special edition Archives

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.

Road-legal Lamborghini Huracan STO draws on motorsport heritage

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo – inspired by a legendary sportscar

Alfa Romeo has unveiled the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo, inspired by the 1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, the Italian brand’s legendary mid-engine sportscar. Only 33 units of this limited-edition 4C Spider will be produced and only offered in North America. This will also be part of the final production run of the model for North America.

“Since its introduction in 2014, the 4C has been a halo vehicle for Alfa Romeo, exciting enthusiasts around the world and spearheading the relaunch of the brand in North America,” said Tim Kuniskis, Global Head of Alfa Romeo. “The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo is an instant Alfa Romeo classic that passes the torch to the next generation of iconic Alfa Romeo vehicles, including the upcoming Tonale PHEV crossover that will start production next year.”

*The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo alongside the legendary 1967 33 Stradale.*

Exclusive colour, exclusive plaques
The 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo comes exclusively in Rosso Villa d’Este tri-coat exterior colour, with grey-gold 5-hole alloy wheels (18-inch front/19-inch rear) and composite sport seats covered in black Dinamica suede and tobacco leather.

Prominently displayed around the cabin are dedicated plaques on the dashboard, side sills and centre console, the last of which is progressively numbered from 1 to 33. Customers also get treated to a matching, numbered book designed by Centro Stile that chronicles the 4C’s design concept, technology, materials and Modena assembly facility, as well as the history of the 33 Stradale.

F1-inspired chassis
The 4C’s racing pedigree is evident in its state-of-the-art Formula 1-inspired carbonfibre monocoque chassis, shown for the first time in a red transparent finish. Much of the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo’s equipment, previously optional, comes standard, including an Akrapovic dual-mode centre-mounted exhaust, race-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, battery charger, car cover, suede/leather seats and carbonfibre halo, rear wing and Italian flag mirror caps.

Completing the refined exterior treatment are new ‘Centro Stile Alfa Romeo’ badges and available piano-black front air intake and rear diffuser.

Under the bonnet is a 6-speed Alfa twin-clutch transmission and all-aluminium 1750 cc turbocharged engine with direct-injection, dual intercoolers and variable-valve timing. With the engine producing 237 bhp/350 Nm and a kerb weight of less than 1,200 kgs, the 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo has an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 4.7 kg/bhp. This makes it possible to accelerate from 0 – 60 mph (96 km/h) in a claimed 4.1 seconds and reach a top speed of almost 260 km/h.

1967 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale — **The 1967 33 Stradale** is an iconic Alfa Romeo that made its public debut at the Monza circuit in Italy on August 31, 1967, on the eve of the 1967 Formula One Italian Grand Prix. Boasting a top speed of 260 km/h, the 33 Stradale was a hand-built Franco Scaglione-penned mid-engine exotic based on the Tipo 33 racing car that won its class at the 1968 24 Hours of Daytona. To this day, it represents a singular blend of leading-edge technology, racing mechanics and inspirational design, a fitting forebear to the 4C Spider. Only 18 chassis were ever produced, with most completed cars painted in Alfa’s signature red, with grey-gold wheels and black-and-tobacco interior.

Click here for other articles about Alfa Romeo.

Mazda Philippines helps create awareness of the critically endangered pangolin

Companies periodically demonstrate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) by supporting worthwhile causes or organizing and sponsoring activities for the benefit of communities. In some cases, they may also fund efforts to create awareness of conservation activities to prevent certain wildlife from becoming extinct.

One example is the latest initiative by Mazda Philippines which is giving support to the efforts of the Katala Foundation, a non-profit NGO in the country that protects and conserves wildlife. The initiative by the Mazda distributor is to help raise awareness for pangolins, a critically endangered species and believed to be the world’s most trafficked mammal.

Palawan, an island on the southwestern side of the Philippines, is the natural habitat of the pangolin which is from the anteater family. Its name is said to be originally derived from the Malay word ‘pengguling‘, which means ‘one who rolls up’.

