Sneak Peek into Tomorrow's Racing: Nissan's Ariya Single Seater Concept at GIIAS 2023

NEXT EV Racer - Stepping into the exhibition arena of the 2023 GIIAS Indonesian Auto Show at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) - BSD City, Tangerang, visitors were greeted by an extraordinary sight at the Nissan booth – the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept.

The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept which was introduced at the GIIAS Indonesia Auto Show 2023 expo in August 10, 2023, at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) - BSD City, Tangerang. (Picture from: Antara)

This groundbreaking racing concept car was designed to provide a glimpse into the future of Nissan's electric vehicle development. Born from an intricate blend of cutting-edge innovation and engineering prowess, the Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept represents a pioneering project that explores the integration of an electric car powertrain into the chassis of a single-seater racing vehicle, a concept introduced back in late 2021.

The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept represents a pioneering project that explores the integration of an electric car powertrain into the chassis of a single-seater racing vehicle. (Picture from: TribunNews)

In essence, this initiative by Nissan serves as an experimental venture, aimed at seamlessly fusing the powertrain of their electric crossover onto the frame of a single-seat racing car. Through this bold concept, Nissan not only showcases a captivating and stylish design reminiscent of Formula E racing cars but also introduces a new standard for electric vehicle (EV) performance – one that combines dynamic power with exceptional efficiency.

The Nissan Ariya Single Seater Concept bears a striking resemblance to the sleek and aerodynamic design language of Formula E racing cars, seamlessly integrating aesthetics with high-performance capabilities, and featuring with Nissan's signature V-motion front design. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)

At first glance, the Nissan Ariya Single Seater bears a striking resemblance to the sleek and aerodynamic design language of Formula E racing cars, seamlessly integrating aesthetics with high-performance capabilities. Embracing Nissan's signature V-motion front design, the central body curves inward, defined by robust lines crafted from lightweight carbon fiber material, further enhanced by the addition of a rear wheel body cover. Although specific performance specifications remain undisclosed, the car's visual cues promise an exhilarating driving experience.

The Nissan Ariya Single Seater's central body curves inward, defined by robust lines crafted from lightweight carbon fiber material, further enhanced by the addition of a rear wheel body cover. (Picture from: CarBodyDesign)

In its entirety, the Nissan Ariya Single Seater epitomizes the envisioned form of future sports cars. Undoubtedly influenced by Nissan's active participation in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, this concept car embodies the brand's commitment to electrification. By engaging in the all-electric world championship, Nissan aims to deliver the excitement and joy of zero-emission electric vehicles to a global audience while leading the charge in EV research and design.

Meanwhile, the Ariya Single Seater concept car made its debut during the Nissan Futures 2021 event, serving as a potential realization of the Ariya powertrain's capabilities. This same event provided a glimpse into Nissan's electric future, unveiling several renderings of the concept vehicle and outlining the direction the company envisions as a trailblazer in the realm of electric vehicles. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NISSAN | MOTORTREND | CARBODYDESIGN ]

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Other unique wooden scooters made in Indonesia artisans

Rare ONES - Among the various modifications to scooters around the world, wooden scooters stand out as the most unique. In a previous article, we discussed the Vespa MP6 scooter replica made from discarded wood by Eri Ashari. 

Two wooden scooters made by an Indonesian craftsman named Eri Ashari. (Picture from: Gudeg.net)

Now, we shift our focus to another set of wooden scooters crafted by talented Indonesian artisans. Now we head to a small city in Central Java named Jepara, this city has been known for a long time for the beauty of its wood carving.

Jepara, a small city in Central Java which been known for a long time for the beauty of its wood carving. (Picture from: JeparaHariInion Facebook)

Surprisingly, this city is also home to teak wood scooters. Let's take a closer look at two remarkable examples:

1. 1973 Vespa Super by Ruli Wood Custom

Ruli Wood Custom, a workshop based in Jepara, meticulously crafted this extraordinary wooden scooter. The modification process for this unique piece took approximately 3 to 4 months. The base material used was a 1973 Vespa Super scooter. 

1973 Vespa scooter made of teak wood by Ruli Wood Custom shown off at the ISF 2017 in Yogyakarta. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)

To maintain durability, the scooter's body is not entirely made of wood. Ruli Krisnawan, the artisan behind Ruli Wood Custom, explained that an all-wood body would increase the risk of breakage, endangering the rider. 

