Concept ONLY It seems that today, the Ferrari became some kind of a guarantee for certainity of the best exotic premium four-wheeled vehicle which is offering fierce performance as well. So it is not surprising that the prancing horse sports car enthusiasts are also special people who certainly have abundant treasures whose willing to spend much their money to have it.
The Ferrari Aliante Barchetta concept car designed by Daniel Soriano which is intended to pay homage to the past generations of sports cars. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36GZRLc)
It's like a masterpiece created from a neat blend of millions of premium components with the touch of the great talents of designers and engineers at its Maranello-based factory. Well, it also indicates that not just anyone capable to create a beautiful car design concept worthy of wearing the Ferrari's prancing horse emblem on the hood.
The following neat design concept of a prancing horse logoed sports car was the personal work of a Spanish automotive designer named Daniel Soriano. This imaginary sports car figure created by him is named the Ferrari Aliante Barchetta, which is intended to pay homage to the past generations of sports cars.
Right left side of the Ferrari Aliante Barchetta concept car designed by Daniel Soriano. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36GZRLc)
Currently, Daniel Soriano working as as Concept Surface Designer at the Swedish's car brand, Volvo. The designer said that the car design background just because he thinks most modern cars that exist today are like soulless machines with more resemblance to electrodomestics than real cars.
He further said that all of this depends on performance figures, thus a great car cannot be measured or calculated.So with this car is the embodiment of his desire to make something pure, light and simple. The concept is based on the Ferrari Aliante project worked by Daniel Soriano along with Arun Kumar and Magnus Grettve for the 2011 IED and presented at the Ferrari World Design Contest.
Here's instrument cluster view of the Ferrari Aliante Barchetta concept car designed by Daniel Soriano. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36GZRLc)
After seven years, he decided to update the design as a personal challenge to evaluate his growth as a designer with many professional experience in Lamborghini, Volvo, Polestar and others. Eventually he decided to redesign and remodel the car from scratch, dubbing it the Ferrari Aliante Barchetta.
Bird eyes view of the Ferrari Aliante Barchetta concept car designed by Daniel Soriano. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36GZRLc)
The concept car structure built of a carbon fiber monocoque with integrated seats. The body integrates a number of some active aerodynamic elements including big scoops, spoiler and diffuser and there are no doors, no windows and no roof.
Rear view of the Ferrari Aliante Barchetta concept car designed by Daniel Soriano. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/36GZRLc)
Then the designers proposed that the concept is powered by a compact, high revving naturally aspirated inline V12 engine coupled with independent throttle bodies, manual gearbox and has no electronic driving aids.
If this concept car be realized into a real car, then you can imagine when it runs on the streets, it will give a typical premium roadster driving sensation that pampers the two occupants with gentle breeze of winds combined with fierce pounding of its V12 engine. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARBODYDESIGN ]
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Concept ONLY The development of electric-powered super vehicles is increasingly attracting the interest of players in the automotive industry, both old players and new players. This is also done by an American automotive startup company named Elation Hypercars.
The Elation Hypercars has revealed the Freedom, its first production hypercar set to launch in a few years’ time with gasoline and electric powertrains to choose from. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3jdDrpO)
The company was founded in 2014 by three founders, namely Carlos Satulovsky, Mauro Saravia, and Pablo Barragan with a simple vision. They would build a hypercar which could capture the singular feeling of purist driving: elation.
The Elation Freedom electric-powered hypercar uses a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, no wonder its weighs around 3,637 lbs or around 1,650 kilograms. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3roXhBv)
Six years later, the dream has become a reality. Well, recently there's a hyper electric-powered vehicle was successfully created by this American startup company and named Elation Freedom. And it's also said that the California-based startup will be the first American local company to produce a luxury electric-powered hypercar for the United States market.
The Elation Freedom hypercar presents a fighter jet-inspired cockpit inspired inside its cabin. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3roXhBv)
This extraordinary electric-powered vehicle was made by Carlos Satulovsky and Mauro Saravia, assisted by the company's tecnical division whose have many experienced experts of the Formula One, and other European racings, as a result this car is claimed to have various advantages.
The Elation Freedom hypercar has gullwing doors and also a fairly large-sized wing on the back. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3roXhBv)
By using a carbon fiber monocoque chassis, it's no wonder the Freedom weighs around 3,637 lbs or around 1,650 kilograms. However, without the motor or battery pack, the weight drops to 2,850 lbs.
