A wealthy American owner spent nearly $2 million transforming a Ferrari 412 into a modern, powerful, and luxurious vehicle featuring a 6.5-liter V12 from an 812 Superfast, a six-speed manual transmission, and a bespoke interior with Mongolian Cashmere, making it possibly the most valuable and powerful 412 in existence.
Dubai-based tuner Venuum has released a limited-run widebody kit for the Rolls-Royce Dawn, transforming it into a highly conspicuous vehicle with dramatic body modifications, a unique front grille, and a bold orange and white interior, with only 25 units available.
A highly customized 2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom Mansory is listed at $819,980, showcasing extreme luxury and bespoke modifications, but its exorbitant price raises questions about its value and target market.
Aston Martin has unveiled the DB12 S, a more powerful and aggressive version of the DB12, featuring a 690-horsepower twin-turbo V8, enhanced suspension, brakes, and aerodynamic upgrades, promising a sharper and more visceral driving experience, with pricing expected to be higher than the standard model starting at $350,000.
Shedeur Sanders, a fifth-round NFL draft pick for the Cleveland Browns, made headlines by purchasing a custom Rolls-Royce Phantom before training camp, highlighting his rising profile and potential for lucrative sponsorships despite being a rookie. The luxury car signifies his confidence and status, and he is already attracting attention both on and off the field.
The Genesis G70, a modern sports sedan, is available on the used market for prices comparable to a Toyota Corolla, offering a compelling option for those seeking an enjoyable driving experience without breaking the bank. With its impressive driving dynamics, choice of turbocharged engines, and near-luxury features, the G70 presents a strong value proposition, especially considering its significant depreciation. Pre-facelift models can be found for as low as $20,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers looking for a sporty and stylish sedan.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 S Edition 1, limited to 25 units, boasts a striking appearance with orange trim, AMG lettering, and exclusive features. Priced at $82,435, it includes the AMG Aerodynamics Package, AMG Night Package Plus, and the powerful 416-hp turbocharged engine. The interior features orange accents, special lighting, and performance seats. While the standard CLA45 S is around $70,000, the Edition 1 offers exclusivity and performance, making it a desirable choice for luxury car enthusiasts.
"Real Housewives of Potomac" star Karen Huger, 60, was involved in a high-speed DUI crash that totaled her luxury 2017 Maserati in Potomac. Photos obtained by TMZ show the extensive damage caused as she swerved off the road, striking a median, crosswalk sign, and a tree, leaving tire marks on the grass and taking a chunk of bark from the tree. Huger faces charges of driving under the influence and driving while impaired by alcohol, along with six traffic violations. She reportedly refused a breathalyzer test and claimed her emotions were running high prior to the crash.
The author purchased a $2,000 Volkswagen Phaeton, the second one they've owned, despite the first being a disaster. The car, with 253,000 miles, has various issues including a smoking engine, oil leak, and faulty speakers, but still impresses with its performance and comfort. The Phaeton, a product of Ferdinand Piëch's era at Volkswagen, is known for its over-engineering and luxurious features, making it a unique and intriguing purchase despite its problems.
The 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe, returning to the US market after a year, starts at $136,050 for the GT55 and $177,050 for the GT63, both powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 and featuring a 2+2 seating configuration with standard all-wheel drive. The new GT is positioned as more of a GT car than a hardcore sports car, with its primary rival being the Porsche 911, and is set to arrive at US dealers this spring.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took his first ride in a luxury car gifted to him by Russian President Vladimir Putin, showcasing the deepening relationship between the two countries. The high-end Aurus Senat limousine, a symbol of the growing ties between Pyongyang and Moscow, was used by Kim for the first time, drawing attention to the close DPRK-Russia friendship. The luxury car, a violation of UN sanctions according to South Korea, adds to the increasing closeness between North Korea and Russia amid concerns about North Korea's weapons programs and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The 2020 Porsche Taycan 4S, originally priced at six figures, is now being sold for around $64,000 due to depreciation, making it a more attractive option for potential buyers. With only 3040 miles on the clock and a clean title, this electric sport saloon boasts an 800-volt architecture for quick charging and dual motors producing over 520 horsepower. Despite the lack of detailed information in the ad, the significant price drop raises the question of whether this is a good deal for a luxury electric vehicle.
Chinese EV giant BYD is introducing a $233,000 electric "supercar" under its luxury brand Yangwang, despite the trend of other companies offering cheaper EVs. The move is seen as a marketing strategy to establish a high-end image before entering the U.S. market, where entering at the low end can be challenging. BYD's global expansion plans include manufacturing plants in Hungary and Mexico, with analysts predicting its penetration into the European and U.S. markets, potentially impacting foreign OEMs more than domestic players.
Chinese automaker BYD, backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, has unveiled a high-end electric sports car, the Yangwang U9, priced at $233,450, designed to rival luxury brands like Ferrari and Lamborghini. At the same time, BYD also introduced a lower-priced version of its popular Dolphin hatchback, starting at $13,865. The company's versatility in producing both ultra-affordable and luxury vehicles has positioned it as a formidable competitor in the electric vehicle market, prompting Elon Musk to acknowledge their competitiveness. Despite facing challenges in a saturated market and international expansion, BYD's success has been attributed to its founder and chairman Wang Chuanfu's engineering and production talents.
US officials mock Russian President Putin's gift of a luxury car to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, accusing Russia of violating UN resolutions. The gift, an Aurus sedan, has sparked jokes and criticism, with US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressing surprise at the existence of a Russian luxury car and quipping about the extended warranty. The gift has raised concerns about Russia's violation of UN sanctions on luxury goods to North Korea, as the two countries have been strengthening ties amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.