At present vehicles that apply autonomous driving technology are becoming a trend in the world's automotive industry. This can be seen from one startup of General Motors' subsidiary, named Cruise Automation which recently launched a fully autonomous concept vehicle called Cruise Origin.
Until now the company has not mentioned in detail the technical specifications of the autonomous vehicle. However, the company only mentioned the vehicle's construction purpose, namely to reduce the level of congestion, pollution, and as an effort to provide public transportation services at an affordable cost. Besides that, the company also confirmed that the vehicle is using a General Motors' electric vehicles platform.
Cruise co-founder Kyle Vogt shows off the company’s first autonomous vehicle, the Origin. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38TXyTE)
Because this car applies an autonomous driving system, so it is natural that Cruise Origin does not have a steering wheel and the pedals that are common in cars in general. All components are removed to expand the space inside the car. Yes, in the vehicle's cabin there are two rows of seats facing each other, and it seems the vehicle designer wants to give the impression of the vehicle's cabin like a lounge that has spacious legroom for each its passenger.
The Cruise Origin has no steering wheel or pedals, room for six and will call San Francisco its home to start. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38TXyTE)
It was also stated that the company was very concerned about safety as one of the most important aspects of an autonomous vehicle so that Cruise Origin had a multitude of sensors installed in layers and designed to track many people and objects while the vehicle uses. In addition, these sophisticated sensing systems can also be used in dark conditions and even bad weather such as rainy or foggy.
The company said that when the car is operated for the public in San Francisco, users can order it online so they can save the US $ 5,000 (approx Rp.68 million) a year compared if they owning a private car or even using a taxi service. In addition, Cruise Origin is claimed to have wearability of more than 1.6 million km.
But unfortunately, until now Cruise Automation has not provided a statement when the autonomous vehicle will be launched and used for the public or about the travel fare that should be issued by users if it is operated. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CRUISE AUTOMATION | EXTREMETECH | DETROIT BUREAU]
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If you look at its current form, then this is not a 1:64 scaled Hot Wheels car model which is often seen sold in the toy stores, but this is a racing concept car in the size of 1: 1 made based on the Hot Wheels car model by given a 1,000 cc Ford EcoBoost turbocharged inline three-cylinder engine.
The 2012 Hot Wheels Rip Rod static car model displayed at the 2013 SEMA on the Ford Motor Company booth, designed and built by Mattel Inc. and Bandito Brothers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2t3H5wV)
Although it has a capacity of only 1,000 cc, the smallest Ford EcoBoost direct-injection engine with a turbocharger is capable of spraying power up to 200 hp to make this racing-style car on high speeding at the racing track. Then the racing car concept to be known as the Hot Wheels Rip Rod.
The Ford Hot Wheels Rip Rod real-car shown off at the 2015 Montreal International Auto Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uF5VDw)
It was said that the racing car concept is an evolution of the static project car first seen at the 2013 SEMA on the Ford Motor Company booth and designed and built by Mattel and Bandito Brothers. In the time, the 2012 Rip Rod was featured on a trailer pulled by a special Ford Transit Connect with Hot Wheels livery.
The Ford Hot Wheels Rip Rod real-car shown off at the 2015 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uF5VDw)
And in 2014, Matel Inc., Ford Racing team in the United States and Europe with Bandito Brothers made a real racing car concept that can run fast by using the 1.0-liter Ford EcoBoost, the same engine that was named 2012-13-14 International Engine of the Year.
And You might though it should have come with a V8 engine block due to it’s evoking the old school machines, don’t forget the Hot Wheels Rip Rod is a modern interpretation of the hot rods. And as you can see, modern times have brought us small turbocharged engines and electric assistance.
In the video above you can see how Ford gave the life to a static car that before only stood still at a car show, which then immediately turned into a really fierce racing car. And Ford also claims the power derived by its small engine can be an evolution in the racing world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | INFO HOT WHEELS | AUTOEVOLUTION | THE RICHEST]
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The competition for electric cars is increasingly attractive with many the world's automotive manufacturers bringing their best cars into electric-powered cars. Now it's Ford's turn to change its famous powerful Mustang' pony into an electric-powered car.
