The Karma SC2 is an amazing future supercar concept

Indeed, this supercar concept has been displayed by its maker Karma Automobile at the 2019 Los Angeles Car Show event which was held on November 22 to December 1, 2019. The automaker mentioned the Karma SC2 Concept offers an amazing form of a future supercar.

Karma SC2 concept is claimed able to make bold electric performance of 1,100 horsepower. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3cWD3sn)

Although it is not yet known whether the Karma SC2 will become a legal road car model that will also be marketed on a massive scale, it cannot be denied that this supercar has indeed succeeded in attracting the attention of the world's car lovers who attended its debut in Los Angeles at the time.

Basically, this concept car is the successor of the Karma SC1 Vision Concept which has been present before and is an open coupe car. The difference, in this Karma SC2, Karma Automobile installed a proper roof. A number of features embedded in this new car are a powertrain that is capable of producing an average power of 1,100 horsepower so as to record an acceleration time from 0 to 100 km per hour in less than 2 secs.

Karma SC2 concept does have a unique scissor-doors because it is opened and closed by sliding the door up and down. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2IUOGCp)

The automaker claims that they are developing a battery that able to bring the car to a distance of 350 miles on a single charge with normal use. Besides that, the car's torque is also controlled by a computer to manipulate the power supplied to its wheels.

Behind the sleek and sexy appearance of the body with metallic silver paint that binds the whole body of the concept car on display for the first time at the Los Angeles Car Show, it turns out there are a number of other features of this car that are in the spotlight of visitors, one of which is the door. Karma SC2 does have a unique scissor-doors because it is opened and closed by sliding the door up and down.

To support the Karma SC2 concept performance, there's an I-shaped 120kWh battery is housed in the center tunnel beneath the dashboard and seats. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3cWD3sn)

This concept car also has electronic features that are known to be widely used in premium cars today, such as cameras, proximity sensors, long-range radar sensors, heads up displays. The car also uses a showcase design feature known as playback mode, which allows computers, controls, and displays to present a real driving experience even if the car is at rest.

In this car is mounted the winglet style sensor plus cameras next to its doors, a place where usually a conventional car rearview mirrors are installed. Another unique thing about this car is that the headlight does not stand out, so it seems to blend into the front of the body so that it presents a smoother body contour.

Karma SC2 concept has seen three interior colors, namely beige, silver and black. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3cWD3sn)

Not only that, the car has a semi-square shaped steering wheel. In addition, this car also has a square headrest with sharp angles. So far the concept car on display has seen three interior colors, namely beige, silver and black. Unique styling is also seen around the seat parameters, such as stitches that match the stitching pattern on the smaller steering wheel.

The unique styling of Karma SC2 concept is also seen around the seat parameters, such as stitches that match the stitching pattern on the smaller steering wheel. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Wapkbe)

At a glance, Karma SC2 looks like it has a "nose" section that is quite long with a short deck that is identical to the performance car. This car does have fairly low ground clearance. The result, the car has a futuristic look but still maintains an aggressive impression.

This car has a black semi-gloss roof that has an overhang at the top of the side and rear windows. Installation of this overhang is considered to provide an artistic touch but with a "squished" look. Inside the roof, there is also a headline which is said to have an inlay with optical fiber to enlarge the seat. The seat also has a biometric inlay for the customization of the passengers and drivers of this car.

Karma SC2 concept is uses of charcoal-colored alloy wheels with conventional low profile tires are well suited to brake rotors and calipers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3cWD3sn)

As you can see the Karma SC2 does not have a grille on the front. Instead, Karma Automotive then installed a stylish scoop to the side. This scoop is claimed to help the process of brake cooling, and also makes the car look seem more aggressive and sporty.

The lower part of the rear of the car also has a scoop and channel that matches the scoop on the front, so for a moment, it reminds us of a typical Japanese drift car. Then the bonnet area has a simple moniker on the front center and also a scoop on the side where the fender meets the hood.

Karma SC2 indeed reaps a lot of praise thanks to the appearance of its final form is very riveting. The use of charcoal-colored alloy wheels with conventional low profile tires are well suited to brake rotors and calipers that display the end result that is always expected from a car that carries a futuristic theme like this.

Also reported, Karma SC2 has a technology called biometric entry lock from the outside, including fingerprint and facial recognition. Some of these features are also planned to be included in future Karma Automobile production models, for example, the Revero GT 2020. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KARMA AUTOMOTIVE | AUTOBLOG | NETCARSHOW]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

The new Aston Martin V12 Speedster tempting the rich speed-lover

When seeing the form of the latest supercar made by British premium car manufacturer Aston Martin, it seems they are inspired by the figure of Elva Speedster created and launched by its compatriot fellow premium car manufacturer McLaren last year.