When viewed its exterior, as quoted of Carscoops, this electric-powered hypercar has quite striking looks because it has gullwing doors and also a fairly large-sized wing on the back.
The standard variant of the Elation Freedom electric-powered hypercar will use three electric motors producing up to 1,414 hp of power. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3roXhBv)
If You entering the cabin, the hypercar presents a fighter jet-inspired cockpit inspired. It is equipped with the digital instrument cluster, plus with a minimalist-looking middle section that's entirely made of carbon fiber. In addition, the potential customers are given the chance to choose materials to cover the car's cabin, ranging from premium genuine leather, precious metals, to gemstones.
The standard
variant of the Elation Freedom electric-powered hypercar costs around the US. $2 million or Rp. 28 billion. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3roXhBv)
The hypercar base model will have three electric motors producing up to 1,414 hp of power. Not only that, the California-based company also plans to offer an additional electric motor so that this car has a maximum power of 1,903 hp. With its maximum power, the car able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 1.8 seconds, and run up to its top speed of 418 kilometers per hour. Wow!
Then to support its performance, this hypercar is also equipped with two options T-shaped lithium-ion battery packs, each with a capacity of 100 kWh and 120 kWh. So the electric-powered hypercar is claimed to be able to run as far as 483 km to 644 km according to the battery pack it uses.
One more thing, if you are not happy enough with the electric drivetrain, then the Elation Freedom will offer You another variant called Elation Freedom Iconic Collection that uses an Audi-sourced 5.2 litre V10 engine which able to spew power up to 750 hp and 664 Nm of torque.
The engine power will be channeled to the four wheels through the 7-speed dual-clutch S-tronic gearbox. Unfortunately, the car's performance becomes little bit slow, with 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.2 seconds and a top speed of only 221 mph. But as far as we know, that performance figures still includes the hypercar capabilities. This indicates that the Freedom Iconic variant still deserves to be said as a hypercar.
Regarding the price, the American startup company mentions that the Freedom standard variant costs around the US. $2 million or Rp. 28 billion, while the Freedom Iconic variant is priced at $ 2.3 million or Rp.32 billion. But there’s no mention of when to expect deliver. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ELATION HYPERCARS | CARSCOOPS | MOTORTREND | TOPSPEED ]
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ONE-OFF In the 1960s there were two big names in the automotive world, Alejandro De Tomaso and Caroll Shelby who were known to have worked together. Both of them have similar backgrounds were former racing drivers turned automakers with almost the same philosophy of making European light cars with excellent handling and adding a hefty American V8 drivetrain.
1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype was the only one ever made. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
De Tomaso and Shelby worked together in at least two car projects which was later transformed into the De Tomaso Sports 5000 and De Tomaso P70 prototypes. However, after the failure of the P70 project, the two later separated, as it is known that Shelby managed the Ford GT40 Le Mans program and De Tomaso developed his own car which later known as the Mangusta.
The "Shelby MkV" badging on the grille and unusual paint scheme are indicators that this is no ordinary Mangusta. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
As quoted of Carscoops, the original Mangusta car design was done by Giorgetto Giugiaro when he was still working at Carrozzeria Ghia and was originally intended to be a model for the new Iso Rivolta car. For some reason, Iso's boss at the time Renzo Rivolta rejected the design and then Alejandro De Tomaso immediately bought the design for his own use. He later named it as the 'Mangusta,' an Italian word for 'mongoose.'
1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype is finished in bright red with white racing stripes, a rear spoiler, side scoops and "Shelby MK V" badging. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
The mongoose is the only animal that hunts, kills and eats cobras. It is not known whether the car naming has anything to do with Caroll Shelby, who at that time appeared with a car brand called Shelby Cobra. Or maybe with the Manguta name, De Tomaso wants to show the competition between himself and Shelby.
1969 De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype was a well-equipped vehicle with air conditioning and power windows, leather seats, and ample instrumentation. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
Uniquely, in the De Tomaso Mangusta car development, it again involved the Caroll Shelby name when the car was sent to the United States for evaluation by Ford, one of the American car manufacturers. At that time, the car, which was named De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V, was painted, given the distinctive Shelby badge and was predicted to be the successor of the famous Ford GT40 Mark IV. However, after being examined by the Ford executives and was decided to reject the car design.
