Autos

South African custom motorcycle shop FabMan Creations has unveiled a striking resto-mod dubbed the “Storm,” based on BMW’s R nineT motorcycle, a classic roadster built to be as open to customization as possible. Due to the modular nature of the bike, the R9T has received countless makeovers over the years, so delivering a novel take on the two-wheeler presented a unique undertaking for Wayne Buys of FabMan Creations. Taking inspiration from the aerodynamic forms of WW2-era fighter jets, FMC crafts a sleek curved aluminum body kit that involved hammering aluminum sheeting by hand to exact specifications over the build period of 8 months. The panels are secured by small Allen head fasteners that resembled the riveted body of ’40s aircraft and exteriors are finished in...

When it comes to tuning cars Brabus is undoubtedly one of the best, and its take on the Porsche Taycan Turbo S is absolutely no exception. While no power modifications have been made to the electric car — because it already produces 751 HP, 774 lb-ft of torque, and can hit 62 MPH in 2.8 seconds alongside reaching a 162 MPH top speed — Brabus has performed a lot of aerodynamic trickery to make the Taycan Turbo S look even more aggressive. By employing state-of-the-art 3D scanning and CAD technology, Brabus has given the car a mid-life facelift of sorts. At the front, a new carbon front spoiler with flaps on both ends makes the view even more dynamic while reducing front-axle lift at high speeds, and tailor-made trim for the side openings in the front fascia optimizes the supply ...

Rally driver Ken Block is ready to take on Pikes Peak with a new one-of-a-kind machine. His latest build combines the efforts of BBi Autosport and Porsche‘s high performance for one of the most impressive hill climb racers ever seen. Alongside Hoonigan Racing Division and Block, BBi began designing the automotive by taking a 964-generation Porsche 911 and adding some serious hardware to the car. The project, titled “Hoonipigasus,” gives the original vehicle an upgraded performance with a 1,400 hp mid-engine and a 4.0-liter twin-turbo flat-six placed ahead of the rear axle and driving all four wheels. The suspension automatically adjusts itself based on real-time GPS data gathered from the 2021 hill climb. In total, the car weighs over 2,200 lbs, claiming the title of the ...

In commemoration of the brand’s 50th Anniversary, Porsche Design has unveiled a capsule collection of high-quality lifestyle pieces, including the anticipated relaunch of limited-edition timepieces “Chronograph 1 – 1972 Limited Edition” and “Chronograph 1 – 911 Edition 50Y Porsche Design.” The two new models of the iconic watch were released alongside a one-of-a-kind restored “1972 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa Classic,” and the new “911 Edition 50 Years Porsche Design” that is limited to only 750 vehicles worldwide. The Porsche 911 designer Ferdinand Alexander Porsche founded Porsche Design in continuation of the label’s meritorious design and legacy, entering the commercial space in 1972 with its first bespoke timepiece, the Chronogra...

Tesla is officially taking reservations for its Semi Truck. According to CNET, the electric big rig will require a $20,000 USD deposit with at least $15,000 USD needed for the wire transfer in order for fans to secure their reservation. The much-delayed Semi still has an expected production timeline scheduled for 2023, with no signs of any adjustments. The Semi Truck was first introduced in 2017 as the new alternative for conventional trucking. Tesla’s mega truck would have a maximum 500-mile range as well as a fast “Megacharger” that would top up with a 20 second 0-60 mph time with a loaded weight of 80,000 lbs. While it is expected to be a more viable and environmentally friendly option for companies that require trucks, the cost is still expected to start at $150,000 U...

With its imminent release this summer, Nissan has finally revealed the pricing for its 2023 Nissan Z for the U.S. market. The latest iteration of the iconic sports car will be available in three trims this time round. The base Sport model will begin at $41,015 USD and both the manual and automatic versions will be priced the same. Since it’s the lowest tier of the three, you’ll only be able to choose what exterior paint finish and interior color you’d like, but Nissan will also let you purchase accessories for the car separately. In the middle tier is the Performance trim, which is now the main upgrade option for those looking for something even sportier. At a starting price of $51,015 USD, the bumped-up package will include a whole series of performance enhancements, inc...

