Velocity Elegance - The dream of driving with the sky above and raw power beneath your feet has always defined the allure of open-top supercars. Few names in the automotive world carry the same level of prestige as Aston Martin, and with the Valkyrie Spider, the British marque has taken that dream and transformed it into something extraordinary. This is not just another convertible version of a coupe—it’s a showcase of engineering brilliance, cutting-edge design, and an experience meant for only a select few.
At first glance, the Valkyrie Spider looks every bit like a machine bred for the racetrack. Its design is more than beautiful; it’s functional, with aerodynamics playing a central role in every curve and cut of its carbon fiber body. Unlike conventional supercars, the Valkyrie’s engine sits directly in the carbon frame without an insulating subframe, creating a visceral, almost unfiltered driving sensation. And what an engine it is—a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 developed in partnership with Cosworth, capable of screaming past 11,000 rpm. Supported by a hybrid system with input from Rimac, this powertrain unleashes a staggering 1,139 horsepower, making the Valkyrie Spider not just powerful, but ferocious.
Performance figures only deepen the mystique. With its roof panels removed, the Valkyrie Spider can soar to 205 mph (330 km/h), while the coupe-matching top speed of 218 mph (350 km/h) returns when the roof is in place. These aren’t just numbers on paper; they place the car in the same conversation as endurance racing machines, with Aston Martin confidently comparing its lap time capabilities to LMP1 racers. That’s no small claim for a vehicle that remains road legal.
Yet raw speed isn’t the only story here. Aston Martin paid equal attention to the cabin, ensuring that the experience inside matched the thrill outside. The seats, molded with ergonomic precision, hug both driver and passenger, while premium touches like Alcantara and fine leather reinforce the blend of comfort and elegance. It’s this marriage of luxury and performance that sets the Valkyrie Spider apart—it isn’t simply a track monster, but also a car you’d actually want to sit in and savor.
Of course, exclusivity heightens its allure. With production limited to just 85 units worldwide, the Valkyrie Spider is already more of a legend than a commodity. Offered in both left- and right-hand drive, its rarity has drawn more interest than Aston Martin can fulfill, with collectors lining up even before official deliveries, scheduled to begin soon. Its private debut at Pebble Beach in 2021 only added to the mystique, giving a handful of enthusiasts the first glimpse of the fastest open-top Aston Martin ever made. | 8rQulr5WCW8 |
The Valkyrie Spider represents more than just a car; it’s a statement of what happens when engineering ambition meets artistic vision. For Aston Martin, it cements a legacy of pushing boundaries, and for the fortunate few who will own it, the Spider is destined to be far more than a possession—it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an automotive masterpiece that rewrites what an open-top hypercar can be. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEOHISTORIA | MOTOR1 | FLAWLESSSPEC IN X | MILLERMOTORCAR IN FACEBOOK ]
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Bold Originality - In a world where automotive dreams often remain sketches on napkins or pixels on screens, a few visionaries dare to go further—bending metal, rewriting form, and breathing life into bold ideas. Franco Sbarro is one of those rare souls. While others built cars for the masses, he chose a different road—crafting unique, sometimes wild, always fascinating vehicles that exist far outside the mainstream. And in this spirit of fearless creativity, the Sbarro Christelle was born.
The Sbarro Christelle, unlike the track-focused GT1 and GT12 coupés, emerged as a convertible with its own distinct identity beyond just losing the roof. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Unlike his earlier masterpieces that graced Geneva’s stages with raw edges and experimental ambition, the Christelle carries a slightly more grounded story—though not without its quirks. Introduced shortly after the success of the Sbarro GT1 in 1999 and GT12 in 2000, this car took a turn both literally and figuratively. Where the GT1 and GT12were aggressive coupés styled for the track and fantasy, the Christelleemerged as a convertible. But it wasn’t just a roofless version of what came before. It was its own machine, with its own rules, built on the bones of a legend.
The Sbarro Christelle is actually a reimagined Ferrari Mondial cabriolet, retaining its central structure—doors, windscreen, soft top—and original drivetrain beneath that unusual yet charismatic exterior. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)
Underneath that unusual yet charismatic exterior, the Christelle is actually a reimagined Ferrari Mondial cabriolet. Sbarro retained the Mondial’s entire central structure—doors, windscreen, soft top—and its original drivetrain. It wasn’t just an aesthetic or mechanical decision. It was strategic. In a country like Switzerland, where vehicle homologation can be a bureaucratic labyrinth, this move made the Christelle road-legal. And for a car as unique and rare as this, that's no small achievement.
