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Showing posts with label Minicar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Minicar. Show all posts

Friday, February 25, 2022

Frank Brogan, a humble inventor from Cincinati with nearly 1,000 vehicle creations

Humble Inventor Since the beginning of the development of motorized vehicles, it seems that the existence of minimal motoring (small, no-frills, basic transportation) has never satisfied the American automobilist. In 1912, development of the cyclecar as a simple vehicle began in Europe and quickly spread to the United States, where more than 200 manufacturers grew and shriveled within 18 months. After Ford stopped producing the Model T in 1927, start-ups like Martin, Littlemac, American Austin, and Bantama tried to fill the economy car void. However, people prefer large used cars over small ones.
Here's a sleek 1946 Brogan Doodlebug looked like an escapee from an amusement park.. (Picture from: TimAlderman)
But during World War 2 the supply of reliable used vehicles dwindled, but not with the creativity of individual automotive enthusiasts in creating simple and compact vehicles. One who were highly creatives such Frank Brogan believed attitudes would change. And through the B&B Specialty Co., his-owned company based in Rossmoyne, Ohio, primarily manufactures screws, fasteners, and other machine products. Besides that he also created a lightweight Brogan Foldable Monoplane that can be towed from the airport to the owner's house for storage in the garage. 

Then he also had time to design a scooter for his daughter, and in 1944, he was asked by his wife to design a small car that could be used to make shopping tasks easier for women whose husbands took their primary vehicles to work. So, Frank Brogan then engineered a small and sleek vehicle for 2 passengers called the Brogan Doodlebug. Due to its unique name, it is most likely taken from a small insect called the doodlebug. This vehicle features a very sleek steel body with the headlights and windshield posts seamlessly blended in. Furthermore, the open-top, doorless three-wheeled vehicle is about 96 inches long and has a wheelbase of about 66 inches, and can be rotated to its own length. 
Frank Brogan’s creations were highly creative but marginally marketable. (Picture from: TheOldMotor)
The vehicle is powered by an engine mounted on the rear. It is also mentioned that the engine installed in this compact car can be chosen by the buyer, at that time two choices were provided, namely the one-cylinder Briggs & Stratton engines or the Onan air-cooled two-cylinder. The Brogan Doodlebug can reach a top speed of 45 mph and travel nearly 70 miles on a gallon of gasoline.

Brogan's tiny Doodlebug vehicle is built specifically for women, so he makes sure it's easy to operate and maintainance. Gear-shifting was automated using a mercury-actuated system similar to fluid drive, which eliminated the clutch pedal. Replacing the hidden front tire simply required popping out the grille and unscrewing two bolts. The engine was removed quickly, by raising the rear deck cover, remove the three pins, remove the gas line, and lift the engine from its position next to the five-gallon fuel tank and battery. Frank Brogan refered an October 1944 clipping from The Washington Post, which featured Ray Russell’s Gadabout in his patent application.
B & B Specialty Company built and sold hundreds of Brogan-Cycles. (Picture from: TheOldMotor)
After the Doodlebug appeared in popular national-wide newspapers and magazines, Brogan received an average of 200 postcards and letters each month covering purchase and distribution requests that came from across the United States and about 20 foreign countries. At that time Brogan made 30 Doodlebugs by hand and sold them for $400 each before realizing that he was actually losing about $100 for each the car he produced.😯 Tooling for mass production required $150,000 which he didn't have, so he suspended the Doodlebug sales.

Instead, he used the same chassis design for the three-wheeled Errand Boy delivery scooter, and developed the four-wheeled Brogan-Truck pickup and delivery van. The Brogan-Trucks feature one steerable wheel at the front and three independent wheels at the rear with power transferred via a chain to the center rear wheel. The odd configuration eliminates the need for expensive differentials. The price of the Brogan-Truck starts at $450, and at the time Frank Brogan managed to sell over 200 units. But he still wanted to build a passenger car.
1951 Broganette Ice Cream Truck, and Roadster that has doors fold down. (Picture from: TheOldMotor)
As quoted from The OldMotor, in 1951, B&B Specialty Co. introduced the $500-priced Broganette Roadster powered by a two-cylinder Onan engine as the answer to the demand for small and cheap cars. At that time he managed to sell less than a dozen of these vehicles before starting to modify the design with different bumpers, trim and fenders. He completed 50 more before losing a nearly half-dozen others in a fire-blazes that destroyed his factory in 1958.

