At present the development of electric-powered vehicles looks increasingly massive. This can be seen by the increasing number of electric-powered vehicles produced by the world's automotive manufacturers. Apparently this also aroused interest from Drako Motors Inc, a Startup EV company based in Silicon Valley to participate in producing an electric-powered supercar. Recently they gave a teaser video of the upcoming supercar called Drako GTE.
A front fascia and headlights teaser image of all-new American electric supercar called Drako GTE. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FQ77H6)
The American automotive manufacturer has repeatedly claimed that Drako GTE is an extraordinarily luxurious and powerful supercar. Even according to the company, the car will be able to accommodate four passengers and carry their luggages "luxuriously" in tandem. On the strength side, Drako Motors plans to make this supercar driven by an ultra advanced, fully electric quad motor architecture and capable of running at around 1,200 horsepower of power and 6,490 lbs-ft of torque and also has a top speed of 206 mph.
Do note, Drako is really talking about wheel torque, not torque as it's typically measured. Wheel torque is calculated with drive ratios and isn't just what the powertrain creates total. Just like when Tesla bragged about their second-generation Roadster which has torque of up to 7,000 lbs-ft, but in reality, the marketing department just wanted to make some eyes widen.
Drako Motors team posed with a prototype car with all-wheel torque vector drive system at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 2015. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RSsz2M)
Drako Motors is actually not a completely new company. They have been around for several years (founded 2013), but have worked quietly to build the GTE. In 2015 startups built a prototype to show off the all-wheel torque vector drive system. They even went further by doing running test on those prototype at the Nürburgring Nordschleife and succesfully completed a lap in 7:49.
Apart from confirmation that we will see a car, we have no other information about this car now. Only a very short teaser video that shows the front fascia and headlights. We can't even comment its design on super-fast video display, but we know that Lowie Vermeersch, a former Pininfarina director is the person behind the looks.
Here's the first look of Drako GTE:
Well, it's good if we wait until August 16 at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering during 2019 Monterey Car Week, where Drako Motors plans to debut their car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DRAKO MOTORS | MOTOR AUTHORITY | INSIDEEV]
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Have you ever noticed the name of supercars that combines numbers and letters? Perhaps one of You doesn't know what the meaning of that.
Apparently those combination are not just sweetener, it turns out that there's a meaning too! Yes, like humans, the name of each car also has meaning. Similarly, when giving a name, it should not be just sound nice or look good.
Supercars like the Lamborghini Centenario, Bugatti Chiron, or Pagani Huayra are the same. In addition to the names that are easily spelled, mentioned but remembered as well, and after that supercars usually have names that use a combination of letters and numbers.
As quoted by Zing, the combination of letters and numbers has a deeper meaning to explain the car itself. And the car naming by using a combination of numbers and letters can be seen in the supercars of Lamborghini, Ferrari and McLaren as follows,
1. Lamborghini
Lamborghini supercar models like Huracan, Aventador, or Murcielago use the names of famous Spaniard bulls. After that name, usually there are rows of letters and numbers, such as LP700-4 or LP580-2. Those combinations are not just accessories. The 'LP' in Italian means 'Longitudinale Posteriore' which means vertical engine.
Then the number 700 or 580 is a number that refers to the amount of power produced by the engine, which is 700 hp or 580 hp. This number can be a fixed number or only an estimate. While the last number, like 2 or 4 refers to the drive system, 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive system.
But, rich people as well as Lamborghini users actually don't care about the meaning of the name above. So, at this time Lamborghini no longer uses the character of a combination of numbers and letters. It can be seen to the Lamborghini Urus, Huracan EVO, or Aventador SVJ.
2. Ferrari
While another Italian premium car manufacturers, Ferrari apparently also has a combination of numbers and letters that have a certain meaning. But unlike Lamborghini, the row of numbers on the Ferrari car does not refer to the power produced by the engine. Rather it refers to the engine capacity.
For example, Ferrari 458, which means 4.5L engine capacity and V8 engine. Previously this was applied to Ferrari 360 and F430, which meant using 3.6L and 4.3L engines. While for the Ferrari 488 GTB, the 488 number means the 488cc engine capacity.
