Let's FLY In modern times like today, efforts to realize the human desire to fly, especially by using a car, are not something extraordinary, because many companies from all over the world have done it. And some time ago we had ever talked about the Aeromobil, a flying car developed by a Slovakian inventor named Stefan Klein.
AirCar, a dual-mode car-aircraft vehicle is developed by a Slovakian company named Klein Vision. (Picture from: BBC)
As reported by CNN, recently there's flying car called the AirCar Prototype 1 has completed its first intercity test flight of the same Slovakian inventor. This future flying car was designed and developed through his company, KleinVision, by using four wheels, propellers and the unique foldable wings with the switchblade-style.
Slovakian company Klein Vision's flying car AirCar Prototype 1 is seen at the airport in Bratislava, Slovakia June 28, 2021. (Picture from: NewYork Post)
Not only that, the Slovakian flying car also has a telescopic tail that allows the car to turn into a 'land jet' in just three minutes. As reported by the New York Post, Stefan Klein, the Slovakian AirCar inventor and CEO of Klein Vision as well, said in the trials the sophisticated flying car was successful in running on two-mode experiment (it can drive on downtown roads after flying).
The AirCar Prototype 1 seen while on the road after its successfully maiden intercity flight test in June 28, 2021. (Picture from: BBC)
Reportedly, the vehicle had carried out 142 flight tests and this time, it traveled as far as (8,200 feet or about 2,500 meters) from the international airport in Nitra to the international airport in Bratislava by total flight time about 35 minutes in the air. The
AirCar uses a 160 hp BMW engine and has a top airspeed of 118 mph. In
the future it will be upgraded to a 300 hp engine which is claimed to be
capable of run up to 186 mph.
Reportedly, in the future the Slovakian company is would be developing a 3-4 seater and amphibious models that can take off or land on the water surfaces. Unfortunately, the pricing has not been announced yet, but the cost of the prototype development was over US$ 2.3 million or around Rp.33 billion.
Considering the high price, in our opinion, it would be better if sophisticated vehicles such as the AirCar were projected to be used as the public transportation facilities that could be accessed by anyone like a taxi is used today. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SORCES | KLEINVISION | CNN | NEWYORK POST | BBC ]
UniqueONES We are still in the era of the 1960s to 1970s, as we all know that's a time span that has been noted for giving birth to many sportscars, muscle cars even supercars which were specially built in a unique and beautiful form by the automaker companies, included the other world's automotive players such many independent institutes and even individuals who loves the cars at the time.
1970 AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III concept car built by Bizzarrini SPa. based on the design made by the AMC's in-house designer under Dick Teague. (Picture from: Eideiblog)
And the concept car that we are going to talk about this time is a gorgeous car that was made by Bizzarrini Spa, an Italian coachbuilder company in 1970 for an American automotive company AMC called AMC AMX/3 (alternate spelling: AMX III) concept. The AMX name originates from the "American Motors experimental"
code used on a concept vehicle and then on two prototypes shown on the
company's "Project IV" automobile show tour in 1966. One was a fiberglass two-seat "AMX", and the other was a four-seat "AMX
II". Both of these radically styled offerings reflected the company's
strategy to shed its "economy car" image and appeal to a more youthful,
performance-oriented market.
Most of the AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III concept car is powered a mid-mounted AMC 390 V8 engine, which produced 340 horsepower and sent its power to the ground via an Italian-made 4-speed transaxle and others received AMC's lesser 360 V8. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
As discussed in the previous article, that the AMX's
starting point came when American Motors hired Dick Teague as assistant
design director in 1959. Three years later he became vice president of
Automotive Styling and since then a new era has begun at the company. At
the time Teague's job is to transform American Motors from being a
small economy car builder to more broad-scale one, so that it could
compete with the Detroit's Big Three (Ford, GM, and Chrysler).
1970 AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III is intended to be competed against some of Europe's finest exotics, packing a massive American V-8 and stunning looks. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
And the AMX/3 concept car was built shortly after the AMC's in-house designer team mid-engined mockup called AMC AMX/2 was completed and proposed it to convince the AMC's top management of the idea to actually build a mid-engined sports car. In the process, they insisted on asking for another design that could be used as a comparison. At the same time, Giorgetto Giugiaro was the hottest automotive designer at the time, and AMC's top management asked Dick Teague to make some kind of a design competition between the AMC's in-house designer team under Teague and Giorgetto Giugiaro.
