Tag Archives: Bespoke

RollsRoyce

‘THE PEARL CULLINAN’: A BIRTHDAY GIFT LIKE NO OTHER

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Private Office Dubai presents one-of-one Bespoke commission, ‘The Pearl Cullinan’

Commissioned by a son as a surprise birthday gift for his father: fascia motif features the Arabic symbol for ‘father’ inlaid in stainless steel

One of the most extensive uses of mother-of-pearl ever seen in a Bespoke Rolls-Royce motor car, including central rotary dial and clock surround

Rear Picnic Tables handmade at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, each including 1,351 individually selected pieces of mother-of-pearl

Bespoke paint finish inspired by the colours of most prized pearl in the owner’s collection

“The Middle East region has long been the source of many of the most technically complex, creatively ambitious Bespoke commissions ever undertaken by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ stands at the very summit of those achievements and is a supreme example of the marque’s creativity and craftsmanship. It is also the very first client Bespoke project to be commissioned through our Private Office Dubai. This is an extension of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and gives clients direct access to our talented Bespoke designers, together with the full support of their local dealer partner. As the motor car is a birthday gift to the father of a longstanding patron, it adds a very special dimension to the project: it has been a privilege to create such a magnificent motor car to mark this auspicious occasion. ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ not only has a deep personal meaning to both father and son, it also commemorates the great heritage story of the family. At Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, highly Bespoke commissions have always been crafted with deep emotional connections in mind and each motor car has its own tale.”
 César Habib, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to present ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ – a magnificent, one-of-one Bespoke motor car commissioned by the owner’s family to mark a significant birthday. It is also the first Bespoke project to be revealed by the Private Office Dubai, which works with local Dealer Partners to bring the authentic Goodwood experience to clients across the Middle East and Africa region.

‘The Pearl Cullinan’ was commissioned in early 2022 by a longstanding Rolls-Royce client, to mark his father’s 90th birthday. Regional Director, César Habib, and Bespoke Lead Designer, Michelle Lusby, were originally introduced to the father with the purpose of understanding his passions and life story; these meetings provided valuable insights to inform the design direction for the commission.

BESPOKE PEARL ROSE EXTERIOR FINISH
The Bespoke Pearl Rose finish is inspired by the colour of the owner’s most prized pearl in his extensive, world-class collection and is reserved exclusively for this motor car: it will not be available to any other client in future. Paint specialists at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood used carefully selected pigments to replicate a delicate hint of pink rarely found in natural pearls. Unusually, the paint combines both metallic and pearlescent effects to give exceptional depth and lustre.

Perfecting the finish required around 30 different iterations, each applied to a full-sized body panel. These were pre-checked under daylight simulation lamps in the Atelier at Goodwood, then sent to the client to make sure the colour was correct when viewed under the Middle Eastern sun. The paint also underwent extensive technical testing to ensure it will remain unaltered by heat or UV light over its lifetime.

The Pearl Rose finish is complemented with a single coachline, applied by hand in Rose Gold paint, to match the rose gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. The rose gold theme also extends to the Bespoke treadplates, which are revealed on each of the four door sills upon opening.

INTERIOR: THE ART OF PRESENTATION
The interior of ‘The Pearl Cullinan’ features two different leather colours. The front seats – where the father prefers to travel as a passenger – are finished in his favourite Cashmere Grey. In reference to the family’s heritage, the rear seats are trimmed in Ardent Red which takes inspiration from the colour of the material on which pearls are presented to customers, to best highlight their subtle natural colour variations. In a similar vein, the burr walnut veneer echoes the wooden presentation boxes in which pearls are traditionally handed over to customers upon purchase.

Bespoke embroidery detailing includes ‘RR’ monograms in Rose Gold thread on the headrests, and rear seat inserts in Grace White, inspired by the symmetrical growth patterns of an oyster shell and angled at the same precise 55 degrees as the veneer.

A CELEBRATION OF MOTHER-OF-PEARL
‘The Pearl Cullinan’ features one of the most extensive uses of mother-of-pearl ever seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car. The natural variations of this beautiful material created opportunities and challenges in equal measure for the marque’s designers and craftspeople.

This is particularly apparent with the detailed design of the Picnic Tables, fitted to the rear of the front passenger seats. The upper surface features an intricate, circular pattern inspired by traditional Arabic design that draws the eye inwards to a central point. Each tabletop is then inlaid with 1,351 separate pieces of mother-of-pearl, every one individually selected and placed by hand in the surrounding burr walnut marquetry and sealed with clear lacquer. The natural shade and colour differences in both the mother-of-pearl and the wood mean each tabletop is a unique work of art.

