Remained in the Dream - In the world of Czech automotive history, Škoda's convertibles, the Škoda 450 and later the Felicia, were celebrated for their beauty and allure. They not only made waves in the domestic Czech market but also drew attention abroad. However, with the production of the Felicia coming to an end in 1964, it marked the conclusion of an era for open-top Mladá Boleslav brand cars. Though there were plans to resurrect the convertible spirit, the Škoda Winnetou, it remained a dream unfulfilled.
The Škoda Winnetou roadster prototype was conceived in the 1960s by Škoda's Swiss importers, A.P. Glättli AG, based near Zurich in Dietlikon. (Picture from: Auto.cz)
Surprisingly, the birth of this exotic car in Mladá Boleslav during the socialist era was not a product of Škoda's own designers. Instead, it was conceived in the 1960s by its Swiss importers, A.P. Glättli AG, based near Zurich in Dietlikon. Their vision was to craft a stylish roadster based on an existing Škoda model and offer it to customers in Western Europe at an attractive price point.
The Škoda Winnetou's vision was to craft a stylish roadster based on an existing Škoda model and offer it to customers in Western Europe at an attractive price point. (Picture from: AutoRevue.cz)
In 1967, the prototype of a sporty convertible, bearing the curious name Škoda Winnetou, named after the "Apache Chief" from Karl May's books. This roadster made its global debut in March 1967 at the Geneva Motor Show, where it immediately captured the spotlight. Even today, its distinctive design continues to captivate enthusiasts. This two-seater roadster came together rather swiftly and, as per available information, underwent assembly in Aachen, Germany by Hubert Souren KG, where the laminate body designed by American Bill Devin was also produced.
The Škoda Winnetou roadster prototype (no.3 from the left) made its global debut in March 1967 at the Geneva Motor Show, where it immediately captured the spotlight. (Picture from: AutoRevue.cz)
The Škoda Winnetou featured a space frame crafted from steel profiles, equipped with axles borrowed from the popular Škoda 1000 MBX and coupled with components from Volkswagen. Nestled at the rear, the engine powered the rear wheels. Measuring a mere 3,815 millimeters in length, 1,595 millimeters in width, and, with the emergency canvas roof included, 1,300 millimeters in height, it epitomized compactness.
The Škoda Winnetou featured a space frame crafted from
steel profiles, equipped with axles borrowed from the popular Škoda 1000
MBX and coupled with components from Volkswagen. (Picture from: AutoRevue.cz)
Stepping inside, the cabin offered accommodations for just two passengers, embodying simplicity and functionality. Under the sloping front hood, only a toolkit and a battery found their place, while the lone "luggage" compartment was inconveniently positioned at the rear, right alongside the engine in the engine compartment.
The Škoda Winnetou measuring a mere 3,815 millimeters in length, 1,595 millimeters in width, and, with the emergency canvas roof included, 1,300 millimeters in height, it epitomized compactness. (Picture from: AutoRevue.cz)
The powertrain concealed beneath the Winnetou's hood did not pack a punch. The 1.0-liter four-cylinder engine, borrowed also from the Škoda 1000 MBX, churned out a modest output of around fifty horsepower. This performance was far from impressive, especially for a car weighing just under 600 kilograms.
In front of the driver was a three-spoke steering wheel with a wooden wreath, a speedometer calibrated to an even more optimistic 180 km/h, a coolant temperature gauge and a fuel gauge located on the left. (Picture from: AutoRevue.cz)
When the Winnetou underwent performance testing in Mladá Boleslav to determine its fate, it fell far short of expectations. Rather than achieving the claimed top speed of 160 km/h, the car reached a mere 126 km/h during testing. Accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h was a painstakingly slow process, taking 30.2 seconds. The amalgamation of these performance setbacks, coupled with the inherent impracticality of the design and a relatively high price by Škoda's standards, sealed the fate of the Winnetou.
The Škoda Winnetou roadster prototype powered by a rear-mounted 1.0-liter four-cylinder engine, taken from the Škoda 1000 MBX, churned out a modest output of around 50 hp. (Picture from: AutoRevue.cz)
The Winnetou's primary allure was its price, which was anticipated to remain under 7,900 Swiss francs. This undercut the competition's pricing across Europe at the time. However, even with this compelling pricing strategy, the Winnetou failed to secure a green light for production. It remained a prototype and never transitioned into production. The sole existing prototype is rumored to have ended up in the possession of a private collector. Apologies, the following video pertains to the Felicia roadster, Škoda Winnetou's predecessor, not the Winnetou itself.
