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NEW CARS

Bovensiepen Spider Is a 429bhp BMW Z4 Collector’s Special with Alpina DNA

Bovensiepen, the new automotive marque founded by the creators of Alpina, has revealed the Spider, a limited-production roadster based on the BMW Z4 M40i. With 429bhp, a 183mph top speed and production capped at just 99 examples, the Spider is designed to preserve the appeal of the lightweight, two-seat sports car in an increasingly SUV-dominated market.

The BMW Z4 may have reached the end of its production run, but its story is far from over. Bovensiepen, the marque established by the former Alpina founders, has transformed the latest Z4 into a bespoke performance roadster that combines more power, sharper dynamics and the kind of handcrafted luxury that made Alpina famous.

Called the Bovensiepen Spider, the new model is the company’s third production car, following the £320,000 Zagato coupé and the £144,000 05 GT estate. It is also the brand’s first convertible, although its connection to the Z4 goes back much further than its recent launch.

The Spider is, in many ways, a modern successor to the Alpina Roadster S, the Z4-based roadster created by the same team around two decades ago. This time, however, Bovensiepen has taken the latest-generation Z4 M40i and developed it into a considerably more powerful and exclusive machine.

Only 99 examples will be built, with deliveries scheduled to begin in early 2027. Despite its limited production and bespoke engineering, the Spider is positioned below Bovensiepen’s other models, with a German price equivalent to approximately £99,000—roughly the same territory as a new BMW M4 Convertible.

A 429bhp Straight-Six Roadster

At the heart of the Bovensiepen Spider is BMW’s familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine. In standard Z4 M40i specification, the unit already delivers strong performance, but Bovensiepen has substantially increased its output to 429bhp and 428lb ft of torque.

That is enough to propel the Spider from 0 to 62mph in 4.2 seconds, while the top speed rises to 183mph. According to Bovensiepen, those figures make the Spider quicker than any previous version of the BMW Z4.

The engine has not simply been given a software upgrade. Bovensiepen has reworked the intake system to help it breathe more freely, while a redesigned exhaust system has been optimised for improved gas flow and a more exhilarating, sporty soundtrack.

Cooling has also been upgraded to ensure the engine can maintain peak performance under demanding conditions. Buyers seeking even greater capability can specify an optional Performance Pack, which adds enhanced differential heat management to improve performance during sustained high-load driving.

Sharper Handling, More Grip

The Spider’s performance upgrades extend beyond its engine. Bovensiepen has retuned the dampers to improve responsiveness and give the roadster a more focused driving character.

The suspension is supported by Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, fitted to lightweight forged wheels. These high-performance tyres are intended to provide the grip necessary to exploit the Spider’s additional power, while optional high-performance brakes offer buyers the opportunity to further enhance its stopping ability.

Unlike the Z4’s recently available six-speed manual option, the Bovensiepen Spider uses the standard ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. That decision prioritises rapid, consistent performance and reflects the marque’s focus on delivering a refined but engaging driving experience.

A More Exclusive Take on the Z4 Interior

Bovensiepen has retained the basic architecture of the BMW Z4’s cabin, but the interior has been extensively retrimmed using premium materials.

The seats are available in Vernasca leather, while the steering wheel is finished in Lavalina leather. Alcantara is used around the windscreen surround, adding a more sporting feel to the cabin.

As with the company’s other models, personalisation is a major part of the Spider’s appeal. The Bovensiepen Saddlery customisation programme is designed to offer a level of individual specification comparable with Bentley’s Mulliner or Aston Martin’s Q division.

Customers can work with the company to create a highly personalised car, with options including Alcantara boot lining, bespoke headrests and custom embroidery. These details are intended to make each Spider feel less like a conventional production sports car and more like a collector’s commission.

Bovensiepen’s Answer to the Disappearing Roadster

Bovensiepen says the Spider was created in response to a broader change in the automotive industry. Modern cars are becoming larger, heavier and increasingly influenced by SUV design, while traditional lightweight two-seat roadsters are becoming harder to find.

The company describes the Spider as a deliberate effort to preserve a vehicle class that has long represented one of the most direct forms of driving pleasure.

Its philosophy is summed up by the phrase “fine driving”—a concept that places emphasis not only on outright performance, but also on balance, craftsmanship and the experience behind the wheel.

