This Automobili Rodrigues Hypercar Makes a 900HP V12 Look Normal

Mechanical Excess - Progress in the supercar world usually follows a predictable rhythm: more electrification, smarter software, and increasingly complex hybrid systems. Yet every so often, a project appears that seems to ignore the rulebook entirely and instead celebrates the raw drama of internal combustion. That is precisely the spirit behind the ambitious machine being developed by Automobili Rodrigues. The young Italian manufacturer has introduced a bold hyper-grand tourer concept called the Berlinetta Veloce, and at the center of the conversation sits an engine so unusual that even the “standard” option already sounds outrageous: a naturally aspirated V12 producing 900 horsepower. 

The Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce is a bold hyper-grand tourer from the young Italian manufacturer, featuring a naturally aspirated 900hp V12 that already serves as its “standard” engine. (Picture from: SupercarBlondie)

For most performance cars, a 900hp V12 would be the headline feature. Here, it is merely the starting point. Buyers who want something even more unconventional can choose an experimental powerplant known as the Triangolare 18. The name hints at its unusual architecture—“triangolare” means triangular in Italian—suggesting a creative cylinder arrangement rarely seen in automotive engineering. This massive 9.0-liter engine is designed with forced induction from both turbocharging and supercharging, and it reportedly abandons traditional valvetrain components altogether. The result is an extraordinary torque figure of around 1,954 lb-ft, a number so large that it makes the engines of legendary performance cars feel comparatively modest.  

The Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce features a dramatic coach-built GT silhouette with sculpted bodywork, long proportions, and a cabin blending classic craftsmanship with modern performance ergonomics. (Picture from: HotCars)

What makes the project even more intriguing is the philosophy surrounding it. Rather than pursuing electrification or hybrid assistance, the Berlinetta Veloce doubles down on mechanical intensity. Even more surprising, the car is expected to offer a manual transmission, a rarity in the hypercar world where dual-clutch gearboxes dominate. Visually, the design reflects the same philosophy: a dramatic coach-built grand tourer silhouette with sculpted bodywork, long proportions, and a cabin expected to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern performance ergonomics.

The Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce goes far beyond its 900hp V12 base engine by offering the experimental 9.0-liter Triangolare 18—an unusual triangular-layout 18-cylinder with twin forced induction producing about 1,954 lb-ft of torque. (Picture from: SupercarBlondie)

Production is planned to be extremely limited, and depending on configuration, each car could command a price somewhere between five and ten million dollars. Still, the announcement arrives in an era where spectacular digital concepts appear almost weekly. The automotive industry has always had its share of ambitious ideas that never moved beyond renderings, but the barrier to unveiling a futuristic concept is now lower than ever.

The Automobili Rodrigues Berlinetta Veloce features a dramatic coach-built GT silhouette with sculpted bodywork, long proportions, and a cabin blending classic craftsmanship with modern performance ergonomics. (Picture from: SupercarBlondie)

As of early 2026, Automobili Rodrigues has revealed the Berlinetta Veloce primarily as a design study with astonishing specifications attached. Enthusiasts around the world are already fascinated by the possibility of an 18-cylinder hypercar with a manual gearbox—but the real moment everyone is waiting for is the first time that Triangolare 18 engine fires up and proves that this wild idea can exist beyond the screen. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOMOBILI RODRIGUES | SUPERCARBLONDIE | HOTCARS ]

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Bertone Freeclimber: A Rare SUV Born from Three Nations

TriFusion Trail - The automotive world has always been shaped by unexpected collaborations. Sometimes they emerge quietly, without the fanfare of a major launch, yet they leave behind some of the most intriguing vehicles ever produced. The Bertone Freeclimber is one of those rare creations. It combined the rugged practicality of a Japanese off-roader with Italian design sensibilities and German engineering, resulting in a compact SUV that stood apart from almost anything else on European roads in the late 1980s.

