SuperBEAST Throughout our browsing on the internet some time ago, we found the Nissan R390 GT1 picture on the Electric Blue's status on Tweeter. From there, we saw clearly that's such a kind of the successful conversion example of a racing car into a road-legal vehicle, though that the car was is not widely known by the public.
Maybe not many people know the Nissan R390 GT1 variant as the Nissan's fast car besides the Nissan GT-R. (Picture from: Electric Blue's status on Tweeter)
That's true, maybe not many people know the Nissan R390 GT1 variant, and are more familiar with the figure of the Nissan GT-R as Nissan's fast car. It's natural, because the Japanese automaker designed and built the mentioned car in the late 1990s to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the GT1 category. If it weren't for the Gran Turismo racing games, the Nissan R390 GT1 would likely be the most unknown supercar to the gamers and carlovers alike around the globe.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version is attended at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2022 held on the beautifully shores of Lake Como in Italy. (Picture from: Id.Motor1)
As quoted from Motor1, the supercar designed by Ian Callum is built in a right-hand steering configuration, and is powered by a 3.5-liter V8 mid-mounted engine in-collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing coupled with a pair of turbochargers like a supercar in general. It produced only 10 for competition between 1997 and 1998, the Nissan R390 GT1 has a single homologated example for road use.
The Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version's interior is simple, basically it has the same instrument as any street sports car and leather covered sports seats.(Picture from: AutoEvolution)
The engine capable to churn out power of 550 horsepower and a maximum torque of 470 lbs.ft (637 Nm). Output is sent to the rear axle via a six-speed sequential transmission with a short-throw shift lever to propel the car it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.8 seconds and reaches a top speed of up to 315 kph.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version is powered by a 3.5-liter V8 mid-mounted engine in-collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing coupled with a pair of turbochargers like a supercar in general. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
Still quoted from Motor1, indeed the car is not perfect, also known to have shortcomings, such as a very low driving height factor that makes it quite difficult to drive on public roads. But it seems that it will have absolutely no effect to make the Nissan R390 GT1 as one of the extraordinary supercars of its time.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version has a length of 185.8 inches (4.7 meters) and a width of 78.7 inches (2 meters), with the weight of car is the same as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. (Picture from: AutoEvolution)
And the Nissan R390 GT1 was converted into a road-legal vehicle, before the next racing version launched in 1998. Furthermore, it's said such a big-sized car with a length of 185.8 inches (4.7 meters) and a width of 78.7 inches (2 meters), with the weight of car is the same as the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Too bad Nissan never built it as its mass produced cars. If it's made, its estimated cost around US $1 millions each.
The one-off Nissan R390 GT1 road-use version appeared in white coupled with its signature double-sided exhaust tip
embellished with several accesories washed in red, such as large
spoiler, rear mirrors, and side air vents. (Picture from: TheNationUpdate)
And some time ago, there's a white dominant colored Nissan R390 GT1 appeared at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2022 held on the beautifully shores of Lake Como in Italy. This Nissan fiercest-performanced supercar of 90s attended the event with its signature double-sided exhaust tip embellished with several accesories washed in red, such as large spoiler, rear mirrors, and side air vents, while making an enchanting beautifully V8 roaring.
Weird ONES - Isuzu Motor Limited or Isuzu is a Japanese automotive company whose products are currently mostly concentrated on commercial vehicles. Well, who would have thought if the Japanese car manufacturer had ever tried to make an unusual car concept powered by a Formula 1 racing engine named Isuzu Como F1 Concept shortly after the car manufacturer thrown away its dream to be famous in the racing world.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept was deliberately created by Isuzu as a car show to support the company's marketing strategy for the commercial vehicles it produces. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
How can it be? As quoted of CarThrottle, back in the 1990s, Isuzu, one of the world's famous Japanese manufacturers had intention to participate the racing world. To smooth out its intention, the Japanese manufacturer then held a secret project to develop a V12 3,500 cc petrol racing engine codenamed P799WE capable of pouring out a maximum power of about 640 hp at 12,500 rpm.