Three months later he managed to reorganize his company in Cincinati which became known as B&B Manufacturing by employing around 16 workers, the company is back in producing scooters and golf carts. The company was also among the first to manufacture go-carts, by offering the Twin-B Runabout and Hornet.
Ten-horsepower Doodlebug rolled on a 66-inch wheelbase. (Picture from: TheOldMotor)
Frank Brogan finally sold his shop in 1959, but he continued to occupy the corner of the building that produced his last two-seater small car called the Brogan Street-Cart. As the name suggests, the Street-Cart is meant for driving around the city. All the features installed on his small car were attempted to meet the regulations that existed in America at that time, such as front and rear bumpers, a brake on each rear wheel, headlights, taillights, turn signals, and a horn.
Frank Brogan made 30 Doodlebugs by hand and sold them for $400 each before realizing that he was actually losing about $100 for each the car he produced. (Picture from: TheOldMotor)
The tubular Street-Cart frame is enveloped by a simple sheet metal body from which a pair of small headlights flared above angular fenders; the engine is enclosed in a perforated aluminum rear deck. Uniquely, the small car is claimed to be able to reach a top speed of 35 mph using small wheels like those usually attached for a lawnmower or a child’s coaster wagon. Brogan only sold about 23 Street-Carts before he passed away in 1974.😢

In all, Frank Brogan had made nearly 1,000 miniature cars, trucks, bicycles, and wagons. The variety of vehicles launched from his humble block-and-frame machine shop has made him a celebrity in and around Cincinnati. But his refusal to perfect or advertise his innovative products widely is preventing him from reaching a wider audience and reaching his full potential as a small passenger vehicle manufacturer. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEOLDMOTOR | ATLASOBSCURA | TIMALDERMAN ]
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Thursday, December 16, 2021

Wow, Lexus has a fancy hydrogen-fueled ATV

Fancy ATV Lexus, which has been known to this day as one of the world-class car brands, whose production line is usually filled with fancy SUV and sedan models. And now the brand seems to want to give a surprise by introducing a hydrogen-powered ATV concept that's a completely different car came out of Lexus as usual.
Of all the concepts we expected from Lexus, this Lexus ROV Concept was definitely not one of them. (Picture from: KabarOto)
As quoted of the Lexus official website, the company-made ATV was introduced in concept form and called the Lexus ROV (Recreational Off-highway Vehicle). This is the result of the design of Lexus Europe. According to the automaker, this is a unique concept car, emission-free, and will be fun to use maneuvering in off-road terrain.

In terms of design, this car uses a body wrapped in bronze color, as well as Lexus characteristic LED lights with sharp curves for both the front and rear lights, plus an LED bar at the top to help the lighting system while run in dark condition.
The Lexus ROV concept seeks to bring Lexus' build quality and engineering to the utility task vehicle market. (Picture from: KabarOto)
The Lexus ROV is indeed designed for off-road purpose and built on a tubular chassis, for that the suspension was created much stronger, along with special off-road tires, and has a cage that can protect the passengers inside.
The Lexus ROV's cabin is quite luxurious, starting from the leather-wrapped bucket seats and four-point seat belts. (Picture from: KabarOto)
While on its cabin,  although it is not as luxurious as a Lexus' sedan or SUV models as usual. But for a buggy-kind of car, the Lexus ROV's cabin is quite luxurious, starting from the leather-wrapped bucket seats and four-point seat belts. Then there are several carbon panels on the dashboard, the steering wheel also has a paddle shift setting, the speedometer still uses analog and a small MID screen next to it. While in the middle panel is the place for regulating lights, transmission levers, drive settings, and handbrake levers.

