“One of the things I love about motorcycles is the variety of people who are fanatics about them—you tend to have this idea of a motorcyclist as either a super trendy tatted café racing hipster, or a Sons of Anarchy denimed-up gangster.

But the truth of the matter is that people who love escaping into the hills on motorcycles are about as varied as they come,” reveals Maxim Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher, who also happens to be co-author of Assouline’s new uber-luxe The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles coffee table book. “That means that the type of motorcycles that were built to appeal to these passionate riders over the past 150 years are about as varied as Ben & Jerry’s.”

For the second edition of The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles, Stecher and co-author Ian Barry added ten new 21st-century bikes to the hundred they collected for the first edition, which focused on the previous century.

Featuring only the rarest, coolest, and most pivotal motorcycles since 1900, this new edition adds to Assouline’s vaunted Impossible Collection series, which has previously shined a light on everything from wines to Patek Philippe timepieces to even Formula One cars—which also happens to be included in our Ferrari F1 feature in Maxim’s September/October issue.

And these aren’t just routine coffee table books, mind you. They’re massive in scale (16 x 19 inches), and boast beautiful time-consuming and rare printing techniques such as hand-tipped images and hand-binding; the 170 images come presented on thick, archival-quality cotton paper with a PVC clamshell case and metal plaque.

With Barry’s pedigree designing and building museum-level custom bikes under the Falcon Motorcycles marque, and our esteemed editor’s long history in automotive journalism, the hundred bikes assembled here are each a gem worthy of the book’s title. Consider Evel Knievel’s famed Harley-Davidson XR750 on which he leapt over the Caesars Palace fountains, breaking countless bones upon impact when his jump fell awry.

Or early unicorns of engineering, such as Glenn Curtiss’s iconic 1907 V8, for which the famed aviator impossibly bolted a massive 4.4-liter V8 engine onto essentially a glorified bicycle frame to create a true spectacle of mechanical force. Hitting 136 mph, the Curtiss V8 shattered the land speed record and held it for decades.

But which is our deputy editor’s favorite? “That’s a tough one,” Stecher struggles, seemingly running through the hundred motorcycles in his mind. “I’d say my two favorites are the BMW R7, which graces the cover—an unbelievable one-off specimen of German engineering and art-deco design that was thought lost for nearly 70 years until discovered in 2005 in a BMW warehouse. What a story, and what a bike. And maybe the Britten V1000—a superbike entirely designed and built by a New Zealand madman in his garage, which beat factory teams with infinitely deeper wallets. That’s another thing: I really dig the visionaries behind these bikes, all of them the best kind of rogues and renegades this planet needs.”

Of course, a tome of this rare scale and quality boasts a $1,400 price tag to match. Find The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles (2nd Edition) at Assouline.com.

This article originally appeared in Maxim’s September/October 2025 issue. Follow Deputy Editor Nicolas Stecher  on Instagram at @nickstecher and @boozeoftheday.

As the storied Rolls-Royce marque celebrated its 120th anniversary last year, a sea change was taking shape in its top office. After nearly 14 years as CEO, during which time the opulent automaker saw a 500 percent surge in sales, Torsten Müller-Ötvös announced he was stepping aside in favor of UK-born industry veteran Chris Brownridge—a return to the brand’s roots, you might say.

“To be invited to lead this great British brand, at such a pivotal moment in its long and remarkable story, is an extraordinary privilege,” Brownridge said of his ascension. “Rolls-Royce is one of the world’s most recognized, desirable, and influential brands, and I’m keenly aware of the enormous affection and esteem in which it’s held.” Earlier this year, he demonstrated his commitment to the evolution of the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, presiding over the debut of Black Badge Spectre, the most powerful car in Rolls-Royce history, based on its $400,000-plus electric ultra-luxury grand tourer.

