As we all know, there are a lot of three-wheeled vehicles made by a number of automotive companies in the world such as Campagna T-Rex, Polaris Slingshot, and others. Yes, unique vehicles like this usually appear as a combination of a car and a motorcycle.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89, a bizarre combination of the car and motorcycle will leave you scratching Your head. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
But among the many similar vehicles, there is one model that was previously not widely known by the public.Yes, recently in Italy found a three-wheeled vehicle which is appeared as a combination of car and motorcycle that are said to be made by BMW, one of the German automotive giant companies.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 while on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
As quoted from Rideapart.com, the blue-silver painted vehicle is known as the Modulo Car M89, which is described as a unique-shaped three-wheeler vehicle is built in 1997 by the German auto manufacturer and uses a powertrain taken from the BMW K75 (an old motorcycle produced by the company between 1985 and 1995). Unfortunately, there isn't much detailed information about this vehicle.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 has simple a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch, plus a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
Even so, it seems that the unique three-wheeled vehicle is able to present a pleasant sensation while drove it (although not mentioned whether it was a road-legal vehicle). And in June 2020 this unique vehicle was on display at an Italian auto dealer and listed up for sale by Autovergiate F.lli Rossi Srl at a price of € 38,000 or around Rp.612 million.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter which able to accommodate 2 passengers inside the cockpit. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
As quoted from Carscoops, this unique three-wheeled vehicle uses a 740 cc three-cylinder engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque which is then channeled through a 5-speed manual transmission system to drive its rear wheel. When compared with ordinary motorbikes, of course, the weight of this vehicle is heavier, so it has a different speed.
1997 BMW Modulo Car M89 uses a 740 cc three-cylinder BMW K75 engine that can produce around 75 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2D60AKo)
Uniquely, this vehicle applies a tandem seating layout like a jet fighter. Then to control this unique vehicle does not use a handlebar, but a steering wheel, gas pedal, brake, and clutch like a car, plus there is a manual transmission shifter sticking to the right of the steering wheel.
The exterior design looks unique like most other three-wheeled vehicles. The front bumper has a proportion of sports cars with low posture. Besides that, there is also a very thin and glass-clad cockpit that looks harmonious with the shape of the front fascia. While at the rear section mounted only one wheel, and there you will also notice dual exhausts and various air intakes that function to cool the engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOVERGIATE.IT | CARSCOOPS | RIDEAPART.COM]
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All automotive enthusiasts in the world have known the beauty of Italian cars. There are countless beautiful car models born from the skilled hands of the country's automotive designers and manufacturers. As from the beginning of the development of the world's automotive industry until now, it can be seen the contribution of the Italian companies were very dominant in bringing up the world's automotive trend.
The upcoming Iso Rivolta GTZ designed is directly inspired by the Iso Grifo A3/C and designed by Zagato. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fpfcBH)
And one of them is Iso, an Italian automotive manufacturer founded in Genoa by Renzo Rivolta in 1939 before moved to Bresso in 1942. Initially, this Italian company mainly built motorcycles and scooters, then in the 1950s, they decided to build a microcar.Today everyone knows about the BMW Isetta. However, at first, Iso produced the car itself, before they released the license. In the 60s and 70s, they also built four 'real' cars, such as Rivolta, Grifo, Fidia, and Lele. However, in 1974, there was one other thing behind it.
1964 Iso Grifo A3/C was the racing version of the Iso Grifo. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2CWTp7b)
If all goes well, a car called Iso will reappear 46 years later. The Italians show the first images of such a beautiful car called the Iso Rivolta GTZ. And if we look at the 'Z' letter of the car's name that stands for Zagato. So all of us agreed if the design is in good hands. Due to Zagato is one of the Italian renowned automotive designer and coachbuilder companies till today. In 2017, Zagato already presented a digital concept based on the classic Iso Rivolta.
The Iso Rivolta GTZ design sketchalso promises a lot of good design to emerge from it, like an old-fashioned Italian beauty. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ggWIEz)
Yes, we have seen what the car looks like. The Italian coachbuilder has shared the first sketch of Iso Rivolta GTZ. The sketch also promises a lot of good design to emerge from it, like an old-fashioned Italian beauty, because the design is directly inspired by the Iso Grifo A3/C.
