Umm, Mansory has just made a Monopoly-spec convertible G-Wagen

Umm, Mansory has just made a Monopoly-spec convertible G-Wagen
Want your 809bhp Merc off-roader with lots of Pennybags branding? Here ya go
Skip 19 photos in the image carousel and continue reading
Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures.
1
/
19
For reasons we cannot yet fathom, Mansory has transformed the Mercedes-Benz G63 into a short-wheelbase, four-door convertible liveried with everyone's favourite post-Christmas, family-destroying game: Monopoly. Still reeling from when you landed on your sibling's hotel in Mayfair? Look away now.
Via creative input from the appropriately named street artist and DJ, Alec Monopoly, this big Merc is dubbed the 'AL3C MONO9O7Y'. It's based on the Grand Entrée Mansory revealed last winter.
Advertisement - Page continues below
There's a black and white 100 currency note on the sides with splashes of paint, and a seemingly triumphant Pennybags. He's spotted again on the rear wheel cover, this time joined by a band of (presumably) elated bankers.
The rest of the body gets Mansory's now familiar grainy carbon look, and new 24in gloss black 'FC.5' alloys, each gaining an individually coloured inner ring.
Inside, the cabin is coated in an aqua-blue theme and retains all the familiar G-Wagen touchpoints, only with more Monopoly in places such as the door cards and the passenger handle bar. The seat belts are different colours too, and the rear seat cushions see yet more Monopoly.
Beneath the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre V8, spruced up with bigger turbos, a new air filter and a shoutier sports exhaust. As such, outputs now sit at 809bhp and 848lb ft, so 0-62mph hovers around the four-second mark. Advance to really very Go.
Advertisement - Page continues below
Mansory will create 10 examples at an undisclosed price. Best start gathering the rental fees promised to you two rounds ago.
Top Gear
Newsletter
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox.
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Success Your Email*

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Auto Blog

2 hours ago

• Auto Blog

BMW M2 CS Skips Manual as Power Exceeds Gearbox Limits

Earning that CS badge has not come without a major sacrifice The ultimate iteration of the current BMW M2 was unveiled last month, but something was missing. We're referring to the M2 CS, of course, which boasts more power and even beefier bodywork than the normal M2. Sadly, the CS is restricted to an eight-speed automatic transmission, with no manual option available as in the regular M2. It turns out that the boosted six-cylinder engine in the CS is simply too powerful for BMW's six-speed manual. 0:05 / 0:09 Walmart is selling an 'amazing' $47 tire inflator for $25, and shoppers say it's 'portable and efficient' Watch More Manuals Reserved For Less Powerful M Cars 2026 BMW M2 CS 2026 BMW M2 CS Whereas the standard M2 develops 473 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liter engine, the M2 CS dials that up to 523 hp and 479 lb-ft. At Le Mans last weekend, BMW Blog spoke to BMW M's head of R&D, Dirk Häcker, who confirmed that the manual gearbox can only handle up to 473 hp/405 lb-ft, while still being in line with the company's requirements. If BMW released the M2 CS with a manual, it would have had to reduce the engine's outputs to a point where it would not have been enough to justify the CS badge. It decided against going that route, which means the only alternative was the automatic. The larger M4 follows a similar recipe: In base 473-hp form, it has a manual, but the 503-hp M4 Competition only gets an automatic. It may not have a manual, but the M2 CS is so powerful that your focus is probably better spent on watching the road ahead than shifting gears. This compact coupe will hit 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and top out at 188 mph, its performance also aided by a weight reduction of nearly 100 pounds. Only One Manual M Car Has A More Powerful Engine Source: BMW The limited and staggeringly expensive BMW 3.0 CSL conflicts Häcker's statement somewhat, as it has a six-speed manual yet produced 552 hp. There's a good reason for this, though. 'It's nearly the same one [gearbox used by the M2 and 3.0CSL],' said Häcker. 'The thing is, we have different requirements. I think everybody knows the 3.0 CSL is a very rare, exclusive car. It will not be driven every day. Also, not the mileage. So, we had a special commitment overall to use [the manual] there, but it's not an option for a track tool or something like that.' Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Interestingly, the 3.0 CSL is more powerful but less torquey (406 lb-ft) than the M2 CS, so it appears BMW even had to make some compromises in this 50-unit exotic to make it work as a manual. Source: BMW Ultimately, BMW M surely has the expertise to develop a brawnier manual 'box that can handle the M2 CS' outputs. After all, much more powerful cars like the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing (668 hp) and Lamborghini Murciélago (661 hp) have manuals. But developing an all-new manual for a low-volume car like the M2 CS may not have been worth the investment for BMW at this stage. Although the ultimate M2 misses out on a manual, BMW is still keeping the stick-shift alive where it can. Thanks to strong demand, the Z4 roadster manual is sticking around for longer than anticipated. Together with the M2, M3, and M4, there are still (almost) a handful of new manual BMWs to keep purists happy. About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile

Telegraph

5 hours ago

• Telegraph

UK's rarest cars: 1980 Vauxhall Cavalier Sports Hatch, one of only five left

The Sports Hatch was both Vauxhall's rival to the Ford Capri Mk3 and a car with a subtly different image. If the Ford was ideal for pretending to be Lewis Collins in The Professionals, including the smirk in the rear-view mirror, the Cavalier belonged outside a provincial bistro. Today, despite the difficulty of establishing precise numbers, this 1980 example is one of only a handful remaining on the road. Vauxhall launched the Cavalier, based on the German Opel Ascona B, in 1975 with the two-door Coupé as the original 'sporting' version. At that time Opel regarded cars with three doors as utility vehicles, while Vauxhall was keen on a fastback-bodied Cavalier from the outset. The British firm's designs impressed senior management at the parent company General Motors and the Sports Hatch debuted in September 1978. The timing of the Sports Hatch's launch could not have been better planned, with Ford introducing the Capri Mk3 six months earlier. The Vauxhall's engine choices were 1.6- and 2.0-litre units, the latter capable of 112mph and 0-60 in 10.2sec. Opel simultaneously announced its new Manta Berlinetta Hatchback, which used body panels shipped from Luton to Germany. The first of the Sports Hatch were available only in top-of-the-range GLS form. Owners could boast about the 'four-spoke sports steering wheel', 'wood veneer door inserts' and 'driver's map pocket'. Those of us of a certain age will recall that in the late Seventies expectations of automotive comfort could be limited. Vauxhall preferred the phrase 'luxury without a trace of ostentation'. The Sports Hatch was mechanically identical to the Cavalier saloon, but Vauxhall promised 'swashbuckling performance' in a car 'not to cross swords with'. It advised its dealers that 'undoubtedly the Sports Hatch will add to Vauxhall's 'get up and go' image' and 'attract more and more younger buyers to the marque'. Taking delivery, one hoped, might make the proud owner feel like the Roger Moore of outer Southampton. The 2000 GLS cost £4,384, compared with £4,192 for the Capri Mk3 2.0 S. When Car magazine evaluated the pair, its testers concluded that the Cavalier was 'just as much fun, slightly better mannered and agreeably more refined' – and could teach the Ford 'a thing or two in all the right places'. They added that the 2000 GLS 'fully justifies its 'Sports' title, unlike some others', and that 'the taut springing and transmission will delight the keen driver'. Dealers could point out that, aside from the Capri, the Sports Hatch had no real rival with a British connection. Chrysler UK did not build a comparable three-door coupé, while the venerable MGB GT was a 2+2 at best. For buyers considering a foreign marque, the Volkswagen Scirocco GLS and Renault 17 TS cost £4,720 and £4,682 respectively – but both were front-wheel-drive, when many British drivers still preferred the supposed benefits of rear-wheel-drive. The £5,999 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV and £5,710 Lancia Beta 2000 HPE were aimed at more affluent motorists. The Toyota Celica 2000ST Liftback offered strong value at £4,223, but its persona was less overtly sporting than the Vauxhall's. Ironically, the Sports Hatch's closest rival was sister company Opel's Manta Berlinetta – just £32 more than the 2000 GLS. The Cavalier Mk2 replaced the Mk1 in September 1981, after 238,980 units – and there was to be no three-door version. The Sports Hatch may have been short-lived, but its appearance at the 1978 London Motor Show alongside the new Carlton and Royales emphasised Vauxhall's radical image change. The era of the quasi-American, tail-finned Crestas now seemed very remote. And the Sports Hatch appeared to make the Capri Mk3 look faintly dated by comparison. If the Ford still seemed to belong to a realm of flared trousers and Mungo Jerry sideburns, the Vauxhall anticipated a brave new world of grey loafers and owning a home video recorder. In 1980, Autocar referred to the Sports Hatch as 'just plain nice' – a quality many owners valued. Or, to quote one dealer, it was so handsome, 'they go out of the door as soon as they come in'.