As You can see on several body parts of the 1973 Vespa Super scooter were decorated with a beautiful Jepara carving. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)

Therefore, they decided to retain the original body and adorn it with a layer of intricately carved teak wood. Selected parts of the 1973 Vespa Super scooter received exquisite Jepara carvings, adding to its aesthetic appeal.

The 1973 Vespa Super scooter's handlebar and mirrors were also decorated with a beautiful Jepara carving. (Picture from: Otomotif-Tempo)

It's worth noting that the components related to the driving system, such as the engine and rims, remained in their original condition without any wooden layering.

2. A wooden replica of Lambretta LI 125 by Taufiq Qurrohman

Jepara, known for its wood carving, is also the birthplace of another wooden scooter such as this replica of the Lambretta LI 125. This remarkable creation is the work of Taufiq Qurrohman, a skilled wood craftsman. 

A wooden replica of Lambretta LI 125 scooter made by a Jepara craftsman named Taufiq Qurrohman. (Picture from: Surabaya-Kompas)

Taufiq Qurrahman was riding
on the wooden replica of the
Lambretta LI 125 of his-owned.  
(Picture from: Surabaya-Kompas)

Unlike the previous scooters, Taufiq's creation boasts a full teak wood frame and body, and according to Taufiq, the idea for this wooden scooter was entirely his own, and he personally crafted both the frame and body. 

However, he sought the assistance of a mechanic for engine mounting. The entire construction process, from concept to completion, and it took approximately nine weeks.

This unique wooden scooter features automatic machines, though specific machine names and types were not disclosed. These machines were chosen to enhance maintenance ease and driving comfort, making it suitable for anyone, including women.

Although both these wooden scooters function like any other two-wheeled vehicles, it remains unknown whether they possess the necessary roadworthy permits from the authorities.

Before concluding, it's worth mentioning another exceptional modified scooter crafted by an Indonesian scooter builder named Komando.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops..... *** [EKA [12122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTOMOTIF-TEMPO | SURABAYA-KOMPAS]
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Dakodok: The Wild VW Dakota-Beetle Hybrid from Indonesia

Unique Breed - The name is unique and immediately prompts the question: What is this? It's one of the standout automotive creations by Indonesian car builder Denny Kusumah. This is Dakodok—a custom hybrid of the Volkswagen Type 2 (known in Indonesia as the VW Dakota) and the iconic Volkswagen Beetle, locally nicknamed the VW Kodok. And that’s exactly where the name Dakodok comes from.

The Dakodok is a 'cross-breeding' result custom car between VW Dakota and VW Kodok built by Indonesian car builder Denny Kusumah. (Picture from: Era.id)

As quoted from AirCooledSyndicate, the creator shared that his inspiration for Dakodok came from a unique custom toy he saw at the 2016 Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Japan. The toy featured two interchangeable parts: a VW Split Bus and a VW Split Bug. But after returning from Japan, the toy ended up forgotten—until the idea resurfaced later as a real-life build. 

The Dakodok made by an Indonesia auto builder named Denny Kusumah will be made into one of Hot Wheels Legend Tour diecast series models. (Picture from: Kompas)

When Denny Kusumah set out to build a custom VW for one of Indonesia’s VW shows, the toy idea came back to him—and this time, he brought it to life. He began a unique modification process by cutting the VW Beetle at the B-pillar, removing the entire front section and keeping only the rear half, from the B-pillar backward.

The Dakodok's door has extreme changes, by adopting the suicide door types with no handle, so to open the door from the outside, you must use a remote system key that will open it automatically. (Picture from: TheGasPol)

Interestingly, this crossbreeding process didn’t involve an original VW Dakota. So, where did the Dakota’s front end come from? Denny built it himself—from the front roof section to the iconic face and nose, complete with the signature split windshield. 

The Dakodok has an extreme looks by adopting from the Volkswagen Type-2 with its distinctive split windshield. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

The same approach was applied to the chassis. The rear half of the VW Beetle’s chassis was retained, while the front section was custom-built to match the proportions of the VW Dakota’s face. This is where the builder’s true craftsmanship comes in—carefully calculating the length and structural integrity needed to seamlessly connect the new front chassis to the Beetle’s original rear section. 

The Dakodok has extreme looks of crossbreeding between VW Beetle from the B-pillar to the rear and VW Dakota in front. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

Another challenge was matching the large front end of the VW Dakota with the much smaller rear of the VW Beetle. To make it work, the roof, doors, and front section had to be custom-built with entirely new dimensions. If you look closely, you’ll notice that the Dakota’s front end is actually smaller than the original—scaled down to match the proportions of the Beetle’s tail. 

