While classic Ferrari sports cars are characterized by the sonorous small displacement V12 engines sitting in the middle of their stretched bonnets, the turbo era of the 1980s brought along a new Ferrari that has come to serve as the definitive Italian supercar of the modern era – the Ferrari F40.

Still one of the most extreme vehicles on the road today, it’s hard to believe that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the F40 since it was first introduced in 1987. Commanding an astronomic starting price of $400,000 when new, only 1,315 units were ever produced. As it is also the last vehicle founder Enzo Ferrari personally commissioned, the Ferrari F40 continues to demand an enormous sum of money today.

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When it comes to the pinnacle of motorsports, things get very expensive and very complicated at Formula 1.

A Formula 1 steering wheel, a tiny carbon fiber control panel that places every electronically adjustable parameter of a Formula 1 race car into the palm of the driver’s hands, can cost $50,000 alone. With more buttons, toggle switches, dials, and switches than a tournament-spec Streetfighter fighting-stick gamepad, racing drivers must push their cars as hard as possible, handle the physical strains from high loads of G-force, while delicately managing all the vehicle vitals and settings on the button array.

To the unfamiliar, the dizzying control layout may seem excessive, but Mercedes GP and 7-time World Champion Michael Schumacher share a guided tour of the steering wheel to help racing fans understand what’s what.

Starting with its main function of steering the vehicle left and right, Schumacher gets into identifying the boost button for the car’s Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS), the neutral and speed limiter button for coming into the pit-lane, a button that alerts the team for an unscheduled entry into the pits, a safety car button, a reverse button, brake balance check and clutch check buttons, toggles for the clutch, fuel mixture, engine management, differential adjustment, and wheel diameter adjustment. Finally, a main menu toggle switch and a multitude of ‘menu’ option buttons handle the rest. In the event the buttons and switches on the wheel fail to respond, a ‘reset’ button is available as well.

Check out Schumacher’s video below to find out more: Continue Reading…

Only a little more than a week ahead of the upcoming Beijing Auto Show, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann disclosed new development details on its upcoming SUV.

Speaking to German newspaper Handelsblatt, Winkelmann revealed Lamborghini’s goal to have an SUV as a new third model to diversify the Lamborghini line-up as soon as 2017. Suffering losses (as most supercar brands do) since 2009, Lamborghini is under pressure from parent company Volkswagen to become a profitable asset.

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When sports car company Lotus had announced the end of its title sponsorship of the Lotus F1 team, a red flag was raised as concerns over Group Lotus’ financial problems surfaced. Now, new reports reveal that the troubles facing the automaker are more than meets the eye.

Earlier warning signs were brought to attention this year when Lotus’ Malaysian parent company Proton sold a controlling stake to another Malaysian conglomerate, DRB-Hicom. As per Malaysian law, Lotus had to halt all business operations and freeze its financial accounts during the 60-day transition period.

The 60-day period ended in March and now, new owner DRB-Hicom is currently conducting the due diligence of Group Lotus, investigating worrisome figures including Lotus’ $320 million in accumulated debt.

Due to the mounting concerns, rumors have spread that Lotus may be put into administration to free itself from debt and that even CEO Dany Bahar has been let go from the company. What’s more, in line with our reports earlier this year, Chinese automaker Zhejian Youngman Lotus Automobile (Youngman) is a potential buyer of the brand, placing a bid on its remaining assets, including naming rights. The official importer of Proton and Lotus cars in China, Youngman is perhaps better known for its past failed attempt to purchase the now defunct Saab.

So far, a Lotus spokesperson has denied these rumors and insisted that DRB-Hicom and Lotus executives are working to keep the business running as usual, ”There have been and continue to be positive discussions between Group Lotus senior management and senior management at DRB-Hicom both here in Hethel and in Malaysia. Despite various rumours in the media to the contrary, at no point has DRB-Hicom indicated to Group Lotus that they intend to put the company into administration and we welcome the opportunity to put that rumour along with incorrect speculation that production has stopped, that Dany Bahar is no longer CEO and that we are no longer involved in F1 to bed.”