The Sbarro Christelle, built on the Mondial's foundation, inherited its more vertical door structure and interior proportions, unlike the tight, cockpit-style layout of the GT1. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)
Of course, this foundation imposed some limits. Unlike the tight, cockpit-style interior of the GT1, the Christelle inherited the more vertical door structure and interior proportions of the Mondial. The silhouette remained inspired by its predecessors, but adjustments had to be made. Side air intakes were added just ahead of the rear wheels, the front grille featured three bold horizontal bars, and the hood saw subtle design changes. Around back, familiar Ferrari Mondialtail lights were neatly integrated, along with a low-profile spoiler molded into the body. Later on, an even larger wing was attached to the rear—an unapologetically dramatic flourish.
The Sbarro Christelle retained a silhouette inspired by its predecessors, but featured key adjustments including side air intakes ahead of the rear wheels, a front grille with three bold horizontal bars, and subtle changes to the hood. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)
All these touches gave the Christelle a distinct personality. While it may have lacked the seamless purity of the GT1’s design, it made up for it with character and real-world functionality. The lines are less aggressive, more approachable, yet undeniably sculpted with intent. It's not trying to win beauty contests—it’s a statement piece for someone who appreciates the artistry behind niche automotive design and the thrill of owning something truly one-of-a-kind.
The Sbarro Christelle showcased neatly integrated Ferrari Mondial tail lights and a molded low-profile spoiler at the rear, later upgraded with a dramatically larger wing. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)
Over the years, the Christelle has quietly become a symbol of what Sbarro does best—blending passion with engineering, working within constraints without being consumed by them. It’s more than just a custom car. It’s a rare meeting point between Italian heritage, Swiss ingenuity, and a bit of renegade flair.
The Sbarro Christelle, shaped by the constraints of its Ferrari Mondial base, features a design that’s less pure than that of the GT1 and GT12. (Picture from: Sbarro.Phcalvet.fr)
Today, in an era where automotive design is increasingly dictated by algorithms and regulations, the Christelle stands as a charming relic of a time when wild ideas still had the freedom to hit the road. It may not be the most famous creation to wear the Sbarro badge, but it’s undoubtedly one of the most human. And perhaps that’s what makes it so special. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | SUPERCARSNET | ]
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Legend Forged - There’s something magical about cars that don’t just exist as machines, but as stories on wheels. In the world of automobiles, few brands carry history, artistry, and raw performance quite like Bugatti. And perhaps nothing embodies that better than the six-car “Les Légendes de Bugatti” collection — a tribute not only to engineering brilliance but also to the people and icons that shaped the marque’s legacy. Unlike the usual limited editions produced by mainstream carmakers, these Bugatti Veyron Legends Editions stand in a category of their own, each crafted with details that are as symbolic as they are breathtaking.
The six-car “Les Légendes de Bugatti” collection — a tribute not only to engineering brilliance but also to the people and icons that shaped the marque’s legacy. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
Every Bugatti Veyron Legend Edition was built upon the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, a convertible supercar with outrageous performance figures. Beneath its sculpted bodywork lies a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine producing 1,183 horsepower. That power launches the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds and on to a staggering 254 mph — even with the roof removed. Only three examples of each Legend Edition were created, making a total of 18 cars, and every single one was sold before the last model was even revealed. Each carried a price tag of around $3 million, yet exclusivity and heritage ensured that buyers secured them without hesitation.
The 2013 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Legend Edition posed along its ancestor Type 58G Tank, unveiled at the 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, honored Jean-Piere Wimille. (Picture from: GTSpirit)
The first of the series was the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean-Pierre Wimille Legend Edition, which made its debut at Pebble Beach in 2013. Jean-Pierre Wimille was one of Bugatti’s great racing heroes, a man who won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937 in a Bugatti Type 57G Tank and again in 1939 ina Type 57C Tank. He later became one of the company’s longest-serving test drivers, a role that cemented his name in Bugatti’s story.
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Bugatti
Legend Edition unveiled at the the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, honored
Jean Bugatti. (Picture from: Car.Blog.br)
Not long after, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Jean Bugatti Legend Edition was unveiled at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. This car honored Jean Bugatti, the eldest son of Ettore Bugatti, and the creative mind behind the legendary Type 57SC Atlantic. Finished in jet black clear-coated carbon fiber with platinum accents, diamond-cut black wheels, and Jean’s signature laser-etched on the fuel cap, it radiated elegance in a way that only Bugatti could achieve.
