Lotus M200 what a unique speedster ever made

Ball of the Year Lotus Cars, a British car manufacturer has a long history and rich in a continuous range of forward-thinking concept cars which also had demonstrated the extensive capabilities of the Hethel-based manufacturer in all aspects of automotive engineering. One of them is the one-off Lotus M200 concept car, this unique car was first presented as a speedster version of the Lotus Elan M100 and debuted at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show which was later shown again at other major international auto exhibitions such as the 1992 Geneva Salon de l'Automobile aka Geneve Motor Show.

1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is presented as a unique and distinctive two-seater Lotus that is sure to attract attention wherever it appears. (Picture from: FWD)

As we all know, that its predecessor, the Lotus Elan M100, also known as the Lotus' first front-wheel drive vehicle, had the structural strength of lightweight fiberglass attached to a steel-reinforced back chassis which was designed by Peter Stevens. The sportscar with its distinctive new body shape proved to be highly aerodynamically effective, and when it was unveiled at the 1989 London Motor Fair, it won important awards from the British Design Council and by 1992 more than 3,800 units had been built and sold.

The Lotus M200 speedster concept built based if such this 1991 Lotus M100 Elan. (Picture from: Klassiekerweb)

Meanwhile, the M200, which was initially offered as a speedster version of the M100, was designed by Julian Thompson, who is also known later as the Lotus Elise designer. At that time, this unique M200 speedster was predicted to be a true best seller with a design that presented the most attractive prospects with a simple airflow deflector instead of a real windshield, with the driver and passenger cockpits that were intentionally separated, then there's a large rear wing and fared-in headlight positions replacing the retractable style of the M100 production model.

1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept has a simple airflow deflector instead of a real windshield, with the driver and passenger cockpits that were intentionally separated, a large rear wing and fared-in headlight positions replacing the retractable style of the M100 production model. (Picture from: Bonhams)

Julian Thompson designed this interesting little concept car as a niche "for true fans" but his original intention was "to show the Lotus' top brass how to move on from the Elan". The unique windshield inspiration comes from the design of the Formula 1 Ferrari 312B, and it's also mentioned that the M200's design also explores the use of larger wheels. It is known that the car project started in 1988-89 and does not appear to be finished after eighteen months of work.

 

In short, the Lotus M200 is built on the basis of a blue-colored Lotus Elan returned by customers. Had a few minor difficulties that were later fixed, when David Brisbourne designed its surprising interior and Russell Carr detailed the exterior treatments. Starting from the interior fabrics chosen from the "a lady's swimsuit" to the very hasty assembly that the results were far from satisfactory, and this was also recognized by Julian Thompson when he first saw the M200.

1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept has a stunning interior fabric chosen from the "a lady's swimsuit". (Picture from: Bonhams)

Upon completion, the car was later loaned by Lotus to the British Automobile Association (AA) as an attention-grabbing promotional and marketing showpiece, during the time, it suffered some indignity and began to deteriorate cosmetically. The Lotus M200 was eventually offered for sale by auction at Silverstone where it was bought by a Lotus dealer named Paul Matty.

1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is powered by the same engine as the Lotus M100 Elan, which is a 1,588 cc double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine. (Picture from: Bonhams)

Shortly after, the designer met and talked about the show car (reffered to his M200 speedster design) with Olav Glasius, a world-famous Lotus fan and collector who enjoys art very much as well. As a result, he managed to convince Glasius of the ingenuity and intelligence contained in the design of this concept car so that finally Olav Glasius willing to bring it from Paul Matty.

Then he commissioned Ken and Neil Myers in England to restore and repaint the car to its present state. And through the Myers' magic hand touches, they were able to finish it as a running car and registered legal to drive on the British roads. This unique car is powered by the same engine as the Lotus M100 Elan, which is a 1,588 cc double overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16-valve engine.

1991 Lotus M200 speedster concept is equipped with the Lotus Active rear-steer, engine cam-profile technology (Lotus Variable Valve Actuation) and many others. (Picture from: Bonhams)

Now the car is presented as a unique and distinctive two-seater Lotus that is sure to attract attention wherever it appears and is introduced as the the M200 'Concept Vehicle', which is equipped with the Lotus Active rear-steer, engine cam-profile technology (Lotus Variable Valve Actuation) and many others. In its excellent condition the M200 has survived to this day as a beautifully presented and delightful product for its time, which can now be used legally on the streets.

