No Smoke, No Noise—Just Water Vapor: Meet the Jawara Hydrogen Motorcycle

Hydrogen Breakthrough - In a time when cleaner mobility has become a shared global priority, hydrogen technology is steadily gaining recognition as a promising alternative to conventional engines. This evolving conversation found an unexpected yet compelling voice in Bandung, where a group of young engineers from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI)—known in English as the Indonesian University of Education—developed an eco-friendly motorcycle labeled FCEV Jawara, with “Jawara” meaning “Champion.” Their silent, emission-free prototype offers a glimpse of a future in which transportation leaves behind no smoke or engine noise—only a trail of water vapor that quietly replaces the pollution long associated with city motorcycles.

The FCEV Jawara eco-friendly motorcycle prototype is the work of ten students from the Automotive Engineering Education Study Program under the Faculty of Industrial Technology Education (FPTI) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Bandung. (Picture from: MediaIndonesia)

The project began during the PLN Innovation and Competition in Electricity (ICE) 2024, a national contest joined by 30 universities in Indonesia. UPI’s team proposed a hydrogen motorcycle concept inspired by a blend of café racer aesthetics and a sporty design language. Their idea secured funding as one of the two best submissions, allowing the students to bring the prototype to life. The university backed them wholeheartedly with 24-hour laboratory access, academic exemptions, and guidance from lecturer Sriyono, who had previously overseen other green-technology successes such as electric bamboo bicycles and energy-efficient vehicles.

The FCEV Jawara hydrogen motorcycle prototype is shown from a clear front-side angle, featuring white body panels, golden front suspension, blue wheels, and a distinctive round headlamp that create a futuristic yet sporty look. (Picture from: SukabumiUpdate)

Development carried on from 2024 with a five-month design phase followed by three months of assembly. Ten students from the Automotive Engineering Education Study Program, under the Faculty of Industrial Technology Education (FPTI), worked together to shape both the structure and technical systems of the motorcycle. Around 80 percent of its components were sourced domestically, with the only imported part being the fuel cell from Mexico—something the team hopes Indonesia will eventually be able to produce on its own. Their dedication culminated in the motorcycle’s public appearance at the vocational education innovation exhibition held at UPI’s General Meeting Hall on November 12, 2025.

The FCEV Jawara is displayed alongside two of its ten creators and several other eco-friendly motorcycle prototypes at a UPI booth during the PLN Innovation and Competition in Electricity (ICE) 2024. (Picture from: Kumparan)

The Jawara motorcycle stands out not only because of its concept but also its performance. Running entirely on hydrogen that is converted into electricity through a fuel cell, it can travel an impressive 428 kilometers on just two liters of hydrogen. Despite being fully eco-friendly, it still reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h, making it suitable for everyday use. The reaction inside the fuel cell produces power without combustion, resulting in an experience free of engine rumble—just a quiet electric motor and water vapor as its only output. Its regenerative braking system adds further efficiency by converting braking energy into additional electrical power.

The FCEV Jawara hydrogen motorcycle prototype reveals its electronic modules, wiring systems, sensors, and fuel-cell setup, showcasing the engineering work behind it. (Picture from: Kumparan)

Much of the project’s technical responsibility was handled by Muhammad Zidan, a 2023 student who oversaw the electrical system and body wiring harness. Zidan explained that the motorcycle’s principle is simple yet powerful: hydrogen enters the fuel cell, electricity is generated, and the motor receives clean energy without producing harmful emissions. This clarity of purpose reflects the team’s belief that hydrogen vehicles could become a crucial part of global transportation’s next chapter, as long as supporting infrastructure—such as hydrogen refueling stations—is developed alongside them.