Reuters

6 hours ago

• Reuters

Jeep maker Stellantis weighs sale among options for Maserati

MILAN, June 20 (Reuters) - Stellantis ( opens new tab is considering a possible sale of its struggling luxury Maserati unit, among other options, two sources with knowledge of the matter said, as the automaker seeks to overhaul its sprawling portfolio of 14 brands. Discussions over Maserati's future started before new CEO Antonio Filosa, who starts on Monday, was appointed last month, while Stellantis was steered by Chair John Elkann. The viability of the French-Italian company's 14 brands - which include Chrysler, Peugeot, Jeep and Alfa Romeo - was a priority for Elkann as he interviewed candidates to fill the CEO job. Like other European carmakers, the world's fourth biggest automaker is facing hefty U.S. import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump and struggling with stiff competition from Chinese rivals. Stellantis hired consultant McKinsey early in April to advise it on the effects of the U.S. tariffs on Maserati and Alfa Romeo as the two brands prepare future plans. Stellantis affirmed then that it was fully committed to both brands. However, a possible divestment of Maserati, its only luxury brand, is among the options McKinsey is exploring for Stellantis, the two sources told Reuters, adding the adviser's assessment was still in the early stages. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the matter publicly. Asked for comment, a Stellantis spokesperson said: "Respectfully, Maserati is not for sale". McKinsey declined to comment. Filosa's predecessor Carlos Tavares, who resigned in December after a poor performance in the U.S. market, had refused to consider getting rid of any of the carmaker's brands. But some investors and analysts say a streamlined portfolio would boost Stellantis' profit margins. Stellantis shares have lost two-thirds of their value since March last year. Maserati's sales fell by more than half in 2024 to just 11,300 units and the unit posted an adjusted operating loss of 260 million euros ($298 million) last year. The brand currently has no new model launches scheduled as it waits for a new business plan, after its previous one was put on hold by Stellantis last year. Brand head Santo Ficili said earlier this month the plan would be presented soon after Filosa starts the job. One of the sources said Stellantis has been coming to terms with the fact that it has too many brands, making it difficult for it to properly invest in all of them. The carmaker needs to "set priorities", the source said. Stellantis has not specifically mandated McKinsey to find a buyer for Maserati, but the mandate is to consider all options, including a potential sale, the second source said. All options are on the table, the source said. Stellantis' board has been divided over plans for Maserati, one source said. Some board members think Stellantis is not in a position to sustainably re-launch Maserati and suggest selling it is the best option. Others think Maserati still has value and that selling its only luxury brand would be a huge reputational setback for Stellantis. Chinese automakers, such as Chery ( might be among those interested in buying European auto brands, to support their expansion in the region, where they still lack brand recognition among consumers. This would be a similar move to SAIC's 2007 purchase of Britain's MG Motor or Geely's ( acquisition of Sweden's Volvo Cars ( opens new tab in 2010. ($1 = 0.8721 euros)