An Italian 'e-Kangaroo' jumps out at Geneva

A while ago GFG Style, an automotive company founded by leading designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio stated will present a new concept model at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Those newest concept vehicle given a name GFG Style Kangaroo. Of the many supercars and hypercar available and shown at one of leading auto expos in Europe, the Kangaroo appears a little different and unique. Yes, these newest GFG Style concept car later known as the electric-powered hyper-SUV that can accommodate only two people inside the cabin.

The sleek two-seater electric-powered Kangoroo was created by fledgling Italian design house GFG Style, headed by legendary designers Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

The Hyper-suv concept has two 180 kW electric motors capable of producing 483 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. The power generated is then sent to the four wheels and allows the Kangaroo to accelerate from a standstill up to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds.

And those electric motor was known developed jointly with a Chinese company named CH Auto and said that the concept car also has a 90 kWh battery which is able to store enough power to reach distances exceeding 450 km.

GFG Style Kangaroo is powered by twin electric motors that jointly developed with a Chinese company named CH Auto. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

What makes these GFG Style Kangaroo more unique is the suspension system. These Hyper-SUV driver can choose the Racing mode that will reduce the height of the car to 140 mm. Next is the Road mode suspension arrangement, where the height of the vehicle is raised to 190 mm, and the Off-Road mode increases the height of the suspension further to 260 mm.

GFG Style Kangaroo has a multitude of screens in its luxury and cozy cabin. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

GFG Style also claims that when Kangaroo is driven in Racing and Road mode configurations, its shock absorbers work with a single spring. While when the Off-Road mode is selected, its shock absorbers work with two springs simultaneously. In addition, these hyper-SUV also has a number of sensors on the roof that allow it to drive autonomously.

GFG Style Kangaroo’s fancy butterfly doors look expensive. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

This concept vehicle sits on an aluminum space frame platform, and all of its body are made of carbon fiber, besides that there are also polycarbonate fenders. The main highlights on the exterior include the butterfly door, the headlights and the taillights are very slim and the front bumper sharp. This car also uses large 22-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion tires so make it has high ground clearance and look dashing.

GFG Style Kangaroo is styled by the same people that designed the legendary DeLorean and Lotus Esprit. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FoQ1iy)

While in its the cabin, there are steering wheel inspired by racing cars and digital instrument clusters. Then right above it, there is an additional screen that might display a number of the main functions of the vehicle, and the third, there is a vertical screen sitting in the center of the dashboard.

However, until now GFG Style has not released a complete specification for the vehicle, but stated that these unique hyper-suv has AWD and 4WS (4 wheel steering) abilities so it is claimed to be able to cross various terrains ranging from asphalt roads up to off-road lanes. Similarly, there has been no news whether Kangaroo will continue to the production stage. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ADELAIDE NOW]
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Carmen, a gorgeous electric GT from Spain

Hispano Suiza, as one of the car brands that triumphed in the early 20th century. As well known, Hispano Suiza is one of the Spanish automotive brands that has been established by Damián Mateu and Marc Birkigt in 1904, and finally closed in 1968. 

But now, there are parties who are trying to revive this brand by building cars in a modern style, refurbished designs and of course fully electric powertrain.

All-new 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT has debuted at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JBTkZ5)

This certainly creates a legal dispute which ultimately involves the court to decide who is most entitled to this brand.

Who are they, the parties are being in fighting for the right to use the Hispano Suiza brand legally? 

The first party is an automotive manufacturing company based in Switzerland named Hispano Suiza Automobile Manufacturing AG. This manufacturer claims to have built a supercar named Maguari HS1 GTC on an Audi manufacturing base.

Front three quarter view of 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CMJNbV)

The second party is Hispano Suiza Cars, a Spanish manufacturing company that has also succeeded in building a typical grand tourer electric car.

This manufacturing company is based in Barcelona, ​​Spain, and is owned by Miguel Suque Mateu who still has a kinship relationship (the great-grandson) of the founder of Hispano Suiza, Damián Mateu.

Interior view of 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CMJNbV)

Mateu has the dream of realizing an electric car to the world market. At that time, Hispano Suiza had produced an electric car prototype that had never been produced. Then he planned to build the newest Hispano Suiza car since 1937, with the name Carmen Electric GT. By carrying out a great fender style, like the one circulating in cartoons.

The exterior appearance of this car was inspired by an Art Deco car in the early 20th century, namely 1938 H6C Dubonnet Xenia. While in the interior the designers choose quality leather, and a simple dashboard is equipped with a digital instrument cluster.

