Unique ONES If we talk about something unique and unusual it may be endless. Especially now that we live in an advanced technology era that's full of wonders and surprises. No wonder if it's associated with the automotive world today, there are many unique vehicles creation been born that have never been thought of before.
The Sbarro Osmos sports car with four hubless orbital wheels built by Franco Sbarro and has debuted at the 1989 Geneve Motor Show. (Picture from: Dyler)
Well, maybe the following vehicle can be a perfect example for that. If previously there was a vehicle that carried the hubless wheels concept, usually our minds would automatically contacted to a motorcycle figure. That's natural, because it is a motorcycle that usually carries such a concept. But did you ever know that there was once a creation of four-wheeled vehicles that carried such a concept? Really!
The Sbarro Osmos sports car with four hubless orbital wheels was known to be the first serious attempt to install hubless wheels on a passenger car. (Picture from: Dyler)
Hubless wheel, that's the idea that was presented by an Italian-born Swiss automotive designer named Franco Sbarro whose famous for his love of cars, especially those that look extreme. And through the company he founded in 1971 named Sbarro, he has always strived to create vehicles that stand out in every possible sense.
The Sbarro Osmos sports car's cabin interior appeared in red, equipped with a steering wheel and many buttons has attached on the dashboard. (Picture from: Dyler)
At first Sbarro started producing replicas of various models of Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, etc. but Franco Sbarro then decided to go a step further and started making original and authentic models pleased by many rich eccentric car enthutiats.
The Sbarro hubless orbital wheeled motorcycle built in 1989 before the Sbarro Osmos sports car. (Picture from: Sbarro)
In the 1980s, he came up with the idea for a completely new type of wheel that didn't require a hub, according to him the rim can be limited to the rim itself. After that he made several prototypes of his own wheels, then built a hubless-wheel motorcycle concept in 1989. And at the Geneva Motor Show 1989 he showed the Sbarro Osmos, a phenomenal sports car concept featuring with four hubless orbital wheels.
The
Sbarro Osmos sports car with four hubless orbital wheels measures approximately 4.50 m long, 2.10 m wide, 1 m of high, and wheelbase of 2,85 m. (Picture from: Dyler)
This unique 1,150 kg weighted sports car measures approximately 4.50 m long, 2.10 m wide, 1 m of high and wheelbase of 2,85 m. It is powered by a Jaguar V12 mid-mounted engine capable of producing around 300 hp of power with a unique exhaust channeling system. Reportedly this Sbarro sports car takes less than five seconds to accelerate from rest to one hundred kilometers per hour. In addition, the Sbarro Osmos is also equipped with butterfly-style doors like most of the world's famous premium brand sports cars at the time.
The
Sbarro Osmos sports car with four hubless orbital wheels is also featured with butterfly-style doors like most of the world's famous premium brand sports cars. (Picture from: Dyler)
But the most outstanding feature of this car is of course its four hubless orbital wheels. When Franco Sbarro decided to make hubless wheels, it wasn't just because he wanted to make his dream come true. As we all know this type of wheel has been widely used for various motorcycles, but did you know this was the first serious attempt to install hubless wheels on a passenger car, and Sbarro felt challenged to make it happen.
The
Sbarro Osmos sports car with four hubless orbital wheels is powered by a
Jaguar V12 mid-mounted engine capable of producing around 300 hp of
power with a unique exhaust channeling system. (Picture from: Dyler)
Of course, it doesn't end with the wheels themselves, Sbarro also has to solve the problem of the transmitting drive to them. The wheel rim consists of two rings connected by a chain or "axle" with very small bearings, placed as close to the road surface as possible. Of course, this should significantly lower the vehicle's center of gravity, reduce unsprung mass and facilitate cooling of the brakes, and thus improve handling.
The
Sbarro Osmos sports car with four hubless orbital wheels is claimed takes less than five seconds to accelerate from rest to one hundred kilometers per hour. (Picture from: Sbarro)
However, at the same time, it requires high precision, durability and expensive materials, which ultimately complicates the production process. So the innovation of hubless wheels did not succeed in attracting the interest of larger car manufacturers, and the concept introduced in 1989 remained as it was, due to the complex and expensive use and manufacture it.
In the early 1990s, Franco Sbarro sold all his shares to Dominique Mottas, and the hubless wheel innovations such as the Osmos continued to develop for the next few years. Therefore it was then used in a series of prototypes of cars and motorbikes (BMW, Toyota Neo Cosmic Voyager, Metzer Monocorps, Fouquereau Orchide, Thunder Cycle), then it disappeared for a moment.
