Lambo's first hybrid coming to Pebble Beach

Lamborghini does not seem to want to miss from Ferrari, which is their compatriot rival who recently launched a hybrid supercar through the Ferrari SF90 Stradale. As quoted from a source, that Lamborghini is likely to reveal a new "secret" model. Now, we are not sure whether this will be a public unveiling or a low-key, private affair for hand-picked customers.

Rumoured, Lamborghini's hybrid LB48H 'Unico' likely will take a base or inspired of the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio concept. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LFVHJK)

Yes, the raging bull logoed manufacturer reported has a plan to showcase those newest hybrid supercar figure at the Monterey Car week event with the code name LB48H and is likely to be named Lamborghini Unico. And reportedly also, that this car will be produced on a limited number, which is only 63 units with an estimated price of around $ 2.5 million for each unit.

As quoted of thesupercarblog.com that Lamborghini was at the Nardo high speed circuit in Italy recently to test out a prototype. We suspect that it might be a pre-production prototype of the LB48H. Head of Design Mitja Borkert and Maurizio Reggiani, Chief Technical Officer were also seen to present.

Lamborghini's hybrid LB48H 'Unico' also expected carry a 6.5 liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine (Pictured: Lamborghini Terzo Millennio concept). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XxEDwt)

Until now, no one knows the figure of those hybrid supercar and it is estimated that its appearance expected to be inspired by the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio concept unveiled 2017, while the proportions are expected to be similar to the Aventador. 

This is the first Lamborgini hybrid supercar and looks like it will carry a 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated V12 engine that can produce around 789 hp and 49 hp from its electric motor. If those numbers are correct, the combined output will be 838 hp.

Today, if you are on the market for a $2.5 millions hybrid supercar, you will be spoiled for choice. Besides LB48H, you also have the Aston Martin Valkyrie and Mercedes-AMG One. Which one will you choose? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THESUPERCARBLOG.COM | CARBUZZ]
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Lightyear One, the world's first long-distance solar-powered car

Back in 2015, a group of students from Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) managed to make a prototype of a very special electric car named Stella Lux. And what makes it special is its ability to create its own electricity by armed with solar panels, and managed to win the World Solar Challenge in Australia at that time.

Lightyear One, the world's first long-distance solar-powered car. (Picture from: https://engt.co/2FYOReA)

And now their dream seems to be coming true to realize their mission to market solar-powered electric cars that can be legally driven on the streets.  Through an automotive startup company named Lightyear which was founded by them, recently also managed to display a prototype vehicle which is predicted to be the first long distance solar car in the world and named Lightyear One. 

Lightyear claims these solar cells are 20 percent more efficient than traditional model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FZz4w9)

This car is designed as a solution to solve problems related to traditional electric vehicles, such as lack of charging infrastructure and dirty methods of generating electricity. For that, One has been equipped with solar cells stretched from the hood up to its roof. Those solar panel stretches for 5 square meters and is covered by safety glass which is rumored to be strong enough so that adult adults can walk on it without causing dents or damaged. 

Besides that those solar panels can produce 20% more energy, and the cells in them can still work "harvesting the sun" even though some of the portion of the panel is covered by shadows.

The Lightyear One is covered with a total of five square meters of solar panels. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FZz4w9)

While the electrical power capacity produced by the panel will vary. Lightyear said the model must be able to create an additional range of 50 to 70 km every day during the summer. While for a year, the company said that the car could produce around 700 kWh of electricity. So after being absorbed, the sun's energy will be directly converted into electrical energy to be supplied to the car's battery. 

Interior view of Lightyear One luxury saloon solar-powered car. (Picture from: https://tcrn.ch/2JruAiM)

According to Lightyear, the speed of producing energy and recharging the battery itself ranges from 12 km per hour. This means that if your car is left under the hot sun for eight hours, the battery has enough power to carry the car for a distance of about 96 km. It certainly doesn't sound too much, but it's still very significant when compared to solar panel technology in general. 

Due to the driver cannot always rely on the sun, One has also been equipped with traditional charging capabilities. In particular, Lightyear said owners would be able to reach a range of 400 km by filling vehicles overnight through regular 230V sockets.

There is no detailed information about the powertrain, but it is stated that One has four electric motors inside the wheel and a relatively small battery. The manufacturer claims that if the configuration will provide 725 km of coverage based on the Worldwide Harmonized light vehicle testing procedure, with 0-100 km/h acceleration capability takes around 10 seconds.

