Luxury automaker Aston Martin and famed French Champagne house Bollinger have forged a prestigious global partnership, the two brands announced. The upscale union brings together two icons of the luxury market known for their enduring heritage, impeccable craftsmanship, and pursuit of excellence–as well as joining James Bond’s preferred automobile and the superspy’s favorite Champagne under one experiential umbrella.

Champagne Bollinger was named the Official Champagne Partner of Aston Martin, which in turn becomes Bollinger’s Official Automotive Partner. “This partnership is a natural alignment of two iconic brands,” said Charles-Armand de Belenet, Managing Director of Champagne Bollinger. “We are proud to see Champagne Bollinger become part of Aston Martin’s most exceptional moments around the world.”

Founded in 1913, Aston Martin is a symbol of British performance and handcrafted excellence. The marque’s century-long history of creating celebrated sports cars, which combine cutting-edge engineering with timeless design, mirrors the values held by the 196-year-old Champagne house. Since its founding in 1829, family-owned Bollinger has maintained a distinctive balance between heritage and forward-thinking excellence, even holding a continuous Royal Warrant from the British Royal Household since 1884.

Stefano Saporetti, Director of Brand Diversification at Aston Martin, said the partnership exemplifies the automaker’s spirit of creating “unforgettable experiences that blend performance, craftsmanship, and artistry.”

As part of the agreement, Champagne Bollinger will be present at key Aston Martin VIP events and customer gatherings globally, from exclusive launches to intimate unveilings. The strategic partnership aims to reinforce both brand’s commitment to elevating lifestyle experiences for discerning global audiences. Stay tuned to see what the collaboration has in store for fans of both brands.

Another year, another fabulous Monterey Car Week in the books. As usual, the 10-day automotive circus of the most valuable, exclusive and rarest vehicles on Earth did not disappoint, highlighting a treasure chest of pre-war vintage unicorns, seven-figure hypercars, futuristic concepts, and track day super weapons. Taking the weekend’s top prize was Lee and Penny Anderson’s 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo, which claimed the highly coveted “Best of Show” at the 2025 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.  

For the Andersons—renowned collectors, philanthropists, and patrons of timeless design—the win reflects their lifelong dedication to excellence, heritage, and artistry. “This Hispano-Suiza ticks every possible box,” Concours d’Elegance chairman Sandra Button said of her winner. “The underpinnings are technically advanced. The body is meticulously hand-crafted, light, and lovely. It was, notably, commissioned by aperitif scion André Dubonnet, and he raced it in both the Targa Florio and the Coppa Florio.”

While Sunday’s famed Concours d’Elegance on the grounds of the Pebble Beach golf course is the most famous of the week’s events, Friday’s The Quail, a Motorsport Gathering in Monterey has quickly grown into the event to attend, as many of the greatest marques unveil their latest masterpieces there—such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, Hennessey, Lexus and more. Once again, Maxim contributing photographer Robert Kerian hit the lawn of The Quail’s 22nd edition to capture these automotive gems. As the exceptional lensman that shot spectacular images of the Bugatti Tourbillon for Maxim, we knew we could trust Kerian to get only the best. 

Bugatti Brouillard

A mesmerizing one-of-one hypercar, the Bugatti Brouillard is the inaugural creation of Bugatti’s ultra-exclusive Programme Solitaire, named after Ettore Bugatti’s favorite horse. Beneath its bespoke coupe body lies the celebrated W16 quad-turbo engine, delivering around 1,600 horsepower, while its cabin dazzles with tartan fabrics, green-tinted carbon accents, embroidered horse motifs, and a miniature horse sculpture embedded in the gear lever. Owned by an anonymous passionate collector.

1996 Ferrari F50 GT1

Art Zafiropoulo’s 1996 Ferrari F50 GT1—a single factory-built prototype with a 750-hp V12, carbon-fiber monocoque, and race-grade aerodynamics—won Best of Show at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. Its striking raw-carbon body, black Speedline wheels, and pure racing pedigree earned it induction into the Rolex Circle of Champions, i.e. Monterey Car Week’s Best of Show winners. Zafiropoulo received a specially engraved Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36—underscoring the car’s significance as one of Maranello’s rarest, most extreme creations.