The Bertone Freeclimber blended Japanese off-road toughness, Italian design flair, and German engineering into a compact SUV unlike most others on European roads in the late 1980s. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

At its core, the Freeclimber began life as the dependable Daihatsu Rugger, a tough little 4x4 also marketed in some countries as the Daihatsu Rocky. The Rugger already had a solid reputation as a capable off-road vehicle, but the Italian design house Carrozzeria Bertone saw room for something more distinctive. Rather than treating it as just another imported utility vehicle, Bertone reworked the concept into a small SUV aimed at European buyers who wanted durability without sacrificing a sense of style and refinement.

The Bertone Freeclimber was produced in Italy from 1989 to 1993, with only about 2,800 units built, making it a rare sight today. (Picture from: Motor1)

Production of the Bertone Freeclimber took place in Italy between 1989 and 1993, and the numbers remained modest from the beginning. Only about 2,800 units were built, which explains why the model is rarely seen today. It was never intended to compete with mainstream SUVs; instead, it appealed to a niche audience that appreciated unusual cars—drivers who wanted the practicality of a compact four-wheel drive but also enjoyed owning something a little different from the norm.

The Bertone Freeclimber offered a more refined cabin than most SUVs of its era, featuring leather upholstery and higher-quality trim that brought a touch of European comfort to a rugged off-roader. (Picture from: Motor1)

Visually, Bertone’s influence was subtle but effective. The overall shape remained recognizably Rugger, yet small changes altered the vehicle’s character. The round headlights gave the front end a softer and slightly more European appearance, while OZ Racing wheels added a hint of sportiness rarely associated with compact off-roaders of the era. Details around the bodywork were refined, and discreet Bertone badges signaled that this SUV carried a pedigree beyond its Japanese roots.

The Bertone Freeclimber offered BMW-sourced engines, including a 2.0-liter gasoline unit, a 2.7-liter six-cylinder, and the 2.5-liter M21 turbodiesel known for strong torque and efficiency. (Picture from: Motor1)

Step inside, and the Freeclimber felt noticeably more polished than many utility vehicles of its time. While most late-1980s SUVs still emphasized durability above all else, this one introduced a touch of comfort into the equation. Leather upholstery, improved trim materials, and more carefully finished surfaces created a cabin environment that felt closer to a European touring car than a workhorse designed purely for rough terrain.

The Bertone Freeclimber combined Japanese toughness, Italian craftsmanship, and German engineering into a uniquely rare SUV, with fewer than 3,000 units ever produced. (Picture from: BringATrailer)

Perhaps the most surprising element of the Freeclimber lay beneath its hood. Instead of relying on Daihatsu’s original engines, Bertone installed powerplants sourced from BMW. Buyers could choose from a 2.0-liter gasoline engine, a 2.7-liter six-cylinder unit, or the 2.5-liter BMW M21 turbodiesel, an engine known in the 1980s for its strong torque and respectable efficiency. Paired with the Rugger’s ladder-frame chassis, four-wheel-drive system, and generous ground clearance, the Freeclimber retained genuine off-road ability despite its more refined character. | bcgx22x_ruY |

Seen from today’s perspective, the idea behind the Freeclimber feels remarkably modern. The automotive industry now frequently mixes platforms, engines, and design expertise from different companies, but such international combinations were far less common when this SUV first appeared. By blending Japanese toughness, Italian craftsmanship, and German mechanical engineering, the Bertone Freeclimber carved out a personality entirely its own. With fewer than three thousand examples ever produced, it remains one of those curious chapters in automotive history—proof that sometimes the most memorable vehicles are born from the most unlikely partnerships. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SILODROME | BRINGATRAILER | MOTOR1 | PALPOS.DISWAY.ID | HAYU_OPRUD IN INSTAGRAM ]

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Ford GTX1 Roadster: The Ultra-Rare Targa-Top Ford GT

Heritage Unleashed - The automotive world has always had a soft spot for machines that blend heritage with daring experimentation. From classic race cars reborn for the road to limited-production specials that push design boundaries, certain vehicles exist not merely as transportation but as rolling tributes to automotive history. Among these rare creations stands the Ford GTX1 Roadster, a fascinating open-top interpretation of the already celebrated Ford GT. It represents an unusual moment when engineering nostalgia, modern performance, and a bold idea came together to transform an iconic supercar into something even more dramatic. 

