A beauty look of Buick Wildcat Concept series

The Wildcat - We are excited to showcase an exceptional Buick classic car, a genuine delight for enthusiasts of classic automobiles. As is widely known, Buick has employed the name "Wildcat" for a series of five concept vehicles, comprising three cars from the early 1950s, one in 1985, and another in 1997.

The most exciting classic cars ever built, 1954 Buick Wildcat II concept car. (Picture from: ModelCarEU)

The Buick Wildcat series represents a collection of vehicles with forward-thinking concepts, innovative designs, and new technologies, all crafted by Buick. The 1953 Wildcat I, 1954 Wildcat II and 1955 Wildcat III were designed under the leadership of Harley Earl, the renowned American auto designer and GM's Head of Design.

1. 1953 Buick Wildcat I

The 1953 Buick Wildcat I was primarily built to test the use of fiberglass in automobile body construction. Notably, the front wheel hubs remained stationary as the wheels spun. The car, finished in white with a green leather interior and green nylon carpeting, featured hood scoops and portholes along the tops of the front fenders.

1953 Buick Wildcat I concept car. (Picture from: ConceptCars)

The car was powered by a 188-horsepower V8 engine, it introduced the new Twin Turbine Dynaflow transmission. An interesting feature was its Roto-Static front wheel discs with built-in air scoops, which remained stationary while the wheels revolved around them.

2. 1954 Buick Wildcat II

In 1954, Buick introduced the Wildcat II, a smaller, sportier two-passenger vehicle with a more radical design. It featured an open front fender, exposing the entire front wheel well and part of the front-end suspension, which was chrome-plated.

1954 Buick Wildcat II concept car. (Picture from: Supercars)

The concept car, built of fiberglass and mounted on a 100-inch wheelbase, incorporated Buick’s traditional portholes, placed on the top of the fender. It used a standard Buick V-8 engine equipped with four carburetors, boosting its horsepower output to 220.

3. 1955 Buick Wildcat III

The Wildcat III, born in 1955, had a long open front fender and constructed with a fiberglass body mounted on a shortened Buick chassis with a 110-inch wheelbase, it featured a souped-up 322 CID Nailhead V8 engine with a four-carburetor intake setup.

1955 Buick Wildcat III concept car. (Picture from: MACCityGarage)

The Twin Turbine Dynaflow automatic transmission boasted a sporty floor-mounted shift lever. Despite being petite for a Buick, designers fondly referred to it as the “toy convertible.” The finish was a flamboyant lipstick color called Kimberly Red.

4. 1985 Buick Wildcat

The 1985 Wildcat was a radical mid-engined, all-wheel-drive sports car with an exposed high-performance, double-overhead-cam V6 engine. Built with a carbon-fiber chassis and vinyl-ester resin, the body featured a 'lift-up' canopy for entry and exit.

1985 Buick Wildcat concept car. (Picture from: Motor1)

This futuristic vehicle, still owned by Buick today, boasted a high-tech interior with a center console display showing G-force, torque, oil pressure, and even a compass. Another Wildcat concept car followed, featuring carbon fiber trim inside, black chrome outside, and a modified 3.8-liter V6 engine by McLaren for engineering tests. Although it didn't become a production model, it paved the way for the 1997 Riviera Wildcat.

Buick's Wildcat series exemplifies a continuous pursuit of innovation in automotive design, from the fiberglass experiments of the 1950s to the high-tech marvels of the 1980s and 1990s. These concept vehicles, each unique in its own right, collectively contribute to Buick's rich history of pushing automotive boundaries and inspiring future generations. The spirit of the Wildcat lives on, leaving enthusiasts eager to witness the brand's next revolutionary creation. *** [EKA [27122019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | MOTOR1 | AUTOCAR]

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A stunning looks of the Veloqx Fangio hypercar

F12 Anger Face There's a hypercar currently attracts a lot of attention in cyberspace, and becomes a trend due to it said to be the only one in the world, in the other hand it has an appearence sort a bit similar to the Ferrari F12TdF. As quoted of Autoevolution, the hypercar has ever been seen in the United Arab Emirates in May last year, and from its exterior appearance, it can be seen as the wildest creation if compared to the standard version.

The custom-built Veloqx Fangio has been seen in action for the first time at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. (Picture from: Motor1)

Recently, the mentioned hypercar is back and and making its official debut at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi by using another name as the Veloqx Fangio. Well, the name is may be a bit unique and sound unfamiliar, but there's a long history behind it.

