The 1990s marked a golden era of automotive innovation, but what many enthusiasts may not realize is how differently the same models could look and perform depending on where they were sold. Automakers frequently tweaked designs, engines, and even names to suit local tastes and regulations, resulting in some truly unexpected variations. From oddball body styles to performance upgrades, these international versions often became legends in their own right. Discover how global strategies led to unique interpretations of familiar cars, as detailed in sources like Motor1 and HotCars.
These days it seems as if most vehicle buyers want a crossover or SUV, but not all of them want the same kind. Judging by the more rugged versions of vehicles that used to be strictly soft-roaders (such as the first-ever Nissan Rogue Rock Creek) it’s clear that automakers are trying to cover an increasingly broader spectrum of characteristics within single model lines. Larger SUVs, including the Cadillac Escalade, are now available as high-performance vehicles. When Lexus introduced the TX for 2024 to meet the demand for a roomy three-row SUV, the lineup included a 366-horsepower TX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid model. This year, Lexus added another athletic option: the TX 350 F Sport Handling AWD.
EMPHASIS ON HANDLING, NOT HORSEPOWER
As the name implies, the F Sport Handling variant is essentially a suspension package. Based on the TX 350 AWD, it uses an F Sport-tuned version of the Adaptive Variable Suspension, which adjusts according to driver inputs and road conditions. Of course, as an F Sport model, it also comes with an array of cosmetic and additional functional upgrades. The “Unified Spindle” grille flows into the F Sport front fascia, which is highlighted with satin silver trim. My test vehicle’s Incognito gray paint was the perfect backdrop for the black roof rails, window trim, mirror caps, and 22-inch wheels. At the rear, there’s more brightwork below the power liftgate, as well as a diffuser-like panel. Inside the NuLuxe-lined cabin, the heated steering wheel, leather-trimmed shifter, aluminum pedals and scuff plates, and front headrest logos are products of F Sport’s makeover. The heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs aren’t particularly performance-oriented, but they’re a welcome part of the package.
None of those changes—and no, not even the F Sport badges—add to the performance under the hood. The F Sport Handling’s engine is the same one in every other TX 350, but that’s not a bad thing. Its turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four produces 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Channeled through an eight-speed automatic and all four wheels, that was more than enough to keep the TX out of its own way. In Sport mode, the AVS was focused yet never flinty. It’s too bad the steering and braking weren’t as dialed in, but I did remind myself I wasn’t in an outright performance version of the TX.
The F Sport Handling’s combination of gas-only propulsion and an upgraded suspension helps it fill an important slot in the TX lineup, providing an option to buyers who want a sportier TX but don’t want to upgrade to the TX 500h F Sport Performance hybrid to get more power. Priced from $65,860, the F Sport Handling is within $5,000 of the 500h’s $70,110 MSRP. Even with the Convenience and Technology Packages, the Mark Levinson 21-speaker audio system, and a few other small accessories, my review vehicle had an as-tested sticker price of $69,430.
YOUR RESULTS MAY VARY
All TXs, no matter their trim level or drivetrain, are designed to fit three rows of people. Just what size those people can be may vary. I’m five-feet-ten, and I found the first two rows perfectly spacious, although the driver seat’s side bolstering was a little too aggressive. Aside from that and a few confusing design and hardware choices, the front of the TX’s cabin was a pleasant place to be. I wouldn’t hesitate to take the F Sport Handling on a long road trip. My family wouldn’t object, either. My wife had enough legroom in the shotgun seat when our son Hayden was in his car seat directly behind her in the second row; I didn’t hear any complains from my mother-in-law in the driver-side captain’s chair. However, it’s a little tighter in the third row, where the top of my head was uncomfortably close to the headliner. Then again, not everyone is my height. If you have family members and friends of various sizes, I’m sure you and five of them can reach a compromise that all of you will find comfortable.
To get a better idea of the 2025 Lexus TX 350 F Sport Handling AWD’s features, oddities, and interior dimensions, check out my video review below.
Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!
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Cupra? We learned about this automotive brand several months ago when we wrote about this companion brand to Seat. The Spanish manufacturer has had aspirations to reach the U.S. market by 2030, but now we have received news that those plans have been delayed.
