Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Bentley Nicolaus Copernicus Collection Brings the Cosmos to Three Bespoke Continental GT Models

Bentley Motors has unveiled an exceptionally exclusive new collection created specifically for the Polish market, celebrating the legacy of one of history’s most influential astronomers and thinkers, Nicolaus Copernicus. Limited to just three vehicles, the Bentley Nicolaus Copernicus Collection combines Mulliner craftsmanship, bespoke design and the astronomical themes of the Sun, Earth and Moon.

Developed by Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke division in close collaboration with Bentley Warsaw, the collection is based on the sporting Continental GT S and Continental GTC S. Each car receives its own distinctive celestial-inspired colour palette, while a common astronomical design language connects all three models.

The result is a highly individual interpretation of Bentley’s grand touring philosophy, with each vehicle designed as a standalone collector’s piece.

The Copernicus Connection

The Nicolaus Copernicus Collection takes inspiration from the Polish astronomer’s revolutionary heliocentric model of the universe. Rather than treating the three cars as unrelated special editions, Bentley has created a unified design concept centred around the celestial bodies that define our solar system.

At the heart of the collection is the “Copernicus Diagram”, an eight-piece luminary motif representing Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune.

The orbital-inspired design appears throughout the three Continental GT models, including the centre console, front and rear quilting panels, welcome lamps and tonneau cover. This recurring motif gives the collection a distinctive identity while reinforcing its connection with Copernicus and his astronomical legacy.

Three Cars, Three Celestial Themes

The three vehicles represent the Sun, Earth and Moon, with Mulliner carefully selecting exterior paint, leather, stitching, veneers and trim finishes to reflect the character of each celestial body.

Although each Bentley is visually distinct, the three cars share the same fundamental design philosophy: sophisticated detailing rather than excessive visual drama.

Bentley Continental GTC S ‘Sun’

The first member of the collection is the Bentley Continental GTC S ‘Sun’, a convertible finished in bespoke Manuka Orange.

The vibrant exterior colour is complemented by a Gravity Grey secondary hide and orange main-hide elements inside the cabin. Copper Stone veneer is used for the dashboard and door waist rails, while orange stitching and matching carpet binding reinforce the warm, solar-inspired theme.

The combination is intended to represent the Sun as the centre of the solar system, giving the GTC S a particularly vivid character while retaining Bentley’s traditionally restrained approach to luxury.

With its folding roof, the GTC S also provides the most open interpretation of the collection’s celestial theme, allowing occupants to experience the car beneath the same sky that inspired the design.

Bentley Continental GT S ‘Earth’

The second car is the Bentley Continental GT S ‘Earth’, a coupe finished in bespoke Nebula Blue.

The exterior colour sets the tone for an interior built around multiple shades of blue. Imperial Blue is used as the secondary hide, while Aegean Blue forms the main hide and extends across areas including the dashboard, seat side bolsters and headrests.

Galaxy Stone veneer adds another layer of visual depth, while the chrome specification and silver contrast seat piping provide additional highlights.

The centre console is finished in satin-painted Imperial Blue, completing the monochromatic blue theme and reinforcing the connection with Earth as the collection’s central planetary reference.

Compared with the warmer Sun-themed convertible, the Earth coupe takes a cooler and more sophisticated approach, using different materials and shades to create a more understated interpretation of the astronomical concept.

Bentley Continental GT S ‘Moon’

The third vehicle, another Continental GT S coupe, is the ‘Moon’.

Its exterior is finished in bespoke Moonstruck silver, chosen to evoke the distinctive surface of Earth’s natural satellite. Inside, the colour palette moves between dark Beluga and lighter Ice leather.

Ice leather highlights the outer sections of the seats and headrests, while the same contrasting treatment is applied to the centre console, dashboard leather and door inlay stripes.

The resulting cabin has a darker, more atmospheric character than the Earth model, with the silver exterior providing the visual link to the Moon.

Mulliner Turns the Continental GT Into a Collector’s Piece

While the exterior colours immediately distinguish the three cars, much of the appeal of the Nicolaus Copernicus Collection lies in the level of detail applied to areas that are less obvious at first glance.

Each vehicle receives bespoke treadplates, an individual fragrance and a dedicated key box. Owners also receive Copernicus Collection-inspired pocket squares and scarves.