It turns out that the hypercar's name is linked to the UK-based Veloqx Racing Team that plans in near future to end its hibernation in motorsport since the climax of its successful 2004 campaign with a pair of Audi R8 LMP1 prototypes, which resulted in a winning at the Sebring 12 Hours racing events and a runner-up at the Le Mans 24 Hours at that year.

The custom built Veloqx Fangio is powered by a V12 zero-emission combustion engine that can run on a variety of alternative fuels, including biofuels and hydrogen. (Picture from: HotCars)

Meanwhile, Fangio was chosen as a tribute to an Argentinean legendary racer and five-time F1 world's champion, Juan Manuel Fangio nicknamed El Chueco. During his long racing career, he also competed in those two endurance races we mentioned above, plus the 24 Hours of Spa. In addition, Fangio ever won the 1953 Carrera Panamericana. 

The custom built Veloqx Fangio is the result of three years of dedication and craftsmanship from the Veloqx team to pay tribute to El Chueco. (Picture from: AutoMundo)

Besides that, the legendary Argentine racer has raced using many cars made by the world's top automotive manufacturers, such as Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lancia, Maserati, and Mercedes, plus several defunc brands such as Gordini and Talbot-Lago.

Once everything is clear what exactly is the Veloqx Fangio. It's just that there is no official statement regarding this, but as quoted of the Motorsport, which had a chance to interview to the founder of the UK-based racing team, Sam Li last year who said that his team was planning to race at the FIA World Endurance Championship in near future by using its own car named the Veloqx Fangio Hypercar.

While the interior appears to be appropriately race car-spartan with one interesting feature is a digital tachometer and speedometer located on the passenger’s side of the dashboard. (Picture from: Speedster-News)

It is also stated that the car will be powered by an engine capable of running on various types of fuels including biofuels and hydrogen. And reportedly a 'zero-emission combustion engine' is also being developed, along with a low-volume road car. The plan is for the car to start racing in 2025, though Sam Li has not ruled out an early return of the Veloqx Racing Team.

The Veloqx Fangio is a custom built car based on the Ferarri F12TdF to pay tribute to Juan Manuel Fangio and even has his signature on the side. (Picture from: Speedster-News)

Initial tests took place last year at the Bahrain International Circuit and have now been filmed at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. As we can be seen, the Veloqx Fangio looks crazy cools and run on an LMP2' spec slick-tyres. Furthermore, its ultra-aggressive body kit serves the functional purpose of maximizing aerodynamics after three years of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) research, and meanwhile the giant front divider looks like it could easily double as a snow plug, the rear diffuser is reminiscent of a tractor aerator.

The custom built Veloqx Fangio is a crazy looking thing with an ultra-aggressive body kit and even runs on LMP2-spec slick tyres. (Picture from: Zero2Turbo)

Judging by the innards, the Veloqx Fangio uses more than just an Ferrari borrowed engine that at first glance looks to be based on the F12, possibly the same engine used by the F12TDF. However, it still cannot be confirmed. We know for a fact that the engine sound is excellent and the top-mounted quad exhaust is an interesting sight to behold.

However, there's some bad news regarding the use of the 'Fangio' name for the car. As quoted of Motor1, Fangio's heirs said that Veloqx never requested such authorization... This, without a doubt, could cause a serious problem for the British company. But on the other hand Li assures that he has the rights to use the Fangio' name 'in the fields of motoring and the automotive industry.' Hopefully this problem can be resolved as well as possible.

As quoted of Automundo, as seen at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, it looks very impressive by its performance, and reportedly the British-based Veloqx team plans to produce in limited numbers of 12 units only. Well now is the time for us to sit back and wait for further news. Ciao, baby..!! *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORSPORTS | MOTOR1 | CARSCOOPS | AUTOMUNDO | HOTCARS | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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The one-off Chamberlain Searcher One and its copies

Star Rides When we saw this car for the first time, we immediately remembered the car made by the British automaker of 1992, the Jaguar XJ-220. But upon a bit closer seeing, it was not. The car was the Chamberlain Searcher One, a one-off mid-engined sportscar specially built for NBA Basketball star Wilt Chamberlain in the 1996.

NBA Star Wilt Chamberlain posed along with his dreamcar called Searcher One (Picture from: New York Times)

As quoted of the New York Times, to build this car, the automaker spends around $ 750,000. The custom made car design was first created by Wilt-himself and later given to Peter Bohanna, an automotive engineer who worked on special effects and props for James Bond movies, ship and car builder, etc. 

The Seacher One is a mid-engine one-off sportscar specially built for NBA Basketball star Wilt Chamberlain in the 1996. (Picture from: Drive2.ru)

Bohanna made a wooden body buck with the main features in order to accommodate a bulky and tall driver such Wilt Chamberlain, made the cockpit is different in that it allows for both a driver and a passenger with seven foot height posture. As the result, the cockpit was stretched by 6 inches. The one-of-a-kind body was molded out of fiberglass.

