The futuristic biodynamic shaped truck by Luigi Colani

Head to the Future The world's car manufacturers are now more ready to welcome the future. This can be seen at least from the design of their very futuristic concept cars, some even have out of the box designs. This is in line with the growing trend of environmentally friendly vehicles, not only for small-sized vehicles, but also for heavy-duty vehicles such as the trucks.

The Innotruck is designed by Luigi Colani, and intended to serve as both a test bench and a demonstration vehicle for a number of emerging technologies. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

And some of them come as custom models, as shown in the design of a unique future truck called the Innotruck built in collaboration the Siemens, the German's global technology company with designer Luigi Colani, TU Munich (Munich Technical University) and Marchi Mobile. As reported by Autoevolution, the futuristic truck concept was launched for the first time in 2012 at the MobiliTec international trade show in Hannover, Germany.

The Innotruck posed along with Luigi Colani, and as you can see here, the front of the truck gives a unique access for the driver get into the cockpit by sliding its glass nose. (Picture from: Bubblemania.fr)

At that time, the truck design had attracted the attention of many pairs of eyes. Once realized, this truck does look very futuristic. As we could be seen an aerodynamics truck-trailer-designed with the eco-friendly drivetrain and the energy management is another major goal of it. The creation of the Innotruck is also claimed to be an important part in the development of research on digitalization and electrification.

The Innotruck is also claimed to be an important part in the development of research on digitalization and electrification. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Described as a "smart microgrid", the vehicle is capable of managing the energy flow not only from its battery, but also from on-board solar cells, wind turbines and regenerative brakes. It even has power outlets along its sides, so other vehicles can recharge when stationary and thus free up energy on the city grid. The point is to cut the inefficiencies of the existing system and could also be a mobile power plant for places where backup power is needed.

The front of the Innotruck has a unique design that resembles the nose of a fighter jet. (Picture from: Bubblemania.fr)

As quoted from Motor1, the Innotruck is claimed to be completely hand-built based on the Mercedes-Benz platform, and has a unique design on the front of the truck that resembles the nose of a fighter jet with the luxurious cabin. This is a truly unique and (potentially) revolutionary design that integrates the trailer as a component combined with the spaceship cockpit. The drive section rotates under the digital cockpit. 

The Innotruck also provided a beautiful living room behind the cockpit that caters to the needs of truckers in long distances traveling. (Picture from: Autoevolution)

Besides it looks futuristic, it has to be said, the almost entirely glass cockpit seems to provide exceptional sight lines to its driver. The car is integrated into the trailer section allowing the drivetrain to be placed under the drive independent of the trailer. Controls are in the cockpit reminiscent of a fighter jet with a large amount of glass allowing optimal visibility. This space is connected to a beautiful living room that caters to the needs of truckers in long distances traveling. To enter the cockpit area, the glass canopy opens and the driver enters.

The Innotruck has an almost entirely glass cockpit that seems to provide exceptional sight lines to its driver. (Picture from: Bubblemania.fr)

The cab is connected to the drivetrain via driveby wire technology allowing easy integration into the trailer. Power comes from an electric motor powered by a diesel engine which is converted into a range extender duty. This allows for the most efficient powertrain that can still provide the distance needed to transport goods over long distances. Besides having an eccentric design and a unique drivetrain, plus its large size makes it not legal yet to use on the European Union roads.

Only two unit of the Innotruck have ever been made, and for those interested in having one of them, it sold on the JamesEdition website back in the 2020, but doesn't say how much it cost (certainly has an expensive price tag). This truck concept can be used as a show car for various business needs and educational programs or simply as a unique collectible items.