If the Italian company wants to remain historically responsible, the upcoming IsoRivolta GTZ must choose to use the American V8 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fpfcBH)
As we all know that the A3/C was the racing version of the Iso Grifo. This car was designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Then the person who is trusted to handle the car's technical issues was Giotto Bizzarrini, the man behind the famous Ferrari 250 GTO. Later due to Bizzarrini disagreed with Renzo Rivolta, he quit and built the car under his own brand name.
Zagato will deliver the first IsoRivolta GTZ in October 2020 and built it for more than 4,500 Iso Rivolta Club Members and Owners worldwide. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3fpfcBH)
This special car now has a successor.But until now there are no technical details, but if the Italian company wants to remain historically responsible, they must choose the American V8 engine.Judging by Zagato's portfolios this does indeed seem to be happening. Let's see the classic Iso Grifo A3 of the 1960s and hear its roars.
And all we can do now is wait until October because that's a bit of a time clue from them about when this gorgeous car will be introduced. Now take a seat, relax, and be patient, because it promises to be another fine example of Italian designs. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | CHALLENGES.FR | TECHZLE]
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Most of the world's automotive enthusiasts already know the legendary Corvette car brand. Various Corvette models that are then produced are always becoming iconic vehicles. This, of course, is inseparable from the R&D efforts of the giant American automotive manufacturer, Chevrolet, which in fact had previously made a lot of concept vehicles to study how the production vehicles would later be made.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept while on display at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance was designed by Larry Shinoda and lives on thanks to the touch of the hands of Frank Winchell. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2P6FjSU)
Among the many concept vehicles ever made by the American car manufacturer, it turns out there is one concept car that is very rare, the Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept which was built in 1964. This is the only car in the world that can usually only can be seen at the Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept uses a 27 cubic inch all-aluminum V8 engine is capable of producing more than 400 hp to drive the rear wheels through a one-speed automatic transmission system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hJVzpb)
As quoted of Carscoops, unlike some other mid-engined Corvette prototypes, the GS IIB model was not made by Zora Arkus-Duntov. Instead, this sleek car model was designed by Larry Shinoda and lives on thanks to the touch of the hands of Frank Winchell.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept has a racing steering wheel, simple dashboard with instrument panel. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/39Ch60h)
Thanks to the use of thin aluminum material for the body, thus making this car weighs only 1,450 lbs (657 kg). The concept car has a design inspired by the Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT and uses a 327 cubic inch all-aluminum V8 engine that is placed behind the passenger and driver's seat. The engine is capable of producing more than 400 hp to drive the rear wheels through a one-speed automatic transmission system.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept while on display at the Petroleum Museum in Midland, Texas. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30PGgo4)
Just like some of the other mid-engined Corvette prototypes previously built by the American manufacturer for decades that did not reach the production line, the Corvette GS IIB was also unable to convince General Motors (GM) executives that it was a good idea to make a mid-ship sports car.
1964 Chevrolet Corvette GS IIB Concept uses of thin aluminum material for the body, thus making this car weighs only 1,450 lbs (657 kg). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hJVzpb)
However, its fate is still slightly better compared to many other car prototypes that failed to reach the production line which is usually being destroyed after its showtime were over. Yes, the Corvette GS IIB is now part of the collection of Jim Hall, an American racer and engineer.