The Ford GTX1 Roadster, a fascinating open-top interpretation of the already celebrated Ford GT, was handled by Genaddi Design Group. (Picture from: TheDrive)

The story of the GTX1 begins with the first-generation Ford GT, a road car built as a modern homage to the legendary Le Mans-dominating GT40. Introduced in the mid-2000s, the GT captured enthusiasts’ attention with its unmistakable retro-inspired silhouette, supercharged V8 engine, and old-school six-speed manual transmission. Over time, the model has steadily grown in status and value, widely regarded as a future classic. Yet even a car already so revered sparked curiosity among designers and engineers: what if the roof disappeared, allowing drivers to experience that powerful machine under the open sky? 

The Ford GTX1 Roadster introduced a carefully engineered open-air design with removable carbon-fiber roof panels, giving the car a roadster character while preserving the original GT’s structural integrity and dramatic lines. (Picture from: TheDrive)

That question ultimately led to the creation of the Ford GTX1. The conversion was handled by Genaddi Design Group, a Wisconsin-based company specializing in convertible transformations. Rather than simply cutting away the roof, the project introduced a carefully engineered open-air configuration featuring removable carbon-fiber roof panels. The changes gave the car a roadster personality while preserving the structural integrity and dramatic lines of the original GT. Only about forty GTX1 conversions are believed to exist today, making the car one of the rarest interpretations of the modern Ford GT platform. 

The Ford GTX1 Roadster features a cabin fitted with Sparco racing seats that emphasize its motorsport DNA, complemented by distinctive headrests inspired by those of the Porsche Carrera GT. (Picture from: TheDrive)

The design changes went far beyond the roof. Inside the cabin, the GTX1 adopted Sparco racing seats that emphasized its motorsport DNA, along with distinctive headrests inspired by those seen in the Porsche Carrera GT. Custom floor mats and door-sill badges proudly carried the GTX1 identity, adding subtle exclusivity to the interior. At the rear, a transparent engine cover revealed the mechanical centerpiece of the car: the supercharged 5.4-liter V8. With a Ford Performance upgrade package that included Wilwood brakes and enhanced tuning, the engine’s output climbed to an impressive 700 horsepower, elevating the GTX1 from an already formidable supercar to something even more exhilarating. 

The Ford GTX1 Roadster features a transparent rear engine cover showcasing its supercharged 5.4-liter V8, upgraded with Ford Performance tuning and Wilwood brakes to produce an impressive 700 horsepower. (Picture from: TheDrive)

Although technically an aftermarket conversion, the project was far from a random modification. The idea originated with Ford GT development engineer Kip Ewing, who reportedly conceived the concept after slicing the roof off a scale model of the car. Ford quickly showed interest, and the work was entrusted to Genaddi Design Group while Ewing personally oversaw the process with regular visits to the workshop. The inspiration echoed the historic X-1 roadster prototypes created during the original GT40 program in the 1960s. When the GTX1 was unveiled at the 2005 SEMA show, the reception was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, confirming that the open-top GT captured the imagination of enthusiasts. | W81IU9neIE8 |

Today, the Ford GTX1 Roadster stands as a rare and intriguing chapter in modern performance-car history. It merges the legacy of the GT40, the engineering brilliance of the Ford GT, and the daring creativity of a limited conversion project backed by the original development team. With only a few dozen examples ever produced, the GTX1 remains an uncommon sight and a reminder that even iconic machines can still inspire bold reinterpretations when passion and imagination take the driver’s seat. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | THEDRIVE | ROADANDTRACK ]

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Xiaomi Vision GT: Xiaomi’s Bold Leap into the Future of Virtual Supercars

Digital Manifesto - The automotive world is no stranger to bold experiments, but in recent years the most daring ideas have emerged not only from racetracks and design studios, but also from digital arenas. As technology companies continue to blur the line between hardware, software, and mobility, cars are becoming extensions of connected ecosystems. It is within this evolving landscape that the Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo steps forward—a machine born not for highways, but for high-speed circuits inside a game console, yet carrying ambitions that stretch far beyond the screen.  

The Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo, developed under chief designer Li Tianyuan, follows a “less is more” philosophy where every contour is shaped for aerodynamic purpose rather than mere visual drama. (Picture from: GTPLanet)

Unveiled at MWC Barcelona, held from March 2–5, 2026 in Barcelona, the Vision GT marked another milestone in Xiaomi’s rapid expansion into the automotive sphere. Developed under the creative direction of chief designer Li Tianyuan, the two-door concept embraces a “less is more” philosophy. Every contour and surface was sculpted with aerodynamic intent, not merely visual drama. Its wide, low stance and carbon fiber rear spoiler emphasize stability and speed, while the clean bodywork reflects a design language that favors function-driven minimalism over ornamentation.

The Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo projects modern supercar confidence with a bold front splitter and sharp T-shaped headlights that create a focused, predatory front profile. (Picture from: GTPLanet)

Visually, the car speaks the language of modern supercars with unmistakable confidence. A pronounced front splitter dominates the fascia, paired with sharp T-shaped headlights that give the nose a focused, almost predatory expression. Scissor doors add theatrical flair, opening upward to reveal an interior that feels closer to a futuristic cockpit than a traditional cabin. Open wheel arches highlight performance intent, and Xiaomi’s signature C-shaped taillights anchor the rear. Interestingly, those halo-like rear lights double as cooling ducts, demonstrating how even decorative elements serve a technical role in the overall aerodynamic strategy. 

The Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo departs from conventional layouts with a butterfly-inspired steering wheel that frames a panoramic display stretching across the dashboard. (Picture from: GTPLanet)

Inside, the Vision GT abandons conventional automotive layouts. The steering wheel takes on a butterfly-inspired form, framing a panoramic display that stretches across the dashboard. Xiaomi refers to the seating concept as a “cocoon-shaped sofa,” designed to envelop occupants in a lounge-like atmosphere rather than a rigid racing bucket. The digital experience is just as immersive: a feature called Xiaomi Pulse adjusts ambient lighting and sound profiles according to the driver’s mood, seamlessly integrating with the brand’s broader smart ecosystem. It feels less like stepping into a car and more like entering a responsive digital environment tailored to the individual. 

The Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo features halo-like rear lights that also function as cooling ducts, showing how even decorative elements contribute to its aerodynamic strategy. (Picture from: GTPLanet)

The Vision GT’s technical specifications reinforce that this is no superficial styling exercise. It boasts a drag coefficient of 0.29, downforce measured at -1.2, and an aerodynamic efficiency ratio of 4.1. Advanced features such as an Active Wake Control System and specially designed “Accretion Rims” manage airflow around the body to optimize stability and cooling.  

The Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo features halo-like rear lights that also function as cooling ducts, showing how even decorative elements contribute to its aerodynamic strategy. (Picture from: GTPLanet)

The project was realized through the Vision Gran Turismo program in collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment, bringing the car exclusively into Gran Turismo 7. The program’s creator, Kazunori Yamauchi, even described the Vision GT as a model for the modern era, placing it in the same conceptual league as legendary marques like Ferrari and Porsche. Prior to this, Xiaomi had already signaled its digital ambitions when founder Lei Jun confirmed in June 2025 that the SU7 Ultra would join the game—the first Chinese production car to appear in the iconic racing franchise. | DlmeEk4wQEw |

Yet perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the Xiaomi Vision GT is that it will never occupy a physical showroom or private garage. It exists entirely in the virtual world, accessible only through a PlayStation console. Still, its purpose extends beyond entertainment. The aerodynamic experiments, software integration, and user-interface concepts explored in this digital supercar hint at possible directions for Xiaomi’s real-world electric vehicles. In an era where boundaries between reality and simulation are increasingly fluid, the Vision GT stands as a bold declaration: the future of automotive innovation may very well be prototyped in pixels before it ever touches asphalt. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GTPLANET | THEVERGE | ARENAEV | TIMESINDONESIA | JAGATREVIEW ]

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GM AUTOnomy Concept: A Hydrogen-Powered Revolution in Automotive Design

Platform Liberation - The future of mobility has always been shaped by moments when engineers dare to rethink the automobile from its very foundation. At the dawn of the 21st century, when conversations about sustainability were gaining urgency, one bold experiment stood out as more than just another concept car. It was a complete reimagining of how a vehicle could be built and powered. That experiment was the GM AUTOnomy Concept—a machine that challenged the century-old conventions of internal combustion design and proposed a radically different path forward. 

