~Weird ONE~ In the midst of the excitement of the automotive world's creativity in presenting automotive products, including some of them whether are intentionally or not presented into unique and unusual shaped vehicles such this unique pickup with a towbar built based on the famous Toyota Celica.
Toyota Celica Cruising Deck created by Toyota Motor Company based on the seventh (and final) generation of the model back in the 1999. (Picture from: AutoBlog.nl)
The unusual shaped car is created by Toyota Motor Company based on the seventh (and final) generation of the model back in the 1999, and given name of the Toyota Celica Cruising Deck. Although that's not too bad at all, but the car creation above undoubtedly raises a lot of question marks in ours. How's come the famous Celica sports car transformed into weird one?
The reason behind the transformation of the such famous Celica sports car into a unique special-purposed vehicle as the Toyota’s idea for a beach-ready vehicle. (Picture from: AutoBlog.nl)
As quoted of Motor1, the reason behind the transformation of the such famous Celica sports car into a unique special-purposed vehicle as the Toyota’s idea for a beach-ready vehicle, and looks like this concept was inspired by the leisure-oriented CAL-1 which has introduced at the same car show 22 years earlier.
Toyota Celica Cruising Deck has similar interior to its donor car, the Toyota Celica 7th Generation. (Picture from: AutoBlog.nl)
Many says that Japan is another planet, that's why they made plenty
weird looking cars like this in the past and present times.🤗 Furthermore, the such a kind of unique car intended for outdoor activities like this is not something you can see every day, especially if it also carries the iconic nameplate that was previously pinned to world-famous sports cars.
Toyota Celica Cruising Deck has a 1920s-inspired rumble rear seat and a window between the front and rear seats. (Picture from: AutoBlog.nl)
As You can see in addition to the unusual body styling, the Celica Cruising Deck has a 1920s-inspired rumble rear seat and a window between the front and rear seats. The glass is not fixed as the inside can be lowered into a folding divider that doubles as a bottom cushion for the rear seats.
Toyota Celica Cruising Deck also had added a cool matching trailer to carry something versatiles for Your beach leisured activities such jet skis, surfing boards, etc. (Picture from: AutoBlog.nl)
To make it even more special, Toyota attached simply headrests to its large rear-wing. At the time the Japanese automaker also had added a cool matching trailer to carry something versatiles for Your beach leisured activities such jet skis, surfing boards, etc to this odd sports coupe.
Toyota Celica Cruising Deck is powered by a 1.8 Twin Cam with 187 hp, was linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that delivered the pony to drive the front wheels. (Picture from: AutoBlog.nl)
Unfortunately, the Cruising Deck remains a concept although it was in reasonable production-ready form, powered by a 1.8 Twin Cam with 187 hp, was linked to a six-speed manual gearbox that delivered the pony to drive the front wheels. When it launched to public for the first time at the 1999 Tokyo Motor Show, then-Toyota CEOKatsuhiro Nakagawa described it as "cool, sporty, and a lot of fun!"
However, when the exhibition ended, slowly but sure, this odd car would be forgotten over the time. Luckily for those of you, whose still have the pictures, so could be took it as an inspiration for Your next car creations.🤔 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOYOTA | MOTOR1 | AUTOBLOG.NL | CARCONNECTION ]
~Almost Forgotten~ Among the many models ever made by Alfa Romeo, the Italian automotive manufacturer there are many models that have become famous and legends, such as the Alfa Romeo BAT Series, Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, and many others.
The Fioravanti Vola is designed by Leonardo Fioravanti as his vision of what a sporting Alfa Romeo of the future could look like. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
However, there are also many models made by third parties intended to be a design study of the brand's future cars, as we will discuss below. The mentioned car was built in the 2000s by Fioravanti, a Turin-based automotive coachbuilder company founded in 1987 by renowned Italian car designer, Leonardo Fioravanti.
The first Fioravanti Vola prototype debuted at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show in black with red interior. (Picture from: Alfisti.ru)
As we all know that the designer before establishing his studio, it turned out that he had a career of more than 24 years at the Pininfarina design studio and was involved in many Prancing Horse beautiful car projects carried out by the design studio, such as the Ferrari 388 GTO, Ferrari 250 P5 Berlinetta Speciale, Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, the original Ferrari Dino, and more.
