AUTO

 Michael J Snell, PhD - Luxuries Editor | February 4, 2024

The iconic Cavallino Classic once again cemented its status as the world’s premier gathering for Ferrari

enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable weekend of beauty, history, and high-octane excitement in Palm

Beach, Florida. This year’s 34th annual event delivered a landmark moment as the North American public

debut of Ferrari’s latest hypercar, the extraordinary 1,200-horsepower F80, took center stage on the

meticulously curated show lawns. Joining the lineage of Ferrari’s most celebrated vehicles—including the

288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo, and LaFerrari—the F80 exemplifies Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of automotive

perfection and innovation.

Against the opulent backdrop of South Florida, the Cavallino Classic attracted collectors, tastemakers,

and aficionados from across the globe. For decades, this event has been a temple of Ferrari heritage,

preserving the legacy of Enzo Ferrari and celebrating the marque’s unparalleled artistry and engineering.

Since its inception in 1992, the Cavallino Classic has been more than a car show—it has become a living

museum, honoring the craftsmanship, speed, and design that define the Ferrari name.

Adding to the gravitas of this year’s event, Enzo Mattioli Ferrari, the great-grandson of Enzo Ferrari,

joined the Cavallino organization. During an interview on the main stage, he reflected on his family’s deep

connection to the Cavallino Classic, stating, “When I came here for the first time in 1998 with my

grandfather [Piero Ferrari] and my father [Giacomo Mattioli], I was already very impressed by the

magnitude of the event. Growing up with it, year after year, it’s truly romantic to be here today, knowing

my great-grandfather gave his blessing to the Cavallino magazine.”

Among the accolades:

 - Best of Show Granturismo 2025 was awarded to a 1954 Ferrari 375 MM.

 - Best of Show Competizione 2025 was claimed by a 1957 Ferrari 335 S, owned by Brian Ross.

 - Best of Show 2025 Classiche Certified went to a 1967 Ferrari Dino 206 S, selected from entries with Ferrari Classiche’s prestigious “red book” certification.

Beyond the concours, attendees enjoyed dynamic sessions with collectors and experts, along with

exclusive exhibitions in partnership with luxury brands such as Riva Yacht, Bang & Olufsen, Schedoni

Modena, RM Sotheby’s, Richard Mille, and Hedley Studios. Each collaboration added another layer of

sophistication to an already remarkable weekend.

The festivities concluded with the Classic & Sports Sunday car show and charity brunch at the historic

Marjorie Merriweather Post mansion, the Mar-a-Lago Club. Here, an eclectic array of classic cars,

modern luxury vehicles, and rare Italian sports cars was showcased, bringing the weekend to a dazzling

finale.

The Cavallino Classic remains an unparalleled celebration of Ferrari’s enduring legacy. From the debut of

the revolutionary F80 to the timeless elegance of vintage Ferraris, this year’s event was a masterclass in

the art of automotive excellence.

 Bentley has taken its legendary grand touring experience to the next level with the unveiling of the 2025 Continental GT Speed Hybrid—a fusion of raw power, cutting-edge hybrid technology, and unrivaled luxury. This latest evolution doesn’t just refine Bentley’s performance legacy; it redefines it.

Forget the idea that hybrids are only about efficiency. The Continental GT Speed Hybrid delivers an earth-shattering 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a high-performance electric motor. This powerhouse launches the GT Speed from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds, making it the fastest hybrid Bentley has ever built. And with a top speed of 208 mph, it’s clear that sustainability doesn’t mean sacrificing thrill.

For city driving, the 50-mile electric range ensures quiet, emission-free cruising, while the EV mode allows speeds up to 87 mph without the engine kicking in. The car’s intelligent powertrain seamlessly transitions between modes, providing efficiency when needed and relentless power when desired.

Inspired by the 1952 R-Type Continental, the 2025 GT Speed Hybrid showcases classic Bentley proportions with modern refinements. The crystal-cut LED headlights, sleek grille, and 22-inch turbine-effect wheels give it a commanding presence on the road. Every curve is designed to enhance aerodynamics while maintaining the stately elegance Bentley is known for.

Inside, the cabin is an opulent sanctuary of handcrafted leather, rich wood veneers, and polished metal accents. Bentley’s signature rotating display offers both a digital infotainment screen and a classic analog gauge option, ensuring that tradition and technology exist in perfect harmony. The optional 2,200-watt Naim sound system with 19 speakers transforms the interior into a concert hall on wheels.

Bentley’s engineers have equipped the GT Speed Hybrid with all-wheel drive, an active rear axle, an electronic limited-slip differential, and torque vectoring, ensuring precise handling and superior cornering performance. An active anti-roll system keeps the ride smooth and stable, even at high speeds.

