A 1950s style Italian-made GT-car got a positive notice at Geneva

The world's largest automotive exhibition event, such as the Geneva International Motor Show is not only to be a place to showcase the automotive products from well-known brands, but also used by many small automotive manufacturers or maybe even previously unknown.

Fornasari 311 GT has shown off at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Dfqat7)

Yes, among the automotive products on display at the 2019 GIMS, there are several vehicles that seem quietly to attract the attention of visitors. Let's us take look at one of them, ie a pretty interesting concept car named Fornasari 311 GT made and designed by Fornisari Cars.

Left side view of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PegfZB)

Have you ever known those automotive company? We are sure that most of you might doesn't know and might newly found out this time. This company is an Italian automotive company which was officially founded in 1999 by Giuseppe Fornasari with a group of friends supporters.

And actually the company was not a new name in the automotive world, after the adventure in the world of motorsport since the early '90s, with the Corvette purchased in America and the desire to prepare for racing.

Interior view of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZbbDbb)

The world of racing and Gran Turismo is always the backdrop to the life of the promoter of this initiative, thanks to his father, Gigi, Alpha skilled pilot Maserati and fifties, who sent his son a passion for not only cars but also a wealth of technical knowledge and human resources. 

Back to the car. It might looks like a Ferrari, maybe the Jaguar, and has something of Aston Martin, or maybe it is a Mercedes. In any case, comes from fifties of last century. Yes, from its exterior actually looks like the 1950s GT but packed in a tweaked and power avatar.

Rear three quarter of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DfXqR3)

The company said that the concept of the car was designed since 2013 and newly in 2018 it was made into a real car like its current form. The design is, it can be said genuine, and while under its hood is there's  lay a 6.2 liter (some says it taken of Corvette V8) engine with 500 horse power maximum. It is understood that it had to be modified to accommodate this engine block in the body.

Rear view of Fornasari 311 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DfXqR3)

These old-school 1950s style GT-car is a 2-seater car which can be customized as coupe or convertible without changing the lightweight frame which speaks when travelling at higher speeds. By the customer demands, the car can be made of aluminum or composite material. The chassis is made ​​of steel alloyed with molybdenum (some believed there is chromium) and consists of 450 pipes or tubes.

The interior is dominated by aluminum, wood and leather, and clearly, everything is hand processed and merged together. There are options to choose the decoration and styling according to one’s taste in a variety of fabrics including rare wooden linings.
As quoted of eXtravaganzi, these old-school style GT-car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 kph) in only 3.5 seconds and its gas pedal can be pushed up to reach max speed is 200 mph. And from the same sources, the car's price is estimated around $300,000. In our opinion that is a reasonable price for such a pretty car like this.

As closing and bonus as well, if you wanna see one of cars that have shapes look alike to those GT-car mentioned above named the 'Ferarri F430 Competizione,' which rebuilt based of 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlineta by Gullwing America in 2011. And what do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORNISARI CAR | TOP GEAR | ENUZE | EXTRAVAGANZI]

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Unique collaboration of two Japanese industry giants

Of course we all know the big names of Japanese automotive manufacturers that are very global. Just say Yamaha and Toyota. First. Yamaha is a Japanese industrial giant that has a production line that can be said to be quite diverse, ranging from musical instruments, motorcycles, to engines. But this Japanese manufacturer looks not serious about making four-wheeled vehicles. Why is that so?

The legendary 1967 Toyota 2000GT or 'Japanese E-Type' turn out using Yamaha engine. (Picture from: Hemmings)

Then the second name is called Toyota. The Japanese automotive giant is very successful in producing four-wheeled vehicles. So it is not surprising if their four-wheeled vehicles can be seen pacing up and down the streets around the world. But Toyota never once intended to make a motorcycle. The same question arises, why is that?

1974 Toyota Yamahauler, a Hilux long bed version and used as a show car and appeared in various Toyota automotive advertisements at the time. (Picture from: Otomotif.Sindonews)

1974 Toyota Yamahauler in one of 
Toyota's leaflet ads in 1970s.  (Picture 
from:  SenseiAlan in Flickr)

The answer turns out that Yamaha and Toyota have proven to have unique relationships for years. Yes, this collaboration between the two Japanese industrial giants is analogous to a singer duet of different genres that produces a harmony on the stage of the show. It turns out that Yamaha is not only good at making motorbikes, it turns out they are also very skilled in making engines for four-wheeled vehicles.