And for the drivetrain, the automaker provides the best innovations that are unique and environmentally friendly for it. The Lexus ROV is carrying a 1.0-liter hydrogen-powered engine that works like a gasoline engine. But what makes the difference is a high pressure tank for compressed hydrogen which is delivered precisely by a direct hydrogen injector. How the engine works almost the same as the Toyota GR Yaris hydrogen, and the ROV emits almost no emissions at all.
The typical performance UTV stuff is present on the Lexus ROV Concept, like long-travel suspension. (Picture from: KabarOto)
"The Lexus ROV is our passion to thrive in the wild and meet the needs of consumers who are thirsty for adventure. As a concept car, the Lexus ROV also continues to prioritize lifestyle with continuous research in new technologies," said Head of Lexus Europe, Spiros Fotinos.
Indeed, so far Lexus has not explained when this cutie ATV will actually be realized or enter the production line. However, this ATV concept is considered to bring somekind of refreshment to the Lexus brand, because it's different from the concept car that has been shown before. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LEXUS | CNET ]
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Friday, November 26, 2021

A toaster-shaped smart Toyota of the 2000s

Weird ONES Toyota in its work in the world of the automotive industry as one of the largest manufacturers in the world, actually has produced many motor vehicles. Well, among the many vehicles made by The Japanese auto-giant, there are also many unique and strangely shaped motor vehicles which sometimes makes us frown while asking ourselves, 'how can the big-company like Toyota make such strange vehicle?'
This weird shaped car called the Toyota POD Concept was made by Toyota in early of 2000s. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas Mixed by: Eka)
That thing spontaneous crossed our minds when seen these two unique four-wheeled vehicles of Toyota in the status of Quirky Rides on Twitter some time ago. Uniquely, these two vehicles were made by Toyota in early of 2000s. Initially, we've had thought that the Japanese manufacturer engineers might be experienced déjà vu or even brain cramps when making those vehicles (Ups, sorry).💨 Before you feel more curious about those vehicles, come on let's see below!
This weird shaped car called the Toyota POD Concept is built by Toyota in collaboration with the compatriot electronics company Sony and is introduced first in the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
Previously we had discussed the Toyota WiLL VI and the next weird-shaped car called the Toyota POD Concept (might be some of you seen it like a toaster). It is a future concept car was built by Toyota in collaboration with the compatriot electronics company Sony and is featured with an artificial intelligence system that makes it appear more personal. By such artificial intelligence system as if could be made the Toyota POD seem alive.
This Toyota POD Concept is featured with an artificial intelligence system that makes it appear more personal. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
How can, there many advanced features inside the car, such the screen with various displays generated by Sony-software, so it can create shopping lists, play music and radio. Even the car can also judge the attitudes and moods of drivers based on their reactions and how they drive, also can offer suggestions on how to improve their mood at the time. 
This Toyota POD Concept features a hands only 'drive-by-wire' control system enabling steering, braking and acceleration to be operated through a single controller. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
Besides that, the seats inside the car's cabin are made in such a way as a high-cozy seat that can be rotated freely. While on the exterior, the Toyota POD Concept can express its own feelings by colored LEDs (red as angry, yellow as happy, blue as sad) as well as antennae and which can be wagged, like a dog's tail.
The Toyota POD Concept's cabin are made in such a way as a high-cozy seat that can be rotated freely. (Picture from: JuraganMobilBekas)
The car also features a hands only 'drive-by-wire' control system enabling steering, braking and acceleration to be operated through a single controller. However, the automaker did not provide any information about the drivetrain and other related technical data, we assumed the POD concept car is driven by an electric motor.
This unique car is first introduced at the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show. As we've mentioned before, the PODs were designed some kind of your pet on wheels in the future, sadly never get into the Toyota's production lines.😒 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | OLDCONCEPTCARS | CARTHROTTLE | ULTIMATESPECS | TOYOTA UK MAGAZINE ]
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Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Had you ever seen these weird-shaped tiny Toyotas of the 2000s?

