-->
Drop Down MenusCSS Drop Down MenuPure CSS Dropdown Menu
Showing posts with label Automotives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Automotives. Show all posts

Friday, August 7, 2020

A unique three-wheeler of BMW?

As we all know, there are a lot of three-wheeled vehicles made by a number of automotive companies in the world such as Campagna T-Rex, Polaris Slingshot, and others. Yes, unique vehicles like this usually appear as a combination of a car and a motorcycle.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89, a bizarre combination of the car and motorcycle will leave you scratching Your head. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
But among the many similar vehicles, there is one model that was previously not widely known by the public. Yes, recently in Italy found a three-wheeled vehicle which is appeared as a combination of car and motorcycle that are said to be made by BMW, one of the German automotive giant companies.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 while on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
As quoted from Rideapart.com, the blue-silver painted vehicle is known as the Modulo Car M89, which is described as a unique-shaped three-wheeler vehicle is built in 1997 by the German auto manufacturer and uses a powertrain taken from the BMW K75 (an old motorcycle produced by the company between 1985 and 1995). Unfortunately, there isn't much detailed information about this vehicle.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 has simple a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch, plus a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
Even so, it seems that the unique three-wheeled vehicle is able to present a pleasant sensation while drove it (although not mentioned whether it was a road-legal vehicle). And in June 2020 this unique vehicle was on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl at a price of € 38,000 or around Rp.612 million.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter which able to accommodate 2 passengers inside the cockpit. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
As quoted from Carscoops, this unique three-wheeled vehicle uses a 740 cc three-cylinder engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque which is then channeled through a 5-speed manual transmission system to drive its rear wheel. When compared with ordinary motorbikes, of course, the weight of this vehicle is heavier, so it has a different speed.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 uses a 740 cc three-cylinder BMW K75 engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
Uniquely, this vehicle applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter. Then to control this unique vehicle does not use a handlebar, but a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch like a car, plus there is a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel.

The exterior design looks unique like most other three-wheeled vehicles. The front bumper has a proportion of sports cars with low posture. Besides that, there is also a very thin and glass-clad cockpit that looks harmonious with the shape of the front fascia. While at the rear section mounted only one wheel, and there you will also notice dual exhausts and various air intakes that function to cool the engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOVERGIATE.IT | CARSCOOPS | RIDEAPART.COM]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Thursday, August 6, 2020

KTM developed an all-new GT2 sports car

Kronreif & Trunkenpolz Mattighofen or KTM, an Austrian famous motorcycle manufacturer announced to build a sports car. They became the third brand to enter the new GT2 racing class with the All-New KTM X-Bow GTX.

As quoted of Carscoops, an official teaser picture from the Austrian automotive company was seen in February 2020. The GT2 racing car model looks quite impressive and will debut later this year.
All-new KTM X-Bow GTX used an Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3k14FjD)
The sportscar will be powered by an Audi 2.5-liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine sourced which produces a power output of 600 horsepower for the GT2 cars while the GTX model spewed more than 500 hp in the GTX form.

This sports car has a fairly lightweight of only 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs), so the new KTM X-Bow GT2 offers a weight to power ratio of less than 2.0 kg/hp.
All-new KTM X-Bow GTX has weight of only 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs), so offers a weight to power ratio of less than 2,0 kg/hp(Picture from: https://bit.ly/3k14FjD)
"We are transferring important KTM brand elements; extreme, performance and purity along with KTM's core areas of expertise, including advanced motorsport technology, extremely lightweight construction and high-quality components in racing cars that clearly reflect the signs of the times," said Hubert Trunkenpolz, one of the KTM's board members. The video below is the KTM X-Bow GT4, not the latest KTM X-Bow GTX.
The Austrian automotive manufacturer was said as the first one to offer a fully homologous monocoque body with a GT cage and sophisticated seats. They also mentioned that in the first production batch they will build 20 units of cars by the end of this year. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KTM | BLOG.DUPONTREGESTRY.COM | CARSCOOPS]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

