Future Sports EV As we know, this is one of the charming designs made by Audi was shown for the first time at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week in Monterey, California at the end of 2019, which was then called the Audi PB18 e-tron concept, now changed as the Audi AI:RACE. Although it was still presented as a design and technical study concept, it was touted also as the answer to Audi's future for sports variants, even for special racing-purposed vehicles.
The Audi AI:RACE was touted also as the answer to Audi's future for sports variants, even for special racing-purposed vehicles. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
If we look at its appearance, the Audi AI:RACE carries a radical sports sedan style coupled with a touch of a wagon on the rear pillar. While from the front bonnet, as we can see that it consists of many flat lines on the hood, sharing a slight curve with the gentle curve of the front and rear fender spaces. The windscreen is so wide, and the inverted trapezoid-shaped airscoop is so wide. Furthermore, there's sharp indentations in the front bumper precisely in the front braking chamber featured with air vents for cooling. The front lip spoiler is also designed to be less extreme, but still functional, no longer equipped with a mechanical connection.
The Audi AI:RACE carries a radical sports sedan style coupled with a touch of a wagon on the rear pillar. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
As quoted from the official website of Audi, the Audi AI:RACE concept was developed and born in Malibu, and regarding its characteristics, Head of Audi design, Gael Buzyn said, "We offer an experience like driving the Audi R18 in the world of racing. We put space the ideal steering wheel in the middle of the cockpit. It is not only designed for circuits, but daily use is also taken into account, because there is still space for passengers on the left and right."
The Audi AI:RACE has a unique cockpit (consisting only of the steering wheel, instrument panels, accelerator and brake pedals) which able to shift flexibly to the right and left motorically. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
From this we can clearly see that the intent of the German manufacturer in designing the Audi AI:RACE is to meet the needs of two purposes, namely the track and the highway uses, through the cockpit (consisting only of the steering wheel, instrument panels, accelerator and brake pedals) which is uniquely, and anti-mainstream designed with its default driving position in the middle to reinforce Formula 1's racing DNA. However, the position can be flexibly changed motorically to the right and left.
The Audi AI:RACE's body is made from a mixture of aluminum, carbon and composite materials, so the end result is a sports car weighing just 1,550 kg. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
Meanwhile, the body is made from a mixture of aluminum, carbon and composite materials, so the end result is a sports car weighing just 1,550 kg (including the innovative and lightweight battery pack). This concept car has dimensions of 4.53 meters long, 2 meters wide, 1.15 meters high, and a wheelbase of 2.7 meters, with compact overhangs. Furthermore, the pull of a flat line and a slight curve on the body is inspired by the traditional architecture of a mid-engine racing car, then the center of gravity is placed behind the driver's seat and in front of the rear axle, so that it is considered sufficient to provide a sensational driving experience.
As we can see on the front bonnet of the Audi AI:RACE, it consists of many flat lines on the hood, sharing a slight curve with the gentle curve of the front and rear fender spaces. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
The existence of a wagon style that seems to appear thick enough on the C pillar, which is also capable of producing a fairly large storage space of up to 470 liters (that's pretty good for a sportscar variant). Then those rear compartment can be used to store helmets, other racing equipment and 2 large suitcases. The air outlets on the rear diffuser have been raised as a functional feature borrowed from the motorsport racing style. The diffuser can be mechanically moved downwards to increase downforce, as is the rear spoiler, which can also be extended rearward for the same purpose.
The Audi AI:RACE is known to be driven by three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear, all of that generates total power of 500 kW or 670 hp with a torque of 830 Nm. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
This Audi AI:RACE concept car is known to be driven by three electric motors, one at the front and two at the rear. The first motor provides a power boost of 150 kW to the front axle, while the other two motors generate around 350 kW of power to the rear axle. So that the total power generated is 500 kW or 670 hp with a torque of 830 Nm. It's not surprising then that this concept car is able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just over 2 seconds, only the speed that distinguishes it from the current LMP1 prototype.
Meanwhile, power is supplied from a liquid-cooled solid-state battery system having capacity of 95 kWh, which on full charge provides a range of over 500 kilometers (310.7 miles) in WLTP cycles. The German manufacturer says that the Audi AI:RACE has been designed for charging in a voltage of 800 volts. This means that the battery can be fully recharged in about 15 minutes. Besides that, it can charge via induction docking to the Audi Wireless Charging System which is placed on the garage floor. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDI ]
Lost ONES Every automotive manufacturer must have a historic model that is often used as a source of inspiration for other models. But what happens if the historic model suddenly disappears? It turns out that one of South Korean automakers, Hyundai had experienced such an unfortunate incident, namely the loss of a concept car called the 1974 Hyundai Pony Coupe (likely scrapped but possibly still sitting lost in a storage facility somewhere in Korea).
