SSC Tuatara sets the new record of the 2020 world's fastest production car

So far, we know that the Koenigsegg Agera RS is the fastest production car on the Guinness World Record. But now that record has been broken by the SSC Tuatara from the American high-performance car manufacturer, Shelby Supercars (SSC) North America on October 10, 2020, on Nevada's State Route 160, the United States with a track length of about 11.2 kilometers (7 miles).

American supercar the SSC Tuatara set a new world record on Oct. 10 by reaching an average speed of more than 316 mph on a seven-mile stretch of Nevada’s State Route 160. (Picture from: https://cnb.cx/35pmvWX)

The record-breaking attempt was made twice, in the first test the SSC Tuatara was able to reach speeds of 508.73 kph (301 mph). Meanwhile, in the second test, the Tuatara even accelerated with a speed record of 532.93 kph.

From the results above, the SSC Tuatara has average speed of 508.73 kph (316 mph) and this is a new record as the fastest production car in the world. In order for this speed recording to be done precisely, it also uses the GPS which is integrated with 15 satellites on skies.

Jerod Shelby, CEO of SSC (left) posed with Oliver Webb (right), a professional racer who drove the American supercar the SSC Tuatara shortly after the car set a new world record on Oct. 10, 2020. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/37nBEL3)

This record beats the previous record set by the Koenigsegg Agera RS in November 2017, which was carried out in the place and mileage, also the same method as SSC Tuatara. At that time the Koenigsegg Agera RS was able to run with an average speed of 446.97 kph. 

Thus the speed record of the SSC Tuatara automatically also beats what the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport hypercar has been done before in 2019. At the time the Chiron is only capable of reaching a top speed of 490.48 kph.

But Bugatti's unofficial record seems not worthy to be juxtaposed with the record of the SSC Tuatara or Koenigsegg Agera RS above, due to the record was obtained only in one running-test and was also carried out in a different place, namely in Ehra-Lessen, Germany.

The SSC Tuatara powered by a 5.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine and coupled with a manual automatic transmission (AMT). (Picture from: https://cnb.cx/35pmvWX)

This is not the first time the SSC supercar has been able to break speed records, previously, there was the Ultimate Aero TT, which managed to claim those titles in 2007 with a two-way average speed of 411.76 kph (255.83 mph).

"It's been ten years since we held this record with our first cars, the Ultimate Aero, and the Tuatara far ahead. Its performance reflects our dedication and focuses on pursuing this milestone," said Jerod Shelby, CEO of SSC.

The SSC Tuatara will only produce as many as 100 units and is set at the lowest price ranging from the US $ 1.6 million. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/34o7zct)

In this record-breaking attempt, SSC North America put a professional racer named Oliver Web behind the wheel. The car, which is fed on non-racing fuel and uses road-spec tires, amazes the driver. How could it be, SSC Tuatara actually could have gone faster, had it not been held back by the wind.

"The car has not run out of power yet. All the wind obstacles prevent us from reaching the limits of the car," said Oliver Webb at the time.

The SSC Tuatara's engine able to burst power of  1,750 horsepower when using E85 ethanol fuel and 1,350 hp by standard 91 octane fuel. (Picture from: https://cnb.cx/35pmvWX)

The SSC Tuatara uses a 5.9 liter twin-turbo V8 engine capable of producing power of 1,750 horsepower when using E85 ethanol fuel and 1,350 hp by standard 91 octane fuel. The engine produces a maximum torque of 1,735 Nm and is mated to a manual automatic transmission (AMT). Not to mention the use of a carbon fiber body and monocoque chassis, so it's no wonder this supercar has a dry weight of only 1.247 kg. Besides that, aerodynamic factors also play a role, where the SSC Tuatara has a front area of 18 square feet and a drag coefficient of 0.279.