A sophisticated car for a truly sophisticated journey in the future

You might still remember about the GM Firebird Concept Car that we discussed a while ago. These concept cars were made by the American automotive manufacturer up to 4 series of cars, although the official Firebird Concept was made up to 3 series.
1969 Buick Century Cruiser aka GM XP-790 concept is a sophisticated car for a truly sophisticated journey in the future. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3157OGa)
Well, the car that was originally intended as Firebird IV which was given an internal code XP-790 even had a chance to debut in 1964 the New York World's Fair as a non-functional car. The concept car was later repackaged by US automotive giants as Buick Century Cruiser and appeared on several shows in 1969.
The GM Firebird IV aka XP-790 concept while on display at the 1964 New York World's Fair before repackaged into 1969 Buick Century Cruiser. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3157OGa)
This concept car is made to accommodate your dreams when someday in the future, you will drive on sophisticated superhighway roads with vehicles that have automatic navigation features, to travel across the country quickly but safely and comfortably, it drives automatically without having bothered driving and all only relying on your fingertips.
1969 Buick Century Cruiser concept appeared with a futuristic design look according to the era of jet planes and space exploration that's becoming a trend of the 60s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30odFY9)
The concept car appeared with a futuristic design look according to the era of jet planes and space exploration that's becoming a trend of the 60s. This experimental vehicle offers various advanced features at the time such as hands-free driving (automatic steering system), semi-reclining, swiveling contoured seats, a pull-out refrigerator, a television, and a pull-out table inside its cabin.
1969 Buick Century Cruiser concept offers various advanced features at the time such as hands-free driving (automatic steering system), semi-reclining, swiveling contoured seats, a pull-out refrigerator, a television, and a pull-out table inside its cabin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30odFY9)
The concept car was able to accommodate 4 passengers with a composition of 2 + 2, with a design that is also fairly unique. The Century Cruiser's body was formed aerodynamically, flat with fin accents on both sides of the back that reflects the golden era of jets and spacecraft at that time.
1969 Buick Century Cruiser concept was able to accommodate 4 passengers with a composition of 2 + 2, with a design that is also fairly unique. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30odFY9)
As for handling matters, when Century Cruiser is driven into the superhighway road, the driver only needs to insert a card in the slot at the entrance, where the programs on Century Cruiser will take over and drive the car to the correct destination, based on information sent from the center controller. The trip can also be monitored through a navigation map, which is projected on the screen like a radar embedded in the front console.
In addition to the automatic steering system, the Century Cruiser prototype can also be operated manually via a pair of joysticks positioned on the armrests for steering and speed regulation. Canopy-shaped entrances can slide forward and upward to allow passengers in and out, and this can be operated at the touch of a button.

In our opinion, the 1969 Buick Century Cruiser concept was some kinda sophisticated car for a truly sophisticated journey that might not have been realized until now. What do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | ]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

