Power, style and custom tuning: Baltic Motor Show Riga Auto 2026 in Ķīpsala starts this week!
This weekend, on 24-26 April, Riga Auto 2026 will come roaring from the Ķīpsala International Expo Centre. One of the fair’s most dazzling sections, the Auto Exotica, will make even the pickiest happy: lots of amazing shows and unique, bold custom designs. From legendary automotive classics to extreme modern luxury and power. Every car has its own tale to tell. Come and see them all!
Several richly customised Volvos and Scania lorries
In recent years, visitors of the Auto Exotica, especially the younger visitors, were very excited about the heavy movers painted and kitted out with special, thematic elements. And this year there will be several lusciously customised Volvo and Scania lorries. Two of them will be presented by the local lorry tuning company Golden Beard Customs. These are the latest projects completed by the team for the reveal at the Riga Motor Show. One of them is 750HP Volvo FH16 heavy mover with four wheels per axle in Sorvari Special white and blue. The other one is 770HP Scania S770 Viking heavy-duty recovery truck project build in bright red. Whereas Improvement will bring to fair the latest generation Scania R500 dumper – an amalgamation of functional aesthetics and elements of Scandinavian truck culture. This project has been named Scania King and that is why it has a lion spray painted on the side of the lorry to underline its status as the king of the road. The lorry itself is painted in bright metallic turquoise, which gives it a flare of money and luxury.
Exclusive custom-built Porsche based on BMW
Riga Customs is a custom tuning company that always brings its most exclusive custom builds to Auto Exotica. One of them is the new Porsche 911 Carrera GTS that has been kitted out with a 541HP T-Hybrid powertrain, which combines the 3.6 litre turbocharged petrol engine and electrical motor to achieve the speed of 100kph from naught in respectable three seconds. The car has a full TechArt Aerodynamics Bodykit, while the body itself is painted in fjord blue.
The other custom build project is BMW M850i. Riga Customs has made special aerodynamic CFA carbon bodykit and Green Hell wrapping that covers the original colour of the car. Car’s suspension has been lowered using the KW Coilover springs and shock absorbers. This luxury coupe packs 4.4 litre V8 turbo engine with maximum power of 530HP. It will speed up from naught to 100 kph in 3.3 seconds. Riga Customs booth will also have a custom build project based on BMW M5 sporty sedan.
Bentley switches from 12 cylinders to even more powerful hybrid drive
Paint Protect is a detailing shop that will showcase the 4th generation Bentley Continental GT Coupe at its stand. Launched in 2024, this model marked a historic turn in British luxury car brand’s approach to future of car-building. It marks the departure of the company from decades-long development of the legendary W12 engine to an entirely new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain. It combines a four-litre V8 turbocharged petrol engine and a powerful electrical motor, achieving the total of amazing 78HP. This makes the new generation’s Continental GT the all-time most powerful road legal Bentley that will speed up form naught to 100 kph to mere 3.2 seconds. The exquisite powertrain also allows to switch to fully electric mode and let the car quietly glide while still being as dynamic and brutal as a true sports car, but with a modern efficiency. Moreover, the Bentley that will be showcased at Riga Motor Show is the First Edition car that originally comes with the usual Bentley extras that everyone wants and is ready to pay a pretty penny for. Standard models can get those parts only at a substantial extra cost.
Ford Transit for glamping
Visitors of the trade fair will also be able to appreciate a one-off custom built 2010 Ford Transit minivan with lots of surprising design elements. This 200HP van has lowered suspension, impressive custom 20-inch rims and double exhaust. Its look is completed by custom-made bonnet with Ford Escort RS Turbo vents. The interior of the car has been converted into a quiet oasis with luxury and comfort all around. Seats have marvellous leather upholstery with wooden details. Racing front seats have been borrowed from the legendary 90s BMW M5 (E34) sports car, while back seats can be effortlessly transformed into a spacious bed without any tools. Large sunroof adds to the atmosphere of splendour as much as the Alcantara headliners and powerful sound system. And, of course, glamping means that there is a built-in TV set and a fridge.
Large spectre of classic American rides
American car culture will be one of the Auto Exotica’s special focuses. Visitors will definitely be excited to find out that there will be two American car clubs at the fair. One of them is Latvia’s oldest and, in terms of traditions, the richest Latvian American Car Club, which celebrates its 23rd anniversary this year and will offer visitors an opportunity to experience the charm of V8 engines and travel in time to very intriguing places. Their stand will have 1930s Chicago gangland mystery aesthetic. It is a nice chance to reach out to extra friendly members of the club, discuss common interests and maybe even become a member of the V8 family. Dodge Challenger Club Estonia is the community of muscle car power and style fans from the neighbouring Estonia. This pack unites 40 owners of unique Dodge Challengers who will come to Riga to spread their passion for power and American car-centred lifestyle. They do daily ride outs and often drag race. Dodge Challenger is known in the automotive history as one of the legendary symbols of the glorious American muscle car era. Back in 1970s, this car won the hearts of many petrolheads with its robust look and brutally powerful engines. By the way, this model has not lost its classic vintage charm even in its contemporary identity.
Several lowriders of different sorts
Low Happens is a car lover community that will present four custom lowriders that have very distinct style. Each of them embodies an unmistakeable customising philosophy and approach. Visitors of the Auto Exotica will be able to see street class drift cars like 1990s BMW 3 series E36 with outspoken paint splatter exterior design or maximalist BMW 3 series Compact E36 California Edition that has impressively bold bodykit. Those who love classics will be happy to see Volvo Amazon, which looks like a genuine barn find, and that is not an accident. Whereas purists will be excited about the squeaky-clean lines of the Audi 80 Competition.
Trade show has three thematic sections: New Cars with unprecedented number of new car brands this year, Auto Mechanics with great diversity of car maintenance and repair products, and Auto Exotica with really exceptional hobby and sports cars. Detailed programme of Riga Auto 2026 is available here: www.bt1.lv/auto/program.php
Trade show is organised by BT1 International Expo Company and supported by Latvian Authorised Automobile Dealers Association and car buyers’ guide Whatcar?.
Riga Auto 2026 main partner is global trading platform eBay, which offers modern and reliable solutions for trading car parts.
Opening hours:
24–25 April: 10:00–19:00
26 April: 10:00–17:00
Tickets:
Adults: €12
Students, pupils, seniors, disabled: €8
Family ticket (2 adults + 1 child under 18): €25 + €3 for each additional child
Buy tickets in advance here.
