UniqueONES The Italian premium car manufacturer based in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. in the mid-1980s was known that he was preparing a replacement for the legendary Lamborghini Countach. For the such purpose, the Italian premium automaker contacted the famous designer Marcello Gandini, who is known also the designer of another famous models of raging bulls such as the Lamborghini Miura and Countach.
The Lamborghini P132 Diablo P2 (second prototype) which has applied a half design of Gandini and Chrysler. (Picture from: CarrozzieriItaliani)
As is well known, the development of this car project began in 1985, while the Italian premium automaker company was in dire financial straits, but the Gandini's design project was set. Then in 1987, Automobili Lamborghini was acquired by the American auto giant Chrysler, left much development works should be done regarding the P132 project, especially its funding matters.
First road test of the Lamborghini Diablo P132 Prototype. From the left: Patrick Mimran (shareholder in Lamborghini at the time), engineer Luigi Marmiroli, Emile Novaro (President), Ubaldo Sgarzi (Sales Manager). (Picture from: SpeedHolics)
And after the company's 25th anniversary in 1988, the Diablo(thus the car's name later) was supposed to be ready, it turned out that the design and testing process took longer than expected, and the result, the Countach was redesigned to make it more up to date and remained in production at that time.
The Lamborghini P132 Diablo (in pictured is the 2nd prototype) were lost sharp corners and edges, but retained a typical wedge-shaped profile if compared to the original Gandini's design. (Picture from: CarrozzieriItaliani)
As quoted from LamboCars, the initial prototype that was built from the development results of Marcello Gandini's design was known later as the Lamborghini P132 Diablo Prototipo, and the nameis derived from the legend of the fierce bull El Diablo, protagonist in an epic bullfight and killed by the Duke of Veragua in 1869.
The Lamborghini P132 Diablo P1 (first prototype) was rest in peace somewhere in the corner of the bull cage after thousands of kilometers running. (Picture from: LamboCars)
It has very futuristic and aggressive looking which also said look like the Countach back in the 1970s, it's just that the engine cover is given a touch of glass. Unfortunately, in the early testing phase, this such arrangement did not provide optimal engine cooling, so the idea was abandoned.
One of early prototypes, known as the Lamborghini P132 Diablo P1 (first prototype) exhibited in the brand's museum. (Picture from: Motor.es)
At the time Lamborghini had been acquired by Chrysler, so that the refinement of this P132 car's design has become more complicated, because it had to involve Chrysler's designer. Seeing the fact, Marcello Gandini was dissatisfied and withdrew from the P132 project, so then management decided to hand over the design work to Tom Gale of the Chrysler Styling Center to revise the original concept completely.
When Chrysler decided to acquire Lamborghini in the 1987, development of the Lamborghini Diablo (in pictured is the 1st prototype) was already underway, but the new owners did not like the look of the 12-cylinder sports car. (Picture from: Motor.es)
As the result, many design revisions were made which were then poured into several earlier prototypes of Lambo P132P1, P2 and P3 which looks like a half designed by Gandini and Chrysler. So Diablo lost sharp corners and edges, but retained a recognizable wedge-shaped profile.
One of the final Lamborghini Diablo prototypes with the side inlets, probably as camouflage. (Picture from: Motor.es)
Apparently the such hybrid design that was applied to this car still failed to satisfy Chrysler officials, so the design was altered again, this time to something much closer to the Diablo that we've known today.
Could be said this was the Lamborghini Diablo-Cizeta Moroder prototype built based on the original Marcello Gandini's design. (Picture from: LamboCars)
Regarding to the whereabouts of the prototypes that apply hybrid design such as the dark gray P1 prototype known as the real P132 Diablo which is filled with various measuring equipments to then be used as a running test mule at the Nardi Circuit. And today, it has been retired after thousands of kilometers running and now sat on display at the Lamborghini's museum.