Lamborghini Fenomeno

A thunderous hybrid masterpiece, the Lamborghini Fenomeno is one of just 29 ever built. Its naturally aspirated V12 and triple-electric-motor system conjure just under 1,080 hp that rocket the exotic to 62 mph in a staggering 2.4 seconds on the way to a top speed beyond 217 mph. With ultra-exclusive production and jaw-dropping presence, this “phenomenon” lives up to its name, captivating collectors and redefining Lamborghini’s V12 legacy.

Hennessey Venom F5 LF

Hennessey unveiled the one-off Venom F5 Revolution LF, a bespoke hypercar commissioned by American entrepreneurial collector Louis Florey. Cloaked in Cocoa Brown–tinted carbon fiber with River Sand Metallic accents, the American underdog we’ve covered extensively packs an astonishing 2,031-hp twin-turbo V8 paired with a gated six-speed manual into his new tire shredder. Built on a new Evolution-enhanced carbon monocoque, its analog cockpit—with horology-grade switches and a bolt-action parking lever—epitomizes visceral craftsmanship and driving purity.

Gunther Werks Project F-26

A ferocious reinterpretation of Porsche’s Slantnose legacy, the Gunther Werks Project F-26 stunned onlookers at The Quail in August 2025. Only 26 bespoke examples will be built, each packing a Rothsport-Racing-tuned, air-cooled twin-turbo 4.0-liter flat-six delivering 1,000 hp and 750 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed manual. Anchored by carbon fiber bodywork, adaptive dampers, and fighter-jet styling cues, it balances raw analog engagement with aggressive performance—cementing its status as the modern analog poster child.

Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM

A breathtaking custom commission, the Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM premiered at The Quail during Monterey Car Week 2025. This homage to the 1995 Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR features new carbon-fiber bodywork with a roof-mounted intake, split rear wing, and central driving position. Powered by a naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V12 with a 12,100 rpm redline that sends over 690 hp through a six-speed manual, all five units are commissioned by a single private client, with deliveries beginning in 2026.

Pagani Zonda Arrivederci

An emotional farewell to a legendary lineage: the aptly named Pagani Zonda Arrivederci—chassis No. 140 and the final factory-built Zonda—made its poignant Monterey debut at The Quail in August 2024. Commissioned by U.S. collector Kris Singh, this one-off features exposed silver carbon fiber bodywork with red and blue racing stripes, candy-red leather interior, and bespoke six-spoke wheels. A fitting swan song that embodies the artistry and engineering soul of the Zonda era.

SSC Tuatara Striker

The SSC Tuatara Striker made a striking track-ready statement. This high-downforce variant of the Tuatara, delivered by HK Motorcars, features a twin-turbo V8—which can crank out up to 1,750 hp on E85—mated to a robotized seven-speed manual. Aggressive aerodynamic enhancements generate roughly 1,100 pounds of downforce at 160 mph, blending ferocious performance with sculptural precision. It commands attention with fighter-jet poise that redefines hypercar track craft.

1966 Porsche 906 Spider Vasek Polak racer

A restored jewel of 1960s motorsport, the 1966 Porsche 906 Spyder (chassis No. 906-136) graced The Quail in 2025. Once transformed into a stripped-down Spyder by small-weight wizard Alwin Springer for Vasek Polak’s team, it dominated the SCCA BSR class in 1970 with invention and speed. Painstakingly returned to that racing form, it carries Polak’s original livery alongside a magnesium-cased engine and Bosch slide-valve injection, embodying both heritage and ingenuity.

Lexus Sport Concept

Lexus’s engimatic Sport Concept is a sleek, emotionally charged two-door coupe that reimagines the brand’s future sports car aesthetic. With wide hips, a low-slung roof, and an active rear wing, it channels a potent blend of emotional design and performance cues. Lexus remains tight-lipped on technical specs, though whispers suggest a front-engine layout—perhaps a twin-turbo V8 with a rear transaxle—that hints at serious track capability.

See More Standout Cars From The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering:

Follow our Deputy Editor on Instagram at @nickstecher  and @boozeoftheday, and photographer Robert Kerian at @robertkerian.

Luxury watchmaker Girard-Perregaux and British automaker Aston Martin have once again joined forces for the all-new Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition. The timepiece represents a continued collaboration between two brands celebrated for their shared aesthetic philosophy of elegance, sportiness, and stylish design.

The Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition features an octagonal bezel and integrated bracelet, a nod to the look of the original Laureato watch from 1975. But the Swiss manufacturer has opted for a high-performance ceramic for this new and improved collector’s release.

