Seeing the first Mole unique two-seater coupé

The car referred on the title above is an eye-catching designed sports car named Mole Costruzione Artigianale 001 was shown off for the first time at the 2015 Turin Motor Show. The sports coupé is the first prototype designed by an Italian automotive design house named Umberto Palermo Design.

UP Design Mole Costruzione Artigianale 001 prototype was shown off for the first time at the 2015 Turin Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BBIRa4)

The Italian company said that the Mole is a car with sophisticated shapes marked and sportiness made of an Italian typical designed. After the Vittoria and Lucrezia concepts, the designer Umberto Palermo's atelier presents the first authentic car, precisely in Turin, the capital of Italian automobile design, the city that has ensured both professional and entrepreneurial success.

New forms have been sought to recreate the tradition of great coachbuilders and thus provide the Mole with flowing lines and futuristic and valuable solutions, but the main purpose, engine of the new creation, is to revive the Italian supercars out of production, bringing them back to life with a new look.

Front view of UP Design Mole Costruzione Artigianale 001 prototype. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TOPaxW)

In fact, it starting from a Ferrari, then was created a two-seater coupé, where the body irrefutably reveals the paternity of a national style typical for taut and fluid lines that refer to the sensual surfaces of the most beautiful Italian Gran Turismo.

Left side view of UP Design Mole Costruzione Artigianale 001 prototype. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BBIRa4)

Looking at the front it is clear that it is a car born to amaze: the front light clusters, with LED lights that round off the wheel, the front opening for the radiator that reminds a shark ready to attack.

UP Design Mole Costruzione Artigianale 001 prototype has distinctive design and uses a spectacular canopy door type. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BBIRa4)

The rear is impressive, the tail is high and the exhausts are in a raised position. The access to the car, decidedly spectacular, occurs through the rotation of the capsule consisting of windshield, roof, windows and doors.

The Mole is 4.730 meters long and 2.100 wide with a wheelbase of 2 meters and 650 mm and 1,430 kg of dry weight. This car uses a machine that came from the one used on the Mondial.

Rear view of UP Design Mole Costruzione Artigianale 001 prototype has high-positioned taillight and the exhaust as well. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BBIRa4)

Yes, it is powered by a 3.0 liter V8 90° engine, placed in a transverse rear position, associated with a five-speed manual transmission system, guarantees 240 horsepower (179 kW) @ 7,000 rpm and a torque of 260 Nm @ 5,000 rpm.

As quoted of Corrieredellosport, the first person to fall in love with this beautiful two-seater coupé is an Italian businessman aka the president and co-chief executive officer of Gianni Versace SpA, Santo Versace who has booked the first car of the nine pieces designed to see the light (the Mole is a super-limited series) at a cost of €200,000 or approx US. $218,000 each (in the 2015). 

And three years later on June 2018, UP Design also launched a sportscar with the same name but by taking the Alfa Romeo 4C base as a result of collaboration with Adler-Group.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOLE AUTOMOBILES | SALERNONOTOTIZIE | GT SPIRIT | AUTOBLOG | CORRIEREDELLOSPORT | MOTOR AGE]

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This latest TVR Griffith is capable of spraying power up to 500 hp

TVR, one of legendary British automotive companies launched the all-new TVR Griffith, a front-engined classic sports car with a capacity of two passengers. Its design that is reminiscent of the glory of the past of those British automaker, although it cleverly avoids the impression of 'modern retro-style cars'. The latest Griffith implies that TVR is far ahead, as well as to commemorating the company's 70-year anniversary back in 2017.

All-new TVR Griffith made its debut at the Goodwood Revival 2017. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zZOEE3)

The car has a power of up to 500 hp as in the online video teaser. As quoted from Autocar, actually those car teaser video has been launched by TVR since last 2016.

This video provides a glimpse of the new model which according to British media can revive the Griffith's name. The car was first revealed at Goodwood Revival 2017, and is intended to rival the upcoming Porsche 911.

Front view of All-new TVR Griffith. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BakBeF)

Griffith's model remains loyal to this brand's heritage design style but uses cutting-edge manufacturing techniques. The exterior is designed so striking that it is aerodynamically efficient. The sports car's silhouette has accents with deep air intakes, resulting in a high level of downforce and cooling.

Front three quarter of All-new TVR Griffith. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BakBeF)

Realizing the TVR's Spirit of Driving performance ethos, the principle of bringing interface relations that involves the driver as if always feeling in control, the new Griffith uses intelligent techniques through electronic driver aids.

Right side view of All-new TVR Griffith. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BakBeF)

This is the second front-engine production car in the world that has a flat floor, the new TVR Griffith offers a good aerodynamic package to ensure the car remains stable at high speeds and provides exceptional handling capabilities.

Dashboard view of All-new TVR Griffith. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BakBeF)

By applying the innovative iStream design architecture of Gordon Murray Design with composite structures and carbon body panels, the new TVR Griffith weighs only 1250 kg, offering exceptional body rigidity and 50:50 weight distribution.

