Lamborghini Diablo GTR: The Ultimate Track-Bred Supercar

Brutal Elegance - There’s something timeless about machines engineered with one clear mission: pure domination. In a time when supercars often blur the line between luxury and performance, one machine stood out as a raw, unfiltered expression of power and purpose. While names like the Skyline GT-R, AMG GT R, and BMW M3 GTR have made their mark in automotive history, one GTR redefined what it means to be born for the track — the Lamborghini Diablo GTR.

The Lamborghini Diablo GTR was born from Lamborghini’s fiery motorsport ambition and made its debut at the 1999 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Born from the fiery passion of Lamborghini’s motorsport ambition, the Diablo GTR didn’t exist to cruise city boulevards or grace red carpets. It was bred in the pit lanes and designed to crush lap times. Introduced in 1999 at the Geneva Motor Show, this fierce evolution of the Diablo was more than just another variant. It was Lamborghini’s answer to the growing hunger for an elite, no-compromise race machine. Just 30 units were ever produced between 1999 and 2000, making it one of the most exclusive machines to carry the Raging Bull emblem.

The Lamborghini Diablo GTR features striking aluminum bodywork enhanced by dramatic carbon fiber add-ons, including massive intakes and roof scoops. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Underneath the striking aluminum bodywork and dramatic carbon fiber add-ons lies the beating heart of a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, producing an earth-shaking 590 horsepower and 640 Nm of torque. Those numbers translate into blistering performance: 0–96 km/h in just 3.5 seconds and a top speed reaching 339 km/h. These aren’t just stats — they’re a reflection of what happens when engineering meets obsession. All that power is channeled through a six-speed manual gearbox, giving the driver full command of every ounce of fury that V12 can summon.

The Lamborghini Diablo GTR's side profile is adorned with NACA ducts that channel cooling air to the engine and brakes, while its signature sliding plexiglass windows and fresh air tubes integrated into the mirrors highlight its pure racing DNA. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Everything about the Diablo GTR screams function over form. The massive fixed rear wing is bolted directly to the chassis, not for show, but to generate real downforce on the track. Massive intakes, roof scoops, and NACA ducts feed cooling air to the engine and brakes, while the signature sliding plexiglass windows and fresh air tubes snaking through the mirrors reveal its racing DNA. Inside, creature comforts were sacrificed for the sake of speed. The luxurious leather of the standard Diablo is stripped away in favor of exposed carbon fiber, lightweight racing seats with 6-point harnesses, and a roll cage — not exactly your typical Sunday cruiser.

The Lamborghini Diablo GTR’s cabin features lightweight racing seats with 6-point harnesses, a roll cage, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, a simple dashboard, and a racing gear shifter, while the center console houses racing knobs and buttons. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

It wasn’t just built to impress — it was built to compete. The Diablo GTR was developed for Lamborghini’s one-make race series, the Supertrophy. With track-only ambitions, it came factory-equipped with a fire suppression system, racing jacks, and free-flow exhausts that would make any purist grin. Some of these cars, like one unit known to have raced at Monza, left their mark on the circuit, showcasing not only speed but resilience.

The Lamborghini Diablo GTR is powered by a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 engine, delivering a staggering 590 horsepower and 640 Nm of torque. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

But perhaps the most captivating part of the Diablo GTR story is not just what it achieved on the track, but what it represented off it. It was among the last analog Lamborghinis — a raw, untamed beast with no digital filters or electronic helpers. This car demands respect, punishes hesitation, and rewards bravery. It's the kind of machine that whispers to a select few who understand that driving should be visceral.

The Lamborghini Diablo GTR features a massive fixed rear wing, bolted directly to the chassis—not for show, but to deliver genuine downforce on the track. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)

Today, surviving units are rare collectibles, often tucked away in private museums or exclusive collections. Some have barely seen the track, with mileage figures under 1,000 kilometers. Others, once warriors of the circuit, wear their racing scars like badges of honor. Wherever they are, one thing is certain — the Diablo GTR is no ordinary car. It’s a symbol of an era when Lamborghini dared to build something purely for the thrill of speed, the purity of competition, and the roar of a V12 unleashed without restraint.