The burr walnut fascia incorporates an exquisite mother-of-pearl inlay inspired by traditional Middle Eastern art. At its centre is the Arabic word for ‘father’, inlaid in stainless steel. In a first for Rolls-Royce, the Bespoke dashboard clock is set in a mother-of-pearl surround; the dial and hands are in rose gold. The centre rotary dial is also finished with mother-of-pearl, giving it a tactile, jewel-like quality.

Above the occupants, the Bespoke Starlight Headliner shows the sky as it appeared on the night and at the very place the commissioning client’s father was born.

Michelle Lusby, Bespoke Lead Designer at the Private Office Dubai, said, “For me, there was a huge emotional connection with this Bespoke project. I had the privilege of spending time with the commissioning family, which allowed me to discuss details of the design directly with them, and really understand their true significance. Their unique use of mother-of-pearl was a great creative and technical challenge for us: to see the Picnic Tables go from my original digital designs to those beautiful, highly detailed finished works of art was fantastic. This is a truly special commission in so many ways, and a project we aspire to have as Rolls-Royce designers. Emotions inspire our imaginations.”

NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 348 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.6 mpg / 15.2 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 377-368 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.1-17.5 mpg / 16.5-16.1 l/100km.

News

Limited-run Porsche 911 GT3 is firm’s hottest track car yet

The Porsche 911 GT3, a limited-run model, is the company’s most powerful track car to date. The car features bespoke bodywork, including a stretched wheelbase, widened wheel arches, and lowered springs with new 18in BBS alloys.

Constructed entirely from carbon fiber, the body design incorporates aero-optimized fins and larger air intakes on the front wheel arches to enhance track performance. The traditional exterior mirrors have been replaced with electronic screens connected to three cameras mounted on the body.

Inspired by Porsche’s racing heritage, the rear of the car features design elements reminiscent of past models. The rear wing, inspired by the Daytona-winning Brumos Porsche 935/77, spans the width of the bumper. The vertical spoiler supports draw influence from the Porsche 962 Le Mans racer. Weight reduction measures include the absence of grille covers and certain panels, leaving components like the exhaust exposed.

The interior also focuses on weight-saving measures by removing the front and rear passenger seats and the air conditioning system. Additional features include a model-specific plaque, monitors replacing the door mirrors, customizable ambient lighting, and an FIA-spec roll cage.

The Porsche 911 GT3 comes in a choice of seven colors, including brand new options like Star Ruby, Signal Orange, and Agate Grey Metallic.

News

Electric Audi R8 Expected on New Supercar Platform

Audi is reportedly working on a customized electric vehicle architecture specifically designed for low-volume, purpose-built sports cars and supercars. As part of this initiative, an electric version of the Audi R8 is set to be developed.

The company is planning to release a series of models based on the new PPE platform, which has been developed in collaboration with Porsche. The first model, the Audi Q6 E-tron, is scheduled to be launched early next year. In addition, Audi will also start introducing cars on the upcoming VW Group SSP platform, which is expected to go into production in 2027.

During the 2023 Munich motor show, Oliver Hoffmann, Audi’s technical boss, confirmed that the company will also utilize the VW Group’s MEB platform for future entry-level electric cars. This platform is currently used by vehicles such as the VW ID 3, Cupra Born, and Audi Q4 E-tron.

However, when asked about the suitability of these platforms for lower-volume, performance-oriented EVs like the TT and R8, Hoffmann hinted that Audi would instead invest in a dedicated sports car architecture. This new architecture would incorporate elements from the SSP platform, combining aspects of both the MEB and PPE platforms in what Hoffmann referred to as a “toolkit.”

Although Hoffmann did not provide specific details about the structure of this architecture or plans for direct successors to Audi’s current sports cars, he did confirm that work is underway. He also stated that Audi has a strong focus on launching a wide range of new models in the next two years, with over 50% of them being battery-electric.

SSP Architecture

The SSP platform is expected to be utilized by approximately 80% of vehicles in the entire VW Group portfolio. According to Hoffmann, this leaves room for certain models to be based on modified versions of the platform or even entirely different architectures.

VW Group CEO Oliver Blume has already confirmed that the SSP platform will support powertrains with outputs of up to 1700bhp, indicating that purpose-built electric sports cars and supercars are on the horizon.

