The Zongshen's Cyclone RA9 1000 concept revealed

Special Engine In a social media posting, there's a Chinese motorcycle manufacturer showcased their upcoming model at the 19th China International Motorcycle Exhibition (CIMA 2021) held in Chongqing from September 17 to 20, 2021.

Zongshen’s Cyclone RA9 concept was presented as a concept but the V-twin might be closer to production than we think. (Picture from: Cycleworld)

It's the Zongshen's newest motorcycle concept under its Cyclone premium brand is presented along with a very interesting range of models and sooner or later we will see in Europe. One of the most notable is the Cyclone RX6 crossover with a 650 cc in-line twin-cylinder Norton's engine is launched in the CIMA 2020.

In a related post made by those Chinese company on social media back in Tuesday September 14, 2021, It said about seven new models with the first and best sports cruiser motorbike with a 1,000 cc engine named the Cyclone RA9 Concept.

Underneath the radical bodywork you’ll find a lot of production components sourced from Aprilia, including the frame and engine. (Picture from: Cycleworld)

Among the horde of small-capacity engines unveiled the CIMA motor expo in this year's, the Cyclone RA9 stands out as a motorcycle might be closer to production than we think. As we mentioned above, the Cyclone is a premium brand of the Chinese motorcycle giant Zongshen, which also known as the partner of the Piaggio Group in China, and has signed business agreement for producing a variety motorcycle engines of the Aprilia-branded.

As you can conclude here, by those European connections could be a kind of hint about the origins technology of the new RA9 which becoming the core of the company's exhibition booth. Although it looks like a pure concept bike, the RA9 actually incorporates many production components, including the engine and frame which are developments from the components used in the Aprilia Shiver and Dorsoduro.

Zongshen also displayed an RX850 adventure bike, which is a spinoff of the RX6 parallel twin launched earlier this year.. (Picture from: Cycleworld)

As for the chassis, with a tubular steel front and a cast alloy rear, it's straight from the Shiver and Dorsoduro, although it features a new single-sided swingarm and much more radical bodywork including a large single exhaust that effectively doubles as part of the rear bodywork.

This is clearly a single seat design with no clue for the luggage or passenger seat. There are currently no further details regarding the new models that the Cyclone will present. The only thing that is certain is that we are waiting for them with great interest, when it would be its production version launched?

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 | ZONGSHEN | CYCLEWORLD | 2WO.GR ]

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It's too weird to be a Porsche sports car

The Falling Star As we all knew that the Porsche AG, one of the German automotive manufacturers had been launched many great sports cars, and among the many models, only a few are worthy of being called as the true super sports cars until today. And one of them is named the Porsche 959 which had recorded in the automotive history as the "Über-Porsche".

Porsche 914 is appeared with a targa roofed roadster style, and available in two versions namely Porsche 914/4 and Porsche 914/6. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Vise versa, it turns out there is also the Porsche's model that is criticized and called less powerful in terms of performance, has an expensive price tags for that time, while in terms of appearance, it doesn't look like the Porsche in general. It could be said, the car is too weird to be a Porsche sports car.

Porsche 914 at right and the car it replaced at the top of VW's line, the Type 34 Karmann Ghia, at left. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

It could be seen in the figure of the Porsche 914, it is a model of a mid-mounted sports car designed, produced, and is marketed collaboratively by Volkswagen and Porsche from 1969 to 1976. The car appeared with a targa roofed roadster style, and available in two versions namely Porsche 914/4 and Porsche 914/6.

This car story began, when in the late 1960s, both Volkswagen and Porsche needed new models; Porsche is looking for a replacement model for their entry-level 912, while Volkswagen wants a new sports coupe car to replace the Karmann-Ghia model. 

Porsche 914/4 is powered by a F4 engine with a capacity of 1,679 cc, which is capable of spewing out 80 hp (60 kw). (Picture from: ClassicPark)

At that time, most of the Volkswagen development work was handled by Porsche, it was such like an unwritten agreement that has existed since the Porsche's establishment. And the person whose appointed to be responsible for the 914 project is Ferdinand Piëch, which at that time knew as the Porsche's R&D head. In short, on March 1, 1968, the Porsche 914 prototype was complete and was introduced for the first time.