Special edition of BT-50
Mazda Philippines is helping to create awareness of the pangolin with the BT-50 4×4 Pangolin Special Edition which is imported from Thailand. Besides special graphics depicting the pangolin, the special edition – developed from the top version for the market – also comes with special accessories and customization.

Power comes from a 3.2-litre engine with 200 bhp/470Nm which goes to the wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission and 4×4 drivetrain. Engineered for taking on tough duties in challenging terrain, the pick-up can take a payload of up to 1,086 kgs and tow a trailer or another vehicle weighing up to 3,500 kgs.

Even though there are accessories fitted, Mazda Philippines is selling the BT-50 Pangolin Edition for less than a standard BT-50, at a retail price of 1,400,000 pesos (about RM118,400).

“The Mazda BT-50 Pangolin is embarking on its most meaningful job ever – to help raise awareness on the critically endangered Philippine Pangolin species,” said Steven Tan, President & CEO of Mazda Philippines.

“The Philippine Pangolin deserves our attention and concern. That is why together with Katala Foundation, a non-stock, non-profit Philippine NGO that is active in protecting and conserving threatened endemic wildlife, we at Mazda Philippines will make use of the enduring nature of the BT-50 to promote awareness and inspire conservation of the Philippines’ and the world’s most critically endangered mammals,” he explained.

Mazda Philippines will also loan to the Foundation one unit of the BT-50 4×4 Pangolin Edition for a year. The NGO can use the vehicle to promote its wildlife protection advocacies, as well as perform its preservation and monitoring duties.

Media exposure of the special edition model in the Philippines would also help generate interest and awareness in the danger of extinction that the pangolin is facing.

Caring culture of Bermaz Auto Berhad group
The CSR initiative of Mazda Philippines mirrors the caring culture of Bermaz Auto Berhad, its parent company based in Malaysia. 5 years ago, it established the Mazda Medicare Fund (MMF) which provides help to renal patients urgently in need of life-saving haemodialysis but have financial constraints.

With the MMF, eligible patients can receive subsidized haemodialysis treatments at designated dialysis centres nationwide. Since 2015, the MMF has contributed a total of RM2.4 million which has supported more than 176 patients throughout Malaysia.

Sponsors — *The MMF gets donations from individuals and corporate sponsors through fund-raising events like golf tournaments.*

Besides the MMF, the companies in the group also raise awareness and contributions for good causes through events such charity golf tournaments, donations to the needy and supporting sports.

Click here for other news about Mazda and Bermaz.

Bugatti Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ honours the ‘Daredevils’ of the past

Hand-sketched racing scenes on and in the car, diamond-cut aluminium and a reminiscence that have come true of Bugatti’s glorious Grand Prix days. These can be found on the Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’, which honours the brand’s famous racing drivers from the last century.

“Bugatti has had close associations with aviation since the company was established more than 110 years ago. Many successful Bugatti racing drivers, such as Albert Divo, Robert Benoist and Bartolomeo ‘Meo’ Costantini, flew for the French Air Force, the French aviator legend Roland Garros privately drove a Bugatti Type 18 to be as fast on the road as in the air,” said Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “It is therefore almost an obligation for us today to pay tribute to the legends of that time and dedicate a special edition to them.”

The ‘Daredevils’ who raced the car
Ettore Bugatti admired the fearless character and technical expertise of his drivers who were fascinated by high speeds – and also mastered them. On the road, the racing drivers benefited from the experience gained in aircraft cockpits. Known as the ‘Daredevils’, many of them were former flying aces, daredevils, technically skilled pilots who flew without fear.

They in turn admired Ettore Bugatti for his talent as an engineer and were fascinated by his agile, light and speedy cars, embodying on the road what their planes were in the sky. Roland Garros even called him the ‘incomparable artist who alone knows, how to give life to steel’.