The hybrid system also introduces regenerative braking, recharging the battery as you drive, while a "Charge Mode" allows the engine to replenish the battery for future electric-only travel. Whether you're pushing its limits on the open road or gliding silently through city streets, this Bentley delivers an experience unlike any other.

With a starting price of $303,000, the 2025 Continental GT Speed Hybrid isn’t just a car—it’s a statement. Bentley’s commitment to electrification is on full display, proving that sustainable performance doesn’t mean compromising on power or prestige.

For those who demand the best of both worlds—electrification and adrenaline-pumping speed—the new Continental GT Speed Hybrid is the ultimate grand tourer. This is where the future of luxury performance begins.

Jennifer Wilton | January 25, 2025 

The prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona has kicked off the 2025 endurance racing season with a thrilling display of power, precision, and unparalleled engineering. Among the fiercest competitors at this year’s event, Ferrari stands out, making an indelible mark with an impressive fleet of eight Ferrari 296 GT3s, fielded by six elite teams. This bold presence cements Ferrari’s legacy as a symbol of excellence in endurance racing.

Ferrari's lineup included entries in both the GTD Pro and GTD classes, each car showcasing the marque’s innovative craftsmanship and commitment to racing superiority. At the forefront of the GTD Pro category was the #81 Ferrari 296 GT3, managed by DragonSpeed in collaboration with Risi Competizione. The car was piloted by an exceptional driver lineup featuring Davide Rigon, Miguel Molina, Thomas Neubauer, and Albert Costa, all of whom brought their extensive expertise to the track.

In the GTD class, Ferrari dominated the field with seven additional 296 GT3s, run by renowned teams such as AF Corse, Triarsi Competizione, Conquest Racing, Cetilar Racing, and Inception Racing. This remarkable lineup included a mix of professional and gentleman drivers, with racing heavyweights like Alessandro Pier Guidi, Lilou Wadoux, and Arthur Leclerc leading the charge.

From the moment the race began under clear skies, Ferrari’s entries demonstrated the precision engineering and adaptability synonymous with the prancing horse. While other teams faced technical challenges—such as Meyer Shank Racing’s early withdrawal due to suspension issues—Ferrari’s meticulously crafted 296 GT3s delivered consistent, high-level performances.

The race’s intensity escalated by the fifth hour, with lead changes and strategic moves electrifying the track. Cadillac’s #40 Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R grabbed headlines with a stunning drive into first place, but Ferrari’s fleet showcased an unwavering determination that kept their presence felt throughout the competition.

Ferrari’s performance at Daytona this year is not just a testament to the 296 GT3’s engineering brilliance but also to the brand’s relentless pursuit of racing excellence. With each vehicle designed to embody the perfect balance of power, agility, and endurance, Ferrari continues to set the benchmark for what it means to compete at the highest levels of motorsport.

The 24 Hours of Daytona 2025 is more than a race—it’s a statement of what’s to come in endurance racing this year. Ferrari’s commanding presence sets the tone for a season that promises intense rivalries, extraordinary feats of engineering, and unforgettable moments on the track.

For Ferrari enthusiasts and racing aficionados, the prancing horse's dominance at Daytona is a celebration of prestige, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of competition.

Rolls-Royce has entered the electric vehicle market with the Spectre, a stunning super coupé that merges timeless elegance with cutting-edge technology. This milestone marks the brand’s commitment to an all-electric future while maintaining the unparalleled luxury for which it is renowned.

The Spectre embodies Rolls-Royce's heritage while embracing modern innovation. With its sleek fastback silhouette, iconic Pantheon grille, and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, the Spectre exudes sophistication. Designed for both form and function, it boasts a drag coefficient of 0.25, making it the most aerodynamic model in Rolls-Royce history.

Powered by a 102 kWh battery, the Spectre delivers an impressive range of up to 321 miles on a single charge. Its electric powertrain produces 577 horsepower, accelerating the 6,417-pound coupé from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. With a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph, the Spectre balances exhilarating performance with refined control.

The interior of the Spectre is a haven of elegance and comfort. The cabin features the iconic Starlight Headliner, with thousands of fiber-optic lights creating a celestial atmosphere. Fully digital Bespoke Instrument Dials offer customizable displays, seamlessly integrating advanced technology with Rolls-Royce’s hallmark craftsmanship. Every detail of the interior has been designed to provide an unmatched sense of luxury and serenity.

The Spectre is priced from $413,000, positioning it as a pinnacle in the ultra-luxury EV market. Despite industry challenges, the Spectre has already garnered strong demand, with hundreds of pre-orders placed. Rolls-Royce plans to expand its electric lineup further, aiming for an all-electric portfolio by 2030.

The Rolls-Royce Spectre is more than just an electric vehicle—it is a statement of innovation, sustainability, and craftsmanship. By blending tradition with forward-thinking design, Rolls-Royce has set a new standard for what luxury electric vehicles can achieve.