Well, if you are interested in owning this speed-demon, you should be noted that the manufacturer will only produce 100 units of SSC Tuatara and is set at the lowest price ranging from the US $ 1.6 million or around Rp. 25 billion. So hurry up.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CNBC]

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Insanity, a unique Canadian-made jet-engined Ferrari Enzo

If you're looking at this car, maybe you should forget the Ferrari FXX K for a minute, because what you have seen here is far more insane than that. It's true, the garage-built dragster called "Insanity" built in such ways to look like a Ferrari Enzo, and all you have to do is look back to see why the car got such a crazy name.

This is Insanity, a jet-powered Ferrari Enzo dragster built by Ryan McQueen. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2IkE8iP)

The unique-look dragster was built by a Canadian named Ryan McQueen, who by no means was a technical person when he started out. In fact, at the beginning of his unique Ferrari Enzo dragster project, he din’t even know how to do a simple welding.

But perseverance is the best effort to gain knowledge and with time Ryan learned how to work with fibre glass, build a steel tube frame and even understand how to work around jet engines. It took him about 12 years to be exact, and the end result here is absolutely mind-blowing.

The Insanity jet-powered dragster bodywork built by Ryan McQueen is inspired by the Ferrari Enzo legendary supercar which has been adjusted to the twin jet engines as its main drive. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2IkE8iP)

The car appearence looked as powerful as a jet fighter which he felt would not be enough with just one jet engine. Therefore, Ryan bought two Roll-Royce jet engines after selling his Corvette first. Infact, the Insanity has made Ryan spending out his money about CAD $69,000 (approx Rp.771 milions) to build completely, for which he secured initial funding by selling off his Corvette.

He also created the Ferrari Enzo inspired bodywork from his own idea which he said looked very convincing. Although, by looking at the dragster's end result in the terms of dimensions and shape it doesn't really resemble the real Enzo, but it does get the proportions pretty much right.

The Insanity jet-powered Ferrari Enzo dragster push out an insane 14,000 pounds of thrust and can be make it running out of 400 mph (or approx 643 kph) on the flat track. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2IkE8iP)

The twin-jet engines in this Ferrari Enzo dragster push out an insane 14,000 pounds of thrust and can be make it running out of 400 mph (or approx 643 kph) on the flat track.

Even though it's crazy, therefore Insanity is a big achievement. McQueen started from a dream and made him excited to make it happen. And now, what he has built is become one of the world's fastest jet cars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NOCARFUN | THE DRIVE | ROAD AND TRACK]

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The flying supercar is blasting up into the sky like a Jet and speeding like a Lambo while on the streets

The human being's desire to fly has been an obsession since a long time ago, and with more development of technology todays, it's possible to us be built the flying means are getting closer to the original dream, namely 'to fly like a bird.' Then what about the development of flying car technology? It seems that nowadays the development of flying cars is also possible, so it is not surprising that many companies have designed and developed flying car models.

The Firenze Lanciare, a flying car concept designed by a Californian designer named Greg Brown who is claimed to be able to run fast on land like a Lamborghini and fly at 500 mph in the air like a Jet plane. (Picture from: RobbReport)

Here is the Firenze Lanciare, a flying car concept designed by a Californian designer named Greg Brown who is claimed to be able to run fast on land like a Lamborghini and fly at 500 mph in the air like a Jet plane. The flying car mentioned above carries 'hybrid' styles which is able to make it a jet when in the air and a supercar like a Lamborghini when used on the highway. In either mode, the Californian designer claims his Firenze Lanciare will outperform any of the other flying-car designs under development.

While flying in the air, it uses the retractable wings extended, coupled with the the 2,000 lbs harnessing thrust derived from the two Williams FJ-33 jet engines, the Firenze Lanciare looks like a sci-fi aircraft. And said to be had an air cruising speed of 520 mph and a range of about 850 miles, thanks to a 300 gallon fuel tank. While on the road, Firenze Lanciare will uses two Tesla's electric motors with totaling 1,000 hp, so it can be accelerated from 0 to 60 mph such as the Lambo's acceleration, ie in less than four seconds.