Giorgio Moroder posing in front of the original Lamborghini Diablo-Cizeta Moroder Concept. (Picture from: Drive2.ru)
Then the orange P2 prototype is known to be still located somewhere in the corner at the factory today. Under the same fate like two other siblings, the bright blue colored P3 prototype that built later to be used as a crash test mule, was also rest in peace somewhere in the bull cage. In opposite, the P132 prototype which was built based on Gandini's original design was unknown its whereabouts. 😢
In the end Marcello Gandini brough and offered his original P132 design to Claudio Zampolli of Cizeta Automobili. No need to wait for long, the design then implemented to the Cizeta V16T. This iconic supercar of the 1990s was the result of a collaboration between ex-Lamborghini engineer Claudio Zampolli and music producer Giorgio Moroder which is officially launched back in 1991. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBOCARS | MOTOR.ES | CARROZZIERIITLIANI | AUTA5P.EU | DRIVE2.RU | AUTO-RETRO-PASSION.RO | SPEEDHOLICS ]
ForgottenONES Brazil is a country located at the southern tip of the American continent, which sometimes escapes the attention of world automotive enthusiasts as one of major players in the world's automotive because this country has many automotive manufacturers. Like before some of them have discussed by us. So, on this occasion, we will discuss another Brazilian-made sports car that was produced in the late 1960s to early 1970s, whose its shape really caught our attention.
The Lorena GT which was first launched in Brazil in 1968, is also touted as one of the pioneers in the production of extraordinary vehicles based on the Volkswagen platform. (Picture from: HistoriaSobrerodas)
The mentioned car above is a classic sports coupé named Lorena GT which was first launched in Brazil in 1968. Despite being produced in a relatively short time, this sports car is one of the pioneers in the production of extraordinary vehicles based on the Volkswagen platform. No wonder if then those sports coupés were widely used in races in Brazil at that time.
The Lorena GT has two seats, unique doors that go through
the roof and rectangular headlights (taken from the VW 1600) protected
by an acrylic fairing. (Picture from: Cruzeiro Do Sul)
It was also stated that this Lorena GT, known as a Brazilian-made sports coupé that was originally produced as direct derivative of the Ferrer GT sports car of an American company Ferrer Motors Corporation which was built on the Volkswagen Fusca 1300 platform, and powered by an the Volkswagen 1600 engine.
The Lorena GT was built on the Volkswagen Fusca 1300 platform, and powered by an the Volkswagen 1600 engine by Lorena Importação Indústria e Comércio Ltda. during 1969 to 1971. (Picture from: ClassicCarCatalogue)
This Brazilian-made sports coupé debuted for the first time at the VI Salão do Automóvel, São Paulo, in November 1968, and its mass production officially started in 1969 by Léon Larenas Izquierdo owned company named Lorena Importação Indústria e Comércio Ltda. under license of the Ferrer Motor Corporation.
The Lorena GT, known as a
Brazilian-made sports coupé that was originally produced as direct
derivative of the Ferrer GT sports car of an American company Ferrer
Motors Corporation. (Picture from: Carro 2.04)
At that time the Lorena GT was sold as a complete sports car or kit, which also could optionally receive magnesium wheels, wide splints and a turnkey engine of 1,500 or 1,600 cc, coupled with two carburetors. While the body is made composite materials of plastic reinforced with fiberglass, and has a very low posture of only 1.05 m, which at first glance reminds us of two legendary cars such as; Ford GT40 and Porsche 910.
The Lorena GT was sold as a complete sports car or kit,
which also could optionally receive magnesium wheels, wide splints and a
turnkey engine of 1,500 or 1,600 cc, coupled with two carburetors. (Picture from: Carros raros e exóticos no Brasil)
The car has two seats, doors that go through the roof and rectangular headlights (taken from the VW 1600) protected by an acrylic fairing. However, the car got poor finishing and precarious ergonomics, and production ended in early 1971. It is estimated that around 100 units were produced, which 22 units were completed by the factory, and several bodies were assembled independently.
Because the Lorena GT were produced on a practically small scale hand-made, as the result it varied a lot in detail from one vehicle to another, making it difficult to find two really identical cars. (Picture from: Carros raros e exóticos no Brasil)
One of early version of these sports cars was acquired by a Brazilian famous racing driver Sidney Cardoso of Arte e Instrução Team, and competed on several racing events at the time, the mentioned car received disc brakes on all four wheels and was powered by a two-liter powerdrive, and four speeds manual gearbox taken from Porsche.