The result test on the 2nd prototype of the AMC AMX/3 or AMC AMX III is concluded that the car had a 50 percent higher stiffness compared to one of the Mercedes-Benz models. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
In short, in March 1968 Dick Teague and team went to the Geneva Auto Show to meet Giorgetto Giugiaro and to ask him for a car's design proposal. For this important competition, Dick Teague's designer team (consisting Bob Nixon, Jack Kenitz, Eric Kugler, Dick Jones and Gary Guichard plus clay modelers Chuck Hosper, Keith Goodnough, and Howard Clark) decided to present the AMX/2's improved design, later called the AMX/3.
The first AMC AMX/3 Prototype shown at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Rosemont, Illinois, and bound for restoration after sitting for nearly 50 years back in the 2019. (Picture from: TheDrive)
Meanwhile, in November 1968 the Italian automotive designer arrived at the AMC headquarter and presented a rather crude Styrofoam proposal. Seeing this we can understand why Giorgetto Giugiaro only brought that, maybe because of time constraints or he also realized right away that for Dick Teague he was never supposed to be more than a token contender. And for sure, the Giugiaro’s design proposal lost spectacularly against a fully developed fiberglass mock up of the AMC's in-house designer team.
The
AMC AMX/3 prototype number 4 shown at the at the 2016 Pebble Beach Concours and took top honors in the Bizzarrini class. (Picture from: GJLTronMedia)
As quoted of Hemmings, this is where the Italian designer's involvement ends, but his company ItalDesign remains involved in the AMX/3 engineering. At almost the same time as the design competition, turns out that AMC also was looking for ways to outsource for the engineering and production of its new car. Actually the prime candidate for the engineering and production work is Wilhelm Karmann GmbH, a Osnabrück, Germany based coachbuilder company who since 1968 had been assembling CKD (completely knock down) kits of the AMC Javelins for European distribution.
The
AMC AMX/3 mid-engine concept car was created by one of the best automotive design and engineering teams ever. (Picture from: GJLTronMedia)
However, this was declined by BMW, who was the AMC's partner in the other development projects due to they considered the mentioned company lack of sources and estimated need about 30 to 32 engineers for one year (some sources said, the AMX/3 concept even given an internal BMW's code as the E18). Instead, upon recommendation of Renzo Carli (managing director and son-in-law of Pininfarina), Giotto Bizzarrini was commissioned by AMC to do the basic engineering in late November/early December 1968 (later the prototype known also Bizzarrini Sciabola).
The
AMC AMX/3 mid-engine design used a steel body powered by a 390 cubic inch 340-horsepower V8 engine mated to an Italian-made OTO Melara five-speed transaxle. (Picture from: GJLTronMedia)
The first prototype finished and sent to BMW for test on June 1969. BMW engineers initially found the frame (of the tested prototype No. 1) much too weak and flexible. After improvements were made and incorporated in the next prototype, a final test report, dated December 5, 1969, on the torsional rigidity “of prototype No. 2” noted that the AMX/3 had a 50 percent higher stiffness compared to one of the Mercedes-Benz models.
Most of the AMX/3s were powered by a mid-mounted AMC 390 V8 engine, which produced 340 horsepower and sent its power to the ground via OTO Melara, an Italian-made five-speed transaxle and others received AMC's lesser 360 V8. The AMC AMX/3 concept car has a weighing of 3,000 lbs, that stiffness didn't come at a cost. The car was deemed to be good enough if we only look at its appearence. But to enter the company's production line, it seems that AMC should be thought twice and rack their brains hardly, because the AMX/3 will be too expensive to compete with the DeTomaso Pantera that is already rolling on the streets. Therefore, the project was canned in 1970 due to the financial difficulties.
