LARTE Design has completed another distinctive Cadillac Escalade-V ESV project, this time using a custom pale-blue carbon finish known as Ice Carbon.

Based around the German tuner’s ESTHETE package, the build combines the Escalade’s factory pearl-white paintwork with 15 bespoke exterior components made from dry carbon. What makes it particularly unusual is that the blue colour isn’t simply painted over the finished carbon. Instead, the pigment is incorporated directly into the material during production.

Ice Carbon Goes Beyond Traditional Coloured Carbon

Rather than choosing a shade from an existing catalogue, the owner supplied LARTE Design with a specific colour they wanted incorporated into the project.

The resulting Ice Carbon finish carries the pale blue pigment through the carbon layer itself, allowing the weave and texture underneath to remain visible. The colour and carbon fibre are cured together rather than having a conventional painted finish applied afterwards.

LARTE says the process isn’t limited to this particular shade either. Customers can provide their own colour, which can then be developed into a personalised carbon finish.

15 Components Transform The Escalade-V ESV

The ESTHETE conversion covers almost every major area of the Cadillac’s exterior without completely disguising the SUV underneath.

The Ice Carbon specification includes:

• Sculpted dry-carbon bonnet with integrated ventilation
• Bonnet deflector
• Grille surround
• Front bumper overlay
• Front splitter
• Carbon mirror covers
• Front wheel arch extensions
• Door mouldings
• Vertical LED headlights
• Rear wheel arch extensions
• ESTHETE-specific forged wheels
• Roof spoiler
• Tailgate trim
• Rear bumper overlay
• Rear diffuser with integrated dual LED brake lights

Together, the components give the already enormous ESV a significantly wider and more aggressive appearance, while the pale carbon creates a softer contrast against the pearl-white bodywork.

No Cutting Or Permanent Body Modifications

Despite the scale of the transformation, LARTE Design says installation doesn’t require the Escalade’s factory bodywork to be cut.

Each ESTHETE component has been engineered around the Cadillac’s original mounting points and proportions. That also means important factory equipment such as parking sensors, driver assistance technology and the towing system continues to operate normally.

The mechanical package is left untouched too, so all of the changes are focused on appearance rather than extracting additional performance.

We’ve previously seen LARTE take a similar approach with its Burgundy dry-carbon Cadillac Escalade-V ESV, while the tuner has also created a much brighter pink carbon Escalade.

Autoclave-Cured Carbon Made In Germany

Every carbon component is produced using an autoclave curing process and manufactured to a Class-A surface standard.

According to LARTE, this production method provides accurate geometry, lower component weight and improved long-term colour stability. The parts are produced using the same TÜV-certified processes applied across the company’s wider range of tuning programmes.

All ESTHETE components are manufactured in Germany before being packaged for international shipping. Installation assistance is also available through LARTE Design’s global network of partners.

Supercharged V8 Power Remains Untouched

Underneath all that Ice Carbon remains Cadillac’s rather serious supercharged 6.2-litre V8.

The Escalade-V ESV produces 682 hp (508 kW) and 885 Nm (653 lb-ft) of torque, sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel-drive system.

Despite its considerable dimensions, Cadillac claims the performance SUV can sprint from 0 to 97 km/h (60 mph) in just 4.4 seconds.

LARTE hasn’t attempted to improve those numbers. Instead, the ESTHETE package has been designed to give the exterior a level of visual drama more in keeping with the V8 performance lurking underneath.

Part Of LARTE’s Level 2 Customisation Programme

LARTE categorises ESTHETE as part of its Customisation Level 2 programme, where personalisation extends beyond simply choosing different accessories or finishes.

The company has applied the same philosophy to vehicles from Lamborghini, Mercedes-AMG, BMW and Porsche, with customers able to commission colours and finishes tailored specifically to their cars.

The post LARTE Design Gives Cadillac Escalade-V ESV Bespoke Ice Carbon Makeover appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Jaguar has given us the first proper look inside its upcoming Type 01, revealing a dramatic four-seat cabin that carries much of the thinking behind the Type 00 concept into production.

The electric grand tourer will play a crucial role in Jaguar’s transformation into a fully electric luxury brand. Although development prototypes have been spotted on the road for some time, this is the first occasion Jaguar has officially shown an undisguised section of the production car.

Type 00 Concept Influences Are Clear

Anyone familiar with the Type 00 concept will immediately recognise the direction Jaguar has taken.

