One of the world's iconic classic cars named the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL which has a hallmark that is the door was open upward like a flutter of seagull wings, familiarly called Gullwing.
The car was first introduced in February 1954 at the New York International Motor Sport Show. This car was made by carrying a futuristic shaped that was aerodynamic in its time and based on the W198-coded chassis platform.
The late Mr. BJ Habibie posed with his special Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing.' (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mfJWiw)
According to data from the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, this Mercedes Gullwing uses an 6-cylinder inline Mercedes-Benz M198 engine with a capacity of 2,996 cc which is capable of producing a maximum power of 221 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm.
Then those engine power channeled to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission system.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe with its iconic gullwing door type is displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lNrP3a)
The amounts of power above is able to make it run to the top speed numbers reaches of 250 kph. And also made the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing' has acceleration capability from 0 to 100 kph in 7.4 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL uses a very lightweight a tubular pipe chassis, which is only 50 kg. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)
This engine is also really special because it has used a mechanical direct injection fuel supply system which is the result of cooperation with Bosch. Then the oil circulation system also uses dry sump model. The goal is that the oil supply continues to work optimally when the car is doing an extremely cornering.
The cabin of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe decorated by an elegant bright-red color. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)
Yes, for the car made in the 1950s of course the performance is quite impressive. Moreover, this Mercedes Gullwing uses a very lightweight chassis, which is only 50 kg. The chassis are made of tubular pipes and assembled like a cage. These chassis-shaped is makes the sides doesn't have door hinge holders as usually found in the cars in general. And that's why its door is open upward like a flutter of seagull wings.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe is one of the most sought after cars by the world's antique car collectors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kvtfPH)
At present the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL 'Gullwing,' is one of the most sought after cars by the world's antique car collectors. Reportedly, the car in good condition might be able to has a price ranges between 1 to 2.5 million US. dollar or around Rp.14 to 35 billion. Even it's very difficult to find, when there's a collector who willing to sell it.
Rear view of Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe with its iconic gullwing door type is displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lMqY2Q)
At the time, this car was only produced as many as 1,400 units and about 1,100 of them were sold in the United States while the rest were spread throughout the world.
Although classified as the super rare cars, but in Indonesia these Mercedes Gullwing are owned by several automotive collectors and one of them is owned by a former of the 3rd President of the Republic of Indonesia, the late Mr. BJ Habibie with a special plate number 'B 300 SL'.
(We deliberately wrote this article as a homage for the late. Mr. Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie who has passed away on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, 18:05 at the Central Hospital of Army 'Gatot Subroto,' Jakarta.
The automotive passions of the late Mr. BJ Habibie on the German cars can be seen of the Mercedes-Benz car rows that lined up neatly in his garage, including the Mercedes Gullwing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2kdjwNC)
Our deepest condolences to his family and to the all of Indonesian nation. May You rest in peace, Sir. And may Almighty Allah grant You the best places by His side. We will always remember all your services to Indonesia and the worlds.)*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]
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After successfully to bring back the Supra sports sedan recently, Toyota is rumored to be reviving its another iconic model, the Toyota MR2. Just to refresh the memory, the Toyota MR2 was a mid-engined compact sports coupe, it first launched in 1984 and discontinued in 2007 after made in three generations.
Toyota is rumored to be reviving its iconic MR2 model, and who's most likely to be chosen as the partner? (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HwIVKG)
As quoted of Carscoops, Toyota Chief Engineer, Tetsuya Tada admited to be interested in working with Posrche. The German car manufacturer is considered as the perfect partner to reviving the MR2.
"Porsche! In our opinion is really the perfect partner for a mid-engined compact sports car," said Tada.
As we all knew, previously in the 2011 the Japanese automotive giant partnered with its compatriot Subaru to bring back the Toyota GT 86 sports car (the production version of the FT-86 concept) into real. And again recently in 2019, this company in collaboration with BMW successfully in making the 5th generation Supra back to speeding on the streets.
Rendering images of all-new Toyota MR2 mid-engined sports coupe. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HwIVKG)
"In theory, Porsche could have made the latest MR2 model. This is after we thought, the previous model featured a mid-engined layout, as well as the Porsche Boxster and Cayman. This is ideal," Tada said.