Bentley has even created a special Spotify music playlist to accompany the collection, extending the astronomical theme beyond the physical vehicle and into the overall ownership experience.

This approach reflects the role of Mulliner within Bentley. Rather than simply applying a different colour or adding a badge, the bespoke division creates highly personalised vehicles where the exterior, interior, materials and accessories are conceived as one complete design.

671-HP Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid Powertrain

Despite their highly bespoke appearance, the three Nicolaus Copernicus Collection models are not merely static luxury objects.

All three are powered by Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid powertrain, producing a combined 671 bhp.

The performance-oriented specification is complemented by a titanium sports exhaust, giving the cars a more distinctive soundtrack than a conventional luxury grand tourer.

Bentley has also equipped the collection with an active chassis, 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke wheels finished in gloss black and carbon-ceramic brakes.

The combination of active chassis technology, large performance wheels and carbon-ceramic braking hardware gives the three cars the dynamic hardware expected from Bentley’s sporting Continental GT S family.

Luxury Meets Grand Touring Performance

The Nicolaus Copernicus Collection illustrates the increasingly important role of bespoke personalisation in the ultra-luxury automotive market.

The Continental GT platform provides the performance and technology, while Mulliner allows Bentley to transform the cars into highly individual commissions with a narrative extending across every element of the vehicle.

In this case, that narrative is particularly appropriate for Poland. Nicolaus Copernicus was born in Toruń and is widely associated with the development of the heliocentric model that placed the Sun rather than Earth at the centre of the planetary system.

Bentley has translated that scientific legacy into three automotive interpretations: the Sun, Earth and Moon.

A Celebration of Bentley Mulliner

Richard Leopold, Regional Director EMEA of Bentley Motors, highlighted the collaboration between Mulliner and Bentley’s European retailer network as an important part of the collection.

According to Bentley, understanding customer preferences, offering extensive personalisation possibilities and maintaining handcrafted British craftsmanship remain fundamental elements of the brand’s identity.

The Nicolaus Copernicus Collection provides a particularly clear demonstration of those capabilities.

With only three vehicles produced for Poland, the collection is unlikely to be defined by conventional performance statistics or outright exclusivity alone. Its appeal comes from the combination of a recognisable Continental GT platform, an elaborate astronomical theme and the ability to create three cars that are visually connected yet individually distinct.

The Bentley Nicolaus Copernicus Collection at a Glance

  • Models: Three bespoke Bentley Continental GT family vehicles
  • Themes: Sun, Earth and Moon
  • Body styles: Continental GTC S convertible and Continental GT S coupe
  • Powertrain: 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 hybrid
  • System output: 671 bhp
  • Exhaust: Titanium sports exhaust
  • Chassis: Active chassis
  • Wheels: 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke, gloss black
  • Brakes: Carbon Ceramic Brakes
  • Design division: Bentley Mulliner
  • Market: Poland
  • Production: Three vehicles

Source: Bentley

NEW CARS

Citroën C5 Aircross Émeraude Debuts With Emerald Blue Design and Up to 680 km of Electric Range

Citroën has introduced the new C5 Aircross Émeraude special edition, adding a distinctive French character to its flagship SUV just one year after the arrival of the latest-generation C5 Aircross. Combining a striking new colour, exclusive design details, enhanced comfort equipment and a choice of electrified powertrains, the C5 Aircross Émeraude is designed to make long-distance travel as enjoyable as the destination itself.

The new Citroën C5 Aircross has already marked a significant change in direction for the French brand. Its more expressive exterior design, improved aerodynamics, spacious cabin and focus on comfort have transformed it into one of the key models representing Citroën’s modern identity.

With hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains available across the C5 Aircross range, Citroën is also positioning its flagship SUV as a versatile choice for drivers moving toward electrification. In its extended-range electric configuration, the C5 Aircross can deliver up to 680 kilometres of WLTP range, giving it the ability to combine everyday practicality with genuine long-distance capability.

Citroën C5 Aircross Émeraude Gets a Distinctive Emerald Blue Finish

The defining feature of the Citroën C5 Aircross Émeraude is its new Emerald Blue exterior colour. Deep, luminous and designed to change character with the surrounding light, the colour gives the SUV a more sophisticated appearance while establishing a direct connection with the coastal landscapes of Brittany.

