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JLR Defender to offer limited edition of Dakar Rally-winning vehicleDefender, a brand in the Jaguar Land Rover portfolio...
16/08/2026

JLR Defender to offer limited edition of Dakar Rally-winning vehicle

Defender, a brand in the Jaguar Land Rover portfolio, is developing a road-legal version of its D7X-R 2026 Dakar Rally-winning vehicle. To be called the Defender Dakar, this limited-run model will bring competition-derived engineering to a product the public can buy.

Motorsport-derived architecture
The base model will be the OCTA which will get the core architecture of the D7X-R - body structure, transmission, and driveline components.

Power will come from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, freed from motorsport air restrictor regulations, to deliver 635 ps/750 Nm, supported by an enhanced cooling package.

The vehicle introduces dedicated Dunes and Gravel drive modes alongside Flight Mode. Originally engineered for the rally vehicle, Flight Mode regulates system behaviour to ensure controlled landings during high-speed off-road driving.

Suspension upgrades include coil springs paired with motorsport-derived Bilstein Advanced Dampers. 35-inch Advanced All-Terrain Tyres are fitted to newly designed 20-inch forged wheels.

Rally-themed exterior and interior
As with all Land Rover products past and present, exterior features emphasize functional durability. These include a carbonfibre bonnet, carbonfibre raised air intakes, extended wheel arches with exposed rivets, roof-mounted light pods, a fixed metal roof, a tailgate blanking plate, and full underbody protection with an enhanced metal front undershield.

Colour combinations feature a headline Dakar Sand exterior paired with a Yanbu Turquoise roof, mimicking the D7X-R competition livery. An optional Matte Protective Film is available with Narvik Black and Alaska White paint options.

The cabin utilizes a 2+2 seating layout equipped with specialized front row race seats. Optional 4-point racing harnesses are offered, accompanied by dedicated rear storage for racing helmets. The rear load area integrates custom mounting hardware for an air compressor and full-sized spare wheel.

The Defender Dakar won’t be available so soon; in fact, complete technical specifications and final performance figures will only be announced at the 2027 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia which typically takes place at the start of the year.


Defender

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15/08/2026
Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric officially launched in Malaysia, priced from RM274,888First displayed in Malaysia in Jan...
15/08/2026

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ Electric officially launched in Malaysia, priced from RM274,888

First displayed in Malaysia in January this year when bookings opened, the third generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA with EQ Technology is now officially launched.

Although Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had originally indicated that the fully electric model – chosen as the European Car of the Year 2026 – would have a price of around RM296,000 (without insurance), its pricetag is now RM274,888. Only one version – the CLA 250+ AMG Line - is being imported at this time.

Star-themed elements
Visually, the CLA 250+ features a fastback silhouette with a short overhang design and a shark-nose front fascia. The highlight is the new panel with an illuminated Mercedes-Benz pattern, which reinterprets the classic chrome grille. This design element not only includes the large iconic Mercedes-Benz star but also incorporates a total of 142 chrome-effect stars, creating a distinctive brand signature.

The illuminated grille greets and bids farewell to the driver with various animations. Complemented by the surround lighting, there’s also an animated projection of the Mercedes-Benz pattern on the ground adjacent to the door.

The GT-inspired rear end has star-shaped taillights are connected by a band of light, which is animated with coming-home and leaving-home scenarios. The rear diffuser is painted in high-gloss black, aerodynamically optimised and contributes to the aerodynamic efficiency.

The AMG Line exterior package adds sporty bumpers, 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, and MULTIBEAM LED headlights. The daytime running lights integrated with the MULTIBEAM LED headlights also form the Mercedes-Benz star as a visual signature.

The CLA has grown in size over three generations and, with a wheelbase of 2790 mm, the latest model is the largest to date. The sleek bodywork has an overall length of 4723 mm and an overall width of 1855 mm, with the roofline 1468 mm above the road. With 60 mm added to the wheelbase, interior space is better than before and the occupants get more legroom and increased headroom.

The CLA is the first modern Mercedes-Benz with a frunk (front storage compartment). It has 101 litres of volume which can take a luggage trolley, a crate of 0.33-litre bottles or the charging cable. At the rear, the boot volume has a volume of 405 litres.

Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture
The CLA is the first model to use the Mercedes-Benz Modular Architecture (MMA) platform which is specifically designed for electrified drivetrains. MMA represents a major leap in EV and hybrid innovation for Mercedes-Benz, establishing new standards for compact-segment efficiency, range, and sustainability.

