All posts by Francis Mitterrand

Tuning

MANSORY Vincerò: Bugatti Mistral Transformed Into a Bespoke One-Off Hypercar

MANSORY has unveiled the Vincerò, an extraordinary one-off creation based on the Bugatti Mistral, taking one of the world’s most exclusive open-top hypercars into an even more bespoke and visually dramatic direction.

The MANSORY Vincerò combines the unmistakable design DNA of the Bugatti Mistral with MANSORY’s signature approach to personalization, extensive use of exposed carbon fibre and a completely reworked interior. As a one-off commission, the Vincerò is designed not simply as a modified Mistral, but as an individually tailored hypercar created around the preferences of its owner.

MANSORY Vincerò brings a new interpretation of the Bugatti Mistral

The Bugatti Mistral already occupies a rare position in the hypercar world, combining extreme performance with the experience of an open-top grand tourer. MANSORY has used that foundation for the Vincerò project, introducing a series of newly developed exterior components while retaining the fundamental proportions of the original car.

A major focus of the Vincerò is its extensive use of coloured exposed carbon fibre. The lightweight material is applied across numerous newly developed body components, giving the one-off hypercar a highly customized appearance while reinforcing its performance-oriented character.

At the front, MANSORY has developed a redesigned front apron that gives the Vincerò a more assertive visual presence. The changes continue along the sides, where new aerodynamic elements and redesigned mirror housings further distinguish the car from the standard Bugatti Mistral.

The rear section has also undergone a comprehensive redesign. MANSORY says each component was engineered to integrate with the Mistral’s original design while emphasizing its distinctive proportions and exclusive character.

Extensive exposed carbon fibre defines the Vincerò

Carbon fibre is central to the MANSORY Vincerò’s visual identity. Rather than simply adding aftermarket styling elements, MANSORY has developed an extensive collection of bespoke carbon-fibre components specifically for the one-off project.

The coloured exposed carbon fibre provides a particularly distinctive finish, allowing the material itself to become an important part of the vehicle’s design rather than being hidden beneath conventional paint.

The result is a Bugatti Mistral that maintains its recognizable silhouette while gaining a considerably more individualized appearance.

For MANSORY, the project also demonstrates the company’s broader philosophy of creating highly personalized vehicles in which virtually every major design element can be tailored to an individual customer.

A completely bespoke Bugatti Mistral interior

Inside, the transformation is even more extensive. MANSORY has completely redesigned the cabin using premium leather, exposed carbon-fibre trim and numerous handcrafted details.

The interior can be specified with individually tailored colours, embroidery and bespoke equipment, allowing the customer to create a cockpit that reflects personal tastes rather than following a fixed factory specification.

MANSORY’s approach means that personalization extends to virtually every interior detail. This is particularly significant for a one-off vehicle based on a hypercar as exclusive as the Bugatti Mistral, where individuality becomes an essential part of the car’s appeal.

The combination of handcrafted leatherwork, carbon fibre and bespoke detailing is intended to create an environment that matches the Vincerò’s extensively modified exterior.

MANSORY Vincerò is designed as a true one-off

Unlike a conventional tuning package that can be applied to multiple vehicles, the MANSORY Vincerò has been created as a unique automobile.

That distinction is important. MANSORY’s one-off projects are built around extensive customer involvement, with the specification tailored to individual requirements. Colours, materials, embroidery and equipment can therefore be selected to create a vehicle unlike any other Mistral.

The Vincerò represents this philosophy in its most exclusive form: a Bugatti Mistral transformed through bespoke carbon-fibre bodywork, a fully personalized cabin and extensive handcrafted detailing.

Bugatti Mistral meets MANSORY design philosophy

The MANSORY Vincerò demonstrates how far bespoke automotive design can be taken when the starting point is already one of the world’s most exclusive hypercars.