I don’t know what it is about the “GTR” name, but out of all the manufacturers that have used it—like the Skyline GT-R, AMG GT R, M3 GTR, and a few others—we can all agree that the Lamborghini Diablo GTR is the coolest one. pic.twitter.com/ILEUZean76

— PATINA RESEARCH (@patinaresearch) May 13, 2025

To own a Lamborghini Diablo GTR is to own a chapter of automotive rebellion. Not many cars can claim that, and even fewer have the pedigree, rarity, and sheer audacity to do it with such unmistakable style. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROADANDTRACK | PATINARESEARCH ON X | CARVAGANZA ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran

Regal Engineering - In a world where car design was rapidly evolving and nations vied to showcase their cultural and technological advancements through luxury, the mid-20th century gave birth to some of the most extraordinary automotive creations. Among these, one car still manages to turn heads and spark conversation even decades later: the 1956 Chrysler K300 Special by Ghia. A harmonious blend of American power and Italian craftsmanship, this vehicle wasn’t just a mode of transport—it was a royal statement on wheels, born from a unique fusion of prestige, innovation, and international collaboration.

One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: ExclusiveCarRegestry)

The story of the Chrysler K300 begins not in Detroit, but in Turin, Italy, where the renowned coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia was tasked with creating something extraordinary. Ghia, already known for their artistry and custom builds, as commissioned by none other than the Shah of Iran. The car was intended as a gift fowr Queen Soraya, the Shah's second wife, and it needed to reflect nothing less than opulence and forward-thinking design. The result was a luxury coupe that would become an emblem of royal sophistication and mechanical prowess.

One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Before it found its way to the royal garage in Tehran, the K300 made its grand debut at the 1955 Paris Motor Show, capturing the admiration of enthusiasts and designers alike. Its striking silhouette, inspired by both American muscle and Italian elegance, immediately set it apart. Built on a customized Chrysler New Yorker chassis, it housed a formidable 5.8-liter Hemi V8 engine pushing 375 horsepower—a staggering output for its time, placing it among the most powerful road cars of the era.

One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Visually, the K300 was unlike anything else on the road. Its bold front grille took cues from Ghia’s earlier GS-1 concept, while the rear fins evoked the dramatic flair of jet-age design. The two-tone body—silver matched with metallic blue—was fashioned entirely from steel, reflecting Ghia’s meticulous attention to detail. Inside, the craftsmanship continued with plush white leather seats, brushed aluminum panels, and features that were years ahead of their time. Power windows, power seats, and even a push-button transmission made it feel futuristic in the 1950s.

One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: mralma30i on X)

Yet what truly set the K300 apart was its retractable hardtop—a feature that was almost unheard of back then. Controlled via a dashboard switch, it was a marvel of engineering that added both aesthetic charm and mechanical intrigue. Complementing this innovation was a suite of luxury appointments rarely seen in any car at the time: a record player discreetly tucked into the glove box, a mini fridge behind the seats, a radio telephone, a full air conditioning system, and gold-plated interior instruments—each detail tailored for royalty.

One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: Wikimedia)

The original car shipped to Iran came with an unassembled engine as per the Shah’s request for a larger 392 cubic inch motor with dual four-barrel carburetors. This upgrade was completed by Reza Dardashti, the head mechanic of the Royal Garage. The K300 then became Queen Soraya’s personal vehicle, used regularly until an unfortunate crash damaged its front section. Not long after, in 1958, Queen Soraya left Iran following her divorce, and the car was essentially forgotten.

One-of-a-Kind Chrysler K300 by Ghia Built for the Shah of Iran. (Picture from: mralma30i on X)

As political tides shifted, the car’s fate also changed dramatically. During the 1979 revolution, it was confiscated along with other vehicles from the royal fleet and stored away in a hangar. For years, it remained hidden from public view, a relic of a vanished era. But in 1991, a team led by Iranian restoration expert Mansour Kamranfar breathed new life into the K300, painstakingly reviving it to its former glory. It now resides at the National Car Museum of Iran in Tehran, serving as both an artifact of automotive brilliance and a window into a remarkable historical narrative. | NHnSojdkda8 |

