This woman turned her Tesla sedan into a pickup model

Elon Musk is planning to bring pickup as an additional model into the Tesla line of car productions. But a woman who loves electric cars can't wait, so she turned her Tesla Model 3 into a pickup model.

YouTuber Simone Giertz turned her Tesla Model 3 into a dash-looking pickup and dubs it 'Truckla.' (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31CouDT)

As quoted from The Verge, there's a creative woman named Simone Giertz who also known as a YouTuber was tired of waiting for Elon Musk to leak his latest Tesla pickup model, so she decided to make it by herself.

Then she invited her friends to give birth to her Tesla dream pickup. And then the car result dubbed Truckla. And she said, "It took me a year to design up to the finished pickup."

She said that took a year to design up to a finished 'Truckla' pickup model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31CouDT)

From the second row of of Tesla Model 3 up to the rear section was cut then made such a way into a pickup shaped. Imagine, Giertz was willing to build these Truckla because of her love to electric cars.

"My goal is to never own a gas car," Giertz said. "I'm a part of a new generation of drivers that will only drive electric. I feel like I should pad this a little bit, but I'm not going to. Fuck oil companies. Seriously, fuck them."

Giertz was willing to build these Truckla because of her love to electric cars. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31CouDT)

Not much change was revealed, Giertz said for roof racks and roofs using parts from the Ford and Chevy older trucks. But to run this project is not without obstacles. After removing the back seat and trunk of its many parts, the modified Model 3 refused to start.

Luckily, Giertz was accompanied by a team of mechanics and DIY car modifiers to tackle the project such as Marcos Ramirez, a Bay Area maker, mechanic and artist; Boston-based Richard Benoit, whose YouTube channel Rich Rebuilds is largely dedicated to the modification of pre-owned Tesla models; and German designer and YouTuber Laura Kampf, and obviously the problem was resolved soon.

Giertz said the project was not meant to mock Elon Musk that she was one step ahead. "This process has destructive steps in the beginning but the ultimate goal is constructive. And I did it because I really wanted this car. This was really my dream car," Giertz said. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE VERGE]

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Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with roofted solar panel and new transmission tech

Entering the era of vehicle electrification as it is today, various world's automotive manufacturers are competing to make electric cars, ranging from Hybrid, Plug in Hybrid, Battery Electric Vehicles up to Fuel Cells.

One of them is Hyundai, one of South Korean auto manufacturers through its Hyundai Sonata brand which is then transformed those conventional-engined four-door sedan into a hybrid car combined with solar panels mounted on the roof.

Hyundai Sonata Hybrid with roofted solar panel and new transmission tech be able to increase the distance up to 1,300 km per year. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KgarxF)

With the application of solar panel technology, it means that the Sonata Hybrid no longer depends on deceleration when braking to recharge the batteries. Hyundai further said that with the solar panels making the vehicle batteries can be recharged within 6 hours. So the car is estimated to be able to increase the distance up to 1,300 km per year.

The difference between the Sonata's moderately-electric model, and those only with an engine, is that the Sonata Hybrid has a solar panel on the roof.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GMUxZI)

And by using the hybrid technology, the Sonata can be felt its efficiency while the engine is in low speed. For example, when the car is dealing with traffic congestion, due to the power used is sourced from its battery.

The new Active Shift Control technology on Hyundai Sonata Hybrid promises to deliver smoother gear changes despite quicker shift times. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KgarxF)

Hyundai also uses the new Active Shift Control technology on the Sonata Hybrid. It was also mentioned that the technology is able to control the electric motor so as to make the engine's rotation and transmission system become aligned and can reduce gearshift time by up to 30 percent.

Hybrid drive system scheme on the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KgarxF)

These South Korean auto manufacturer says that its mid-size green sedans have fuel efficiency of up to 20.1 kilometers per liter if equipped with 16 inch smaller alloy rims. On 17-inch larger wheels, the figure slightly drops to 19.1 kilometers per liter. 

Rear three quarter of Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KgarxF)

What about the performance? the Sonata Hybrid uses a 2.0 liter Smartstream engine with continuous variable valve timing, which can produce the power up to 152 PS. Those engine then paired with a single electric motor that can produce power of 38 kw, or about 52 PS. So that the total power output from a combination of Sonata Hybrid's engine and electric motor is 195 PS..

