Latest news with #Lamborghinis
Herald Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Herald Sun
Inside The Block's biggest controversies that stunned viewers
A reality television cheating scandal, a mid-reno walkout slammed as 'piss-poor' and a flashy billionaire who casually dropped more than $15m to buy every house on auction night. The Block has built more than 100 homes over its past 20 seasons, but it's the blow-ups, breakdowns and backstabbing that have really kept Australians watching. From topless party photos and marriage-ending flirtations to secret photos that blew up a season, the country's biggest renovation show has delivered some of the wildest moments in Australian TV history, and left more than a few contestants in tears. RELATED: The Block site backlash delayed season Scott Cam slams 'whingeing' Block couples Sophie Cachia reveals $1m house play And now, with the show's 21st season on the horizon and rumours already swirling about tensions on set, we've gone back through the archives to rank the top 10 biggest scandals ever caught on camera, the moments that raised eyebrows, broke headlines, and left hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft shaking their heads. Lambo Guy's $15m power move (The Block 2024) A Melbourne tech billionaire with a fleet of Lamborghinis shocked viewers when he bought every single property at The Block 2024 finale, a move no one expected and fans are still talking about. Luxury car magnate Adrian Portelli, dubbed Lambo Guy, dropped a whopping $15.03m across the night, capping off the winners Maddy and Charlotte's haul with their record-breaking $1.65m profit with their house selling for a jaw-dropping $3.5m. Portelli later confirmed on Nova 100 that he had worked closely with Maddy and Charlotte, hand-selecting their bidding order, to help them secure the win. 'It worked – I've never said it was rigged. I made the decision,' Portelli said. Auctioneer Tom Panos added context, noting the finale wasn't a typical weekend auction but a media event, with buyers seeking exposure as much as homes Channel 9 confirmed the process followed standard open-auction rules, but social media lit up afterwards. Some viewers took to social media and cheered the strategy while others accused the show of favouring the billionaire. Portelli has vowed not to return for the show's 2025 season and will be hosting a new rival show My Reno Rules, alongside Dr Chris Brown on Channel 7 in 2026. Influencers dump Block mid renovation (The Block 2022) They came with the followers and the fitspo, but influencer Elle Ferguson and ex-AFL star Joel Patfull didn't even last a weekend before they walked off The Block. Just 48 hours into filming the 2022 Tree Change season, the couple pulled the pin and flew back to Sydney. The pair revealed in a post on Instagram that Joel's mother had suffered a serious fall and was being flown to hospital in Adelaide. But the show's host, Scott Cam, wasn't impressed. Days later, Cam revealed at the TV Week Logie Awards that they'd vanished in the night without explanation and accused them of putting the production in chaos: 'They never spoke to us … we flew them down, put them up in a hotel … and they left, it's piss-poor, to be honest.' Cam later doubled down, calling their exit 'un‑Australian' and saying it cost the show time and money, despite his insistence he still wished them well. Elle and Joel were swiftly replaced by Rachel and Ryan, who stepped in to fill their spot. It remains the shortest, most controversial contestant stint in Block history. Photo leak blows up Block (The Block 2021) It all began with a single photo, and it detonated one of the most explosive scandals The Block has ever seen. During the 2021 Fans vs. Faves season, contestants Tanya & Vito and Josh & Luke were caught in possession of a photograph of the show's production schedule, giving them insight into upcoming room reveals, challenge days, and timing, a major unfair advantage that sent shockwaves through the competition Rumours started when past contestants Ronnie and Georgia accused the twins of 'having the full schedule' after a surprising judging upset, they said it directly affected their heavy-scoring master bedroom build. Pressure built all season until, in the final weeks, Tanya admitted on camera: 'I took the photograph. I didn't get it sent to me. I actually took the photo.' Host Scott Cam labelled it 'the biggest cheating scandal in Block history', and both teams were hit with penalties, losing two points each on their front-garden scores in the final judgment. In the lead-up to auction, tensions simmered. Teams publicly spat accusations, including Josh and Luke blaming Tanya for dragging them into the scandal, and many fans felt the two-point penalty was too lenient. To this day, there's still debate from fans over whether the punishment was enough to compensate for the unfair lead they gained. Flirt fallout: Block pair exit show (The Block 2024) One week before the auctions, The Block: Phillip Island erupted in real-life drama when Brad Baker admitted his remarks to co-contestant Mimi Belperio were 'inappropriate'. sparking a dramatic reaction from his