Latest news with #ConcorsoDEleganza
The Drive
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
BMW Has Too Much on Its Plate to Worry About a Supercar Right Now
The latest car news, reviews, and features. Just one month ago, a BMW executive kept the flame of hope for a new halo supercar alive, telling the world that we could trust that the company was working in the background to realize such a car—we'd just have to wait for 'the right time.' It was one of those bare-minimum corporate responses in a way, because the company makes no commitments and keeps fans relatively satisfied by simply saying that it wants the same thing they do. Unfortunately, it also left the door open for someone like M CEO Frank van Meel to come in and burst some bubbles, which is what happened last weekend at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, where the new Concept Speedtop debuted. 'We don't want to lose focus on our high-performance cars because we do a super sports car,' van Meel was quoted during a panel organized by BMW Blog . 'I must be honest; we are always dreaming about it. And maybe some day we find the right window of opportunity where we have the capacity to work on a car like that. And also, the company, BMW Group, says: 'Ok, go for it.' We never give up, I can promise you that, but actually, it's not here yet.' These comments are interesting because, on the face of it, van Meel is kind of just reiterating M's known position on the matter, which is that he'd love to introduce a true, standalone supercar one day. But the point about losing 'focus' on existing high-performance models, and finding the 'right window of opportunity,' arguably puts that dream further out of reach. The limited-production BMW Concept Skytop and Speedtop. BMW BMW has its hands full right now, trying to reinvent its entire lineup with a new design ethos and the versatility to build new cars with every degree of electrification. And M, specifically, has the arduous task of keeping enthusiasts interested in battery-electric takes on their favorite models, like the M3. Consider the backlash Mercedes-AMG received when it started putting four-cylinders in cars that used to have V8s. The electric M3 probably won't be quite as surprising a turn—BMW has been teasing it for quite a while now, slowly peeling back the curtain shrouding the car's development—but it's still going to face adversity, regardless of whether it's accompanied by a version with an internal-combustion engine. Factor in the same headwinds in China that every once-beloved German luxury marque is managing in that region, leading to a 37% dive in net profit over last year and, you know, everything happening with tariffs on this side of the world, and one thing appears to be clear: Now is definitely not the 'window of opportunity' van Meel has been waiting for. These are all problems BMW will have to address before that eventual halo supercar begins to make the transition from dream to reality. And if we're talking about M's responsibilities alone, it's got to concentrate on establishing itself in the post-Neue Klasse era, with the diversity of powertrains it's likely to offer. That very well should be the priority, as much as I'd love to see a modern take on the M1. So, the next big standalone M car sounds like it's a ways off. If it's any consolation to the purists out there, I'd at least expect that it won't be anything like the XM. That proved an expensive mistake you just can't see a company as big and old as BMW making more than once. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Geeky Gadgets
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
The BMW Concept Speedtop: When Art Meets Automotive Design
The BMW Concept Speedtop is a groundbreaking addition to the world of luxury touring cars. Unveiled at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025, this concept car blends the elegance of a shooting brake with dynamic proportions, creating a vehicle that is as visually striking as it is functional. Designed for weekend getaways and long drives, the Speedtop offers a seamless combination of performance, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. The car's unique profile is defined by its shark-nose front end, illuminated kidney grille, and a central spline that flows from the bonnet to the rear spoiler. The two-tone exterior paint, transitioning from 'Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver,' enhances its dynamic silhouette. This design language not only sets the Speedtop apart but also underscores BMW's commitment to innovation in the luxury touring segment. The BMW Concept Speedtop's exterior design is a masterclass in automotive artistry. The sleek, elongated body is accentuated by the car's low stance and wide track, giving it an aggressive yet refined presence on the road. The 14-spoke wheels, finished in a complementary two-tone scheme, add to the car's visual appeal while also hinting at its performance capabilities. Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Design The interior of the BMW Concept Speedtop is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. High-quality materials and traditional brogue-style details adorn the leather-trimmed surfaces, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. The two-tone interior, featuring 'Sundown Maroon' and 'Moonstone White,' mirrors the exterior color scheme, offering a cohesive design experience. The car's interior is not just about aesthetics; it is also highly functional. The trunk, divided into two sections, is leather-covered and illuminated, making it ideal for multi-day trips. Additionally, the collaboration with Italian leather manufacturer Schedoni has resulted in custom-made storage solutions, including two bespoke bags and a matching weekend bag, ensuring that every detail aligns with the Speedtop's luxurious ethos. The attention to detail in the Speedtop's interior is unparalleled. From the hand-stitched leather on the dashboard to the