A good news, the 1960s Italian beauty prepares its come back

All automotive enthusiasts in the world have known the beauty of Italian cars. There are countless beautiful car models born from the skilled hands of the country's automotive designers and manufacturers. As from the beginning of the development of the world's automotive industry until now, it can be seen the contribution of the Italian companies were very dominant in bringing up the world's automotive trend
The upcoming Iso Rivolta GTZ designed is directly inspired by the Iso Grifo A3/C and designed by Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fpfcBH)
And one of them is Iso, an Italian automotive manufacturer founded in Genoa by Renzo Rivolta in 1939 before moved to Bresso in 1942. Initially, this Italian company mainly built motorcycles and scooters, then in the 1950s, they decided to build a microcar. Today everyone knows about the BMW Isetta. However, at first, Iso produced the car itself, before they released the license. In the 60s and 70s, they also built four 'real' cars, such as Rivolta, Grifo, Fidia, and Lele. However, in 1974, there was one other thing behind it.
1964 Iso Grifo A3/C was the racing version of the Iso Grifo. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2CWTp7b)
If all goes well, a car called Iso will reappear 46 years later. The Italians show the first images of such a beautiful car called the Iso Rivolta GTZ. And if we look at the 'Z' letter of the car's name that stands for Zagato. So all of us agreed if the design is in good hands. Due to Zagato is one of the Italian renowned automotive designer and coachbuilder companies till today. In 2017, Zagato already presented a digital concept based on the classic Iso Rivolta.
The Iso Rivolta GTZ design sketch also promises a lot of good design to emerge from it, like an old-fashioned Italian beauty. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ggWIEz)
Yes, we have seen what the car looks like. The Italian coachbuilder has shared the first sketch of Iso Rivolta GTZ. The sketch also promises a lot of good design to emerge from it, like an old-fashioned Italian beauty, because the design is directly inspired by the Iso Grifo A3/C
If the Italian company wants to remain historically responsible, the upcoming IsoRivolta GTZ must choose to use the American V8 engine(Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fpfcBH)
As we all know that the A3/C was the racing version of the Iso Grifo. This car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Then the person who is trusted to handle the car's technical issues was Giotto Bizzarrini, the man behind the famous Ferrari 250 GTO. Later due to Bizzarrini disagreed with Renzo Rivolta, he quit and built the car under his own brand name. 
Zagato will deliver the first IsoRivolta GTZ in October 2020 and built it for more than 4,500 Iso Rivolta Club Members and Owners worldwide. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fpfcBH)
This special car now has a successor. But until now there are no technical details, but if the Italian company wants to remain historically responsible, they must choose the American V8 engine. Judging by Zagato's portfolios this does indeed seem to be happening. Let's see the classic Iso Grifo A3 of the 1960s and hear its roars.
And all we can do now is wait until October because that's a bit of a time clue from them about when this gorgeous car will be introduced. Now take a seat, relax, and be patient, because it promises to be another fine example of Italian designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | CHALLENGES.FR | TECHZLE]  
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Monday, August 3, 2020

One of rare variant of mid-engined Chevrolet Corvettes

Most of the world's automotive enthusiasts already know the legendary Corvette car brand. Various Corvette models that are then produced are always becoming iconic vehicles. This, of course, is inseparable from the R&D efforts of the giant American automotive manufacturer, Chevrolet, which in fact had previously made a lot of concept vehicles to study how the production vehicles would later be made.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept while on display at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance was designed by Larry Shinoda and lives on thanks to the touch of the hands of Frank Winchell. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2P6FjSU)
Among the many concept vehicles ever made by the American car manufacturer, it turns out there is one concept car that is very rare, the Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept which was built in 1964. This is the only car in the world that can usually only can be seen at the Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept uses a 27 cubic inch all-aluminum V8 engine is capable of producing more than 400 hp to drive the rear wheels through a one-speed automatic transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hJVzpb)
As quoted of Carscoops, unlike some other mid-engined Corvette prototypes, the GS IIB model was not made by Zora Arkus-Duntov. Instead, this sleek car model was designed by Larry Shinoda and lives on thanks to the touch of the hands of Frank Winchell.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept has a racing steering wheel, simple dashboard with instrument panel(Picture from: https://bit.ly/39Ch60h)
Thanks to the use of thin aluminum material for the body, thus making this car weighs only 1,450 lbs (657 kg). The concept car has a design inspired by the Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT and uses a 327 cubic inch all-aluminum V8 engine that is placed behind the passenger and driver's seat. The engine is capable of producing more than 400 hp to drive the rear wheels through a one-speed automatic transmission system.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept while on display at the Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas(Picture from: https://bit.ly/30PGgo4)
Just like some of the other mid-engined Corvette prototypes previously built by the American manufacturer for decades that did not reach the production line, the Corvette GS IIB was also unable to convince General Motors (GM) executives that it was a good idea to make a mid-ship sports car.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept uses of thin aluminum material for the body, thus making this car weighs only 1,450 lbs (657 kg). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hJVzpb)
However, its fate is still slightly better compared to many other car prototypes that failed to reach the production line which is usually being destroyed after its showtime were over. Yes, the Corvette GS IIB is now part of the collection of Jim Hall, an American racer and engineer.