And the hubless wheel concept similar to the Osmos appeared again in a concept called the Sbarro Orbital Hybrid shown at the 2009 Geneve Motor Show. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO | DYLER | AUTOGEN.PL ]
Weird ONES If You remembered the lighted motorcycles in 'Tron: Legacy' or the motorized vehicles roled in the movie of 'Captain America: The First Avenger'? Or maybe you've known the futuristic Lotus C-01 superbike or the RoboRace future racing cars before. If you think that such those super crazy concepts are meant only for fiction then you might have to change your opinion.
The Cosmic Motors Detonator by Daniel Simon is a straight line dragster has been built for the humanoid droids; normal humans will find it really tough to ride this creation. (Picture from: MotorBeam)
Daniel Simon, the creator of all those super crazy concepts, has come up with yet another mind-blowing concept which has been named the Cosmic Motors Detonator. As an automotive designer, he holds a degree in vehicle design and had earlier designed concept cars for Bugatti and Lamborghini. He is also a part of the VW Group’s Advanced Studio and could be said he is the great designer and vehicle creator.
The Cosmic Motors Detonator by Daniel Simon has been created for his futuristic vehicle design company called the Cosmic Motors. (Picture from: MotorBeam)
Since, this straight line dragster has been built for the humanoid droids; normal humans will find it really tough to ride this creation. The design speaks for itself. It suits the unusual bodies of their mechanical riders. The rider sits way too back and has a big task of handling a elongated front.
The Cosmic Motors Detonator by Daniel Simon is a 11.5-foot long electric motorcycle and powered by a lithium-ion battery, it can go 80-100 miles on a one hour charge.(Picture from: MotorBeam)
As quoted of MotorBeam, till date there're ten units of the Detonators have been manufactured. Though these bike races are slower than the other streamline motorbikes, it is the fire emitting exhausts and the thunderous roar that would interest anyone.
The Cosmic Motors Detonator by Daniel Simon has a long wheel-base, low center of gravity and a sensitive electromagnetic steering.(Picture from: MotorBeam)
This bike is a 11.5-foot long electric motorcycle and powered by a lithium-ion battery, so it can go as far as 80 to 100 miles on a one hour charge. Thus, a long wheel-base, low center of gravity and a sensitive electromagnetic steering is what can describe the Detonator. High speed exhausts gases come in handy to aid better acceleration.
However, this brings some minor glitches in the norms it must follow. In order to keep the vehicle compact, the bike has been designed tightly round the rear wheel. Obviously it is not a bike that everyone can handle, however, if you really wish to own it, keep $100,000 with you as it won’t be a cheap deal.
The Detonator is one of many futuristic vehicles designed by him has been included inside his book titled the Cosmic Motors, and if You are curious about this futuristic electric motorcycle made by Daniel Simon, please take a look at the following video:
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DANIELSIMON | MOTORBEAM | DESIGNONTHEEDGE ]
SuperBEAST Throughout our browsing on the internet some time ago, we found the Nissan R390 GT1 picture on the Electric Blue's status on Tweeter. From there, we saw clearly that's such a kind of the successful conversion example of a racing car into a road-legal vehicle, though that the car was is not widely known by the public.
Maybe not many people know the Nissan R390 GT1 variant as the Nissan's fast car besides the Nissan GT-R. (Picture from: Electric Blue's status on Tweeter)
That's true, maybe not many people know the Nissan R390 GT1 variant, and are more familiar with the figure of the Nissan GT-R as Nissan's fast car. It's natural, because the Japanese automaker designed and built the mentioned car in the late 1990s to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GT1 category. If it weren't for the Gran Turismo racing games, the Nissan R390 GT1 would likely be the most unknown supercar to the gamers and carlovers alike around the globe.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version is attended at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2022 held on the beautifully shores of Lake Como in Italy. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
As quoted from Motor1, the supercar designed by Ian Callum is built in a right-hand steering configuration, and is powered by a 3.5-liter V8 mid-mounted engine in-collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing coupled with a pair of turbochargers like a supercar in general. It produced only 10 for competition between 1997 and 1998, the Nissan R390 GT1 has a single homologated example for road use.
The Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version's interior is simple, basically it has the same instrument as any street sports car and leather covered sports seats.(Picture from: AutoEvolution)
The engine capable to churn out power of 550 horsepower and a maximum torque of 470 lbs.ft (637 Nm). Output is sent to the rear axle via a six-speed sequential transmission with a short-throw shift lever to propel the car it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 315 kph.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version is powered by a 3.5-liter V8 mid-mounted engine in-collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing coupled with a pair of turbochargers like a supercar in general. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Still quoted from Motor1, indeed the car is not perfect, also known to have shortcomings, such as a very low driving height factor that makes it quite difficult to drive on public roads. But it seems that it will have absolutely no effect to make the Nissan R390 GT1 as one of the extraordinary supercars of its time.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version has a length of 185.8 inches (4.7 meters) and a width of 78.7 inches (2 meters), with the weight of car is the same as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
And the Nissan R390 GT1 was converted into a road-legal vehicle, before the next racing version launched in 1998. Furthermore, it's said such a big-sized car with a length of 185.8 inches (4.7 meters) and a width of 78.7 inches (2 meters), with the weight of car is the same as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Too bad Nissan never built it as its mass produced cars. If it's made, its estimated cost around US $1 millions each.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version appeared in white coupled with its signature double-sided exhaust tip
embellished with several accesories washed in red, such as large
spoiler, rear mirrors, and side air vents. (Picture from: TheNationUpdate)
And some time ago, there's a white dominant colored Nissan R390 GT1 appeared at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2022 held on the beautifully shores of Lake Como in Italy. This Nissan fiercest-performanced supercar of 90s attended the event with its signature double-sided exhaust tip embellished with several accesories washed in red, such as large spoiler, rear mirrors, and side air vents, while making an enchanting beautifully V8 roaring.
Special GIFT In automotive history, the name of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro is very well known since he was still working for Carrozzeria Bertone, then Ghia until founded his own company with many car design works from various brands, even some of them became legendary cars.
Giorgetto Giugiaro recieved a surprise gift on his 70th Birthday private party from his son Fabrizio of a full-sized styling model of the last car he designed at Bertone. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
One of them may be this never-before-seen design made by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Lamborghini in the 1960s. This design work was created by him while still worked for Carrozzeria Bertone and was originally intended for the Bizzarrini sportscar.
The car is significant because it eventually became the Lamborghini Miura (left), which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful sports cars Lamborghini has ever made.. (Picture from: AutomotiveNewsEurope)
Because he moved to work for Ghia, the design was offered by then Bertone' CEO,Nucio Bertone to Lamborghini. And the design completed by his successor at Bertone, Marcello Gandini into what would become we know today as a legendary mid-engine sportscar named the Lamborghini Miura, which debuted at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show.
Front view of the Lamborghini Giugiaro full-scaled model presented for Giorgetto Giuguaro's 70th Birthday in 2008. (Picture from: ClassicAndRecreationSportsCar)
As we all know that today the Lamborghini Miura could be considered one of the most beautiful sports cars Lamborghini has ever done and Giorgetto’s contribution to the car is often overlooked.
Rear view of the Lamborghini Giugiaro full-scaled model presented for Giorgetto Giuguaro's 70th Birthday in 2008. (Picture from: ClassicAndRecreationSportsCar)
As times went by, the original design sketches were found by his son Fabrizio when looking through his fathers old papers and so decided to create a full size mock-up secretly for his fathers 70th birthday surprise gift in August 7, 2008. The car model was on display during a private party at Giorgetto’s home in the hills of Turin on September 20.
After leaving Carrozzeria Ghia, Giorgetto Giugiaro opened his own design studio named Italdesign Giugiaro in February, 1968. In 2010, as much as 90.1% of his company stakes was bought by Lamborghini, a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. And followed in 2015, Giorgetto sold the remaining stake to Audi, so otomatically together with his son Fabrizio should left Italdesign. In the same year, they also founded new studio named GFG Style. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOMOTIVENEWSEUROPE | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCARS | CARSTYLINGRU | MOTORAUTHORITY | ID.MOTOR1 ]
Weird ONES - Isuzu Motor Limited or Isuzu is a Japanese automotive company whose products are currently mostly concentrated on commercial vehicles. Well, who would have thought if the Japanese car manufacturer had ever tried to make an unusual car concept powered by a Formula 1 racing engine named Isuzu Como F1 Concept shortly after the car manufacturer thrown away its dream to be famous in the racing world.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept was deliberately created by Isuzu as a car show to support the company's marketing strategy for the commercial vehicles it produces. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
How can it be? As quoted of CarThrottle, back in the 1990s, Isuzu, one of the world's famous Japanese manufacturers had intention to participate the racing world. To smooth out its intention, the Japanese manufacturer then held a secret project to develop a V12 3,500 cc petrol racing engine codenamed P799WE capable of pouring out a maximum power of about 640 hp at 12,500 rpm.
