As previewed earlier this spring, Bentley was able to present its highly limited and exquisitely produced Bacalar, created under the Mulliner monicker reserved for the U.K. brand’s coachbuilt vehicles. The Mulliner Bacalar Car Zero – a designation that denotes its prototype status – in Scarab green was one of six presentations by Bentley during Monterey Car Week 2021.
Upon approaching, the Bentley Mulliner Bacalar speaks a similar design language to the Continental GTC – a butch, wide, curvaceous shell that is not only expansive width-wise, but length-wise as well. The details bespoke to the Bacalar, as a whole, give the drop-top grand tourer a level of style that commands attention in a shape not seen elsewhere, even within the Bentley brand.
Beginning with the rear half, the Bacalar is dominated by two Speedster-esque rear haunches that protrude aft of the driver and passenger. Since the Bacalar is configured as a roof-less coupe with no option for a hard top, the rear design was a pinnacle point of presentation and is instantly recognizable for bystanders. The muscular shoulders taper sharply as you approach the tail lights, giving the Bacalar a fluid, almost fish-like appearance that accents both a smooth aerodynamic look as well as acting as a high-speed spoiler. Thin tail lamps and equally-narrow exhaust form the flat nature of the rear end as the Mulliner Bacalar passes you on straightaways.
From the front, the GT car also exudes elegant aggression, with broad wings and a very-low chin line. An assortment of shapes, while seemingly conflicting at first, form a combination of functionality with a refined style through mesh and materials. The central air intake creates a bold rectangle, but within are diamond-esque formations – a design language also found elsewhere like the seats and tail lamp lenses. Two extra-large hood vents are found just slightly below the hood line, creating flared nostrils that accent a symmetrical division line. The hood vents are surely needed, as underneath hides a massive 6.0L W12 TSI engine, good for over 650 horsepower and 900 Nm of torque, one of Bentley’s most powerful motors ever made.
While the exterior speaks volumes of the Bacalar’s no-holds-barred approach to design, the interior actually adopts Bentley’s approach towards sustainability. Not only is the tweed-lined upholstery striking and instantly noticeable for its distinctive texture, its wool is sourced from the globally reputed Lovat Mill in the United Kingdom. Eco-consciousness continues with the use of the wood found on the dashboard and rear shelf, which is constructed of fallen Riverwood that’s over 5,000 years old. Its texture is grainy and with curves and valleys, but is overall smooth to the touch and matte in appearance for a solid look and feel to the interior.
For all of its exquisite details and character, the Mulliner Bacalar won’t be often seen in public: not only will there be only 12 units to ever be produced, each will command a starting price of $1.9M USD from interested parties, and all 12 are accounted for.
Considering that the Ford Bronco was unveiled in July 2020, the Blue Oval brand has already given the offroader numerous reworks and special edition packs — and this isn’t stopping anytime soon thanks to the unveiling of the all-new Ford Bronco Riptide.
The project car uses the 2021 Bronco four-door with the “Sasquatch Package” as its base, which features a 2.7-liter EcoBoost engine that’s paired to a ten-speed SelectShift automatic transmission featuring Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist.
However, the Riptide concept now comes sans-roof and also sports a set of tubular doors instead of standard doors, as well as a surfboard rack and boards on the top of the frame. The purpose of this car is for cruising down the West Coast and heading to the beach, tackling outdoor adventures while enjoying the experience of open-air driving.
“For this Bronco Riptide project, we imagined a customer who enjoys the open air and a free-spirited West Coast lifestyle,” said Missy Coolsaet, Bronco color and materials designer. “We wanted the vehicle to demonstrate how Bronco customers can personalize their vehicle, letting different types of customers visualize what they might want to do with their future Bronco.”
As a result, Ford has produced the Bronco Riptide in “Velocity Blue” on the outside, while inside you’ll find marine-grade vinyl-trimmed seats in “Black Onyx” and “Dark Space Gray” alongside rubberized washout flooring, making it suitable for seaside adventures.
Making sure it can cope with offroading is a set of 35-inch mud-terrain tires that wrap around 17-inch factory wheels with optional Ford Performance Beadlock rings, and a host of technological features including Dana AdvanTEK electronic-locking front and rear axles, high-clearance suspension system with Bilstein position-sensitive long-travel shock absorbers, an exclusive Bronco Terrain Management System with seven G.O.A.T. modes to help it cope with all kinds of terrains, and more.
While this may just be a concept study, many of the accessories featured on the Riptide are available for purchase. Find out more on the dedicated Bronco site.
Super73 has customized its RX e-bike to capture the spirit of Hot Wheels in a limited 24-bike release.
The Hot Wheels x SUPER73-RX is quite the looker, donning a special blue and orange paint job, custom embroidered seat by Saddlemen, Ruffian ATV Lock-on grips by ODI, Stamp I Large pedals by Crankbrothers, and a yellow-tinted headlight.
The electric motorbike incorporates Super73’s advanced drive system powered by a top-of-the-line 960 watt-hour battery which boasts 75 miles of range and speeds of up to 30 mph. Other features include full-suspension, 20-inch rims, and all-terrain tires. Multiple drive modes and settings can be calibrated via the handlebar display and the SUPER73 app including pedal assist modes, speed, and cadence.
Every bike will be built to order in Southern California and will take 12-16 weeks to ship from the order date. Customers based in the United States can now purchase the Hot Wheels x SUPER73-RX for $5,000 USD on the SUPER173 website. The base model of this e-bike is also available for $3,245 USD.
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