The newest luxury standard of Pininfarina-designed Karma GT Coupe

In the Monterey Car Week 2019 event in Pebble Beach, California, United States (US), where the visitors are presented with a large selection of new supercar models. One of them is Karma Pininfarina GT Coupe.

As reported by Carscoops on Monday, August 5, 2019, this car was designed by renowned design house from Italy, Pininfarina, as part of a collaboration between the two companies in January 2019.

Karma Pininfarina GT Coupe is said to be a combination of the Revero GT and SC1 Vision Concept, two other Karma's car models. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32k8977)

Where this beautiful coupe is said to be a combination of the Revero GT and SC1 Vision Concept, two other Karma's car models.

The car has a dashing distinctive exterior design of the two-doors GranTurismo coupe is wrapped in an elegant white color.

To make it able to run fast, the maker installs a hybrid drive system with a power of 528 horsepower and 577 pound-feet of torque. Those power comes from a new BMW 3 cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine as a range extender and two electric motors.

Karma Pininfarina GT Coupe managed to debut at the Monterey Car Week 2019 event in Pebble Beach, California. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MJALCT)

With the power as mentioned above can make the car accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and run fast enough to reach a top speed of 130 mph with a mileage up to 300 miles. This car is also equipped with a 28 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, making it also possible of pure electric driving distance as far as 80 miles.

Karma Pininfarina GT Coupe uses a hybrid drive system consisted of a new BMW 3 cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine as a range extender and two electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LkTDov)

Then for the interior concept, the car uses the luxurious materials, such as white colored genuine leather and the application of several advance technologies, such as an entertainment system with a digital instrument cluster in its cabin. 

"Presenting to Pebble Beach our strategic relationship with a Southern California-based brand is perfectly aligned to Pininfarina’s growth strategy in the North American market. We bring to the U.S. our expertise in design, in the creation of customized luxury vehicles and in premium brand lifestyle. We are sure that the stunning electric GT we designed for Karma will be very much appreciated by Pebble Beach collectors," said Pininfarina's Director of Sales and Marketing, Giuseppe Bonollo.

The future of Karma GT is still undetermined, because it relies on the world's automotive enthusiasts feedback that makes it enter the production line or not. If it gets a green light, this vehicle will be offered in very limited quantities, which should make the collector interested. The Karma GT will be assembled by Pininfarina in Turin, Italy. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KARMA AUTOMOTIVE | CNET | AUTOBLOG | TOP SPEED]

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The first appearance of SC1 Vision Concept in North America

Have you ever heard of Karma Automotive, maybe that name feels foreign to the ear. Yes we also agreed about that. Karma Automotive  is an electric car startup company from China. They are currently trying hard to be able to compete with the competitors in the global automotive market such as Tesla Motors and other well-known car manufacturer companies.

Karma SC1 Vision Concept managed to debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZpZymm)

For such reason, some time ago, the company reportedly being prepared the North American debut for its pure electric vehicle called the Karma SC1 Vision Concept to show at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019. The company is said that the SC1 Vision Concept carries a variety of future technologies that are not just artistic designs, detailed elements and pure electric power platforms, which are the direction of Karma's goal in presenting its future vehicles.

Front right side view of Karma SC1 Vision Concept electric-powered car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zwA2fH)

Previously, the SC1 Vision Concept along with another two hybrid vehicle of the same company, ie. the 2020 Karma Revero GT and Karma Pininfarina GT have been launched at 2019 Shanghai Auto Show in April 2019. 

"This SC1 is a sign of the future of Karma," said Karma Automotive CEO Dr. Lance Zhou. "Designed and engineered in less than 12 months, the SC1 is a purely electric vehicle that explores innovative design and technology that enables the Open Platform collaboration strategy."

Right side view of Karma SC1 Vision Concept electric-powered car with its scissor doors opened. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MJALCT)

Also believed the SC1 Vision Concept has been integrated with 5G connection infotainment architecture and communication systems with touch, sound, eye and graphical interface. Then the sophisticated Artificial Intelligent technology is also reportedly implanted in this car to be able to understand commands and languages, while the camera-based system of eye monitoring allows biometric identification, allowing for vehicle ownership. 