The Dakodok’s doors also underwent extreme modifications, adopting a suicide-door style. Uniquely, they have no exterior handles—so to open them from the outside, you need a remote key system that triggers the doors to open automatically.

The Dakodok's legs are installed adjusters so that the car looks low and pinned with 17-inches Iron Cross alloy wheels wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

On the other exterior, the fender looks wider than the usual VW Beetle and the fender cover is added. On the exterior, the fenders are noticeably wider than those of a typical VW Beetle, with additional fender flares added to visually balance the proportions with the VW Dakota front end. The rear window frame was also modified, replacing the large 1962 Beetle glass with a smaller window—sourced either from a VW Dakota or an earlier Beetle model. Attention to detail continues with the rear hood, which features a classic W-shape design, commonly found on 1950s VW Beetles. 

The Dakodok's cabin is filled with the dashboard panels follow the original VW Dakota coupled with two 'Jump Seat' type custom seats made of aluminum alloy. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

As for the interior, the dashboard design follows the original VW Dakota, paired with two custom-made aluminum alloy jump seats. At the rear, space was too limited to install a standard VW gas tank, so the builder fitted a custom-sized fuel tank in place of the rear seat.

At the rear, due to the narrow space, it was not possible to place VW's real gas tank, so the automaker put sufficient custom gas tank in the position of rear seat. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

The suspension setup features adjusters that allow the car to sit low, enhancing its aggressive stance. It rides on 17-inch Iron Cross alloy wheels, wrapped in 205/40 Achilles tires, giving it a bold yet balanced look. Given the compact proportions of the Dakodok, the drivetrain remains true to its roots—it still uses the original 1200cc VW Beetle engine, paired with the factory Beetle transmission. This setup maintains the car’s classic mechanical character while supporting its unique body transformation. 

The Dakodok still uses the original VW Beetle 1200 drivetrain which is connected to the original Beetle transmission as well. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

For the finishing touch, the Dakodok was painted in a striking red-and-white color scheme, symbolizing the Indonesian flag. Given the complexity of the build, the project demanded an extraordinary level of dedication. The builder worked meticulously in his Bandung workshop over the course of six years—from 2016 to 2022—to bring this one-of-a-kind creation to life. 

After its completion, the Dakodok was entered into several custom car competitions both locally and internationally. It went on to earn multiple prestigious awards, including 1st place at the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Indonesia 2022, and 1st place in the Hot Wheels Fan Favorite Asia Pacific, organized by World Hot Wheels Legend. 

The Dakodok's rear section also follows the car's year, namely with the W-shaped hood that was commonly used on the VW Beetle of the 1950s. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

It was also selected as one of the Top 10 Finalists in the Hot Wheels Legends Global Grand Final, held virtually in the U.S. on November 12, 2022. As a result, the Dakodok—built by an Indonesian car builder—is set to be produced as part of the Hot Wheels Legends Tour 1:64 scale diecast series. *** [EKA [31052023] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE | MEDIA INDONESIA | ERA.ID | THEGASPOL | KOMPAS | WARTA EKONOMI | REPUBLIKA ]

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Can you believe that this old-truck are left only 10 units in the world?

OLD-School Once upon a time we were amazed when we saw a picture of an old truck posted on the Twitter timeline of QuirkyRides. Then we remembered that we had found and seen one of these kind of classic trucks milling around on the streets in Bandung where I live now, and also being covered by the automotive media Otomotifnet back in 2017. That's why we wrote and posted it this time.

Did you know if this old-school Tempo Matador truck currently is one of the rare vehicles in the world, and left less 10 units to this day. (Picture from: the Twitter timeline of QuirkyRides)

The classic truck in question above is the Tempo Matador, an old-school lazy-face truck made by a defunc German automotive manufacturer and powered by a Volkswagen drivetrain. Did you know if this classic truck currently is one of the rare vehicle species in the world, even said to be one of the most sought after items by the automotive collectors.

The Tempo Matador is a 1-ton class light truck was popular in Europe back in the 1940s to 1950s, is produced by Hamburg-based Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk in partnership with Volkswagen as the engine supplier. (Picture from: Oldbug)

As quoted of Otomotifnet, the 1-ton class light truck was popular in Europe back in the 1940s to 1950s, is produced by Hamburg-based Vidal & Sohn Tempo-Werk in partnership with Volkswagen as the engine supplier. As quoted from AirCooledSyndicate, the Tempo Matador was designed by Dietrich Bergst, who had worked for the company since 1930. Bergst immediately modernized the company's vehicle lineup. The result was the Tempo Matador which was officially introduced to the public in 1949.