1938 H6C Dubonnet Xenia was the inspired model of the 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2WlivjU)

In the development of Carmen Electric GT, Mateu was assisted by Saoutchik, a French coachbuilding company responsible for design, then QEV Technologies, a manufacturer that specialized in making electric powertrains and having relations with the Mahindra Formula E racing team. 

By using carbon fiber body, Carmen Electric GT looks rigid and lightweight. While the powertrain is capable of spraying up to 1,000 hp of power, and accelerating from 0-62 mph below 3 seconds. While the highest speed is recorded at 155 mph. Carmen has a battery of 105 kWh that can carry this car running up to 250 miles.

Rear three quarter view of 2020 Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CMJNbV)

The plan, Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT will be produced in Barcelona, ​​and only 19 units will be built. While the price offered reaches $1.7 million, and the first shipment in June 2020. But there is something quite surprising, when Hispano Suiza Carmen Electric GT has been part of a series of prototypes introduced at the 2019 Geneva Auto Show.

Despite these positive plans, two variants of Hispano Suiza (Maguari HS1 GTC and Carmen Electric GT) are struggling to use the famous Spanish auto brand as an electric model and become a production model. Unfortunately the problem is still stuck in court and it seems that it still takes a long time to determine which party has the right to use the Hispano Suiza brand legally. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOS SOURCES | HISPANO SUIZA | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1]
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Look at Imagine, the newest imaginative electric concept car from KIA

For the first time, through a prestigious automotive exhibition that has just finished on the blue continent, the Geneva Motor Show 2019, KIA Motors Corporation features a pure electric-powered concept car named Imagine by KIA.

The Imagine by KIA, a pure electric concept car stole attention at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HGfJm1)

As quoted from Antara on March 12, 2019, this prototype concept car was designed in Frankfurt, Germany and then taken to Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland, where the 2019 Geneva Motor Show is taking place. And it needs to be underlined, this is the first pure electric powered passenger vehicle made by KIA Motors Corporation.

The Imagine by KIA concept looks like a car out of a science fiction movie. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Cz3iVe)

Visually, the Imagine concept car is intended as a family vehicle, which is made in the form of a blend of futuristic crossover and sedan, with a super modern and spacious cabin. Until now, this prototype concept car has not been planned for mass production yet.

The Imagine by KIA is the first pure electric powered passenger vehicle made by KIA Motors Corporation. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FxcB9Y)

"We envision the ability to design pure electric cars that not only address consumer concerns about mileage, performance, recharging networks and driving dynamics, but have a special sensation when driven," explained Gregory Guillaume, Kia Motors Europe's Vice President of Design, in a written statement on Monday, March 11, 2019.

For that, added Gregory Guillaume, the concept of pure electric-powered vehicles created by them uses a holistic and emotional approach. Later, KIA Motors Corporation hopes that Imagine will unite the spirit of the future, awareness of renewable energy, and zero emissions conditions.

At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, these tiny KIA Soul EV comes with an adorable box design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FxcB9Y)

When exhibited at the KIA booth, the Imagine by KIA concept car was placed side by side with other electric-powered products owned by these South Korean automotive company, such as the KIA Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid, as well as the new third-generation KIA e-Soul. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KIA GLOBAL MEDIA CENTER | MOTOR ILLUSTRATED]

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Aston Martin's new hypercar project

As we all know that previously Aston Martis has released a teaser from their new hypercar. The teaser in the form of a silhouette of a sedan is a car that Aston Martin calls Project 003. The British premium auto manufacturer says that this is not an ordinary sedan, but this Project 003 is a hypercar. And this hypercar is known to be equipped with a hybrid engine, the turbocharged gasoline engine and an electric engine.

Teaser of Aston Martin 'Project 003' aka AM-RB 003. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TKBG96)

Even so, the detailed specifications have not been opened by Aston Martin, but it's still a teaser. What is clear, the Aston Martin Project 003 is the successor of Aston Martin Project 001 namely Valkyrie, and Project 002 aka Valkyrie AMR Pro. Because it is the next generation of Valkyrie, it doesn't seem too much if you hope this Project 003 engine will be more powerful. 

And just for information, Valkyrie AMR Pro itself uses a hybrid engine, with a V12 engine with a capacity of 6,500 cc that can produce power up to 1,100 hp. 