The company’s founder was always inspired by aviation. Sometime around 1915, he personally designed aircraft engines and from 1937, he also developed an entire aircraft intended to break speed records. The project was stopped because of the outbreak of the Second World War, but Bugatti kept in close personal contact with the pilots throughout his life.

The ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ edition
These legends of aviation are honoured with the ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ edition, based on the Chiron Sport and limited to 20 cars. The new edition references many features of the historic aircraft in which Bugatti pilots flew. In addition to the unusual colour of the paintwork, each car comes with a special full leather interior with hand-drawn sketches and diamond-cut aluminium.

A striking feature of the Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ is its special, matt-grey ‘Gris Serpent’ paintwork. This is, a modern interpretation of the exterior colour of the aircraft from the 1920s. On the extending rear spoiler is a high-contrast, white gloss centre stripe.

The front wings are adorned with the ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ logo. The ‘Le Bleu-Blanc-Rouge’ tricolour in Blue, White and Red decorates the front area of the side sills made of exposed black carbonfibre.

The horseshoe-shaped radiator grille also has a black gloss finish. The radiator grille mesh is made of laser-cut and deep-drawn aluminium, on which the dynamic pattern of the stitched seams is repeated on the leather seats, reminiscent of planes flying in formation in an air parade.

The door entry lights project the edition logo onto the ground when the doors are opened. The door sills are made of brushed aluminium with the special edition logo on the middle console inlays. The W16 engine cover is made of black exposed carbonfibre and the lightweight components are contrasted by white lettering. Black exposed carbonfibre and a black-coated exhaust trim cover made of 3D printed, high-temperature-resistant Inconel dominate the rear.

Interior almost completely in leather
The interior also visually evokes aircraft from the past century. Fine ‘Gaucho’ leather for the entire cabin, the light brown colour reminiscent of natural leather in those aircraft of days gone by. The natural material is contrasted only by aluminium trim.

As would be expected, each car will have special edition numbering ‘1 of 20’. Customers can also specify comfort seats and the ‘Sky View’ glass roof to look into the sky like in open-top aircraft of the past century.

On the door panels there is a hand-sketched racing scene between the Nieuport 17 aircraft and a Bugatti Type 13, which symbolizes the two souls honoured by the edition. The Type 13 is a very special model in Bugatti’s 110-year history as it was the first model to bear the name ‘Bugatti’.

Capable of more than 420 km/h
The Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ has the standard W16 engine with a displacement of 8 litres. Delivering up to 1,500 ps/1,600 Nm, its maximum speed is somewhere beyond 420 km/h but limited to that speed.

Bugatti will start production of the special edition towards the end of 2020. In the meantime, if you are keen to own one of the 20 units, the price starts from 2.88 million euros (around RM14 million).

Click here to read other news and articles about Bugatti

Gulf Oil-themed McLaren Elva to debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek

McLaren Automotive today unveiled the McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO (McLaren Special Operations), a celebration of the renewed relationship between McLaren and the Gulf Oil brand which existed 60 years ago. It’s another example of how designs from McLaren’s racing history are inspiring the brand’s modern-day customers.

The unique McLaren roadster in blue and orange Gulf colours will makes its world debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek, a ‘closed-door’ live broadcast event bringing together the past, present and future of motoring and motorsport at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK.

New partnership with Gulf
McLaren and Gulf recently confirmed a new partnership that renews a historic union between the two brands that originated in the 1960s, a decade when both companies made their first forays into motorsport. Gulf branding appeared on McLaren’s Can-Am, Formula 1 and Indy cars from 1968 to 1973. Two decades later, McLaren F1 GTRs run by customer team GTC carried the famous Gulf livery in global GT racing, including at Le Mans.

Under the new partnership, McLaren Automotive customers will have the opportunity to commission Gulf-liveried cars directly from MSO. These follow cars inspired by the famous livery designed and produced by MSO prior to the renewed relationship being agreed.

Most recently, a McLaren Senna GTR LM paying homage to the #24 McLaren F1 GTR that finished fourth in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race was completed as one of five MSO-designed customer cars celebrating the McLaren F1’s domination of that race.