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Meo Costantini Legend Edition unveiled at the the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show, honored Meo Costantini. (Picture from: Bonham)
The third tribute made its debut at the 2013 Dubai International Motor Show, where the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Meo Costantini Legend Edition commanded attention. Meo Costantini was not only a close friend of Ettore Bugatti but also a talented racing driver and the long-serving head of Bugatti’s factory team. His career highlights included winning the legendary Targa Florio twice behind the wheel ofthe Bugatti Type 35. This special edition embodied that racing heritage, carrying the true spirit of motorsport in its design.
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Rembrandt Bugatti Legend Edition unveiled at the the 2014 Geneva Motor Show,
honored Rembrandt Bugatti. (Picture from: Bonham)
At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the world was introduced to the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Rembrandt Bugatti Legend Edition. This model paid homage to Ettore Bugatti’s younger brother, Rembrandt, who was a celebrated sculptor in the early 20th century. Best known for his bronze animal sculptures, including the famous dancing elephant that adornedthe Bugatti Type 41 Royale, Rembrandt’s influence was reflected in the car’s bronze-tinted clear-coated carbon finish — a rolling tribute to his artistry.
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess Legend Edition made its debut at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, honored the Type 18 “Black Bess,” one of the fastest road cars of its era in the early 1910s. (Picture from: MobileGuideAutoweb)
Next came the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Black Bess Legend Edition, unveiled at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. It honored the Type 18 “Black Bess,”one of the fastest road cars of its era in the early 1910s. Just like its inspiration, the modern version was daring and extravagant, with 24-carat gold details surrounding the horseshoe grille and extending across the body through golden pinstripes. Black wheels, red brake calipers, and subtle touches of luxury made it a striking nod to pre-war automotive innovation.
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Ettore Bugatti Legend
Edition made its debut at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,, honored Ettore Bugatti himself, the founder of the marque in 1909. (Picture from: MobileGuideAutoweb)
The final masterpiece in the collection wasthe Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Ettore Bugatti Legend Edition, revealed at Pebble Beach in 2014. This car celebrated Ettore Bugatti himself, the founder of the marque in 1909. Its body combined hand-polished aluminum with clear-coated carbon fiber, echoing the majestic 1932 Bugatti Type 41 Royale, chassis number 41111. It was the perfect finale to the series, a tribute to the man who started it all.
When all six Bugatti Veyron Legends Editions gathered at Monterey Car Week in 2014, their collective worth reached about $17.6 million. (Picture from: ClassicDriver)
When all six Bugatti Veyron Legends Editions came together at Monterey Car Week in 2014, their combined presence was valued at around $17.6 million. Yet beyond the money, the gathering represented a celebration of history, heritage, and unmatched craftsmanship. | cWp3l0NNzgQ |
Even today, the Bugatti Veyron Legends Editions remain among the most extraordinary limited-edition supercars ever built. Each one carries a story carved into its design, connecting modern engineering with timeless legacy. They are not just machines designed for speed, but rolling works of art that preserve the spirit of Bugatti for generations to come. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTI | GTSPIRIT | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTORAUTHORITY | AUTOEVOLUTION | AUTOCAR | BONHAM | CAR.BLOG.BR | MOBILEGUIDEAUTOWEB ]
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Golden Anomaly - In the ever-evolving world of automotive design, the desire to stand out has always driven innovation. While many car enthusiasts seek performance, some chase personality — something that breaks from convention and dares to be different. The 1960s, a decade brimming with experimentation in style, speed, and statement-making, gave birth to numerous one-offs and custom creations. Among them, few were as bold — or as bizarre — as the Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo.
The Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo was commissioned by Norbert Navarro, an Italian nightclub owner who envisioned a more dramatic look for his 1966 330GT 2+2. (Picture from: Hemmings)
At its heart, the Ferrari 330GT 2+2 was a grand tourer designed for long, comfortable drives without sacrificing the essence of Ferrari’s spirited engineering. It wasn't the rarest prancing horse, nor the most powerful, but it carried an understated charm. Its Pininfarina lines were elegant and well-proportioned, and it offered space for four — a practicality not often associated with the Ferrari badge. Still, for some, even elegance wasn’t enough.
The Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo showcases an intriguing mix of design elements, including an angular front headlight and grille section that may have drawn inspiration from Marcello Gandini’s Lamborghini Marzal.(Picture from: CollectingCars)
Enter Norbert Navarro, an Italian nightclub owner who envisioned something more dramatic for his 1966 330GT 2+2. Dissatisfied with the conventional look, he turned to Piero Drogo, the head of Carrozzeria Sports Cars, known for building some of the era’s most daring coachbuilt Ferraris. Navarro wasn’t interested in creating a replica of a racing legend. He wanted a reimagination — a visual reinvention that pushed the Ferrari identity into uncharted territory.
The Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo featured an extended, downward-sloping front end that gave it a low, aggressive stance, complemented by a shimmering gold finish that earned it the nickname “Golden Car.”(Picture from: CollectingCars)
What emerged was unlike anything else on the road. The front end was extended and sloped downward, creating a low, aggressive stance. The grille and headlights took on an angular appearance, echoing cues from futuristic concept cars of the era. Around the back, things got even more unusual. Narrow fins rose from the rear fenders and stretched all the way to the roofline — a peculiar but oddly cohesive design element that became the car’s signature. Air ducts were integrated seamlessly into the bodywork, adding both function and flair.
The Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo features a distinctive interior layout with four individual bucket seats upholstered in sleek black leather, complemented by a classic three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel and a richly finished wooden dashboard that adds a touch of vintage elegance to the cabin.(Picture from: Story-Cars)
Gone was the original Grigio Fumo paint. In its place, a shimmering gold finish was applied, earning the car the nickname “Golden Car.” Badging on the vehicle proudly wore the name, as if to underline the car’s departure from anything ordinary. It was eccentric, extravagant, and entirely one-of-a-kind — exactly what Navarro had in mind.
The Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo retained its original 4.0-liter V12 and drivetrain, but its soul was undeniably transformed.(Picture from: Story-Cars)
Though the mechanical heart of the Ferrari remained untouched, keeping the original 4.0-liter V12 and drivetrain, its soul had undeniably transformed. This wasn’t just a Ferrari anymore — it was a personal statement molded in metal. But like many custom creations, its moment in the spotlight was brief. After a few years, Navarro parted ways with his golden masterpiece, and the car made its way into the hands of Luigi Chinetti, the famed Ferrari importer and racing legend, who brought it to the United States.
The Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo proudly displayed its custom badging, emphasizing its departure from the ordinary with an eccentric, extravagant, and truly one-of-a-kind design—just as Navarro had envisioned.(Picture from: Story-Cars)
The Navarro Ferrari remained in the U.S., changing hands and colors — at one point painted red to boost its market appeal. Thankfully, between 2008 and 2013, it underwent a careful restoration by Goodman Racing in Seattle, returning it to its original golden hue and restoring the visual eccentricities that made it special in the first place.
The Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ by Drogo featured narrow fins that rose from the rear fenders and extended to the roofline, creating a peculiar yet surprisingly cohesive signature design element.(Picture from: John Wiley in Flickr)
Though it has appeared on the market again — once listed with a $400,000 to $600,000 guide price — it remains unsold, waiting perhaps for a collector who appreciates not just the name Ferrari, but the stories that come with its more obscure chapters. The 1966 Ferrari 330GT 2+2 ‘Navarro’ is not just a car; it's an artifact of bold ambition, an automotive outlier shaped by vision and individuality. Since there are no available videos of the specific car we're discussing, here's a video of the 1967 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 as a reference instead. | 2vKTq2u886g |
For those who believe that cars can be more than machines — that they can be canvases of creativity and time capsules of an era’s spirit — the Navarro Speciale remains a shining, gold-painted example of just how far imagination can drive design. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COLLECTINGCARS | STORY-CARS | ADRIANFLUX | HEMMINGS ]
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Elevated Luxury - Every summer, the automotive world looks forward to the surprises that appear during Monterey Car Week. For Cadillac, this stage has often been the perfect playground to showcase bold ideas wrapped in jaw-dropping concept cars. This year is no different, but the spotlight falls on something with a twist—an electric machine that dares to mix high-performance luxury with rugged, off-road ambition. Enter the Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV.
The Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV pushes the boundaries of EV design with an elongated hood and dramatic gullwing doors that honor the brand’s legacy.(Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
At first glance, it’s clear this concept isn’t just another sleek road warrior. While Cadillac’s V-Series has built its reputation on speed, handling, and pure asphalt dominance, the Elevated Velocity dares to step into new territory by suggesting that performance and wilderness capability can coexist. Think of it as Cadillac imagining how luxury could look when you leave the valet line and head straight into the sand dunes.
The Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV pairs 24-inch wheels with narrow sidewalls that seem at odds with off-road aims, yet its raised ground clearance signals a clear intent to stay adventurous.(Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Unlike traditional production reveals, Cadillac keeps performance details close to the chest, leaving enthusiasts to wonder what kind of electric muscle actually powers this futuristic beast. What we do know is that the vehicle introduces an array of unique driving modes, each built for a different personality. “e-Velocity mode” caters to spirited road driving, offering something akin to the adrenaline-pumping V Mode found in Cadillac’s current lineup. On the other hand, “Terra mode” lifts the suspension to tackle uneven terrain with poise.
The
Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV features massive gullwing doors that
reveal a 2+2 seating layout, blending futuristic accessibility with
theatrical flair.(Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Then there are features that stretch the imagination further, such as “Sand Vision,” a tech piece inspired by Cadillac’s Night Vision but reimagined to help during sandstorms. And perhaps the wildest touch of all: “Elements Defy,” a vibration system designed to shake dirt and dust right off the car’s surface—because in Cadillac’s world, luxury doesn’t include showing up dusty.
The Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV reveals a striking contrast inside, where a bold red interior bursts against the Vapor Blue exterior with blue-tinted windows, creating a cabin that feels equal parts spaceship and lounge.(Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
The design of the Elevated Velocity pushes the boundaries of what an EV can look like. The elongated hood pays homage to Cadillac’s legacy of dramatic proportions, recalling legendary concepts like the Sixteen, Ciel, and Elmiraj. Translucent light patterns and an illuminated badge dominate the front, while even the wheels are given an otherworldly glow—something the brand claims could actually make its way into reality. Its massive gullwing doors open wide to reveal a 2+2 seating layout, marrying futuristic accessibility with theatrical flair. And though 24-inch wheels with narrow sidewalls might seem at odds with its off-road aspirations, the raised ground clearance signals Cadillac’s intent to keep things adventurous.
The
Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV dares to step into new territory by
suggesting that performance and wilderness capability can coexist.(Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Step inside, and the contrast is striking. A bold red interior bursts against the understated Vapor Blue exterior, softened by blue-tinted windows. The cabin is equal parts spaceship and lounge, featuring a retractable steering wheel that hides away for autonomous “Elevate Mode” but reappears when you switch to “Velocity Mode” and feel like taking control. Screens stretch across the driver’s field of vision, while even the steering wheel hosts an interactive display, fusing futuristic utility with an engaging design. Materials are also a talking point: instead of relying on the traditional leather-heavy aesthetic, Cadillac introduces recycled fabrics and boucle alongside red leather, offering a hint at how sustainability could blend seamlessly with opulence.
The Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV imagines how luxury could look when moving from the valet line straight into the sand dunes. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
The technology list doesn’t stop there. Cadillac equips the Elevated Velocity with what it calls “extreme climatization,” a system that adapts to everything from arid desert air to shifting altitudes. Passengers are also treated to red light therapy designed to speed recovery after long journeys, proving this EV wants you to feel as good when you arrive as you did when you started. For those carrying valuables, a vault-locked compartment awaits—Cadillac even chose to highlight it with a polo set, perfectly in line with the Quail’s upscale atmosphere.
The Cadillac Elevated Velocity EV keeps its performance details under wraps, leaving enthusiasts to wonder what kind of electric power drives this futuristic beast.(Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Will this all translate into a production model?Cadillac hasn’t promised anything, and history tells us concepts often serve as teasers rather than blueprints. Yet the Elevated Velocity makes a strong case for how the brand could evolve: a daring mix of performance, luxury, and off-road ability that no Cadillac SUV currently attempts. It’s less about where the car is now and more about the roads—paved or unpaved—it could inspire in the future. | D3AT1XmhePs |
The Elevated Velocityfeels less like a “what if” and more like a “why not?”Cadillac is clearly listening, gauging reactions to see if this vision of an electric, adventurous luxury machine resonates. If it does, the future of driving might look a little brighter, bolder, and yes—elevated. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROADANDTRACK IN X | ROADANDTRACK | CNBC ]
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Rare ONES - The automotive world is filled with iconic vehicles, many of which represent significant technological innovations and meet the needs of specific markets. One such example is the Subaru 360, a compact car launched in 1958. Often compared to the Volkswagen Beetle due to its rounded and charming design, the Subaru 360 carved out its own identity with unique features tailored specifically to Japan's growing demand for small, efficient cars. This compact marvel played a key role in Subaru’s early ventures into the passenger car segment, and its story is one of both triumph and challenge.
At first glance, the Subaru 360 may resemble the VW Beetle, but a closer look reveals its unique features and distinct characteristics. (Picture from: Hemmings)