The flying scooter in between reality and fictional

ONE-OFF 'Flying like a bird,' may be one of humanity's longstanding obsessions. And now maybe part of that obsession has been fulfilled with the invention of the airplane. Why only partly, because humans always try to develop it continuously up to a certain point of achievement which is considered to be the most recent or become what it should be. When was that accomplished? No one knows.

Vespa Alpha played a role as the Dick Smart's sophisticated rides in a spy action movie titled 'Dick Smart 2.007' released in 1967. (Picture from: Gensindo)

In the context of the scooter, which we know as a two-wheeled vehicle that experienced its heyday in the 1950s and 1960s, has there ever been the creation of a flying scooter, both fictional and reality?

In fiction, this has been illustrated by a well-known Belgian writer named André Franquin in his famous comic strips entitled 'Spirou et Fantasio' which published from 1947 to 1969. Well, in those comic strips he illustrated neatly a yellow-colored flying scooter named Zandajet. 

The amazing Zandajet flying scooter model is built based of the André Franquin's comic illustrations and sat on display at the 2006 Exposition Le Monde de Franquin in Brussels. (Picture from: Meinekleinfabrik)

Although this  yellow-colored scooter can only fly in comic books, it has actually been brought to the real world in a 1 : 1 scaled model to homage to the author and has been exhibited at the 2006 Exposition Le Monde de Franquin which was held in Brussels.

Vespa Alpha built by Piaggio in collaboration with Alpha Willis, a British company for the shooting purpose of a movie titled 'Dick Smart 2.007' in the 1967 and now sat on display at the Vespa Museum in Tuscany. (Picture from: Gensindo)

In reality, there's an Italian company called Piaggio which is also known as one of the world's scooter pioneers as well as the largest and most successful scooter manufacturer to date turn out has ever made a flying scooter named Vespa Alpha in 1967. As we all know that before producing scooters, this Italian company is a manufacturing company that is familiar with the world of aviation until today.

The Vespa Alpha was built by Piaggio in collaboration with Alpha Willis, a British company for the shooting purpose of a movie titled 'Dick Smart 2.007', starring Richard Wyler, Margaret Lee, Rosanna Tapados in the 1967.

Only in the movie, the Vespa Alpha is described as having extraordinary abilities, not only can it be used to go fast on the highway, fly like a helicopter, it can also function as a submarine. (Picture from: Vespacountry)

The Dick Smart's sophisticated scooter built based of the Vespa 180 Super Sport and powered by 2-stroke single cylinder 180cc engine which in the standard condition is claimed able to run up to top speed of 105kph on the streets.

In the movie, the Vespa Alpha is described as having extraordinary abilities, not only can it be used to go fast on the highway, fly like a helicopter, it can also function as a submarine. The flying scooter's front is resembled like a tilapia fish. Moreover, there is a lamp that looks like a fish's eye and a hole in the muzzle is added as the fish's mouth.

Vespa Alpha built is built based of Vespa 180 Super Sport and powered by a single cylinder 2-stroke 180 cc engine. (Picture from: Arttrav)

Even though it looks like a helicopter, we believe that the Vespa Alpha cannot fly at all, especially if it is used as a submarine. As mentioned before, it built just for the movie making and furthermore its shape and condition are not proper being a flying vehicle or submarine. Yes, at least the scooter can still be used for speeding on the streets, if you look at the engine specifications. 

That's it, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to the Piaggio's Vespa Alpha flying scooters, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article. 

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MUSEOPIAGGIO | MEINEKLEINFABRIK | VESPARESTORATION ]

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Let's look Uriel, the Justin Bieber's floating Rolls-Royce

ONE-OFF It is no secret, if the world's famous singer like Justin Bieber has a wide collection of luxury cars. The public may already know the contents of his garage is filled with many of premium class car models ranging from classic to futuristic styles. But it looks like he is still not satisfied and continues to add his collection.

