The car that launched Renault Sport

Before there were Clio RS and Mégane RS hot hatches, there was the Renault Sport Spider.

Introduced in 1996, the Spider became the very first production road car to wear the Renault Sport badge. It wasn't designed to compete with conventional sports cars—it was built as an uncompromising driver's machine inspired by motorsport, while also serving as the basis for Renault's one-make Spider Trophy racing championship.

Total production: approximately 1,685 road cars (plus around 80-100 race-only Spider Trophy cars). around 60 right-hand-drive cars officially supplied to the UK.

Production took place at the famous Alpine factory in Dieppe, France, the same factory responsible for many of Renault's most iconic performance cars.

Designed for driving, not comfort

Unlike most sports cars of the era, the Spider focused almost entirely on lightweight engineering.

It features:

• Aluminium spaceframe chassis
• Composite body panels
• Mid-mounted engine
• Rear-wheel drive
• Double wishbone suspension front and rear
• No power steering
• No ABS
• No traction control
• No roof
• Minimal interior

Even the seating position is unusual.

Rather than moving the seat backwards and forwards, the pedals adjust instead, allowing drivers of different heights to achieve the correct driving position while maintaining ideal weight distribution.

Engine

Power comes from Renault's legendary F7R engine.

Specifications:

• 1,998cc DOHC 16-valve inline-four
• Naturally aspirated
• 150 PS (148 bhp / 110 kW)
• 185 Nm torque
• 5-speed manual gearbox
• Mid-mounted

This is essentially the same engine made famous in the Clio Williams, although adapted for the Spider.

Because the Spider weighs just 930–965 kg, performance remains impressive even by modern standards.

Performance:

• 0–62 mph: 6.7–6.9 seconds
• Top speed: 134 mph (216 km/h

Chassis

One of the Spider's greatest strengths is its chassis.

Renault Sport engineers created an aluminium structure that was exceptionally rigid while remaining incredibly light.

Combined with:

• double wishbones
• four-wheel disc brakes
• mid-engine layout
• rear-wheel drive

the Spider delivers incredibly sharp steering and outstanding balance through corners.

Many journalists at launch described it as feeling more like a race car than a road car.

Those incredible doors

One of the Spider's defining features is its dramatic scissor doors.

Unlike Lamborghini's traditional vertical doors, the Spider's doors swing upwards and slightly forwards, giving the car a striking appearance despite its compact dimensions.

No roof…

Perhaps the Spider's most famous feature is what it doesn't have.

There is:

• no folding roof
• no removable hardtop
• no conventional weather protection

A temporary emergency weather cover was supplied with the car, but Renault intended the Spider to be driven in the open.

Early European cars didn't even have a windscreen.

Instead, Renault fitted a small aerodynamic deflector, expecting airflow to pass over occupants' heads. Drivers were actually advised to wear a helmet.

The UK market, however, received only the windscreen version, complete with wiper system.

Rarity

Production numbers remain one of the Spider's biggest talking points.

Approximate figures:

• 1,685 road cars produced worldwide
• around 80–100 Spider Trophy race cars
• 96 right-hand-drive cars built
• approximately 60 officially imported into the UK

That makes every UK Spider an exceptionally rare sight today.

Motorsport heritage

The Spider wasn't simply inspired by racing—it was built for it.

Renault launched the Spider Trophy, a one-make championship supporting major touring car events across Europe.

The race version featured:

• around 180 bhp
• sequential gearbox (later cars)
• stripped interior
• competition suspension

Several successful touring car drivers, including Jason Plato and Andy Priaulx, competed in the championship before moving on to international motorsport success.

Why enthusiasts love it today

Today the Renault Sport Spider is regarded as one of the purest analogue sports cars ever produced.

It offers:

• no electronic driver aids
• lightweight construction
• naturally aspirated engine
• manual gearbox
• exceptional steering feel
• true mid-engine balance

Many enthusiasts consider it Renault's answer to the original Lotus Elise, although the Spider is considerably rarer.

