-->
Drop Down MenusCSS Drop Down MenuPure CSS Dropdown Menu

Friday, August 8, 2025

Bugatti Brouillard: One-Off W16 Hypercar You’ll Never Own

Unreachable Gem - Back in 2019, the automotive world was already brimming with anticipation about what the next phase of hypercars would look like. Electrification was creeping in, and hybrid technology was slowly becoming the new gold standard. But in the midst of all that noise, Bugatti quietly reminded everyone that raw mechanical excellence still had a few tricks up its sleeve. Just when many thought the W16 era was closing for good, Bugatti unveiled something that felt like a farewell ballad sung by a maestro — the one-of-one Bugatti Brouillard.
The Bugatti Brouillard is a special hypercar that makes a bold, personal statement, brought to life through Bugatti’s ultra-exclusive Programme Solitaire and commissioned by Dutch businessman Michel Perridon, founder of Perridon Holdings. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
This isn’t just another limited-edition hypercar with a fancy paint job
. The Brouillard is a bold, personal statement that came to life through Bugatti’s ultra-exclusive Programme Solitaire. The idea? Allowing a handful of elite clients two a year, to be exactto commission completely custom-built hypercars from the ground up. That means bespoke design, tailor-made details, and the kind of personalization that would make even the most exotic supercars feel mass-produced in comparison.
The Bugatti Brouillard takes coupe form inspired by the Mistral roadster, built on the Chiron’s carbon-fiber tub and legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The Brouillard kicks off this new venture with style, muscle, and just the right touch of nostalgia. Drawing from Bugatti’s beloved W16 Mistral roadster, the Brouillard takes a coupe form, channeling the same carbon-fiber tub and the legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine from the Chiron. That’s 1,578 horsepower of unfiltered automotive glory — a powertrain that has already cemented its place in the history books.
The Bugatti Brouillard exudes pure exclusivity with its wide horseshoe grille, fender-mounted LED headlights, and bold cooling intakes that hint at the power within. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)
The man behind this masterpiece is Dutch entrepreneur Michel Perridon, a true Bugatti enthusiast who holds the largest private Bugatti collection in the world. For him, the Brouillard is more than just a car — it’s a tribute. Inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s favorite horse (yes, really), the car carries both historical weight and personal sentiment, blending emotion and engineering like only Bugatti can.
The Bugatti Brouillard features a dramatic silhouette with C-shaped air inlets and vibrant green carbon accents that enhance its aggressive stance. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
From the outside, the Brouillard doesn’t just whisper exclusivity — it screams it. Up front, its wide horseshoe grille is flanked by fender-mounted LED headlights and distinctive cooling intakes that hint at the beast within. The silhouette features dramatic C-shaped air inlets and vibrant green carbon accents that play beautifully with the car’s aggressive stance. At the rear, custom flared fenders melt into a sculpted deck, crowned with a sleek ducktail wing and a roof scoop. And if the X-shaped taillights feel familiar, that’s because they borrow some flair from the W16 Mistral, while the quad tailpipes lean more towards the Chiron Super Sport’s playbook.
The Bugatti Brouillard showcases individuality inside the cabin, with a Chiron-inspired layout enriched by a deep green palette, Paris-sourced tartan fabric, green-tinted carbon fiber, supple leather, and machined aluminum. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)
Inside the cabin, it’s all about individuality. While the layout gives a nod to the Chiron, every surface tells a different story. The deep green color palette sets the tone, complemented by tartan fabric sourced from Paris, green-tinted carbon fiber, supple leather, and machined aluminum. One of the standout touches? A tiny sculpture of the Brouillard horse embedded in the gear shifter — handcrafted, of course — with matching embroidery subtly placed throughout the interior.
The Bugatti Brouillard features embroidered horse motifs on the door panels and seatbacks, reinforcing its equestrian namesake. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Structurally, the car shares its bones with the Chiron familya fusion of carbon fiber and aluminum that also underpins the Divo, La Voiture Noire, Centodieci, Mistral, and Bolide. That foundation supports the most powerful version of the W16 engine Bugatti has ever built, ensuring that the Brouillard doesn’t just look dramatic — it drives like an unleashed storm.