In hindsight, the Škoda Winnetou remains a captivating footnote in automotive history, symbolizing a unique chapter in the brand's journey. While it may never have dominated the roads, it continues to kindle the imaginations of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, commemorating 56 years since its debut back in the 1967. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTO.CZ | DENIK.CZ | AUTOREVUE.CZ | ALLCARINDEX | WIKIPEDIA ]
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TRY 2 FLY - The desire to soar through the skies has fueled humanity's innovation, giving birth to unique creations that were once deemed impossible. Among these groundbreaking inventions is the advent of flying cars, a fusion of airplanes and automobiles, which has taken transportation to new heights. Countless manufacturers worldwide have fearlessly ventured into this realm, meticulously crafting their own versions of revolutionary flying machines.
XPeng is preparing to launch the groundbreaking AeroHT, encompassing the 6th generation flying car, scheduled for production in 2024. (Picture from: OtomotifTempo)
From the Terrafugia Transition in the United States to the PAL-V in the Netherlands, and the Carplane in Germany, the race to create the perfect flying car knows no bounds. Even Slovakian engineers have made significant strides with the AirCar Prototype 1, highlighting the widespread allure of airborne mobility. Notably, the recent launch of the Alef Model A has also added to the excitement in this rapidly evolving industry.
The XPeng X2 is the company's recent electric powered flying car products. (Picture from: AeroHT)
One remarkable participant in this thrilling race is China's electric vehicle giant, XPeng, which has successfully introduced an electric flying car named XPeng X2. Moreover, rumors have surfaced that the Chinese company is preparing to launch the groundbreaking AeroHT, encompassing the 6th generation flying car, scheduled for production in 2024. XPeng's vision transcends a singular model, as the company envisions a future abundant with a fleet of advanced flying cars.
The XPeng AeroHT represents an innovative electric flying vehicle, meticulously engineered with a plethora of contemporary safety features and a state-of-the-art foldable rotor mechanism. (Picture from: GoOto)
The AeroHTrepresents an innovative electric flying vehicle, meticulously engineered with a plethora of contemporary safety features and a state-of-the-art foldable rotor mechanism. Sporting a futuristic supercar design, this flying car boasts aerodynamic contours and a partially enclosed rear wheel, capturing the imagination of transportation enthusiasts. Notably, the AeroHT is deemed roadworthy, equipped for both terrestrial and aerial travel, and complies with all necessary legal requirements for highway driving.
The XPeng AeroHT flying car boasts aerodynamic contours and a partially enclosed rear wheel, capturing the imagination of transportation enthusiasts. (Picture from: OtomotifTempo)
Upon activation, the AeroHT flying car will unveil its gullwing door located behind the cabin, revealing an elongated rotor that forms the wing with a propeller at the end. Promising vertical take-off and landing capabilities, this innovative car eliminates the need for lengthy runways, setting it apart from conventional airplanes.
While specific details regarding the AeroHT's performance remain shrouded in mystery, its exterior design speaks volumes about its potential. The aerodynamic and stylish appearance of the flying car demands attention, leaving onlookers mesmerized by the prospect of a flying future.
The XPeng AeroHT's interior boasts cutting-edge technology, is equipped with a transparent infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with the driver's view. (Picture from: OtomotifTempo)
Although technical specifications are scarce, those in the automotive world eagerly anticipate updates on the flying car's flight range, speed, and altitude capabilities. XPeng's endeavor hints at a transformational shift in the way people move, revolutionizing daily commuting and long-distance travel alike.
Beyond the dazzling exterior, theAeroHT's interior boasts cutting-edge technology. The flying car is equipped with a transparent infotainment system that seamlessly integrates with the driver's view, providing a futuristic driving experience like no other.
As mentioned on the official AeroHT website, the flying car design is currently in its developmental phase, showcasing its latest appearance as depicted in the image above. The flying vehicle exudes a captivating charm with its four propellers gracefully mounted on retractable arms, cleverly stowed on the roof when not in use.
In further developments, the AeroHT design displays evolved into a car with captivating charm, coupled with four propellers gracefully mounted on retractable arms, cleverly stowed on the roof when not in use. (Picture from: AeroHT)
As XPeng's AeroHTtakes flight, it ushers in a new era of transportation where the boundaries between land and air dissolve seamlessly. Positioned at the forefront of the flying car revolution, XPeng's commitment to innovation promises even more groundbreaking models in the years to come.
As enthusiasts eagerly await further details on the AeroHT's capabilities, the future envisions limitless possibilities in the skies, where dreams of flying cars become a reality. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | XPENG AEROHT | HINDUSTANTIMES | CARSCOOPS ]
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New HOVERBIKE - Various innovations in current technology have led to the development of several flying vehicles, including flying taxis, flying cars, and the latest addition, flying motorbikes. Just imagine, in the near future, looking up at the blue sky, you might witness the sight of hoverbikes gracefully gliding through the air. If you've ever dreamed of such a futuristic scene, your dream is about to become a reality.
The Xturismo hoverbike was created by Japanese startup Aerwins Technologies. (Picture from: TheDetroitNews)
Bringing us closer to this exciting prospect is the recent showcase of the Xturismo, the flagship hoverbike innovation, by Aerwins Technologies at the Detroit Auto Show in September 2022 then. Originating from Japan, Aerwins (under name of A.L.I. Technologies) had previously presented a prototype of the Xturismo back in 2021, positioning themselves as pioneers in the flying motorbike industry.
The Aerwins Xturismo hoverbike on action during the Detroit Auto Show in September 2022 then. (Picture from: VOI)
During its first flight demonstration in Japan, Xturismo was hailed as the vehicle of the future, as it promises to reduce road congestion significantly. The Xturismo weighs 660 pounds (approximately 330 kg) and can fly for an impressive 40 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 98.8 km per hour.
The Aerwins Xturismo hoverbike on action during the Detroit Auto Show in September 2022 then. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
It can fly for 40 minutes, and reaches speeds of up to 62 miles per hour (100 kph). However, with such cutting-edge technology, the Xturismo hoverbike comes with a price tag equivalent to that of a sports car over $77,000.
Now, in 2023, the founder of Aerwins has set a new target: to make the Xturismo accessible as a mass-market vehicle. This involves finding ways to reduce production costs significantly, making it more affordable for the general public.
Aerwins aims to reach the commercial market by 2025, offering a lighter and more budget-friendly version of the Xturismo, priced at around $50,000.(approx Rp.745 million) This advancement will pave the way for a future where flying motorbikes become a practical and feasible mode of transportation for many. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AERWINS | THEDETROITNEWS ]
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Flying CAR - In the face of escalating traffic congestion, various stakeholders, particularly those in the industrial sector, are actively seeking innovative solutions. One such groundbreaking development is the emergence of flying cars. Alef Aeronautics, the world's first flying car manufacturer, has recently received official approval to conduct road and air trials for their highly anticipated vehicle, the Model A.
The
Model A flying electric car produced by Alef Aeronautics, has obtained the Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (Picture from; InsideEVs)
As pioneers in the field of flying cars, Alef Aeronautics has obtained the Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification ensures compliance with safety standards set by the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration and outlines the authorized flight locations and destinations for the vehicle.
The Model A flying electric car produced by Alef Aeronautics can already be ordered by consumers, the price of which is US$ 300,000 or the equivalent of Rp. 4.5 billion. (Picture from; CNN-Indonesia)
Jim Dukhovny, the CEO of Alef Aeronautics, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this significant milestone, acknowledging the contributions of trailblazers like Terrafugia, Paul Moller, and Henry Ford. He emphasized that the Model A is not only the world's first electric car to receive permission to fly but also incorporates the much-anticipated vertical take-off capability, which is central to people's vision of flying cars. Meanwhile, the amount of cargo that can be carried by this flying car is 200 pounds or around 90.7 kilograms including passengers and baggage.
The Model A flying car is not only the world's first electric car to receive permission to fly but also incorporates the much-anticipated vertical take-off capability. (Picture from; InsideEVs)
According to the Code of Federal Regulations, the company is required to promptly report any issues, damages, or defects encountered during the development and testing phase of Model A to the relevant US government agencies.
The Model A flying car is a 100 percent electric vehicle that is designed to operate on public roads, with the added advantage of vertical take-off and landing capabilities. (Picture from; CNN-Indonesia)
Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Alef Aeronautics has also announced the pricing details for the Model A, with the vehicle priced at approximately $300,000 or Rp.4,518,750,000.
"The Model A is a 100 percent electric vehicle that is designed to operate on public roads, with the added advantage of vertical take-off and landing capabilities," the company stated in an official release.
Top view of the Model A flying car 'Model A' produced by Alef Aeronautics. (Picture from; CNN-Indonesia)
While primarily intended for low-speed travel, reaching speeds of around 25 miles per hour on paved surfaces, the Model A can achieve significantly higher speeds when leveraging its flying capabilities to navigate through the air.