The one-off Rolls-Royce Uriel built by West Coast Customs based of 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith for Justin Bieber. (Picture from: Insidehook)

Recently, there was a news said that Justin Bieber got a new super luxury car, after an American famous automotive modification house named West Coast Customs has finished the work to build a special car as be commissioned by the singer. And the entire process of working on this car ranging from design to completion has taken up to three years.

The one-off Rolls-Royce Uriel built by West Coast Customs based of 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith for Justin Bieber. (Picture from: Mobilinanews)

Yes, this world-renowned workshop is managed to have completed the entire process of modifying the Rolls-Royce Wraith owned by the singer into a new futuristic super luxury car given a name of Rolls-Royce Uriel.

2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith used as the car donor for the one-off Rolls-Royce Uriel of Justin Bieber. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Later its unique name teased our curiosity. Unfortunately there's no detailed explanation regarding its name. Does anyone of You had known why this futuristic car is named Uriel? We thought, there's a special background or even story that has connection with the owner/maker, or something else, so the car got such name. That's We don't know yet. If you know, We hope You willing to share with us.🙏

This Rolls-Royce 103EX concept has inspired the only-one Rolls-Royce Uriel creation made only for Justin Bieber. (Picture from: Carbuzz)

In short, this car modification project began when Justin Bieber was struck by the beauty and sophistication of the Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car which was first launched in 2016. Well, after watching it through the media, directly making him interested in owning it, but unfortunately his wishes could not be realized in the time, because the sophisticated car belonging to the British super luxury car manufacturer is not for sale due to it was still in the development stage, aka only a concept car.

The one-off Rolls-Royce Uriel built by West Coast Customs based of 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith for Justin Bieber. (Picture from: Okezone)

But he did not give up and kept trying to make his wishes come true, finally he decided to realize it through the way of modification. Then he contacted and made intense communication with Ryan Friedlinghaus, the CEO of West Coast Customs, and then the process of building the dream car began by modifying or completely overhauling the world's famous singer's Rolls-Royce Wraith into a new looking car with a design inspired by the Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car.

The one-off Rolls-Royce Uriel built by West Coast Customs based of 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith for Justin Bieber. (Picture from: KabarOto)

For your information, the 2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith owned by Justin Bieber is an eighth generation car model priced at the US. $330,000 or approx of Rp.4.5 billion. This super luxurious car is equipped with a 6,600 cc turbocharged V12 engine and is capable of producing a maximum power of up to 624 hp and 800 Nm of torque. Then those engine power is transferred via an 8-speed automatic transmission system to drive its rear wheels.

As quoted of the Motor1, all the modifying process of the Wraith into the unique futuristic-styled car is always communicated with the manufacturer in Goodwood, England. And the work starts with a 3D scan of the exterior of Rolls-Royce to find out the exact shape of each body panel. Then these 3D scans are used to create for bespoke body kits prints.

Justin Bieber was accompanied by Ryan Friedlinghaus when he saw the Rolls-Royce Uriel for the first time after it was completed at the West Coast Customs. (Picture from: KabarOto)

Then the work was continued by the bodyworks experts to create the perfect shape for the car, before it was finish by painting it in gloss silver and matte gray colour to support the car's beauty. The most prominent thing from this modification process is the shape of the wheel covers that makes the car look like it's floating. The front and rear bumpers along the side body and fenders have been completely hand-engraved making them very exclusive.

Significant changes are also seen in the audio system used, considering that the owner of this super luxury car is the world's pop star. So what is then installed for his car is of course the best and the most sophisticated ones and is supported by a unique lighting system that includes hidden illuminations along the underside edges. The rims itself is given a touch of silver matte paint in contrast to the black used before. This creation creates the most striking car's effect in the dark. The result, it's looks like a flying car when running on the streets.

