Laraki Borac: The Forgotten Second Supercar That Never Saw the Light of Day

Silent Phantom - In a world where supercars are often shaped by long-established European giants, it’s easy to overlook the bold ideas emerging from less expected places. Yet, every so often, a project appears that challenges that pattern—blending ambition, identity, and engineering into something genuinely different. The Laraki Borac stands as one of those rare attempts, a Moroccan-born supercar concept that aimed to bridge continents through design and performance, even if it never reached the roads it was built for. | https://youtu.be/y_Wt9cVlngI?si=vxI3mvPz51opyjof |

The Laraki Borac stands as one of those rare attempts, a Moroccan-born supercar concept that aimed to bridge continents through design and performance, even if it never reached the roads it was built for. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

The Borac didn’t arrive out of nowhere. Laraki had already introduced the Fulgura, a mid-engined supercar that served as the brand’s first serious statement. Equipped with Mercedes-sourced engines ranging from a 5.4-liter V8 producing around 570 horsepower to a more ambitious V12 option reaching roughly 660 horsepower, the Fulgura proved that Laraki was not just experimenting—it was aiming high. When the Borac followed, first as a design study in Paris in 2004 and later as a complete concept in Geneva, it marked a shift in philosophy. Instead of a raw mid-engined machine, Laraki moved toward a front-engined grand tourer, positioning the Borac as a more mature and refined flagship above the Fulgura. 

The Laraki Borac presents a striking presence with its long hood leading into an aggressive front defined by slim headlights and large air intakes. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Visually, the Borac carried a strong and unmistakable presence. Its long, stretched hood flowed into a sharp, aggressive front end defined by narrow headlights and large air intakes, creating a bold and almost dramatic expression. The sculpted bodywork, paired with a smooth, flowing roofline, gave the car a sense of motion even at rest. At the rear, wide fenders emphasized its muscular stance, complemented by modern LED taillights and an integrated diffuser. Measuring nearly 4.8 meters long, the Borac balanced elegance and aggression, and while its interior details remained largely undisclosed, it was expected to mirror the exterior’s blend of luxury and performance intent.

The Laraki Borac features sculpted bodywork and a flowing roofline that suggest motion even at rest, while its wide rear fenders, LED taillights, and integrated diffuser emphasize a muscular stance. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)

Under the surface, the Borac was built to compete. Powered by a 6.0-liter Mercedes-derived V12 producing around 540 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque, it delivered performance figures that placed it firmly among serious supercars of its time. With a weight of about 1,500 kilograms, it could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 4.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 310 km/h. A 6-speed manual transmission sent power to the rear wheels, while its 20-inch wheels—fitted with 265/35 tires at the front and 290/35 at the rear—ensured stability and grip, reinforcing its grand touring capabilities. | 0IttfB7ZukI |

Despite its promise, the Laraki Borac never made the leap into production. The challenges of transforming an ambitious concept into a road-ready vehicle proved difficult to overcome. Years later, Laraki returned with the Epitome in 2013, a far more extreme hypercar that pushed the brand’s vision even further. Still, the Borac remains a crucial link in that journey—bridging the experimental energy of the Fulgura and the bold ambition of the Epitome, capturing a moment when a Moroccan manufacturer dared to stand alongside the world’s most established names. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SPEEDHEADS.DE | ULTIMATECARPAGE | CONCEPTCARZ | CARSTYLING.RU ]

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Italdesign DaVinci: A Stunning Electric Concept Car Inspired by Genius

Electrified Elegance - When we talk about the fusion of art and engineering, we often imagine breathtaking architecture or futuristic sculptures. But in 2019, a surprising star rose from Italy—not in a gallery, but on four wheels—when Italdesign revealed something that blurred the line between moving sculpture and automotive innovation: the DaVinci Concept. Named after the iconic genius Leonardo da Vinci, this electric-powered car wasn’t just a tribute, but a bold vision of what the future of grand touring could look like.

The Italdesign DaVinci Concept made its debut at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show as a sleek, coupe-style vehicle that showcased the brand’s bold vision for electric grand touring. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

From the very first glance, the Italdesign DaVinci didn’t just demand attention—it earned admiration. With a low-slung, aerodynamic profile and flowing lines, this two-door coupe managed to radiate elegance without losing its sporty soul.

