The '90s Gandini-designed Maserati Chubasco car prototype

Unique ONES Once again, We're back to one of the famous Italian automotive manufacturers, Maserati, which is known to have a line of great cars that had ever been colored the automotive world from the past to this day. As we all know, recently the Modena-based auto manufacturer has shocked the world's automotive by launching its newest supercar called the Maserati MC20.

The Maserati Chubasco Prototipo was built to be the car of every enthusiast’s dreams and was shaped by a pure passion for fast cars using the most sophisticated technologies the early Nineties had to offer. (Picture from http://bit.ly/36dlyCf)

Besides launching the latest supercar which is said to have promising performance so that it said able to thrill the hearts of its competitors neither on the roads and circuits. However in its business journey, the Italian automotive company has also produced many great cars that are adapted to the times when it was launched.

As in the 1950s when Maserati triumphed on the 24-Hours of Le Mans endurance racing circuit through a line of legendary racing cars based on the Maserati 450S to the Maserati 450S Costin-Zagato Coupe. Likewise, what happened four decades later, namely in the 1990s, the Modena-based company also launched several concept cars and one of them is the Maserati Chubasco which in our opinion is very thick with the design and technology of the nineties so that it deserves to be one of the iconic cars of the era.

The Maserati Chubasco designed by Marcello Gandini and featured three front intakes to channel air under the door and out through the rear bodywork. (Picture from http://bit.ly/36dlyCf)

As is well known, since 1975, Maserati has been acquired by Alejandro de Tomaso, and while in the '90s, the company (supported by large government investments) began to move away from its traditional production line of the exclusive high-performance cars. Initially, the Italian company relied on its future on the 1980s Bitubo models to compete with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other premium car brands. The model was also projected as the firm's spearheading to re-enter the lucrative North American auto-market at the time.

The Maserati Chubasco Prototipo is very thick with the design and technology of the nineties so that it deserves to be one of the iconic cars of the era. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3sW4Elo)

Although at first it seemed to be going well, where sales figures for the Bitubo model were quite good, entering the mid to late 1980s the situation reversed and became even worse for lacking a flagship befitted the marque's heritage. That's why, in the early 1990s, the Italian company took steps to create a new supercar model that lived up to the marque's legacy. So then was born the Maserati Chubasco, the car's name is taken from the name of the fierce storm that occurred in Central and South America.

Maserati Chubasco Prototipo is built on a chassis structure consisting of an aluminum honeycomb central backbone with a ribbed light alloy subframe to carry the suspension and engine. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3iMescY)

Then a prototype was introduced by Maserati at a press conference in December 1990. It unveiled alongside the new Biturbo-based Shamal and two-litre Racing, the Chubasco was a completely new mid-engined two-seat sports coupe and as many as 450 units planned to be produced by those Italian company. And theoretically, the Chubasco could potentially be pitched a half-price rival to the Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari Testarossa.

The Maserati Chubasco is built on a chassis structure consisting of an aluminum honeycomb central backbone with a ribbed light alloy subframe to carry the suspension and engine. Meanwhile, Marcello Gandini was responsible to its handsome designed bodywork and is mounted to the chassis with dampers that absorb vibrations and protect the cockpit from noise.

The Maserati Chubasco Prototipo is a mid-engined sports coupe with an uprated version of the 3.2 liter 32-valve 90° V8 Shamal's engine coupled with the six-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3sW2LVQ)

The bodywork design pays close attention to airflow by creating three front intakes to channel air under the door and out through the rear bodywork. In addition to cooling the engine, it is also intended to enhance the ground-effect produced by a flat underside and rear venturi.

Besides it having an electric hard top that slides backwards over the engine, the Maserati Chubasco is also equipped with a pair of scissor doors like those of Lamborghini cars as its passenger-driver access to enter-exit the cabin. To add a finishing touch, body-coloured aero discs covered the split-rim five spoke wheels.

The Chubasco uses an uprated version of the 3.2 liter 32-valve 90° V8 Shamal's engine later also equipped with a dry-sumped, twin turbocharged and with dual overhead camshafts, so the engine is capable of delivering up to 430 bhp at 6,500 rpm (but no other technical details were released). Those engine power is then channeled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission system with double plate clutch and limited slip differential.

Despite being very well received, the Chubasco program was later canceled by Fiat (which in January 1990 had acquired around 50% of Maserati shares) because it was considered too expensive to produce. Although only one unit was ever made as a prototype, the Chubasco chassis layout is still used as the basis for the Barchetta one-make racing car launched in 1992 and later became De Tomaso Guarà in 1993. Today the Maserati Chubasco Prototipo sat on display at the Panini Museo near Modena, Italy.