There is another eye monitoring system that will monitor the driver's iris, eyebrows and facial features to monitor the driver whether he is getting bored and tired, and then AI will take over control of the vehicle.

Rear side view of Karma SC1 Vision Concept electric-powered car at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PoIWH4)

Karma also said that there were eight radars, six Lidar sensors and half a dozen external cameras, so that the SC1 Vision Concept could be very ready for the autonomous driving system in the future, with cityscape and destination locations directly monitored real-time.

Furthermore the Karma's Vice President of Global Design and Architecture, Andreas Thurner added that the SC1 moved the mind and then gave rise to a new definition of luxury and style with different Karma's DNA.

And apparently the Southern California based company really kept its promise by displaying the Karma SC1 Vision Concept at Concept Lawn event at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance 2019 on Sunday, August 18, 2019. While before at the Monterey Car Week event, the company also displayed a 2020 Karma Revero GT along with the Karma GT designed by Pininfarina. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KARMA AUTOMOTIVE | AUTOBLOG]

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Tushek being prepared a lightweight, high-performance hybrid car

Salon Privé is the world-class exotic car gathering event held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England. On this year, the 14th edition of events which held in the next September, reportedly will featured the latest hypercar from Tushek, an automotive company from Slovenia.

This company look like to appear silently then suddenly presents a new high performance hybrid vehicle in the hypercar segment with the name of Tushek TS 900 H APEX. If you remember, this car actually has also been shown in the famous world's automotive expo since last year, such as in the Monaco Top Marques 2018.

Tushek TS 900 H APEX, a lightweight, high-performance hybrid car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30HCvjk)

As we all knew, the Slovenian automotive company previously launched the Tushek Renovatio T500 at the same event back in 2012. The car had a very sharp appearance, but after that there was no news anymore.

And it looks Tushek has become the latest automotive company that promises extreme engine performance but should swallow bitter pill in the world's premium car market.

Front view of Tushek TS 900 H APEX at the Top Marques Monaco 2018. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wH44vk)

The company was founded by Aljosa Tushek who is also a former racer and of course has a very good knowledge of racing cars. This year, Tushek backs to the surface by launching a high-performance hybrid car that on paper looks very good and is quite promising. This hypercar is powered by a pair of electric motors mounted on both front wheels and a 4.2 liter, V8 engine mounted at the rear.

It look like wanting to compete with the appearance of another hypercars, the Tushek TS 900 H APEX is seen cool by using a pair of scissor-type doors. And to get more driving sensation, its roof can be opened so that the driver and passenger can enjoy the gusts of wind on each strand of their hair and also the roaring sounded of the exhausts and its V8-engine.

Interior view of Tushek TS 900 H APEX. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wH44vk)

The company claims that the Tushek TS 900 H APEX is the result of four years of research and testing of various the driving dynamics and technologies to produce the cars that can be 'connected' to the driver and passanger through a variety of the latest innovation systems on its cabin.

As reported by Carscoops, with only two electric motors, and also additional compressors, the car's peak power output is at 937 horsepower and 1,400 Nm of torque! Indeed, those performance figures have not been able to place the TS 900 H APEX as the most powerful hypercar but worth noting the car has a light weight of around 1,410 kg. This is not surprising, thanks to the chromium applied on spaceframes and carbon fiber on the body. This is very impressive for a high performance hybrid vehicle with such specifications.

Rear view of Tushek TS 900 H APEXH at the Top Marques Monaco 2018. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2wH44vk)

The power generated by the car's hybrid system is then combined with a 6 speed sequential transmission system so that it can run up to the top speed of 379 kph. Tushek also claims the car's acceleration ability from 0 to 100 kph can be done in just 2.5 seconds, and also can travel approximately 49.1 km by using its electric power only!!

With the capability to produce high performance so the need of great performance component supports such as tires and brakes also becomes very crucial on this car. And on the Tushek TS 900 H APEX is seen using Pirelli Trofeo Series R tires with dimensions 235/35 in front and 305/30 behind. This hypercar also uses Brembo's disc brakes and large sized calipers which are installed on each its wheels.