The Lorena GT racing car with 2000cc Porsche engine of Arte e Instrução team while on a photo session for cover of Quatro Rodas magazine back in December 1968. (Picture from: Carro 0.01-4)
Meanwhile several other cars were also used in competition, and several cars survived, most with various modifications. Because the cars were produced on a practically small scale hand-made, as the result it varied a lot in detail from one vehicle to another, making it difficult to find two really identical cars.
Sidney Cardoso with mechanic Antônio (ex-Dacon) tinkering with the 2,000cc Porsche Fuhrmann engine of Lorena GT. (Picture from: Carro 0.01-4)
Between 1977 and 1981 the Lorena GT model was taken over by other manufacturers, and was produced and marketed under the Mirage GT name, one of which was later built into a convertible by Hélio Herbert. Furthermore, the new awakenen era of the Lorena GT was touted happen in 2008 when a former racer named Luiz Fernando Lapagesse took over one of the original designs of the Lorena GT, left only the headlights and taillights not following the older model.
The Lorena GT is a truly sporty Brazilian-made car with a look inspired by the Ford GT 40 and Porsche 910, which is built only 22 units. (Picture from: HistoriaSobrerodas)
In short, this Lorena GT model once again get into the production lines by Lapagesse's Car Chassis e Carrocerias Especiais based on a new mold built on the original Mirage GT body that had never been assembled, and named the Lorena GT-L, and was launched in June 2010. So, in the following video, you can see the figure of Lorena GT's American ancestor, the Ferrer GT. Both were similar right?
At the time, it was sold as a kit or as a ready-to-use unit mounted on the updated VW platform. Until October 2015, of the 9 bodies produced, sadly only 3 were sold. It is not known whether this brand is still being produced at this time or has gone out of business? Does anyone know? If so, don't hesitate to share with us through the comments section below.😎*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LORENA GT | LEXICARBRASIL | CLASSICCARCATALOGUE | CARROS RAROS E EXOTICOS NO BRASIL ]
UniqueONES Actually, the name Maserati already has been famous for a long time because of the row of exotic cars it made. Indeed, not all production models are known to the public, and there are several models that were not widely known to the public before.
The Maserati Barchetta was one of the last Maserati models built under Alesandro de Tomaso ownership. (Picture from: Supercars.net)
Just like when we came across this following Maserati model while surfing on the internet, we felt that we had never known before that this Italian brand had made one. So this made us curious to find out more about this model.
The Maserati Barchetta's body was made from composite and carbon fiber, which had built on a single backbone chassis made from aluminium. (Picture from: UltimateSpecs)
Well, one of the cars in question is the Maserati Barchetta which is a bit out of the ordinary on Maserati's list of road cars because it was never really intended for road use. As quoted from Supercars.net, this roofless sports car creation occurred during the transition to Maserati ownership in early of the 1990s, in which Fiat's board worked closely with Alejandro De Tomaso (Fiat took over full management of Maserati in 1993).
The Maserati Barchetta is a roodless mid-engine racing car, that was designed by Carlo Gaino of the Synthesis Design, an Italian design house. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
As quoted from Wikipedia, the Maserati Barchetta is a mid-engine racing car, like the 350 and 450S, that was designed by Carlo Gaino of the Synthesis Design, an Italian design house. This car was developed for the one-make racing series Grantrofeo Barchetta championships which were held at various race tracks throughout Italy and Europe during 1992 and 1993. It consisted sixteen race rounds in total, most of them in Italy.
The Maserati Barchetta was developed for the one-make racing series Grantrofeo Barchetta throughout Italy and Europe during 1992 and 1993. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
The Maserati Barchetta's body was made from composite and carbon fiber, which had built on a single backbone chassis made from aluminium. At the time, it was a new technology that had been developed previously for the Chubasco-prototype as well.