The Seacher One is built on a steel and aluminium monocoque with steel tube sub frame and GRP bodywork. (Picture from: Rarecomponentcars)

As for those kind of working was handed over to a British company, Lyncar Motor Company, which had previously signed up to participate in the project. In short, Lyncar Motor Co. then based its chassis for the Searcher One on the Le Mans endurance car design (made of a steel and aluminium monocoque with steel tube sub frame and GRP bodywork). After the chassis and body were completed in England, the car was then transported to California by air.

After arriving in America, the machine was worked on and installed by Richard Paul. Initially the car was designed to use a Jaguar V12 engine, but then a rear-mounted GM V8 engine (which reportedly produces up to 700 hp) combined with a 5-speed manual transmission was eventually transplanted.

The Seacher One is powered by a rear-mounted GM V8 engine (which reportedly produces up to 700 hp) combined with a 5-speed manual transmission. (Picture from: Axialflow)

The Searcher One's interior is hand-formed aluminum and upholstered in Italian glove leather completed also with the four point belt and harness racing style seats. Actually, Wilt Chamberlain never really drove the Searcher One aside from a few trips to the track (maybe because the cabin made him bent down so he felt uncomfortable). No wonder if the car has only about 100 miles on its speedometer.

Apparently becomes the famous car figure there was an advantage or disadvantage.😲 After some time being one-off supercar, in mid the 2000s, several cars that looked similar to the Chamberlain Searcher One were seen. How come? In short, Martin Slater (the owner of Lyncar Motor Co.) is known also the Searcher One body builder in the UK, retained the chassis and body drawings. And a few years later after those one-off car project finished, a collegue bought the rights to them, and started to produce a kit car based on those designs called the Veleno and Predator.

The Auto Speciali Veleno built by Auto Speciali Ltd. based on the Chamberlain Searcher One. (Picture from: Rarecomponentcars)

Well, later the mentioned car above was known made by an automotive company based in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, called Auto Speciali Ltd. The company was founded on March 6, 2006 by Jonathan Lane Harris and Keith Kirk, who previously ran the Venom Sports Cars. As quoted from Rarecomponentcars, Keith Kirk left the company on May 28, 2007 and died in 2008. In our opinion, most likely the Slater's rights buyer is the Auto Speciali Ltd.

The Auto Speciali Veleno is built on a custom spaceframe which is powered by various engines ranging from Toyota MR2, Ford V6s, and V8s with many parts are taken from Ford Granada. (Picture from: Rarecomponentcars)

It is built on a custom spaceframe which is powered by various engines ranging from Toyota MR2, Ford V6s, and V8s with many parts are taken from Ford Granada. Actually the Veleno is only available as a kit car, which in the period 2006 to 2010 was sold to four buyers only. While the Predator is more likely to be a finished car made in-house by the company.

The Auto Speciali Veleno is only available as a kit car, which in the period 2006 to 2010 was sold to four buyers only. (Picture from: Rarecomponentcars)

Unfortunately, the journey of this British kit car brand is very short, and its production ended in 2010, and the company was officially dissolved on October 4, 2011. During this short production period the company was famous for producing replica cars such as the Auto Speciali AS 427 (which is replica of the famous AC Cobra).

In addition, the company also works by taking orders from another automotive companies such as Fiero Factory (1998-2002), Euro 427 Sports Cars (2002-2003), again Fiero Factory (2003-2004), Venom Sports Cars (2004-2006) and Vindicator Cars (since 2010), so the total number is approximately 1,000 units that have been made. Even though the company went out of business, Vindicator Cars continued their work after 2010, but it is not clear if any cars were produced. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | NYTIMES | GREYFLANNELAUCTION | AXIALFLOW | RARECOMPONENTCARS | MADABOUT-KITCARS | DRIVE2.RU | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCARS ]

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Here's the next French-made supercar in the queue

Made to be Still many automotive manufacturers have big ambitions to build a sports car that can undermine the dominance of the Bugatti Veyron, although it's difficult. However, there's a French automotive manufacturer named Genty Automobile is believed to have all the requirements to become a prominent rival to the super sports car made by Bugatti.

The Akylone supercars by Genty Automobile is shown off as a full scale display model. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

As reported of Caradvice in 2014, Genty Automobile launched its supercar called the Genty Akylone which carries a 4.8 liter V8 twin-turbocharged in-house engine so that it can spit out up to 1,011 hp of power and 1,270 Nm of torque and then all the power would be channeled to the car's rear wheels via a 7-speed sequential transmission.