Rear three quarter view of All-new TVR Griffith. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2BakBeF)

The new TVR Griffith's drivetrain is a 5,000 cc V8 Cosworth engine, which allows the power-to-weight ratio up to 400 hp/ton to be achieved and mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. New TVR Griffith can reach top speeds of more than 320 kph and accelerates from 0-100 kph in less than 4 seconds.

The new TVR Griffith when introduced to the public uses the specification of TVR Griffith Launch Edition, which includes high-quality steering and alloy wheels, as well as a choice of Launch Edition paint and an infotainment system that can be ordered. With prices starting at US $100,000 (or approx Rp.1.5 billion), the new TVR Griffith Launch Edition production will begin at the end of 2018. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR]

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This is not an ordinary Corvette StingRay

For fans of old and antique cars, the more people are looking for those car, also makes its selling price increasing as the time goes by. This also applies to the C2 Corvette StingRay model, which its design resembles a seductive stingrays.

It is an elegant and fierce looking of a new C2 Corvette StingRay rebuilt by Ares Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zaAH6S)

Moreover in the hands of the crew of the Ares Design Technical Center, the figure of these American muscle car became more unique and fierce.

Maybe some of you feel not-familiar with the name of Ares Design Technical Center. This is an Italian automotive company based in Modena, and led by Dany Bahar.

Front view of a new C2 Corvette StingRay rebuilt by Ares Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zaAH6S)

If that name sounds familiar, that's because it is: Bahar formerly served as Ferrari's vice-president, CEO of Lotus, and has had a four-year tour in Formula One before all that, at a management level.

Then Bahar set the basis for Ares in 2012, as a company specializing in body kits, interior upgrades, and performance and power improvements.

Left side view of a new C2 Corvette StingRay rebuilt by Ares Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zaAH6S)

Since then, the company managed to produce a handful of cars. Ares opened their new facility in Modena on February, 2018 where it will design, develop and produce coach-built limited-edition cars.

Back to the figure of C2 Corvette StingRay, although classified as a classic car from the 1960s, the ability of C2 Corvette StingRay rebuilt by Ares Design should not be underestimated. Because its drivetrain has been changed with modern machines. Namely using the LS3 V8 engine as can be found on the Corvette C6 which was built between 2005 and 2013.

Red-nuanced interior view of a new C2 Corvette StingRay rebuilt by Ares Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zaAH6S)

Yes under those hood has been pinned a 6.2-litre V8 engine is intentionally immersed by Ares as the mechanical heart of the classic car to produce power up to 518 horsepower, which is channeled to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and Viper Hammerhead differential systems.

This new 6.2-litres L3 V8 engine as the new C2 Corvette StingRay drivetrain to produce power up to 518 horsepower. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zaAH6S)

There's an interesting thing while installing those new machine which also requires the installation of 23 original and new holes in the firewall to utilize the new cable. It also requires installing a special fuel tank, modifying the car's feet section, installing the new exhaust, and installing the bulged 427 styled hood.

Rear view of a new C2 Corvette StingRay rebuilt by Ares Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zaAH6S)

The engine is not the only focus of this classic car restoration. The Ares Design has also stripped the bodywork and interior parts. The exterior is sprinkled with glossy black, and the cabin is lined with fresh leather, with refurbished upholstery and modern electronic equipment.

On its red nuanced cabin, there's a modern entertainment systems consisted Alpine 500-watt amps, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Calls are quickly updated with LED lighting, and both door windows are now electrically operated. And the installation of 19 inches rims at the front, and 20 inches behind, with LED lights to provide better illumination.

For those of you who are interested to rebuild the antique cars like this, you must be ready to spend out your money about US $436 thousand - $500 thousand or approx around Rp.5.8 billion - Rp.6.7 billion. WOW.! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ARES DESIGN | AUTOEVOLUTION]

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This muscle car that GM should build

From 1967 to 2002, Pontiac built the now defunct Firebird. It was a pony car in the purest sense, similar to the Mustang and Camaro that it rivaled, it featured a rear-wheel-drive setup, six- and eight-cylinder engine options, and upwards of 330 horsepower (246 kilowatt) in its most powerful iteration. Sadly, after 35 years on the market, production of the Firebird was eventually shuttered, along with the rest of the Pontiac brand shortly thereafter.

2017 Pontiac Firebird TT concept designed by Kasim Tlibekov. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Dg0Gwp)

But for those of us that still imagine what a modern Firebird could have been, designer Kasim Tlibekov has us covered. Tlibekov has digitally dreamt up a Firebird for the year 2017. He calls it Pontiac Firebird TT concept – the TT designation likely suggesting a biturbo engine – and it looks absolutely sinister.

Right side view of 2017 Pontiac Firebird TT concept designed by Kasim Tlibekov. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Dg0Gwp)

Apart from the blacked-out exterior, aftermarket wheels, and wide-body kit, the concept draws a number of similarities to the second-generation Firebird of the '70s and '80s. The handsome rectangular fascia and split grille are among the most noticeable, and pair with a sloped rear and sharp side profile, similar to the modern Mustang and Camaro.