Rather than replacing the fundamental identity of the Bugatti Mistral, MANSORY has concentrated on enhancing its visual impact through new bodywork, aerodynamic elements, exposed carbon fibre and a completely individualized interior.

With only a single Vincerò being created, the project also becomes an exercise in automotive exclusivity. Every design decision contributes to a car intended to stand apart not only from conventional Mistral models, but also from other highly customized hypercars.

The MANSORY Vincerò is therefore less a traditional tuning project and more a bespoke interpretation of the Bugatti Mistral—one that combines Bugatti’s distinctive design heritage with MANSORY’s uncompromising approach to personalization and craftsmanship.

Source: Mansory

NEW CARS

2027 BMW 3 Series Revealed

BMW has revealed the eighth-generation 3 Series, bringing a new generation of petrol-powered executive saloon designed to sit alongside the fully electric BMW i3. Leading the range is the new BMW M350 xDrive, which produces 437bhp and can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.1sec.

The new BMW 3 Series is scheduled to arrive in the UK in early 2027, with production beginning in November. The saloon will launch first, followed by a BMW 3 Series Touring estate later in 2027.

Although the new 3 Series and i3 share BMW’s latest design language and much of their electronic architecture, the two cars are built on fundamentally different platforms. The electric i3 uses BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture, while the combustion-engined 3 Series continues with an evolution of the company’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform.

That distinction is significant because BMW is attempting to make its petrol, hybrid and electric models feel increasingly like members of the same family rather than separate generations of technology.

BMW M350 xDrive becomes the new 3 Series performance flagship

The headline model at launch is the BMW M350 xDrive, priced from £66,785 in the UK.

Under its bonnet is a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six petrol engine supported by a small electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined output is 437bhp and 428lb ft of torque.

The petrol engine itself produces 420bhp and 388lb ft, while the integrated electric motor contributes an additional 17bhp.

That represents a substantial step forward compared with the outgoing BMW M340i xDrive. The previous model developed 369bhp and 369lb ft, meaning the new M350 gains 68bhp and 59lb ft.

BMW says the M350 xDrive can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.1sec, while its top speed is electronically restricted to 155mph.

Interestingly, the petrol-powered M350 xDrive is actually quicker to 62mph than the more powerful four-wheel-drive BMW i3 50 xDrive. The electric model produces 463bhp and 476lb ft from its two electric motors, but requires 4.7sec to reach 62mph.

The difference comes down largely to weight, with the combustion-engined 3 Series carrying considerably less mass.

The M350 therefore occupies an interesting position in BMW’s performance line-up. It is more powerful than the previous-generation M3 and, at least in straight-line acceleration, gets close to the performance offered by the range-topping electric i3.

A new version of BMW’s xDrive four-wheel-drive system is also introduced, with a Drift Moment function scheduled to become available during 2027. The system will be capable of sending the engine’s power exclusively to the rear wheels, giving the M350 a more playful rear-drive character when conditions and circumstances allow.

The M350 will remain the most performance-focused version of the new 3 Series until the arrival of the next-generation full BMW M3.

New BMW 320 expected to be the UK volume seller

While the M350 xDrive grabs the headlines, BMW expects the rear-wheel-drive 320 to account for the majority of UK sales.

Priced from £44,975, the BMW 320 uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid assistance.

It produces 208bhp and 243lb ft and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. BMW quotes a 0-62mph time of 7.4sec and a top speed of 149mph.

A 318 with 154bhp and 184lb ft will also be offered in European markets, although the exact UK range will be more restricted.

Diesel versions remain part of the broader European 3 Series line-up, but they are unlikely to return to Britain after BMW withdrew diesel versions from the UK market in 2024.

A plug-in hybrid version is also planned and will arrive in 2027, adding another powertrain option to BMW’s increasingly diversified 3 Series range.

BMW 3 Series adopts Neue Klasse-inspired styling

Although the new petrol-powered BMW 3 Series does not use the Neue Klasse platform, its styling has been heavily influenced by the electric i3.

