Weird ONES - Isuzu Motor Limited or Isuzu is a Japanese automotive company whose products are currently mostly concentrated on commercial vehicles. Well, who would have thought if the Japanese car manufacturer had ever tried to make an unusual car concept powered by a Formula 1 racing engine named Isuzu Como F1 Concept shortly after the car manufacturer thrown away its dream to be famous in the racing world.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept was deliberately created by Isuzu as a car show to support the company's marketing strategy for the commercial vehicles it produces. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
How can it be? As quoted of CarThrottle, back in the 1990s, Isuzu, one of the world's famous Japanese manufacturers had intention to participate the racing world. To smooth out its intention, the Japanese manufacturer then held a secret project to develop a V12 3,500 cc petrol racing engine codenamed P799WE capable of pouring out a maximum power of about 640 hp at 12,500 rpm.
Though this car is in the style of a pickup, the design that is imprinted on its exterior and engine it used makes it worthy of the title as a supercar too. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Indeed, not many people know that Isuzu, better known for its diesel engine, actually had ever made a Formula 1 racing engine. At the time, the machine was developed by four mysterious engineers whose identities are still unknown until today. In short, due to this Japanese car company does not have any single racing car, so when the engine is finished they felt a little confused, where to install it.
This is a 3.5 liter, Formula One-spec V12 engine called the P799WE developed by Isuzu back in the 1990s. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Coincidentally at that time Lotus, a Formula 1 racing team was facing a problem with its Lotus 102B racing car related to the engine weight (at that time it was still using a Lamborghini-made V12 engine). And Isuzu saw this as an opportunity for its newly developed engine to enter the Formula 1 racing world.
Apparently at that time the goddess of luck was clearly overshadowing the Japanese manufacturer, because Isuzu and the Lotus were under the same parent company, namely General Motors (GM). Not long after Isuzu contacted GM, so they decided that the Japanese company could install its newly developed engine in the engine weight troubled race car of Lotus.
One of the Lotus 102 racing cars like this was tested at the Silverstone Circuit, England by using the Isuzu P799WE engine. (Picture from: Pinterest)
However, because the Isuzu P799WE engine is very different from the previous engine. After being tricked, such as by adding an 80 kg alternator, finally the Isuzu P799WE engine can be installed into space previously filled by the larger Lamborghini engine. It seems just installed casually to the Lotus 102B chassis, and the car was later given name of theLotus 102C.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept measures approximately 4,600 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,370 mm in height and a wheelbase of around 2,950 mm. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
It is true, success comes from a well-planned work process, not casually work. It seems that this also applies to the Lotus 102C race car, when tested at the Silverstone Circuit, England its record time was not good enough (perhaps because the engine was just installed casually). Nevertheless the Isuzu P799WE engine still has the opportunity to develop even better because it considered more lighter in weight and has a better sound than the Lamborghini engine previously used.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept looks like an ordinary two-seater supercar from the 1990s, unfortunately there's no info about its performance. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
But fate said otherwise, Isuzu's participation in the world of Formula 1 racing never actually happened because at that time Japan was experiencing complicated economic problems that required Isuzu to rethink and choose whether to continue the racing project or to be more focus on commercial cars production. After careful consideration, then the Japanese automaker decided to cease its racing project to be focus to more profitable commecial car production.😉
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept was shown for the first time in public at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Then what is the fate of the newly developed Isuzu P799WE engine? Indeed, the Japanese automaker is not thrown it away or just left it idle. Well, after being removed from the Lotus racing car chassis, the mentioned Formula One engine had installed in a futuristic design super-pickup concept called the Isuzu Como F1 Concept, which is began to be built in the 1991.