The spokesperson adds, “It’s no secret that we are going through a very difficult time at the moment due to the change in ownership but we’re doing everything we can to get through this period and come out the other side stronger than before.”

Optimistic words, but something definitely isn’t right in the house of Lotus. Stay tuned for more information as the situation continues to develop.

[Source: AutoCar]

The Lexus LFA is undoubtedly a supercar, but many criticized its lofty $375,000 price tag.

When compared to its performance rivals that figure seems downright excessive. After all, for $225,000 you can land a Ferrari 458 Italia or for $90,000 there’s the Nissan GT-R. Then again, at this level you’re paying as much for exclusivity as for price and with just 500 units ever made, and the fact that the LFA is undoubtedly Japan’s first ever supercar, the automaker had no trouble finding buyers.

Based on that car’s success and Toyota’s newfound performance spirit under the leadership of CEO Akio Toyoda, Lexus is already preparing a successor that will be vastly more impressive in terms of performance. It will also be vastly more expensive.

Our well-connected source was informed by a senior Toyota executive who prefers to remain anonymous that plans for an LFA II are currently in the works. The new supercar has been described as twice the car, with a significantly higher performance level. To match that new performance, pricing will climb steeply, into the range of $800,000 to one million dollars.

Like the LFA it will be an exclusive product, but even more so than the original, with plans to produce just 100 units.

GALLERY: Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition

Formula 1 and Indy Series champion Jacques Villeneuve will drive his father Gilles’s 1979 Ferrari 312 T4 Formula 1 car at the Fiorano test track on May 8 in tribute to the 30th anniversary of his father’s death.

In 1982, Formula 1 witnessed the talents of the Canadian race car driver. Regarded as the fastest ever to compete in Formula 1 by fans and fellow drivers, Villeneuve’s short career with Scuderia Ferrari was highlighted by six grand prix victories as well as a remarkably ferocious wheel-to-wheel battle for second versus Renee Arnoux during the closing stages of the 1979 French Grand Prix, all of which earned him a legendary status while driving a series of dangerous and ill-handling Ferraris.

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Black and yellow prancing pony badges have been available in the Chinese car market for 20 years and Ferrari is celebrating the anniversary.

To mark its growing success in the country, the automaker announced the inauguration of a permanent brand exhibition at the Italia Center of the Shanghai World Expo Park. Covering almost two square miles, it designed five specific themes to showcase at the venue.

Between the dedicated Ferrari in China, green technology, product, design, and racing wings, visitors will not only get to see current and past ferrari models, but will also get to admire a rich selection of images and videos made for the exhibition.

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Lamborghini is famous for naming cars after fighting bulls, but that might be changing as today it was announced that the automaker has tradmarked the name “Deimos” for a future product. 

Those familiar with Greek mythology will know that Deimos is a son to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of beauty. However, Deimos himself is better known for spreading terror and dread across the land. While it’s it’s a break in tradition for the marque to move away from its known naming structure, the sinister title probably fits.

Still, we’re wondering which vehicle, if any, the name will be fitted to. Lamborghini is working on two new products, a replacement for the aging Gallardo, and a new SUV that will likely be unveiled in China at the upcoming Beijing Auto Show.

Standing toe-to-toe with Bugatti Veyron, the Koenigsegg is harder to pronounce, lesser known, and more exclusive, arguably making this small Swedish carmaker the definitive supercar marque, full stop.

Continuing to raise the bar, the latest 2013 Koenigsegg Agera R now boasts an output of 1,140-hp. Since last September, Koenigsegg claimed a number of new production records, reaching 200 mph from a stand-still in 17.68 seconds, braking to a stop from 200 mph in 7.28 seconds, and finally a full cycle 0-200-0 mph run in 24.96 seconds. While the Bugatti Veyron Supersport holds the top-speed title at 268 mph, the Agera R sprints from 0-300 kmh (186 mph) more than 2 seconds quicker than the Bugatti. Mind-boggling numbers on paper, but what does that mean in real life?

From the Nurburgring pit lane access at Dottinger Hohe, the very end of a 2.2 mile long straight, a track-side fan records a top speed fly-by and receives a serious case of whiplash in the process, as the screaming 5.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine propels the Agera R to an insane 249.5 mph at the end of the straight.