Owned by the Volkswagen Group, Cupra (which comes off as being somewhat like Scion, complete with hip marketing) planned to offer us edgy electric SUV and maybe more. However, Car and Driver reports that the 2030 goal has been postponed—not cancelled—after a recent earnings report. The brand “will continue to monitor market developments in the coming years to determine the best timing and approach.”
Cupra did not start out as an EV brand, but the introduction of the VW ID.3-based Born crossover that first appeared several years ago was the beginning of what will be an all-EV lineup. If and by the time Cupra is able to sort itself for the American market, we may also be the recipient of the Cupra Dark Rebel, a 2023 concept that will take the brand beyond its current crossover lineup.
This 1932 Essex Terraplane Model K sedan was acquired by the seller in 2020 and built into a “Drag & Drive” vehicle that competed in the 2021 Rocky Mountain Race Week. The car was stolen later that year and was recovered two months later, after which it underwent further modifications that were completed in early 2025. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged, dual-fuel 434ci V8 with a Dart LS-based block, a Callies crankshaft, Wiseco forged pistons, a roller camshaft, PRC cylinder heads, a Tick Performance air-to-water intercooler, and a Haltech EFI system. The engine is backed by an SFI-certified Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission with overdrive as well as a Quick Performance 9” rear end with a Strange Engineering differential, and the chassis features a Johnny Law front assembly, a QA1 four-link rear setup, QA1 double-adjustable coilovers, rack-and-pinion steering, Wilwood disc brakes, and Billet Specialties 15” wheels. The cabin is outfitted with a roll cage, black bucket seats, aluminum door panels, and a Motion Raceworks CO2-assisted shifter. This custom Essex Terraplane is now offered with a build sheet, extra wheels, spare parts, and a clean Colorado title in the seller’s name.
The Terraplane was introduced in 1932 and produced by the Hudson Motor Car Company under the Essex marque. This car’s steel bodywork was modified with widened fenders before a repaint in red with multicolor pinstriping, while the grille shell and front bumper were powder-coated in black.
An American flag-motif vinyl wrap was applied to the roof, and the running boards were coated with black bedliner. Other details include a Griffin hood ornament, a tilt-out windshield, a parachute, tinted glass, and exhaust outlets that pass through the front fenders. Damage on the rear valance, paint flaws, and other blemishes around the car are shown up close in the image gallery below.
The 434ci V8 was built using a Dart “The Reaper” LS-based block, a Callies Compstar crankshaft and forged H-beam connecting rods, Wiseco forged pistons, a Texas Speed & Performance roller camshaft, PRC cylinder heads, and a Texas Speed and Performance short-runner intake manifold.
Mirrored VS Racing 76mm turbochargers send charge air through a Tick Performance air-to-water intercooler with an ice box. The Haltech electronic fuel injection system can be calibrated to operate using either pump gas or E-85. Additional components are listed in a build sheet that is presented in the gallery. Dyno test results report maximum output measurements of 1,518 horsepower and 1,197 lb-ft or torque, while a time slip shows a quarter-mile time of 8.943 seconds at 162.53 mph.
Billet Specialties 15” alloy wheels are wrapped in Mickey Thompson 27×6.00” tires up front, while 15×12″ dual-beadlock rear wheels are mounted with with 275/60 units. The car rides on a Johnny Law Mustang II-style front suspension assembly that has been modified with spherical joints, and the rack-and-pinion steering is unassisted. A QA1 four-link rear setup and sway bar have been installed along with QA1 double-adjustable coilovers all around. Braking is handled by Wilwood four-piston calipers at all four corners.
The cabin is protected by an NHRA 8.50 roll cage with removable door bars. Black bucket seats are accented with white stitching, and the JEGS harnesses are valid through June 2027. The door panels are constructed from bead-rolled aluminum, and the dashboard fascia has been pinstriped.
The three-spoke steering wheel has push-button controls and is mounted to a tilt column ahead of a Haltech configurable display. The digital odometer indicates 308 miles.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a Bubba Ginn Racing Powerglide two-speed automatic transmission with an SFI-certified case, removable bell housing, transbrake, Circle D torque converter, a Gear Vendors ProMod overdrive unit, and a Motion Raceworks CO2-assisted shifter. The Quick Performance 9” rear end has a Strange Engineering 3.40:1 third member, a 1350 yoke, and 40-spline drive axles.