The Bugatti Brouillard features a tiny handcrafted sculpture of the Brouillard horse embedded in the gear shifter, with matching embroidery subtly placed throughout the interior. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Though the Brouillard is a one-off, it marks the start of something much bigger. Bugatti’s Programme Solitaire promises just two creations per year, ensuring each project gets the obsessive attention and handcrafted detail that the brand is known for. It goes even deeper than Bugatti’s Sur Mesure customization program, offering full creative freedom to clients and designers alike — while staying rooted in the marque’s engineering excellence.
The Bugatti Brouillard features custom flared rear fenders that flow into a sculpted deck with a sleek ducktail wing and roof scoop, while its X-shaped taillights nod to the W16 Mistral and the quad tailpipes draw inspiration from the Chiron Super Sport. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Bugatti’s Managing Director, Hendrik Malinowski, described it best: this program allows Bugatti to explore fresh design languages without sacrificing performance or craftsmanship. Every one-of-one will be uniquely unforgettable, made with a level of dedication that transcends even the most exclusive automotive traditions. | EUJlIXzfKYI |
The Brouillard is more than just a powerful, eye-catching machine. It’s a statementa love letter to Bugatti’s past, written with the tools of the present, and sealed with the promise of an uncompromised future. For those lucky enough to commission something like it, it’s not just ownership. It’s legacy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | CARANDDRIVER | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

The Alpine A220: A Vintage Le Mans Icon Like No Other

Rolling Legacy - In a time when vintage race cars are as much about art and history as they are about horsepower, few machines capture the imagination quite like the Alpine A220. It's the kind of car that doesn’t just sit pretty in a collection—it brings with it the sound of high-revving ambition, the smell of pit lanes past, and the spirit of French motorsport daring to punch above its weight. 
The Renault Alpine A220 was built by the legendary Alpine team as an evolution of their earlier A210—created to take on the big players at Le Mans. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Built by the legendary Alpine team as an evolution of their earlier A210, the A220 was their bold answer to the big players at Le Mans. Instead of playing it safe, they equipped it with a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V8 engine producing around 290 horsepower, channelled through a five-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. It had the looks of a proper endurance prototype and the guts to go with it. While Tat the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 and 1969 may not have delivered the fairy-tale ending Alpine hoped for, the car left a lasting mark with its sheer presence and determination.
One of the unique features of the Renault Alpine A220 is its ability to switch from a long-tail to a short-tail configuration, making it better suited for hillclimbs and road rallies. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
What makes this particular A220 truly special is how much deeper its story goes. Of the only five examples ever built, this was the very first, and it carries the richest racing history. It raced for the Alpine Works team with drivers who would later become legendsJean-Pierre Jabouille, Jean-Pierre Nicolas, and Jean-Luc Thérier all took turns at its wheel. In 1969, it was converted from a long-tail to a short-tail configuration to better suit hillclimbs and road rallies. That change made it one of a kindthe only short-tail A220 ever made.
The Renault Alpine A220 was the only example officially registered for the road by Alpine in August 1969 to enable its entry in rallies like the Critérium des Cévennes, combining race-bred performance with street-legal status. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
But that’s not all. Unlike its siblings, this A220 was also the only one officially registered for the road by Alpine themselves, back in August 1969. The move was to allow participation in road rallies like the Critérium des Cévennes, blending race-bred performance with street-legal credentials. That decision means today, more than 50 years later, it remains the only Alpine A220 that you could technically drive to the bakery—if you’re feeling bold enough.
The Renault Alpine A220 offers the rare chance to sit where legends once sat and feel the same vibrations that roared through the Mulsanne straight and up the narrow climbs of Chamrousse. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
The car’s second life began under the care of Jean-Pierre Buirette, a former Alpine chassis designer who knew every nut and bolt of the machine. From 1984 to 2004, he carried out a meticulous 20-year restoration, preserving its character while reviving its former glory. Under his hands, the car wasn’t just repaired—it was reborn with the care of someone who had been there when it first raced. Since then, it has passed to only one more owner, making it a true three-owner time capsule from the golden age of endurance racing.