As for the transmission system, Hyundai does not use an ordinary Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Instead, they developed a six-speed automatic transmission system specifically made for the Sonata Hybrid. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HYUNDAI USA | WHEEL.AE]
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Here it is the real figures of mid-engined 'Vette' C8

After waiting for a long time, finally the latest Corvette figure is finally released. Yes, since 3 years ago when all of us for the first time saw a glimpse of the car.

And now, so far the curiosity of us has finally paid off because Chevy recently on July 18. 2019 has been launched the 8th generation Corvete car named Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray.

All-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JVgHtm)

This car is also reportedly going to be released in 2020. And from its current appearance there is no change that is more than just a paradigm for the most iconic sports car in America.

Front three quarter view of All-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30EBl7K)

Likely the American automotive manufacturer wants to turn back 'on' their mid-engined Corvette that first was initiated by Zora Arkus-Duntov in more than half a century ago. And for decades, many mid-engined car prototypes have begun to be shown to public. Some of them almost get the green light to enter the production line.

Interior view of All-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JVgHtm)

As quoted of Motor1, the new mid-engine cabin layout gives the Corvette a completely fresh greenhouse with a pair of digital displays for the instrument cluster and infotainment system. The wraparound arrangement looks quite cozy and driver-centric, with a beefy center console separating the driver from the passenger.

Left side view of All-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32ylLwt)

And something of a surprise in this age of clean lines – fans of buttons will love the veritable drag strip of manual controls nestled in the C8’s center spine. Some might find the buttons – which operate the Corvette’s climate functions for the dash and seats – to be unsightly. However, there is something to be said for simply pressing a switch as opposed to navigating a display.

Rear three quarter view of All-new 2020 Chevrolet Corvette C8 Stingray. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30EBl7K)

As quoted from Road Show, the company said the car designed with potential electrification in mind. And when asked more about that, the manufacturer did not elaborate further. So there is speculation that the possibility of the car will using a mild-hybrid powertrain or use a front-axle electric motor to add all-wheel drive.

As far as is known, this car will use a LT2 6.2-liter pushrod V8 engine able to make 495 horsepower of power and 470 pound-feet of torque. Then those power is handled exclusively by the latest eight-speed automatic double clutch system, so that enough to shove the mostly aluminum C8 Corvette to 60 miles per hour in less than 3 seconds (when equipped with the optional Z51 performance package).

And with a starting price tags of $60,000, it sounds like an absolute bargain. How's that? Do you want to have it later? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROAD SHOW | AUTOEVOLUTION]
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All-new Lotus Evija relies on performance and outstanding charging speeds

Not everyone knows the Lotus name in the automotive world, but those who know for sure have no doubt about the reputation of those British manufacturer in the racing world. That's why when circulated news about Lotus's plan to make an electric-powered car, many were impatient waiting for proof of its ferocity.

That day is approaching. Lotus has just officially unveiled its first electric car. The super car was named Lotus Evija, it sat in the electric hypercar category and was in the same class as the Pininfarina Battista which was introduced last March.

The first Lotus electric-powered hypercar called Evija previous known as Type 130. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YXh5hh)

In terms of appearance, Evija was no less exotic, mainly thanks to a series of curves and air holes sculpted in its body, and it said was inspired by Le Mans racing cars. The use of carbon fiber monoque chassis also makes the Evija can be said the lightest electric-powered hypercar, with weights ranging from 1,680 kilograms.

Likely we can expect the performance factor from Lotus, due to Evija's performance is the main selling point. And its four electric motors are believed to be the four-wheel drive, with power output of 1,972 horsepower and 1,700 Nm of torque. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h reached easily in less than three seconds.

Lotus also claims Evija can reach speeds of 300 km/h in less than 9 seconds, which also the company claimed is an outstanding achievement among other cars in the class. The car's top speed itself is said can be reach the figure of 320 km/hour.

All-new Lotus Evija uses four electric motors are believed to be the four-wheel drive. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YXh5hh)

Though the Evija's speeding ability was extraordinary, Lotus apparently did not forget the efficiency factor. The 70 kWh battery which is embedded behind Evija's backs - is intentionally positioned like that to maintain the hallmark of Lotus's middle engined cars - so it able to supply enough energy to travel up to 400 kilometers.