wife, Kylie. During Frontyard Week, footage captured Brad confessing: 'I was flirting with Mimi … Kylie overheard them, and very understandably, she's quite upset.' That evening, Kylie stormed off-site barefoot, visibly distressed, during the judging segment, leaving behind her car at the Aldi car park. Production and Brad later located her to ensure her safety. In tears, she told Brad on camera, 'I can't be on national television having my marriage breaking down.' The following night, Brad appeared in a stand-alone interview where he admitted: 'I've just single-handedly destroyed my family.' Host Scott Cam later addressed the remaining teams during Clubhouse Week, confirming that 'Kylie and Brad are not returning' for the auction finale, making them ineligible for the prize. Block's $8000 bath sparks controversy (The Block 2018) Influencers on The Block, Hayden and Sara made waves in 2018 when they centred their premium ensuite around a luxe brass bathtub, dubbed the 'Gatsby Bath.' The eye‑watering $8000 price tag nearly doubled the room's expected cost, and prompted widespread controversy. Design briefs called it 'the hero piece' of their space. The paired marble herringbone floor earned praise from judge Shaynna Blaze. Upon entering the ensuite, she admitted the bath and marble floor were striking: 'I think that is a lot of money spent and I think it's great money spent,' she said. 'But, I think we need to talk about the rest of the bathroom.' The result? Their ensuite claimed the title of the most expensive bathroom in Block history, estimated at $75,000, but also placed them last in room rankings for three consecutive weeks. Sara said the entire apartment is built around the bathtub. 'But as the age-old adage goes, money can't buy love, nor can it buy you a win on The Block,' she said. The brass bath gamble generated headlines and online debate: was it genius luxury or budget folly? By the look of the scores, it was a glam gamble that didn't quite stack up and still remains the show's most expensive bathroom to date. Block stars penalised over piano purchase (The Block 2022) It was a living room reveal that iced their score, not crowned best design. During Living & Dining Week in 2022, Omar and Oz delivered a stunning room, complete with a baby grand piano that retailed for $36,000, but which they secured for an astonishing $7,500. Judge Shaynna Blaze immediately raised eyebrows: 'Do you remember last week I was saying … I was a bit worried about where they're getting the money from? And now we've got a baby grand … they're not winning every week.' Host Scott Cam confirmed the purchase broke the rule which stipulates contestants can't purchase items more than 50 per cent off retail price. 'You can't go and spend $7,000 on a piano … the retail price is $36,000 … 50 per cent of retail cost is $18,000 boys'. The result? A three-point deduction and disqualification from that week's win, even though the room scored a strong 28.5. Omar later said they thought the discount was legitimate since the seller was struggling to move it, but admitted nobody had flagged the rule earlier. Online fans were divided: some praised the design, others defended the penalty as 'textbook enforcement'. Despite the blunder, the boys went on to win the 2022 season of the show. Steph and Gian's rogue Dad drama (The Block 2023) What should have been a simple 'body corporate' meeting to clarify site safety instead exploded into accusations of rule-breaking and possible cheating. In the first week of The Block 2023, contestants Steph and Gian faced backlash during a snap meeting called by fellow teams Leah, Ash, Kristy, and Brett after Steph's father, builder Nick, stepped onto the onsite build to help fix their bathroom issues. Contestants warned that, per Block rules, anyone working on site must be inducted for safety and paid minimum wages. 'If he hasn't been inducted … and if he's installing a shower screen … that's cheating,' Eliza said. While Leah added the move 'bent the rules'. Steph responded openly, saying they 'didn't realise' the oversight but would ensure her father received induction and would be paid, adding 'We didn't cheat' in later interviews. Production didn't dock points, but the drama sparked a wider debate on what counts as cheating, and how far family can be involved before it crosses a line. In the end, the bathroom didn't win, placing last that week, but the 'rogue dad' moment has become one of the most talked-about rule skirmishes in the show's history. 