The first Fioravanti Vola prototype debuted at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show in black with red interior. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
It became something unusual when the designer suddenly in the 2000s designed a car which was later named the Fioravanti Vola, which at almost the same time the Moncalieri-based coachbuilder also built the Fioravanti F100 which was specially made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Il Commendatore,Enzo Ferrari. So do not be surprised if on the front of both cars look similar especially on the headlights section.
The Fioravanti Vola featured with a unique rotating glass roof, thanks to the deck lid hinges are concentric with the top, so the trunk access is freely available, as the open roof sits on top of the trunk lid. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
We don't want to argue further how about that could be happened and what is certain is that the Vola was the design house’s vision of what a sporting Alfa Romeo of the future could look like.
The Vola sportscar presented for the first time at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show with one of the most notable features such a unique rotating glass roof, thanks to the deck lid hinges are concentric with the top, so the trunk access is freely available, as the open roof sits on top of the trunk lid.
The Fioravanti Vola is powered by a transverse DOHC V6 engine with a capacity of 2,959cc capable churn out 192 hp of power and is combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox to drive its front wheels. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Originally, the Fioravanti Vola livered in black with red interior, and changed while it shown 4 years later at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show with a red paint and brown upholstery. While for the drivetrain, the Fioravanti Vola is powered by a transverse
DOHC V6 engine with a capacity of 2,959cc capable churn out 192 hp of
power and is combined with a 5-speed manual gearbox to drive its front
wheels.
Leonardo Fioravanti posed along with two of his car creations such 2001 Alfa Romeo Vola (far-above) and 2005 Ferrari Superamerica (bottom). (Picture from: DannataVintage)
The same idea was later used in the Ferrari Superamerica of 2005, also designed by Fioravanti and patented as a Revocromico roof. In 2008 the rear buttresses of the Vola were remodelled similar to the Superamerica. The great topical subject for sports cars, the removable solid roof, has had very interesting but a little complex solutions recently. Fioravanti has made its suggestion by applying a new concept of rotating roof with an innovative and extremely simple solution.
2001 Fioravanti Alfa Romeo Vola (left) posed along with 2000 Ferrari F100 (right). (Picture from: DannataVintage)
While the well-known mechanisms power the roof down into the trunk,
'LF' emblem is placed on the top of the trunk with obvious advantages
both practical and of weight and more room for the luggages. Another interesting aspect is that whether the roof is open or closed there is a very slight variation in the barycenter of the car.
The second appearence of the Fioravanti Vola at the 2005 Geneva Motor Show with a red paint and brown upholstery. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The aesthetic solution chosen for Alfa Romeo shows, in a very 'graphic'
way, the basic priciple of the patent: …the rotation axis of the roof is
the same as the one of the trunk axis. There can be alternative lay-outs which look very different, but keep the same geometric conditions. The roof, supported by a carbon fibre frame, is made of a variable transparent plastic for protection against sun rays and for rear visibility.
Leonardo Fioravanti posed along with his creation, Fioravanti Alfa Romeo Vola at the 'Rosso Fioravanti' exhibition held in Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile in Turin back in 2018. (Picture from: MotorAge.it)
It can be manual or automatic. In opening position the rear window area, rotating on itself, becomes an anti-turbolence device. The typical 'Alfa trilobation' features a new kind of fog lamps which are very long and thin and become indicator lights and emergency lights on the side. Day lights, night lights and high beam lights are all joined in one single transparent element which is also used to let air out of the engine and as support for the rearview video cameras.
Day lights, night lights and high beam lights are all joined in one single transparent element which is also used to let air out of the engine and as support for the rearview video cameras. (Picture from: Alfisti.ru)
Another innovative design element is the rear/indicator lights which emerge from the rotation element of the roof. The rear-end of the of the car features typical Alfa Romeo elements such as the high, thin and separate tail lights.
