A 1950s style Italian-made GT-car got a positive notice at Geneva

The world's largest automotive exhibition event, such as the Geneva International Motor Show is not only to be a place to showcase the automotive products from well-known brands, but also used by many small automotive manufacturers or maybe even previously unknown.

Fornasari GT 311 Gigi has shown off at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Dfqat7)

Yes, among the automotive products on display at the 2019 GIMS, there are several vehicles that seem quietly to attract the attention of visitors. Let's us take look at one of them, ie a pretty interesting concept car named Fornasari GT 311 Gigi made and designed by Fornisari Cars.

Left side view of Fornasari GT 311 Gigi. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2PegfZB)

Have you ever known those automotive company? We are sure that most of you might doesn't know and might newly found out this time. This company is an Italian automotive company which was officially founded in 1999 by Giuseppe Fornasari with a group of friends supporters.

And actually the company was not a new name in the automotive world, after the adventure in the world of motorsport since the early '90s, with the Corvette purchased in America and the desire to prepare for racing.

Interior view of Fornasari GT 311 Gigi. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZbbDbb)

The world of racing and Gran Turismo is always the backdrop to the life of the promoter of this initiative, thanks to his father, Gigi, Alpha skilled pilot Maserati and fifties, who sent his son a passion for not only cars but also a wealth of technical knowledge and human resources. 

Back to the car. It might looks like a Ferrari, maybe the Jaguar, and has something of Aston Martin, or maybe it is a Mercedes. In any case, comes from fifties of last century. Yes, from its exterior actually looks like the 1950s GT but packed in a tweaked and power avatar.

Rear three quarter of Fornasari GT 311 Gigi. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DfXqR3)

The company said that the concept of the car was designed since 2013 and newly in 2018 it was made into a real car like its current form. The design is, it can be said genuine, and while under its hood is there's  lay a 6.2 liter (some says it taken of Corvette V8) engine with 500 horse power maximum. It is understood that it had to be modified to accommodate this engine block in the body.

Rear view of Fornasari GT 311 Gigi. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DfXqR3)

These old-school 1950s style GT-car is a 2-seater car which can be customized as coupe or convertible without changing the lightweight frame which speaks when travelling at higher speeds. By the customer demands, the car can be made of aluminum or composite material. The chassis is made ​​of steel alloyed with molybdenum (some believed there is chromium) and consists of 450 pipes or tubes.

The interior is dominated by aluminum, wood and leather, and clearly, everything is hand processed and merged together. There are options to choose the decoration and styling according to one’s taste in a variety of fabrics including rare wooden linings.
As quoted of eXtravaganzi, these old-school style GT-car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (100 kph) in only 3.5 seconds and its gas pedal can be pushed up to reach max speed is 200 mph. And from the same sources, the car's price is estimated around $300,000. In our opinion that is a reasonable price for such a pretty car like this.

As closing and bonus as well, if you wanna see one of cars that have shapes look alike to those GT-car mentioned above named the 'Ferarri F430 Competizione,' which rebuilt based of 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Berlineta by Gullwing America in 2011. And what do you think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORNISARI CAR | TOP GEAR | ENUZE | EXTRAVAGANZI]

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Seeing the RG Nathalie, the new Rolland Gumpert's belle figure

If Apollo Automobili, the company built from the remnants of the Gumpert manufacturer continues to amaze people with the Intense Emozione. But Roland Gumpert himself is busy by working in the newest automotive company, and the following are the results.

A matte orange colored RG Nathalie model shown of at the Geneva International Motor Show 2019. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YZ3XJ7)

Yes, a new sportscar results from a partnership between Gumpert and the Chinese company Aiways named Gumpert Nathalie. This is a very impressive sports car, utilizing an advanced electric powertrain and having a form that might remind us a bit of the figure of the Audi Sport Quattro Concept.

This sports car is armed with 4 electric motors, each of which can produce power of 137 bhp and 170 lb-ft of torque. But they do not receive power from the battery. The Gumpert Nathalie actually uses a stack of hydrogen fuel cells.

Rear three quarter of Gumpert Nathalie is believed to be a near-production-spec model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YZ3XJ7)

Aware of the lack of hydrogen fueling stations around the world, Gumpert and Aiways have implemented methanol modifiers. Then they collaborated with Serenergy, a Danish company to make a stack of methanol fuel cells, the results of which are claimed to provide more efficient electricity than standard hydrogen cells.

A racing model of Gumpert Nathalie also shown of at GIMS 2019 appeared in matte blue colored and the company's black-white racing livery. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YZ3XJ7) 

This system takes methanol and can divide it into carbon dioxide released into the air, while hydrogen is channeled to fuel cells. By using this setup, the car is reported to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 2.5 seconds and the top speed reaches 300 kph. Amazingly, this sports car is claimed to be able to travel a distance of 595 km when driven fast and more than 1,126 km when running normally.

