FUTURE Off-Roader Today it seems, the automotive world and automakers are in high spirits to build some of the most exciting vehicles in decades. And in the midst of the rapid development of electric powertrain and battery technology, more and more people are interested in taking part and entering the competitive field.
Meet the Thundertruck, an all-electric off-road concept that can be configured in a number of different ways - even with an extra component that adds a bigger battery and more wheels! (Picture from: Konfrontasi)
Not only car manufacturers, anyone who has an interest in the automotive world seems to want to be able to make electric cars. One example is what a creative advertising agency called Wolfgang LA did. Recently the firm reported to have launched an electric off-roader with a futuristic design called the Thundertruck, which is said also to be in mass production soon.
As quoted of CarScoops, this Thundertruck is a side project of co-founders Wolfgang LA, namely Colin Jeffery and Mike Geiger and has been ongoing for the past two years with the assistance of many automotive experts as well as engineers, designers, and sculptors.
There’s more than a few hints of Tesla’s Cybertruck in its design, but the Thundertruck packs more than a few of its own very clever touches. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
And this Wolfgang LA's unique electric-powered truck is said to focus on some kind of innovative creation and cutting-edge design, where through this new design they want to show a unique alternative view of today' rapidly evolving EV truck revolution with features never seen before attached on the such vehicles.
The Thundertruck says the beast has a theoretical range of 644 kilometres from its 180kWh battery pack, with a combined power and torque output from its dual electric motors of 590kW and 1085Nm. (Picture from: SlashGear)
Indeed, by providing unrestricted freedom to express ideas, allowing designers to let their minds run wild and think of interesting ideas that might be applied to the proposed vehicle. The first thing that catches the eye of the Thundertruck's design is its shape, this is interesting because it will make the Tesla Cybertruck looks ordinary and nothing.
There're the “Solar Awning” that fits into a pair of storage pods on the roof and folds out either side of the truck when it is stationary to not only provide shade, but also top up the Thundertruck’s batteries. (Picture from: OtoBandung)
How not, on this Thundertruck figure there are almost no front or rear overhangs and also no traditional hood with a windshield that extends right into the front of the truck. Elsewhere, the Thundertruck has been envisioned with LED headlights, coupled with the embedding of a set of wheels wrapped in off-road tread tires.
The ‘Solar Awning’ provides shade and a handy top-up charge for the batteries and additional tents. (Picture from: OtoBandung)
Other key design highlights of the vehicle are the unique positioning of the doors, the range extender in the form of additional set of wheels that directly connects to the back of the vehicle. The kind of a unique feature adds a range of 160 miles (257 km) for a total range of 560 miles (900 km) and also converts the Thundertruck into a 6x6 vehicle with better off-road capabilities.
Another unique features are the two large solar panel awnings that help to charge the Thundertruck during its long touring journey. Besides that, it can also function as additional tents so that it can make the camping atmosphere comfortable and easy with the additional shade of the tents. As quoted of STuff, the firm says their beast has a theoretical range of 644 kilometres from its 180kWh battery pack, with a combined power and torque output from its dual electric motors of 590kW and 1085Nm.
The Thundertruck’s smartest trick is the detachable range extender unit that not only adds more range and grunt, but also two more wheels. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Furthermore by experimenting with new car features on this eye-catching design at least shows us what the future of trucks might look like. As You can be seen the Thundertruck takes the concept of an all-terrain EV truck to a new level with exciting concepts executed into a beautiful 3D-rendered image, making it as one-of-a-kind vehicle that's described of an off-roader in the future.
It could be said that the Thundertruck is not only a unique handy electric powered truck, also could be the perfect demonstration of how the future truck can give its users something more thanks to its increadible EV construction.