With its retractable wings, the Firenze Lanciare able to turn into a jet with a cruise speed of 520 mph. (Picture from: RobbReport)

As a former jet pilot, Brown showed that most of the systems and design elements used in the concept are already present in the aircraft todays. These elements include a blend of high-tech materials to provide strength while keeping weight down, including its foam-core body wrapped in carbon fiber, a chromoly frame and aluminum chassis.

Furthermore, the retractable tires produced by several automotive manufacturers already meet its proposed engineering specs. Then they combine with the off-road truck suspensions to allow rough-strip landings, while the jet thrust and carbon-fiber brakes mean the Firenze would only need 2,500 feet of runway. 

While the cockpit is not like the most aircrafts have, its interior is a pure supercar. Inside, the avionics includes a head-up display and fully redundant mechanical controls backed up by electrically actuated flaps and stabilizers. The leather seats for four occupants are coupled with sound-insulating foam, while laminated polycarbonate windows combine strength and sound dampening.

The U.S. design team incorporated many components of existing cars/trucks and airplanes into the Firenze Lanciare. (Picture from: RobbReport)

So far, the flying car true uses remains an unanswered question and potentially invites endless debate. Not to mention that you still need to take off and land at the airport under current laws and keep appointments for private airstrips. Is it much easier to drive to the airport, switch to flight mode, go through the initial check and take off than just to drive, park and transfer to a plane? Do the flying cars still sound more fun?

Still, in every commuter's minds could generally be described as follow, they driving a supercar down the highway and suddenly blasting up into the sky to get out of a traffic jam, or backing out of the driveway, firing up the jets and using the street as a runway. The fantasy such as the Jetson are universal, and soon to be realized into real.

It indicated and can be seen on the PAL-V which has received its road certification in Europe and is expected to receive approval from aviation authorities next year, so that its production phase will begin in 2022. So it could be said the other flying car concepts will be increasingly possible to immediately realized. *** [EKA (15042021) | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ROBBREPORT ]

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Maserati is breaking into a new era through the MC20 super species

After previously, Maserati announced that the company would break a new era with a new supercar that combines performance, sportsmanship and luxury in a unique design typical of Italian's trident logoed manufacturers. 

Maserati MC20 has made its world debut in Modena on September 9, 2020 at the MMXX: Time to be Audacious event. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mi7JJ7)

And now the Maserati MC20, that's the name of the new Maserati supercar which has made its world debut in Modena on September 9, 2020 at the MMXX: Time to be Audacious event. The MC20 nomenclature is a code. MC refers to Maserati Corse and 20 for 2020, as the world premiere and the start of a new era.

Maserati MC20 has a butterfly-style door which is not only beautiful, but also functional as it increases the ergonomics of the vehicle. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mjQDdY)

The Maserati MC20 supercar was designed in Modena and built at the Viale Ciro Menotti factory. This factory has a painting facility that combines innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. This car has a butterfly-style door which is not only beautiful, but also functional as it increases the ergonomics of the vehicle that optimizes access in or out of the car's cabin.

Simple cabin shape with few sharp angles and minimal distraction. Inside, two 10-inch screens are installed, one for the cockpit and one for the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC Plus MIA). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/35DYOvF)

The car's body aerodynamic engineering was designed over more than 2,000 hours of work in the Dallara Wind Tunnel, including more than a thousand CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, which led to the creation of exclusive works of art. As a result, the car has a sleek body line, without any other additions, only a rear spoiler which increases downforce. The coefficient is below 0.38.

Once inside the interior, the driver will be in the middle and ready to experience a sporty driving experience. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mjQDdY)

Once inside the interior, the driver will be in the middle and ready to experience a sporty driving experience. Each component has its function, which is completely driver-oriented. Simple cabin shape with few sharp angles and minimal distraction. Inside, two 10-inch screens are installed, one for the cockpit and one for the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC Plus MIA).