The Maserati Barchetta is powered by an mid-mounted 24-valve 2.0L Maserati AM501 V6 engine, which capable spewed power up to 315 hp. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
As we've mentioned above, the car is developed for racing purpose, so no wonder if it powered by such powerful drivetrain, which is an mid-mounted 24-valve 2.0L Maserati AM501 V6, which capable spewed power up to 315 hp. In addition, the car with a total weight of only 775 kg, and F1-styled wheel geometry is claimed to have an outstanding performance as well.
De Tomaso Guarà coupé powered by a Ford's V8 engine and legal to drive in California USA. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
At the time, Maserati told everyone that mass production of the Barchetta would come out in 1992, and sold it with the prices of 148 million Italian lire or approximately 77,000 euros. Although at the end, there were only 17 customers who expressed a desire to pay the amount Maserati was asking. So during that periods, this Italian manufacturer only produced 16 units of the Maserati Barchetta, and only one Stradale (road) version.
Well, after only surviving to race in the Grantrofeo Barchetta event for 2 racing seasons before the race ended, that was not the end of the car's history. It turns out that the platform lived on to underpin the De Tomaso Guarà, produced the year after Alesandro DeTomaso's plans to leave the brand. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET | CARTHROTTLE | WIKIPEDIA | ULTIMATESPECS ]
Joyfull GREEN In the last few decades have seen the development of electric vehicles very rapidly. Automotive manufacturers are competing to develop their flagship electric vehicles. This was also done by one of the Japanese automotive manufacturers, Nissan Motor Corporation.
The newest futuristic EV concept of Nissan called Max-Out that carrying typical Cyberpunk style. (Picture from: ArenaEV)
The Japanese auto company continues to develop its line-up of electrified vehicles, and recently they introduced one of their unique concepts called the Nissan Max-Out, which is a two-seater cabriolet-styled electric vehicle.
The Nissan Max-Out Concept electric vehicle was introduced at the Nissan Futures event, after previously it was introduced in digital format back in 2021. (Picture from: Piston.my)
As quoted from Arena EV, the Nissan Max-Out Concept electric vehicle was introduced by Nissan at the Nissan Futures event which took place at its headquarters in Yokohama, Japan. You need to know, previously this futuristic car concept was introduced in digital format in 2021.
The Nissan Max-Out Concept electric vehicle featured with an illuminated steering wheel and accompanied by a floating dashboard. (Picture from: ArenaEV)
The Nissan Max-Out Concept takes on a futuristic-looking aesthetic in typical Cyberpunk style, and looks like something straight out of Hollywood's sci-fi movie-titled Tron. As you can see, its wheels have LEDs with different light patterns, and an illuminated steering wheel and accompanied by a floating dashboard.
The Nissan Max-Out Concept electric vehicle featured with an illuminated steering wheel and accompanied by a floating dashboard. (Picture from: DrivingElectric)
So far Nissan does not want to provide detailed specifications for this concept, but previously the Yokohama-based car manufacturer said it would focus on agile handling and good steering response from a car.
The Nissan Max-Out Concept electric vehicle looks like something straight out of Hollywood's sci-fi movie-titled Tron, due to its wheels and some other exterior parts have LEDs with different light patterns. (Picture from: ArenaEV)
However, it seems that this Nissan Max-Out is part of the company's suite of concepts that includes the Chill-Out (small crossover), Surf-Out (one-cab pickup) and Hang-Out (all-wheel drive hatchback). Apart from that, this also strengthens the direction of the Japanese manufacturer in producing electric-powered vehicles.
This is reflected in what was done by Nissan in America recently by investing US$ 250 million in Decherd, an American powertrain plant in Tennesse. So it can be ascertained that the disbursement of funds done to support its electrification product line. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN | ARENA EV | DRIVINGELECTRIC | PISTON.MY ]
Tiny BEAST Everyone here whose called themselves a true automotive fans should know the Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa, an extraordinary motorcycle made by a Japanese manufacturer, Suzuki Motor Corporation, which was first released in 1999, and once held the title of the fastest motorcycle in the world.