Rather than watering down the show car’s interior for production, the company appears to have retained many of its more unconventional ideas. Jaguar describes the Type 01 cabin as essentially bringing its concept-car vision into a road-going model.

The centrepiece is a substantial structure running through the entire length of the passenger compartment. Jaguar calls it a signature art piece, but it effectively acts as a central spine separating the four occupants.

Each passenger gets an individual seat and clearly defined space, giving the Type 01 more of a four-seat grand tourer layout than a conventional luxury saloon.

Above them sits a low roof incorporating a large panoramic glass section.

Minimalist Dashboard With Hidden Technology

Jaguar has taken a similarly unusual approach to the dashboard.

The driver sits relatively low, with a large digital display positioned directly ahead. Beyond that, the dashboard remains remarkably uncluttered.

A smaller touchscreen emerges from the central structure and handles functions including climate and infotainment. Jaguar refers to the setup as hidden on-demand technology, with much of the interface incorporated into the architecture rather than dominating the dashboard.

There is also a noticeable visual separation between the driver and front passenger areas, continuing the individual cockpit theme found throughout the cabin.

Another interesting detail is the strikethrough graphic used across the dashboard. The same design continues onto the upper section of the bonnet, creating a visual connection between the interior and exterior.

No Rear Window For Jaguar Type 01

One of the Type 01’s more controversial design decisions has also been confirmed.

There is no conventional rear window.

Instead, Jaguar has adopted a camera-based rear-view system, following a similar philosophy to cars such as the Polestar 4.

What makes Jaguar’s implementation particularly unusual is the position of the digital rear-view display. Rather than replacing the traditional mirror at the top of the windscreen, the screen sits at its base, roughly aligning it with the exterior mirrors.

It should create a very different rearward viewing experience compared with a conventional car.

Premium Materials Take Centre Stage

Technology isn’t the only focus inside the Type 01.

Jaguar says the cabin draws inspiration from materials including travertine stone and handcrafted textiles, with extensive attention given to texture and surface finishes.

The prominent centre structure receives a brass-inspired finish, with similar detailing appearing across the upper sections of the doors. Jaguar’s familiar leaper emblem is embossed into these areas rather than being added as a conventional badge.

Jaguar managing director Rawdon Glover says the Type 01 has been designed to be instantly recognisable from any angle, while describing its cabin as unlike anything else currently on the road.

Jaguar Type 01 Reveal Set For October

Before its full reveal, Jaguar will bring the Type 01 to Monterey Car Week in California this weekend, although the car will still be wearing a newly designed camouflage wrap.

The covers are scheduled to come off properly in New York on 6 October.

The Type 01 represents the first production model from Jaguar’s dramatically repositioned electric era, making its debut one of the most important launches for the British manufacturer in decades.

The post First Look Inside The New Jaguar Type 01 Electric GT appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Ford’s Mustang family looks set for one of its biggest expansions yet, with the Blue Oval reportedly moving closer to launching a four-door performance model aimed squarely at cars such as the BMW M3 and Audi RS5.

The project has been discussed for several years, but fresh reports suggest Ford has now shown US dealers what could be the production-ready design. If everything goes according to plan, the car is expected to arrive under the Mustang Mach 4 name.

Ford Mustang Mach 4 Takes Shape

A four-door Mustang has been rumoured since at least 2024, but the project now appears to have progressed considerably further.

US dealers have reportedly been given an early look at the upcoming model during a recent conference. Rather than simply stretching the existing Mustang coupé and adding another pair of doors, Ford appears to be developing a proper performance saloon with proportions reportedly comparable to the Porsche Panamera.

The Mach 4 name is understood to be heading for production after previously being trademarked by Ford. It provides a link to the famous Mustang Mach 1 while separating the newcomer from the electric Mustang Mach-E.

Sub-$40,000 Price And Serious Performance

Perhaps the biggest surprise is the reported starting price.

Ford dealers were apparently told that the four-door Mustang could start below $40,000 (approximately R647,200) in the United States.

Despite that relatively accessible entry point, Ford is said to be targeting a 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) sprint time of less than four seconds.

Exactly which version will deliver that level of performance remains unclear, particularly if Ford plans to offer several engines or trim levels.

Hybrid V8 Could Power The Mustang Mach 4

Those who were reportedly shown the car claim it uses a hybrid powertrain.