Interior view of the Isuzu Como F1 concept when it sat on display at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991. (Picture from: GTPlanet.net)
Creating supercar concept is nothing new for Isuzu because previously this Japanese automaker in collaboration with Lotus had ever made a supercar called the Isuzu 420R in 1989. In appearance, even though this car is in the style of a pickup, the design that is imprinted on its exterior makes it worthy of the title as a supercar too, especially coupled with the use of an Formula 1 engine mounted in the middle, and the embedding of scissor doors such as usually installed on the Lamborghini car models. This unique car measures approximately 4,600 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,370 mm in height and a wheelbase of around 2,950 mm.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept existences was really a testament to Isuzu’s untapped potential as a carmaker. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Unfortunately there are no official performance figures related to this Isuzu super-pickup concept after being embedded with the P799WE engine, for your info, this is the only one Isuzu made car used a mid-mounted engine. It seems that the super-pickup concept was deliberately created as a car
show to support the company's marketing strategy for the commercial
vehicles it produces. And the Isuzu Como F1 Concept was shown for the first time in public at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991.😎
Although we will never find the existence of the production version, because the Japanese automaker never produced it commercially, and many people might be thought that a pickup powered by a Formula One-spec V12 engine is a completely ridiculous and crazy idea. Nevertheless the Isuzu Como F1 was one of the coolest concept cars of the 1990s and also really a testament to the potential that Isuzu has as an automaker. Unfortunately, the existence of the Isuzu Como F1 after the exhibition has never been known whether it still exists or not.😢
But for those of you who are still curious about the existence of the Isuzu P799WE engine. It still exists today, and is stored at Tamiya's headquarters, not at Isuzu's HQ. How come? Because in the past, Tamiya was the major sponsor of the Lotus F1 racing team, so that's why those Lotus 102C's engine was stored at its headquarters.😌 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | 24HOURSOFLEMONS | GTPLANET.NET | ALLCARINDEX | CARSTYLING.RU ]
Weird ONES Many strange cars milling around without knowing by us. So, once we meet these kinds of vehicles, we are surprised. Then asked yourself, why is there a car like that? So why is its shape like that, doesn't match with the badge? The same thing happened when we found the figure of a vehicle like that.
1994 EBM Tazio Spyder is designed by Pininfarina to be built by Eric Booth Motors (EBM) then proposed to the Molsheim-based automaker for possible production. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
While surfing the internet we came across some pictures on Ultimatecarpage showing a roadster with Bugatti badges on all sides, and the Bugatti name in big letters at rear is attended on an automotive event in England back in 2005. Upon closer look at, it was not had and carried typical styles which is usually existed on the Bugatti car today. Then what car is it? Frankly, we are curious, maybe you are too.
As You can see the EBM Tazio Spyder has Bugatti badges on front, and all sides. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
To be able to end those curiosity of us, then we look for information related to the mentioned car in cyberspace. Finally we found related information from the BugattiPage sites, it turned out that the car was not produce from the world's renowned car manufacturer based in Molsheim, France, but made by an automotive company from South Africa named Eric Booth Motors (EBM) back in 1994.
The EBM Tazio Spyderalso hasthe Bugatti name in big letters at rear. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
It is known that the South African automotive company was recorded to have made about six or
seven concept cars, presumingly with funds from a few British car
enthusiasts, in order to offer them to the major European car
manufacturers.
The vehicle needs to be viewed to fully appreciate its fine engineering excellence as You can see at the EBM Spyder's cabin. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Initially the project done by the Cape Town based company reportedly also involved Pininfarina, an Italian well-known automotive design house to make the design and the resulting car was named EBM Tazio were made in the mid-90s as many as three units, consisting two speedsters and one coupe, before the project was ceased.
The EBM Tazio Spyder powered by a 5.7L V8 mid-mounted engine of Chevrolet with 400-420 BHP coupled with Audi 5-speed transaxle gearbox. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The vehicle needs to be viewed to fully appreciate its fine engineering excellence. Initially it used a 4.0L V8 BMW's engine, apparently that motor didn't match the expectations of the engineers, which is why they switched to a 5.7L V8 mid-mounted engine of Chevrolet with 400-420 BHP. The engine coupled with Audi 5-speed transaxle gearbox.
Besides the Tazio Spyder model, the South African Auto maker also built The EBM Tazio Coupe. (Picture from: BugattiPage)
And for its legs supporting by an advanced suspension system also taken from Audi, while its brake system used the BMW's parts. Its performance said to be made an acceleration from zero to 100 kph under 5 second and achieved top speed beyond 301.5 kph.
The EBM Tazio Coupe as well as the spyder said to be made an acceleration from zero to 100 kph under 5 second and achieved top speed beyond 301.5 kph. (Picture from: GTPLanet.net)
While in terms of shape, it seen those EBM-made cars, which is said to have been designed by Pininfarina, looks more like a Ferrari-made by than Bugatti. Then why then one of those cars that carries the speedster style using Bugatti badge? 😎
The EBM Tazio Coupe has a unique roof scoop functioned as the air channeling for engine cooling. (Picture from: BugattiPage)
As quoted of Ultimatecarpage, the only one unit built in Bugatti badged trim proposed to the Molsheim-based automaker for possible production. Unfortunately, it didn't work and it still to be one-off prototype as You can see today along with its Tazio Coupe sibling.
