AUTO

ROLLS-ROYCE RECEIVES RECORD YEAR

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Announces Major Investment

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars confirmed its investment of more than $370 million (£300 million) to expand its sole manufacturing facility at Goodwood in England. This move is the next step in the company’s strategic focus on creating value for clients through the most complex, personal, and valuable handcrafted luxury products and delivering an unparalleled client experience. The company’s global performance in 2024, a landmark year for Bespoke and the third-best sales record in its history, confirms the success of this strategy.

This expansion will allow Rolls-Royce to enhance the value of commissions for clients by creating additional space for the increasingly complex and high-value Bespoke and Coachbuild projects. It will also prepare the manufacturing facility for the brand’s transition to an all-battery electric vehicle (BEV) future.

This investment represents the largest capital injection ($100 million) since the plant opened on January 1, 2003. At that time, it employed about 300 people and produced just one motor car per day. While the plant has undergone significant internal upgrades over the past 20 years, the building and footprint remain largely unchanged. The staff numbers have grown more to more than 2,500 people, and Goodwood now produces about 25 motor cars per day.

A Record Year for Bespoke

In 2024, the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective of specialist designers, engineers, and craftspeople undertook some of their most creatively daring and technically challenging commissions. These projects featured innovative materials, craft techniques, and features never seen before on a Rolls-Royce motor car, resulting in unique, emotionally resonant masterpieces that reflect the commissioning clients’ interests and personalities.

Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke offering reached record levels in 2024, with Bespoke content increasing by 10% per commission year-over-year, the highest in the company’s history.

An Unmatched Client Experience

Rolls-Royce’s commitment to Bespoke is reflected in its Private Offices. In 2024, the of VIP spaces expanded to New York and Seoul, joining locations in Dubai and Shanghai. Inspired by the original Private Office in Goodwood, these creative hubs are available by invitation and designed to inspire creativity and close collaboration between clients, their dealer advisor, and a dedicated local designer. Clients highly value this unique experience, with Private Office commissions typically 25% higher in value than the starting suggested retail price.

Rolls-Royce’s dealer partners worldwide continued investing in the brand’s updated visual identity and showroom concept, offering a social, creatively engaging environment where clients can relax and find inspiration for their bespoke commissions.

The Rolls-Royce invitation-only members’ app, Whispers, grew by 55% in 2024. This exclusive digital club allows clients to access and manage their Rolls-Royce motor cars, network with other clients, and gain exclusive insights about the marque and the luxury world. Whispers also facilitate direct contact among Rolls-Royce owners and their contacts at their dealers and inside Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Globally Balanced Sales Picture

In 2024, Rolls-Royce introduced a record four models: Cullinan Series II and Ghost Series II, along with their Black Badge variants. These launches, coupled with sustained demand for all Rolls-Royce products, resulted in global sales of 5,712 in 2024—the third best year ever and in line with the brand’s expectations.

2024 also marked the first full year of sales for Rolls-Royce Spectre. Clients have confirmed that Spectre’s electric drivetrain is perfectly suited to Rolls-Royce, enhancing the brand’s renowned attributes: silence, ‘waftability,’ and the unique ‘magic-carpet ride’ experience. Spectre’s market arrival worldwide confirmed the successful launch of this innovative motor car.

The most requested models in 2024 were Cullinan, Spectre, and Ghost, with Phantom, the flagship model, retaining its status as the ultimate and rarest Rolls-Royce. Phantom will celebrate its centenary in 2025.

In 2024, North America was once again Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ largest sales region, representing around one-third of commissions delivered. North America performance was driven by demand in southern markets, especially Florida. North America saw a significant increase in the average Bespoke value of each commission with several of the most complex commissions ever being delivered in the past year.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars looks forward with confidence to 2025, when the brand will unveil its next electric motor car.

Rolls-Royce headquarters in Goodwood via 360 Magazine.

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.”