One possibility is an electrified version of Ford’s familiar 5.0-litre Coyote V8, although no official technical specifications have been announced.

A hybrid V8 would make plenty of sense. It could retain the sound and character expected from a Mustang while helping Ford meet stricter emissions requirements in markets outside North America.

Ford CEO Jim Farley has previously made it clear that expanding Mustang into new body styles does not mean abandoning what makes the car distinctive. His position has been that any new Mustang must retain the performance, character and attitude associated with the original.

That philosophy could make the Mach 4 a very different proposition from the growing number of electrified performance saloons already on the market.

Ford Still Has Plenty Of Love For The V8

Ford’s continued commitment to eight-cylinder engines could play an important role in the Mach 4 programme.

While emissions requirements have changed significantly in the United States, regulations remain considerably tighter in Europe and parts of Asia. Electrification could therefore provide Ford with a way of keeping the Coyote V8 alive in more markets.

The existing seventh-generation Mustang GT sold in South Africa already uses the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8, producing 328 kW. A hybrid system would potentially allow Ford to push performance substantially higher while reducing the engine’s overall emissions burden.

Ford has also continued developing increasingly serious versions of the Mustang, including the latest high-performance Dark Horse models and the extreme Mustang GTD.

Could The Four-Door Mustang Be Sold Globally?

The Mustang Mach 4 is reportedly being considered for launch before the end of the decade, although Ford has yet to announce an official production date.

Whether it will be sold outside North America remains another unanswered question.

Ford has previously demonstrated that there is substantial international demand for the Mustang. Turning the traditional American muscle car into a global model was considered a major gamble when the strategy was introduced, but the move ultimately proved successful.

Ford’s European management has also indicated that the company is open to introducing global products into additional segments where sufficient demand exists, including larger vehicles beyond its mainstream crossover range.

That could leave the door open for the Mach 4 to reach markets such as Europe and potentially South Africa.

The post Four-Door Ford Mustang Mach 4 Could Pack Hybrid V8 Power appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Maserati could be preparing to revisit one of the most important ingredients from its past: the V8 engine.

The Italian manufacturer has not sold a V8-powered model since the previous-generation Quattroporte bowed out in 2024, but its engineering team has now confirmed that the possibility of bringing an eight-cylinder engine back has been investigated.

Nothing has been approved for production just yet, but importantly, Maserati believes its current vehicle platforms could accommodate such an engine.

Maserati Sees A Business Case For A New V8

Maserati head of engineering Davide Danesin has indicated that there is still enough demand among customers for a limited-production V8 model to make sense.

The volumes would likely be small, particularly compared with Maserati’s mainstream models, but that could actually play into the exclusivity expected from an eight-cylinder Maserati.

Danesin believes that if the company produced the right V8-powered car, there would be buyers waiting for it.

For Maserati, however, proving there is customer demand is only part of the equation. The engineering costs involved in developing an entirely new engine could ultimately determine whether the project gets the green light.

GranTurismo And GranCabrio Are The Obvious Candidates

Should Maserati decide to move forward, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio appear to be the most logical homes for the new engine.

Both currently rely on Maserati’s 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6, an engine family that has already demonstrated just how much performance can be extracted from six cylinders.

In its most potent applications, the Nettuno produces as much as 621 hp (463 kW). The same basic engine architecture has also been used in Maserati’s mid-engined supercar range.

A V8 Would Be About More Than Power

Interestingly, outright performance does not appear to be the main motivation behind Maserati’s V8 discussions.

The Nettuno V6 is already capable of delivering the numbers expected from a modern high-performance Maserati. A V8 would instead give the company something increasingly difficult to find in the performance car market: a distinctive soundtrack, different power delivery and greater sense of occasion.

That could allow Maserati to position a V8-powered GranTurismo or GranCabrio as a more exclusive flagship rather than simply a faster version of the existing Trofeo.

With manufacturers increasingly turning towards smaller turbocharged engines and electrification, an Italian V8 could also give Maserati a useful point of difference.

Don’t Expect A Stellantis Hemi V8

Maserati has access to the wider Stellantis parts catalogue, but simply borrowing one of the group’s existing Hemi V8 engines does not appear to be a realistic solution.

Those engines are considered too physically large for Maserati’s current vehicle architectures.

Instead, the manufacturer would likely have to engineer a more compact V8 of its own. One possibility would be to use elements of the existing Nettuno architecture as a starting point, potentially allowing Maserati to retain some of the technology and engineering knowledge already developed around its modern V6.

