15 Outrageous Cars Celebrities Have Driven Over the Years
Because of their hefty bank account, most celebrities can afford to purchase and personalize flashy cars. However, their choice of vehicles and customization options are often perceived as excessive and even thoughtless, leading to some public backlash. Here are 15 celebrities who are criticized for their cars and why.
Kanye West’s Lamborghini Aventador
One of Kanye West’s acquisitions is the Lamborghini Aventador. West’s Aventador, however, gained notoriety for its controversial appearance. In 2013, the car was involved in an accident when an errant gate closed on it. The vehicle’s repair and subsequent customization included a matte black wrap, which some enthusiasts found distasteful.
Nicki Minaj’s Lamborghini Gallardo
The singer’s Lamborghini Gallardo, famously customized in a striking pink finish, has certainly turned heads. Produced between 2003 and 2013, the Gallardo is an iconic model from Lamborghini. However, Minaj’s eye-popping pink version, complete with matching wheels, has divided opinions. Some argue that the bold color detracts from the car’s luxurious and sophisticated design, undermining the Gallardo’s elegant lines and rich automotive heritage.
P. Diddy’s Maybach 62
Maybach 62 was part of the Maybach brand’s revival in the early 2000s and hoped to compete with Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Sean Combs, popularly known as P. Diddy, purchased and customized this car to match his lifestyle. However, the car’s long wheelbase, plush interiors, and advanced features were considered over-the-top. Its excessive length and weight made it impractical for everyday use, while its design lacked the elegance symbolizing luxury vehicles.
Paris Hilton’s Bentley Continental GT
Purchased in 2008, Paris Hilton’s Bentley Continental GT reflected the singer’s flamboyance. The car was painted pink and adorned with pink interiors, which Hilton claimed made it the “first pink Bentley.” Interestingly, not everyone shared the same opinion. Some mentioned that the modifications clashed with the sophistication associated with Bentleys. Others felt the bold pink aesthetic was more fitting for a toy than a luxury car.
Bieber’s Ferrari 458 Italia
Justin Bieber purchased his Ferrari 458 Italia in 2011. Nevertheless, his choice of a blue hue and modifications, including a Liberty Walk body kit and Forgiato wheels, did not go down well. Bieber’s treatment of the Ferrari was considered a lack of appreciation for the car’s engineering excellence. Over the years, the Italia has changed hands several times, each new owner either restoring it to its original state or further customizing it.
Flo Rida’s Bugatti Veyron
American rapper Flo Rida is known for his extravagant taste in cars, and his Bugatti Veyron is no exception. After buying the high-performance vehicle, Flo wrapped it in a shiny gold chrome with a custom matte gold and black color scheme. He also adorned the car with massive wheels. The gold chrome wrap was considered poor taste, while the oversized wheels were criticized for compromising the vehicle’s performance and handling.
Carmen Electra’s Cadillac Escalade
This luxury SUV was transformed with gaudy customizations, including oversized chrome rims, flashy paint jobs, and an over-the-top sound system. Several people voiced their displeasure, deeming Electra’s Escalade a symbol of excess rather than elegance. They felt the alterations were a departure from good taste, stating that it lacked the refinement expected of such a high-end vehicle.
Chris Brown’s Porsche Panamera
The Panamera is known for its sportiness and comfort. However, Brown’s decision to give it a bright blue and red paint job with comic book-inspired graphics annoyed fans. To some, the design, complete with characters from the animated series “The Smurfs,” made the car look more like a novelty than a luxury car. Its loud and childish aesthetic is often seen as a mismatch for a vehicle of such caliber.
Akon’s Bugatti Veyron
Akon’s version of the iconic Bugatti Veyron drew more criticism than admiration. Known for its speed and engineering prowess, the Veyron possessed a quad-turbocharged W16 engine and a top speed exceeding 250 mph. The celebrity opted for a chrome finish, which many deemed excessively flashy and out of sync with the Veyron’s sophisticated image. Additionally, the upkeep of such a finish was impractical, as it highlighted every tiny smudge and scratch.
Lil Wayne’s Lamborghini Murciélago
After purchasing the Lamborghini Murciélago in 2008, he made extensive exterior modifications, including a vibrant pink and purple paint scheme and a host of aftermarket body kits and spoilers. Though the rapper may have intended the car to express his personality, many automotive enthusiasts felt that the result was too loud.
Snoop Dogg’s Dodge Challenger
None of Snoop Dogg’s cars has been as polarizing as his Dodge Challenger. Snoop acquired the car in 2016, with a 707-horsepower supercharged V8 engine. He transformed its exterior with a vibrant paint scheme and a unique interior setup, including custom upholstery and a high-end sound system. While these modifications showcase Dogg’s flair for the dramatic, they have often been slammed for their lack of subtlety.
T-Pain’s Maybach 57
Grammy-winning artist T-Pain has long been known for his flamboyant personal style. His heavily customized Maybach 57 sedan, acquired in the late 2000s at the height of his musical popularity, is a sight to behold. It has a wild, multicolored paint scheme, merging shades of pink, purple, and blue. The exterior was also outfitted with flashy chrome accents. Several fans have faulted the modifications as an inappropriate treatment of the Maybach brand.
Kim Kardashian’s Ferrari 458 Italia
Purchased in 2011, Kim Kardashian’s Ferrari 458 Italia was known for its impressive 4.5-liter, 570-horsepower V8 engine. Kardashian transformed it into a conspicuous matte black wrap, extravagant custom wheels, and an interior redesign that some found overly flashy and inconsistent with the car’s aesthetics. The changes seemed to prioritize visibility and personal branding over Ferrari’s intrinsic qualities, which didn’t sit well with car fans.
Dan Bilzerian’s Mercedes 6×6
Dan Bilzerian’s Mercedes 6×6 By Brabus G63 AMG is a showstopper that demands attention with its six wheels and flashy modifications. This vehicle takes the already luxurious G63 AMG to new heights of extravagance. With enormous wheels and an over-the-top design, Bilzerian’s ride resembles a tank with a glamorous twist, perfect for making a bold statement.
Rihanna’s Porsche 911
Rihanna applied a bright, multicolored design to her Porsche 911. The modification, meant to reflect her vibrant personality, received mixed reviews. People argued that the bright wrap was prone to wear and tear, causing frequent maintenance issues with the appearance. Also, the Porsche’s rear-engine layout and tight interior space were noted as drawbacks. Rihanna has since opted for a more understated design for her vehicle collection.