Not much technical informations were given, as well as the price, and the car's amount to be offered are still not officially disclosed by this company. However, for sure is more and more independent companies or auto manufacturers are able to develop such cars and seems like the games will never ends! Nobody knows. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | SUPERCARS]

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The newest Lamborghini model silhouette is starting to tease

Recently, Lamborghini spread teaser image of its mysterious hypercar that will be released at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. As we all knew previously, the Italian premium brand used the 2019 Monterey Car Week to unveil the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 63 Roadster and the Huracán EVO GT Celebration.

Lamborghini spread the mysterious hypercar teaser which will be released at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZrofxV)

As reported by Carscoops, on Friday, August 23, 2019, the raging bull logoed auto manufacturer displayed a silhouette of mysterious hypercar model on its official Twitter account @Lamborghini.

From the teaser image, the hypercar looks has the double bubble roofs and LED daytime running lights similar the ones used on the Terzo Millennio concept.

Something new is waiting for you.
Open your eyes to the future and you’ll see it.
Are you ready for @iaamesse?#Lamborghini #IAA2019 pic.twitter.com/Ic2YzIJ4Cf

— Lamborghini (@Lamborghini) August 22, 2019

But until now the Italian premium car manufacturer still kept silence and has not provided any information about the car. The company only hinted that they would bring something new. And in a report circulating some time ago, that the hypercar model mentioned above was indeed inspired by the Terzo Millennio concept unveiled in the 2017.

It said that the newest Lamborghini LB48H model was inspired to Lamborghini Terzo Millennio concept. No wonder if from front view both cars look similar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Zg7p5Z)

Then the vehicle is given the code of LB48H and there's rumors said it will be given a name of Unico. This hypercar also said to be carrying a hybrid powertrain system that combines a number of electric motors with a V12 engine.

Lamborghini's next hypercar could look like this based on the latest teaser as seen at Carlifestyle's status on Instagram. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32bWqHy)

And this Aventador successor would later be offered with three electric motor choices. Furthermore this new hypercar said to have the potential to produce power up to about 1,000 hp (746 kW/1,014 PS).

View this post on Instagram

A New Lamborghini is coming. Could it look like this? Are you excited to see the new Lamborghini at the 2019 Frankfurt Autoshow? Photo design by @carlifestyle #carlifestyle #Lamborghini

A post shared by CarLifestyle (@carlifestyle) on Aug 27, 2019 at 8:25am PDT

Here's the Terzo Millenio concept video:

Does not stop here, its sensation then continues. The Lambo's hypercar which does not have the name yet has reportedly been sold out with prices ranging from $2.5 million (approx £2 million/€2.2 million) or around Rp.35.6 billion. WOW!!!! And now let's wait until its launching time is come in Frankfurt. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | CARBUZZ]

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Hyundai's newest EV concept is ready to be present in Frankfurt

Entering the eco-friendly vehicles era such today, made many world's auto manufacturer races to present their best zero emission vehicle. Hyundai, one of them was reportedly is ready to bring an electric-powered car concept to the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show..

Hyundai teases all-electric concept '45' for Frankfurt was inspired by the brand's inaugural model from the 1970s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MBFwhL)

This model will redefine those South Korean auto manufacturer's design direction of the zero emission car. The South Korean auto company newest electric vehicle concept named Hyundai 45 concept and its teaser images was releashed recently.

Seen from the outstanding teaser images, the Hyundai 45 concept inspired by the brand's inaugural model from the 1970s and has 'Sensuous Sportiness,' an organic design style angle. Strong shape, visible from the triangle shape from the rear end of the car, wide light panel, which displays a light show.

Not much is revealed from this Hyundai electric car teaser. Certainly, the concept of this electric car will share the stage with two Hyundai models that will be debuted in the world, including the new generation of i10 and electric racing cars.

Speaking of electric racing cars, there are no details about the model and also what competition will be followed later. Hyundai only gives a teaser in the form of an image of the front of the car and the legs of a racer who uses a Hyundai racing uniform.

"A new era is coming soon at Hyundai Motorsport. For months our team at Alzenau is working hard to create a new electric car that we will launch soon," said Andrea Adamo as Hyundai Motorsport team director.