Whereas in the last generation cars like the Ferrari F8 Tributo, it has a different meaning. This car is equipped with the most powerful Ferrari engine has ever made, ie 3.9L twin-turbo. Then the number 8 means? That refers to the 8-cylinder. And Tributo itself means Thank You.
3. McLaren
Apparently, naming like this is also contagious to the McLaren-made supercars. It's just that McLaren uses a simpler naming system. Like a supercar with the names 540C, 570S, 650S, and 720S refers to the power produced by the engine.
For example, the 570S has 570 PS of power, of which 1 PS or power unit is equivalent to 0.98 hp. While the letter 'S' that follows the row of numbers means 'Shaped'. The letter 'S' on 570S means Sport Series. Whereas 'S' on 650S and 720S means Super Series.
But the McLaren supercars also has names like 540C, 600LT, or 675LT. Naming like the last three is an exception. The letter 'C' can mean Casual which refers to the supercar concept for daily used. While these two letters 'LT' means the Long Tail, which represents the supercar physical type with a long stern.
At the end, now we're able to understand the meaning of combination of numbers and letters on those three supercar above. O..eM..Gee.. Or see Ares Maserati concept.. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZING]
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The modern electric vehicles era does not mean making fans of classic retro cars stop to end with their unique hobbies. A number of companies look at this as a future business opportunity by providing an electric drive system that can be adopted by classic cars as a substitute for their old-rusty engines.
Now, this 1949 Mercury Coupe able to run in silence thanks to its new electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RCd9zU)
For an example is Zelectric Motors which provides a modern electric-powered drive system to be installed on the 'ordinary' cars. Besides Zelectric Motors, apparently there is a Los Angeles-based company named Icon, which through its Derelict program that takes classic vehicles in almost every era to be transformed into a more practical and more modern car, without changing the outer appearance to maintain the character that it possesses.
The
battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum
casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine
configuration. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)
As a result, it becomes a vehicle that is very contrasting, rusty on the outside but can glide quickly without noise and pollution. And this time Icon took the base of the 1949 Mercury Coupe as their 'victim'. This vehicle was taken from the original owner in the Southern California region. The exterior is left as it is, which looks like it just came out of a dusty warehouse after several decades of silence.
Nevertheless Icon seriously handles the interior behind the rusty body. All parts of the body stripped down, and replace all components made of rubber. Previously, Icon carefully adds silencer and combining the body parts of the vehicle without repainting.
Icon followed the same pattern of "new equipment, classic looks" inside, using vintage-appropriate fabrics and leathers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)
The chassis section was updated through assistance from Art Morrison Enterprises as well as replacing old braking system with the Brembo braking devices. While the biggest modification is of course done on under its hood. Yes, the old engine was removed and replaced with an electric drive system whose design was assisted by two electric vehicle solution companies named Stealth EV and Zelectric Motors.
Those two supporting companies decided to use two electric motors without transmission. As a result the latest project named '1949 Mercury EV Derelict' is able to spew a total power of 400 hp (298 kW) with a maximum torque of 637 Nm. The car's electricity supply is taken from Tesla battery with a capacity of 85 kWh which makes these classic car can be driven as far as 150 to 322 km. And its maximum speed can touch the number of 193 km/hour.
Icon has strived to update key pieces of this 1949 Mercury Coupe while keeping the exterior look true to age. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)
The battery module is deliberately spreaded around the vehicle with the aim for better distribution of weights. This car is equipped with a CHAdeMO 125A fast charge plug pinned behind the front license plate holder, plus a Tesla Supercharger plug located behind the cover of the original fuel-cap.
What is quite amazing is the display behind the hood. The battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine configuration. Even the parts of the cable are deliberately wrapped in woven cloth to stay true to the vintage look.
The same pattern is also applied to the interior through classic fabrics and leather. While other interior fittings also carry the 'new equipment with a classic look' theme. While to open and close the car's windows are now more practical with the addition of power window. Meanwhile to activate it by using the old window lever so as not to ruin its classic impression. Likewise with digital instruments that are deliberately made with a classic looks, including the buttons that are still made in the old-school style.
And Icon has been shown off these classic Mercury EV at the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas held on November 6 to 8, 2018. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ICON | NEW ATLAS]
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In 2019 maybe some of you ask, What is the latest sports car from Mercedes-Benz? Yes, this year the German automotive giant is launching their newest sports car of Mercedes-AMG GT series called the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster.