“The McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO is a striking celebration of both McLaren’s history in sports car racing and our new partnership with Gulf Oil. McLaren Special Operations is committed to pushing the boundaries of the ‘art of the possible’ and projects like this showcase the increasingly extensive range of personalisation options we can offer customers – in this case, enhancing the authenticity of the livery by incorporating Gulf brand logos into the design,” said Ansar Ali, Managing Director of MSO.

McLaren Ultimate Series
The Elva, which follows the McLaren P1TM, McLaren Senna and Speedtail in McLaren’s Ultimate Series, links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva sports racers of the 1960s. These were among the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company he founded, and the new Elva evokes the true spirit of driving enjoyment symbolised by this era.

In line with McLaren’s on-going commitment to super-lightweight engineering, the new Ultimate Series roadster retains the lightweight construction philosophy of its forebear and is at the cutting-edge of automotive technology.

The body design of the screenless, roofless Elva, for example, incorporates an innovative Active Air Management System that creates a virtual canopy over the seamlessly-integrated cockpit. It is powered by an 815 PS/800 Nm 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Only 149 units
With deliveries of the Elva commencing this year, MSO has already completed the specification of the first cars and is well-advanced in discussions with customers to create further dramatic paintwork and liveries. Just 149 examples of the Ultimate Series roadster will be available to customer order, making it one of the rarest McLarens ever produced.

New 765LT continues the McLaren ‘Longtail’ story

Aston Martin Rapide AMR available in Malaysia

Although production of the Rapide ceased two years ago, the model continues in the Aston Martin range as the Rapide AMR. First revealed in 2018 as a concept, the production version was displayed at last year’s Geneva Auto Show where the company announced that it will make 210 cars.

Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has brought in two of those units, priced from RM1.1 million, excluding duties and taxes. These are the last two units still available in Southeast Asia.

Link to racing team
AMR stands for Aston Martin Racing, the official motorsport operation for the British brand. ‘AMR’ is used for special editions, drawing a direct engineering and aesthetic link between the company’s successful racing team and its roadgoing cars.

At the heart of the Rapide AMR is a naturally aspirated drivetrain that draws much of its technology and character from the potent Vantage GT12. Larger inlet manifolds with tuned length dual inlet runners enhance the airflow into the 6-litre V12 engine.

Combined with new engine and gearbox calibration, increases in output take maximum power to 603 ps and 630 Nm. Claimed acceleration is 4.4 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h and a maximum speed as high as 330 km/h.

Standard carbon ceramic brakes
As standard, the Rapide AMR comes fitted with carbon ceramic brakes. Measuring 400 mm at the front with 6-piston calipers and 360 mm at the rear with 4-piston calipers, this is the first time that a Rapide has been fitted with such strong stopping power.

The carbon ceramic discs are also part of AMR’s ethos to use lightweight components whilst reducing unsprung mass they have a noticeably beneficial effect on the driving experience. Much of this development work has been completed at the newly opened AMR Performance Centre at the Nurburgring.

Alongside the new tyres, brakes and aerodynamics, the Rapide’s suspension has also received considerable attention. The new Rapide AMR rides 10 mm lower than a Rapide S and although the three stage adaptive dampers remain, they have been thoroughly reengineered to create a car that is more focused, agile and dynamic.

The 4-seat Rapide AMR is available in Standard and Signature schemes. Aston Martin Kuala Lumpur has one of each scheme. The car with the Signature scheme is finished in Stirling Green paint with Lime accents and a Lime stripe for the definitive AMR look. The Standard scheme is Onyx Black, with adding AMR Lime accents to the splitter, sills and rear diffuser.

More information is available at www.astonmartinkualalumpur.com and to get a quotation, you can write to astonmartinkl.enquiries@wearnes.com.

James Bond’s Aston Martin DB5 in ‘Goldfinger’ reborn – complete with the gadgets!

