AUTO

A YEAR OF MARVELS AND MASTERPIECES

ROLLS-ROYCE REFLECTS ON 2024 BESPOKE HIGHLIGHTS

• Landmark Bespoke commissions completed in 2024 reflect the record level of Bespoke demand

• Commissions illustrate clients’ increasingly bold, diverse, and personal inspirations

• Each features unique details never previously seen in a Rolls-Royce motor car

• Testament to the exceptional creativity, skill, and unparalleled artistry of the Bespoke Collective

• Highlights include all motor cars in the current Rolls-Royce product portfolio

In 2024, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers, and craftspeople brought to life some of the most creative and ambitious examples of artistry ever seen.

Client commissions comprised highly complex, hand-painted, and embroidered artworks, stainless steel and gold inlays, exquisite iridescent paint finishes, and much more. Driven by their pursuit of perfection and the dreams of the marque’s clients, Rolls-Royce artisans created singular graphics, such as an 869,500-stitch embroidery inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy, and captured cultural symbols using the canvas of leather, wood, and fabric. From finely executed coachline motifs to full-scale artworks within the interior, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective once again stretched the breadth of luxury possibility.

The extraordinary complexity behind this year’s commissions reflects the ever-growing number of clients that trust the marque’s artisans with their boldest visions. While these inspirations are as diverse as the personalities of the clients themselves, clear themes have emerged over the year. Bespoke commissions are becoming increasingly personal, with many clients curating individual masterpieces to mark major life events and commemorate transformative moments, places, and people that are meaningful to them.

As 2024 comes to an end, Rolls-Royce reflects on just some of the finest examples of Bespoke possibility. The motor cars selected are owned by clients who have generously given permission for their details to be shared with the public.

PHANTOM SCINTILLA

Limited to just 10 examples worldwide, this magnificent Private Collection celebrates the ethereal beauty, grace, and legacy of the Spirit of Ecstasy.

The interior features 869,500 stitches forming a continuous graphic inspired by her expressive form. The figurine itself has a unique ceramic finish, evoking the Parian marble of The Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Greek statue that inspired Claude Johnson to commission the original mascot in 1910.

The centerpiece is the Celestial Pulse Gallery, capturing the fleeting presence of the Spirit of Ecstasy. This artwork comprises seven individually milled ribbons, cloaked in the same ceramic finish as the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Above, the Bespoke Starlight Headliner features an animation with 1,500 fiber-optic “stars,” inspired by the Spirit of Ecstasy’s flowing gown.

BLACK BADGE GHOST CITY LIGHTS

In this commission, created exclusively for the U.S., the Illuminated Fascia features a Bespoke design recreating a bird’s-eye view of a city at night. The graphic is inspired by the thrilling view seen from an airplane as it makes its final approach for landing. The pattern is composed of 8,372 laser-etched lights, each individually placed by hand in the Piano Black veneer surface.

CULLINAN SERIES II – INSPIRED BY ROSE

This delicate, highly artistic commission was inspired by the Phantom Rose, specially bred for Rolls-Royce, which grows in the courtyard of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and nowhere else in the world.

Bespoke designers created a stylized rose motif, which was then translated into delicate embroidery on the front and rear headrests and incorporated into the meticulously hand-painted coachline.

PHANTOM GOLDFINGER

To mark the 60th anniversary of the James Bond film Goldfinger, Rolls-Royce created this intricately detailed homage to the eponymous villain’s 1937 Phantom III Sedanca de Ville.

Bespoke specialists faithfully recreated the original car’s famous black and yellow exterior finish, with ingenious features referencing the film’s pivotal scenes – from a gold golf putter, inspired by one used by Auric Goldfinger in his infamous match with 007, to a solid 18-carat gold speedform displayed in the center console.

Other gold-inspired features include gold-plated treadplates embossed with the same font developed for the film in 1964, a 24-carat gold-plated VIN plaque engraved with a number ending in 007, as well as organ stops, seat bullets, and speaker frets with a lustrous gold finish.

The Gallery houses a stainless-steel artwork featuring an isoline map of the Furka Pass, where 007 follows Goldfinger to his smelting plant in the film. As another subtle reference, the Starlight Headliner reflects the constellations as they appeared over the Furka Pass in Switzerland on the final day of filming the scene. As a finishing touch, a hidden projector was developed to display the legendary “007” logo when the trunk is opened.