Though this car is in the style of a pickup, the design that is imprinted on its exterior and engine it used makes it worthy of the title as a supercar too. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Indeed, not many people know that Isuzu, better known for its diesel engine, actually had ever made a Formula 1 racing engine. At the time, the machine was developed by four mysterious engineers whose identities are still unknown until today. In short, due to this Japanese car company does not have any single racing car, so when the engine is finished they felt a little confused, where to install it.
This is a 3.5 liter, Formula One-spec V12 engine called the P799WE developed by Isuzu back in the 1990s. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Coincidentally at that time Lotus, a Formula 1 racing team was facing a problem with its Lotus 102B racing car related to the engine weight (at that time it was still using a Lamborghini-made V12 engine). And Isuzu saw this as an opportunity for its newly developed engine to enter the Formula 1 racing world.
Apparently at that time the goddess of luck was clearly overshadowing the Japanese manufacturer, because Isuzu and the Lotus were under the same parent company, namely General Motors (GM). Not long after Isuzu contacted GM, so they decided that the Japanese company could install its newly developed engine in the engine weight troubled race car of Lotus.
One of the Lotus 102 racing cars like this was tested at the Silverstone Circuit, England by using the Isuzu P799WE engine. (Picture from: Pinterest)
However, because the Isuzu P799WE engine is very different from the previous engine. After being tricked, such as by adding an 80 kg alternator, finally the Isuzu P799WE engine can be installed into space previously filled by the larger Lamborghini engine. It seems just installed casually to the Lotus 102B chassis, and the car was later given name of theLotus 102C.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept measures approximately 4,600 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,370 mm in height and a wheelbase of around 2,950 mm. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
It is true, success comes from a well-planned work process, not casually work. It seems that this also applies to the Lotus 102C race car, when tested at the Silverstone Circuit, England its record time was not good enough (perhaps because the engine was just installed casually). Nevertheless the Isuzu P799WE engine still has the opportunity to develop even better because it considered more lighter in weight and has a better sound than the Lamborghini engine previously used.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept looks like an ordinary two-seater supercar from the 1990s, unfortunately there's no info about its performance. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
But fate said otherwise, Isuzu's participation in the world of Formula 1 racing never actually happened because at that time Japan was experiencing complicated economic problems that required Isuzu to rethink and choose whether to continue the racing project or to be more focus on commercial cars production. After careful consideration, then the Japanese automaker decided to cease its racing project to be focus to more profitable commecial car production.😉
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept was shown for the first time in public at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Then what is the fate of the newly developed Isuzu P799WE engine? Indeed, the Japanese automaker is not thrown it away or just left it idle. Well, after being removed from the Lotus racing car chassis, the mentioned Formula One engine had installed in a futuristic design super-pickup concept called the Isuzu Como F1 Concept, which is began to be built in the 1991.
Interior view of the Isuzu Como F1 concept when it sat on display at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991. (Picture from: GTPlanet.net)
Creating supercar concept is nothing new for Isuzu because previously this Japanese automaker in collaboration with Lotus had ever made a supercar called the Isuzu 420R in 1989. In appearance, even though this car is in the style of a pickup, the design that is imprinted on its exterior makes it worthy of the title as a supercar too, especially coupled with the use of an Formula 1 engine mounted in the middle, and the embedding of scissor doors such as usually installed on the Lamborghini car models. This unique car measures approximately 4,600 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,370 mm in height and a wheelbase of around 2,950 mm.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept existences was really a testament to Isuzu’s untapped potential as a carmaker. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Unfortunately there are no official performance figures related to this Isuzu super-pickup concept after being embedded with the P799WE engine, for your info, this is the only one Isuzu made car used a mid-mounted engine. It seems that the super-pickup concept was deliberately created as a car
show to support the company's marketing strategy for the commercial
vehicles it produces. And the Isuzu Como F1 Concept was shown for the first time in public at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991.😎
Although we will never find the existence of the production version, because the Japanese automaker never produced it commercially, and many people might be thought that a pickup powered by a Formula One-spec V12 engine is a completely ridiculous and crazy idea. Nevertheless the Isuzu Como F1 was one of the coolest concept cars of the 1990s and also really a testament to the potential that Isuzu has as an automaker. Unfortunately, the existence of the Isuzu Como F1 after the exhibition has never been known whether it still exists or not.😢
But for those of you who are still curious about the existence of the Isuzu P799WE engine. It still exists today, and is stored at Tamiya's headquarters, not at Isuzu's HQ. How come? Because in the past, Tamiya was the major sponsor of the Lotus F1 racing team, so that's why those Lotus 102C's engine was stored at its headquarters.😌 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | 24HOURSOFLEMONS | GTPLANET.NET | ALLCARINDEX | CARSTYLING.RU ]
Weird ONES Many strange cars milling around without knowing by us. So, once we meet these kinds of vehicles, we are surprised. Then asked yourself, why is there a car like that? So why is its shape like that, doesn't match with the badge? The same thing happened when we found the figure of a vehicle like that.