The Fioravanti Vola's interior design features with two identical 'canoes' in which are situated the seat, instruments, new kind of pedals and steering wheel on driver side, the seat and airbag-glove box on passenger side. (Picture from: Facebook)
The rear gear light is situated on top of the license plate which is lit from behind. For what concerns the interior design the same criteria of semplicity and components reduction has been followed, always looking for symmetry.
The Fioravanti Vola's rear-end features typical Alfa Romeo elements such as the high, thin and separate tail lights. (Picture from: Alfisti.ru)
Basic element: two identical 'canoes' in which are situated the seat, instruments, new kind of pedals and steering wheel on driver side, the seat and airbag-glove box on passenger side. The symmetrical door panels feature a unique armrest also used as support and opening handle and air outlet. The main instruments which are highly three-dimensional and very original lighted are side by side the rearview display.
The steering wheel, with F1 gear shifts, is in carbon fibre and partially leather wrapped. The central element between the two “canoes” includes a multi-functional display for GPS, telephone, climate controls, minor controls, the button to operate the roof and the control keyboard for other functions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FIORAVANTI | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | MOTORAGE.IT | DANNATAVINTAGE | BELOWTHERADAR ]
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~3rd EVs~ Lately, the development of electric-powered vehicles is seen very rapidly, many automotive manufacturers from all over the world are competing to develop these kind of vehicles. This is intended not only as a form of concern for environmental issues, but as an effort to anticipate the depletion of conventional fuel availability as well.
Fisker Inc. has announced Project Ronin, the company's third vehicle after its Fisker Ocean SUV and Fisker PEAR. (Picture from: Businesswire)
This also prompted the American automaker named Fisker Inc. to present their newest line of electrified rides was capable to carry four passenggers including their luggage inside the cabin, and have an increadible range as well. As we all know that the Fisker Ronin will be the third addition to Fisker’s EV range, next to the new Fisker Ocean SUV, and the upcoming PEAR.
According to Henrik Fisker, CEO of Fisker Inc. that his company' new electric-powered vehicles intended to become the production version electrified vehicles with the longest range ever made in the world with the target range of 600 miles (966 km), and fitted with three electric motors offering all-wheel-drive, and an
estimated 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) acceleration close to the 2-second mark.
"Project Ronin will be a showcase for our company's internal engineering, powertrain and software capabilities," said Henrik Fisker as quoted of CarScoops. And according to latest teaser, the car would be realized as a fully electric four-seat convertible sports GT.
Furthermore, the Fisker's CEO stated that he had assigned the company's engineering team to apply the most advanced and lightest materials that would later have an effect on range, performance, and the overall driving experience of the mentioned electric-powered vehicle.
The latest teaser revealed the Fisker’s Project Ronin is actually a fully electric four-seat convertible sports GT. (Picture from: KabarOto)
In addition, to extend the range as far as possible, Fisker' Project Ronin is said to be using active aerodynamic technology and an innovative battery design to be integrated into the vehicle's structural packages.
Meanwhile, to make the car as comfortable as possible for the driver and all passengers, then the car featured with a such unique styles that makes it easy to get in and out of the car. Once inside the car, passengers are greeted by a luxurious and sustainable interior that sets a new "advanced design direction" for the brand.
The code name for the Fisker' future electric car refers to the action movie back in 1998 starring Robert DeNiro which features some fun car chase scenes of several European cars, such as the BMW 535i, Peugeot 406, and Mercedes 500 E.
Unfortunately, the Fisker' Project Ronin prototype will only be revealed by the American automaker in August 2023 with its production starting in the second half of 2024.😑 Furthermore, Fisker is also targeting the initial price of this electric car below $200,000. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FISKER INC. | CARSCOOPS | BUSINESSWIRE ]
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~Rare ONE~ If You are a true classic car enthutiasts and spent big-money wasn't a serious problem, it's good for You to see these one of really scarce car collections.
The following car named the Corvette SR-2 Sebring Racer is one of the scarce race cars is knowns has a price tag of $6.885 million or Rp.85.7 billion. Besides that this American automaker General Motors's first car was deliberately for racing purposed, and built in limited numbers with only three cars ever produced in the world.
