The Croatian's Alfa Romeo Spyder

ONE-OFF In the 1930s, when the automotive world began to move forward, many new innovations and creations were carried out by the automotive industry at that time. Initially, the world community had great enthusiasm so that it raised high expectations in the automotive industry to be able to change the face of the world.

1935 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerodinamica Spider while on display at the Salon Prive Concours d'Elegance 2010. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M8Cfrn)

Can you imaginated, in the middle of the great depression of the 1930s, they are competing to make and present a vehicle which is then predicted to be a vehicle of the future. It was not surprising that the automotive industry always hailed when they launched something with the frills of future vehicle creations.

At that time there was quite exciting competition among the automotive industry players, and at an Italian automotive manufacturer called Alfa Romeo which was the work place of an Italian designer of Hungarian descent named Vittorio Jano when he got a brilliant intuition. In working on the ambitious new design project, Jano also involved two brothers Gino and Oscar Jankovits (son of an Alfa Romeo dealer in Fiume).

1935 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerodinamica Spider was a clandestine project built to win high-speed races of the 1930s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M8Cfrn)

As quoted from Wikipedia, the only-one car made by the two brothers was built in 1935 based on a ladder-type chassis, and is powered by an Alfa Romo 6C2300 Turismo engine (no. 700316 in 1934 from a Berlina) so the car called Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerodinamica Spider or Croatian Alfa.

1935 Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerodinamica Spider is focused on developing more power and placing the engine in a front-engined single-seater. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34Juq1z)

At that time Fiume was annexed to Italy, now known as Rijeka and is part of Croatia. By working in their workshop named 'Lampo,' the two brothers brought Wilfredo Ricart's sketch to life and created a truly beautiful vehicle in between 1934 to 1946. Development of the car continued over several years, until Jano was fired from Alfa in 1937, just prior to the car being finished.

Alfa Romeo 6C 2300 Aerodinamica Spider was built in 1935 based on a ladder-type chassis, and is powered by an Alfa Romo 6C2300 Turismo engine (no. 700316 in 1934 from a Berlina). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38A6LSn)

The Jankovits brother kept the Aerospider and had it registered for street use. The car still wears the original Fiume license plates. And in late 1946, when the Yugoslav army invaded their homeland, they fled abroad with their-own vehicle creation (later called 'Croatian Alfa') and sought refuge in Trieste.

Until now, this Aerodinamica Spider car has recorded a number quite prestigious of achievements, as follows;

• It is said to be the first supercar to appear with a 'modern' sports car design.
• It was also known as the first mid-engined car with a central drive (although the Lancia kept a patent for a center-drive design in 1934).
• It is said to be the first car designed to take account of newly developed principles of aerodynamics, to provide low-drag both externally and internally.

This Alfa Romeo roadster was rediscovered in England in 1967. It went back to Italy in 2002 and in 2008, the car was restored to its original purpose of a high-speed racer. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | MEGADELUXE | ITALIANWAYS ]

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Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder

Back to vintage cars built with today's technology. As was done by a Modena-based automotive company called Ares Design through its design program called 'Legends Reborn' which was launched in 2018.

Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)

As a result, the first is a beautiful car called the Panther ProgettoUno whose design is inspired by the De Tomaso Pantera of the 1970s and has been exhibited at the 2019 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. Then the second one was born of the Ares Design's Legends Reborn series, ie Wami Lalique Spyder, an elegant classic-style roadster.

Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)

The classic-style roadster is the result of a collaboration between Ares Design and Lalique, a French luxury crystal manufacturer and can be seen since 2018. In general, the appearance of this car is inspired by the design of the roadster that was popular in the 1950s, namely the Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua.

Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)

But what can be seen then there are a lot of designs at play here, starting from the long hood that successfully presents the essence of classics, such as the Jaguar E-Type and C1 Corvette. Meanwhile, the wire wheels and fender vents remind us of the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder.

So far Ares Design has been reluctant to mention what Wami was built based on (if the Panther ProgettoUno was built based of the Lamborghini Huracan), while the body appears to be made of aluminum and carbon fiber, and there is a chromed muffler, bumper and wheels.

Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)

For the engine, Ares Design also does not want to reveal the engine used in its roadster. From the circulating images, it will most likely use a manual gearbox and long hood indicating suitable for large-sized engine. 

Then there was some speculation circulating on the internet, starting with the use of the V8 engine which was mentioned as fair enough choice. However, we'll also find it hard to say no to the inline-six high performance or the powerful V12.