This impressive mileage range is made possible by extraordinary aerodynamic shapes. The company is still working to complete the design, but the current drag coefficient is estimated to be below 0.20. It is an impressive number and can be achieved using aerodynamic wheels, digital mirrors and semi-closed rear wheel openings. One also offers a sleek style and aerodynamic rear that mimics the Volkswagen XL1.

While this car is still a prototype, those Dutch startup plans to launch the production model in 2021. And the first 100 vehicles have been ordered, but there are still 400 more reservation slots available and can be ordered for €119,000 or around Rp.1.9 billion.

If You are interested in having this environmentally friendly vehicle, You able to fill those empty slots by order it now, that also means you participating in the effort to make Our Earth greener... ***  [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LIGHTYEAR | ENGADGET | THE VERGE | TECHCRUNCH]

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The 3rd party ultimate tribute for '80s Ferraris

Might be it's still fresh in your memory, a row of works from Ferrari's bespoke divisions such as SP1 and SP2 speedsters and P80/C, but it's not. This supercar figure began its life journey as a Ferrari 488 GTB which was later changed by a third party into a tribute to legendary previous flagships from these prancing horses logoed manufacturer such as 288 GTO and F40 that followed it.

Ferrari 7X Design GTO Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JoRUh8)

This beautiful supercar was created by an automotive design company called 7X Design and was named the Ferrari 7X Design GTO Vision.

This car is more than just a retro-flavored modern prancing horse as it also takes cues from some recent models. For example, the dual winglets at the back at a glance remind us of the FXX K track beast, while the rear bumper and diffuser look like those of the F12 Berlinetta.

Front three quarter view of Ferrari 7X Design GTO Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XnJJXm)

From the looks, almost all of the original 488 GTB exterior panels have now been replaced with new bodywork made entirely of carbon fiber to keep the weight down low. Then, there're the glorioust F40-like engine cover up to the 288 GTO-inspired double headlights, thus perfecting the appearance of this GTO Vision as a result of a blend of styles from the past Ferrari's models.

Rear side view of Ferrari 7X Design GTO Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XnJJXm)

It’s a wonderful combination of classic and current models, and it goes even further than that by riding on new wheels created specifically for this car. There're many 'floating' elements neatly integrated into the bodywork to show this was more than just simply strapping on custom bumpers, since the GTO Vision has what looks like a tremendous amount of new details.

There are also quite interesting parts in this car, namely the slanted rear slats just behind the rear wheels like the ones on the 288 GTO, while the fat rear tires harken back to the 80s era of supercars. Another interesting detail is the Ferrari badge on the front, which serves a double purpose as it actually unlatches the trunk at the push of the prancing horse.

The GTO Vision is more than just a one-off project as 7X Design mentions on their official website that accepting  orders from those of You who own a GTB 488 or its successor, the F8 Tributo. It costs You around €1.8 million (around $2.02 million), but the first five customers can get special bodywork for €1.35 million (around $1.52 million). Depending on what you want, it may cost more and You have to wait between six to nine months to take delivery of the reworked Ferrari. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | 7X DESIGN | MOTOR1 | ZERO2TURBO]

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De Tomaso revived with the stunning P72 supercar

Do you still remember DeTomaso Pantera L? Yes, this is a super car made by the Italian manufacturer De Tomaso which was made between 1967 and 1971 and is quite famous in its time. Unfortunately his aura is now faded due to losing prestige with today's fast cars..

The stunning De Tomaso P72 supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LApNyc)

But don't assume that the De Tomaso car manufacturer will be gone forever. Because recently at the 2019 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Italian automotive manufacturer was resurrected and succeeded in designing and displaying a new supercar with a modern design to rival the super car scattered on the streets today and named 'De Tomaso P72.'

Left side view of De Tomaso P72 supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LApNyc)

The Italian automotive company was founded by Alejandro de Tomaso more than 60 years ago and has now been revived, after being bought by a Hong Kong-based company called Ideal TeamVenture. And is the same company that bought the German supercar brands Gumpert and changed its name to Apollo. Then Apollo presented a V12 beast named Intensa Emozione.

Interior view of De Tomaso P72 supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LApNyc)

The new De Tomaso P72 is not the spiritual successor of De Tomaso Pantera, the most famous model of De Tomaso. Instead, it pays homage to the P70 prototype racer of 1960s, whch was born of a collaboration between the De Tomaso founder, Alejandro de Tomaso and Carroll Shelby, but unfortunately only raced once and stopped on the opening lap at the 1966 Mugello Grand Prix. The P70 featured a body penned by Peter Brock and now some of the lines have made the transition through time to grace the modern P72.

