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Bentley Unveils Bespoke Bentayga and Supersports Remembrance Cars for 2026

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Bentley Motors has unveiled two specially commissioned vehicles, the Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Artenara and the new Supersports, as a tribute to the British Armed Forces ahead of Remembrance Day 2026. Known within the company as the ‘Poppy Cars’, the bespoke models combine Bentley’s renowned craftsmanship with deeply symbolic artwork inspired by the sacrifices of military personnel and the enduring message of remembrance.

Every year, Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to honour those who lost their lives serving their country. For Bentley, however, this year’s tribute goes beyond a traditional commemorative gesture. The British luxury marque has transformed two of its most distinctive models into moving expressions of respect, remembrance and gratitude, using automotive design as a means of telling a story that extends far beyond the vehicles themselves.

The 2026 Remembrance collection consists of a Bentley Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Artenara and a Bentley Supersports, both featuring exclusive exterior artwork developed by Bentley’s design team in collaboration with the company’s colleague-led BeReady network.

The two cars have become an important part of Bentley’s annual commemorative activities, participating in the company’s Remembrance service at its headquarters in Crewe before travelling to the Anglesey circuit in Wales for Mission Motorsport’s Race of Remembrance. Following the event, the vehicles returned to Crewe, where Bentley employees gathered to pay their respects.

Bentley’s 2026 Remembrance Cars Draw Inspiration from In Flanders Fields

At the heart of the project is In Flanders Fields, the famous First World War poem written by Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. Its powerful imagery of poppies growing across battlefields has become one of the most recognisable symbols of remembrance, particularly in the United Kingdom.

Bentley’s designers have interpreted the poem as more than a reflection on loss. Its central message is a reminder from the fallen to the living, urging future generations to recognise the sacrifices made in defence of freedom and accept the responsibility of preserving the values for which others gave their lives.

The bespoke artwork follows a carefully considered narrative, exploring themes of peace amid destruction, reflection on those who have fallen, and the responsibility of those who remain.

Poppies blooming across a battlefield represent life, resilience and hope emerging from adversity, while larks soaring overhead provide another powerful symbol of freedom and the enduring human spirit. The central imagery pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, portraying them not simply as distant heroes but as ordinary people with families, relationships and lives that were tragically cut short.

The final element of the design delivers a message to future generations: remembrance should not be limited to a particular date on the calendar. Instead, it represents an ongoing commitment to honour the fallen, protect the freedoms they defended and carry their legacy into the future.

Robin Page, Director of Design at Bentley Motors, explained the thinking behind the project:

“Design is often judged by what it looks like, but its greatest value lies in how it makes us feel. These cars were created to inspire reflection, serving as a visible reminder that remembrance is not confined to a single day, but is a legacy that must be carried forward and shared by each generation.”

Bentley Craftsmanship with a Deeper Purpose

The 2026 Remembrance cars demonstrate how Bentley’s approach to bespoke design can extend beyond traditional luxury and personalisation. In this case, the company’s craftsmanship has become a storytelling medium, with every element of the exterior artwork contributing to a broader message of remembrance and respect.

Chris Cole, Bentley’s Product Line Director, highlighted the significance of combining the company’s craftsmanship with its commitment to the Armed Forces community.

“The Remembrance vehicles demonstrate how craftsmanship can be used to tell stories that matter. Every detail has been thoughtfully created to honour those who served, creating a lasting symbol of remembrance, respect and appreciation. Unveiled in the same year that Bentley was awarded Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) status, the highest recognition available to employers supporting the Armed Forces community, the vehicles underscore the company’s enduring commitment to veterans, reservists, serving personnel and their families.”

The Gold Employer Recognition Scheme award represents an important milestone for Bentley, recognising the company’s ongoing efforts to support people connected to the Armed Forces, including veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families.

BeReady Network and a Personal Connection to Remembrance

The project carries particular significance for Bentley’s BeReady network, one of five internal Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) networks established to provide support and a sense of community among employees.

BeReady offers a dedicated environment for veterans, current reservists and their families, helping ensure that their experiences and contributions remain recognised within the organisation.

For the network’s members, the 2026 Remembrance vehicles represent much more than an exercise in bespoke automotive design. They provide an opportunity to reflect on bravery, sacrifice and the importance of preserving the memory of those who served.