Built on a versatile skateboard chassis, the platform combines smart modularity with seamless power distribution and charging integration to support an adaptable, future-ready vehicle family. Other models which now use it are the latest GLB and GLA.

In CLA 250+ application, the platform has a rear-mounted rear axle drive unit producing 200 kW (272 hp)/335 Nm which can propel the CLA 250+ from 0 – 100 km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 210 km/h.

2-speed transmission
A key mechanical highlight is its 2-speed transmission on the main drive. While most EVS use a single-speed fixed gear, the CLA 250+ transmission has 2 speeds mounted on the Electric Drive Unit at the rear axle.

This set-up resolves the engineering conflict between immediate low-speed responsiveness, top-speed capability. It provides rapid acceleration in first gear (11:1) with efficient cruising at higher speeds in second gear (5:1).

Power is supplied by an 85 kWh high-voltage battery, said to provide a range of up to 792 kms with a full charge. With 800V electrical architecture, the system supports high-speed DC charging up to 320 kW, taking around 22 minutes to recharge from 10% to 80%. This means up to 325 kms of range can be added in 10 minutes. Standard AC charging is handled by an 11 kW on-board charger.

Mercedes-Benz Operating System
The CLA is the first model of the brand to have the proprietary Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). Built on a chip-to-cloud architecture, MB.OS decouples hardware from software and allows over-the-air updates for the entire vehicle system.

The fourth-generation MBUX system runs on this platform, integrating generative AI technology with capabilities from Microsoft ChatGPT, Bing, and Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent powered by Gemini. This powers the MBUX Virtual Assistant, which handles multi-turn voice queries and provides emotional feedback via a colour-coded avatar on the dashboard.

MBUX Superscreen
The dashboard is dominated by the MBUX Superscreen, a single large glass panel that stretches across the entire width. Housed beneath this glass surface is a trio of LCD displays, comprising a 10.25-inch driver display flanked by two 14-inch screens dedicated to the central infotainment functions and the front passenger. At each end of the Superscreen, round air vents are set into funnel-shaped mouldings to create a floating visual effect, while a minimalist, flat central vent replaces traditional louvres.

The navigation and route guidance system in the CLA 250+ was developed in a partnership between Google and Mercedes-Benz. One of the first systems to integrate Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle use with Google Maps, the Mercedes-Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors. It dynamically responds to traffic jams or changes in driving style.

The electric seat adjustment switch has also been completely redesigned, featuring a circular body with a galvanised finish. Further accentuating the sporty ambiance is a high-set ‘floating’ centre console extending forward from the front armrest to meet the base of the dash. Its anthracite anodised-look trim incorporates a double cupholder alongside a wireless smartphone charging cradle.

The performance-oriented feel is enhanced by the AMG Line interior and AMG Line Sports Seat Package, trimmed in ARTICO man-made nappa-look leather and MICROCUT microfibre upholstery.

Driver interaction is centred around a new nappa leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel featuring seamless, capacitive switch panels on both the left and right spokes. Tactile aids surrounding the symbols are now included to assist with orientation without requiring direct viewing, while the layout itself has been simplified. The right panel discards several controls to focus primarily on an enlarged finger navigation pad for the driver display.

Panoramic roof
The laminated safety glass of the large panoramic roof has heat-insulating characteristic to provide protection from the strong tropical sunshine. The exterior surface is coated with a 250-nanometre thin infrared film that reflects long-wave radiation, reducing potential glare.

A substantially thinner 200-nanometre Low-Emissivity coating on the interior side of the glass reduces the emissivity of the glass so heat does not enter the cabin. This eliminates the need for a roller blind, and the related mechanisms that would take up space.

MB.CHARGE Public Charging Integration
Also introduced during the launch of the CLA 250+ was MB.CHARGE Public which works with the Mercedes-Benz App and MBUX. In collaboration with 7 Charging Point Operators, MB.CHARGE Public makes available some 3,000 charging points in over 1,000 locations without additional subscriptions.

Every charging session is automatically billed through the MB.CHARGE Public backend, eliminating the need for manual payment inputs or separate third-party platform setups during road trips.