The GM AUTOnomy Concept is the first vehicle engineered from the ground up around a fuel cell propulsion system, combining it with x-by-wire technology that enables steering, braking, and other functions to be controlled electronically rather than mechanically. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

Unveiled at the 2002 North American International Auto Show, the GM AUTOnomy Concept marked a pivotal step in automotive innovation. Developed by General Motors under the leadership of Larry Burns, then Vice President of Research and Development and Planning, the vehicle was the first designed entirely around a hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system. Unlike previous fuel cell prototypes that awkwardly squeezed new technology into traditional engine layouts, the AUTOnomy began with a clean sheet. It combined fuel cells with drive-by-wire technology, replacing mechanical linkages for steering and braking with fully electronic controls. The result was not simply a new powertrain, but a fundamentally new vehicle architecture. 

The GM AUTOnomy Concept demonstrates its modular design philosophy by pairing the advanced skateboard chassis with a futuristic body shell mounted seamlessly on top. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

At the heart of the AUTOnomy’s design was its revolutionary “skateboard” chassis—a flat, six-inch-thick platform that housed all essential mechanical and electronic components. Adapted from GM’s HydroGen III fuel cell system, the hydrogen fuel cell stack, electric motors, and control systems were packaged neatly within this compact base. Hydrogen storage technology ultimately dictated the chassis thickness, but the concept demonstrated how efficiently these components could be arranged. A single docking port connected the body to the chassis, supplying power, heating, cooling, and control systems in one streamlined interface. This modular approach meant that multiple body styles—from sleek roadsters to practical family vehicles—could theoretically sit atop the same underlying platform, reducing manufacturing complexity while expanding design possibilities. 

The GM AUTOnomy Concept reveals its sleek, self-contained skateboard foundation, where all propulsion and electronic components are embedded within a remarkably thin structural base. (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

The exterior proportions reflected this freedom. With no bulky engine bay or transmission tunnel to accommodate, designers could experiment with space and balance in ways previously impossible. The cabin layout, liberated from mechanical constraints, felt open and adaptable. Inside, the absence of pedals, a steering column, and even a traditional instrument panel redefined the driving experience. Instead, a hand-operated steering interface known as the X-drive concentrated all essential controls into an adjustable unit. Drivers were no longer anchored to a fixed seating position; they could sit virtually anywhere within the cabin. The interface echoed the control logic of aircraft, motorcycles, and snowmobiles, translating motion into electronic signals rather than relying on rods, shafts, or hydraulic systems. 

The GM AUTOnomy Concept showcases its revolutionary skateboard chassis layout, neatly integrating the fuel cell system, wheel motors, control units, and crash structures within a flat, modular platform. (Picture from: Motor1)

Technically, the advantages were just as compelling as the visual transformation. Fuel cell propulsion systems are roughly twice as efficient as conventional internal combustion engines, and the AUTOnomy’s optimized architecture promised even greater gains. Earlier, GM’s Precept concept had projected more than 100 miles per gallon gasoline-equivalent for a full-size car. With the AUTOnomy’s unconstrained layout and improved integration, expectations climbed higher still. Just as importantly, the vehicle emitted only water vapor from its tailpipe—an ambitious environmental statement at a time when hybrid vehicles were still emerging and full electrification had yet to dominate industry strategy. | bTWi4tBYm-I |

More than two decades later, the GM AUTOnomy Concept remains a fascinating snapshot of forward-thinking design. While the automotive world has largely shifted toward battery-electric platforms, the skateboard chassis philosophy pioneered here has become mainstream, and drive-by-wire systems are increasingly common. The AUTOnomy proved that when engineers are willing to abandon inherited assumptions, entirely new forms of mobility become possible. It was not merely a concept car displayed under bright auto show lights; it was a blueprint for reimagining what a car could be in a cleaner, more flexible, and technologically driven era. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ADRIANCHERNOFF | MOTOR1 | SUPERCARS.NET | CONCEPTCARZ | DRIVESPARK | CARSTYLING.RU | AUTOCONCEPT ]