As qouted of Bonhams, it was offered in the Bonhams Auction back in the 2012 with estimated price of £80,000 - £120,000. Wanna buy it Or might be you wanna see the similar kind of vehicle if it came out of the Italian Bull cage? Here's the one and the only, the Lamborghini Concept S. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS | BONHAMS | FWD | ]

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The newest American Corvette C8 Z06 released with many interesting updates

New American SuperBeast There is not a single automotive enthusiast in the world who does not know the American fast car called the Corvette. Well, this legendary American muscle car continues to be developed by its maker Chevrolet (one of the auto brands under the General Motors) to this day. And recently (on October 26, 2021) Chevrolet has launched the latest variant of the Corvette C8 generation to continue the Z06 badge performance tradition whose its history can be traced back to 1963.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants including an elegant coupe with removable roof panel (right), spyder with retractable hardtop (middle) the race track version (left) and all will be on sale start in 2023. (Picture from: Motor1)

The new Corvette C8 Z06 said as a full breakdown of the new American sports car, "The new Corvette defines an American supercar, it builds on the dynamics and design of the mid-engined Corvette signature to deliver pure track capability and world-class performance," said Mark Reuss, President of General Motors at the car debut event.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 Coupe versions with removable roof panel. (Picture from: Motor1)

There's very interesting thing, this new Corvette C8 seems to return to its original "feel" which uses a V8 naturally aspirated engine that is different from the previous Corvette variants. Why is that, because its LT6 coded engine no longer has supercharger like one pinned on the  previous generation Corvette C7 Z06.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 Spyder versions with retractable hardtop. (Picture from: Motor1)

Furthermore, the latest Corvette Z06 engine also said has left the tradition of the American-style V8 engine with the adoption of several technologies from European supercar engines. It can be seen on its inniard components, where the LT6 engine uses a flat-plane crankshaft rather than a cross-plane like the previous LT2. For your information, the flat-plane crankshaft has a design like an in-line engine crankshaft, while the cross-plane design looks like a cross mark.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants seems to return to its original "feel" which uses the new V8 naturally aspirated LT6 engine. (Picture from: Motor1)

As quoted of MotorTrend, a V8 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft has more balanced combustion characteristics than a cross-plane. Thanks to balanced combustion, exhaust gases from the cylinders can be released more optimally and do not require a complicated exhaust system. In the Corvette Z06, the automaker provides the LT6's exhaust system with a 4-2-1 header to optimize performance.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants provided a few extra touches in the cockpit, primarily with carbon-fiber trim packages and also another new interior trim options. (Picture from: Motor1)

In addition to optimal the exhaust system, the flat-plane V8 engine has lighter components so it doesn't require large counterweights. This means, the engine can spin faster and able to achieve a higher engine speed from the cross-plane ones. In order to support its high speed rotation, flat-plane V8 engines are generally provided with the Dual-Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) system.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants provided the larger 6-piston calipers brake system, new 20-inch front and 21-inch rear rims wraped with standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires. (Picture from: Motor1)

Furthermore, the new Corvette C8 Z06 specification data states that its 5,500 cc LT6 engine capable spewing peak power of 680 hp @ 8,400 rpm and 623 Nm of torque @ 6,300 rpm. So no wonder then the American manufacturer also claimed that the LT6 engine was the most powerful V8 naturally aspirated engine ever made.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 variants also equipped with an advanced suspension technology called Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which actively adapts the shock absorber to driving conditions. (Picture from: Motor1)

When compared to the LT2 engine, the LT6 produces 7 Nm less torque but 183 hp more power and able to spin up to 8,600 rpm. Those engine power and torque are sent to the rear wheels through the Tremec's 8-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).

Considering that the newest C8 Z06 variant is designed to have good track performance, Chevrolet embeds an advanced suspension technology called Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which actively adapts the shock absorber to driving conditions. This suspension relies on a fluid that interacts with a magnet to adjust the shock absorber's hardness level dynamically.