Rear side view of 1956 Corvette SR-2 Sebring Race with the opened trunk. (Picture from: Carscoops)
One of the cars was made for Jerome C. Earl, son of the late Harley Earl, the creator of the Corvette. Two other cars are produced for Bill Mitchell, who has become Harley Earl assistant and Harlow "Red" Curtice, a former president of GM.
Rear side view of 1956 Corvette SR-2 Sebring Race.(Picture from: Carscoops)
In the spring of 1956, Harley Earl and Zora Duntov made a modified Corvette race car for Jerry Earl to compete with Ferrari, Jaguar, and Porsche. The first production of the SR-2 was based on the 1956 Corvette platform of the 2,522nd production, which sent directly from St. Louis plants to the GM design studio in Warren, Michigan to be modified.
Rear view of 1956 Corvette SR-2 Sebring Race.(Picture from: Carscoops)
Some additional features ranging from special windshield for the driver and passengers, the fins on the rear lid, rounded front section, unique parking lights, and Sebring Racing brakes, and racing suspension.
After the first racing debut on June 23 and 24, 1956, the Corvette SR-2 is then received several additional modifications. Including, a 5.4-liter injection engine, coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission system, and its weight are trimmed into 136 kg (300 lbs) lighter.
In January 2015, this unique race car was sold by previous owner Corvette Mike after being exhibited at the Scottsdale Sport & Classic Autocars in that year. But We weren't known yet how much the exact figure of the price of the racing car. Anyone here know its price? We hope you are willing to share with Us via the comments column below this article. *** [EKA [07012015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CORVETTE MIKE | CARSCOOP]
~Rare ONE~ As we all knew, each car that's carrying the Ferrari emblem always made by exclusively in limited quantities. Maybe it has become a kind of tradition, the automaker is always not much in producing each type they issue. This is nothing but to maintain the exclusivity of the brand in the eyes of the world's car enthusiasts.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ was redesigned by Zagato, one of the famous Italian coachbuilders in 2006 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Ferrari 250 GT. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
And of the many sports car models ever released by Ferrari, there are several models that can be considered as ultra-rare ones, such as the following the Ferrari 575 GTZ. Although literally it was not the original product of the Maranello-based automaker, but was built by a third party who has long worked with and is no less famous than the Prancing Horse logoed premium car manufacturer.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ also intended as a modern interpretation of the Ferrari 250 GTZ Berlinetta, the first Ferrari ever designed by the Milan-based coachbuilder company. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
Well, the car was redesigned by Zagato, one of the famous Italian coachbuilders in 2006 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Ferrari 250 GT, and is built based on the Ferrari 575M Maranello. As reported by GT Spirit, it is also intended as a modern interpretation of the Ferrari 250 GTZ Berlinetta, the first Ferrari ever designed by the Milan-based coachbuilder company.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ is built based on the Ferrari 575M Maranello and made 6 units only, all of which received a distinctive and elaborate retouch to be able to display a design inspired by vintage Ferraris of the 1950s to the 1960s. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
At that time the 575 GTZ made only 6 units by the Milan-based coachbuilder, all of which received a distinctive and elaborate retouch to be able to display a design inspired by vintage Ferraris from the 1950s to the 1960s. It is also stated that all of the six cars is handcrafted for the lucky (and more-advantaged) customer and each is also allowed to get an individual touch (by its owner of course) so that after completion no one of the 575 GTZ sports car is similar.
The interior layout of the Ferrari 575 GTZ was the same as its donor car (the Ferrari 575M Maranello), but has been retouched by Zagato by applying of a 'Crema' nuanced leather upholstery to emphasize further its rarity value. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
In general, the
car featured with the Zagato hallmark, i.e the 'double-bubble' roof and
two-tone colors, and also the original features that were previously
carried by the 250 GTZ Berlinetta. Therefore, the appearance of the Ferrari 575 GTZ at first glance is similar to the 250 GTZ, this can be seen in the design lines, to the grille and fenders.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ is powered by a V12 engine which has a capacity of 5.7-liter is capable of spewing power of 514 hp at 588 Nm of torque coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
As we've mentioned above, the Ferrari 575 GTZ was built on the Ferrari 575M platform and sharing major components with it, including the V12 engine which has a capacity of 5.7-liter is capable of spewing power of 514 hp at 7,250 rpm, and torque of 588.6 Nm at 5,250 rpm, coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission with paddle shifting, so that the car can accelerate from 0-100 kph (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph or 325 kph.