The FCEV Jawara hydrogen motorcycle prototype is shown its large rear tire, aerodynamic bodywork, and blue alloy wheels emphasizing its sporty design. (Picture from: Kumparan)

To complement its sustainable performance, Jawara integrates several advanced safety and smart features. These include IoT-based monitoring for gas pressure and engine temperature, a GPS tracker, an RFID security system, and even a remote engine cut-off that can be activated via SMS if the motorcycle is lost or stolen. A hydrogen sensor equipped with an automatic safety cut-off adds another layer of protection by shutting the system down when a leak is detected. According to the team, every feature was designed with efficiency, safety, and intelligence in mind, ensuring the vehicle feels both modern and reliable.

@kompetitiftv Kita gaskeun ke mana nih ? . . . #mokakuupi2025 #upi #MOKAKUUPI #fyp #fuelcell ♬ original sound - Imperial Homeware

Looking ahead, the UPI automotive team is already expanding their innovation efforts by developing a hydrogen-powered car prototype and exploring concepts for a hydrogen fuel station. They will also represent Indonesia in the Shell Eco Marathon Asia and Middle East 2026 in the hydrogen urban concept category, continuing the university’s ongoing commitment to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13. The FCEV Jawara motorcycle prototype ultimately stands as a meaningful achievement—an ambitious student-built machine showing that the pursuit of cleaner mobility is not limited to major manufacturers. It’s being shaped right now by bright young minds who believe a greener future must be engineered, not merely imagined.

 

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 | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KUMPARAN | LIPUTAN6 | MEDIAINDONESIA | PIKIRANRAKYAT IN X | KOMPETITIFTV IN TIKTOK ]

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From Screen to Street: The Quadra V-Tech of Cyberpunk 2077 Comes to Life

Neon Reborn - When we imagine the future of cars, our minds often drift toward sleek silhouettes gliding through neon-lit streets, powered by roaring engines that sound more like symphonies than machines. Few fictional worlds capture that vision better than Cyberpunk 2077. Despite its rocky debut in 2020, the game etched a powerful image of what vehicles in a dystopian future could be — and none left a stronger impression than the Quadra V-Tech. For most, the car remains confined to pixels and imagination. But for one determined creator, that wasn’t enough. 

The Quadra V-Tech is a virtual car from the fictional world of Cyberpunk 2077, which first launched in 2020. (Picture from: CyberpunkGame in Reddit)

Enter the mind behind the YouTube channel Burning Wrenches — a builder of Russian origin, known for his remarkable talent in turning the virtual into reality. His workshop has become a playground for bold experiments: a homemade Tesla Cybertruck, a custom Cyberquad, and even tributes to vehicles from Grand Theft Auto. Yet his most ambitious creation by far is bringing the legendary Quadra Turbo R V-Tech from Cyberpunk 2077 into the real world.

The Quadra V-Tech replica was brought to life by Burning Wrenches, a builder of Russian origin who used a Mazda RX-8 as its foundation and began shaping the project in early 2020. (Picture from: Burning Wrenches in Youtube)

The journey began in early 2020, around the time the game first took the spotlight. Rather than settle for experiencing the car in-game, he decided to build it from the ground up. Since CD Projekt Red — the studio behind Cyberpunk 2077 — kept its design data under wraps, the builder relied on detailed 3D fan models to reconstruct the car’s bold, angular form. Piece by piece, he shaped the bodywork, molded fiberglass, and engineered intricate mechanical components, carefully documenting the entire process for his growing audience. 

The Quadra V-Tech replica is built upon a Mazda RX-8—an unconventional yet inspired choice whose lightweight frame, rear-wheel-drive layout, and distinctive rotary engine provide a solid foundation for bringing this futuristic machine to life. (Picture from: Burning Wrenches in Youtube)

At its core, the real-world Quadra is built upon a Mazda RX-8, an unconventional but inspired choice. The RX-8’s lightweight frame, rear-wheel-drive setup, and unique rotary engine made it a strong foundation for this futuristic replica. Its 1.3-liter Wankel engine, which originally produced between 189 and 238 horsepower, may fall short of the in-game car’s imagined 600-horsepower turbocharged V10, but it provides enough power — and personality — to give this machine a proper soul. Combined with a handcrafted fiberglass body, the RX-8 donor transforms into something that feels both mechanical and almost cinematic.