Developing A New Maserati V8 Would Not Be Cheap

The biggest obstacle could simply be cost.

Creating a bespoke V8 for a relatively small number of vehicles would require significant development investment, and those costs would inevitably be reflected in the final price.

Maserati could therefore have to treat the project more like a limited-production halo model than a conventional addition to the GranTurismo range.

That approach could make the numbers easier to justify while also turning the V8 into something genuinely special.

Stellantis Still Needs To Give The Green Light

For now, the V8 remains a possibility rather than a confirmed future Maserati product.

Any programme would first require approval from Stellantis, and developing a new engine at a time when manufacturers are spending heavily on electrification makes the business case particularly challenging.

Still, the fact that Maserati’s engineering department has investigated the idea is significant.

After several years of V8 engines disappearing from performance cars, Maserati going in the opposite direction would certainly grab attention. And if the company can make the financial side work, a new V8-powered GranTurismo could become one of the more interesting Italian GT cars of the coming years.

The post Maserati Wants To Bring The V8 Back But There Is A Catch appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Bentley’s Crewe factory has reached a major milestone, celebrating 80 years of vehicle production with a unique Continental GTC and a gathering spanning generations of the British marque’s history.

More than 100 customers attended the anniversary event at Pyms Lane on 28 July 2026, where a one-off Continental GTC wearing a striking new Supernova Purple Ombre finish took centre stage.

The occasion also gave Bentley an opportunity to showcase how its Crewe operation is changing. Traditional hand-finished craftsmanship remains a major part of the process, but increasingly sophisticated digital manufacturing will play a bigger role as the company prepares for its next generation of vehicles.

107 Bentleys Turn Pyms Lane Into A Timeline

Bentley Drivers Club members brought 107 cars to Crewe for the celebration, with the vehicles arranged along Pyms Lane according to their production dates.

At one end was EXP3, which Bentley describes as the first car it delivered to a customer. At the other was a 2025 Flying Spur Speed, creating a physical timeline covering more than a century of Bentley history.

The collection included cars from the W.O. Bentley years, Derby-built machines, famous Blower models and more recent Crewe-built vehicles, right through to the modern Bentayga.

Owners travelled from various parts of the world to return their cars to Bentley’s historic home, while the event also highlighted how much the Crewe facility itself has changed since vehicle production began there in 1946.

Bentley’s Crewe Dream Factory Is Changing Rapidly

The anniversary arrives during one of the biggest transformations in the factory’s history.

The Crewe facility dates back to 1938 and was originally constructed for the production of Rolls-Royce Merlin aircraft engines. It subsequently became Bentley’s primary vehicle manufacturing site and has been continuously expanded and modernised.

Its latest overhaul is aimed at creating what Bentley calls its next-generation Dream Factory. The idea is to combine flexible and increasingly digital production technology with the handcrafting techniques for which the brand is known.

Several major facilities have already formed part of the investment programme, including a new Design Studio, Engineering Technical Centre, Excellence Centre for Quality and Launch, Integrated Logistics Centre and Paint Shop.

The Paint Shop was officially opened earlier in July by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.

Another significant change is taking place inside the oldest building at the Crewe site, which is being converted into an assembly facility for Bentley’s first fully electric model. The EV is scheduled to make its debut in September.

One-Off Continental GTC Gets Supernova Purple Ombre Paint

Bentley wasn’t going to celebrate eight decades of production with an ordinary Continental GTC.

Mulliner was tasked with creating a one-off version of the convertible specifically for the anniversary, resulting in an exclusive Supernova Purple Ombre exterior developed by Bentley’s Paint Shop together with its CMF and Bespoke teams.

The paint transitions from Supernova Purple into a darker Supernova Purple Dark shade.

A specially designed ’80’ graphic appears on the side of the car and uses a reverse ombre treatment, while contrasting wheel finishes continue the colour theme.

The result is deliberately bold and serves as a rolling showcase for the level of personalisation available through Mulliner.

Bespoke Details Continue Inside

The cabin receives its own anniversary touches rather than relying purely on the dramatic exterior.

The headrests feature embroidered ’80’ detailing, while the fascia receives a unique airbrushed graphic created specifically for the car.

That artwork depicts Bentley’s Design Studio building and incorporates a reference to the eight decades of vehicle manufacturing at Crewe.