The violent 250 mph pass is shown at the 1:40 mark. Hold onto your butts and check out the video below: Continue Reading…

The all-new 2013 SRT Viper is without a doubt the star of this year’s New York Auto Show. Boasting big numbers, the Viper’s enormous 8.4-liter V10 engine produces 640-hp. Plus, SRT has announced a factory-backed return of the Viper to the American Le Mans Series and international endurance racing.

But here comes the most important bit of information of all – show your support for the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer and the very first Viper can be yours. The official charity of the American Le Mans Series, the Austin Hatcher Foundation For Pediatric Cancer’s mission is to aid cancer children and their families during the treatment and to provide continuing support throughout survivorship, all services are at no cost to families, and are funded solely buy donation.

The auction for the first 2013 SRT Viper will hold at Barrett-Jackson of Orange County, from June 22-24. Serial #01 vehicles have displayed a historic trend of reaching massive figures by auction end, so it will be exciting to see how much the new Viper can raise for the Austin Hatcher organization.

Co-founder of Austin Hatcher Foundation Dr. Jim Osborn said, “We are very excited that the first production Viper be auctioned at Barrett- Jackson Orange County to benefit the many families faced with pediatric cancer. We just can’t thank Mr. Gilles and his team enough.”

GALLERY: 2013 SRT Viper

As more and more automakers embrace social media marketing, Lamborghini has opted for a more intimate approach, inviting select clientele to attend a special New York City preview event to gain feedback for a potential third model for the Lamborghini line-up.

Lamborghini should, however, know that technology always prevails with details of the private affair having leaked on the internet.

A couple guests blabbered news of a cherry red Lamborghini SUV concept that will make its way to a Beijing premiere at the Auto China later in the month. Armed with a personal blog, one Lamborghini guest, Ed Bolian, revealed that the new Rambo Lambo features a silhouette similar to the BMW X6 and an overall size similar to the Audi Q7, all but confirming previous reports that the Lamborghini SUV will use a modified VW Group PL71 SUV platform that’s also used for the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg.

Even though an SUV body style is naturally higher off the ground, Lamborghini’s carbon fiber body kit brought out a more muscular and couple-like profile to make the stance of the Lamborghini SUV seem lower and more planted. Bolian also described the front fascia as Estoque-like, while also featuring a full LED headlight arrangement. The rear of the SUV is emphasized by a boldly designed trapezoidal quad-exhaust, integrated to the rear diffuser. Wheels on the SUV are 24-inches in diameter and incorporate carbon fiber blades similar to that of the Aventador J. A dramatic statement for a concept vehicle, the carbon fiber blades are unlikely to carry over into production.

Inside, carbon fiber trim is generously applied throughout the cabin, lending an appearance similar to the interior of the Lamborghini Sesto Elemento. What’s more, a high center console extends to the rear passengers to provide a more coupe-like seating arrangement.

Lamborghini has yet to reveal any details regarding the production powertrain but previous reports have suggested a Gallardo-sourced 5.2-liter V10 engine, producing 585-hp.

Whether the concept is the real deal or just a styling exercise, we’re excited to share more information on Lamborghini’s concept SUV as we draw closer to Beijing’s Auto China show.

GALLERY: Lamborghini SUV

[Source: World Car Fans]

The most highly anticipated reveal of the 2012 NY Auto Show did not disappoint. Sure it’s has a remarkably similar 8.4-liter V10 engine with 640 hp and 600 lb-ft of torque, but that’s hardly something to complain about.

The rest of the all-new Viper is wildly new, however, with some rather Ferrari-inspired styling (the red paint doesn’t hurt), as well as premium interior components. The car also weighs 100 lbs less thanks to carbon fiber hood, roof and trunk, not to mention carbon fiber racing seats.

GALLERY: 2013 SRT Viper

To learn more about the new SRT Viper and to get a closer look watch the video below:

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With the advent of hybrids and electric vehicles, many skeptics thought the age of high-performance sports car would die out. Reality couldn’t be any more different, as America has more than 70 cars on sale today that make 500-hp or more.