Today, the few prototypes made are extremely desirable, and only five of the seven are in private owner hands. Two of the other cars (nine actual frames/chassis were built) do not have original AMX/3 bodywork. As qouted of The Drive, the AMC enthusiasts still keep track of all of the cars and it's likely one of them who bought this car for the massive six-figure sum previously mentioned. After all, $400,000 is a tremendous amount of money, but for some, it's a small price to pay for a piece of American automotive history.*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | EIDEIBLOG | THE DRIVE | HEMMINGS.COM | BANGSHIFTS | GEARPATROL | MOTORTREND | AUTO YAHOO | CARTHROTTLE | ROADANDTRACK ]
Rare ONES When talking about Monteverdi, a Binningen, Swiss based automotive company, of course it cannot be separated from the figure of its founder Peter Monteverdi. According to BDMClassiccars, this Switzerland gentlemen is constructed his first car when he was 17 years old. While still in his early twenties, he also formed his own racing team, MBM (Monteverdi Binningen Motors), and successfully competed in many international events, by piloting his own cars as well. But his racing career ended after he experienced a near fatal crash in the Formula 1 racing event, while drove his Porsche engined MBM's racing car.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is the second car with the bodywork designed by Trevor Fiore. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
In the early sixties, Monteverdi developed a very successful automotive dealership business by distributing Ferraris, Lancia, BMW and Rolls Royce. However, following a disagreement with Enzo Ferrari, at age 33, he decided to design and build his own Gran Turismo. The Hai (mid-mounted supercar) is one of several Monteverdi models owned by the world's automotive enthusiast over the years including the first GT car, the 2 seater 375S, the second series 2 seater, the 375SS, 375L (2+2), and the 4 door sedans, the 375/4 and Sierra. Peter Monteverdi died in 1998 at age 65 years.
1970
Monteverdi Hai 375S is the first 2-seater GT car is designed and bodied
by Carrozzeria Fissore for Monteverdi, it also known as the first car
used the unique name of Hai. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
As the Hai known as one of the most renowned sportscar produced by Monteverdi back in the 1970s. The first model is shown at at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show and managed to grab a great success. This particular prototype car is built intended to be a show car with the bodywork designed by Trevor Fiore, an automotive designer who worked for an Italian coachbuilder called Carrozzeria Fissore, and initially only 2 cars were ever made.
Peter Monteverdi is posed along with 1970
Monteverdi Hai 450SS while attending at at the
1970 Geneva Auto Show. (Picture from: Monteverdi)
Regarding to its Hai unique name attached on these sportscars intended to be some kind of greeting (halo or hi) to draw people attention on the mentioned car. The name used on the first car #101 known as the Monteverdi 375 S.😀 While the second car #102 called the Monteverdi 450 SS had a slightly longer wheelbase. Today known there are a total of 4 Hai’s.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is shown for the first time to public at at the 1970 Geneva Auto Show and managed to grab a great success. (Picture from: BDMClassicCars)
Although Monteverdi received many requests for Hai’s, he refused to build them, believing them to be too powerful for the inexperienced driver. The Hai had a claimed top speed of 180 mph, meanwhile Automobile Quarterly magazine noted the Hai could be achieved 176 mph before running out of road, while Road Test magazine recorded its acceleration performance of 0-60 in 4.7 secs.
Inside of the 1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS has the dashboard and center console featured with the original Behr A/C vents, Blaupunkt Koln radio, original gearshift knob, steering wheel and horn button. (Picture from: BDMClassicCars)
The original two plus two more built by Monteverdi in the early 1990’s from left over parts. Of the 4 cars, this is the only example outside the Monteverdi museum where the other 3 are housed. It is also the only example with the "Hemi" engine.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is powered by a mid-mounted 7 liter V8 Hemi engine couple with 4-speed manual gearbox, which claimed able to be driven up to a top speed of 180 mph. (Picture from: BDMClassicCars)
The Hai was restored in 2006 back to its original 1970 Geneva Auto Show exterior color scheme of "Purple Smoke" (as originally described by Peter Monteverdi and also found underneath more recent resprays) and chrome windshield and side glass moldings.
1970 Monteverdi Hai 450SS is wore its original 1970 Geneva Auto Show exterior color scheme of "Purple Smoke" (as originally described by Peter Monteverdi and also found underneath more recent resprays) and chrome windshield and side glass moldings. (Picture from: Coachbuild)
The interior was returned to off-white door panels with chrome embellishment strips and black armrests, black engine cover (and surrounding panels) and black carpets. The dash and center console were returned to their original configuration with the installation of the original Behr A/C vents, Blaupunkt Koln radio, original gearshift knob, steering wheel and horn button.
The Hai sportscar has been shown at Pebble Beach twice: 1989 and again in 2006 placing 3rd in the "Mid Engined Show Cars, Prototypes & Concept Cars" class. Both Pebble Beach color schemes are shown here: copper metallic with tan interior in 1989 and "purple smoke" with white and black interior in 2006" *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MONTEVERDI | BDMCLASSICCARS | COACHBUILD ]
Rare ONES Many Ferrari products have succeeded in becoming part of the world's high-performance sports cars history, one of which is the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, but it only lasted from 1966 to 1968. Ferrari felt need to maintain the momentum at the time, then the company to create a new sportscar has a similar DNA to the 275 GTB/4 is powered by a V12 front-mounted engine later named the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona'.