Weird ONES Toyota in its work in the world of the automotive industry as one of the largest manufacturers in the world, actually has produced many motor vehicles in various types, ranging from small to large ones. Well, among the many vehicles made by The Japanese auto-giant, there are also many unique and strangely shaped motor vehicles which sometimes makes us frown while asking ourselves, 'how can the big-company like Toyota make such strange vehicle?'
This weird shaped car called Toyota WiLL VI was made by Toyota in early of 2000s. (Picture from: UltimateSpecs. Mixed by: Eka)
That thing spontaneous crossed our minds when seen these two unique four-wheeled vehicles of Toyota in the status of Quirky Rides on Twitter some time ago. Uniquely, these two vehicles were made by Toyota in early of 2000s. Initially, we've had thought that the Japanese manufacturer engineers might be experienced déjà vu or even brain cramps when making those vehicles (Ups, sorry).💨 Before you feel more curious about those vehicles, come on let's see below!
The Toyota WiLL VI is built by Toyota in collaboration with several leading Japanese companies in early of 2000s. (Picture from: Toyota UK Magazine)
We start with the Toyota WiLL VI which has a design appearance that is no less unique than the legendary German's VW Beetle. It was a car that produced by the Japanese manufacturer in a fairly short time, ranging from 2000 to 2001 in limited quantities and marketed exclusively in Japan only. That's no wonder, if you've never heard about the WiLL VI before.
This Toyota WiLL VI applies a symmetrical design full of converging planes and expressive angles, with distinctive curves along the sides and inverted-angle rear windows that created a silhouette of the horse-drawn carriages of the past. (Picture from: Toyota UK Magazine)
Uniquely within the car you would not found a single Toyota logos both on the interior and exterior, because it was the result of an odd joint marketing project between a handful of leading Japanese companies like Asahi Breweries (beer), Panasonic (fax machines, Minidisc players and much more besides), Ezaki Glico (candy), the Kinki Nippon Tourist Company (holiday tours), Kao (air fresheners) and Kokuyo (stationary) and off-course Toyota being the only vehicle manufacturer among them. 
This Toyota WiLL VI was produced with the aim of creating a wide range of WiLL branded products that appeal to the individuality and preferences of the millennial generation as a new generation of consumers . (Picture from: Toyota UK Magazine)
As quoted of Toyota Uk Magazine, this car was produced with the aim of creating a wide range of WiLL branded products that appeal to the individuality and preferences of the millennial generation as a new generation of consumers. And the WiLL VI (pronounced 'vee-eye') is Toyota's opening contribution to this collection and communicates the fun and authentic qualities of the WiLL brand by combining fashionable neo-retro styling with cutting-edge driving performance.
Inside the Toyota WiLL VI, the shifters placed on the steering column, so the automaker doesn't have to bother with the lower center console, allowing for the installation of a bench-style front seat arrangement . (Picture from: Toyota UK Magazine)
For the car's appearance, Toyota applies a symmetrical design full of converging planes and expressive angles, with distinctive curves along the sides and inverted-angle rear windows that created a silhouette officially described as ‘reminiscent of the horse-drawn carriages of the past.' The front and rear were almost identical in appearance and shaped to form a friendly face, while the blistered arches and 15-inch wheels give the design a strong feeling of stability.
This weird shaped Toyota WiLL VI is powered by the supermini’s more powerful 88PS 2NZ-FE 1.3-litre 16v engine, driving the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox. (Picture from: Toyota UK Magazine)
As quoted from CarThrottle, the WiLL VI is delivered under the promise of responsive performance underpinned by a platform and powertrain taken directly from the first-generation Toyota Vitz (Yaris), which had just scooped the honour of Japanese Car of the Year at the time. It is powered by the supermini’s more powerful 88PS 2NZ-FE 1.3-litre 16v engine, driving the front wheels via a four-speed automatic gearbox (that's a perfect combination that achieved class-leading fuel economy at the time).
For the sake of practicality in the car's cabin, Toyota has placed shifters on the steering column, so the automaker doesn't have to bother with the lower center console, allowing for the installation of a bench-style front seat arrangement. Meanwhile, the instrument cluster is positioned in the middle of the thick dashboard.