Rendering images of all-new Toyota MR2 mid-engined sports coupe. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2HwIVKG)
"However, we do not know what Weissach (Porsche's research center) is thinking about. So for now, that is only a wishful thinking," he said. As a person, Chief Engineer Tetsuya Tada may freely give his opinion, but in reality it is not that simple.
Even though, this indicates that Toyota is aware that one of the best ways to re-produce its legendary vehicles is to collaborate with other auto manufacturers. And whoever is Toyota's choice to be its partner later, that is the best choice to revive the iconic Toyota MR2.
Toyota MR2 is an iconic mid-engined sports coupe, first launched in 1986 and discontinued in 2007 after made in three generations. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MLkHAC)
In your opinion, whether the Porsche who does most likely to be chosen by Toyota as the partner to revive those iconic compact sports car? Let's wait and see... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | TOPSPEED | CARBUZZ | WIKIPEDIA]
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The name of Wiesmann GmbH. itself might be quite strange even in the ears of the world's car enthusiasts. The German automotive company was founded by two brothers Martin and Friedhelm Wiesmann in 1988.
At first the company made an open roof conversion for some BMW car models and then launched its first car-made, the Wiesmann Roadster MF3 in 1993. Then the company made various types of cars with the BMW engines before it went slowly into bankruptcy in 2014.
A teaser image of the up comming new Wiesmann sports car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2L0bUIV)
Recently, these German automotive company announced to re-producing the latest sports cars as a sign of their revival.
As quoted of the Dutch automotive site AutoRAI, Wiesmann has released a teaser photo showing a retro-style car with the Wiesmann characteristic grill taken at the company factory in Dulmen, Germany.
From the teaser image released, the German auto company wanted to show the new sports car candidates to bring a strong character with an aerodynamic design and of course still carries a classic impression as its earmarks.
The Wiesmann's first car called Wiesmann Roadster MF3 launched in 1993. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Uc9wBT)
Overall the car looks similar to Wiesmann's last model, the MF4-CS which was launched in 2013 with a 4,000 cc V8 BMW's engine that produces power of 420 hp, it can go from 0-100 kph in 4.4 seconds and able to run up to the top speed of 293 kph.
Furthermore, Wiesmann mentioned this new model was built with a completely new design along with the application of the best technology and materials. The company also said that the sports car is intended to enter the luxury vehicle segment with the Bavarian-typical sports car performance.
The Wiesmann's last production car named Wiesmann GT MF4-CS launched in 2013. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2zrC0hr)
Until
now there has been no official statement from the German company, but
it has announced previously in the 2017 that the car mentioned above
will use the BMW M engine.
There's no certainty which BMW engine will be applied as well. From rumors
circulating, the 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo S63 engine as used on the BMW
M5 model that been chosen to be applied onto it. Those engine produces
power of 592 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque on the standard model,
while on the BMW M5 Competition has an increased power output up to 617
hp.
Below is a video of the Wiesmann Roadster:
And related to those sportscar debut, most likely will take a moment at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, but there's no Wiesmann name on the list of the schedule that has been published and announced in the event's official press conference. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTORAI] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
This car is the first and rarest Porsche car and named the Porsche Type 64 coupe. This classic car was built taking its base from the VW Beetle and was designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche himself. And the first Porsche Type 64 was completed in 1939.
Initially, the car will be used on the road racing championship from Berlin (Germany) to Rome (Italy). But, the 2nd World War broke out on September 1, 1939, which was marked by the invasion of German troops to Poland. So that the race event was canceled.
Porsche Type 64 was the first Porsche car completely built in 1939, and designed by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche himself. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31NHmj5)
In total, only three units of the Porsche Type 64 were ever made, and during WW2 those cars were in the hands of Porsche family, except the car with the chassis number 1 which was destroyed in an accident in 1939. The remaining two units then used as private vehicles of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his son Ferry Porsche during the war periods.
Unfortunately after the wars over, the car with chassis number 2 was found the US soldiers who then cut the roof and used it up to damage. While car with chassis number 3 managed to survive in the hands of Ferry Porsche. When the Porsche automotive company was established in 1948, Ferry Porsche himself put the Porsche's writing on the front of the car and since then it known as the first car to use a Porsche emblem.