It’s another demonstration of how far Bentley can take personalisation through Mulliner, particularly as customers increasingly look for cars that are genuinely unique rather than simply highly specified production models.

The approach is familiar from Bentley’s recent coachbuilt creations, including the limited-production Batur Convertible.

Bentley Says Its People Remain At The Heart Of Crewe

While much of the current investment in Crewe involves new technology, Bentley used the anniversary to put equal emphasis on the people responsible for building its cars.

Multiple generations of employees have worked at Pyms Lane since the first Bentley emerged from the production line in 1946.

The manufacturing process has changed enormously since then, but handcrafting, finishing and attention to detail remain important parts of how Bentley positions its cars.

Andreas Lehe, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, credited generations of Crewe employees with combining craftsmanship, innovation and passion to produce some of the company’s most significant vehicles.

That balance between traditional skills and modern manufacturing will become increasingly important as Bentley enters its electric era.

The cars leaving Pyms Lane in another 80 years could be dramatically different from those assembled there in 1946, but Bentley clearly wants the craftsmanship behind them to remain recognisable.

The post Bentley Celebrates 80 Years At Crewe With One-Off Purple Continental GTC appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Rezvani has taken the already potent C8 Corvette platform and pushed it into territory normally reserved for seven-figure hypercars. The result is the new Beast X, an American-built machine claiming an extraordinary 1,560 hp (1,163 kW) and production limited to just five cars worldwide.

While its roots can be traced back to Chevrolet’s mid-engined sports car, very little about the Beast X could be described as ordinary.

Rezvani Beast X Takes The C8 Corvette To Another Level

Beneath the dramatically redesigned exterior sits the architecture of the Chevrolet Corvette C8, but Rezvani has extensively reworked the package to create something considerably more extreme.

The mid-engine configuration remains, providing the ideal starting point for the company’s transformation. Rezvani has then turned its attention to the bodywork, drivetrain and engine to separate the Beast X from the car beneath it.

The Corvette has already demonstrated just how much potential exists within this platform. Chevrolet itself recently pushed the boundaries with the 1,233 hp Corvette ZR1X, while the Corvette Z06 can even be ordered in South Africa.

Rezvani has been following this extreme approach for years. Models such as the Tank established the company as a manufacturer willing to dramatically reinvent existing platforms, and the Beast X applies a similar philosophy with an obvious focus on outright speed.

Twin-Turbo V8 Produces 1,560 HP

The headline feature is a custom-built 6.2-litre twin-turbocharged V8 using fully forged internal components.

Rezvani claims the engine develops a staggering 1,560 hp (1,163 kW), accompanied by 1,735 Nm (1,280 lb-ft) of torque.

Power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, helping the Beast X put its enormous output onto the road.

According to Rezvani, the Beast X can accelerate from zero to 97 km/h (60 mph) in just 1.9 seconds.

That puts it deep into modern hypercar territory and makes it considerably more powerful than even Chevrolet’s flagship Corvette offerings.

Just Five Rezvani Beast X Examples Will Be Built

Huge power figures are only part of the Beast X story. Rezvani intends to produce just five examples worldwide, making this one of the company’s most exclusive creations to date.

Reservations are being accepted with a refundable $1,500 (approximately R25,035) deposit.

With only five production slots planned, the Beast X is clearly aimed at collectors looking for something considerably rarer than a factory Corvette, while still retaining the fundamentals of America’s most famous mid-engined sports car.

The post 1,560 HP (1,163 kW) Rezvani Beast X Turns The Corvette C8 Into A Hypercar appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Eccentrica is returning to Monterey Car Week with another dramatic take on the Lamborghini Diablo, this time removing the roof.

Called the Eccentrica V12 Roadster, the latest creation follows the company’s fixed-roof Diablo-based project revealed in 2024. Rather than simply restoring the original Italian supercar, Eccentrica has extensively re-engineered it with thousands of bespoke components while retaining the unmistakable character of Lamborghini’s 1990s V12 icon.

Lamborghini Diablo V12 Gets A Modern Makeover

At the heart of the V12 Roadster is a reworked version of the Diablo’s naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V12.

Output has been increased to 550 hp and 601 Nm (443 lb-ft) of torque, with Eccentrica also revising the engine’s thermal management, airflow and ECU calibration. The changes are designed to improve response and make the V12 feel sharper without changing the fundamental character of the original engine.