Rear view of Gumpert Nathalie Racing model at Geneva International Motor Show 2109. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YZ3XJ7)

This sports car was first unveiled at the 2018 Beijing Auto Show held on January last year, where the car appeared in an attractive purple color. And now at the Geneva International Auto Show 2019, Gumpert brought a pair of Nathalie models and giving the European public their first taste of the innovative sports car.
The front fascia combines sharp lines, large air intakes, and DRL lights similar to the Aston Martin Vulcan. On the side there are matte black alloy wheels and body lines that resemble the Nissan GT-R. At the rear, these Nathalie sportscar is equipped with LED rear lights and additional lights underneath.

Aiways intends to start shipping the Gumpert Nathalie in 2019, but has yet to reveal the price (it’s likely to cost from approximately €400,000 or equivalent to $457,170). By considering all the technologies embedded in it, so this sportscar is certainly wouldn't sale on cheap price when it is produced later. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROLLAND GUMPERT | CARNEWSA | NOTHERCARGUY | CARSCOOPS]
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You've been lucky, if could be see one of these cars

Maybe you are wondering, why did we make the title of the article like that? This was intentional because it was to show how scarce the following cars were. So it is very rare for people to see it passing on the streets at this time.

The rarest 2007 Blastolene B-702, this unique shaped car inspired by the 1930s French car, designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2tANCvJ)

Like the unique shaped car above named 2007 Blastolene B-702 or known as the best art-deco costumized car ever, it was designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. The following cars were rare, unloved, forgotten but somehow extremely cool and interesting models that deserve to be dragged into the light and shown to the public once more.

So, here they are – 6 classic sports cars you probably didn’t know ever existed.

1. Melkus RS 1000
The first sports car came from the eastern bloc communist countries which were known to be very closed during the cold war era. So it is very rare to hear the production of sports cars made by these countries. Until one day in the East Germany, there's an automotive engineer named Heinz Melkus designed a very capable and attractive sports coupe car and convinced the Wartburg factory to produce a limited number of these sports cars.

1969 Melkus RS1000. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GMiCRP)

By using the Wartburg 353 as a basis, Melkus designed and fabricated independent front and rear suspension, roll-bars and close ratio 5-speed gearbox. And then the 992 ccm engine was tuned to produce 68 hp and mounted behind the driver sending its power to rear wheels, instead to front like in its basis car Wartburg 353.

Melkus also designed and manufactured lightweight fiberglass body which featured modern design and low profile. The car was called Melkus RS 1000 and it was introduced for the first time in 1969. To be honest, for 1969s standards this was an extremely advanced sports car, however underpowered with just 68 hp of power.

Left side view of 1969 Melkus RS1000. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GMiCRP)

The production ended in 1979 after 101 cars were made. The Melkus RS 1000 was extremely expensive for East European standards which also explains why the car made in limited production. Most the sports cars were bought by the auto sports teams and raced in local championships.

And it's rumoured, the car company has been revived by making the Melkus RS2000 and shown it for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

2. Kellison J6
In the late 1950s and early 1960s, fiberglass body construction stopped being high tech process exclusive to established manufacturers and became something you could do in your garage. This influenced numerous small companies to start offering their plastic bodies to be mounted on regular car chassis creating a unique and interesting design.

1965 Kellison J6. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Srhoga)

There's an auto company named Kellison established in the early 1950s, the company produced several successful kits for installation on popular models, but in early 1960s the company introduced the J6. The J6 could be bought as a kit or a fully built car, making Kellison a boutique car manufacturer.

The J6 was based on Corvette frame but Kellison didn’t just re-body the ‘Vette. They moved the engine further back in the chassis, changed the suspension, installed larger brakes and different interior making J6 better handling and even faster since J6 body was somewhat lighter than stock Corvette.

Rear side view of 1965 Kellison J6. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TmI7z0)

This conversion was pretty popular and over 500 bodies or cars were built. The J6 was very successful in hands of private racing teams since it offered Corvette power in better handling package.

3. ASA 1000 GT

This little Italian sports car was once considered the next big thing in the car industry when it was introduced in 1962. Then it known as “Ferrarina” (little Ferrari), the ASA 1000 GT was exactly that since it was built on tubular chassis with lightweight body and engine designed by then Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarinni.

1964 ASA 1000 GT 'Ferrarina' by Carrozzeria Bertone. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TejVPv)

It had four-wheel disc brakes, sports suspension, and nicely trimmed interior. Under the hood was the 1.03-liter four cylinder engine capable to spew 93 hp of power. However, despite the big initial interest by the world's automotive customers, the car production stopped in 1967 after only 95 examples were built. Today, this Ferrarina is highly praised by collectors and car historians.

