LAST ONES After some time ago, Lotus Cars had launched officially its first electric-powered hypercar, named Lotus Evija, again the British company had premiered its new sports car called the Lotus Emira which is projected to be the successor of its previous sports car line ups.
Lotus Emira which is projected to be the successor of its previous sports car line ups such the Evora, Elise and Exige. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
Previously, the Emira sports car was known by its code name, the Type 131 which was designed to fulfill the Lotus's promise of creating cars that were more useful and better equipped than previous models such as the Evora, Elise and Exige which will be replaced collectively.
Lotus Emira is also the last petrol-engined sportscar made by the Colin Chapman founded automotive manufacturer. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
Not only that, the Lotus Emira is also the last petrol-engined car of the Colin Chapman founded car manufacturer. After the Emira sports car, the Hethel, Norfolk based auto manufacturer will only develop and manufacture electric-powered sports cars and supercars. The sports car measures 4,412 millimeters (173.7 inches), 1,895 mm (74.6 inches) wide, 1,225 mm (48.2 inches) high, and its wheelbase stretching of 2,575 mm (101.3 inches) which makes it biggerthan Elise/Exige and also slightly bigger than Evora.
Lotus Emira's interior really shines over its predecessors featuring with a high-tech dashboard, a 12.3-inch digital steering screen plus a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. (Picture from: GridOto)
"Emira is a car game-changer for Lotus," said Matt Windle, Managing Director of Lotus Cars, as quoted from the official Lotus release. "This car is a junior supercar with all the thrill and distraction characteristics of Lotus cars but with comfort and functionality for everyday use," added Windle.
The Lotus Emira'First Edition' is powered by a supercharged V6 Toyota sourced engine and next batch to be powered by a 2,000 cc turbo four-cylinder engine as the result of the company's collaboration with Mercedes-AMG. (Picture from: GridOto)
The Lotus Emira is built using the Sports Car Architecture platform and is designed to follow the Lotus Evija design language. This sports car gets two engine options, namely a supercharged V6 engine from the Lotus Evora and a new turbo four-cylinder engine. What came first was the "First Edition" variant with a supercharged V6 Toyota sourced engine with a capacity of 3,456 cc. And only in the summer of 2022, the Lotus Emira will come with a 2,000 cc turbo four-cylinder engine as the result of the company's collaboration with Mercedes-AMG.
The automaker claims the power output of all Lotus Emira variants will be in the range of 360 hp to 400 hp, while torque is set at 430 Nm. The power and torque will be channeled to the wheels through a choice of manual, automatic, and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) transmissions.
Then what about the price? Lotus says that the cheapest Lotus Emira will be priced at less than £60,000 or approx Rp. 1.199 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS CARS | ID.MOTOR1 ]
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Unique ONES The Opel automotive manufacturer was founded in 1862 by Adam Opel, and also known as one of the German's oldest brands. Besides that the company is also known for part of its life as an automotive manufacturer had been under the General Motors flag.
The Opel CD (CD stands for Coupe Diplomat) Concept is built in the 1969, based on the Opel Diplomat and designed by Charles M. Jordan. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Therefore, in the early 1960s, this German automotive brand then opened its own design office in Rüsselheim, which was similar to the GM's studio in Michigan. The new division was formed with the main aim of creating a new "typical" design for Opel, which would be readable in every model produced by the manufacturer.
The Opel CD Concept is powered by a front-mounted 5.4 liter V8 engine capable of spitting out power of 230 horsepower. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
It's noted that the studio then succeeded in making designs of four-wheeled vehicles which later became models for the Opel's car production versions. It could be seen on its first creation called the Opel Experimental GT concept car, which was debuted at the 1965 Frankfurt Motor Show. Subsequently, the car was continued to enter the company's production line in 1968, named the Opel GT.
The Opel CD Concept is a spectacular grand tourer is gave a Candy Apple Red color, and debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show 1969. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The car was not only known by world automotive enthusiasts for its unusual pop-up headlight mechanism, is also famous as a mini Corvette from Germany. After the success of the cutie GT concept design, the Opel's internal design studio wanted to repeat it again by designing a more bigger and faster sports car. As is known at the time, the experimental design of the Mercedes-Benz C111 supercar, which debuted at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show, seemed to have contributed to the birth of this concept car from Opel.