1969
De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby Mark V Prototype cabin features a black leather interior with a gated shifter for rowing gears, controls for the power window lifts and air conditioning. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
The De Tomaso Mangusta made its first public appearance at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, shortly after the car returned from America. It is believed that only one De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby MkV was ever built, then the De Tomaso Mangusta production version was made as much as 401 units between 1967 and 1971. The car sits on a steel backbone chassis with a load-bearing and uses a rear-mid mounted Ford V8 engine.
The De Tomaso P70 steel backbone chassis, a modified version was used on the Mangusta. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
For the engine, it is known that there are 2 types of V8 engines used in the De Tomaso Mangusta cars, namely the 208 cu.in. engine which was originally used on models produced for the European market, while for the American model used the 302 cu.in. But in later production cycles the entire car was fitted with a 302 cu.in engine. In addition, the car is also equipped with the independent front-rear suspensions, disc brakes on all four corners, rack and pinion steering, and a five-speed ZF transaxle to send the engine power to the rear wheels.
Beneath the rear gullwing hatches resides a Boss 302 Ford engine, professed to be built by Shelby American, and is fitted with finned "DeTomaso" valve covers and a current jackshaft to operate the alternator and standard air conditioning compressor. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
The car's interior is described as comfortable for people under 6 feet tall and a little tight for those above it. It was a well-equipped vehicle with air conditioning and power windows, leather seats, and ample instrumentation. As well as the stunning good looks of the Mangusta, perhaps the most famous of which is the gullwing bay rear door which both opens to offer excellent engine access on both sides.
The Mangusta has unusual engine bay lids that can both open fully to give excellent access. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3r6Ytcs)
And it given a distinctive livery of red with white racing stripes and carrying the Shelby MkV bathing front and rear, indicates that the car is a unique piece of automotive history that many don’t know about. If you are a true automotive enthusiast and dreaming of a truly valuable car, then this one is the right choice.
Especially considering the high prices of the original Ford GT40 and Shelby Cobras. Now you have the opportunity to own it or even just to see it at the Mecum Auction list. And reportedly the De Tomaso Mangusta Shelby MkV prototype car will be sold at auction with prices ranging from the US. $ 300,000 to $ 350,000. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS | SILODROME | MECUM AUCTION ]
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ONE-OFF The presence of various forms of artwork is like a magnet that can always attract enthusiasts to enjoy it. And works of art don't have to be present in general forms such as paintings, sculptures or others. Yes, works of art could also be realized in the form of motorized vehicles. This is like what was shown by a Semarang-based modification workshop called PapnMam Modified at the Kustomfest 2020 annual event which was held in December 2020 in then.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom Modified while on display at the Jogja National Museum in the Kustomfest 2020 annual event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
It's gorgeous, that is an expression that came out when watching this neat Honda GL-400 Custom motorcycle made by the Semarang-based modification workshop on display at the Kustomfest 2020 event at the Jogja National Museum. How's look? You could be seen a custom motorcycle figure comes with a minimalist design blend in a futuristic concept, making it appear like a modern contemporary work of art.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom Modified and from the Honda GL400 only the engine is taken, the rest is made by hand. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
As quoted from Otomotifnet, the only-one custom motorbike was built by the Semarang-based modification workshop for more than 1 year (1 year 2 months to be exact) since 2019, with the initial concept of a café racer, and over time many changes have occurred up to its final result carries a futuristic concept as seen today.
The Honda GL-400 Custom body and chassis made by hand and using the origami technique. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The motorbike modification project began when the motorbike owner intends to build his Honda CB-400, then changed his mind after getting a hunk of the Honda GL-400's longitudinal configuration V-Twin engine unit. And Hendra Cahyono as the bike builder of PapnMam Modified gave a lot of
design input to Noval Mustapha, the motorbike owner while working on
the modification project.
The PapnMam Modified's Honda GL-400 Custom fuel tank uses a separate, futuristic chassis model. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
As for your information, the Honda GL-400 is a 400cc variant of the Honda GL-500 Silver Wing, a touring motorcycle that uses an innovative Honda CX500 engine with uncommon based technology and was rarely used in its time. Apart from adopting a longitudinal V-Twin engine, it is also equipped with liquid cooling, electric starter, shaft drive, modular rims and two CV-type carburetors which are set to reduce emissions.