There is also a deeply personal connection to Bentley’s history in Crewe. The annual tribute remembers 17 colleagues who tragically lost their lives 86 years ago when a bomb struck the factory while they were working on the production of Merlin aero engines.

Their sacrifice remains an important part of the company’s heritage and adds another dimension to the meaning behind this year’s commemorative project.

Beyond the two vehicles, Bentley employees have also contributed to the initiative through a more personal gesture. Members of the manufacturing team crocheted handmade poppies to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, the UK charity that supports members of the Armed Forces community, veterans and their families.

More Than Two Special Bentley Models

The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase Artenara and Supersports may represent two very different expressions of Bentley’s automotive philosophy, but their shared purpose makes them part of the same story.

The 2026 Poppy Cars demonstrate that luxury automotive craftsmanship can serve a purpose beyond performance, exclusivity and aesthetics. Through carefully considered design, employee involvement and a longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community, Bentley has created two vehicles that act as rolling memorials to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Ultimately, the message behind the 2026 Remembrance project is straightforward but powerful: remembering the fallen is not simply about looking back. It is about recognising the freedoms inherited from previous generations and accepting the responsibility to protect them for those who will follow.

Source: Bentley

News

Ford Mustang Cobra Returns in 2027: Naturally Aspirated V8 and Manual Gearbox Confirmed in Teaser

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Ford is preparing to bring back one of the most recognizable performance names in Mustang history. Ford Racing has released a short teaser announcing the return of the Mustang Cobra in 2027, hinting at a naturally aspirated V8 engine and, perhaps most importantly for driving enthusiasts, a traditional manual transmission.

Although the American automaker has yet to reveal technical specifications, the first clues suggest that the upcoming Mustang Cobra could serve as a spiritual successor to the Shelby GT350, combining high-revving V8 performance with a more engaging, driver-focused character.

The announcement came through a short video published on Ford Racing’s official Instagram account. Accompanied by the unmistakable sound of a V8 engine, the clip spells out the word “Cobra” letter by letter, with brief interruptions in the engine note that appear to coincide with manual gear changes.

Ford’s message accompanying the video leaves little room for doubt about the timing of the car’s arrival: “Ford Mustang Cobra, a legend reborn. The story continues in 2027.”

Ford Mustang Cobra: A Naturally Aspirated V8 Is at the Heart of the Comeback

Perhaps the most important detail in Ford’s teaser is its reference to a naturally aspirated engine “born on the track.” This suggests that the new Mustang Cobra will prioritize high-revving performance and a distinctive V8 soundtrack rather than relying on turbocharging or supercharging to deliver its power.

Ford has not disclosed which engine will power the upcoming model. However, one possibility is an evolution of the 5.2-liter V8 previously used in the Shelby GT350.

Produced between 2015 and 2020, the Shelby GT350 became particularly famous for its naturally aspirated 5.2-liter Voodoo V8, featuring a flat-plane crankshaft. This unusual configuration, more commonly associated with high-performance European sports cars, allowed the engine to rev to an impressive 8,250 rpm while producing approximately 530 hp.

The combination of a high-revving V8, distinctive exhaust note and six-speed manual transmission made the GT350 one of the most enthusiast-focused Mustangs of its generation.

Another possibility mentioned in unofficial reports is a road-going adaptation of the 5.4-liter V8 developed for the Mustang GT3 race car. In its FIA-regulated racing configuration, the engine is limited to 558 hp. A road-legal version, however, would not necessarily be subject to the same competition restrictions.

Whether Ford chooses to revive the Voodoo concept or develop a road-going version of its GT3-derived engine remains to be seen.

Could Ford Introduce Both Mustang Cobra and Cobra R Versions?

There is another interesting detail hidden in the teaser. Ford Racing highlights the letter “R” in the word Cobra twice, with the second appearance featuring the brand’s signature blue colour.

This could be a subtle indication that Ford is planning two versions of the new performance Mustang: a standard Cobra and a more extreme Cobra R.

Such a strategy would not be entirely new for the Blue Oval. During the 1990s and early 2000s, Ford offered Cobra R versions designed with a stronger emphasis on track performance, reduced weight and sharper handling.

The possibility of a modern Cobra R would make considerable sense, particularly if Ford intends to position the new model as a successor to the Shelby GT350 and its track-focused philosophy.

For now, however, the highlighted letter remains speculation rather than confirmation of a second model.