MB.CHARGE Public can be used throughout Malaysia and also in Singapore at the charging stations of CarputZap, Charge+, ChargeSini, chargEV, DC Handal, Gentari, and JomCharge. In Singapore, the charging stations accessible are those of Charge+, ComfortDelGro Energy, SP Group, and Volt. Globally, MB.CHARGE Public is one of the largest public charging networks, with access to more than 3 million charging points in over 35 countries.

“Bringing MB.CHARGE Public to Malaysia marks the next chapter in Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s electric mobility journey. The strength of this offering lies in the ecosystem behind it, bringing together our vehicles, the Mercedes-Benz App, and an expanding network of Charging Point Operator partners," said Nadia Trimmel, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Cars Malaysia.


Mercedes-Benz Malaysia
Cycle & Carriage Malaysia
Hap Seng Star

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CZ26 - a very exclusive one-off FerrariFerrari has revealed its latest custom creation, the Ferrari CZ26, developed thro...
14/08/2026

CZ26 - a very exclusive one-off Ferrari

Ferrari has revealed its latest custom creation, the Ferrari CZ26, developed through the company’s Special Projects programme for a customer in the USA.

The highly customised supercar was styled by the Ferrari Design Studio and serves as an individualized example in the mid-engine supersport berlinetta format, utilizing an essential, technical design approach.

The CZ26 shares its underlying mechanical architecture and performance hardware with the SF90 Stradale. By retaining the technical configuration of that model, the project car focuses primarily on a complete redesign of the vehicle’s exterior profile, aerodynamic set-up, and interior cabin treatment.

1970s industrial influence
The visual theme of the CZ26 relies on strong horizontal proportions and a distinct 2-box silhouette. The bodywork is structured around a central capsule-like passenger compartment positioned between four defined wheel arch structures. The body volume appears extruded from the front section, terminating at a clean, truncated rear profile.

Inspiration for the overall form stems from 1970s Italian industrial design principles, reinterpreted through contemporary surfaces. Function-driven elements, including cooling intakes, carbonfibre arch extensions, and lower body aerodynamic channels, are integrated directly into the main sheet metal rather than applied as separate add-ons.

At the front, a full-width grille houses slim, concealed light modules, sensor suites, and brake cooling ducts behind an upright, vertical leading edge. The rear section features cantilevered taillight units and a wide diffuser designed to give the rear a planted visual width.

The car is finished in Argento Veloce, a silver paint formulated to create a liquid effect across the bodywork. Contrasting Rosso Lampante accents highlight functional and aerodynamic components, complemented by exposed pigmented carbonfibre pieces.

The custom wheels are finished in a gloss black paint combined with a shot-peened finish achieved via microscopic bead blasting, while the exhaust system uses natural-finish titanium tailpipes.

Technical interior finishes
The cabin integrates visually into the exterior structure through black-finished roof sections and pillars, creating a dark visor effect around the cockpit.

Inside, the upholstery centres on a bespoke black technical fabric paired with custom seat inserts produced using additive manufacturing techniques. Contrast is provided by matte fabric surfaces, satin-finish carbonfibre, and a specialized gloss carbonfibre woven with metallic filaments.

Body-coloured panels extend into the upper dashboard and door cards, accompanied by embroidered CZ26 logos and Rosso Lampante interior accents.

Comprehensive aerodynamic treatment
Ferrari engineers executed a thorough re-engineering of the car’s airflow management and thermal systems. At the front end, the central radiator pack was reoriented and paired with dedicated bypass channels, increasing both cooling efficiency and front-axle downforce.

Air curtain ducts integrated into the outer edges of the front bumper manage turbulence generated around the rotating front wheels, reducing overall drag.

The underbody layout and vortex generator configurations were completely redesigned to maintain aerodynamic balance. At the rear, downforce generation is handled by a large upper spoiler working alongside a newly designed rear diffuser.

The rear engine cover was also redesigned with specific venting to ensure heat extraction from the engine compartment across demanding operating conditions.

Special Projects programme
The Special Projects programme is aimed at creating unique Ferraris (so-called ‘One-Offs’) characterised by an exclusive design crafted to the requirements of the customer, who thus becomes the owner of a one-of-a-kind model.

Each project originates from an idea put forward by the customer and is developed closely with a team of designers from Ferrari’s Styling Centre. Once the car’s proportion and forms have been defined, detailed design blueprints and a styling buck are produced before the manufacturing process for the new One-Off begins.

The entire process can take up to 2 two years on average, during which time the customer is closely involved in all phases.