precisely crafted metal accents, every element has been carefully considered and executed. The seats, designed for both comfort and support, feature intricate perforation patterns that add visual interest while also promoting airflow for optimal comfort during long drives. Unrivaled Performance and Technology Under the hood, the BMW Concept Speedtop is powered by the most potent V8 engine in BMW's portfolio. While specific performance figures have not been released, the car's low, wide stance and aerodynamic design suggest that it will offer an exhilarating driving experience. The Speedtop is expected to deliver the perfect balance of power, agility, and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those who appreciate both performance and luxury. In addition to its impressive powertrain, the BMW Concept Speedtop is likely to feature innovative technology. BMW is known for its innovative driver assistance systems, advanced infotainment features, and connected services. The Speedtop, as a flagship model, is expected to showcase the latest advancements in these areas, providing drivers with a seamless, intuitive, and connected experience behind the wheel. Pricing and Availability The BMW Concept Speedtop is not just a concept—it's a collector's dream. Limited to a production run of just 70 units, this exclusive vehicle is now available for order. While pricing details have not been disclosed, the Speedtop's bespoke design, powerful V8 engine, and limited availability suggest it will cater to discerning buyers seeking unparalleled luxury and performance. Interested collectors and enthusiasts are encouraged to act quickly to secure one of these rare models. Specifications Exterior Design: Shark-nose front end, illuminated kidney grille, two-tone paint ('Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver'), 14-spoke wheels Shark-nose front end, illuminated kidney grille, two-tone paint ('Floating Sunstone Maroon' to 'Floating Sundown Silver'), 14-spoke wheels Interior Design: Two-tone leather upholstery ('Sundown Maroon' and 'Moonstone White'), brogue-style details, illuminated leather-covered trunk Two-tone leather upholstery ('Sundown Maroon' and 'Moonstone White'), brogue-style details, illuminated leather-covered trunk Storage: Custom Schedoni leather bags, divided trunk with light beam illumination Custom Schedoni leather bags, divided trunk with light beam illumination Engine: Most powerful V8 engine in BMW's portfolio Most powerful V8 engine in BMW's portfolio Production: Limited to 70 units Explore More from BMW For those intrigued by the BMW Concept Speedtop, the brand's broader lineup offers additional areas of interest. From the innovative BMW Skytop to the latest advancements in electric mobility, BMW continues to push the boundaries of automotive design and performance. Whether you're a collector or an enthusiast, BMW's commitment to excellence ensures there's something for everyone. The BMW Concept Speedtop is a testament to the brand's unwavering dedication to creating exceptional driving machines. By combining innovative design, unparalleled craftsmanship, and advanced technology, BMW has created a luxury touring car that sets a new standard in the industry. As the automotive world eagerly awaits the production version of the Speedtop, one thing is clear: BMW continues to redefine what is possible in the realm of luxury automobiles. Source BMW Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
Forbes
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Historic Sports Car Impounded At Concorso D'Eleganza In Italy
This rare 1964 Iso Rivolta Grifo A3 Stradale was confiscated by police after the Concorso d'Eleganza ... More at the Hotel Villa d'Este in Italy on Sunday. Photo: BMW Classic. Cernobbio, Italy: An American entrant has had his rare, classic Italian sports car impounded by Italian police after the world's premier historic car event, the Concorso d'Eleganza at the Hotel Villa d'Este. Provincial Police confiscated the 1964 Iso Rivolta Grifo A3 Stradale, entered in the Concorso by Thomas Shannon, after allegedly stopping its American driver on the streets of Cernobbio without an International Driving Permit. The Grifo, one of just 13 in the world and valued at more than $1 million, was also allegedly driven without proof of Italian insurance or a visible number plate. The Concorso d'Eleganza is a celebration of historic car culture on the grounds of one of the world's most prestigious hotels on the shores of Lake Como, and involves parades at both the Hotel Villa d'Este and Villa Erba, which are separated by less than a mile along one narrow street. The Iso Rivolta Grifo was confiscated for allegedly driving on Italian streets without proof of ... More insurance, a number plate. The driver, a US license holder, also did not have an International Driving permit. Photo: BMW Group Classic. Provincial police impounded the Shannon car pending payment of fines of €866 (US$981) and €408 ($463). Shannon's Iso Rivolta Grifo A3 Stradale was the street-going version of the Grifo racing car, which won its class in the 1965 Le Mans 24 Hour race. Built with Italian design and chassis engineering partnered with a 327 cubic inch Chevrolet Corvette V8, the Grifo could hit 60mph in five seconds and run on to a 190mph top speed. It isn't the first time the Italian provincial police have targeted a Concorso d'Eleganza competitor either, with a 1967 Fiat Dino being grabbed during the 2024 edition of the event.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
1948 FERRARI 166 SPYDER CORSA SETS NEW AUCTION RECORD AT BROAD ARROW'S INAUGURAL CONCORSO D'ELEGANZA VILLA D'ESTE AUCTION SELLING FOR €7.54 MILLION