Recently, at the beginning of March 2020, the Corvette GS IIB which was included in the very rare mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette prototype attended at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance to be on display with other iconic models. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ.COM | PETROLEUM MUSEUM | HEMMINGS.COM | CAR GUY CHRONICLES]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Here she is one of the craziest V12-engined cars ever

Mercedes-Benz is a well-known German automotive manufacturer that has been widely known by the public with its elegant and agile car designs on the streets, especially high-end variants such as Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren up to AMG GT, which always amazes its users.
1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KSyOi3)
There are many models that have been produced, one of which can be categorized in the legendary car, called Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR. As quoted from Carscoops, at first this car was specifically designed to take part in the Le Mans endurance championship in the late 1990s so that it was equipped with the high durability technical specifications to conquer the racing event that had a long duration.
The racing version of Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2B7vYWR)
The racing version of the CLK GTR took both the drivers' and teams' championships in '97 and '98, winning 17 of the 22 races it entered. After that, those German automotive giants produced the road-legal versions and able to use it on the streets for daily activities. Both the racing and road-legal version supercars powered by a V12 naturally-aspirated engine with a capacity of 6.9 liters that is placed in the middle and is believed to be able to send the power of 604 hp and torque of 572 lb-ft.
Front view of 1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KSyOi3)
Power was sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential manual transmission system. It looked mean, with a hooped rear wing and low-slung bodywork fitted with various vents and winglets. The front was also adorned with a Mercedes-Benz hood ornament. So it is not surprising that this car became the fastest in its time.
Interior view of 1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KSyOi3)
Mercedes-Benz produces this mid-engined car in a limited number of 25 units. Of the 25 CLK GTRs built, 20 were coupes and five were roadsters. The car was sold at the price of $1.5 million or around Rp.19 billion at the time.
Rearview of 1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KSyOi3)
Even so, there are no negative complaints from customers and some have bought them at this price. Reportedly the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR will be priced at the doubled price today and can last for next few years. As quoted of Autoblog in July 2018, there's a 1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR with chassis No. 9 going up for auction on August at the RM Sotheby's auction in Monterey.
The car could sell with an estimated sale price between $4.25 million and $5.25 million. If this car able to sell well at the auction, then those price numbers will put these car into one of the most expensive classic cars in the world.
Here's she is my die-cast of Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR in scale 1:64 made by Maisto. (The picture was taken by my android phone)
Wow, of course, I couldn't afford to buy it, because it was too expensive. But it didn't dampen me from owning this car. Then, I go to the supermarket near ma home and bought the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR in there. Although only in a scale of 1:64 but at least I had one. Only kidding, don't take it too seriously. :) *** [EKA[14082018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | AUTOBLOG]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Friday, July 31, 2020