The result is a car that occupies an interesting position in the market. It is based on a BMW Z4, but its limited production, increased power, bespoke materials and extensive customisation move it well beyond the standard model.

Price, Production and Availability

The Bovensiepen Spider will be limited to 99 units worldwide, with deliveries expected to start in early 2027. Its German price is approximately £99,000, making it significantly more accessible than the marque’s Zagato coupé and 05 GT estate.

For buyers looking for a rare, handcrafted performance convertible, the Spider offers a compelling combination of BMW straight-six power, Alpina-inspired engineering and exclusive ownership appeal.

Bovensiepen Spider: Key Specifications

  • Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six
  • Power: 429bhp
  • Torque: 428lb ft
  • 0–62mph: 4.2 seconds
  • Top speed: 183mph
  • Transmission: ZF eight-speed automatic
  • Base model: BMW Z4 M40i
  • Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 4S
  • Production: 99 examples
  • Deliveries: Early 2027
  • German price: Approximately £99,000 equivalent

Source: Bovensiepen

News

Chery Plans Four New UK SUVs and British R&D Centre

Chery is preparing its next major expansion in the UK, with four new or updated SUVs planned for 2027, a new Tiggo X family and a research and development centre at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. The Chinese automaker says the move will help it build cars better suited to British roads while challenging established mass-market brands such as Volkswagen.

The announcement comes as Chery marks its first full year of UK sales. During that period, the brand has sold approximately 29,000 vehicles. Although that figure trails its sister brands Jaecoo and Omoda, Chery UK managing director Farrell Hsu says the company has already exceeded its sales target for 2026.

Hsu’s ambition is considerably larger than simply establishing a foothold in Britain. He wants Chery to become a mainstream manufacturer capable of competing with Volkswagen and other established “people’s car” brands.

“We want to challenge brands such as Volkswagen,” Hsu said, outlining a strategy focused on reaching the mass market rather than remaining a niche alternative.

Four New SUVs Will Expand the Chery UK Line-Up

Chery currently sells the Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9 SUVs in the UK. The models compete across segments occupied by vehicles such as the Ford Puma, Volkswagen Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq.

The next stage of the company’s strategy will see four new or updated SUVs arrive in 2027. One of those models will be electric, while the others are expected to broaden the range with new body styles, powertrain options and a more lifestyle-oriented approach.

The name of the new family has not yet been finalised, but Chery is expected to introduce a Tiggo X range. The first model could be closely related to the Tiggo X SUV unveiled at the Beijing motor show.

Positioned as Chery’s new flagship, the Tiggo X is a large, approximately 5.0-metre-long, seven-seat SUV with a boxy design and plug-in hybrid powertrain. Chinese media reports suggest it could produce a combined 476bhp and 465lb ft of torque, with an electric-only range of around 124 miles on the more generous CLTC testing cycle.

Those figures remain subject to confirmation for the UK market, but they indicate the direction Chery is taking with its flagship SUV: substantial dimensions, strong performance and the ability to cover many daily journeys using electric power alone.

Details of the other Tiggo X models remain undisclosed. However, Hsu suggested that the family will offer a distinctly different character from the existing Tiggo 4, 7, 8 and 9.

“They will bring a different feeling,” he said, describing the new models as having a “lifestyle” focus. That could mean more distinctive, boxier styling, increased practicality and some light off-road capability.

Chery Wants Its Cars to Feel More European

Expanding the model range is only part of Chery’s UK strategy. The company also wants to make its vehicles better suited to local driving conditions, and its new Bedfordshire R&D centre will play a central role in that effort.

Initially, the facility will operate as what Hsu called a “translation centre”. Its job will be to gather feedback from British customers and automotive media, then convert that information into practical engineering changes that Chinese development teams can implement.

That process will cover steering, chassis tuning and advanced driver assistance systems. British roads present a different challenge from those in China, with tighter lanes, more frequent bends and road surfaces that can be considerably less forgiving.

“We will test everything and then tell HQ what they need to do,” Hsu explained.

The Millbrook facility should allow Chery to evaluate modifications more quickly, including changes to dampers, suspension bushings and software calibrations. Rather than relying solely on feedback from overseas markets, engineers will be able to test adjustments locally and determine whether they deliver the desired improvements.