The only Suzuki Hayabusa Sport Prototype was first shown to the public at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2002. (Picture from: GridOto)
It is undeniable again that the Hayabusa is one of the world's most phenomenal motorbikes ever made. But did you know that the Japanese manufacturer also made the Suzuki Hayabusa in a four-wheeled vehicle version? And the car was later dubbed the Suzuki Hayabusa Sport Prototype (HSP), which was first shown to the public at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2002.
The legendary Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa which was first released in 1999, and once held the title of the fastest motorcycle in the world. (Picture from: IwanBanaran)
As quoted from Motor1, the car was given the name Hayabusa because indeed it was inspired by the triumph of the Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa. Furthermore, this Suzuki HSP is also said as a street legal version of the company's racing car named Formula Suzuki Hayabusa, whose original form is like a Formula racing car, and used for hill-climb racing event in Japan.
The Suzuki Hayabusa Sport Prototype featured with the gullwing-style door adds to the TVR-made sports car aesthetic aura. (Picture from: Pedal2TheMetal)
Meanwhile, when viewed from the shape of the exterior design itself, this sports car is also referred as the "Japanese version of TVR". Moreover, with existence of the gullwing-style door adds to the TVR-made sports car aesthetic aura.
The Suzuki Hayabusa Sport Prototype has a unique shaped bodywork made from fiberglass, and mounted on a steel tube frame chassis, no wonder if it has only weighs 550 kg. (Picture from: GridOto)
For your info, TVR is a British high-end sports car brand that is synonymous with light weight cars but has above average performance. Not only applied such a unique bodywork design, it also made from fiberglass, built on steel tube frame chassis, no wonder if it has only weighs 550 kg.
The Formula Suzuki Hayabusa, whose original form is like a Formula racing car, and used for hill-climb racing event in Japan. (Picture from: Global Suzuki)
Actually, the Japanese tiny prototype car could be an attractive sports car with quite small dimensions (in Japan dubbed as Kei Car) with 3.79 meters long, 1.76 meters wide and 1.1 meters high, of course it can be used comfortably and nimble in urban areas. As for its kitchen spur, of course it is taken from the legendary Suzuki GSX 1300R Hayabusa which is capable of producing a maximum power burst of 175 hp and torque reaching 138 Nm.
Unfortunately, with all these advantages it has not been able to arouse Suzuki's interest in making it happen into the production version. And left alone the Suzuki HSP as the only Hayabusa's four-wheeled version ever made (at least until the appearance of the Suzuki's Hayabusa-powered Vision Gran Turismo virtually). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GLOBAL SUZUKI | MOTOR1 ]
Track BEAST When a supercar is launched, it is almost could be ensured to create an extraordinary sensation in the world's automotive enthusiasts. Moreover, those launched supercar was claimed to be the fastest in the world. Well, of course you know that the Hennessey Venom F5 Coupé, an American-made is included one of the world's fastest four-wheeled vehicles ever produced.
The
Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé which is made in a limited number
of only 24 units, and specifically for use only on the racing circuit. (Picture from: Evo.co.uk)
Not long ago Hennessey Performance Engineering launched its ultimate version called the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé which is made in a limited number of only 24 units, and specifically for use only on the racing circuit.
As quoted from Carscoops, furthermore the Venom F5 Revolution Coupé's bodywork of is built on its s ibling chassis (the Hennessey Venom F5 Coupé) which makes its exterior appearance at first glance look identical. However, the American automaker had ensured that the Venom F5 Revolution Coupé has got a number of improvements to aerodynamics, suspension, engine cooling system, digital telemetry on-board, and others.
The Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé is a perfect combination of a 'Fury' 1,817 hp V8 engine with a better and lightest chassis. (Picture from: Evo.co.uk)
Then who is the person behind this Venom F5 Revolution Coupé supercar? Well, he is none other than the Chief Engineer, John 'Heinrocket' Heinricy whose the person in charge of developing this supercar. This gentleman has a distinguished career and experience in the racing world spanning 38 years with General Motors by participating in 240 professional races, including 35 times in 24-hour endurance races. He has also set three FIA Speed Records and has done 1,000 laps at the Nurburgring.