SPECTRE LUNAFLAIR

Commissioned by a discerning client from the United States, Spectre Lunaflair draws inspiration from the optical phenomenon of a lunar halo, where moonlight refracted through high-altitude ice crystals creates a bright ring around the moon.

To capture this spectacle, the marque’s specialists spent a year developing a unique holographic paint finish, reserved exclusively for the commissioning client. The captivating “rainbow” effect is achieved by applying seven layers of lacquer, including a pearlescent layer infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminum. This creates a deep metallic effect in low light that bursts into rainbow technicolor under bright sunlight.

The Spectre Lunaflair concept was partially inspired by another Bespoke masterpiece, the one-of-one Phantom Syntopia. Captivated by Phantom Syntopia’s iridescent Liquid Noir finish, the commissioning client asked the Bespoke Collective to create a light and luminous expression of this concept that reflected their fascination with the lunar halo phenomenon. This cross-pollination of ideas exemplifies the power of Bespoke at Rolls-Royce.

GHOST EXTENDED SERIES II – THE ENCOUNTER

This exquisite Ghost Extended Series II is designed to mark the 120th anniversary of the meeting of its founders on May 4, 1904. The celebratory commission contains numerous references to The Hon. Charles Stewart Rolls and Henry Royce, including their initials, embroidered on the headrests, their signatures on the C-pillar, and the historic date of their introduction as the coachline motif.

These include a unique hand-painted artwork on the front passenger panel, dragon embroidery on the headrests, a coachline motif, and the first-ever depiction of a dragon in a Bespoke Starlight Headliner, crafted from 677 “stars.”

The interior is finished in Duality Twill, a new rayon fabric made from bamboo, embroidered with a “Duality” graphic – an abstract interpretation of the interlinked R initials of the marque’s founders’ names.

PHANTOM YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Commissioned via the Shanghai Private Office, this extraordinary Phantom Extended was created to mark the Lunar New Year, beginning on February 10, 2024. In a beautiful example of the growing trend toward blending international heritage and Chinese cultural traditions, known as guochao, the interior features meticulously crafted details inspired by a traditional dragon symbol.

JAGUAR’S TYPE ZERO ZERO

Full Release

Introducing an unmistakable, unexpected, and dramatic physical manifestation of Jaguar, as the brand continues its transformation. Type 00 (pronounced Type Zero Zero) embodies the Jaguar brand’s creative philosophy of Exuberant Modernism following the debut of its new brand identity.

The world premiere of the design vision concept at Miami Art Week – as South Florida becomes the center of the art world for six-days – previews what’s to come from Jaguar, as the brand recaptures the original ‘Copy Nothing’ ethos of its founder, Sir William Lyons.

Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Office, JLR, said: “The magic of Jaguar is close to my heart – an original British luxury brand unmatched in its heritage, artistry and emotional magnetism. That’s the Jaguar we are recapturing and we will create the same sense of awe that surrounded iconic models like the E-type. Our journey is already underway, guided by our original ethos to Copy Nothing – and the results will be nothing short of spectacular.”

In Miami, Jaguar brand’s transformation into an electric-only brand with an elevated family of highly desirable and exclusive new luxury vehicles continues. This transition extends beyond the products Jaguar designs and engineers; it represents a reimagination of the entire brand.

Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar, said: “We have forged a fearlessly creative new character for Jaguar that is true to the DNA of the brand but future facing, relevant and one that really stands out”.

World premiere: Type 00

Introducing Type 00. The physical manifestation of the Jaguar brand’s new creative philosophy – Exuberant Modernism.

The ‘Type’ prefix is a link to the brand’s provenance, to models like the pioneering E-Type vehicle. The first zero references zero tailpipe emissions. The second represents its status as car zero in our new lineage. Its visionary design defies electric vehicle convention with a long hood, sweeping roofline, 23-inch alloy wheels, fastback profile and boat-tail to create a dramatic silhouette with sophisticated, modernist surfaces. This design was enabled by our unique and dedicated architecture (JEA)(Jaguar Electrical Architecture).