Porsche 914/4 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 110 mph or 177 kph. (Picture from: ClassicPark)

However, after Chairman of Volkswagen, Heinz Nordhoff passed away on April 12, 1968, the project development became complicated. And his successor, Kurt Lotz wants to be more independent in the car development and releases the company's dependence on Porsche, that's made the previous unwritten agreement between Volkswagen and Porsche should be ended.

The car has an iconic designs, where the Porsche 914/4 carries a F4 engine with a capacity of 1,679 cc, which is capable of spewing out 80 hp (60 kw). Meanwhile, on the 914/6 is powered by a F6 engine with a capacity of 1,991 cc, and capable producing power of 110 hp (82 kw). And in both of the 914 versions, the machine is placed in the middle.

For the performance, Posche 914/4 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 110 mph or 177 kph. Meanwhile, version 914/6 is capable of darting from 0-60 mph within 8.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 125 mph or 201 kph.

Porsche 914/6 is powered by a F6 engine with a capacity of 1,991 cc, and capable producing power of 110 hp (82 kw). (Picture from: Carscoops)

The production both of Porsche 914 versions ended in 1976, with a total production of 118,978 units. And the Porsche 914 had managed to get the title of 'The Import Car of the Year' in the 1970 from the Motortrend magazine. Indeed, that's likes some kind an irony, if one of the best sales Porsche's models also seen by several circles as one of the major failures of the German manufacturer.

However, the Porsche 914 look was indeed made to be like that as the company marketing strategies, because the designers wanted to disguise cooperation between Porsche and Volkswagen which occurred some time before.

Porsche 914/6 is capable of darting from 0-60 mph within 8.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 125 mph or 201 kph. (Picture from: Road And Track)

And vice versa, this look can at the same time make fans curious about Porsche's future styling at that time. Over time, the unique appearance and reliable performance made the Porsche 914 more and more popular. And from this model, the one-off model named the Porsche 914 Goertz Prototype and the Porsche 916 were born in 1970s.

Although some people used to think it was underpowered and disproportionate, over time the Porsche 914 has become one of the most sought after Porsche cars by collectors! Now, the Porsche 914 no longer to be a 'forgotten treasure', with more and more fans and collectors wanting it in various parts of the world. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | PORSCHE | WIKIPEDIA | CLASSICPARK | CARSCOOPS | ROADANDTRACK | ID.MOTOR1 | CURVES-MAGAZIN | CLASSICDRIVE ]

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The future scooter concept is inspired by the spirit of American Jeep and Vespa

Sempre Una Vespa It's been a long time, we don't write the content that talks about the scooters. And now it feels like it's time for us to re-present something about today's scooter designs (although only in terms of ideas and concepts) related to current trends. The following is one of the scooter concepts (here's no. 1 of 3 concepts) that we have prepared where the whole design are inspired by the Italian scooter legend, Piaggio Vespa.

The Piaggio CT or Piaggio Carving Tool Concept is designed by Paolo Corcagnani back in the 2007. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

Here is the scooter concept design made by Paolo Corcagnani back in 2007. As qouted of Moto.it, this scooter was inspired and dedicated by the designer to Vespa, the legendary scooter that has invaded our city streets for over sixty years. The two-wheeled concept vehicle later called the Piaggio CT, or Piaggio Carving Tool was also intended as a modern evolution representation of the original Vespa design.

The Piaggio CT or Piaggio Carving Tool Concept was inspired by the versatility of the US Army's original wartime Jeep. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

From the concept scooter looks, as we can see it has a very futuristic and simple design. According to the designer, the scooter concept was inspired by the versatility of the US Army's original wartime Jeep. What he calls as a pure vehicle, in which everything is oriented towards simplicity and functionality.