The Quadra V-Tech’s in-game cockpit inspired the replica’s meticulous interior work, replacing the RX-8’s stock dashboard with a fully sculpted design built from layered foam, epoxy resin, aluminum, and fiberglass to capture the sharp, geometric aesthetic of the original. (Picture from: Forza in Reddit)

One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the door mechanism. Fans of Cyberpunk 2077 will recognize the Quadra’s signature sliding doors — those that pop out and glide backward with mechanical grace. Reproducing that motion in real life required serious innovation. The builder designed a system inspired by a suspension control arm, powered by electric motors, multiple gears, and dual pistons. After several iterations, each door now uses four tracks, an eight-gear motor, and a shock absorber to perfect the motion. It’s the kind of clever engineering that could impress even the likes of Christian von Koenigsegg. 

The Quadra V-Tech replica built from the ground up using fan-made 3D models as the builder formed the body, crafted the fiberglass, engineered the mechanics, and documented the entire process for his growing audience (Picture from: Burning Wrenches in Youtube)

The attention to detail extends to the interior. The RX-8’s stock dashboard has been completely replaced by a sculpted design inspired by the game’s cockpit. Using layers of foam, epoxy resin, aluminum, and fiberglass, the builder recreated the sharp, geometric shapes that define the Quadra’s interior aesthetic. Every seat section and panel was hand-shaped, staying true to the car’s digital counterpart. Even more fascinating, the project evolves with input from viewers — Burning Wrenches fans regularly leave comments that influence design choices, making the build as interactive as it is ambitious. 

The Quadra V-Tech replica, powered by a 1.3-liter Wankel engine that originally produced between 189 and 238 horsepower, may fall short of the in-game car’s imagined 600-horsepower turbocharged V10, but still delivers enough power—and personality—to give the machine a soul of its own. (Picture from: Burning Wrenches in Youtube)

Nearly five years in, the project has reached the point of test drives. Watching the Quadra roll forward under its own power, headlights piercing through workshop dust, feels like seeing a piece of fiction cross into reality. It’s not finished yet, but that’s what makes it compelling — it’s a living, evolving dream in motion. If you’d like to see the entire building process up to this day, you can check out the full list of videos on the Burning Wrenches YouTube channel.  

The Quadra V-Tech replica features a remarkably engineered door mechanism, faithfully recreating the model’s iconic Cyberpunk 2077 sliding doors—those that pop out and glide backward with mechanical finesse—a feat that demanded significant real-world innovation. (Picture from: Burning Wrenches in Youtube)

Fittingly, the evolution of this real-world Quadra reflects the journey of Cyberpunk 2077 itself. The game may have stumbled at launch, drawing criticism for its technical flaws, but it grew over time — refined, expanded, and ultimately celebrated for its depth and ambition. The same spirit fuels this build: persistence, creativity, and an unwillingness to let imperfection hinder progress. The latest update, posted on the Burning Wrenches channel in May 2025, offers a glimpse of how far the project has come — a near-finished machine that feels ready to step out of the screen and onto the streets. | lgVkF9AjTRE |

The Quadra V-Tech, whether racing through the neon streets of Night City or rolling out of an American garage, represents more than just a car. It’s proof that imagination can outgrow its digital limits. It’s a physical embodiment of craftsmanship and creativity — a reminder that the pulse of innovation doesn’t always come from corporations or studios, but from passionate individuals who dare to bring the impossible to life with their own hands. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARVIBZ | TOPSPEED | SLASHGEAR | BEHANCE | FORZA IN REDDIT | PERI_GRINE IN X ]

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Wyvern, Born by the Wind: A Vision of Motion and Art

Windcrafted Elegance - When creativity meets precision engineering, magic tends to happen. In Japan, two names stand out for mastering that delicate balance — MODI and WOW. Though they come from different worlds, one rooted in mechanical craftsmanship and the other in visual artistry, both share a passion for transforming imagination into tangible form. 