Seven times harder than steel, ceramic is highly scratch-resistant, lightweight, and hypoallergenic, making it both durable and comfortable for watch wearers. The case and bracelet showcase a combination of polished and satin finishes, further reflecting the Laureato tradition while embracing a more modern, technical vibe.

The watch’s skeletonized hands and suspended indexes are finished in a vibrant green coating, reminiscent of Aston Martin’s signature Racing Green colorway. This coating provides a luminous green emission in low-light conditions, ensuring readability while maximizing the transparency of the watch’s inner workings, including a skeletonized seconds hand that’s discreetly positioned at 10 o’clock.

At the beating heart of the timepiece is the in-house GP01800 caliber, a testament to over 230 years of watchmaking expertise. Unlike traditional closed-dial watches, the skeletonized model offers a captivating glimpse of the intricate mechanical ballet within. Through its sapphire crystal and caseback, which is adorned with a metallized Aston Martin logo, the wearer can admire components typically hidden from sight, such as the mainspring and the hairspring.

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The GP01800 caliber features 55 hand-crafted internal angles. The black PVD-treated mainplate and bridges are adorned with four refined finishing techniques: beveling, sandblasting, traits-tirés, and circular satin, all crafted by hand. A skeletonized solid gold rotor, echoing the Aston Martin Racing Green-inspired shade of the hands, allows light to flood the openworked caliber. The movement is equipped with a variable inertia balance for enhanced shock resistance and precision and boasts a 54-hour power reserve.

“Aston Martin and Girard-Perregaux are instantly recognizable in their respective universes,” said Marc Michel-Amadry, managing director of Girard-Perregaux, in a statement announcing the watch. “What makes both brands so unique is their pure elegance, sportiness, and design codes that remain consistent over time.”

The Laureato Skeleton Aston Martin Edition is a limited-edition collector’s piece, with only 88 examples available. The watch is priced at $54,300 and is now available worldwide at all Girard-Perregaux retailers.

No one’s ever accused Aston Martin of cutting the bleeding edge of technology onto the automotive landscape. At least not in modern times, anyway. Quite the opposite actually—Aston’s infotainment systems have long been the punchline of auto journos everywhere for what not to do in UIX (Sorry guys, we still love you.) In fact much of the charm of the luxury British automaker sprung from its weird idiosyncrasies, technological foibles and just plain head-scratching luddite tendencies. Like remember when they hilariously put the emergency brake lever on the driver’s lefthand side? Good times, Aston! Which makes the fact that the most important tech company in the world, Apple, decided to guinea pig its hyper-anticipated CarPlay Ultra upgrade in the architecture of an Aston Martin all the more remarkable.

This pairing of Apple’s cutting-edge software with one of the world’s most refined performance SUVs is more than a simple tech upgrade: It’s a statement about where the future of digital driving is headed. Sleek, immersive, and deeply integrated, CarPlay Ultra is Apple’s biggest leap yet toward converting cars into rolling digital ecosystems that mirror its own.

A Bold Evolution In CarPlay Tech

CarPlay Ultra isn’t just a facelift—it’s a fundamental redesign that pushes beyond the basic mirroring of iPhone features onto a car’s display. Instead of simply projecting music apps or nav on a single screen, the new Ultra platform spans across all of a vehicle’s displays—think the instrument cluster, center infotainment screen, and even passenger-side interfaces. This means Apple’s software can now provide a unified visual and functional experience throughout the entire cockpit, built around the DBX’s central 10.25-inch Pure Black touchscreen.

One of the standout upgrades is the fully reconfigurable instrument cluster, which replaces traditional dials with Apple-designed digital gauges. You can choose from several layouts—minimalist, sporty, or data-rich—all depending on preference. Tailor colors and wallpapers, or select between Apple- or Aston Martin-branded themes. Via steering wheel controls, you can easily display Apple Maps across the dash or central display in full-screen glory—replacing physical navigation systems with a live, interactive rendering that looks downright modern. 

These aren’t just skins, either—they’re finally tied into the car’s internal systems so you don’t have to exit CarPlay to access deeper functions. Speed, RPMs, climate controls, fuel levels, battery life and even nuances like controlling the ambient lighting hues and brightness, and setting parking warning alarms are all now directly accessible through the Apple interface. CarPlay Ultra seamlessly blends hardware and software.

