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Showing posts with label Sportscar. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sportscar. Show all posts

Monday, May 25, 2020

The first prancing horse species that adopted the 4-wheel drive system

If you think that the Ferrari FF is the first Ferrari 4-wheel drive vehicle? That's not quite right and should be corrected, in fact, the Ferrari 408 4RM is the first Ferrari species that adopts a 4-wheel drive system. 
1987 Ferrari 408 4RM is the first Ferrari species that adopts a 4-wheel drive system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3cIC8Ls)
The Italian premium car manufacturer built the 408 4RM with two main aims. First and foremost it would act as a car test bed to explore future production technologies. Secondly (and more speculatively) Ferrari was keen to procure the kind of consultancy work that helped drive profits at Porsche and Lotus.

The Italian firm reasoned that the Ferrari-branded engineering division could rival the best in the business and the 408 4RM was commissioned to demonstrate their state-of-the-art design capability. As we all know, this car is specifically built for the study design purposes only in 1987.
Interior view of 1987 Ferrari 408 4RM. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2z4swfG)
Two examples were completed. The first (70183) came with a pressed stainless steel monocoque. The second (78610) and a spare were formed from aluminum honeycomb chemically bonded with epoxy resin. The initial aluminum variant was manufactured in collaboration with Canadian firm Alcan. 

Both types came with detachable front and rear subframes and a 2550mm wheelbase. And the 408 4RM signaled Ferrari's first crack at reinventing four-wheel drive with a complex, hydraulically operated system.
1987 Ferrari 408 4RM used a rear-mid-mounted, quad-cam, four-liter V8 was good for 300bhp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2z4swfG)
It would have been a bit of a corker, we think. Ferrari was truly on form at that stage and there are signs of that genius in the 4RM, too. A rear-mid-mounted, quad-cam, four-liter V8 was good for 300bhp, and it was dry-sumped to keep the oil where it needed to be in the corners. And, considering it was propelling just 1,340 kilos, it'd be pretty brisk, to say the least.
Finally, the 4RM boasted fully independent, dual-wishbone suspension front and rear, plus a four-wheel-drive system, which would have made for quite the B-road belter indeed. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | TOPGEAR]
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Thursday, May 21, 2020

The BMW NAZCA supercar series by Italdesign back in the 1990s

One of the most interesting concept cars that never built into reality in the 1990s was an Italdesign's supercar design study series named BMW Nazca.
Three BMW Nazca supercar models were built by Italdesign in the 1990s, from left to right 1992 Nazca C2 Coupe, 1993 Nazca C2 Spider and 1991 BMW Nazca M12(Picture from:  https://bit.ly/3bL414m )
That was the work of Giorgetto Giugiaro from the Italdesain who is also responsible for the building of the BMW M1 in the 1970s. Yes, Giugiaro designed the modern style of the first BMW supercar in 1978, so that the Nazca model series is truly a natural evolution.
The BMW Nazca M12 was the first model built by Italdesign in the BMW Nazca supercar design series and rolled out in 1991. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AGQ0I6)
Both of these cars together highlight BMW's special characteristics through its twin-kidney grille that is characterized, simple, and also applied the mid-engine layout.
The BMW Nazca C2 Coupe was the second model built by Italdesign in the BMW Nazca supercar design series and rolled out in 1992. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AK1b2R)
Only three units have been known, starting with the Nazca M12 which was launched in 1991 and followed by a high-core version, the Nazca C2 Coupe in 1992, and the open-top model called the Nazca C2 Spider in 1993, which Italdesign described as "for leisure use. "
The rear view of BMW Nazca C2 Coupe(Picture from:  https://bit.ly/2AK1b2R)
The latest news about this supercar series says that there is a BMW Nazca concept car that was sold at dealers in the Czech Republic at a price of around € 725 thousand in 2011. 
The BMW Nazca C2 Spider is the third model built by Italdesign, in the BMW Nazca supercar design series, launched in 1993 and described as "for leisure use." (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AK1b2R )
The car is the Nazca M12, which was launched in 1991 featuring an Alpine-tuned 5.7-liter V12 engine capable of powering up to 379 horsepower coupled with a five-speed transmission system. With its numerous great power, this car can be speeding up to its top speed of 326 kph.
In our minds, the Nazca C2 made a lasting impression for its role, starring in the 'Need for Speed III' racing simulation game. What is the car like? Do you remember? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROADANDTRACK ] | SUPERCARS.NET | MOTOR1
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Monday, May 18, 2020