Maserati's Nettuno (Neptune) - 3.0-litre, twin-turbo, V6 petrol engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mjQDdY)

The simplicity brought by Maserati in creating the center console wrapped in carbon fiber. Installed features a wireless smartphone charger, a driving mode selector knob (GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off, which disables the control function), two speed selection buttons, power window controls, multimedia device controls and a handy storage compartment under the armrest.

Maserati MC20 makes extensive use of carbonfibre and other lightweight materials, resulting in a claimed kerb weight of less than 1500kg. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mjQDdY)

The new Maserati MC20 will always be connected to the Maserati Connect program where a full range of services including navigation connection, Alexa and Wifi Hotspot can be managed through the Maserati Connect smartphone application or the smartwatch application. In addition, Maserati has also developed six new colors that characterize the MC20, namely Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blu Infinito, Nero Enigma and Grigio Mistero. Each of them is designed and developed exclusively for this car.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels though an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a self-locking mechanical limited-slip differential at the rear. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mjQDdY)

The Maserati MC20 supercar uses the latest Nettuno engine with a V6 configuration with a torque of 621 hp and a peak torque of 730 Nm. All this power is channeled into the 8 gears DCT Gearbox transmission. This car is claimed to accelerate from 0-100 km / h in less than 2.9 seconds, before reaching a top speed of more than 325 kph.

Furthermore, the Maserati MC20 has a total weight of below 1,500 kg, while the ratio of weight to power reaches 2.33 kg/hp. This is achieved through the use of quality materials and taking advantage of the benefits of carbon fiber without sacrificing comfort. On the other hand, the Nettuno is the first machine in a new chapter in the history of the Italian's trident logoed manufacturer, which is a twin turbo V6 engine for the MC20. The combustion system already has international patents. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR INDIA]

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The most powerful Aston Martin ever made

Maybe lately the emergence of a new supercar species is rarely heard of, but some time ago Aston Martin through Q, the special modification division of this British manufacturer got a big project from one of the richest consumers in the world. And for that mysterious customer, Q made the world's most powerful one and only Aston Martin. Well. in the hands of this special division, the Aston Martin cars are made more special to suit the special needs of consumers.

The Aston Martin Victor is a modern re-imagining of the original Aston Martin Vantage V8 from the late-1970s and 1980s. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2RsNdHn)

Recently, the British company announced that Q has completed a special project which resulted in a new supercar named Aston Martin Victor. As rumors, we've been heard, that Aston Martin is working on the car on the special order of a loyal Aston Martin customer from Belgium. And Victor is not the name of the car owner. Instead, it was taken of the name Victor Gauntlett, and for Aston Martin, he was a special figure who managed to save the British premium brand from bankruptcy.

Aston Martin Victor a one-of-one retro supercar uses 847 horses V12 coupled with manual transmission. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3mg9nLp)

As mentioned earlier, this car is the most powerful car ever made by Aston Martin. The total power reaches 836 horsepower and the peak engine torque can reach 821 nm. To achieve that much power, Q did not do what Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren did, by installing induction power from other sources such as electric motors. However, they still use the conventional V12 engine.

And this machine has also been embedded in other great Aston Martin cars, such as the Aston Martin One-77. Under the hood of this hypercar lays a V12 engine with a 7.3-liter cylinder capacity without turbo and other power induction. Originally the engine was only capable of producing 750 horsepower and a maximum torque of 722 Nm.

Aston Martin Victor has interior material that is actually a super-premium blend, while the ceiling is made of cashmere leather, while the seats to the dashboard are specially made by Q of genuine leather. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/32o678E)

And to achieve an output of 836 horsepower and a maximum torque of 821 Nm, the Q division has made collaboration with another big name company, namely Cosworth, one of the world's great and the most successful car engine suppliers. From this collaboration succeeded in making Aston Martin Victor becoming the most powerful Aston Martin car ever made. Literally, it is the only one because Aston Martin only made one Aston Martin Victor.