Visually, CarPlay Ultra also marks a generational leap. Animations are smoother, transitions are more fluid, and color gradients offer a level of polish reminiscent of Apple’s most recent macOS and iPadOS designs (Note: Your phone needs to be an iPhone 12 or younger and running iOS 18.5 or later.) Icons are sharper, fonts cleaner, and the whole interface feels purpose-built for the road without sacrificing Apple’s signature aesthetics. For a brand whose infotainment systems have always been an entire cycle behind other OEMs, seeing Aston blaze the tech trail is a happily surprising discovery. 

Why Apple Joined Forces With Aston Martin

According to the Aston execs who walked us through the briefing before our drive, Apple’s hand-picking of Aston Martin to debut CarPlay Ultra wasn’t simply a strategic alliance—it was a deliberate decision underscoring Apple’s ambition to redefine high-end digital driving. Aston Martin’s sublime hand-built vehicles, particularly the DBX, are known for their heart-swooning elegance, high-performance pedigree, and a cabin atmosphere that marries classic British GT craftsmanship with the highest tier of luxury.

“iPhone users love CarPlay and it has changed the way people interact with their vehicles. With CarPlay Ultra, together with automakers we are reimagining the in-car experience and making it even more unified and consistent,” Bob Borchers, Apple’s vice president of global marketing, explains. “The next generation of CarPlay gives drivers a smarter, safer way to use their iPhone in the car, deeply integrating with the vehicle while maintaining the very best of the automaker. We are thrilled to begin rolling out CarPlay Ultra with Aston Martin, with more manufacturers to come.”

Until recently, Aston Martin’s in-car tech was widely seen as a weak point. Outdated infotainment systems borrowed from older Mercedes platforms didn’t match the rest of the car’s polish. By adopting CarPlay Ultra all that has changed: Aston Martin quantum jumps forward in digital experience, instantly leapfrogging other luxury competitors—at least till they catch up. This is new territory for Aston. And its not just the DBX— CarPlay Ultra is now available on the DB12, Vantage and Vanquish, and can be added to any Aston with its 2023 refresh. As for Apple, they score the ideal proving ground for their latest gleaming tech: a beautiful, high-performance 700-horsepower canvas on which to paint the future of CarPlay.

Follow Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday.

Previously announced in April, the ultra-exclusive $80,000 ARC-54 and its Aston Martin Valkyrie hypercar-inspired decanter quite literally closes the arc on a luxurious meeting of the minds between the famed automaker and the iconic Scotch producer. It also ups the ante from an equally covetable Bowmore x Aston Martin 2023 Masters’ Selection release, a 22-year-old Scotch. The ARC-54 release was first laid down in November 1968 and clocks in at a very approachable 44.3 percent ABV, but good luck getting your hands on a decanter.

The duo last teamed up on an elusive 52-year Scotch in an equally thrilling decanter, one that went for a princely $75,000. As luck would have it, Bowmore and Aston Martin’s ARC-54 is equally hard to come by, but an exclusive New York City tasting at the well-appointed House of Sound unlocked its secrets for a select few journalists. The whisky is sumptuous and exceptional, with a rich and lingering finish touching on dark fruit and delicate spice and smoke. And yet, it’s also pleasantly floral, calling to mind a brisk Islay breeze.

Bowmore says its 130 limited-edition decanters bring together “the peak of luxury Scotch production and height of automotive design uniting in a feat of brilliance,” and reportedly a mere 10 editions are available in the U.S. market. The liquid within is certainly just as impressive, developed from a blend of 61.8% 2nd fill European Sherry Oak Butt liquid and 38.2% 3rd Fill American Oak Hogshead spirit that’s then aged for a further 15 months, a process that “encapsulates infinite layers of flavor,” Bowmore notes.

As to the striking decanter, it’s a work of art in its own right. Like the whisky within (billed by Bowmore as a “multi-dimensional flavor experience”) the Valkyrie is one of the rarest cars on the planet, extremely hard to find, often allocated well in advance and selling for a hefty price.

Aston Martin champions the partnership as an elegant fusion between a heralded modern automaker and a Scotch producer steeped in the ways of the past (in the best way possible). “Bowmore ARC-54 continues the cutting edge, technology-based collaboration between two exceptional brands that are steeped in heritage and tradition,” said Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer,” who added that the company employed “similar principles of materiality and fluid dynamics” in developing its exclusive decanter.