Besides the Innotruck, it turns out that the late Luigi Colani has also worked on several other truck designs in collaboration with many parties, ranging from automotive companies and other related institutions, as you can see here. Or You could be also seen another Colani's creation such Ferrari Testa D'oro from 1992.  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COLANI | JAMESEDITION | LUXURYAUTOCOLECTION | HOTCARS | MOTOR1 | BUBBLEMANIA | AUTOEVOLUTION ]

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An awesome performance of the Verge TS electric-motorcycle

Take A Ride Sooner or later electrification is believed to be a trend. Currently emerging new brands that make electric-powered vehicles, especially electric motorcycles. One of them is the Finnish brand, Verge Motorcycles, which is rumored to be launching the Verge TS, which is an electric sports motorbike. This motorcycle will compete in the high-performance electric motorcycle class with the Energica and Zero Motorcycles brands.

The Verge TS is an electric-powered sports motorbike introduced by the Finnish company Verge Motorcycles. (Picture from: Visordown)

As quoting from the Greatbiker page, the Verge TS had previously been introduced for the first time at the 2019 EICMA as the prototype in February 2019. It took 32 months for the company to officially launch its electric motorbike. As we know that the Verge TS is a rebranding and to be a new name for mass production of the previous motorcycle brand, RMK E2.

There are no detailed specifications regarding the battery. However, the manufacturer claims that this electric motor has a maximum power of 107 hp and an abundant torque of up to 1,000 Nm. The maximum speed is around 180 kph in under 4 seconds. When the battery is fully charged, the motorbike can cover a distance of 300 km, and 200 km for combined city and out-of-town road us.

The Verge TS is a rebranding and to be a new name for mass production of the previous motorcycle brand, RMK E2. (Picture from: RideApart)

In addition to the engine specifications, the Verge TS is interesting because it uses a hubless rear wheel. The rear wheel looks hollow so that it becomes a point more than the design side. Hub holes like this is actually not something new. However, motorcycle manufacturers who launch hubless are rare. 

Teemu Saukkio is a designer who created a hubless rear wheel mechanism from his workshop, he developed a hubless rear wheel by attaching a hub mount to an E2 motor (at that time) which was claimed to run very fast.

The Verge TS has also been pinned with a premium rear suspension of the Ohlins brand monoshock and brake calipers from Brembo. (Picture from: Visordown)

The wheel mechanism seems to float without being supported by the spokes on the rim and of course futuristic. It is also mentioned that the hubless on the rear wheel is one of the factors that makes the motor have great acceleration. In addition, the Verge TS has also been pinned with a premium rear suspension of the Ohlins brand monoshock and brake calipers from Brembo.

The Verge TS is claimed has a maximum power of 107 hp and an abundant torque of up to 1,000 Nm. (Picture from: Electrec.co)

Meanwhile, for rear braking that uses a hubless wheel mechanism, it is impossible to install conventional brakes like an ordinary motorcycle. So, this futuristic style motorcycle uses a rear brake which they call a 'regenerative braking system'. Furthermore, for charging the battery, it is claimed to be faster because it has embedded the Fast Charging system which is their charging standard.

The Verge TS has a hubless rear wheel mechanism by attaching a hub mount on the motorcycle which was claimed to run very fast. (Picture from: Electrec.co)

The Finnish company claim the battery of the Verge TS can be fully charged in just 2 to 3 hours, while the battery capacity is still unknown. For performance on the road, the Verge TS electric motor is capable of producing 107 hp (80kW) and a maximum torque of 737 ft-lb. As for the range that can be achieved by the Verge TS is as far as 124 miles or 199 km for use on the highway and 186 miles or equivalent to 299 km in the city.

It is very impressive the distance that can be covered, for an electric motorbike that has a futuristic design and the use of unusual rear tires. With all the sophistication that is buried into this futuristic motorbike, Verge Motorcycles sells it for $27,713. Are you interested?

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 | VERGE MOTORCYCLES | VISORDOWN | ELECTREC.CO | RIDESAPART ]

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The Electron Quasar electric hypercar with savage power soon be revealed

Hope Not Only Concept Recently, the Elektron Innovativ Technologien aka Elektron Motors has released pictures and also details about the hypercar that uses electric power dubbed the Elektron Quasar. The company mentions that the car is a follow-up to the first model concept, the Electron One, which was launched last year and also mentions that this car has better performance than its predecessor.

Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercar will have four electric motors combined to produce an incredible 2,300 hp of power. (Picture from: Motor1)

The German startup company also says that the hypercar will have four electric motors combined to produce an incredible 2,300 hp of power. The power generated is said would be able to compete with the world's major brands that previously had produced similar electric hypercar products, such as Rimac C Two, Pininfarina Battista, and Lotus Evija. 

Thus, this method will enable the emergence of a new technology, which the company calls the Electron Smart Torque Vectoring System (ESTV). This feature will be useful when the car is driving on a race track considering the power it produces is extraordinary, if you don't want to say it doesn't make sense.

Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercar features angular headlamps and includes LED daytime running lights that curve on the outer edge of the hood. (Picture from: Motor1)

Not only having the ferocity of the racing tracks, the Quasar car is also claimed to have a weight of 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg) only. The German startup also said that its hypercar is capable of reaching 62 mph (100 kph) from still in just 1.65 seconds, before touching a limited top speed at 280 mph (450 kph).

As You can be seen on the Quasar's released images shown that the car's overall design is heavily influenced by the Swedish hypercar Koenigsegg Jesko, and that's a good thing that Electron Motors did for a hypercar.

Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercar is equipped with a digital meter cluster, a large infotainment screen that is neatly integrated into the dashboard, and a display in front of the passenger. (Picture from: Motor1)

While the front of the Quasar features angular headlamps and includes LED daytime running lights that curve on the outer edge of the hood. The car is also equipped with carbon fiber canards and a clear carbon fiber splitter.

Elsewhere, the car has a curved windshield and a roof design that's nearly identical to everything Koenigseggs has had over the past two decades. Koenigsegg's inspiration continues with the very similar engine cover, shark fin and rear wing.

Elektron Quasar electric-powered hypercar will be launched in 2023 and built in limited numbers of 99 units. (Picture from: Elektron Motors)

What is unique about the Quasar is its interior which is equipped with a digital meter cluster, a large infotainment screen that is neatly integrated into the dashboard, and a display in front of the passengers. At the end, Electron Motors says the Quasar will be launched in 2023 and built in limited numbers of 99 units only and delivered to the buyer within three years. 

As for another previously designed EV hypercar, the Elektron One, Armagan Arabul as CEO of Elektron Motors said the launch was not cancelled. But postponed. We'll hope these all electric hypercars could be realized and shown off as the plan. Now on, nothing could be done except we'll wait and see.😉 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELEKTRON MOTORS | CARSCOOPS || NEWSASIATODAY  ID.MOTOR1 ]

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The most fiercest V12 engined supercar of Peugeot

Technology Breakthrough One of the rarest supercars in history would be discussed today comes from one of the French car manufacturers, Peugeot. We'll go into details on examples of this particular supercar in a moment, but first, let's talk about the origins of the Peugeot 907 Concept.

2004 Peugeot 907 Concept car while sits on displat at the at the Musée de l'Aventure Peugeot-Sochaux, France. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The Peugeot 907 is a concept car built by Peugeot, and first revealed at the 2004 Paris Motor Show. The concept car was created by the company's head of styling Gérard Welter and designer Jean Christophe Bolle Reddat to celebrate the opening of the company's new design center in Vélizy and the closure of the forty year old design studio in La Garenne.

2004 Peugeot 907 Concept car is powered by two 3.0-liter V6 engines are combined together to form a V12 with a burst the power of 507 hp and features a sequentially controlled 6-speed manual gearbox. (Picture from: Supercars)

It was one of three concept cars unveiled by Peugeot at the show, alongside the Quark and 1007 RC. And the Fleet News described the concept car as "Peugeot's answer to the Ferrari 575M Maranello before it was unveiled in September 2004, where these two cars have the similar design, which is both have a long snout. 