Rear side view of 2017 Pontiac Firebird TT concept designed by Kasim Tlibekov. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Dg0Gwp)

The rear design, though questionable, includes added retro cues like a split taillight feature and window louvers. The addition of a rear wing and massive diffuser in this case gives the muscle car a race-ready look. Though the designer neglected to give any specifics in terms of power, a new Firebird would likely use the same four-, six-, and eight-cylinder engines found on the Chevy Camaro.

As handsome as this rendering may be, don’t expect to see anything like this from GM in the foreseeable future. The company has no plans of reviving the Firebird, let alone the entire Pontiac marque in the past. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BEHANCE | MOTOR1]

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Will the Mazda RX Vision leave the pure rotary engine?

For those of you who crave the successor of the rotary engine, then you must be prepared to be disappointed. Because the official concept of Mazda RX Vision or the RX-9 candidate is reportedly not using a rotary engine or Wankel.

Here's the new Mazda rotary-engined sports car concept named 'Mazda RX-Vision debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1ikkqAz)

As is well known that the Wankel production was stopped in 2012, and made as a driving force for the Mazda RX-8. For Mazda fans, this is like sad news. Because Mazda is very attached to the Wankel, with a distinctive engine roar.

But it hasn't ended yet. Recently, Mazda delivered official info at the 2018 Paris Auto Show, affirming their intention to launch the company's first electric vehicle. Where there are two ideas. The first, the Mazda RX Vision uses batteries and electric motors. The second option is to be the range-extender model. This is rarely heard in our ears about the range-extender car.

Mazda working on efficient sky rotary engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JKJD6Z)

Here's the concept. The most obvious example of a range-extender vehicle is the Mazda 2 RE Range Extender concept (below). Where the car uses conventional engines and batteries. When the battery runs out, its conventional engine burn fossil fuel to recharge the battery, not to move the vehicle. As the main driver, still the electric motors.

If it's said to reduce emissions, but why still use internal combustion engine? In some cars, the combustion process uses liquid petroleum gas (LPG), which is lower in emissions from other fossil fuels.

Unfortunately, Mazda hasn't provided information about the type of fuel used. What is clear, they still use the Wankel, but in small dimensions and claimed to be quieter. According to Mazda, this type is ideal as a range-extender, because of its relatively high output and compact size. But this is what removes its character as a sports car.

2013 Mazda 2 RE Range Extender concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OrAgda)

In fact, previously at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese manufacturer was very confident to develop Wankel completely for their RX Vision. We heard it directly. But emissions regulations are getting tougher. Mazda must play the brain. Then, so be a Mazda EV with rotary range-extender.

The carved form of Mazda RX Vision was exhibited in 2015. When it became a mass production vehicle, we hope that the shape will not change. In our opinion, the appearance is very athletic and proportionate.

There is no definite name for RX Vision if it is a mass product. Many said that it would be the successor to the RX-7, RX-8 and some would assume the RX-9 name. We prefer to use the RX-9 name, as a new model.

Whatever the name is, if Mazda only presents a new full EV, sorry we have to say: the new generation of Mazda is the same as the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt. It has no sports car character, whatever its shape. We also understand that the company's plan is called Sustainable Zoom-Zoom. They started to prepare it, as a step for Mazda's business in 2030. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MAZDA | MOTORAUTHORITY]

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Infiniti is ready to bring the F1's driving sensation onto the highway

At one of the world's prestigious automotive expo, Paris Motor Show 2018, a Japan's leading premium brand, Infiniti has showcased their new technology on highway cars in the form of Formula One® dual-hybrid.

Infiniti Project Black S made its debut at the Paris Motor Show 2018. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2QnWEpx)

Surely you have imagined, a Formula 1 hybrid power source at the tips of your toes can be pushed on the highway at any time. Infiniti also provides good news, in the near future, more precisely in 2021, the car has entered the portfolio of electric cars that will be sold at dealers to be owned.

Left side view of Infiniti Project Black S. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2APHPGS)

This prototype named Infiniti Project Black S is based on the Q60 S sport coupe and its development is carried out together with the Renault Sport Formula One racing team. For this project, Infiniti embeded high-performance dual-hybrid technology, the 3.0L V6 twin turbo VR30 plus three motor generators. 

And these three motor generators: the MGU-K harvests energy under braking, and two MGU-H units capture heat from the exhaust. In addition there is an Energy Recovery System (ERS) that contributes to providing more optimal engine boost when needed.

Rear side view of Infiniti Project Black S. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2APHPGS)

As on the current hybrid generation of F1 cars, all this energy is then fed into a battery and redeployed as horsepower. These dual-hybrid prototype is claimed to provide the power equivalent of 563 hp. As for the conventional engine itself, it presents 400 hp. Its acceleration has been confirmed from 0-100 km/h in under 4 seconds.

"Infiniti has reached another milestone in the direction of electrification. Build strength and successful expertise in electric vehicles from the alliance of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. And Infiniti shows the Project Black S, a high-performance prototype with F1 technology resulting from collaboration in the Alliance," said Roland Krueger, Chairman and Global President of Infiniti. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | GQ-MAGAZINE]

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