Ninebot GoKart Pro Lamborghini Edition

Xiaomi is best known for its smartphones and related products, and is among the leading brands in the industry today. But that company also makes a wide range of other electronic products – televisions, smart home devices and even electric scooters.

For its tenth anniversary this year, the company teamed up with Lamborghini to create an exclusive version of the GoKart Pro marketed by Ninebot, a Chinese personal transport specialist which acquired Segway with funding from Xiaomi in 2015 (it’s complicated…).

*A standard Ninebot GoKart Pro which can be stowed in the boot of a SUV or batchback*

Enhanced drifting capability
Ninebot’s GoKart Pro is electrically-powered and can hit speeds of almost 40 km/h with its 432Wh battery pack which can give a range of 25 kms (at 40 km/h). For the Lamborghini Edition, which is inspired by the Huracan, LED headlights have been added in ‘Ice Lake Blue’ for visibility while are vents have been incorporated in the distinctively-coloured bodywork. Ninebot’s engineers also came up with custom tyres that are said to enhance drifting.

Lamborghini sound!
But what makes the Ninebot’s GoKart Pro special is ‘the Lamborghini sound’. With a sound emulation system, the growl of a Lamborghini is generated which should provide inspiration for the driver!

For now, it is only being sold in China where the price is 9,999 yuan (about RM6,000) or about 11% more expensive than a standard version. However, limited export sales are expected in future and we might even see the gokart in Malaysia as there is a company distributing Ninebot products locally. A standard version of the model costs RM6,888 so the Lamborghini Edition would be higher.

*If you have extra cash, you could also get a matching Lamborghini Huracan.*

Proton launches special edition model to celebrate 35th anniversary of Saga

To celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the Proton Saga today, the carmaker has produced a special edition and only 1,100 units will be available, each priced at RM39,300 without insurance. While the price is the same as that of the Saga Premium version, there are extra accessories and special aesthetic treatment to make the special edition exclusive.

Firstly, a sporty theme has been chosen for this edition and that may have been influenced by the successes of R3, the carmaker’s motorsports division. If you look at the colour choices for the Saga, you won’t see a black colour among the five available. So it’s an exclusive colour specially for the anniversary edition. Coincidentally, the choice of black is a total opposite of the white-themed Saga for Proton’s 25th anniversary celebration.

The shiny black body colour has yellow highlights below the grille (which has the Infinity Weave design) and lower edge of the front and rear bumpers. The yellow accents also run the length of the side skirts and for the entire door mirror housings. You may also notice that while the alloy wheels are the same larger 15-inch ones, they have a grey finish.

The equipment level is the Premium grade, of course, so you get things like LED Daytime Running Lamps, a 7-inch touchscreen display, switches for adjusting the audio system on the steering wheel and handsfree telephony.

As the pictures show, the interior has the same dark theme but with the yellow accent treatment like the exterior in some areas. This includes the rims of the two meters and the adjustment tab on the outer air vents.

Strangely, there’s no mention of any special ’35th anniversary’ plaque or badge to identify these exclusive editions. It would be nice to have such an item as these cars are special.

The powertrain is the proven 1332 cc 4-cylinder 16-valve engine with variable valve timing to enhance fuel efficiency. It delivers 95 ps/120 Nm which provides brisk performance for the 1,080-kg car. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission is available. In case you’re not aware, Proton replaced the CVT about a year ago with a conventional torque converter type transmission.

Also announced unveiled during the online this morning was the 35th Anniversary Accessories package which consists of Front Skirting, Side Skirtings, Door Visors, Bonnet Insulator, Boot Lid Cover and Boot Tray. It is price at RM2,035 and is available for purchase separately for installation on the 2019 Saga onwards. The value of the package is actually RM2,350 but Proton is offering it for RM315 less.

“The Saga Anniversary Edition is a special gift for a special occasion to all Malaysians. It is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for supporting the Saga for the past 35 years. Plus, you can order it today by visiting our showrooms or booking online,” said Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton.