Wolfgang LA said that they have spoken to several technology companies, potential production partners and investors about the possibility to bring their Thundertruck project into a production version, which is estimated to cost around $70,000 each.👀
Rare ONES As we all knew, each car that's carrying the Ferrari emblem always made by exclusively in limited quantities. Maybe it has become a kind of tradition, the automaker is always not much in producing each type they issue. This is nothing but to maintain the exclusivity of the brand in the eyes of the world's car enthusiasts.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ was redesigned by Zagato, one of the famous Italian coachbuilders in 2006 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Ferrari 250 GT. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
And of the many sports car models ever released by Ferrari, there are several models that can be considered as ultra-rare ones, such as the following the Ferrari 575 GTZ. Although literally it was not the original product of the Maranello-based automaker, but was built by a third party who has long worked with and is no less famous than the Prancing Horse logoed premium car manufacturer.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ also intended as a modern interpretation of the Ferrari 250 GTZ Berlinetta, the first Ferrari ever designed by the Milan-based coachbuilder company. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
Well, the car was redesigned by Zagato, one of the famous Italian coachbuilders in 2006 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Ferrari 250 GT, and is built based on the Ferrari 575M Maranello. As reported by GT Spirit, it is also intended as a modern interpretation of the Ferrari 250 GTZ Berlinetta, the first Ferrari ever designed by the Milan-based coachbuilder company.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ is built based on the Ferrari 575M Maranello and made 6 units only, all of which received a distinctive and elaborate retouch to be able to display a design inspired by vintage Ferraris of the 1950s to the 1960s. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
At that time the 575 GTZ made only 6 units by the Milan-based coachbuilder, all of which received a distinctive and elaborate retouch to be able to display a design inspired by vintage Ferraris from the 1950s to the 1960s. It is also stated that all of the six cars is handcrafted for the lucky (and more-advantaged) customer and each is also allowed to get an individual touch (by its owner of course) so that after completion no one of the 575 GTZ sports car is similar.
The interior layout of the Ferrari 575 GTZ was the same as its donor car (the Ferrari 575M Maranello), but has been retouched by Zagato by applying of a 'Crema' nuanced leather upholstery to emphasize further its rarity value. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
In general, the
car featured with the Zagato hallmark, i.e the 'double-bubble' roof and
two-tone colors, and also the original features that were previously
carried by the 250 GTZ Berlinetta. Therefore, the appearance of the Ferrari 575 GTZ at first glance is similar to the 250 GTZ, this can be seen in the design lines, to the grille and fenders.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ is powered by a V12 engine which has a capacity of 5.7-liter is capable of spewing power of 514 hp at 588 Nm of torque coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
As we've mentioned above, the Ferrari 575 GTZ was built on the Ferrari 575M platform and sharing major components with it, including the V12 engine which has a capacity of 5.7-liter is capable of spewing power of 514 hp at 7,250 rpm, and torque of 588.6 Nm at 5,250 rpm, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission with paddle shifting, so that the car can accelerate from 0-100 kph (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph or 325 kph.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ is featured with the Zagato hallmark, i.e the 'double-bubble' roof and two-tone colors, and also the original features that were previously carried by the 250 GTZ Berlinetta. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
One of the two Ferrari 575 GTZ shown here was originally started life as a special commissioned project of a Japanese renowned Ferrari collector named Yoshiyuki Hayashi and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2006. As quoted of GT Spirit, one of Ferrari 575 GTZ has been displayed at the RM Auctions at Monaco back in the 2014.
Until now, there is still no info about the price of this car. However, considering it was one of a total of only six units has ever made, estimated its price wouldn't be cheap. Does anyone here knows the price of this car now? Feel free to share with us through the article's comment below.👌*** [EKA [08042014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GT SPIRIT | ROBBREPORT ]
Extreme ONES As many automotive enthusiasts said that the 1990s were a time when many capable concept cars emerged, which were later transformed into actual car figures in the real world. We also talked a lot about the cars that came from the 1990s.
The Lotec C1000 was launched in 1995. (Picture from: Supercars)
And one of them that we will discuss this time, ie the Lotec
C1000. This supercar was launched in 1995, and initially owned by an UAE millionaire. And the mentioned above car story began; when there's a wealthy businessman from UAE who want to have the world's fastest road-legal car in 1990 contacted Lotec GmbH, a Germany company known for its Group 6 and Group C race cars to build those kind of car.
