ForgottenONES The world's automotive enthusiasts must have heard the name Franco Sbarro. That's right, he is a renowned Italian-born Swiss car designer, automaker, and also the founder of a school where students study the art of designing and building motorized vehicles. To this day, maybe it's countless how many motor vehicles ever designed by him together with young experts who graduated from his school.
The Lancia Ionos by Sbarro sports car concept was actually inspired by the original design of the Lancia Stratos, which was then developed in such a way as to create their own interpretation of the car. (Picture from: Pinterest)
Among the many great works that have been produced by Sbarro, it turned out that there were some that had caught our attention to be discussed, and this time the choice fell on a unique car named Lancia Ionos by Sbarro, supposedly it was built to be the modern interpretation of the iconic Lancia Stratos racing car, and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 1997.
The Lancia Ionos sports car concept posed along with its creator Franco Sbarro. (Picture from: Autokult.pl)
How can it all be connected? Let's start with the names, which are both inspired by the layers of our Earth's atmosphere. As the name of Stratos is associated with the stratosphere, the name of Ionos also comes from the ionosphere.
The Lancia Ionos by Sbarro one-off car concept carries a pure sports racing style, and has a low and sleek bodywork, and an aggressive front-end with small headlights. (Picture from: Autokult.pl)
So, this car project, which was the responsibility of Franca Sbarro's design school students, was actually inspired by the original design of the Lancia Stratos, which was then developed in such a way as to create their own interpretation of the car, so that finally the Lancia emblem was pinned in front.
The Lancia Ionos sports car concept is compact in size at 3,800 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, just 1,100 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,270 mm. (Picture from: TheAutoChannel)
This one-off car concept carries a pure sports racing style. So in appearance you would find this Sbarro-designed car has a low and sleek bodywork, and an aggressive front-end with small headlights. Then its sports car impression is further emphasized by the presence of butterfly-styled doors that open upwards. While, the rear features semi-circular taillights and twin exhaust tips.
The Lancia Ionos sports car concept's cockpit refers to the construction of the helmet's protective glass, where the transparent parts on the front and sides resemble a visor. (Picture from: Autokult.pl)
This two-seater concept car is compact in size at 3,800 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, just 1,100 mm high and has a wheelbase of 2,270 mm. Uniquely, the cockpit of this Lancia Ionos by Sbarro concept refers to the construction of the helmet's protective glass, where the transparent parts on the front and sides resemble a visor.
The Lancia Ionos sports car concept is powered by a mid-mounted 10-cylinder engine with a certain arrangement of cylinders in an inverted V shape, or as Sbarro himself prefers to call it in the letter A-shape. (Picture from: Autokult.pl)
Remarkably, the Lancia Ionos by Sbarro concept car is powered by a mid-mounted 10-cylinder engine with a certain arrangement of cylinders in an inverted V shape, or as Sbarro himself prefers to call it in the letter A-shape. This engine was specially created by combining two units of the 2.4 liter 5 cylinder inline taken from the Lancia Kappa.
The Lancia Ionos sports car concept's unusual engine capable of producing around 405 hp, and does not significantly increase the weight of the vehicle which only weighs 1,100 kg. (Picture from: Autokult.pl)
This unusual machine is claimed to be capable of producing around 405 hp, and does not significantly increase the weight of the vehicle which only weighs 1,100 kg. The arrangement of the cylinders in the shape of the letter A makes it possible to tuck in the Porsche 911 Carrera 4's gearbox system between the rows of cylinders, and also the 4-wheel drive system is also taken from the same model.
Furthermore, this Sbarro's concept car adopts Mercedes-Benz's exhaust system and also equipped with a Brembo brake system. Even though the Lancia Ionos by Sbarro concept is 26 years old, it still looks fresh and original. In fact, the car never went into production, but it is one of the most interesting projects under the name of Franco Sbarro to this day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | AUTOKULT.PL | THEAUTOCHANNEL ]
NEW Hypercars Some time ago at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix racing event held on May 3, 2023, you can see there's an exhibition activities carried out by the Turin-based automaker, Laffite Automobili. In fact, it was not an impromptu event, the company had announced 1 month ago with the tagline that it wants to create a real revolution by launching its first model.
Laffite Automobili launched five
electric hypercars at once (from left to right) such the Laffite Atrax
Off-Road, the Atrax Stradale, the LM1, the Barchetta Coupe, and the
Barchetta at the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix 2023. (Picture from: NewsRnD)
Maybe some of you are unfamiliar with the Italian auto manufacturer. This is commonplace because the auto brand formed by Bruno Laffite together with Pascal Cohen in 1998 was originally managing race track and karting school academies. Their common passion for racing and vison for street legal racing cars started 30 years ago, and still remain.