Proton has also announced today that its N95 Cabin Filter, previously only available with the X70 SUV, will be available for Saga, Persona, Iriz and Exora (for models registered after July 9, 2020). Current owners have the option of purchasing the filter for RM59 (excluding labour charges). For a limited period until October 9, 2020 there will be a 15% discount on the price of the filter.

The N95 Cabin Filter, as the name suggests, can remove 95% of particles that are larger than 0.3 microns. Additionally, it can remove 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates, which is important to promote respiratory health. PM2.5 particles are very tiny – about 3% the diameter of human hair – so it requires a very fine filter to stop them from entering the cabin. Apart from effectively filtering smoke particulates, dust and bacteria; the N95 filter can help to promote an allergy-free environment by reducing allergens from pets, aphids and pollen.

The N95 Cabin Filter is an integral part of the air-conditioning system in the X70. It can function in both fresh and recirculation modes, as long as the blower fan is switched on. There’s no need to activate it as it works all the time to filter the air passing through, whether it is drawn in in from outside or recirculated air.

LOOKING BACK – Remembering the birth of the Proton Saga and what it meant to the nation

Special edition for the 20th anniversary of the Lotus Exige

20 years ago, Lotus launched the Exige Sport 410, a model which made quite an impact in the sportscar world. It was highly capable on the track and also brought superlative driving dynamics to the road. The Exige delivered on Lotus’ core values of exceptional handling, outstanding grip and aerodynamic expertise.

This week, Lotus has unveiled the 20^th anniversary edition of the model, finished in a choice of vibrant new retro-inspired colours. It comes with higher levels of standard equipment and an enhanced interior package.

“The Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary builds on the Exige’s unrivalled levels of handling and performance. This special edition of one of our most acclaimed sports cars ever will continue the Lotus ethos of being born for the track and bred for the road,” said Ema Forster, Head of Product Marketing at Lotus.

All versions come with upgraded exterior features commemorating the Exige Series 1. These are the body-coloured roof, side air intake pods and rear wing, plus the black ‘shark fin’ stone chip protector ahead of the rear wheel.

Also part of the new car’s customer appeal is the unique ‘20th Anniversary’ black silhouette logo featuring a striking profile image of the Series 1. It’s visible on the front wings above the side repeaters and on the rear bumper. A distinctive ‘20’ logo on the rear wing end-plates adds the finishing touch.

Customers can order the Exige Sport 410 20th Anniversary edition in one of three bespoke exterior colours, all taken from the Exige Series 1. They are Chrome Orange, Laser Blue and Calypso Red. In addition, there’s also Saffron Yellow – a colour reminiscent of the original Norfolk Mustard Yellow – Motorsport Black or Arctic Silver.

The nostalgia is carried over to the interior, where there’s a choice of different coloured Alcantara trims, and each seat is decorated with panelled stitching which echoes that of the original car. The logo is also embroidered on the seatbacks and embossed on the car’s dashboard ‘build plaque’.

The car’s list of standard equipment includes Nitron three-way adjustable dampers. These have variable bump and rebound settings that enable the driver to personalise the suspension to suit driving style and environment, for example, on the road or a racetrack. The front splitter, front access panel and rear tailgate are all made from carbonfibre.

A number of features which are optional extras on the Exige are fitted as standard on the 20th Anniversary car. These include DAB digital radio with Bluetooth, cruise control, ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels and an Alcantara steering wheel. Remaining options include carbonfibre sill trim, lightweight lithium-ion battery and titanium lightweight exhaust.

“From the very first drives of the development car, the Exige displayed new levels of ability. It set new standards for Lotus road and race cars, perfectly illustrating our core values of performance through light weight, aerodynamics and handling,” said Gavan Kershaw, Director of Vehicle Attributes. “It really is a race car for the road; I’ve competed and won races in every version of the Exige, from the Series 1 to the Series 3, and always walked away with a grin on my face.”