The EBM Tazio Coupe (left) posed along with the Spyder (right) while being built by the company. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Well, among two of the spyders mentioned above that were being worked on at that time, there was 1 unit that was not completed yet when the project ceased. As quoted of Catawiki, the unfinished unit some time ago, precisely in 2018 was offered for sale.
Regarding the sale of the unfinished car unit above, currently it is unknown whether it was sold or not. It's indeed very difficult to obtain information related to the EBM automaker, because actually the company has out of business since the 2000s. 😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTIPAGE | CATAWIKI | VROOM VROOM | ULTIMATECARPAGE | GTPLANET.NET | LOT-ART | FACEBOOK EB-MANX | FLICKRIVER | ALLCARINDEX ]
Maestro Works Talking about the uniqueness of Luigi Colani's work, a renowned contemporary industrial designer may never end, even though the designer passed away in 2019. This is not surprising, because this German designer has been active in the modern industrial world since the early 1950s to the second millennium, with his work segmenting diverse, not only from the automotive world but also the world of aviation, buildings to household furniture.
The Colani Mamba Concept made by Luigi Colani back in 1998 to 1999 is reportedly built as a design study for new model of Dodge Viper. (Picture from: Colani)
As a designer, Luigi Colani is famous for his design lines imitated various naturally dynamic forms which later developed his creative language called Biodesign, made up of often exaggerated roundness, which evoke the dynamism and vitality of an object, as the result seems quirky and unique. If you look closely, Colani applies the Biodesign style on many his vehicle works to interpret what he called as natural forms which has none or minimal straight lines so they give a unique and quirky impression.
Luigi Colani posed along with his car creations, such the Mamba Concept, Ferrari Testa D'Oro, and many others. (Picture from: RawViper)
The Colani Mamba Concept is described the maestro's interpretation about an American modern muscle car such as the Dodge Viper. (Picture from: AleSupercars)
Besides that, it turns out there is a vehicle of the designer which in our opinion is very unique so that it invites great our curiosity as well. Unlike his other works, the mentioned car model named the Colani Mamba Concept made by Luigi Colani back in 1998 to 1999 is reportedly built as a design study for new model of Dodge Viper.
The
Colani Mamba Concept when viewed as a whole from the front, You would
seen all of pull of the lines and curves unity became into a Mamba snake's
head shape. (Picture from: Sumally)
It is not known whether this project was carried out by Colani under his own initiative or in collaboration with Chrysler, the American auto giant as the owner of the Dodge car brand at the time.
The Colani Mamba Concept is described the maestro's interpretation about an American modern muscle carwith an optimized
airflow so no spoiler required. (Picture from: OcalaAutoRepair)
Apart from that in our opinion, there is something very interesting about this concept car when viewed as a whole from the front, You would seen all of pull of the lines and curves unity became into a Mamba snake's head shape, thus maybe that's why the car concept is called as it.
The Colani Mamba Concept (middle) posed along with the original 1999 Dodge Viper (left) and the Colani-Getra's Dodge Viper coupe remodel versions (far right). (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
The car concept is described as a Colani's
modern interpretation of an American muscle car with an optimized
airflow so no spoiler required, and has a matching side view as well.
One of original Dodge Viper remodeledversions (in coupe style) by Colani in collaboration with a Köln-based automotive company, Autohaus Getra in the 1999. (Picture from: RawViper)
As what we've quoted from several sources, especially the Luigi Colani Design Museum, the mentioned concept car is just a rolling body model without doors and windows and the black sections are painted. However, the plan will be powered by a V10 engine capable of blowing a maximum power of up to 900 hp.😉
One of original Dodge Viper remodeled versions (in coupe style) featured with additional headlights by Colani in collaboration with a Köln-based automotive company, Autohaus Getra in the 1999. (Picture from: ReddIt)
This one-off rolling body model has been showcased by the maestro at several events around the world, and before it sold in October 2019 had shown in Joop Stolze Classic Cars showroom in De Lier, Netherland, lastly was seen stored in the Milan Sesto scrapyard in Italy along with the Mazda Le Mans and other 4 prototypes.