It’s worth noting that Audi’s sister brand, Porsche, has announced that its upcoming Porsche K1 luxury SUV, positioned above the Cayenne, will be the first model to utilize its own modified version of the VW Group architecture called SSP Sport.

This highlights the platform’s flexibility and its potential for use across a wide range of models and segments.

RollsRoyce

Rolls-Royce Phantom Inspired by Cinque Terre: Celebrating the Italian Riviera

  • Rolls-Royce presents a unique Bespoke Phantom ‘Inspired by Cinque Terre’ that honors the beauty of the Italian Riviera and its winemaking traditions
  • The hand-painted Gallery artwork captures the vibrant colors and famous architecture of the five cliffside fishing villages
  • The rear doors feature an embroidered grapes motif and the picnic tables have an inlay design paying homage to the region’s viticulture
  • The Bespoke Starlight Headliner showcases an intricately embroidered map of Italy with five glowing stars positioned to represent the five historic Cinque Terre villages

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is proud to present the Phantom ‘Inspired by Cinque Terre’, a magnificent Bespoke motor car that showcases the captivating allure and rich viticultural heritage of the legendary Italian Riviera.

The Cinque Terre, meaning ‘Five Lands’ in Italian, is located on the rugged coast of Liguria in northern Italy. These centuries-old fishing villages – Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore – are renowned worldwide for their terraced vineyards, which overlook the Mediterranean Sea, making them a true marvel in winemaking.

This extraordinary motor car highlights the stunning vineyards of the area through intricate Bespoke features. Its exterior is finished in a deep and lustrous Ligurian blue, enhanced by a hand-applied double coachline in Navy Blue and Jasmine, adorned with a delicate grapes motif.

The timeless interior combines Grace White and Navy Blue leather with Jasmine accents, featuring a delicate grape-branch embroidery on the rear doors. Each embroidery piece consists of 9,215 stitches created using two different techniques. The grapes are embroidered with satin stitch, meticulously aligned to catch the light and give each grape a lifelike tone and luster. The grape leaf is crafted with a flatter tatami stitch, providing a textural contrast and enhancing the embroidery’s tactile qualities.

The grapes motif is also captured in an intricate inlay design on the picnic tables, made with stainless steel and gold plating. The surfaces are painted in Milori blue with a subtle sparkle to give depth and vibrancy to the color. The inlays are then meticulously applied by hand and sealed with a clear lacquer, resulting in a seamless and polished finish.

Above, the Bespoke Starlight Headliner is adorned with a map of Italy, embroidered with 14,338 individual stitches. Five glowing stars, placed by hand at the coastline’s edge, represent the Cinque Terre villages. Achieving the perfect embroidery required more than a month of meticulous adjustments by the Bespoke Collective to strike the right balance between thread shimmer and minute detail for the entire outline of Italy.

Inside the motor car’s expansive fascia lies the Gallery, showcasing a specially commissioned artwork capturing the colors, architecture, and vibrant character of Cinque Terre. The composition is a digital sketch brought to life with water-based acrylic paint applied by hand through airbrushing, resulting in an incredibly detailed artwork that is finished with multiple coats of clear lacquer. The focal features of the painting are positioned strategically within the Gallery so that every occupant of the motor car can easily admire them.

A final touch awaits inside the glove compartment, where silver debossing depicts the five villages.

The Phantom ‘Inspired by Cinque Terre’ has found its place in the client’s collection as a unique commission that will never be replicated.

NEDC combined: CO2 emissions: 345 g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.7 mpg / 15.1 l/100km. WLTP combined: CO2 emissions: 362-351 g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.7-18.2 mpg / 15.5-16.0 l/100km.

News

MGB reborn with electric power, keeps manual gearbox

MGB restomod specialist Frontline Cars has relaunched with a pair of bespoke sports cars based on the classic MGB GT, led by an electric conversion that pairs an electric motor with a fully functional manual gearbox.

The electric model, called the Bee GT, aims to provide an engaging and enjoyable driving experience despite its modern powertrain. Equipped with a Hyper 9 100V motor, it delivers torque comparable to a conventional combustion engine and has a rev range of up to 9000rpm. The Bee GT can reach 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds, thanks to its 114bhp and 162lb ft of torque that is sent to the rear wheels.

Frontline claims that the electric motor allows the Bee GT to start and stop in any of its five gears, eliminating the risk of stalling. Additionally, the driver has the option to exclusively drive the car in second and third gear.