The Chrysler K300 Special by Ghia is much more than a rare classic—it is a symbol of cross-cultural ambition, design excellence, and royal prestige. With only two examples ever produced, and just one surviving today, it holds a unique place in automotive history. It tells a story not only of luxury and performance but of the people and moments that shaped its journey. Even now, its presence continues to captivate those who see it, a timeless reminder of what happens when passion, power, and artistry come together in the name of elegance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STORYCARS | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | EXCLUSIVECRREGESTRY | CARSTYLING.RU | THEFOUDRE ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

The Porsche 924: The VW-Born Sports Car That Saved Porsche

Unlikely Savior - For many car enthusiasts, the name Porsche instantly brings to mind images of the iconic rear-engined 911 slicing through corners with a distinct exhaust note echoing in the distance. But hidden in the brand’s fascinating history is a less celebrated chapter—one that’s equally important to Porsche’s survival. Enter the Porsche 924, a car that didn't start as a Porsche at all, yet became the foundation for some of the most beloved front-engined models the company ever produced.

The Porsche 924 was originally a joint project between Volkswagen and Porsche, created by the Vertriebsgesellschaft (VG), as a two-door 2+2 coupé intended to replace the 912E and 914 as the company's entry-level model. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The story of the 924 began in the 1970s, during a financially difficult period for Porsche. The company needed more than just the 911 to stay afloat, so it leaned on engineering contracts with other automakers. One of the most significant of these partnerships was with Volkswagen. VW wanted a new, affordable sports car and turned to Porsche for help. The task was to design a front-engined, rear-wheel-drive car using components already in VW’s parts bin to keep development costs in check.

The Porsche 924 Baustufe is the prototype sports car developed by Porsche in 1974 under 'Projekt 425' for Volkswagen, serving as the forerunner to the production 924. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

What Porsche came up with was clever: a transaxle layout for better weight distribution, a four-cylinder engine sourced from a VW van, suspension parts from a Beetle, and a manual gearbox taken from a VW sedan. The prototype showed real promise. But just as the car was ready to move forward, Volkswagen pulled the plug on the project, choosing instead to pursue its own Scirocco coupe. That could have been the end of the 924 story—but Porsche saw potential and decided to take full ownership of the project.

The Porsche 924 Turbo, launched in 1979, brought a significant performance upgrade by adding a turbocharger to the 2.0-liter engine, boosting output to 168 hp and transforming the driving experience compared to the standard model. (Picture from: GridOto)

Production was set up at a VW-run Audi plant in Neckarsulm, Germany, and in 1976, the Porsche 924 officially launched. It was a new kind of Porsche: affordable, practical, and unlike the traditional rear-engined models enthusiasts were used to. Though purists initially scoffed at the idea of a Porsche using so many VW parts, journalists and drivers were pleasantly surprised. The 924’s well-balanced chassis and crisp handling won over many critics, even if its 2.0-liter Audi-sourced engine wasn’t particularly powerful.

The Porsche 924 S, launched in 1986, was powered by a 2.5-liter engine derived from the 944, producing 150 hp, and offered smoother power delivery, improved refinement, and marked a key step in the model’s evolution into a true Porsche. (Picture from: GridOto)

In 1979, Porsche introduced the Porsche 924 Turbo, a much-anticipated upgrade that addressed early criticisms of the standard model’s modest performance. By adding a turbocharger to the existing 2.0-liter engine, Porsche boosted output to 168 hp, significantly enhancing acceleration and overall driving dynamics. This version not only delivered the extra power enthusiasts had been waiting for but also reinforced the 924’s position as a serious contender in the world of entry-level sports cars.

The Porsche 924, shown here as the 1981 2.0 UK model, features a European-spec rear bumper, small wing-mounted side-marker lights, and no rear spoiler. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

In 1986, the Porsche 924 S followed with a 2.5-liter engine derived from the 944. Though its 150 hp output was slightly lower than the Turbo’s, the 924 S offered smoother power delivery, greater refinement, and marked another step in the model’s evolution into a true Porsche.

The Porsche 924, shown from the rear as the 1981 2.0 UK model, features a European-spec rear bumper with an optional spoiler. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

In time, the original 924 also received some of these upgrades. When Volkswagen ceased production of the 2.0-liter engine in the mid-1980s, Porsche swapped in a detuned version of the 944’s more powerful inline-four and rebranded the model as the 924S. This version brought the car closer than ever to Porsche’s engineering standards, while still keeping it as the brand’s entry-level option. 