The packed sales room at Broad Arrow's inaugural Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction at Villa Erba The top-selling Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa on display at Broad Arrow's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction preview LONDON, England, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Broad Arrow celebrates Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction, its first European sale 78% of lots sold achieving total sales value of €31,172,625 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa sold for €7,543,750 – a new auction record for a Ferrari 166 Another auction record was broken as an outstanding 2003 Honda NSX-R sold for €934,375 BMW-only sale saw a stunning 1980 BMW M1 built to Procar specification sell for €602,500 A full list of auction results can be viewed here, and high-resolution images here The next Broad Arrow sale takes place at the Monterey Jet Center, 13-14 August 2025 Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is celebrating the success of its first European sale as the official auction partner of BMW AG after presenting over 70 of the world's finest cars, boats and motorcycles at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa D'Este. Two vibrant sales, held on Saturday May 24th and Sunday May 25th in the Rotunda at Villa Erba, saw packed sales rooms and an atmosphere charged with excitement. Both auctions, also watched live by over 8,000 viewers on the Broad Arrow YouTube channel, achieved €31,172,625 in total sales, with 78 percent of all lots sold. Note, these figures include three lots sold within hours of the live auction ending. 'Our Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este auction has been a resounding success,' says Joe Twyman, VP of Sales for Broad Arrow's EMEA Region. 'The opportunity to present such a spectacular collection of the world's most desirable cars on the shores of Lake Como at the world famous Concorso was a great way to launch our first European sale.' Star of the Sunday sale was a 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, quite possibly the most original early Ferrari extant, which sold for an auction record price of €7,543,750. Never before offered publicly for sale, it is one of two 166 Spyder Corsa models commissioned by one of Ferrari's earliest customers. It has received awards at multiple prestigious shows and has competed in some of the greatest events, including the Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. The room was captivated by fast and competitive telephone bidding as two potential buyers fought for the chance to own this very special piece of Ferrari history. The last of just 33 Motto-bodied Siata 208S Spiders, from 1954, was another highlight, with strong interest from bidders attracted by its beautiful style and remarkable provenance to achieve a sale price of €1,750,000. Broad Arrow also presented a number of very special modern classic cars, including a spectacular 2003 Honda NSX-R. With just 15,800 kilometres, the Championship White, lightweight supercar attracted attention from around the world with bidders from the UK, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, and the US competing to own this rare supercar. Another electrifying sale saw a final bid duel lead to a world auction record-winning bid of €934,375. Other modern classic highlights saw an outstanding 1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione attract a winning bid of €2,312,500 and a a 2023 Ford GT sell for €613,750. To further demonstrate the broad range of enthusiast vehicles offered, a 1990 Ducati 851 F90 Corsa, owned by John Surtees but never ridden, tempted many bidders and sold for €81,250. Broad Arrow also held a dedicated BMW-only sale, featuring cars from private collectors, on Saturday evening which produced equally impressive results. Featuring some of the most highly collectible models from the German marque, hosts of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, an outrageously beautiful 1980 BMW M1, enhanced to Procar specification by BMW Motorsport, took the spotlight. Causing a stir in the sale room it sold for an impressive €602,500. 'Not only did we achieve remarkable sales for some of the world's most collectible models, but collectors were clearly excited by the carefully curated selection of cars we presented,' says Twyman. 'We are extremely proud to have achieved such strong results, and a number of auction record sale prices, at our first European auction, and I now look forward to expanding Broad Arrow's European sale calendar throughout 2025.' Kenneth Ahn, President of Broad Arrow, added, "First and foremost, thank you to everyone for the tremendous interest and support for our very first auction in Europe, held on the stunning shores of Lake Como. By all accounts, it was an incredible success. We're also deeply grateful to our wonderful partner, BMW AG, and the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. We look forward to welcoming even more car enthusiasts and industry friends as we continue to grow our presence in Europe." Broad Arrow Auctions Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2025 - Top 10 Sales 1. 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni - €7,543,750 2. 1938 Talbot Lago T150 C Lago Speciale Teardrop Coupe by Figoni et Falaschi - €3,606,250 3. 1989 Ferrari F40 Competitzione - €2,312,500 4. 1954 Siata 208S Motto Spider - €1,750,000 5. 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS - €1,525,000 6. 2006 Porsche Carrera GT – Sold Ahead of Auction 7. 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster - €1,007,500 8. 2003 Honda NSX-R - €934,375 9. 2023 Ford GT - €613,750 10. 