The car is titled as a 1932 Hudson using the VIN 74793.
An extra set of wheels will accompany the car along with spare parts that are shown in the gallery.
This 1950 Mercury Eight sedan was purchased by the seller in 2023 from its longtime owner, who built it into a street rod in the 1990s. Power comes from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 linked to an automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end, and the chassis has been modified with an independent front suspension, power steering, and front disc brakes. Exterior highlights include maroon metal flake paint with ghost flames in addition to a body-color grille, frenched taillights, dual exhaust outlets, and 15″ wheels. Interior appointments include Lincoln-sourced leather seats, Dakota Digital gauges, air conditioning, and an MMATS sound system. Faux lake pipes, a back-up camera, and a Bluetooth-capable Pioneer CD head unit were added under current ownership, and the throttle position sensor, fuel injectors, weatherstripping, and tires were replaced. This custom Mercury is now offered with fender skirts, spare parts, and a clean Florida title in the seller’s name.
The car was nosed and decked before a repaint in maroon metal flake with ghost flames. The grille and headlight bezels were painted to match the body, and frenched Cadillac-style taillights were installed along with front indicators and round side mirrors. Faux lake pipes were added under current ownership, and the door and trunk lid seals were replaced. The seller notes that the paint was not sanded after application, and the left-front window is cracked.
The 15″ steel wheels wear full covers with Mercury logos, and 235/75 Diamond Back Classic whitewall tires were mounted under current ownership. A Chevrolet Nova-sourced front assembly with power steering and disc brakes has been added, and a dual-circuit master cylinder also provides stopping power to the rear drums. The seller notes that the front suspension needs to be refreshed, and replacement parts included in the sale are shown in the gallery.
The individual front seats and rear bench are sourced from a 1980s Lincoln and trimmed in maroon leather. They are joined by color-coordinated door panel inserts and carpets, and a custom center console houses a Lokar shifter and two cup holders. Air conditioning has been installed, and a back-up camera and a Bluetooth-capable Pioneer CD head unit were added under current ownership. .
The steering wheel has a chrome horn ring and a spinner knob, and a Dakota Digital instrument cluster has been installed. The digital odometer indicates 2,500 miles, approximately 30 of which have been added under current ownership.
An MMATS subwoofer and amplifiers are mounted in the trunk behind a custom panel. Damage to the carpeting is shown in the gallery.
The supercharged 5.0-liter V8 is equipped with MSD ignition components. Heat insulation has been applied to the underside of the hood. The seller states that the throttle position sensor was recently replaced along with the fuel pump, injectors, and filter. The engine may require tuning.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through an automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end.
The chassis plate is shown above, and the last digit is omitted from the VIN listed on the title.
Fender skirts will also accompany the car along with other parts that are shown in the gallery.
The 1990s were a fascinating chapter in automotive history, marked by a surge of country-specific models designed to cater to unique local tastes, regulations, and economic climates. Automakers worldwide invested heavily in tailoring vehicles for individual markets, believing that bespoke models would help them secure a competitive edge and boost sales.
Yet, many of these cars vanished after a brief production run, often due to shifting consumer preferences, stricter emissions laws, or the challenges of sustaining niche production lines. The fate of these cars reveals much about the complex interplay between global ambition and local demand in the automotive world.
For more on this trend, see Autoweek.
The 1990s were a golden era for car enthusiasts and engineers alike. The decade saw an explosion of bold concepts, experimental technologies, and a new wave of design language that challenged the status quo.
Automakers pushed boundaries, blending performance with emerging digital advancements and environmental concerns.
What seemed radical or even fanciful at the time would quietly lay the foundation for automotive trends we now take for granted.
From early hybrid systems to digital dashboards and connectivity, the 90s car scene was teeming with ideas far ahead of their time.
Yet, many of these concepts were dismissed or overlooked, only to resurface decades later as industry standards.
The 1990s produced some of the most memorable cars in automotive history. Once considered ordinary or outdated, these vehicles have resurged in popularity, capturing the hearts of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Thanks to advancements in restoration techniques, aftermarket modifications, and a wave of cultural nostalgia, ’90s cars are now enjoying a renaissance.