The number of vehicles pushing out 500-hp or more has nearly doubled in the last five years. What is more remarkable is more than a decade ago, there were just two vehicles in the club: the Ferrari 575M and the Lamborghini Murcielago. Now Ferrari alone has four models pushing out over 500-hp.

The ability to pump out so much horsepower has been aided by the leaps and bounds that engineering and technology has made over the last decade. Automakers are now able to equip their vehicles with smaller, more fuel efficient engines, which thanks to forced induction, can reliably crank out plenty of peak horsepower.

[Source: Autoweek]

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Legendary automobiles are hard to come by these days. A horsepower war engulfs the auto industry, robbing supercars of staying power, but 50 years ago — and still today, Carroll Shelby’s name and legacy remain self-distinguished.

A talented amateur, Shelby was quickly scouted to become a driver for Cad-Allard, Aston Martin, and Maserati during the 1950s. In 1953, Shelby set 16 U.S. and international speed records, exceeding 160 mph across the Bonneville Salt Flats in an Austin-Healey 100S . Then, Shelby set another record in 1956 at the Mount Washington Hillclimb Auto Race, breaking the time-trial record with a 10:21.8 seconds run in a specialized Ferrari roadster.

Racing in Formula 1 from 1958 to 1959, Shelby participated in eight World Championship races, for Maserati in his first year, then Aston Martin in his second. Finally, Carroll Shelby and teammate racing driver Roy Slavadori earn the coveted win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959 behind the wheels of an Aston Martin.

Despite his talent and success in racing, many of us remember Carroll for what he did after he retired from racing. First revealed at the 1962 New York Auto Show, Carroll Shelby introduced a new “hybrid” sports car that possessed a body from the British AC Cars and an American Ford V8 engine. A game-changer at the time, the Shelby Cobra has now become an icon in automotive history.

While many Cobra fans would believe that the AC Ace chassis and the Ford V8 were necessary ingredients for the perfect Cobra sports car recipe, neither AC Cars nor Ford were Shelby’s first-choice for suppliers. It wasn’t until another British marque, Austin Healey, declined Shelby that he turned to AC. What’s more, Chevrolet quickly refused to supply Shelby with its small block V8, fearing the action would effectively help a man build a car that will compete against its own Corvette sports car.

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Almost a decade ago a small exotic car show in St. Petersburg, FL held its inaugural event, and nine years later the Festivals of Speed has ballooned into a celebration of go-fast goodies.

The main attraction is easily the supercars, and there was no shortage of rare, high-price hardware, including the Koenigsegg CCXR (above). Other highlights for the exotic car enthusiast include a Lamborghini Aventador, a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder Performante, a Spyker, several McLaren MP4-12Cs, a Ferrari FF, a Porsche GT3 RS 4.0 and a long list of other Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins and more.

Get a load of all the exotics in our extensive gallery below.

GALLERY: Exotic Cars

The i8 plug-in hybrid is the product of BMW‘s best engineering and innovation in an effort to create the most advanced automobile to ever come from the Bavarian automaker.

Motivated by a 170-hp electric motor driving the front wheels and a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine producing 223-hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque at the rear, the performance figures don’t sound exactly supercar territory. However, thanks to a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, BMW managed to keep its i8 down to a thin 3,197 lbs., good enough to earn respectable performance numbers like a 0-to-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds. A unique all-wheel drive system, which can change into an all-front or all-rear powered car in an instant, should provide the i8 with superior all-condition handling performance as well. What’s more, on a full charge, the BMW i8 can travel 20 miles in full electric mode.

But BMW isn’t going to stop there. In an effort to make the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car even more appealing, a convertible “Spyder” version is also in the works, with a selection of photos having been released ahead of the cars debut at the New York Auto Show next week. Could this be the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric convertible to go into production?

GALLERY: BMW i8 Spyder

To the person (or persons) holding the golden ticket to the $640 million Megamillions Lottery jackpot: here’s a way for you to spend the money.

Last month, a special Ferrari 250 GTO sold for a record $31.8 million US dollars, making it the most valuable Ferrari in the world. Now, imagine a parade full of valuable classic Ferrari GTOs traveling at speed in two lane back roads.