2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E officially debuted at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Ubmf9V)
Yes, in 55 years of Ford Mustang's presence in the world's automotive, this is the first time that the American brand officially made the electrocuted Mustang line-up in the SUV version. Yes, Ford has just stirred up the world's automotive by introducing an electric-powered SUV that carries the famous name as the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
Ford Chairman Bill Ford, left, and CEO James Hackett reveal the company’s first mass-market electric car, the Mustang Mach-E, at a ceremony in Hawthorne on Nov. 17, 2019. (Picture from: https://lat.ms/37Cuyzq)
The electric-powered car was first introduced at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in November 17, 2019. And the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition was the launched model's name, and it claimed has performance that is no less ferocious than other legendary Mustang pony models.
The Mach-E is not only the first electric version of the Mustang but also the car that was first configured to be a sport utility vehicle (SUV). That will test the elasticity of the brand that was initially built as a sports car.
Inspired by its ancestors (the Model T), the car brings freedom, advancement, high performance and a bit rebellious spirits. Everything is so easy to achieve thanks to the electric motor applied to it. Besides carrying a brand new technology, it also gets the ease of achieving high performance. At least, it can spit out a power of 255 horsepower with a peak torque of 415 Nm.
The Mustang Mach-E design preservation efforts were executed by making a long bonnet line so that the cabin position is slightly backward so that made a characterize of the Rear Wheel Drive car posture arise. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3aSSzUR)
The Ford' electric pony is said to be offered with two battery options and two drive systems. With the farthest range can be achieved through its extended-range batteries combined with two-wheel drive options. Reportedly, the electric-powered Mustang is capable of traveling around 480 km in a single battery charged.
While its faster acceleration capability is owned by the standard battery with four-wheel drive options. Also mentioned, the car's ability of acceleration from 0 to 100 kph is faster than the lowest variant of Porsche Macan.
The Mustang Mach-E interior is simply designed without many buttons, like other electric cars. All arrangements are made through a 15.5-inch-sized screen in the middle that has adopted the latest SYNC infotainment device. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2uNiRqZ)
If all that was offered above was still felt underpowered, don't worry Ford still provided 2 high-performance variants namely GT and GT Performance. Where the GT variant is expected to compete with the Macan Turbo because it is able to accelerate in under four seconds. As for the GT Performance variant, it can be compared with the 911 GTS due to it has an acceleration time of 3.5 seconds. At this point, the motors' potential power generated is definitely abundant, where both of these variants are capable of spraying power up to 459 hp and 830 Nm of torque to the rear or front wheels.
In terms of design, it is undeniable that the Mach-E has the most eccentric appearance. Where the car appears in the profile of an SUV, it made the iconic fastback coupe strokes that had been attached to the Mustang's name was fade off. But due to carries the legendary name, then Ford still retains its trademark. It could be seen on its unsoft and 'back to basic' silhouettes like most EVs. The design preservation efforts were executed by making a long bonnet line so that the cabin position is slightly backward so that made a characterize of the Rear Wheel Drive car posture arise.
Its face can be identified as the latest Mustang interpretation. There's an intimidating glow of its narrowed sharply eyes. In addition, there is an illusion of fake grille flanked by the headlights. Why we call it as an illusion, due to it has no cavity and doesn't have any function as it should be. Only a battery needs the air and is reached through the lower channel. Its other identity is found on the stern, there're three-beams rear light was stand fills the outer corner, and depicting wide and stable easel position.
At the stern of Ford Mustang Mach-E, there are the three-beams rear light was stand fills the outer corner, and depicting wide and stable easel position. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/38Wupax)
While the interior is simply designed without many buttons, like other electric cars. All arrangements are made through a 15.5-inch-sized screen in the middle that has adopted the latest SYNC infotainment device. The menu and interface are claimed to be easy to operate so the intuition can be built to be able to provide navigation advice for the driver while on driving with it. Ford said, it also provided a system update that allows increased performance and added features in the future.