The replica of Kaneda's futuristic motorbike built by Masashi Teshima and adopted from the 1988 classic Japanese sci-fi anime film titled 'Akira'. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3sW2LVQ)

Apart from everything and it has absolutely nothing to do with one another. It's just our eyes wild imagination that the Maserati Chubasco concept car looks like has a similarity or design connection with a Shotaro Kaneda motorcycle red-cherry futuristic bike adopted from the 1988 classic Japanese sci-fi anime film titled 'Akira'. Did you see what we've seen? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | WIKIPEDIA]

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Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV for Gran Turismo 7

Concept ONLY As in the Gran Turismo 6 virtual racing game previously it is known that many world manufacturers have released the VGT (Vision Gran Turismo) concept. It seems that Polyphony Digital, the game developer wants to try again when Gran Turismo 7 is available to play on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) console.

The latest Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV concept car can be driven virtually in the Gran Turismo 7 racing game on the Sony Play Station 5 (PS5). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/38wPr27)

Reportedly, the latest sequel to the virtual racing video game Gran Turismo 7 will be released this year (2021). And ahead of its launch, the world-renowned automotive manufacturers began making concept cars that could later be driven virtually in the aforementioned racing game.

And the company that was the first to officially release its concept for the Gran Turismo 7 was Jaguar through its newest concept car called Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV. For the latest version, Jaguar takes a design approach towards an endurance prototype racing car. Previously, Jaguar had also released a similar concept in 2019, called the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupe.

The latest Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV concept car (in the middle) posed with the old Jaguar racing car models such (from left to right) Jaguar C-Type, XJR-9, XJR-14 and D-Type. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/38wPr27)

In theory, because this car is a virtually concept, the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV can be described briefly as an electric-powered racing car that relies on four electric motors, with a total power output of 1,877 hp and 3,360 Nm of torque. With such a large number of Power and torque, then the British company claims its latest car has the ability to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in 1.65 seconds. While the top speed it will touch is 410 kph.

The latest Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV concept car appeared in a very streamlined design applied to the car, through a long bonnet line coupled with a low roofline, which is almost in line with the height of the front fenders. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oyZuJv)

Of the visual appearance, you will see a very streamlined design applied to the car, through a long bonnet line coupled with a low roofline, which is almost in line with the height of the front fenders. Then the front fascia shows a closed grille to house the Jaguar emblem, because it has an electric drive. Then under it is attached a long and width splitter, which is cut off in the middle.

The driver of the latest Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV concept car is in an ergonomic position when driving the car with all the instruments positioned so that they are easily accessible to the driver's hand. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3oyZuJv)

Meanwhile, on the sides there are almost no air holes, except for one vent which has the function of removing air pressure from behind the front fenders. The rest there is no ventilation or intake at all on the side of the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV. The British premium car manufacturer also mentioned several design references applied to this concept taken from old Jaguar models such as the C-type, D-type, XJR-9, and XJR-14. Moreover, the giant rear wing also reminds us of the Jaguar racing car that once competed in the 24-Hours of Le Mans.

The latest Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV is an electric-powered racing car that relies on four electric motors, with a total power output of 1,877 hp and 3,360 Nm of torque. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/38wPr27)

In dimensions when compared to the Jaguar VGT Coupe, the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV is 861 mm longer. All parts of the body are utilized to generate maximum downforce, including the fully closed bottom. Not only closed, but also given special sculptures for the best air flow to the diffuser. As a result, the car's drag coefficient (Cd) is only 0.398, with 483 kg of downforce generated when the car's speed reaches 322 kph.

The interior is also made in such a way as to support aerodynamic performance, so when in the cockpit, so the driver is in an ergonomic position when driving the car with all the instruments positioned so that they are easily accessible to the driver's hand. All control devices are also designed to keep the car's weight light by using Typefibre material. These materials are used to make composite seats, which reportedly will also be tested on the Jaguar I-Type is will be used as the Formula E racing cars next season. 

"The Vision GT SV is a dramatic and visually captivating car, showcasing what is possible when the traditional boundaries that govern real-world car design are completely removed. In bringing this car to life with a full-size design study, we were able to showcase the most extreme version of the Jaguar electric racing car that is inspired by the past, but looks fearless into the future," said the Jaguar's director of design, Julia Thomson.