Just prior to that, he’d announced plans to invest around $375 million to expand the marque’s famed Goodwood, U.K. factory to focus more on the bespoke side of the business, a thriving division that has gained a reputation for ever-more-incredible custom creations. Some of its most notable bespoke commissions in 2024 included solid 18-karat gold sculptural elements, hand embroidery consisting of more than 869,500 stitches, veneers including 500 individually-shaped pieces of wood, and one-of-a-kind holographic paint finishes.

At the same time, the brand opened an impressive new Private Office in New York, catering to stateside clients wishing to order bespoke vehicles and collaborate directly with the marque’s designers. We recently spoke to Brownridge about his appointment, vision, and plans for the future.

What aspects of the brand’s direction are you most eager to develop or refine?

Every day, I gain a deeper appreciation for our ability to connect with clients through Bespoke. I am continually inspired by the talent and vision of our artisans in Goodwood and our teams around the world. Our ambition is to further expand personalization options, ensuring each motor car reflects the unique desires of its owner. This includes investing in the Goodwood facility to accommodate increasingly complex Bespoke projects—reinforcing our unwavering commitment to individualized luxury.

How does the Black Badge Spectre embody the pinnacle of the Black Badge ethos?

Black Badge is the alter ego of the Rolls-Royce brand— darker, bolder, and more visceral. Spectre, our electric super coupé, provides the ideal canvas for this expression. Its emotionally charged design and powerful stance made it the natural choice for our most performance-focused model to date. With 650 brake horsepower and exclusive features like “Infinity Mode” and “Spirited Mode,” Black Badge Spectre pushes the boundaries of bold design while maintaining the serene luxury expected of Rolls-Royce. In many ways, this is the motor car Black Badge was destined for.

How has the Black Badge program evolved over the past decade?

Black Badge was introduced to appeal to a younger, more dynamic clientele. It has since matured into a bold symbol of individuality— perfectly aligned with the expressive capabilities of our Bespoke division. Over time, we’ve introduced enhanced performance features, culminating in the Black Badge Spectre—the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever. Simultaneously, Black Badge has allowed us to innovate with new materials, further expanding the visual and tactile palette available to our clients.

What is the current state of the Black Badge program, and who are its clients?

The Black Badge collection continues to thrive, attracting those who seek a more daring and unconventional Rolls-Royce experience. Our client base for Black Badge is very diverse, but our Black Badge owners value bold design married with dynamic performance. They are seeking a truly personal connection to the image their motor car projects and deliberately move away from expected aesthetic codes.

What was involved in engineering the most powerful Rolls-Royce in history?

The development of Black Badge Spectre required a transformative approach to power and performance—executed the Rolls-Royce way. Teaching Spectre how to behave with increased torque and horsepower while remaining, first and foremost, a Rolls-Royce demanded precise calibration of the transmission, suspension, and steering systems. Our engineers also crafted a sound profile befitting this elevated performance. The result is a motor car that redefines power for the brand with-out any compromise regarding the refined character that defines Rolls-Royce.

How do you balance innovation and electrification with the heritage that defines Rolls-Royce?

At the start of the 20th century, our founder, Charles Rolls, declared that electric drive would be the technology of the future, ideally suited to the type of car he–together with Henry Royce–was destined to create. Traveling in a Rolls-Royce has always been defined by silence, effortless power and the unrivaled “magic carpet ride.” With our meticulously engineered Rolls-Royce electric drivetrain, that renowned feeling of “one endless gear” takes on a new quality: Even more powerful, silent and refined than our legendary V12, it delivers the ultimate Rolls-Royce experience.

What motivated the $375 million expansion of the Goodwood manufacturing facility?

This strategic investment is dedicated to expanding our Bespoke and Coachbuild capabilities, not to increase annual production volumes. As client demand grows for increasingly complex and highly individualized commissions, the enhanced facility will support advanced paint techniques and intricate “one-off” interior treatments, reducing wait times for our clients. Our mission is not more volume, but more magnificent, meaningful commissions.