4. Matra Djet

Virtually unknown outside of France, Matra was a very innovative and influential car manufacturer in the country. Originally, the company was dedicated to airplane and military production but then it built cars and developed concepts for another French automotive manufacturers such as Renault, for example.

1965 Matra Djet. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GLs8F1)

In 1965, Matra took over the Djet project from racer Rene Bonnet and introduced it to the public as the first mid-engined production car in the world. In those days, the concept of mid-engined cars was reduced to racing prototypes and Matra decided to introduce similar cars for the road.

Rear side view of 1965 Matra Djet. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GLs8F1)

The car custom built chassis with diminutive Renault 8 engine may look slow today, but since the car only weighed 660 kg it was pretty fast in those day. Matra Djet was a very influential car since it showed the world a new engineering concept which was later accepted by all leading world's sports car manufacturers.

5. Cheetah
The global success of Shelby Cobra inspired many American race car builders to build a similar car which could compete on international level. From this perspective, nobody came close to beating the Cobra.

Bill Thomas Cheetah GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ICRR4h)

But Bill Thomas, a famous Chevrolet tuner and race car builder was a serious candidate. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the Cheetah was never given a proper chance. As you know, Chevrolet and GM pulled out of racing in 1963 but several independent race shops worked for GM`s back door programs in which the company supported the private racing teams with racing know-how or special racing parts.

Right side view of Bill Thomas Cheetah GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ICRcQl)

Bill Thomas’ shop was one of those outfits and he decided to build a Cobra competitor with Chevrolet power. That is how the Cheetah was born. Built on special lightweight chassis with a small block V8 moved as far back as possible and covered in a light fiberglass body, the Cheetah looked and performed as a race car.

Despite some overheating problems, the Cheetah was a remarkable performer and won some lower rank races and even the 1968 SCCA championship. Unfortunately, lack of support, mechanical problems and even a fire at the shop in California stopped the production after around 20 cars were built.

6. Marcos GT

The car produced from 1964 to 1971 and again from 1981 to 1990. Marcos GT was the most popular and interesting model from the British auto company named Marcos Engineering Ltd. Basically, a kit car built on custom chassis but with choice of engines, Marcos GT was relatively cheap but capable sports car with aggressive styling, low weight, and decent performance.

1967 Marcos GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TieY8a)

The GT could be had with numerous engines, mostly by Ford and lineup started with small 1.5 or 1.6-liter four-cylinders. However, if you want to experience full potential, the buyers needed to opt for 3.0-liter V6 from Ford or Volvo. For a brief period of time, Marcos GT was offered on the American market with Volvo`s straight six but not many cars were sold. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR-JUNKIE]

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BMW's shadows in the latest Toyota Supra resurrection

As you know, one of American famous car expos called North America International Auto Show also known as the Detroit Auto Show. And at this year, those annual auto event is held start on January 14 until January 27, 2019 and it felt very special because gave many surprises to the world automotive lovers.

The fith generation ofToyota Supra also known as 2020 Toyota Supra has debuted at the 2019 North America International Auto Show in Detroit. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2T8Ex8l)

One of them was happened on January 15, 2019 when one of the Japanese auto giants, Toyota surprisingly leaked the appearance of the Toyota Supra fifth generation also known as 2020 Toyota Supra which is planned to be released the production version in the upcoming 2020.

Left side view of the 2020 Toyota Supra. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FWcK7j)

Just to refresh your memory, Supra is a name from one of Toyota's sports cars that is so legendary. This is thanks to the success of the Toyota Supra fourth-generation which was produced around the 1990s, its popularity as one of the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars that can attract the attention of millions of world automotive enthusiasts.

Toyota Supra fourth-generation which was produced around the 1990s which able to attract attention of millions of world's automotive enthusiasts. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RaZm14)

But for those of you the fans of traditional Supra, get ready to be a little disappointed. Because actually this car is a collaborative car project between Toyota and BMW. Then almost all the main components of the 2020 Toyota Supra drivetrain will be filled by BMW products, especially from the Z4 series, which are deliberately used as loan models for the latest Supra. 

Steering wheel and dashboard view of the 2020 Toyota Supra. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MtvwUZ)

On this Toyota's sports car will be pinned a Z4 engine, ie a six cylinders inline B58 twinturbo engine. Of those engine is expected to be able to produce power up to 335 horsepower. In addition, almost all components of the platform and drivetrain are also taken from the BMW Z4.

As quoted from Caranddriver, Toyota Manager for this latest Supra product, Ben Haushalter stated that all designs and styling are pure from Toyota. It's just that for the platform and drivetrain, they collaborate with BMW. That way, it is natural that in the virtual world, this sports car is mocked as a Toyota Supra Z4 due to its styling only which still contains the original Toyota Supra elements, but the rest is BMW Z4.