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE, Chief Creative Officer, JLR, said: “Type 00 is a pure expression of Jaguar brand’s new creative philosophy. It has an unmistakeable presence. This is the result of brave, unconstrained, creative, and unwavering determination. It is our first physical manifestation and the foundation stone for a new family of Jaguars that will look unlike anything you’ve ever seen. A vision that strives for the highest level of artistic endeavor.”

See: www.jaguar.com/copy-nothing

Maserati GranTurismo 110 ANNIVERSARIO

A Special Series of the Brand’s Icon Created to Celebrate 110 Years of Italian luxury

Honoring 110 years of performance, design, craftsmanship, uniqueness, and technology, Maserati celebrates a major milestone with the launch of a special series of an iconic model from the House of the Trident: “GranTurismo 110 ANNIVERSARIO.” The Maserati GranTurismo is so much more than a car – it is an icon and a lifestyle that perfectly embodies the Brand’s spirit.

This model combines sporty performance with comfort suitable for long distances and luxury travel, representing the Brand’s future with Maserati’s 100% electric Folgore powertrain. The GranTurismo Folgore will become a leading light with the “110 ANNIVERSARIO” special series version – a limited edition model available in the same number of units as the years the House of the Trident has graced the track and road. It symbolizes the bridge between the brand’s past, present, and future. Heritage and innovation come together to create exclusive content made possible by Maserati’s Fuoriserie Customization Program.

This limited series is available in two configurations comprised of 55 models each: the first in Rame Folgore and the second in the exclusive Blu Inchiostro, both with dedicated finishes, special rims with “black and copper” details, and interiors in denim or black Econyl with stitching in copper or blue.The true standout of this limited series is its logo, created exclusively for the anniversary: the Trident, followed by the numerals “110” at a special tilt, is located on the C-pillar and represents the Brand’s dynamism and capacity for innovation in its 110-year history.The same logo will be placed on another car of great importance for Maserati: the Tipo Folgore electric single-seater, due to take part in the first race of Season 11 of the top all-electric series, the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, in São Paulo, Brazil on December 7.

The single-seater will take to the track with the new blue and rose gold livery, embellished with the 110 tribute logo beside the cockpit. “GranTurismo 110 ANNIVERSARIO” will make its debut on the road as part of the exclusive Trident Experience Program, a two-day event designed by Maserati to celebrate this major anniversary together with its esteemed guests and most passionate customers.

The limited series, in both the Rame Folgore and Blu Inchiostro configurations, will be the star on Saturday, November 30 at the opening of the celebrations, with an unveiling at the showroom on Viale Ciro Menotti, where participants will be immersed in the Brand’s history and modern identity.The mission at Maserati is to write the future of mobility in the luxury segment, focusing on its customers’ requests.

It is a mission that still continues even 110 years after its founding through the “GranTurismo 110 ANNIVERSARIO” special series, igniting the Brand’s future and once again bringing Italian luxury to the world.

Maserati GranTurismo 110 ANNIVERSARIO via 360 MAGAZINE.

TEMS – TURN ME UP

GRAMMY® Award-winning, Oscar nominated, Lagos, Nigeria-based singer, songwriter, and producer Tems releases a new vibrant and sultry music video for “Turn Me Up” from her debut studio album Born In The Wild. Directed by Loris Russier, the music video was shot in Jamaica emphasizing the song’s unique Caribbean, Afropop sound. Watch the video HERE.

Tems has had an outstanding year since the release of her highly anticipated debut album Born In The Wild earlier this year via RCA Records/Since ’93. Listen to the album HERE. Earlier this month, she earned three new GRAMMY® nominations for Best R&B Song (“Burning”), Best African Music Performance (“Love Me JeJe”) and Best Global Music Album (Born In The Wild) at the upcoming 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards.

Tems recently made a special guest appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, to talk about the success of her debut album, where she also captivated audiences with a performance of her hit single “Love Me JeJe.” She also made a musical guest appearance onThe Late Show With Stephen Colbert where she delivered a stunning performance of “Burning,” and brought a taste of her highly successful, sold-out BORN IN THE WILD WORLD TOUR to the 2024 Chanel MoMA Film Benefit honoring Samuel L. Jackson. Additionally, Tems graced the cover of Essence for their September/October 2024 issue.