One
of original Dodge Viper remodeled versions (in roadster style) and said only three units have produced by Autohaus Getra in the 1999. (Picture from: Nitter.net)
ForgottenONES For those of you who were previously less familiar with the world of modification, especially in Japan, you certainly have never heard of Autobacs Seven Co., Ltd.or Autobacs. It's the name of a well-known Japan-based retailer of automotive parts & accessories with branches mainly in Asia and shops also located in France, even had reached America (currently it doesn't exist anymore).
The ASL RS-01 Garaiya, (ASL stands for Autobach Sports Laboratory) built in 2001 and is clearly engraved the styles adopted or inspired of the British sports cars. (Picture from: TopCarRating)
Once upon the time the mentioned company wanted to make a sports car. In short, then Autobacs launched its prototype sports car in 2001 named ASL RS-01 Garaiya, (ASL stands for Autobach Sports Laboratory).
As You can see, this ASL RS-01 Garaiya is one of the intact sportscar works made by this Japanese company. That's incredible, by considering that Autobach is only an automotive accessories retailer shop and not a car manufacturer, but is able to make 1 whole sports car that is not a modified result.
The ASL RS-01 Garaiya is powered by a high-potential SR20VE engine of the Nissan Primera which produces the power of 180 hp. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
This sports car has a physical size that is equivalent to the British sports car Lotus Elise. According to the Japanese company, although the Garaiya sportscar was built by using parts taken from the catalog in its store and also from some other Japanese cars, nevertheless it was designed in-house by Autobach and intended to rival for the well-known sportscars existed at the time like the British-made sports car Lotus Elise.
The ASL RS-01 Garaiya's front ends has similarity to Ferrari 360 Modena, moreover the taillights use cool lights from Alfa Romeo 147 coupled with the use of short windows and of course coupled with the scissor-style doors. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
As You can be seen on the Garaiya's figure, it is clearly engraved the styles adopted or inspired of the British sports cars. Why is that so? Perhaps this is as a result of environmental influences, considering the ASL is based in Norfolk, England and also the Garaiya's testing was carried out at the Milbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire England.
Although the ASL RS-01 Garaiya has been designed to be spacious, due to it uses a scissor-style door, unfortunately makes it a little difficult for those of You with big body postures to enter its cabin. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
So it's no wonder, if the Garaiya has very thick of the feel of a British sports car has agile handling, while powered by a compact mid engine as well. Besides that, the Garaiya sports car was also built on the chassis of the Tommy Kaira ZZ-II, another Japanese-made 'English' styled sportscar whose the design had purchased by Autobacs.
It also has an effect that makes the Garaiya has a unique class in between the agility and compactness of Lotus Elise, but has the strength (almost) equal to the Noble M12 GTO. In another words, the Garaiya's design could be said like a reduced version of European supercar. As seen from the silhouette of the front ends has similarity to Ferrari 360 Modena, moreover the taillights use cool lights from Alfa Romeo 147. Not to mention the use of short windows and of course coupled with the scissor-style doors!
The ASL RS-01 Garaiya has a unique class in between the agility and compactness of Lotus Elise, but has the strength (almost) equal to the Noble M12 GTO. (Picture from: Auta5p.eu)
As said earlier, Autobacs uses a lot of parts from Japanese cars. In addition to the Tommy Kaira ZZ-II's chassis, the company also took a high-potential SR20VE engine of the Nissan Primera which produces the power of 180 hp. That's more than enough, considering the RS-01 Garaiya weighs only 900 kg! Again, the design style refers to the benchmark of almost all British sportscars made by Colin Chapman with the design slogan of 'Less is more.'
For the cabin, many aftermarket parts from Autobacs are installed, such as the steering wheel, seats, gear lever, pedals to the speedometer. So in Our opinion, the Garaiya is like a TVR which also uses aftermaket parts in its cabin. Although it has been designed to be spacious, due to it uses a scissor-style door, unfortunately makes it a little difficult for those of You with big body postures to enter its cabin.😓
A modified version of the ASL RS-01 Garaiya called the Garaiya GT built by ARTA (Autobacs Racing Team Aguri) to compete at the JGTC racing arena in the GT300 class. (Picture from: Supercar.net)
Unfortunately, the Garaiya has a lot of problems. In addition to the non-functional design, the SR20VE engine, which is expensive to produce, Autobacs' own marketing plans are not in accordance with its market share, Europe, especially the UK. In the end, the ASL RS-01 Garaiya only ended up like the Tommy Kaira ZZ-II, which was only a prototype and sat on display at the ASL's headquarter which later changed its name to ASM, the Autobacs's racing and high performance division.
