of the G-Class and the legendary SLS Gullwing will benefit will.i.am’s i.am/Angel Foundation to help build a STEAM-ready talent pool that will lift families and communities out of poverty.
Mercedes-AMG is supporting this project because it also fulfils a lifelong dream of 47-year old will.i.am: he is a car guy through and through and a Mercedes-AMG enthusiast who has always dreamed of making his personal Mercedes-AMG vehicle a reality.
Virgil Abloh may not be a familiar name to many, but he was a collaborator with Mercedes-Benz on various design studies, particularly related to luxury products. Abloh, who passed away last year, was an artist, architect, engineer, creative director, artistic director, industrial designer, fashion designer, musician, DJ and philanthropist. As such, his visions and ideas were of much interest to Gorden Wagener, Mercedes‑Benz Group AG Chief Design Officer.
Together, they worked on projects such as Project Gelandewagen and Project MAYBACH and now, Abloh’s cooperation with Mercedes–Maybach culminates in the launch of a limited-edition bespoke S-Class and capsule collection, inspired by Project MAYBACH. It’s the final chapter of Project MAYBACH and is available in a strictly limited run of 150 units.
The Project MAYBACH electric showcar.
The launch coincides with the release of a capsule collection designed by Abloh and in collaboration with Off‑White. It has been developed in connection to the Project MAYBACH electric showcar and is exclusively available to buy on Off‑White, Farfetch and Maybach Icons of Luxury online stores, as well as Off‑White stores in select markets.
The limited edition Maybach by Virgil Abloh is a fully equipped Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class S680 which follows the tradition of the ultra-luxury brand that has a history of over a century. It has been created by Mercedes‑Benz’ most specialised customization and craftmanship team. The exterior features the unique two-tone colour combination created for Project MAYBACH, with the upper part lacquered in a glossy obsidian black and the lower part, side flanks and special forged rims painted in a sand hue.
Superlative levels of craftsmanship will be evident throughout the cabin which has an identical two-tone colour scheme. The 4-seat configuration, steering wheel, doors, lower dashboard and ceiling are lined in black and sand-coloured nappa leather, complete with sand-coloured decor trims and strips. The highpile floormats are black with a sand-coloured leather border and embroidered Mercedes‑Maybach logo.
To enhance its monolithic appearance, the window frames are painted, and a special Mercedes-Maybach and Virgil Abloh logo is inscribed on the piano black middle of the centre console, rear cushions, head restraints and door sill panel.
Unique to the limited-edition S‑Class is a bespoke user interface which presents the driver with an even more luxurious variation of the Maybach MBUX suite of cutting-edge technologies. Han picked visual elements are used to enrich the digital content. For example, the home button has a coloured border and brand logo denoting the edition, and profile pictures are decorated with luxurious fashion accessories.
All customers will be given a special custom-made wooden box covered in sand-coloured nappa leather emblazoned with the Mercedes‑Maybach and Virgil Abloh logo. The gift box contains a 1/18 scale replica of the limited-edition car, the two car keys and a carabiner hook. In addition, each car will come with a complimentary and exclusive car cover featuring the Mercedes‑Maybach and Virgil Abloh logo.
“I’m incredibly proud of the work we have created in collaboration with Virgil. From Project Gelandewagen, which set the benchmark for fashion/automotive collaborations with our iconic G‑Class, to Project MAYBACH which brought the distinguished Mercedes‑Maybach heritage into the future, together with Virgil, we truly broke new ground. The limited edition Maybach by Virgil Abloh exemplifies the symbiosis between innovative design and ultimate craftsmanship now available on the road,” said Wagener.