2006 Ferrari 575 GTZ is featured with the Zagato hallmark, i.e the 'double-bubble' roof and two-tone colors, and also the original features that were previously carried by the 250 GTZ Berlinetta. (Picture from: GT Spirit)
One of the two Ferrari 575 GTZ shown here was originally started life as a special commissioned project of a Japanese renowned Ferrari collector named Yoshiyuki Hayashi and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 2006. As quoted of GT Spirit, one of Ferrari 575 GTZ has been displayed at the RM Auctions at Monaco back in the 2014.
Until now, there is still no info about the price of this car. However, considering it was one of a total of only six units has ever made, estimated its price wouldn't be cheap. Does anyone here knows the price of this car now? Feel free to share with us through the article's comment below.👌*** [EKA [08042014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GT SPIRIT | ROBBREPORT ]
~Maestro Works~ Today we would like to talk about the customization of a car based on the Opel Speedster which among automotive enthusiasts knows it as a cutie tiny sports car made by Opel between 2000 and 2005. Indeed, in standard conditions there is nothing special about this car.
The Colani Shark Speedster is built and designed by Luigi Colani in collaboration with a German auto design house of Reinhard Stahl. (Picture from: Autoweek.nl)
So on one occasion the famous designer Luigi Colani once criticized the design of the Opel Speedster, according to him it has too little of its own face. So then the maestro was interested in designing the car as he thought it should have looked. To realize the car design, Colani did not collaborate with the automaker but collaborated with a German auto design house of Reinhard Stahl.
The Colani Shark Speedster (on the right) posed along with its model donor the Opel Speedster (on the left). (Picture from: OpelGT)
See what happened after getting a touch of design from Luigi Colani, suddenly the face of the Opel Speedster changed completely, and the Colani Shark Speedster that's the customized result car name which then the car was introduced for the first time to the public at the 2002 Essen Motor Show.
The Colani Shark Speedster is intended to show the car as Colani thought it should have looked. (Picture from: OpelGT)
Judging from the design after got special touches from Luigi Colani, it clearly differs from the base model by featuring smooth, rounded and more sloping lines on the front resembled the 'shark' shape (perhaps this is why this custom car got its name) coupled with three rounded headlights. While at the rear, Luigi Colani also applies the smooth rounded lines similar to the front and replaces Opel's default taillights with three pairs of round lights.
The Colani Shark Speedster is clearly differs from the base model by featuring smooth, rounded and more sloping lines on the front resembled the 'shark' shape with three rounded headlights. (Picture from: OpelGT)
For the interior there is no change and remains the same as the based model. Likewise in the drivetrain, where this Colani Shark is powered by a 2.2 liter 16V engine which is also used by the Opel Speedster, and is capable of blowing power up to 147 horsepower. So the car's performance numbers also seems no different, with the acceleration capability from 0 to 100 kph done in 5.9 seconds and has a top speed of 217 kph.
The Colani Shark Speedster is doesn't seem many his typical 'Biodesign' lines that usually appeared extremely many in other Colani's automotive works. (Picture from: Facebook)
There is an interesting thing to note, when compared to other cars by Colani, it feels like the Colani Shark custom car design doesn't seem many his typical 'Biodesign' lines that usually appeared extremely many in other automotive works of him. And it could be said that the Shark is more acceptable than other Colani's car works.
It is not known what the Opel's reaction after seeing this Colani version, but the designer at that time ever planned to make a smaller series of cars. But so far it is not known how many of the Colani Shark have been produced. By the way, have you ever seen this kind of car on the streets this day? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OPELGT | LUIGI COLANI DESIGNS | WEIRDWHEELS | AUTOWEEK.NL | TOTALCAR.HU ]