How has Rolls-Royce come to lead the industry in vehicle customization?

Bespoke is not an option at Rolls-Royce—it is the essence of what we do. From the initial consultation to the final handover, every touchpoint is tailored to transform each motor car into a singular expression of the client’s lifestyle. Our goal is to ensure that no two Rolls-Royces are alike—each is a one-of-one commission that reflects the individuality of its owner.

What is driving the increase in Bespoke and Coachbuild demand?

True luxury lies in individuality and exclusivity. Our clients are highly accomplished individuals who turn to Rolls-Royce to express and celebrate that success. They don’t want a car—they want a statement. A unique Bespoke commission is their way of making that statement.

What inspired the growth of the Private Office program? Doesn’t its invite-only nature create limitations?

Private Office was conceived to serve clients with highly ambitious bespoke visions—clients for whom time is their most precious resource. Not everyone can travel to Goodwood [UK], so we brought the experience closer to them. The Private Office allows direct access to our design team and creative resources, empowering our most visionary clients to bring their ideas to life in collaboration with our brand.

How does one receive an invitation to the Private Office?

Invitations are extended to clients who demonstrate a strong affinity with the brand, often through previous Bespoke commissions or a clear vision for a one-of-a-kind vehicle. At Private Office New York, for instance, access is granted via dealer-client advisors. While every Rolls-Royce dealership houses a Bespoke Lounge, clients whose requests are particularly elaborate are invited to the Private Office where they can work directly with a Rolls-Royce designer and dedicated client experience manager.

How does direct collaboration with Goodwood designers enhance the commissioning experience?

Working directly with our designers—whether at Goodwood [Rolls’ UK headquarters] or in Private Office locations—immerses clients in the creative journey. Their personal stories and preferences are deeply integrated into the final design, resulting in a motor car that is not only one-of-a-kind, but profoundly personal. These collaborations often inspire new techniques and innovations in design, material use, and craftsmanship.

Are there plans to open additional Private Office locations? What determines their placement?

Currently, our Private Offices in Goodwood, Dubai, Shanghai, Seoul, and New York are serving hundreds of clients on highly complex projects. Our focus remains on delivering world-class service at each location. While we have no immediate plans to expand, we will continue to evaluate based solely on one criterion: our ability to meet and exceed client expectations.

Are more ultra-limited Coachbuild commissions planned? What determines eligibility?

Wait and see! We continue to explore ultra-limited Coachbuild projects with clients who have a deep understanding of the brand and a compelling vision. These commissions are profoundly collaborative and ensure alignment with Rolls-Royce’s heritage and standards. While we can’t reveal specifics at this time, we are always seeking opportunities to evolve the Coachbuild concept in response to client demand.

This article originally appeared in Maxim’s September/October 2025 issue.

Recently, a mansion made splashy headlines the world over for its record-breaking purchase. And while you might think the draw would be the $55 million that architect and developer Aldo Stark of Prestige Design Homes earned from its sale, it’s actually the abode’s opulent Ferrari-themed design that dropped jaws. Casa Maranello, as it’s so eloquently named, is not only an ode to lavish living, but to the Italian supercar maker whose identity ripples through the DNA of the 2.5- acre lakefront campus like the crimson flags flown by Ferraristi the world over.

The Prancing Horse obsession starts as soon as you pass the gates and walk by an expansive fountain at the home’s entrance. Floating on the pool-like water, a defiant horse rears on its hind legs—a life-size Ferrari logo fully manifested in bronze. Walk through the imposing front double doors to the grand salon and you’ll see a replica of one of the planet’s most valuable cars centerstage. There in the room’s pole position, a reduced scale Ferrari 250 Testarossa reminds all who enter the abode where its name was born (the Italian city being, of course, the home of Ferrari).