The Porsche 924 interior from the 1981 model showcases a three-spoke Porsche-branded steering wheel, analog gauges, and a manual gear shifter. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Despite its rocky start and mixed heritage, the Porsche 924 achieved something remarkable: it sold over 150,000 units and kept Porsche alive during a financially unstable period. It bridged the gap between the air-cooled past and the front-engined future, allowing the company to experiment, grow, and eventually thrive. | 6qLwd44C4iU |

What began as a canceled Volkswagen project turned into a cornerstone of Porsche’s history. The 924 proved that performance, innovation, and vision don’t always need to start from prestige—they just need the right team to see the potential. Today, while it may not draw the same attention as its siblings, the 924 holds its place in Porsche's legacy as the car that refused to be forgotten. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PORSCHE | ID.MOTOR1 | WIKIPEDIA | ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Ferrari Unveils One-Off Daytona SP3 ‘Two-Face’ with Bold Design and Purpose

Purposeful Power - When it comes to pushing the limits of automotive design and engineering, few names carry as much weight as Ferrari. From iconic track machines to elegant road beasts, every model seems to echo a legacy of passion, precision, and pure power. But every now and then, Ferrari breaks its own mold — not just with performance, but with a story worth telling. That moment has come again, this time in the form of a uniquely tailored Daytona SP3 that’s unlike anything the brand has ever showcased before.

Ferrari's one-off Daytona SP3 ‘Two-Face’ pairs a striking split-tone design with a meaningful mission through charity.. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

Revealed under Ferrari’s exclusive ‘Tailor Made’ program, this special-edition Daytona SP3 doesn’t just stand out—it rewrites the rulebook. This one-off creation won’t be heading to a showroom floor or tucked into a private collection immediately. Instead, it’s destined for a charity auction where every cent raised will go toward the Ferrari Foundation, aiming to fund educational efforts with lasting impact. That mission alone gives this machine a sense of purpose far beyond its roaring engine.

The “Two-Face” Daytona SP3 features a bold split of exposed carbon fiber and vibrant Giallo Modena yellow, accented by glossy black elements and an oversized yellow Ferrari script that adds a dramatic, never-before-seen flair. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

Now, about that engine: it’s the same jaw-dropping 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 that propels the rest of the SP3 lineup. With 829 horsepower under the rear deck and 514 lb-ft of torque, it delivers the same spine-tingling acceleration—0 to 60 mph in just 2.8 seconds—and races past the 211 mph mark without batting an eye. It’s not electrified, either, a rarity in today's high-performance world. That makes it the first mid-mounted V12 road car from Ferrari since the legendary Enzo.

The “Two-Face” Daytona SP3 profile is heavily sculpted with butterfly doors that integrate an air box and feature surfacing inspired by the 512 S and a dramatic opened headlights. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

But this car’s personality lives in its visuals. Dubbed the “Two-Face” Daytona SP3, the exterior is a bold contrast of exposed carbon fiber and brilliant Giallo Modena yellow. One half looks raw and aggressive, the other confident and bright. Accents like the black high-gloss splitter, side skirts, and rear diffuser dial up the attitude, while the oversized yellow Ferrari script spanning the upper body brings a dramatic flair never before seen on any Ferrari livery.

Just like its standard sibling, the “Two-Face” Daytona SP3 echoes the Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta in silhouette, but features a completely reimagined body crafted by Flavio Manzoni and his team. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

The interior is just as imaginative. Instead of the traditional leather or Alcantara, this SP3 features fabric crafted from recycled tires—an innovative move that subtly nods to sustainability. The seats, dash, and cabin trim are stitched with a bespoke Prancing Horse pattern, and the dash and steering column are sculpted from the same carbon fiber used in Formula 1. It’s an interior that balances raw motorsport feel with forward-thinking materials and design.