The choice is particularly significant because the C5 Aircross is produced at Citroën’s Rennes-La Janais factory in Brittany. The region’s famous Emerald Coast, located only a short distance from the production site, provides the inspiration for both the special edition’s name and its signature colour.

Citroën has complemented the Emerald Blue paintwork with matching details throughout the exterior. Emerald Blue Color Clips appear on the front bumper and front door protection elements, while the rear aerodynamic appendages feature a subtle French flag motif alongside an Émeraude signature.

For customers who prefer a different exterior colour, the Citroën C5 Aircross Émeraude is also available in Perla Nera Black, Platinum Grey, Okenite White and Astoria Green.

Exclusive Interior for the C5 Aircross Émeraude

The C5 Aircross Émeraude is based on the PLUS trim level and receives an interior treatment developed specifically for the special edition.

The cabin features an Emerald-themed design intended to create a brighter and more sophisticated atmosphere. Blue accents appear on the front-seat labels and on an embossed insert integrated into the fabric section of the dashboard in front of the passenger.

Special floor mats complete the interior treatment, while a comprehensive equipment list reinforces the C5 Aircross’s focus on comfort.

Standard equipment for the Émeraude special edition includes an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a second-row armrest, wireless smartphone charging and a hands-free power tailgate.

The combination makes the C5 Aircross Émeraude more than a cosmetic special edition. Citroën has used the opportunity to reinforce the SUV’s comfort-oriented character while adding technology designed to reduce the workload on longer journeys.

Citroën Drive Assist 2.0 Adds Advanced Driver Assistance

The C5 Aircross Émeraude is also equipped with Citroën’s Drive Assist 2.0 Pack, bringing together several advanced driver-assistance technologies.

The system includes lane positioning assistance, semi-automatic lane-change assistance and an advanced speed-limit warning system. A reversing traffic alert can monitor approaching traffic from a distance of up to 40 metres, while the long-range blind-spot monitoring system can detect vehicles up to 75 metres away.

Together, these technologies are designed to make highway driving and manoeuvring in busy traffic more relaxed, particularly during longer journeys.

Comfort Remains the C5 Aircross’s Biggest Strength

Despite its new appearance and additional equipment, the defining characteristic of the C5 Aircross remains unchanged: comfort.

The latest-generation C5 Aircross was developed around Citroën’s philosophy of making the journey itself an important part of the experience. The SUV uses Citroën Advanced Comfort suspension with progressive hydraulic stops to absorb road imperfections, while Advanced Comfort seats are designed to provide a more supportive and relaxing environment over longer distances.

The spacious rear passenger area is another important part of the formula. Combined with generous luggage capacity, it allows the C5 Aircross to accommodate passengers and their belongings without forcing owners to compromise when planning longer trips.

The dashboard is dominated by a 13-inch HD Waterfall touchscreen, providing a central interface for the vehicle’s infotainment and connected functions.

Citroën’s Alternative Approach to the SUV

The C5 Aircross Émeraude illustrates Citroën’s attempt to differentiate the model from conventional European SUVs. Rather than focusing exclusively on performance or aggressive styling, the French brand continues to build the C5 Aircross around comfort, practicality and relaxed long-distance travel.

That philosophy is particularly relevant in the current automotive market, where electrification is changing the way manufacturers approach family SUVs.

With hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions available, the C5 Aircross gives customers several routes into electrified driving. The extended-range electric version, with up to 680 km of WLTP range, is particularly significant for drivers who want the advantages of an electric SUV without limiting the vehicle to short-distance urban use.

A French SUV With a French Story

The Émeraude name is closely connected to the C5 Aircross’s production story.

The SUV is manufactured at the Rennes-La Janais plant in Brittany, one of Citroën’s historic production facilities. The site has been associated with the brand for more than six decades and continues to play an important role in Citroën’s European manufacturing operations.

The proximity of the factory to Brittany’s Emerald Coast makes the connection especially appropriate. The coastline’s distinctive landscapes and changing shades of blue and green provided the inspiration for the special-edition colour.

Citroën is therefore using the C5 Aircross Émeraude to highlight more than a new visual identity. The model also serves as a showcase for French industrial expertise, with the vehicle conceived, designed and manufactured in France.

Citroën C5 Aircross Émeraude: A Special Edition Built Around the Journey

The new Citroën C5 Aircross Émeraude adds a distinctive visual identity to an SUV already defined by comfort and practicality. Its Emerald Blue finish, exclusive interior details, additional equipment and Drive Assist 2.0 technology give the special edition a character of its own without moving away from the core philosophy of the C5 Aircross.