The new V12 Speedster is an "uncompromising, visceral two-seater" from Aston Martin. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q52qhT)

By taking place at its headquarters in Gaydon, England, the company officially presents a new automotive work for the world's speed enthusiasts in the form of a roofless supercar named Aston Martin V12 Speedster. And it should be noted this supercar is made in a limited number that is only 88 units worldwide and is intended for the rich speed-lovers.

Indeed, no one doubts the work of 'Q by Aston Martin' because this car really demands adrenaline from the driver. This is reasonable because Aston Martin was born from a history of racing and aeronautical design. The design process of the Aston Martin V12 Speedster began about 12 months ago with intensive development and careful planning carried out by "Q by Aston Martin" and Aston Martin Design.

The roofless, no windscreen V12 Speedster was created by the Q by Aston Martin bespoke division and was made limited to 88 examples. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q52qhT)

"It is a matter of pride to unveil the newest Aston Martin model which is the most interesting now. The Speedster V12 is an extraordinary display of the vast capabilities and determination of the 'Q by Aston Martin' team, who tirelessly created this stunning two-seat sports car aimed at our hopeful and enthusiastic customers, "said Dr. Andy Palmer, President, and CEO of Aston Martin Lagonda Group.

Aston Martin V12 Speedster uses a 5,200 cc engine, twin-turbo that can burst peak power up to 700 horsepower with a torque of 753 Nm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q52qhT)

Aston Martin V12 Speedster uses a 5,200 cc engine, twin-turbo that can burst peak power up to 700 horsepower with a torque of 753 Nm. Then those power amount is channeled to drive the wheels through its ZF 8-speed automatic transmission system. And its acceleration from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.5 seconds, the highest speed is limited to 300 kph.

Aston Martin V12 Speedster uses elements from DBS Superleggera and Vantage which actually have a unique platform. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q52qhT)

Aston Martin V12 Speedster uses elements from DBS Superleggera and Vantage which actually have a unique platform. Shock absorbers use independent double-wishbone on the front and multi-link for the rear.

As for the 21-inch rim supported by Ceramic Carbon discs with a diameter of 410 mm in front and 360 mm for the back. For those who want to have it, the price is estimated to reach £765,000 or equivalent to Rp.13.9 billion per unit and will begin shipping in the first quarter of 2021. Are you willing to have this V12 Speedster? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASTON MARTIN | AUTOCAR]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

The last Bugatti Type 101 by Virgil Exner

As stated in the previous article, regarding the rise of the French premium car manufacturers in the post-war period. At that time the manufacturer in difficult times and tried to regain a place of honor in the world automotive industry through its famous model, Bugatti Type 101.

The 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia was was designed by Virgil Exner and built by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TR4c79)

These models were built using the basis of the legendary Bugatti Type 57 Pre-War model. In total there were 7 chassis of Type 57 Pre-War built and bodied by three different coachbuilders, such as Gangloff, Guilloré, and Antem before the company sank into bankruptcy.

Sketch of the Bugatti Type 101C Ghia is made by Virgil Exner. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)

The last Type 101 was designed by Virgil Exner then built by the Italian coachbuilder Ghia atop the legendary Type 57 Pre-War chassis with the chassis number of 101-506 and later known as Bugatti Type 101C Ghia. It was exhibited at the 1965 Turin Motor Show in an attempt to revive the brand, but financing could not be arranged and production plans were scrapped. In the end, the car sold to Exner, and he owned the car for many years.

This Bugatti Type 101C Ghia was exhibited for the first time at the 1965 Turin Motor Show in an attempt to revive the brand. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)

It all began in December 1963, when Virgil Exner in Esquire published a series of seven design proposals to revive classic cars (mostly Americans) drawn according to modern tastes. Where four models in-between successfully transformed into a full-size car by Virgil Exner himself, namely Stutz Blackhawk, Duesenberg Model D, Mercer-Cobra and this Bugatti Type 101C Ghia.

The 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia also featured the sporty high-class dashboard. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)

For the Bugatti case, he then sent the chassis he bought in 1961 to Ghia, to realize the car figure in accordance with his previous design. Then at the Ghia atelier, the Type 101 chassis were shortened by a full 460mm and the steel bodywork with Virgil’s design was placed on it with only minor changes, namely the side-mounted exhaust pipes and raked windshield (which gave place to a tasteful split windscreen).

The 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia used a slightly updated version of the 3,257 cc straight-8 supercharged engine, producing around 200 hp. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)

After 6 months of work, the work was completed presented at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, at that time there were 50 buyers signed up for the car, and said Elvis Presley the most notorious among them.