The “Two-Face” Daytona SP3 features an imaginative interior with fabric made from recycled tires, bespoke Prancing Horse stitching, and Formula 1-grade carbon fiber on the dash and steering column—blending raw motorsport character with forward-thinking design. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

A small plaque marks its unique status as build “599+1,” since the original production of the Daytona SP3 was limited to just 599 units, all of which have already been spoken for. And yes, that means you won’t be able to order one, no matter how deep your pockets go. The only chance to claim this masterpiece will be during RM Sotheby’s auction at Monterey Car Week in California. Considering the standard SP3 has a starting MSRP around $2.25 million—and resale prices already hovering near $5 million—it’s safe to say this one-off version could break serious records.

The “Two-Face” Daytona SP3 leaves a lasting mark with its bold split-tone design, track-proven DNA, and the meaningful mission driving its creation. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

Beyond the style and performance, there’s real heart behind this car. The Ferrari Foundation, the auction’s sole beneficiary, has been actively supporting rebuilding efforts for schools like the Aveson Charter School in California, which was recently devastated by wildfire. This car isn’t just a showpiece—it’s a tool to drive change, crafted with the same care and attention to detail that defines every prancing horse Ferrari puts on the road. | MLUEcoyXvjE |

With its bold split-tone design, track-proven DNA, and a meaningful mission behind its creation, this Daytona SP3 doesn’t just make an impression—it leaves a mark. It’s Ferrari craftsmanship with soul, where every curve, stitch, and sound serves a greater purpose. And when it finally crosses the auction block, it’ll carry with it more than horsepower—it’ll carry hope. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOIRCES | FERRARI | AUTOEVOLUTION | RMSOTHEBYS | RMSOTHEBYS IN X ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Bill Thomas’ Cheetah: The Wild V8 Racer Built to Beat the Cobra

Fierce Innovation - When American race tracks buzzed with the sound of V8 engines and the Shelby Cobra dominated headlines, a quiet storm was brewing in a California workshop. The Cobra had set a new benchmark for performance and swagger, but not everyone was ready to let it claim the spotlight without a fight. One man, Bill Thomas, decided it was time to answer that challenge—on his own terms. What he created wasn’t just another fast car. It was a radical machine with a pulse of rebellion. That machine was the Cheetah.

The Bill Thomas's Cheetah—chassis number four—remained in original condition for nearly five decades, a rare and living artifact of racing’s most daring moments. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Bill Thomas wasn’t a household name, but in racing circles, he was a legend. Known for his performance-tuned Corvettes, Thomas had earned the nickname “Mr. Corvette” long before the Cheetah ever turned a wheel. His reputation for engineering brilliance led Chevrolet to work with him unofficially after the company withdrew from sanctioned racing in 1963. While official support was off the table, backdoor channels allowed Thomas to receive parts and resources to bring a new concept to life—a Corvette-powered car that could take the fight straight to the Shelby Cobra.

The Bill Thomas's Cheetah—chassis number four—became a legend in its own right, setting speed records with drivers like Bud Clusserath and Sam Goins, and remaining in original condition for nearly five decades. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Thomas and fabricator Don Edmunds didn’t begin with corporate blueprints or a team of designers. They simply placed the engine, transmission, and rear end on the shop floor, sketched a rough layout in chalk, and began building around it. Their design choices were unconventional. They moved the engine as far back as possible for better weight balance, wrapped the car in ultra-light fiberglass, and built a steel space frame chassis to keep everything rigid yet featherweight. What they ended up with was something fierce, futuristic, and unapologetically fast.

The Bill Thomas's Cheetah, with its otherworldly design, curvy body, and wide stance—all packed into a remarkably lightweight frame. (Picture from: Pinterest)

From the outside, the Cheetah looked like it came from another planet. Its curvy body and wide stance gave it an unmistakable presence, but it wasn’t just about looks. Underneath that sleek shell was raw performance: a fuel-injected 327 cubic inch Corvette V8, an M21 4-speed transmission, Corvette differential, and heavy-duty drum brakes—all packed into a car that weighed far less than its competitors. The result was blistering acceleration and handling that caught many drivers by surprise.