1951 Tempo Matador truck while on its daily routine to deliver bottled mineral waters to customers in Bandung. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)

In many ways the Matador was very different from its predecessors. It featured a front-mounted cabin and was powered by a 1,131 cc four-cylinder Volkswagen boxer engine which was mounted under the seat and powered the front wheels via a Volkswagen gearbox. However, it still features the same tube chassis and floating axles from Hanseat and the cabin retains the Spartan wood floors and fittings.

1951 Tempo Matador truck unit had found in Bandung, belongs to Terror Garage workshop in Bandung. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)

As quoted from Oldbug, from around 1,300 units of the Tempo Matador managed to leave its factory in Hamburg, Germany, less than ten units of this unique truck have survived to this day. One of the old-school trucks made in 1951 which known has existed to this day belongs to Terror Garage in Bandung.

1951 Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung featured with the steering wheel is positioned in the middle. (Picture from: Otomotifnet)

This Bandung-based VW specialist workshop can be said to be lucky because they managed to get one unit of the classic Tempo Matador truck in quite good condition. This also proven that the German-made classic commercial vehicles once roamed far to Indonesia, particularly in Jakarta and Bandung, not only in the pick-up model, but also a minibus model. Here's the proof, a delivery van of Tempo Matador 1400 had been found on Belitung Island, and now already belongs to an automotive enthusiast in Jakarta.

1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit had found in Belitung Island, and already belongs to an automotive enthusiast in Jakarta now. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

Uniquely, on the Tempo Matador truck unit found in Bandung featured with the steering wheel is positioned in the middle, so making it possible to fit up to three passengers including the driver in front. Not only that this old-school truck has a somewhat unique appearance with two wipers installed above the windshield split in half, coupled with two round headlights that seem to express one lazy face in there. For your info, this such a kind of truck was the first ones to introduce a front-wheel drive layout.

1952 Tempo Matador 1400 unit while sat on display at the 2022 Jogjakarta Rame Volkswagen (Jogjakarta's Volkswagen Crowded) held in September 2022. (Picture from: AirCooledSyndicate)

The old school impression is increasingly felt on the figure of this old commercial vehicle with its unique suicide-door styles as access to the cabin. Furthermore the Tempo Matador classic truck uses an independent suspension with transverse leaf springs, known as independent mono-leaf springs, while the rear suspension is a rigid axle system with conch springs.

Hmm, do anyone of you have such rare old-school trucks like this? Though, it's an old-school, it can still generate a lot of money for you if there are collectors who are interested to trade it with a suitcase full of dollar bills.😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | QUIRKYRIDES | OLDBUG | AIRCOOLEDSYNDICATE ]

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The charm of Royal Enfield café racer from Krom Works

CaféRacer The passion to get a special custom motorcycle will not subside even if it has to travel thousands of kilometers away. Well, to get the best will certainly give its own satisfaction. And a custom motorcycle work is usually born from imagination plus inspiration from various studies of the builder.

The café racer custom motorcycle based of the Royal Einfield Bullet 500 by Krom Works. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)

One important thing in the motorcycle figure has its own identity from its creator as part of its strength. This is one of the characteristics of Krom Works, a southern Jakarta-based custom-motorcycle workshop that has its own charm by playing the chrome accents.

The headlight of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is integrated with the body and given a unique additional grille. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)

As we can see in one of the latest modification results of the workshop, in which its special style chromated touche penetrated to entire bodyparts of simple dazzling café racer styled motorcycle that combines classic and futuristic nuances by taking the base of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500.

The handlebars of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works mounted inside the body, which makes it a bit complicated and uncomfortable to ride. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)

According to the Builder from Krom Works, Andika Pratama, the motorcycle custom concept is different from the café racer styles in general. As you can see, this motorbike has a stature and appearance that is very unique and different from most custom motorbikes. Therefore, the builder say that the motorbike is not recommended for daily use.

The stop lamp of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is hidden in its stern and is given an additional grille like the headlights. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)

One of them is from the application of tires with a 21-inch rims on the front and back. Just for info, the motorbike custom project is commissioned by Keith Edney, a customer in UK who want to have the Krom Works custom motorcycle based of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500. Therefore, in this project, the builder only uses the RE Bullet 500 engine which he coincidentally owns as a molding place only, where the entire chassis and custom body will be built around the engine.

