Latest news with #ModernCarCollector
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Record-Breaking SSC Ultimate Aero Destroyed in Public Stunt, Founder Calls It Shameful
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A supercar once celebrated as America's fastest vehicle met an explosive and controversial end over the weekend—by design. The 2007 SSC Ultimate Aero, which set a Guinness-verified production car speed record in 2007 by reaching 256.14 mph, was destroyed during the 'Thunder at the Mountain' monster truck rally in West Richland, Washington. The act was reportedly carried out at the behest of its owner, who instructed organizers that the car must not survive the event intact. The car was crushed by multiple monster trucks, then torn apart by a mechanical 'dragon' wrecker and finally torched by a flamethrower, leaving little more than carbon-fiber shards and charred remains. The move stunned members of the automotive community, including SSC North America founder Jerod Shelby, who called the destruction 'a shameful loss of automotive history.' 'There are only 24 of these cars in existence, and this one set a world record that dethroned Bugatti,' Shelby said in a statement to media. 'It was a symbol of American engineering.' Launched in 2007, the SSC Ultimate Aero was powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.3-liter V8 that produced 1,180 horsepower. In September of that year, the car overtook the Bugatti Veyron's top speed record on a closed stretch of road in Washington State. Chuck Bigelow, then 72, piloted the run without a helmet, backed by a small team of engineers. Though the engine had been removed before the rally stunt, the car's body and provenance remained intact. The destruction appears to stem from a personal dispute between the car's anonymous owner and the manufacturer, although specific details have not been disclosed. With the car now gone, only 23 Ultimate Aeros remain. Automotive historians say the loss erases a tangible piece of modern American racing heritage. 'It's the equivalent of lighting the Wright brothers' plane on fire,' one enthusiast remarked. Images Via Facebook/Supercars México - Autos Exóticos de México Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Indian Express
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Tom Cruise is allegedly banned from buying this luxury car; here's what happened…
In addition to performing his stunts in films, Hollywood icon Tom Cruise is famous for his love for exquisite luxury cars. However, a public incident led him to land on an interesting list — one that includes names of celebrities who are banned from buying Bugatti cars. This alleged decision by Bugatti stems from an embarrassing incident at the Mission: Impossible 3 premiere in 2006, which the luxury car manufacturer viewed as detrimental to its brand image. Back in 2005, Cruise acquired a high-end Bugatti worth over $1 million to celebrate and indulge his love for luxury and speed. At the premiere of his film, he decided to drive the car and make a grand appearance on the red carpet. However, things did not exactly go as planned. According to Modern Car Collector, the incident that led to Bugatti's drastic decision involved Cruise struggling to open the passenger-side door of his Bugatti Veyron—a car celebrated for its sophisticated engineering and exceptional performance, including a 16-cylinder engine and 1001 horsepower. The struggle lasted over 40 seconds and occurred in full view of the premiere's attendees and was broadcast to millions worldwide. While the moment was taken lightly by fans and the media, Bugatti saw it as a serious blunder. The luxury car manufacturer took this move as a sign of disrespect toward the brand's prestige and reputation and allegedly decided to prohibit Cruise from buying anything else from Bugatti. This measure was also extended to many other celebrities who have previously tarnished the brand's reputation publicly. This list of celebrities allegedly includes notable figures like Kim Kardashian and Justin Bieber, who have faced similar restrictions from other high-profile car brands for various reasons. 'The perceived value of an item plays a significant role in driving up its worth because humans often assign value based on exclusivity of the products, their rare existence, and social status,' said Juhi Pandey, psychologist, MPower Helpline. According to her, there are several reasons why people are drawn to luxury items. Some of them are: Exclusivity: 'Luxury brands create an impression that not everyone can own their products, even if they have the money. This strategy of selective branding enhances their appeal,' said Pandey. Feeling of inaccessibility: The scarcity and inaccessibility of luxury items fuel a sense of desire. 'People often wonder why they can't have what is seemingly meant for a select few. This exclusivity acts as a psychological hook,' Pandey explained. Neuroscience and luxury: Purchasing luxury goods activates brain areas like the nucleus accumbens and ventral striatum, which are linked to impulsive desires. Pandey said, 'Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, is released during such purchases, enhancing the sense of reward.' Craftsmanship: The exceptional attention to detail and superior craftsmanship attract individuals who value precision and durability. 'Many luxury buyers appreciate the effort and skill behind these items, which align with their standards of excellence,' Pandey said. Pandey mentioned that exclusivity and high pricing often signal quality and prestige, which drive the demand for luxury goods. 'The pleasure of owning something rare activates the brain's reward system. Cognitive biases like anchoring and the endowment effect also play a role, as people inflate the value of items based on initial price points or personal attachment,' she said. Ultimately, the desire for status, recognition, and self-fulfillment makes luxury goods highly appealing.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Win This 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T – The Driver's Dream Car Could Be Yours