The Opel Design team with the Opel CD concept which was shown at the 1969 Frankfurt Motor Show (Chuck Jordan third from right). (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
At that time, the head of the Opel's design department, George Gallion is believed that such a challenge was sufficient in Opel's strength, and therefore instructed designer Charles M. Jordan and his team to prepare "a matched rival model for its compatriot car manufacturer."
The Opel CD Concept's interior is made in a futuristic style which has also been featured with a telephone, climate control. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
Due to tight deadlines, so there is no talk of any production version based on the mentioned concept car. The Opel concept car is intended only as a study design. This is not only gives the designers more freedom of action, but also makes the work of the engineers more flexible. Furthermore, it turned out that the car creation as a show car to be right, due to at the expo, Mercedes-Benz representatives said that the C111 was not intended to be a production model and was only an experimental ones. After considering all the pros and cons, then the Opel management decided to do the same.
The Opel CD Concept's body panels are made of lightweight fiberglass and stretched over a lightweight roll bar. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
The concept car was presented by Opel for the first time in Frankfurt 1969 and was given the name of the Opel CD Concept (CD stands for Coupe Diplomat). Visually, it's a spectacular grand tourer is gave a Candy Apple Red color, and built based on the Opel Diplomat A, but once it's turned into the CD Concept, the shape of the donor could not seen anymore. The concept car is powered by a 5.4 liter V8 engine capable of spitting out power of 230 horsepower.
The Opel CD Concept does not have the doors for access into the cabin, instead the windshield made such an airplane canopy, which is raised forward by
using hydraulic supports along with all the roof-side parts. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)
While on the bodywork, the concept car received an original tail that had been refined in the wind tunnel. Even then the body panels are made of lightweight fiberglass and stretched over a lightweight roll bar, but the head optics such on the GT model was not seen in use. The Opel CD Concept's main feature is the windshield made such an airplane canopy, which is raised forward by using hydraulic supports along with all the roof-side parts.
So, it does not have the doors for access into the cabin. Although this solution seems very impractical, it has one big advantage, the CD Concept adopts almost invisible A-pillars, which contributes to better forward visibility. But it will be made a tricky matter for those who are short to hop in the car cabin, because the height of the Opel concept car exceeds one meter.
The Bitter CD is first built in the 1973 as much as 395 units during its production periods up to 1979. (Picture from: BitterCars)
The interior is made in a futuristic style which has also been featured with a telephone, climate control. Both the front seats are made immobile, but the driver's seat can be adjusted according to the position of the pedals and the steering column. In general, the Opel CD Concept was able to snatch a piece of glory from the Mercedes-Benz C111 at the Frankfurt Motor Show 1969 and also its life did not end there.
The Bitter CD's interior approach to modernism was one of blocky volumes, not unlike what would become mainstream in American cars in the ’80s. (Picture from: FavCars)
It turned out that GM's Michigan boss was unhappy with Opel's management's decision not to release the CD Concept into the production version, given the public reaction at the event. In short, then they found a win-win solution to produce the concept car through a new auto company in which would be help technically by Opel.
The Bitter CD's bodywork made by Baur, and the mechanical components were supplied by Opel. (Picture from: BitterCars)
Then General Motors commissioned Pietro Frua, one of the leading Italian coachbuilders to create two CD Concept prototypes that would look more understated than the concept car showing in Frankfurt. And in the opinion of the GM representatives, the Italian coachbuilder did a great job. Despite its appearance, hardly anyone will deny that the car has lost a lot of its former charm.
General Motors then entrusted the production of the sports coupe to Erich Bitter Automobil GmbH, a new automotive company founded by former racer Erich Bitter whose previously known his bussiness venture with Turin-based automaker, Intermeccanica. Furthermore, the bodywork of the sports car which retained its concept name is done by Baur, and the mechanical components were supplied by Opel. As the result was the Bitter CD, which went into production line ranging from 1972 to 1979.