As quoted of Ridepart, Yamaha has been designing and supplying engines for several Toyota production cars for years, starting from the 2000GT classic in 1967, then continued with Celica, and MR2. 

Likewise with Toyota, it was noted that in the 1970s it turned out they had created a pickup truck called Yamahauler specifically to promote the ability to transport motorbikes to its pickup model.

Precisely in 1974, Toyota introduced a long version of the Hilux pickup truck. This vehicle was intentionally made by Toyota to inaugurate a larger car which became known as the Toyota Yamahauler, this vehicle was then used widely as a show car and appeared in various Toyota automotive advertisements at the time.

Another Toyota's legendary car called Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86 used a legendary Yamaha 4A-GE engine. (Picture from: JapSpirit)

This model offers many additional features that are not available in standard trucks, such as carpeting in the bed, bucket seats with crazy 70s stripes, Cragar rims, and a custom paint job by Molly Design.

Before that, one of Toyota's legendary products, the Toyota 2000GT which also uses engines manufactured by Yamaha. These classic sports cars whose designs are similar to the Jaguar E-Type use 2M and 3M coded engines.

Toyota Celica GT-Four also used a 3S-GTE coded engine of Yamaha. (Picture from: PistonHeads)

The next engine produced by Yamaha for Toyota is the legendary 4A-GE engine. This legendary engine is used by a car that is now also becomin a legend too, the Toyota Sprinter Trueno AE86. 

2005 Toyota Celica GTS used a 2ZZ-GE coded engine of Yamaha. (Picture from: JapSpirit)

This machine is so legendary and is hunted by the car enthusiasts because it has compact dimensions, relatively light weights and great power. Therefore this machine is now hunted by car enthusiasts both for racing needs and daily use.

Furthermore, the engine from Yamaha used by Toyota's car products is a machine with a 3S-GTE code. This machine is now being hunted by many people because it has a relatively light weight and has enough power to be used both for daily use or racing. This machine was once immersed in one of the legendary cars from Toyota, the Toyota Celica GT-Four.

2012 Lexus LFA used a V10 1LR-GUE engine of Yamaha. (Picture from: JapSpirit)

The collaboration between Toyota and Yamaha continues to the Toyota Celica GT-S which uses 2ZZ-GE engines. This machine is actually not only used by the Toyota Celica GT-S but also used by one of the British car brands namely Lotus through its product, Lotus Elise.

Collaboration between Yamaha and Toyota continues when Lexus LF-A is introduced, this car also uses a V10 1LR-GUE engine that was developed by Yamaha which received many awards. After success with the Lexus LF-A, Yamaha again contributed to the heart of the drive found in the Lexus IS-F, RC-F, and GS-F engine V8 2UR-GSE.

1992 Yamaha OX99-11, the first Yamaha supercar concept with a 1+1 jet fighter style seating arrangement. (Picture from: Kneeslider)

Yamaha also designed the V8 4.400cc engine for the Volvo XC90 and S80. The same engine is used by Volvo in the V8 Supercars race in Australia. In fact, the British sports car brand, Noble, uses the same drive for their product, the M600.

Then Yamaha also independently created a concept car called the Yamaha OX99-11 which was driven by a Yamaha V12 engine in 1992. The engine became the basis of the manufacturer to enter the world of Formula 1 racing as a supplier of engines to Zakspeed, Brabham, Jordan, Tyrell, and Arrows in the 1990s.

1989 Ford Taurus SHO equiped a new fuel-injected a Yamaha 3,000cc V6 was putting out 200 hp. (Picture from: CarAndDriver)

Given the history of Yamaha, which is very good at developing engines for four wheels, making one of American auto giants, Ford was interested to use Yamaha's engine. Recordedly, they pinned a Yamaha 3,000cc V6 engine in the engine room of the Ford Taurus SHO which was launched in 1989.