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Kosmera Takes Insane Electric Hypercar Prototypes to CES 2026

Electric Fury - Innovation in the automotive world often arrives from unexpected directions. Over the past decade, technology companies have steadily moved into areas once dominated by traditional carmakers, blending digital ecosystems with transportation in ways that would have seemed unlikely not long ago. That shift became particularly visible during the Consumer Electronics Show 2026 in Las Vegas, where a young automotive brand named Kosmera stepped into the spotlight with two dramatic prototypes. Backed by the smart-technology company Dreame Technology, Kosmera used the event to reveal the Star Razer and Star Matrix—machines designed to show how extreme performance and advanced digital integration could coexist in the electric hypercar era.

The Kosmera Star Razer. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Although presented as static prototypes, the numbers attached to these vehicles immediately drew attention. Both cars rely on a quad-motor electric drivetrain using permanent-magnet synchronous motors, with each wheel powered by its own motor producing roughly 476 horsepower. In total, the system delivers around 1,903 horsepower, while some calculations based on the motors’ 350 kW output suggest figures exceeding 2,000 horsepower. Kosmera claims that this immense power could launch the cars from 0 to 60 mph in less than 1.7 seconds, placing them firmly in the performance territory usually occupied by elite hypercar manufacturers. 

The Kosmera Star Razer. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Under the bodywork, the engineering approach aims to match those ambitious figures. The prototypes sit on an 800-volt electrical architecture and use a 120-kWh semi-solid-state battery pack, an emerging battery technology expected to improve energy density and performance. Their structure combines an aluminum frame with lightweight carbon-fiber panels to keep weight under control while maintaining rigidity. Kosmera also targets an extremely low drag coefficient below 0.20, supported by aerodynamic shaping and advanced materials, including aerospace-grade composites and components produced through 3D printing to maximize structural stiffness. 

The Kosmera Star Matrix. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Visually, the company's flagship hypercar concept, Star Matrix presents a dramatic design language intended to signal its performance potential. The front fascia features a prominent horseshoe-shaped grille reminiscent of certain European hypercars, flanked by large cooling vents and carefully integrated air channels that guide airflow toward the sides to reduce drag and improve radiator cooling. From the side, the silhouette follows classic supercar proportions with a low nose, a gently sloping A-pillar, and a roofline that flows smoothly toward the rear. Hidden door handles, double five-spoke wheels, and bright brake calipers add modern details, while the rear section is defined by a full-width taillight strip, a massive diffuser, and an oversized rear spoiler designed to enhance aerodynamic stability. 

The Kosmera Star Matrix. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Despite sharing a similar mechanical foundation, the two prototypes pursue different technological ideas. The Star Razer explores the concept of a broader mobility ecosystem, including a modular storage system in the trunk designed to deploy and retrieve devices such as drones or robotic companions. The module is envisioned to be dustproof, waterproof, and shock-resistant while offering positioning, navigation, and motion-sensing capabilities. The Star Matrix, in contrast, focuses on driving intelligence, featuring an augmented-reality head-up display that projects racing lines, braking points, and apex markers directly onto the windshield. Real-time voice guidance adapts to speed, steering input, and vehicle dynamics to provide coaching that resembles a digital racing instructor. | T5QgUk8J-J8 |

Kosmera’s ambitions extend beyond the concept stage. The company plans to bring a dynamic prototype to the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg facility in Germany, where engineers will evaluate power delivery, aerodynamics, stability, and thermal management in real driving conditions. According to CEO Winter Chen, the goal is to create machines that are meant to be driven hard and tested honestly rather than simply displayed. If the development process continues as planned, the prototypes revealed in Las Vegas may represent the opening chapter of a much larger story—one in which a technology-driven newcomer attempts to challenge established names in the rapidly evolving world of electric hypercars. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KOSMERA | AUTOEVOLUTION | CARNEWSCHINA | VOI.ID ]

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Rhino Racing RR01 Brings V10 Supercar Thrills to Your Garage

Garage Supercar - The idea of building your own supercar once sounded like a fantasy reserved for seasoned engineers or eccentric dreamers with endless time and money. Today, that vision feels far more attainable, thanks to projects like the Rhino Racing RR01. Emerging from Lithuania’s growing performance scene, this self-assembly machine reshapes what it means to own a high-performance car. It blends affordability, mechanical honesty, and bold design into a package that invites enthusiasts not just to drive, but to create.  