Not only that, Lotus had even designed so that the battery can be charged with an output of 800 kW, so the recharging process only takes 9 minutes from empty to full. But keep in mind, so far the charging technology of electric cars as fast as that is still not publicly available.

All-new Lotus Evija holds 70 kWh battery which is embedded behind Evija's backs. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YXh5hh)

By using the fastest charger unit that is available today(350 kW), Lotus claims Evija only takes 12 minutes to fill 80% of its battery capacity, or 18 minutes for full charging. Yes, the fast definition for Lotus doesn't seem to stop at the car's speeding capability, but also includes its battery charging speed.

Entering the cabin, we can see the combination between modern style and racing style, both of which lead to the principle of minimalism. The instrument panel behind the steering wheel is the only screen that we can find on Evija's cabin, and the steering wheel itself further strengthens the overall racing aura.

All-new Lotus Evija electric motors able to spew out the power of 1,972 horsepower and 1,700 Nm of torque. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YXh5hh)

Nevertheless, Evija is also designed to be suitable for daily use. This can be seen from a colored knob on the steering wheel, which gives the driver access to five driving modes with different performance characters: Range, City, Tour, Sport, and Track.

From a digital perspective, Lotus ensures Evija will continue to be connected to cloud networks thanks to its integrated modem. This means that Evija will receive a number of updates and improvements through updated software like Tesla cars; and car owners can also access a number of settings, such as turning on the cooling system before entering the car, through the Evija companion application on the smartphone.

When is this car ready to roll? Don't know yet, but certainly the production phase of Lotus Evija will begin next year. Lotus plans to produce Evija in limited numbers, ie only 130 units. And each unit is priced starting at £1.7 million, or approximately equivalent to Rp.29.5 billion. WOW! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS | ELECTREK]

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Bentley's centennial electric-powered concept car revealed

In order to commemorate its centennial anniversary, Bentley is looking forward to the future with the electric autonomous concept car rather than revisiting the past. The British company launched a prototype electric-powered car called the Bentley EXP 100 GT which is claimed to be a zero-emissions transformative concept car. The one-off concept car was unveiled on July 10, 2019, at Bentley's headquarters in Crewe. The concept car imagines an ultra-posh grand tourer for the year 2035. And it's stunning from every angle.

Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car was unveiled at the company's headquarter in Crewe on July 10, 2019. (Picture from: https://cnet.co/2XPiObp)

How's not, the concept of this car is equipped with a ton of luxury on the outside and inside. The carbon fiber and aluminum built low-slung GT resembles a car out of Batman: The Animated Series.

The Bentley EXP 100 GT is a battery-electric vehicle with four motors enabling torque vectoring to make the most of the system's peak torque output of 1,100 lb-ft. These motors allow for a zero-to-sixty mph run of 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph (299.34 kph). A horsepower figure hasn't been given yet.

Bentley EXP 100 GT is the future of the luxury marque. (Picture from: https://yhoo.it/2NIkZt9)

Besides that, there're many unique and sophisticated features that are also installed on this car, such as the headlights are very attractive because of looks as they blend with the front grill design. And the company said that those massive front grill made of 6,000 LED bulbs, separated by a slim piece of copper, gives the front fascia an unmistakable expression.

Interior view of Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car. (Picture from: https://engt.co/30zkXpj)

Actually, the Bentley EXP 100 GT is not Bentley's first all-electric concept car. The automaker has previously launched the Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e convertible at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. As reported by Engadget, July 10, 2019, even the interior design combines a spaceship with natural materials including 5,000-year-old copper-infused Riverwood. Bentley stated that all car materials were present to help create a sustainable luxury future. It even has its own 'ethically-aware' fragrance.

Left side view of Bentley EXP 100 GT concept car with its door open. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LjdMOm)

One of the attractions of the Bentley EXP 100 GT is its battery's ability to carry the car running up to 435 miles (700.07 km). The car also has a promising fast charging time, which is only 15 minutes for charging from 0 to 80 percent of the battery capacity.