The new Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 production will begin in the summer of 2022, but unfortonately there's no official pricing info available for all these new variants. (Picture from: Motor1)

In addition to the Magnetic Ride Control suspension system, the automaker has also equipped the new Z06 with changes to other elements such as larger 6-piston calipers brake system, new 20-inch front and 21-inch rear rims wraped with standard Michelin Pilot Sport 4S ZP tires. So it can be ascertained that this new Corvette Z06 variant can run steadily on the roads or circuits.

As you can see of the circulated pictures on internet, the new Corvette C8 Z06 are available in several standard configurations, as an elegant coupe with removable roof panel, spyder with retractable hardtop (as revealed in the video above) and the race track car versions. The new Z06 production will begin in the summer of 2022, but unfortonately there's no official pricing info available for all these new Corvette variants (it will be announced closer to its on-sale date).😯 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CHEVROLET  | MOTOR1 | CARANDDRIVER | MOTORTREND ]

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Dallara finally built their own car

Finally..... After only producing single-seater and sports car racing engines since 1972, the world's racing lovers certainly know the figure of Dallara Automobili. They are the rulers of Formula 3 and the sole supplier of the American IndyCar arena, the Super Formula Japan, up to F2 racing events.

All-new Dallara Stradale. (Picture from: Modifikasi)

Dallara also became one of the LMP2's four official constructors, whose raced with the Dallara P217. In the IMSA arena, Cadillac DPi-V.R built based on Dallara P217 is always dominates the race sessions and is almost unbeatable.

As a vendor, Dallara's reputation is also indisputable. In the sports car racetrack, these constructor company founded by Giampaolo Dallara is involved in manufacturing of Lancia LC1 and LC2, Ferrari 333 SP, Toyota GT-One, Chrysler LMP1 and various generations of Audi LMP1. Their latest project is BR1 LMP1 performed at the 2018/2019 FIA ​​World Endurance Championship.

BR1 LMP1, made by Dallara based on BR Engineering order. (Picture from: Autography.co)

Dallara's involvement in development of road legal sports car models is also not the least. They also provide engineering support to the Renault R.S 01, Alfa Romeo 8C and Alfa Romeo 4C, Bugatti Veyron and Bugatti Chiron up to Maserati MC12. If you remember the KTM X-Bow track day car, that's also the result of KTM's collaboration with Dallara.

Left side view of All-new Dallara Stradale. (Picture from: Modifikasi)

With so many experience they've done before and finally Dallara "ventured" to produce their first own road legal car called Dallara Stradale. "This project is the culmination of all the knowledge we get in the racecourse, as well as collaboration with customers," explained Giampaolo Dallara, president of Dallara Automobili. "I was though of Colin Chapman, how he made Lotus Seven with all its simplicity."

Rear view of All-new Dallara Stradale. (Picture from: Autography.co)

The simplicity of Dallara Stradale could be seen at the two-seater car figure concept that comes without a windshield and door like a single-seater racing car. The design was very Italian with lightweight body that is only 855 kg. This can be obtained because this car is made by Dallara by using monocoque chassis and body panels made of carbon fiber composite materials.

All-new Dallara Stradale variants you can choose. (Picture from: Autography.co)

For the engine, this car uses a unit of 4-cylinder turbo engine with a capacity of 2.3 liters placed in the middle, with a maximum power of 400 hp. Although it sounds small, but the existence of a lightweight chassis capable of making the acceleration 0-100 km/h was recorded in 3.25 seconds and reach top speed of 280 km/hour.

All-new Dallara Stradale coupe variant with gull-wing door type. (Picture from: Autography.co)

Sound simple? This is because Dallara does not target the statistic achievement. Later acceleration of more than 2G is guaranteed to bring a driving sensation that you will not get in any sports car. Not to forget the biggest downforce among GT cars in the figures of 820 kg at the maximum speed.

Available in several configurations, the standard as mentioned above, roadster with additional windshield and T-frame targa given. Also available is a pair of gull-wing type doors on coupe version. For track day car, its consumers can also order to install the rear wing. But unfortonately there's no official pricing info available for this car. *** [EKA[30072018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DALLARA | TOP GEAR]

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The most sophisticated Porsche sportscar of 1980s

The Most ONES Now, We're back to Porsche again. The Porsche 918 Spyder might be the car with the best technological achievements ever built by Porsche to date. Even so, long before the 918 Spyder was invented, this German manufacturer apparently had created a supercar concept that also carried the high technology of its day.