The most iconic Corvair Monza GT concept

To explore the possibility of a Corvair-based sports car, in the 1960s GM Design built the Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car, whose name was adopted from the famous Monza racing circuit in Italy.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car is built to explore the possibility of a Corvair-based sports car and designed by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
This concept car was developed under the leadership of GM Design chief Bill Mitchell, and the Corvair Monza GT Concept is the work of Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine. That was due to Shinoda's achievements as a designer of Corvette Stingray that made him asked to participate in designing this car.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car has first appeared before the public at the 1963 New York Auto Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
The car appearance looks so unique with the forward-slanting nose with its four small headlights and the absence of a grille looked distinctive and fresh. The car's lines were taut and athletic, a welcome step away from the American excess of just a few years prior.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car does not apply the usual doors like most existing cars. To be able to enter the cabin from this 2-seater concept car, you should be opened the whole of the car canopy. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
Uniquely this car does not apply the usual doors like most existing cars. To be able to enter the cabin from this 2-seater concept car, you should be opened the whole of the car canopy. This was the same door-type that also applied to the Chevrolet Corvair Testudo, another concept car that Bertone built-in 1963.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car interior has a black dashboard with simple instrument panels and able to accommodate two passengers in its cabin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
The Corvair Monza GT first appeared before the public at the 1963 New York Auto Show. The Monza GT used an engine adopted from the Corvair standard engine, which is a 6-cubic 145-inch inline engine with a capacity of 2,380 cc and is equipped with dual carburetors. From the machine, it can produce around 102 horsepower (76 kW) power.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car used a mid-mounted 6-cubic 145-inch inline engine with a capacity of 2,380 cc and is equipped with dual carburetors. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
The Monza GT concept is built on a 16-inch shorter wheelbase than the standard version of Corvair. Then the engine mounted behind it is rotated 180 degrees from its normal position to create a real mid-engine car, which is combined with the rear-wheel-drive system.

Although at that time the Monza GT concept was believed by many people among automotive enthusiasts to enter the production line, in reality, this unique concept car was finally only present as a prototype, one of which might be due to the poor reputation of the Corvair model at that time.
And now this Corvair Monza GT concept car is one of the most iconic cars ever made by those American automotive giants. And if you want to see this legendary car, then you are welcome to see it on display at the GM Heritage Center in Michigan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ.COM]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Wednesday, July 29, 2020

A stunning-look Ukraine supercar named Chimera

While surfing the Internet some time ago, we were stunned for a moment and amazed when saw the shape of a supercar that could be said to be unique and interesting. This is not McLaren, Ferrari, or Lamborghini. As quoted from 24TV.UA, this is truly an authentic Ukrainian sports car called Chimera. And while quoted from DriveTribe this car is also called the Himera-Q.
This is not McLaren, Ferrari, or Lamborghini. This is truly an authentic Ukrainian sports car called Chimera or Himera-Q developed by Andriy Dzhazovsky. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X1DVpb)
This supercar was developed by a Ukrainian businessman, as well as a car collector named Andriy Dzhazovsky. The unique name of the Chimera used for this car is taken from Greek mythological creatures which are a monstrous fire-breathing hybrid creature of Lycia in Asia Minor, composed of the parts of more than one animal. It is usually depicted as a lion, with the head of a goat protruding from its back, and a tail that might end with a snake's head.
The first Ukrainian Chimera supercar appearance has beautifully detailed strong and aggressive curves. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X0wXka)
And according to the developers, the name is in accordance with the car appearance that has beautifully detailed strong and aggressive curves. The sports car developer further said that the Chimera was built in 2 models, where the first model was a car with a conventional engine taken from an Audi R8 car capable of producing power up to 1,200 horsepower.
The first Ukrainian Chimera supercar has a beautiful interior setting and layered with brown-colored genuine leather. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X0wXka)
While the next Chimera model is a sports car that uses electricity. This car is said to use a 1,000 hp electric motor and an energy storage system that was developed specifically with a battery that can last up to a thousand kilometers and its charge is returned in just half an hour. (Wow!) 😐 Besides that, the Chimera developer claims that a single battery charged can make this sports car travel thousands of kilometers. (Is it true?) 😉