The Piaggio CT has the most distinctive design elements is the military coloring of the Green Army completed with the 'US Army' star logo or emblem. (Picture from: MotoBlog.it)

This may be because the designer has the opinion that the Vespa is in a somekind of sense such in terms of functionality and design could be said as an "Italian Jeep." It is "one of the few means that also serves a purpose of use", efficient, economical and pleasing to the eye. No wonder then Paolo Corcagnani displays it in the touch of Green Army finishing.

The Piaggio CT has unique handlebaris that appeared in an unusual shape, like an iron rod that is bent in such a way as to form a unique handlebar. (Picture from: MotoBlog.it)

In general, the Piaggio CT scooter concept is intended to bring back the spirit of the legendary vehicles such the Jeep and Vespa at the same time in the form of a modern two-wheeled vehicle. Besides being inspired by those two legendary vehicles, it turns out that some of the design elements of this concept scooter also take their cues from the similar vehicles built after the legendary Vespa born, for example the Honda Zoomer, the Japanese scooter which known has a simple central unit and functional elements with a modular structure (handles, engine, license plate and taillights).

Uniquely the Piaggio CT has a removable saddle when the hole is used for refueling. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

We can see this in some of the forms in the scooter concept that were inspired by past ideas (such as headlights) or vehicles in a certain sense similar, such as bicycles but equipped with modern features so that their functions can be felt immediately.

The Piaggio CT is intended to bring back the spirit of the legendary vehicles such the Jeep and Vespa at the same time in the form of a modern two-wheeled vehicle. (Picture from: TopSpeed)

In addition, among the existing design elements and looks the most distinctive is the military coloring where the designer gave the scooter concept the finishing touch of the Green Army (completed with the 'US Army' star logo or emblem). The scooter designer said that is not as a form of reference to the war, but as a form that represents the Jeep and the "logic" of a functional vehicle).

What's unique about the handlebar is appeared in an unusual shape, like an iron rod that is bent in such a way as to form a unique handlebar. On the handlebars, there are no exposed wires, only the brakes (on the left) and the accelerator control, while the lights and indicators are activated automatically in sync with the angle of the handlebar itself.

The Piaggio CT has a more extreme model with no handlebar and replaced by gyroscopic steering similar to two-wheeled vehicles on a single axle such Segway. (Picture from: MotoBlog.it)

Then the instrument panel is also uniquely placed on the handlebar hole, while the driver's saddle is shaped like a bicycle saddle that can be removed freely in which the hole is used for refueling as well. In addition to the normal version, a more extreme Piaggio CT has also been planned, in which elements have been further reduced: for example, the handlebars are gone, replaced by gyroscopic steering similar to two-wheeled vehicles on a single axle (such as the Segway).

 

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 | MOTOBLOG.IT | TOPSPEED ]

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Hades, an "expression of minimalism"

Wild ONES Former 'Confederate Motor,' which originally specialized in displaying V-Twin muscular motorbike products, later turned into an electric motorcycle manufacturer named Curtiss Motorcycle Company.

The bullet-shaped battery pack on the Hades protrudes phallically into the sacrilegiously empty space where the motor would sit on a combustion bike. (Picture from: CurtissMotorcycles)

This time through its latest work called Curtiss Hades concept and still displays an exotic muscular motorcycle model. Its design still faithful to its Confederate design styles, and the Curtiss Hades motorcycle also carried a V8 chopper style.

However, it is not the conventional engine cylinder in its configuration but the battery that is given a cover resembles a unique bullet-shaped. Its battery has a capacity of 16.8 kWh with a voltage of 399 VDC. That is the amount of electrical power sufficient to drive the Hades to run with power up to 217 horsepower, and torque of 199 Nm.

Sleek design in the front with Baboon butt brake lights in the back. (Picture from: CurtissMotorcycles)

The shape of the motorcycle is really radical, so in the opinion of ordinary people is far from the impression of minimalism in its design. But this motorcycle designer argues otherwise. This radical form can be seen at the company's other "Radial V8" concept for its Zeus cruiser for another stellar example of a truly awesome-looking electric powerplant.

