All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Lamborghini Roars into Georgia: Tbilisi Welcomes First Official Showroom

In a landmark moment for Georgia’s automotive scene, Automobili Lamborghini has officially opened its first showroom in the country, planting its unmistakable flag of Italian performance and luxury at 129 Agmashenebeli Street, Tbilisi. The iconic supercar manufacturer is represented exclusively in the region by Tegeta Holding, a name long synonymous with automotive excellence in Georgia.

The grand opening signals more than just the arrival of a luxury brand — it marks Lamborghini’s expanding global footprint and strategic interest in emerging markets.

“The opening of our first official showroom in Georgia represents an important step in Lamborghini’s international development strategy,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “With the debut of our fully hybridized model range, this milestone aligns with our broader vision for sustainable performance.”

And what a debut it was. The opening gala, attended by over 500 guests, was a masterclass in immersive brand storytelling — complete with interactive installations, a curated DJ set, and an exhibition of Lamborghini’s most evocative models. The cars themselves wore the colors of the Italian flag, setting a vibrant tone of heritage and innovation.

A Nation’s First Look at the Temerario

Stealing the spotlight was the Lamborghini Temerario, making its first appearance on Georgian soil. A symbol of the brand’s bold electrified future, the Temerario completes Lamborghini’s hybrid super sports car lineup. Its 920 CV twin-turbo V8 hybrid powertrain isn’t just powerful — it’s historic, boasting a redline of 10,000 rpm, a feat unmatched in production supercars.

Beyond raw numbers, the Temerario represents a new era of design and comfort. Developed entirely in Sant’Agata Bolognese, it delivers not only unrelenting performance but also expanded interior space and everyday usability — redefining what a daily-drivable supercar can be.

A Showroom Built on Heritage and Precision

Covering 300 square meters, the Tbilisi showroom was designed in line with Lamborghini’s global architectural standards, blending cutting-edge aesthetics with unmistakable Italian style. Every detail — from the premium European furnishings to the meticulously selected materials — echoes the brand’s DNA.

A true highlight is the Ad Personam configurator, a bespoke personalization studio where clients can tailor every aspect of their Lamborghini, from paint finishes to interior trims, bringing their dream car to life with a touch of artisan craftsmanship.

Service Without Compromise

Behind the showroom’s sleek facade lies a robust service center, staffed by Lamborghini-trained technicians. Equipped with eight work bays, state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and the latest security systems, it ensures that owners receive world-class aftersales support.

Driving Georgia Into the Future

For Tegeta Holding, the opening represents both a culmination and a beginning.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host honorary guests and customers at the Lamborghini showroom,” said Ekaterine Kavtaradze, CEO of Tegeta Holding. “This exclusive partnership comes as the result of Tegeta’s 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. We are fully prepared to meet the high standards of this iconic Italian brand.”

Kavtaradze sees the partnership not only as a boost for the company, but for Georgia’s global image, signaling the country’s readiness to host world-class luxury brands.

With roaring engines, artful design, and a vision for a hybridized future, Lamborghini’s debut in Georgia is not just a showroom launch — it’s a powerful declaration: Italian performance has arrived, and it’s here to stay.

Source: Automobili Lamborghini

Gallery:

Lamborghini Roars into Georgia: Tbilisi Welcomes First Official Showroom
EV

Volkswagen Develops Hardcore ID 2 GTI Clubsport with 282 HP

Volkswagen is set to expand its electric performance lineup with a hardcore Clubsport version of the upcoming ID 2 GTI, insiders have revealed. Slated to build on the forthcoming hot hatchback’s foundations, the new ID 2 GTI Clubsport will push the limits of front-wheel-drive EV performance with an anticipated output of 282 hp.

The standard ID 2 GTI, which was recently previewed in near-production concept form, is expected to hit the market in late 2026 with 223 hp courtesy of Volkswagen’s new-generation APP550 electric motor. However, engineers at the company’s Braunschweig R&D center in Germany are reportedly working on an even more potent Clubsport edition aimed at delivering a more focused driving experience.

Mechanical Limited-Slip Differential at the Core

Much like the revered Golf GTI Clubsport models that came before it, the ID 2 GTI Clubsport will feature a suite of performance-focused upgrades. Chief among them is the integration of a fully mechanical limited-slip differential—a key departure from the brake-based torque vectoring systems seen on many electric vehicles today.

“We’re not working with brake intervention,” one source revealed. “It’s a fully mechanical system,” they added, suggesting a purer, more analog approach to traction management—especially rare in the EV world.

Enhanced Dynamics and Virtual Gearshifts

Volkswagen engineers are also said to be exploring variable torque delivery and a virtual gearchange function. These systems aim to refine throttle response by controlling how torque is delivered across different speeds and loads, reducing jerkiness during hard acceleration and simulating the stepped feel of traditional gear shifts.

Both versions of the ID 2 GTI will ride on VW’s MEB Entry platform (internally known as MEB-21) and make use of the same APP550 motor that now powers several of the brand’s latest electric offerings.

Inspired by a Legacy of Clubsport Models

Volkswagen’s Clubsport badge has become synonymous with limited-edition, driver-focused enhancements over its core GTI offerings. The first Golf GTI Clubsport, launched in 2016 to celebrate the GTI’s 40th anniversary, was followed by the stripped-out Clubsport S, which famously held a Nürburgring front-wheel-drive lap record.

The current Golf GTI Clubsport continues that legacy with a 296 hp 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, bespoke ECU tuning, and adaptive suspension—positioning it as the sharpest iteration of the GTI to date.

While no official release date has been confirmed, the ID 2 GTI Clubsport is expected to follow the same limited-run, high-performance template. As one VW insider put it: “We’re arriving late, but with force.“

With electrification rewriting the rules of performance, Volkswagen seems intent on ensuring the GTI spirit thrives—even as it goes fully electric.

Source: Autocar

News

Mercedes Adds Emotion to EVs with Simulated V8 in Upcoming AMG Sedan

Mercedes-AMG has stirred excitement in the electric vehicle world with a newly released teaser video showcasing its upcoming high-performance electric sedan — a direct competitor to the Porsche Taycan. While specific details remain under wraps, one standout feature already drawing attention is the inclusion of a simulated V8 engine sound and gear-shifting experience, promising to inject some emotional thrill back into silent EV performance.

Electric vehicles have long proven their worth in terms of raw speed and efficiency, but many enthusiasts have lamented the lack of visceral engagement — particularly the absence of engine sound. To address this, a growing number of automakers are exploring synthetic audio enhancements to bridge the sensory gap between traditional combustion power and modern electric drivetrains.

Mercedes-Benz is no stranger to this trend. Its electric G580 model already features the “G-Roar” sound system, designed to mimic the deep rumble of a V8 engine. According to early driver impressions, the system substantially enhances the overall driving experience by restoring some of the emotional feedback typically associated with high-performance vehicles.

The upcoming AMG electric sedan is expected to follow in those footsteps, possibly expanding and refining the synthetic sound technology even further. Though Mercedes has yet to reveal technical specifications or a model name, the teaser suggests a bold new step in the brand’s electrification strategy.

Industry insiders speculate the official debut could come as early as August, setting the stage for a showdown with Porsche’s well-established Taycan — currently one of the benchmarks in the luxury electric performance segment.

As the automotive world continues to evolve, Mercedes-AMG seems determined to prove that electrification doesn’t mean the end of excitement — it just means finding new ways to create it.

Source: Mercedes-AMG