1980 BMW M1 - €602,500 The next auction on the Broad Arrow calendar is Monterey Jet Center, California on 13-14 August 2025, held in conjunction with Motorlux. Interviews and further information available on request. NOTE: All prices are listed in Euros and include buyer's premium, which is equal to the sum of fifteen percent (15%) plus VAT of the first €250,000 of the Hammer Price 12.5% plus VAT of the amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds €250,000 for all motor car lots. For non-motor car lots, Buyer's Premium is equal to twenty-five (25) percent of the Hammer Price. Event images by Tom Clutterbuck. Ends. Editors Notes About Broad Arrow Auctions Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is a leading global collector car auction house. Founded in 2021 by highly experienced industry veterans, Broad Arrow offers exceptional quality cars to collectors and enthusiasts around the world. As the fastest growing auction house in its segment, Broad Arrow's flagship annual events include The Monterey Jet Center Auction, in conjunction with Motorlux in California, The Amelia Auction, as the official auction of The Amelia (Concours d'Elegance) in Florida, and The Porsche Auction, in conjunction with Air | Water by Luftgekühlt in California. Broad Arrow expanded its global footprint in 2023, with renowned car specialists joining the team in the UK and Europe. Broad Arrow is launching its first auction in Europe in May 2025 as the new official auction house of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este in Italy. Learn more at and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY) Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand committed to saving driving and to fueling car culture for future generations. The company is a leading provider of specialty vehicle insurance, expert car valuation data and insights, live and digital car auction services, immersive events and automotive entertainment custom made for the 67 million Americans who self-describe as car enthusiasts. Hagerty also operates in Canada and the U.K. and is home to Hagerty Drivers Club, a community of over 875,000 who can't get enough of cars. For more information, please visit or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements - This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements reflect our current intentions, expectations, or beliefs regarding the business. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and may be outside of our control. Some of the factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by our forward-looking statements include: (i) our ability to recognise the anticipated benefits of the subject of this press release; (ii) our ability to compete effectively within our industry and attract and retain members; and (iii) the other risks and uncertainties listed in our Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ('SEC') on March 14, 2023. This press release should be read in conjunction with the information included in our other press releases, reports, and other filings with the SEC. Understanding the information contained in those filings is important in order to fully understand our reported financial results and our business outlook for future periods. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise, except as required by law. Attachments The packed sales room at Broad Arrow's inaugural Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction at Villa Erba The top-selling Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa on display at Broad Arrow's Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Auction preview CONTACT: Ian Kelleher Broad Arrow Auctions 917-971-4008 ikelleher@ Meghan McGrail Broad Arrow Auctions 519-365-8750 mmcgrail@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Motor 1
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
The Alfa Romeo 8C Is Back. But Not as You Remember It
Zagato had a busy weekend at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, where two cars penned by the Italian coachbuilder were unveiled. The fabled design house surprised just about everyone with its own take on the BMW M4, featuring a double bubble roof . Another coupe, this time based on the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, made its world premiere on the shores of Lake Como in Italy. The DoppiaCoda (Double Tail) is a one-off special project commissioned by a wealthy Italian owner. Its name refers to a combination of a Kammback and a rounded wing. Also known as a Kamm tail or K-tail, a Kammback is a design feature characterized by a gently sloped profile that ends abruptly with a vertical surface. It was pioneered by German designer and aerodynamicist Wunibald Kamm, who created the 1938 BMW Kamm Coupe. Photo by: Zagato dared to modify one of the most beautiful cars of the modern era. Whether the result surpasses Wolfgang Egger's and Daniele Gaglione's work from the 2000s is open to debate. Even after all these years, the modern 8C, conceived by Centro Stile Alfa Romeo, remains a stunning mid-engine supercar in both Coupe and Spider flavors. Much like the aforementioned M4, it wouldn't be a proper Zagato without the signature double bubble roof. Although the entire body has been reworked, it's the redesigned rear that immediately sets it apart from the standard 8C. Lessons learned from last year's Alpine A110-based project with its removable long-tail rear bumper helped Zagato reimagine the Alfa's rear. Alfa Romeo 8C Doppiacoda Zagato 8 Source: Technical specifications haven't been disclosed, which could suggest that the DoppiaCoda retains the Ferrari-derived V-8. In the standard 8C, the naturally aspirated 4.7-liter engine produced 444 horsepower and 354 pound-feet (480 Newton-meters) of torque. Power was sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with shift paddles. The car accelerated from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.2 seconds and had a top speed of 181 mph (292 km/h). This isn't the first time Zagato has reimagined the Alfa Romeo 8C. At the same show in Italy back in 2010, it unveiled the TZ3 Corsa as a one-off for German collector Martin Kapp. That car also featured a Kammback, though it leaned more toward a 'breadvan' aesthetic. In case you don't remember it, we've attached images below. Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa Zagato 11 Remembering The 8C: The Alfa Romeo 8C Is Finally Getting A Gated Manual Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione: Supercar Sunday Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