Its stainless exhaust made in short-size to match the overall concept and add to the engine roaring of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 custom motorcycle. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)

Then in the building process, Krom Works builder admitted that it took about 5 months. Almost all the motorbike's body made by hand and only relies on the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 engine. Unless several parts taken from other notorcycles, such as the legs, the Royal Enfield Café Racer uses a rear suspension taken from the Kawasaki Ninja. While the front suspension uses a Girder model with the mechanism inside the motorcycle's body.

Uniquely, the rear monoshock suspension is made as if it is one with this custom Royal Enfield Bullet 500 chassis. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)

The Royal Enfield custom body is made of stainless steel plate material with a thickness of 1.5 mm with a unibody model consisting of several welded series and polished metal finishing until it is shining. Inside the body there is a tank that can hold about 4 liters of gasoline, and to make it look cleaner, the electrical system and battery are stored in the body as well.

The rear drum of the Royal Enfield Bullet 500 café racer customized by Krom Works is made of an aluminum billet which is decorated with brass-touch and air scoops and is mounted into one with the gears. (Picture from: Otomotif.net)

Meanwhile, the Krom Works custom motorcycle's chassis is more likely boxy-shaped, and is made of 8 mm iron plate. The builder admitted, previously more often using iron tubings to make chassis. So no wonder, in the making of the such boxy-shaped chassis is indeed a bit complicated because there must be something welded and forged by hand. After finished, the chassis was then given a green color because it was considered to have classic elements as the bike's owner desires.

This unique motorcycle custom concept has a fairly difficult manufacturing process, that's no wonder the making of this motorbike costs quite a bit of money. According to the builder, the cost spent to build the Royal Enfield café racer style custom motorcycle is in the range of Rp.90 millions to Rp.140 millions (approx $6,300 to $9,800). 

If You want to build such motorcycle, pls contact the builder at +62 838-9999-0459 or You can also seen one of the custom motorcycle results of the Krom Works in here.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KROM WORKS | NAIKNOTOR.COM ]

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Yamaha XSR 155 modified in modern flat track style

Custom Built Customization is one way to change the appearance of a motorcycle to be different from the factory default. Almost all components are made by hand, without deifying the aftermarket accessories available in the market.

A modified Yamaha XSR 155 done by Pap N Mam in a modern flat track style. (Picture from: Viva)

By utilizing the builders or experts to make a custom motorbike, some manufacturers are interested in changing their products to attract the attention of consumers. 

As has been done by the world's famous Japanese motorcycle brand Yamaha (in Indonesia) through PT Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing (YIMM) took in collaboration with several well-known custom motorcycle workshops in the country. And one of its latest custom projects is with Pap N Mam.

The Yamaha XSR 155 has a neo retro design that can attract attention, but in the hands of Hendra Cahyono of a motorcycle builder and owner of Semarang-based workshop named Pap N Mam, the Yamaha XSR was changed to a modern flat track.

Lihat postingan ini di Instagram

Sebuah kiriman dibagikan oleh PapnMam modified (@papnmam__modified)

Hendra said that the Yard Built event is a place for builders and modifiers to be able to realize their dreams of developing motorcycles, which are in accordance with their own wishes.“In this Yard Built program, I carry the Modern Flat Track concept. Through this creation, I can express my ideas and innovations as a whole. All ideas and ideas about developing the bike according to my wishes came true. It's like saying, this is really my motorbike," he said, quoted by VIVA Otomotif Friday, December 31, 2021.

In the process of changing, Hendra played a lot in the legs area. So on the legs the changes look very striking. So that it doesn't look short, then he adds or connects the wheelbase of the XSR 155 motorbike back up to 10 cm (extended swingarm).

Hendra Cahyono of Semarang-based workshop Pap N Mam while on work to custom the Yamaha XSR 155. (Picture from: Viva)

Thus, the dimensions of the XSR 155 will be longer. To make it look more manly, Hendra pinned various knick-knacks on the XSR 155 he changed. For the appearance of the headlights and taillights, he carries the concept of a pop up style headlamp, where the lights can open and close automatically.

Then embed the exhaust header with titanium material equipped with exhaust valvetronic features and custom aluminum cylinders. And so that it looks macho even when parked, Hendra has attached a side standard that is equipped with the ESS (Electronic Side Stand) feature. "The reason is because in my work, safety features must still be considered. That's why I pinned the ESS feature on the side," as Hendra concluded then.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VIVA.CO.ID | OTOMOTIF.KOMPAS | 100KPJ.COM | OTOPLUS ]

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