This car goes on sale in 2020 with the Premium and First Edition trims only. While the Select model, California Route 1 and GT Performance to be sold in 2021. Until now, there is no specific information about the official price tags, even though the car order has been opened on the Ford official sites. The price is estimated to be in the range of the US $40,000 - $60,000 (or approx Rp.563 million to 845 million) depending on the specifications. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FORD | LA TIMES | FORBES | DRIVING.CO.UK] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone
Almost all car manufacturers in the world always assume that Northern America is a quite promising car market. And made one of the barometers that serve as benchmarks for the successful conditions of car manufacturer products on the market.
Here's the Nissan's savior legend, the Fairlady Z. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Rq3AWh)
When Nissan was still a small company that had a big vision of success in the automotive world. And at the same time in the 1960s where sports cars and muscle cars were booming in the land of Uncle Sam. Finally, almost all automotive manufacturers in the world at that time competed to create products that could meet the American market demands, Nissan was no exception.
As one of the long-standing players in the world of sports cars, Nissan's executives see one great potential opportunity, along with plans to make the latest sports cars. And made America as their main target. Then Nissan collaborated with Yamaha to design a sports car prototype and all the ideas began in early 1960.
In 1964, Nissan apparently did not concur with Yamaha's 2.0 liter DOHC engine and afterward, the sports car project was ceased. On the other hand, Yamaha still continued the prototype which then submitted the proposals to another Japanese automotive manufacturer, Toyota and the results were later manifested in the figure of the Toyota 2000GT which was first launched in 1967.
Datsun 240Z, one of the most successful Japanese sports cars in the world. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Rq3AWh)
Yutaka Katayama, President of Nissan USA at the time, realized the importance of a sports car model at an affordable price. At that time Nissan had achieved success through the Fairlady Roadster model which was able to compete with roadster cars made in England and Italy. Then, the production staff wanted to make a Grand Touring (GT) car that was good, innovative, fast, but still relatively inexpensive and could share parts with other Nissan products.
The clay model prototype made in 1966 as a mock-up. This project was undertaken by a design team led directly by Yoshihiko Matsuo, head of the Nissan Sports Car Styling Studio in the time. Then the Nissan Z production process began in October 1969 which was made in two versions, one for the Japanese market and the other for the American.
As all we know, if Fairlady Z has a basic four-cylinder engine design from the Datsun 510, the Japanese version uses a 2.0 liter L20A 6-cylinder engine with 130 hp power and 5-speed transmission. Meanwhile, the 240Z has a 2.4 liter L24 6 cylinder engine powered by 151 hp and a 4-speed transmission system. Furthermore, the latest Z variant, the Z432 (PS30) has a high performance 2.0 liter S20 DOHC 6 cylinder engine from the Nissan Skyline GT-R.
Datsun 240Z sold about 1.6 million units around the globe in five generations. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Rq3AWh)
In the time, indeed available a 3-speed automatic transmission option, but consumers do not like it. Then in the legs sector which is one of the superior features possessed by this car model has the four wheels with independent suspension by MacPherson strut in front (taken from Datsun Laurel C30) and Chapman strut for the rear. Front disc brakes and rear drum are also installed as standard devices.
In Japan, the car is always known as the Fairlady to remind Nissan's predecessor sports car. However, Katayama tried hard that cars shipped for the abroad market by using the DATSUN emblem. In the early 1970s, the 240Z model had its 240 emblems on pillar B. There was an air hole under the glass on the hatchback door. While, in mid-1971, the emblem on the B-pillar was replaced with the letter Z, and there were no air holes in the hatchback door.
1970 Datsun 240Z #46 BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) that won multiple SCCA National Championships (in 1970 and 1971) with John Morton behind the wheel. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/37x4sh0)
The Z Series is one of the best selling sports cars of all time, with 1,685,000 units ever made in five generations. Good performance and known as Nissan's savior in the sports car segment of the American market. And the 240Z also managed to erase the image of a Japanese auto company that was only able to make small cars but also provided inspiration for many tuners in other countries.