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The gravity of the moment, of bringing a 54-year-old Scotch to a fitting and sweeping conclusion, was not undertaken lightly, said Dr. Calum Fraser, Bowmore Chief Blender. “A Bowmore as exquisite and complex as this 54-year-old is a testament to the skills of our distillery team, but also the very embodiment of what can be achieved simply by slowing down, standing still and letting things unfold as they are destined to,” he said, noting that “this rare creation truly demonstrates just how Bowmore ages exceptionally over time, with unmatched precision and clarity.”

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Whiskies boasting a 54-year age statement are tough enough to come by in their own right, though the bar is continually being raised, particularly across the Scotch and Irish whiskey categories. And yet, even with a small and subtle taste, it’s clear that the swan song (for now) of the Bowmore and Aston Martin partnership carves out a remarkable place of its own.

Aston Martin Palm Beach, in a unique collaboration with the luxury performance brand’s bespoke “Q by Aston Martin” service, has commissioned a one-of-a-kind DB12 Volante, designed to fuse Aston Martin’s renowned British craftsmanship with the distinctively upscale aesthetic of Palm Beach. This exclusive model, dubbed the “Palm Beach Edition,” integrates unique patterns and materials, aiming to elevate the elegance of the 680-horsepower open-top “Super Tourer” while celebrating its elegant Florida vibes.

The centerpiece of the Palm Beach Edition DB12 Volante’s exterior is an exclusive Q by Aston Martin Frosted Glass Blue paint. This custom, hand-sprayed color features glass flakes within the topcoat, creating a “mesmerizing shimmer effect” that Aston Martin says perfectly encapsulates the South Florida sun. Further distinguishing the vehicle are a Club Sport White pinstripe on the front splitters, side sills, and rear bumpers, highlighting the car’s sporty stance, along with Gloss Jet Black diamond-turned five-spoke wheels.

Inside, the cabin showcases custom features and nautically themed duotone colorways, designed to be appreciated both by occupants and envious passersby when the convertible top is down. A bespoke palm-leaf motif is intricately incorporated throughout the interior, appearing on the Aurora Blue and Ivory leather with Spicy Red contrast stitching. The palm-inspired embroidery extends to the seats, center armrest, and door-sill panels. Custom-engraved polished aluminum “Palm Beach Edition” sill plaques also feature the same palm pattern.

The distinctive palm motif continues to the exterior, where the aluminum side strakes have been milled to reflect the palm-style stripe. The DB12 Volante’s interior also boasts open-pore Linear Light Olive Ash book-matched wood trim, specifically selected to mimic the rich texture of palm wood. In a nod to its coastal inspiration, Palm Beach’s latitude and longitude coordinates are embossed onto the leather dashboard. Additionally, diagonally book-matched veneers on the rear of the front seats replicate the palm motif and include metal inlays engraved with “Palm Beach.” The vehicle is also fitted with Gloss Jet Black Diamond Turned Vantage wheels, offering a more dynamic and sporty aesthetic.

“This extraordinary DB12 Volante model perfectly encapsulates the understated elegance of both Palm Beach and Aston Martin,” stated Pedro Mota, Regional President of Aston Martin The Americas. “Through a collaboration with Q by Aston Martin and Aston Martin Palm Beach, we have created an exceptional sportscar that merges stunning performance, artistry, and luxury.” Mota added that this Q commission is “bound to entice more customers to create a unique specification with Q by Aston Martin, where peerless creativity and British craftsmanship generate vehicles as unique and special for their owners.”

While this is a one-off, clients are free to inquire at their local dealership about commissioning their own custom grand tourer via Q by Aston Martin.

During Formula 1’s Miami Grand Prix weekend, Glenfiddich hosted an exclusive tasting at The Mandarin Oriental Residences to commemorate the Scotch whisky brand’s ongoing partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team. The event showcased the distiller’s commitment to craftsmanship and innovation, principles it says are shared with the brand of high-performance racing exemplified by the world’s premiere motorsport series.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a never-before-released Glenfiddich 23 Year Old, a single cask whisky distilled in 2001 that isn’t available for public purchase. A mere 100 bottles of the limited-edition spirit, which was aged in an Oloroso sherry cask, were produced. The nose is rife with aromas of toffee, creamy sweetness, and sherry, with hints of spicy oak, toasted almonds, and sun-dried raisins, while the palate features sherbet spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg that give way to a lingering, spicy finish.