The Bill Thomas's Cheetah delivered raw performance through a fuel-injected 327 cubic inch Corvette V8, M21 4-speed transmission, Corvette differential, and heavy-duty drum brakes. (Picture from: Pinterest)

However, this wild setup wasn’t without its downsides. The tight cockpit and engine placement led to extreme heat build-up, often leaving drivers with scorched feet and legs. The chassis, initially designed more as a proof-of-concept, needed structural reinforcement to survive the demands of real racing. But once those issues were ironed out, the Cheetah proved it had serious bite. It began winning lower-tier races, claiming podiums, and even took the 1968 SCCA championship in its class.

The Bill Thomas's Cheetah, despite its growing success, saw its story cut short by a fire at Thomas’ shop, limited funding, and lack of consistent factory support, resulting in only about 20 cars built, with just 11 completed during the original run. (Picture from: Pinterest)

Despite its growing success, the Cheetah’s story was cut short. A fire at Thomas’ shop, limited funding, and the absence of consistent factory backing halted production. Only about 20 cars were ever built, with just 11 completed during the original run. One of those early examples—chassis number four—became a legend in its own right. Driven by racers like Bud Clusserath and Sam Goins, it set speed records and remained in original condition for nearly five decades, a rare and living artifact of racing’s most daring moments.

BTM (Bill Thomas Motors) LLC has continued the legacy of the Cheetah by producing several officially recognized continuation models, including chassis number #001 in red, #019 in blue, #018 as a rare roadster variant, #020 in maroon, and another in red with chassis number #008. (Picture from: Pinterest)

The tale didn’t end there. In the early 2000s, a handful of officially recognized continuation models were built with Bill Thomas’ blessing. These faithful recreations brought the Cheetah roaring back to life, ensuring that its legacy wouldn’t fade into the background. Today, whether it’s blasting down vintage tracks or displayed at enthusiast events, the Cheetah still captures imaginations—just as it did more than half a century ago.

The Chevrolet Cheetah wasn’t built to play by the rules. It didn’t care about mass appeal or conventional thinking. It was fast, it was bold, and it was different in all the right ways. Even now, it stands as a reminder that sometimes, the most unforgettable machines come from the edge of the spotlight—driven not by committees or corporations, but by passion, creativity, and the refusal to follow the pack. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | CARANDDRIVER | VETTEFINDERJIM | PINTEREST | RETROMANIA4EVER IN X ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

The All-New Bentley EXP 15: A Striking Glimpse Into the Brand’s Electric Evolution

Electric Opulence - In today’s fast-moving automotive world, where electric cars, bold styling, and lifestyle-driven design seem to lead the way, even the most iconic luxury brands must evolve to stay ahead. And when Bentley—the quintessential symbol of British opulence—makes a move, the world watches closely. Enter the All-New Bentley EXP 15 Concept, a striking vision of what the future of grand touring could look like. It’s not just a car—it’s a statement, crafted to shift expectations and redefine what modern Bentley luxury can be.

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept offers a striking glimpse into the future of grand touring, positioned alongside its ancestor, the 1928 Speed Six. (Picture from: Bentley)

Designed under the sharp eye of Robin Page, Bentley’s recently appointed Director of Design, the EXP 15 marks the beginning of a whole new design era for the brand. Page, who returned to Bentley after a successful stint at Volvo, has taken inspiration from the company’s glorious past and fused it with a modern, sculptural, and almost architectural design philosophy. The result is a high-riding, 5.4-meter-long showpiece that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film as much as it does in a luxury showroom.

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept, a high-riding 5.4-meter showpiece, seamlessly combines limousine presence, SUV stance, and grand tourer elegance with a design that feels equally at home in a sci-fi film and a luxury showroom. (Picture from: TopGear)

At first glance, the EXP 15 is unlike any Bentley before it. With its tall, commanding stance, the concept blends the presence of a limousine, the posture of an SUV, and the elegance of a grand tourer. It stands proudly with a bold, upright front end—a fresh take rooted in heritage, channeling the spirit of Bentley’s 1928 Speed Six. Known affectionately as the ‘Blue Train’, that legendary model inspired the EXP 15’s vertical grille and monolithic body proportions. The face is not just bold—it’s expressive. A grid of diamond-cut shapes houses a crystal-inspired LED light display that dances as the viewer’s angle changes, replacing traditional headlights with a slim, vertical motif that nods to the Speed Six’s chromed wing details.