'Bogan' spray sparks Block judge feud (The Block 2014: Glasshouse) It was one of the most savage feuds in Block history: contestant Deanne Jolly in full-offence mode against interior design judge Shaynna Blaze. The tension boiled over after Deanne's couple received sharp criticism on their ensuite. In the heat of the moment, Deanne exploded: 'She's a bogan from Wantirna who's got no f**king idea, and I will out-style you any day.' Reporters covering the episode called it an expletive-ridden rant and one of the show's most memorable outbursts. Despite the backlash, Deanne later defended herself: 'In the context of that day, not having slept for 36 hours … you get tired and say things perhaps you shouldn't,' she said. Deanne adding she still had 'nothing but respect' for Shaynna. Surfboard stirs cultural controversy on Block (The Block 2024) During a surfboard design challenge contestants Ricky Recard and Haydn Wise unveiled artwork that many viewers believed borrowed heavily from Indigenous dot-painting styles. The surfboard featured a bold orange base with circular dot motifs — which judge Darren Palmer admitted he found 'interesting,' saying: 'This is very orange … it's also got some … tones of Indigenous art to it.' Social media erupted, on Instagram, threads went viral, with comments such as: 'Take this down and apologise,' 'This blatant display of cultural appropriation is beyond disappointing.' The criticism prompted Channel 9 to release a statement saying Ricky and Haydn had 'reached out to a traditional owner of the land who guided them on the protocols around interpreting Indigenous art,' and that the artwork was 'inspired by, but never intended to be a mimic of an original Indigenous artwork.' Though it didn't result in penalties or removal of the surfboard, the controversy raised serious questions, turning a lighthearted decor challenge into a heated national debate on cultural sensitivity and creative boundaries. Spy-gate: Block duo caught cheating (The Block 2014) Brothers Shannon and Simon Voss hid a phone under the main bedroom bed to record the judges' private feedback during Season 9 (Glasshouse) of The Block. Judge Darren Palmer spotted the device while inspecting the power points under the bed. 'There's a major error down here … guess what he found?', Palmer said before pulling out the phone. Host Scott Cam and the judges then confronted the brothers on camera, asking whether their action was 'cheating'. Darren later confirmed to Yahoo News, he had to overdub his original 'cheeky f***ers' comment to 'cheeky monkeys' for broadcast. The stunt was one of the earliest controversies of the show's history, with the judges at the time saying the move was 'unprecedented'. Despite the scandal, the Voss brothers went on to win The Block: Glasshouse. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox. MORE: Block star's Melb project set to land $8m deal Agent's bizarre AFL move to sell Melb home Grollos sell Mt Buller pub after 20 years
Times
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Times
The favourite supercar of Formula 1 drivers
Unlike the glitzier Swiss mountain resorts of St Moritz and Gstaad, the village of Adelboden, west of the Bernese Oberland, is rarely troubled by the peace-shattering roar of Ferraris and Lamborghinis. No, Adelboden is the sort of Alpine retreat where groceries come from the Co-op, shops sell walking boots and alpenstocks rather than Cartier and Brunello Cucinelli — and the most popular thing to get drunk on is the spectacular view of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Few would think of looking inside Adelboden's former fire station in search of 17 of the world's most coveted supercars, with a combined value of $50 million. But that's what was hidden behind the building's large steel doors last month as preparations were being made for the first global gathering of owners of cars restored by the California-based Singer Vehicle Design. If you're unfamiliar with Singer, it has become the world's premier builder of Porsche 911 'restomods' — a portmanteau word describing 'restoring' and 'modifying' in order to combine the appeal of a traditional classic with the latest and best of engineering to create cars that blend old-school character and charm with new-school usability and performance. Singer Vehicle Design was founded in 2009 by Rob Dickinson, the former vocalist, songwriter and guitarist with the defunct British rock band Catherine Wheel, and his mantra from day one has been 'a relentless pursuit of excellence'. Focusing solely on 964 series Porsche 911s built between 1989 and 1994, the firm takes original donor cars and strips them to their bare bones before putting them back together after virtually every component has been improved, redesigned and recrafted to create what many enthusiasts regard as the ultimate in air-cooled 911s. But never call them a Porsche, for goodness sake. Although the cars origins are instantly recognisable, closer inspection reveals myriad upgrades — so many, in fact, that Porsche's legal team have questioned Singer Vehicle Design's right to use any Porsche branding whatsoever, and insists Singer makes clear that it is in no way affiliated with the marque. Bodywork can be almost entirely replicated in carbon fibre. Engines are remade to provide significant increases in power and durability (some by famous racing firms such as Williams Engineering and Cosworth) and interiors combine retro-look, high-tech instruments with bespoke upholstery in woven leather and fine fabrics. Such excellence doesn't come cheap: at its outset 16 years ago, a Porsche 911 Reimagined by Singer (as the cars must legally be called) would have set you back about $250,000. But, as engineering techniques have evolved, specifications have improved and demand has outstripped supply, so