The expression served as a symbol of Glenfiddich’s approach to reimagining the possibilities of Scotch whisky, much like the brand’s collaboration with Aston Martin F1, which embodies leadership at the intersection of speed, precision, and luxury. Both the whisky and the event reflected Glenfiddich’s ethos: that time, patience, and a trailblazing approach are essential ingredients in crafting exceptional spirits, a philosophy shared with the relentless innovation driving both motorsport and whisky making.

Attendees including actors Ian Bohen (Yellowstone) and Tyler Hoechlin (Superman & Lois), Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition model Nicole Williams English, Aston Martin F1 driver ambassador Jessica Hawkins, and influencer and investor Hannah Bronfman also got the chance to try a dram of Glenfiddich 50 Year Old. This also exceedingly rare (but technically available) whisky is characterized by notes of Madeira cake, muscovado sugar, and petrichor, followed by a smooth oak and vanilla finish. A member of Glenfiddich’s Time:Reimagined Series, this expression embodies what the brand refers to as “Simultaneous Time,” exploring the parallel and complex conditions that have influenced the liquid.

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The tasting was an elegant preamble to the Miami Grand Prix, which saw Oscar Piastri take an early lead in the contest for F1’s 2025 Drivers’ Championship with a brilliant victory—his third podium-topping performance in a row and fourth this year. Next up, the teams head to Monza for the Italian Grand Prix on May 18, which will mark seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton’s first home race with Ferrari.

We previously declared that, due to its scalpel-like precision and ferocious output born in a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, “You’ve gotta be all in when you’re driving the DBX707.” Without even getting behind the wheel of Aston’s latest flagship DBX S, we’d offer the same advice.

As Road & Track notes, the British marque has enhanced what was already one of the world’s most powerful luxury SUVs by increasing output even more while cutting weight. Larger turbochargers and other engine upgrades have boosted its power to 717 hp, up from 697 hp. As for its diet, Aston offers an optional single-weave carbon fiber roof to shave off 40-pounds in mass from the vehicle’s highest point, which also lowers the center of gravity to improve stability and agility. Optional 23-inch magnesium wheels—the first implementation of such rims in the SUV segment—and a polycarbonate honeycomb grille help the DBX S save around 100 pounds in comparison to its predecessor.

Even with more power and less weight, the 3.3-second 0-62 mph time and 193-mph top speed are the same as the DBX707’s, but the DBX S will rocket to its top end .3 seconds quicker. Power is intelligently distributed through the same 9-speed wet clutch transmission, except in the DBX S, revised shift points have been tailored to the engine’s extended rev range, with more aggressive downshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes.

Visually, a new pure black vaned grille distinguishes the flagship model. New side sills with upturned air splitters enhance airflow, while carbon fiber accents are available for the mirrors, side strakes, and lower door sill. Unique “S” badging, crafted from solid metal and glass enamel, proudly announces its high-performance credentials. The rear is dominated by vertically stacked quad exhausts, available in gloss or matte finishes, and a completely reprofiled bumper and diffuser, which can also be specified in carbon fiber. A new lower livery design, available in three colors, further accentuates the sporting character.

Inside, the DBX S features a bespoke “S” theme, most notably a distinctive herringbone design on the standard lightweight Alcantara seats, which extends to the headlining with the optional carbon roof. Semi-aniline leather is used in high-wear areas, with full semi-aniline leather trim available as an option. Red seatbelts add a further touch of “S” identification. The “S” logo is embroidered on the seats, alongside Aston Martin wings embossed on the headrests. “S” badging also adorns the treadplates and engine plaque. Also included is Aston Martin’s latest in-house developed infotainment system featuring an 800W 14-speaker Aston Martin Premium Audio system, though we’d recommend appeasing your inner audiophile by opting for a bespoke Bowers & Wilkins 1600W 23-speaker surround sound system.

As the latest spawn of the elite DB bloodline—named for David Brown, the English businessman who bought Aston Martin in 1947 and Lagonda in 1948—the DBX S is living up to its name. Expect it to cost upwards of $300,000 when it reaches U.S. dealers later this year.

If you’ve ever wanted to drive a blazing orange bullet down Ocean Drive, Bonhams Cars is giving you 14 chances. Dubbed The Orange Collection, this single-owner set of high performance supercars is going under the hammer during F1’s Miami Grand Prix. It’s an eye-searing, tangerine-tinted celebration of horsepower, rarity and taste—assuming your taste is fast and loud.