"All aerodynamic features have been painstakingly optimized through cutting-edge computational fluid dynamics analysis - in exactly the same way we do real-world projects like the Jaguar I-TYPE Formula E race car," said Jaguar SV senior aerodynamic engineer Michael O'Regan. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | JAGUAR | AUTOWISE | ]

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McLaren Sabre, the FASTEST McLaren's non-hybrid two-seater model ever

SuperBEAST Of the many premium car manufacturers in the world, there are several brands that sound very prestige. For example, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren, who are diligent in presenting premuim quality cars for world automotive enthusiasts to date. Recently, McLaren, one of the British premium automotive brands had launched a supercar that comes with a very cool design coupled with a performance above the average sports car ever.

McLaren Sabre is touted the McLaren's fastest non-hybrid two-seater model ever. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MLjRoP)

Previously we also had presented an article about an assumed  supercar as the McLaren with the production code of BC-03 recorded in a spy-shot photo some time ago. So, at that time, as seen in the photo, there was a car covered by camouflage all over its body passing by somewhere at unknown location. 

McLaren Saber is a non-hybrid two-seater model specially designed by the McLaren's Special Operation (MSO division). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MLjRoP)

And now it's finally revealed that the car in question is a high-performance car recently launched by the Woking-based manufacturer and named the McLaren Sabre. As quoted from Autocar, the supercar was specially designed by McLaren's Special Operations (MSO) division and only made 15 units. Beside that the supercar was also claimed to be able to reach speeds of 218 mph, making it the McLaren's fastest non-hybrid two-seater model ever produced to date.

McLaren Sabre features extensive body modifications made possible by homologation requirements. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MLjRoP)

By design, the supercar does come with a very unique design by applying swing-up doors and a huge dorsal fin connected to the rear wing. It is suspected that the customer who commisioned it also had a hand in adjusting the dynamics of the car to suit their needs during the prototype's test run in early 2020.

McLaren Sabre has a very unique design by applying swing-up doors and a huge dorsal fin connected to the rear wing. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MLjRoP)

Although previously McLaren has committed to presenting a hybrid supercar. But, this time, the British manufacturer still wants to present a new product without the intervention of an electric motor. And Sabre is said to be using a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 McLaren engine which is believed to be capable of producing up to 824 bhp of power. And when compared to the McLaren Senna, the Sabre is 35 bhp stronger with a torque of 590 lb.ft.

McLaren Sabre uses a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 McLaren engine which is believed to be capable of producing up to 824 bhp of power and a torque of 590 lb.ft. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MLjRoP)

The McLaren Sabre features extensive body modifications made possible by homologation requirements. And the result is a McLaren Sabre Aero package which is said to be reaching "new limits" through the LMP1-style fins that sit in the center of the roof, coupled with a giant rear diffuser and a distinctive three-slat wing.

An example of the first McLaren Sabre model has been shipped for an undisclosed price, and is estimated to be in the seven digits of US dollar. While another 14 examples will be coming to 14 other customers in the next few months of 2021. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | CARSCOOPS | ]

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The only of Its kind, Bizzarrini BZ-2001

ONE-OFF Bizzarrini is the name of a 1960s Italian automaker based in Livorno. The company was founded in 1964 by Giotto Bizzarrini, an engineer who had worked for Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Iso. Long before that, in 1953, young Giotto Bizzarrini had also built his own car based on the Fiat 500 Topolino which became known as Macchinetta.

1993 Bizzarrini BZ-2001. (Picture ftom: http://bit.ly/37HQ1tk)

And it is known that during its short life, this company has produced 3 car models that are quite famous in 1966, namely the 5300 Strada, 1900 GT Europa, and the P538 S. Then there are several models of road cars made specifically for smart customers, including several race cars that take part in racing events such as the 12 Hours Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Unfortunately all the car production of the company has a very low volume, for example the Strada alone only produced 133 units. Maybe that's why in 1969 this company no longer exists. After this brand went bankrupt, Giotto Bizzarrini was still working on some of the ideas that existed in the 1970s. In particular he worked on several examples of a new model called the AMX/3 and several units of the P538 S. 

1993 Bizzarrini BZ-2001. (Picture ftom: http://bit.ly/37HQ1tk)

Until one day in the early 1990s, Giotto Bizzarrini was contacted by an investor named Barry Watkins to return to designing a new super car. was accepted by him, so the World SuperCars, Inc. was formed, since then the car project called Bizzarrini BZ-2001 was officially underway.

Bizzarrini designed the body of this car which consisted entirely of carbon fiber. This sleek new design was sponsored by several different parts manufacturers who also helped with the design. As the driving force, this BZ-2001 uses a 4.9L Ferrari Testarossa V12 engine capable of producing up to 385 hp and 361 lb-ft (490 Nm) of torque, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission to deliver power to the rear wheels.