The cafe racer concept clamp handlebar is the main controller of the PapnMam Modified's Honda GL-400 Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
Then the machine is placed on a frame and chassis made with the 'origami' technique. The technique applied on the bike is not 'origami' in real mean (Japanese's paper folding art), instead by manually assembling the chassis made of metal plates one by one, which previously had made the patterns on the yellow cardboard on the scale of 1 : 1.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is installed with a Keihin Carburetor which is added with a custom square velocity stack. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
And according to the builder, the method will simplify the process to apply onto the real chassis. Only by transferring the cardboard motif to the metal plate then assembling it into one complete chassis. Then by using the same method also applied by the motorbike builder on the body making process. The work ranging from the fender, fuel tank to the radiator cover. The thin and hollow frame in the center creates a dynamic and artistic impression. Then followed by a stern that seemed to be seen only as a thin sheet.
Inside the Honda GL-400 Custom exhausts is embedded a handmade valvetronic system to help reduce sound. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
And the one off modified GL-400 bike is also equipped with axle drive as standard, that's seems to have its own difficulties while in the installing process. The distance between the engine holder and the arm must be made precisely, for the reason then the builder should be redesigned the default swing arm, and must not be made too long or short in order to be installed optimally.
The Honda GL-400 Custom has a plaque with the serial number 001/001 which indicates the motorcycle is only one in the world. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The next difficulty occurred when the rear drum was made, because the original motorcycle used tires with a maximum size of 120 inches, while the modified motorcycle used 160-inch tires so that it was not possible to shift the axle. And the solution taken by the motorcycle maker is to shift the engine position about 1cm to the right. Besides the body, there many parts on the modified motorbike are no less eccentric, such the front and rear drum are made of T6 dural aluminum material which is
combined with aftermarket rim spokes and wrapped by a pair of the
slick tires of Dunlop.
The Honda GL-400 Custom used the redesigned swing arm and shifted the engine position 1 cm to the right so that Dunlop 160" slick tire can be installed at rear. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
The engine was left relatively standard, because according to the manufacturer when it was first received it was fully rebuilt and he only made a new pair of the chrome layered exhausts. To reduce the exhaust sound then the builder added an electronic valve or valvetronic. The exhaust's valvetronic system was made by himself with a servo that uses a car's power window dynamo whose its cover is made of metal so that it is heat resistant.
The Honda GL-400 Custom is built by the Semarang-based workshop called PapnMom
Modified while on display at the Jogja National Museum in the Kustomfest 2020
annual event. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Mnr5PM)
When the modified motorbike is half-made with the engine installed, the builder done a series of the tests is carried out for 3 weeks to 1 month. The goal is to make sure all components are safe and working perfectly. As the finishing, the builder does not give the color to the body, only whitewashed with clear coat. As if proudly showing the metal lines on the body. As the result, the one off modified GL-400 motorcycle has became a star in the Kustomfest 2020 event and lots of compliments had been pointed to it during the show.
And maybe one day, this gorgeous motorcycle seen by the Petersen Automotive Museum to become one of the motorozed vehicle art works on display. In our opinion, this modified motorcycle has a high artistic taste that is reflected during the manufacturing process. And what do you think?
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 | PAPNMAM MODIFIED ]
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Unique ONES Recently, one of the French automotive manufacturers, Renault, intends to revive one of its legendary hatchback models, the Renault 5. And interestingly, the Renault 5 new model will be revived as a modern electric car. As quoted from Carscoops, the new Renault 5 will have a design that is very similar to its conventional engined predecessor car.
Renault intends to revive one of its legendary hatchback models the Renault 5 into a modern electric-powered car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MAnHkj)
The Renault 5 prototype model which was later released has elegant and futuristic details on the lights and front fascia. Besides that, several changes in the car's function were made to suit the needs of modern electric-powered vehicles. For example, the grille is removed, then on top of the hood there is a charging port that is used for the battery recharging. The taillights are equipped with aero flaps and front fog lamps which can be used as DRL (Day Running Light) lights.
The Renault 5 electric-powered prototype model which was later released has elegant and futuristic details on the lights and front fascia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MvkL8T)
Then the electric-powered car prototype model also features a lit front and rear logo, and the car also appeared in dual tone exterior colors (yellow and black). Unfortunately, Renault has yet to reveal the car's interior, but it is confirmed that it has a small transparent screen above the dashboard.
Renault 5 electric vehicle prototype only embodies modernity, a vehicle that is relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MvkL8T)
The French car manufacturer also did not mention any details about the electric powertrain that would be used, including the amount of maximum power and car's cruise capability. But for sure, the new Renault 5 is designed as a pure electric-powered vehicle, which means there will be no hybrid variant also featured with an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) powertrain.