The Wyvern, seen from a three-quarter front view, reveals sleek, flowing curves, sharp Italian-inspired lines, and an aggressive stance that merges art with aerodynamic precision. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

MODI, part of the long-established Murakami & Co. Group, has been shaping the future of automotive prototyping since its founding in Ichinoseki City, Iwate, back in 1992. Known for its seamless integration of design, engineering, and production, the company provides complete services — from concept creation to prototype assembly — for clients across the globe. With cutting-edge technologies like dry carbon autoclave processing, metal stamping, and precision milling, MODI has become a benchmark for Japanese craftsmanship in the world of high-end automotive and product design. 

When it first debuted at Tokyo Design Week 2012 in the AXIS Building courtyard, the Wyvern captivated onlookers with its sculptural curves, wind-inspired design, and ethereal presence. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

Meanwhile, WOW is a visual design studio with offices in Tokyo, Sendai, Florence, and London, renowned for turning digital experiences into moments of wonder. Their work spans from motion design and commercial visuals to immersive art installations. For WOW, creativity is not just about what people see — it’s about what they feel. The studio thrives on bringing abstract concepts like light, motion, and air to life through technology and emotion. 

The Wyvern’s front fascia features sleek, aerodynamic headlights with blue-tinted illumination, a low-slung grille, sculpted air intakes, and a sharply contoured hood that emphasizes both elegance and performance. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

When these two forces — MODI’s technical mastery and WOW’s artistic vision — came together, something extraordinary emerged. Their collaboration gave birth to a unique creation called Wyvern “Born by the Wind”. Unlike any conventional car, the Wyvern was never meant for sale or racing. It was conceived purely as an art installation, unveiled during Tokyo Design Week 2012 in the courtyard of the AXIS Building, where visitors were invited to witness how wind could take shape. 

The sketch of the Wyvern highlights its front with sharp, sculpted headlights, a low nose, and defined air intakes, while subtly hinting at the flowing rear lines and compact overhangs. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

The name “Wyvern” itself carries symbolic meaning — it refers to a mythical dragon with wings and two legs, representing power, agility, and freedom. Directed by Hiroshi Yuki Hoshimiya, the project marked MODI’s 20th anniversary and showcased what happens when technology listens to the rhythm of nature. 

The Wyvern’s rear section complements its front with smoothly integrated taillights, a sculpted bumper, subtle diffuser elements, and flowing lines that echo the car’s aerodynamic design. (Picture from: WOW)

Visually, the Wyvern takes cues from classic Italian sports cars, embodying sleekness and sensual curves that feel as if they were sculpted by the air itself. Beneath its stunning form lies the heart of a Lotus-based machine — specifically reminiscent of the Elise, powered by a 1.8-liter supercharged Toyota engine delivering 217 bhp (220 PS). At just 870 kg, with compact dimensions of 3,950 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,110 mm in height, it’s a lightweight sculpture built for balance and fluidity. 

The Wyvern showcases its elegant rear fenders, sculpted diffuser, and tapered roofline that emphasize aerodynamic flow and sporty balance. (Picture from: DesignBoom)

Every surface of the Wyvern’s body was designed through aerodynamic precision processing, ensuring the flow of air enhances not only its speed but also its aesthetic harmony. For MODI, this represented a new level of craftsmanship; for WOW, it was a chance to visualize what’s normally invisible. The studio transformed airflow into an experience — the way the wind moves around the car could be seen through lighting and motion effects. Even the headlights play their part, glowing in soft blue tones before flickering like a heartbeat, hinting that the Wyvern is somehow alive. 