The first generation Z series is known as a car that has fast acceleration and steady handling. This car can even rival the era's sports car, call it Jaguar, BMW, or Porsche 911, but with more affordable prices and also has lower maintenance costs. This factor makes the 240Z very popular because it is not burdened with fuel emissions regulations due to equipped with a high compression engine. Even in 1998, Nissan had resold the fully restored 240Z to its official dealers.
Datsun 240Z, often follows various world racing championships, one of which is safari rally.. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Rq3AWh)
At present, the 240Z design still looks fresh, even though its age is almost half a century. Moreover, the sexy body curves always imply that this car is able to run fast and has an exotic value like an Alfa Romeo. Yes, it looks more like an Italian-made car, although actually the 240Z was born from a Japanese mass car manufacturer. And until now Nissan also often launches concept cars based on these car models such as the Nissan Idx Concept Series in 2013 and lastly the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition in 2019.
The aura of a sports car era of the 1970s is very pronounced with a low sitting position and a dashboard equipped with various indicator panels. The atmosphere of the cabin is far from luxurious because Nissan wants a functional interior style. In other words, the car comes with a simple style, but not cheap.
Nissan Fairlady Z also used by the Japanese police departemenr. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Rq3AWh)
Although the sound of its six cylinders is relatively smooth and flat, and the exhaust sound is very similar to a V8 engined car. It seems that's one of the reasons why this car is quite attractive to the Americans. In addition, 240Z engine torque has been available since the engine is in the lower rev, so it is enough to walk in crowded modern urban traffic or be speeding on the highway.
Although the engine design was taken from the Bluebird Datsun 510, the 240Z aluminum cylinder head is equipped with a larger valve, higher compression, and a higher degree camshaft profile. So that when the gas pedal is fully stepped on, then all the components will help the performance of a pair of SU-Hitachi carburetors to flow fuel so that it can be changed to become a capable power when accelerating on the road.
The suspension is pretty steady for highway use, but the rear wheels still feel a little nervous if forced to cornering sharply. This is why 240Z is considered as a highways king. Another advantage of the 240Z is the application of the rack-pinion steering system. So that the control and correction of steering direction can be done quickly and precisely. Because when the faster 240Z goes, the front will feel lighter too.
At that time Nissan had tried to boost the 240Z credibility through the world of motorsport, both in the circuit racing and rally. The car always grabs the leading position in prestigious events, such as the Monte Carlo rally and the Safari rally. But the American market is a part of the 240Z sales success.
It can be said simply that the 240Z provides a complete package that is expected by everyone such as a sexy body, sharp handling, and great performance engine, but with enough comfort, a fairly spacious interior, and the simplicity of technology of Japanese typical products. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORIS]
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The presence of a new supercar always be very interesting and eagerly awaited by many automotive fans all over the world. Moreover, the supercar that will be present has unusual specialties and specifications, like this one. Here's she the Laffite G-Tec X-Road, the first all-terrain road-legal supercar that delivers exceptional strength, performance and luxurious in one package.
Laffite G-Tec X-Road, an American-made all-terrain supercar ready to hit the world. (Picture from: Motor1)
This supercar is made by Laffite Supercars, an automotive company owned by Bruno and Laetitia Laffite. The company based in Los Angeles, Miami and Valencia (Spain) is specialized in automotive design as well as in the manufacture of road-ready limited series concept cars. Besides that, the company also works on classified projects for prestigious customers who want to get unique and extraordinary ready-made supercars.
Laffite G-Tec X-Road using a 6.2 liter V8 of GM LS3 engine (while on standard version uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 405 hp) as its drivetrain that can spew power up to 700 horsepower. (Picture from: Motor1)
About Laffite's: Bruno Laffite is the nephew of one of the legendary racers and 6 times winner of Formula One racing, Jacques Laffite, who competed for more than 15 years in various racing events in the 1990s. Then, Laetitia Laffite has driven and tested many sports cars, has worked for 15 years in the art industry, as well as an exclusive art dealer at the world's prestigious Monaco Yacht Club.