Front view of Lotec C1000. (Picture from: Supercars)
So for the C1000
project, he agreed to pay over US. $1 million for design and engineering, while
for the constuction it costs over $1.2 million (total production cost
was over $2.2 million). In short, this '90s unique monstrous powered car was worked on by the German auto company for almost 4 years ranging from 1991 to 1995. Then related to the name, where the letter of C stands for Carbon fiber, which is used for the supercar's body, so make its weighs only 1,080 kg and the number of 1000 stands for 1000 horsepower.
Right side view of Lotec C1000. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
Furthermore when the car doors opened, its interior furnished with red bright leather shades, complete with three-points seatbelt attached each on two adjustable bucket seats. Then there's a black Alcantara-racing steering wheel while on the dashboard installed few instrument panels, gauges, switches, buttons and a compact-size LCD screen.
The interior is pretty basic, with the LCD screen displaying most of the stats. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
The only one supercar in the world is powered by a 5.6-liter V8 Mercedes-Benz engine coupled with the Garrett twin turbo chargers, so it can give off power to 1,000 hp. Then the monstrous engine power was sent to the rear wheels through a Hewland 6-speed transmission system and and 4 ram AP IMSA racing brakes. The Lotec C1000 has very impressive performance figures, such as it can be accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of up to 431 kph (268 mph).
Rear left side view of Lotec C1000. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
According to HotCars, the Lotus C1000’s design was simply wild for its era. It featured an exterior style that was greatly influenced by the science of aeronautics, with a handful of components adopted from sporting race cars. The C1000 is heavily raked, with a relatively low height and an unusual headlamp layout.
As quoted of Motor1, the fascinating two-door coupe was up for grabs in the United States for a cool $650,000. However, that was roughly seven years ago, back when the odometer was showing merely 1,600 miles (2,576 kilometers) on the clock. Does anyone here knows the car's price numbers today? Feel free to share with us through the article's comment below.👌 *** [EKA [26012014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTEC | SUPERCARS.NET | TOPCARRATING | MOTOR1 | HOTCARS ] Note: Thisblogcan be accessedviayoursmartphone.
Maestro Works Today we would like to talk about the customization of a car based on the Opel Speedster which among automotive enthusiasts knows it as a cutie tiny sports car made by Opel between 2000 and 2005. Indeed, in standard conditions there is nothing special about this car.
The Colani Shark Speedster is built and designed by Luigi Colani in collaboration with a German auto design house of Reinhard Stahl. (Picture from: Autoweek.nl)
So on one occasion the famous designer Luigi Colani once criticized the design of the Opel Speedster, according to him it has too little of its own face. So then the maestro was interested in designing the car as he thought it should have looked. To realize the car design, Colani did not collaborate with the automaker but collaborated with a German auto design house of Reinhard Stahl.
The Colani Shark Speedster (on the right) posed along with its model donor the Opel Speedster (on the left). (Picture from: OpelGT)
See what happened after getting a touch of design from Luigi Colani, suddenly the face of the Opel Speedster changed completely, and the Colani Shark Speedster that's the customized result car name which then the car was introduced for the first time to the public at the 2002 Essen Motor Show.
The Colani Shark Speedster is intended to show the car as Colani thought it should have looked. (Picture from: OpelGT)
Judging from the design after got special touches from Luigi Colani, it clearly differs from the base model by featuring smooth, rounded and more sloping lines on the front resembled the 'shark' shape (perhaps this is why this custom car got its name) coupled with three rounded headlights. While at the rear, Luigi Colani also applies the smooth rounded lines similar to the front and replaces Opel's default taillights with three pairs of round lights.
The Colani Shark Speedster is clearly differs from the base model by featuring smooth, rounded and more sloping lines on the front resembled the 'shark' shape with three rounded headlights. (Picture from: OpelGT)
For the interior there is no change and remains the same as the based model. Likewise in the drivetrain, where this Colani Shark is powered by a 2.2 liter 16V engine which is also used by the Opel Speedster, and is capable of blowing power up to 147 horsepower. So the car's performance numbers also seems no different, with the acceleration capability from 0 to 100 kph done in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 217 kph.