Its rear highlights the three exhaust outlets, smoothly integrated taillights, and flowing body lines that merge performance cues with artistic design. (Picture from: ObscureSupercar in X)

In that moment, surrounded by moving light and swirling air, spectators didn’t just see a car — they felt an emotion. It was as if the wind itself had whispered a story into metal and light. The Wyvern wasn’t about horsepower or numbers, but about what happens when creativity breathes into machinery. | sv0TQlBRsXw |

Today, the Wyvern “Born by the Wind” remains a poetic reminder of Japan’s ability to merge art with engineering. It embodies the elegance of motion and the soul of design, standing as proof that innovation doesn’t always roar — sometimes, it simply flows. And in that quiet harmony between air, art, and speed, the Wyvern continues to live up to its name — a dragon born by the wind. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MODI | WOW | DESIGNBOOM | OBSCURESUPERCAR IN X ]

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The Legend of Stallone’s 1950 Mercury Monterey Custom

Cinematic Rebellion - There’s something timeless about a car that doesn’t just drive across the screen but commands it. Every so often, a machine appears in a film that steals the spotlight from even the biggest stars — and in the case of Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra, that honor belonged not to the muscle-bound hero, but to a brooding, steel-bodied masterpiece: the 1950 Mercury Monterey Custom. To moviegoers in the 1980s, it wasn’t just a vehicle — it was attitude on wheels. 

Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra movie car, a 1950 Mercury Monterey, tears through the streets in one of the film’s intense chase sequences. (Picture from: Tork.Buzz)

Back when Stallone was basking in post-Rambo fame and shaping his own brand of gritty Hollywood cool, he penned Cobra — a story about a tough Los Angeles cop named Marion “Cobra” Cobretti, who took justice into his own gloved hands. To match that kind of unflinching character, a regular police cruiser wouldn’t do. Stallone needed something raw, rebellious, and unforgettable — a car that didn’t just belong in the movie, but defined it. The result was the custom 1950 Mercury Monterey 'Cobra', a sculpted icon of defiance that perfectly embodied 1980s cinematic bravado. 

Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra movie car, the 1950 Mercury Monterey, stands as a sculpted icon of defiance that epitomized 1980s cinematic bravado. (Picture from: HotCars)

The Mercury Monterey had already earned its reputation in car culture long before the cameras rolled. The 1949–1951 Mercury line, with its curvaceous “shoebox” silhouette, became a favorite canvas for hot rodders and custom builders — often nicknamed “lead sleds” because of their heavy, smoothed-down bodies and signature modifications. These cars were never built for subtlety. They were built to make statements. And when Stallone’s production team commissioned Dean Bryant to create four custom Mercurys for Cobra, that statement became louder than ever. 

Dean Bryant was commissioned to build four custom 1950 Mercury Monterey models for Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra, each crafted to meet the film’s demanding action and stunt requirements. (Picture from: HotCars)

Each of Bryant’s builds was a unique blend of art and aggression. One was designed for standard driving and close-up interior scenes, while the other three were crafted for the chaos of stunts and chases. They all shared the same DNA — a chopped roofline lowered about an inch and a half, roll cages for safety, and one heart-pounding small-block engine that breathed gasoline like it was oxygen. Of the four, only one would survive the demanding world of filmmaking. 

The Mercury Monterey had long held a place in car culture, with the curvaceous 1949–1951 “shoebox” models favored by hot rodders and custom builders who dubbed them “lead sleds” for their heavy, smoothed-down bodies. (Picture from: HotCars)

On screen, the car wasn’t merely a prop — it was a living presence. In one of the film’s most unforgettable sequences, the Mercury thunders through the night, bullets sparking off its glossy frame as it cuts through traffic and corners with surgical precision. It doesn’t simply chase — it moves, spinning, leaping, and even reversing at high speed with the grace of something that breathes. Its bursts of nitrous power add a dash of fantasy, making every maneuver feel almost supernatural. Watching it, you can’t help but forget the villains and fix your eyes on the real star — a dark, gleaming embodiment of defiance.

Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra movie car — the 1950 Mercury Monterey — featuring a roof chopped by about an inch and a half, reinforced roll cages, and a fierce small-block engine that inhaled gasoline like oxygen. (Picture from: Tork.Buzz)

Behind that cinematic myth, though, stood the real 1950 Mercury Monterey — a machine powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine with flathead cylinder heads, producing around 110 horsepower. For its time, that was a mark of quiet strength. Off-screen, the car was known not for ferocity, but for refinement: an elegant sedan admired for its smooth ride and solid build. Yet once transformed for Cobra, that poised cruiser evolved into something entirely different. Its refined grace became raw confidence — bolder, louder, and infinitely more alive. 

Beneath its cinematic legend, Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra movie car — the 1950 Mercury Monterey — was a real machine driven by a 5.0-liter V8 with flathead cylinder heads that delivered roughly 110 horsepower. (Picture from: FireBallTim)

When filming wrapped, the Mercury’s story was far from over. Of the four cars built for the movie, three met their cinematic fate — wrecked in the name of action. The lone survivor, the so-called “hero car,” found its way into the hands of Eddie Paul, a renowned Hollywood stuntman and customizer whose workshop was a haven for legendary machines. Under his care, the Mercury was reborn, its intimidating stance and rebellious spirit carefully preserved. For a time, it rested in Stallone’s own garage — a steel fragment of his on-screen legacy — until fate decided the story still had one more twist to tell.

Sylvester Stallone’s Cobra movie car — the 1950 Mercury Monterey — emerges on screen as a living presence, thundering through the night with bullets sparking off its glossy frame as it carves through traffic and tight corners. (Picture from: Tork.Buzz)

In 1994, the car was stolen. The very symbol of strength and defiance vanished overnight, leaving Stallone without his prized machine. Years later, in a twist worthy of a movie script, the actor stumbled upon an online listing that looked suspiciously familiar. It was his car — the same 600-horsepower beast that once roared across the screen. Lawyers were called, negotiations followed, and although the finer details remain murky, Stallone ultimately reclaimed the Mercury. According to reports, the car remains in his possession today, a living relic of a time when cinema and car culture collided in the most visceral way.

The 1950 Mercury Monterey Custom isn’t just a beautiful piece of machinery — it’s a symbol of a cinematic era that prized individuality, strength, and style. In a world where modern cars are increasingly sleek, smart, and silent, Stallone’s Mercury stands as a growling reminder of when personality mattered more than perfection. It’s the kind of car that refuses to blend in, that insists on being seen — and maybe that’s why, decades later, people remember the car more vividly than the movie itself.

 

Because some legends aren’t written in scripts or played out on screens. They rumble, roar, and leave tire marks on the imagination — just like Stallone’s 1950 Mercury Monterey Custom. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTCARS | TORK.BUZZ | FIREBALLTIM ]

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Maserati Tipo 151: The Bold V8 Beast That Chased Glory at Le Mans

Glorious Grit - Few chapters in the history of endurance racing are as thrilling—and ultimately as tragic—as those surrounding the Maserati Tipo 151. In an era where rivalries between manufacturers, racing teams, and even governing bodies could reshape the sport overnight, the Tipo 151 emerged as Maserati’s bold answer to a rapidly changing landscape. The early 1960s saw escalating tensions between the FIA and the ACO over the future of sports car racing. 

The 1964 Maserati Tipo 151/3, featuring a Piero Drogo-designed body built by Allegretti, had a lengthened chassis, wider track, and switched to dry sump lubrication. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Umdasch Celero R-6.3: Austria’s One-Off Hand-Built Sports Car

Speed Sculpture - Some cars don’t just roll off the production line — they’re crafted, almost like a piece of art. They carry the fingerprints of the people who dreamed them up, shaped them, and brought them to life. The Umdasch Celero R-6.3 is one of those rare creations, a machine that looks like it was sculpted for speed and built with a single goal in mind: to stand apart from anything else on the road.  