The steering wheel and dashboard view of Lafitte G-Tec X-Road. (Picture from: Autoblog)
If seen carefully, it glances this all-terrain supercar has many similarities with Zarooq Motors's Sand Racer that is launched in Dubai some time ago in the year of 2015. It makes sense, due to Bruno was the Operational Director of the Dubai company who wouldn't want to see the concept has died for nothing. Therefore he then decided to produce it through his own company.
While for the development of the Laffite G-Tec X-Road supercar is directed by a renowned racing engineer named Philippe Gautheron, the man behind G-Tec and Team Virage who has created and engineered the rolling chassis. As far as we know, Team Virage specialized in high-level motorsport engineering which also responsible for the Laffite Supercars' Performance Center in Spain.
By using a 6.2 liter V8 of GM LS3 engine (while on standard version uses a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 405 hp) as its drivetrain that can spew power up to 700 horsepower and coupled with the 5-speed sequential transmission or 6-speed plus paddle shift to drive its rear wheels.
This supercar also has a curb weight of 2,866 lbs (1,300 kilograms) and provided a power-to-weight ratio of 4.09 lbs/hp so the driver gets the best-ever performance numbers for an all-terrain ready to hit the road with a limited top speed of 143 mph (230 kph) and through its 17-inches suspensions will allow it to jump and fly smoothly like a Dakar rally car in the desert or other rough terrains even pass through the freeway and local roads comfortably.
Laffite G-Tec X-Road's 17-inches suspensions will allow the driver to jump and fly smoothly like a Dakar rally car in the desert or even pass through the freeway and local roads comfortably. (Picture from: Motor1)
The supercar fully assembled in a small plant near Los Angeles and is registered as a road-legal vehicle for the Californian roads, besides that's as an ideal place for the car distribution. And the company also said that for now on the Laffite supercar enthusiasts around the world can start ordering for the limited edition series that will be made just 30 units only, then shipping will begin at the end of 2020.
While for the price, it sold at a price of $465,000 for the 405-hp version or $545,000 for a coming all-electric model. And the latest news is the company is completing its second newest supercar concept that will be launched in early February 2020. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LAFFITE SUPERCARS | CARSCOOPS | AUTOBLOG | MOTOR1]
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Maybe you are wondering, why did we make the title of the article like that? This was intentional because it was to show how scarce the following cars were. So it is very rare for people to see it passing on the streets at this time.
The rarest 2007 Blastolene B-702, this unique shaped car inspired by the 1930s French car, designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2tANCvJ)
Like the unique shaped car above named 2007 Blastolene B-702 or known as the best art-deco costumized car ever, it was designed by Michael Leeds and Randy Grubb. The following cars were rare, unloved, forgotten but somehow extremely cool and interesting models that deserve to be dragged into the light and shown to the public once more. So, here they are – 6 classic sports cars you probably didn’t know ever existed.
1. Melkus RS 1000 The first sports car came from the eastern bloc communist countries which were known to be very closed during the cold war era. So it is very rare to hear the production of sports cars made by these countries. Until one day in the East Germany, there's an automotive engineer named Heinz Melkus designed a very capable and attractive sports coupe car and convinced the Wartburg factory to produce a limited number of these sports cars.
By using the Wartburg 353 as a basis, Melkus designed and fabricated independent front and rear suspension, roll-bars and close ratio 5-speed gearbox. And then the 992 ccm engine was tuned to produce 68 hp and mounted behind the driver sending its power to rear wheels, instead to front like in its basis car Wartburg 353.
Melkus also designed and manufactured lightweight fiberglass body which featured modern design and low profile. The car was called Melkus RS 1000 and it was introduced for the first time in 1969. To be honest, for 1969s standards this was an extremely advanced sports car, however underpowered with just 68 hp of power.
The production ended in 1979 after 101 cars were made. The Melkus RS 1000 was extremely expensive for East European standards which also explains why the car made in limited production. Most the sports cars were bought by the auto sports teams and raced in local championships. And it's rumoured, the car company has been revived by making the Melkus RS2000 and shown it for the first time at the 2009 Frankfurt International Motor Show.
