Japanese 'sportscar' made from recycled materials

Innovation in the automotive world continues to move towards the concept of environmentally friendly. Like the concept car on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, made from plants and agricultural waste. And then talking about environmentally friendly cars isn't just a matter of switching fossil fuels to electricity.

A Japanese 'sportscar' named Nano Cellulose Vehicle (NCV) made from recycled materials on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33awUn5)

The car in question is the Nano Cellulose Vehicle (NCV) which is a new project from Japan. This concept car is environmentally friendly because the components of this car use materials from plants and recycling agricultural waste.

The Nano Cellulose Vehicle (NCV) project made by a consortium of 22 universities in Japan, research institutes, and several large companies and runs by the Japanese Ministry of Environment since 2016. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33awUn5)

The NCV project does not work alone but through a consortium of 22 universities in Japan, research institutes, and several large companies. And this project has been run by the Japanese Ministry of Environment since 2016. 

As quoted from Carscoops, which states that the NCV car uses Celloluse Nanofiber derived from recycled plant material and agricultural waste. For information, and on the NCV concept car, the material is used to build bodies including doors, roofs to hood and trunk. Not only the body, CNF is also used in the framework of this car.

In the interior of the Nano Celullose Vehicle (NCV) is dominated by wood materials, from the dashboard to the steering wheel. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/33awUn5)

It was also mentioned the use of these materials was 50 percent lighter than the material currently used. And according to one member of the consortium, the person in charge of exterior design from Toyota Customizing & Development, Yuzo Niimi, said that in general this car has a sporty design with sharp lines indentation.

To support the design, this concept car also uses a butterfly wing door model, multi-spoke wheels and taillights design that is reminiscent of the American car model Chrysler ME Four-Twelve. Looking into the cabin, the NCV is clad in an all-wood interior, with the steering wheel model of two bars that already have a gear shifter.  

Besides being lighter, this car made from plants and agricultural waste also produces relatively small emissions. Not much is revealed about how under the hood, but it is mentioned for energy sources that are used using hydrogen fuel cells and can only run a maximum of 20 kilometers per hour (12 mph).

Yes, all of this good effort returns to ourselves. Is there a desire to implement it in the automotive industry which may now be in the comfort zone with the use of existing materials such as metal, plastic, or glass fiber and so on. Let's wait and see. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | MASHABLE] 
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Mitsubishi presented the first turbine-engined electric vehicle

When present as one of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show participants, Mitsubishi used the opportunity by making the first debut of a unique small-sized SUV concept car owned and given the name of Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept.

Why is it called unique? Due to the MI-Tech concept car is touted as the first electric car to use a turbine engine. In fact, this car is arguably the first and only turbine-engined car ever implemented in the real world. Really?

Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept on display at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Jk6uXS)

Mitsubishi presents the MI-Tech concept as a new breakthrough from the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) cars. If all this time the PHEV used a combination of petrol engines and electric motors, and now in the MI-Tech concept has been replaced by turbine engines and electric motors.

Where this turbine engine has functions the same as a petrol engine in the PHEV as we know in the first place, namely as an electric energy generator to supply the battery's needs.

Mitsubishi MI-Tech Concept equipped with a turbine engine and 4 electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Jk6uXS)

The MI-Tech concept car has 4 electric motors to drive it and spin independently. This is intended not only to prevent the tires slip symptoms on the off-road roads, but it's also allowed to control the four electric motors separately. So that makes the MI-Tech concept can maneuver to the side like a panzer or tank.

Mitsubishi still has no plans for the mass production of MI-Tech. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Jk6uXS)

Furthermore, Hiroshi Nagaoka, Executive Officer, Senior Vice President (Engineering) of Mitsubishi Motors revealed, that the car's turbine engine can be set to consume various types of fuel, ranging from diesel fuel, kerosene up to alcohol. This fuel consumption flexibility allows the MI-Tech concept can be suited in many places that have different fuel qualities.

Even though it still consumes fossil fuels, but the car emissions are claimed to be lower than conventional combustion engines with NOx (nitrogen oxide) levels practically non-existent. Mitsubishi chose this turbine engine because of its compact dimensions and lighter weight compared to conventional petrol engines.

But this turbine engine can't be likened with an aircraft turbine engine because it has a smaller size and capability. Until now Mitsubishi still has not planned mass production of MI-Tech, but the company said it was still trying to develop it in that direction. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ] 

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New Toyota e-Racer concept is revealed

Toyota has revealed an e-Racer concept at the Tokyo motor show, a two-seat, fun-to-drive car designed to re-emphasize the firm's belief that a future with autonomous cars will still have room for driving enthusiasts.

Toyota has revealed its newest e-Racer concept at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9dlIY)

The car was unveiled on stage by Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, but no details - including technical or performance - were given about it beyond its name. As such, it is believed to be a concept in the truest sense, pointing merely to the fact that electric vehicles can be fun.