The Colani Shark Speedster is doesn't seem many his typical 'Biodesign' lines that usually appeared extremely many in other Colani's automotive works. (Picture from: Facebook)
There is an interesting thing to note, when compared to other cars by Colani, it feels like the Colani Shark custom car design doesn't seem many his typical 'Biodesign' lines that usually appeared extremely many in other automotive works of him. And it could be said that the Shark is more acceptable than other Colani's car works.
It is not known what the Opel's reaction after seeing this Colani version, but the designer at that time ever planned to make a smaller series of cars. But so far it is not known how many of the Colani Shark have been produced. By the way, have you ever seen this kind of car on the streets this day? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OPELGT | LUIGI COLANI DESIGNS | WEIRDWHEELS | AUTOWEEK.NL | TOTALCAR.HU ]
Unfortunate ONES As we all know that there are so many supercars that have been developed by world-renowned manufacturers but over time many of them have disappeared caused by various reasons and made them are not known by the public today. For example, the Japanese supercar concept named the Mazda Furai has gone to ashes due to an unexpected fire accident when used on the track back in the 2013.
The Mazda Furai Concept supercar is inspired by streamers fluttering in the wind. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
Well, on this occasion we will discuss a little about the unfortunate concept car made by Mazda, one of Japan's leading automakers, and was first introduced to the public at the North American International Auto Show 2008 in Detroit, United States. Reportedly, the Mazda Furai supercar was built to celebrate 40th anniversary of Mazda's legendary rotary engine.
Front view of Mazda Furai Concept supercar with opened doors looks very stylish, unique and fierce as well. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
The mentioned above supercar was known as the fifth concept in Mazda's Nagare (flow) series, and designed by Franz von Holzhausen whose said it's supposed to look like streamers fluttering in the wind. So, the Furai name could be interpreted by the 'sound of the wind,' it might be reffered to the twisted lines like the wind are sculpted all over its body, or its engine' roar produces a sound like a strong wind blowing.
The Mazda Furai Concept supercar was known as the fifth concept in Mazda's Nagare (flow) series, and designed by Franz von Holzhausen. (Picture from: id.Motor1)
The exterior of this supercar looks very stylish, unique and fierce as well. It could been seen ranging from the headlights design with slanted design combined with somekind of blue light which surrounds free form lines on each side of the front and sides of the body, and at first glance made the Mazda's supercar looks came from future...
The Mazda Furai Concept supercar is built based on the LMP2 Courage C65 chassis, and powered by the R20B Renesis 3 rotary engine that can generate power of 450 hp (336 kW). (Picture from: MotorTrend)
This supercar had been built based on the LMP2 Courage C65 chassis, and powered by the R20B Renesis 3 rotary engine that can generate power of 450 hp (336 kW). Amazingly the mentioned engine above is specifically designed to use E100 ethanol fuel. Furthermore,
to be able to drive this supercar, those abundant engine powers is
channeled to all its wheels through the X-trac 6-speed semi-automatic
transmission system.
Currently this Furai supercar is not existed anymore, because it has been burned down to ashes in an unexpexted fire accident while used to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Top Gear, a motoring magazine based in the UK. It is not known exactly how's the fire could burn while the car at the photo shoot session. After the fire off, this supercar looks suffered severe damages. In other words, they’ve ruined it with no mercy.
The early seconds when the fire began to devour the body of the Mazda Furai Concept supercar. (Picture from: TopGear)
As reported by JapeneseNostalgicCar,
on Thursday, September 10, 2013 was wrote about the incident in Bentwaters Parks, England and
described it such a very sad incident. Many parties feel concerned about this incident, after its debut in 2007, the Furai had disappeared from public view and its whereabouts were unknown. And then in 2013, suddenly it appeared again and burned down into ashes. It's so tragic.