The goal is not simply to make Chery vehicles comfortable on British roads. Hsu also wants them to develop the driving character associated with German competitors.

“So many people like the German feeling; cars that drive like a German car,” he said. “It really gives them a very good impression. This is something we need to learn.”

That statement reflects a pragmatic approach from a manufacturer still building its reputation in Europe. Chery is not claiming to have mastered every aspect of the market. Instead, it is using local engineering expertise to understand what British buyers expect from the steering, suspension and overall behaviour of a modern family SUV.

Millbrook Could Influence Chery’s Global Cars

Although the Bedfordshire centre is being established to support the UK market, its influence could eventually extend much further.

The UK has considerable expertise in autonomous driving, artificial intelligence and vehicle development. Chery believes the knowledge gained through its British operations could eventually help shape products sold in other countries.

The same engineering improvements will also benefit Chery’s sister brands, including Omoda, Jaecoo and Lepas. That gives the Millbrook project significance beyond the Tiggo range, potentially allowing the wider group to develop a more consistent understanding of European driving preferences.

For now, however, the priority is straightforward: make Chery vehicles feel more natural and convincing on British roads.

Plug-In Hybrids Are Central to Chery’s UK Strategy

Chery’s rapid expansion will also depend heavily on its plug-in hybrid technology. Hsu said the company’s “Super Hybrid” PHEVs account for approximately three quarters of its UK business to date.

That strong proportion suggests British buyers are responding to the combination of electric driving capability and the flexibility of a combustion engine. Hsu also implied that supply, rather than a lack of customer interest, has been a limiting factor in the company’s sales performance so far.

His longer-term vision is even more ambitious: every Chery model could eventually be offered with the company’s plug-in hybrid powertrain as standard, with customers choosing the battery size and therefore the electric range that best suits their needs.

Hsu compared the idea to selecting the storage capacity of a new iPhone. Instead of choosing between entirely different powertrains, buyers could select the battery capacity that matches their driving habits and budget.

That approach would give Chery a consistent electrified strategy across its range while allowing it to serve customers with different requirements. A smaller battery could suit buyers who mainly drive short urban journeys, while a larger pack would appeal to those seeking greater electric range and reduced reliance on petrol.

Chery’s Next Challenge Is Turning Momentum Into Trust

Chery’s first year in Britain has delivered a solid starting point, but the company’s next phase will be more demanding. Four new or updated SUVs, a new Tiggo X family and a dedicated British development centre represent a significant increase in ambition.

The brand’s success will depend on more than competitive pricing and equipment levels. It will need to demonstrate that its vehicles can deliver the refinement, driving dynamics and local suitability expected by British buyers.

The Millbrook project could prove especially important in that regard. By bringing British feedback directly into the engineering process, Chery hopes to shorten the distance between its Chinese development headquarters and the requirements of the UK market.

If the company can combine that local expertise with its expanding SUV range and increasingly important plug-in hybrid technology, it may have a credible route toward the mainstream.

For now, Chery’s message is clear: the UK is no longer simply a market in which it wants to sell cars. It is becoming a place where the company intends to learn how to build better ones.

Source: Chery, Autocar

Auctions

1953 Cadillac Elegante Covered in 24-Karat Gold Sold for $1.275 Million

The one-off Cadillac Elegante, designed by Albrecht von Goertz and handcrafted by Carrozzeria Motto, has become the most expensive Cadillac ever sold at a public auction. With just 7,000 kilometers on its odometer and a body featuring 24-karat gold details, this rare American grand tourer achieved $1,275,000 at Kruse Auctions in Auburn, Indiana.

There are expensive classic cars, and then there are cars that seem to exist in a category of their own. The 1953 Cadillac Elegante belongs firmly in the latter group. Conceived as a bespoke American luxury sports car, clothed in a handcrafted aluminum body and finished with an extraordinary combination of pearl white paint, gold accents, and red Italian leather, it was never intended to be an ordinary Cadillac.

After remaining largely hidden from public view for approximately 73 years, the unique Elegante finally reached the auction block. Kruse Auctions presented it as the centerpiece of its Auburn, Indiana, event, and collectors responded with a record-breaking bid of $1,275,000.

That figure makes the 1953 Cadillac Elegante the most expensive Cadillac ever sold at a public auction, surpassing the previous record by more than $300,000.