The Italdesign DaVinci Concept, with its low-slung aerodynamic profile and flowing lines, instantly earned admiration by blending sporty character with refined elegance. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

One of the standout features on the front was its wide, trapezoidal air intake that subtly mimicked a pair of open lips—an unusual but striking design cue that gave the car a personality of its own. Chrome-trimmed Italian flags placed delicately on the A-pillars added a patriotic flourish, proudly showcasing its heritage.

The Italdesign DaVinci Concept featured a wide, trapezoidal front air intake that subtly resembled open lips, adding a bold and distinctive character to its design. (PIcture from: Modifikasi)

Rolling on specially crafted Pirelli tires made for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the DaVinci Concept wasn’t just designed to look good—it was built with the future in mind. Its rear was no less impressive. Sleek OLED tail lights—four in total—glowed with precision, while a circular motif on the back called to mind echoes of Ferrari’s iconic design language. And if all that wasn’t enough, an active spoiler added a final touch of performance flair, suggesting that this car wasn’t all show.

The Italdesign DaVinci Concept became truly unforgettable with its Gullwing-style doors, replacing traditional entryways with a dramatic, theater-like experience. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

But what really made the DaVinci Concept unforgettable was how it welcomed you inside. Ditching traditional doors, Italdesign opted for Gullwing-style entrances, turning every entry and exit into a theatrical moment. They didn’t just look cool—these doors made getting in and out remarkably smooth for both front and rear passengers, a thoughtful touch for a car in the GT category.

The Italdesign DaVinci Concept featured a sleek, tech-rich cabin with three displays that balanced futuristic design with everyday comfort. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Inside, the cabin embraced modern tech without feeling cold or sterile. Drivers were treated to three separate displays: a digital instrument cluster tucked behind a triple-spoke steering wheel, a portrait-oriented touchscreen embedded in the center console, and another screen placed in front of the passenger, dedicated to entertainment. It felt futuristic, yet still comfortable—like a cockpit built for the road.

The Italdesign DaVinci Concept housed a fully electric powertrain with dual motors and a floor-mounted battery pack, ensuring low center of gravity and high performance. (Picture from: BlackXperience)

Underneath all this style and tech was a fully electric heart. Powered by two electric motors, the DaVinci housed its battery pack neatly beneath the floor, keeping the center of gravity low and performance high. But Italdesign didn’t stop there. In a unique twist, they designed the platform so it could also accommodate a traditional 4.0-liter V8 engine, showing a level of flexibility rare in concept cars. This clever engineering meant the DaVinci could potentially evolve with the times—or even adapt to different markets.

The Italdesign DaVinci Concept impressed at the rear with four sleek OLED tail lights and a circular motif that subtly echoed Ferrari’s iconic design cues. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

Although it was still a concept in 2019, the DaVinci turned heads and sparked conversations at the Geneva Motor Show. Italdesign hinted at the possibility of limited production, though such exclusivity would likely make it a collector’s dream rather than a daily driver. 

Still, the idea of owning a car that captures the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci—combining beauty, innovation, and forward-thinking design—is undeniably tempting. The Italdesign DaVinci Concept was more than just another electric car prototype. It was a reminder that the soul of automotive design is alive and well, ready to embrace the future while honoring the brilliance of the past. *** [EKA [05042019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IMPERIAL CARS | NEWATLAS | DRIVING | OBSCURESUPRECAR IN X ]

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Austro Daimler Returns with the Bold and Unconventional Bergmeister ADR 630 Shooting Grand

Heritage Reforged - There’s something captivating about the way automotive history loops back on itself. In an era dominated by electric innovation and digital precision, a handful of brands are looking backward—not out of nostalgia alone, but to rediscover identity. That’s exactly the spirit behind the Austro Daimler Bergmeister ADR 630 Shooting Grand, a striking concept that attempts to reconnect a long-silent Austrian marque with today’s fast-moving automotive world.