Remnant of the Mazda Furai Concept supercar shortly after burned down. (Picture from: TopGear)
As quoted of Top Gear, the remains of the Furai are gathered up and repatriated to Mazda's Advanced Design Studio in Irvine, California; where it now lies is anyone's guess. For now, as you can see this gorgeous supercar has been really gone with the wind.😢😢 *** [EKA [23122013] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JAPANESENOSTALGICCAR | TOP GEAR ]
The FourthRecently Ferrari on April 19. 2022 launched a new convertible sports car called the Ferrari 296 GTS which is the fourth plug-in hybrid model, amid efforts by the Maranello-based sports car maker to push for its product electrification strategy. The new sports car follows three of Ferrari's previous hybrid models that went into the company's production lines such the Ferrari SF 90 Stradale of the 2019, its convertible version called the Ferrari SF90 Spider in 2020, and the Ferrari 296 GTB last year.
Ferrari's new 296 GTS (on the right) and 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano (on the left) sport cars are
pictured in this undated handout photo obtained by Reuters on April 19,
2022. (Picture from: Reuters)
As quoted of Reuters, the Ferrari 296 GTS is the latest convertible sportscar equipped with a retractable hard top that could be stored in a special compartment in front of the engine. According to the official report, it's only takes about 1.4 seconds to go up or down its hard top. In raising and lowering the roof, the car does not need to stop because this system can work even though the car is traveling at a speed of 28 mph.
The new Ferrari 296 GTS sport car is built based on aluminum chassis and powered by a 819 hp (830 PS) hybrid-assisted 3.0-liter V6 engine. (Picture from: GoOto)
"Its top speed exceeds 330 kph," Ferrari wrote in a statement. This latest Prancing Horse logoed sports car is powered by a V6 turbo engine coupled with a 122 KW electric motor to produce a total power of 830 horsepower with 740 Nm of torque. All those power is sent to the rear wheels only through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, so it could made this hybrid car to accelerate from 0-100 kph only in 2.9 seconds.
The
new Ferrari 296 GTS sport car gets an eManettino switch alongside the traditional steering-wheel mounted Manettino control, with four selectable positions. (Picture from: Carscoops)
You may be wondering, so far Ferrari's road cars are usually powered by more powerful engines like a V8 or V12, but why is it that the V6 has been fitted to its newest sports car? It seems that the Italian premium automaker is trying to fulfill its commitment to reduce the share of cars equipped with V12 engines because they are considered highly polluting in its production.
The new Ferrari 296 GTS Assetto Fiorano sport car is described as the tough and track-oriented package similar to one available in the coupe version as well. (Picture from: GearRice)
The first shipments of this new model will start from Europe in early 2023 but the price has not been disclosed (estimated that it would be sold for €300 thousand or around Rp. 4.6 billion).
Another new model is planned for release in the coming months, the Ferrari's highly-anticipated SUV variants named Purosangue (means Thoroughbred). The vehicle will be Ferrari's first sport utility vehicle (SUV) and take the company into a lucrative segment where direct rivals such as VolkswagenLamborghini are already present.
A rendered image by @2NCS of the Ferrari's highly-anticipated SUV variants named Purosangue (means Thoroughbred) might be look. (Picture from: INFNews)
"I'm sure (Purosangue) will exceed our customers' expectations," the Ferrari's Chief Executive Officer, Benedetto Vigna said last week. Vigna is known as a veteran of the tech industry whose took over the CEO's chair at last year, with the task of bringing the brand synonymous with roaring combustion engines to a new era of quieter and cleaner electric mobility.
As part of this, Ferrari has promised its first full-electric model by 2025, while Vigna has said that the company will seek a technology partnership. Further details of Ferrari's electrification strategy will be presented by Vigna's first comprehensive business plan on June 16. Let's just wait. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS OSURCES | FERRARI | REUTERS | CARSCOOPS ]
Wolfgang LA said that they have spoken to several technology companies, potential production partners and investors about the possibility to bring their Thundertruck project into a production version, which is estimated to cost around $70,000 each.👀