Importantly, the manual gearbox remains.

Drivers still get a six-speed gated transmission, keeping one of the defining elements of the original Diablo driving experience intact.

Despite the open-top body, Eccentrica claims the V12 Roadster can reach a top speed of approximately 335 km/h (208 mph).

More Than 3,500 Bespoke Components

Calling the Roadster a modified Diablo would be selling the project short.

Eccentrica says more than 3,500 individual components have been developed specifically for the car. That extends from the mechanical upgrades to the completely redesigned exterior.

The new body combines steel and carbon fibre while maintaining the proportions and visual drama that made the Diablo such an instantly recognisable supercar. The track has also been widened, giving the Roadster an even more aggressive stance.

Additional carbon fibre reinforcement has been incorporated into the chassis to improve structural rigidity, something that becomes particularly important when removing the roof from a high-performance car.

Modern Suspension, Steering And Brakes

Underneath the retro-inspired appearance is a considerably more modern driving package.

The V12 Roadster gains semi-active dampers, hydraulic power steering and an upgraded braking system, with the objective of improving both performance and usability without turning the Diablo into an overly digital modern supercar.

It follows the same philosophy as Eccentrica’s original fixed-roof project, which attempts to preserve the analogue appeal of the Diablo while addressing some of the compromises associated with driving a 1990s supercar today.

Just 19 Eccentrica V12 Roadsters Will Be Built

The Eccentrica V12 Roadster will make its public debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week.

Production will be extremely limited, with just 19 examples planned.

Each Roadster will be individually configured according to its owner’s specifications, meaning no two cars should leave Eccentrica looking exactly the same.

Pricing has not yet been announced, although considering the amount of bespoke engineering involved and the tiny production run, this will undoubtedly sit at the very expensive end of the restomod market.

The Roadster also arrives as Monterey Car Week continues to establish itself as one of the world’s biggest stages for limited-production supercars, restomods and bespoke creations.

The post Eccentrica V12 Roadster Gives The Lamborghini Diablo A Modern Makeover appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Gordon Murray is preparing to pull the covers off another highly exclusive supercar, and the first teaser suggests his famous McLaren F1 era is once again providing some of the inspiration.

The mysterious machine comes from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) and will make its public debut at The Quail during Monterey Car Week on Friday, 14 August. While technical details remain under wraps, the darkened preview image reveals enough to suggest this will be another very serious piece of machinery.

New Gordon Murray Supercar Set For Monterey Debut

The latest creation will join a growing family of limited-production models developed by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, the division responsible for projects including the S1 LM and Le Mans GTR.

GMSV has so far described its latest project simply as something very special, leaving its name, production numbers and mechanical specification for the official reveal.

It will share the spotlight at The Quail with the Le Mans GTR and several examples of the Gordon Murray Automotive T.50.

That company puts the newcomer among some serious machinery. The T.50 uses a naturally aspirated Cosworth V12 producing 664 hp (495 kW), while Gordon Murray’s more specialised creations have pushed the formula into increasingly exclusive territory.

McLaren F1 GTR Influence Is Hard To Miss

Although the teaser deliberately hides much of the bodywork, several details immediately stand out.

The car appears to have a low roofline, substantial rear haunches, a long and relatively flat rear section and a prominent roof-mounted air intake. Collectively, those proportions bring to mind Murray’s legendary McLaren F1 GTR racers.

There also appears to be a connection with the GMSV S1 LM, itself heavily influenced by Murray’s work on the F1 and the 1995 Le Mans-winning F1 GTR.

The sides of the new car seem to incorporate sculpted air channels or NACA-style ducts similar to those found on the S1 LM. Their inclusion would suggest airflow management has played a major role in shaping the body rather than relying purely on large external aerodynamic components.

Could This Be A More Road-Focused S1 LM?

Perhaps the most interesting part of the teaser is what appears to be missing.

Unlike the S1 LM, the new model does not seem to carry an enormous fixed rear wing or particularly extreme front aerodynamic hardware. The cleaner body could point towards a machine intended to blend the visual drama of Murray’s endurance-racing-inspired specials with greater road usability.

That remains speculation until the covers come off, but the teaser certainly suggests something less visually aggressive than the S1 LM while retaining many of its defining proportions.

Whether the newcomer uses the T.50 platform, a variation of the S1 LM architecture or something substantially different should become clear at Monterey.

