10/08/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY AUG 10, 2025

BRABUS has lifted the veil on its latest flagship creation, the Brabus 1000, a striking hybrid supercar that blends extreme per formance, luxury craftsmanship, and distinctive design under one electrified roof. Based on the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 SE Performance, this hand crafted model redefines the limits of power and prestige with a com bined system output of 1,000hp and a bold new design philosophy centred around exposed carbon fibre. Visually, the Brabus 1000 is unmistakable. From the aggres sive front fascia to the meticu lously sculpted rear, every detail is an expression of the marque’s design language. Carbon fibre dominates the exterior, with signature accents integrated behind the front wheel arches, carbon-clad mirrors, and a newly sculpted rear diffuser that frames the four 76mm tailpipes of the Brabus sport exhaust system. A redesigned rear wing adds aerodynamic function, offering improved stability at speed and enhancing the car’s dramatic vis ual impact. At the core of this electrified masterpiece lies a revolutionary hybrid powertrain. The engineering team at Brabus has paired a 4.5-litre V8 biturbo engine with a high-output electric motor to produce a stag gering 1,000hp.

Peak torque is measured at 1,820Nm, although electronically limited to 1,620Nm to maintain the integrity of the drivetrain. Housed beneath a red carbon fibre engine cover, this setup promises blistering acceleration and unrelenting performance, combining the visceral response of combustion power with the instantaneous thrust of electric propulsion. The Brabus 1000 rides on 22/21-inch Monoblock Z forged wheels, the result of advanced CNC machining and lightweight forging techniques. The 10-spoke wheels are fitted in staggered

Brabus unveils the 1000 Bespoke hybrid supercar

fusing heritage with high-tech performance

sizes for optimal bal ance – 10.5Jx21 at the front and 12Jx22 at the rear. Wrapped in ultra-high-per formance tyres measuring 305/30 ZR 21 and 335/25 ZR 22, sourced from Continental

or Hankook, the setup ensures maximum grip and stability, even at the car’s upper performance limits. Inside, the Brabus 1000 offers a cabin that mirrors the exclusivity of its performance. Finished in fine black leather with black Dinamica microfiber

detailing along the headliner, the interior delivers a refined, tactile experience. The seats and door panels are adorned with the brand’s distinc tive “Shell” quilting pattern, car ried through the floor mats and company introduces a new vision for high-performance motoring: an electrified supercar that merges brutal power with sophis ticated design and bespoke luxury, while celebrating the marque’s deep-rooted heritage. Maserati, Alfa Romeo eye exclusive non-electric beast boot liner with precision. Embossed “Heritage” motifs, featuring the No. 77 – a nod to the brand’s founding year – subtly anchor the futuristic cabin in Brabus’ proud legacy. With the Brabus 1000, the

Porsche confirms new petrol-powered crossover

MASERATI and Alfa Romeo are reportedly collaborating on a highly exclusive, limited-run model that could stand as the most pow erful internal combustion engine car either brand has produced in recent decades. The forthcoming vehicle is believed to be based on Maserati’s GranTurismo platform and may enter production as early as next year, according to sources close to the develop ment. Industry insiders suggest the new car is intended to build upon the legacy of halo models such as the Maserati MC20 and Alfa Romeo’s 33 Stradale. However, in contrast to the shift towards electrification sweeping across Stellantis brands, this model is set to forgo hybridi sation entirely in favour of a purist mechanical experience. Reports state that the engine is expected to be an uprated ver sion of Maserati’s existing twin-tur bocharged 3.0-litre Nettuno V6, an already potent powerplant that delivers 621hp and 720Nm of torque in the MC20. In this upcoming model, how ever, performance figures are likely to surpass those of the MC20-based MCPura, elevating it to the uppermost echelons of Maserati’s combustion-powered

PORSCHE is set to intro duce a new petrol-powered crossover by 2028, follow ing the discontinuation of the first-generation Macan in Europe. The move comes amid tightening safety regu lations and a re-assessment of market demand for elec tric vehicles. The original Macan was withdrawn from the European market in 2024 due to its failure to comply with the updated General Safety Regulation (GSR2), which came into effect in July. While the model will con tinue to be sold in markets not subject to these rules, global production is expected to cease in 2026, bringing the chapter on Porsche’s best-selling com pact SUV to a close. During the first half earn ings call for 2025, Porsche

CEO Oliver Blume con firmed that the company has fast-tracked develop ment of an entirely new combustion-engine cross over. He described the upcom ing vehicle as a model that will be unmistakably Porsche, aimed at the same segment as the outgoing Macan but distinctly differ ent from the forthcoming all-electric Macan. Although specific techni cal details were not dis closed, the swift turnaround suggests Porsche may lev erage Volkswagen Group’s Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architec ture. This is the same platform underpinning the latest Audi Q5, a vehicle that has already debuted with petrol, diesel, and hybrid power trains.

offerings. Davide Danesin, Maserati’s head of engineering, has indicated that electrification has been delib erately excluded from the project. He revealed that a manual gearbox is under serious consid eration – an unusual move in today’s performance car land scape. While such a transmission may no longer suit mass-produced vehicles, Danesin views it as a compelling feature for a limited edition, one that would celebrate the raw, tactile essence of driving. Should the project proceed as planned, Maserati is expected to debut the model in 2026 to com memorate the centenary of the

Tipo 26, the brand’s first racing car. The Alfa Romeo version, which may follow in 2027, is tipped to pay homage to the historic 6C 1500 – marking its 100-year mile stone as well. Though details remain closely guarded, the vehicle is anticipated to command a significantly higher price than the MC20-based MCPura, underscoring its exclusiv ity and collector appeal. With both brands placing increasing focus on heritage, craftsmanship, and mechanical purity, this model could represent one of the last truly analogue offerings before full electrification becomes the norm.