The following video beautifully captures the sights and sounds as a convoy of fire breathing Italian red heads travel along to the annual Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. What’s more, feast your eyes on other rare metals present at the venue as well.

Enjoy the video below: Continue Reading…

The 9th annual St. Petersburg Festivals of Speed kicked off last night across the bay in Tampa with an extravagant display of jets, boats, luxury goods and, of course, exotic cars.

As promised the list of hardware on display was outrageous, and included a Porsche GT2 RS, a Koenigsegg CCXR, a matte-white Ferrari FF, a matte-blue Maserati GranTurismo, a Lamborghini Aventador, McLaren MP4-12C and the requisite Bugatti Veyron. We even spied a modified Fisker Karma on 22-inch wheels. And of course there were numerous classics, custom bikes and even an open wheel race car.

Look for full coverage from the main event at the St. Petersburg waterfront on Sunday.

GALLERY: Festivals of Speed

Ken Adams is a cancer survivor in Austin, Texas, but while he was undergoing treatment he realized how difficult it was for other patients to rely on friends, family, or even public transportation to get to the hospital for their treatments.

So once he was well enough, Adams arranged an organization called Your Ride is Here to help get cancer patients to their treatment appointments in style. By assembling a network of volunteers, Adams is getting patients a ride to the hospital in luxury and exotic vehicles ranging from an Aston Martin Rapide to a Ferrari Enzo.

Adams knows first hand that the chance at smiling can mean the world to someone battling cancer. It also brings a smile to our face to know that there are so many luxury and exotic owners out there that are willing to share their prized possessions in a charitable way.

Watch a video about the awesome organization after the break.

[Source: Autoblog]

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The engineering wizards of Nissan continue to massage more power and performance into their halo GT-R.

As a MY 2013, Nissan has just released its right-hand-drive Nissan GT-R Track Pack for the Japan, UK, Australia and South Africa markets this month. While initial reports suggested that the Track Pack is intended as a right-hand-drive exclusive, Nissan has announced that the hard-core package will be available in left-handed markets as well.

Despite being available in right-hand-drive markets right now, the dates for the other markets are unknown at this point. However, a source suggests left-hand-drive production begins in May. Unfortunately, the Russian, Ukraine and US market are omitted from the initial offerings, but as a hollow triumph, we’re relieved to know it’s not out of the question.

The Track Pack was designed for drivers that want a more authentic experience on a racetrack. Offering a harder edge while remaining road legal, the Track Pack horsepower rating will remain the same as Nissan is not concerned with the GT-R’s power, but more focused on its delivery. the Track Pack sports new cooling vents, front and rear, to increase the airflow over the brakes, dropping the temperature by as much as 100 degrees when driven hard.

Suspension has also been worked on, as different spring rates optimize track stability. Finally, performance Recaro front seats help keep the driver snug while the rear seats are removed for weight. Another weight saving measure, the Nissan GT-R Track Pack gets signature lightweight six-spoke RAYS alloy wheels with a black gloss finish as well.

A limited production model, look for the Track Pack emblem on the center console.

GALLERY: Nissan GT-R Track Pack

[Source: CarScoop]

From the Porsche European Delivery Program to the Master Italian Lifestyle Maserati Driving Experience, European automakers go the extra mile to make customers feel special.

BMW enjoys sharing its enthusiasm for automobiles also but best of all, you don’t even have to own a Bimmer to experience its passion.

Its headquarters feature a unique principal visitors center called “BMW Welt” (German for “world”), a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility that has attracted 2 million visitors annually since opening in 2007. As the term “multi-functional” suggests, BMW Welt is made up of the BMW Museum as well as the BMW Munich Plant, effectively bridging the company, the brand and its products to visitors fans. In fact, the company believes that BMW Welt effectively allows people to experience the company’s past, present and future as a whole.

Inside, BMW Welt is an event center equipped with state-of the-art technology for concerts, conferences, broadcasts, more. BMW’s Junior Campus allows the younger guests to explore the automotive world creatively. It’s also a delivery area where more than 100 customers receive their cars each day.