Recently, at the beginning of March 2020, the Corvette GS IIB which was included in the very rare mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette prototype attended at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance to be on display with other iconic models. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ.COM | PETROLEUM MUSEUM | HEMMINGS.COM | CAR GUY CHRONICLES] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
To explore the possibility of a Corvair-based sports car, in the 1960s GM Design built the Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car, whose name was adopted from the famous Monza racing circuit in Italy.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car is built to explore the possibility of a Corvair-based sports car and designed by Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
This concept car was developed under the leadership of GM Design chief Bill Mitchell, and the Corvair Monza GT Concept is the work of Larry Shinoda and Tony Lapine. That was due to Shinoda's achievements as a designer of Corvette Stingray that made him asked to participate in designing this car.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car has first appeared before the public at the 1963 New York Auto Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
The car appearance looks so unique with the forward-slanting nose with its four small headlights and the absence of a grille looked distinctive and fresh. The car's lines were taut and athletic, a welcome step away from the American excess of just a few years prior.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car does not apply the usual doors like most existing cars. To be able to enter the cabin from this 2-seater concept car, you should be opened the whole of the car canopy. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
Uniquely this car does not apply the usual doors like most existing cars. To be able to enter the cabin from this 2-seater concept car, you should be opened the whole of the car canopy. This was the same door-type that also applied to the Chevrolet Corvair Testudo, another concept car that Bertone built-in 1963.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car interior has a black dashboard with simple instrument panels and able to accommodate two passengers in its cabin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
The Corvair Monza GT first appeared before the public at the 1963 New York Auto Show. The Monza GT used an engine adopted from the Corvair standard engine, which is a 6-cubic 145-inch inline engine with a capacity of 2,380 cc and is equipped with dual carburetors. From the machine, it can produce around 102 horsepower (76 kW) power.
1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza GT concept car used a mid-mounted 6-cubic 145-inch inline engine with a capacity of 2,380 cc and is equipped with dual carburetors. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/305Q1PX)
The Monza GT concept is built on a 16-inch shorter wheelbase than the standard version of Corvair. Then the engine mounted behind it is rotated 180 degrees from its normal position to create a real mid-engine car, which is combined with the rear-wheel-drive system.
Although at that time the Monza GT concept was believed by many people among automotive enthusiasts to enter the production line, in reality, this unique concept car was finally only present as a prototype, one of which might be due to the poor reputation of the Corvair model at that time.
And now this Corvair Monza GT concept car is one of the most iconic cars ever made by those American automotive giants. And if you want to see this legendary car, then you are welcome to see it on display at the GM Heritage Center in Michigan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ.COM]
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Plymouth XNR Concept was built in 1959 by Ghia and was introduced in 1960. The XNR Concept takes its name from the designer, Virgil M. Exner. And it designed as a high-powered sportscar, XNR Concept equipped with a 170 Slant Six engine which are prepared to the NASCAR specifications.
This machine is able to spewing of 250 horsepower, and making this concept car has a top speed of 150 mph or 241 km/h. Here is a Plymouth XNR Concept video of RM Auctions when they were auction this concept car in August 2012.
Although XNR Concept was built on a Plymouth Valiant wheelbase measuring 106 inches, the elongated body made an overall length to 195 inches. Meanwhile, the vehicle height is only 43 inches from the bottom to the top of the rear fin.
The frame of the XNR front grille constructed of heavy duty materials and this makes it weighs twice as much of the front bumper of regular car. In addition, in the rear bumper fitted the 'X' patterned, as a visual reminder of the car's name and its asymmetrical shape.
The most unique side of XNR Concept is the driver sitting behind the 'dramatic' curved windscreen, while a smaller folding glass available for passenger protection beside it. In addition, passenger seat also slightly lower than the driver, the designer thinking to minimize the negative effects of the wind.
Unfortunately after the launching, Chrysler assume XNR will not be sold on the market; even if there is market, but the XNR style will seem too 'extreme' to achieve good sales figures. Finally, Exner sudden dismissal in 1962 put an end to any XNR design chances that may (according to some circles) can be refined and become a competitor of the Ford Mustang in the future. See another unique Plymouth concept car. ***[EKA[03062015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUPERCARS.NET]
Again we talk about the concept car of the 1980s by discussing a concept car called the MG EX-E Concept made by a British sports car manufacturer, M.G. Car Company Limited. This concept car first appeared in public at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, which at the time could be said that the MG EX-E concept car had shocked the world's automotive circles, due to its design which was so attractive and very unexpected.
1985 MG EX-E Concept is a coupe-style sports car with low ground clearance, but it remains proportionate to the well-executed curvature bodied. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2OI3eYM)
At the time of this EX-E debut, the British company usually only offered the 'M' type cars, namely saloon and hatchback sports cars, so it was a pleasant surprise and the car concept described that the British company was still interested in the idea of designing and producing the pure two-seater sports cars.