The Mercedes-AMG GT series is one of Mercedes-Benz's mainstays in the supercar arena. Specially, the row of cars in the Mercedes-AMG series is fairly complete, ranging from a two-door coupe, four doors, to the latest is a roadster.
Apart from the fact that the roof can be opened and closed, there are still a number of other things that make the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster was special. The roof used by the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster consists of three layers of fabric material with a lightweight frame. To support the sporty appearance of the exterior, Mercedes-Benz offers a choice of rim size of 19 or 20 inches, and using yellow colored brake calipers.
If the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster look more special, it doesn't happen when we see the interior. The Mercedes-AMG GT R cabin is very identical to another AMG GT series. Starting from the dashboard model, details, to cabin material, everything is exactly the same as other AMG GT models.
Turning to the technical sector, it turns out there is no difference between the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster and the GT R coupe which is the basis. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster relies on a 4.0 L V8 engine capable of spewing out power up to 577 hp and 700 Nm of torque.
The engine with those great-number of power is combined with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission technology. The combination of high-performance engine and deft transmission that it uses, makes the Mercedes-AMG claimed to be able to reach speeds of 100 km/h from zero in 3.6 seconds, and has a top speed at 317 km/hour.
Although using an identical of the engine and transmission with the GT R coupe, but there are several technologies on the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster that are made to make this car more enjoyable while driving, as well as sharper and precision handling.
Some of these technologies include dynamic engines and transmission mounts, titanium exhaust and carbon fiber torque tubes, track-focused suspension, active rear-wheel steering, and limited slip rear differentials that are fully controlled via electronic devices.
For those of You who are attracted by the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster figure, You seems to have to buy it immediately. Because the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster is only made as many as 750 units worldwide. Thus, if the 750 unit quota has been sold out, then Mercedes-Benz will no longer made this GT R Roadster. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]
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As we mentioned in the previous article, that the German automotive giant is preparing the latest hybrid car (here). And as
technology continues to innovate, drivers will be able to choose
whether they want to drive or be driven by autonomous system in the
future.
The BMW Group like not wanting to miss from other automotive manufacturers in an effort to fulfill those desire above, made them recently introduced a new two-seater plug-in hybrid coupe concept named BMW Vision M NEXT to express its views on how to enjoy driving in the future and autonomous driving experience. It was also stated, that these new concept coupe is inspired by their previous 3 production cars, BMW i8, M1 and Turbo.
BMW Vision M NEXT concept shown off side along with the previous SUV concept, BMW Vision iNEXT (seen on back) in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RzTQqM)
The BMW Vision M NEXT concept car has made its debut at the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. The event is also a showcase of BMW Group's excellence in the fields of design, autonomous technology, connectivity, electrification and mobility services. On the event, BMW Vision M NEXT shown off side along with the previous SUV concept, BMW Vision iNEXT.
"BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future about a sporty driving experience," said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.
Front-left side view of BMW Vision M NEXT concept in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2X6arUn)
"BMW Vision iNEXT illustrates how autonomous driving is set to change the lives of our vehicles, BMW Vision M NEXT shows how advanced technology can also make the driving experience purer and more emotionally attractive. In both models, the focus is strong on the people inside. The design and technology of this vehicle makes the 'EASE' and 'BOOST' experiences more natural and intense," Adrian added.
BMW Vision iNEXT and BMW Vision M NEXT are the vehicle represents a prototype version of the concept of future experiences of BMW "EASE" and "BOOST."
Right side view of BMW Vision M NEXT concept in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RzTQqM)
EASE covers all experiences during the trip when the vehicle assumes its own driving task. Here, the vehicle is converted into a living space on four wheels, and passengers can feel safe and comfortable. From rest and relaxation, through talking, interacting, and enjoying entertainment in the car, to maximum concentration - the experience offered with the EASE concept varies according to the needs of residents.
Rear view of BMW Vision M NEXT concept in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RzTQqM)
While BOOST is a manifesto of the ultimate active driving experience. The EASE and BOOST concepts are supported by the same size as the building blocks for the future of the BMW Group, which consists the innovation fields of Autonomous, Connectivity, Electrification and Services (ACES).