Unfortunately the WiLL VI failed to make much of an impact when it went on sale, so it was produced in less than two years. Eventually Toyota replaced it with the less-odd-looking Toyota WiLL Cypha in early 2002, while also producing a larger Corolla-based VS. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | ULTIMATESPECS | TOYOTA UK MAGAZINE ]
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Sunday, November 7, 2021

The cutie Pura was born far ahead of its time

Weird ONES In the automotive world, the Giovanni Michelloti's name is very famous as one of the world's greatest car designers. Many of his automotive works have graced various automotive brands in the world ranging from sports cars to trucks. In our beloved Trussty sites, on several occasions we have also discussed the automotive works by the Italian' maestro.
1988 Michelotti Pura is a two seater road going sportscar based on the world championship winning Albatech group C2 race car, built by the Albatech for Michelotti Studio under direction of Edgardo Michelotti designed by Tateo Uchida. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars)
As we all knew, the maestro passed away in January 23, 1980. Although the unique car would be discussed was designed and built after the maestro passed away. However it is only propered if the car said to be one of the works ever had created under the great name of Giovanni Michelotti in the late 1980s, due to it's made by the Michelotti Studio, his founded studio of the 1959.
1988 Michelotti Pura is made of the fiber and composite materials and has a glass canopy could slide back or even could also be removed of the vehicle. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars)
And the unique car in question was named Michelotti Pura (an Italian word means 'Pure') is the only example of a two seater road going sportscar based on the world championship winning Albatech group C2 race car or effectively, a F3 road car. The car built by Michelotti Studio under the direction of Edgardo Michelotti (son of Giovanni Michelotti), designed by a Japanese designer named Tateo Uchida.
https://user-images.strikinglycdn.com/res/hrscywv4p/image/upload/c_limit,fl_lossy,h_9000,w_1920,f_auto,q_auto/125084/Pura_08light_rvhtpn.jpg
1988 Michelotti Pura is powered by a mid-mounted Alfa Romeo 4-cylinder 1.8-liter turbocharged engine coupled with a ZF 5-speed transmission. (Picture from: MichelottiPura)
The two seater Pura sports car weighed only 1,4313 lbs and powered with a mid-mounted Alfa Romeo 4-cylinder 1.8-liter turbocharged engine coupled with a ZF 5-speed transmission. The light weight was made possible by the vehicle’s body made of the fiber and composite materials. The glass canopy could slide back or even could also be removed of the vehicle. The intenor consisted of a standard instrument panel with analog instruments.
1988 Michelotti Pura prototype is tested and developed in the Fiat wind tunnel, the aerodynamics of the Pura were very ahead of its time for a road car. (Picture from: Classic and Recreation Sportscars)
The car project done by the Albatech (the Mario Colucci & Georgio Striano's company), and it is built in carbon fibre and aluminium (carbon-fibre composite chassis) with ground effect body styling offering a power to weight ratio of 4,2-3kgs per hp. With the Colucci and Stirano's input, so the Pura has a real racing pedigree. The prototype is tested and developed in the Fiat wind tunnel, the aerodynamics of the Pura were very ahead of its time for a road car. 
The prototype known as the only one model ever made and also has many advanced aerodynamic engineering details that predate of the Lotus Elise or Renault Spider and the McLaren's use of carbon fibre composite in 1992. No wonder, if In general the Pura sports car prototype could be said to be an automotive creation that was born far ahead of its time. 

The Pura prototype is a very small compact vehicle and is reminiscent of the Etceterini cars of the 1940's to 1960's is displayed for the first time at the 1988 Torino Motor Show. Currently, the sports car owned by Tony Calo since 1997 and registered for the road-used in the UK. *** [EKA [26042021] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | MICHELOTTIPURA | FACEBOOK | EVERYBODYWIKI ]
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Thursday, September 23, 2021