Why the New Mustang Will Wear the Cobra Badge Instead of Shelby GT350

The return of the Cobra name also reflects a change in Ford’s relationship with the Shelby brand.

The previous Shelby GT350 was developed under a licensing arrangement between Ford and Shelby. That agreement has since expired, while Shelby American continues to offer independently modified Mustang models carrying the GT350 designation.

Using the Cobra name allows Ford to revive an important part of its own performance heritage without relying on the previous Shelby licensing arrangement.

The Cobra badge has a long association with Ford’s high-performance history, making it a natural choice for a new generation of track-oriented Mustang models.

Mustang Cobra Could Offer Something the Dark Horse SC and GTD Cannot

One of the most interesting aspects of the upcoming Mustang Cobra could be its position within Ford’s increasingly powerful Mustang lineup.

The current performance hierarchy includes the supercharged Mustang Dark Horse SC, producing 806 hp, and the considerably more extreme Mustang GTD, which delivers 826 hp.

The new Cobra could produce less power than either of those models, but that may not be the point.

According to the teaser, the naturally aspirated engine will be paired with a manual transmission, potentially giving the Cobra an advantage in terms of driver engagement and mechanical connection.

Neither the Dark Horse SC nor the GTD offers the same traditional manual-transmission experience, making the upcoming Cobra particularly appealing to enthusiasts who value involvement behind the wheel as much as outright acceleration.

Rather than chasing the highest possible horsepower figure, Ford could be developing a Mustang that focuses on throttle response, high engine speeds, precise gear changes and track performance.

Ford Mustang Cobra 2027: What We Know So Far

Although the official announcement is still limited to a short teaser, several important details have emerged.

  • Model: Ford Mustang Cobra
  • Expected arrival: 2027
  • Engine: Naturally aspirated V8
  • Transmission: Manual gearbox suggested by the teaser
  • Engine displacement: Not officially confirmed
  • Power output: Not announced
  • Potential engine candidates: 5.2-liter Voodoo V8 or an adaptation of the 5.4-liter Mustang GT3 engine
  • Possible additional version: Cobra R
  • Likely positioning: High-performance, track-focused Mustang

Ford has yet to announce pricing, production numbers, performance figures or the official launch date.

The Mustang Cobra Could Be the V8 Enthusiast’s Dream Comeback

The return of the Mustang Cobra in 2027 could represent something increasingly rare in the modern performance-car world: a naturally aspirated V8 combined with a manual gearbox and a development philosophy focused on the driving experience.

While horsepower figures continue to climb and forced induction dominates many high-performance applications, Ford appears to be exploring a different direction for its next enthusiast-focused Mustang.

If the new Cobra builds on the character of the Shelby GT350 while introducing more modern engineering and track-developed technology, it could become one of the most interesting additions to the Mustang family.

For now, the most important question remains unanswered: will Ford bring back the high-revving 5.2-liter Voodoo V8, or will the new Cobra receive a road-going version of the Mustang GT3’s 5.4-liter racing engine?

We should find out more as Ford approaches the car’s planned 2027 debut.

Source: Ford via Instagram

Auctions

One-of-One 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is up for auction

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With just 75 examples ever produced, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is one of the rarest and most extreme road cars of the modern era. However, this particular example takes exclusivity to another level. Built as the final Stirling Moss to leave the factory, originally commissioned for Kuwait’s Royal Family, and finished in a unique shade of Fire Opal Red, the spectacular speedster has now been fully federalized and registered for road use in the United States.

The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss was never an ordinary supercar. Introduced as the ultimate expression of the Mercedes-Benz and McLaren partnership, it was conceived as a roofless, windscreen-free tribute to the legendary racing driver Stirling Moss and his historic victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR.

Limited to just 75 units worldwide, the Stirling Moss represented the most uncompromising interpretation of the SLR formula. Yet, despite its extraordinary engineering and exclusivity, the model was never offered in US specifications, effectively excluding one of the world’s most important luxury-car markets.

That situation, however, did not stop determined collectors from finding a way to bring these extraordinary machines across the Atlantic.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: A Rare Hypercar Finally Legal in America

Importing a European-market SLR McLaren Stirling Moss into the United States was far from straightforward. None of the 75 cars were originally manufactured to meet American regulations, meaning that collectors needed an alternative route to make them road-legal.

The solution came through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Show or Display exemption. Established in 1999, the regulation allows certain vehicles of exceptional historical or technological significance to be imported into the United States, provided they meet specific requirements and remain subject to restrictions on road use.