There was a time when the pages of Max Power magazine defined car culture. Wild body kits, booming sound systems, neon lights, polished chrome and outrageous styling ruled the streets and showgrounds. This 1996 Ford Fiesta Mk4 perfectly captures that iconic era, while elevating it with modern craftsmanship, premium materials and flawless attention to detail.

The result is one of the finest Max Power-inspired Fiesta builds you'll ever see—a true show-winning masterpiece that blends nostalgia with contemporary custom car perfection.

A Stunning Exterior with Unmistakable Presence

• Finished in a flawless coat of BMW San Marino Blue, this Fiesta demands attention from every angle. The rich metallic paint transforms beautifully under changing light, highlighting every curve of the bodywork.

• At the heart of the transformation is a full MS Design (Snoopy) body kit, seamlessly integrated with dramatic 6-inch rear arches and 3-inch front wide arches. The aggressive widebody allows the car to sit perfectly over deep-dish Ultralite alloy wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes performance tyres featuring classic white lettering—a signature look that instantly recalls the golden age of modified cars.

• Carbon fibre features heavily throughout the build, adding a modern performance aesthetic while maintaining the period styling. A custom front splitter, matching side skirts, rear canards and an eye-catching Scirocco Aspec carbon fibre spoiler provide both visual drama and premium detailing.

• The front end continues the Ford performance heritage with a custom glass bonnet incorporating genuine Escort Cosworth carbon fibre bonnet vents. Custom projector headlights feature vivid blue halo rings, while bespoke rear lights and a full neon underglow system create an unforgettable display, especially when reflected across wet showground surfaces.

A Completely Reimagined Interior

Open the doors and the transformation continues. Every element of the cabin has been redesigned to create a futuristic show car interior that remains true to the Max Power era.

• Custom bucket seats mounted on OMP runners provide the perfect driving position, while the dashboard has been refinished in Ford Moondust Silver. The factory passenger airbag has been replaced with a custom fuse display showcasing the electrical heart of the extensive audio installation.

• Additional gauges are neatly integrated into bespoke A-pillar and centre console pods, giving the cockpit a purposeful motorsport feel. Above, the suede headlining is illuminated by a custom fibre optic star lighting system, creating a luxury atmosphere unlike anything found in a standard Mk4 Fiesta.

The Ultimate Show Boot Installation

The rear of the car is where this build truly becomes a work of art.

• Behind the retrimmed rear seats sits an incredible custom boot installation built around crystal-clear plexiglass display panels and precision fabrication. Every component has been perfectly positioned to create a symmetrical showpiece.

• Ground Zero amplifiers, Ground Zero subwoofers and additional Pioneer subwoofers are beautifully displayed beneath custom green LED lighting, while the illuminated rear light clusters enhance the visual impact even further.

• Every cable, panel and component has been carefully considered, making the boot installation as impressive to engineering enthusiasts as it is to casual spectators.

Serious Audio Performance

This isn't simply a show installation—it delivers incredible sound quality too.

A Pioneer head unit controls a powerful audio system featuring six Ground Zero speakers, ten tweeters and multiple subwoofers, producing exceptional clarity alongside earth-shaking bass.

For the perfect early-2000s finishing touch, a fully integrated PlayStation 2 allows retro gaming wherever the car is displayed, making it one of the most authentic Max Power-inspired builds imaginable.

Show Car Details That Complete the Build

Premium finishing touches can be found throughout the interior. A custom chrome show cage reflects the blue ambient lighting throughout the cabin, while chrome Sparco pedals and countless bespoke details reinforce the car's high-end show quality.

Every element has been built to an exceptional standard, combining old-school styling with modern levels of craftsmanship.

A Modern Tribute to the Max Power Generation

This 1996 Ford Fiesta Mk4 is far more than a modified hatchback. It's a tribute to one of the most exciting eras in British car culture.

From its aggressive widebody styling and carbon fibre detailing to its award-worthy audio installation and stunning interior, every inch of the car celebrates the creativity and individuality that made the Max Power scene legendary.

Built with modern precision while staying true to its roots, this Fiesta is loud, bold, beautifully engineered and guaranteed to stop people in their tracks wherever it appears.