Aston Martin 'Project 003' aka AM-RB 003 concept car has been appeared at the 2019 Geneva Motor show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TKBG96)

And at one of the world famous auto shows, the Geneva Motor Show 2019, Aston Martin presents a surprise by showing the figure of this newest hypercar. This reflects a significant step by Gaydon to show the line of vehicles at the prestigious auto expo in the world. The 003 will join the next generation of Aston Martin Vanquish concept as a two-pronged attack of these British supercar company. Both Astons are powered by a new self-developed V6. Yes, that's right: Aston Martin will start producing its own engines again - for the first time since the turn of the millennium.

Left side view of Aston Martin 'Project 003' concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2CarIE8)

"It has always been the goal of the Aston Martin Valkyrie to be a once-in-a-lifetime project," said Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer. 'However, it is also important to us that Valkyrie will create an inheritance: direct descendants who will also set new standards within their own territory from the hypercar market, creating lineages from very specialized and limited production machinery that can exist in parallel with the Model the production of the Aston Martin series.

Rear three quarter view of Aston Martin 'Project 003' concept car. (Picture from: https://cnet.co/2Cd9VvW)

'I'm thrilled to announce that this car is the Project ‘003’, and our next step into a dynamic and exacting arena.' This is structured as the next chapter in the Valkyrie story. Most of the technology has been reduced from the maximum Aston and company relationships with F1 designer Adrian Newey, but being used here in the daily hypercar is more useful.

The LMP1-style door cuts the roof, making access easier. This is a full carbonfibre monocoque and 003 bodywork is composite as well, while the suspension is with an active system to meet road or track use.

There are no statistics or performance specifications available, but we know V6 will be combined in this application. Reportedly also this supercar will be delivered to its interested consumer around the upcoming 2021. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CAR MAGAZINE | AUTOBLOG]

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The most powered electric supercars from Italy

If a decade ago, the majority of people might find it difficult to imagine that electric cars could compete with gasoline-powered supercars. But now, you might have heard about the Rimac C Two or the Audi PB18 e-tron. And at the beginning of 2018, an Italian auto design company whose services have long been used by Ferrari, Alfa Romeo and Maserati had revealed plans to start working on an extraordinary electric supercar.

Pininfarina Battista has been debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ThuMcn)

Yes, at that time, those future supercar creation was introduced with the codename PF0 (or PF-Zero). And at the end of 2018, Automobili Pininfarina announced its official name ie Pininfarina Battista.

Those name was inspired by the company founder, Battista 'Pinin' Farina. "Battista is a future hypercar, inspired by past legends" said Michael Perschke, executive director of Automobili Pininfarina as reported by Euronews.

Pininfarina Battista is claimed as the most powerful road-legal car ever. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TCkjau)

And recently, those Italian auto design company launched the Pininfarina Battista electric car at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show exhibition which took place in early March. And Pininfarina Battista is also claimed to be one of the fastest cars in the world, even when compared to today conventional combustion engined supercars. This is certainly not surprising because Pininfarina Battista is noted to have a maximum speed above 350 kilometers per hour.

Pininfarina Battista is powered by four electric motors (one for each wheel), producing a combined output of 1,900 hp and 2,300 Nm of torque. (Picture from: https://cnb.cx/2H4focx)

Pininfarina Battista is reinforced with 4 remarkable electric motors that distribute the power independently and directly to all wheels with the ability to torque vectoring, so as to be capable of spraying about 1,900 hp of power and torque of 2,300 Nm. These numbers turns out to be two times greater than the engine power of this year's F1 racing car. And also on this Pininfarina super car has a T-shaped battery, which is located in the middle of the car and stretches to the back of the driver's seat that functions to store electric power.

Those powertrain made by a Croatian company named Supercar Rimac was then tied intact on a carbon fiber monocoque, which is supported by carbon fiber body panel and equipped with aluminum in front and a crash structure at rear. The design was created as a tribute to the past Pininfarina design models such as Cisitalia 202, Ferrari Dino Bernelitta Speciale, Ferrari Modulo and the Sintesi concept car which became the flagship car of his day.

Interior view of Pininfarina Battista with 2 special sporty benches, embellished with anodized aluminum trims, genuine leather layered and optional carbon fiber material. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TCkjau)

Pininfarina claims Battista can accelerate from a standstill to a speed of 300 kph in under 12 seconds. The speed of 100 kph can be reached in less than two seconds. Besides that the company stated that in one single battery charging, Battista was able to explore more than 450 kilometers. Uniquely, Battista will use five different drive modes, so that it can produce quite different car sounds. Indeed not surprising, this car was deliberately designed to be an electric car with super specifications as a serious contender for the Bugatti Chiron.