Justin Bieber was caught on camera while getting off his newest Rolls-Royce Uriel. (Picture from: Saywho)

As quoted of SayWho, numerous details were updated, like the door handles or the wing mirrors replaced by cameras. While the car is equipped with tailpipes, they’re only for show. The car is said to run on 100% electric power to replace the usual 632 hp V12 engine.😉

After the entire work process is completed, so this unique futuristic car is then handed over to the owner who is none other than Justin Bieber. And his reaction was incredible, he looked speechless and then shed tears of joy when saw the the car for the first time.

It indicated that he pleased to the car result and all hard work of the crews and staffs of the West Coast Customs over three years has been paid off by seen the satisfied customer. All of these events were captured in the West Coast Customs released video when the superstar saw and received the car commissioned by him. 👉 Wanna see another unique Rolls-Royce car? 👈 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTOR1 | AUTOEVOLUTION | INSIDEHOOK | SAYWHO ]

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Here she is the first De Tomaso's road car model, the Vallelunga

The FIRST De Tomaso Automobili, an Italian automotive company founded by Alejandro De Tomaso in 1959 which is famous for the exotic sportscar productions. Since operating in the early 1960s, it has been noted that many sports cars have been produced.

And some time ago we discussed several cars made by De Tomaso Automobili, ranging from the classics like De Tomaso Mangusta, Pantera and others to the newest ones like the De Tomaso P72.

1964 De Tomaso Vallelunga sports car was the first De Tomaso's road car model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M6J39m)

So, on this occasion we will discuss one of the company made sportscars called De Tomaso Vallelunga which later became the famous Mangusta model base. The De Tomaso Vallelunga was a mid-engined sports car model manufactured from 1964 to 1968, and also said the first road car ever produced by those Modena-based automotive company.

1964 De Tomaso Vallelunga sports car is shown as a concept car at the Turin Motor Show in 1963. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M6J39m)

As for the sportscar's name is adopted from an Italian famous racing circuit, namely the Autodromo di Vallelunga and was built based on the roadster designed by Carrozzeria Fissore. The sportscar was first shown as a concept at the 1963 Turin Motor Show.

1964 De Tomaso Vallelunga sports car's interior. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M6J39m)

De Tomaso Vallelunga is equipped with a 1,593 cc inline 4-cylinder Kent engine which was adopted from the Ford Cortina. The machine is capable of spewing power up to 104 hp (78 kW) at 6,200 rpm which is supported by the VW Beetle's transaxle and Hewland's gearsets.

1964 De Tomaso Vallelunga sports car a 1,593 cc inline 4-cylinder Kent engine, and capable of spewing power up to 104 hp (78 kW) at 6,200 rpm. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M6J39m)

Furthermore, the Vallelunga is built on a pressed steel backbone chassis construction with a tubular sub-frame at the back. Its suspension system uses double wishbone and coil springs at all four corners, coupled with the front and rear anti-roll bars adopted from Triumph cars.

1964 De Tomaso Vallelunga sports car is built on a pressed steel backbone chassis construction with a tubular sub-frame at the back. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2M6J39m)

This sports car stature is considered as 'small' with curb-weighed only 726 kg (1,600 lbs). In general, the De Tomaso Vallelunga's bodywork is made of fiberglass and many drilled aluminium parts. The car is so light, made it can be driven up to a maximum speed of 112 mph or around 180 kph, while for the braking system, the Vallelunga already adopts an all-round disc type on its 4 wheels.

The Vallelunga known built as much as 50 units in the four years since the 1964, along with three aluminum prototypes and five racing cars, so in the total up to 58 units by the end of its production period in the 1968.

As previously mentioned, Vallelunga was later used as the basis for the renowned De Tomaso Mangusta sports car which was significantly re-engineered to adopt the Ford 302 engine, and then was elegantly integrated with the Giorgetto Giugiaro made bodywork. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DE TOMASO AUTOMOBILI | WIKIPEDIA ]

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When an automaker in collaboration with gamers designed a supercar

Concept ONLY Not that many people know that Ford has an eSports division. Started in 2019, Team Fordzilla has more than 40 drivers spread across various European countries. Not only playing games, but this team also made a futuristic-style car named Team Fordzilla P1.