Ferrari Malaysia

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PROTON prepares to introduce e.MAS NEVs in Sri LankaAs Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery following recent macroe...
13/08/2026

PROTON prepares to introduce e.MAS NEVs in Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka continues its economic recovery following recent macroeconomic stabilization efforts and shifts toward more sustainable energy policies, PROTON is making preparations to enter the island nation’s automotive market.

A formal Distributorship Agreement with David Pieris Holdings (Private) Limited (DPHL), one of Sri Lanka’s largest automotive conglomerates, has been signed with Proton International Corporation, the export arm of the Malaysian automaker.

Fifth export market
Under the agreement, sales and retail operations for PROTON’s New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand, e.MAS, are scheduled to commence in Sri Lanka in 2026. This will be the fifth official export market for e.MAS as the brand seeks to build its presence in emerging international automotive sector

DPHL will handle distribution and retail through a subsidiary, using its operational experience in the local automotive sector dating back to 1970.

PROTON plans to leverage DPHL’s existing infrastructure, particularly its in-house financing and logistics arms, to establish an integrated retail and aftersales support system for Sri Lankan customers.

Brunei to be included soon
The move into Sri Lanka represents the latest step in PROTON’s export expansion strategy for its e.MAS NEV brand. Sri Lanka joins Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, and Nepal on the export list, with Brunei to be included in the near future.

In several export destinations, e.MAS models represent the sole offerings carrying the PROTON nameplate while, in other regions, they complement existing ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle portfolios.

Dominant in home market
The e.MAS brand currently leads the local NEV sector in Malaysia. Domestic and export figures reached 21,808 units sold during the first 7 months of 2026, bringing cumulative sales past 30,000 units since the introduction of the Proton e.MAS 7 in December 2024. PROTON attributes this dominance to a combination of affordably priced offerings and the extensive sales and service network.


Proton International
Proton e.MAS Cars | Proton Cars

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Honda Malaysia holds appreciation event for New Prelude owners Honda Malaysia recently hosted an exclusive appreciation ...
13/08/2026

Honda Malaysia holds appreciation event for New Prelude owners

Honda Malaysia recently hosted an exclusive appreciation event to recognise the first owners of the new Honda Prelude.

The event brought together three customers, in particular - Gan Ker Beng, Wahiduzaman Bin Abu Kashim, and Dr. Davina Navreet Kaur - highlighting their personal connections to the iconic model.

Narushi Yazaki, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, said the company is honoured to celebrate the occasion with owners whose appreciation for the model reflects a strong connection with the brand.

Representing the balance between Honda’s performance heritage and electrified technology, the latest Prelude is designed as a driver-focused grand tourer that with the promise of an exhilarating driving experience.

Reflecting Honda’s commitment to continuously enhance its offerings, the Prelude has S+ Shift Technology, a first for Honda Malaysia, which is said to deliver a more engaging and immersive driving feel.


Honda Malaysia

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Old BMW high-voltage batteries used for solar-powered smartphone charging station Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are mo...
13/08/2026

Old BMW high-voltage batteries used for solar-powered smartphone charging station

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) are more common these days as many models have electrified powertrains. Although it’s only in the past few years that HEVs have been promoted more prominently in Malaysia, BMW Malaysia was already offering such powertrains 13 years ago.

Back in 2013, the company introduced the ActiveHybrid7 and then the futuristic i8 a year later. Although the numbers sold were small, it was a first step towards electrification which the brand continued to promote.

Second life for batteries
By now, the high-voltage batteries in those original cars are no longer usable for HEV application. However, they are not entirely useless that they need to be disposed. Instead, BMW Group Malaysia and Universiti Malaya are giving the batteries a ‘second life’ powering a solar-powered smartphone charging station.

Designed by Associate Professor Dr. Tan Chia Kwang and his team at the UM Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre (UMPEDAC), the station is the result of over 2 years of laboratory research into a publicly accessible system serving more than 3,000 daily bus-stop users.

The set-up has a 1.5 kWh energy storage capacity constructed from three 10-year-old BMW battery modules, combined with second-life solar panels, a solar charge controller, a photovoltaic inverter, a battery management system, and a 200W USB fast charger offering 3 USB-C ports and one Lightning port.