"This will be a new chapter for our company and motorsport activities, one that is approaching current trends and innovations in the automotive industry," continued Andrea. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | AUTOBLOG | ENGADGET]
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A Chinese smart electric SUV inspired of Tesla Model X

In the eyes of many people, Elon Musk is often portrayed as an unpleasant figure. Nevertheless, the world technology industry owes a lot to him, especially in the field of automotive electrification. One of them was when Tesla decided to open wide the access to its patents in 2014.

This fully electric-powered Xpeng G3 inspired by Tesla Model X. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ORxPWB)

In fact, it is difficult to designate which auto manufacturers utilize the patents held by Tesla in the development of electric cars. But some did not hesitate to reveal to the public that Tesla was his biggest inspiration. One of them is Xiaopeng Motors, a Chinese startup company that was founded shortly after Tesla published its patent rights above.

Right side view of fully electric-powered Xpeng G3. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ORxPWB)

Four years later precisely in 2018, Xiaopeng finally officially unveiled the figure of its first fully electric-powered car named Xpeng G3. From the exterior appearance is still not too similar to the Tesla Model X even though they are both SUV types. However, when entering into the cabin, then immediately seen the resemblance.

Dashboard view of fully electric-powered Xpeng G3. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ORxPWB)

Starting from a minimalist look dashboard with a large vertical-oriented screen in the center, up to the display of the digital instrument panel, everything is almost identical as made by Tesla. Even the panoramic windshield of Xpeng G3 is also is also one of the features of the Tesla Model X.

Interior view of fully electric-powered Xpeng G3. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ORxPWB)

But the similarity stopped in the interior. Even though Xiaopeng uses almost the same battery technology as Tesla, but the Xpeng G3's mileage efficiency is still less than the Tesla Model X, from the two electric SUV variants offered are estimated to be able to cover a distance of ± 351 km and 365 km in a single battery charges.

Likewise, the performance of this electric SUV is also far from impressive, for example its ability to accelerate from 0 - 50 km/h (not 100 km/h) is done in 3.8 seconds. The maximum power output only reaches 145 kW from its permanent magnet synchronous motor, while the torque is around 300 Nm.

A little surprising, Xiaopeng apparently did not forget to embed a series of sensors to realize the autonomous driving tech features on the Xpeng G3. Not only that, the person who was appointed to be the leader of the autonomous division was Junli Gu, who used to be the machine learning lead on Tesla’s Autopilot team who took part in developing those car's autonomous driving program.

Furthermore one of the Xpeng G3 mainstay features is its ability to park without a driver by only relying on its autonomous driving technology. Look at the video below;

All of these can be obtained by the China's automotive consumers at very affordable prices, starting from 227,800 yuan, or around Rp.480 million, before being subsidized by the government. Yes, because in China there're subsidies policy for those who buy an electric car, so after subsidies, the price of the Xpeng G3 is only around 136,000 yuan, or ± Rp. 287 million. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELEKTREK | INSIDEEVS]
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A stunning American electrical GT car was revealed

As was stated In the previous article, there's an American startup company wants to launch an electric-powered supercar. This zero emissions supercar will be launched at the Monterey Car Week 2019 in Pebble Beach, California.

Drako GTE is an all-electric, 1200-horsepower sedan with a claimed top speed of 206 mph. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/30fabV5)

And the company, named after its co-founder Dean Drako, turned out to be on time to fulfill its promise. On Friday morning at The Quail, a Motorsports Gathering during Monterey Car Week 2019, the company unveiled its striking new all-electric supercar which is given the simple name Drako GTE.

Drako GTE has made its debut at Monterey Car Week 2019 in Pebble Beach, California. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/309d2iI)

And whatever your feelings regarding its exterior styling, the GTE is a supercar powered by four electric motors, which altogether able to spew out 1,200 horsepower and 6,490 lb-ft of torque. With a maximum torque differential between each wheel set to 3245 lb-ft, the company brags the GTE is able to precisely rotate and corner like no other car.

Drako GTE, a sleek four-door with an aggressive stance, uses four individual permanent-magnet hybrid synchronous motors paired with their own direct drive gearboxes. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/309RJxi)

Yes, the car uses four permanent-magnet hybrid synchronous motors (225 kW/302 hp each) to produce that 1,200 hp of power so able to make the car speeding up to reach top speed of 206 mph. Beside that on the car also has Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires to support its extreme performance.