The rear-design of 1965 Bugatti Type 101C Ghia is also very "sexy," with the slim and high rear end. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vGRcct)

Unfortunately, Exner fell into financial problems before the production could start and the project was aborted, the car is taken as a part of the payment for debts. Exner was obliged to sell the car to Thomas Barett III, who after that sold it to Irving Tushinsky and subsequently to Mr. Anderson. 

The Blackhawk Behring Museum bought it in about 1984 and sold it in December 1988 to General William Lyon, its current owner who also owns the famous Type 10 Petit Pur-Sang, the first real Bugatti which Ettore built in the basement of his house while working as a manager for Deutz, two years before the foundation of his factory. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTO.HOWSTUFFWORKS | DRIVETRIBE | WIKIPEDIA | CARSTYLING.RU | ALLCARINDEX | SPECIALCARSTORE]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

This is the Koenigsegg unique hypercar for family-oriented rich couple

Although the Geneva International Motor Show 2020 was canceled, but the well-known hypercar manufacturer from Sweden, Koenigsegg stay presented in Geneva to unveil its newest unique hypercar figure named Koenigsegg Gemera which was officially introduced as a family hypercar due to its cabin filled 4 comfortable seats. The hypercar also claimed has abundant power despite carrying a slightly little than regular hypercar engine.

Koenigsegg Gemera was officially introduced as a family hypercar due to its cabin filled 4 comfortable seats. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3awXw54)

Gemera is the first model of the Koenigsegg that has a four-seat configuration, which is referred as the Mega-GT. This car can also be referred as a hypercar for family not only because of its 4-seats configuration, but also has a large luggage capacity.

The Swedish premium car company says that the concept of this car has been thought of by Christian von Koenigsegg (the company CEO and founder) since 2003, when his first son was born. At that time he thought about how to stay'n close with the family while driving in a hypercar. Finally the idea was realized in the figure of the Koenigsegg Gemera.

Koenigsegg Gemera claimed has abundant power despite carrying a 3-cylinder twin-turbo 2.0 liters engine dubbed 'Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG) and connected to a revolutionary hybrid-drive system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3awXw54)

Not like the 2 + 2 format is usually applied on a sports car or grand tourer in general, Gemera has two seats in the back that can accommodate two adult passengers to sit comfortably. Uniquely, passengers, especially those who sit in the back seats do not need to bow when entering or exiting the cabin, because this hypercar is equipped with a pair of very long dehydral-type doors.

Koenigsegg Gemera has two seats in the back that can accommodate two adult passengers to sit comfortably. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3awXw54)

On the back seats are also equipped with four cup holders, wireless charger for smartphones, and the infotainment system with 21-inches screen in the middle. The relief of cabin space for the passengers in this car, thanks to its 3,000 mm wheelbase long, which also offers more dynamic performance when maneuvering.

This Swedish premium car manufacturer installed a 3-cylinder twin-turbo 2.0 liters engine dubbed 'Tiny Friendly Giant (TFG),' which has applied advanced three-valve technology. Yes, although only has three cylinders, but this engine is capable of producing power up to 600 hp and 600 Nm of torque.

Koenigsegg Gemera is able to produce power reaching up to 1,700 horsepower and 3,500 Nm of torque. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3awXw54)

Overall the Gemera's powertrain uses a hybrid plug-in system, that accompanied by the electric motors that able to provide extra power output of 1,100 hp. So in total, Gemera is able to produce power reaching up to 1,700 horsepower and 3,500 Nm of torque. So making it able to accelerate from 0-100 kph in 1.9 seconds with a top speed of more than 400 kph.

And while the car using the electric motors alone, it can be run up to 300 kph in a distance as far as 50 km. The Swedish company even claims Gemera as the hypercar with the lowest CO2 emition level, even almost as clean as the full electric-powered car.

As mentioned above, that Gemera has luggage storage in the back that able to contain three cabin-sized suitcases. This spacious trunk is because this car uses a relatively smaller engine unit in the hypercar class.

While the price of the Gemera is estimated to reach US $1 million or equivalent to more than Rp.14 billion. Uniquely, despite the Gemera made in limited numbers, which is only 300 units, but said is to be the largest-number hypercar models produced by Koenigsegg ever. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOENIGSEGG]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

The story of Bugatti post-war comeback with its Type 101

Despite the company glory years of success during the 1920s and 1930s, both on and off the racing track, turn out Bugatti should be entered into difficult years postwar in the long and exhaust disarray. It started when a tragedy happened, Ettore's heir, talented and creative Jean Bugatti, died in a tragic testing accident in 1939, making them all feel sad and devastated. At the same time, the company was ruined apart physically, managerially and financially as a result of the raging of the 2nd World War in Europe.