The Renault Alpine A220 powered by a mid-mounted 3.0-liter V8 engine producing around 290 horsepower, channelled through a five-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
Even Zagato, the renowned Italian coachbuilder, honored the A220’s bold legacy in 2024 with the stunning AGTZ Twin Taila modern sports car inspired by its fearless design and enduring emotional appeal. But no homage, no matter how pretty, can replace the real thing. There’s something irreplaceable about the original—its scars, its victories, and the echoes of names who once raced it into history. This A220 carries all of that with quiet confidence, standing not just as a rare car, but as a living memory on four wheels.
The Renault Alpine A220 was never meant to gather dust in a private gallery, but to be driven, seen, and to keep racing history alive. (Picture from: RoadAndTrack)
So what does it mean to sit behind the wheel of this one-of-a-kind machine? It means taking a seat where legends once sat, feeling the same vibrations that echoed through the Mulsanne straight and up the narrow hillclimbs of Chamrousse. It’s not just about reviving a glorious past—it’s about keeping it alive in motion. | 4E22TmE1nZU |
With its unmatched backstory, factory roots, and painstaking restoration, this A220 isn’t meant to gather dust in a private gallery. It’s meant to be driven, to be seen, and to remind people why racing history still matters. Even today, more than five decades after its first roar at Le Mans, the Alpine A220 hasn’t lost its voice. It just needs someone new to carry it forward—someone ready to take the wheel, not just as an owner, but as the next chapter in its journey. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROADANDTRACK | CLASSICDRIVER | CARSANDCLASSIC | ULTIMATECARPAGE | EXCLUSIVECARREGESTRY | RACECARDIRECT | CARBODYDESGN ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

Toyota TRD2000GT: The Wild Street-Legal Race Car Built for Pure Passion

Raw Obsession - When it comes to the world of cars, some machines aren’t built just to chase speed records or dominate the Nürburgring. Instead, they’re born from a passion so pure, they seem like love letters from engineers to driving enthusiasts. One such car is the Legendary Toyota TRD2000GT — a name that might not scream mainstream fame, but quietly echoes among collectors and true JDM fans as a symbol of ambition, artistry, and raw creativity.
The Toyota TRD2000GT, a factory-approved wide-body conversion by Toyota Racing Development in 1998 inspired by Japanese GT racing, featured a 100mm-wider fiberglass body, optional engine upgrades over 245 bhp, and was limited to just 35 official units—making it a highly sought-after collectible. (Picture from: AdrianFlux)
Back in the 1990s, Toyota already had the much-admired MR2 SW20. Mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive, with that exotic layout that hinted at Ferraris but came with the reliability of a Toyota — it was a gem. But TRD, Toyota’s in-house performance division known as Toyota Racing Development, had something far bolder in mind. Not content with just enhancing performance, they sought to blur the line between road car and race car. And so, the TRD2000GT was born — not as a new model off an assembly line, but as a transformation.  
The Toyota TRD2000GT wasn’t just a dressed-up MR2 but a full transformation, featuring a hand-fitted widebody kit modeled after Toyota’s JGTC race cars, with lightweight fiberglass panels, an exclusive TRD vehicle identification number riveted to the chassis, and a completely redefined identity. (Picture from: Mekanika)
A full-blown reimagining of the MR2 into something wild, rare, and unforgettable. This wasn’t just a fancy body kit or a few tuning tweaks. The TRD2000GT was a carefully curated conversion available only to a select few MR2 owners. To qualify, you had to hand over your beloved SW20 and agree to a full rebuild conducted by Toyota Technocraft Ltd., TRD’s specialized workshop in Japan.