The Rhino Racing RR01 is a track-focused supercar developed by Lithuania-based Rhino Racing and delivered as a self-assembly kit for owners to build themselves. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

Developed by Lithuania-based Rhino Racing, the RR01 is a track-focused supercar delivered as a kit that owners assemble themselves. Remarkably, the company claims the process does not demand extensive technical knowledge, lowering the barrier to entry for aspiring builders. Even more surprising is the price: starting at €25,000 before taxes (roughly $27,000 at the time of writing), the RR01 undercuts nearly every new performance car on the market. Despite its motorsport DNA, Rhino Racing maintains that the car is street-legal, positioning it as both a weekend track weapon and a road-going statement. 

The Rhino Racing RR01 comes equipped with essential interior components, including occupant tubs, a dashboard and center console, wheel well liners, and a functional rear diffuser. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

At its core, the RR01 is built around a welded T6 aluminum monocoque paired with a fully integrated chromoly roll cage, emphasizing rigidity and safety from the outset. The suspension architecture is equally serious, featuring front and rear double wishbone pushrod setups with fully adjustable geometry and three-way Nitron R3 racing dampers. The bodywork, formed from glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, includes the main shell, front and rear hoods, bumpers, side skirts, and dramatic gullwing doors. Inside, the essentials are covered: tubs for both occupants, a dashboard and center console, wheel well liners, and a functional rear diffuser. The overall silhouette is low, purposeful, and unmistakably modern, proving that kit cars no longer need to look improvised or unfinished.  

The Rhino Racing RR01 comes equipped with essential interior components, including occupant tubs, a dashboard and center console, wheel well liners, and a functional rear diffuser. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

For builders seeking a more complete performance package, Rhino Racing offers an upgraded specification for €27,500 (around $29,600). This version adds serious stopping power with AP Racing six-piston brakes and 362-millimeter discs at both ends, along with a Tilton 600 pedal set and the necessary clutch and brake plumbing. Tillett B6 GRP seats with harnesses anchor the driver and passenger, while exterior lighting, cooling and dual-pump fueling systems, and an Ecumaster ECU with its dedicated display integrate the car’s vital functions. Nineteen-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes tires complete the setup, reinforcing the RR01’s track-ready intent.

The Rhino Racing RR01 is built around a welded T6 aluminum monocoque combined with a fully integrated chromoly roll cage, ensuring exceptional rigidity and safety from the very beginning. (Picture from: CarBuzz)

Power, however, remains a personal choice. The chassis is designed to accept a wide range of engines and transmissions, and the base kits are sold without an engine. For those who prefer a proven solution, Rhino Racing offers a rebuilt 5.2-liter V10 sourced from the Audi R8. Priced at €37,500 (approximately $40,390), this naturally aspirated unit comes paired with a single-mass flywheel, racing clutch, straight-cut sequential gearbox, limited-slip differential, motorsport ECU, and dedicated wiring loom. In this configuration, it produces around 480 horsepower sent to the rear wheels—less than the R8’s peak figures, but likely tuned with durability and reliability in mind. In an era dominated by turbochargers and ever-increasing output numbers, the option of a high-revving, naturally aspirated V10 feels refreshingly analog. | lBklQUmvKUU |

The RR01 arrives at a time when car culture is rediscovering the joy of mechanical involvement. Beyond performance statistics, it offers something rare in today’s automotive landscape: ownership that begins long before the first drive. Orders are already open, with components scheduled for delivery starting in August or September 2024. More than just an affordable supercar, the Rhino Racing RR01 represents a shift toward hands-on passion, where building the machine becomes as meaningful as driving it, and where modern enthusiasts can once again shape their dream car with their own hands. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RHINO RACING | CARBUZZ | MOMOBILID ]

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