prices have increased to the point that the current most expensive creation from Singer Vehicle Design — the Dynamics and Lightweight Services or DLS Turbo — has a base price of about $2.7m/£2.2m. Bespoke additions can bring the cost of the typical DLS Turbo to about $3.1m/£2.2m — partly because the car features engineering solutions drawn directly from the world of Formula 1, such as engine components made from magnesium, titanium and Inconel and aerodynamic improvements calculated using computational fluid dynamics. At least ten past and present F1 drivers — including Jenson Button and Alex Albon — either own a Singer or have one on order. During a recent visit to Singer Vehicle Design's large but entirely anonymous UK satellite factory in Woodford Halse, Northamptonshire, I spotted more than 35 of the cars 'in build'. So how did 17 Singers come to be locked up in an old fire station in an obscure Alpine village? The answer is that Adelboden is the part-time home to one of the firm's most enthusiastic patrons, who reasoned that there are few places on earth better suited to putting a Singer through its paces than the serpentine roads of the multiple mountain passes that surround it. The Welshman Grant Maunder first discovered the place in 1977, when he travelled there with his mother and father — not in a Porsche but in the family Ford Escort — to stay in a Salvation Army chalet. 'My parents were involved with the Salvation Army and a woman called Maya Schraegler came to stay with us in Penarth as part of a sort of 'exchange of ministers' programme, which is how we ended up going to her home village of Adelboden for a holiday.' Maunder, now 57, instantly fell in love with the place and continued to visit as an adult. 'I used to go skiing there with friends during the 1980s, and we slept in a nuclear fallout shelter because that's the only place we could afford. I remember looking up at the 72-room Grand Hotel Regina, the glitziest place in town, and thinking, one day I'll be able to afford to stay there.' Fast-forward to 2009, and Maunder could stay there for as long as he liked without worrying about the rack rate — because, following an aborted attempt to become a Royal Marines bandsman at the age of 17, he had fallen into a career as a financial adviser, achieving such success that he was able to buy the entire hotel and rename it The Cambrian. Exactly a year ago Maunder and his brother, Craig — who describe themselves as 'accidental hoteliers' — also opened the exquisite Brecon hotel half a mile up the road on the edge of the village. This 18-room, four-suite 'adults only' establishment really does give guests the feeling of being welcome visitors in someone's much loved home. 'It is partly a result of being in the hotel game that drew me to want to own a Singer,' says Maunder, who ordered his first, a Classic, in 2017 and now has two more cars in build — a Classic Turbo and an example of the recently launched Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe Reimagined by Singer. 'I soon discovered that meticulous attention to detail really does matter, and that's the attitude they take at Singer. So much so that it took five years from ordering my first car for it to be delivered, during which time I got to know Rob well enough to suggest holding the first global gathering of owners in Adelboden.' The 40 or so people who turned up (owners plus partners or friends) proved the perfect number to fill the Brecon, which served as the base for three days driving their Singers on some of the most exciting and challenging roads Europe has to offer. Although their VIP status precluded me joining the main event, I did enjoy the privilege of driving three different Singer creations on the same roads during the two days prior — and quickly discovered why having to wait five years for his original Classic didn't deter Maunder from going back for more. As the owner of a regular 1980s Porsche 911 for the past 20 years, I continue to be surprised by how exciting and rewarding it is to drive — while simultaneously feeling solidly built, dependable and unique in character. Singer has succeeded in retaining that character while magnifying every aspect of the 911 experience in each different version. The original Classic feels, well, classic — while being smoother, easier to drive and far quicker than a standard car. The Classic Turbo delivers effortless high-speed touring with refined power. And the DLS comes across as a true racer for the road, with a screaming, ultra high-revving engine, ultra sharp handling and giant brakes that seemed to enable it to defy physics as we blasted up the mountain passes. 'They are extremely expensive, but they're definitely worth the money,' Maunder says, 'and I've been told my Classic, which cost me around $600,000, is now worth around $1m because only 450 were scheduled to be made and they have all been sold.' Which gives me good grounds to suggest to Mrs de Burton that, instead of buying a new Skoda and watching it depreciate, we should borrow a couple of mill, buy a Singer DLS Turbo and go to live in Adelboden while our investment grows. After all, what could possibly go wrong?