Curtiss's Zeus Radial V8 concept also does a stunning job of making the battery look amazing instead of depressing. (Picture from: NewAtlas)

JT Nesbitt, the designer of this electric-powered motorcycle stated, "It's a matter of how we value material in depth and fundamentals. The goal is to create a whole machine. It is also not a matter of how a motorcycle runs but also how it is constructed. So that each part has more roles. This is minimalism."

Leathery pads denote body contact points on the bike. (Picture from: CurtissMotorcycles)

Various opinions were successfully obtained from the Hades's unique appearance, both the pros and cons. In our opinion, this may be a quite revolutionary motorcycle shaped and deserves to be called a sexy motorcycle. Yes, because those an electric-powered motorcycle so that the appearance can be made at will. How about you? 

And reportedly, the Curtiss Hades will begin to be produced in 2020 and sold at a price of around US. $75,000 (or around Rp.1.125 Billion).

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [24082019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CURTISS MOTORCYCLES | NEW ATLAS | HYPERBEAST]

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Renault Symbioz as a representation of future mobility

Unique ONES The development of the world automotive industry can be seen in the world's famous auto expo such as at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017. There, there are various of the latest car models as well as the concepts that are prominently displayed to the public.

Renault Symbioz Concept shown at Franfurt Motor Show 2017. (Picture from: CarScoops)

And one of them came from Renault, one of the French automotive manufacturers whose shown their concept car called the Renault Symbioz Concept. As Renault's future car, these French auto manufacturer offers mobility that will be connected and also can interact with homes, cities and other infrastructures.

"The way we use cars has changed. Today cars are more than just a means of transportation to connect us from one place to another. Full of technology, this is an interactive and personal space that connects passengers with other cars, as well as people and the environment around them. , "said Renault VP, Thierry Bollore, as quoted from Carscoops.

Left side view of Renault Symbioz Concept. (Picture from: CarScoops)

Besides carrying Level 4 autonomous driving abilities, where the car can be driven without the intervention of a human driver in other words you can divert your concentration from the streets. Symbioz is also a zero emission vehicle, which is supported by two fully connected electric motors.

Dashboard view of Renault Symbioz Concept. (Picture from: CarScoops)

Those two electric motors are located on the rear axle, and work together with the Renault's all-wheel steering system. So, it offers better dynamics on the streets. In terms of specifications, the prototype produces 360 kW of power and 550 Nm torque. Although the maximum power is 500 kW and 660 Nm of torque. As the results, the car concept ability to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6 seconds.

Right side view of Renault Symbioz Concept. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Meanwhile, on this prototype supporting by 72kWh battery, and the car designer stated that this car can accommodate batteries up to 100kWh. Whereas for the duration of charging, you can charge up to 80% of the battery capacity in 20 minutes and can travel more than 500 kilometers. Symbioz also provides battery charging for home use by providing additional space/modular space.

And speaking of dimensions, the Symbioz measures 4.92 m x 1.92 m x 1.44 m, with a wheelbase of 3.07 meters. It's quite large, coupled with the styling (the top is a lot of gloss), this lamp will let the light into the cabin while optimizing its exterior visibility.

Interior view of Renault Symbioz Concept. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)

Speaking of styling, the exterior has a variety of aerodynamic features, such as vertical air intakes, side wind deflectors and roof spoilers. Turning to the bottom, you will find Lidars hidden in the front lights and rear bumper, radar and ultrasound sensors behind the bodywork as well as the front camera, rear camera and lateral camera hidden on the door handles.

"Renault Symbioz is a unique project that allows us to work with planners, designers, engineers and architects. Our goal is to explore new boundaries of customer experience, technology, energy use and harmonization of designs to form a truly new global experience," added Laurens van den Acker, Renault's Corporate Design Director.