BMW has created a much closer visual relationship between its combustion-engined and electric models. The new 3 Series features a broad horizontal front-end graphic incorporating the traditional BMW kidney grille and twin headlights.

The result is a more unified appearance across BMW’s next generation of cars.

The new car also adopts flush-fitting door handles, traditional cab-back proportions, pronounced rear haunches and slim horizontal rear lights.

The dimensions have increased slightly compared with the outgoing G20-generation 3 Series.

The new combustion-engined 3 Series measures:

  • Length: 4,765mm
  • Width: 1,850mm
  • Height: 1,455mm
  • Wheelbase: 2,880mm

It is therefore 52mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has increased by 9mm.

The electric BMW i3 is subtly different in its proportions. It is slightly shorter but 15mm wider and 25mm taller, while its wheelbase is also marginally longer.

Despite the differences beneath the skin, the visual similarities between the two models are deliberate. BMW wants customers to immediately recognise both cars as members of the same 3 Series family.

M350 xDrive gets distinctive exterior details

BMW has given the M350 xDrive several visual features designed to distinguish it from the standard 3 Series range.

The performance model gets distinctive yellow daytime running lights, a subtle boot-lid spoiler and four exhaust tailpipes.

Customers choosing less powerful versions can still give their cars a more aggressive appearance through BMW’s M Sport packages.

The M Sport package adds redesigned bumpers, side skirts and a rear diffuser, along with blue M Sport brake callipers.

The M Sport Pro package takes the visual treatment further, adding black mirror caps, a black rear spoiler and red M Sport brakes.

This means the new 3 Series can be configured with a relatively understated appearance or given a much more aggressive look without stepping up to the M350.

BMW focuses heavily on chassis improvements

The biggest changes to the new 3 Series are not necessarily visible from outside.

BMW has extensively reworked the chassis, giving the petrol-powered model its own front suspension geometry and a revised five-link rear suspension.

The rear suspension also benefits from increased wheel camber, while BMW has stiffened the chassis mounting points and revised the anti-roll-bar mounting arrangement.

The objective is to improve the car’s combination of steering response, body control, ride comfort and high-speed stability.

Adaptive suspension will be available as an option, as will adaptive M suspension. Both systems use electronically controlled dampers capable of continuously adjusting their response at each wheel.

The changes should help the new 3 Series retain the dynamic character that has traditionally been central to BMW’s compact executive saloon, while accommodating the changing requirements of modern electrified powertrains.

BMW 3 Series and i3 take different technical routes

The most interesting aspect of the new BMW 3 Series is perhaps what lies beneath its familiar body.

The petrol model continues to use BMW’s CLAR architecture, while the electric i3 is built on the company’s Neue Klasse platform.

That means BMW has not simply converted the electric platform to accept an internal-combustion engine. Instead, the two cars have been engineered independently while being brought significantly closer together in terms of styling, interior presentation and electronic architecture.

This approach allows BMW to maintain combustion-engine technology while simultaneously accelerating its electric-car programme.

It also gives the company a way to keep the 3 Series name relevant across different powertrain technologies.

New BMW 3 Series Touring coming later in 2027

The new 3 Series will initially be launched as a saloon, with UK deliveries scheduled for early 2027.

A BMW 3 Series Touring estate will follow later in the year, continuing one of the most important body styles in the model’s history.

The Touring is likely to broaden the appeal of the new generation significantly, particularly among buyers looking for the driving characteristics of a BMW 3 Series combined with additional luggage capacity and everyday practicality.

Source: BMW

CONCEPT CARS

Opel STX Concept First Photos

Opel has released the first images of its upcoming Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept, officially shortened to Opel STX Concept, offering the first glimpse of a radical new estate car that previews the German brand’s future design direction.