Modern technology has made it easier than ever to upgrade performance, safety, and comfort features, breathing new life into discontinued models.
As pop culture celebrates retro designs and classic driving experiences, these cars have become icons—often commanding higher values and newfound respect.
For many, owning a ’90s car today is about reliving the past while embracing modern innovation.
Barrett-Jackson will offer an expansive docket filled with some of the most sought-after collectible vehicles, ranging from unrestored muscle cars and world-class Resto-Mods to supercars and custom trucks during this year’s Scottsdale Fall Auction, Oct. 15-18, 2025, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Among this year’s headlining vehicles crossing the block with No Reserve is a rare, track-ready 2021 Ford GT Mk II (preview) that is one of 45 built worldwide and has 41 actual miles. Also included on the docket is a custom 1979 Ford Bronco (preview) owned by professional extreme skier Julian Carr and a custom 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible (preview) with a supercharged LT4 engine.
“Barrett-Jackson is widely praised by the collector car community for offering the most diverse dockets,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “This year’s Fall Auction will continue that tradition with hundreds of collectible vehicles that first-time buyers and astute collectors alike will love. From a beautiful custom 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle to the race-ready 2021 Ford GT Mk II that’s FIA-approved and the first of 45 built, the depth and breadth of our docket is truly remarkable.”
The 2021 Ford GT Mk II (preview) is powered by a track-calibrated 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine producing over 700 horsepower paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Developed by Ford Performance and Multimatic, this track-inspired race car offers FIA-compliant aerodynamic upgrades, including an adjustable rear wing, large rear diffuser, roof-mounted intake scoop and extended front splitter. It weighs approximately 200 pounds less than the street version and is finished in race-spec lightweight paint.
Resto-Mods crossing the block this fall include the 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle (preview) that features a full RideTech suspension, Wilwood disc brakes, dual exhaust and a CVF Serpentine belt system. The cabin is equipped with a leather interior, power windows, Vintage Air climate control and Dakota Digital gauges.
Classic muscle cars include a black 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler SCJ (preview), an original, one-owner example that features the original engine, carburetor, air cleaner, spark plug wires, fuel tank, fuel sending unit and Motorcraft V-belts. It is powered by a matching-numbers C-code 429ci Super Cobra Jet engine paired with a Toploader 4-speed manual transmission and backed by a W-code Super Drag Pack locking rear axle. It is one of 341 painted in special-order colors and has 4,459 miles.
“Our Scottsdale Fall Auction will reflect a broad spectrum of collectible vehicles, each with their own story and unique appeal to our bidders,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “We’ll auction several one-of-a-kind builds, like a custom 1936 Ford 5-Window coupe (preview) created by legendary builder Jesse James, and a 2022 Devin Z custom roadster (preview) that pays homage to legendary SCCA racer Bill Devin. There will be many exciting opportunities for every collector to add something special to their garage.”
The 2022 Devin Z custom roadster (preview) is powered by a 700-horsepower LS7 engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a twin-disc hydraulic clutch. A tribute to Bill Devin, the 1956 SCCA Champion, it is built on a custom chassis with one-off carbon-fiber body. A Great 8 finalist for the 2022 Autorama Ridler Award, it features Oracle projector headlights, a disappearing license plate and custom diffuser. The 1936 Ford 5-window custom coupe (preview), built by Jesse James and his West Coast Choppers crew, is powered by a 350ci V8 Chevrolet engine mated to a Turbo automatic transmission. It features an 8-inch chopped top, smoothed body panels and 1936 Bugatti taillights. The coupe has appeared in books, magazines, TV shows and commercials and was immortalized as multiple diecast models and toys.
Late-model collectible vehicles include a 2025 Porsche 911 Turbo S powered by a twin-turbocharged flat-6 engine with an 8-speed PDK transmission. The interior features a full leather cabin in black/Bordeaux Red with carbon-fiber trim and includes a heated GT sport steering wheel, ventilated front seats, Burmester surround sound system, Sport Chrono Package, aluminum pedals and ambient lighting.