For anyone who remembers the golden age of modified cars—or simply appreciates exceptional craftsmanship—this is the ultimate Mk4 Fiesta.

Follow on Instagram _.that_mk4_fiesta.

Photography by yd_creative_media - motion53 - DRIVR

Few cars have earned legendary status quite like the Mazda MX-5 Mk1. Lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and built purely for driving enjoyment, the original MX-5 has become one of the most loved sports cars ever made. But every now and then, a build comes along that takes the humble roadster to a completely different level.

This particular MX-5 Mk1 is far from standard. Combining aggressive styling, a fully forged turbocharged engine, and a driver-focused chassis setup, it delivers modern performance while retaining the character that made the NA MX-5 so special.

Exterior – Clean, Aggressive and Unique

The first thing that grabs attention is the stunning Nardo Grey paint finish, giving the classic bodywork a modern and purposeful appearance. The smooth lines of the Mk1 are perfectly complemented by the subtle yet aggressive colour choice.

The iconic pop-up headlights have been enhanced with custom LED front lights, providing improved visibility while giving the car a distinctive modern touch.

At the rear, the custom Infinity LED taillights create a striking visual effect, especially at night. The lighting upgrade transforms the rear end and ensures this MX-5 stands out wherever it goes.

Sitting perfectly under the arches are a set of 15x8-inch bronze wheels, providing the ideal balance between performance and aesthetics. The bronze finish contrasts beautifully against the Nardo Grey bodywork, creating a timeless motorsport-inspired look.

Engine & Power – Forged for Serious Boost

Under the bonnet is where this MX-5 truly becomes a beast.

The original 1600cc engine has been completely rebuilt with fully forged internals, ensuring it can handle substantial boost and power reliably. Supporting modifications include Supertech performance valves and double valve springs, allowing the engine to perform confidently at high RPM and under extreme boost conditions.

The heart of the setup is a Mamba GT2560RS turbocharger, delivering impressive performance with a boost pressure set at 1.6 bar.

The result?

314 BHP

For a lightweight Mk1 MX-5, 314 horsepower transforms the car into an incredibly fast machine, capable of surprising much more powerful modern sports cars.

Engine management is handled by a ME442 ECU, professionally mapped by JCAL_ECU, ensuring precise fueling, ignition control, reliability, and maximum performance.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Putting power to the ground effectively is just as important as making it.

This build features a 6-speed gearbox, providing improved gearing and driving enjoyment compared to the standard transmission.

Power is delivered through a Torsen limited-slip differential, helping maximise traction and ensuring both rear wheels work together when accelerating hard through corners or launching from a standstill.

The result is a drivetrain setup that feels sharp, responsive, and perfectly suited to the power on offer.

Interior – Built Around the Driver

Inside, the focus remains firmly on performance.

The cabin features ULTIMA bucket seats, providing excellent support during spirited driving while maintaining comfort for road use.

A customised dashboard modernises the interior and houses additional instrumentation to monitor the engine's vital parameters.

One of the standout features is the CANchecked display, a fantastic addition for any serious performance build. Connected directly to the ECU, it provides real-time engine data, including boost pressure, temperatures, AFR readings, and various other parameters, all displayed conveniently within the driver's line of sight.

For enthusiasts who enjoy analysing vehicle performance, it's an invaluable piece of equipment.

Suspension & Chassis – Engineered for Handling

Power means little without control, and this MX-5 has been upgraded accordingly.

The suspension setup features Tein Z Flex coilovers, offering improved handling, adjustability, and ride control compared to the factory suspension.

Additional upgrades include:

• Upgraded rear camber arms for precise suspension geometry adjustment.
• Chassis bracing fitted underneath the vehicle to increase rigidity.
• Improved cornering stability and driver confidence.
• Better traction during hard acceleration and spirited driving.

Combined with the lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive layout, these modifications ensure the car remains balanced, predictable, and incredibly rewarding to drive.

Final Thoughts

This Mazda MX-5 Mk1 perfectly demonstrates what can be achieved when classic Japanese engineering meets modern performance upgrades.