1986 Porshe 959 Komfort said to be the most advanced car of the 1980s. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

The car is a Porsche 959, and it was known as one of the high-tech supercars that were successfully created by Porsche AG in 1986. The car was originally named Gruppe B because it was planned to be used as a racing car at the Group B rally, and began construction in 1981. However, when the prototype was completed in 1987, it turned out that the Group B rally had been disbanded in 1986.

1986 Porshe 959 Komfort is equipped with a 2,847 cc twin-turbocharged V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

This car was used for research before it was decided to be produced. The Stuttgart-based premium car manufacturer produced this supercar model in a limited number, which was only 337 units (including 37 prototypes and preproduction models) between 1986 and 1989.

This car is produced in two versions, namely Sport and Komfort, where the Sport version is a car made specifically for racing purposes while the Komfort is the legal road version. Because of the high demand for this car, in 1992 and 1993, Porsche made eight more 959 cars, which were built from parts in Zuffenhausen.

1986 Porshe 959 Komfort is capable of accelerating from rest to a speed of 100 kph in 3.7 seconds, while the maximum speed achieved was 336 kph. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

The Porsche 959 is equipped with a 2,847 cc twin-turbocharged V6 engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission system. The machine is capable of spewing power output of up to 530 horsepower. Armed with its wild engine power, the Porsche 959 is capable of accelerating from rest to a speed of 100 kph in 3.7 seconds, while the maximum speed achieved was 336 kph. A pretty impressive performance, isn't?   

As for achievements, this car is very well known in the racing world because it is probably the only sports car that has ever won the Dakar Rally and 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was also recorded as the holder of the highest top speed record (197 mph) before being taken over by the Ferrari F40.

This supercar is reportedly never officially imported into the United States or other countries so that it is a fairly rare car. The difficulty of finding the existence of this sophisticated supercar also had contributed to making the selling prices of the used Porsche 959 cars in exorbitant. *** [EKA[15032020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RM SOTHEBYS | MOTOR1 | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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Another Italian sports coupé dreams?

Another ONES When we saw the first time, the figure of the concept car that appeared in this striking yellow color, arose the curiosity of what this car really was. Because, when viewed a glance from the front like a fusion of the McLaren 570S and Lamborghini Huracan, while from the side like the Ford SuperGT. After we explore further on the internet, it turns out this car is a concept car called the Model 5 Genesi. 

Model 5 Genesi sports coupé concept made its debut at the 2016 del Salone dell'Auto di Torino - Parco Valentino. (Picture from: RaceDepartement)

The concept car is the work of an Italian company named Model 5. Might be you feel peculiar when hear the name of this Italian startup company. Actually, the company already active in the world's of design and industrial design since 2013.

Front view of Model 5 Genesi sports coupé concept. (Picture from: Motorchase)

The existence of the company's headquarters in Orbassano also said to help fill the "cultural distance" between the two cities considered one of the capitals of the automotive industry and the other is the homeland of Italian design.

Left side view of Model 5 Genesi sports coupé concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

And those bright yellow concept car was created by the collaboration of two Model 5 subsidiary companies namely the SM Engineering (Carlo Segretario and Enzo Mileo), and the other one named the made | studio Milano (Emiliano Palma, Marco Tonin and Daniele Cremona).

Dashboard view of Model 5 Genesi sports coupé concept. (Picture from: RaceDepartement)

The Model 5 Genesi concept car was developed in over a year of work and has involved more than fifteen designers, modelers, designers and physical modelers. The company also said, that the development of this concept car also involves other parties who are considered competent, such as Pirelli, AM Costruzione Modelli, Freeland.car, Scorpion Engineering and Nuova Vermst.

Left side view of Model 5 Genesi sports coupé concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

Physically the Genesi Model 5 has a dimension of about 4,525 mm in length then a width of 2,020 mm and a height of about 1,280 m. Meanwhile the wheelbase is around 2,650 mm. The car would be powerful and light (with an estimated weight of 1,250 kg).

Rear side view of Model 5 Genesi sports coupé concept. (Picture from: Motor1)

Furthermore the two-seater sports coupé uses an engine placed in the middle and adopted all-wheel drive system. Those mentioned engine is a V10 engine with a capacity of 5.2 liters which is said to be capable of producing power up to 600 hp. Those engine power channelled through a seven-speed LDF dual-clutch transmission system so can make the car run on the streets fastly.