The Bitter CD is built only 395 coupes in seven full years of production and positioned as an exclusive grand tourer, as indicated by its price (it was sold of the DM 58,400 at the time). After the CD models, the company made another models, but it was another parts of the company stories. Today, besides known as a tuning studio specializing in Opel cars, the Bitter is also a premium sports-luxury automobile marque produced in Germany and later Austria. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BITTERCARS | CARSTYLING.RU | BRINGTRAILER | MIDCENTURYMODERNFREAK | LOTUSESPRIT ]
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Even though the Covid-19 pandemic is still raging all over the world, the world's automotive industry currently looks vibrant and excited, this is indicated by the proliferation of new high-tech automotive products launched by the automotive industry players. As recently, Audi AG, a German automaker, officially introduced its future electric-powered convertible sports car concept called the Audi skysphere concept, on Friday, August 13, 2021.
The Audi skysphere concept shows how the brand is redefining luxury in the future. (Picture from: Audi Media-Center)
As qouted of the CNN, the German manufacturer said that the Audi skysphere concept was designed for two different driving experiences, namely a grand touring and sporty experiences and inspired by the Horch 853 (the 1930s roadster). It can be realized due to the use of the spectacular variable wheelbase technical features to complement of its advance autonomous driving technology, plus another advance features such the automatic parking and independent battery charging systems.
The Audi skysphere concept's grille is actually an LED light display. (Picture from: CNN)
As a future vehicle concept with all the sophistication digital features, the Audi skysphere concept then makes its interior as an interactive space thanks to an advance digital ecosystem. Well, only with one soft touch of the button, the driver immediately chooses the driving experience according to his choice, because the Audi's sports car concept has provided two driving options, namely "Sport" and "Grand Touring".
The Audi skysphere concept was inspired by the 1930s Horch 853. (Picture from: CNN)
The application of electric motor technology and advanced mechanisms, allowing the body and frame components of the car to vary the wheelbase and exterior length of the car by up to 250 millimeters from end-to-end. At the same time, the vehicle's ground clearance can also be adjusted up to 10 millimeters to improve driving dynamic and comforts. All this is possible because the Audi skysphere concept is an electric car powered by a motor that's mounted behind the seats. That means there's not much under the hood to get in the way as the front end moves forward and backward.
The Audi skysphere concept's hood moves backward to make the car shorter for sportier driving. (Picture from: CNN)
As the driver selects the 'Sports' driving mode option, the wheelbase is automatically reduced, while the rear-wheel drive ensures that the vehicle remains extremely agile despite the reduced dimensions. Or if the driver chooses to drive in the 'Grand Touring' mode, then the Audi skysphere concept's computer system will automatically take over the steering system to then drive the vehicle autonomously and direct it to its previous mentioned destination safely, because the sensor system automatically then keep an eye on the road and traffic around the vehicle.
The Audi skysphere concept interior upholstery made in sustainably produced microfiber fabric. (Picture from: Audi Media-Center)
In this mode, the steering wheel and pedals move inward until they are no longer visible, so the driver and car passengers can enjoy they ride while enjoying the sky and the scenery in comfort due to the provision of maximum legroom, and the services offered by the seamlessly integrated digitally ecosystem. As explained by Henrik Wenders, the Audi AG Head of Brand, likely it was a whole new driving experience for such sporty convertible.
The Audi skysphere concept is the name of the electric-powered, two-door convertible whose lines lead directly to the Audi design of tomorrow. (Picture from: Audi Media-Center)
The Audi skysphere concept has electric drive components between the front axle and windshield, such as a DC/DC charger and converter, plus actuators and other electronic devices. "New technologies such as electrification, digitization and autonomous driving systems," says Gael Buzyn, the Audi's design project manager. It no wonder, if its 465 kilowatts of power and 750 Newton meters of torque feels so light to push a roadster have weight of 1,800 kilograms to run faster on the streets.
Likely, the Audi skysphere concept was a whole new driving experience for such sporty convertible. (Picture from: Audi Media-Center)
The Audi skysphere roadster concept has the battery module especially positioned behind the cabin, assisted by about 60 percent of the powerful weight distribution on the rear axle provides traction and acceleration which is claimed to be the ideal configuration for the car's center of gravity and agility, no wonder if it capable to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph within four seconds.
Furthermore, the modules can be found in between the seats in the middle of the Audi skysphere interior other positions by chosen to support the vehicle dynamics. Its battery capacity is expected to be more than 80 kWh, providing a cruising range more than 500 kilometers in accordance with the standard WLTP, at least more economical in the GT mode.