The Garaiya GT has a larger and aerodynamic body design, powered by a RB26DETT 542 hp engine combined with the ATESA ETS 4-wheel drive. (Picture from: Supercar.net)
Then was the Garaiya forgotten just like that? Apparently not! There's a modified version called the Garaiya GT built by ARTA (Autobacs Racing Team Aguri) which is a joint team of Autobacs and former legendary Japanese racer, Aguri Suzuki to compete in the JGTC racing arena.
The Garaiya GT has a larger and aerodynamic body design, powered by a RB26DETT 542 hp engine combined with the ATESA ETS 4-wheel drive, which both taken of the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R to compete in the GT300 class.
Although not as successful as the Acura NSX GT, which was also used by the ARTA team, the Garaiya GT itself able to grab sympathy and support from fans, before being replaced by the Honda HSV-010 GT. We think that's a such pretty beautiful ending for the car had never been reached the production lines though! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBACS | TOPCARRATING ]
Weird ONES There's such a contrasting view like heaven and earth as seen at the 1991 Geneva Motor Show, on the first ones, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the next generation of its venerable S-Class, the ‘W140'. It was a tech-fest of innovation (double-paned soundproof glass) and previewed the company's new design theme.
Lamborghini Sogna designed and built by Ryoji Yamazaki based on Lamborghini Countach back in the 1991. (Picture from: TopGear)
Meanwhile in the other sides, the one-off Lamborghini Sogna, a really kind of weird styling supercars. Well, this is really kind of weird styling supercars unveiled by a little known Japanese auto tuner and called as the first generation of what the automaker planned as a small numbers of production.
The Lamborghini Sogna was not a tech-fest of innovation, and did not preview officially Lamborghini's new design theme either. It just an V12-engined, hand-crafted one-off kiwi green colored raging bull weird dreamed car. The car was the brainchild of a Japanese designer named Ryoji Yamazaki known also the owner of the Art & Tech design studio, whose had a dream about a supercar while he was at 13; and at 41, he managed to realize it (Sogna, an Italian word for ‘dreams').
And luckily for those of You, it also could be mean Your dream come true as well as Yamazaki was. As quoted of Autoblog, the Sogna was built in 1991 based on the Lamborghini Countach, which also known was the dream car for many people in the 1980s around the globe.
Rear three quarter of Lamborghini Sogna with its scissor-doors opened. (Picture from: TopGear)
As the story goes, Yamazaki bought a Lamborghini Countach, removed the original body and left the chassis only, then he constructed an entirely aluminium newly body on it, painted it green and wheeled it out
for the 1991 Geneva Motor Show as a rolling chassis prototype which is intended to be limited production models (it never happened).😥
Rear three quarter of Lamborghini Sogna. (Picture from: TopGear)
A few years later there's another examples of Sognawas built, this time a fully-functioning prototype complete with 455 bhp V12 drivetrain shown and also up for sale for £1.9 million at the 1994 Essen Motor Show. No one brought it home at the time.😭 As quoted of the TopGear, the car from Essen had ever listed for sale for € 2.38 million, or around US. $3.25 million back in the 2013.
Obviously, it's not an official Lamborghini model, which is why you get that bonkers weird bodyshell, but underneath Yamazaki retained the Countach's running gear. So the Sogna is still a 5.2-litre V12-engined supercar with 455 bhp all running riot through the rear axle with the top speed of 186 mph (299.33 kph). So it takes more gut for those of You who want to try speeding with it on the highway. *** [EKA [28032014] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOPGEAR | AUTOBLOG ]
But for those of you who are still curious about the existence of the Isuzu P799WE engine. It still exists today, and is stored at Tamiya's headquarters, not at Isuzu's HQ. How come? Because in the past, Tamiya was the major sponsor of the Lotus F1 racing team, so that's why those Lotus 102C's engine was stored at its headquarters.😌 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | 24HOURSOFLEMONS | GTPLANET.NET | ALLCARINDEX | CARSTYLING.RU ]