The 1974 Pony Coupe Concept was originally designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro for Hyundai, and known as the inspiration for many of the themes of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV, and the spectacular fuel-cell ‘technology demonstrator’ Hyundai N Vision 74. (Picture from: Otomotif)
In a release, the South Korean manufacturer said that the 1974Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept was one of the inspirations for the electric-powered Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai N Vision 74 hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The 1974 Pony Coupe Concept was served as the precursor to the Pony production version lineups, but later it lost likely scrapped but possibly still sitting lost in a storage facility somewhere in Korea. (Picture from: Car&Driver)
Apparently, Hyundai was curious about its concept car, and in 2021, the South Korean automaker even tried to restore and modify the Pony Concept into an electric vehicle ones. Now they are again planning to revive this inspiring concept car that had disappeared.
The Hyundai Pony Coupe or formerly called the Asso Di Fiori (meaning Ace of Clubs in Italian) while sat on display at the Italdesign stand at the 1974 Turin Auto Show. (Picture from: Car&Driver)
As quoted of Carscoops, the inspirational concept car was penned by one of the famous Italian auto designers, Giorgetto Giugiaro for Hyundai, and this concept served as the precursor to the Pony production version lineups was sold from 1975 to 1990. At the time, Hyundai hopes to sell the Pony Coupe in North America and Europe. If you take look closer, Giugiaro seem took inspiration for the Pony Coupe Concept from his other i
While researching the history of the Pony Coupe concept, Hyundai discovered a single image of a different car sitting on a storage pallet. (Picture from: Car&Driver)
conic works, namely the DeLorean DMC 12. Unfortunately the project had to stop in 1981.
As quoted of Motor1, for the purpose of reviving this inspiring concept car, then Hyundai collaborated with an Italian design company GFG Style in which Giorgetto Giugiaro is one of the company founders along with his son Fabrizio.
Beneath its hastily applied Hyundai branding, the Pony Coupe was sleek and stylish but bore few obvious similarities to its four-door sibling. (Picture from: Otomotif)
Even though the designer is 84 years old now, he is still actively
working in the automotive world together with the design company. As a result, Hyundai and GFG Style have agreed to redesign and rebuild this important inspirational concept car, while those rebuilt concept car will be shown in spring 2023.
The Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept seem took inspiration another iconic works of Giorgetto Giugiaro, namely the DeLorean DMC 12. (Picture from: Otomotif)
Sang Yup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor's Global Design Center, said that the Pony Coupe Concept will be rebuilt based on the company's design philosophy, namely 'shaping the future with heritage'.
The Hyundai Pony Coupe Concept will be rebuilt based on the company's design philosophy, namely 'shaping the future with heritage'. (Picture from: Car&Driver)
Giorgetto Giugiaro later commented on his company collaboration with Hyundai regarding the plan to remake the concept car nostalgically, "I designed the Hyundai Pony when I was a young designer early in my career. I feel very proud that I am responsible for creating vehicles for a company and country that will enter the highly competitive global market."
Then he further added that now he is extremely honored when Hyundai asked him to rebuild the Pony Coupe Concept for posterity and as a celebration of the brand's legacy. *** [ EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HYUNDAI | CARANDDRIVER | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1 ]
~ONE Off~ After a few days ago appearing into several teasers, finally Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. reveals the figure of its newest supercar which is said to be built based on the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport and named the Bugatti Chiron Profilée. The Molsheim-based manufacturer further says that the car is being built as a single piece as a less radical interpretation of the Pur Sport version which also features a special fixed rear wing.
The Bugatti Chiron Profilée coupé, originally planned to be positioned between the Chiron Sport and Chiron Pur Sport, unfortunately the company never made it into production. (Picture from: RM Sotheby's)
The Bugatti Chiron Profilée was one of the last cars to sport the French marque's iconic W16 engine, although the recently revealed on August, 2022, the Mistral roadster also uses the same type of engine with a total power output of around 1,600 bhp. By using those kind of engine, the Chiron Profilée capable to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in just 2.3 seconds and run up to top speed of 380 kph.