The Toyota TRD2000GT, inspired by a Japanese MR2 race car, was produced in limited numbers by TRD in 1998, and this example is a faithful replica based on a 1993 MR2. (Picture from: Carthrottle)
And this rebuild wasn’t superficialeach car received a hand-fitted widebody kit modeled directly after Toyota’s own JGTC (Japanese Grand Touring Championship) race cars. The panels were crafted from lightweight fiberglass, carefully installed, and completed with an exclusive TRD vehicle identification number riveted into the chassis. This wasn’t just an MR2 with some flair. It became a new identity altogether.
The The Toyota TRD2000GT emerged in the 1990s as a bold transformation of the already admired MR2 SW20, with TRD aiming not just to enhance performance but to blur the line between road car and race car. (Picture from: ToyotaTumblin)
Only 35 of these cars were officially built, making the TRD2000GT extremely rare. Each unit was like a canvas, tailored with TRD components based on the desires of the owner. That means no two were exactly alike. But what they all had in common was this — they were deeply infused with the spirit of racing and the obsessive craftsmanship of a team that refused to take shortcuts.
The Toyota TRD2000GT, with only 35 officially built, is extremely rare, as each was uniquely tailored with TRD components to its owner's specifications, making no two exactly alike. (Picture from: Mekanika)
From uprated TRD engine parts that could push output to the 500 horsepower mark, to revised suspension systems built to handle the added force, these machines were complete performance packages disguised as road cars. Even the anti-roll bars and suspension systems were upgraded, sometimes equipped with Electronic Damping Force Control (EDFC) for extra precision.
The Toyota TRD2000GT, with only 35 officially built, is extremely rare, as each was uniquely tailored with TRD components to its owner's specifications, making no two exactly alike. (Picture from: GTPlanet)
But the TRD2000GT isn’t really about numbers on a dyno sheet or lap times. It’s about the feeling you get just looking at it. The dramatic stance, wide fenders, and aggressive presence make it look like it just rolled off a race grid — yet it’s street legal. That’s the kind of madness only TRD would dare to create. It was a car born from a "what if" — what if Toyota built a road car that looked and performed like their race car? And then, incredibly, they did. | 5iEAQb_Zzbc |
Today, the TRD2000GT remains a unicorn. Not only because of its rarity, but because it represents a mindset that’s increasingly hard to find in modern car manufacturing. It wasn’t built for mass appeal or maximum profit. It was built for passion. And for those lucky enough to see one in the wild — or even luckier, to drive one — it stands as a reminder of what’s possible when a car company decides to break the rules just for the thrill of it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOYOTATUMBLIN | CARBUZZ | CARTHROTTLE | TOPSPEED | GTPLANET | CARANDCLASSIC | ADRIANFLUX | CYPRUSSONWHEEL | RITZSITE.NL | MEKANIKA | GRAN-TURISMO.FANDOM | WIKIPEDIA ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Maserati Biturbo Shamal Returns as a Bold Restomod by Modena Automobili

Heritage Reignited - Bringing old legends back to life has become more than just a trend in the automotive world—it’s a celebration of history fused with innovation. Today, enthusiasts don’t just crave the speed and thrill of modern machines; they want the soul of the past carried into the future. That’s exactly what Modena Automobili has done with a daring project coded MA-01 that reimagines one of Maserati’s most iconic designs: the Biturbo Coupe. But this isn't just a remake—it’s a resurrection, reborn as the Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod, a restomod project result that blends raw Italian passion with cutting-edge craftsmanship.
Modena Automobili has boldly reimagined one of Maserati’s most iconic designs with its MA-01 project, the Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
The roots of this spectacular creation stretch back to 1983, when the original Maserati Biturbo Coupe first graced the roads. It was bold, fast, and full of character—but it wasn’t perfect. Then, in 1989, Maserati took things up a notch by transforming the Biturbo into something far more exclusive: the Shamal. This limited-production masterpiece, designed with the legendary Marcello Gandini, featured a muscular design and a powerful 3.2-liter V8 engine.  
The Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod by Modena Automobili features a heavily reinforced original steel unibody chassis and carbon fiber body panels for enhanced strength and agility. (Picture from: de.Motor1)
Only a few hundred were ever made, making it an elusive gem for collectors. Now, decades later, Modena Automobili has taken that legacy and given it a fresh pulse. Choosing the Biturbo Coupe as the foundation wasn't just a matter of availability—it was a smart design move.  
The Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod, built on the Biturbo Coupe’s longer 99-inch wheelbase, gains a sleeker and more balanced profile than the shorter Shamal. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
With a longer 99-inch wheelbase compared to the Shamal’s shorter Spyder-based platform, the restomod gains a sleeker, more balanced side profile. Modena Automobili didn’t merely copy the old; they reimagined it. The new car carries hints of the Shamal’s aggressive spirit, especially with its boxy fenders and re-sculpted hood. Yet, it avoids the quirky cuts of the original, opting instead for a cleaner, futuristic take that respects the past while embracing the present. 
The Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod blends nostalgia and innovation inside the cabin with customizable Recaro Classic LX seats and restored original rear seats to match the updated front. (Picture from: de.Motor1)
Beneath its sharply styled exterior lies the original steel unibody chassis of a Maserati, but it’s been heavily reinforced to handle today’s performance expectations. Weight-saving carbon fiber replaces many of the body panels, giving the car both strength and agility. It’s a classic at first glance, but everything under the skin tells a different story.
The Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod packs a modern 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 from the Ghibli S, tuned by Modena Automobili to unleash 500 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque—far surpassing the capabilities of the original Biturbo and Shamal. (Picture from: ModenaAutomobili)
The transformation continues under the hood, where a thoroughly modern 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 roars to life. Borrowed from the current Ghibli S and then tuned by Modena Automobili, it now delivers a staggering 500 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque—far beyond anything the original Biturbo or even the Shamal could have imagined. The power flows through an eight-speed automatic transmission, ditching the old three-pedal setup for a more refined, yet still thrilling, driving experience.
The Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod features the original steel unibody chassis, now heavily reinforced and paired with carbon fiber body panels for improved strength and agility. (Picture from: de.Motor1)
Inside the cabin, the car strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation. Recaro Classic LX seats bring vintage style with modern-day comfort, and can be customized in a variety of colors and materials. The rear seats maintain their original form but have been restored to match the front’s updated look. Even the dashboard has evolved: a digital cluster sits behind the wheel, cleverly styled to echo the old design, yet fully equipped to control modern infotainment and climate features.
The Maserati Biturbo Shamal Restomod will be limited to just 33 handcrafted units, each built to order in Modena and priced from 585,000 euros—making it a rare dream reserved for a fortunate few. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Only 33 of these handcrafted masterpieces will exist, each built to order in Modena, the heartland of Italian performance. With a starting price of 585,000 eurosroughly Rp 10 billion—it’s a dream that only a few will get to live. Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2025, and for those lucky enough to secure a spot, the wait will be more than worth it.
This isn’t just a car—it’s a statement. The MA-001 Biturbo Shamal stands as proof that history doesn’t have to stay behind us. With vision and dedication, it can be driven forward, faster and bolder than ever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MODENA AUTOMOBILI | DE.MOTOR1 | BLACKXPERIENCE ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Citroën SM Espace: A One-of-a-Kind Vision That Stayed a Dream

Dreambound Innovation - On warm summer drives or breezy coastal routes, there’s a certain kind of car that doesn’t just take you places—it turns the journey itself into a spectacle. While most of us are familiar with Citroën for its quirky economy cars and boundary-pushing engineering, there was a moment in time when the French automaker dared to blend avant-garde design with grand touring elegance. This moment was called the Citroën SM, and for a brief, brilliant flash, it became something even bolder: the Citroën SM Espace.
The Citroën SM Espace, shown here in its first prototype form, featured a bold, architectural roof system with dual slatted panels that slid sideways into a central spine—an inventive departure from traditional targa or convertible designs. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
Back in the early 1970s, Citroën was riding high on its reputation for innovation, but it was still missing something to compete in the luxury performance market. The solution came in the form of an unlikely partnership—Citroën acquired Maserati in 1968 and promptly commissioned the Italian marque to develop a brand-new V6 engine. The result was the Citroën SM, a car that mixed futuristic French engineering with Italian muscle in the most unusual and exciting way.