The car's performance figures mentioned above were made possible by the incorporation of Drako DriveOS, a software system that that replaces conventional mechanical axle differentials with computer-managed four-wheel torque vectoring; so that the motors mounted on each wheel can be controlled instantly and independently for maximum traction, stability, and handling responsiveness. The entire system is controlled by a single ECU, making it far less complex than computer networks in most modern vehicles today.

Drako Motors plans to build GTE only 25 examples starting at $1.25 million apiece with deliveries expected to begin in 2020. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/309RJxi)

That car unveiled after roughly six years of development, is based on a Fisker Karma platform, but every panel except the doors is new. Indeed, the sensuous lines of the carbon-fiber bodywork were penned by Lowie Vermeersch (ex-Pininfarina design director) who has been owned a design house in Turin, named GranStudio. But what lies underneath—namely, an innovative battery, four electric motors, and that proprietary Drako DriveOS software to run it all—truly sets this new supercar apart.

At this point, this road-going hypercar with accommodations for four people uses a 90 kWh battery holds the power, and it’s capable of fast recharging through 150 kW outlets. Drako, however, seems more interested in sharing the GTE's admittedly impressive track performance, because we aren’t given stats on range or recharge time.

Honestly, such things probably won’t matter to GTE buyers. The company plans to build just 25 models at $1.25 million each, with deliveries expected to begin in 2020. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRAKO MOTORS | RIDE | MOTOR1 | MOTORTREND | FORBES]

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Why the Kode 8 EV production stalled?

Who does not know the name of Ken Okuyama? He is a world-famous car designer, who worked for Pininfarina until 2006 and many other world's car companies. And Now through his own automotive design company called 'Ken Okuyama Design,' looks actively giving birth to many unique concept cars.

Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 as shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H815Cb)

Among the many automotive works that he has been designed and made, it turns out that Ken Okuyama also ever made an electric-powered car design. 

This car named Kode 8 or k.o 8, an electric-powered vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery. It was introduced as a prototype at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show along with its predecessor, Kode 7.

Front side view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)

According to the company, its electric-powered car model performed with “Modern, simple, timeless” as Ken Okuyama's concept. In the form of the sleek beauty as you see pictured above, the Kode 8. The EV has a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis and it is not surprising the car's overall weight is low.

Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 being prepared at the company workshop. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)

The Kode 8 is a coupé with a length of 3.71 meters, featuring traditional fenders enclosing the wheels and also has a removable targa top. It is a pure electric vehicle and powered by lithium-ion batteries and has a range of about 100 miles.

Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode8 with its scissor-typed doors open. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)

To drive its all four wheels, the car uses three-phase electric motors that capable spewed power of 100 kW. Even though it's a small power numbers, it contrasts with high torque and is instantly used to make significant acceleration.

Technical specification of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31EGMUL)

From the exterior look, at a glance the car will remind us of the IFR Aspid model from Spaniard auto manufacturer. Of course with the use of a powerful drivetrain, lightweight body and the real speed will be the characteristics of this model.

Interior and steering wheel view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Z9oFZu)

The Kode 8 EV will be built in Japan for worldwide export and in limited numbers (some said 99 units). When these EV lands on the market, with an alternative drivetrain for petrol-fueled car products, and also it will offer an alternative to the famous Testa EV Roadster.

Rear view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 or k.o 8 as shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OWteTn)

As quoted of Autoblog, shortly after the Geneva auto expo those Japanese auto design company said that the Kode 8 lacked both battery and motor which is not to say it won't be built but will likely take some more time to get the electric drivetrain together.

From the company statement above arouse a big question, whether the Kode 8 EV production stalled due to lack of materials or zero demands? And until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show was held a year after, the Kode 8 EV never shown up and never been heard since then.

*** (If the info was not valid, tell us via comment box below completed with the source infos of yours. We will make an approriated revision shortly after that.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN | AUTOBLOG | ROAD&TRACK | CAR BODY DESIGN | DIARIMOTOR]

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