A beautiful Moray built based on the Corvette by ItalDesign

This gorgeous Moray project result presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003, embodies the homage that Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro wish to pay to the fifty-year era of the Chevrolet Corvette, the supreme symbol of the American sports car under the name of Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray.
2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray built by Italdesign to pay homage to the 50-years of the Chevrolet Corvette era in 2003. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2Wt3zTJ)
Realized without hesitation on Corvette mechanics and chassis, the outcome of seeking out a sports car designed as an elegant extreme leap into the limelight carrying a pure profile, designed as though touched by drifting tides with long and slender front lights, bringing immediately to the mind the Moray, the English term for the eel-type fish, which found in Mediterranean waters.
2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4, 2003. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3cBCl3e)
Also resembling a moray rippling through sea waters is the sinuous contour line, whilst shaping the elongated front section (an unmistakable look of the Corvette grille) to a far stronger, more accentuated curvature is the serpentine bonnet (which projects frontward) forming a contrast with the upraised cut-off tail.
2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is fitted with a powerful front-mounted six-liter Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine to spew abundant power of more than 400 hp. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)
"We vowed to honor the rhetorical principles that dictated the American muscle-car of excellence era: simplicity and pragmatism, hand lasting with the hedonist concept of sportiness evolving beyond the restraints of time," explain Giorgetto and Fabrizio Giugiaro.
The dashboard of the 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray is fitted with various instruments and a steady steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)
Hinged to the rear door frame, thereby assuring freedom of access to the inside of the car, the clear crystal semi-dome of the doors (by which the side window and roof merge into one complete unit) swings open like seagull wings. 

Quick and simple to remove, these door wings ease the way to transforming the Moray from a coupé, with its unmistakable roof panel under the unique, clear crystal dome, into a quasi roadster. The direct, immediate feeling of fresh-air motoring is enhanced by removing the B door frame. 
Look this cozy, elegant, and ergonomic seat also fitted inside the cabin of the 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)
This is replaced by a central arch-shaped steel structure to which the two wings are hinged. In perfect symbiosis with the fresh and free extreme of the car, there are no side-mirrors, which have been replaced by some kind of CCTV system with dashboard-integrated viewers.

The bodyshell and paintwork color blends into the capsule, becoming one and the same. Only those surfaces inside the car touched by the driver or passenger are warmed by soft leather upholstery made with the cooperation of Dräxlmaier Group.
The 2003 Italdesign Chevrolet Corvette Moray has the bodyshell and paintwork color blends into the capsule, becoming one and the same. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2X7Tmvp)
Essential to catering the needs and preferences of the dynamic driver are its dashboards fitted with various instruments. Underlined by the same dashboard layout, assigned to the passenger are precise co-pilot functions.
Cool, sleek and supremely agile, of exceptional beauty and legerdemain like the sea creature from which it takes its name, the Moray is fitted with a powerful Chevrolet Corvette V8 engine, the longitude front-mounted six-liter, which reaches command of more than 400 horsepower, combined with a perfect balance ensured from the ground up by Michelin Pilot sport 335/30 ZR20 rear tires. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ITALDESIGN] | TOP SPEED | SUPERCARS.NET]
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Wednesday, May 13, 2020

An unconventional styling experiment of Bertone on the Ferrari 308 GT4

At that time, after more than 15 years of designing and developing the cars from other brands, and through the Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow was a sign of the return of Bertone, a famous Italian coachbuilder to design the Ferrari's.
1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept built on the Ferrari 308 GT4 chassis by Bertone. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)
While previously the design of the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4 car has been known to represent a mixture of calmness and tradition from the Maranello-based premium car manufacturer, the design of the Ferrari Rainbow seemed to imply an experimental styling that was far from conventional.
1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept is known is the first Ferrari's mid-engined sports car with a retractable hard-top. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)
In fact, this model is reportedly not intended to be produced in general, therefore Bertone is able to interpret its design themes without obstacles but still adhere to the vehicle's functionality.