From that vantage, you can also catch a view of Casa Maranello’s focal point: the 12-car garage, outfitted in photos with a lust-worthy suite of gleaming Ferraris—and a lone Rolls-Royce Phantom. Unfortunately, none of these vehicles are included in the sale, but that’s OK. The glass-walled garage allows the proud owner to park his own collection for stunned onlookers to enjoy from the comforts of the living room, viewed behind glass like an adult-size Hot Wheels collection.

While Italy plays prime muse, its Douglas Elliman agency states the home was “inspired by European artistry and precision.” And that inspiration emanates not just from Italy but also Switzerland—specifically the iconic “Goldfinger Route,” aka the Swiss Alps’ Furka Pass through which Sean Connery escapes the titular Goldfinger’s goons in his Aston Martin DB5. Located in what is humbly dubbed “Billionaire’s Row” in the prestigious Stone Creek Ranch development of Delray Beach, Florida, Casa Maranello is clearly built with one focus in mind: revelry. But beyond the ample hosting capabilities of the 21,725-squarefoot mansion lies a profound ability to relax, recharge, and meditate.

Despite its hefty price tag, Casa Maranello seems not to have been imagined as a first home, but rather more of a Miami party pad. Small hints to its festive purpose abound: the 20-person Brazilian onyx dining table in the dining room, crystal chandelier-festooned high-ceilings, and a marble-lined 30-foot-long cocktail lounge dubbed the Maranello Bar all seem to suggest Casa Maranello might be more of an afters-at-mine destination for one of Magic City’s sports superstars. Perhaps the perfect pad for Tua Tagovailoa or Bam Adebayo to call home.

Should any of your new friends want to sleep over, the halfdozen bedroom suites, including a pair of primary suites, supply five-star resort levels of comfort. Each boasts walk-in closets and en-suite spa level bathrooms. For your other playmates, you can offer four well-appointed guest suites which still ensure both lavish style and privacy in case anyone should need it.

Of course there are plenty of distractions outdoors should you want to keep the party going the next day—centered around the 95-foot pool plucked directly from an Aman Resort. Most of the verdant campus looks out onto the glimmering lake, all landscaped for decadent daytime soirées. Drinks can be served from the pool cabana’s bar, which also comes equipped with a full kitchen and bathroom. Or guests can elevate the rest and recovery to the next level by indulging in the home’s insane Bulgari-inspired spa. The five-diamond wellness oasis boasts its own indoor pool, as well as a Himalayan salt room, sauna, and steam room.

If action is more your bag, Casa Maranello also entertains with its own basketball court that doubles for pickleball. There’s even a putting green and its own private soccer field. Because what would a $55-million Ferrari-dedicated mansion be without its own pitch? One amusing detail reported is that Casa Maranello was not merely paid for via cash or loan, but was partly swapped for a nearby $26 million 18,000-square-foot mansion. Like trading baseball cards, but for the G800 crowd.

This article originally appeared in Maxim’s September/October 2025 issue.

Mercedes is honoring its historic 12-pot lineage’s power, performance, and poshness with the the ultra exclusive Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition. The massive powerplant has been a hallmark of the brand since the 1930s, when the first Maybach-produced 12-cylinder debuted in the Maybach Zeppelin. That legendary model, engineered by Karl Maybach, was lauded for its technically advanced features, performance, and ride comfort, described in a 1934 brochure as “the ultimate automobile of wish fulfilment, characterized by distinguished elegance and power.” The Maybach Zeppelin was one of few of its contemporaries that could crack 100 mph.

The Mercedes V12s that are so revered today were born in the 1990s with the M120, which not only powered its most opulent S-Class sedans but served as the basis for the legendary CLK GRT supercar and even the Pagani Zonda. The modern twin-turbo iteration of the German marque’s V12 primarily powers the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, in which it develops 612 horsepower that pushes the 5,000 pound-plus behemoth to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds.