Not only special in terms of power, but the car appearance also very interesting so no wonder if it could be made your eyes no-blink for a moment. It has a very unusual design, not like as we've been seen on the various Aston Martin cars used by James Bond in every his actions. The unusual design is even reminiscent of the typical American muscle car design, the Ford Mustang. It is characterized by a strong nose and a muscular stern. In fact, the design imitates the design of the previous Aston Martin car.

Aston Martin Victor has an unusual design that is even reminiscent of the typical American muscle car design, the Ford Mustang. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZADvax)

To be exact, the Aston Martin Vantage design in the 1970s. At that time, the 1970 Aston Martin Vantage was the first Aston Martin to be called a supercar because of its power which reached 390 horsepower. The maximum speed reaches 270 kilometers per hour. Because the design is reminiscent of the Ford Mustang, at that time the Aston Martin Vantage 1970 was called the British Muscle Car.

Those elements are what the Aston Martin Victor tries to restore. The nose of this car is so big and solid. Likewise, the back is very strong. Even though it looks solid, Aston Martin actually uses carbon fiber in the car. Including the carbon fiber chassis that is already on the Aston Martin One-77.

Now in the interior, Aston Martin Victor actually looks simple. There is no large touch screen like other expensive cars. This car only relies on two touch screens which are quite moderate. It's just that, the technology system has already applied the most advanced technology like in the Aston Martin DBX SUV. However, the interior material is actually a super-premium blend. The ceiling is made of cashmere leather, while the seats to the dashboard are specially made by Q of genuine leather. Walnut wood is also visible on the Aston Martin Victor's six-speed manual transmission lever.

There are indeed several carbon fiber elements in the interior. It's just that the element is not so dominant. Aston Martin Victor is actually rich with a combination of walnut wood elements, titanium, and aluminum. This is what makes the interior of the car feel special, even though it's not crammed with magic buttons. Not because you can't, it could be that the special customer of Aston Martin who ordered the car was prioritizing quality over appearance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARMAGAZINE.CO.UK | AUTOCAR.CO.UK | ROBBREPORT.COM]

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Two exotic Lamborghini concepts on the paper

The glitz of technological advances in the automotive world today is truly amazing, especially when talking about cars that are deliberately created as super rides. Besides having an extraordinary performance, the super rides also have shapes that can be said to be beautiful and exotic. It is not surprising that many people are fascinated by its beauty.

Top view of the 2014 Lamborgini Estampida racing car concept during a virtual pit stop. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2R8KenD)

When we talk about the super vehicle forms, of course, it cannot be separated from the skilled hands of many automotive designers, engineers, and technicians. They work skillfully in designing and making these extraordinary-formed super rides so that they can blend seamlessly with their fierce performance on the road and on the racing circuit.

Of the many premium automotive brands which made supercars, one of them is the famous raging-bull logoed Italian company, Automobili Lamborghini. The company founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963 has been known to have so many exotic vehicle models that have always been the target of being used as valuable and prestigious collections among the world's deep-pocketed automotive enthusiasts.

The 2009 Lamborgini Insecta concept is the real Lambo figure inspired by the marriage of a raging bull with a scary-looking insect. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3k7gvYI)

However, the supercar concept that will be discussed below is only the concepts made on paper by several talented young designers and never brought by the raging bull logoed Italian manufacturer into reality. These two Lamborghini imaginary supercar concepts are made in 2009 and 2014 by two young talented independent automotive designers from Romania and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Let's take a look at them both below;

1. Lamborghini Insecta Concept

The first supercar concept is called the Lamborghini Insecta Concept which was created by a Romanian designer named Iulian Bumbu in 2009. He received a Master Diploma in Car Design from Scuola Politecnica di Design Milano in 2007-2008, and a degree from the National University of Art Bucharest–Product Design Department in 2004. And the designer is known to have trained at the Alfa Romeo's styling department.