The one-off Bugatti Type 101 'Berline' with the chassis number 101.500 is designed by Louis Lepoix and then constructed by the German coachbuilder, Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3aunMwK)

While Ettore Bugatti himself was isolated in Paris shortly after war's end. He was judged a belligerent by the postwar French government because of his Italian citizenship and stripped of his property. The climax, when he died in 1947, at only age 58, split everything that could be recovered from the Bugatti's enterprise into two camps along the lines of the families of his two marriages.

The prototype of Bugatti Type 101 'Berline' 4-doors saloon was built based on a prewar chassis of Type 57. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3aunMwK)

Meanwhile besides families, workers, and designers who previously had worked under the guidance of Le Patron to the onset of the war felt that's also were their responsibilities to help the company to get out of these difficult times and seem had spurred them to make the allure Bugatti automobile emerged again and respected in the world's automotive.

This early model of Bugatti Type 101 'Berline' 4-doors saloon with the chassis number of 101-500 was only one unit ever built and now sat on display at the Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39An5lz)

Under the leadership of Ettore's youngest son, Roland and assisted by Bugatti General Manager, Piere Marco who was also known as a former company's racer tried to blow some new life into the family company after Le Patron died. Shortly after, the Bugatti Type 73 powered by a supercharged one-liter engine is made and displayed at the 1947 Paris Salon de l'Automobile but it gains less attention and noted as one of the unsuccessful car models.

The Bugatti Type 73 powered by a supercharged one-liter engine is made and displayed at the 1947 Paris Salon de l'Automobile. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3aCowA0)

Finally, they decided to make a new model. Actually, the French company was not build one, but more than one on six (some said seven) chassis of prewar Type 57 and called it under the same name the Bugatti Type 101 and built by four different coachbuilders, ie Gangloff, Guilloré, Antem, and Ghia. As quoted by Coachbuild, the first known as the prototype, its design is done by Louis Lucien Lepoix and then the German coachbuilder, Hermann Spohn (Karosseriebau Hermann Spohn) is contracted for the execution in 1950. There is a mismatch of data, when some said it build by Alphonse Guilloré. Then who actually built it? Who knows?

1951 Bugatti Type 101 Guilloré Coupe with the chassis number of 101-502. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q2milt)

As we mentioned above, it is built based on a prewar chassis of Type 57 and then had a minor design change by Lepoix and became the prototype of Type 101 series produced by Bugatti's coachbuilding partner with less good quality and weird look as it is. It's known only one unit ever built in this body configuration. This one-off car still existed until today and displayed at the Cité de l’Automobile in Mulhouse.

As quoted from Wikipedia, after the prototype finished and then on the chassis number of 101-501 and 101-503 made as the Type 101 Coupe and Cabriolets by Gangloff. Followed by the chassis number of 101-502 built as another Type 101 Coupe by Coach Guilloré.

At the 1950 Paris Salon de l'Automobile, Bugatti showed two examples of Type 101, a Coupe (up) and Cabriolet (below) with the chassis number of 101-501 and 101-503, both clothed by Gangloff, a Swiss/French coachbuilder. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xqVZz9)

The next car was built one of a kind with the chassis number 101-504. The coupe was bodied by Antem in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris for shown off at the 1951 Paris Salon de l'Automobile. This new model was largely based on a similar brilliant prewar Type 57, including the 3.3-liter dual-overhead-camshaft inline eight-cylinder engine and semi-independent front and live rear axle suspension.

This Bugatti Type 101 cabriolet with the chassis number of 101-503 was bodied by Gangloff. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TAlvur)

The car is also equipped with a Cotal pre-selector gearbox, it is the only example of Type 101 with this dramatic coachwork. Its coachwork, however, was thoroughly modern, a full-width streamlined envelope creation that owed only Bugatti’s trademark 'horseshoe' radiator grille to its prewar design heritage It brilliantly presented in black over red, and the Bugatti Type 101 Van Antem coupe has been preserved over the years by its succession of noted owner-collectors.

This Bugatti Type 101 with the chassis number of 101-504 was bodied by Antem in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris for shown off at the 1951 Paris Salon de l'Automobile. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2IsX2AM)

There were only six copies of these made at the time. It was displayed together with the Gangloff drop head coupe before returning to Molsheim, where it was eventually registered for driving on the road and likely used by Rene Bolloré, the next husband of Ettore Bugatti’s widow Geneviève Delcluze.