The pre-sale phase for the Model A commenced on June 30, 2023. Prospective customers can secure a spot on the waiting list by depositing of $150 (Rp.2,250,000). For priority placement, customers have the option to pay a deposit of $1,500 (Rp.22,500,000). Alef Aeronautics aims to begin delivering the flying cars to customers by the end of 2025.
The amount of cargo that can be carried by the Model A flying car is 200 pounds or around 90.7 kilograms including passengers and baggage. (Picture from; InsideEVs)
Established in 2015 by Jim Dukhovny, Konstantin Kisly, Pavel Markin, and Oleg Petrov in Palo Alto, California, Alef Aeronautics has been actively conducting tests and experimental flights with their flying cars since 2019.
The Model A flying car boasts an impressive range of approximately 200 miles on the road and 110 miles in the air. (Picture from; InsideEVs)
The commercially available version of the Model A boasts an impressive range of approximately 200 miles on the road and 110 miles in the air. Jim Dukhovny expressed his excitement upon receiving the FAA certification, stating, "This brings us one step closer to providing a greener and faster mode of transportation, saving valuable time for individuals and businesses alike. It's a small step for airplanes but a significant leap for cars."
Alef Aeronautics maintains that their flying car, the Model A, marks a significant milestone in transportation innovation, propelling society towards a future of efficient and environmentally friendly travel options. With each passing day, the dream of flying cars becomes increasingly tangible, bringing us closer to a new era of mobility. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ALEF AERONAUTICS | CNN | INSIDEEVS ]
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Road BEAST Perfectly insane, that's the only one catchphrase can be suited this British supercar of 2000s. Not only because its name adopted from one of Greek mythical creatures, Cerberus the underworld guardian's three-headed beast, but the 'Speed' also perfectly matched to attach after that, even tend to scary for some.
Not only does it have a mean and scary look, it turns out that TVR Cerbera Speed 12 is also capable of spitting out terrible power. (Picture from: Motor1)
Wow, this supercars was built by TVR a sports car manufacturer from the United Kingdom. Indeed the Peter Wheeler founded company is famous for producing iconic cars under the type of coupe or roadster, and one-and-only the iconic cars that has ever been made to this day is the TVR Cerbera Speed 12.
The Cerbera Speed 12 has hood comes off as a single panel to hide its massive V12 engine that sits behind the front axle. (Picture from: Motor1)
As quoted from Motor1, physically this racing car has the typical appearance of a GT racing car in general with a low sleek body, long front nose design, while the rear is short with a high rear wing. If the hood is opened, it will reveal its V12 engine. While, the lower diffuser makes it look like a real race car, even though the car is said to be road legal.
The Cerbera Speed 12 has a low sleek body, long front nose design, while the rear is short with a high rear wing. (Picture from: Motor1)
Inside its cabin, there are two racing style carbon fiber seats. As with racing cars in general, the Cerbera Speed 12 is equipped with a roll cage and a simple dashboard display with a two-spoke steering wheel, several control knobs and the instrument panel consisted is an analog tachometer and a digital display underneath.
The Cerbera Speed 12's cabin has a full racing interior layout withwith a roll cage coupled with two racing style carbon fiber seats, a two-spoke steering wheel and a simple dashboard display consisted of several control knobs and the instrument panels. (Picture from: TopGear)
For your info, the Cerbera model was first introduced in 1996 as a 2+2 seat sports coupe, originally powered by a V8 engine. Then, TVR began to develop the Cerbera for its highest variation, namely the Cerbera Speed 12, equipped with a 7.7-liter V12 engine that can produce nearly 1,000 hp of tremendous power (though exact measurements were never made). So at that time TVR had claimed that the Cerbera Speed 12 had a higher top speed than the McLaren F1, which was 386 kph.
This is the phenomenal drivetrain of 7.7 litre V12 engine was highly over rated and probably produced power up to more 1,000 horsepower to drive the
Cerbera Speed 12. (Picture from: TopGear)
As the result, TVR Cerbera Speed 12 never moved on from the prototype phase, although the prototype car itself is road-legal, hence its appearance on this list. That’s because 2,425 lbs weighted car with 900 horsepower was simply way too fast for the general population back in 1997. Don't know now? But I think it's still the same or are there already many other supercars that have this number of engine power bursts? What do you think?
The Cerbera Speed 12's rear has a tall wing and a bumper design that extends the vehicle's length. (Picture from: Motor1)
Furthermore, in-house 7.7 litre V12 engine was highly over rated and probably produced power up to more 1,000 horsepower. It was intended for 24 Hours of Le Mans, but never made it to France. It did, however, compete in the GT1 class of the FIA GT Championship where it was restricted to more
fashionable 660 horsepower.