"All those years ago the car came along and replaced the horse," said Toyoda, "but today there are still people who own and racehorses, and who have the most amazing, emotional relationships with their horses. For them, the horse remains irreplaceable.

Toyota e-Racer concept, a two-seat, fun-to-drive car designed to re-emphasize the company's belief that a future with autonomous cars will still have room for driving enthusiasts. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9dlIY)

"I believe it is the same for the car, even in an age of autonomy. People will continue to be at the center of our technical advances even as e-mobility is rolled out."

Due to the concept that appears to be a static prototype, the visitor able to simulate driving it around a famous race circuit of their choosing with the aid of virtual reality glasses. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9dlIY)

Although the concept appears to be a static prototype, visitors to the show are able to simulate driving it around a famous race circuit of their choosing with the aid of virtual reality glasses. Alongside the e-Racer concept, Toyota is also showcasing a 'virtual fitting function' that can take users' exact measurements to tailor a bespoke race suit.

The e-Racer is joined on Toyota's show stand by the second-generation of the Mirai hydrogen fuel cell saloon, the i-Road electric scooter, a new two-seat EV designed for urban driving and the LQ Concept.  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | ROADSHOW]

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An eccentric-shaped prototype car from Toyota

The world's sports car enthusiasts were recently surprised by the presence of a new Toyota car design. Although the car has a slightly unique shape, so there are those who consider it as a substitute for the legendary Toyota MR2.

An eccentric-shaped prototype car called Toyota La Coupe on displat at a ferry terminal in Nishima, Japan. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/35xEkSZ)

Apparently it's not just design. This new Toyota model which is called unattractive actually has a prototype version. The photo was shared by members of the SupraMKV forum, via Carscoops recently.

The car model was given the name Toyota La Coupe and was displayed at a ferry terminal in Naoshima, Japan, some time ago. But the car looks older than the picture spread via Twitter. Previously the photos distributed on Twitter showed that the car was at the Ginza Sony Park in October last year.

Previously the Toyota La Coupe picture was shared by members of the SupraMKV forum. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2IPgp7N)

This car is more interesting because it is considered never appeared before and is quite mysterious. Toyota La Coupe itself is known as a 2-door coupe concept car that has a pair of oval shaped headlamps with a slightly tapered tip and a DRL unique design.

Toyota La Coupe itself is known as a 2-door coupe concept car and powered by a hybrid system. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OTyvZV)

The Toyota La Coupe also has a front spoiler embedded with a blue-colored Toyota logo. It reminds us, those blue-colored logo is usually used by Toyota for their hybrid cars. So, indirectly the car has been known to use environmentally friendly powertrain.

Toyota La Coupe on displat at the Ginza Sony Park back in October last year. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32o6VIk)

Then on the back is more unique than the front. The car's rear section looks like a reflection from the front. It's just with the use of different forms of rear lights. There are very few interior photos, and of the few that exist, they only show small sections of the interior such as the instrument cluster and centre stack.

Toyota La Coupe features a rarely seen styling feature with the front and rear lights being virtually identical. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32o6VIk)

Judging off these pictures, the interior is very basic, with two circular digital displays showing only essential information such as speed, fuel level, current gear and battery level. This also indicates that the La Coupe is a hybrid.

The interior is very basic, with two circular digital displays showing only essential information such as speed, fuel level, current gear and battery level. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2OTyvZV)

But until now everything is still in a mystery. But that's not the end of the story. What's interesting is the fact that Toyota made this design proposal in the first place.

Toyota La Coupe is very futuristic with many smooth, flowing lines creating a rounded, aerodynamic shape. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/32o6VIk)

So while the design of the La Coupe will not be seen in the showroom, it still opens the possibility that Toyota, indeed, contemplates a middle-engined coupe at least.
There has been talks of a new Celica or MR2 in the past. In fact, Toyota Gazoo Racing chief Tetsuya Tada said that he is keen on bringing in a third Toyota sports car. But as to what it will be, it will be a long wait for the answer, if ever it comes at all. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPRAMKV | CARSCOOPS | AUTOINDUSTRIYA | DRIVETRIBE]
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Proof of the concept car realization

Yes, KIA Stinger GT is the proof of concept cars cannot be underestimated. There are quite a number of famous concept cars that we have reviewed. Just like the KIA Stinger which was introduced in the form of a concept car called the KIA GT Concept, at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2011.

KIA Stinger GT was officially opened in the media preview at one of the world's prestigious auto expos, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2017. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lMobad)

To release a concept car into a car that will be mass produced and ready for sale, is not an easy matter. KIA Motors also acknowledged and finally chose Frankfurt as the birthplace of the KIA GT Concept. 