Then there is also the sophistication of the future that is installed on this car is the application of Artificial Intelligence/AI technology, which is named Bentley Personal Assistant which has many tasks like a butler to serve his master in the mansions. Its tasks such as charging vehicles, adjusting seats, and curating the experience of passengers through biometric information, environmental conditions, etc.

Even it offers several different driving modes for passengers such as Enhance, Cocoon, Capture, Re-Live and Customize. In Enhance mode it is intended to resemble open-air driving with a glass roof. Cocoon creates a protective space by blocking other people from seeing inside. While Capture records a trip, and Re-Live plays a trip highlight.

In order to feel the luxury, the Bentley EXP 100 GT is equipped with an autonomous mode. So, when Cocoon is activated, the driver can take a nap without being seen from the outside. Again, this is still a concept. So it's possible there are still design changes or features in the future.

The Bentley EXP 100 GT will probably be able to preview Bentley's first all-electric production model, which has the due date in the year 2025. Bentley also plans to add hybrid powertrain options to each of its models by 2023. The process will begin later this year with the launch of Bentayga Hybrid. It is not yet clear whether Bentley will use the same powertrain in other hybrid models, or something different. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BENTLEY | ENGADGET | CNET | FINANCE-YAHOO | SLASHGEAR | MOTOR1]

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Lightyear One, the world's first long-distance solar-powered car

Back in 2015, a group of students from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) managed to make a prototype of a very special electric car named Stella Lux. And what makes it special is its ability to create its own electricity by armed with solar panels, and managed to win the World Solar Challenge in Australia at that time.

Lightyear One, the world's first long-distance solar-powered car. (Picture from: https://engt.co/2FYOReA)

And now their dream seems to be coming true to realize their mission to market solar-powered electric cars that can be legally driven on the streets.  Through an automotive startup company named Lightyear which was founded by them, recently also managed to display a prototype vehicle which is predicted to be the first long distance solar car in the world and named Lightyear One. 

Lightyear claims these solar cells are 20 percent more efficient than traditional model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FZz4w9)

This car is designed as a solution to solve problems related to traditional electric vehicles, such as lack of charging infrastructure and dirty methods of generating electricity. For that, One has been equipped with solar cells stretched from the hood up to its roof. Those solar panel stretches for 5 square meters and is covered by safety glass which is rumored to be strong enough so that adult adults can walk on it without causing dents or damaged. 

Besides that those solar panels can produce 20% more energy, and the cells in them can still work "harvesting the sun" even though some of the portion of the panel is covered by shadows.

The Lightyear One is covered with a total of five square meters of solar panels. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FZz4w9)

While the electrical power capacity produced by the panel will vary. Lightyear said the model must be able to create an additional range of 50 to 70 km every day during the summer. While for a year, the company said that the car could produce around 700 kWh of electricity. So after being absorbed, the sun's energy will be directly converted into electrical energy to be supplied to the car's battery. 

Interior view of Lightyear One luxury saloon solar-powered car. (Picture from: https://tcrn.ch/2JruAiM)

According to Lightyear, the speed of producing energy and recharging the battery itself ranges from 12 km per hour. This means that if your car is left under the hot sun for eight hours, the battery has enough power to carry the car for a distance of about 96 km. It certainly doesn't sound too much, but it's still very significant when compared to solar panel technology in general. 

Due to the driver cannot always rely on the sun, One has also been equipped with traditional charging capabilities. In particular, Lightyear said owners would be able to reach a range of 400 km by filling vehicles overnight through regular 230V sockets.

There is no detailed information about the powertrain, but it is stated that One has four electric motors inside the wheel and a relatively small battery. The manufacturer claims that if the configuration will provide 725 km of coverage based on the Worldwide Harmonized light vehicle testing procedure, with 0-100 km/h acceleration capability takes around 10 seconds.

This impressive mileage range is made possible by extraordinary aerodynamic shapes. The company is still working to complete the design, but the current drag coefficient is estimated to be below 0.20. It is an impressive number and can be achieved using aerodynamic wheels, digital mirrors and semi-closed rear wheel openings. One also offers a sleek style and aerodynamic rear that mimics the Volkswagen XL1.