The Team Fordzilla P1 race concept car as the result of collaboration between the Ford Motor Company and the eSports gamers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3attMc6)

The development let Ford’s eSports division partnered with Ford’s design department to create a virtual custom supercar known as the Team Fordzilla P1. Previously, they also used social media to get advice from fans about the seating position, cockpit style, and even the engine used. The concept model virtually had been debuted at the 2020 Gamescon in Germany.

The Team Fordzilla P1 race concept car is the first Ford's car to be built digitally ranging from the concept up to production without any face-to-face interaction. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3attMc6)

Since last August 2020, the Fordzilla P1 concept is still a digital display, but in January, 2021 Ford officially launched a concept version of the P1 as a real-sized model. Due to the pandemic the concept car said the first Ford's car to be built digitally ranging from the concept up to production without any face-to-face interaction and was realized in just seven weeks.

The Team Fordzilla P1 race concept car has very thick the GT's impression, as You can see starting from the pull of the front fender lines, the cockpit's slim body panel looks like it is floating supported by the rear wheels. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3attMc6)

As we can see, the exterior of the Ferdzilla P1 racing car was done beautifully by Arturo Arino, while Robert Engelmann was responsible for creating the interior, and both are known as the Ford designers. As all of the Fordzilla P1's production is led by Ford's design department, which is headquartered in Cologne, Germany.

The Team Fordzilla P1 race concept car has the driving position is also designed like a Formula 1 racing car in general so the racers can properly monitor various things related to the condition of the car and track and also able to receive data from the team. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3attMc6)

The racing concept car has a monocoque structure that can be relied on to appear and run like a land jet, besides that there is also a canopy that functions to protect the driver and co-driver. Then the driving position is also designed like a Formula 1 racing car in general.

The Team Fordzilla P1 race concept car has a monocoque structure that can be relied on to appear and run like a land jet, besides that there is also a canopy that functions to protect the driver and co-driver. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3attMc6)

By design, there's the GT's impression is very thick, as You can see starting from the pull of the front fender lines, the cockpit's slim body panel looks like it is floating supported by the rear wheels. While in the cockpit, the driver and co-driver can properly monitor various things related to the condition of the car and track and also able to receive data from the team.

The Team Fordzilla P1 race concept car was realized in just seven weeks and officially launched in January 2021. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3attMc6)

However, so as not to interfere with the racer's visibility, the interior design is made in such a way so that the racers can enjoy the flow of the competition properly. This concept car is designed with dimensions of length 4,731 mm, width 2,000 mm and height 895 mm. While its front tires uses a 315/30-R21 profile and a 355/25-R21 for rear one.

Unfortunately, there's no further technical details were offered. It makes sense, due to the car on display just a physical model, not a real car that can be driven. *** [FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LEISURIAN | MIKESHOUTS ]

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The Samurai race car story from banned to be hero

Banzai....! Hino Motors, Ltd., or more popularly known as Hino, it's a Japanese multinational company that produces diesel engines, trucks, and buses. The company is headquartered in Hino, Tokyo, and founded in 1942. And since 1973, the company has been transformed into one of the major manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks in Japan and is part of Toyota today.

1967 Hino (BRE) Samurai never be raced at the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix, after was disqualified and banned of the race event by the JAF due to it did not have sufficient ground clearance. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rV8jhS)

Although known as a truck maker, it turns out that this Japanese manufacturer had produced passenger car models in the 1960s. (See Hino's pasengger car). Besides that, in the same era it turned out that this Japanese manufacturer also ever had involved in the racing world with a race car called the Hino (BRE) Samurai.

The racing car was the result of a collaboration between the Hino Motors with the Brock Racing Enterprise (BRE) owned by Peter Brock, the famous American racing car designer. He was also known as the man who designed the legendary Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe.