2004 Peugeot 907 Concept car has the interior in combination of brown leather and light grey alcantara and is used to cover both the interior and the seats. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The car concept was never designed for mass production, but rather was intended to be a prototype featuring Peugeot's new design techniques.

2004 Peugeot 907 Concept car was never designed for mass production, but rather was intended to be a prototype featuring Peugeot's new design techniques. (Picture from: Supercars)

The engine is mounted directly behind the front wheels, and side exhausts exit behind each of the front wheels. Unlike many concepts, the 907 can be driven like any other production car. Under the hood, two 3.0-liter V6 engines are combined together to form a V12 with a burst the power of 507 hp.

Then the monocoque body is made of carbon fiber and also uses four-wheel control arm suspension at all revolutions while a sequential shift transmission distributes power to the rear wheels. The windshield curves upward to form the roof, while the hood has see-through perspex inserts that reveal the engine's twelve intake trumpets. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FLEETNEWS | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARS | DRIVETRIBE ]

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Seen Dodge Firearrow Concept series

Unique ONES - In the intriguing world of automotive design, the collaboration between America and Italy has produced some truly remarkable cars, and one shining example is the Dodge Firearrow Series.

1954 Dodge Firearrow II (left) posed along with the 1954 Dodge Firearrow IV (right). (Picture from: VintageRaceCars)

Conceived in the early 1950s by Virgil Exner, the design chief at Chrysler Corp, and crafted by the esteemed Turin-based coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ghia, these concept cars stand as a testament to the fusion of style and innovation. Now, let's us talking about those Firearrow concepts as follows;

1. Dodge Firearrow I

In 1953, the first Firearrow concept came out of Chrysler's advanced styling studio and was a dummy. Later, three Firearrows followed led to Dual Ghias. The Firearrow I was a true roadster and painted in Red and Gray, while the interior was yellow with maroon piping. Its wheels were full wheel covers and the bodyside molding wrapped all of the ways around the car and has dual headlights.

1953 Dodge Firearrow I Concept sat alongside with Abarth Fiat 1100 (Ghia) at the 1953 Turin Motor show. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The Dodge Firearrow, a sleek, 34-inch-high sports roadster, is a new 'idea' car of the Dodge Division, hand-crafted by Ghia of Turin, Italy. At that time, William C. Newberg, president of Dodge, says that certain design features of the experimental body may well be reflected in future Dodge production models, but there are no present plans to produce the Firearrow.

1953 Dodge Firearrow I Concept was designed by the Chrysler Corp design chief in the time, Virgil Exner and built by Carrozzeria Ghia. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The car is shown for the first time on November 12, 1953, at Chrysler Corporation's annual new car press party in Detroit. And today, it is on display at Petersen’s Museum although the seats are now brown.

2. Dodge Firearrow II

The second series of roadster-styled concept car of Dodge itself is built on a 119-inch chassis and equipped with a Red Ram Hemi (241 cubic inch engine) combined with a four-speed Gyro-Torque semi-automatic gearbox, so then the car is claimed to be capable of spewing power up to 150 horsepower.

1954 Dodge Firearrow II Concept appeared with different front and rear sections than the previous model. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

It painted in yellow and looked a lot like Firearrow I, except the body side molding didn’t wrap around the car, chrome wire wheels replace the full hub caps, single headlights replaced the dual, and Firearrow I’s split bumper was changed.

Rear three-quarter view of the 1954 Dodge Firearrow II Concept. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

But, it retained the two-seats behind the dashboard and striking frameless windshield when it appeared in 1954.

3. Dodge Firearrow III

In 1954, the two-seat Firearrow Sport Coupe appeared and proclaimed as the third series of the Dodge's models. As with the earlier roadster, the metallic blue coupe was essentially a 1954 Dodge.