Born In The Wild has earned over 614M streams worldwide to date and debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, while 13 tracks from the album notably debuted on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart. Born In The Wild also landed on multiple “Best Albums of 2024” lists, including Rolling Stone and Billboard.

Photo Credit: Adrienne Raquel

Follow Tems at:

Instagram |Twitter |Facebook

THIS IS JAGUAR. BOLD. DRAMATIC. FEARLESS

Jaguar releases an image that provides a glimpse of its dramatic new creative philosophy
Tease image shows the rear detail of its Design Vision Concept that will inspire future Jaguars
Design Vision Concept will make its global public debut at Miami Art Week on 02 December 2024 (20:00 U.S EST)
Transformation of Jaguar recaptures the ethos of founder Sir William Lyons to Copy Nothing
For more information, see: www.jaguar.com/copy-nothing

Jaguar releases a tease image of its dramatic new creative philosophy – Exuberant Modernism, that will inspire future vehicles.

The image of the rear detail, provides a glimpse into the brands design vision that will showcase bold forms and exuberant proportions.

Jaguar will globally reveal its Design Vision Concept at one of the world’s premier art festivals, Miami Art Week, on 2nd December 2024. With a presence in two locations, Jaguar will create meticulously curated gallery spaces and work with diverse emerging artists that share the Copy Nothing ethos of its founder, Sir William Lyons.

This ethos can trace its roots back to 1935 and is built on embracing unexpected and original thinking and a brand character that commands attention through fearless creativity.

Jaguar site: www.jaguar.com/copy‑nothing

Social Channels:

Facebook: http://facebook.com/Jaguar

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Jaguar @Jaguar

Instagram: http://instagram.com/Jaguar

YouTube: http://youtube.com/jaguarcars

TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@jaguar

Lamborghini Urus SE PHEV

New design, 800 CV of power, over 60km range in electric mode, with best-in-class performance and top speed in its category

Automobili Lamborghini held the Oceania debut of the highly anticipated Lamborghini Urus SE , the first PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) of its Super SUV. Over 250 esteemed guests were hosted at Cockatoo Island, Sydney, to meet the revolutionary Super SUV that embodies Lamborghini’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its iconic DNA of performance and luxury.

Featuring a new design, optimised aerodynamics, unprecedented on-board technology, and an 800 CV hybrid powertrain, the Urus SE builds on Urus S in terms of comfort, performance, efficiency, emissions and driving pleasure. Thanks to its “two hearts”, thermal and electric, the torque and power values are the highest ever, giving the SE a unique place in its category.

“I am pleased to present the most powerful version of Lamborghini’s Super SUV in Australia. The Urus SE offers an unparalleled driving experience with its plug-in hybrid system, which helps to improve the vehicle’s performance and dynamics on any surface and in any condition. Thanks to its “two hearts”, thermal and electric, the torque and power values are the highest and at the same time, it also reduces carbon emission which is in line with the sustainability goals in our Direzione Cor Tauri. Since the debut of The Urus, it has firmly established itself as Lamborghini’s global best seller, and I am confident that the Urus SE will continue to be a success in Oceania,” said Francesco Scardaoni, Region Director of Automobili Lamborghini Asia Pacific.

Lamborghini Urus SE PHEV via 360 MAGAZINE.

BLACK BADGE GHOST SERIES II

MODEL UPDATES at a glance

Ghost is one of the most important Rolls-Royce motor cars of the Goodwood era. The first generation was introduced in 2009 to meet the needs of what was then a completely new category of luxury consumer. These clients, who were predominantly younger than those the marque had spoken to with its initial motor car, Phantom, requested a more approachable and versatile model. They also sought a more distilled expression of the Rolls-Royce brand — and crucially, one that would allow them to make their own statements through Bespoke that they would relish driving themselves.