Yamaha Sports Ride Concept at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: Autoexpress)

And finally in 2015, Yamaha once again presented their 4-wheeled sports car called the Yamaha Sports Ride Concept at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show 2015. The middle-engined sports car is said to have a driver-engine relationship similar to a motorcycle. Unfortunately until now there have been no signs from Yamaha to make a production version of this beautiful sports coupe. *** [EKA [08012019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RIDEAPART | AUTOEXPRESS | KNEESLIDER | JAPSPIRIT | PISTONHEADS | HEMMINGS | CARANDDRIVER ]

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Rare TVR Typhon

The original TVR Typhon concept car is one of rare supercharged street legal sports cars with a carbon fiber body. There was one road car prototype built in 2001 which was displayed during its lifetime and only three were ever built.

The 3 TVR Typhons together at a Goodwood event in 2012. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The car is said the fastest TVR's production ever built. This car built by those British company in their factory in Blackpool between 2000 and 2006.

The first prototype or PN02. Originally badged as TuscanR, then T400R, finally T440R. Generally referred to as the T400R or De Walt car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Historically, the making of this car began in the late 1990s, Peter Wheeler (TVR founder) began the project that would fulfil his ambition to see the TVR's at Le Mans. An entirely new car was going to be needed. It would need to be built by using modern composites materials be more rigid than any previous TVR. 

The T400R Prototype known as PN02 in De Walt colours. Used by TVR to promote the Le Mans series racing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Initially, TVR Typhon began its life as a a two-seat sports car named TuscanR (TVR T400R) following the Tuscan racers (TVR Tuscan Challenge). These both composite bodied racing/road car was appeared for the first time at the 2000 NEC Motor Show in Birmingham.

The T440R prototype. Like PN02, it was also seen with both TuscanR and T400R badges in 2001. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Its initailly designed for 200 mph (322 kph) on the Mulsanne Straight, to be stable and above all to be win. And so began what started labelled as the TuscanR (TVR T400R) and finally resulted in the 200 mph+ Typhon was the fastest and most expensive production car in TVR's production history.

The T440R roadcar. Often referred to as 'LNT1' as it was originally Lawrence Tomlinson's car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

In 2002, there were two models offered; a GT Championship spec race car and a road car which could be ordered as a 2+2 variant. They were offered with a 4.2 litre version of the TVR speed six engine and a suggested 450 bhp. As the total weight was around 1,000 kg this was double the power to weight ratio of a Porsche 911 Turbo!

The original show car of TVR Typhon (No.2). This was the Reflex Charcoal car that did all the motor shows. Originally owned by post Peter Wheeler (TVR) era owner of TVR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The cars used a TVR's 4000 cc or 4200 cc (4000 cc supercharged) straight six, fuel injected engine mated with of five speed manual gearbox (six speed sequential gearbox) and quoted a top speed of over 200 mph by carrying four adults in it. The first batch of 50 sold out at the show even with a £75,000 price tag.

TVR Typhon (No.3) Technically the only Typhon ever delivered directly to a private customer. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

During the subsequent development and prior to production of customer cars the model name was changed to T400 to reflect a new offering of a 400 bhp engine power with a standard Borg Warner T5 gearbox and T440R for the Le Mans race cars.

TVR Typhon (No.1 originally supercharged + sequential gearbox). Never delivered but retained by the factory until it closed. Privately owned since 2010. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The first prototype T400R road car had the TuscanR body and was subsequently painted in DeWalt colours and although a non-runner at this point was used during the press launch onboard HMS Invincible, the following cars had the later T400R body style.
Records do not exist from the factory so production numbers are very unclear, but most agree that one true Typhon exists, with a Vortex supercharger and six speed sequential gearbox putting out about 550 bhp. Ex TVR staff suggest that four Typhons may have been built altogether though. *** [EKA | FROM VAROUS SOURCES | TVR CLUB CAR | WIKIPEDIA | WIKIWAND]

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Honda Neo Classical Racer concept to be shown at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon

As quoted of Overdrive, Honda one of Japanese renowned automaker giants has previewed some of the concepts it will showcase at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon between January 11 and 13 next year. 

These are all based on cars from its line up but have been treated to a significant dose of wackiness. There's everything from the Civic and the Step Wgn mini-MPv but one of the most notable ones is the Honda Neo Classic Racer concept.

