What's new and notable in the motoring world

Compiled by Matthew Cottrell

Aston Martin

Vanquish, Aston Martin's V12 flagship sports car (MSRP from $430,000), was unveiled to great fanfare on a Venetian lagoon amidst the starlit backdrop of the Venice International Film Festival. Vanquish will be Aston Martin's highest-performance sports car in its core product line-up and its most exclusive, with production limited to no more than 1,000 examples annually. Unique in this portfolio, Vanquish is the sole model to feature a bespoke, Aston Martin-developed 12-cylinder engine. Revived for the first time since 2018, this will be the third Aston Martin generation christened with the vaunted Vanquish nameplate.

Audi

In September, Audi of America announced an extensive refresh for the 2025 Audi A3 and S3 sedans, with all models arriving with standard quattro® all-wheel drive paired to 7-speed S tronic transmissions, increased power, chassis upgrades, and the addition of advanced torque-vectoring rear-axle technology from RS 3. The new interior inlays accent upgraded interior materials and technology, with the 10.25" digital instrument cluster now standard. Wireless phone charging pad and door panel lighting options are now available, along with the Audi App Store upgrades that permit popular apps to be loaded directly into Audi's MMI. A top-view camera will also become available during the 2025 model year.

Bentley

In September, Bentley launched the fourth-generation Flying Spur (MSRP from $280,000-estimated), the most powerful Bentley sedan ever. Built around Bentley's new "Ultra Performance Hybrid" powertrain, the true four-door supercar is capable of silent progress in pure EV mode for up to 47 miles or when more spirited driving is warranted, calling on the Bentley V8 to pass the 0-60 mph benchmark in just 3.3 seconds– half a second quicker than its predecessor. Inside the spacious cabin is an all-new seat design that features 3D diamond quilting. New driver instrumentation graphics complete the package of design enhancements, while the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display with its choice of 12.3" high-definition display, three analog dials, or an unbroken side of handcrafted veneer is as an option.

BMW

BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition. / Photo courtesy of BMW

The very first BMW X5 was driven off the BMW Group Plant Spartanburg line in South Carolina on September 1, 1999. Since then, nearly 3 million X5s have been assembled there, destined for markets worldwide. The company is marking a quarter-century of creating the Sports Activity Vehicle Category with a limited-edition BMW X5 Silver Anniversary Edition (MSRP $79,900). Lime Rock Grey metallic paint, 20-inch M Star-spoke wheels, extended Shadowline trim, carbon fiber interior trim, and Silver Anniversary Edition badging distinguish the X5 Silver Anniversary Edition. The Standard xOffroad Package includes 2-axle air suspension, underbody protection plates, and four drive modes calibrated for various terrains.

Land Rover

Unveiled at Range Rover House during Monterey Motoring week in August, the 2024 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition (MSRP $370,000) is an ultra-exclusive model curated by SV Bespoke, showcasing the pinnacle of Range Rover brand's luxury bespoke personalization service. Inspired by the lush greenery and ocean cliffs surrounding Carmel, California, the special edition features a bespoke Satin Green exterior, complementing a Sequoia Green and Perlino leather interior. A 606hp V8 Twin Turbo engine powers each vehicle. Buyers will receive Titleist Professional club fitting experience for two at Titleist's Performance Institute in Oceanside, California, or Acushnet, Massachusetts, and two custom sets of clubs (putter through driver). The Del Monte Forest Conservancy will receive a portion of the proceeds from each sale.

Maserati

Maserati's new super sports car, the GT2 Stradale (MSRP from $243,000 – estimated), made its world premiere at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, during 2024 Monterey Car Week, flanked on the display stage by the MC20 Icona, making its North American debut, and MCXtrema. The GT2 Stradale, the road-legal version of Maserati's GT2 race car, shares the same Nettuno twin-turbocharged V-6 as the MC20 (but weighs 132 pounds less), with performance amped up to 631 horsepower and a top speed of 210 mph. According to the company, the Stradale zips from zero to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. At the launch, David Grasso, Maserati CEO, said, "The Maserati GT2 Stradale is a product that can fulfill the requirements of the most discerning enthusiasts, a new creation that expresses the brand's entire essence."

McLaren

The 2025 model year specification of McLaren's 750S offers enhanced optional specifications and new levels of colorful visual personalization, including 12 new pre-configured themes for the MSO Contrast Pack created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). For 2025 model year cars, the Stop/Start button on the 750S changes to Papaya orange, McLaren Racing's traditional color. It was first seen in the M6A Can-Am racer in 1967 and adopted by the McLaren Formula 1 team during the 1968 championship.

Mercedes

Mercedes-Maybach continued its series of special editions with the world premiere of the new Mercedes-Maybach S 680 Edition Nordic Glow (MSRP $339,000) at Pebble Beach. The MANUFAKTUR individualization program is crafting the exclusive model solely for the U.S. market and is strictly limited to 50 units. Inspired by the aurora borealis and the Arctic Circle, the unique exterior features a custom two-tone Northern Lights Violet Metallic / Moonlight White Metallic paint finish. The cabin features hand-stitched MANUFAKTUR Rose Grey Exclusive Nappa leather with intricate Amethyst Grey contrast stitching. There are high-pile trunk and floor mats with an embroidered Mercedes-Maybach logo and Rose Grey Nappa leather piping. An "Edition Nordic Glow 1 of 50" badge adorns the center console. Among the extensive features are a refrigerator for rear seat passengers and Maybach champagne flutes.

Northern Lights Violet Metallic / Moonlight White Metallic.

Porsche

The Porsche 911 Turbo (Type 930) redefined what was possible when it debuted in 1974. It brought turbocharging technology – which Porsche initially used in race cars such as the 917/10 and 917/30 – to the roadgoing 911, a unique design, and a nearly unparalleled level of daily usability for a sports car. Porsche is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the 911 Turbo with an exclusive special edition of the sports car icon based on the current 2025 911 Turbo S. The interior and exterior of the "911 Turbo 50 Years" adopts design touches from historic 911 Turbo models, with an optional Heritage Design Package further enriching the throwback look. For the first time on a 911, the anniversary model is adorned with Turbonite, a color exclusive to Porsche Turbo models. At the 1973 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Porsche presented the 911 RSR Turbo concept with seat centers and side bolsters in Black Watch tartan. In the anniversary model, "MacKenzie" tartan upholstery graces the same areas.

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