The Citroën SM Espace, shown here in its first prototype form, was built by Henri Heuliez in 1971, finished in Aubergine Métallisé, and served purely as the original concept, never intended for private use. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
From the outside, the SM looked like something out of a sci-fi dream, with sweeping lines, covered headlights that turned with the steering, and a teardrop shape that made it one of the most aerodynamic cars of its era. Underneath, it was just as radical. The SM featured Citroën’s signature hydro-pneumatic suspension, which allowed it to glide over rough roads like butter on a hot pan, and it came equipped with self-leveling features and high-tech braking systems that were far ahead of their time.  
The Citroën SM Espace, shown here in its first prototype form, featured a suede-like interior in a striking white and green combination—an unmistakable nod to 1970s fashion. (Picture from: CitroenVie)
It was a two-door fastback, built for long-distance comfort and high-speed stabilityan elegant grand tourer with just the right touch of eccentricity. But the SM's story didn’t end there. While Citroën stuck to a single body style, independent coachbuilders began to reimagine the SM into something even more special. The most extraordinary version came from Heuliez, a French firm known for building bespoke convertibles and station wagons.
The Citroën SM Espace, shown here in its first prototype form, was adorned with a Miura-inspired louvered rear window that gave it a bold and performance-oriented presence. (Picture from: Autoevolution)
In 1971, Heuliez unveiled a concept that took the SM to an entirely new dimension—the SM Espace. Unlike any car on the road, the Espace featured a wild, almost architectural roof system. Instead of a typical targa or convertible design, Heuliez developed a dual-section sliding roof composed of slatted panels that retracted sideways into a central spineThis ingenious design allowed the car to open up dramatically, offering an airy, open-top experience without sacrificing structural rigidity—an elegant engineering feat that preserved the SM’s renowned ride comfort and sharp handling. The result was a vehicle that felt sleek, inventive, and almost theatrical in its presence and performance. | oUujRbkpsKU |
Just two SM Espaces were ever built, each with its own distinct personality and design evolution. The first prototype, finished in Aubergine Métallisé, featured a suede-like interior in a striking white and green combination—an unmistakable nod to 1970s fashion. Chrome-plated trim, a full rear sail panel, and a Miura-inspired louvered rear window gave it a bold, performance-oriented presence. This version served as the original concept and was never intended for private use. 
The Citroën SM Espace, shown here in its second prototype form, was built by Henri Heuliez in 1971 for his personal use, finished in his favorite metallic blue. (Picture from: Artcurial)
The second example was built specifically for Henri Heuliez and painted in his signature metallic blue. It featured a more refined interior trimmed in standard brown leather and introduced a major visual shift with a large, uninterrupted expanse of rear glass, lending it a more open and futuristic look. While Citroën briefly considered moving the SM Espace into limited production, the idea never materialized—leaving these two one-off creations as the only physical expressions of this daring vision.
The Citroën SM Espace, shown here in its second prototype form, featured a sculpted rear seat layout with rich brown leather and a fold-down armrest, blending comfort and 1970s elegance. (Picture from: Artcurial)
Despite being a rare sight, the Espace didn’t fade into obscurity. In 2023, after spending decades tucked away in storage, one of the two examples reemerged, turning heads at the prestigious Villa d’Este event. With its deep Aubergine Metallic paint, green velour-accented interior, and signature louvered rear window, it was nothing short of a rolling art piece. 
The Citroën SM Espace, shown here in its second prototype form, introduced a dramatic visual change with a large, seamless rear glass section that gave the car a more open, airy, and distinctly futuristic appearance. (Picture from: Artcurial)
Under the hood still purred the Maserati-built 2.7-liter V6, delivering 168 horsepower in a smooth, refined package. While the original SM only lasted until 1975, with around 13,000 units made, its influence carried on. The technologies it introduced would later find homes in other Citroëns, like the CX, and its Maserati engine lived on in several Italian sports cars throughout the '70s and '80s. | xyERejWpciI |
But among all the variants and evolutions, the SM Espace stands as the rarest, boldest interpretation of an already groundbreaking car. It’s not just a Citroën. It’s not just a Maserati-powered GT. It’s an idea, a concept car made real—twice. And even now, decades later, it still captures imaginations, proving that when design and engineering take risks together, magic can happen. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CITROENVIE | ARTCURIAL | SUPERCARS.NET | AUTOEVOLUTION ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.