Gordon Murray Specials Are Already Worth Serious Money

Demand for Gordon Murray’s most exclusive modern creations has already reached extraordinary levels.

An S1 LM recently changed hands at auction for $20.6 million (approximately R333.31 million), reportedly establishing a new auction record for a newly manufactured car.

With just five S1 LM examples planned, that result demonstrates how quickly collectors have embraced the rarest Gordon Murray Automotive projects.

The new GMSV creation could therefore become another extremely desirable collector car, particularly if production is restricted to similarly tiny numbers.

For now, the teaser is doing exactly what it was designed to do. There is enough McLaren F1 GTR DNA visible to get enthusiasts talking, but not enough information to know precisely what Gordon Murray has created.

All will be revealed at The Quail on Friday.

The post Gordon Murray Teases Mysterious New McLaren F1 GTR-Inspired Supercar appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Marc Philipp Gemballa is taking the Marsien in a very different direction. After creating an extreme Porsche 911-based machine designed to attack desert terrain, the company has now revealed the Marsien GT, a lower, sharper and significantly more road-focused interpretation of the same idea.

Limited to just 30 examples, the new model continues to draw inspiration from the legendary Porsche 959 while packing more than 800 hp and a price tag comfortably into seven figures before the donor car is even included.

Marsien GT Trades the Desert for Tarmac

The original Marsien was designed around the idea of combining supercar performance with genuine off-road ability. Its name comes from the French word for Martian, a reference to the Mars-like landscapes encountered during development in the UAE.

For the Marsien GT, the formula has been flipped. The ride height has been dropped, the chassis has been made considerably more focused and the entire package has been developed primarily for use on asphalt.

Underneath it all remains a Porsche 911 Turbo S, but relatively little of the standard car is visible once the transformation is complete.

The body is replaced with extensively redesigned carbon fibre panels, giving the GT its distinctive 959-inspired proportions while separating it visually from the donor 911.

RUF-Tuned Flat-Six Packs 819 HP

Power comes from a heavily upgraded twin-turbocharged flat-six prepared by RUF.

In standard Marsien GT specification, it produces 819 hp (611 kW) and 930 Nm (686 lb-ft) of torque.

That already puts it well beyond a factory 911 Turbo S, but customers wanting even more will be able to specify an optional engine package taking output beyond 900 hp (671 kW).

Considering the performance available from the standard Porsche, the Marsien GT should have little trouble delivering hypercar levels of straight-line pace.

New Suspension Targets Road Performance

The chassis has received equally significant attention.

A new double-wishbone suspension arrangement is paired with electronically controlled KW dampers capable of continuously adapting to changes in the road surface.

It is a very different setup from the raised, off-road-biased suspension fitted to the original Marsien and reinforces the GT’s focus on high-speed road driving.

The goal is not simply outright performance either. Marc Philipp Gemballa says the car has been developed to combine serious pace with enough usability to be driven regularly rather than disappearing permanently into a private collection.

Bespoke Interior With Carrera GT Inspiration

Changes continue inside, although the underlying Porsche architecture remains more recognisable here.

One of the standout details is the gear selector, which takes inspiration from the famous manual gearlever found in the Porsche Carrera GT.

Customers will have considerable freedom when configuring the cabin, with several interior packages available. Depending on specification, the Marsien GT can feature combinations of leather, Alcantara and exposed carbon fibre.

Given the tiny production run, extensive personalisation is likely to ensure that very few of the finished cars look alike.

Just 30 Marsien GTs Will Be Built

Production will be restricted to only 30 examples worldwide.

Pricing starts at €770,000 (approximately R14.40 million) before taxes, duties and the cost of the donor Porsche 911 Turbo S.

The decision to build 30 cars carries some family significance. The number was selected to commemorate what would have been company founder Marc Philipp Gemballa’s father Uwe Gemballa’s 70th year.

Combined with the 40 examples of the original all-terrain Marsien, total production across the two versions will reach 70 cars.

Marc Philipp Gemballa Is Separate From Gemballa

Despite the familiar surname, Marc Philipp Gemballa’s company should not be confused with the Gemballa tuning business associated with some of the wildest modified Porsches of previous decades.

Marc Philipp is the son of legendary tuner Uwe Gemballa, but his company operates independently from the original Gemballa firm.

His approach with the Marsien has also been notably different, focusing on producing an extensively re-engineered low-volume car rather than simply creating another modified Porsche.

