Looking back to 2012 Chevrolet Miray hybrid concept

About a decade ago the American automaker General Motors introduced a concept car with dual drivetrains or hybrid called the Chevrolet Miray at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. In Korean, the Miray means 'the future.' The American giant automotive manufacturer deliberately created the Chevrolet Miray Concept not only for the prestigious automotive exhibition in the country but was also to celebrate the Chevrolet's 100th anniversary at that time.

The Chevrolet Miray hybrid concept car on its debut at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2EhARve)

The Chevrolet Miray hybrid concept car is a roadster sports car that is powered by two electric motors mounted on its front wheels, and each is capable of producing power of 15 kW (around 20 hp). In addition to the electric motor, this concept car is also reinforced by a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a capacity of 1,500 liters to drive the rear wheels.

Front view of Chevrolet Miray hybrid concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2EhARve)

Besides the combination of the two drivetrains, the Chevrolet Miray Concept also comes with a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged with a regenerative braking system. With such technology carried by, the Miray Concept can run only by using the power of its electric motors alone, when it takes increasing power, and the petrol engine can be immediately used.

Front-left side view of Chevrolet Miray hybrid concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2EhARve)

"Miray is the future of the GM's Chevrolet concept in Korea, the Miray concept offers the possibility of future exploration that strengthens the bond between cars and drivers, making future sports cars look fresher," said Arcamone Mike, President and CEO of GM Korea at the time, as quoted of Autoevolution.

Rear-left side view of Chevrolet Miray hybrid concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2EhARve)

This compact roadster with futuristic and unique design has dimensions of length 3,991 mm, a width of 1,865 mm, a height of 1,110 m with a wheelbase of 2,375 mm. While the appearance of his body implies a thick sporty feel with dynamic curves. The Mi-Ray body design is said to be inspired by the company's classic cars such as the 1963 Monza SS and the 1962 Corvair Super Spyder.

This roadster car has a roof that can be opened, then use the scissor-type doors, and equipped with an aerodynamic body like today's fighter aircraft. And in some parts of the body such as spoilers have utilized carbon fiber material while for the Miray' legs use 20-inch wheels on the front and 21-inch wheels at the rear.

Like other concept cars, until now there has been no information whether the Chevrolet Mi-Ray concept car will be mass-produced, it looks like this car will remain just one of GM's show cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOEVOLUTION]
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Here it is Ferrari' hybrid sportscar

Ferrari, an Italian supercar manufacturer known for its automotive products that are synonymous with large-capacity engines and blaring engine sounds, now the company is exploring a new segment through the all-new Ferrari Roma sports coupe plug-in hybrid.

Ferrari has revealed the Ferrari Roma, an all-new model that slots in between the Ferrari Portofino and the Ferrari F8 Tributo in the brand’s line-up. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37h3bez)

It's estimated that Ferrari Roma will soon become a serious competitor to the Porsche 911, which also has the opportunity to attract new consumers, namely those who want to try out the sports coupe capabilities by using an environmentally friendly hybrid engine. 

As reported by AFP, Ferrari's Commercial Director Enrico Galliera said that the Roma was designed "for people who want to drive a sports car, or a Ferrari, but they are afraid of Ferrari and sports cars."

Ferrari Roma features a 612bhp V8 engine and a new interior design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37h3bez)

The figure of the Ferrari Roma, which was debuted on Thursday, November 14, 2019, is the fifth car model introduced by the prancing horse logoed premium car manufacturer this year. But the car became the first model released under the Ferrari business plan for the next five years, which included electric and hybrid supercars. 

To support the performance of the Roma, the Italian premium car manufacturer still installs a powerful Ferrari engine, ie the 3.855cc V8 engine so that the car is able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 341 kph. Then the transmission system uses an 8-speed DCT gearbox that is similar to the Ferrari SF90 Stradale.

What distinguishes it from other Ferrari models is that Roma's appearance tends to be more calm with a long front-facing snout, sharp headlights to the side, a lower A-pillar, and a minimalist rear end. The plan, Ferrari Roma will begin shipping to consumers in mid-2020 with an off-road selling price of the US. $220 thousand or equivalent to Rp. 3.1 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUYER]

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1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi: still for sale

The Ferrari 196/246 SP was produced from 1961 through 1963 with less than ten examples being created. The design was very untraditional for Enzo Ferrari and against his strongest belief that the horse should come before the cart, meaning the engine should be placed in the front.

1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzz. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pnZbb8)

Another departure from the traditional Ferrari was the use of a Vittorio Jano designed V-6 engine. The six-cylinder engines were more compact, lightweight, and more fuel-efficient, when compared to the traditional Colombo, designed 12-cylinder engines.