The Laffite LM1 prototype has an exterior appearance that is very thick
with the spirit of the 24-Hours Le Mans race. (Picture from: 20Minutes.fr)
After the auto company founded, it's known the Laffite completed its first hypercars design and engineering processes in 2014, then its first street legal SUV hypercar, the Laffite X Road went out of productions in 2019 and got immediately sold out.
The Laffite LM1 prototype posed along with the company founder Bruno Laffite and Pascal Cohen. (Picture from: Carscoops)
The auto marque is known in collaboration with several famous names in world's automotive such Fabrizio and Giorgetto Giugiaro, the two Italian creative souls of GFG Style, an independent and established style center. As well as, L.M. Gianetti, the renowned Turin-based engineering and automobile manufacturing company.
They have been linked together as the best teams to create the most prestigious ever hypercar lines. And today, once again Laffite making history. For the first time in the industry, 3 electric hypercars are revealed the same day, during the Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix.
The Laffite Barchetta featuring with a single glass canopy. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)
In the heart of the F1 village, which is hosted to the announcement and launching event of the first 3 models of the brand, the Laffite LM1, the Atrax and the Barchetta, as well as their first two variations, the Atrax Stradale and the Barchetta Coupe was made by company.
Interior view of the Laffite Barchetta. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Furthermore all those three models can be classified as electric-powered hypercars, which are the result of the design work of GFG Style which was fronted by master Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio after leaving Italdesign. As quoted from 20Minutes.fr, the launch of these three hypercars at once is intended to pay homage to several motor sport disciplines which is reflected in their respective names.
The Laffite Barchetta Coupe featuring with a double-bubble cockpit. (Picture from: AutoDesignMagazine)
Well, the company's first car model is the Laffite LM1 which has an exterior appearance that is very thick with the spirit of the 24-Hours Le Mans race. Even though it is thick with the style of a racing car, it can be driven on the road.
As mentioned before this hypercar is powered by an electric motor capable of spitting out a maximum power of 1,167 hp and a peak torque of 2,500 Nm to drive all-the-wheels, so it can accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 1.9 seconds and send it running up to a top speed of around 350 kph.
The Laffite Atrax (in pictured was Stradale version) proposed as a
sporty SUV with an exaggerated and extreme shape with important volumes
and generous roominess, allowing for a 2+1 seat architecture. (Picture
from: AutoDesignMagazine)
The second model named the Laffite Barchetta, which featured the most unique design among the three models exhibited by Lafitte Automobili at the time, but was also the least power of them. Its electric motor will produce 578 hp of power and 990 Nm of torque, which makes it reach 100 kph in 3.5 seconds. It will also have the shortest electric range, capable of traveling an estimated 242 miles (390 km) per charge.
The Laffite Atrax presented in two versions, ie the off-road version and
the Stradale version, designed to tackle urban roads. (Picture from: Carscoops)
As you can see, indeed the car’s true highlight is the design. By featuring a double-bubble cockpit (or a single glass canopy for the Coupe version) and a kind of roll bars (halo) that offers rollover protection, the car looks more like a concept than a production vehicle.
The Laffite Atrax (in pictured was the off-road version) featured with
butterfly doors, a carbon monocoque, and an F1-style steering wheel.
(Picture from: TheMilliardaire)
The last model was Laffite Atrax is proposed as a sporty SUV with an exaggerated and extreme shape with important volumes and generous roominess, allowing for a 2+1 seat architecture. As you can see this all-electric crossover featured with butterfly doors, a carbon monocoque, and an F1-style steering wheel.
While its drivetrain claimed to be burted out power of 1,151 hp and 2,500 Nm of torque. That will get the 4,850 lbs (or approx 2,200 kg) vehicle accelerated up to 100 kph) in just 3.8 seconds, and onto a top speed of 240 kph. The SUV is offered in either its aggressive stock configuration, or in the more road-focused Stradale trim.
Furthermore, Laffite says that it has spent more than 15,000 hours engineering each vehicle, and the company plans to sell between 24 and 26 of each model. For instance, it says the automaker will build 26 Atrax SUVs, with a starting price of $1.69 million, and said that deliveries of the first Atraxes are expected to begin in March 2024. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAFFITE AUTOMOBILI | THEMILLIARDAIRE | CARSCOOPS | TOPGEAR | AUTOMOTIVEEV | AUTODESIGNMAGAZINE | NEWSBREAK | 20MINUTES.FR | NEWSRND | ]
Wait&See Before we start discussing the hypercar that will be built by the German car manufacturer. As we all know, various world's top automotive brands have started preparing their newest, more sophisticated electric hypercars. But for Porsche to present their hypercar, they have to wait at least another 5 years to come.