This retro-themed coupe named is Honda Neo Classic Racer concept will showcase at the 2019 Tokyo Auto Salon. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BGPaHX)

This retro-themed coupe is based on the Japanese market car named Honda S660 coupe. Notable touches are the fender mounted rear-view mirrors, the bonnet-straps and the grey moulding on the grille and headlamps.

This retro-themed coupe is based on the Japanese market Honda S660 coupe. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rWnw5e)

The black plastic headlight covers reminiscent of tape applied to sealed-beam lamps, bolt-on fender flares, front and rear spoilers, sporty red and blue graphics, black retro-style fender-mounted mirrors, and, in a nice touch, leather straps for the tiny hood.

Overall design of the Honda Neo Classic Racer Concept is also reminiscent of sports coupe's from the 1960s, specifically the Honda S600, and gets the flowing, rounded shape of that car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rWnw5e)

The rear also gets those simple two-part taillamps and the sloping roofline. The overall design is also reminiscent of sports coupe's from the 1960s, specifically the Honda S600, and gets the flowing, rounded shape of that car. There is no word on the Neo Classic Racer figures but the standard S660 on which this is based is built according to the Japanese kei car regulations. 

This silver mighty Honda Neo Classic Racer concept is built according to the Japanese kei car regulations. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2rWnw5e)

As we all knew, the kei cars cannot be longer than 3.4 m or wider than 1.4 m and can be powered by a three-cylinder engine no larger than 660 cc. The Honda S660's motor is turbocharged and puts out power of 64 PS and 104 Nm of torque. Its top speed reach of 140 kph.

The Honda Neo Classic Racer concept is only a design study and unlikely to ever make it to production. But it is a great reminder of the Japanese brand's back catalogue of impressive driver's cars and also shows that the brand is definitely rediscovering some of those skills. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OVERDRIVE | AUTOBLOG | AUTOMOBILEMAG]

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Would this unique MPV concept remind us of Christopher Columbus?

No, We don't think so. This is solely to describe the high deck body trends are increasingly crowded lately in the public transportation vehicles, especially in my beloved country (Indonesia), in addition to the double decker model. The concept of those public transportation vehicles have two different levels of deck.

A unique-shaped 1992 Italdesign Giugiaro Columbus fancy MPV concept has many luxury features in it. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QRzcEP)

But actually not only on the bus, the design of high deck vehicle can be implemented, a famous Italian auto coachbuilder named Italdesign Giugiaro (who is already famous for various automotive designs including sports and supercars) has designed a such unique MPV in 1992.

Top view of 1992 Italdesign Giugiaro Columbus fancy MPV concept with all of doors opened. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QRzcEP)

The name of the car is Italdesign Guigiaro Columbus Concept, and according to the Italian automotive coachbuilder, those Columbus name was chosen to commemorate the anniversary of a medieval Italian world explorer who was also known as the discoverer of America, Christopher Columbus.

A cross section of 1992 Italdesign Giugiaro Columbus fancy MPV concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ChHFsM)

Described back in the day as a "sailing ship for dry land," the oddball MPV was conceived with a carbon fiber body featuring a bulge in the roof above the front seat to free up more headroom since the driver sat higher than the passengers for improved visibility.

Luxurious interior view of 1992 Italdesign Giugiaro Columbus fancy MPV concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QRzcEP)

Then why does this car were made with only have one seat in the front and even actually can accomodate 7 people in it? The Italian company made these car concept as a high-class MPV and special made for rich urban consumers to travel with their family with all the luxury in one car.

Luxurious interior view of 1992 Italdesign Giugiaro Columbus fancy MPV concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QRzcEP)

This can be seen from the seat model which is indeed made very individual and wide. Keep in mind that these unique MPV length is around 6 meters, so that the seats can be rotated to make a small family room in the cabin.

Rear side view of 1992 Italdesign Giugiaro Columbus fancy MPV concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QRzcEP)

Each seat in the cabin has lighting with a fiber optic system and monitor facilities that are connected to TV channels and VHS video players (something very luxurious at the time). This unique fancy MPV uses a BMW V12 engine with a capacity of 5,000 cc that can burst power up to 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive.

However, like the other concept cars through the time, the fate of this car was similar which has not been fully realized and not mass produced as well. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN | MOTOR1 | GTPLANET]

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