Renault 5 electric vehicle prototype has the taillights are equipped with aero flaps and also front fog lamps which can be used as DRL (Day Running Light) lights. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2MvkL8T)
"The Renault 5 prototype design is based on our legacy model, the R5," said Gilles Vidal, the Design Director of Renault. "This prototype only embodies modernity, a vehicle that is relevant to its time: urban, electric, attractive," he continued.
Furthermore, the Renault 5 EV will join other Renault car models that are revived as the electric vehicles such as the Renault 4. Going forward, Renault wants 30 percent of its total sales to be electric vehicles by 2025. And environmentally friendly hatchback models such as the Renault 5 EV, will definitely have a big role in the environmentally friendly vehicle industry. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS ]
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Recently BMW Motorrad teamed up with one of the famous German motorcycle modificators, Dirk Oehlerking in one modification project over the BMW R18 known as most expensive BMW's motorcruiser into a work of art. As it is known that Dirk Oehlerking is a famous motorcycle modifier from the Kingston Custom modification house.
BMW R18 'Spirit of Passion' by Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3iOk9He)
The Dirk Oehlerking's style of modification is unique and most of the motorbikes he modifies look like works of art instead of motorbikes. This can also be seen in one of his works made on the BMW R18, a premium motorcycle is sold all over the world with a pretty fantastic price tag, starting from the US. $ 17,495 (or approximately Rp. 969 million).
BMW R18 'Spirit of Passion' by Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3a8C9s8)
Indeed, the German motorcycle manufacturer deliberately asked Dirk Oehlerking to modify the most expensive cruiser motorcycle their made. As they also have asked to several other famous modifiers such as Roland Sands and Bernhard Naumann to do the same modification project over the BMW R18 motorcycle last year.
BMW R18 'Spirit of Passion' by Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3a8C9s8)
"When I accepted this challenge, I didn't make many modifications because the bike was already very beautiful and perfect," said Dirk Oehlerking. Indeed, he did not made much changes over the BMW R18 motorcycle. Especially in the chassis and body of the motorcycle. However, the most controversial is the Kingston Custom typical additional large-sized fairing.
BMW R18 'Spirit of Passion' by Dirk Oehlerking of Kingston Custom. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3iOk9He)
The Kingston Custom typical fairing appearance is indeed close related with the art deco style. In order to give the BMW typical touches, Dirk Oehlerking installed the BMW typical kidney grille on the large-sized fairing in the front. An the end, the color choice of black makes a perfect blend between the shape of the motorcycle and the new fairing.
2020 RSD X BMW R18 Dragster by Rolland Sands Design. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/3ojFWrp)
Another part that changed was the muffler. In this BMW R18 motorcycle modification project, Dirk Oehlerking uses his signature muffler to keep it in sync with the new big-sized fairing. In terms of design, the BMW R18, entitled 'Spirit of Passion' by Dirk Oehlerking is not too drastic compared to the modifications made by Roland Sands and Bernhard Naumann.
As we all know, that the French-famous motorcycle builder and modificator, Roland Sands notably transformed the bike into a special dragster bike called RSD X BMW R18 Dragster while the Austrian modificator Bernhard Naumann made The Blechmann R 18. Well, from the appearance alone, the style differences between the three BMW R18 motorbikes already can be seen clearly. So what could you be said about the three creation motorbikes of them?
But it could be said that Dirk Oehlerking's distinctive touch was what succeeded in making people curious about this motorcycle. "BMW Motorrad's trust in me is the best thing I have ever felt until today," said Dirk Oehlerking at one of his statements.
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 | KINGSTON CUSTOM | AUTOBLOG | BMWBLOG | ROLLANDSANDS ]
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Unique ONES Once again, We're back to one of the famous Italian automotive manufacturers, Maserati, which is known to have a line of great cars that had ever been colored the automotive world from the past to this day. As we all know, recently the Modena-based auto manufacturer has shocked the world's automotive by launching its newest supercar called the Maserati MC20.
The Maserati Chubasco Prototipo was built to be the car of every enthusiast’s dreams and was shaped by a pure passion for fast cars using the most sophisticated technologies the early Nineties had to offer. (Picture from http://bit.ly/36dlyCf)
Besides launching the latest supercar which is said to have promising performance so that it said able to thrill the hearts of its competitors neither on the roads and circuits. However in its business journey, the Italian automotive company has also produced many great cars that are adapted to the times when it was launched.