The Bee GT comes with a 40kWh battery, which offers a claimed range of 140 miles, a range that Frontline believes is sufficient for enjoyable electric car ownership. It takes approximately five hours to fully recharge the battery using a 7kWh charge point.

Frontline MGB Bee front quarter driving

The Bee GT is notably lighter than most electric sports cars, weighing only 1186kg compared to the Abarth 500e’s 1410kg. The weight is evenly distributed over each axle.

Inside the Bee GT, the original rev counter is replaced with a power delivery gauge that shows how much of the electric motor’s potential or energy recuperation is being used. The remaining range is displayed on the fuel gauge.

Externally, the Bee GT features subtle styling modifications, including period-correct Dunlop racing wheels and a more aggressive front chin spoiler. It is available as both a coupé and a roadster, with the roadster variant omitting the ‘GT’ moniker.

Frontline MGB Bee charging port

Motorsport

Bentley Tricycle Inspired By Mulliner Has Quilted Leather Seat, Five-Point Belt

Bentley has created a new tricycle for kids, drawing inspiration from its bespoke Mulliner division. This specially designed trike incorporates elements commonly found in Bentley’s customized Mulliner models, providing children with a luxurious riding experience.

The Mulliner tricycle comes in White Sand paint, directly taken from Bentley’s color palette. To ensure safety, it features a five-point harness with magnetic buckles that securely fasten the child. The tricycle also boasts a newly designed seat with soft inserts, showcasing Mulliner’s signature diamond-in-diamond handmade quilting. Additionally, the headrest proudly displays the Bentley badge stitched onto it.


Mazda

2024 Mazda CX-30: Pricing and Packaging

  • The 2024 Mazda CX-30 now offers a new 2.5 Carbon Turbo model with unique exterior styling and turbocharged performance.
  • The updated CX-30 also includes a 10.25″ infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and touchscreen functionality.
  • The starting price for the 2024 CX-30 is $24,995.

Mazda North American Operations has announced the pricing and packaging details for the 2024 Mazda CX-30. The 2024 model offers new packaging options, such as the introduction of the 2.5 Carbon Turbo model, as well as technological upgrades like USB-C inputs and a 10.25-inch large center display with touchscreen functionality for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Mazda is dedicated to safety and has equipped all 2024 CX-30 models with Rear Seat Alert, which warns occupants if someone is still in the back seat. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is now a standard feature in all CX-30 models. The CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus models also include the newly available Cruising and Traffic Support technology.

The standard CX-30 2.5 S model is equipped with Mazda’s Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter, four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine. This efficient powertrain delivers 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The CX-30 models also feature i-Activ AWD, G-Vectoring Control Plus, and Off-Road Traction Assist as standard.

Standard safety features include Mazda Radar Cruise Control, Smart Brake Support, High Beam Control, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Seat Alert, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Mazda Connected Services. The interior features an 8.8-inch center display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a six-speaker sound system.

The CX-30 lineup includes several packages: Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus. Each package offers additional features and upgrades, including different paint color options.

The pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-30 models is as follows:

Model

MSRP

CX-30 2.5 S

$24,995

CX-30 2.5 S Select Sport

$26,500

CX-30 2.5 S Preferred

$28,790

CX-30 2.5 S Carbon Edition

$29,790

CX-30 2.5 S Premium

$31,990

CX-30 2.5 Carbon Turbo

$32,790

CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium

$34,990

CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

$36,800

Premium paint colors are available at additional costs:

Soul Red Crystal Metallic

$595

Machine Gray Metallic

$595

Polymetal Gray Metallic

$450

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

$450

Ceramic Metallic

$450

Mazda North American Operations, based in Irvine, California, oversees the sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support for Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For more information on Mazda vehicles, visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow Mazda on social media: Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA, and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

ToyotaUk

The All-New 2024 Toyota Tacoma Makes Big Screen Debut in “Blue Beetle”

  • Multiple Generations of Tacoma, including a bespoke 2024 Tacoma, designed by Toyota’s CALTY Design Studio, are featured in Warner Bros. Pictures’ film “Blue Beetle”
  • Tacoma’s versatility and legacy are showcased throughout the fun-filled DC Super Hero film
  • Tacoma is the best-selling mid-size pickup for last 18 years

PLANO, Texas (August 25, 2023) – After the recent unveiling of the highly anticipated 2024 Tacoma, Toyota joined forces with DC’s newest Super Hero in his debut film, “Blue Beetle,” which premiered in theaters last week. The action-packed movie, known for its heart and humor, features different generations of the Tacoma as Jaime Reyes, the main character, undergoes a transformation after encountering an ancient piece of alien technology called the Scarab. This technology turns Jaime, a college graduate, into the hero known as The Blue Beetle.