Cell-level testing and grading by UMPEDAC recovered 30% to 40% of the batteries' original capacity. By utilizing lower-capacity packs for the campus charger, degraded cells are put to practical use rather than being discarded early. Data loggers monitor usage and battery metrics, with maintenance managed by trained students to ensure an operational lifespan of at least 5 years.

Another application
While lower-capacity cells power this public charging station, higher-capacity battery packs retaining up to 80% of their original capacity are earmarked for off-grid electrification in Pos Sinderut, Pahang.

Once those higher-capacity batteries complete their second-life service in the rural village, researchers plan to repurpose them into third-life smartphone chargers, creating a full 3-stage lifecycle.

The RE:Generate Project Lifecycle
The collaboration forms the latest phase of BMW Group Malaysia’s RE:GENERATE initiative, an organizational commitment launched in October 2021 to integrate circular economy principles across operations.

The initiative aligns with BMW's global sustainability framework focusing on rethinking, reducing, reusing, and recycling resources.
RE:GENERATE began internally when more than 200 associates upcycled household and office plastic waste into furniture for an Orang Asli school in partnership with Precious Plastic Malaysia.

In January 2022, the initiative expanded publicly through a lubricant recycling program with Pentas Flora, re-refining dealership waste oil into eco-base oil, alongside an EV battery second-life partnership with EV Connection.

That collaboration with EV Connection led to the unveiling of Malaysia’s first Mobile Charging Vehicle at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. Built using 16 repurposed BMW battery modules maintaining roughly 70% State of Health, the vehicle provides a 20 kWh capacity and a 30 kVA 3-phase AC output capable of rescuing stranded EVs or powering up to 8 homes during disaster relief.

In January 2026, BMW Group Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Universiti Malaya, engaging UMPEDAC, the Community Engagement Centre, and the Sustainable Development Centre.

Under this framework, BMW supplies retired EV batteries — from a pool of over 13,600 recollected units (as of March 2026) — to UMPEDAC for engineering into solar-powered storage systems.
The primary destination for higher-capacity packs is Pos Sinderut, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, addressing energy poverty among the local Semai Orang Asli community.

The standalone energy storage units will power lighting, fans, and household refrigeration, allowing families to preserve hunted and gathered food safely. Testing reveals that newer-generation BMW battery packs yield higher energy density averaging 1.6 kWh per pack, compared to 0.5 kWh from older generations.

Beyond rural electrification, project partners are exploring early-stage plans to apply the second-life battery technology toward an autonomous zero-energy concept on a campus.


BMW Malaysia

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Volkswagen Tayron R-Line now availableFollowing the earlier launch of the Tayron Elegance in July 2026, Volkswagen Passe...
13/08/2026

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line now available

Following the earlier launch of the Tayron Elegance in July 2026, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has now started deliveries of the flagship Tayron R-Line, alongside the Tayron Elegance.

A successor to the Tiguan Allspace, the locally-assembled 7-seater SUV comes powered by a 2-litre TSI turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 265 ps/400 Nm. Drive is delivered to all 4 wheels via a 7-speed DSG (dual-clutch automatic transmission) and Volkswagen's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

The SUV is also fitted with Dynamic Chassis Control Pro (DCC Pro) featuring electronically controlled 2-valve dampers to balance daily ride comfort with handling composure.

Visually, the R-Line version is distinguished by exclusive front and rear bumper designs, illuminated front and rear Volkswagen emblems, and IQ.Light HD Matrix headlights featuring glare-free high-beam technology. At the rear, the vehicle sports 3D LED taillights complete with dynamic turn signals.

Dimensionally, the Tayron is significantly larger than the Tiguan Allspace with an overall length of 4792 mm (+253 mm), overall width of 1853 mm (+11 mm) and also 29 mm taller. The wheelbase is also 114 mm, allowing for three rows of seats.

In July, VPCM said the estimated price of the Tayron R-Line would be between RM259,000 and RM269,000. However, it now goes on official sale from RM237,490.

For an extra RM12,854, Customers can opt to include the Volkswagen Assurance Package which provides 5 years free scheduled maintenance, 5 years manufacturer’s warranty, and 5 years roadside assistance.


Volkswagen Puchong
Volkswagen Glenmarie
Volkswagen Gombak by MHV Autohaus
Volkswagen Seremban
Volkswagen Kuching

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Chery introduces New-Generation Design Standard at Alor Setar dealershipBesides expanding its dealer network around Mala...
12/08/2026

Chery introduces New-Generation Design Standard at Alor Setar dealership

Besides expanding its dealer network around Malaysia, Chery Malaysia is also updating outlets with the latest Corporate Identity. The latest one is Indah Utara Enterprise Sdn Bhd, which also operates the Chery 3S centre in Sg. Petani.