The Bugatti Chiron Profilée coupé is the optimum combination of agility, performance and elegance.. (Picture from: RM Sotheby's)
Originally the unique Profilée coupé was created as an experiment to see if the sharp aspects of the Pur Sport variant could be integrated into such a car that prioritizes comfort.
In later developments the Profilée incorporated several aspects of the Pur Sport, such as shorter gear ratios for faster acceleration, a more aggressively tuned chassis including changes to chamber angle and a stiffer suspension for better handling compared to its donor car.
The Bugatti Chiron Profilée coupé is powered by the French marque's iconic W16 engine coupled with a revised transmission with the gear ratios shortened. (Picture from: RM Sotheby's)
However, the Profilée coupé also comes with a number of unique features, including a fixed rear wing which it uses to increase rear downforce and to extract hot air out of the engine bay.
The Bugatti Chiron Profilée coupé's cabin gets Bugatti's first woven leather finishes applied to the dashboard, door panels and center console, coupled with Argent Atlantique color finishes also to add even more exclusivity. (Picture from: RM Sotheby's)
Meanwile inside, the car gets Bugatti's first woven leather finishes applied to the dashboard, door panels and center console, coupled with Argent Atlantique color finishes also to add even more exclusivity to the Profilée coupé. Then at the bottom of the car is made of carbon fiber material.
Originally the unique Bugatti Chiron Profilée coupé was created as an experiment to see if the sharp aspects of the Pur Sport variant could be integrated into such a car that prioritizes comfort. (Picture from: RM Sotheby's)
"We know what we make is too beautiful to hide," said Chairman of Bugatti, Christophe Piochon. He further called the Profilée coupé as "a true Bugatti and a unique collectible piece of automotive history."
The plan, the Profilée coupé would be auctioned off in Paris by RM Sotheby's on February 1st, 2022, where a portion of the proceeds will go to charity. Well, now you had found the role of the famous auction house in this Bugatti car. How about its prices when later the car sold at the auction? Can anyone guess it?😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTI | RM SOTHEBY'S ]
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ONE-OFF The word gorgeous is perhaps only one of the many appropriate words to describe the works of one of the Italian coachbuilders, Zagato. This Milan-based company was founded in 1919 by Ugo Zagato. The company is noted as a well-known coachbuilder that diligently builds gorgeus and great cars throughout its collaborating with various world-renowned car marque.
Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB was built by Zagato to mark its centennial in collaboration with Alfa Romeo. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)
Recently, to mark the 100th anniversary of the collaboration between Alfa Romeo and the Milan-based coachbuilder, Zagato chose to commemorate this important anniversary by creating a new model. For your info, Alfa Romeo and Zagato have collaborated since 1921, by presenting a roadster called the Alfa Romeo Tipo G1 Zagato.
The Alfa Romeo TZ Series designed by Zagato, sorted ranging from most far background to foreground; the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ or TZ1, Alfa Romeo TZ2, Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa, and Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale. (Picture from: Alfa-Romeo-Portal)
The idea to build a retro-style car but still look sporty appeared in 2021, and Zagato can only realize it now into the Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB, and it's also intended to be a homage for their historic collaboration. The project can be done after the Milan-based coachbuilder met a German
customer chosen from many its loyal customers, whose also known to have
many Alfa Romeos in his garage including the rare Alfa Romeo Competizione 8C,as well as all Alfa-Romeo models of the recent years.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato's front-end styling is a mix of old and new as it takes inspiration from the Alfa Romeo SZ while using the latest three-point LED headlight design taken from the 2023 Giulia facelift. (Picture from: AutoGaleria)
The gorgeous two-doors sporty styled coupé was using Zagato's typical carbon fiber bodywork based on the latest Giulia Quadrifoglio platform with the short wheelbase, and upgraded into the GTAm specification by maintaining the 6-speed manual transmission. The car is powered by the legendary V6 twin turbo with a capacity of 2,900 cc engine. It was then made in such a way as to be the perfect DNA, therefore to mark a new chapter in the history of the legendary collaboration between the two Milan-based companies.
Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB featured with Zagato's typical carbon fiber bodywork based on the latest Giulia Quadrifoglio platform, and upgraded into the GTAm specification with the short wheelbase. (Picture from: KabarOto)
Then what about the design, if for the Alfa Romeo's 100th anniversary in 2010, Zagato chose the theme 'TZ or Tubolare Zagato,' then created the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa powered by the 8C engine, followed by Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale built based on the Chrysler Dodge Viper, and was immediately referred to by the press as the first American Alfa Romeo. While for centennial anniversary of those two Italian companies collaboration theme was 'SZ or Sprint Zagato'.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato's interior uses plenty of regular Giulia Quadrifoglio parts, such as the infotainment screen and various switches.. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)
The TZ and SZ boasted two different design languages but both dress up the Zagato GranTurismo concepts. The Giulia SWB Corsa(SWB is short wheelbase) prototype design was therefore a natural evolution of the Alfa Romeo SZ model starting with the Codatronca version of the 1961, which dominated the GT Class in 1962-1963, up to the more recent SZ's front end was inspired by the new Alfa Romeo Tonale model.
Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB by Zagato is powered by mid-mounted V6 twin turbo with a capacity of 2,900 cc engine coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: KabarOto)
Unlike the 1990 SZ based on the Alfa Romeo 75 Evoluzione, and not a shortened wheelbase as well, the new prototype got name "SWB" because it's developed by Zagato itself from the Giorgio's modular floor plan of the Giulia and Stelvio by optimizing its overhangs and wheelbase which in accordance to Zagato's sporting tradition.
The Alfa Romeo Giulia SWB Zagato featured with the Kammback rear design inspired by the Giulia TZ while the massive GTAm rear wing has been removed to create a cleaner look. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)
The design process was carried out according to the collaborative idea of the Zagato team, under supporting by Head of design for Alfa Romeo, Alejandro Mesonero, and his team since the beginning. However, the car conception, development and production were carried out entirely independently by the Milanese atelier. It was also stated the presence of the Alfa Romeo badge on the car is solely for descriptive and promotional purposes, in keeping with Zagato's choice to take inspiration sources of the Alfa Romeo SZ.
Reportedly, now that the car has been built, and is being on a photo shot session at the La Pista Circuit in Arese, Milan. After that, it will be officially handed over to its German prospective owner (estimated in March 2023), and ending an important year for Zagato and sealing its collaboration with Alfa Romeo that's already run for more than 100 years, the result with the highest collector values for more than 150 models. *** [EKA | FR0M VARIOUS SOURCES | ALFA ROMEO | ZAGATO | ROADANDTRACK | CARSCOOPS | IDMOTOR1 | AUTODESIGNMAGAZINE ]
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The mysterious model that will be launched by Bugatti soon reportedly built based on Bugatti Chiron which was first released in 2016. (Picture from: Bugatti)
Recently this French automotive brand hit the world's automotive again via social media with a teaser of a vehicle model that had never been produced before, and called as an automotive solitaire. And in the teaser image shared by Bugatti, where you can see the figure of a vehicle covered in black cloth with a predominantly black background, so very little is on display only the rear and side profiles of the car are visible, as if to show how mysterious the car is.
The mysterious model was hidden behind black cloth cover and perfectly hides all style changes done by Bugatti. (Picture from: Carscoops)
From the folds of the black cloth attached to the side of the car, as we can clearly see the C-shaped Bugatti signature line. Meanwhile the truncated rear of the car is also reminiscent to the Chiron models, but this one seems to have some sort of wing or hanging off spoiler at the back. That's all clearly adds to this car mystery.
It's not surprising then that many suspect that this mysterious vehicle would be based on the Bugatti Chiron. This is further strengthened by the existence of the hashtag #BUGATTI #CHIRONProfilée with a link directly to the page for the Chiron model and its derivatives on the official website of the manufacturer based in Molshiem, France.
There are no other details such the front of the Chiron-based model that's very neat hidden behind the black cloth then enhanced with a background dominated by black as well. In other words, those black cloth cover hides another style changes done by Bugatti on this mysterious vehicle. But then as quoted of TheSupercarBlog, the new one-off Bugatti will essentially be a Chiron Pur Sport without the massive rear spoiler, and possibly named the Bugatti Chiron Profilée.
As quoted of Motor1, reportedly in this weeks (December 21, 2022) Bugatti will soon debut its mysterious model in collaboration with RM Sotheby's. It is unclear whether the Molsheim-based automaker plans to immediately
auction the car or even there's no info why those famous auction house is involved with the model. Furthermore, the company which had acquired by the Croatian automaker, Rimac has mapped the next chapter, with a new hypercar in development.