Audi skysphere active suspension plays a key role in the versatility of the car's handling characteristics. While it run, each wheel could be raised or lowered selectively to compensate for unevenness and undulation in the road surface as the resulting of the symbiosis between the navigation system's digital prediction and the advanced active chassis actuation and control system.
While for its legs, the German manufacturer embed four aerodynamic-style alloy 23 inches sized rims, wrapped in 285/30 tires so it can produce the perfect balance between the suitability for remote trips thanks to minimal rolling resistance with sporty and active driving styles with high longitudinal and lateral acceleration. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUDI MEDIA-CENTER | CNN ]
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Modern LOOKSMercedes Benz has always been known as one of the world's automotive giants who have produced many phenomenal cars, such as in the 1950s with the Mercedes Benz 300SL which pioneered the gullwing door types, then in the late 1960s the German's manufacturer also had time to make several phenomenal experimental cars known as the Mercedes Benz C111 series which coincidentally also adopted the similar gullwing door types.
Mercedes Benz Ciento Once prototype with its gullwing doors opened is built by GWA Tuning in 2011 and inspired by the Mercedes-Benz C111 experimental car series. (Picture from: Extravaganzi)
As we know the Mercedes Benz C111 experimental car series were made from 1969 to 1979 in several models which were mostly powered by a Wankel rotary engine (perhaps to follow the trend at the time). The car series also had made history as the world's fastest car through one of its cars, the C111-III powered by a turbo diesel engine in 1978 and continued to 1979 with the C111-IV 'Rekordwagen'. Unfortunately, now the names 300SL and C111 are just a memory and people are starting to forget, besides there are many more innovative cars with faster performance.
Three generations of the Mercedes-Benz C111 research car series, ie 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I (left), 1970 Mercedes Benz C111-II (middle), and 1969 Mercedes Benz C111-I first prototype (right) posed together. (Picture from: Pinterest)
A different thing happened to the legendary gullwing door types which seems to be still applied by the German manufacturer, and lastly the kind of door types was pinned on the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG of the 2012. Meanwhile in 2011, the Gullwing America (GWA) Auto Design & Tuning, an automotive company based in San Antonio, Texas produces and sells 1 unit (yes, only 1 unit!) a car that is touted as a modern interpretation of the Mercedes Benz C111 which is named GWA Ciento Once (meaning "one hundred eleven/111" in Spanish) and applied the gullwing door types as a homage for the two legendary models.
Mercedes
Benz Ciento Once prototype has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. (Picture from: Luxuo)
This GWA Tuning car has a handmade aluminum body mounted on a strong and lightweight construction tubular space-frame chassis. Dimensionally, the Ciento Once is slightly different from the C111 concept car, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), its weight is similar at 1,400 kg, applied the upgraded modern suspension with coil-overs and the brakes of Mercedes Benz S55 AMG. It is intended that the Ciento Once's engine big power can be controlled better.
Mercedes
Benz Ciento Once prototype is slightly different from the C111 experimental car series, with a shorter wheelbase (2,616 mm), but has a similar weight of 1,400 kg. (Picture from: Luxuo)
Yes, indeed, the burst of engine power from the Ciento Once is no longer the same as the C111 experimental car series is used the four-rotor Wankel rotary engine or the inline 5-cylinder turbodiesel. Due to the one-off GWA Tuning car has used a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust, as used in the Pagani and Koenigsegg supercars.
Mercedes
Benz Ciento Once prototype's cabin has two carbon fiber seats without
finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the
classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. (Picture from: Luxuo)
Furthermore, to support its running performance, on the aerodynamic side, at the front of the Ciento Once, a spoiler with large air intakes is attached to maximize the aerodynamics of the car inspired by the C111 which was the most aerodynamic car of its time. Besides that, there is also an adjustable Spoiler Wing feature that can be adjusted electronically, as well as a diffuser on the back. For the legs, GWA Tuning has installed SLS-style equipment, such as the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in 265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear.
Mercedes
Benz Ciento Once prototype's legs featured with the GWA Type-A five-spoke concave wheels with a modern retro design
measuring 19 inches in front and 20 inches behind, which are wrapped in
265/35/19 tires at the front and 295/30 /20 at the rear. (Picture from: Luxuo)
In the interior, GWA Tuning carefully installs carbon fiber seats without finishing, and for the design details, for a moment it reminds us of the classic figure of the Mercedes Benz W120R 'Ponton'. This is thanks to the use of polished aluminum that reflects light, both from the dashboard panels, to the pedals, door sills (including the AC control, entertainment and navigation system devices) in retro style but still feels modern, due to the massive use of carbon fiber which gives a sporty impression as well.