With the engine mounted longitudinally mid-ship, optimal weight distribution and handling were achieved. The chassis was the traditional tubular frame supported by wishbone suspension. A five-speed manual gearbox provided power to the rear wheels. The body design was simple, yet elegant and effective.

Rear-left side view of 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzz. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pnZbb8).

This combination was good enough to capture overall victories at Targa Florio and the Nurburgring 1000 km. At Le Mans in 1963, Ferrari captured the first mid-engined victory with a 250 P, a close sibling of the 246 SP.

The first 246 SP chassis constructed was #0790. In 1961, it successfully campaigned at Targa Florio. A year later it scored victories at the Nurburgring 1000 km. It was later converted into a 196 SP. In modern times, it has been raced at the Cavallino Classic.

From 1961 through 1963, engine modifications were made and inserted into existing and new chassis. Because of this, specifications vary. Four chassis were constructed between 1962 and 1963.

Even though a limited number were produced, their accomplishments are legendary and their design was revolutionary. The knowledge achieved through the design and development was used in future Ferrari projects and their continued domination at races such as LeMans. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | BUSINESS INSIDER | MOTOR1 | THE DRIVE | CAVALINO]

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An exclusive Enzo-based supercar of Gemballa

When the prancing horse logoed premium car manufacturer launched the Ferrari Enzo ranging from 2002 to 2004 in a limited number of only 400 units worldwide. So you can imagine how rare the supercar was. Made many exotic car enthusiasts are forced to be disappointed because they cannot have it. Have You ever seen those supercars? What are the shortcomings of those supercars?

2010 Gemballa MIG-U1, an exclusive Ferrari Enzo-based supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pSuWJB)

Yes, this supercar has a cool shape coupled with excellency performance, so for ordinary people like us seem these supercars have no shortcomings. But not for Mustafa and Ilyas Galadari, two businessmen who run several supercar businesses in Dubai when contacting the Gemballa, a German automotive tuner company to built fresh new supercars based on the Ferrari Enzo back in 2009. 

Side view of Gemballa MIG-U1 looks similar to the Maserati MC-12. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pSuWJB)

That's why the supercar's name is Gemballa MIG-U1 due to the 'MIG' abbreviation was taken from the names of two brothers Dubai businessmen mentioned above who had commissioned the making of this supercar. While 'U1' is an abbreviation to commemorate the founder of those German tuner company, Uwe Gemballa.

Interior view of Gemballa MIG-U1. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36HrXEj)

It seems, at the time they wanted a very exclusive supercar figure that only a few people could have it. As quoted by Motor1, these supercars have made in limited numbers, only 25 units worldwide. And the company promises that no two of the 25 planned MIG-U1 production models will be exactly the same.

The V12 engine view of Gemballa MIG-U1. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36HrXEj)

Is it a one-off, or a limited edition? Only time will tell if the Gemballa MIG-U1 will be sold on the open market. But so far that we could be seen and knew about this supercar, there's only one was diligently seen in the world's automotive expos or events, namely the figure of a white-colored MIG-U1 that's usually used a Dubai' number plate.

Rearview of Gemballa MIG-U1 with its doors open. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2pSuWJB)

It is said also that the car is powered by a 6-liter V12 engine capable of producing power up to 700 horsepower. It has also been engineered to perform at extreme speeds with excellent and high performance. With higher aerodynamics, it provides efficiency and flexibility to adapt to changes in external elements when the car reaches various speeds.

The entire body has been completely reworked from front to rear, improving aerodynamics and giving the Enzo a certain race car/spaceship-like appearance. Starting from the front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper, new unique rear wing, to the design of a completely new muffler is not just a new tailpipe. At a glance from the side, this supercar looks similar to the Maserati MC-12. And the rear features a huge wing to increase downforce, and a large roof scoop feeds air to the engine.

And for the interior, Gemballa gives a touch of red and black theme, the seats and trim are covered in quilted red leather and it resembles a luxury car more than a 200+ mph supercar. And on its black bucket seat, there was a red embroidered Uwe Gemballa's signature. But some parts still reflect the feel of sportiness with the steering wheel, dashboard and shift knob made of carbon fiber.

The price is only available upon request, but after taking a look around, we found Ferrari Enzos at a price range of US $1.1-1.8 million. Of course, those weren’t tuned by Gemballa. Wanna see another Enzo-based supercar called Lavazza GTX-R or the newest Gemballa-owned supercar. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MOTOR1 | TOPSPEED | AUTOMOBLOG]

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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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