Though this car is in the style of a pickup, the design that is imprinted on its exterior and engine it used makes it worthy of the title as a supercar too. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Indeed, not many people know that Isuzu, better known for its diesel engine, actually had ever made a Formula 1 racing engine. At the time, the machine was developed by four mysterious engineers whose identities are still unknown until today. In short, due to this Japanese car company does not have any single racing car, so when the engine is finished they felt a little confused, where to install it.
This is a 3.5 liter, Formula One-spec V12 engine called the P799WE developed by Isuzu back in the 1990s. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Coincidentally at that time Lotus, a Formula 1 racing team was facing a problem with its Lotus 102B racing car related to the engine weight (at that time it was still using a Lamborghini-made V12 engine). And Isuzu saw this as an opportunity for its newly developed engine to enter the Formula 1 racing world.
Apparently at that time the goddess of luck was clearly overshadowing the Japanese manufacturer, because Isuzu and the Lotus were under the same parent company, namely General Motors (GM). Not long after Isuzu contacted GM, so they decided that the Japanese company could install its newly developed engine in the engine weight troubled race car of Lotus.
One of the Lotus 102 racing cars like this was tested at the Silverstone Circuit, England by using the Isuzu P799WE engine. (Picture from: Pinterest)
However, because the Isuzu P799WE engine is very different from the previous engine. After being tricked, such as by adding an 80 kg alternator, finally the Isuzu P799WE engine can be installed into space previously filled by the larger Lamborghini engine. It seems just installed casually to the Lotus 102B chassis, and the car was later given name of theLotus 102C.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept measures approximately 4,600 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,370 mm in height and a wheelbase of around 2,950 mm. (Picture from: CarThatNeverMadeItEtc)
It is true, success comes from a well-planned work process, not casually work. It seems that this also applies to the Lotus 102C race car, when tested at the Silverstone Circuit, England its record time was not good enough (perhaps because the engine was just installed casually). Nevertheless the Isuzu P799WE engine still has the opportunity to develop even better because it considered more lighter in weight and has a better sound than the Lamborghini engine previously used.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept looks like an ordinary two-seater supercar from the 1990s, unfortunately there's no info about its performance. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
But fate said otherwise, Isuzu's participation in the world of Formula 1 racing never actually happened because at that time Japan was experiencing complicated economic problems that required Isuzu to rethink and choose whether to continue the racing project or to be more focus on commercial cars production. After careful consideration, then the Japanese automaker decided to cease its racing project to be focus to more profitable commecial car production.😉
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept was shown for the first time in public at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Then what is the fate of the newly developed Isuzu P799WE engine? Indeed, the Japanese automaker is not thrown it away or just left it idle. Well, after being removed from the Lotus racing car chassis, the mentioned Formula One engine had installed in a futuristic design super-pickup concept called the Isuzu Como F1 Concept, which is began to be built in the 1991.
Interior view of the Isuzu Como F1 concept when it sat on display at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991. (Picture from: GTPlanet.net)
Creating supercar concept is nothing new for Isuzu because previously this Japanese automaker in collaboration with Lotus had ever made a supercar called the Isuzu 420R in 1989. In appearance, even though this car is in the style of a pickup, the design that is imprinted on its exterior makes it worthy of the title as a supercar too, especially coupled with the use of an Formula 1 engine mounted in the middle, and the embedding of scissor doors such as usually installed on the Lamborghini car models. This unique car measures approximately 4,600 mm in length, 1,830 mm in width, 1,370 mm in height and a wheelbase of around 2,950 mm.
The Isuzu Como F1 Concept existences was really a testament to Isuzu’s untapped potential as a carmaker. (Picture from: CarThrottle)
Unfortunately there are no official performance figures related to this Isuzu super-pickup concept after being embedded with the P799WE engine, for your info, this is the only one Isuzu made car used a mid-mounted engine. It seems that the super-pickup concept was deliberately created as a car
show to support the company's marketing strategy for the commercial
vehicles it produces. And the Isuzu Como F1 Concept was shown for the first time in public at the 29th Tokyo Motor Show 1991.😎
Although we will never find the existence of the production version, because the Japanese automaker never produced it commercially, and many people might be thought that a pickup powered by a Formula One-spec V12 engine is a completely ridiculous and crazy idea. Nevertheless the Isuzu Como F1 was one of the coolest concept cars of the 1990s and also really a testament to the potential that Isuzu has as an automaker. Unfortunately, the existence of the Isuzu Como F1 after the exhibition has never been known whether it still exists or not.😢
But for those of you who are still curious about the existence of the Isuzu P799WE engine. It still exists today, and is stored at Tamiya's headquarters, not at Isuzu's HQ. How come? Because in the past, Tamiya was the major sponsor of the Lotus F1 racing team, so that's why those Lotus 102C's engine was stored at its headquarters.😌 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | 24HOURSOFLEMONS | GTPLANET.NET | ALLCARINDEX | CARSTYLING.RU ]
Weird ONES Many strange cars milling around without knowing by us. So, once we meet these kinds of vehicles, we are surprised. Then asked yourself, why is there a car like that? So why is its shape like that, doesn't match with the badge? The same thing happened when we found the figure of a vehicle like that.