Miami Herald
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
How to Sell a Classic Car Online Without Wasting Your Time
Selling a classic car online isn't about casting the widest net; it's about putting your car in front of the right people. Whether it's a restored Chevelle, a vintage FJ40, or something unique and minty like a Saab 900 Turbo, you're not trying to appeal to everyone. You just need one buyer who gets it. That's why the platform you choose matters. Some sites are built for high-end, collectible, or enthusiast cars. Others are just dumping grounds for clapped-out commuter sedans and "ran when parked" listings. If you want a real shot at selling your classic quickly and for what it's actually worth, you need to list it where people know what they're looking at. Below are three solid platforms that are actually built for cars like yours. Each one works a little differently, and depending on what kind of sale you want-fast, auction-style, or fully managed-one might make more sense than the others. Despite the name, Exotic Car Trader isn't just for Lamborghinis and McLarens. They list plenty of vintage muscle, European classics, and garage-kept oddballs too. If your car has collector appeal and you don't want to deal with the selling process yourself, this one's worth a look. They take care of everything: photos, listing copy, buyer vetting, negotiation, payment, even shipping if needed. Your car also gets listed across multiple platforms, so it gets in front of a wider pool of buyers without you having to manage a dozen listings. It's ideal if you've got a strong car and don't feel like handling the sale yourself. Get a free offer quote and list your car online with ECT by clicking here. Bring a Trailer is probably the best-known name in online auctions for classic and enthusiast cars. Its listings range from museum-grade restorations to honest, daily-driven classics. You'll see all kinds of gems, like first-gen Broncos, C2 Corvettes, air-cooled 911s, and vintage Datsuns. The setup is pretty straightforward. You submit your car, they approve it, and it goes live in a seven-day auction. Some sellers write their own listings, others pay for help with photos and copy. Either way, once it's up, the BaT crowd takes it from there by commenting, asking questions, and bidding. If your listing's clean and your car is solid, you can do really well here. You can check out BaT by clicking here. If you're not trying to run an auction, or deal with any of the noise that comes with it, duPont makes things simple. You fill out a form with the car's details, they look it over, and send you a cash offer. That's it. No live listing, no waiting, no managing questions or comments. It's mostly geared toward higher-end classics, like rare builds, low-mileage originals, or cars that fall into the "collector" category. If that's what you've got and you just want to sell without all the extra steps, this is probably your fastest route. Once you accept duPont's offer, they pick up the car, handle the title, and wire you the money. You can check them out by clicking here. No matter where you decide to list your classic, get the basics right. Clean the car properly. Shoot it in good light and get full shots of the front, back, interior, engine bay, and undercarriage (if it's worth showing). If you've got a video of it running, even better. Most platforms will help you with photos or offer a pro option, so use it if your phone pics aren't doing the car justice. You'll also want your paperwork in order, which includes the title, service records, restoration receipts-whatever you've got. And be honest. If there's rust, say so. If the paint's not original, say that too. People buying classic cars expect a story-they just don't want a surprise. You only need one buyer. The key is putting your car where that person will see it. Whether you want to test the market, take the first strong offer, or hand the whole thing off to someone else, there's a platform that fits. Use one that understands classic cars. The rest is just photos, facts, and letting the right person find it. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Indian Express
Wildlife in times of social media
Cheetah: Forcibly taken out of Africa and brought to India to give blackbuck and chinkara proper exercise. But as yet not allowed to roam free — hence, you don't see them racing down some of our showpiece expressways where people crash their Lamborghinis. Status is somewhat hush-hush after reported deaths of many animals – some say due to homesickness. Billed as the next big thing in wildlife tourism, though hopefully this doesn't mean we will see morons on motorbikes trying to race them. Indian Wolf: Very rare and extremely maligned as a child-lifter and not to be confused with the kind of wolves that you can find in the Metro or the lobbies of five-star hotels, which are far more numerous and dangerous. The one good thing that Rudyard Kipling did, was to give wolves a big, big 'like' in his book, 'The Jungle Book' (albeit at the cost of the tiger.) Oddly now, the tiger gets all the likes and the wolves are being cancelled, literally and figuratively. Porcupine: Not the sort of animal you would like to have a honeymoon with and one wonders how they make out during their own honeymoons. Probably responsible for more tigers and leopards turning man-eater than any other creature. No, they