A bespoke carbon fiber monocoque structure of De Tomaso P72 supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LApNyc)

And the person responsible for the sexy appearance of the modern P72 is Jowyn Wong from Wyn Design. His goal is to combine modern bodies that are aerodynamically optimized with retro cues that recalling P70. Things like wing mirrors and front emblem cover pay homage to P70, for example. The interior of the P72 is just as beautiful. Polished copper and diamond pattern details adorn the cabin and classically designed switchgear and circular analogue display dials take inspiration from the timeless design themes of the '60s and '70s.

"I had no idea my concept from the mid '60s would in any way be influential to a car being presented today," Brock said after learning of the P72. "My first impressions of the new DeTomaso are all so positive I hardly know where to begin. The exterior form is so well done it invites you to keep walking around, admiring every subtle detail."

Rear side view of De Tomaso P72 supercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2LApNyc)

All this wrapped around a bespoke carbon fiber monocoque structure, designed to meet Le Mans' prototype safety requirements. Complete technical details will be disclosed later because P72 still has to go through a process of market homologation. De Tomaso said the car would remain largely unchanged, right down to the sweet exposed manual transmission mechanism.

De Tomaso still keep silent about the P72 technical specification. Some assume that this supercar uses a hybrid-turbo-V6-clever-clogs powerplant, or some suggest the P72 could come with a V8 in true De Tomaso spirit or even V12.

And reportedly, these De Tomaso P72 will be made in a very limited number, which is only 72 units. Until now De Tomaso still opens opportunities for those of you who are interested in having this beautiful supercar. And also mentioned this supercar was given a price tag of around €750,000 (around $846,250) and buyers in North America would be served through Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Are you interested in having it? If 'yes,' then prepare your money immediately and order now! Don't miss it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORAUTHORITY | MOTOR1]

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The Lotus's first electric-powered car called Evija?

The current electric car market seems to be more promising for most car manufacturers in the world, including Lotus. These British car racing and sports car maker is starting to glance at electric-powered cars to become their newest line up. Reportedly, Lotus will introduce Lotus Type 130 as their newest electric car.

Teaser for Lotus Type 130 electric hypercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2xvZ0L7)

The British company has just revealed a silhouette of a car that is claimed to be Type 130. But the new prototype will be introduced in London on this year. To note, the Type 130 is Lotus's new car after more than a decade of absence presenting a new type of car.

As qouted by Driving Electric, the automaker have moves to trademark "Evija" name in the UK under several trademark classes, ranging from toys to vehicle development. And Evija's name follows Lotus's penchant to make their car branding with names starting by the letter 'E,' and given the impending reveal of the electric hypercar, it makes sense that Lotus would want to trademark the electric-powered car's name.

Currently only a car silhouette is available. Lotus itself revealed the prototype is still being developed. "Type 130 will be the most outstanding Lotus product in our dynamic history. This will mark a turning point for our brand and is a demonstration of our capabilities and what will come from Lotus." said CEO of Lotus, Phil Popham, as reported by NewAtlas on April 17, 2019.

The new electric hypercar is currently doing the rounds under the Type 130 code name, which follows an internal naming practice at Lotus. For example, the original Elite of the 1950s was Type 14, while the current Elise, first launched in 1995, was the Type 111.

Latest teaser for Lotus Type 130 electric hypercar. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2JazvWA)

At present some details of the electric hypercar have been revealed, although Lotus has confirmed that only 130 units are destined to be built, each tends to be order by a 7-digit price tag. Production will be handled at Lotus headquarters in Hethel, England, and the shipments will begin in 2020. And the latest teaser photo released on earlier this month shows a panel that includes a charging port.

The car is being developed to help restore Lotus' image as a genuine alternative to Porsche and Ferrari, which aren't expected to have pure electric models available until the middle of the next decade. New parent company Geely is reportedly spending as much as $2 billion on future developments at Lotus, including potentially increasing its stake in the British firm from the current 51 percent. The remainder is owned by Malaysia's Etika Automotive.

Lotus is known to have not released a new model since releasing Lotus Evora in 2008. Since then, the British automotive company has only produced special editions of several existing models, such as the Elise 20th Anniversary, Elise Sport, Elise Sport 220 and so on.

If Lotus is committed to presenting an electric car, of course in the next few months there will be a number of specifications related to Lotus Type 130. Let's wait, how will Lotus present its first electric car in the last 11 years. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LOTUS |  NEWATLAS | DRIVING ELECTRIC | MOTOR AUTHORITY]

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An all-new American 1,000-horsepower electric supercar hopeful

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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