Interior and dashboard view of 1939 Porsche Type 64. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZfsI6C)
When the first production car (Porsche 356) came out from the Porsche auto factory in 1948, the Porsche Type 64 was no longer needed and it was sold to an Austrian racer named Otto Mathe who used the car to race and save it until his death in 1995. And in 1997 the car changed hands again to Otto Mathe's friend who also known as a famous Porsche specialist named Thomas Gruber.
Porsche Type 64 uses 1,100 CC engine which has also been upgraded to produce power around 32 and 40 hp. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZfsI6C)
And the car that will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's auction house at Monterey Car Week 2019 in California, United States is a car that uses chassis No. 38/41 which is also said to be the purest ever. And to promote the car's auction, RM Sotheby asked the Pikes Peak champion and also filmmaker Jeff Zwart and Patrick Long, Porsche racer to drive the car and video it and then auction it at the 2019 Monterey Car Week.
Well, one of the locations for making these 80-year-old car videos is at the Willow Springs Raceway circuit. In his confession, Long was impressed and felt that the car being so modern and praised engineering skills prowess of Dr. Porsche's. According to Long, the character of the Porsche Type 64 is similar to the modern Porsche 911, not only from the shape but also from the weight distribution, aerodynamics and efficiency. He also admitted that when sitting behind the driver, he felt the seat position was like a fighter pilot's seat.
The Type 64 chassis is indeed made from the base of the WV Beetle, but it has been strengthened and uses a 1,100 CC engine which has also been upgraded to produce power around 32 and 40 hp, compared to the Beetle of only 23.5 hp. It's not much indeed, but the car's weight is only about 618.7 kg.
This Porsche Type 64 is considered the most important car in the history of those German automotive manufacturer because without this car there would be no Porsche 356, 911 and the brand with the most racing wins.
Unfortunately, RM Sotheby's doesn't provide a price estimate but the car is predicted to be the world's most expensive Porsche classic car. However, as quoted from Motorauthority, this car is estimated can be sold at a price of around US. $20 million (around Rp. 250 billion). *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY]
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Who does not know the name of Ken Okuyama? He is a world-famous car designer, who worked for Pininfarina until 2006 and many other world's car companies. And Now through his own automotive design company called 'Ken Okuyama Design,' looks actively giving birth to many unique concept cars.
Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 as shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2H815Cb)
Among the many automotive works that he has been designed and made, it turns out that Ken Okuyama also ever made an electric-powered car design.
This car named Kode 8 or k.o 8, an electric-powered vehicle equipped with a lithium-ion battery. It was introduced as a prototype at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show along with its predecessor, Kode 7.
Front side view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)
According to the company, its electric-powered car model performed with “Modern, simple, timeless” as Ken Okuyama's concept. In the form of the sleek beauty as you see pictured above, the Kode 8. The EV has a lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum chassis and it is not surprising the car's overall weight is low.
Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 being prepared at the company workshop. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)
The Kode 8 is a coupé with a length of 3.71 meters, featuring traditional fenders enclosing the wheels and also has a removable targa top. It is a pure electric vehicle and powered by lithium-ion batteries and has a range of about 100 miles.
Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode8 with its scissor-typed doors open. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YSeOIg)
To drive its all four wheels, the car uses three-phase electric motors that capable spewed power of 100 kW. Even though it's a small power numbers, it contrasts with high torque and is instantly used to make significant acceleration.
Technical specification of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31EGMUL)
From the exterior look, at a glance the car will remind us of the IFR Aspid model from Spaniard auto manufacturer. Of course with the use of a powerful drivetrain, lightweight body and the real speed will be the characteristics of this model.
Interior and steering wheel view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Z9oFZu)
The Kode 8 EV will be built in Japan for worldwide export and in limited numbers (some said 99 units). When these EV lands on the market, with an alternative drivetrain for petrol-fueled car products, and also it will offer an alternative to the famous Testa EV Roadster.
Rear view of Ken Okuyama's electric-powered car named Kode 8 or k.o 8 as shown at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OWteTn)
As quoted of Autoblog, shortly after the Geneva auto expo those Japanese auto design company said that the Kode 8 lacked both battery and motor which is not to say it won't be built but will likely take some more time to get the electric drivetrain together.
From
the company statement above arouse a big question, whether the Kode 8
EV production stalled due to lack of materials or zero demands? And until the 2009 Geneva Motor Show was held a year after, the Kode 8 EV never shown up and never been heard since then.