Located beside the BMW Group Headquarters, the concept behind the museum is arranged in linear fashion as 120 exhibits through 25 exhibition areas snake across the complex, guiding visitors through more than 90 years of brand history. Among those exhibits there are historic cars, motorcycles, racing and aircraft engines and hints at future designs.

The BMW Munich Plant is the original plant of the Bavarian automaker. Building thousands of vehicles a day thanks to a workforce of approximately 9,000 people, the BMW Welt experience provides visitors with insight thanks to a “window into the world of BMW production.” Individual tours are available as well.

Car enthusiasts who are planning on taking a trip to Europe in the near future may visit the BMW Welt website to learn more.

GALLERY: BMW Welt

Maserati is the latest to offer an exclusive driving experience program, a growing trend among sport luxury automakers.

Brand aficionados have a choice of three distinct driving packages. First on the calendar is the Master GT two-Day Experience, held from April 23 through 24. The package includes a two-day circuit driving experience to teach racing techniques, telemetry and driving exercises on slippery, low-grip surfaces. The Master Maserati Courses are serviced by top class staff members, while professional driving instructors guide the driving portion.

Available circuits include the Autodromo Riccardo Paletti in Varano de’ Melegari,  an ideal track to develop driving skills because of its technical and diverse corners.

The second event is the Master GT 1-day Experience on May 14. Also a day of circuit driving, participants will learn to drift and control oversteer.

The final event is the Master Italian Lifestyle Experience, held from May 29 through 30. This five-star two-day package provides customers with the best that Italy has to offer. The package includes a day on the circuit as well as the Tuscan countryside, combined with a special sightseeing tour of Florence, the epicenter of the Italian Renaissance. The tour will also include special visits to Italian artisans’ boutiques.

According to Maserati, the Master Italian Lifestyle Experience is a one of a kind event, blending together all the most representative elements of Italian art, fashion, luxury, bespoke craftsmanship, and racing pedigree and performance.

As expected, an Italian getaway isn’t cheap. The Master GT 2-day package costs €3,359, or €3,680 including accommodations. A companion may join the driver for an extra €350, or €544 including accommodations. The Master GT 1-day is a more affordable €1,990, or €2,140 including accommodations. Adding a companion is a €250 premium or €400 including accommodations. Finally, the Master Italian Lifestyle Experience is the most expensive package, starting at a €4,890, accommodations included. The companion can come along for an extra €1,250.

While the price of entry is high, the resources and accommodations promise to be top-notch. Those interested in the three driving packages can visit the official website.

GALLERY: Master Maserati Driving Experience

It’s too bad that even though David Beckham could make enough money to purchase a fine collection of luxury and sports cars, he could never find the time to enjoy them.

Feeling a bit disappointed that his collection sits around in the UK collecting dust, Beckham’s loss can be someone’s gain as the 36 year old star soccer player (or is it football?) for the LA Galaxy has decided to sell his two Bentleys, a BMW 645i Convertible, a Land Rover Range Rover Sport, and Lamborghini Gallardo. Beckham may also sell his three Harley Davidson motorcycles.

“David’s collection is amazing and each of these vehicles is worth a fortune,” says a friend of David Beckham. “They are hardly used and are kept in prize condition — but David sees little point in them just mothballing in the UK and it’s not practical to ship them to America.”

Beckham’s pal adds, “Their value easily exceeds half a million but their real worth will be the association with Becks.”

David Beckham has sold several cars in the past including a BMW M3 that he bought in 1997 for 44,000 pounds. Beckham sold his BMW M3 in 2005 for £90,000.

GALLERY: David Beckham’s Cars

[Source: The Sun]

Office-K, a high-end aftermarket automotive store in Tokyo, Japan, organized an incredible Rolls-Royce meet along a swanky cobblestone street in the heart of Tokyo for its owners to celebrate their favorite luxury marque. A nod to Middle Eastern extravagance, Office K’s event was named “Dubai Street, Phantom Party.”

From standard Phantoms, to Extended Wheelbase models, Coupes, and Drophead Coupes, the wide ranging variety of custom tuned Rolls-Royce cars on display is surely a rare sight to behold. Check out the videos from the event below. Continue Reading…