According to the company's CEO, Mate Rimac, this new model will come with an "truly crazy" internal combustion engine and will not have a relationship with Chiron or Rimac Nevera.
However, the French automaker will not reveal it until one day next
year, with the possibility of being sold in 2025 when wrapping the first
delivery of the Mistral and Bolide models, the last model produced is based on the Chiron.
Well, for those of you who are curious, fortunately there is no need to
wait long to see what the shape of the car actually looks like. All we can do is wait and see. ***[EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTI | IDMOTOR1 | CARSCOOPS | THESUPERCARBLOG ]
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EcoFriendly ONES Who doesn't know this French brand? Well, Citroën is widely known in the automotive world with cars with unique and capable innovation breakthroughs. Not long after unveiling the new logo, the French automaker unveiled the world's first battery EV concept car called Citroën OLI[all-ë], it's quite unique car under the SUV body style.
Citroën OLI Concept panels
are made using recycled materials and are coated with Elastoflex®
Polyurethane resin and protected by a textured Elastocoat® layer. (Picture from: KabarOto)
And the concept car building process started in 2019, right in when the world was hit by the raw material shortage problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, then followed recently with the war in Ukraine.
Citroën OLI Concept adopts a unique futuristic styles car models featured with fender flares, under guards and 20-inch rims are a combination of iron and aluminum coupled with Goodyear tires. (Picture from: KabarOto)
"There're three social conflicts are occurring simultaneously, first is values and dependence on mobility, second is economic constraints and resource uncertainty, and third is a growing desire for responsibility and an optimistic future. At the same time, the need for climate change prevention must be done, and awareness and insight about ecology is increasing,” said Citroën CEO, Vincent Cobée.
Inside the Citroën OLI Concept's cabin, there is also a unique part, namely the seats are produced by BASF. (Picture from: KabarOto)
The car having a length of 4,200 mm, a width of 1,900 mm and a height of 1,650 mm. In addition, it using the new logo, not to forget the Citroën OLI Concept also adopts a unique futuristic styles car models featured with fender flares, under guards and 20-inch rims are a combination of iron and aluminum coupled with Goodyear tires are claimed to last up to more than 80,000 kilometers that make it look dashing vehicle as well.
Inside the Citroën OLI Concept's cabin, there is also a unique part, namely the seats are produced by BASF. (Picture from: Otomotif)
Meanwhile, if you pay close attention to this concept, there is the most unique design, namely on the A-pillar. Because the design is straight and it can make us fooled at first glance by thinking if the front is the car rear deck. While at the car's real back is quite sloping, and clearly shows that's was a double cabin vehicle.
Citroën OLI Concept's real back is quite sloping, and clearly shows that's was a double cabin vehicle. (Picture from: KabarOto)
Then to support the performance of this concept car, the French manufacturer has embedded a battery system which is predicted to only need 40 kWh to provide a range of 400 km so that the maximum efficiency consumption is 10 kWh per 100 km. While the top speed is limited to 110 kph. Meanwhile, the battery recharging process from 20% to 80% is completed in about 23 minutes.
Citroën OLI Concept has a battery system which is predicted to only need 40 kWh to provide a range of 400 km so that the maximum efficiency consumption is 10 kWh per 100 km. (Picture from: Otomotif)
What's remarkable is that the car panels are made using recycled materials and are coated with Elastoflex® Polyurethane resin and protected by a textured Elastocoat® layer. So it is not surprising that the Citroën OLI Concept can have a fairly light weight of around 1000 kg.
The French automaker said that the car is intended for urban use, instead not for driving at high speeds. As the result, the body is designed not aerodynamic. In the cabin, there is also a unique part, namely the seats are produced by BASF with a 3D printing method similar to Adidas sports shoes.
If the French manufacturer makes a production version, reportedly that the Citroën OLI will be priced at $ 25,000 or around Rp. 380 million. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CITROEN | BASF | ID.MOTOR1 | ]
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Meanwhile, power is supplied from a liquid-cooled solid-state battery system having capacity of 95 kWh, which on full charge provides a range of over 500 kilometers (310.7 miles) in WLTP cycles. The German manufacturer says that the Audi AI:RACE has been designed for charging in a voltage of 800 volts. This means that the battery can be fully recharged in about 15 minutes. Besides that, it can charge via induction docking to the Audi Wireless Charging System which is placed on the garage floor. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDI ]