Exterior Design: The front end has been redesigned with a new illuminated Pantheon grille and updated headlight graphics. The rear features a new tail lamp configuration inspired by the Spectre.
Interior Enhancements: A new pillar-to-pillar glass panel houses the Central Information Display with the advanced SPIRIT operating system. The interior also features a new Spirit of Ecstasy Clock Cabinet and Illuminated Fascia.
Technology Upgrades: The SPIRIT system integrates with the Whispers private members app, allowing for remote vehicle management. Entertainment functions have been improved with enhanced streaming capabilities and connectivity.
BESPOKE Audio System: An upgraded 1400-watt amplifier powers the 18-speaker audio system, with innovative ‘speakerless’ exciters in the Headliner.
New Materials: Introduction of Grey-Stained Ash wood and Duality Twill, a bamboo-based textile. The Placed Perforation technique offers unique leather artworks.
Engineering: The 6.75-liter V12 engine is retained, with improvements to the Planar Suspension System for a more refined ride.
Ghost Extended Series II: The Ghost Extended Series II offers 6.69 inches more rear space and optional reclining Serenity Seating.
New ‘Duality Twill’ embroidered bamboo fabric (2.2m stitches, 11 miles of thread)
New choregraphed interior illumination sequence

Black Badge Ghost Series II Highlights

Rolls-Royce’s disruptive alter ego, Black Badge, finds its most powerful, agile, and technical expression in Ghost. Today, the company presents a daring evolution of this unapologetic and uniquely driver-focused car with Black Badge Ghost Series II, meticulously redesigned to provide this rebellious group of clients with a dramatic canvas for their bold Bespoke commissions.

The Black Badge Ghost Series II builds upon the standard model with performance and aesthetic enhancements:

Exterior Design: Features unique lower grille treatment with darkened chrome elements. All exterior Rolls-Royce hallmarks receive a black chrome finish.
Black Badge-specific bumper, Black Badge-specific lower bumper & specific air intakes
Darkened taillights, Black Chrome grille, Black door handles and window surround
Wheels: Exclusive 22-inch part-polished, seven-spoke forged wheels.
Interior: Extensive use of Technical Carbon finish and darkened metals throughout the cabin.
Performance: High-power configuration of the V12 engine, producing 29 more horsepower and 37 more lb-ft of torque than the standard Ghost Series II.
Driving Dynamics: Enhanced with the Black Badge Planar Suspension system and a more responsive braking system.
More aggressive exhaust notes for Black Badge Ghost Series II with push of low button
Exclusive Features: ‘Low’ button for accessing full performance capabilities, including faster gearshifts and a more prominent exhaust note.

Common Changes to Both Models:

· Updated exterior styling with new grille and light designs

· Introduction of SPIRIT operating system and Whispers app integration

· Enhanced entertainment and connectivity features

· New interface for streaming management and seating functions via rear screens

· New interior materials and craftsmanship techniques (e.g., Duality Twill, Placed Perforation)

· Improved Planar Suspension System for a refined ride

· Available Extended version with increased rear space

Black Badge Ghost Series II Distinctions:

· Unique darkened exterior elements, including black chrome finishes

· Exclusive 22-inch wheel design

· Technical Carbon interior finish

· High-power V12 engine configuration with increased output

· Black Badge-specific suspension tuning

· Performance-oriented features (e.g., ‘Low’ button for enhanced driving dynamics)

Ghost is one of the most important Rolls-Royce motor cars of the Goodwood era via 360 MAGAZINE.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Lunaflair

Rolls-Royce announces the one-of-one Spectre Lunaflair
Inspired by a lunar halo, where light refracts through ice particles in cirrus clouds
Effect creates a brilliant, ethereal technicolor ring around the moon
Bespoke holographic paint captures this phenomenon for one-off motor car
Creating Lunaflair paint required one year of development
Bespoke paint reserved exclusively for the commissioning client

“We are constantly astounded by the diversity of ideas that inform our clients’ Bespoke concepts, which frequently draw inspiration from materials, finishes and themes they see in other commissions. Spectre Lunaflair is the perfect example of this, exploring the ethereal beauty of a lunar halo and sparked by the client after witnessing a paint finish on another Bespoke motor car. This symbiotic relationship and cross-pollination of ideas is fostering a ‘virtuous circle’ of innovation and creativity, which is incredibly important to our team of Bespoke designers, as we focus on delivering unparalleled value to those who entrust us with their vision.”

Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the breathtaking Spectre Lunaflair – a Bespoke commission undertaken on behalf of a significant client from the United States. The extraordinary and exquisite highlight of this landmark motor car is the remarkable holographic paint finish that creates a captivating ‘rainbow’ effect.

The commission takes its inspiration and name from the optical phenomenon of a lunar halo, which appears as a colorful circle of light around the moon. It is caused by moonlight passing through ice crystals in high-altitude cirrus clouds, which act as microscopic prisms: the light refracts, creating a spellbinding technicolour ring effect, similar to light passing through a diamond.

Capturing this phenomenon in a bespoke paint finish required more than one year of experimentation. The paint chemistry, application timings, and base coat were extensively trialed in order to meet the client’s concept. The final finish is achieved by applying seven layers of lacquer, including a specially formulated pearlescent coat infused with fine flakes of magnesium fluoride and aluminum. This creates a deep metallic effect under low light that bursts into rainbow technicolor in bright sunshine.

The Spectre Lunaflair concept was partially inspired by another Bespoke masterpiece, the one-of-one Phantom Syntopia. Revealed in 2023, it features a dark iridescent Liquid Noir finish, infused with color-shifting, mirror-like pigment. Captivated by Phantom Syntopia’s appearance, the commissioning patron asked the Bespoke Collective to create a light and luminous expression of this concept that reflected their fascination with the lunar halo phenomenon.

This cross-pollination of ideas, where a previous commission directly informs and inspires a completely new concept and story, speaks to the power of Bespoke. For the marque’s Bespoke Collective of designers, engineers and craftspeople, this virtuous creative circle and interconnection of ideas constantly provides new opportunities for the advancement of their art.

Spectre Lunaflair’s dramatic coachwork is complemented by a fully Bespoke interior. It includes Navy Blue, White, and Peony Pink tones, recalling the spectrum of hues that can be witnessed during a lunar halo. The color scheme appears on the seats, doors and the Starlight Headliner. This theme is also carried onto the dual-tone steering wheel, with a Navy outer and an Arctic White inner side.

There will be only one Spectre Lunaflair ever produced. The unique Lunaflair paint finish is reserved exclusively for the commissioning patron.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Lunaflair via 360 Magazine.

Lamborghini Temerario: the ‘fuoriclasse’ laid bare

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The secrets of the innovative multi-technology spaceframe chassis, designed and built for the new super sports car from Sant’Agata Bolognese

Unveiled at Monterey Car Week 2024, the Temerario* has become a new benchmark in the super sports car segment owing to its unrivaled performance features: not only the hybrid powertrain combining a twin-turbo V8 engine with three axial flow electric motors, delivering a total power output of 920 CV, but also the new approach to chassis design.

Rouven Mohr, Chief Technical Officer of Automobili Lamborghini, unmasks the new Temerario with a detailed description of the new multi-technology spaceframe chassis, designed to withstand the higher loads deriving from the hybrid power unit, combining excellent mechanical qualities with remarkable efficiency in weight reduction.

These technologies made it possible to minimize the constructional complexity of the spaceframe, while at the same time enabling a high level of functional integration of the hybrid powertrain. In fact, the number of structural components has been reduced by 50%, along with an 80% reduction of heat welds. The new construction archetype has led to a 25% increase in torsional stiffness compared to the previous generation spaceframe, making a significant contribution to the vehicle’s excellent driving dynamics.

*The vehicle is not yet offered for sale and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. The fuel consumption and emissions data is in the type approval stage

Lamborghini Makes History

Lamborghini creates history as Bortolotti clinches DTM title in Hockenheim season finale

Pole and second place in the final race of the year enough for SSR Performance driver to be crowned

Lamborghini Squadra Corse claimed a historic maiden DTM championship title as SSR Performance’s Mirko Bortolotti finished second in the final race of the season at Hockenheim.

Lamborghini Factory Driver Bortolotti, at the wheel of his #92 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2, came into the weekend with a healthy if not insurmountable 15-point lead in the drivers’ standings over Audi rival Kelvin van der Linde, with the Mercedes of Maro Engel 20 points adrift in third.