All-new Austro Daimler Bergmeister ADR 630 Shooting Grand made its debut at the 2019 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Austro Daimler, once active between 1899 and 1934, was far from an obscure name in its time. As part of the Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft lineage—now globally recognized through Mercedes-Benz—it carried engineering credibility that shaped early European motoring. Its revival, however, isn’t about recreating the past piece by piece. Instead, the Bergmeister ADR 630 represents a bold reinterpretation, introduced at the 2019 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the scenic shores of Lake Como, where heritage and experimentation often meet in fascinating ways. 

All-new Austro Daimler Bergmeister ADR 630 Shooting Grand takes its petrol engine, windshield and suspension from the Mercedes AMG GT. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Visually, the car doesn’t follow familiar rules. Its proportions are dramatic, with an elongated hood stretching forward like a classic grand tourer, while the rear leans into the practicality of a shooting brake. The result is something the creators call a “Shooting Grand”—a category that feels intentionally undefined. The gullwing doors, inspired by iconic Mercedes design language and even borrowing elements like the handle from the SLS AMG, add a theatrical touch. LED headlamps and slim taillights bring it firmly into the present, creating a silhouette that feels both nostalgic and slightly unconventional, as if it’s still deciding what it wants to be.

All-new Austro Daimler Bergmeister ADR 630 Shooting Grand, an awkward combination of a GT car and Shooting Brake and classed as a "Shooting Grand". (Picture from: Autoblog)

Beneath its sculpted body lies a fusion of familiar performance engineering and ambitious electrification. Drawing key components from the Mercedes-AMG GT, including its 4.0-liter biturbo V8, the Bergmeister ADR 630 pushes things far beyond standard expectations. The combustion engine is paired with a powerful electric system delivering an additional surge of energy, resulting in a combined output of around 1,200 horsepower and 1,600 Nm of torque. It’s less about subtlety and more about making a statement—one that aligns with the idea of a historic brand reintroducing itself with confidence rather than caution.

What makes the Bergmeister ADR 630 particularly intriguing isn’t just its design or performance figures, but what it represents. The first unit reportedly found a buyer, and plans for limited production hint at a future that balances exclusivity with ambition. In a landscape where many revivals rely heavily on retro styling, Austro Daimler’s approach feels different—less about imitation, more about reinterpretation. It suggests that even a brand absent for nearly a century can find relevance again, not by repeating its past, but by reshaping it into something unexpectedly modern. *** [EKA [02082019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUSTRO DAIMLER | AUTOBLOG ]

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Tractorri: The Italian Raging Bull in an American Mustang Suit

Fusion Beast - Choosing between raw American muscle and the sharp elegance of Italian engineering often feels like standing at a crossroads with no clear path. Do you go for the thunderous growl of Detroit steel or the precision-tuned symphony of an Italian supercar? For most, it’s a dream scenario that never leaves the imagination. But every once in a while, someone dares to merge both worlds into something that defies all labels. That’s exactly what happened with a machine known as the Tractorri, an Italian raging bull dressed in an American Mustang suit by R&H Motor Car Group.

The 2009 Tractorri Custom Coupe built by R&H Motor Car Group. (Picture from: Techeblog)

At first glance, it may look like a familiar 2006 Ford Mustang—long hood, fastback profile, and plenty of attitude. Yet beneath the skin lies a secret: the heart and soul of a Lamborghini Gallardo. This unique creation was unveiled in 2009 and even became a centerpiece at the 2019 SEMA Show, where it stunned audiences as proof that passion and imagination can bend the rules of car culture.

Front view of the 2009 Tractorri Custom Coupe. (Picture from: Techeblog)

The process of uniting these two very different cars wasn’t simple or cheap. With a reported cost of around $700,000, the Tractorri required entirely custom bodywork. Its builders borrowed styling cues from more than just the Mustang and the Gallardo—there’s even a touch of Porsche in the mix, thanks to elements inspired by the 911 Turbo. Steel fenders, side skirts, and a perfectly blended rear end featuring Gallardo taillights completed the Frankenstein fusion.