The Lamborgini Insecta Concept car is created by Iulian Bumbu in 2009. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3hgSuwm)

As quoted from Top Gear, by the name, the designer clearly abandoned the distinctive Lambo's bull-related by taking the insects for inspiration. Furthermore, it also can be seen on the concept appearance which takes its design cues from the little creatures' exoskeletons. Its looks combined the insect' armored shell with the familiar Lambo geometric angles to create a pretty fierce-looking interpretation of the future Gallardo supercar.

The Lamborgini Insecta Concept car is is a two-seater, mid-engined supercar concept measure up in size to the current LP560-4 has been designed also to power up the same 552hp from its 5.2-liter V10 powertrain. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3m8TDtB)

Turn out, the two-seater, mid-engined supercar concept measure up in size to the current LP560-4 has been designed also to power up the same 552hp from its 5.2-liter V10 powertrain in mind. Although this concept was never been realized by the raging bull logoed manufacturer. But from here we can see the real Lambo figure inspired by the marriage of a raging bull with a scary-looking insect.

2. Lamborghini Estampida Concept

It is different from this second supercar concept, whose design was made by a talented designer from Bosnia & Herzegovina named Hrvoje Jelic in 2014. As quoted from Lambocars, this concept design was created by him while studying at the Scuola Politecnica di Design Milano.

The Lamborgini Estampida Concept car is created by Hrvoje Jelic. in 2014. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2R8KenD)

The supercar concept named the Lamborghini Estampida Concept is created in the first semester of 2013-2014 and under the supervision of actual Lamborgini designers. Initially, it called a Super Trofeo race car, and obviously, this is way too advanced for the ST series that will still use the famous V10 engine, or instead, this Estampida looks much more like the LMP1 prototype racing car.

The Lamborgini Estampida Concept car is some kind of a complete package of 1,200hp in a lightweight, carbon fiber, and forged composite supercar. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bXL6Fj)

So what about the engine, it might not be so farfetched to think Lamborghini's Squadra Corse will put together a V12 Hybrid setup for their LMP1 race car able to pull about 800hp from the V12 engine and add four 100hp electric motors. That's some kind of a complete package of 1,200hp in a lightweight, carbon fiber, and forged composite supercar. This is cool car!! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOP GEAR | LAMBOCARS]

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Tom Meade’s final GT creation in Italy

Some time ago, we delved into the fascinating world of the Thomassima, an iconic car model crafted by the ingenious Tom Meade. The initial creation, aptly named Thomassima I, emerged in 1962, only to meet an unfortunate demise in the devastating flood that swept through Florence in 1966.

1969 Thomassima III 'Lacrima Rossa' is the third model produced by Tom Meade based on a Ferrari 250 GT Coupe. (Picture from: DriveTribe)

In the wake of this setback, Thomassima II took center stage in 1967, surpassing its predecessor in sheer beauty. Commissioned by a private owner in Northern California in 1966, Tom Meade completed the construction in 1968, and the car made its debut at the prestigious 1968 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Astonishingly, Thomassima II vanished from public sight in 1971, only to resurface in 2015 and subsequently change hands for a staggering $9 million, or approximately Rp.121.2 billion!

1969 Thomassima III is the third model produced by Tom Meade and the most famous of his creations now on display at the Museo Casa Enzo Ferrari in Italy. (Picture from: DriveTribe)

The culmination of Tom Meade's creative prowess materialized in Thomassima III, affectionately named Lacrima Rossa. This third iteration, born in 1969, showcased Meade's unique interpretation of Ferrari styling during the sixties and seventies. Built upon the foundation of a Ferrari 250 GT Coupe, Thomassima III stands as the most celebrated among Meade's creations. The additional moniker, 'Lacrima Rossa' or 'Red Tear,' was bestowed by Josh Lange, a close friend of Meade, encapsulating the essence of Tom's final automotive masterpiece.