While this car is still a prototype, those Dutch startup plans to launch the production model in 2021. And the first 100 vehicles have been ordered, but there are still 400 more reservation slots available and can be ordered for €119,000 or around Rp.1.9 billion.

If You are interested in having this environmentally friendly vehicle, You able to fill those empty slots by order it now, that also means you participating in the effort to make Our Earth greener... ***  [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LIGHTYEAR | ENGADGET | THE VERGE | TECHCRUNCH]

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The Lotus's first electric-powered car called Evija?

The current electric car market seems to be more promising for most car manufacturers in the world, including Lotus. These British car racing and sports car maker is starting to glance at electric-powered cars to become their newest line up. Reportedly, Lotus will introduce Lotus Type 130 as their newest electric car.

Teaser for Lotus Type 130 electric hypercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xvZ0L7)

The British company has just revealed a silhouette of a car that is claimed to be Type 130. But the new prototype will be introduced in London on this year. To note, the Type 130 is Lotus's new car after more than a decade of absence presenting a new type of car.

As qouted by Driving Electric, the automaker have moves to trademark "Evija" name in the UK under several trademark classes, ranging from toys to vehicle development. And Evija's name follows Lotus's penchant to make their car branding with names starting by the letter 'E,' and given the impending reveal of the electric hypercar, it makes sense that Lotus would want to trademark the electric-powered car's name.

Currently only a car silhouette is available. Lotus itself revealed the prototype is still being developed. "Type 130 will be the most outstanding Lotus product in our dynamic history. This will mark a turning point for our brand and is a demonstration of our capabilities and what will come from Lotus." said CEO of Lotus, Phil Popham, as reported by NewAtlas on April 17, 2019.

The new electric hypercar is currently doing the rounds under the Type 130 code name, which follows an internal naming practice at Lotus. For example, the original Elite of the 1950s was Type 14, while the current Elise, first launched in 1995, was the Type 111.

Latest teaser for Lotus Type 130 electric hypercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JazvWA)

At present some details of the electric hypercar have been revealed, although Lotus has confirmed that only 130 units are destined to be built, each tends to be order by a 7-digit price tag. Production will be handled at Lotus headquarters in Hethel, England, and the shipments will begin in 2020. And the latest teaser photo released on earlier this month shows a panel that includes a charging port.

The car is being developed to help restore Lotus' image as a genuine alternative to Porsche and Ferrari, which aren't expected to have pure electric models available until the middle of the next decade. New parent company Geely is reportedly spending as much as $2 billion on future developments at Lotus, including potentially increasing its stake in the British firm from the current 51 percent. The remainder is owned by Malaysia's Etika Automotive.

Lotus is known to have not released a new model since releasing Lotus Evora in 2008. Since then, the British automotive company has only produced special editions of several existing models, such as the Elise 20th Anniversary, Elise Sport, Elise Sport 220 and so on.

If Lotus is committed to presenting an electric car, of course in the next few months there will be a number of specifications related to Lotus Type 130. Let's wait, how will Lotus present its first electric car in the last 11 years. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS |  NEWATLAS | DRIVING ELECTRIC | MOTOR AUTHORITY]

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An all-new American 1,000-horsepower electric supercar hopeful

At present the development of electric-powered vehicles looks increasingly massive. This can be seen by the increasing number of electric-powered vehicles produced by the world's automotive manufacturers. Apparently this also aroused interest from Drako Motors Inc, a Startup EV company based in Silicon Valley to participate in producing an electric-powered supercar. Recently they gave a teaser video of the upcoming supercar called Drako GTE.

A front fascia and headlights teaser image of all-new American electric supercar called Drako GTE. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FQ77H6)

The American automotive manufacturer has repeatedly claimed that Drako GTE is an extraordinarily luxurious and powerful supercar. Even according to the company, the car will be able to accommodate four passengers and carry their luggages "luxuriously" in tandem. On the strength side, Drako Motors plans to make this supercar driven by an ultra advanced, fully electric quad motor architecture and capable of running at around 1,200 horsepower of power and 6,490 lbs-ft of torque and also has a top speed of 206 mph.

