Electric Cars

A true pioneer in compact performance, the 1988 Mazda 323 GTX predates the well-known Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer EVO, showcasing Mazda's early vision for all-wheel-drive and turbocharged power. This specific model, a 1988 Mazda 323 GTX, is currently up for auction, representing a rare opportunity to acquire a vehicle that was once lauded as an accessible alternative to high-performance cars like the Audi Ur-Quattro. Given its historical significance and the rarity of surviving examples—only just over 1200 were initially sold—its availability is a testament to its enduring appeal and careful preservation.

This particular 323 GTX has undergone extensive restoration by a dedicated enthusiast, ensuring it remains in peak condition. From aesthetic enhancements like refreshed paintwork to functional upgrades including modern coilovers and meticulous attention to components such as hatch struts, no detail has been overlooked. The powertrain has also received significant investment, featuring a rebuilt cylinder head, new gaskets, belts, hoses, and a custom exhaust system, all designed to optimize the performance of its 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. While its original output of 132 horsepower may seem modest by today's standards, this vehicle emphasizes the joy of driving and responsiveness over sheer power, a philosophy it shares with the early Miata.

Beyond its robust mechanicals, the 323 GTX distinguishes itself from the standard 323 with a wider track and reinforced body structure, built to withstand the rigors of rally-inspired driving. Its all-wheel-drive system, which can be engaged with a simple push-button for a 50:50 power distribution, offers exceptional traction and agility. With 129,000 miles on the clock and numerous upgrades, this GTX is perfectly poised for spirited driving on scenic routes, embodying an earlier era of compact, high-performance vehicles. Its legacy reminds enthusiasts that true driving excitement isn't about modern trends but about a unique blend of power, handling, and heritage.

The Mazda 323 GTX stands as a brilliant reminder that innovation and driving pleasure are not confined to a single era or a handful of celebrated models. It exemplifies how thoughtful engineering and a commitment to performance can create a vehicle that offers both excitement and a lasting connection to automotive history. The meticulous care given to this specific model highlights the passion within the enthusiast community and underscores the timeless value of well-preserved automotive gems. It beckons us to appreciate the pioneers that paved the way for today's high-performance cars, celebrating the joy of the drive itself.

A custom-built E53-generation BMW X5, a collaboration between urban apparel brand Kith NYC and its founder Ronnie Fieg, has emerged as a remarkable automotive project. This unique vehicle marries the classic design of the early 2000s BMW X5 with the formidable V-10 engine from a BMW M5, creating a high-performance SUV that embodies both subtle sophistication and raw power. The project highlights a visionary approach to automotive customization, proving that older models can be reborn with contemporary performance while maintaining their original charm.

The E53-chassis BMW X5, first introduced in 1999, was a groundbreaking vehicle that pioneered the concept of a performance-oriented SUV, skillfully combining the handling characteristics of a 5-series sedan with enhanced all-weather capabilities. Despite being over two decades old, its design has withstood the test of time, proving to be more aesthetically pleasing than some of its modern successors. Recognizing its enduring appeal, this specific 2000 X5 underwent a comprehensive restoration, involving a complete dismantling and reconstruction. The centerpiece of this transformation is the integration of a V-10 engine, originally sourced from a BMW M5, a testament to what BMW might have dared to offer if not for production constraints.

Ronnie Fieg, a prominent figure in New York's sneaker and urban-wear scene and a long-standing BMW enthusiast, is the owner of this custom X5. His brand, Kith NYC, has a history of collaborating with BMW, notably on a limited-edition M4 Competition. Fieg's vision for his X5 draws inspiration from the legendary X5 Le Mans, a one-off prototype from BMW's motorsports division that famously housed a McLaren F1 V-12 engine. While Fieg's X5 is not as extreme as the Le Mans concept, it incorporates a new front fascia, a widebody kit, and rear aerodynamic enhancements that subtly nod to its high-performance aspirations. The vehicle also features a lowered and re-tuned suspension, contributing to its refined yet aggressive stance.

Under the hood, the V-10 engine isn't merely a direct swap; it has been enhanced with forged pistons and custom tuning, optimizing its 500-horsepower output. This meticulous approach ensures that the power delivery is seamless and integrated, feeling as if it were an original factory offering. The interior continues this theme of understated customisation, featuring an M5-derived 9000-rpm tachometer and, most notably, a three-pedal manual transmission. This integration of a manual gearbox with the V-10 engine and the factory all-wheel-drive system promises an exceptionally engaging driving experience, a rare combination in modern SUVs.

This bespoke Kith X5 serves as more than just a customized vehicle; it's a statement about automotive potential and the timeless appeal of thoughtful engineering. By infusing a classic SUV with a powerful, finely tuned V-10 engine and a manual transmission, the project redefines what a performance utility vehicle can be. The car's subtle modifications, combined with its formidable powertrain, make it a true "what might have been" moment, celebrating BMW's heritage while pushing the boundaries of custom automotive design. It undoubtedly elevates the E53 X5's status, drawing attention from collectors and enthusiasts alike who appreciate both its historical significance and its renewed, high-octane spirit.