1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is a two-seater gran tourer to continue the legacy of its predecessor Ferrari 275 GTB/4. (Picture from: Motoris)
In short, then the prancing horse logoed auto manufacturer colaborated with Pininfarina to develop a new V12-engined sportscar model. Then the coachbuilder based in Turin appointed one of its designers named Leonardo Fioravanti to design the new car. As time goes by, some early prototypes apply the front of the 275 GTB/4 that has been modified to make the car look tapered and angled.
Not to forget the Plexiglass panel behind which there are headlights, its position connects to the side and blends with the indicator light. But according to the new US safety regulations prohibiting headlights behind covers so then in 1971, Ferrari replaced it by pinning the twin retractable pop-up headlights.
1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is designed by Pininfarina and has a physique such a muscle car. (Picture from: Motoris)
As the result, this car has a more aggressive appearance than the 275 GTB/4, through a physical form that is long, wide, and has sharp angles. Especially the front which resembles the snout of a shark. The long and wide front hood is also equipped with a pair of large air holes that function to channel hot air from the engine cabin.
Furthermore in design, Pininfarina deliberately does not want to 'contaminate' its body by pinning too many air holes, due to they think that if the body is too 'crowded' it will have an impact on its age which will look worn out quickly. The body shape flows down to the rear is applied the Kamm-tail-style complemented by Ferrari's typical circular taillights.
The cabin of the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' looks very nice with a quite simple design and also has a dashboard covered by special layer called mousehair. (Picture from: Motoris)
After the Pininfarina's design work was done and got an approval of 'Il Commendatore' Enzo Ferrari, then to build the car bodywork was handed over to Carrozzeria Scaglietti in Modena. Most of the car's body components are made of ferrous metal, while certain parts such as doors, hood, and trunk hood are made of aluminum.
Then the body is placed on a chassis with a wheelbase sized of 2,400 mm with the construction uses a sub-structure, cross-bracing, and a large oval main tube. All of this is intended to support the body and various other components. Then the car's legs use a five-spoke designed rim model featured with a Rudge knock-off spinner lock.
1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 aka 'Daytona' is powered by a dual overhead camshaft V12 Tipo 251/C engine with maximum power of 352 hp, and could be upgraded to spew of 380 hp. (Picture from: OtoBlirz)
The interior looks very nice, although the design is quite simple. However, this simplicity is harmoniously combined with the level of luxury presented through the Connolly leather material on the seats and door trim, as well as a special wooden steering wheel. On the dashboard, there's a layer called mousehair is deliberately used that does not dazzle the eyes of the driver and passengers.
Then the car's engine is proved to be able to compensate for its physical beauty. If the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 carries a V12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo with a capacity of 3.3 liters, then the 365 GTB/4 uses a dual overhead camshaft V12 Tipo 251/C engine that has been refined and has a capacity of 4.4 liters.
Ferrari 'Daytona' had won an unofficial racing event called the Cannonball Baker Sea-To-Shining-Sea Memorial Trophy Dash of 1971 by traveled as far as 4,628 km from New York to Los Angeles. (Picture from: Motoris)
While the car lubrication system applies dry-sump technology like one on the racing car. By the fuel supply supported by 6 Weber 40 DCN carburetors to make the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 engine able to spew a maximum power of 352 hp. If the performance of the 365 GTB/4's standard engine is considered not suffice enough by the clients, so the Servizio Assistenza Clienti division will help them to upgrade the engine to be able to spew more ferocious power up to 380 hp.
The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 aka 'Daytona Spyder' is a convertible variant produced from 1971 to 1973. (Picture from: Hagerty)
This engine is coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission with a rear axle (transaxle), through the axle in the torque tube. This layout is similar to that applied on the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, its predecessor, and is capable of producing a good weight distribution. Meanwhile, the front suspension uses a wishbone and independent rear suspension, ensuring the 365 GTB/4 has steady control at high speeds.
With that much engine power, the 365 GTB/4 is able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 5.3 seconds before reaching a top speed of 280 kph. So it is not surprising, if the car had become the fastest production car at that time. The
options offered by Ferrari for its 365 GTB/4 were 'minimal', namely: AC
devices, radios by Voxson and Blaupunkt, the Borrani's chrome-plated
rims are wider than standard ones, and front fascia protectors.