The 3S outlet, within one of the city's key commercial and industrial hubs in Alor Setar, Kedah, incorporates Chery’s latest Generation 4.0 design standard. It is the second dealership in northern Peninsular Malaysia to adopt this updated layout and aesthetic.

With a built-up area of 877 square metres, the facility has a display area to showcase the brand's latest models, and a customer experience lounge.

For aftersales operations, the adjacent service centre has 4 service bays with a team of trained technicians to handle routine maintenance and vehicle repairs.


Chery Malaysia
Chery Alor Setar

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Bugatti's Destrier is a sculptural reimagining of the BolideFollowing the earlier Brouillard and F.K.P. Hommage projects...
12/08/2026

Bugatti's Destrier is a sculptural reimagining of the Bolide

Following the earlier Brouillard and F.K.P. Hommage projects, Bugatti has revealed its latest commission under the Programme Solitaire bespoke coachbuilding division: the Destrier.

More road-oriented
This one-of-one creation takes the mechanical foundations of the brand’s track-focused Bolide and removes its wings, large splitters, and aggressive aerodynamic ducts in favour of a smooth, road-oriented silhouette.

Named after the heavy warhorses ridden by medieval knights, the Destrier serves as a design exercise exploring how the marque's extreme track platform presents itself when evaluated strictly on proportion rather than downforce.

Standing just one metre tall, the Destrier is lower than standard production Bugatti models. To adapt to the revised height, Bugatti replaced the Bolide’s 18-inch wheels with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels.

Modified interpretation of C-line
The exterior introduces a modified interpretation of Bugatti's signature C-line, which pauses near the front wheelarch to expose the underlying bodywork before continuing toward a widened horseshoe grille. At the rear, an integrated, blended wing reminiscent of the Chiron Profilee replaces the Bolide’s tall dual-element wing and central shark fin.

The underlying architecture relies on historical precedent within the marque's archives. In the 1930s, the Type 57 chassis served as the foundation for both the Le Mans-winning Type 57G Tank racers and the Type 57SC Atlantic roadcar.

The Destrier and Bolide share a similar dual-identity relationship, utilizing the same carbonfibre monocoque. A hand-laser-engraved dedication plate depicting both the Type 57G Tank and Type 57SC Atlantic is positioned above the windscreen to mark this historical connection.

“Destrier is not a car you understand with your head, it is a car you feel with your heart. The Bolide gave us the most extreme proportions we have ever created, and by freeing them from the Bolide’s relentless pursuit of downforce, we let them speak as pure sculpture,” said Director of Design Frank Heyl.

Bespoke paint finish
The exterior bodywork is finished in Sapphire Celeste, a bespoke multi-layer blue paint featuring diamond-inspired metallic sparkle. Polished aluminium brightwork outlines key structural curves, while visible carbonfibre on the front splitter and rear diffuser is tinted to match the blue paintwork.

The paint choice references Type 57SC Atlantic chassis 57591, which originally left the factory in blue before being repainted black by a subsequent owner. In the engine compartment, metal components carry a hand-hammered finish intended to recall hand-forged armour.

Parametric lighting patterns are used in the head and tail lamps, while the oil filler cap is stamped with the Destrier emblem and a ‘1/1’ designation.

Tailor-inspired interior
Inside, the designers replaced the Bolide’s bare race layout for a warmer, tailor-inspired design. The interior features warm brown Ambre Voyageur leather and nubuck alongside a 3D-knitted technical fabric. Thin copper yarns are woven into the knitted material in a circular ‘halo-line’ pattern to create a metallic highlight across the cabin.

The hand-hammered metal finish from the exterior is repeated on the door openers, air vents, steering wheel hub, and entry plates, alongside a French flag positioned at the centre of the interior.

“Every material in Destrier was chosen the way a tailor selects cloth. Nothing shouts. Every surface is measured, tactile, and made for one person alone,” Head of Colour and Trim, Sabine Consolini, noted.

As with the earlier projects, the Bolide’s mid-mounted 8-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine, producing 1,600 ps, has its power transmitted to all 4 wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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Bugatti

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