The Umdasch Celero R-6.3, born in Austria from the workshop of Umdasch Sportwagenmanufaktur, is a Corvette-based creation sculpted for speed and built with a singular purpose. (Picture from: GTPlanet)

Born in Austria from the workshop of Umdasch Sportwagenmanufaktur, a company usually known for tuning everything from Volkswagens to Ferraris, this one-off sports car marked a bold step into making something truly their own. Six years went into turning the idea into reality. The name itself is a small story: “Celero” comes from the Latin word for “hurry,” the “R” stands for “Race,” and “6.3” tells you exactly what’s under the hood. 

The Umdasch Celero R-6.3 made its public debut at the 2015 Essen Motor Show, a perfect stage for such an unapologetically unique creation. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

The starting point was the chassis of a Chevrolet Corvette, but this wasn’t a simple rebody job. The Corvette’s engine and transmission were completely dismantled, reworked, and paired with a freshly engineered structure. The body was made entirely from lightweight, glass-fiber-reinforced plastics, giving the car both rigidity and a striking, exotic appearance.

The Umdasch Celero R-6.3 houses a 6.3-liter small-block V8 producing 504 horsepower in its base form, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. (Picture from: Autogen.pl)

The Celero R-6.3’s dimensions are low and wide — 4.46 meters long, 2.06 meters wide, and just 1.2 meters tall — with a fighting weight of 1,420 kilograms. It rides on forged, three-piece Umdasch wheels wrapped in Hankook rubber, 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back. Braking is handled by an in-house Umdasch system, with huge 356-millimeter front discs and eight-piston calipers for serious stopping power.

The Umdasch Celero R-6.3 features a cockpit with two bucket racing seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a simple dashboard equipped with instrument panels for water temperature, oil temperature, hydraulic gauges, and various knobs. (Picture from: GTPlanet)

Up front sits the heart of the beast: a 6.3-liter small-block V8 producing 504 horsepower in its base form, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and rear-wheel drive. That output might sound “modest” by today’s extreme supercar numbers, but the Celero wasn’t about chasing outrageous specs. 

The Umdasch Celero R-6.3 features a body crafted entirely from lightweight, glass-fiber-reinforced plastics, providing both rigidity and a striking, exotic look. (Picture from: GTPlanet)

Umdasch hinted at several planned tuning stages to increase power, but even in its initial form, it promised a visceral, old-school driving experience. The prototype was first shown to the public at the 2015 Essen Motor Show, a fitting stage for something so unapologetically unique. Only one example of the Celero R-6.3 was ever built, making it as rare as they come. Back when it surfaced, it even went to auction, though the final result remains a mystery. | Wn1XT6Hq1fo | D2L6eNDzGTM | N14PI3xh5AA |

Today, it stands as a reminder of what can happen when a tuning house decides not just to improve someone else’s vision, but to create their own from the ground up. It’s a car that blends passion, craftsmanship, and a refusal to follow trends — a snapshot in time when one Austrian workshop decided to put its name on something that could never be mistaken for anything else. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | UMDASCH-TUNING IN X | AUTOGEN.PL | GTPLANET | ALLCARINDEX ]

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2003 Rinspeed Bedouin Concept: The Sports Car That Turned Into a Pickup

Radical Versatility - In the world of cars, some creations come along that feel less like machines and more like wild experiments—bold statements that challenge what we expect a vehicle to be. Back in 2003, one such machine stole the spotlight at the Geneva Motor Show: the Rinspeed Bedouin. At first glance, it seemed familiar, rooted in the unmistakable DNA of the Porsche 911 Turbo. But spend even a few seconds looking closer, and it became obvious that this was no ordinary sports car—it was something stranger, more playful, and in many ways ahead of its time. 