Fifth place in the opening one-hour encounter on Saturday meant the Italian lost the lead of the championship to van der Linde, who won the race from pole position to take a slender two-point margin heading into Sunday’s decider. But a superb performance in qualifying allowed Bortolotti to reclaim the lead by a point after taking pole and duly captured the title with a steady, trouble-free run to second as Lamborghini Team Liqui Moly by GRT’s Luca Engstler won his second race of the year.

It is the first time that Lamborghini has won the coveted DTM title since making its entry into the Germany-based GT3 championship in 2021. For Bortolotti, it is the first championship crown since winning the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title in 2017 and second major success in two weeks after victory in the IMSA season finale, the Petit Le Mans. Of particular significance to Lamborghini, it is also the first time an Italian brand has won the DTM for 31 years.

Free Practice and Qualifying

Opening practice on Friday morning was rain-affected, which, despite forecasts for dry weather across the weekend, turned out to offer representative conditions as the capricious Baden-Württemberg climate proved typically tricky to predict. Bortolotti was quick in both wet and dry conditions during practice, setting the second-quickest time in the morning and going fastest in the afternoon. Come qualifying, however, the pace intensified as Bortolotti could only manage seventh on the grid as main challenger van der Linde took the three points for pole position to reduce the gap to just 12 points before race one. By Sunday morning, the #92 Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 was on song again and Bortolotti stormed to his third pole position of the year to reclaim the points lead, with SSR Performance team-mate Nicki Thiim alongside him on the front-row of the grid in second.

Race 1

Keen to make up ground from his lower-than-expected grid position, Bortolotti vaulted up to fourth at the start of the race, as van der Linde leaped clear in his Audi. Key to Bortolotti’s progress on the opening lap was a series of bold overtakes, on the #91 Porsche of Thomas Preining before turn two and then another pass on Engstler on the exit of the turn four hairpin. Unfortunately, that was about as much as Bortolotti could manage as the Audi in the lead appeared to have too much pace. Bortolotti made his mandatory pit-stop and rejoined in front of the Mercedes of Engel but was passed and briefly pushed off-track, at turn eight by his rival. From there, it was a case of damage limitation as Bortolotti came home fifth at the end of the race and losing the lead of the championship to race winner van der Linde.

Race 2

Trailing van der Linde by just two points before qualifying, Bortolotti then reclaimed the lead of the championship by a solitary point by taking pole and duly made the most of a poor starting position for the Audi driver by romping clear of team-mate Thiim in the early stages. The #92 stretched its margin over the sister #94 Huracán to nearly five seconds before the mandatory pit-stops as van der Linde languished down the order in 10th. The last major hurdle overcome by efficient pit work by the SSR Performance mechanics, Bortolotti returned to the track still firmly in control of the championship, albeit dropping behind the #63 GRT Lamborghini of Engstler who took the lead. Bortolotti, knowing he only needed to maintain position to win the title, followed Engstler home in second place to safely become DTM champion. Engstler, therefore, claimed his second victory of the season, following his opening weekend success at Oschersleben, while Thiim recovered from contact with Jules Gounon’s Mercedes to finish fifth, completing a memorable final day for Lamborghini.

Rouven Mohr, Automobili Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer: “It’s an incredible achievement, to be honest. In this 40th anniversary season of the DTM, to win the title with Lamborghini and with Mirko is unbelievable. We have made history this weekend, and I am so proud of the efforts of the whole team to make this dream come true.”

Mirko Bortolotti, Lamborghini Factory Driver and SSR Performance said: “It’s tough to put it into words because it is something really major for us. First of all, I want to thank Lamborghini. They took me out of a hole 10 years ago and believed in me and gave me a chance. We went through thick and thin together, having great success at the same time, and I think today has been the biggest success for us and for myself. It’s definitely the biggest title of my career, so I am incredibly proud of everyone. I also need to thank everyone involved at DTM, all of the teams that gave me the chance to race, T3 Motorsport back in the days with my guest start at Assen, GRT of course for the first season where we were also close to the title, but it didn’t work out. And then SSR Performance, Stefan Schlund and everyone involved for the last two seasons, you really needed to be part of it every day behind the scenes to understand how this success was possible and to be built and where it comes from. The hours, the dedication, and the job that everybody did are something very unique and very special, and I will carry this for the rest of my life; it’s a really special day for me.”