The latest Behind the HYPE episode explores the history and lasting appeal of the Land Rover Defender, from its early manufacturing start in the late 1940s after World Ward 2 all the way through the model’s luxury status symbol today. The Land Rover Defender is no doubt one of the most sought-after all-terrain vehicles amongst thrill ride seekers and luxury car fans alike. Big celebrity names such as Justin Bieber and Idris Elba are renowned for getting snapped by paparazzi driving their Defenders. It’s no secret that this SUV icon has serious car culture clout, too. For one, big fashion brands like Ralph Lauren and Louis Vuitton have utilized the ride in some of their stylized fashion shoots and ad campaigns. Appearances alongside these house-hold clothing brands have solidifi...

The German tuning company MANHART is steering away from customizing BMW and Porsche models more than ever, as it follows on from its Range Rover vision with another new offering, delivering its take on the new Land Rover Defender. Land Rover‘s Defender is a fan favorite, and this new version is no exception — check out HYPEBEAST’s Open Road review if you need reminding. As for where MANHART comes in, it takes the Defender 110, aka the five-door body example, and gives it a custom look fit for off-roading. More specifically, MANHART positions its DP 450 for “sand dunes or off-road trails,” equipping the SUV with its custom wheels and tire set, a lightbar on the top of the cabin, and optional extras such as a ladder, roof rack, front bull bar and multi-purpose w...

Ferrari enthusiasts will be excited to learn that a 1971 Ferrari 365 GTC/4 is now up for auction over on Collecting Cars. With 49,295 miles under its belt, the rare grand tourer was originally ordered through the U.K.’s Maranello Concessionaires and is the only unit delivered to Britain to be finished in Rosso Sir Ivor, a vibrant red shade named by Pininfarina after a champion thoroughbred racehorse at the time. The car’s first owner was Charles Ronald Driver, father of Hollywood actress Minnie Driver, and though it was sent to England, the car was specified in left-hand drive as it was intended to be driven in Switzerland. Over the years, it’d make its way through various owners including prolific Ferrari collector and racer Pierre Mellinger as well as Brentford FC’...

In celebration of AMG‘s 55th anniversary, Mercedes-AMG has now created a limited-edition 2023 CLA 45. Dubbed the 2023 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 Edition 55, the new vehicle pays tribute to the automaker’s 55th birthday by being limited to just 55 units made for the U.S. market. The car itself is mechanically identical to the standard edition, meaning its turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will generate 382 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque pushed through all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and shift paddles. 0-60mph comes in at just four seconds. Performance aside, however, the special CLA 45 does receive a range of other aesthetic and functional upgrades. The exterior now comes in Cosmos Black Metallic paint paired with AMG-themed decals and 19-in...

If you want to serve Miami Vice, Magnum PI, or Jordan Belfort’s Wolf of Wall Street energy, you’re going to need a Ferrari from the ’80s. Luckily, Classic Driver has one very special example currently for sale in the form of this 1981 Ferrari 512 BBI “Koenig Specials.” As the name implies, this is no standard 512 BBI. Instead, Willy König and his team took the already impressive Italian supercar and gave it the “Koenig Specials” flair, and today this eighties-tastic machine stands as one highly-coveted car. Served up in the marque’s signature shade of “Rosso Corsa” over a period-correct beige leather interior, the Ferrari is said to be one of around 50 examples and features plenty of modifications. Starting with the engine, power ...

Rolls-Royce has enhanced its Phantom Series II for 2023. After five years on the market, the iconic eighth-generation model has been given a subtle makeover. While nothing has been changed when it comes to the mechanics of the luxury car, the Phantom now boasts more modern headlights and an updated Pantheon grille that has a silver line running across the top of its strakes. The grille is also illuminated, giving the car an assertive glow. On the hood, the winged Spirit of Ecstasy mascot has been made more prominent, and buyers can now opt to go for a darker finish, by adding black trim to the grille, bezel, windshield and side glass finisher. There are also new wheel options: one with a milled stainless steel finish, and the other, a 1920s-inspired disc wheel. View this post on Instagram ...