Pete Brock while driving the Hino Coupe 1300cc and won the 1966 Times-Mirror race at Riverside Raceway. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rV8jhS)

Before Brock started his career in the Japanese auto racing with Hino (BRE) Samurai, turn out he ever had great success while driving the Hino Coupe 1300cc and won the 1966 Times-Mirror race at Riverside Raceway along with another Hino's BREs finished in second.

1967 Hino (BRE) Samurai's timeless front-end still looks good today. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rV8jhS)

As quoted from mycarquest, this unique racing car was created by BRE with the help of the great Troutman-Barnes team. The sleek and gorgeous hand made, low drag aluminium body ensured the Samurai made the most of its rather small 1.3L GR100 4-cylinder Contessa powerplant. Nevertheless the twin Mikuni-Solex carbureted unit still belted out a healthy 110 horsepower, then an amazing figure for such a small engine.

The power was handled through a bespoke 5-speed manual transmission. As a result of BRE’s clever engineering and packaging, the finished car only weighed a lively 530 kg (1170 lbs). Considering these figures, the car looked to be a worthy competitor in the JAF 1300 class.

1967 Hino (BRE) Samurai race car initially used a 1,300 cc 4-cylinder Hino Contessa engine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rV8jhS)

1967 Hino (BRE) Samurai pictured on
the November 1967 cover of Road&Track
magazine. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rV8jhS)

Initially, Brock had a vision to enter this car in the 1967 Japanese Grand Prix and even aspired brought it to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Unfortunately, the Japan Automobile Federetion (JAF) as the race organizers later disqualified the car due to it did not have sufficient ground clearance. Despite the failed venture, BRE’s lovechild got its fair share of attention not long after being denied its racing career, by featured on the November 1967 cover of Road & Track magazine. 

The project was eventually disbanded then Pete Brock contracted by Toyota to developed a mid-engined 2L Toyota's prototype, and soon the Nissan Fairlady Z also got his hand touche. The Hino Samurai race car was later known to be bought by Terry Hall and brought it to America to race in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) racing event. At the American sports car club racing championship, the Samurai raced in Class C Sports Racing, but unfamiliarity with its mechanicals lead to setup issues and poor reliability. 

After that Hall sold the Samurai to former Porsche class competitor Ron Bianchi. At this time, the side windows of the car had also been removed, and the nosecone suffered minor damage from the impact. Bianchi also faced the same problem as the previous owner, due to ignorance of the Samurai's engine ins and outs.

1967 Hino (BRE) Samurai built with a tubular frame to support a highly aerodynamic aluminum body. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2ZizsPG)

Many mechanics come and go to handle this race car but the results were none, and always has the mechanical mishaps happened to it. Finally, Bianchi consider forming his own team whose members consisted of those who had reliable expertise. The team members are John Hamilton known as a former Mercedes-Benz motorsport development engineer, Paul Albertson who had been part of Cosworth's race engine department, Paul White known as tire specialist.

Together with the team members then Ron Bianchi tried to give a new breath to the Hino Samurai, but it was not easy. In one race the brakes failed, then the next time out an oil line sprung a leak, killing the engine, then a new throttle cable snagged, over-revving the engine and grenading it yet again. Problems keep coming, as if this racing car remains wild and difficult to understand.

The 530kg-weighted Hino (BRE) Samurai race car mounts its 110 hp engine in the mid-rear position. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rTO5oH)

Finally with the help of a friend specialized in cam construction finally solved the engine issues, then Paul Albertson was finally able to safely extract the desired power. With the engine sorted, and John Hamilton having resolved the braking problems.

1967 Hino (BRE) Samurai's movable ring airfoil predated Ferrari's F40 by over 20 years. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3blIkK7)

While for the car's handling problems, Bianchi then contacted Red LeGrande, who was known to be involved in the chassis fabrication process of the Samurai commissioned of Peter Brock. Then he discussing with Red to solved matters, and decided to completely remodel the rear suspension. After that Paul White adjusted the tire compounds and pressures accordingly. 