According to the French car manufacturer, to begin these concept, they plans to test an autonomous electric-powered vehicle whose design is somewhat similar to Symbioz by the end of 2017. The car testing using Multi-Sense technology, Easy Connect and Easy Drive, and will be part of Renault's medium-term plan to develop Symbioz up to 2023. *** [EKA [10102018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RENAULT | AUTOEVOLUTION | CARSCOOPS]

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When Mazda reminisces with its legendary Cosmo classic car

Back to Life Actually the idea of ​​making a new car that looks classic is not new in the world's automotive, as many automakers and design studios have been romanticizing it for a long time. For example, the Mazda Motor Corporation did this in 2002 when displaying a concept car called the Mazda Cosmo 21. From the name alone, it is clear that the concept car is a representation of the first car model from the Japanese manufacturer that uses a Wankel (rotary) engine.

The Mazda Cosmo 21 is inspired by the legendary Mazda Cosmo Sport of 1967, built based on the Miata 2nd Generation to comemmorate the legend's 35th anniversary in 2002. (Picture from: JapaneseNostalgicCar)

As we all know, the original Mazda Cosmo was a roadster powered by Mazda's famous rotary engine and was produced between 1967 and 1972. The first generation model was the Mazda's flagship in Japan which had two versions, namely L10A (Series I) and L10B (Series II).

The Mazda Cosmo sports was a roadster powered by Mazda's famous rotary engine and was produced between 1967 and 1972. (Picture from: Mazda Motor Corporation)

The two versions above use a 982 cc rotary engine capable of producing around 110 horsepower in the Series I and 128 horsepower and 140 Nm of torque in the Series II. The previous car model was mated to a four-speed manual transmission system, while the later got a five-speed unit. In addition, the Series II car gets powerful brakes and 15-inch alloy wheels. Then the record for the highest speed of each series is 185 kph (Series I) and 193 kph (Series II).

The spiritual successor in modern interpretation of the Mazda Cosmo 21 is debuted at the 2002 Tokyo Motor Show. (Picture from: Roadster)

Nearly two decades after the birth of the legendary Eunos Cosmo model, Mazda has decided to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the legend by embodying the idea of ​​a spiritual successor in modern interpretation. And at one of the biggest annual automotive exhibitions in the world, the 2002 Tokyo Motor Show, the Japanese manufacturer launched the Mazda Cosmo 21 for the first time.

2002 Mazda Cosmo 21's interior looks luxurious in a Cosmo's original two-tone black and white finish, featuring upholstered seats, as well as lots of leather and suede. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

If you look closely, the concept car clearly inspired by the 1967 legendary roadster because of its retro-futuristic appearance is almost identical to the source of its inspiration. Then the Japanese manufacturer mentioned that the concept car is built based on the second generation of Mazda Miata model, and is powered by an engine taken from the Mazda RX8, namely a Renesis rotary engine capable of producing around 231 hp and 216 Nm of torque.

2002 Mazda Cosmo 21 is powered by a Renesis rotary engine capable of producing power around 231 hp and 216 Nm of torque. (Picture from: JapaneseNostalgicCar)

Then on the exterior appearance, the concept car also still faithfully emphasizes the classic side, but by displaying fewer chrome accents when compared to the source of its inspiration. We can see this on the door handle which is still displayed in chrome accents. For other design elements that are considered iconic design elements, such as the separate taillight design combined with the Miata NB's hardtop which is the only part of the donor car that has not changed.

2002 Mazda Cosmo 21 still faithfully emphasizes the classic and originality side with the separate taillight design such its inspiration source. (Picture from: Roadster)

Meanwhile for the interior, it still uses the donor car's property, but has been refurbished by using top-class materials. Appearance-wise, the interior of this concept car looks luxurious in a Cosmo's original two-tone black and white finish, featuring upholstered seats, as well as lots of leather and suede. Then there's the classically designed instrument cluster with the gauges that have been rearranged to look similar to those in the original Cosmo.

Although in the end the concept car was never get into the production line and left it as the vehicle for the company's study design, it could be that Mazda does not want to interfere the Miata model sales, which has now proven to be a popular compact roadster. However, with the widespread news that Mazda is working on its flagship sports car, it is possible that the Cosmo name can be resurrected for real this time. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MAZDA | TOPSPEED | JAPANESE NOLTALGIC CAR | ROADSTER ]

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