1994 EBM Tazio Spyder is designed by Pininfarina to be built by Eric Booth Motors (EBM) then proposed to the Molsheim-based automaker for possible production. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
While surfing the internet we came across some pictures on Ultimatecarpage showing a roadster with Bugatti badges on all sides, and the Bugatti name in big letters at rear is attended on an automotive event in England back in 2005. Upon closer look at, it was not had and carried typical styles which is usually existed on the Bugatti car today. Then what car is it? Frankly, we are curious, maybe you are too.
As You can see the EBM Tazio Spyder has Bugatti badges on front, and all sides. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
To be able to end those curiosity of us, then we look for information related to the mentioned car in cyberspace. Finally we found related information from the BugattiPage sites, it turned out that the car was not produce from the world's renowned car manufacturer based in Molsheim, France, but made by an automotive company from South Africa named Eric Booth Motors (EBM) back in 1994.
The EBM Tazio Spyderalso hasthe Bugatti name in big letters at rear. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
It is known that the South African automotive company was recorded to have made about six or
seven concept cars, presumingly with funds from a few British car
enthusiasts, in order to offer them to the major European car
manufacturers.
The vehicle needs to be viewed to fully appreciate its fine engineering excellence as You can see at the EBM Spyder's cabin. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
Initially the project done by the Cape Town based company reportedly also involved Pininfarina, an Italian well-known automotive design house to make the design and the resulting car was named EBM Tazio were made in the mid-90s as many as three units, consisting two speedsters and one coupe, before the project was ceased.
The EBM Tazio Spyder powered by a 5.7L V8 mid-mounted engine of Chevrolet with 400-420 BHP coupled with Audi 5-speed transaxle gearbox. (Picture from: UltimateCarPage)
The vehicle needs to be viewed to fully appreciate its fine engineering excellence. Initially it used a 4.0L V8 BMW's engine, apparently that motor didn't match the expectations of the engineers, which is why they switched to a 5.7L V8 mid-mounted engine of Chevrolet with 400-420 BHP. The engine coupled with Audi 5-speed transaxle gearbox.
Besides the Tazio Spyder model, the South African Auto maker also built The EBM Tazio Coupe. (Picture from: BugattiPage)
And for its legs supporting by an advanced suspension system also taken from Audi, while its brake system used the BMW's parts. Its performance said to be made an acceleration from zero to 100 kph under 5 second and achieved top speed beyond 301.5 kph.
The EBM Tazio Coupe as well as the spyder said to be made an acceleration from zero to 100 kph under 5 second and achieved top speed beyond 301.5 kph. (Picture from: GTPLanet.net)
While in terms of shape, it seen those EBM-made cars, which is said to have been designed by Pininfarina, looks more like a Ferrari-made by than Bugatti. Then why then one of those cars that carries the speedster style using Bugatti badge? 😎
The EBM Tazio Coupe has a unique roof scoop functioned as the air channeling for engine cooling. (Picture from: BugattiPage)
As quoted of Ultimatecarpage, the only one unit built in Bugatti badged trim proposed to the Molsheim-based automaker for possible production. Unfortunately, it didn't work and it still to be one-off prototype as You can see today along with its Tazio Coupe sibling.
The EBM Tazio Coupe (left) posed along with the Spyder (right) while being built by the company. (Picture from: AllCarIndex)
Well, among two of the spyders mentioned above that were being worked on at that time, there was 1 unit that was not completed yet when the project ceased. As quoted of Catawiki, the unfinished unit some time ago, precisely in 2018 was offered for sale.