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, known as the hot hybrid that helped kickstart Porsche's EV movement. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
So, as reported by Carscoops, Porsche said that the German car manufacturer needed more time to develop their hypercar battery. According to them, the battery technology must match the character of a hypercar which also has a very high performance orientation.
The Porsche Mission R is the vision of an all-electric vehicle developed by Porsche equipped with a battery-electric drivetrain for customer motorsports.. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
Furthermore, the German manufacturer through Michael Steiner as the head of Porsche's R&D Departement said they were trying to adapt the right battery cell technology to be implemented into their hypercar.
"In the midst of our battery technology development, we noticed a dynamic change in battery cell technology that is suitable for our hypercars. So we have to ensure that this technology is suitable for our hypercars," said Steiner.
The new Porsche Taycan GTS now charges the Porsche electric driving experience with even more intense emotions. (Picture from: MotorTrend)
He also mentioned that the development of this battery requires at least 2 years. In addition, several technologies such as chassis, drivetrain, and several other developments also require a long development time.
Porsche itself actually already has a new hypercar model that will reportedly be used in the 24-Hour Le Mans endurance race called the Porsche 963 LMDh. It's basically uses a hybrid drivetrain configuration with an electric motor and battery that is made to last for endurace racing. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | MOTORTREND ]
Wait&See The development of electric-powered vehicles are increasingly attracting the interest of players in the automotive industry, both old players and new players. Indeed today we are in the era of electric vehicles. It feels like just yesterday, we are amazed when we see electric-powered concept cars presented by the makers. But now, there were so many electric-powered vehicles had been milling about on the streets.
A German media AutoBild have spread unconfirmed information about the development of a new Lamborghini's
electric hypercar (in pictured Lamborghini Diamante Concept by Thomas Granjard as an illutration only) dubbed as the Vitola. (Picture from: Carbuzz)
However, the automotive industry players do not immediately jump into it without conducting any research and development first, especially since the current supporting infrastructure for electric vehicles is still not evenly distributed. So that many automotive industry players, such as the Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., prefer to do it in stages by first conducting research and development on all supporting components, such as electric motors and battery systems, etc.
To this day the latest supercar from this manufacturer is the Revuelto which is mentioned as a replacement for the Aventador referred to be a High Performance Electrified Vehicle (HPEV) capable of generating power up to 1,001 hp, which consists of the new naturally-aspirated 6.5 liter V12 engine coupled to three electric motors.
Porsche Mission E Concept while sat in display at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2015. (Picture from: Autonews.Autoua.net)
As we all know that the supercar manufacturer under the auspices of the Volkswagen Group, the raging bull automaker has announced that 2022 is the final year for
the launch of non-electric models and is preparing to switch to electric powered vehicles in 2028 later by giving a few hints about its first model being a 2+2 Grand Tourer (GT).
As quoted from Carbuzz, instead of working on it alone, it looks like the development of this Lamborghini supercar will also involve Porsche, a fellow company under the Volkswagen Group banner. We can see this back in 2016 when it was rumored that the two of them would share an electric power technology platform. At that time, Porsche had just announced that it would launch an electric-powered supercar called the Porsche Mission E.
A German media AutoBild have spread unconfirmed information about the new Lamborghini hypercar would share an electric power technology platform with Porsche Mission E. (Picture from: Autonews.Autoua.net)
According to a German-language YouTube video by AutoBild, some of the Mission E's electric technology will be picked up by Lamborghini. Furthermore, the video also describes that the raging bull electric-powered supercar that will be developed dubbed as the Vitola that would ride on the Porsche Mission E's J1 platform. It will also steal the sedan's fast-charging system, which works with the Mission E's 800-volt battery to make charging times a breeze.
Not only shared same platform, the new developed Lamborghini Vitola electric supercar (in pictured Lamborghini Diamante Concept by Thomas Granjard as an illutration only)would also pinned the sedan's fast-charging system, which works with the Mission E's 800-volt battery to make charging times a breeze. (Picture from: OkeZone)
This is important for owners who may want to take the hypercar to a track and not be faced with the inconvenience of waiting for a lengthy recharge after a few laps. The Vitola will supposedly have a 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds (matching the Tesla Model S P100D) and reach a top speed of 186 mph. The Mission E makes a combined 600 horsepower using two electric motors, which rockets the sedan from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
To reach its performance targets, the Vitola will undoubtedly be lighter than the four-door Porsche, but it will probably still gain more horsepower to keep it ahead of the competition. That will soon include an all-electric McLaren hypercar, and given the direction of the Volkswagen Group, an EV Porsche 918 replacement based off of the lessons learned from honing the Vitola is not out of the question.
