REZVANI-Tactical Offroad Vehicle

 REZVANI FORTRESS

Rezvani Motors, founded in 2014, has been on my radar for a while. I absolutely love this vehicle manufacturer. Ever since the Beast came out, with its carbon fiber body and 1,000 HP they had me...now they've introduced the Fortress!

Tactical Off-Road Super Truck-Built to dominate is what Rezvani says about this vehicle and I'm going with...YEAH!

With an 850HP Super-Charged engine and the option to have this thing built as a bullet-proof "Fortress" make this worth every penny of the base $285,000. But hey...if you have to ask, you probably don't have the loot...just sayin'

My only complaint is the wheels...come on guys, I have a ton of options that would  be more fitting of a $285,000 price tag. Hey Rezvani...hit me up and put my 30+ years of experience in the aftermarket wheel industry to work for you.

 

The All New Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Roadster

 

 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Roadster-Monogram Series

A Mercedes-Maybach like you've never seen before.

The Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series roadster joins performance and luxury with distinctive styling, a retractable soft top and a twin-turbo V8 engine. The first two-seater in the Maybach line-up entices discerning drivers to let their hair down under the open sky. The all-new 2026 Mercedes-Maybach SL 680 Monogram Series combines the pleasure of open-air driving with a rich history of exquisit design.

This exclusive addition to the Maybach portfolio stimulates the senses with its stunning new two-tone finish. Offered in two uniquely inspired color combinations; Red Ambiance and White Ambiance, both are absolutely stunning. The impeccably designed interior boasts Nappa leather upholstery in MANUFAKTUR Crystal White.

 

Exclusivity is woven into the very fabric of the Maybach, from the signature hood ornament to the subtle branding throughout. Inside, it’s a masterclass in curated materials and elite craftsmanship. With its glowing radiator grille and rose gold-trimmed headlights, this isn't just a car—it’s a shining beacon of high-end design.

The SL 680 is a work of art with a pulse. A 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine provides the heartbeat, ready to release 577 horses at a moment’s notice. But raw power is nothing without refinement. Thanks to a specialized exhaust system, tuned suspension, and a signature insulated soft-top, the Maybach driving experience remains incredibly smooth and hushed—even when the top is down and the world is rushing by. 

Drivers can toggle between four distinct modes, including an "Individual" setting for a custom-tuned ride. The interior, however, is where the SL 680 truly shines; a sea of White Nappa leather covers nearly every surface, complemented by ultra-thick white carpeting. The "winter-whiteout" interior is undeniably breathtaking, but the thick white carpeting will have you wishing for a complimentary box of booties or a pair of driving slippers (do these even exist?).

 

The forged 21 inch wheels and tires give you plenty of contact with the road and are certainly high quality and fitting for the vehicle; personally though, I’d rather see a set of aftermarket wheels on this vehicle to further personalize it. Brixton Forged, Forgiato, HRE, Vossen all make forged wheels befitting the SL680 and KG1 Forged has their Luxury Series available.

The Mercedes-Maybach SL680 Monogram Series is a $225,000 (give or take) example of pure automotive creativity and luxurious performance. Everyone knows when you’ve arrived, and Maybach wants it that way. 

Facts & figures

Acceleration: 0-to-60 mph, 4 seconds  

Airbags: 7

Gas mileage: 13 mpg city; 20 mpg highway

Horsepower: 577

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price: $224,900

Manufacturer’s website: mbusa.com

Warranty:  Bumper-to-Bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 4 years/50,000 miles; Corrosion, 4 years/50,000 miles; Roadside Assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles

Mercedes-Benz USA

MBZUSA

 

The Customer is Always Right

 

 

Having been in the automotive industry for over 30 years, I’ve encountered numerous situations in which there was a somewhat heated disagreement between me, the company I was with at the time and the consumer. I asked ChatGPT to write me an article addressing this very question.

This is what I got…P.S. I already knew the answer:

"The customer is always right" is a time-honored maxim in business that emphasizes prioritizing customer satisfaction. Originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with retailers like Harry Gordon Selfridge, Marshall Field, and John Wanamaker, the phrase was intended to shift company cultures toward service, respect, and flexibility. At its best, the idea encourages businesses to listen, empathize, and adapt — all critical behaviors for building loyalty and encouraging repeat business.