1985 MG EX-E Concept is designed to use a 3.0-liter V6 engine alloy developed previously for the Metro 6R4 rally cars. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2OI3eYM)
The design of the front and windshield of the MG EX-E Concept at first glance looks similar to the Honda HP-X Concept that was designed by Pininfarina and launched in the previous year. The work on the project had begun at the BL Canley design studio earlier that year, and the design was done by Gordon Sked, director of external design, under the direction of Roy Ax.
The MG EX-E Concept is a coupe-style sports car with low ground clearance, but it remains proportionate to the well-executed curvature bodied. In addition, the car also has a cockpit 'dome' that seems inspired by the combination of Group C racing cars and fighter jet canopies.
1985 MG EX-E Concept's interior complements the 'dramatic' exterior is what the company describes as a ‘reflex information monitor’. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2OI3eYM)
Significantly, the body is completely devoid of spoilers, which paves the way for a new generation of cars that display neater and more aerodynamic body lines than their predecessors. The structure is also similar to the one used for the 1982 BL Technology Project ECV (Energy Conservation Vehicle) pilot project, featuring an aluminum frame with external plastic panels attached. Even the drag coefficient of MG EX-E itself is measured to reach 0.24.
1985 MG EX-E Concept's instrument panels featured a head-up display that displays important information such as engine speed under hard acceleration and cruising speed of the vehicle. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2OI3eYM)
On the side of the runway kitchen, the EX-E was designed to receive a 3.0-liter V6 engine alloy developed for the Metro 6R4 rally car, which was announced at the beginning of the same year. The car is also equipped with a four-wheel-drive system, wrapped in 245J17 7J tires. MG EX-E is claimed to be able to reach a top speed of 171 mph or 275 kph.
1985 MG EX-E Concept's body is completely devoid of spoilers, which paves the way for a new generation of cars that display neater and more aerodynamic body lines than their predecessors. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2OI3eYM)
Meanwhile, the car's interior complements the 'dramatic' exterior. Above the red LED display is what the company describes as a ‘reflex information monitor’, which is a head-up display that displays important information such as engine speed under hard acceleration and cruising speed of the vehicle. In addition, there are also futuristic-style phones, CD players, and sophisticated navigation systems. The microphone is mounted on the headrest with sound delivered through stereo speakers.
The concept received a good reception while on display in Frankfurt, therefore the EX-E Concept was able to keep the MG name shining in the world's automotive circles, until the company was completely reborn in 1995 with their latest model, MGF. In retrospect, this EX-E is arguably representing the starting point for the MGF project, both in design and mechanics. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1]
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Among Italian and American collaboration cars, which usually apply the beauty of Italian design to the muscular body of American cars to produce a new great and fast car. But not so with the following concept car named the Chevrolet Corvair Testudo.
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo is designed by Bertone's automotive designer named Giorgetto Giugiaro and launched at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WGkKRt)
This 1963 concept car looks very futuristic as a result of the design of a young talented automotive designer named Giorgetto Giugiaro who was still working at Bertone, a renowned Italian coachbuilder at the time.
Left side view of the 1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo with its canopy door-type opened. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/39et28k)
The concept car is built on a modified Chevrolet Corvair Monza platform. As we have seen, the donor car used for this concept car has many interesting things to say, such as the only mass-designed passenger car manufactured by a well-known American manufacturer that has a rear-mounted air-cooled engine.
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo has an interesting interior with a rectangular steering wheel, a pair of body-hugging seats, and the dials and buttons mounted on a one-piece, boomerang-shaped piece. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3eOx3Sa)
It was also the first GM-made car that had a unibody construction and the engine was originally tested in a Porsche 356. Then the astronauts of the Apollo mission were trained on Corvair-based moon rover in New Mexico and the car served as the basis for many other concepts, such as the 1961 Pininfarina Speciale and 1963 Monza GT, just to name a few.