In construction, Rainbow uses the same chassis as the Ferrari 308 GT4 combined with a 3.0-liter V8 engine that is believed to be capable of producing power of 250 horsepower. And by the chassis cutting as long as a 10 cm, giving a compact and aggressive look to the Rainbow figure.
Intrerior view of 1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)
The Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow prototype was introduced for the first time at the 1976 Turin Motor Show, which immediately highlighted the uniqueness of its design with for the first time the Ferrari's engine mechanism mounted in the middle, precisely behind the driver's seat.
1976 Ferrari 308 GT Rainbow concept could be said to represent a form of the Italian automotive industry's self-confidence. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35Megnu)
In addition, Rainbow also displays a distinctive exterior design with a boxy shape, which unfortunately is not commonly seen in 1976 (but later became a kind of trend starting in the early 1980s).

However, the design of the Ferrari Rainbow could be said to represent a form of the Italian automotive industry's self-confidence, in the period of automotive history, as it is known that Italy is favored by its experimental style on a variety of new 'bold' design concepts.
Currently, the existence of the Ferrari Rainbow prototype is believed in the Bertone museum in Italy, after it was almost auctioned by the RM Auctions at the Villa d'Este event held in March 2011 ago. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING]
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Sunday, May 3, 2020

All-new Bentley fancy no-roof sports car is made only 12 units

Bentley, one of the luxury car manufacturers from the UK has produced a series of luxury cars that can only be owned by millionaires from all over the world. And this year the British manufacturer has launched a limited number of new models called Bentley Mulliner Bacalar. 
Bentley Mulliner Bacalar, a limited edition luxury roofless sports car was built by Bentley in collaboration with Mulliner. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xjhm5O)
This limited edition luxury sports car was built by Bentley in collaboration with one of the world's oldest coachbuilders from England, Mulliner. And it is also mentioned that the Bacalar is the most eccentric car model ever made by Bentley in the last 100 years. 

And the name of Bacalar itself is taken from the name of a lake in Mexico. For its exterior design, Bentley's designers took inspiration from an experimental concept car named the Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept which was launched to the public in 2019. 
Bentley Mulliner Bacalar took inspiration from an experimental concept car named the Bentley EXP 100 GT Concept. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xjhm5O)
The exterior appearance, from the front at glance, the LED headlights look a little smaller compared to the EXP 100 GT concept version. This British manufacturer also modifies its shape so that it does not look rigid. Then there is also a radiator grille is installed with smaller dimensions compared to the concept version mentioned above. 

The effect of using smaller grille results in the lower airways being presented in a fairly large size. LED Daytime Running Lights to have the same shape as the EXP 100 GT in positioned horizontally and penetrate up to the main light. 
Bentley Mulliner Bacalar took inspiration from from the 1920s model of Bentley Birkin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xjhm5O)
While on the sides is mounted 4 large rims measuring 22 inches which are then given a three-color accent. According to the British manufacturer, this roofless sports car is positioned as a rival to other British special edition supercars, such as Aston Martin V12 Speedster and McLaren Elva.

Although Bacalar comes with no roof, it has a windshield like a conventional car that can only hold two people. There is nothing special for the door handle, it looks the same as that of the latest generation Continental GT due to it adopts the same alarm system. 

For the rear, Mulliner redesigned the rear lights to have a larger size and look more proper. Then the taillights were given a diamond motif detailed. On the back is also given a touch of black that looks very contrast with the car's body color and then with the same treatment carried out also on the front. To make it look more sporty, not to forget to install a pair of the sportscar styled exhausts. While the classic impression is tried to display on the air vents in the A-pillar. 
Bentley Mulliner Bacalar uses a 6,000 cc W12 twin-turbo engine coupled with a dual-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xjhm5O)
The inside of this car also looks special, because the design itself is made from scratch by taking inspiration from the 1920s model of Bentley Birkin. Then the car's dashboard is covered with wood and the materials are used also taken from special 5,000 years old trees that have fallen naturally. 

For the rear interior, accent on the seat, and the side of the headrest is made of natural wool. This car carpet is quite thick because it is made of genuine wool woven from Wilton. Each seat has a total of 148,199 stitches. Some of the material is wrapped with different materials, such as wood, luxury leather, to titanium anodized on the operating buttons. Interestingly, Bacalar also presents a set of suitcases that have the same motives as car seats. 