1993 Bizzarrini BZ-2001. (Picture ftom: http://bit.ly/37HQ1tk)

The prototype was completed around 1993 and had appeared at various auto shows at that time. Then this car project had attracted the interest of the Indonesian and Malaysian company conglomeration through a holding company called MegaTech to take part in the production process, so that World SuperCars, Inc. plans to make only 25 units and sells for up to the US. $250,000 ($450,925 adjusted). But unfortunately the plan failed because of waning interest of the MegaTech, which was later found to have turned away by taking over ownership of Lamborghini from the American giant Chrysler.

1993 Bizzarrini BZ-2001. (Picture ftom: http://bit.ly/37HQ1tk)

It seems that's not all, it is estimated that the production failure of the Bizzarrini BZ-2001 car is also caused by the price of the car which is considered extreme, some say it may also be caused by the failure of the test drive by Autoweek due to the flying hood incident. However, the 2001 Bizzarrini BZ never progressed beyond a single prototype.

Some time ago (April 2020) LM Classic Cars put a tag of around $ 814,000 for this unique supercar. That price is a lot more than your typical Ferrari Testarossa, but the BZ-2001 is much more unique and arguably better looking. Still it has an incredible price. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TECHEBLOG | THE TRUTH ABOUT CARS | CARSCOOPS ]

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The Hennessey Venom F5 is looking to be the world's fastest production car

Recently, an American supercar manufacturer, Hennessey officially launched their latest hypercar called the Hennessey Venom F5. The manufacture of this car is in collaboration with one of the world's famous automotive designers named John Heinricy who has previously been known to have designed many other supercars such as the McLaren 600LT and the Porsche Cayman GT4.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5's design emphasizes to the aerodynamics, and thanks to the use of a lower spoiler, so this hypercar has a drag coefficient of only 0.39 Cd. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M1ycgt)

As a true automotive enthusiast, of course you still remember that the American automotive company is also known for its phenomenal supercar products, such as the Hennessey Venom GT, which was launched in 2010. Yes, the light weight supercar able to run very fast to a top speed of 300 kph.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 will be an early example of the aerodynamic development of the latest cars from the Hennessey brand. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

No wonder if the company's founder, John Hennessey, claimed that his company newest hypercar is not only for achieving the highest top speed in the world, but also offers the unbeatable driving pleasure. He also said that this car will only produce 24 units, of which 12 units have been sold to consumers.

Furthermore, the owner of the American automotive company also confirmed that the Hennessey Venom F5 will be an early example of the aerodynamic development of the latest cars from the Hennessey brand. "It's just, that there's will be nothing comparable to the performance of the Venom F5," said John Hennessey.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5's interior itself looks luxurious thanks to the use of Alcantara leather combined with carbon fiber sport seats. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

Hennessey Venom F5 will of course face to face the Buggati Chiron Super Sport, Koenigsegg Agera RS and SSC Tuatara. As we all know, the three hypercars are competed to make record-breaking for the world's fastest cars, especially the SSC Tuatara, which recently broke the world's speed record of up to 508 kph.

Talking about the chassis, the entire body of the Venom F5 is made of carbon fiber with a monocoque concept. As a result the weight of the chassis is only 86 kg. Regarding to its design, this car emphasizes aerodynamics thanks to the use of a lower spoiler, so this hypercar has a drag coefficient of only 0.39 Cd.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 uses a F1 adopted steering wheel with a 7-inch instrument cluster inspired by fighter jet. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M1ycgt)

In terms of the interior, the steering wheel itself is adopted to the F1 model with a 7-inch instrument cluster inspired by fighter jet. Of course, the interior itself looks luxurious thanks to the use of Alcantara leather combined with carbon fiber sport seats. The head unit already features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 is powered by a V8 Twin-Turbo engine with a capacity of 6,600 cc which can generate power up to 1,817 hp with a torque of 1,617 Nm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

Speaking of its performance, the Hennessey Venom F5 is powered by a V8 Twin-Turbo engine with a capacity of 6,600 cc which can generate power up to 1,817 hp with a torque of 1,617 Nm. From the first test results, this Hennessey hypercar can accelerate from 0-100 kph in just 2.6 seconds, while 0-299 kph is complete in just 8.4 seconds. The performance results are certainly faster than F1 racing cars, and it can be achieved thanks to the Venom F5 weighs only 1,360 kg.