Left sude view of the 2009 Tractorri Custom Coupe. (Picture from: Techeblog)

Underneath it all, the magic lies in the mechanics. Power comes from Lamborghini’s 5.0-liter V10 engine paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox, sending force to all four wheels. The setup also includes anti-lock brakes and a front lift system—supercar technology hidden under muscle car clothing. What results is a Mustang that doesn’t just roar, it howls with Italian fury.

Interior view of the 2009 Tractorri Custom Coupe. (Picture from: Techeblog)

The name itself, Tractorri, is more than just a quirky choice. It’s a respectful nod to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s beginnings as a tractor builder before he became a legend in the world of performance cars. Even the paintwork reflects the drama: a deep crimson red body split by a bold white stripe that runs through the middle, reminding anyone who sees it that this isn’t just another modified Mustang. 

Engine view of the 2009 Tractorri Custom Coupe. (Picture from: Techeblog)

Inside, the cabin continues to lean toward Lamborghini DNA. The dashboard and center console were transplanted straight from a Gallardo, with its controls and original seats adapted to fit. Alcantara covers the headliner and door panels, while illuminated sill plates give the interior a modern glow. For something built more than a decade ago, features like keyless entry and a personalized book documenting the entire build process make it feel like both a time capsule and a statement piece. 

Rear side view of the 2009 Tractorri Custom Coupe. (Picture from: Techeblog)

Despite being a showstopper, the Tractorri wasn’t built to be a garage queen. It has clocked around 4,000 kilometers since its debut, a reminder that it was designed to be driven, not just admired. Every kilometer tells the story of two automotive philosophies colliding and somehow working in perfect harmony.

Today, the Tractorri stands as more than just a custom project—it’s a bold answer to the question enthusiasts have been asking for decades: what if you didn’t have to choose between American power and Italian passion? For one car, at least, the impossible became real, and the result is a masterpiece that still sparks awe years after it first hit the road. *** [EKA [15072019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | R&H MOTOR CAR GROUP || GAS MONKEY GARAGE | BARRETT-JACKSON | TECHEBLOG ]

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Wild Mercedes-Inspired Custom: The 2011 C8 Custom One-Off Supercar

Rogue Craftsmanship - There’s a certain allure in machines built outside the rulebook—cars shaped not by committees, but by a single vision brought to life through persistence and creativity. In an era where performance cars feel increasingly refined and predictable, independent builds still stand out by daring to be different. Among them is a striking one-off creation often referred to as the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C8 Custom, a custom project inspired by the iconic Sauber C8, C9, and C11 Group C race cars, reimagined into something far more personal, unique, and unconventional.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C8 Custom, a custom project inspired by the iconic Sauber C8, C9, and C11 Group C race cars, reimagined into something far more personal, unique, and unconventional. (Picture from: BarnFinds)

At a glance, the car reflects the influence of modern race machines associated with Mercedes-Benz, yet it quickly establishes its own identity. Its unusually wide stance gives it a dramatic and almost exaggerated presence, while the body combines angular elements—especially around the cabin—with smoother, flowing surfaces. A prominent hood scoop, reminiscent of drag racing designs, channels air toward the rear and adds a layer of visual aggression. Although it carries familiar badges, genuine Mercedes components are scarce, reinforcing that this is more of a creative homage than a factory-derived machine. 

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C8 Custom expresses individuality over convention inside, featuring a flat-bottom steering wheel and bold alligator-pattern upholstery that adds a distinctive tactile character to the cabin. (Picture from: BarnFinds)

Beneath its bold exterior lies a mechanical setup that is just as unconventional. Power comes from a 5.7-liter small-block V8 sourced from Chevrolet, positioned in a mid-engine layout typically reserved for high-performance supercars. This choice stands out in an era where newer, lighter engines are widely available, suggesting a deliberate preference for raw, proven power. The engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission from Volkswagen, a unit more commonly found in vans and off-road builds. While capable on paper, the combination introduces an element of unpredictability due to the V8’s substantial torque. 

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C8 Custom houses an equally unconventional mechanical setup, powered by a mid-engine 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8. (Picture from: BarnFinds)

Inside, the car continues to express individuality over convention. A flat-bottom steering wheel hints at performance intent, while the use of alligator-pattern upholstery brings a bold and tactile character to the cabin. The pedal placement is notably unconventional, reflecting a design approach shaped by experimentation rather than standard ergonomics. Together, these elements create an interior that feels purposeful, yet unmistakably personal—more like a crafted environment than a mass-produced cockpit. 