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept stands proudly with a bold, upright front end—a fresh yet heritage-rooted design inspired by the legendary 1928 Speed Six, known as the 'Blue Train', which influenced its vertical grille and monolithic proportions. (Picture from: Motortrend)

But while the nods to history are deliberate, the EXP 15 is not about nostalgia. Instead, Page and his team are reimagining Bentley for a new generation. The long bonnet (which now cleverly hides a frunk with 1930s-style piano-hinged lids), cab-rear stance, and exaggerated rear haunches echo the natural strength of a “resting beast,” with Page likening the silhouette to a tiger ready to pounce. This isn't a car trying to look fast—it's a car that exudes latent power, even while still.

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept features a long bonnet concealing a cleverly integrated frunk with 1930s-style piano-hinged lids, a cab-rear stance, and pronounced rear haunches that evoke the powerful presence of a "resting beast," much like a tiger poised to strike. (Picture from: Motortrend)

Inside, the drama continues with an unexpected twist. Instead of a traditional four-seat layout, the EXP 15 offers a unique three-seat configuration. The passenger seat on the nearside glides effortlessly forward or backward and even rotates outward when the door opens, creating what Bentley calls “the art of arriving.” It’s theater, it’s elegance, and yes—it’s built for the Instagram age. There’s even a retractable roof panel so passengers can stand as they exit, champagne cooler and picnic seats in the back, and an impeccably designed dog carrier in the front footwell. Luxury has never felt so self-aware or so playful.

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept defies the trend of oversized digital touchscreens by featuring a refined blend of analog and digital, centering on a sleek dial that functions as both a tactile control interface and a minimalist display for essential information. (Picture from: Motortrend)

In the dashboard area, Bentley bucks the industry-wide obsession with giant digital touchscreens. Instead, there’s a refined blend of analogue and digital—a central dial acts as both control interface and minimal screen, providing essential information in a manner that’s both modern and tactile. According to Page, it’s about striking the balance between mechanical beauty and cutting-edge function. “Our customers are growing tired of purely digital everything,” he noted. “They want real craftsmanship again.”

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept continues its dramatic flair inside with an unconventional three-seat layout, where the nearside passenger seat glides forward or backward and elegantly rotates outward upon door opening—an experience Bentley calls “the art of arriving.”. (Picture from: Motortrend)

The EXP 15 is Bentley’s design manifesto for the electric era, but it’s also more than that. It’s an exploration of what a future Bentley sedan—or something close to it—might look like. It’s not intended to replace the Flying Spur or mimic the Continental GT or Bentayga. Instead, it asks a compelling question: what if Bentley took the idea of a limousine, added an elevated seating position, wrapped it in a modern silhouette, and equipped it for the electric future?

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept features an all-wheel-drive, fully electric powertrain, envisioned to deliver long range and charging speeds that meet the high convenience standards Bentley customers expect. (Picture from: Motortrend)

That question might just be answered soon. Though currently a concept, the EXP 15 has been designed with real-world feasibility in mind. It could, with the right feedback and momentum, make the jump from design studio to production line. A logical platform for it would be Porsche’s SSP Sport architecture, which is being used for upcoming high-end electric SUVs. And while Bentley isn’t chasing range records—it expects a sweet spot around 300–350 miles—it’s aiming to deliver an experience that goes far beyond numbers. 

The all-new Bentley EXP 15 Concept, though still a design study, has been engineered with real-world feasibility in mind and could transition from concept to production with the right feedback and momentum. (Picture from: KizoolSizam in X)

In the end, the EXP 15 isn’t about retro styling, and it’s not chasing trends. It’s about reimagining what Bentley can be for an audience that values elegance, uniqueness, and a deeper sense of presence. It’s about offering a new kind of luxury saloon for a world where SUVs reign, but where sophistication and identity still matter. | T4rU30z38wE |

Bentley is watching closely to see how the world reacts. And if the response is as bold as the car itself, we might just see this daring concept make its way onto real roads—ushering in a fresh chapter of Bentley brilliance that’s both unmistakably new and undeniably Bentley. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BENTLEY | AUTOCAR | CARANDDRIVER | TOPGEAR | MOTORTREND | KIZOOLSIZAM IN X ]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.