The classic Isetta design back alive into a Microlino electric-powered vehicle

Got A Spirit Dense cities, traffic jams, limited parking spaces sparked the idea of ​​the world's car manufacturers to create small cars. If we know city cars, then there's a Swiss auto manufacturer, Micro Mobility System AG. recently introduced an even tiny car which named the Microlino.
The Microlino 2.0 electric-powered 'bubble car' posed along with the Microletta, its three-wheeled sibling. (Picture from: Microlino-Car)
And if we look at the shape, it makes us to remind the figure of a classic tiny car called the Isetta. We will give a little information about the legendary classic tiny car. This tiny car is also commonly referred to as a “bubble car,” perhaps due to its small round shape resembling a soap bubble.
From the shape of the legendary Italian bubble car, BMW Isetta (in pictured is 1956 BMW Isetta Cabrio) then Micro Mobility System AG. was inspired to redesign a modern electric-powered vehicle named Microlino. (Picture from: Microcarmuseum)
If you are an automotive enthusiast, you may have heard of the tiny Isetta crowded milling around on the streets of the European cities in post-World War II. Well, that's a unique shaped tiny car with a door in front. Initially, the car is designed and made by the Italian firm of Iso SpA. in the 1952. And then, the legendary tiny car was produced under licensed by many brands worldwide, ranging from VELAM, De Carlo, Romi, up to BMW, and under the last manufacturer emblem made it known famous by the name of BMW Isetta.

From the shape of the legendary Italian bubble car, then Kusnacht-based auto company was inspired to redesign a modern electric-powered vehicle. The model was first introduced in 2015, and today  the development version under the name of Microlino 2.0 is being demonstrated for the first time. As we mentioned before, the car designs is based and inspired by the famous tiny car Isetta.
The Microlino 2.0 electric-powered 'bubble car' has thick retro impression, that can be seen from its classic rounded style in a more modern way. (Picture from: Carvagamza)
It could be said, not just inspired, but it looks almost the same in all angles, except the drivetrain. And the thick retro impression can be seen from its classic rounded style but is now packaged in a more modern way. The roof is made higher to increase headroom. The A-pillar is made longer to increase visibility. But the exact dimensions were not disclosed by the automaker, only mentioned that the car has a length of 2.4 meters, means it's more compact than a small MPV.
 
In addition to its small appearance, another uniqueness is the access to in-out of the cabin. Like the Isetta, the source of its inspiration, the Microlino also has only one door that is used as access for the driver and passenger which is placed in front. So the car's muzzle also functions as a door. So when the door is opened, the windshield and part of the A-pillar would be opened.
The Microlino 2.0's front also functions as a door. So when the door is opened, the windshield and part of the A-pillar would be opened. (Picture from: Carmudi)
For the exterior, the Swiss auto manufacturer makes it as simple as possible with The rear wheel tracks are made narrower than the front wheels. The car main accessories such the front and rear lights are in a straight line. Round mirrors blend with the headlights and rear fender that swallows a quarter of the wheel.

Well, when we look into the cabin, we will be surprised. Since the interior is almost empty and there is nothing, there are only a few digital devices and not many buttons. It seems that all the settings on this tiny car can be done through a single instrument panel display.
The Microlino 2.0 electric-powered 'bubble car' interior is almost empty and there is nothing, there are only a few digital devices and not many buttons. (Picture from: Carvagamza)
The rack steer stands independently without having to go through firewalls like a “normal” car and it can be folded for easy in or out passages. Then no infotainment system, big screen or anything. So in this car all those functions can be done by using the smartphone that has been provided with a special holder on the dashboard.

This Swiss automotive company said that the Microline 2.0 was developed from the previous version by changing the material from the chassis to iron and aluminum. The axles are widened to accommodate independent suspension at the front and rear. Its electric motor is claimed to be more powerful and efficient by around 15%, but there are no further details about the power and torque.
The rear wheel tracks of the Microlino 2.0 electric-powered are made narrower than the front wheels. (Picture from: Carvagamza)
This small car utilizes the NMC battery as its power supply which is said to be able to make it run up to 90 kph (very sufficient for city use). Furthermore, the automaker provides two battery options to drive the motor, namely 8 kWh or 14.4 kWh with a range of about 125 km and 200 km. By looking at the small battery capacity, it certainly makes it fully charged faster, and claimed that it only takes about 4 hours through a household power source.