1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sports Coupe shown at the 2010 Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance. (Picture from: Supercars.net) 

Dual headlights returned and now flanked a concave grille cut with narrow verticals. It also featured with the crash protection front and rear was provided by modest bumperettes. A wraparound backlight gave the Sport Coupe a particularly rakish aspect.

Rear three-quarter view of the 1954 Dodge Firearrow III Sports Coupe. (Picture from: Supercars.net) 

The third in a series of four unique Firearrow concept cars made, it has been said that this concept car had the skillful blending of the best ideas from Europe and the American design studios of Virgil Exner and brought an entirely new kind of beauty with a look of poised power.

4. Dodge Firearrow IV

The fourth series of Firearrow convertible arrived late in 1954. Despite being the series' first four-seater model, it shared many styling cues with the previous Sport Coupe model, or can be said, it was basically a soft-top version of the coupe.

1954 Dodge Firearrow IV four-seater convertible concept car and share the same design as the previous sports coupe version. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

The Dodge Firearrow IV was the only road-legal concept car that was actually prepared to enter the production line and adorn many car shows in the United States in 1954. And if you look at the specifications, this concept is similar to the Firearrow II which was also designed by Exner and built-in Turin by Ghia on a 119-inch chassis by using the same drivetrain.

1954 Dodge Firearrow IV convertible leather interior's with a black and white diamond pattern. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)

The concave grille returned, though it now carried a grid treatment instead of the coupe's slim verticals. As for the convertible's leather interior, as it was a diamond pattern done in hard-to-ignore black and white, it was definitely an acquired taste. Additional sizzle was provided by the car's bright red body.

Rear three-quarter view of the 1954 Dodge Firearrow IV four-seater convertible. (Picture from: Automotivereport)

Although these timeless creations, though never mass-produced, continue to captivate the hearts of automotive enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of the innovative spirit that defined an era. The Dodge Firearrow series stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and collaboration that can emerge from the marriage of American and Italian automotive design.. *** [EKA[13072020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | AUTOWEEK | SUPERCARS.NET ]

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The classic Isetta design back alive into a Microlino electric-powered vehicle

Got A Spirit Dense cities, traffic jams, limited parking spaces sparked the idea of ​​the world's car manufacturers to create small cars. If we know city cars, then there's a Swiss auto manufacturer, Micro Mobility System AG. recently introduced an even tiny car which named the Microlino.

The Microlino 2.0 electric-powered 'bubble car' posed along with the Microletta, its three-wheeled sibling. (Picture from: Microlino-Car)

And if we look at the shape, it makes us to remind the figure of a classic tiny car called the Isetta. We will give a little information about the legendary classic tiny car. This tiny car is also commonly referred to as a “bubble car,” perhaps due to its small round shape resembling a soap bubble.

From the shape of the legendary Italian bubble car, BMW Isetta (in pictured is 1956 BMW Isetta Cabrio) then Micro Mobility System AG. was inspired to redesign a modern electric-powered vehicle named Microlino. (Picture from: Microcarmuseum)

If you are an automotive enthusiast, you may have heard of the tiny Isetta crowded milling around on the streets of the European cities in post-World War II. Well, that's a unique shaped tiny car with a door in front. Initially, the car is designed and made by the Italian firm of Iso SpA. in the 1952. And then, the legendary tiny car was produced under licensed by many brands worldwide, ranging from VELAM, De Carlo, Romi, up to BMW, and under the last manufacturer emblem made it known famous by the name of BMW Isetta.

From the shape of the legendary Italian bubble car, then Kusnacht-based auto company was inspired to redesign a modern electric-powered vehicle. The model was first introduced in 2015, and today  the development version under the name of Microlino 2.0 is being demonstrated for the first time. As we mentioned before, the car designs is based and inspired by the famous tiny car Isetta.