Ares Design Wami Lalique Spyder is inspired by 1950s famous roadster such Maserati A6G/2000 Spyder by Frua. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/34zqfFC)

Meanwhile for the interior will be decorated with a distinctive two-tone touch with beautiful crystal sprinkles supplied by Lalique, ranging from the center console to the doors. The interior appearence looks more elegant with genuine leather layered, wood accents, and a black and white measuring system complementing the vintage-themed interior. However, Wami still gives off a modern scent with a large touch screen emerging from the dashboard.

"Over time, we started to really appreciate how beautiful and unique the car we co-created with our partner, Lalique," said Dany Bahar, co-founder of Ares Design. "This model is unlike anything we've produced before. The Wami Lalique Spyder would be a pleasure to have." He continued.

Ares Design plans to build only 12 units of Wami Lalique Spyder, but the availability and price are not yet known until today, which obviously won't be cheap. Happy New Year 2021, hopes the prosperity and succses may always upon You next year. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR ]

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In the Shadows: XP-700 Corvette, Chevrolet's Hidden Gem

Missing Link - Long before Chevrolet earned its legendary status among American muscle cars, the brand experimented with various car models, some of which have faded into obscurity. One such forgotten gem is the Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette concept car, sandwiched between the 1959 Stingray Racer XP-87 and the 1961 Mako Shark XP-755.

The looks of the Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette in the first year of its existence and used as Bill Mitchell's personal car. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)

The tale of the XP-700 dates back to 1958 when Bill Mitchell, then Vice President of General Motors Styling, collaborated with the Chevrolet design studio to birth a groundbreaking concept car, the XP-700. According to internal documents, Chevrolet envisioned the XP-700 Corvette as a cutting-edge experimental vehicle that not only showcased novel ideas but also promised to steal the show.

The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette is featured with a special bubble top roof that was said to eliminate glare, a ventilating system built into the bubble, and a periscope-type rear view mirror to provide a completely unobstructed view of the road behind. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)

Originally based on the 1958 Corvette, the XP-700 underwent substantial modifications to sport a race car-inspired look. The low hood overhang, broad frontal air scoops, transparent passenger canopy, and snubbed rear quarters transformed it into a futuristic marvel reminiscent of advanced race cars from its era. Initially, the car sported a striking red hue, serving as Bill Mitchell's personal ride for its first year.

The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette's rear-styling also states is credited with influencing the second-generation Corvette. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)

One of the XP-700's standout features was its special bubble top roof, installed in October 1959. Crafted from laminated plastic coated with vaporized aluminum, the bubble top aimed to eliminate glare, creating an interior resembling a high-tech terrarium. This transparent canopy, acting as a one-way mirror, also featured a unique rear-styling, influencing the design of the second-generation Corvette.

The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette uses a small 283 cubic-inch block engine with 230 horsepower under the hood, and is paired with a four-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)

Inside, passengers faced a metal strut in the center of the canopy with louvered vents, ensuring a comfortable bubble-covered interior through a ventilation system. Despite its avant-garde design, the XP-700 retained its roots with a 283 cubic-inch block engine boasting 230 horsepower under the hood, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission.

The Chevrolet XP-700 Corvette concept car was revealed to the public for the first time at the 4th International Automobile Show in New York before it's gone. (Picture from: ChevyHardcore)

In 1959, the concept car underwent a striking transformation, donning a futuristic metallic silver coat. Finally, the public got a glimpse of this dream car in April 1960 at the 4th International Automobile Show in New York. However, after this grand reveal, the XP-700 seemingly vanished.

According to internal sources, around 1961 and 1962, the XP-700 evolved into the XP-755 Corvette (Mako Shark). There's a peculiar similarity in shape, leading enthusiasts to ponder whether the XP-755 is merely a refined version of the XP-700, with the primary difference lying in the front fascia.😕

The XP-700 Corvette, though largely forgotten, remains a testament to Chevrolet's innovative spirit during an era of automotive experimentation. As automotive enthusiasts delve into the archives, the mystery of the XP-700's disappearance and its connection to the XP-755 Corvette adds an intriguing chapter to the evolution of Chevrolet's iconic lineup. What do you think? *** [EKA [30122020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CHEVYHARDCORE ]

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The Hennessey Venom F5 is looking to be the world's fastest production car

Recently, an American supercar manufacturer, Hennessey officially launched their latest hypercar called the Hennessey Venom F5. The manufacture of this car is in collaboration with one of the world's famous automotive designers named John Heinricy who has previously been known to have designed many other supercars such as the McLaren 600LT and the Porsche Cayman GT4.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5's design emphasizes to the aerodynamics, and thanks to the use of a lower spoiler, so this hypercar has a drag coefficient of only 0.39 Cd. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M1ycgt)