Revealed only a week after Opel announced the concept’s name, the first teaser images highlight the car’s precise surfacing, distinctive lighting elements and highly aerodynamic bodywork. More importantly, the Opel STX Concept provides an early look at the next evolution of the company’s Bold & Pure design philosophy and the future development of the Opel Vizor.

Opel STX Concept takes the estate car in a new direction

Opel has a long history with estate cars in Europe, dating back to the 1950s. The STX Concept is intended to reinterpret that heritage for a new generation, combining the practicality associated with an estate body style with a much more expressive and aerodynamic design.

“We were pioneers of the estate in Europe as early as the 1950s. With the STX Concept, we want to show our vision for the future of this body style and introduce the next step of our ‘Bold & Pure’ design philosophy,” said Opel CEO Florian Huettl.

The company has not yet revealed full technical specifications, dimensions or details about the powertrain, but the initial images suggest that aerodynamic performance and visual efficiency will play a major role in the concept’s design.

New Opel Vizor gets a sharper look

Perhaps the most significant design detail revealed so far is the next evolution of the Opel Vizor front fascia.

The familiar design element appears substantially more dramatic on the STX Concept, with a new lighting signature built around precisely positioned vertical, slanted lamellas. The arrangement gives the front end a more technical appearance while maintaining the visual identity established by the current generation of Opel models.

At the centre of the front end remains the illuminated Opel Blitz emblem, integrated into the brand’s signature Opel Compass design.

The combination of the illuminated logo, slim lighting elements and expanded Vizor treatment suggests that Opel is looking to make its future models instantly recognisable without relying on traditional grille designs.

Aerodynamics become a central part of the design

The Opel STX Concept is also being developed around aerodynamic efficiency. Opel says the concept will explore new solutions designed not only to reduce energy consumption but also to improve directional stability and driving pleasure at high speeds.

That is particularly relevant for an estate car designed with the German Autobahn in mind. Rather than treating aerodynamics purely as a way to lower drag, Opel says the STX Concept will use aerodynamic features to influence the vehicle’s high-speed behaviour as well.

One of the most visible examples is the concept’s striking three-section alloy wheel design. The wheels have been shaped with aerodynamic efficiency in mind, helping to reduce turbulence around the vehicle while giving the concept a distinctive appearance.

This approach reflects a broader industry trend in which designers are increasingly integrating aerodynamic optimisation directly into the visual identity of electric and electrified vehicles.

A preview of Opel’s next design chapter

Although Opel has released only a limited amount of information, the STX Concept already appears to represent more than a styling exercise. The combination of a practical estate-car silhouette, aggressive aerodynamics and a redesigned Vizor could provide important clues about the direction Opel intends to take with future production vehicles.

The concept also reinforces the importance of the estate body style at a time when many manufacturers have shifted their focus toward SUVs and crossovers. Opel’s decision to use an estate as a platform for demonstrating its future design philosophy suggests the company still sees significant potential in the format.

For now, Opel is keeping the most important details under wraps. The company has promised to reveal more information about the STX Concept soon, meaning additional details about its technology, interior, dimensions and potential powertrain should follow.

The Opel STX Concept therefore serves as an early statement of intent: a futuristic estate combining Opel’s traditional practicality with a sharper interpretation of the brand’s Bold & Pure design language, a more advanced Vizor front end and a strong focus on aerodynamic performance.

Opel STX Concept: What we know so far

  • Full name: Opel Sports Tourer eXperimental Concept
  • Short name: Opel STX Concept
  • Body style: Sports Tourer / estate concept
  • Design philosophy: Next-generation Opel Bold & Pure
  • Front design: Evolved Opel Vizor
  • Lighting: Vertical slanting lamella signature
  • Brand identity: Illuminated Opel Blitz within the Opel Compass
  • Aerodynamics: Designed to improve efficiency and high-speed stability
  • Wheels: Aerodynamically optimised three-section alloy wheels
  • Production status: Concept vehicle
  • Full technical specifications: Yet to be announced

Source: Stellantis