Leading the charge is a 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series drenched in a unique “Epic Orange,” a shade that’s now locked away in the automaker’s color vault for good. Only 50 Carbon Series GTs were produced globally, and this example, estimated at $750,000–$1,000,000, may be among the boldest. With just 4,092 miles and a 0–60 time of three seconds flat, it’s not just a showpiece—it’s a carbon-fiber missile built with Le Mans DNA.

But the Orange Collection isn’t just about modern speed—it pays homage to heritage as well. A 1970 Plymouth “Hemi” Superbird Coupe in “Vitamin C” orange is the vintage muscle gem of the lot. One of only 135 R-Code Hemi-powered Superbirds ever built, this fully restored, numbers-matching example includes broadcast sheets, detailed documentation, and a nod from the AACA with a Senior National First Prize. Bonhams|Cars pegs it at $400,000 to $600,000, but history doesn’t always follow estimates.

For the connoisseur who prefers their supercars British and brawny, there’s a 2023 Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate Volante. It’s the ultimate evolution of the brand’s V12 platform—at least until the Vanquish’s recent revival—and one of just 199 built. With a fearsome 759 horsepower, $70,000 in bespoke options, and only 64 miles on the clock, this drop-top beast looks ready to shake palm trees all the way to Key West. Estimate: $300,000 to $350,000.

Of course, no collection of orange thoroughbreds would be complete without Lambos and Ferraris. Both the 2014 Ferrari 458 Italia, featuring a 561-hp 4.5-liter V8, and 2022 Lamborghini Huracán, powered by a V10 and finished in special-order Arancio with orange-accented Nero Cosmus interior, are naturally aspirated dreams that purists clamor for. Bonhams expects the Raging Bull to bring in $350,000 to $450,000, while the Prancing Horse could fetch $170,000 to $220,000.

The Orange Collection features 14 envy-inducing orange sports cars, each flaunting its own fiery interpretation of the shade. The Bonhams Cars Miami Auction takes place May 3 at the Miami International Autodrome, right in the thick of the Formula 1 action. With South Florida Motorsports as a partner, over 35 modern monsters will be available for bidding during this high-octane weekend. And the kicker? The auction will take place on the track itself, with the iconic F1 podium as the backdrop. For the collector with a need for speed—and a love of orange—this may be the hottest supercar sale of the year. More details at BonhamsCars.com.

Bowmore is partnering with legendary automaker Aston Martin for a new ultra-aged scotch whisky. ARC-54 is a 54-year-old Islay single malt presented in a Valkyrie-inspired decanter. The uniquely aerodynamic design of the decanter is inspired by Aston Martin’s Valkyrie model, but it’s what’s under the “hood” that’s really impressive about this whisky. ARC-54 was distilled in November of 1968, and those 54 years of maturation were “latterly spent in a second fill European oak sherry butt and third fill American oak hogshead,” after which time the two liquids were married for 15 months. 

This is the second and also final release in the Bowmore Aston Martin ARC series. The first release was a 52-year-old single malt announced in 2022 with a $75,000 price point. This older successor unfortunately demands a higher price—an MSRP of $80,000, specifically, making it one of the more expensive 50-year-old whiskies to come out of Scotland in the last few years. 

Tasting notes from the distillery describe a golden liquid with initial aromas of syrupy vanilla, buttery shortbread, and tropical fruits, which later give way to toasted oak, eucalyptus, and candied walnuts. On the palate, ARC-54 starts with citrus and green apple before salted caramel and warming spices and a final waft of peat. At 88.6 proof, it’s definitely on the lower end of the alcohol spectrum but with enough strength to maintain the structure of something this old. 

Only 130 of the decanters are being made available globally, so the supply is small. It’s also not lost on us that completing the “collection” will cost in excess of $150,000 at this point, so perhaps if you’re looking for an Aston-approved whisky, you’d be better served tracking down a bottle of this 22-year-old release Bowmore did in 2023. At $450 it’s certainly more affordable, and leaves you $150,000 for the Aston Martin savings fund.

G. Clay Whittaker is a Maxim contributor covering lifestyle, whiskey, cannabis and travel. His work has also appeared in Bon Appetit, Men’s Journal, Cigar Aficionado, Playboy and Esquire. Subscribe to his newsletter Drinks & Stuff for perspectives on drinks, and stuff.