The actual driving experience at the BMW Vision M NEXT is just as interesting as its outward appearance. The PHEV Power drive system offers a choice between electric drive all-wheel drive and pure rear wheel drive, with power derived from an electric motor and the power of a four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 600 hp power output, maximum speed of 300 km/hr Those engine also allows BMW Vision M NEXT to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds.
There is also a BOOST+ mode that provides additional strength on each pedal kicked. The maximum distance when driving in full electric mode is 100 km - more than enough to complete most trips purely by electric power. This means that BMW Vision M NEXT is a sports car that will also be suitable for use in the city center with zero emission zones in effect in the future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | MOTOR1]
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How much money are you willing to spend to buy a car? For premium car enthusiasts, even tens of billions don't seem to be a problem. But what if a car is priced at a price that is sold at prices up to Rp.190 billion?
Roll-Royce Sweptail is the most expensive car in the world. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FwoYCE)
As reported by Gobankingrates in June 2018, a wealthy businessman whose identity is deliberately unnamed had purchased a unit of Rolls-Royce Sweptailwhich was sold for US $13 million or around Rp.190,442,200,000. WOW ...!
With these prices, it is not surprising that the Rolls-Royce Sweptail was consecrated to be the most expensive premium car in the world. The price of the car above is very far compared to Bugatti Chiron Sport ($3.26 million) and Lamborghini Veneno ($4.5 million).
Roll-Royce Sweptail is a melding of modern luxury with a flavor of the 1920s and ’30s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2WWVpQB)
Rolls-Royce Sweptail is the handcrafted marvel manufactured by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke department. This premium car was launched in 2017 at Villa d'Este, Tivoli, Italy, after four years of development and became one of the world's most expensive vehicles to sell.
Roll-Royce Sweptail was took four years of developmen. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2X6izcj)
Indeed, when viewed from any angle this premium car looks sexy and different from other vehicles. For example, an attractive panoramic glass roof plus special lines that are reminiscent of Rolls-Royce cars in the 1920s and luxury yachts.
"Sweptail is a truly extraordinary car. Unique," said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Otvös. "We listen carefully to our special customers and their interest in investing in truly exclusive works," he added.
Rolls-Royce Sweptail is the handcrafted marvel manufactured by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke department. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FwoYCE)
Do not get there, the front of the car is also very different reflected in the large grille, so claimed to be one of the largest grille ever installed in modern cars. On this front there are also new headlights and redesigned bumpers. Similarly, the interior design.
Uniquely, there is a feature if we press a button then a bottle of champagne will come out to be enjoyed. And there are no details about how much the service or insurance costs of the car.
To be sure, the British car manufacturer does not want to produce the Sweptail anymore. So, those car can only be owned by one luckiest rich person. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GOBANKINGRATES | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
As we have discussed in the previous article (here), the hypercar of collaboration result between Aston Martin, Red Bull Advanced Technologies and Adrian Newey, previously known as the codename 'AM-RB 003,' is now officially named Aston Martin Valhalla.
Valhalla or the Viking warrior’s paradise was taken as the official name for Aston Martin AM-RB 003 hypercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ITZ9gL)
The 'Valhalla' name was taken from ancient Nordic mythology for the Viking warrior’s paradise, as well as joins a legacy of Aston Martin models with names starting with the letter 'V,' which also includes V8, Vantage, Virage, Vanquish, Vulcan, Valkyrie and the Volante designation for convertible models.
Aston Martin Valhalla or previously known as 'Project 003' aka AM-RB 003 concept car shown at the 2019 Geneva Motor show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TKBG96)
"The Aston Martin model names always attract a lot of attention. They do it because they always capture emotions or tell a story," said Andy Palmer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Lagonda Group.
Valhalla will use a newly-developed in-house hybrid turbo V6 engine which are claimed to be capable of spraying up to 1,000 horsepower. That means the car will indirectly become an All Wheel Drive driven car. The engine used is different from the engine used by the Valkyrie which uses a 6.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine.