The Microlino 2.0 electric-powered 'bubble car' has thick retro impression, that can be seen from its classic rounded style in a more modern way. (Picture from: Carvagamza)

It could be said, not just inspired, but it looks almost the same in all angles, except the drivetrain. And the thick retro impression can be seen from its classic rounded style but is now packaged in a more modern way. The roof is made higher to increase headroom. The A-pillar is made longer to increase visibility. But the exact dimensions were not disclosed by the automaker, only mentioned that the car has a length of 2.4 meters, means it's more compact than a small MPV.

 

In addition to its small appearance, another uniqueness is the access to in-out of the cabin. Like the Isetta, the source of its inspiration, the Microlino also has only one door that is used as access for the driver and passenger which is placed in front. So the car's muzzle also functions as a door. So when the door is opened, the windshield and part of the A-pillar would be opened.

The Microlino 2.0's front also functions as a door. So when the door is opened, the windshield and part of the A-pillar would be opened. (Picture from: Carmudi)

For the exterior, the Swiss auto manufacturer makes it as simple as possible with The rear wheel tracks are made narrower than the front wheels. The car main accessories such the front and rear lights are in a straight line. Round mirrors blend with the headlights and rear fender that swallows a quarter of the wheel.

Well, when we look into the cabin, we will be surprised. Since the interior is almost empty and there is nothing, there are only a few digital devices and not many buttons. It seems that all the settings on this tiny car can be done through a single instrument panel display.

The Microlino 2.0 electric-powered 'bubble car' interior is almost empty and there is nothing, there are only a few digital devices and not many buttons. (Picture from: Carvagamza)

The rack steer stands independently without having to go through firewalls like a “normal” car and it can be folded for easy in or out passages. Then no infotainment system, big screen or anything. So in this car all those functions can be done by using the smartphone that has been provided with a special holder on the dashboard.

This Swiss automotive company said that the Microline 2.0 was developed from the previous version by changing the material from the chassis to iron and aluminum. The axles are widened to accommodate independent suspension at the front and rear. Its electric motor is claimed to be more powerful and efficient by around 15%, but there are no further details about the power and torque.

The rear wheel tracks of the Microlino 2.0 electric-powered are made narrower than the front wheels. (Picture from: Carvagamza)

This small car utilizes the NMC battery as its power supply which is said to be able to make it run up to 90 kph (very sufficient for city use). Furthermore, the automaker provides two battery options to drive the motor, namely 8 kWh or 14.4 kWh with a range of about 125 km and 200 km. By looking at the small battery capacity, it certainly makes it fully charged faster, and claimed that it only takes about 4 hours through a household power source.

Now for the price, the Microline 2.0 is priced starting at €12,000 (or approx Rp. 194 million), and we thought that's a quite expensive for a micro car. The Swiss manufacturer said that 17 thousand people already have ordered the car. Meanwhile for mass production, it would only start next year. We'll just have to wait...! 

The Microletta electric-powered three-wheeled vehicle concept is uses two 4,2 kWh batteries. (Picture from: Carvagamza)

Well, the Micro Mobility System also provides another vehicles called the Microletta. If the Microline is a four-wheeled vehicle, then this one is a three-wheeled vehicle with a retro style too. What's interesting, besides the shape is cute like a toy, the Microletta could be riden without the need for a driving license like a motorcycle in general.

This three-wheeled vehicle uses two batteries with a capacity of 4.2 kWh each, making it capable of running as far as 100 km. In fact, each battery can be removed and replaced with a fully charged battery if needed. It's just that the Microletta is still a concept vehicle and is in the finalization stage. If it is completed and produced later, the price is estimated to be around €4,900 (approx Rp. 79 million).

 

The emergence of various innovations and concepts of electric-powered vehicles, indicates the seriousness of the world's automotive industry in welcoming electrification. An inevitability that will happen soon, as the use of petrol and diesel engines will be reduced or even banned in the near future.😁 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MICROLINO-CAR | ]

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