2. Kellison J6 In the late 1950s and early 1960s, fiberglass body construction stopped being high tech process exclusive to established manufacturers and became something you could do in your garage. This influenced numerous small companies to start offering their plastic bodies to be mounted on regular car chassis creating a unique and interesting design.
There's an auto company named Kellison established in the early 1950s, the company produced several successful kits for installation on popular models, but in early 1960s the company introduced the J6. The J6 could be bought as a kit or a fully built car, making Kellison a boutique car manufacturer.
The J6 was based on Corvette frame but Kellison didn’t just re-body the ‘Vette. They moved the engine further back in the chassis, changed the suspension, installed larger brakes and different interior making J6 better handling and even faster since J6 body was somewhat lighter than stock Corvette.
This conversion was pretty popular and over 500 bodies or cars were built. The J6 was very successful in hands of private racing teams since it offered Corvette power in better handling package.
3. ASA 1000 GT
This little Italian sports car was once considered the next big thing in the car industry when it was introduced in 1962. Then it known as “Ferrarina” (little Ferrari), the ASA 1000 GT was exactly that since it was built on tubular chassis with lightweight body and engine designed by then Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarinni.
It had four-wheel disc brakes, sports suspension, and nicely trimmed interior. Under the hood was the 1.03-liter four cylinder engine capable to spew 93 hp of power. However, despite the big initial interest by the world's automotive customers, the car production stopped in 1967 after only 95 examples were built. Today, this Ferrarina is highly praised by collectors and car historians.
4. Matra Djet
Virtually unknown outside of France, Matra was a very innovative and influential car manufacturer in the country. Originally, the company was dedicated to airplane and military production but then it built cars and developed concepts for another French automotive manufacturers such as Renault, for example.
In 1965, Matra took over the Djet project from racer Rene Bonnet and introduced it to the public as the first mid-engined production car in the world. In those days, the concept of mid-engined cars was reduced to racing prototypes and Matra decided to introduce similar cars for the road.
The car custom built chassis with diminutive Renault 8 engine may look slow today, but since the car only weighed 660 kg it was pretty fast in those day. Matra Djet was a very influential car since it showed the world a new engineering concept which was later accepted by all leading world's sports car manufacturers.
5. Cheetah The global success of Shelby Cobra inspired many American race car builders to build a similar car which could compete on international level. From this perspective, nobody came close to beating the Cobra.
But Bill Thomas, a famous Chevrolet tuner and race car builder was a serious candidate. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, the Cheetah was never given a proper chance. As you know, Chevrolet and GM pulled out of racing in 1963 but several independent race shops worked for GM`s back door programs in which the company supported the private racing teams with racing know-how or special racing parts.
Bill Thomas’ shop was one of those outfits and he decided to build a Cobra competitor with Chevrolet power. That is how the Cheetah was born. Built on special lightweight chassis with a small block V8 moved as far back as possible and covered in a light fiberglass body, the Cheetah looked and performed as a race car.
Despite some overheating problems, the Cheetah was a remarkable performer and won some lower rank races and even the 1968 SCCA championship. Unfortunately, lack of support, mechanical problems and even a fire at the shop in California stopped the production after around 20 cars were built.
6. Marcos GT
The car produced from 1964 to 1971 and again from 1981 to 1990. Marcos GT was the most popular and interesting model from the British auto company named Marcos Engineering Ltd. Basically, a kit car built on custom chassis but with choice of engines, Marcos GT was relatively cheap but capable sports car with aggressive styling, low weight, and decent performance.
1967 Marcos GT. (Picture from: Hemmings)
The GT could be had with numerous engines, mostly by Ford and lineup started with small 1.5 or 1.6-liter four-cylinders. However, if you want to experience full potential, the buyers needed to opt for 3.0-liter V6 from Ford or Volvo. For a brief period of time, Marcos GT was offered on the American market with Volvo`s straight six but not many cars were sold. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR-JUNKIE]