The preproduction chassis of the Genty Akylone supercars completed with a 4.8 liter V8 twin-turbocharged in-house engine. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

This car was began to be developed by Genty in early 2010 and was first shown in "virtual form" in 2013, is claimed to be able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 2.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 354 kph, if it true having such performances, the Akylone estimated to be a prominent rival the Bugatti Veyron, McLaren P1 and Ferrari LaFerrari at the time.

The Genty Akylone supercar showing as a CG 3D rendering image. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

This Genty made car has dimensions of 4,467 mm in length, 2,050 mm in width, 1,115 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2,780 mm, so the Akylone is believed to have a more aerodynamic performance with a frame that combines parts of the car's body arranged into three parts, ie front, center, and rear.

The Genty Akylone supercar interior in a CG 3D rendering image. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

Meanwhile, the French-made supercar uses a body built on a composite monoblock chassis that combines carbon fiber and aluminum. So it is not surprising that the weight of the Genty Akylone is very light at only 2,429 lbs (1,101 kg) and the front-rear weight distribution ratio is 42:58. That's near perfect for a car of this type and should make for sure footed handling.

The Genty Akylone prototype is claimed to be able to accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 2.7 seconds with a maximum speed of 354 kph. (Picture from: RareComponentCars)

A major element of the interior is a huge display in the middle of the dashboard, which is touch-sensitive, and a console behind the steering wheel that displays information from different driving modes. It is plush and appears to use high quality materials.

There is no certainty about the price, but what is certain is that the French-made supercar that has a design similar to the McLaren F1 is only produced of 15 units in coupe-styled and 10 units for the roadster type. As qouted of Rarecomponentcars, its estimated price per unit is likely to be in excess of $400,000. Genty is currently in the process of building a preproduction prototype, having shown; virtual images rendered in 3D, a full-size concept model built on a rolling chassis.

Hope this not like many other would-be supercar makes create a big splash and then vanish into thin air, sometimes resurfacing in a new guise. The Akylone's most recent public showing was in early 2020, prior to the Covid 19 pandemic. Recent news has been scant. Still, it will be interesting to see how this Genty's audacious endeavor be appears. Stay tuned and wait further news (if there's any).😊 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GENTY AUTOMOBILE | CARADVICE | MOTORAUTHORITY | RARECOMPONENTCARS | TOPSPEED ]

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A new V12-engined 'more-practical' GMA T.33 supercar is revealed

More Practical V12 Following the launch of the GMA T.50 supercar some time ago, the automotive company owned by Gordon Murray has launched a new supercar called the GMA T.33 which is no less cool than its predecessor.

Gordon Murray Automotive has unveiled its second supercar named GMA T.33, and is built on an all-new carbon-aluminium monocoque chassis. (Picture from: Autocar)

The figure of the GMA T.33 seems to be continuing the work of its predecessor GMA T.50 as the second supercar product of the Gordon Murray Automotive as a UK-based global luxury brand dedicated to creating and manufacturing the world's greatest driving cars.

The GMA T.33 featured with GMA’s newly patented PBLC aero system uses theories developed on the T50 to enhance diffuser-induced underbody downforce by around 30% compared with rivals. (Picture from: Autocar)

"With the T.33 arrival, we have one clear goal: to recreate a timeless design. It has been designed and engineered to the same standards as the T.50 with a focus on driver, performance, light weight and pure design but the results are different," said Gordon Murray, the CEO of GMA.

The GMA T.33 featured with a minimalistic cabin devoid of touchscreens and columns stalks. (Picture from: Slash&Gear)

Like its predecessor, the UK-based manufacturer will only produce the GMA T.33 in limited quantities of up to 100 units with a starting price tag of £1.37 millions (or approx Rp 26,4 billions). This new car from GMA is also equipped with a fierce naturally aspirated V12 engine by Cosworth.

The GMA T.33 is powered by a specially adapted version of GMA’s Cosworth-designed 3.9-litre V12 engine with even more low-speed torque but a slightly lower rev limit of 11,100 rpm. (Picture from: GridOto)

The engine named Cosworth GMA.2, has a capacity of 3,994 cc, which is said to be capable of spewing out power up to 615 hp at 10,500 rpm and 451 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. The an interesting thing about the machine is that its weight is claimed to be very light, which is only 178 kilograms which also can produce rotations of up to 11,100 rpm.