Now for the price, the Microline 2.0 is priced starting at €12,000 (or approx Rp. 194 million), and we thought that's a quite expensive for a micro car. The Swiss manufacturer said that 17 thousand people already have ordered the car. Meanwhile for mass production, it would only start next year. We'll just have to wait...! 
The Microletta electric-powered three-wheeled vehicle concept is uses two 4,2 kWh batteries. (Picture from: Carvagamza)
Well, the Micro Mobility System also provides another vehicles called the Microletta. If the Microline is a four-wheeled vehicle, then this one is a three-wheeled vehicle with a retro style too. What's interesting, besides the shape is cute like a toy, the Microletta could be riden without the need for a driving license like a motorcycle in general.
This three-wheeled vehicle uses two batteries with a capacity of 4.2 kWh each, making it capable of running as far as 100 km. In fact, each battery can be removed and replaced with a fully charged battery if needed. It's just that the Microletta is still a concept vehicle and is in the finalization stage. If it is completed and produced later, the price is estimated to be around €4,900 (approx Rp. 79 million).
 
The emergence of various innovations and concepts of electric-powered vehicles, indicates the seriousness of the world's automotive industry in welcoming electrification. An inevitability that will happen soon, as the use of petrol and diesel engines will be reduced or even banned in the near future.😁 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICROLINO-CAR | ]
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Friday, May 7, 2021

Meet a small dragster monster

Weird ONES The Isetta 300 is one of the old European micro cars with three wheels that was built by BMW back in the 1950s and it many ways it remains an icon for the Bavarians. The little three-wheeler was never known for its agility or performance, but that might change today.
Front right side view of 1959 BMW Isetta 300 Dragster. (Picture from: http://www.zercustoms.com/)
Now you can see a Isetta that has been modified in such a way to be a small dragster monster called Isetta Dragster. Performance of a mini monster is powered by a supercharged 502 cu. in the V8 engine from Chevrolet. With its 2-speed manual transmission and monster of an engine, the Isetta Dragster could spew a power of 730 hp. It also comes with a dual-circuit disc brake system, an AP balance bar for burnouts and a new suspension system from the current generation BMW M3.
Interior view of 1959 BMW Isetta 300 Dragster. (Picture from: http://www.zercustoms.com/)
The dragster car also sits on five-spoke wheels and B.F. Goodrich G-Force tires. At the rear, the Isetta dragster has a single 18-inch racing wheel with a Sumitomo HTRZ II tire, and a huge racing wing.
Rear right side view of 1959 BMW Isetta 300 Dragster. (Picture from: http://www.zercustoms.com/)
The mini monster car comes with a BDS supercharger, twin Holley 750 CFM double pumper carburetors, and Zoomies exhaust headers that can shoot four feet long flames. The dragster measures 12 ft. 4 in. or 5.19 m in length.. 
In the year of 2013, this mini dragster monster auctioned at RM Auctions, when sold, it’s expected to cost the owner anywhere from U.S $75,000 to $100,000. *** [EKA [130314] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZERCUSTOMS | BMW BLOG]
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Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Fiat 500 with Ferrari's V8 engine

Unique ONES An Italian car designer, Lazzarini is famous for his crazy ideas in modifying cars, including Alfa Romeo 4C and Fiat 500 with V8 engines sourced from the Ferrari 458 Italia. It’s been a few years since we’ve heard from that last concept, but now Lazzarini says they actually want to build one with investor help.
Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
Lazzarini's crazy idea is a 'Fiat 500' plus 'Ferrari 458 Italia' equals '550 Italia Prototipo Uno'. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
As reported by Jalopnik on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, Lazzarini admit the idea to change the Fiat 500 or he called '550 Italia Prototipo Uno' is a crazy idea. He also explained how the changes are done if the Fiat 500 was converted into the Ferrari's V8-engined car.
Front-right side view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
Left side view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno on the run. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
According to him, the engine compartment was emptied. This means that the old machine removed. So even with the seat in the rear. Well, in the former back seat was the position of the Ferrari engine was installed.
Rear close view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
Rear view of Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1JJE0Px)
Not only that. The original wheelbase measuring 230 cm was added about 35 cm, so that the length to 265 cm. Changes also performed on gearbox, transmission, and suspension systems.
However, until now the designer was still not willing to give details of the results of the engine testing. However, it is certain that the Fiat 500 has devastating power. It seems that this Lazarini's 550 Italia Prototipo Uno is not the only ferocious-powered superbug, here it's the rival named Oemmedi Fiat 500-Murciélago. *** [EKA [170415] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAZZARINI DESIGN | JALOPNIK]
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