It is still unclear whether the Vitola will be another Lamborghini with a very limited production run or an alternative to existing models like the Huracán or Revuelto which still has a typical sonorous roaring engine or the quiet of electric motor or even combination of both. Instead, what is currently circulating is a different matter, namely the prospected 2+2 GT model. Will it be Vitola or another one? Well, for sure we can only wait until the time comes in 2028. Yes, we'll wait and see.😎 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAMBOCARS | CARBUZZ | AUTOBILD | DIGITALTRENDS | AUTOEVOLUTION | ELEKTREK.CO | DRIVESPARK | AUTONEWS.AUTOUA.NET | IDMOTOR1 | MOTORMOBILE ]
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New BEAST After being produced for approximately 5 years, the iconic McLaren 720S supercar was officially replaced by the McLaren 750S which has a number of improvements. According to the automaker, about 30 percent of the components have been updated, including performance and aerodynamics. So far, there are two variants marketed to consumers, namely the McLaren 750S Coupe and Hardtop Convertible to continuing the body style of the 720S.
The McLaren 750S has a number of improvements. According to the automaker, about 30 percent of the components have been updated, including performance and aerodynamics. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
As for the drivetrain, the McLaren 750S entrusts a 4.0-liter V8 engine coupled with a twin-turbocharger, so that it can produce a maximum power of 750 hp with a peak torque of 800 Nm (this figure is claimed to be superior to the McLaren P1). Power and torque are channeled entirely to the rear wheels via a new 7-speed sequential transmission under a shorter drive ratio.
The McLaren 750S Spider version is one of variants besides the Coupe powered by a 4.0-liter V8 engine coupled with a twin-turbocharger, so that it can produce a maximum power of 750 hp with a peak torque of 800 Nm. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Even though they carry the same engine, those two 750S variants have different performance figures. On paper, both are capable of accelerating from rest to 100 kph in just 2.7 seconds. But to reach speeds of 200 kph, the Spider variant is 0.1 seconds slower than the Coupe. Even to penetrate the quarter mile time, the 750S Coupe is also 0,2 seconds ahead superior to its Convertible variant which recorded a time of 10.3 seconds. However, the automaker ensures that both 750S variants can run up to a top speed of 331 kph.
Although uses the same drivetrain, The McLaren 750S Spider version is 0,2 seconds slower than the Coupe to achieve the quarter mile time. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
If we take a look at its exterior appearance, this British supercar has a much wider front track with a new suspension geometry. Apart from that, the manufacturer also pinned Proactive Chassis Control III which is claimed to be able to provide a more rigid and stable ride in corners. While for matters of aerodynamics, at the front the 750S has a new bumper design with air vents to flow air from the headlight chamber to the radiator.
The McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) has a new bumper design with air vents to flow air from the headlight chamber to the radiator. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Still at the front, there's an extended-splitter coupled with a large active spoiler to provide vehicle balance. One of the most interesting things at the stern is the embedding of the exhaust in the middle, which taken inspiration of the McLaren P1. Meanwhile, to increase the level of aerodynamics, the 750S also has large intakes at the rear wheels, a fresher grille mesh and an upgraded rear deck.
The McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) also has an extended-splitter coupled with a large active spoiler to provide vehicle balance. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Enter the cabin, where we will be presented with the distinctive feel of a Woking supercar. Even manufacturers also present two additional specifications that consumers can choose from, namely TechLux and Performance. In the first option, the entire cabin will be wrapped using Nappa leather material while Performance combines leather and Alcantara.
The McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) featured with the large intakes at the rear wheels, a fresher grille mesh and an upgraded rear deck. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Not only that, there is a cluster meter screen with a new feel and design where all vehicle information will be displayed. The McLaren Control Launcher is even available, which allows the driver to adjust aero, handling, powertrain and transmission features as he wishes. Even though it is intended to be a true supercar, McLaren also does not forget about the entertainment matters by embedding an Apple CarPlay connection in it.
The exhaust placement of the McLaren 750S (in pictured Coupe version) in the center is inspired by the McLaren P1. (Picture from: CarVaganza)
Keep in mind, that aerodynamic improvements were also made by the automaker down to the materials in the cabin. One of them is the use of racing seats made of carbon fiber material. According to McLaren, by using such of these seats, the weight of the 750S can be up to 17 kg lighter than the 720S. Even on all the wheels, the McLaren 750S uses lighter materials to cut weight by up to 15 kg.