2020 Toyota Supra equipped with a six cylinders inline B58 twinturbo engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MtvwUZ)

The first unit of the Toyota Supra is also been sold well at a fantastic price! The car with VIN (Vehicle Initial Number) 001 which has also been modified by GR (Gazoo Racing, also known as Toyota's racing team) and sold at a price of US. $2.1 million!

However, for mass production cars, the 2020 Toyota Supra will be sold start at a price of US $50,000. Yes, those price numbers is quite interesting, because enthusiasts of this Supra are actually sports car lovers. Beside that this car will also compete with another Toyota products in the same class, ie the Toyota FT86.

Rear three quarter view of the 2020 Toyota Supra. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MtvwUZ)

With the presence of the New Toyota Supra 2020, of course inviting various kinds of responses from the world's automotive lovers, especially for the JDM lovers who have long been waiting for the return of the King who has been asleep for a long time. Some are very enthusiastic about what these Toyota (and BMW, of course) offer.

Some also make fun of that the Supra that will come is none other than just a sports car that has no life and passion, unlike its predecessor, the Toyota Supra fourth generation, which is hailed by all JDM lovers around the world.

And then what do you think? Let us know, if you don't mind. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARANDDRVER | DRIVING.CA]

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Rare TVR Typhon

The original TVR Typhon concept car is one of rare supercharged street legal sports cars with a carbon fiber body. There was one road car prototype built in 2001 which was displayed during its lifetime and only three were ever built.

The 3 TVR Typhons together at a Goodwood event in 2012. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The car is said the fastest TVR's production ever built. This car built by those British company in their factory in Blackpool between 2000 and 2006.

The first prototype or PN02. Originally badged as TuscanR, then T400R, finally T440R. Generally referred to as the T400R or De Walt car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Historically, the making of this car began in the late 1990s, Peter Wheeler (TVR founder) began the project that would fulfil his ambition to see the TVR's at Le Mans. An entirely new car was going to be needed. It would need to be built by using modern composites materials be more rigid than any previous TVR. 

The T400R Prototype known as PN02 in De Walt colours. Used by TVR to promote the Le Mans series racing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Initially, TVR Typhon began its life as a a two-seat sports car named TuscanR (TVR T400R) following the Tuscan racers (TVR Tuscan Challenge). These both composite bodied racing/road car was appeared for the first time at the 2000 NEC Motor Show in Birmingham.

The T440R prototype. Like PN02, it was also seen with both TuscanR and T400R badges in 2001. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

Its initailly designed for 200 mph (322 kph) on the Mulsanne Straight, to be stable and above all to be win. And so began what started labelled as the TuscanR (TVR T400R) and finally resulted in the 200 mph+ Typhon was the fastest and most expensive production car in TVR's production history.

The T440R roadcar. Often referred to as 'LNT1' as it was originally Lawrence Tomlinson's car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

In 2002, there were two models offered; a GT Championship spec race car and a road car which could be ordered as a 2+2 variant. They were offered with a 4.2 litre version of the TVR speed six engine and a suggested 450 bhp. As the total weight was around 1,000 kg this was double the power to weight ratio of a Porsche 911 Turbo!

The original show car of TVR Typhon (No.2). This was the Reflex Charcoal car that did all the motor shows. Originally owned by post Peter Wheeler (TVR) era owner of TVR. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The cars used a TVR's 4000 cc or 4200 cc (4000 cc supercharged) straight six, fuel injected engine mated with of five speed manual gearbox (six speed sequential gearbox) and quoted a top speed of over 200 mph by carrying four adults in it. The first batch of 50 sold out at the show even with a £75,000 price tag.

TVR Typhon (No.3) Technically the only Typhon ever delivered directly to a private customer. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

During the subsequent development and prior to production of customer cars the model name was changed to T400 to reflect a new offering of a 400 bhp engine power with a standard Borg Warner T5 gearbox and T440R for the Le Mans race cars.

TVR Typhon (No.1 originally supercharged + sequential gearbox). Never delivered but retained by the factory until it closed. Privately owned since 2010. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Q0fRww)

The first prototype T400R road car had the TuscanR body and was subsequently painted in DeWalt colours and although a non-runner at this point was used during the press launch onboard HMS Invincible, the following cars had the later T400R body style.
Records do not exist from the factory so production numbers are very unclear, but most agree that one true Typhon exists, with a Vortex supercharger and six speed sequential gearbox putting out about 550 bhp. Ex TVR staff suggest that four Typhons may have been built altogether though. *** [EKA | FROM VAROUS SOURCES | TVR CLUB CAR | WIKIPEDIA | WIKIWAND]

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