1994 EBM Tazio Spyder is designed by Pininfarina to be built by Eric Booth Motors (EBM) then proposed to the Molsheim-based automaker for possible production. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
While surfing the internet we came across some pictures on Ultimatecarpage showing a roadster with Bugatti badges on all sides, and the Bugatti name in big letters at rear is attended on an automotive event in England back in 2005. Upon closer look at, it was not had and carried typical styles which is usually existed on the Bugatti car today. Then what car is it? Frankly, we are curious, maybe you are too.
As You can see the EBM Tazio Spyder has Bugatti badges on front, and all sides. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
To be able to end those curiosity of us, then we look for information related to the mentioned car in cyberspace. Finally we found related information from the BugattiPage sites, it turned out that the car was not produce from the world's renowned car manufacturer based in Molsheim, France, but made by an automotive company from South Africa named Eric Booth Motors (EBM) back in 1994.
The EBM Tazio Spyderalso hasthe Bugatti name in big letters at rear. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
It is known that the South African automotive company was recorded to have made about six or
seven concept cars, presumingly with funds from a few British car
enthusiasts, in order to offer them to the major European car
manufacturers.
The vehicle needs to be viewed to fully appreciate its fine engineering excellence as You can see at the EBM Spyder's cabin. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Initially the project done by the Cape Town based company reportedly also involved Pininfarina, an Italian well-known automotive design house to make the design and the resulting car was named EBM Tazio were made in the mid-90s as many as three units, consisting two speedsters and one coupe, before the project was ceased.
The EBM Tazio Spyder powered by a 5.7L V8 mid-mounted engine of Chevrolet with 400-420 BHP coupled with Audi 5-speed transaxle gearbox. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The vehicle needs to be viewed to fully appreciate its fine engineering excellence. Initially it used a 4.0L V8 BMW's engine, apparently that motor didn't match the expectations of the engineers, which is why they switched to a 5.7L V8 mid-mounted engine of Chevrolet with 400-420 BHP. The engine coupled with Audi 5-speed transaxle gearbox.
Besides the Tazio Spyder model, the South African Auto maker also built The EBM Tazio Coupe. (Picture from: BugattiPage)
And for its legs supporting by an advanced suspension system also taken from Audi, while its brake system used the BMW's parts. Its performance said to be made an acceleration from zero to 100 kph under 5 second and achieved top speed beyond 301.5 kph.
The EBM Tazio Coupe as well as the spyder said to be made an acceleration from zero to 100 kph under 5 second and achieved top speed beyond 301.5 kph. (Picture from: GTPLanet.net)
While in terms of shape, it seen those EBM-made cars, which is said to have been designed by Pininfarina, looks more like a Ferrari-made by than Bugatti. Then why then one of those cars that carries the speedster style using Bugatti badge? 😎
The EBM Tazio Coupe has a unique roof scoop functioned as the air channeling for engine cooling. (Picture from: BugattiPage)
As quoted of Ultimatecarpage, the only one unit built in Bugatti badged trim proposed to the Molsheim-based automaker for possible production. Unfortunately, it didn't work and it still to be one-off prototype as You can see today along with its Tazio Coupe sibling.
The EBM Tazio Coupe (left) posed along with the Spyder (right) while being built by the company. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Well, among two of the spyders mentioned above that were being worked on at that time, there was 1 unit that was not completed yet when the project ceased. As quoted of Catawiki, the unfinished unit some time ago, precisely in 2018 was offered for sale.
Regarding the sale of the unfinished car unit above, currently it is unknown whether it was sold or not. It's indeed very difficult to obtain information related to the EBM automaker, because actually the company has out of business since the 2000s. 😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTIPAGE | CATAWIKI | VROOM VROOM | ULTIMATECARPAGE | GTPLANET.NET | LOT-ART | FACEBOOK EB-MANX | FLICKRIVER | ALLCARINDEX ]
Dominique Mottas, and the hubless wheel innovations such as the Osmos continued to develop for the next few years. Therefore it was then used in a series of prototypes of cars and motorbikes (BMW, Toyota Neo Cosmic Voyager, Metzer Monocorps, Fouquereau Orchide, Thunder Cycle), then it disappeared for a moment. 