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Picture it: you, behind the wheel of a brand-new 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera T, tearing down a legendary racetrack. That dream could be your reality — but only if you enter. One lucky winner is going to take home this modern marvel of Porsche performance, and there's no reason it shouldn't be you. Enter here. This isn't just any 911 — the Carrera T is a return to the roots of pure, unfiltered driving. Powered by a 388-horsepower 3.0-liter flat-six engine and mated to a crisp manual transmission, it rockets from 0–60 mph in 4.3 seconds and hits a top speed of 183 mph. Lightweight construction, mechanical limited-slip differential, rear-axle steering, and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) mean this machine was born to devour twisty backroads and dominate the track. And here's where it gets even better: just for being part of the community. That's more chances to win, more chances to drive off in a brand-new Carrera T — and more reasons to stop dreaming and start entering. But wait, there's more. The winner will also receive a free two-day High Performance Drivers Education (HPDE) session at the legendary Watkins Glen International, courtesy of the Niagara Region Porsche Club of America. Whether you're new to track driving or a seasoned wheelman, they'll help you push your Porsche like the engineers intended. Why not you? But here's the thing: you have to enter to win. So don't wait — this 911 Carrera T could be calling your name. ENTER NOW and claim your extra MCC entries Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Evolution of the Chevy Corvette: America's Sports Car Turns Supercar
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector In a new feature video from Modern Car Collector (MCC), viewers are invited to take a thrilling ride through time in "The Evolution of the Chevrolet Corvette: From Classic to Supercar", a visual chronicle of how America's beloved sports car became a global performance powerhouse. The Corvette's story began in 1953 as a sleek concept car revealed at the GM Motorama in New York. With just 300 hand-built units, the original C1 set the tone for a bold new chapter in American automotive history. But it was visionaries like Harley Earl, GM's legendary design chief, and Zora Arkus-Duntov, often called the "Father of the Corvette," who pushed the car beyond its show-car roots and into true performance territory. The MCC video walks viewers through all eight generations of Corvette evolution—from the split-window C2 Sting Ray and the brute-force C3 big blocks, to the high-tech innovations of the C4 and the return to racing form with the C5 Z06. As each generation progressed, so too did Corvette's capabilities, culminating in today's C8 platform, the first production Corvette with a mid-engine layout. Highlights include the C8 ZR1, a supercharged beast expected to push 850 horsepower, and the Corvette E-Ray, which fuses electrification with all-wheel drive for the first time in the model's history. This engaging MCC production doesn't just focus on horsepower—it celebrates the cultural significance of the Corvette, its place in racing lore, and its unmatched ability to adapt and evolve without losing its American soul. Whether you're a lifelong Corvette enthusiast or a newcomer to the legend, "The Evolution of the Chevrolet Corvette: From Classic to Supercar" is a must-watch journey through 70 years of performance, innovation, and iconic design. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Jet-Set CEO's $3M Koenigsegg Jesko Ticketed in London While Dining Nearby
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector A £2.2 million Koenigsegg Jesko hypercar, owned by private jet mogul Ameerh Naran, was slapped with a parking ticket this week after being left on a Kensington street while its owner dined nearby. Naran, the CEO of luxury aviation brokerage Vimana Private Jets, parked the ultra-rare Swedish hypercar on Derry Street, just outside the trendy Dishoom restaurant in West London. Moments later, a Kensington and Chelsea traffic warden issued a bright yellow parking charge notice (PCN), placing it squarely on the carbon-fiber bonnet of the car—an image quickly shared online. With a fine of up to £160 (reduced to £80 if paid within two weeks), the penalty is a small price to pay compared to the Jesko's jaw-dropping $3 million valuation. Powered by a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8, the Jesko produces 1,280 horsepower on standard fuel—or up to 1,600 hp on E85—and is capable of reaching 62 mph in under three seconds. According to his Instagram posts, Naran, 39, was enjoying lunch at the nearby Rooftop Gardens while the parking incident unfolded. Originally from Zimbabwe, the entrepreneur built his jet charter empire after studying automotive design, and later launched his own hypercar company, Naran Automotive. Despite his aviation focus, cars have remained central to Naran's identity. A former aspiring racing driver, he once told Forbes that he dreamed of building supercars since childhood. His clients—ranging from royals to ultra-high-net-worth individuals—spend up to $1 million a month on private travel, and often shop at elite brands like Harrods, Ferrara Diamonds, and Asprey London. This isn't the first luxury car to run afoul of Derry Street's strict parking rules. Comedian Michael McIntyre had his £195,000 Mercedes-AMG GT R towed from the same location in May after parking in a police-only zone. In a city where even multi-million-dollar cars can't escape traffic enforcement, it seems not even the most elite wheels are above the rules. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