With considerable effort, the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss was approved for inclusion on the Show or Display list, opening the door for qualifying examples to be federalized and registered in America.

This particular car has now completed that process. Federalization work was carried out in November 2026 by G&K Automotive of Santa Ana, California, making it possible for the exceptionally rare Mercedes-Benz to be legally registered for road use in the United States.

For American collectors, that makes an already extraordinary car even more desirable.

The Only Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss in Fire Opal Red

Factory-finished in December 2009, this car is not simply another example of the limited-production Stirling Moss. It is the final one of the 75 cars built and features a combination of factory-customized details that makes it unique.

Originally commissioned for the Royal Family of Kuwait, the car received Mercedes-Benz’s special factory paintwork treatment. Its exterior is finished in Fire Opal Red, making it the only SLR McLaren Stirling Moss to wear this particular shade.

There is another red Stirling Moss in existence, but it is finished in Rosso Corsa and belongs to the Royal Family of Jordan, where it has reportedly remained since new.

The distinction is important. While both cars share an unusual red exterior, the Kuwait-commissioned example is the only one finished in Mercedes-Benz Fire Opal Red, giving it a particularly distinctive place in the model’s history.

The bespoke treatment continues inside the cabin, where Mercedes-Benz specified an equally unusual combination of materials and finishes.

Bespoke Red Leather Interior and Unusual Factory Equipment

The interior is upholstered in matching red leather, a specification Mercedes-Benz reportedly designated as Silver Arrow. Contrasting yellow stitching adds another distinctive detail, while the car also features larger driver and passenger seats.

Instead of the carbon-fibre trim typically associated with the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, this example features Alutex interior trim, complemented by gold-painted brake calipers.

Perhaps even more unusual is the presence of a factory-fitted stereo system.

According to the vehicle’s history, this car and the red Rosso Corsa example owned by the Royal Family of Jordan are believed to be the only two Stirling Moss models equipped with stereos from new. Considering the car’s minimalist, competition-inspired character, this is an exceptionally rare detail.

Together, these features make the Kuwait-commissioned example one of the most individually specified cars in the entire 75-unit production run.

Just 32.9 Miles on the Clock Since New

The car was completed by Mercedes-Benz in December 2009 and built to European specifications before being delivered new to Switzerland.

It was first registered on 16 March 2010 in the canton of Vaud. Since then, it has covered just 32.9 miles, making it an extraordinarily low-mileage example of an already exceptionally rare collector car.

Before its most recent ownership change, approximately $40,000 was invested in servicing the vehicle in the United Kingdom. The work was performed by Stratton Motor Company in Norwich, ensuring that the car received attention before its journey to the United States.

The consignor acquired the Stirling Moss in 2024, becoming only its second private owner. It was subsequently shipped across the Atlantic and kept in the owner’s private collection before being transported to California for the federalization process.

With the recent completion of that work, the car has effectively overcome the biggest obstacle that previously prevented American collectors from enjoying the model on public roads.

The Ultimate Expression of the SLR McLaren Legacy

The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss occupies a special position in the history of modern supercars. Combining Mercedes-Benz’s legendary engineering heritage with McLaren’s motorsport expertise, it took the SLR concept to an extreme that few manufacturers would dare to replicate.

Its open cockpit, absence of a conventional windscreen and uncompromising design made it less of a conventional luxury supercar and more of a road-going racing machine.

The Stirling Moss was also a fitting tribute to one of the most celebrated chapters in Mercedes-Benz motorsport history. Its name recalls Sir Stirling Moss and navigator Denis Jenkinson’s extraordinary 1955 Mille Miglia victory, when their Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR completed the 1,000-mile Italian endurance race in a record-breaking time.

Against that historical background, this final-production example offers an unusually compelling combination of provenance, rarity and specification.

It is the last of just 75 SLR McLaren Stirling Moss models ever built, the only one finished in Fire Opal Red, a former Royal Family commission, and a car that has covered barely more than 32 miles since leaving the factory.

Now that it has also been federalized and registered in the United States, this extraordinary Mercedes-Benz has become even more appealing to collectors seeking something genuinely different from the usual multimillion-dollar supercar offerings.

For a model that was already almost impossible to obtain, finding an example with this specification, history and mileage is an opportunity that may never come around again.

Source: RM Sotheby’s

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