Mercedes
Benz Ciento Once prototype is powered by a M120 Mercedes V12 engine that produces a robust 408 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed Cima H-type transaxle and a special tuned exhaust. (Picture from: Luxuo)
Thus, when viewed to the final result, it is clear that the GWA Ciento Once shows the love of Arturo Alonso, the boss of GWA Tuning for the C111 experimental car series, and of course the price would not be cheap, especially considering that it produced just 1 unit only. Off course somehow, the one-off Ciento Once's prestige, exclusivity, and nostalgia feeling is difficult to measure with money, even it could be leveled if it compared to the similar expensive exclusive cars that have been made by other manufacturers such as Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ferrari, and others.
It is not known whether this Ciento Once car has ever been realized into real world, because as far as we know the GWA's one-off car made in 2011 has never been heard of again. Even the automaker are no longer visible in cyberspace, because everything related to the GWA Tuning's sites has no longer existed in cyberspace.😭 Does anyone know about this American automotive company?🏁 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | PEDAL2METAL | TOPSPEED | THEVRL | BENZTUNING | LUXUO ]
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The MOST ONES Since its founding by Horacio Pagani in 1992, Pagani Automobili SpA. or commonly known as Pagani only produces two supercar models (Zonda & Huayra). However, the Italian premium car manufacturer is able to provide more modern changes and more fierce performance on the two production supercar models from time to time.
Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is built to celebrate 10th Huayra model anniversary, which is now also equipped
with sophisticated technical touches from the Pagani's craftsmen at its factory.(Picture from: StrainsMedia)
After last in April 2021 the company was reported would launch soon the road-legal Pagani Zonda Revolucion model, but what happened recently turned out that the premium car manufacturer based in San Cesario sul Panaro, Italy introduced the Huayra new model is claimed to be more powerful named the Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta (means the 'Storm Packages').
Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is powered by a 6.0 liter V12 AMG engine plus a pair of turbochargers that capable of spitting out the peak power of up to 827 horsepower and producing torque of 1,100 Nm. (Picture from: StrainsMedia)
Pagani made the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta to celebrate 10th Huayra model anniversary, which is now also equipped with sophisticated technical touches from the craftsmen at its factory in San Cesario sul Panaro, Italy. As the car body main material, Pagani still uses carbon fiber material which is then given a color touch of dark green which is dominant throughout its body, only in certain parts of the car center such as the roof, cockpit and hood, which are given a different touch of dark gray color.
Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is applied a new suspension system that makes it dubbed as one of the best road cars, as well as the fastest. (Picture from: StrainsMedia)
Meanwhile, for the drivetrain is said to have undergone an update, in which Pagani pinned a 6.0 liter V12 AMG engine plus a pair of turbochargers that capable of spitting out the peak power of up to 827 horsepower and producing torque of 1,100 Nm. The ferocity of the car's engine power is then combined with a new suspension system that makes the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta one of the best road cars, as well as the fastest. Although the actual top speed numbers that can be achieved by the car has not been disclosed by the Italian car manufacturer.
For your information, as we all knew, the standard Huayra BC is able to penetrate 100 kph in three seconds and capble to reach a top speed of 370 kph. If you look at the engine embedded by Pagani into the BC Pacchetto Tempesta is said to have been updated, so its performance should be above the achievement figures of the Huayra BC standard model.
Pagani Huayra R is dubbed as the most extreme Pagani Hypercar made exclusively for use on the track. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
The Pagani Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta also features the latest air intake which is placed behind the seat, and when compared to the standard model, the spoiler feature has also been changed by adding an additional fin in the middle.
Pagani Huayra R is powered by a naturally aspirated V-12, rather than the Mercedes-AMG 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 used in all previous versions of the Huayra. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
Furthermore, the number of exhausts also increases, if the standard Huayra BC only has four exhausts, the BC Pacchetto Tempesta is equipped with two additional exhausts so that the total of this latest model has six exhausts. To increase driving comfort, Pagani also added a "Soft" driving mode.