Regarding the sale of the unfinished car unit above, currently it is unknown whether it was sold or not. It's indeed very difficult to obtain information related to the EBM automaker, because actually the company has out of business since the 2000s. 😢 *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUGATTIPAGE | CATAWIKI | VROOM VROOM | ULTIMATECARPAGE | GTPLANET.NET | LOT-ART | FACEBOOK EB-MANX | FLICKRIVER | ALLCARINDEX ]
Compact SPORTS We just got an old concept car that has a quite unique shape when traveling in cyberspace. We felt like we had never seen it before, and according to the information we got, that it was Heldo, short for 'Heldorado'. Strangely enough, isn't? It sounds like Eldorado.
The AAT Heldorado is a prototype compact-sized (in pictured coupe style) built for design studies around a Cadillac Northstar done by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT). (Picture from: ConceptCarz)
As we can see it is a prototype compact-sized sportscar built for design studies around a Cadillac Northstar powertrain called Heldo or Heldorado by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT), an American design and specialist prototype company back in 2000. This company based in Rochester Hills, Michigan founded by Steve Pasteiner (a former Buick and Chevrolet designer) after he left the GM in 1989, nowaday seems to be inactive.
The AAT Heldorado (in pictured coupe style) has a carbon composite bodywork built based on steel-tube space frame. (Picture from: AdvancedAutomotiveTechnologies)
The carbon composite bodywork of the 2,200 lbs (997.903 kg) sportscar is built on steel-tube space frame, as the result finished vehicle has the size approximately similar to the MINI 3-Doors model (with 3,876 mm long, 1,727 mm wide, 1,414 mm high and a wheelbase of 2,495 mm), that's a fairly small overall package of sportscar.
The AAT Heldorado has the size approximately similar to the MINI 3-Doors model (with 3,876 mm long, 1,727 mm wide, 1,414 mm high and a wheelbase of 2,495 mm), that's a fairly small overall package of sportscar. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
No wonder when it showcased at the Woodward Dream Cruise 2008 event, along with many of small custom sportscars out there, this AAT Heldo sportscar has drawn a lot of attention as an example of some of the quirky and occasionally bizarre results of those companies' machinations.
Only two cars were ever created by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT), one coupe and other was convertible roadster such in the picture. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
Then the compact-sized sportscar prototype was powered by a transverse, rear mid-mounted Cadillac Northstar Polaris 4,565 cc DOHC V8 engine offering 350 horsepower, so that it can accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a distance of approximately a quarter mile (0.402 km) in 12.2 seconds. That's a pretty impressive number for a compact-sized sportscar.
Inside the cabin, there's race-style seats with harnesses, a tall centrally-mounted tachometer, very closely-spaced pedals, Momo steering wheel and an otherwise spartan cockpit combine to give a distinct race-oriented car. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
Only two cars were ever created, one coupe and other was convertible roadster. The coupe is still on the road today known belong to its creator, Steve Pasteiner, but the convertible/roadster was never fully commissioned. The compact-sized sportscar sharing similar styling to the 1990s German sports car the Lotec C1000, which was a one-off supercar created in 1995 for an oil baron in the UAE by Lotec.
The AAT Heldorado (in pictured roadster style) is powered by a transverse, rear mid-mounted Cadillac Northstar Polaris 4,565 cc DOHC V8 engine offering 350 horsepower. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
And in particular the appearance of this car at first glance reminds us of the design proposal for the Bugatti EB110 submitted by Paulo Martin to Bugatti back in 1989. As You can see the pull of the design line on the side to bring up the hanging spoiler shapes at rear looks similar to the one on the Heldo.
The AAT Heldorado compact-sized sportscar (in pictured roadster style) sharing similar styling to the 1990s German sportscar the Lotec C1000. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)
Meanwhile inside its cabin, there's race-style seats with harnesses, a tall centrally-mounted tachometer, very closely-spaced pedals, Momo steering wheel and an otherwise spartan cockpit combine to give a distinct race-oriented car. Unfortunetely, there's no word about production or price tags, therefore the AAT Heldo stopped at this point only a concept. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | CONCEPTCARZ | MOTORAUTHORITY | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCARS | CARTEFACTS ]
New MOSTRO Do you still remember the limited production car made by Zagato, the Milan-based coachbuilder company (which was made only 5 units), and launched in 2015 called Zagato Mostro by carrying a Maserati V8 engine?
