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The Crayford Mojito: A Classic Mini Reimagined for Coastal Adventures

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Crayford Automobiles introduces the Mojito, an innovative adaptation of the iconic Mini, transforming it into an ideal vehicle for seaside excursions. This bespoke four-seater foregoes conventional doors and rear glass, creating an open-air experience perfectly suited for coastal journeys. Starting at around £35,000 (approximately $46,200), the Mojito maintains the compact footprint and beloved mechanical spirit of the original Mini. Its interior is upgraded with marine-grade materials, and the engine is re-calibrated for improved low-end performance, catering to a specialized clientele desiring a unique and spirited recreational automobile.

This distinct creation by Crayford joins a growing trend of small-scale coachbuilders breathing new life into vintage platforms for discerning buyers. The Mojito exemplifies how a classic design, stripped to its essentials and enhanced with practical, specialized features, can find a renewed purpose. It is explicitly marketed as a leisure vehicle, emphasizing its role as a short-distance cruiser rather than a daily commuter, making it a captivating option for those who appreciate both heritage and a laid-back, open-air driving experience.

The Mojito: An Open-Sided Coastal Mini

Crayford Automobiles has masterfully re-envisioned the timeless Mini, introducing the Mojito, a bespoke four-seater designed for the quintessential beach experience. This distinctive creation sets itself apart by removing traditional doors and rear glass, embracing an open-sided configuration that allows for an immersive connection with the coastal environment. Unlike a full convertible, the Mojito maintains its fixed roof and incorporates a standard folding Webasto-style sunroof, offering a balance between open-air freedom and structural integrity. The vehicle’s interior is thoughtfully redesigned with practicality in mind, featuring durable marine-grade upholstery and non-slip Flexiteek flooring, ideal for resisting the elements encountered near sand and saltwater. This meticulous attention to detail underscores its purpose as a specialized coastal runabout, rather than a conventional daily driver.

The Mojito’s design philosophy ensures it retains the charm and nimble characteristics of its Mini donor. Buyers can personalize their Mojito with a selection of four vibrant paint colors: White Sand, Beach Yellow, Surf Blue, or a custom Mojito finish. While specific production numbers are not explicitly stated, Crayford indicates a limited, small-batch manufacturing approach, treating each Mojito as a hand-built project. This bespoke model appeals to a niche market of enthusiasts who value a blend of classic automotive heritage with a unique, leisure-oriented functionality. Its compact dimensions, closely mirroring the original Mini's approximate 10-foot length and 4.6-foot width, ensure it remains agile and easy to maneuver in tight coastal settings, embodying a refreshed identity that honors its roots while embracing a new purpose.

Mechanical Enhancements and Acquisition Details

Underneath its distinctive open-sided body, the Crayford Mojito largely preserves the robust mechanical foundation of the classic Mini. However, Crayford has meticulously re-tuned the original Mini engine to deliver enhanced low-end torque, optimizing it for the relaxed pace of coastal cruising. To ensure modern driving safety and performance, the Mojito is equipped with Mini Cooper-specification front disc brakes, providing improved stopping power for contemporary traffic conditions. A manual gearbox remains the standard transmission choice, staying true to the engaging driving experience synonymous with classic Minis. While some published specifications suggest a 998 cc engine producing approximately 40 horsepower and an estimated curb weight of around 650 kilograms (1,433 lbs), Crayford emphasizes that precise figures can vary based on the donor vehicle and the unique requests of each customer, reflecting a highly customizable build process.

Crayford positions the Mojito as a low-volume, coach-built project, eschewing a formal factory options list in favor of a personalized approach where upgrades are determined on a case-by-case basis with the client. The entry-level price for a Mojito in the UK is set at £35,000 (roughly $46,200), with bespoke additions potentially increasing the final cost. The purchasing and ownership process aligns with its status as a specialized leisure vehicle. Buyers engage directly with Crayford, who delivers a fully converted classic Mini. For UK-market cars, the vehicle may qualify for the donor car's historic status regarding tax and inspection. However, overseas buyers must independently verify their country’s classic-car regulations and import requirements before committing to a purchase, ensuring a smooth registration and ownership experience for this unique, beach-ready classic.

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Rivian Unleashes Ghostbusters-Themed Software Update and Custom Ecto-R1 Vehicles for Halloween
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Rivian Unleashes Ghostbusters-Themed Software Update and Custom Ecto-R1 Vehicles for Halloween

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Rivian Transforms Vehicles into Ghostbusters-Themed Halloween Experience

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Rivian is embracing the spooky season with an exciting new feature: a dedicated "Ghostbusters Halloween Mode" for its R1T, R1S, and R2 electric vehicles. This innovative over-the-air software update, arriving just in time for the Halloween 2026 season, transforms these modern vehicles into nostalgic tributes to the classic 1984 film, offering a unique and interactive experience for owners and fans alike.

The core of the Halloween mode is activated via a red toggle, which synchronizes the vehicle's interior lighting with themed audio and dynamic exterior light shows. A custom-built Ghostbusters application is integrated directly into the driver's display, enhancing the immersive experience. This comprehensive package is delivered as a complimentary software update, negating the need for dealership visits or additional purchases, making it accessible to all eligible Rivian owners.

Engaging the red toggle initiates the iconic Ghostbusters theme song, while both the driver and rear displays transition into a Trick or Treat Mode. Simultaneously, the exterior lights and sound effects align with these thematic cues, turning a stationary Rivian into a captivating spectacle for passersby. Rivian designers meticulously crafted this experience to evoke the spirit of the original Ecto-1, featuring exterior LED animations precisely synchronized with specially curated soundtracks. Furthermore, a "Motion Mode" can be activated to automatically trigger these displays when someone approaches the vehicle, adding an element of surprise.