Do note, Drako is really talking about wheel torque, not torque as it's typically measured. Wheel torque is calculated with drive ratios and isn't just what the powertrain creates total. Just like when Tesla bragged about their second-generation Roadster which has torque of up to 7,000 lbs-ft, but in reality, the marketing department just wanted to make some eyes widen.

Drako Motors team posed with a prototype car with all-wheel torque vector drive system at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RSsz2M)

Drako Motors is actually not a completely new company. They have been around for several years (founded 2013), but have worked quietly to build the GTE. In 2015 startups built a prototype to show off the all-wheel torque vector drive system. They even went further by doing running test on those prototype at the Nürburgring Nordschleife and succesfully completed a lap in 7:49.

Apart from confirmation that we will see a car, we have no other information about this car now. Only a very short teaser video that shows the front fascia and headlights. We can't even comment its design on super-fast video display, but we know that Lowie Vermeersch, a former Pininfarina director is the person behind the looks.

Here's the first look of Drako GTE:

Well, it's good if we wait until August 16 at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during 2019 Monterey Car Week, where Drako Motors plans to debut their car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRAKO MOTORS | MOTOR AUTHORITY | INSIDEEV]

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An old-Mercury Coupe able to run in silence

The modern electric vehicles era does not mean making fans of classic retro cars stop to end with their unique hobbies. A number of companies look at this as a future business opportunity by providing an electric drive system that can be adopted by classic cars as a substitute for their old-rusty engines.

Now, this 1949 Mercury Coupe able to run in silence thanks to its new electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RCd9zU)

For an example is Zelectric Motors which provides a modern electric-powered drive system to be installed on the 'ordinary' cars. Besides Zelectric Motors, apparently there is a Los Angeles-based company named Icon, which through its Derelict program that takes classic vehicles in almost every era to be transformed into a more practical and more modern car, without changing the outer appearance to maintain the character that it possesses.

The battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine configuration. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

As a result, it becomes a vehicle that is very contrasting, rusty on the outside but can glide quickly without noise and pollution. And this time Icon took the base of the 1949 Mercury Coupe as their 'victim'. This vehicle was taken from the original owner in the Southern California region. The exterior is left as it is, which looks like it just came out of a dusty warehouse after several decades of silence.

Nevertheless Icon seriously handles the interior behind the rusty body. All parts of the body stripped down, and replace all components made of rubber. Previously, Icon carefully adds silencer and combining the body parts of the vehicle without repainting.

Icon followed the same pattern of "new equipment, classic looks" inside, using vintage-appropriate fabrics and leathers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

The chassis section was updated through assistance from Art Morrison Enterprises as well as replacing old braking system with the Brembo braking devices. While the biggest modification is of course done on under its hood. Yes, the old engine was removed and replaced with an electric drive system whose design was assisted by two electric vehicle solution companies named Stealth EV and Zelectric Motors.

Those two supporting companies decided to use two electric motors without transmission. As a result the latest project named '1949 Mercury EV Derelict' is able to spew a total power of 400 hp (298 kW) with a maximum torque of 637 Nm. The car's electricity supply is taken from Tesla battery with a capacity of 85 kWh which makes these classic car can be driven as far as 150 to 322 km. And its maximum speed can touch the number of 193 km/hour.

Icon has strived to update key pieces of this 1949 Mercury Coupe while keeping the exterior look true to age. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

The battery module is deliberately spreaded around the vehicle with the aim for better distribution of weights. This car is equipped with a CHAdeMO 125A fast charge plug pinned behind the front license plate holder, plus a Tesla Supercharger plug located behind the cover of the original fuel-cap.

What is quite amazing is the display behind the hood. The battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine configuration. Even the parts of the cable are deliberately wrapped in woven cloth to stay true to the vintage look.

The same pattern is also applied to the interior through classic fabrics and leather. While other interior fittings also carry the 'new equipment with a classic look' theme. While to open and close the car's windows are now more practical with the addition of power window. Meanwhile to activate it by using the old window lever so as not to ruin its classic impression. Likewise with digital instruments that are deliberately made with a classic looks, including the buttons that are still made in the old-school style.

And Icon has been shown off these classic Mercury EV at the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas held on November 6 to 8, 2018. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ICON | NEW ATLAS]

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