1969 Thomassima III uses a 3-liter V12 Ferrari engine with a power output of 237 hp. (Picture from: RetroRides)

The Thomassima III emerges as a front-engined supercar inspired by the legendary 330 P4 sports racing model, housing a formidable 3-liter V12 Ferrari engine boasting 237 horsepower. Crafted with precision, the design features a carbon fiber chassis, molded seats, and meticulously handmade instruments, all enveloped in an aluminum body adhering to Tom Meade's meticulous design principles.

1969 Thomassima III has multi-level, multi-functional instruments, and hand made like most of the car's details. (Picture from: DriveTribe)

In an era where building one's car was a rare feat, Tom Meade stood out, employing coachbuilding expertise in Modena and utilizing aristocratic 1960s Ferrari components as the foundation for his Thomassima III. The sweeping style of this masterpiece is a testament to Meade's keen eye for breathtaking bodywork.

1969 Thomassima III's seats molded into the tub, much like the Thomassima II. (Picture from: DriveTribe)

The Thomassima III caused a stir when exhibited at Italy's automobile manufacturers’ show in Turin. Crowds flocked to witness Meade's creation, prompting event organizers to relocate the display to accommodate the enthusiastic throngs. Even Mattel, the renowned diecast model manufacturer, immortalized the Thomassima III as part of its Hot Wheels collections.

1969 Thomassima III is the third model produced by Tom Meade featured the gull-wing doors as the access into its cabin. (Picture from: DriveTribe)

Presently, Thomassima III rests under the protective care of Meade's adopted son in northern Italy. Though its odometer reads under 300km, the car has not graced the roads in decades. However, its timeless shape, embodying the quintessence of 1960s front-engined Italian sports cars, continues to captivate admirers.

Tragically, Tom Meade passed away in August 2013 at the age of 74. In the subsequent year, a revelation shook the automotive world – Thomassima III was not just a long-lost dream but a masterpiece deserving a place of honor in the Galleria Ferrari museum in Fiorano, right by the Maranello factory. An enduring legacy, the Thomassima III remains an awe-inspiring testament to the vision and craftsmanship of Tom Meade. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THOMASSIMA.COM | DRIVETRIBE | DRIVE-MY.COM | RETRORIDES ]

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Delage reborn with all-new stunning supercar

Delage? Is there a car brand like that? Maybe that's the question when you just look at the name. It is not surprising that some automotive enthusiasts currently do not know the brand. Actually, this is one of the French fancy car manufacturer brands and existed since the 1920s up to the 1950s.

Delage D12 hybrid supercar marks the return of the French brand after nearly 70 years of hibernated. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3kEUh1c)

After nearly 70 years the name hibernated and at the Lyon EpoquAuto event held on November 7, 2019, a well-known French businessman, Laurent Tapie announced the French fancy car brand is revived under the name Delage Automobile and said the Delage D12 is the first project and model to be launched soon. Delage is trying to come back by presenting a car that is believed to be welcomed by the world's automotive fans.

A well-known French businessman, Laurent Tapie announced the French finest car brand is revived under the name Delage Automobile. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33UGKg7)

Why can the company be sure like that? Due to the car presented is a supercar that has a shape resembling a Formula 1 racing car. No half-hearted, they also claimed, it's the fastest hybrid supercar in the world, which is legal to use on the road. Besides that, the French company also mentioned that the former F1 champion, Jacques Villeneuve, and technical director Benoit Bagur, who is a two-time FIA Touring Car World Champion were involved in the development process of its D12 supercar.