don't fire their quills as if from an AK47, but have a turbo-reverse gear and no reverse cameras. Sloth Bear: Shambling, shaggy and notoriously short-tempered. But you would be too, if you were made to dance on the dusty road for passing buses by means of a rope yanking you through your nostrils and having needles inserted into your gallbladder every now and then. Can take your face off with one swipe of their claws. Gaur: Massive, ebony dark and seemingly carved of granite, these are the largest cattle in the world. So, of course, they had to be called Indian Bison. In spite of bulk, stand on delicate, slim legs clad in white stockings. These sumo-wrestlers can move fast and have an irritable disposition in spite of their apparently calm demeanour. Mugger Crocodile: This armour-plated smiley full of teeth, can be found sunbathing on the sandbanks of rivers and coastal areas, and will slip into the water like silent submarines, on spotting you trailing your fingers through the water. A clampdown of those jaws can cut you in half, which is what you probably deserve if you've been using shoes, belts, wallets and bags made of their skins. Very rare at one time, they've been successfully captive-bred, though releasing them back into river waters is posing problematic as villagers don't believe they'd make good neighbours. Rock Python: This huge, beautifully enamelled snake, as thick as your thigh loves hugging. It will lie in wait, strike in a flash (its kiss can be extremely unpleasant) and then take you into its loving embrace… So loving that when you breathe out, you'll find you cannot breathe in because it is squeezing you tight ('I love you so much, I could eat you!') …and then the black curtain begins to fall. Just as well, because then you are swallowed whole headfirst. Fortunately this treatment is usually reserved for rabbits, deer, wild-boar etc. Cobra: Worshipped and regularly offered milk (which it cannot drink), the cobra is famous for rearing up off the ground and flaring its hood and weaving from side to side, as the 'been' master plays his been, seemingly in tune with its wailing. Actually the snake is deaf and only following the movements, waiting for the chance to strike and transfuse enough venom to kill an elephant. Again, prefers to reserve this treatment to frogs and rats. Indian Peafowl: The 'Taj Mahal' of birds and naturally our National Bird. Famous for is fan dance, and the shimmering eyespots on its train, the real miracle with this species is that it is able to take down its fan and soundlessly slip away into the forest, virtually invisibly at the first sign of danger, without tangling up its cloak in thorn-bushes. As good as Dobermans in guarding ability, perched high up will vociferously give tongue if it sees anything suspicious. Has been used to guard prison yards, for this reason and I sometimes wonder what hanky-panky goes on in the cemetery next door, when the several peacocks inhabiting it all start collectively calling at 3 am. Mongoose: Usually part of a snake 'charmer's' entourage and a must for any Animal Fight Club show. Pitted against (usually defanged) cobras the mongoose can teach cricketers a thing or two about quicksilver reflexes, leaps and dives. Those that are unemployed are turned into paintbrushes. Palm Squirrel: Uncharitably called a 'rat with a bushy tail' the Indian palm squirrel (five-striped or three-striped), is one of the few valiant little animals that when chased up trees by dogs or even leopards will turn around and give the predator an earful, flicking its tail over its back as it scolds. Humans: Various subspecies; indigenous forest dwellers making their living off forest produce and by grazing livestock in protected areas (legally or not), poachers by illegal hunting, and most commonly seen: the wildlife tourist. Usually in blabbering groups on elephant back or in Gypsies all belligerently clamouring that they must see a tiger – or else. A subspecies of this is the wildlife photographer, who behaves just like the paparazzi does in the presence of any Bollywood star stepping out of his or her car. The less morally inclined may also destroy the young or homes of rare species to prevent competitors from getting the image. Rats: See above.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Inside Gulf's luxury car culture: Why Bentleys and Lamborghinis are bigger than real estate
The GCC's fascination with luxury cars continues to thrive, with supercars often preferred over real estate investments/Image: X TL;DR: The Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) region boasts one of the highest concentrations of supercars per capita globally, particularly in the UAE , Saudi Arabia , and Qatar. Cultural prestige, tax-free wealth, and expansive roads have fueled a luxury car obsession that often overshadows real estate as a status symbol. With rising disposable incomes and state-driven diversification plans like Saudi Vision 2030, luxury automobile demand is forecast to grow further. The region's car culture is not just about ownership, it spans auctions, bespoke modifications, exclusive clubs, and supercar parades. The Gulf's Unrivalled Obsession With Supercars It's a familiar sight in Gulf cities: convoys of Bentleys, Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris cruising down wide boulevards, especially in Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. In a region where oil wealth, zero income tax, and a young, affluent population converge, luxury cars have become more than just modes of transport, they are symbols of power, prestige, and personal identity. According to Horizon Grand View Research, a compound annual growth rate of 7.9% is expected of Middle East & Africa luxury car market from 2025 to 2030. Why Cars Over Real Estate? In many parts of the world, real estate signifies wealth and stability. But in the GCC, especially among the youth and new millionaires, supercars are often preferred over property investments. Several factors explain this cultural inclination: Cultural Prestige and Social Media Influence Social media has amplified car culture. Platforms like Instagram and Snapchat are flooded with videos of supercar meetups in Dubai or impromptu races in the deserts outside Riyadh. For many Gulf nationals, a luxury car is a more immediate, shareable display of success than a property. The UAE's influencers, such as Rashed Belhasa (Money Kicks), are known globally for showcasing their exotic car collections, which include limited edition Ferraris and Lamborghinis. This trend has inspired a new generation to view supercars as social capital. Tax-Free Luxury Unlike countries with hefty import duties or luxury taxes, GCC nations particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar offer tax-free environments, making luxury cars more accessible to the wealthy. Road Infrastructure The GCC boasts some of the world's best roads and highways, designed to accommodate high-speed driving. The UAE's Sheikh Zayed Road, Saudi Arabia's King Fahd Road, and Qatar's Lusail Expressway are all conducive to luxury car performance. Car as a Cultural Artifact Historically, Arabs have a deep connection with automobiles, seen as an extension of the nomadic Bedouin heritage where horses and camels were symbols of pride and wealth. Regional Examples of Extravagance Dubai, UAE Dubai is arguably the supercar capital of the world. The city hosts the Dubai International Motor Show, showcasing the latest from Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Bugatti. The Dubai Police famously owns a fleet of supercars, including the Bugatti Veyron, Aston Martin One-77, and Lamborghini Aventador, not merely for speed enforcement but to bolster the city's image of luxury. Saudi Arabia With Saudi Arabia opening up under Vision 2030, there has been a sharp rise in luxury car imports. In 2023, Al Ghassan Motors reported a noticeable spike in demand for Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, driven by both traditional elites and newly empowered entrepreneurs. Riyadh hosts International Luxury Motor Show, a dedicated event for elite automotive brands. Qatar Qatar, with its high per capita income, boasts one of the most supercar-dense populations. Doha's Pearl-Qatar island frequently hosts supercar gatherings, and Qatar has announced infrastructure tailored to luxury and performance vehicles in preparation for the 2030 Asian Games. The Auction and Collector Scene Luxury car auctions are also flourishing in the GCC. For instance, RM Sotheby's regularly features Gulf collectors in its global events, with some rare models fetching prices in millions. Additionally, bespoke car customisation houses like Mansory and Brabus have established a solid customer base in the region, offering gold-plated trims, diamond-studded interiors, and unique body kits. Governmental Support for Automotive Enthusiasm Saudi Arabia is keen on transforming its auto enthusiasm into a formalised industry. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah and the upcoming Formula 1 track in Qiddiya underline the government's recognition of motor culture as part of its economic diversification efforts. Similarly, the UAE's efforts with Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit and annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix draw global attention. Environmental Challenges and Electric Supercars While the Gulf's car culture thrives, there's an emerging consciousness about environmental impacts. Manufacturers like Tesla, Porsche (Taycan), and Lucid Motors are now tapping into the region's elite market, offering electric supercars. In 2024, Lucid Motors began deliveries in Saudi Arabia, where it also plans to establish a manufacturing plant in King Abdullah Economic City, aimed at producing up to 150,000 vehicles per year. The Future of GCC's Car Culture EV Adaptation: As sustainability takes center stage globally, the Gulf's supercar scene is expected to evolve to include more electric hypercars. Motorsport Tourism: Events like Formula E in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, and new motorsport tracks are positioning the GCC as a motorsport tourism destination. FAQ Q: Which Gulf country has the most supercars? The UAE, especially Dubai, leads in supercar density, followed by Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Q: Are luxury cars cheaper in the GCC? Yes, due to zero income tax and lower import duties compared to Western countries. Q: What are the most popular brands in the Gulf? Ferrari, Lamborghini, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and Mercedes AMG are among the most coveted. Q: Is the region adapting to electric luxury cars? Yes. EV adoption is rising, especially with brands like Lucid, Tesla, and Porsche entering the market.