MC20 Aria: Carbon Fiber Maserati with a Racing Edge

Speedborn Form - In the world of automotive excellence, where design meets performance and every detail matters, there are certain machines that don’t just drive—they captivate. The Maserati MC20 was one such car when it made its debut in 2020. It arrived not just as a new model, but as a bold statement: Maserati was ready to return to the high-performance arena with something truly special. Fast, beautiful, and infused with the spirit of its legendary predecessor, the MC12, it immediately found its place among modern sports car royalty. Yet, as is often the case with remarkable things, a few bold minds saw room for even more.
The Maserati MC20 Aria is a bespoke evolution by 7 Design House, limited to just 25 units and created as an exclusive, emotional tribute. (Picture from: EliteCargsm in X)
Enter the Maserati MC20 Aria, a bespoke evolution crafted by the talented team at 7 Design House. Limited to only 25 units worldwide, this exclusive creation is not just a refined version of the MC20—it’s an emotional tribute. The name "Aria" was chosen in memory of a beloved pet dog, a deeply personal touch that subtly hints at the passion behind the project. That passion becomes immediately visible in the car itself.
The Maserati MC20 Aria features a full carbon fiber body kit, crafted from the highest-quality prepreg carbon fiber. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The MC20 Aria features a full carbon fiber body kit, crafted from the highest-quality prepreg carbon fiber. While the original MC20 is already a stunning visual achievement, the Aria takes its aesthetics to an entirely new level. The kit includes a redesigned front splitter, canards, vent inserts, side skirts, a performance-focused roof scoop, rear spoiler, and an aggressively sculpted rear diffuser. These additions don’t just look dramatic—they serve a purpose. Together, they reduce the vehicle's weight by 12.5 pounds and increase aerodynamic efficiency by a staggering 123 percent. The transformation is bold yet respectful, enhancing the car's DNA rather than overwriting it.
One of the 25 Maserati MC20 Aria units, owned by 7 Design House CEO Peter Eskander, features a stunning blend of blue-tinted carbon fiber and subtle gray accents, creating a striking contrast that captures the car’s dual identity—fierce yet refined. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Each of the 25 units is customizable, tailored to match the vision of its future owner. One standout example belongs to Peter Eskander, the CEO of 7 Design House himself. His MC20 Aria showcases a mesmerizing mix of blue-tinted carbon fiber and subtle gray accents, creating a dynamic contrast that speaks volumes about the vehicle’s dual identityfierce, yet refined.
The Maserati MC20 Aria's kit includes a redesigned front splitter, canards, vent inserts, side skirts, a performance-focused roof scoop, rear spoiler, and an aggressively sculpted rear diffuser. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Under the hood, the MC20 Aria keeps the same heart that made the base MC20 such a revelation. A twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, infused with Formula 1 technology, continues to pump out 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. 7 Design House didn’t need to change that formula. Instead, they offer a Stage 2 exhaust system as an optional upgrade. This not only enhances the auditory thrill of the drive but also adds 20 horsepower and reduces the car's weight by another 15 pounds—improvements that subtly elevate the driving experience without disturbing the balance. | m_8P11D_ZHs |
The MC20 Aria isn’t trying to reinvent the Maserati MC20—it’s celebrating it. With meticulous attention to detail, a heartfelt story behind its name, and enhancements that blend style with substance, it becomes more than just a special edition. It’s a reminder that even the finest can be reimagined with care, passion, and a clear vision. And for those lucky enough to own one of the 25, it’s not just a car—it’s a personal statement on four wheels. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 7DESIGNHOUSE | ARIACARBON | MVFORGED | RONSRIDES IN FACEBOOK | ELITECARGASM IN X | CARSCOOPS | ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.