Taken practically, the motto promotes several helpful practices. First, it fosters a customer-centric mindset: employees are encouraged to solve problems, de-escalate conflicts, and treat buyers with courtesy. Second, it drives improvements in product and service design by valuing customer feedback. Third, companies that consistently prioritize customer experience often see measurable gains in retention, word-of-mouth referrals, and brand reputation.

However, the principle should not be interpreted literally or dogmatically. Customers can be mistaken, unreasonable, or abusive. Blindly siding with a customer in every situation can demoralize staff, enable dishonest behavior, and create inconsistent policies that damage long-term credibility. For example, giving preferential treatment to a fraudulent return may protect one sale but expose the business to losses and set a poor precedent.

A modern and more balanced approach reframes the phrase into two complementary commitments: "the customer is always heard" and "the company is always fair." This approach emphasizes active listening, transparent policies, and empathy without sacrificing integrity or employee wellbeing. Clear, consistent policies backed by training empower staff to make judgment calls that protect both customer trust and organizational values.

Ultimately, successful businesses treat the spirit of "the customer is always right" as a guideline rather than an absolute law. They prioritize exceptional service, use feedback to improve, and enforce fair policies that protect employees and the business. When applied thoughtfully, the principle becomes a tool for building sustainable relationships rather than a carte blanche for every demand.

End ChatGPT generated article.

Post-SEMA Show Wrap-Up

The annual SEMA Show is always a lot of work! For more than 20 years, I've been attending and it never gets old. This industry never ceases to amaze me with new innovations in product, technology and people! 

Meeting up with old friends and competitors is always fun at the SEMA Show. I've always been in the south hall in the aftermarket wheel section...this year did not disappoint! Although there were fewer wheel brands there this year, the big brands did an awesome job.

Method was there and won the  Best Wheel & Related Product award for their 709 HD Bead Grip Wheel with the optional Forged Ring and Mickey Thompson was a runner up in this category with their MT Classic Forged Wheel. 

In my opinion though (and yes, I'm biased)  the new KG1 Forged "Bash Ring" wheels in their Overland Series should have at least gotten honorable mention!

 

Fury Tires took home the Media's Choice Award for their all new Sierra Hunter ATM tire which incorporates a "mud" sidewall with a (quiet) All-Terrain tread! This was/is a home run and according to Fury, the interest and pre-orders are both staggering!

You can see all the winners here https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2025/45/sema-show-recognizes-2025-new-product-award-winners/-25ss

 

We also want to take this opportunity to wish all of our readers a very Happy Thanksgiving!

And please...visit our sponsors! 

Party On!

MyWheelHaus 

 

 

SEMA Show 2025 Next Week

 

 

I’ve been going to the SEMA Show for, I don’t even know how long!! I’ve been there as both an exhibitor and as a buyer and it never lets me down.

Having been in the aftermarket wheel business for 30+ years, I’ve seen a lot of different wheel companies come and go, but what I find interesting this year is that many of the main stays are NOT going to be there! Where is Wheel Pros with all their brands? American Racing, KMC, American Force, Motegi…where is Enkei…where is Primax/XXR…where is Vision, TSW & Black Rhino??? All no shows as far as I can tell…maybe all the Wheel Pros brands will mixed in with Hoonigan in the outside lot…

It seems that there are some lesser known wheel brands exhibiting this year and a few main stays, like TIS Wheels and Voxx etc. but the bigger presence this year seems to be forged wheel manufacturers…Liberty Forged, JTX Forged, AL13, KG1 Forged…the ones I’m most impressed with are KG1 Forged and AL13, all of which are located in the lower south hall.

Then there’s the question about tier one tire manufacturers…where are the likes of Bridgestone, Pirelli and Continental? Toyo has a good presence, but that’s about it for tier one…then there’s all the Asian manufacturers trying to sell tires direct, but the one I’m most impressed with is Fury Tires…apparently, they have a lot of new and exciting additions coming in 2026 which will be introduced at the Show.

Leading into the Show next week, not much can be revealed at this point, but I’ll be sure to post after the Show with some updates and new product releases…let’s see after the Show if I’m still mostly impressed by KG1, AL13 and Fury Tires…stay tuned!

Happy Motoring! And enjoy the Show if you are making the trip to Las Vegas for the SEMA Show this year!