After being considered satisfactory in terms of design and the car's completeness, then the Maranello-based premium car manufacturer introduced its Ferrari 365 GTB/4 at the Paris Auto Salon, October 1968. At the event, Ferrari got was unexpected reactions, it turned out that many people who attended at the time really admired the car. The Ferrari 365 GTB/4 was produced by the Maranello-based manufacturer from 1968 to 1973 with a total production of 1,284 units, and from 1971 to 1973 the company also produced 122 unit of the Ferrari GTS/4 (spyder variant).
The Ferrari's phenomenal victory moment at the 1967 Daytona 24-Hour Race, by sweeping the 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place in the podium. (Picture from: SportsCarDigest)
Then what about its 'Daytona' nickname which is always synonymous with this 365 GTB/4? Actually, the nickname was given by a number of automotive media journalists, when this car was shown at the 1968 Paris Auto Salon. The reason for the nickname Daytona was related to the Ferrari's phenomenal victory at the 1967 Daytona 24-Hour Race, by sweeping the 1st place, 2nd place, and 3rd place winner. Although, Daytona is the unofficial name, but it seems the Italian automaker does not mind if its 365 GTB/4 wore the nickname.😐 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | WIKIPEDIA | SPORTSCARDIGEST ]
SuperBEAST Fierce and savage, maybe that's the first impression when you see the latest hypercar from the French company Peugeot. How not, the followed low-slung hypercar called the Peugeot 9X8 planed to fight at the FIA's World Endurance Championship 2022 for Peugeot. It will fight fiercely with other race cars like the Toyota GR Super Sport when it reaches the grid in 2022. While its unique name is taken from one of the Peugeot's legendary racing cars such as the 905 which had won the Le Mans 24-Hours of 1992 and 1993.
Peugeot 9X8 hypercar is prepared by French company to race in the FIA's World Endurance Championsip 2022. (Picture from: CarWow)
If we pay close attention, the fierce impression is clearly visible from its appearance starting from the claw-like headlight and taillight design, besides that the 9X8 also features the company's lion head logo that lights up on the nose and sides. While deep air intakes and large side scoops are standard hypercar fare, uniquely you wouldn't find a large wing at rear and that's perhaps the most striking design element of it.
Peugeot 9X8 hypercar is powered by hybrid system which consists of a rear-mounted 2.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine capable of spewing power
around 680 hp and a front-mounted 200kW (272hp) electric motor. (Picture from: CarWow)
However the French auto company was reluctant to comment further, regarding the Peugeot's designers success removed the rear wing features while maintaining the required downforce and aerodynamic efficiency by simply saying that they intend to keep the secret of this innovation for themselves as long possible, as stated by Stellantis Motorsport Director, Jean-Marc Finot.
Peugeot 9X8 hypercar has a minimalist interior, with race seats, roll cage and clean dash, due to the dials and digital displays and everything is already attached digitally
in the steering. (Picture from: CarWow)
The Peugeout 9X8's fierce exterior layered by Selenium Grey and contrasting Kryptonite acid green/yellow highlights on the interior, these are a typical livery of the Peugeot Sport Engineered as you can be seen on models like the new 508.
This is a typical livery of the Peugeot Sport Engineered as you can be seen on models like the new 508. (Picture from: CarWow)
Since it's built as the racing-purposed cars hence have a rather minimalist interior, only filled with race seats, roll cage and there's no dash which usually full of dials and digital displays such as on the other race car cabins, but in the Peugeot 9X8 everything is already attached digitally in the steering, so allowing the driver to stay focused on one point while on driving.
The hybrid system of the Peugeot 9X8 hypercaris then paired with a 900-volt battery packages and a seven-speed sequential gearbox. (Picture from: CarWow)
For the drivetrain, the Peugeot's hypercar applies a hybrid drive system consisting of a rear-mounted 2.6-liter twin-turbo V6 engine capable of spewing power around 680 hp and a front-mounted 200kW (272hp) electric motor. The hybrid system is then paired with a 900-volt battery packages and a seven-speed sequential gearbox (which is said in the final stages of development) to make Peugeot 9X8 run faster on the tracks.
As per racing regulations, the total output of both power sources will be limited to just 670 hp through various softwares and hardwares. This will help to ensure tight and fair races on track while still giving more leeway to the engineers in developing more innovative powertrain technologies. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARWOW ]
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Reportedly, in the future the Slovakian company is would be developing a 3-4 seater and amphibious models that can take off or land on the water surfaces. Unfortunately, the pricing has not been announced yet, but the cost of the prototype development was over US$ 2.3 million or around Rp.33 billion.