Pininfarina Battista was deliberately designed to be an electric car with super specifications as one of serious contenders for the Bugatti Chiron and other today conventional combustion engined supercars. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TCkjau)

Then in addition to the powertrain and lightweight body, what are the other components that support Battista so that it can drive fast on the road? Yes, with the use of Pirelli tires combined with 21-inch alloy wheels. Then by using the braking system with a six pinston caliper made from 15.4-inch carbon ceramic. There is also an active rear wing that functions as an air brake.

In the interior, there are two special sporty benches, embellished with anodized aluminum trims, genuine leather layered and optional carbon fiber material. A variety of interesting features to captivate the hearts of the world's super car enthusiasts. With this fairly personal design, that makes no similar car made by Pininfarina in Cambiano Italy.

The plan is that Pininfarina Battista will go on sale in 2020 with only 150 units will be produced and sold at a price estimated at between US $ 2 million and US $ 2.5 million. A total of 50 cars are allocated to the United States, 50 to Europe and 50 to the Middle East and Asia. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CAR MAGAZINE | AUTOEXPRESS]

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Hyundai unveiled their newest concept about the legged car

The development of motorized vehicle technology continues to evolve. In fact, one day the flying car might be realized. The self-driving technology is already in sight and is increasingly ready to jump into the real world. Everything created on the basis of facilitating and make human activities more easily.

Hyundai Elevate Concept is a futuristic go-anywhere vehicle. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H6tJo3)

Well, there is an interesting innovation unveiled by Hyundai at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2019 exhibition in Las Vegas, United States some time ago. Yes, at those technology exhibition Hyundai unveiled an idea of legged car technology.

It might sound like a fantasy that came true. And maybe what is imagined in our minds at a glance is a figure like a car changing form into a robot like in the Transformers movies. Indeed, the approach is similar but makes more sense. These newest concept car called Hyundai Elevate, which is the Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV) and is described as a future concept car with the robotic legs mounted into its wheels. 



Part car, part robot, the Elevate was developed to tackle the most difficult surfaces on Earth and reach remote areas quicker than conventional vehicles created for search-and-rescue and humanitarian aid missions. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H6tJo3)

Not only can change shape into a robot and walk, but its legs appear from behind the wheels. Yes, Hyundai will be developed the first car that has legs so that allows it to run. Basically it was designed to be a rescue car in the some of disaster event.

Its form are half of the car and the robot, so it was possible to reach any difficult surfaces that ordinary cars cannot pass through. It is suitable to be operated as the SAR (Search and Rescue) vehicles in humanitarian aid missions. For example, looking for the victims in the rubble of collapsed buildings. Not only can be walking and can even climb. So that its abilities can not limited by terrain or road conditions.

On Hyundai Elevate Concept Wheels attached to robotic legs turn it into a walking car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H6tJo3)

"When earthquakes and tsunamis hit, rescue vehicles can only deliver to the boundaries of the disaster area. They must continue the journey on foot. And the Elevate is able to drive to a location pass any obstacles even to climbed," said John Suh, Hyundai vice president and head of Hyundai CRADLE, in one of the company official statements.

Not only helping disaster victims, Hyundai Elevate is also designed to help people with disabilities. Like wheelchair users who don't have access to enter or leave the house. Elevate easily climbs the stairs up to the front door.

Hyundai sees a future in which a disabled person could summon the Elevate to walk up to a house’s front door, automatically level itself, and allow the person in the wheelchair to simply roll right in. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H6tJo3)

Hyundai Elevate is based on a modular electric car (EV) platform, with the ability to change bodies in certain situations. The construction of the robot's legs has a free angle in all directions, plus hubs and electric actuators. The movements are unique, because they resemble the way of mammals and reptiles moves. Flexibility of hinge angles, allowing movement in various directions easily.

Uniquely, the body remains awake parallel to the ground without experiencing tilt changes. When not needed, the legs fold neatly and the Elevate changed like an ordinary car. Therein lies the greatness of this concept. In fact, even beating off-road cars that are still limited in range.

Hyundai said, it took 3 years to design this interesting concept. And in the process, the South Korean manufacturer collaborated with Sundberg-Ferar to make the idea into reality. The results worth to be waiting and hopefully it can be produced, so that later it can save many lives in an emergency situation.

Sometimes dreaming up something absolutely outlandish and stepping back that design into reality is the best way to innovate. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | INTERESTING ENGINEERING]

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