In the UK, the car is priced at £79,900 (RM426,300). Not including the exclusivity, the extras are valued at £5,412 (RM28,900) over the standard Sport 410. The first cars will be with customers in selected international markets later this year.

Lotus offers classic heritage editions of the Elise

BMW caters to extravagance with the 8-Series Edition Golden Thunder

‘Golden Thunder’ is not the title of a new Chinese movie but the name of a special edition of the BMW 8-Series created by BMW Individual. Available for three body variants, its extravagant enhancement is in the form of specific design accentuations in gold along with high-end BMW Individual equipment features for both the exterior and interior.

The 8-Series Edition Golden Thunder is said to be for ‘customers with the very highest expectations in terms of style and quality’. The exclusive enhancements give the edition models the character of a custom-built vehicle.

Available for all model variants – coupe, convertible and Gran Coupe – the M sports package is also a standard feature in the range which covers the 840i and 840d xDrive through to the M850i xDrive.

A body finish in Sapphire Black metallic or Frozen Black metallic and carefully selected colour accentuations in gold give a distinct appearance. The dark look is supplemented by BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line with extended features and black brake calipers for the M sports brake system.

A striking contrast is created by means of golden accentuation lines running from the front apron to the side skirts and on into the rear apron. Other features finished in gold are the exterior mirror caps, the M rear spoiler (exclusively available for the 8-Series Coupe) and the 20-inch M light alloy wheels in double-spoke design.

Sportscar flair and individual luxury are also combined in the interior of the edition models to create an extravagant ambience. This is created by the extended BMW Individual Merino leather trim in black with the ‘Edition Golden Thunder’ inscription embroidered on the front headrests and the BMW Individual Alcantara Anthracite roofliner for the Coup and Gran Coupe, but in particular by the interior trim finishers in Aluminium Mesh Effect Gold.

On the centre console, the finely structured and high-end shimmering surfaces are supplemented with an edition emblem. The edition models also feature CraftedClarity glass applications for selected controls and the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System.

The Edition cars will be produced at the BMW plant in Dingolfing, Germany from September 2020.

‘The Boss’ gets electrified with the new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport

Piston.my

special edition

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

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider 33 Stradale Tributo – inspired by a legendary sportscar

Mazda Philippines helps create awareness of the critically endangered pangolin

Bugatti Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ honours the ‘Daredevils’ of the past

Gulf Oil-themed McLaren Elva to debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek

Aston Martin Rapide AMR available in Malaysia

Ninebot GoKart Pro Lamborghini Edition

Proton launches special edition model to celebrate 35th anniversary of Saga

Special edition for the 20th anniversary of the Lotus Exige

BMW caters to extravagance with the 8-Series Edition Golden Thunder

Ford Unveils Special Edition Mustang to Celebrate 60th Anniversary

Special Edition Ford Everest Wildtrak Launched In Malaysia – From RM339K

Aston Martin Preserves Manual Transmission For Special Editions

McLaren GT Gets A Special Edition Limited Run

Peugeot 2008 Special Edition Introduced For Malaysia

MINI Clubman Final Edition Commemorates Final Year Of Model?

Audi RS e-tron GT project_513/2 Gives Customers The Feel Of Having a Prototype

One-off Bentley Continental GT Azure Created As Tribute To R Type Continental

Bentley Mulliner Pays Tribute To Bathurst-Winning Continental GT3 With Two Special Editions

Special Edition For End Of Kia Stinger Production

Archive

Lotus Cars Malaysia Opens Its First Lotus Store At Pavilion Damansara Heights

Kia Unveils All-New 2025 K4 with Two Powertrain Options – 2.0 and a Turbocharged 1.6

Review: The Proton S70 Is Going To Make Life Difficult For The Honda City And Toyota Vios!

Genesis GV60 Magma Concept: Performance Subbrand in the Works

Nissan and Mitsubishi Partner to Develop Pickup Truck for the American Market

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