That very vehicle serves as the basis for the V12 Edition seen here, which has been beautified by the Mercedes’ Manufaktur personalization division. The striking two-tone exterior features olive metallic on the upper body and obsidian black metallic on the lower, separated by a contrasting high-tech silver metallic pinstripe—a meticulous paint application that can take up to ten working days. The exterior’s olive metallic also appears on the five-hole forged wheels but the most striking single detail is arguably the C-pillar’s unique Maybach emblem, featuring chrome, gold and a prominent “12,” a direct tribute to the hood ornament of the historic Maybach Zeppelin.

Inside, the cabin brings a smorgasbord of bespoke luxury with Nappa leather in Manufaktur-exclusive saddle brown and complementing high-gloss brown burr walnut wood trim that extends to the handcrafted steering wheel. The vehicle’s rarity is plainly marked by a “1 of 50” badge in the center console and a golden inlay on the rear center console, which features the Maybach emblem framed by twelve golden circles. This intricate inlay alone requires up to seven working days of precise handcraftsmanship. Each of the 50 vehicles will also come with bespoke accessories, including Robbe & Berking silver-plated champagne flutes with edition-specific engraving and a handcrafted key gift box.

The Mercedes-Maybach V12 Edition is only available in select markets, with deliveries to customers set to begin in autumn 2025.

Six years after the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ broke the 300 mph barrier and the record for the fastest production car, a new speed king has been crowned. A pure EV from China dubbed the YangWang U9X Xtreme took to Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg track to hit a maddeningly quick top speed of 308.4 mph, usurping the Bugatti’s 304.8 mph.

In the Chiron’s speediest spec, its 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 cranked out 1,578 horsepower. That sounds like—and objectively is—a ridiculous figure, until the U9 Xtreme’s powertrain is considered. According to Car and Driver, a 1,200-volt system features a motor per wheel, each producing a peak 744 horsepower, adding up to a combined output of 2,959 horsepower.

The record-setting driver is Marc Basseng, a seasoned endurance race winner who previously set a production-car lap record at the Nürburgring with a Pagani Zonda F in 2007. “This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance,” Basseng said. “Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”

The YangWang U9 Extreme is a more specialized version of the standard U9, a hypercar currently available in China with a 1,287-hp quad-motor configuration that’s good for a 60 mph time of 2.3 seconds. While a foreign nameplate in the states, YangWang is a luxury brand under the umbrella of BYD, which has just surpassed Tesla in European EV sales for the second consecutive month. BYD has a vehicle that competes with just about other body style of EV on the global market, including the Volkswagen ID.3-rvialing BYD Dolphin, the Tesla Model 3-rivaling BYD Seal sedan, and even the BYD Shark, a plug-in hybrid pickup truck.

The U9 Xtreme is sure to be among the rarest of Chinese EV behemoth’s offerings, with production limited to just 30 examples. Unfortunately, no BYD products are currently sold in the U.S.

Extensive spa services, rooftop bars and Michelin-star dining are all signs of a stellar hotel, but The Joseph in Nashville is offering a truly next-level amenity that’s sure to turbocharge your stay: 200 miles of road-tripping in an Italian supercar.

The Marriott-owned hotel’s new Luxury Auto Escape package puts its guests behind the wheel of either the Ferrari 488 or Lamborghini Huracan EVO for a two-night stay. As gearheads know, those are some serious rides with sub-three-second 60 mph times and 200 mph-plus top speeds. The Prancing Horse was deemed “Supercar of the Year” by Top Gear in 2015 and Motor Trend‘s “Best Driver’s Car” in 2017, thanks to a phenomenal twin-turbocharged 3.9-liter V8 that puts down 661 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Raging Bull, powered by a 5.2-liter V10, also won Motor Trend‘s “Best Driver’s Car” title in 2020.

The Joseph’s package practically ensures its guests will get the most out of the vehicles by including a curated driving itinerary. The route visits the storied Natchez Trace Parkway, a national park site that follows a historic route trekked by early settlers, Victorian downtown Franklin, and the peaceful rural community of Leiper’s Fork. Also included is a Taste of Italy starring Burrata cheese, Sicilian tapenade and focaccia bread that greets travelers upon arrival, breakfast for two, and nightly valet parking.