As a true automotive enthusiast, of course you still remember that the American automotive company is also known for its phenomenal supercar products, such as the Hennessey Venom GT, which was launched in 2010. Yes, the light weight supercar able to run very fast to a top speed of 300 kph.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 will be an early example of the aerodynamic development of the latest cars from the Hennessey brand. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

No wonder if the company's founder, John Hennessey, claimed that his company newest hypercar is not only for achieving the highest top speed in the world, but also offers the unbeatable driving pleasure. He also said that this car will only produce 24 units, of which 12 units have been sold to consumers.

Furthermore, the owner of the American automotive company also confirmed that the Hennessey Venom F5 will be an early example of the aerodynamic development of the latest cars from the Hennessey brand. "It's just, that there's will be nothing comparable to the performance of the Venom F5," said John Hennessey.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5's interior itself looks luxurious thanks to the use of Alcantara leather combined with carbon fiber sport seats. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

Hennessey Venom F5 will of course face to face the Buggati Chiron Super Sport, Koenigsegg Agera RS and SSC Tuatara. As we all know, the three hypercars are competed to make record-breaking for the world's fastest cars, especially the SSC Tuatara, which recently broke the world's speed record of up to 508 kph.

Talking about the chassis, the entire body of the Venom F5 is made of carbon fiber with a monocoque concept. As a result the weight of the chassis is only 86 kg. Regarding to its design, this car emphasizes aerodynamics thanks to the use of a lower spoiler, so this hypercar has a drag coefficient of only 0.39 Cd.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 uses a F1 adopted steering wheel with a 7-inch instrument cluster inspired by fighter jet. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M1ycgt)

In terms of the interior, the steering wheel itself is adopted to the F1 model with a 7-inch instrument cluster inspired by fighter jet. Of course, the interior itself looks luxurious thanks to the use of Alcantara leather combined with carbon fiber sport seats. The head unit already features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 is powered by a V8 Twin-Turbo engine with a capacity of 6,600 cc which can generate power up to 1,817 hp with a torque of 1,617 Nm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

Speaking of its performance, the Hennessey Venom F5 is powered by a V8 Twin-Turbo engine with a capacity of 6,600 cc which can generate power up to 1,817 hp with a torque of 1,617 Nm. From the first test results, this Hennessey hypercar can accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 2.6 seconds, while 0-299 kph is complete in just 8.4 seconds. The performance results are certainly faster than F1 racing cars, and it can be achieved thanks to the Venom F5 weighs only 1,360 kg.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 is only produced 29 units of which 12 units have been sold to consumers with a price of the US. $2.1 million or the equivalent of Rp.29.7 billion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

Then its legs, double wishbone model suspension with Penske coilover alerts. In order to compensate for performance, the Brembo's braking disc brakes made from carbon as standard are juxtaposed with the AP Racing calipers. In standard conditions, the hypercar has 5 driving modes, namely Sport, Track, Drag, Wet, and F5.

Not stopped in here and satisfied with these results, Hennessey plans to test the Venom F5's performance for the second time in early 2021 at the NASA special facility in Florida, United States with the test track has a length of 3.2 miles or the equivalent of 4.9 km. Talking about the price, the Hennessey's newest hypercar is priced at the US. $2.1 million or the equivalent of Rp.29.7 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HENNESSEY SPECIAL VEHICLES | LIFESTYLEASIA.COM ]

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Lamborghini SC20, a sexy road-legal speedster with 760 horsepower

Recently a newest Lamborghini's special supercar had been launched, and it's made by Squadra Corse, a special racing purposed car division of those raging bull logoed manufacturer. The Italian supercar manufacturer said that its newest supercar is a direct derivative of the long life cycle model of Lamborghini Aventador, which is first launched in 2011.

The Lamborghini SC20 is the second one-off model made by the automaker's motorsports team, Squadra Corse in the 2020. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

As all know, one of the first derivatives of mentioned legendary model was the Lamborghini Aventador J, the one-off roadster made in 2012. Continued, the Aventador J then gave the spirit to Lamborghini's Squadra Corse nine years later to launched the Lamborghini SC20 Speedster.