2021 Hennessey Venom F5 is only produced 29 units of which 12 units have been sold to consumers with a price of the US. $2.1 million or the equivalent of Rp.29.7 billion. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3mIcWJo)

Then its legs, double wishbone model suspension with Penske coilover alerts. In order to compensate for performance, the Brembo's braking disc brakes made from carbon as standard are juxtaposed with the AP Racing calipers. In standard conditions, the hypercar has 5 driving modes, namely Sport, Track, Drag, Wet, and F5.

Not stopped in here and satisfied with these results, Hennessey plans to test the Venom F5's performance for the second time in early 2021 at the NASA special facility in Florida, United States with the test track has a length of 3.2 miles or the equivalent of 4.9 km. Talking about the price, the Hennessey's newest hypercar is priced at the US. $2.1 million or the equivalent of Rp.29.7 billion. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HENNESSEY SPECIAL VEHICLES | LIFESTYLEASIA.COM ]

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Lamborghini SC20, a sexy road-legal speedster with 760 horsepower

Recently a newest Lamborghini's special supercar had been launched, and it's made by Squadra Corse, a special racing purposed car division of those raging bull logoed manufacturer. The Italian supercar manufacturer said that its newest supercar is a direct derivative of the long life cycle model of Lamborghini Aventador, which is first launched in 2011.

The Lamborghini SC20 is the second one-off model made by the automaker's motorsports team, Squadra Corse in the 2020. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

As all know, one of the first derivatives of mentioned legendary model was the Lamborghini Aventador J, the one-off roadster made in 2012. Continued, the Aventador J then gave the spirit to Lamborghini's Squadra Corse nine years later to launched the Lamborghini SC20 Speedster.

Furthermore the Lamborghini's Squadra Corse also said that the source of inspiration for the manufacture of this supercar did not only come from the Lamborghini Aventador J, but also from the Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster, Lamborghini Veneno Roadster, and Lamborghini Concept S based on the Lamborghini Gallardo.

The Lamborghini SC20 was commissioned by a single unnamed customer, and Lamborghini didn't say how much it cost. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

And the result is truly extraordinary, a state-of-the-art supercar that is legal for use on the road, including with a contrasting appearance when compared to the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12  launched earlier this year by the same team as the coupe model, and it specially made for running at the racing tracks only. The Lamborghini SC20 is also a follow-up to its predecessor, the Lamborghini SC18 Alston.

The Lamborghini SC20 is a combination of advanced engineering, the Italian craftsmanship, sporty styling and sophisticated design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

Therefore, the latest Italian's raging bull 760 horsepower speedster species will go down in history as the first car with an engine from the Squadra Corse specifically developed outside the world of motorsport.

"The SC20 is a combination of advanced engineering, the Italian craftsmanship, sporty styling and sophisticated design. It is also an example of applying our latest V12 engine and carbon fiber technologies to a radical open-top vehicle that ready carries Lamborghini's DNA," said Lamborghini CTO Maurizio Reggiani.

The Lamborghini SC20's interior is predominantly dark with a combination of black, blue and white, and the seat also uses carbon fiber upholstered in Alcantara and genuine leather. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

As quoted from Carscoops, the Lamborghini SC20 speedster carries a 6.5 liter V12 engine, which produces a peak power of around 760 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 720 Nm at 6,750 rpm. The power of the engine is channeled via all four wheels (in sized of 20 inches front and 21 inches rear) by using an optimized seven-speed Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) gearbox and electronic differential.

The speedster's entire body is wrapped in carbon fiber material, which makes its weight could be lower significantly. Compared to other variants, the Lamborghini SC20 speedster looks more frightening with an open roof model. Then the line designs scrathed on this car body are quite extreme.

The Lamborghini SC20 is powered by a 6.5 liter V12 engine, which produces a peak power of around 760 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 720 Nm at 6,750 rpm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38DHNSn)

It could be seen on the hood is inspired by the Huracan GT3 EVO, while on the sides sculpted resemble the Essenza SCV12. And it seems to us that the taillight cluster looks like it's Countach-inspired albeit a bit thinner. While, at the rear also there's an adjusted carbon fibered modest wing that can be set in three different positions: low, medium and high load.

The Lamborghini SC20 gets a white finish, with contrasting blue hues on the exterior. While the interior is predominantly dark with a combination of black, blue and white. The seat of this car also uses carbon fiber upholstered in Alcantara and genuine leather.

The Sant'Agata Bolognese based Italian manufacturer built the one-off Lamborghini SC20 project was commissioned by an unnamed customer, and also did not mention how much it would cost to build it. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBORGHINI | BUSINESS INSIDER | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1 ]

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