More importantly, the Émeraude name connects the vehicle directly with its French roots. Produced in Rennes, just a short distance from the Emerald Coast that inspired its name and colour, the C5 Aircross Émeraude represents Citroën’s interpretation of modern French automotive design.

With electrified powertrains ranging from hybrid and plug-in hybrid technology to a fully electric version capable of up to 680 km of WLTP range, the C5 Aircross is also designed to meet the changing demands of modern family travel.

For Citroën, the message is clear: the journey should not simply be the distance between two destinations. It should be part of the experience.

Source: Citroen

NEW CARS

Porsche 550 J Reimagines a Motorsport Legend as an Electric Collector’s Car

The legendary Porsche 550 Spyder has returned in a radically different form. Created by British design and engineering company Hedley Studios in an officially licensed partnership with Porsche, the new Porsche 550 J transforms one of the marque’s most important racing cars into a handcrafted, fully electric collector’s item.

Built to celebrate 75 years of Porsche Motorsport, the Porsche 550 J pays tribute to the lightweight mid-engined sports car that established an important chapter in the company’s competition history. Limited to just 250 examples, the miniature recreation combines classic Porsche design, modern electric propulsion and extensive personalisation.

It may look like a tiny version of a 1950s racing car, but the 550 J is a thoroughly modern creation. Measuring approximately 2.9 metres in length and 1.2 metres in width, it is around 80 percent the size of the original Porsche 550 Spyder and can accommodate up to two occupants.

The result is not intended to be a conventional road car. The Porsche 550 J is not road legal and is instead positioned as an exclusive collector’s piece for Porsche enthusiasts and design aficionados.

Porsche 550 Spyder: the racing car that started the Carrera legacy

The original Porsche 550 Spyder occupies a special place in Porsche history. Developed specifically for motorsport, it was one of the company’s earliest purpose-built racing machines and quickly demonstrated that low weight and intelligent engineering could overcome a significant power disadvantage.

One of its defining moments came at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, one of the most demanding road races of its era.

Porsche factory drivers Hans Herrmann and Jaroslav Juhan competed with two 550 Spyder models over the race’s 3,077-kilometre route. After five days of competition, Herrmann emerged ahead of his teammate by just 36 seconds.

More importantly, the two lightweight Porsches managed to finish third and fourth overall while winning their class, despite facing competitors with considerably larger engines.

That performance helped establish the Carrera name within Porsche’s performance-car vocabulary. The designation would subsequently become synonymous with some of the company’s most sporting road cars.

The 550 Spyder’s formula was deceptively simple: compact dimensions, low weight, a mid-mounted engine and a clear focus on the driver. Decades later, those same characteristics form the foundation of the Porsche 550 J’s visual identity.

Porsche 550 J is an officially licensed reimagining

The new Porsche 550 J is not simply an aftermarket replica. It is an officially licensed reinterpretation of the original 550 Spyder, developed by Hedley Studios with direct support from Porsche.

During development, Hedley Studios was given extensive access to Porsche’s corporate archives, allowing the team to study the original car and its history in considerable detail.

The collaboration reflects a shared approach between the two companies: traditional craftsmanship combined with contemporary technology.

“The Porsche 550 Spyder is far more than a legendary sports car. It embodies the pioneering spirit, innovative strength and passion that have defined Porsche from the brand’s earliest days to the present,” said Deniz Keskin, Director Brand Management and Partnerships at Porsche AG.

The Porsche 550 J therefore aims to capture more than the appearance of the original. Its designers sought to reproduce the character and philosophy of the 1950s racing machine while adapting the concept for a modern collector.

Porsche 550 J gets an electric powertrain

Perhaps the biggest difference between the original Porsche 550 Spyder and the new 550 J is hidden beneath the bodywork.

Instead of a petrol engine, the Porsche 550 J uses a fully electric 48-volt drivetrain. In standard specification, the system produces approximately 8 kW, equivalent to roughly 11 horsepower.

Customers opting for the RS Package can increase output to approximately 16 kW, or around 22 horsepower.

Top speed is approximately 80 km/h.

Those figures might appear modest by modern sports-car standards, but outright performance is not the purpose of the 550 J. This is a compact collector’s vehicle designed around craftsmanship, design and the experience of owning a miniature interpretation of a Porsche racing icon.