And reportedly, when the prototype car conducted the tests on closed tracks in Spain managed to show a quite impressive performance, where the car is able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in less than 3 seconds and a top speed limited to 350 kph. Unfortunately, there are no other detailed technical and performance data from this car.
The Chimera was built in 2 models, where the first model was a car with a conventional engine taken from an Audi R8 and the second one is an electric-powered car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X1DVpb)
Initial estimates, the cost for such a car will start from ‎€700 thousand. And reportedly, the developers have received 10 orders in advance from the United Arab Emirates and the European Union. Andriy Dzhazovsky further said that Chimera had passed European certification. But it still has to pass the crashed and homologation test to start full-scale production of this car.
Of the two tested Chimera is a fully electric (all-wheel drive, four independent motors) powered by a battery with graphene modules. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X1DVpb)
Shortly after the first photo of Chimera appeared on the Internet, allegations of plagiarism came from Russia. With a reason, the car has a similar design with one called Lada Raven developed by AVTOvaz. But the Ukrainian sports car developer has denied all the allegations and claimed that he has a patent for the car designs.
Initially, the Chimera will be assembled entirely in Ukraine but is hindered by high taxes and a lack of infrastructure in the country. So then the production process carried out in Barcelona, Spain. It should be the end of 2017, this supercar has passed all of the tests and goes on sale. But until now there has never been more news about the Chimera supercar. Let's us know if You have further info about this Ukrainian supercars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 24TV.UA | DRIVETRIBE | WIKIPEDIA]
Note: This blog  can be accessed via your smart phone

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Pandion Marvel: Unveiling the Spectacular Alfa Romeo Concept

ONE-OFF - In the fast-paced realm of automotive design, it's not just the personal photos of celebrities that stir up conversations in the virtual world. Concept cars, with their avant-garde designs, often become the center of attention among automotive enthusiasts. One such instance unfolded in 2010 when Bertone unveiled a striking concept car at the Geneva Motor Show – the Alfa Romeo Pandion.
Bertone's Alfa Romeo Pandion concept sat on display at the Geneva Motor Show 2010. (Picture from: Autoblog.gr)
This one-of-a-kind concept car not only captivated audiences with its unique shape but also made headlines for its extraordinary upward-swinging doors, reaching an astonishing height of 3.6 meters, and set a record as perhaps the longest ever made.
The Alfa Romeo Pandion. Powering this automotive marvel was a robust 4.7-liter V8 engine, boasting a claimed output of 445 horsepower. The creation of Pandion was a homage to Alfa Romeo's century-long presence in the automotive world, as stated by the manufacturer.
Front three-quarter of Bertone's Alfa Romeo Pandion concept. (Picture from: Autoblog.gr)
The nomenclature of Bertone's Alfa Romeo Pandion concept drew inspiration from the animal kingdom. Pandion Haliaetus, the scientific name for an Osprey – a sea hawk that dwells in coastal areas – perfectly embodied the essence of this unique concept car.
Right side view of Bertone's Alfa Romeo Pandion concept. (Picture from: Autoblog.gr)
The design philosophy behind Pandion was rooted in the "Skin & Frame" language. "Skin" symbolized the snake in the logo, representing Italy's renowned excellence in crafting beautiful, seductive forms. On the other hand, "Frame" pointed to the cross in the logo, signifying mechanical excellence reminiscent of high-performance Italian race cars.
Rearview of Bertone's Alfa Romeo Pandion concept. (Picture from: Autobloggr)
Interestingly, some observers noted a resemblance between the Alfa Romeo Pandion and the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. Despite the designers vehemently denying any similarity, a closer inspection reveals shared elements. Both cars feature a front fascia with extended glass, seamlessly connecting the front, roof, and doors. It sparks a debate among enthusiasts – are these similarities mere coincidence or a subtle nod between automotive aesthetics?
In the dynamic world of concept cars, where innovation knows no bounds, the Alfa Romeo Pandion stood out as a testament to bold design choices and engineering prowess. It not only paid homage to a century of automotive excellence but also sparked conversations that transcended the virtual realm, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
As we reflect on the Pandion and its unique place in automotive history, one can't help but appreciate the convergence of art, science, and passion that defines the world of concept cars.*** [EKA [20062015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP SPEED | AUTOBLOG.GR ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.