Ferocious Elegance - Car culture has always thrived on reinvention. Just when it feels like the boundaries of automotive design and performance have been pushed to their limit, along comes a creation that redefines the rules once again. That’s exactly what happened when Mansory unveiled its latest project in 2024: a radical reimagining of Ferrari’s first-ever crossover, the Purosangue. The result has been christened the Mansory Pugnator—a name that already sets the tone for a machine built to dominate.
The Mansory Pugnator, unveiled in 2024 as a radical reimagining of Ferrari’s first-ever crossover Purosangue, carries a name that sets the tone for a machine built to dominate. (Picture from: Mansory)
“Pugnator,” drawn from Latin and meaning “competitor,” is a fitting badge for this extraordinary transformation. Mansory is known for its fearless approach to tuning, often blurring the line between elegance and aggression, and this project is no exception. Wrapped in a striking Vermillion red and dressed in a full carbon-fiber body kit, the Pugnatorhas been stripped of all Ferrari logos and proudly wears Mansory’s own emblem instead. It’s a bold move that turns the Purosangue into something altogether different, a creation that embodies Mansory’s identity more than Ferrari’s.
The Mansory Pugnator showcases a meticulously sculpted body with a dominating front bumper, functional intakes, muscular lines, carbon-fiber hood, flared arches, fender vents, and bold side fins that emphasize its athletic performance. (Picture from: Carvaganza)
Every surface of the Pugnator has been sculpted with intention. The front bumper dominates with cavernous intakes and ducts that aren’t just for show—they channel airflow to improve downforce. Lines, creases, and vents run across the body like muscle fibers, giving it a taut, athletic stance. The hood bulges in carbon fiber and blends seamlessly into flared arches, while the side profile boasts fender vents and large fins that scream performance. Even the rear doors feature faux vents, an unapologetic flourish typical of Mansory’s audacious design language. At the back, the visual drama peaks with a massive diffuser cradling dual exhaust tips and a towering spoiler that demands attention. This isn’t just a widebody; it’s a stage presence.
The Mansory Pugnator, an ultra-exclusive masterpiece limited to just seven units, made its grand debut at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show. (Picture from: Carvaganza)
The rolling stock further underlines its power. Mansory fitted the Pugnator with FC.5 forged alloy wheels—22 inches at the front and 23 inches at the rear—designed with aggressive simplicity. Beyond aesthetics, they reveal the braking system and are matched with high-performance tires that promise grip to match the car’s ferocity. While Mansory has yet to share details about suspension tweaks, the wheel setup alone suggests that this Purosangue is ready for more than just a parade of stares.
The Mansory Pugnator continues its transformation inside with an ivory leather cabin highlighted by red accents, carbon fiber inserts, perforated patterns on seats and panels, plus aluminum pedals, custom mats, and signature branding for a touch of exclusivity. (Picture from: Hyper.luxe)
Beneath the hood, Mansory resisted the temptation to overdo things, instead opting for measured but meaningful enhancements. The stock 6.5-liter V12 already pushes out 715 horsepower and 715 Nm of torque, but with a remapped ECU, a new valve-controlled exhaust, and a sports catalytic converter, the numbers climb to 745 horsepower and 730 Nm. It’s not a leap into hypercar territory, but the gain ensures sharper response and a soundtrack that matches the visual aggression. Driving it isn’t just about numbers on paper—it’s about the raw experience Mansory is known for delivering.
The Mansory Pugnator features a unique towering roof spoiler that enhances its aerodynamic performance while amplifying its commanding stance. (Picture from: Carvaganza)
Inside, the transformation continues. Mansory reimagined the cabin in ivory leather with vibrant red accents, accented further by carbon fiber inserts. The seats, armrests, and panels now feature fresh perforated patterns, while aluminum pedals, custom floor mats, and signature Mansory branding reinforce the exclusivity. The Pugnatorisn’t bound by this configuration alone; each car can be tailored entirely to the buyer’s taste, ensuring no two will ever feel the same.
The Mansory Pugnator commands attention at the rear with a massive diffuser housing dual exhausts and a towering spoiler that turns its widebody into a true stage presence. (Picture from: Hyper.luxe)
Price remains undisclosed, but given Mansory’s portfolio, it’s certain to carry several commas, as this ultra-exclusive run of only seven units—an engineering and design masterpiece—made its grand debut at the 2024 Monaco Yacht Show, a stage reserved for the world’s most extravagant creations. | UNGGNNdSghM |
The Mansory Pugnator is not just a tuned Ferrari; it’s a statement. It’s proof that even a groundbreaking car like the Purosangue can be reinterpreted with more drama, more personality, and more presence. Where Ferrari aimed to blend practicality with performance, Mansory has unleashed a creation that is pure theater on wheels—designed for those who want their car not only to move fast, but also to command every eye it passes. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MANSORY | CARVAGANZA | HYPER.LUXE ]
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Streamlined Legacy - Some stories in the automotive world feel less like cold machinery and more like chapters of an epic adventure. The late 1930s were a golden age of experimentation in racing, where engineers were daring enough to test the limits of speed, endurance, and design. From this atmosphere of bold creativity came one of the most fascinating machines ever to hit the road—the 1938 Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial Roadster. Even now, decades later, its story still resonates as a celebration of human ingenuity and passion for racing.
The 1938 Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Special Roadster is a remarkable piece of automotive history, combining groundbreaking design and unparalleled performance. (Picture from: Perico001 in Flickr)
Born under the banner of Auto Union, a company formed in 1932 that quickly gained notoriety as a powerhouse in motorsport, the Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial was more than just a car—it was a statement. Auto Union had already made waves in Grand Prix racing, but the brand was not content to stop there. Endurance and off-road racing were exploding in popularity during the era, and the company saw an opportunity to test its creations in events that demanded not only speed but also stamina and resilience.
One of the Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial Roadsters proudly sits on display at Audi Tradition’s museum in Ingolstadt. (Picture from: Blog.Giaydantuong.edu.vn)
This ambition led to one of the most grueling competitions of the time: the Liège-Rome-Liège race, a 5,064 km marathon across unforgiving terrain. To rise to the challenge, Auto Union commissioned three streamlined Wanderer sports cars, each one crafted with an aluminum body and placed on the chassis ofthe Wanderer W25 K.
The Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial Roadster reveals its cockpit with a minimalist yet purposeful dashboard, showcasing classic gauges and raw racing spirit. (Picture from: Blog.Giaydantuong.edu.vn)
These machines were unlike anything else on the course. The W25 Stromlinie Spezialmeasured 4.35 meters long, 1.65 meters wide, and just 1.28 meters tall, tipping the scales at only 900 kilograms. Its featherweight design gave it an edge, but what lay under the hood was just as impressive: a 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine engineered by none other than Ferdinand Porsche. Delivering 70 horsepower at 4,800 rpm, the car could push itself to 160 km/h—numbers that made it a serious threat in 1938.
The Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial Roadster appeared at the 2006 Klausenrennen, shortly after starting in Linthal on the double curve with its still-original pitch paving. (Picture from: Blog.Giaydantuong.edu.vn)
What truly set the Stromlinie Spezial apart wasn’t only its beauty or speed, but the way it handled brutal racing conditions. With a 4-speed manual gearbox featuring quick-shift technology, the car was built for efficiency in long stretches of demanding competition. Against all odds, Auto Union’s efforts paid off. By 1939, the team clinched victory in the Liège-Rome-Liège team competition, a triumph that cemented the Stromlinie Spezial’s reputation as a legend in endurance racing.
The Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial Roadster, one of three replicas, took part in the 2006 Klausen Race Memorial on the cobblestones of the Klausen Pass road shortly after the start in Linthal. (Picture from: Blog.Giaydantuong.edu.vn)
Of course, racing history is filled with moments of brilliance that risk fading into obscurity if not preserved. Thankfully, the Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial did not suffer such a fate. Decades later, in 2004, Audi took steps to revive the story by commissioning Werner Zinke GmbH, a European restoration specialist, to rebuild the three streamlined specials.
The Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial Roadster was revived in 2004 when Audi commissioned Werner Zinke GmbH, a European restoration specialist, to rebuild the three streamlined models. (Picture from: CCDiscussion)
In a poetic nod to history, these restored cars even returned to the Liège-Rome-Liège run, exactly 65 years after their first grueling journey. Today, two of the cars proudly sit on display at Audi Tradition’s museum in Ingolstadt, while the third is cared for by Belgian importer D’Ieteren, ensuring that this chapter of racing heritage remains alive for future generations. The Wanderer W25 Stromlinie Spezial Roadster is more than an artifact of the past—it is a reminder of what happens when design, engineering, and determination align to push boundaries. | FrjXR4R5Ka4 |
At a time when cars were expected to be either fast or durable, this roadster dared to be both, standing out as an icon that bridged art and performance. And even now, in an age of advanced technology and electric speed, the streamlined silhouette of the W25 still whispers the same message it carried back in 1938: that racing is as much about heart as it is about horsepower. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DREAMCAR.CH | BLOG.GIAYDANTUONG.EDU.VN | PERICO001 IN FLICKR | CCDISCUSSION | CARNEWSCH*NA ]
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Racing Legacy - There are few cars in history that can be described as game changers, and for Ferrari, the one that perfectly fits this label is the Enzo. This car wasn’t just another flagship model; it was built at a time when Ferrari stood at the peak of its Formula 1 dominance and wanted to bring that racing DNA straight to the streets. The background leading to its creation makesthe Enzomore than a supercar—it turned into a statement of heritage, technology, and prestige.
The Ferrari Enzo was built at a time when Ferrari stood at the peak of its Formula 1 dominance and wanted to bring that racing DNA straight to the streets. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Ferrari had already set the tone for hypercars with the 288 GTO, the F40, and the F50. Each of these cars represented an era, mixing raw racing energy with limited production and exclusivity. When the F50 ended its production in 1998, the world was left wondering what Ferrari would do next. Rumors floated everywhere—would the new car use a V8 or V12?Would it be stripped-down and aggressive like the F40 or more refined like the F50? By the time Luca di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s president, revealed the answer in 2002, the anticipation had reached its peak.
The Ferrari Enzo was more than a car for the prancing horse; it was a tribute to victories on the racetrack and a way to honor the man who built the brand from scratch. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
The new model was named Enzo, after the company’s legendary founder. This decision wasn’t random—it was tied to Ferrari’s golden era in Formula 1, led by Michael Schumacher, who had already begun his streak of world championships. For Ferrari, the Enzowas more than a car; it was a tribute to victories on the racetrack and a way to honor the man who built the brand from scratch.
The Ferrari Enzo, developed with technology directly borrowed from Formula 1, featured a 200-pound carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb chassis topped with aerodynamic bodywork by Ken Okuyama of Pininfarina. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Developed with technology directly borrowed from Formula 1, the Enzo pushed boundaries in design and engineering. Its foundation was a lightweight carbon-fiber and aluminum honeycomb chassis weighing just 200 pounds, topped with aerodynamic bodywork designed by Ken Okuyama of Pininfarina. The shape resembled a Formula 1 car wrapped in futuristic curves, perfected in a wind tunnel for maximum downforce. Special features like scissor-style doors, 19-inch alloy wheels, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes added to its futuristic character. At high speeds, the aerodynamics generated as much as 775 kilograms of downforce at 300 km/h—figures that were almost unheard of at the time.
The Ferrari Enzo housed the F140B engine, a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 with 660 horsepower and 657 Nm of torque, built with racing-inspired components like titanium connecting rods and a telescoping intake system, paired with a six-speed paddle-shift gearbox. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
At the heart of this engineering marvel was the F140B engine, a naturally aspirated 6.0-liter V12 producing 660 horsepower and 657 Nm of torque. It used racing-inspired parts like titanium connecting rods and a telescoping intake system. Combined with a six-speed paddle-shift gearbox, the Enzo could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 350 km/h. For 2002, those numbers were jaw-dropping and cemented the Enzo as one of the fastest and most advanced road cars in the world.
The Ferrari Enzo, with its various Natural leather seats, comes desirably accompanied by a fitted luggage set and the original window sticker, underscoring its highly original and well-optioned presentation. (Picture from:Hyper.luxe)
Production was intentionally limited to preserve exclusivity. Ferrari announced just 399 units, all offered to loyal customers—especially those who had owned the F40 or F50. Every car was sold before production began. Later, Ferrari decided to build a 400th unit, donated to the Vatican to raise money for tsunami relief efforts, which sold at auction for over $1 million. Alongside production cars, Ferrari also built three prototypes, disguised under the body of the older 348 model, to test its systems. Even these mules became collector items, showing just how significant the Enzo project was.
The Ferrari Enzo featured scissor-style doors, 19-inch alloy wheels, and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, while its advanced aerodynamics produced up to 775 kilograms of downforce at 300 km/h—figures nearly unheard of at the time. (Picture from:Hyper.luxe)
Every single Enzowas hand-built in Italy, and production wrapped up in 2004. What was left was not just another supercar but a symbol of Ferrari’s engineering during its peak racing era. The car also laid the foundation for Ferrari’s future flagships, as its F140 engine design later powered models like the 599, the F12 Berlinetta, and even evolved into the system that worked with hybrid technology in LaFerrari. | LascOnxtIvA |
Today, more than 20 years after its debut, the Ferrari Enzo remains one of the most desirable hypercars on the planet. Collectors prize it for its rarity, enthusiasts admire it for its technology and performance, and fans see it as the bridge between Ferrari’s analog past and its high-tech hybrid present. Whether showcased in a museum, kept in pristine collections, or occasionally spotted on the road, the Enzo still captures the imagination just as strongly as it did back in 2002. It was Ferrari’s way of saying thank you to its founder and showing the world how far passion, racing heritage, and innovation could go when brought together in one breathtaking machine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET | RMSOTHEBYS | HYPER.LUXE ]
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Dynamic Vision - When you think of Mercedes-Benz, the first image that usually comes to mind is a sleek sedan gliding smoothly down the autobahn, built with precision, safety, and a touch of understated luxury. But every once in a while, this famously conservative German brand surprises the world by going completely off-script. Back in 2001, at the Paris Motor Show, Mercedes unveiled something so unconventional that it felt like a wink and a grin from a company known more for discipline than playfulness. That car was the Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving—a concept so wild that even today, it looks like it rolled straight out of the future.
The Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving Concept while sat on display at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Luxatic)
At first glance, the F400looked like a sharp-edged sports car, all muscles and intent. But beneath the dramatic styling lay its true party trick: wheels that could tilt up to 20 degrees, mimicking the way a skier carves through snow. This was not just a design flourish—it was an advanced suspension system that improved cornering stability by as much as 30%. To make this even more effective, Mercedes fitted each wheel with two separate tires: a 19-inch tire for straight-line driving and a 17-inch tire that engaged during cornering. The result was something completely unheard of at the time, an experiment in redefining the limits of grip and safety.
The Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving Concept combined sharp-edged, muscular sports car styling with a unique suspension that tilted its wheels up to 20 degrees, mimicking a skier’s carve. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
Interestingly, the F400 was built not in Stuttgart but by Italian coachbuilder Coggiola, working hand-in-hand with Mercedes-Benz engineers. It wasn’t designed to go on sale; it was a rolling laboratory meant to test how far innovation could be pushed. Mercedes had a tradition of such“F-series” experimental cars—the F100 in 1991, a radical MPV; the F200 Imagination in 1996, a coupé crammed with futuristic tech; and the quirky three-wheeled F300 Life Jet in 1997. Compared to those, the F400may have seemed slightly less eccentric, but only just.
The Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving Concept appeared almost unbalanced from certain angles, especially with its gullwing-style doors open in tribute to the legendary 300SL launched fifty years earlier. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
The technology stuffed into this concept read like a wish list for the future. Fiber-optic headlights that were brighter and more compact than conventional units. Carbon ceramic brakes that offered immense stopping power and durability. Electro-hydraulic braking paired with an early version of brake-by-wire. And steering controlled entirely by electronic signals rather than a mechanical column. Even the electrical system ran at 42 volts, preparing for the heavier power demands of modern vehicles. At the time, many of these ideas were considered too exotic—or too ahead of legislation—to make it into production. Yet over the years, bits and pieces filtered into the cars we drive today.
The Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving Concept featured a stripped-back, race car–like cabin with an aeroscreen instead of a windshield, minimal dials for the driver, and four-point harnesses for both occupants. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
Design-wise, the F400 was as bold as its mechanics demanded. Active camber control meant the body had to accommodate extreme wheel movements, a nightmare for designers trying to keep it looking sleek. The solution came through an internal competition among Mercedes’ design studios in Germany, Japan, and the U.S., resulting in a shape that was muscular, aggressive, and athletic. From some angles, it looked almost unbalanced, especially when its gullwing-style doors were flung open—a deliberate nod to the legendary 300SL, which had debuted exactly fifty years earlier.
The Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving Concept packed futuristic technology, including fiber-optic headlights, carbon ceramic brakes, electro-hydraulic braking, brake-by-wire steering, and a 42-volt electrical system built for modern power demands. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
Inside, the F400 was stripped back to the bare essentials. Forget plush wood trim or luxury comforts—this cabin was closer to a race car’s cockpit. An aeroscreen replaced a full windshield, a pair of clean dials sat in front of the driver, and both occupants were strapped in with four-point harnesses. The details might have been minimal, but the execution screamed quality, with brushed metal accents and purposeful design everywhere you looked.
The Mercedes-Benz F400 Carving Concept now feels like a snapshot of Mercedes at its most daring, never intended to be practical or for production. (Picture from: Below-The-Radar)
Looking back now, the F400 Carving feels like a snapshot of Mercedes at its most daring. It wasn’t meant to be practical, and it certainly wasn’t meant for production. Instead, it showed how far the company was willing to push its engineering imagination when freed from the rulebook. The wobbly-wheel trick might never have made it to a dealership, but the spirit of experimentation and many of the smaller innovations found their way into the DNA of future Mercedes models. | Rk4LvoYP3DY |
More than two decades later, the F400 Carving still sparks fascination. It was proof that even the most disciplined automaker in the world has moments of pure creative madness—moments that keep the automotive world exciting, and remind us that sometimes, the best ideas start with a crazy one. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | BELOW-THE-RADAR | LUXATIC ]
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Outrageous Ingenuity - In a world where pickup trucks are no longer just rugged utility vehicles but bold expressions of power and personality, it's fascinating to see how far enthusiasts and builders are willing to push the limits. Whether it’s about function or pure flair, creativity in the automotive world has no boundaries — and the transformation of a Porsche 928 GTS into a six-wheeled pickup might just be one of the most eye-catching examples of all.
The 6-wheeled Porsche 928 GTS pickup stands as one of the wildest and most innovative custom builds by Harry Thoma, reflecting his unbridled creativity and technical ingenuity. (Picture from: Autoforum.cz)
Meet the wild brainchild of German mechanic Harry Thoma, a man who looked at a sleek, powerful Porsche 928 GTS and thought, "This could use two more wheels and a truck bed." What began as an ordinary grand tourer ended up as something extraordinary — a full-on custom 6-wheeled pickup that’s part Porsche, part utility monster, and entirely unique.
The 6-wheeled Porsche 928 GTS pickup in a front-side view, highlighting how the original Porsche styling blends surprisingly well with the radical 6-wheel conversion and utility-focused design. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
Thoma isn’t new to the world of performance and exotic cars. His garage is already home to a host of high-end speed machines, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Mercedes. But even surrounded by such automotive royalty, he still craved something different. Something not just fast, but outrageous. So, instead of waiting for inspiration to strike, he rolled up his sleeves and decided to build it himself — a Porsche that could carry cargo and turn heads like no other.
The 6-wheeled Porsche 928 GTS pickup features a rear section that was cut and extended to accommodate a second axle, transforming it into a true custom beast. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
The build began with a standard Porsche 928 GTS, a model already known for its front-mounted V8 and muscular design. But Thoma had bigger plans — literally. The rear of the car was cut and extended to make space for a second rear axle, turning the car into a 6-wheeled beast. The chassis was stretched by roughly 70 centimeters, and galvanized steel plates were used to reinforce the newly formed pickup bed. This wasn’t just a cosmetic change; the modification involved serious structural work and a lot of trial and error.
At the heart of this Frankenstein-like creation remains the 5.4-liter V8 engine. While the original output of 350 horsepower was nothing to scoff at, Thoma pushed it even further to 390 horsepower to compensate for the added weight and ensure the car still performed like a proper Porsche. Initially, traction was a major issue — understandable, considering the unconventional drivetrain setup — but after a few tweaks and test runs, the car ran smoothly, even with the added wheels.
The 6-wheeled Porsche 928 GTS pickup showcases its elongated chassis, functional custom bed, and dual rear axles with polished multi-piece wheels — all defining features of its bold transformation. (Picture from: Autoforum.cz)
There’s still some mystery around the drivetrain. It’s not entirely clear whether all six wheels are driven or if only four are active. Either way, it’s safe to say this isn’t your average 928 GTS. With polished multi-piece wheels, a functional pickup bed, and a body that somehow maintains Porsche’s flowing lines despite the radical transformation, the end result is surprisingly cohesive.
The 6-wheeled
Porsche 928 GTS pickup seen from the rear three-quarter angle,
showcasing its elongated chassis, custom bed, and dual rear axles that
define its bold transformation. (Picture from: Sixmania.fr)
What makes this car even more fascinating is the story behind its debut. The project kicked off around 2003 and took nearly two years to complete, culminating in its first public appearance at the 2005 Wörthersee Tour in Austria — a legendary gathering that draws custom car enthusiasts from across Europe. In a sea of modified machines, Thoma’s six-wheeled Porsche instantly grabbed attention as a bold expression of creativity and hands-on engineering.
Its arrival at Wörthersee wasn’t just a reveal — it was a full-blown statement. While some Porsche purists may have flinched at the sight of a grand tourer turned pickup, there’s no ignoring the sheer craftsmanship, originality, and vision behind the build. With its wild proportions and unmissable presence, the car manages to blend sports car DNA with utility-inspired attitude — or at least the visual drama of it. | YClqEQftcdY |
This custom Porsche 928 GTS pickup isn’t just a car — it’s a conversation starter, a crowd-stopper, and a brilliant example of what happens when passion meets craftsmanship. Harry Thoma didn’t just modify a car; he created something that lives on as one of the most outrageous and memorable custom builds to ever wear the Porsche badge. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BLACKXPERIENCE | AUTOEVOLUTION | FLATSIXES | SIXMANIA.FR | AUTOFORUM.CZ ]
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Pure Velocity - Some cars aren’t just built to be driven; they’re built to make every second behind the wheel feel alive. The 1997 Renault Sport Spider Coupé belongs to that rare breed. While most sports cars of the late ’90s tried to blend performance with luxury, Renault went the other way. They stripped away everything that wasn’t necessary and left only what mattered most: speed, precision, and driver engagement. Even today, it stands out as a car designed for those who don’t just want to drive—they want to feel connected to the machine.
The Renault Sport Spider Coupé shows off its rare coupe conversion, wide stance, and oversized rear wing in unmistakable motorsport style. (Picture from AdamGarage in Flickr)
This particular Spider, identified by its VIN VMKAF0H0516754940, began its life in Dieppe, at the Alpine factory that was famous for producing agile, lightweight performance cars. It carried Alpine’s DNA in every detail, from the hard-back racing seats and safety harnesses to the full roll cage and a brake-bias system more commonly seen in competition cars. Unlike the open-top versions that became Renault Sport icons, this one gained a custom hard-top, giving it a sharper profile while keeping the focus firmly on performance.
The Renault Sport Spider Coupé stands low and aggressive in blue, its aerodynamic nose and roof scoop hinting at track-born intent. (Picture from: AdamGarage in Flickr)
And then there’s the gearbox—the feature that turns this Spider Coupé into something truly special. Instead of the standard manual, it was fitted with a Sadev 6-speed sequential transmission, the same type of system used in Renault’s Trophy race cars. For those unfamiliar, this isn’t just a gimmick; a sequential gearbox allows for gear changes that are lightning fast, precise, and far more direct than a traditional H-pattern shifter. You simply push or pull the lever to go up or down through the gears, making every shift feel like a piece of race engineering brought straight to the road. On track, it means less time spent shifting and more time applying power. For a road-going car in 1997, this was a serious upgrade that completely redefined the driving experience.
The Renault Sport Spider Coupé features a stripped, race-ready cockpit with the full roll cage, bucket seats, harnesses, and a towering sequential shifter. (Picture from: AdamGarage in Flickr)
With its 2.0-liter engine, rear-wheel drive layout, and compact proportions, the Spider Coupéwas already a lightweight rocket. Add the sequential gearbox, and it became something few cars of its time could match: a street-legal machine that felt as raw and responsive as a race car. Finished in blue with a stripped black interior, every detail speaks to its single purpose—driving without compromise.
The Renault Sport Spider Coupé reveals its mid-mounted 2.0-liter F7R engine flanked by race-spec suspension, a setup built purely for performance. (Picture from: AdamGarage in Flickr)
This rare Spider Coupéwas once located in Nagoya, Japan—a fitting place given the country’s passion for unique performance cars. The world feels smaller today than it did in the ’90s, with overseas shipping still straightforward; roll-on/roll-off delivery to Le Havre, France costs around €1000, and container options are also available. Yet the exact whereabouts of this particular Spider Coupébecame uncertain after it was sold through an online auction in 2017, adding a final touch of mystery to its story.
The Renault Sport Spider Coupé’s minimalist rear highlights its bold wing, exposed vents, and unmistakable Renault Sport badging. (Picture from: AdamGarage in Flickr)
What makes this car captivating isn’t just its rarity or its origins at Alpine—it’s the way it blends road-legal usability with genuine motorsport technology. More than two decades later, the 1997 Renault Sport Spider Coupé remains a reminder of what happens when a manufacturer chooses purity over compromise, and why cars like this continue to excite anyone lucky enough to experience them. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SODO-MOTO | RACECARDIRECT | ADAMGARAGE IN FLICKR | WIKIPEDIA | CARSIGHTING IN X ]
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“Pugnator,” drawn from Latin and meaning “competitor,” is a fitting badge for this extraordinary transformation. Mansory is known for its fearless approach to tuning, often blurring the line between elegance and aggression, and this project is no exception. Wrapped in a striking Vermillion red and dressed in a full carbon-fiber body kit, the Pugnator has been stripped of all Ferrari logos and proudly wears Mansory’s own emblem instead. It’s a bold move that turns the Purosangue into something altogether different, a creation that embodies Mansory’s identity more than Ferrari’s. 
Every surface of the Pugnator has been sculpted with intention. The front bumper dominates with cavernous intakes and ducts that aren’t just for show—they channel airflow to improve downforce. Lines, creases, and vents run across the body like muscle fibers, giving it a taut, athletic stance. The hood bulges in carbon fiber and blends seamlessly into flared arches, while the side profile boasts fender vents and large fins that scream performance. Even the rear doors feature faux vents, an unapologetic flourish typical of Mansory’s audacious design language. At the back, the visual drama peaks with a massive diffuser cradling dual exhaust tips and a towering spoiler that demands attention. This isn’t just a widebody; it’s a stage presence. 
The Mansory Pugnator is not just a tuned Ferrari; it’s a statement. It’s proof that even a groundbreaking car like the Purosangue can be reinterpreted with more drama, more personality, and more presence. Where Ferrari aimed to blend practicality with performance, Mansory has unleashed a creation that is pure theater on wheels—designed for those who want their car not only to move fast, but also to command every eye it passes. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MANSORY | CARVAGANZA | HYPER.LUXE ]