The 2003 Rinspeed Bedouin Concept. (Picture from: Rinspeed)

The Bedouin started its life as a 996-generation Porsche 911 Turbo, but Rinspeed’s vision took it in an entirely new direction. This Swiss design house, led by Frank M. Rinderknecht, has long been known for dreaming up vehicles that bend the rules, and the Bedouin might be one of their most daring ideas. It wasn’t just about looks or novelty. Rinspeed set out to prove that a performance car could be both environmentally forward-thinking and versatile enough to thrive where few sports cars dared to tread. Its engine was still a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter flat-six, but it had been reimagined to run on natural gas—something that, even today, feels remarkably progressive for a concept car more than two decades old.

The 2003 Rinspeed Bedouin Concept. (Picture from: GridOto)

Visually, the Bedouin looked like it had stepped out of a parallel universe. The body, made entirely from lightweight composite materials, kept echoes of the 911’s silhouette but sat a full 15 centimeters higher on a specially designed Eibach adjustable off-road suspension. Large air intakes, widened fenders, and a functional diffuser gave it an aggressive stance, while 18-inch Rinspeed alloys wrapped in Continental SportContact 4x4 tires hinted that this Porsche-based creation wasn’t afraid of dirt trails or gravel roads. 

The 2003 Rinspeed Bedouin Concept. (Picture from: CollectionCars)

And then there was its party trick—the roof. Unlike anything seen on a sports car before, the Bedouin’s roof could literally reshape the vehicle’s character. With the help of two electric motors, the entire upper structure lifted and folded in an elaborate motion. In a matter of seconds, a sleek coupe-like profile could transform into a pickup truck, complete with an extendable cargo bed stretching up to 185 centimeters. It wasn’t just clever engineering; it was theater on wheels. 

The 2003 Rinspeed Bedouin Concept. (Picture from: GridOto)

Inside, Rinspeed didn’t hold back either. The cabin mixed Porsche familiarity with eccentric touches that felt more like jewelry than car trim. Rich Poltrona-Frau leather in Cotto brown wrapped the seats and panels, while Swarovski crystals were inlaid across the doors and even embedded into the shift knob, which itself was made of solid crystal. A Blaupunkt infotainment setup—complete with a fold-out 7-inch display, DVD playback, reversing camera, and the ability to connect a Sony PlayStation—turned the Bedouin into something of a rolling entertainment lounge. 

The 2003 Rinspeed Bedouin Concept. (Picture from: CollectionCars)

For all its extravagance, the Bedouin wasn’t dismissed as a gimmick. Even Porsche itself acknowledged the creativity behind it, with Rinderknecht recalling that Stuttgart’s engineers appreciated how the transformation respected the 911’s essence without compromising its engineering soul. That’s saying something, considering how fiercely protective Porsche has always been of its flagship sports car. 

The 2003 Rinspeed Bedouin Concept. (Picture from: GridOto)

Looking back now, the Bedouin feels almost prophetic. It hinted at a world where performance cars didn’t have to be tied down by tradition—where flexibility, sustainability, and sheer imagination could coexist in a single machine. While the recently launched Porsche 911 Dakar is a far more polished and production-ready take on the “all-terrain sports car,” the Bedouin remains a reminder of how bold concepts can spark ideas long before the market is ready to embrace them. | R_GR3RjDnWU |

Two decades on, the Rinspeed Bedouin still stands out as one of those rare concept cars that wasn’t just futuristic for its time, but almost futuristic for ours. It might never have made it to showrooms, but its spirit lingers in every unconventional sports car that dares to go off-road or rethink what performance should look like. For a fleeting moment in 2003, the Bedouin showed the world that a Porsche could be part desert explorer, part luxury lounge, and part sci-fi experiment—and somehow, it all worked. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RINSPEED | COLLECTINGCARS ]

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