Rear view of Model 5 Genesi sports coupé concept. (Picture from: Motorchase)

The company also said for the driving comfort and safety in the Genesi concept car, they also pinned double-wishbone suspensions in the front and rear. For the legs, this car uses a set of 20-inch 10-spoke wheels and wrapped with Pirelli tires 265/35 R20 in the front and 305/30 R20 rear. Not to forget, they also installed the carbon-ceramic brakes on each wheels to reduce or stop the speed of this car.

But when it was first shown at the 2016 Turin Motor Show (2016 del Salone dell'Auto di Torino - Parco Valentino) not exactly in the shape we expected, but a gorgeous one even so. The prototype on display is in fact a 1:1 mockup. With that in mind, apart from the dimensions and the tires, every other technical specification is a wish of what the supercar could be, if it ever gets produced.

Probably we will never see one of Model 5 Genesi on the streets, but, as a 1:1 business card, we must say that the mockup makes a tremendous case for presenting the work of Model 5. *** [EKA[30112018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MODEL 5 | MADE STUDIO | MOTOR1 | MOTORCHASE | AUTODESIGNMAGAZINE | AUTOBLOG | RACEDEPARTEMENT]

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A restomod car to tribute the heydays of the Lancia 037 rally car

One Great Car It is commonplace in making a car model that will be able to attract buyers' interest, sometimes car makers use a way by evoking memories of the glory days of a legendary car in a famous racing event in the past, then took and pinned some of those legendary car's iconic design elements into their production cars.

The Kimera EVO37 is built by Kimera Automobili as much as 37 unit to commemorate the glory of the legendary Italian rally car, the Lancia Rally 037. (Picture from: AutoExpress)

Apparently this is what an automotive firm based in Cuneo, Italy called Kimera Automobili did, when making a sportscar named the Kimera EVO37, that's a restomod car made to commemorate the glory of the legendary Italian rally car, the Lancia Rally 037.

The Lancia Rally  037 is a mid-engine sports rally car specially built by Lancia in the early 1980s to compete in the FIA Group B World Rally Championship. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

For your info, the Lancia 037 is a mid-engine sports rally car specially built by Lancia in the early 1980s to compete in the FIA Group B World Rally Championship. Despite fighting in tight competition against the Four-Wheel Drive Audi Quattro and many other formidable sports rally cars, the car managed to bring the Lancia as the winner of the manufacturers' world championship in the 1983 season, and noted itself as the last rear-wheel drive car to win the WRC.

The Kimera EVO37 posed along with its inspiration source, the Lancia 037 Stradale.. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)

Well through the Kimera EVO37, the automaker wants to reintepreted the Lancia Group B's rear-wheel drive rally car in a modern design touches. By design, this Kimera-made car still follows the design lines of the Lancia 037 complete with its legendary four eyes (now with the LED lights). However, the car bodywork no longer uses fiberglass but uses carbon fiber and Kevlar.

Then the bodywork is mounted on top of the chassis made by Kimera based on the Lancia Beta Montecarlo center chassis with the addition of tubular space frames at the front and rear. Then for the drivetrain, Kimera Automobili collaborated with Claudio Lombardi and Italtecnica to reengineer the Lampredi Lancia 037 engine, where the 2,150 cc four-cylinder engine is not only driven by a supercharger, but also with a turbocharger.

The Kimera EVO37 posed along with its inspiration source, Lancia 037 Stradale, Lancia Delta S4 Stradale, dan Lancia Delta HF Integrale. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)

As the result, the twin-charger engine is claimed to be capable of producing a peak power of 505 hp and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. Just like the Lancia 037, the engine transmits power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. To support the ferocity of these bursts of power, the Kimera EVO37 has Brembo brakes with iron or carbon ceramic discs.

As for the legs, there are four Pirelli's run-flat tires that wrap specially designed 19-inches cast wheels and are supported by Öhlins' suspension system is ready to absorb shocks from the road contours. The Italian automaker plans to produce and sell 37 units of the Kimera EVO37 for €480,000 or around Rp. 8.33 billion. Are You ready for this EVO37? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KIMERA AUTOMOBILI | ID.MOTOR1 | AUTOEXPRESS | WIKIPEDIA ]

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