 

After all the team members have managed to solve their respective problems, the Samurai began to record reliable times in competitive times. On another occasion, the race car comfortably won its class. Over the next four years, the Samurai never be finished lower than fifth.

1967 Hino (BRE) Samurai race car waiting in the paddock, waiting to win another race. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rV8jhS)

And when Ron Bianchi decided to retire from racing, Samurai managed to give him and the team about 25 winning trophies, 12 awards for second place and 2 trophies of the club racing championship. After that the Hino (BRE) Samurai idled in the garage, at that time Bianchi started receiving calls from its creator. Peter Brock had learned of Ron's ownership of the Samurai, and wanted to buy it back. In several discussions, they finally agreed on the price of the car.

However, Brock didn't hold onto the car for long, because he later sold it to Satoshi Ezawa, a wealthy Japanese collector. As if it wasn't enough to have Hino (BRE) Samurai physically, the last owner of the Hino Samurai having learned of Bianchi's adventures with the Samurai, he wanted to know in minute detail just how Ron has turned the aborted project into a proven race winner. His curiosity even led him to visit Ron Bianchi in person. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BRE | MYCARREQUEST | DRIVETRIBE ]

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Sony Vision-S Concept Car

Let's WAIT! A year ago, the Sony Vision-S electric-powered car was the star at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2020 in Las Vegas, United States. And recently, Sony back on stage at the same event this year and at the same time surprised the public through the news of its concept car was already road tested in Austria. But unfortunately the car cannot be bought by anyone, not even by the  millionaires or the crazy rich person.

Sony Vision-S electric-powered vehicle prototype on display at the CES 2020 held in Las Vegas. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3qiUxVT)

No wonder many people thought and suspected that the Sony's car will be mass produced. Because several similar technology companies such as Apple and Microsoft are also heading towards the autonomous vehicle trend.

As quoted from Car and Driver, on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in fact that the Vision-S car is Sony's way of establishing itself is part of thevautonomous driving era or it could be said as well the Sony Vision-S Concept was designed to see and test the performance of their technology.

Sony Vision-S electric-powered vehicle prototype while on public road testing in Austria. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3rR1uxN)

Through a spokesperson, Sony said that it would not mass produce the Vision-S. "At this time, we have no plans to mass produce or sell vehicles," said a Sony spokesman who was not identified.

"Our strength is in imaging and sensors, we aim to contribute to safety and reliability in autonomous driving, while providing great experiences that take advantage of entertainment in the mobility space," he added.

To support self-driving technology, Sony currently uses 40 points, and four of which are lidar. The number of sensors will directly increase the ability of 360-degree technology awareness. Currently the Vision-S already has a level 2 self-driving system, but soon Sony will upgrade it to level 4.

Sony Vision-S electric-powered vehicle prototype while on public road testing in Austria. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3phtnxt)

For your information, the Sony Vision-S was built in collaboration with a German manufacturer, Magna Steyr. The same company had ever produced the Toyota Supra and BMW Z4. Besides that Sony also collaborates with other well-known brands in the electronics world such as Bosch, Continental, Nvidia and Qualcomm.

To support the Sony Vision-S as a purely electric-powered four-wheeled vehicle weighing of 2,350 kg, the propulsion comes from a pair of 200 kW electric motors, for a total of 400 kW (536 hp). The power is capable of accelerating the car from still  to 100 kph in just 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of up to 240 kph. Not bad at all.

In order to dampen all the shocks caused by road conditions as well as the driving comfort factor, the Sony Vision-S uses the air suspension at the front and double-wishbone at the rear. The electric-powered car is equipped with four tires with the profiles of 245/40 and 275/35, which are attached to the 21-inch rims, while for the braking system entrusted to the Brembo's. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARANDDRIVER | 3NIONS ]

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