As in the 1950s when Maserati triumphed on the 24-Hours of Le Mans endurance racing circuit through a line of legendary racing cars based on the Maserati 450S to the Maserati 450S Costin-Zagato Coupe. Likewise, what happened four decades later, namely in the 1990s, the Modena-based company also launched several concept cars and one of them is the Maserati Chubasco which in our opinion is very thick with the design and technology of the nineties so that it deserves to be one of the iconic cars of the era.
The Maserati Chubasco designed by Marcello Gandini and featured three front intakes to channel air under the door and out through the rear bodywork. (Picture from http://bit.ly/36dlyCf)
As is well known, since 1975, Maserati has been acquired by Alejandro de Tomaso, and while in the '90s, the company (supported by large government investments) began to move away from its traditional production line of the exclusive high-performance cars. Initially, the Italian company relied on its future on the 1980s Bitubo models to compete with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and other premium car brands. The model was also projected as the firm's spearheading to re-enter the lucrative North American auto-market at the time.
The Maserati Chubasco Prototipo is very thick with the design and technology of the nineties so that it deserves to be one of the iconic cars of the era. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3sW4Elo)
Although at first it seemed to be going well, where sales figures for the Bitubo model were quite good, entering the mid to late 1980s the situation reversed and became even worse for lacking a flagship befitted the marque's heritage. That's why, in the early 1990s, the Italian company took steps to create a new supercar model that lived up to the marque's legacy. So then was born the Maserati Chubasco, the car's name is taken from the name of the fierce storm that occurred in Central and South America.
Maserati
Chubasco Prototipo is built on a chassis structure consisting of an
aluminum honeycomb central backbone with a ribbed light alloy subframe
to carry the suspension and engine. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3iMescY)
Then a prototype was introduced by Maserati at a press conference in December 1990. It unveiled alongside the new Biturbo-based Shamal and two-litre Racing, the Chubasco was a completely new mid-engined two-seat sports coupe and as many as 450 units planned to be produced by those Italian company. And theoretically, the Chubasco could potentially be pitched a half-price rival to the Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari Testarossa.
The Maserati Chubasco is built on a chassis structure consisting of an aluminum honeycomb central backbone with a ribbed light alloy subframe to carry the suspension and engine. Meanwhile, Marcello Gandini was responsible to its handsome designed bodywork and is mounted to the chassis with dampers that absorb vibrations and protect the cockpit from noise.
The Maserati Chubasco Prototipo is a mid-engined sports coupe with an uprated version of the 3.2 liter 32-valve 90° V8 Shamal's engine coupled with the six-speed manual transmission system. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3sW2LVQ)
The bodywork design pays close attention to airflow by creating three front intakes to channel air under the door and out through the rear bodywork. In addition to cooling the engine, it is also intended to enhance the ground-effect produced by a flat underside and rear venturi.
Besides it having an electric hard top that slides backwards over the engine, the Maserati Chubasco is also equipped with a pair of scissor doors like those of Lamborghini cars as its passenger-driver access to enter-exit the cabin. To add a finishing touch, body-coloured aero discs covered the split-rim five spoke wheels.
The Chubasco uses an uprated version of the 3.2 liter 32-valve 90° V8 Shamal's engine later also equipped with a dry-sumped, twin turbocharged and with dual overhead camshafts, so the engine is capable of delivering up to 430 bhp at 6,500 rpm (but no other technical details were released). Those engine power is then channeled to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission system with double plate clutch and limited slip differential.
Despite being very well received, the Chubasco program was later canceled by Fiat (which in January 1990 had acquired around 50% of Maserati shares) because it was considered too expensive to produce. Although only one unit was ever made as a prototype, the Chubasco chassis layout is still used as the basis for the Barchetta one-make racing car launched in 1992 and later became De Tomaso Guarà in 1993. Today the Maserati Chubasco Prototipo sat on display at the Panini Museo near Modena, Italy.
The replica of Kaneda's futuristic motorbike built by Masashi Teshima and adopted from the 1988 classic Japanese sci-fi anime film titled 'Akira'. (Picture from http://bit.ly/3sW2LVQ)
Apart from everything and it has absolutely nothing to do with one another. It's just our eyes wild imagination that the Maserati Chubasco concept car looks like has a similarity or design connection with a Shotaro Kaneda motorcycle red-cherry futuristic bike adopted from the 1988 classic Japanese sci-fi anime film titled 'Akira'. Did you see what we've seen?*** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARTHROTTLE | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | WIKIPEDIA]
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