*** (If the info was not valid, tell us via comment box below completed with the source infos of yours. We will make an approriated revision shortly after that.) *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KEN OKUYAMA DESIGN | AUTOBLOG | ROAD&TRACK | CAR BODY DESIGN | DIARIMOTOR]
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Elon Musk is planning to bring pickup as an additional model into the Tesla line of car productions. But a woman who loves electric cars can't wait, so she turned her Tesla Model 3 into a pickup model.
YouTuber Simone Giertz turned her Tesla Model 3 into a dash-looking pickup and dubs it 'Truckla.' (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31CouDT)
As quoted from The Verge, there's a creative woman named Simone Giertz who also known as a YouTuber was tired of waiting for Elon Musk to leak his latest Tesla pickup model, so she decided to make it by herself.
Then she invited her friends to give birth to her Tesla dream pickup. And then the car result dubbed Truckla. And she said, "It took me a year to design up to the finished pickup."
She said that took a year to design up to a finished 'Truckla' pickup model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31CouDT)
From the second row of of Tesla Model 3 up to the rear section was cut then made such a way into a pickup shaped. Imagine, Giertz was willing to build these Truckla because of her love to electric cars.
"My goal is to never own a gas car," Giertz said. "I'm a part of a new generation of drivers that will only drive electric. I feel like I should pad this a little bit, but I'm not going to. Fuck oil companies. Seriously, fuck them."
Giertz was willing to build these Truckla because of her love to electric cars. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/31CouDT)
Not much change was revealed, Giertz said for roof racks and roofs using parts from the Ford and Chevy older trucks. But to run this project is not without obstacles. After removing the back seat and trunk of its many parts, the modified Model 3 refused to start.
Luckily, Giertz was accompanied by a team of mechanics and DIY car modifiers to tackle the project such as Marcos Ramirez, a Bay Area maker, mechanic and artist; Boston-based Richard Benoit, whose YouTube channel Rich Rebuilds is largely dedicated to the modification of pre-owned Tesla models; and German designer and YouTuber Laura Kampf, and obviously the problem was resolved soon.
Giertz said the project was not meant to mock Elon Musk that she was one step ahead. "This process has destructive steps in the beginning but the ultimate goal is constructive. And I did it because I really wanted this car. This was really my dream car," Giertz said. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THE VERGE]
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The Lamborghini and Ferrari are certainly familiar brands in the world's automotive industry. Both are from the same country, namely Italy and the products produced are also similar, ie fancy speeding cars.
Initially there was only Ferrari which was an Italian automotive company founded by Enzo Anselmo Ferrari in 1929. Until in the year of 1964, when Ferruccio Lamborghini managed to launch his first car made known as Lamborghini 350 GT series. And since that day known as the beginning of rivalry between Lamborghini and Ferrari.
The Lamborghini and Ferrari both are Italian famous premium auto makers and also known as rival one each other in the world's automotive industry since the 1960s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZSu44e)
As we all know, at beginning Ferruccio Lamborghini himself was a successful entrepreneur through his tractor maker company. In the time, he was getting richer and able to buy various types of classy speeding cars and one of them was the Ferrari 250 GTE which was used for fun only.
A disassembled Ferrari 250 GTE at the Lamborghini Museum (might be Ferruccio personal car owned relating to stories surrounding the founding of the Lamborghini car company back in the 1960s. It began when he complained to Enzo Ferrari regarding this car clutch.)(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZXxymm)
Once upon the time, Ferruccio brought his Ferrari 250 GTE back to its maker, Ferrari. He came with a complaint, that the car purchased should get a better transmission system.
But what he got precisely a kind of challenge because Enzo Ferrari said that he was just a tractor maker and didn't know anything about race cars. After that, Ferruccio Lamborghini took a decision to come into play in the race car market to rival those prancing horse logoed auto company.
Lamborghini 350 GT was the first Lamborghini production model and known also as the first rival for Ferrari's. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OKNqap)
And many consider it only as a form of channeling anger after feeling offended by Enzo Ferrari words to him. And sure enough, then he founded a car manufacturing company that was named Automobili Lamborghini based in Sant'Agata Bolognese in 1963.