The Zagato Mostro Barchetta posed along with its predecessor the Zagato Mostro was previously launched in 2015. (Picture from: Motor1)
Well nowadays, exactly seven years later, the Italian renowned coachbuilder returns to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este by launching its newest open-top sibling, called the Zagato Mostro Barchetta also powered by the Maserati powertrain.
The Zagato Mostro Barchetta is almost similar to its predecessor inspired by the legendary Maserati 450S Coupe of 1957. (Picture from: Motor1)
In appearance Barchetta is almost similar to its predecessor Mostro Coupe, that's not a bad thing because everything pinned on them are inspired by the legendary Maserati 450S Coupe which also happens to be made by Zagato in collaboration with Frank Costin back in the 1957.
The Zagato Mostro Barchetta provides 2 engine options, ie the naturally-aspirated 4.3-liter V8 and the 3-liter biturbo V6 engines. (Picture from: Motor1)
Besides the roof absence which admittedly also provide in enhancing the proportions, plus on the Barchetta also comes with a redesigned rear deck while retaining the rest of the typical body panels of the true Mostro was.
As its predecessor, the Zagato Mostro Barchetta will also be produced in a limited number of only five units worldwide. (Picture from: Motor1)
As qouted of Carscoops, Zagato offers two powertrain options for its latest Mostro Barchetta model which both sourced from Maserati. It's fair enough indeed if you have the option to choose one in between the best naturally-aspirated 4.3 liter V8 engine capable of pumping power up to 414 horsepower, and the latest 3 liter V6 biturbo engine which is also used on the Maserati MC20 which capable to give an impressive driving power of 621 horsepower. So that accordance to the name Mostro being the Italian word for 'monster.'
Inside of the Zagato Mostro Barchetta also relies on the retro look with round furnishings and many buttons. (Picture from: Motor1)
So whatever chosen engine of yours, the engine would be mounted in front-midship position which is claimed to be able to provide a 50/50 weight distribution for the 1,200 kg weighted vehicle. All engine power is sent to the rear wheels via a racing-style six-speed manual sequential transmission system mounted to the frontal block, (temporarely) with no electronic traction control.
Inside of the Zagato Mostro Barchetta offers a pilot room theme dominated by seven rounded analog gauges. (Picture from: Motor1)
The Mostro Barchetta's bodywork based on a carbon-fiber MonoCell chassis, with a composite structure for the windsscreen frame and a steel rear subframe that carries the rear suspension, exhaust and fuel tank. Now for the legs will be supported by the front and rear double-wishbone suspension coupled with a pushrod acting on the adjustable shock absorbers while 19-inches single-nut alloy wheels are wrapped in mixed tires (sized 255/40 R19 front and 295/35 R19 rear), as well as hiding AP racing brake calipers behind them.
The roof absence on the Zagato Barchetta which admittedly also provide in enhancing the proportions, and also comes with a redesigned rear deck while retaining the rest of the typical body panels of the true Mostro was. (Picture from: Motor1)
Just like the Mostro Coupe its predecessor, Zagato Mostro Barchetta will also be produced in a limited number of only five units. As for the first example was exhibited at the Villa d'Este before being handed over to its owner. Most of the remaining four units have been assigned to individuals from the Zagato collector's client list, and will be personalized according to their preferences.
Unfortunately the price has not been disclosed yet, but if we look at the limited production specifically designed by Zagato and the limited number of productions of this Barchetta, it is estimated that the price will be in the seven-figure region. Wow! So, are you interested in having it as an addition to the latest premium car collection in your garage? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1 | TOPGEAR | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTOCAR | NEWSEXPLORER ]
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And some time ago, there's a white dominant colored Nissan R390 GT1 appeared at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2022 held on the beautifully shores of Lake Como in Italy. This Nissan fiercest-performanced supercar of 90s attended the event with its signature double-sided exhaust tip embellished with several accesories washed in red, such as large spoiler, rear mirrors, and side air vents, while making an enchanting beautifully V8 roaring. 