With its sleek Nardo Grey exterior, custom lighting, forged turbocharged engine producing 314 BHP, 6-speed transmission, Torsen differential, driver-focused interior, and carefully developed suspension setup, this build delivers the best of both worlds: timeless MX-5 character and genuinely exciting performance.

It's not just a modified MX-5—it's a purpose-built turbocharged machine that stays true to the lightweight sports car philosophy while offering performance levels that few would expect from a classic 1.6-litre roadster.

314 BHP. 1.6 Bar Boost. Rear-Wheel Drive. Pure Driving Enjoyment.

The ultimate expression of what a Mazda MX-5 Mk1 can become. 🚗💨

When Honda released the 8th-generation European Civic Type R (the FN2), it split opinions. Moving away from the independent rear suspension of its predecessor, the EP3, many purists were skeptical. But over a decade later, the "Space Ship" Civic has aged beautifully—especially when placed in the hands of an enthusiast who knows exactly how to unlock its true potential.

Captured beautifully by @yd_creative_media, this particular Milanno Red FN2 is a masterclass in styling. It strikes the perfect balance between aggressive, time-attack styling and clean, street-ready execution.

Let's break down exactly what makes this specific build a total head-turner.

The Exterior: Carbon Fiber & Crimson

The FN2 has naturally aggressive lines, but this build takes it to a whole new level by embracing a striking two-tone color contrast.

🏎️ Exterior & Aero GENUINE AERO MUGEN

• Carbon Fiber Vented Hood (TEGIWA)
• Carbon Fiber Front Fenders with integrated cooling vents (TYPER KIT)
• Mugen Rear Spoiler Wing (GENUINE MUGEN)
• Front Bumper Genuine MUGEN AERO
• Gloss Black Side Mirror Covers
• Team Heko Smoked Window Deflectors
• Rear Privacy Glass Window Tint
• Rear Bumper and Front OEM MUGEN

💡 Lighting & Aesthetics

• Custom Halo "Angel Eye" Projector Headlights
• LED Front Position Lights
• Custom UK Registration Plate:

🛞 Suspension, Wheels & Brakes

• Bronze Multi-Spoke Lightweight Tuning Wheels (Aggressive offset)
• Contrasting Red Center Caps & Tuning Lug Nuts
• Lowered Suspension (Yellow speed Coilovers for that perfect fitment)
• Upgraded Performance Brake Calipers (Finished in Gloss Red)
• Upgraded brake lines (For instant stop from high speed on tracks)

💨 Expected Performance Mods (Under the Hood)

While we can't see past the carbon fiber bonnet, a build of this caliber almost always packs the performance to back up its looks. Typical modifications for a K20Z4 engine of this level include:

• Cold Air Intake With Mishimoto Oil Cooler and Oil Catch tank
• Fitted with First Generation TDi Turbocharger kit and external waste gate
• Upgraded Cat-back Exhaust System for that iconic high-RPM VTEC scream
• ECU Tuned by Paul West 405 BHP
• Gearbox modiffied with MFACTORY LSD and for sweet gears changing fitted Hybrid Racing Short Shifter

Interior

Customised with CARBON MY RIDE STUFF

Final Verdict

What do you think of this build? Would you go full carbon on a Milanno Red Type R, or keep it OEM+? Let us know in the comments below!

Photography courtesy of @yd_creative_media.

The 1983 Quattro featured a distinctive “ur-Quattro” (ur is German for “original”) design, known for its muscular, boxy silhouette and flared wheel arches.

• Innovative All-Wheel Drive: Its permanent 4×4 system was funneled through a modified front-wheel-drive setup, with a central lockable differential distributing power. This technology offered superior traction and handling, particularly on tricky surfaces.
• Five-Cylinder Engine: The car was powered by a version of Audi’s signature five-cylinder engine, known for its unique sound.
• Interior: The cabin featured sporty Recaro-style seats and the new digital instrument cluster.

Perfect example how to have great old skool car without any modifications !!!

Key specs of the 1983 road-going Quattro

For more details about Audi Quattro 1983 follow on social

INSTAGRAM