So far the reception has been quite good, with some consumers have more expectations that the McLaren 750S could be brought a much more pleasant experience than its predecessor 720S, especially speeding on the race track matters. Furthermore, the British automaker also said that the McLaren 750S had been plotted to be McLaren's last conventional-engined supercar before the brand started producing new models with hybrid support.
The question is why is this brand targeting hybrid vehicles more than EVs? Well, in McLaren's view, this is more relevant because the current global order regarding the general law for electric cars has not been fully fixed, so the British supercar manufacturer has decided to target the hybrid segment first rather than go straight into the electric car segment.
This well-known British car brand has officially opened orders for the McLaren 750S under two variant options with a price tag starting at US $324,000 or around Rp.4.7 billion. But you have to remember, usually these prices do not include shipping costs, taxes and other additions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MCLAREN | AUTOCAR | CARSCOOPS ]
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Lightest&Affordable ONES Maybe you remember that some time ago, Apex Motors has taken the covers off its ground-breaking Apex AP-0 EV sports car concept at its global launch event in London back in 2020.
The Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar is claimed the lightest electric supercar in existence with weighs only 1,200 kg (about 2,650 lbs). (Picture from: Autoblog)
So this time, this car was officially launched at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island in Florida, the United States in collaboration with Attucks Futures and Technology, an American startup owned by Wyclef Jean, a Haitian-born entrepreneur and entertainer best known for his hip hop musical forays both solo and with The Fugees.
The Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar's power comes from an electric motor capable of producing bursts of power up to 650 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque. (Picture from: Otomotif-Sindonews)
Then related to Attucks Futures and Technology, this is a business founded to promote outlets for communities to grow and develop. The company is known to have been founded by Wyclef Jean in 2019, and its name was taken from the name of a black American figure, Crispus Attucks who killed by British troops at the Boston Massacre.
The Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar made from a "monocoque carbon chassis, with a modular spaceframe and a central spine for maximum rigidity. (Picture from: Electrec.co)
Wycelf Jean further explained that Attucks Futures and Technology is a platform dedicated to nurturing and growing talent, promoting designs, concepts, technologies and manufacturing solutions that promote innovation and sustainable investment in our youth (our future).
Wyclef Jean performed at American debut of the Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar in March 2023. (Picture from: Otomotif-Sindonews)
It's no wonder then the first flagship electric supercar was revealed under the name Attucks Apex AP-0. Interestingly, this car is claimed to be the lightest ones, because it weighs only 1,200 kg (about 2,650 lbs). This weight is much lighter than the Rimac Nevera, which weighs almost twice as much as the AP-0, which is 2,300 kg (5,070 lbs).
Even Wyclef Jean posted a video of
what he called as the UK-designed, US-built Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar along with a personalized song for the reveal on his Twitter account.
Attucks Apex AP0, the lightest-ever electric Supercar, has officially launched in the US! Meet the UK-designed and USA-built EV Supercar, acceleration from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds., my dream car! pic.twitter.com/zGl7z68Wee
As for the kitchen spur, as reported by Autoblog, the power comes from an electric motor capable of producing bursts of power up to 650 horsepower and 580 Nm of torque, so then the AP0 is also claimed to have a top speed of 305 kph.
For the price, the Attucks Apex AP-0 electric supercar has a prices starts at around $350,000 and is set for official release next year. Compared to its currently competitors, such as Rimac Nevera with a price tag of $2.2 million, the AP-0's price tag looks attractive for its segment.
Of course, this affordable price figure is in accordance with the wishes of Wycleaf Jean, who wants to make everyone's dream of having a super electric car come true. "The Attucks future and technology is fulfilling everyone's dreams," he explained. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | APEX MOTORS | ELECTREC.CO | AUTOBLOG | TOPGEAR | ]
Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
Among the many great works that have been produced by Sbarro, it turned out that there were some that had caught our attention to be discussed, and this time the choice fell on a unique car named Lancia Ionos by Sbarro, supposedly it was built to be the modern interpretation of the iconic Lancia Stratos racing car, and debuted at the Geneva Motor Show 1997.
How can it all be connected? Let's start with the names, which are both inspired by the layers of our Earth's atmosphere. As the name of Stratos is associated with the stratosphere, the name of Ionos also comes from the ionosphere. 
Furthermore, this Sbarro's concept car adopts Mercedes-Benz's exhaust system and also equipped with a Brembo brake system. Even though the Lancia Ionos by Sbarro concept is 26 years old, it still looks fresh and original. In fact, the car never went into production, but it is one of the most interesting projects under the name of Franco Sbarro to this day. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SBARRO.PHCALVET.FR | AUTOKULT.PL | THEAUTOCHANNEL ]