The GMA T33’s standard gearbox is an end-on stick-shift six-speed unit specially built by UK supplier Xtrac, but a paddle-shifter is optional. (Picture from: Autocar)

But of course the GMA's V12 engine loses power when compared to the Ferrari F8's V8 turbo engine which can produce a maximum power of up to 720 hp and 770 Nm of torque. But if with the car's claimed weight only 1,090 kilograms, of course the GMA T.33 has a better power-to-weight ratio of 564 hp/ton.

To be able to make the GMA T.33 run fast on the streets, the engine is combined with a 6-speed manual H-Pattern transmission system or the option Instantaneous Gear Shift (IGS). Meanwhile to support its performance, GMA did not forget to provide a new design steering wheel, Brembo Carbon Ceramic Material (CCM) brakes, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tires. Indeed, as a limited production car, GMA also provided the customization services for the T.33 owners. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GORDON MURRAY AUTOMOTIVE | AUTOCAR | SLASH & GEAR ]

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Lazzarini introduces the electric-powered limo concept specially for the rich in you

SuperVillain Rides Not like usual, this is just a parable to illustrate how unique the following car design is. Well, for example, we currently live in the comic world along with the rich superhero character of Batman in Gotham City who also known has a myriad of great vehicles such as the Batmobile, Batpod, Tumbler and others.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar had an appearence of a four-seats electric-powered limousine that looks like a prototype of something that proper to drive by a rich super-villain in the 1980s to early 1990s. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Then have you ever imagined what kind of a proper four-wheeled vehicle would fit for the character of the rich supervillain? Maybe some of you will just shrug, because don't know what to say. And some might answer the Captain Nemo's Nautilus car, Schmidt Hydra Coupé or even the Studebaker XF58 'Ice Pincess' and others.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar has length dimention of about 21.5-feet, while a wheelbase is almost eight feet wide. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Those such cars mentioned earlier might be too classic and old school for today's rich supervillains. So is there such a car and who designed it? After seeing the picture of the car above, of course you will think that there is a car that has a unique design and deserves to be driven by such the rich supervillains.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered long-snout supercar has a unique fancy canopy door features that opens from the back to the existing two doors. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Again, this is just an illustration, and of course it has nothing to do with a great car design made by an Italian car designer named Pierpaolo Lazzarini. As we all knew that he was a designer behind the Jet Capsule projects and the UFO houseboats, and by the end of 2020  he is revealed a new vehicle model named the Lazzarini One.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar is technically an AWD hybrid, with a 600 hp engine and an additional 1,200 hp from four electric Bosch motors, one for every wheel. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Now and then, he does automotive concepts, sometimes just from a scratch, or starting from famous car marque like the Ferrari or the Fiat. The Lazzarini One is probably one of his the least talked-about projects, and would be had an appearence of a four-seats electric-powered limousine that looks like a prototype of something that proper to drive by a rich super-villain in the 1980s to early 1990s against the Batmobile.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar perfectly unifies the futuristic and retro components into one. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Furthermore, Lazzarini describes this 1,200 horsepower four-seater as an electric limousine maybe a better and more precise description would be a supercar or a luxury sedan. It is technically an AWD hybrid, with a 600 hp engine and an additional 1,200 hp from four electric Bosch motors, one for every wheel. It is about 21.5-feet long, while a wheelbase is almost eight feet wide. Uniquely, the vehicle boasts an impressive canopy door that opens the roof from the back.

The Lazzarini One electric-powered supercar looks like something that would perfectly fit in the Tim Burton’s Batman universe, but coupled with an extra note of aggressiveness. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Considering the style, Lazzarini One unifies the futuristic and retro components. This extraordinary electric limousine looks like something that would perfectly fit in the Tim Burton’s Batman universe, but coupled with an extra note of aggressiveness and if it could be made into real world estimated the price very high as well, about €2,298,500 which is roughly $3.09 million at today’s exchange rate.

For someone who wanna has Lazzarini One, so he or she should be ready pay around €2.55 million, which is roughly $3.09 million at today’s exchange rate. (Picture from: LazzariniDesignStudio)

Unfortunately, Lazzarini didn’t offer specific details on this electric limousine project, which ended with a lack of attention in comparison to other projects. But one thing is for sure, this project serves as a reminder that we can shape the future whatever it is, according to our dreams and desires. If you were a visionary billionaire eager to draw supervillain comparisons, you should had this car. 😎

On his website, as you can read his motto, in which he states that he is a designer that believes in taking a different design approach. We can agree that he’s holding to it until today, while seen one of his craziest creations such the Lazzarini 550 Italia Prototipo Uno. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAZZARRINIDESIGNSTUDIO | AUTOEVOLUTION | EDELSWISS-LIMOUSINE.CH ]

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