A New Auction Record for Cadillac

The previous Cadillac auction record was established in 2023, when a 1934 Cadillac V16 Fleetwood Aerodynamic Coupe sold for $940,000. The Elegante’s $1.275 million result represents an increase of $335,000, underlining the growing appeal of rare, coachbuilt American automobiles among serious collectors.

The significance of the sale extends beyond the price itself. Unlike many high-value Cadillacs that owe their desirability to a prestigious engine, famous ownership history, or limited production, the Elegante is a genuinely unique creation. No second example was ever built.

A Cadillac Unlike Any Other

The Elegante was based on the Cadillac Series 62 chassis, but its bodywork was not a conventional factory design. The project was entrusted to the Italian coachbuilder Carrozzeria Motto, which spent approximately 30 months hand-crafting the aluminum body.

The reported cost was around $30,000 in 1950s currency, an enormous investment for a custom automobile at the time. That combination of time, craftsmanship, and expense helps explain why the planned production run of 10 cars never materialized.

The Elegante was designed early in the career of Albrecht von Goertz, the German-born designer who would later become famous for creating the BMW 507. Kruse Auctions described the Cadillac as one of the early projects that helped establish his reputation.

The car therefore represents an intriguing moment in automotive design history: an American luxury chassis interpreted through Italian coachbuilding and shaped by a designer who would later produce one of Europe’s most celebrated sports cars.

24-Karat Gold Meets Italian Coachbuilding

The Elegante’s most obvious visual signature is its use of gold. The body is finished in pearl white, complemented by a gold-colored roof, while several exterior details—including the door handles, windshield frame, and custom bronze elements—are plated in 24-karat gold.

Yet the car’s appeal is not simply a matter of extravagance. Its design combines restrained proportions with theatrical details, creating the impression of a carefully commissioned grand tourer rather than a conventional American custom car.

Inside, the Elegante features red Italian leather, a lucite steering wheel, and an illuminated St. Christopher medallion. The result is a cabin that feels closer to a bespoke coachbuilt automobile than to the mass-produced luxury cars of its era.

Kruse Auctions characterized the car’s design as a combination of “understated luxury, exclusivity, and a sense of theater unlike any other automobile.” That description captures the unusual balance at the heart of the Elegante: it is lavish without being visually chaotic.

5.4-Liter V8 Power and Electrohydraulic Hardtop

Beneath the handcrafted bodywork, the Elegante uses a 5.4-liter V8 engine with overhead valves, producing approximately 213 horsepower.

That output would have made the car a serious performance machine by early-1950s American standards, but the Elegante was designed as a grand tourer rather than a stripped-down sports car. Its appeal lies in the combination of performance, comfort, and extraordinary craftsmanship.

The car also features a hardtop that can be lowered using an electrohydraulic mechanism, adding another layer of technical sophistication to an already unusual design.

Seven Decades Out of the Spotlight

The Elegante’s rarity is reinforced by its history. Before its appearance at the Kruse Auctions event, the car had reportedly never been offered to the public, making the sale the first opportunity in roughly seven decades for collectors to acquire it.

It arrived with just 7,000 kilometers on the odometer, along with documented restoration history and clear ownership records. For a one-off automobile of this age, those details are crucial. A unique design may attract attention, but provenance, condition, and documentation are what allow serious bidders to justify a seven-figure purchase.

The car’s history also includes significant damage caused by Hurricane Andrew. Restoring it was not a quick cosmetic exercise. The process took 16 years and was completed in 2014, returning the Elegante to the condition that ultimately helped it achieve its record auction result.

From 1955 Auto Show Star to $1.275 Million Collector Car

The Cadillac Elegante was presented at the New York International Auto Show in 1955, where its unusual styling and bespoke construction would have made it a standout among conventional production automobiles.

The original plan called for 10 examples, but the project remained a one-off. That makes the car more than a rare Cadillac—it is a surviving piece of experimental automotive design, created at the intersection of American luxury, Italian craftsmanship, and European design influence.

Its recent sale demonstrates how the collector-car market continues to value originality and provenance. The Elegante is not simply a restored classic Cadillac with expensive trim. It is a singular automobile whose design, construction, and history cannot be replicated.

Source: Kruse Auctions