The Venom F5 Revolution Coupé only has a weight under 1,360 kg, that's why it's believed to be the lightest Venom F5 ever made. (Picture from: Evo.co.uk)
While in the design of fast cars, he was noted not only to be involved, but even to lead in the development of some of the most extreme cars launched by GM such as the Corvette Z06 and Cadillac CTS-V. So thanks to his magical touches that the Venom F5 Revolution Coupé became a capable car on the track because it has a number of reliable features to fully support the car's performances.
The Venom F5 Revolution Coupé has got a number of improvements to aerodynamics, suspension, engine cooling system, digital telemetry on-board, and others. (Picture from: GoOto)
In addition, the Hennessey's engineers and designers also focused on reducing the weight of the vehicle, they managed in making the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé only has a weight under 1,360 kg, that's why it's believed to be the lightest Venom F5 ever made. So this reduction in weight makes the acceleration performance of the Venom F5 Revolution Coupé even more phenomenal.
The Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé is designed to provide compressive force while cornering, the rim design is deliberately made wide, wrapped in wide tread tires to support traction and also the grip of the braking system. (Picture from: GoOto)
Well, as its drivetrain, there's a 'Fury' V8 engine with a capacity of 6,600 cc is firmly attached on a monocoque chassis, in which positioned in the middle of the car. Its bursts of power on paper can reach 1.817 hp which is then channeled to its rear wheels via a single clutch transmission system.
Inside the Venom F5 Revolution Coupé cabin installed the car mainstay features of digital telemetry on-board which allows the driver to find out data more quickly, starting from the record time for each lap, time comparison, cornering G-force. (Picture from: GoOto)
The performance of the aerodynamic system embedded on the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé is claimed to be able to deliver 362 kg of downforce at 300 kph, and can be 635 kg at 400 kph. Besides that, the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé is also equipped with an air scoop which is intended to supply cold air to the engine room, so that it is expected to be able to effectively reduce engine temperature heat.
The Venom F5 Revolution Coupé is powered by a 'Fury' V8 engine with a capacity of 6,600 cc is firmly attached on a monocoque chassis, in which positioned in the middle of the car. (Picture from: TopGear)
Apart from the air grille, at the front of the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé is designed to provide compressive force while cornering, the rim design is deliberately made wide, wrapped in wide tread tires to support traction and also the grip of the braking system.
To support the legs, a more aggressive double-wishbone suspension system is used, coupled with adjustable dampers that are made easy to set with only simple tools. The settings can be adjusted for the highway uses to the racing circuit.
The Venom F5 Revolution Coupé aerodynamic system is claimed to be able to deliver 362 kg of downforce at 300 kph, and can be 635 kg at 400 kph. (Picture from: TopGear)
While inside its cabin installed the car mainstay features of digital telemetry on-board which allows the driver to find out data more quickly, starting from the record time for each lap, time comparison, cornering G-force. Uniquely, the data can be stored for analysis or as an archive.
John Hennessey, company founder and CEO, revealed that the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé is a perfect combination of a 'Fury' 1,817 hp V8 engine with a better and lightest chassis.
Finally, the Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution Coupé made its debut in public at the Miami Motorcar Cavalcade Concours d'Elegance which was held on January 16, 2023. In fact, this American supercar is priced at an exorbitant prices US $ 2.7 million or approx Rp. 42.1 billion. Wow!! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HENNESSEY | CARSCOOPS | EVO.CO.UK | TOPGEAR ]
In the end Marcello Gandini brough and offered his original P132 design to Claudio Zampolli of Cizeta Automobili. No need to wait for long, the design then implemented to the Cizeta V16T. This iconic supercar of the 1990s was the result of a collaboration between ex-Lamborghini engineer Claudio Zampolli and music producer Giorgio Moroder which is officially launched back in 1991. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBOCARS | MOTOR.ES | CARROZZIERIITLIANI | AUTA5P.EU | DRIVE2.RU | AUTO-RETRO-PASSION.RO | SPEEDHOLICS ] 