Pagani
Huayra R was developed with help from Mercedes motorsports partner HWA, which currently runs the automaker's Formula E race team. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
However, it is not known yet the official price of the Huayra BC Pacchetto Tempesta is. It seems, Pagani will sell its latest supercar higher than the BC Standard model which is sold at a price of around $2.55 million or around Rp. 36.7 billion.
After the Pacchetto Tempesta aka the Storm Packages launched, in the near future the company will be launching the mythical Pagani Huayra R at the Quail Lodge Golf Club at Monterey Car Week. Pagani Automobili SpA. will display the Huayra R’s naturally aspirated V12-R engine, six-speed sequential gearbox, and Carbo-Titanium HP62-G2/Carbo-Triax HP62 monocoque frame for everyone to see and admire. Shall we wait for futher news! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STRAINSMEDIA | MOTORAUTHORITY ]
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Most Oddly Kind - The end of the 1960s in the perspective of the racing world was the heyday for the Ford GT40 in various world racing events. This tough racing car made by the American automotive giant Ford Motor Company is said to have triumphed over a number of tough rivals such as Ferrari, Porsche and others.
Marcos Mantis XP is a uniquely shaped car developed in the 1968 by a British automotive manufacturer named Marcos Engineering Ltd. (Picture from: Motor1)
So it is not surprising that Ford's race car, which was built by adopting future designs and combined nicely with this high-performance engine, then invites many parties to make like those Ford's race cars. One of them is a uniquely shaped car called the Marcos Mantis XP developed by a British automotive manufacturer named Marcos Engineering Ltd. in the 1968.
The
front and rear ends of the Marcos Mantis XP is open upward, giving it a look that this Mantis
is shedding a layer of skin. (Picture from: FavCars)
At the time, the British car manufacturer is intended to fight for footing in the world's performance car market. Although at the end the manufacturer has never shown any of its own cars in the global high performance car market. Many said that the Mantis XP is designed by Dennis Adams who at the time worked for the car company.
Marcos Mantis XP's plexiglass cabin and engine compartment are its signature feature, a design trait that give the Mantis its futuristic appeal. (Picture from: Motor1)
The Marcos Mantis XP is truly one-of-a-kind, and its strange styling makes it one of the most visually striking automobiles we’ve seen today. So the car design was breathtaking for 1968, if not unconventional, and it remains so today. It could be seen of its plexiglass cabin and engine compartment are its signature feature, a design trait that give the Mantis its futuristic appeal.
Marcos Mantis XP is powered by a mid-mounted BRM-Repco V8 Formula 1 engine, whose cylinders rose into
the clear-covered engine compartment in the rear of the vehicle. (Picture from: Motor1)
The vertical plexiglass doors swing
upward and a small window slides forward for a bit of fresh air. The
front and rear ends also open upward, giving it a look that this Mantis
is shedding a layer of skin. The body design is at once angular and
curvy, with a chopped rear end and curvy front fenders that give it an
aggressive appearance. The Marcos Mantis XP fit this formula well, as its future-forward design
and muscle-heavy heartbeat earned it a debut on the world championship
racing circuit.
Marcos Mantis XP is truly one-of-a-kind, and its strange styling makes it one of the most visually striking automobiles we’ve seen today. (Picture from: Motor1)
It was powered by a mid-mounted BRM-Repco V8 Formula 1 engine, whose cylinders rose into the clear-covered engine compartment in the rear of the vehicle. This powertrain was enough to compete with the world’s top race cars, despite the electrical problems which stopped it at the Spa 1000km.😢
The 1968 Marcos Mantis XP looked quite out-of-place at its debut during the Spa 24 Hours race in Belgium. Flanked by the curvy Fords, Porsches and Ferraris of the late 60s, unfortunately this odd and angular beast is failed to participated the Spa race due to electrical problems, and has been warehoused since then until its recent resurrection by a careful restoration in California by the current owner, Ned Morris. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || 24H-LEMANSPORNOWHEELS | CLASSICDRIVER | MOTOR1 | DRIVETRIBE | SUPERCARS.NET | WIKIPEDIA ]
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The automaker claims the power output of all Lotus Emira variants will be in the range of 360 hp to 400 hp, while torque is set at 430 Nm. The power and torque will be channeled to the wheels through a choice of manual, automatic, and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) transmissions. 