Lamborghini 350 GT was debuted at the 1964 Geneva Auto Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OMHMEJ)
To answer the Ferrari's challenge and at the same time realize his ambition, and then he asked Giotto Bizzarrini (the person who designed most of the Ferrari engines at the time) to join his company. He also invited Giampaolo Dallara and Giampaolo Stanzani, two technicians who were considered has promising talents and test driver Bob Wallace.
1963 Lamborghini 350 GTV was a Lamborghini prototype and forerunner of its first production model named Lamborghini 350 GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GVIGsn)
Shortly after, in May 1963 Lamborghini successfully launched the its first concept car prototype and given a name the Lamborghini 350 GTV. The prototype used a Bizzarini's 3,500 cc V12 engine that produces 320 hp. And those all-aluminum alloy V12 engine mated to a 5-speed manual ZF transmission system. And the 350 GTV completed to build and debut on October 1963 in the Turin Auto Show.
Lamborghini 350 GTV was very sleek and streamlined, with a very low hood that incorporated one of the better pop-up headlight designs of all time. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZQ2Gnv)
Before that Dallara and Stanzani quickly realized that the 350 GTV was not properly designed for mass production. Then both working in parallel on two projects that would result in the production 350 GT. They made many revision on Bizzarini's engine and chassis for street use. And in March 1964, after 5 months after the debut of the GTV in Turin, the "redesigned GTV" now called Lamborghini 350 GT was debuted at the Geneva Auto Show.
Lamborghini 350 GTV used a Bizzarini's 3,500 cc V12 engine that produces 320 hp of power. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZQ2Gnv)
It was greeted with sufficient enthusiasm so that Ferruccio decided to proceed with production in May 1964. This first Lambo's 2-door coupé body manufactured by Milan's Carrozzeria Touring who used their patented 'Superleggera' method of construction to fix aluminium alloy panels directly to a tubular structure. This Lamborghini 350 GT car has a wheelbase measuring 2,550 mm with front and rear track axles measuring of 1,380 mm, 4,640 mm length, width 1,730 mm and 1,220 mm of high.
This car has many features such as an aluminum body design and some of the body panel even has steel, and already has applied independent four-wheel suspensions, differential salisbury as well as a vacuum servo that is assisted by a round disc brake girling. This car has an acceleration from 0 to 100 kph (60 mph) can be done in 6.8 seconds and even its maximum speed can reach 254 kph (158 mph).
At that time these Italian raging bull logoed auto company was only made those 350 GT as many as 120 units before replacing it with the Lamborghini 400 GT in 1966. And many 350 GTs were subsequently fit with the larger 4.0 litre engine used in the 400 GT. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA]
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The Chevrolet Corvette name has always been known as an American muscle car, with a body design that is no less muscular and has always been a dream car in the land of its birth.
It's just that, the charm of the Chevrolet Corvette's flagship V8 engine is apparently not enough to hook any consumers on the Blue Continent, due to the European-style cars is considered have more beautiful designs.
Chevrolet Corvette Rondine concept car by Pininfarina. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YsrEN3)
Therefore, in 1963, the Chevrolet Corvette C2 had to undergo a makeover to be more pleasing to the eyes of European consumers.
As a result, Chevrolet collaborated with the famous Italian car designer house which used to design Ferrari and another premium cars, Pininfarina, and gave birth to the Pininfarina Chevrolet Corvette 'Rondine' (pronounced 'Ron-din-ay') coupe concept. And the car was unveiled at the 1963 Paris Motor Show.
Unlike the original Corvette with a fibreglass body, the Rondine was made of steel. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2YsrEN3)
In the process practically unchanged chassis and frame, it still had a standard 5.4-litre V8 engine mounted in front that produced 360 horsepower and was paired with a four-speed manual transmission system.
Unlike the original Corvette C2 which has a fiberglass body, while Pininfarina Rondine has a steel exterior, so that the weight increases, and the control changes completely. The front overhang is longer, and the Corvette's distinctive pop-up lights are gone, and the rear doesn't look anything like the original car, and is leaning like a Fiat 124.
Because the responses were quite diverse, Chevrolet was reluctant to continue Pininfarina Rondine to the production table and is now the only one ever made to reside in the Corvette museum. The one-off Rondine sold for $1.2m (before commission) at an auction event in 2008. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCE | DRIVE TRIBE | MOTORIOUS]
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