From Refreshment to Excitement – Motorworld Mallorca
What happens when you take the world’s most iconic refreshment factory, squeeze out the soda, and replace it with horsepower? You get Motorworld Mallorca.
From Coca-Cola Bottles to High-Speed Engines. There’s a certain poetic irony in the journey of a place that once delivered refreshing sips of Coca-Cola, now offering a thrilling mix of high-octane cars and luxury experiences. It’s a place that proves not all histories are linear but that some take unexpected turns, and in this case, it’s a very fast one. Motorworld Mallorca is the 10th location to join the Motorworld Group, a network that continues to expand globally. Founded by Andreas Dünkel and based in Schemmerhofen, Germany, the Motorworld Group has its origins in the Dünkel Holding corporate group, which dates back to 1930. This family-run company has built a reputation for creating immersive worlds dedicated to automotive passion, and Motorworld Mallorca is no exception.
On Friday 11th of April, 1,300 invited guests gathered for the Grand Opening of Motorworld Mallorca, that started at 18:00, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the island’s automotive scene. The event was graced by the presence of notable figures, including Don Llorenç Galmes, the President of the Consell de Mallorca, and Jaime Martínez Llabrés, the Mayor of Mallorca, underscoring the significance of the event in the local cultural and political landscape and hosted by Kai Ebel, the renowned German presenter and motorsport expert. Ebel, famous for his long-standing role with Formula 1 coverage on RTL, brought his passion for motorsport to the event, guiding the evening with the perfect mix of charisma and expertise. Though his fame primarily resonates in Germany, his influence within the motorsport world made him a fitting choice for the opening of such a prestigious venue, adding a touch of credibility and excitement to the event.
Walking through Motorworld Mallorca, it’s hard not to notice how this 80,000 m² space near Palma’s airport has evolved. What once felt like just an industrial area has been transformed into a true center for automotive culture. The space itself captures the growing role Mallorca plays in luxury mobility, with everything from classic cars and supercars to motorcycles, luxury yachts, and even electric vehicles on display, reflecting the changing landscape of mobility.
As I walked through the venue, one detail that caught my attention was the 60 glass boxes. Already filled with cars, they provide a simple yet effective way to display each vehicle, giving them the space to be appreciated for what they are—automobiles carefully preserved and presented in a calm, almost understated way. I also came across the Drivers Lounge, reserved for members, offering a space to step away from the busyness of the venue. It’s a place where you can pause, take a breath, and have a moment to yourself, while still being surrounded by the cars. The lounge also includes meeting rooms, equipped with everything needed for conferences or work.
A Glimpse at the Machines
The Icons of the Evening Among the evening’s most striking features were the vehicles themselves. The Brabus Shadow 500 boat, with its 500 horsepower, commanded attention. Powered by two 250-horsepower engines, it glided effortlessly across the water, its sleek design and the German flag fluttering proudly, making it an instant crowd favorite.
Meanwhile, the Ford GT, featuring the efficiency of its EcoBoost engine producing 656 horsepower, offers an exhilarating driving experience while adapting to the more eco-conscious direction of modern automotive development, making it an exceptional addition to Motorworld’s lineup. The Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato 4×4, a true game-changer, designed for off-road adventures with its wide tires, a perfect fit for Mallorca’s varied and rugged landscapes. It’s a Lamborghini redefined for the adventurous driver, yet it retains all the thrilling power and luxury the brand is known for. Also on display was the Dörr Group’s Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger, a reimagined version of the classic model, now equipped with all the iconic gadgets from the legendary film. This modern edition offers a rare chance to experience the elegance and innovation of one of the most celebrated cars in cinematic history, blending timeless design with cutting-edge features.
A Surprising Moment: Aran La, the Young Visionary
In a truly surprising and I must say very inspiring moment, Aran La, a 10-year-old international artist and youngest car designer in the world, captivated the audience with his live painting session. Aran, who designs his own cars inspired by legends like Ian Callum, Frank Stephenson, and Gordon Murray, took to the stage with the McLaren Elva as his canvas. His creativity and passion for cars shone through as he painted live in front of the guests, showing that art and automotive design can spark inspiration at any age. After completing the piece, Aran auctioned his artwork, and the painting was sold for 10.000 Euros. Aran supports charitable causes, a testament to his desire to inspire other children around the world and make a positive impact.
Talking about Elva… there she was, not just the canvas from Aran La’s creative masterpiece, but in real life, ready to steal the spotlight. “Elva,” meaning “she goes” in French, and with 804 horsepower, she certainly lives up to her name. No roof, no windshield, just pure adrenaline, and a turbocharged V8 engine that propels her from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.8 seconds, an untamed force that makes every drive feel like a thrilling escape. She goes for real, and we all got to see it firsthand that night.
As the evening unfolded, guests were treated not only to luxury cars and exclusive experiences but also to a vibrant display of local culture. Traditional Mallorcan folklore filled the space with life, as guests enjoyed drum performances, dances, and the sounds of local traditions, enriching the event with a deeper connection to the island. The performances added an extra layer of authenticity to the evening, blending the world of luxury with the warmth and charm of Mallorca’s heritage.
A Culinary Experience in an Automotive Wonderland
The Rauschenberger Event Catering team played a key role in ensuring that the culinary experience during the event was nothing short of outstanding. Their expert team meticulously crafted every dish, reflecting the event’s attention to detail and sophistication. From delicate appetizers to refined main courses, the culinary offerings elevated the entire evening, providing guests with a dining experience as rich and luxurious as the cars on display. The MOTORWORLD Inn restaurant, designed to evoke the charm of an old workshop, added to the immersive atmosphere. A yellow Lamborghini hanging upside down from the ceiling lent the space an avant-garde, playful twist. The restaurant’s menu brings together the best of American, Italian, and German flavors, offering everything from a simple pizza for euros12 to a T-bone steak for euros50, ensuring that future visitors will have a variety of options, whether seeking a quick bite or a more indulgent meal
A Night to Remember
What was supposed to end at 1:00 AM, with the final shuttle service departing taking the guest back to their hotel, stretched on well past the planned hours, the DJ kept the energy high, and there was still enough Cremant, Cava, Espresso Martinis being served, and the guests stayed engaged, enjoying the atmosphere. By 2:00 AM, the celebration was still going strong, with people fully immersed in the spirit of the event, unwilling to let the night end.
In a lighthearted moment, Matthias Buttkus, Managing Director of Motorworld Mallorca, humorously remarked, “We’ve been building this for 30 months, and we finished just 10 minutes before the doors opened. When the Mayor entered from the right and the craftsmen exited from the left.” His words perfectly encapsulated the hard work, resilience, and dedication that went into making the evening such a success. Great Job!
Photos: Motorworld Group