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The Joseph’s Luxury Auto Escape is one of several packages offered by Marriott as a part of its Iconic Drives series, which also includes luxury automobile loans at The Ritz-Carlton locations in Maui, Amelia Island and Portland, as well as the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix. The choice in vehicle varies from a Porsche 911 and Chevrolet Corvette to a Range Rover Sport, depending on location.

For The Joseph’s Nashville Luxury Auto Escape, tap here to learn more or book—prices start at around $1,500 per night.

In 2020, the Italian Sea Group’s Tecnomar brand made waves with the release of a 63-foot speedboat featuring styling a la the the low-volume Lamborghini Sian, which attracted mass publicity and a celebrity buyer in UFC legend Conor McGregor. Knowing that, expect the significantly larger and more powerful Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT, the first Lamborghini-branded superyacht, to create a metaphorical tsunami.

Following a similarly inspired design formula, the 101-footer takes cues from the few-off Lamborghini Fenomeno, the Revuelto-based masterpiece that debuted at Monterey Car Week 2025 with a naturally aspirated V12 and triple-electric-motor system, just under 1,080 horsepower, a 2.4-second 60 mph time and a 217 mph-plus top speed.

Much care went into ensuring the yacht’s color scheme matched the Fenomeno’s lime green and black “Giallo Crius” launch livery, and there are plenty of nods to Lambo’s geometric motifs in the vessel’s geometry. The extent of the design inspiration is especially obvious in the stunning image of the vehicle and yacht in-profile seen above. Additionally, the yacht’s helm station nods to the cockpit of the the Huracan-replacing Temerario supercar, with the goal of giving the captain “the same feeling as being behind the wheel of a Lamborghini super sports car.”

More quintessentially Lamborghini design elements, including hexagons and “Y”-shapes, are found inside, which can accommodate up to nine guests plus a full crew across three dedicated cabins. Imagery shows rather sparse interior spaces largely clad in muted gray tones without a rounded edge in sight—even a Raging Bull figurine features the angular cuts seen on Lambo bodies.

As impressive as the design is the powerplant: three powerful MTU 16V 2000 M96L engines, combined with three surface propellers, are capable of pushing the massive watercraft to a top speed of 45 knots (about 52 mph), thanks to a combined output of 7,600 horsepower. That makes the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT one of the fastest boats of its size, right up there with the 7,800-hp AB Yachts 100 Superfast.

“With the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT, we are taking Lamborghini’s DNA to sea,” said Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “Performance, design, and innovation come together in a motoryacht that redefines the concept of nautical luxury. It is not only a yacht, but an affirmation of Italian excellence. The Italian Sea Group and Automobili Lamborghini share an exclusive clientele, who are passionate about beauty, technology, and extreme performance. It is exactly this shared vision that makes our collaboration so natural and so significant.”

A likely eight-figure price tag and more info will be announced closer to the Tecnomar for Lamborghini 101FT’s maiden voyage in 2027.

Even among the low-volume Tourbillons, Chirons and Veyrons, there’s exactly one 21st-century Bugatti that stands a cut above the rest, and it will soon be available to the public for the first time.

Not only is La Voiture Noire the most exclusive and expensive creation Bugatti has ever offered, it’s also the most historically significant from a brand perspective. The name, French for “the black car,” references one of just four examples of the Type 57 SC Atlantic examples produced in the 1930s, one of which was owned by founder Ettore Bugatti’s son Jean and dubbed “the black car.” The black Type 57 SC Atlantic took on a mythical status after it disappeared without a trace shortly before WWII, a development that no doubt factored into the crazed valuations of three extant examples, one of which is estimated by some to be worth up to $100 million.