Throughout the film, Jaime, along with his entire family, relies on their beloved 3rd generation Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma, lovingly called the “Taco,” is particularly cherished by Jaime’s Uncle Rudy, played by George Lopez. Witness how the Blue Beetle, his family, and their trusty Tacoma conquer various challenges. Additionally, keep an eye out for a cameo appearance by the All-New 4th generation Tacoma.

To bring a unique design and paint job to the film, Toyota’s design and engineering teams worked closely with DC. Their collaboration resulted in a distinctive 2024 Tacoma design, harmoniously blending with the new Tacoma’s overall look.

Tacoma trucks have a history in Hollywood, as the 1985 Toyota SR5 Xtra Cab was prominently featured in the 1980s film “Back to the Future.” Furthermore, the first-generation Tundra made an appearance in “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines,” and that year witnessed the sale of 600 T3 Special Edition Tundras.

The 2024 Tacoma represents the latest version of this renowned off-road 4×4, offering an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that boasts up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque. This new truck not only showcases a rugged style but also provides multiple powertrain options, 4×4 capability, and the latest safety and tech features. The 2024 Tacoma’s lineup also introduces the Trailhunter grade, specially engineered to be the ultimate overlanding vehicle. Expect to find the all-new 2024 Tacoma in dealerships by the end of the year.

About Toyota:

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 33 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.

About “Blue Beetle”:

From Warner Bros. Pictures comes the feature film “Blue Beetle,” marking the DC Super Hero’s first time on the big screen. The film, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto from a screenplay by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, based on characters from DC, stars Xolo Maridueña in the title role as well as his alter ego, Jaime Reyes.

Recent college grad Jaime Reyes returns home full of aspirations for his future, only to find that home is not quite as he left it. As he searches to find his purpose in the world, fate intervenes when Jaime unexpectedly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology: the Scarab. When the Scarab—called Khaji-Da—suddenly chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he is bestowed with an incredible suit of armor capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the Super Hero Blue Beetle.

A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, a Safran Company Production, “Blue Beetle” is now in theaters only and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.

Featured

Rolls-Royce Debuts Its 2nd Droptail With A 1-of-1 Vacheron Constantin Watch

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has taken the wraps off the Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail, a bespoke automotive masterpiece celebrating luxury, art, and heritage. The coachbuilt creation is the second of four unique examples of the Rolls-Royce Droptail series. The Amethyst Droptail is the story of a patron whose family transformed a gemstone boutique into a multinational corporation. A lover of art and precious jewels, the client’s international education and world travels have come together in this fuel-driven creation that pays tribute to their family legacy and personal passions.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the Rolls-Royce Amethyst Droptail is the unique timepiece gracing its fascia, commissioned from the renowned Swiss watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin. Handmade in Geneva, the ‘Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon’ showcases an intricate hand-wound movement, a bi-retrograde display, and a bi-axial tourbillon. Designed to harmonize with the Droptail, it combines amethyst-colored inserts with a brushed and polished finish. The timepiece is fixed to a white-gold baseplate, decorated with a hand-crafted sunburst guilloché pattern. The collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and Rolls-Royce has resulted in a seamless integration of watchmaking artistry and automotive excellence. View all Rolls-Royce models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.

View All Rolls-Royce For Sale

 
Motorsport

Porsche 911 997 Restomod Created By Edit Automotive Starts At $184,450

Edit Automotive has unveiled the g11, a custom-built sports car based on the sixth-generation Porsche 911. The g11, designed by Petr Novague, aims to create an uncomplicated and direct connection between the driver and the machine. Edit Automotive plans to modify a total of 99 cars, drawing inspiration from the original 911 and reigniting the passion for the joy of driving.

The sixth generation of the Porsche 911, also known as the 997, was produced by Porsche from 2005 to 2013. Edit Automotive specifically chose this model because it offers a truly mechanical driving experience, before the introduction of electrically assisted steering in the 991. The modification process starts with a widebody version of the 997, equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter or 3.8-liter flat-six-cylinder engine tuned to produce between 325 and 400 horsepower. Each engine undergoes disassembly, with worn components replaced and new IMS bearings and stainless steel cylinder liners installed.