The electric drivetrain also gives Hedley Studios the opportunity to reinterpret the 550 Spyder without attempting to reproduce its original mechanical package.

Steel space frame and carbon-fibre body

Despite its diminutive dimensions, the Porsche 550 J uses serious construction techniques.

The car features a steel space-frame chassis combined with a carbon-fibre body. This approach allows Hedley Studios to maintain the lightweight philosophy associated with the original 550 Spyder while incorporating contemporary materials and manufacturing techniques.

Every Porsche 550 J is handcrafted in the UK at Hedley Studios in Bicester.

That handcrafted construction is central to the car’s appeal. Rather than being a mass-produced lifestyle product, the 550 J is intended to occupy the space between automotive design, motorsport heritage and collectible craftsmanship.

Ben Hedley, founder of Hedley Studios, describes the original 550 Spyder as a milestone in Porsche’s history because it was developed specifically for motorsport.

With the 550 J, the company’s goal was to retain the lightweight, driver-focused character and straightforward design philosophy of the original while making the concept relevant to a new generation.

Limited to only 250 examples

Exclusivity is another defining element of the Porsche 550 J.

Production is limited to just 250 examples, making the new model considerably rarer than any conventional Porsche production car.

The limited production run, official Porsche licensing and direct connection to one of the brand’s most historically significant racing cars are likely to make the 550 J particularly attractive to collectors.

However, unlike a conventional Porsche sports car, the 550 J is not designed for public roads. It is explicitly a collector’s item and is not road legal.

That distinction is important. The 550 J is less about replacing a modern sports car and more about owning a physical piece of Porsche’s motorsport heritage.

Porsche 550 J offers extensive customisation

Hedley Studios has also given customers considerable freedom to personalise their cars.

The Porsche 550 J can be specified in a broad selection of colours, including classic Porsche Silver as well as heritage-inspired blue, white, yellow and red finishes.

For customers looking for something more individual, the company’s Bespoke programme opens up significantly greater possibilities.

Historic and contemporary Porsche colours can be combined with motorsport-inspired liveries and other individual details, allowing owners to create highly personalised versions of the 550 J.

The result is that no two cars necessarily need to look identical.

This emphasis on individualisation is particularly relevant for a vehicle aimed at collectors. Rather than simply purchasing a miniature Porsche 550 Spyder, buyers can commission a specific interpretation reflecting their own taste, preferred Porsche racing era or personal collection.

A modern interpretation of Porsche’s racing DNA

The Porsche 550 Spyder was created in an era when racing success depended heavily on reducing weight, maximising mechanical efficiency and giving the driver a focused machine.

The Porsche 550 J translates that philosophy into a very different technological era.

Its 48-volt electric drivetrain replaces the internal-combustion engine, carbon fibre replaces much of the traditional construction philosophy and modern manufacturing techniques allow the car to be produced at a scale that would have been impossible in the 1950s.

Yet the fundamental visual language remains unmistakably connected to the 550 Spyder.

The tiny proportions, open cockpit and streamlined bodywork deliberately evoke the original racing car, while the extensive customisation programme gives owners the opportunity to create something closer to a bespoke automotive sculpture than a conventional vehicle.

Porsche 550 J price and availability

Hedley Studios has announced that the Porsche 550 J is available to order now through the company.

The production run is limited to 250 examples, with each vehicle handcrafted in the UK and offered with extensive personalisation options.

The supplied announcement does not specify a purchase price for the Porsche 550 J, so the final cost will depend on the specification and bespoke options selected by the customer.

Porsche 550 J: specifications at a glance

  • Officially licensed Porsche 550 Spyder reimagining
  • Created by Hedley Studios
  • Limited to 250 examples
  • Handcrafted in Bicester, UK
  • Approximately 2.9 metres long
  • Approximately 1.2 metres wide
  • Around 80 percent of the original 550 Spyder’s size
  • Seating for up to two people
  • Steel space-frame chassis
  • Carbon-fibre body
  • 48-volt fully electric drivetrain
  • Approximately 8 kW in standard specification
  • Up to approximately 16 kW with RS Package
  • Approximately 80 km/h top speed
  • Extensive colour and livery personalisation
  • Bespoke programme available
  • Not road legal

Source: Porsche