By comparison, La Voiture Noire was valued at just shy of $19 million when it was revealed in 2019, which made it the world’s most expensive new car until the Rolls-Royce Arcadia Droptail debuted in 2024 with a rumored price tag of $31 million.

Like the Type 57 SC Atlantic, the La Voiture Noire was designed as a minimalist coupe made so through reduction, which includes the lack of a large rear wing. Channeling the pre-WWII vehicle’s overall shape, La Voiture Noire features a dorsal seam down the centerline, an extended front section, and clear, almost entirely uninterrupted lines. The body is rendered totally in a carbon fiber covered with a clearcoat dubbed “Black Carbon Glossy,” which generates virtually no reflections. The bumpers are integrated gently into the bodywork while the windscreen appears to merge with the side windows.

“Every single component has been handcrafted and the carbon fiber body has a deep black gloss only interrupted by the ultrafine fiber structure. This is a material that has been handled perfectly,” explained Bugatti designer Etienne Salome in a previous release. “We worked long and hard on this design until was nothing that we could improve. For us, the coupe represents the perfect form with a perfect finish.”

The attention to detail and coachbuilding craft is predictably meticulous. For instance, there are more than 25 individually milled lights elements per side in the headlamps. and each cell of the 3D-printed front grille has been honed and examined. The rear is dominated by an elegant rear light which features a joint-less single-piece surround. The interior is completely covered in Havana Brown grain leather, yet another nod to the Type 57 SC Atlantic. The natural material contrasts with specially polished and turned aluminum inlays in various locations on the center console, the center spine, and the doors. The driving modes can be changed by actuating an elegant rosewood switch.

Power comes from the same same ludicrous, 1,500-horsepower W16 that powered the 236-mph Divo and the 260-mph Chiron, which was replaced last year by the V16-powered Tourbillon. And though it was a one-off, La Voiture Noire was put through the same exacting gauntlet that determines road worthiness of Bugatti’s low-volume hypercars, including simulations, wind tunnels, and on-track testing. “We spent two years using a test vehicle to develop and test it in all areas like handling and driving safety so that it can be approved,” said head of coachbuilding projects Pierre Rommelfanger in a previous statement.

Not only is La Voiture Noire one-of-a-kind, it’s also hitting the public market for the first time through a collaboration between Supercar Blondie’s SBX Cars auction company and Hagerty’s Broad Arrow. Dates haven’t been set, but you can register interest here.

With a manual transmission, a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, unassisted rack-and-pinon steering, a spartan interior and a feathery 1,600-pound curb weight, the original Lotus Elise was a road-legal go-cart on steroids. A true driver’s delight, but not anything crazy. The U.K.’s Analogue Automotive is bringing the Elise into the bonkers realm with its new VHPK—the name being a “play on the Lotus VHPD (Very High Power Derivative) 1.8 K-Series [engine],” Analogue Automotive founder and CEO Steffen Dobke revealed to CarBuzz.

Essentially, the company is taking the sports car’s lightweight focus to an unmitigated extreme. Based around the Series 1 Elise, the VHPK saves weight in-part by cutting the occupancy to just one driver, employing a full carbon fiber exterior and interior, and equipping carbon ceramic brakes. In total, the vehicle will weigh an almost unbelievably light 1,323 pounds. As for the engine, it will run a higher-displacement version of the first-gen Elise’s Rover K Series inline-four that’s upgraded with bespoke billet and forged internals.

What makes this thing truly crazy is the power-to-weight ratio. While a specific output isn’t offered—the figure is somewhat vaguely quoted as “in excess of 250 horsepower”—Analogue Automotive does promise an absurd 400 hp per ton. That’s more power-to-weight than offered by the 518-hp Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the 565-hp Nissan GT-R, or the 670-hp Chevrolet Corvette Z06.