Delage D12 hybrid supercar appears with an ultramodern design, that's said a combination of designs inspired by Formula 1 and a fighter jet. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E1u6km)

At first glance, its appearances remind us of the Caparo T1 which was ever-present in the late 2000s. However, the D12 supercar appears with an ultramodern design, that's said a combination of designs inspired by Formula 1 and a fighter jet, where both was the fastest vehicle in their respective fields with unmatched agility. So there is no need to question how the F1 inspiration elements are applied to this Delage supercar.

On the front, just look at the long, flat muzzle in the middle which is the F1 racing car typical design. Then from the muzzle, it is connected by a tiered front spoiler, where the lower one is flat in design with three blades on the right and left, just like single-seater aerodynamics. Meanwhile, the upper spoiler is connected to the front fender, where its slanted-headlights is attached, to fulfill one of the requirements as a street-legal vehicle.

Delage D12 hybrid supercar's front section has a long, flat muzzle in the middle which is the F1 racing car typical design, then it's connected by a tiered front spoiler, where the lower is in the flat design with three blades on the right and left sides. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XZnFFM)

The muzzle also has a transparent portion, which clearly exposes the suspension components. Then the cockpit is given a greenhouse roof which also covers the cabin. Uniquely, not an ordinary door system but canopy flip-up design opens upward, is used to access the D12 cockpit like the pilot access into a fighter jet cockpit. The same design direction is applied to the driver and passenger seat layout, which is positioned parallel or in tandem, so that the D12 cockpit can only be filled by two people, just like the F-18 and F-35 cockpits.

The two seats in the D12 cockpit uses carbon fiber material to create very lightweight structures. The steering wheel design is also unique, combining design elements of a racing car steering wheel and a jet fighter joystick. Furthermore, on the dashboard in front of the driver, there are three LED monitors. And the company also said the Focal's infotainment system will be installed inside its cabin.

Delage D12 hybrid supercar has a slim body-shaped at the front and the cockpit area extends to the rear, then widening to the rear fender. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/30OXYt8)

The body is slim at the front and the cockpit area extends to the rear. Then the rear fenders widen to accommodate airflow for the engine cooling system. The upper-middle section covered by the glass so the engine compartment could be seen, moving slightly downside there's a large air scoop. And further back, the shape of the D12 increasingly resembles an ordinary fast car that is completely covered.

At first glance, the stern appearance is completely grim with large cavities on the right and left. Then, two exhausts are located in the middle, to allow a large diffuser to be attached at the bottom. On the upper side, attached a large and wide wing. Meanwhile, its all four wheels are seen using the black-colored carbon fiber rims.

Delage D12 hybrid supercar has a unique-shaped steering wheel that combining a racing car steering wheel and a jet fighter joystick design elements. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E6ucag)

This hybrid-powered supercar was developed in 2 variants, namely the D12 GT and D12 Club. The performance of the D12 GT variant relies on the power from a 7.5 liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, which is capable of spraying up to 990 hp and is also supported by an electric motor that provides an additional power of 110 hp, so in total, its generated-power is 1,100 hp. As for the performance of the second variant, it only relies on a drivetrain that is powered by 1,010 hp only but has lighter weight.

Delage D12 hybrid supercar will only be produced as many as 30 units and will be sold at a price of around $ 2.3 million. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2E6ucag)

The D12 GT variant has an empty weight of 1,399.8 kilograms, while the D12 Club which is exclusively for track-focused performance is 1,310 kilograms. By numbers, the D12 Club is 89.8 kilograms lighter than the GT. However, Delage has yet to reveal the acceleration and top speed performance figures of the two variants of the D12 supercar. 

The French automotive company claims that in the near future the D12 supercar will soon break the fastest lap records at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Furthermore, Delage also said that the D12 supercar will only be produced as many as 30 units and will be sold at a price of around $ 2.3 million (Rp.33 billion) per unit. Are you wanted to be one of these supercar owners? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DELAGE AUTOMOBILE | ROBBREPORT.COM | ABOUT CARS PRO | CARSCOOPS]

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