Celebrity-owned collectibles crossing the block during the Scottsdale Fall Auction include professional elite skier Julan Carr’s custom 1979 Ford Bronco Ranger XLT (preview). Power comes from a 5.0-liter Coyote engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual-shift rocker switch. Painted in Candy Apple Red with new Chromatic Free Wheeling decals, the interior features Vintage Air climate-control system, Dakota Digital replacement gauges and a RetroSound stereo. Owned by the legendary “Star Trek” actor, William Shatner, a 2011 Porsche Panamera Turbo Sedan is powered by a twin-turbo 4.8-liter engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Loaded with options, the all-wheel-drive sedan is finished in black over a black interior.
Early examples of ever-popular custom trucks and SUVs include a 1953 Ford F-100 (preview) known as “FR100,” which is powered by a 5.0-liter “Cammer” crate engine with 425 horsepower, backed by a Tremec 5-speeed transmission. The truck comes with documentation that includes time slips from when John Force drove it. A custom 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha Open-Top (preview) comes with a Duramax turbo-diesel engine paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. It features the Adventure Package and Central Tire Inflation System and is one of 22 examples produced with a Bright White open-top body.
Those interested in consigning their vehicles with confidence for the Scottsdale Fall Auction can submit their online application. Bidder registration is also open, with three packages to choose from and upgrades for Muscle Lounge access. Throughout the four-day auction, children ages 12 and under enjoy complimentary admission with a paying adult, courtesy of Coca-Cola. General admission tickets for students ages 13 through college are $10 and adult ticket prices start at $28.
Be a part of Barrett-Jackson’s online conversation with #BarrettJackson and #BJAC on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
I hope I can be forgiven in thinking Rolls-Royce was the most prestigious automotive brand extant, a British automaker that continues to hand-build its bespoke cars to standards from another era. So, you could imagine my surprise to learn that Rolls-Royce is also a lifestyle brand. For you groundlings out there, they call those lifestyle events “client experiences.”
I am still reeling from the discovery that Montessori too is a lifestyle brand–I had this revelation when my son’s classmate was picked up in a Lamborghini Urus and, no, they didn’t look like hippies either—so you have to beg my pardon when I have doubts that everything must be a lifestyle brand. I certainly don’t blame Rolls-Royce for trying.
For this exclusive escapade for July 28-August 3, 2025, Rolls-Royce invited its clients to the French Riviera’s “most celebrated addresses” in an attempt to “remain present in the world’s most rarefied locations.”
“Our summer programme in Saint-Tropez is a considered extension of our wider philosophy—to ensure our clients are never without the community, hospitality and access that Rolls-Royce provides, wherever they are in the world,” says Boris Weletzky, Regional Director, United Kingdom, Europe and Central Asia, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Through this series of elegant engagements, set in some of the Riviera’s most sought-after addresses, Rolls-Royce affirms its role as both a curator of exceptional motor cars and a meaningful part of our clients’ lives.”
If you’re a Rolls-Royce owner, you’re missing this exclusive series of client experiences in Saint-Tropez that include “private appointments, curated drive opportunities, and private gatherings” in several landmark destination that include La Réserve and Althoff Villa Belrose. Is that near where Morrison is buried? Apparently not—”La Réserve pairs modernist minimalist architecture with extraordinary seclusion, offering a spectacular sea view” while Althoff Villa Belrose “evokes the relaxed grandeur of a private Mediterranean estate” with its “cascading terraces and panoramic views.”
Rolls-Royce claims these destinations reflect the “tastes and habits” of their clients, presumably gleaned from a Mailchimp questionnaire that, interestingly, I never received (I even looked in my Junk folder).
Of course, if Rolls-Royce designed a set of soirées for its customers, it’s likely that the company’s very expensive vehicles are not far behind. “From these venues, guests are invited to explore Rolls-Royce’s full contemporary product portfolio via 12 Bespoke motor cars on the sweeping corniches that the region is famed for. These coastal roads were once favoured by Sir Henry Royce, who refined early motor cars from his winter home in nearby Le Canadel.” See? Even one of its founders was living the lifestyle, so a lifestyle brand it is.
If you’re currently on site enjoying this excursion, please don’t forget to send us a postcard. If you’re an owner and wish to plan for 2026, you can use the marque’s private members’ app, Whispers, to anticipate Rolls-Royce’s announcement for next year’s event.