Furthermore the Lamborghini's Squadra Corse also said that the source of inspiration for the manufacture of this supercar did not only come from the Lamborghini Aventador J, but also from the Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, Lamborghini Veneno Roadster, and Lamborghini Concept S based on the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Lamborghini SC20 was commissioned by a single unnamed customer, and Lamborghini didn't say how much it cost. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

And the result is truly extraordinary, a state-of-the-art supercar that is legal for use on the road, including with a contrasting appearance when compared to the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12  launched earlier this year by the same team as the coupe model, and it specially made for running at the racing tracks only. The Lamborghini SC20 is also a follow-up to its predecessor, the Lamborghini SC18 Alston.

The Lamborghini SC20 is a combination of advanced engineering, the Italian craftsmanship, sporty styling and sophisticated design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

Therefore, the latest Italian's raging bull 760 horsepower speedster species will go down in history as the first car with an engine from the Squadra Corse specifically developed outside the world of motorsport.

"The SC20 is a combination of advanced engineering, the Italian craftsmanship, sporty styling and sophisticated design. It is also an example of applying our latest V12 engine and carbon fiber technologies to a radical open-top vehicle that ready carries Lamborghini's DNA," said Lamborghini CTO Maurizio Reggiani.

The Lamborghini SC20's interior is predominantly dark with a combination of black, blue and white, and the seat also uses carbon fiber upholstered in Alcantara and genuine leather. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

As quoted from Carscoops, the Lamborghini SC20 speedster carries a 6.5 liter V12 engine, which produces a peak power of around 760 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 720 Nm at 6,750 rpm. The power of the engine is channeled via all four wheels (in sized of 20 inches front and 21 inches rear) by using an optimized seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox and electronic differential.

The speedster's entire body is wrapped in carbon fiber material, which makes its weight could be lower significantly. Compared to other variants, the Lamborghini SC20 speedster looks more frightening with an open roof model. Then the line designs scrathed on this car body are quite extreme.

The Lamborghini SC20 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 engine, which produces a peak power of around 760 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 720 Nm at 6,750 rpm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

It could be seen on the hood is inspired by the Huracan GT3 EVO, while on the sides sculpted resemble the Essenza SCV12. And it seems to us that the taillight cluster looks like it's Countach-inspired albeit a bit thinner. While, at the rear also there's an adjusted carbon fibered modest wing that can be set in three different positions: low, medium and high load.

The Lamborghini SC20 gets a white finish, with contrasting blue hues on the exterior. While the interior is predominantly dark with a combination of black, blue and white. The seat of this car also uses carbon fiber upholstered in Alcantara and genuine leather.

The Sant'Agata Bolognese based Italian manufacturer built the one-off Lamborghini SC20 project was commissioned by an unnamed customer, and also did not mention how much it would cost to build it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBORGHINI | BUSINESS INSIDER | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1 ]

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The unseen before of Porsche 551 Street Vision Spyder concept car

We were continuing to discuss concept cars that have never been presented by the German manufacturer Porsche. Apart from the Porsche 919 Street which is a road-legal version concept car of the Porsche 919 Hybrid, it turns out that the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer still has other concept cars inspired by their other legendary racing cars.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

This time, the German manufacturer is trying to take inspiration from their legendary racing car, the Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder which had participated and succeded in various racing events in the 1950s (precisely 1954). And then here's born a concept car called the Porsche 551 Vision Spyder in the form of 1:1 scaled model. As a concept car, it was first initiated in 2012 also has the same fate as the 919 Street concept  car figure, which has never been shown off to the public.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

The Porsche Vision Spyder has an exterior design that is completely different from the Porsche-made existing lineups. On the front, you won't see the circular headlamps that could be saw in the 911 or 718 models. The Porsche designer team affixed the headlights in a rectangular shape. In order for this concept car to look more aggressive and sporty like a real racing car, the German manufacturer added a gaping-wide air intakes, cooling ducts for the brakes, and two red tow hooks.

Porsche 551 Vision Spyder concept born in 2019 and inspired of the legendary Porsche 550-1500 RS Spyder racing car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIaEK4)

To give the impression of a naughty speedster as its slogan 'Little Rebel', Porsche added a small-sized windshield. This concept car is also equipped with a roll bar which of course functions as a security system. The roll bar also makes the Porsche 551 Vision Spyder look even more boxy. Meanwhile for the rear, the taillights carry the current Porsche characteristic of a thin horizontal line.

Don't expect any futuristic interior design in this car. Because Porsche only presents a pair of bucket racing seats and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. Even though it will not enter the production line, the Stuttgart-based manufacturer said the Porsche Vision Spyder concept design could be the key to creating an innovative and timeless its future sports car designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]

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