The customization extends to the vehicle's lock sounds. First-generation R1 vehicles receive the classic Ecto-1 chime, while second-generation R1 models and the R2 gain additional options like "Proton Pack" and "Chant" sounds. Beyond audio, the update introduces a scavenger hunt and a parked-display game, further enriching the interactive Halloween experience. Complementing this software update, Rivian's Special Projects team has developed physical Ecto-R1 builds based on the R1S. These custom vehicles feature 22-inch aero wheels, distinctive No-Ghost badging, and a roof rack equipped with sirens, spotlights, and a radar dish, meticulously designed in-house. Adding to the excitement, actor Bill Murray reprises his role as Peter Venkman in a promotional commercial for this special Rivian offering.

To access these captivating features, Rivian vehicles must be running specific software versions: 2026.36.0 for R1 models and 2026.36.40 for the R2. Owners also need to ensure their Rivian mobile app is updated to the latest version. Once these prerequisites are met, a prompt on the driver's display will unlock the full Ghostbusters experience. While many of the advanced functionalities are optimized for a parked vehicle, key visual elements remain active even when the driver is in motion, returning to full display once the vehicle is put into Park. The convenience extends beyond the vehicle itself, as the Rivian app allows owners to remotely activate Trick or Treat Mode, exterior light effects, music, and sound effects from their smartphone. This remote capability is perfect for surprising trick-or-treaters without needing to be physically inside the vehicle. Additionally, Rivian is hosting Ghostbusters-themed events, including screenings and Ecto-R1 appearances, at various Rivian Spaces throughout the Halloween season.

This initiative transforms Rivian vehicles into interactive Halloween attractions, offering owners a unique way to engage with their community and celebrate the holiday. The blend of classic pop culture with cutting-edge automotive technology highlights Rivian's commitment to delivering imaginative and user-centric experiences, extending beyond mere transportation to encompass entertainment and community engagement.

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Porsche's Luxury Models to See Significant Price Increases

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Porsche is embarking on a strategic transformation aimed at increasing its exclusivity and profitability by significantly raising the prices of its most luxurious vehicles. This shift involves a substantial price adjustment for top-tier models, alongside a broader effort to streamline operations and adapt to evolving market demands.

Porsche's Strategic Shift: Elevating Exclusivity and Profitability

The Escalation of Porsche's Elite Model Pricing Strategy

Porsche is poised to increase the average retail price of its most premium vehicles by approximately 20 percent. This adjustment will see prices for its high-end models climb from an estimated €270,000 (around $300,000) to over €330,000 (approximately $370,000) in the medium term. This bold move underscores Porsche's ambition to solidify its position in the ultra-luxury automotive market.

Refining the Product Portfolio and Sales Targets

Concurrently, Porsche intends for its high-end offerings to constitute 45 percent of its entire vehicle lineup. This strategic emphasis on expensive sports cars, special editions, and other exclusive products indicates a pivot away from volume-driven sales towards a value-centric approach. If successful, this strategy would allow the company to achieve profitability with fewer than 200,000 units sold annually, a notable reduction from the 279,449 vehicles delivered in 2025.

Future Product Innovations and Market Adjustments

The brand's future plans include the introduction of more specialized 911 variants and a new mid-engine hypercar. Simultaneously, Porsche will continue to offer more accessible models, such as a gasoline-powered crossover replacing the current Macan. The 718 Boxster and Cayman are set to return exclusively as electric vehicles, with internal combustion engine versions being discontinued. Discussions also continue regarding a potential large, three-row SUV, though a final decision has yet to be made.

Implementing Comprehensive Cost Reduction Measures

To support its upscale ambitions, Porsche is initiating extensive cost-cutting initiatives. These include a 20 percent reduction in product development expenses and a similar cut in the number of model variations. Furthermore, the company aims to decrease material costs for upcoming models by 10 percent and reduce warranty expenses by 45 percent over the medium term.

Optimizing Workforce and Operational Costs

In a significant organizational restructuring, Porsche has reached an agreement with labor unions to eliminate 9,000 positions, roughly one-fifth of its workforce, by 2035. This measure is expected to reduce personnel costs by up to 30 percent. Additionally, sales and distribution costs are slated for a 20 percent reduction, and management positions will see a substantial 40 percent decrease during the same period.

Balancing Luxury Positioning with Market Realities

Porsche's overarching goal is to prioritize value over sheer sales volume. If this strategy proves effective, it could significantly boost the company's financial performance and further enhance the desirability of its most exclusive models. However, there's a delicate balance to maintain between charging a premium and potentially alienating a segment of its customer base. While Porsche boasts considerable brand power, sustaining buyer loyalty amidst higher prices and increased competition, particularly in challenging markets like China, will be critical. The market in China, once a key growth driver, now presents a significant challenge as domestic automakers intensify competition.

Navigating the Complexities of Electrification

Porsche is also carefully managing its transition to electric vehicles. As regulations become stricter and competitors heavily invest in electric technology, the company must keep pace without compromising its established reputation. Offering a diverse range of powertrains—including internal combustion, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric options—provides consumers with choice. However, developing and maintaining these varied technologies simultaneously is a costly endeavor. The challenge lies in providing this flexibility efficiently, ensuring that complexity does not negate the cost savings Porsche aims to achieve.

The Enduring Value Proposition: Justifying Higher Prices

Ultimately, CEO Michael Leiters must demonstrate that Porsche can command higher prices while preserving the core attributes that have always made the brand attractive. The iconic 911 remains a formidable asset, but expanding further into the luxury segment will demand more than just introducing limited editions or offering expensive customization options. Porsche must consistently deliver vehicles that inherently justify their elevated price tags, especially in a market where discerning customers have a multitude of high-end alternatives. True exclusivity, after all, hinges on continued desirability and perceived value among its clientele.

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