Then the mechanical heart used by the Bacalar is a 6,000 cc W12 twin-turbo engine coupled with a dual-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission system. And the power that can be spewed by the engine is 650 hp with 900 Nm of torque. Bentley claimed that this fancy convertible was able to accelerate from rest to a speed of 100 kph in only 3.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the maximum speed is 322 kph (200 mph).
As mentioned above, the Bentley Mulliner Bacalar is planned to be made in a limited number of only 12 units worldwide and sold at a price of £1.5 million (about the US. $1.91M or around Rp.30B). Of course, this will make the Bacalar as one of the rarest Bentley cars in the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BENTLEY MOTORS | MOTOR1 | FORBES]
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Saturday, May 2, 2020

A 'forgotten' Lotus Emotion from Bertone

For automotive enthusiasts when discussing beautiful cars from the past, it does provide its own satisfaction. Moreover, if these cars are one of the rare cars that are rarely known by the public. Well, on this occasion we will see and discuss beautiful cars from the 1990s which were indeed recorded as one of the eras that produced many beautiful car creations.
1991 Lotus Emotion Concept designed by Stilo Bertone and built based on Lotus Esprit chassis. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YcreJq)
An example is the Lotus Emotion Concept, a beautiful car created by Stilo Bertone, one of the famous Italian coachbuilders whose at that time collaborated with GM to create a body design for the Lotus Esprit. Not only does it look very modern in its current appearance, but there are also interesting stories behind the concept. Rumor has it, Bertone initially created the Emotion as a proposal design to become an epic Bugatti EB110 supercar.

However, Bertone was rejected by Marcello Gandini, who was chosen as the person responsible for designing its predecessor, Bugatti Veyron. After being rejected by Bugatti, Bertone then discarded a number of parts of the previous concept, which were deemed to be far-fetched to convince the Lotus Cars executives which were then used as the design foundation for a new Esprit. The concept car built on the Lotus Esprit chassis was first revealed at one of the world's famous automotive expo known as the North America International Auto Show held in 1991.
1991 Lotus Emotion Concept debuted at the 1991 North America International Auto Show (NAIAS) at Detroit as a static model. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YcreJq)
When viewed from its exterior appearance, this sports car which is the result of the design of the Stilo Bertone is clearly seen carrying the distinctive style of the 1990s that is thick with the pull of strong lines blended with an exotic of curved lines. After it was finished, the original form of Lotus Esprit did not appear. But unfortunately, according to several sources said that the concept car is a non-driving concept that was made for the purposes of design studies only.
1991 Lotus Emotion Concept has the same chassis as the Lotus Esprit (245 cm), but with a total length of more than 4 meters (406 cm) is really a very compact car. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YcreJq)
Even so, the Emotion, which was present as a show car at the 1991 NAIAS event, still looked beautiful, elegant with a classic touch that was harmonious with modernization in accordance with the trends at the time. The Emotion concept car has the same chassis as the Lotus Esprit (245 cm), but with a total length of more than 4 meters (406 cm) is really a very compact car. It is comparable to the Lancia Stratos or Lamborghini Bravo, two other impressive Bertone creations that also feature the same structure, based on a mid-mounted engine.
1991 Lotus Emotion Concept has the highly original use of glazed surfaces, with the side windows closing in towards the rear to create a pointed rear windscreen. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2YcreJq)
As quoted of carstyling.ru that the Lotus Emotion concept discreet elegance really stood out at the Detroit show, which was focussing on concepts derived from the field of bio-design. The design of the proportions and surfaces, with total attention to the elimination of stylistic excesses, creates a body with clean, elegant, and masterfully compact lines. The beltline is tight, smooth, and almost horizontal. An air inlet, placed under a panel fold, is the only detail to feature on the minimal, essential wings.
And in the style of the Turin-based designer, there is a highly original use of glazed surfaces, with the side windows closing in towards the rear to create a pointed rear windscreen. This singular design feature dictates the triangular shape of the roof. With the Emotion, Bertone and his team establish their distinctive design identity in the context of pure style. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | CARSTYLING.RU]
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