Analogue Automotive announced the VHPK exactly 30 years after the Elise was first unveiled at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show. While other details are scant, the company has already forged a stellar reputation with its Supersport, another Elise restomod that weighs around 1,541 pounds and features similarly modern upgrades. In a November 2024 review, the U.K.’s Autocar wrote, “Not every Elise owner would, I suspect, want to turn their car into something so devoted to flat-out, adrenaline-soaked thrill as the Analogue Automotive Supersport. But for those that do, I can’t believe there’s a better way.”

The Analogue Automotive VHPK, limited to just 35 examples, may have something to say about that when it arrives in 2026 with a price tag of around $475,000.

Avid listeners of The Joe Rogan Experience are likely already aware of Rogan’s love of Porsche 911s, particularly of the restomodded variety. Among the crown jewels in Rogan’s garage are his SharkWerks Porsche 997 911 GT3 RS, featuring SharkWerks’ enlarged and uptuned 3.9-liter engine, as well as a 1-of-25 Gunther Werks 993 911, which encases a modernized version of the marque’s historic air-cooled flat-six in a carbon fiber body.

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The popular podcaster’s latest acquisition moves past modernization of existing 911s and into the realm of fantastical creation thanks to the work of RSR Project. The decade-old outfit specializes in building road-legal tribute versions of the 911 RSR, a pure-bred race car that Porsche conceived solely to compete at the highest levels of GT endurance racing but never drive off-track. As RSR Project puts it, “What we build is what Porsche never released: a car that looks the part, carries the presence, but is made to be driven—and driven hard.”

“Our goal with every build is to honor Porsche’s motorsport heritage while elevating performance to meet modern expectations,” said RSR Project founder Richard Schickman, who personally led the build. “For Joe, we wanted to create something that was not just stunning to look at, but also thrilling and reliable to drive. Every RSR build should feel alive every time you turn the key.”

Every build begins with a complete teardown and meticulous inspection of the engine—Rogan opted for the 3.5-liter flat six—as well as the transmission and supporting components. The bottom end is disassembled, measured, and cleaned before each steel component is magnafluxed—a process by which magnetized particles are used to visually check for structural integrity. The pistons and rods are balanced to within a gram and crank journals polished. New bushings, bearings, seals, and hardware are installed throughout, and the cylinder heads are glass-beaded, resurfaced to within half a thousandth of an inch, and fitted with new guides, seals, and springs after a competition-level valve job. Cylinders are honed, machined flat, and measured for perfect alignment, while the transmission is stripped, magnafluxed, and rebuilt with new synchros, seals, and guides.

Each RSR Project requires a donor body: a galvanized 1984–1989 911 Carrera tub, which is stripped down, fitted with steel flares, and reshaped into the iconic “longhood” design. From there, get a Concours presentation-worthy paintjob, Braid Fuchs wheels wrapped in Michelin TB15 vintage tires, and period-correct RSR touches such as a ducktail spoiler, fiberglass bumpers, and Carrera striping.

Inside, the cabin has been completely stripped and reupholstered, starting with a new Porsche Classic dash that restores the period-correct look and feel. RS-style door panels and proper Perlon carpeting keep weight down. For Rogan, the bucket seats were wrapped in black vinyl and a unique woven leather with nickel grommets reminiscent of 1960-era Ford GT40s. There’s also a classic Momo Prototipo steering wheel, refreshed pedal assembly, and a precision Wevo short shifter that aims to “channel the mechanical purity of the 915 gearbox,” which was originally produced from 1972 to 1986. While RSR Project will equip modern amenities such as infotainment systems per the client’s wishes, Rogan only elected to add an air conditioner, further adding to the car’s driver-forward purity and esotericism.

“Every RSR we create is built to be driven and enjoyed thoroughly,” added Schickman. “Joe’s car was tested extensively, road-proven for over 700 miles, and tuned to deliver the kind of visceral experience that makes these tributes so special.”

While pricing for Rogan’s car wasn’t announced, RSR Project commissions start at $375,000, which includes the price of the donor car. Tap here to learn more.