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz C8 Custom features a prominent hood scoop inspired by drag racing that channels air rearward while enhancing its aggressive appearance. (Picture from: BarnFinds)

What ultimately defines the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C8 Custom is the dedication behind its creation. Building a car from the ground up demands not only technical skill but also resilience, from fabricating a drivetrain tunnel to route cooling and exhaust systems to refining a chassis that supports such an unusual configuration. The result is a machine that stands apart from anything on the road today—an expression of ambition, curiosity, and the willingness to take risks in pursuit of something truly original. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BARNFINDS | JALOPNIK ]

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Zyrus Strada R³: The 1,500-HP V10 Hypercar That Redefines Lamborghini-Level Performance

Unleashed Extremity - In a world where automotive performance keeps pushing beyond what once felt imaginable, the line between road cars and race machines continues to blur. What used to be the domain of elite motorsport engineering is now finding its way into street-legal machines, crafted not just by major manufacturers but also by daring independent builders. Among them stands a name that quietly reshaped expectations over the past decade—Zyrus Engineering—and its latest creation, the Zyrus Strada R³, arrives as a bold reminder that innovation often thrives outside the mainstream spotlight. 

The Zyrus Strada R³, a car that targets an astonishing 1,500 horsepower—an output that redefines the limits of what a street-driven supercar can be in today’s hyper-competitive automotive landscape. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

Founded in Norway, Zyrus Engineering has built its reputation by transforming already extreme Lamborghinis into something far more radical. Their earlier Huracán-based projects proved that performance tuning could go far beyond aesthetic upgrades, culminating in machines like the LP1200 Strada that delivered over 1,200 horsepower while remaining road legal. Now, celebrating its tenth anniversary, the company is pushing its philosophy even further with the Strada R³, a car that targets an astonishing 1,500 horsepower—an output that redefines the limits of what a street-driven supercar can be in today’s hyper-competitive automotive landscape. 

The Zyrus Strada R³, a car that targets an astonishing 1,500 horsepower—an output that redefines the limits of what a street-driven supercar can be in today’s hyper-competitive automotive landscape. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

Visually, the Strada R³ signals its intent long before the engine starts. The design leans heavily into aggressive aerodynamics, with a front fascia defined by bold X-shaped daytime running lights that give it a sharp, almost futuristic identity. This distinctive motif continues at the rear, where similarly styled taillights frame a massive wing engineered for serious high-speed stability. The car isn’t just about visual drama; every element serves a purpose. Zyrus claims the vehicle can generate up to 3,300 pounds of downforce—remarkably exceeding its projected curb weight—suggesting a machine designed to stay glued to the road even at velocities where most cars begin to lose composure. 

The Zyrus LP1200 Strada that delivered over 1,200 horsepower while remaining road legal. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

Beneath its sculpted exterior lies a familiar yet heavily reimagined heart: the Lamborghini-derived 5.2-liter V10 engine. While Zyrus has yet to reveal every technical detail, expectations are high that it will follow the company’s proven formula—pairing the naturally aspirated unit with a bespoke twin-turbo system. This setup not only delivers immense peak power but also hints at adjustable driving modes, a hallmark of previous Zyrus builds. Such flexibility allows the car to shift from relatively manageable road behavior to full track-focused aggression, making it more than just a one-dimensional performance figure. | ueD4YLC8e2Q |

Exclusivity plays a crucial role in the Strada R³’s identity. With production limited to just five units, it stands among the rarest hypercars ever conceived, even within Zyrus’ already limited portfolio. Yet rarity alone is not the point. The company has consistently demonstrated that its creations are meant to perform, not just exist as collector trophies. Past achievements, including impressive lap times on demanding circuits like the Nürburgring, underline a commitment to real-world capability. The Strada R³ continues that legacy, representing not just a celebration of a decade of engineering ambition, but also a glimpse into how far independent innovation can push the boundaries of modern automotive performance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBUZZ ]

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