The Marsien GT is set to make its public debut during Monterey Car Week at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California.

For those who preferred the concept behind the Marsien but had little intention of launching a million-rand Porsche across sand dunes, the GT arguably makes a lot more sense.

The post Marc Philipp Gemballa Marsien GT Revealed With 819 HP (611 kW) appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.

Bugatti has revealed the Destrier, the third bespoke creation from its exclusive Programme Solitaire division. Unlike previous commissions inspired by historical narratives, this one-off takes a different approach, transforming the uncompromising Bolide into an elegant sculpture that celebrates timeless design rather than outright performance.

Named after the powerful medieval war horse ridden by knights, the Destrier strips away the aggressive aerodynamic elements of the Bolide to place its dramatic proportions firmly in the spotlight.

A New Interpretation of the Bugatti Bolide

Although the Destrier shares its carbon fibre monocoque and mechanical underpinnings with the Bolide, its appearance is completely different.

Standing just one metre tall, it is the lowest Bugatti ever created. Larger wheels, measuring 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, replace the Bolide’s smaller track-focused setup, giving the car an even more striking stance.

The design explores a simple question: what would Bugatti’s most extreme engineering package look like if it was shaped purely for beauty instead of maximum downforce?

The answer is a remarkably clean silhouette with uninterrupted surfaces, restrained detailing and proportions that immediately distinguish it from the race-inspired Bolide.

Inspired by Bugatti’s Greatest Icons

While the Destrier is a modern creation, its philosophy is rooted in Bugatti’s heritage.

The company points to the legendary Type 57 platform, which underpinned both the Le Mans-winning Type 57G Tank racers and the celebrated Type 57SC Atlantic. Those cars demonstrated how a single chassis could give birth to two completely different personalities, one focused on motorsport and the other on timeless beauty.

That connection is acknowledged with a hand-laser engraved plaque above the windscreen depicting both historic models.

Refined Exterior Design

The Destrier introduces a fresh design language for Bugatti.

Its signature C-line has been reinterpreted, briefly breaking ahead of the front wheel before flowing back into the enlarged horseshoe grille. The front end favours elegance over aggression, while the rear features an integrated wing that subtly recalls the Chiron Profilée.

Viewed from the side, the body narrows dramatically behind the cabin before swelling over the rear wheels, creating an athletic stance rarely seen outside concept sketches.

The one-off is finished in an exclusive Sapphire Celeste paint developed solely for this commission. Multiple paint layers and diamond-inspired metallic elements enhance the bodywork, while polished aluminium trim provides contrast.

Only the front splitter and rear diffuser expose tinted carbon fibre, colour-matched to complement the blue exterior. Inside the engine bay, hammered metal finishes pay tribute to medieval armour.

Bespoke Interior Crafted Like Haute Couture

The cabin moves well away from the stripped-back racing environment of the Bolide.

Warm Ambre Voyageur leather and nubuck dominate the interior, accompanied by an advanced three-dimensional knitted textile more commonly associated with luxury fashion and technical sportswear.

Fine copper threads woven into the fabric create a distinctive halo pattern around the cabin, while contrasting stitching highlights the architecture of the dashboard, seats and centre console.

Hammered metal detailing appears throughout the cockpit on the door handles, air vents, steering wheel hub and entry plates, with a discreet French flag serving as a reminder of Bugatti’s origins.

Modern Details Meet Traditional Craftsmanship

The Destrier blends handcrafted finishes with contemporary technology.

Parametric lighting signatures feature in both the headlights and taillights, while the oil filler cap proudly carries the Destrier emblem alongside its unique 1/1 designation, confirming its place as the third Programme Solitaire creation.

W16 Power Remains Untouched

Although the styling has changed dramatically, the engineering underneath remains every bit as extraordinary.

Power comes from Bugatti’s legendary quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre W16 engine, producing 1,600 PS (1,177 kW). Rather than making outright speed the focal point, Bugatti presents the powertrain as a supporting element to a car whose true purpose is celebrating craftsmanship, proportion and timeless design.

Monterey Debut Planned

The Bugatti Destrier will make its public debut during Monterey Car Week, before appearing at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on 16 August 2026, where it is expected to become one of the standout attractions.

The post Bugatti Destrier Revealed as Stunning One-Off Based on the Bolide appeared first on Zero2Turbo | High-Performance Car News, Reviews and Videos from South Africa.