Only 500 unit of Aston Martin Valhalla will be made and used a newly-developed in-house hybrid turbo V6 engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2TKBG96)
Not up to that, Valhalla also has a fairly light weight, which is no more than 1,350 kg. This figure is obtained thanks to the use of light materials, such as using a monocoque chassis made of carbon fiber material. If so, this car only takes 2.5 seconds, to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h and will be able to reach topspeed up to 350 km/hr.
As quoted from Jalopnik, Valhalla will be joined as one of the British famous 007's spy agent vehicles in his still-untitled 25th movie. If true, the Valhalla appearance follows in the footsteps of its predecessor Aston Martin V8 Vantage which is also one of the vehicles used by James Bond in 1987's The Living Daylights.
According to an official report of Aston Martin website on Wednesday, these hypercar will be produced in limited numbers, which is only 500 units. And for those of you who are interested in having it, chances are that this British hypercar will be sold at nearly $2 million. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ASTON MARTIN | JALOPNIK | CARSCOOPS]
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Bentley is known as one of British luxury car manufacturers. And all the vehicles from those manufacturer are known as luxury cars, so they are scarce modified to the extreme. But in Russia, there's a Bentley Continental GT is modified in extreme ways by using the track chains like a tank.
The figure of Bentley Continental GT luxury car after changed to be a tank and given a name of Bentley Ultratank. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XkahN3)
As qouted of Carscoops, some time ago in YouTube of AcademeG channel which shared several videos of the modifying process of the Bentley Continental GT, which was fitted with track chains, and being tested on an off-road terrain.
Turns
out, the modifier was not change the suspension or given more bigger tires, but
removed all of those components and replaced them with track chains like
military tanks. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XkahN3)
Yes, in the hands of an unknown Russian modifier, who has made an unusual modification process on the figure of the Bentley Continental GT, which is turning it into an extraordinary vehicle like a tank.
Reportedly, the car used as the base material was purchased in a used condition with standard specifications of the Bentley Continental GT uses a twin-turbo 6-litre W12 engine.
Turns out, they was not change the suspension or given more bigger tires, but removed all of those components and replaced them with track chains like military tanks. This modification process also changed its engine parts. The default engine has been swaped with a Toyota Crown 4.3-litre V8 engine which is paired with an automatic transmission system.
Now each side of the modified result car which then given a name Bentley Ultratank has 4 independent suspensions paired with track chains. However, the Ultratank is still capable of issuing a capable performance. This extreme modification makes the car capable of passing various steep slopes from off-road terrain that ordinary sedans cannot traverse, even the SUVs as well.
It turns out that those extreme modification of the Bentley Continental G figure by using track chains like a tank still looks okay. In fact, it looks even more dashing, even though it removes all the luxurious impression of Bentley car. It's cool, isn't? If 'not', You should look these unique concept car calledOnsen . *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Gemballa, an automotive tuner company from Germany which is generally known for cranking out hot Porsches and other projects under its namesake, and reportedly is now preparing their own supercar.
Gemballa announced it while not only dropping a supercar teaser but also opens up a search for new investors. This is the first time this German company has done since 2010.
Sketch design of Gemballa's upcoming supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MP19vU)
As quoted from Motor1, The company released little information about its new supercar other than a string of superlatives such as 'uncompromising,' 'radical,' 'pure,' and 'luxurious.'
Steffen Korbach, Gemballa's owner and managing director, said the car would feature an aggressive design with an engine making more than 800 horsepower. Those are bold claims.
From the teaser above, you can see the mid-engined supercar layout combined with aggressive aerodynamics and the super-sleek shape. Then there is a large air intake behind the door that slices the side of the supercar. It can be seen also massive wheel arches, whose attributes look slim.
2017 Gemballa Mirage GT was built taken base of Porsche Carrera GT. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Rkn64y)
Although the teaser is just a design sketch which can be said as a hint at what the possible supercar could look like. It is still unclear whether this supercar will have a pre-ordered platform or borrow it from other manufacturers such as the Porsche and its-911.
The company says its first designs will be shown to select clients soon, and that we should see a prototype in 2020. If Gemballa's timeline is correct, production for its supercar could begin in 2022 with customer deliveries following. Hopefully, we'll know more soon about how Gemballa plans to crank out more than 800 hp from the car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GEMBALLA | MOTOR1 | AUTOBLOG] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