KIA GT Concept was introduced for the first time at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor show and then realized into the mass production version called the KIA Stinger GT in 2017. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2myBjQs)

This KIA made car cover was officially opened in the media preview at one of the world's prestigious auto expos, the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2017.

Front view of KIA Stinger GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lMobad)

As stated by Gregory Guillaume as Chief Designer of KIA Motors Europe, "This is the real Gran Turismo, a car created for driving long distances, not just a matter of strength, dynamic and Brutal design, all things emphasized on the issue of luxury to comfort."

Dashboard view of KIA Stinger GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lMobad)

For physical design, the long-awaited luxury sedan is indeed made with a stylish design style that is slightly sporty. It can be seen from several parts on the exterior side of this KIA Stinger, especially on the front that is clearly visible from the combination of headlamp and grille designs that are so perfect. Meanwhile, on the interior itself, this cool sedan offers a spacious cabin space serving safety and entertainment features to support the comfort of each passenger.

Rear view of KIA Stinger GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2lMobad)

So clearly the KIA Stinger GT is a future car figure that is armed with full features. Interestingly, this car also stands in the Fastback category with a capacity of 5 people, and has upheld the practicality and comfortability in driving. In fact, safety features are also embedded in this KIA Stinger GT.

Whereas in the engine sector, the KIA Stinger GT is equipped with 2 powerful engine variants, namely 2.0 liter Turbocharged and 3.3 liter Turbo V6 where both engine choices are equally capable of producing fierce and reliable power in its class. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORTREND]

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Mercedes-Benz vision of the future luxury sedan

If you want to know what luxury sedan looks like in the future, then you can see it in the figure of the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS, which was recently launched at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. And the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS is a decisive statement of the German auto giant to bring premium quality vehicles and drive as you wish in the future. 

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS is a decisive statement of the German auto giant to bring premium quality into a luxury sedan in the future. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2mgjsNU)

Built with an extraordinary engineering, emotional designing by uses luxurious materials and carries the individual driving comfort concept. Because according to the German automotive giant, a luxury has also become part of individual freedom now and in the future.

By design, the Vision EQS seems to have no edges or what this German company calls the "lightbelt" structure. Where the car headlights use Digital Light technology which has 2 holographic lens modules so that it can produce unlimited light variations.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS concept has debuted at the 2019 Frankfurt International Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2m9XvQn)

Due to the car is also claimed as a vehicle that can communicate. Through a 360-degree luminescence, and also through digital LED matrix grille and headlights Digital Light enables the car to communicate with the other vehicles and the surrounding environment.

The digital grille panel being the world's first to give a sign, where the light matrix consists of 188 circuit boards, and each carrying 5 LEDs and a single star. While on the back there are 229 star-shaped LEDs that able to produce a unique display as well.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS digital grille panel being the world's first to give a sign, where the light matrix consists of 188 circuit boards, and each carrying 5 LEDs and a single star. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2m9XvQn)

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS moves by using 2 electric motors capable of producing power up to 476 hp and torque of 760 Nm. So that makes it able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4.5 seconds and can be run to top speed up to 200 kph. The electric power came from the batteries are stored on the floor.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS's interior is inspired by yachts that can be seen from the dashboard blends with the body. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2m9XvQn)

And its power of battery is believed to be equivalent to super sports car capabilities. If the battery is in a fully charged condition, then this car is claimed to have a cruising capability of up to 700 km. And for the fast charging only in 20 minutes has able to fill to 80% of its battery capacity.

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS moves by using 2 electric motors capable of producing power up to 476 hp and torque of 760 Nm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2m9XvQn)

The Vision EQS's interior is inspired by yachts that can be seen from the dashboard blends with the body and design that surrounds the passengers like a yacht cabin. According to the German auto giant, in the future Mercedes-Benz cars will take inspiration from this design. Not to forget, in this car  includes an MBUX voice control system combined with a screen that can appear from behind the dashboard and ambient color with Connected Light technology.

The interior material chosen by Mercedes-Benz is made of Dinamica microfiber which is made from recycled PET plastic bottles. This material is combined with artificial leather which has a look like Nappa leather. Finally, the car ceiling is made of material taken from the recycling of ocean plastic wastes.

The platform used by Mercedes-Benz for Vision EQS is also designed as a modular platform that can be shortened and extended as needed. So this platform can be used for other types of vehicles. Talking about a future car is incomplete without an autonomous driving system. 

And the Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS is also equipped with the Level 3 autonomous driving system with modular sensor design that allows it to be developed further into a fully autonomous vehicle. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MERCEDES-BENZ | MOTOR1]
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When a flap of classic gullwings becomes rarity

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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Who's to be chosen by Toyota as the partner to reviving the MR2?

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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Wiesmann tried to rise up from adversity

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]
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