As quoted from Top Gear, the British company had also intended to make a road version, but the program was cancelled. So TVR did end up building just one Speed 12 road car. Recently, an auction house from England, Silverstone Auctions, conducted an auction at TVR Cerbera Speed 12 on May 20, 2023, and amazingly the car was successfully sold for a price of £601,500 (approx. $742,611 or Rp.11.145 billions), that's a new auction record for TVRs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS | TOPGEAR | WIKIPEDIA ]
Ready to FLY Today's flying vehicle technological advances seem to not only bring people closer to their old obsession to fly like birds, but also create a promising business niche in the future. This then invites many parties to compete in developing flying vehicle technology, either independently or in cooperation.
Suzuki Motor Corporation is making its first-ever flying car in collaboration with SkyDrive Inc. (Picture from: ProPakistani)
One of them is Suzuki Motor Corporation, one of Japanese automotive giants which also sees those promising prospects. Suzuki's interest and seriousness in participating to develop such flying car technology has been seen for a long time. But in its development, it seems that the company do not do it independently, but in cooperation with other parties.
This can be seen in earlier this year, the Japanese auto company announced that had entered into a partnership agreement with SkyDrive Inc.
and reportedly through the agreement they will start production of
flying cars and conduct flight demonstrations for air taxis during the 2025 World Exhibition in Osaka.
Suzuki announcedin March 2022, that the company had signed a deal with SkyDrive to jointly research, develop, and market electric VTOLs in the near future. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
As previously SkyDrive has received approval for commercial manufacturing of the vehicle called SkyDrive SD-05 from the Japanese government through the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The tech company said that Suzuki will aid in the development of future flying car technology.
Through this partnership between Suzuki and SkyDrive, both hope to launch a functioning air taxi service during the 2025 World Exhibition in Osaka. (Picture from: ProPakistani)
Furthermore, the Japan's authority has granted base type certification to the manufacturer, which implies that the flying car is closer to commercial production.. However,
getting to the fly test stage still takes a long time, it is hoped that
it will be operational as soon as possible after the year of 2025.
A SkyDrive Inc. developed prototype one-passenger flying vehicle named SkyDrive SD-03 while on display at the CES 2022 in Las Vegas. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The flying car that will be developed by Suzuki and SkyDrive will apply Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology, as well as using electric power. However, there is no more detailed information about the investment and schedule for the development or production of flying cars developed by the two Japanese companies.
The SkyDrive Inc. developed prototype one-passenger flying vehicle named SkyDrive SD-03 parked at Toyota Test Field. (Picture from: VOI.id)
As quoted from Carscoops, Suzuki's flying car development partner is a Tokyo-based flying car technology company and founded in 2018 with its shareholders consisted of Japanese industrial giants such as Itochu Corp, NEC Corp. and Eneos Holding Inc. Currently SkyDrive is concentrating on developing a compact size electric flying car with a capacity of two passengers which is planned to be mass produced soon.
SkyDrive Inc. successfully carried out a flight test of a full-size manned flying car prototype called the SkyDrive SD-03 with one man inside its cabin last August 2020 at Toyota Test Field. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Previously, it was also reported that in 2020, this Japanese flying car company successfully carried out a flight test of a full-size manned flying car prototype called the SkyDrive SD-03 with one man inside its cabin as seen in a video, the mentioned above prototype hovered for approximately four minutes carried one man in it.
Responding to the successful flight test of the flying car prototype, SkyDrive CEO, Tomohiro Fukuzawa, said there were more than 100 flying car projects in the world, and only a handful were successful with one person on board. “I hope many people will want to ride it and feel safe,” said Tomohiro.
However, it seems that the collaboration between Suzuki and SkyDrive were not run easy and will face stiff competition from a number of other big names, who also share the same desire to create a new form of urban transportation. We'll see and let time tell... Or you can see to the JetPack Speeder. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUZUKI | SKYDRIVE | CARSCOOPS | RIDEAPART | PROPAKISTANI.PK ]
In hindsight, the Škoda Winnetou remains a captivating footnote in automotive history, symbolizing a unique chapter in the brand's journey. While it may never have dominated the roads, it continues to kindle the imaginations of automotive enthusiasts worldwide, commemorating 56 years since its debut back in the 1967. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTO.CZ | DENIK.CZ | AUTOREVUE.CZ | ALLCARINDEX | WIKIPEDIA ]