This Bugatti Type 101 had once owned by the famous Hollywood star Nicolas Cages. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3aCoWWV)

After that this legendary car repeatedly changed the owners, starting from Gene Cesari, Robert C. Stanley, Bill Harrah known became the next owner before being bought by Jacques Harguindeguy. From here the car was then sold to the famous Hollywood star Nicolas Cages.

This Bugatti Type 101 was bodied by Antem in Neuilly-sur-Seine, Paris and sold to an unknown buyer at the prices of the US. $616,000 in one auction event held by RM Sotheby at Monterey on August 20, 2011. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3aCoWWV)

Subsequently, it was in the noted collection of Gene Ponder and later entered the John O'Quinn Collection in 2008. In the end, the car was sold to an unknown buyer at the prices of the US. $616,000 in one auction event held by RM Sotheby at Monterey on August 20, 2011.

And finally the last of Bugatti Type 101 was designed by Virgil Exner then built by Italian coachbuilder Ghia in 1965 on the chassis number of 101-506. 

It represents an elegant car of a revered French marque, although it ever lay dormant for the next four decades before the introduction of the stunning EB110 in the 1990s, then there's the breathtaking Veyron followed by the most recently the Chiron and the most expensive models like La Voiture Noir and many other.

Overall, it seems that all the revival efforts mentioned above do not bear fruit and finally the French car manufacturer was sold to Hispano Suiza in 1963. And once again the ownership of this company changed hands in July 1998 to the German automotive giant Volkswagen. Until now the company is owned by the German automotive company Volkswagen Group as a division of Volkswagen France. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COACHBUILD | CONCEPTCARZ | MADLE.ORG | RMSOTHEBYS]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Let's get grow with future Morphoz by Renault

As it is well known that the organization of the Geneva International Motor Show 2020, one of the world's major automotive exhibitions has been canceled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 on the European mainland. 

But it does not dampen the spirit of the French manufacturer, Renault to innovate by displaying the latest concept car of the future called Renault Morphoz. And through this concept, the French automaker wants to show the direction of their SUV design in the future, especially in the midsize segment.

Renault's Morphoz Concept is a shapeshifting go-anywhere SUV. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/39C2jSm)

This concept car is specially designed in such a way as to be able to function as a convenient city car for urban use and a reliable cruiser when long distances traveling. This is the latest concept car from the development of the CMF-EV platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance which fully relies on the electric-powered powertrain.

The Morphoz has the vision to be an urban family car in 2027 to come, while the platform will be the base of the Renault electric crossover that will launch this year. Not only that, but the platform will also be used for use on a series of prospective new models of Renault electric cars.

Renault Morphoz in normal size or while at 'City' driving mode only packs a 40 kWh battery, so that it can only cover a distance of 400 km.  (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2IvZs1A)

At least, there're three unique vehicle design elements translated into the Morphoz, ie taken from a saloon or sedan, SUV, and coupe. Then all those three are combined into one car to optimize the efficiency and ease of a vehicle. So that in further development, the concept car has unique features that accommodate all the design elements above.

Renault Morphoz in elongated size or while at 'Travel' driving mode providing an extra space of 20 cm to be filled with an additional 50 kWh battery thus a total of power of 90 kWh and make the car able to roam as far as 700 km. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2IvZs1A)

Yes, the car concept has unique features that made the chassis can be elongated according to its driving mode. As we all can see, Renault's electric-powered Morphoz car concept said to have two driving modes, ie City-mode and Travel-mode.

A futuristic steering wheel and compact-size dashboard were providing in the cabin of Renault Morphoz. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38yz3uw)

The chassis-elongated process followed by the A-pillar section occurs in the Travel-mode, thus providing an extra space of 20 cm to be filled with an additional 50 kWh battery. In this mode, the battery total power of 90 kWh is claimed to make the car able to roam as far as 700 km. Conversely, in the City-mode, the Morphoz concept car only packs a 40 kWh battery, so that it can only cover a distance of 400 km.

Rear side view of Renault's Morphoz Concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38yz3uw)

In Travel-mode, besides providing extra space for the battery, it also provides extra space in the cabin. Incidentally, the cabin is also designed so that it can adapt to the needs; the front passenger seat can be faced backward if necessary, but not for the driver's seat, considering Morphoz only supports of the Level-3 autonomous driving system (the highest Level-5).

The interior nuances are presented in a very futuristic manner, this is natural considering that the Morphoz which is present this time is a concept car. To Autocar, The Renault representatives said that the safety factor would be the most difficult challenge for producing this car. Renault basically had to do a hit-and-test twice on Morphoz considering that there were two of them. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | AUTOBLOG | GIZMODO]

Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone