In the world of cars, it's not just about technical data and speed, but about the stories that intertwine with every turn of the steering wheel. We present to you six automotive masterpieces that combine the past and the present in a unique way. Get ready for nostalgia and technological excess!
This time, we have selected six cars for you that embody these values and elevate them to a whole new level. From modern restomods to futuristic hypercars, each of these cars tells its own unique story. Let's dive into the details of these remarkable vehicles and discover why they are true icons on the road.
Lanzante TAG Championship Coupe: F1 Beast in Porsche 911 guise
McLaren dominated F1 in the 1980s with the MP4/2 and MP4/2B cars, which won constructors' and drivers' titles. The secret to their success? TAG, or Techniques d'Avant Garde, funded the Porsche-built 1.5-litre turbo V6 engine, which was the height of the wild turbo era in F1. And what did Lazante do? He took that beastly engine and crammed it into a 930-era 911. The original six-cylinder went mushroomy, and in its place came an ex-F1 engine, kind of a Frankenstein creation, but much cooler. The bodywork was stripped down to bare metal, reinforcements and a roll cage were added, and almost 430 kg (950 lbs) of weight was removed. The result? 625 horsepower (PS) at 10,250 revolutions per minute (RPM), with a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph). As Jeremy Clarkson would say, this is the speed at which your hair wants to fly away! Lazante will build just three cars in McLaren's legendary livery of the era, the first of which will debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2024. Who knows, we might even see the Stig driving it around the track!
HWA EVO Mercedes-Benz 190E Restomod: Retro Classic Perfection
HWA took the legendary Mercedes 190E and breathed a modern soul into it. After 12,000 hours of research and testing, the HWA EVO 190E is here, as if German engineers had an unlimited supply of beer and time. The car is wider and more powerful than ever, while maintaining the classic look we know and love. It's like seeing your great-grandfather suddenly become Schwarzenegger. The first model will be sold at auction at RM Sotheby's, and the price will exceed one million dollars (€875,000). Although the auction is suitable for those who feel they have too much money, this restomod is a true tribute to the golden age of motoring. Clarkson would probably say he'd be willing to sell his wool sweater collection for a round of this beauty!
2025 BMW M4 GT3 EVO: The Evolution of the Secret of Speed
BMW has upgraded its GT flagship with the 2025 M4 GT3 EVO. Lighter weight and improved aerodynamics allow this machine to fly around the racetracks. Forget diet and exercise, this car lost more weight than the average person on a New Year's diet. A new cathodic paint process instead of traditional painting and exposed carbon fiber reduce weight. Who would have thought that even paint could help make a lap go faster? Added larger rear brake discs capable of stopping even trains and a new differential setup for better chassis balance. It's like giving a car a riding lesson. Clarkson would probably comment that this car is so quick and agile that it would probably avoid a traffic jam on the M25 by itself.
Paul Smith x Land Rover Defender Die Cast Model: Miniature with Size
Paul Smith has resurrected his colorful masterpiece, the Land Rover Defender 90, in the form of a 1:18 scale model. The miniature Defender includes all the details of the original, from 27 colors to a working steering wheel and engine under the hood. This is the perfect accessory for any collector. If the original Defender was too bulky for your garage or your wallet, then this model is the solution. Clarkson would probably say that this mini Defender is so meticulously crafted that if it were even smaller, your pets could drive it. It's so detailed that you can almost hear the engine roaring like a real Land Rover, only without the possibility of leaving you in the middle of the jungle. It's an absolute must for any collector who likes a combination of British charm and rugged off-road performance, but in a size you can fit on the living room shelf.
Alpine Alpenglow Hy4 Prototype Sports Car: Future on Hydrogen
Alpine predicts the future with the Alpenglow Hy4 prototype, powered by a 340 horsepower (PS) 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four on hydrogen. Spinning at up to 7,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), the engine draws fuel from three tanks, each holding 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs) of hydrogen at 700 bar (10,000 psi). While not exactly the fastest racing car in the world, it promises an exciting future for hydrogen racing cars. As Clarkson would say, this car is like riding on the back of a fiery dragon, but instead of flames, it spews steam. With 340 horsepower (PS), it won't beat a Bugatti, but hey, at least the polar bears will thank you. The engine revs so high you could almost use it as a helicopter. Three tanks, each with enough hydrogen for… Well, more than enough driving, but at a pressure that could blow your favorite inner tube in an instant. If you care about the environment and love speed, this is the car for you. Driving into the future has never been so eco-friendly and so cool!
Pininfarina x Wayne Enterprises Hypercar Collection: Superheroes on the Road
When Batman isn't saving Gotham, he's driving a Pininfarina x Wayne Enterprises hypercar. This collection includes the B95 hyper Barchetta and Battista hyper GT models, both powered by a 1,900 horsepower (PS) electric powertrain. If that doesn't get your blood pumping, the fact that they do 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in less than two seconds might. Yes, you read that right, in less than two seconds! If that's not fast enough for you, then you're probably riding a rocket.
The Gotham models are colored in Argento Vittorio gray and the Dark Knight models in Nero Profondo black. So you can feel like Batman when you walk through the city streets. The interior is dressed in leather and Alcantara, with Wayne Enterprises badging. It's so luxurious that Alfred would probably sigh with delight.