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo is powered by a 2,732 cc or 2.4 liters air-cooled engine which is only capable of producing power of 81 horsepower. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E7eOe9)
At a glance, when viewed from the car concept that has quite an aerodynamic appearance, so it looks like this car can run up to speeds of 200 mph. But in reality, this concept car is powered by a 2,732 cc or 2.4 liters air-cooled engine which is only capable of producing power of 81 horsepower, so that the maximum speed that can be achieved is far below that number.
1963 Chevrolet Corvair Testudo has a quite aerodynamic body appearance. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WGkKRt)
Uniquely this car does not apply the usual doors like most existing cars. To be able to enter the cabin from this 2-seater concept car, you should be opened the whole of the car canopy. Besides that, the car also has an interesting interior with a rectangular steering wheel, a pair of body-hugging seats, and the dials and buttons mounted on a one-piece, boomerang-shaped piece.
Maybe that's why this concept car was named 'Testudo' which also means 'tortoise'. The Chevrolet Testudo concept car was first introduced to the public at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. Although the Testudo never made it to production despite some talks of a European-spec Corvair with a different design, its styling had an influence on the Lamborghini Miura and the Porsche 928.
And now the estimated price of this Testudo classic concept car is around $710,000 - $1.1 million, hmmm... In our opinion, that's worth it for such a one-off wheeled tortoise. What do You think? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1]
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The history of automotive collaboration between America and Italy has lasted a long time and produced many beautiful cars. And one of them is Bertone Ramarro, which is a slick result of Bertone Gruppo, a renowned automotive design house built on the American muscle car Chevrolet Corvette C4.
1984 Bertone Ramarro uses a chassis taken from a Chevrolet Corvette C4 donor car, along with its V8 engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BfAlQx)
This prototype concept car debuted in 1984 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. And the 'Ramarro' name itself comes from the Italian for 'green lizard'. Furthermore, Bertone Ramarro uses a chassis taken from a Chevrolet Corvette C4 donor car, along with its V8 engine but has used a fuel injection port taken from a newer Corvette model.
The engine remains standard, but the radiator and air conditioner have been moved to the rear of the car, replacing a spare tire that is moved to the front of the engine, to allow Bertone to design a more tapered Ramarro body. The front is also designed in such a way as to better airflow and aerodynamics.
1984 Bertone Ramarro is equipped with sliding doors that slide forward toward the nose of the car.(Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BfAlQx)
The only other mechanical change is the addition of experimental Michelin tires instead of the default Goodyear tires. This new tire measures 280/45 VR-17 for rear wheels and 240/45 VR-17 for front wheels. On the exterior, Ramarro is also equipped with sliding doors that slide forward toward the nose of the car, which allows easy access into the cabin in a narrow parking lot compared to conventional doors.
1984 Bertone Ramarro's interior maintains the Corvette digital instrumentation with an emergency brake handle.(Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BfAlQx)
The Bertone Ramarro's interior maintains the Corvette digital instrumentation with an emergency brake handle, but most of the original interior has been replaced by custom pieces. This concept features a bucket seat model seat with one part that can move as one seat as a whole but has a center console space.
1984 Bertone Ramarro is debuted in 1984 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.(Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BfAlQx)
In addition, the interior shades were also redesigned with specially patterned green leather chosen to match the exterior, resembling the color and texture of the lizard skin as a reference to the name 'Ramarro'. Finally, the Corvette's original automatic transmission was maintained but the shift lever was replaced by a large rotary gear selector on the center console.
Bertone originally intended to uncover Ramarro at the 1984 Turin Auto Show, but because Ramarro was built based on the American Corvette, so then they made the decision to reveal it at the LA Auto Show in the same year. At the event, Bertone Ramarro received an enthusiastic welcome and then in 1985 was awarded an award from Auto & Design for "bold ideas", which said gave the "Chevrolet Corvette a completely new personality." *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1]
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As quoted from Rideapart.com, the blue-silver painted vehicle is known as the Modulo Car M89, which is described as a unique-shaped three-wheeler vehicle is built in 1997 by the German auto manufacturer and uses a powertrain taken from the BMW K75 (an old motorcycle produced by the company between 1985 and 1995). Unfortunately, there isn't much detailed information about this vehicle.
