Let's get to know one of the most hardest to tame wheely monsters

Rest in Peace Might be those of You still remembered a tragic accident that claimed the lives of the famous Hollywood artist Paul Walker and his best friend Roger Rodas in November 2013 while driving with a German sports beast, the Porsche Carrera GT. The tragic accident also reminds us of how wild and ferocious the performance of the sports car made by the German manufacturer, Porsche in between 2004 to 2007.

The Porsche Carrera GT (in pictured with the color of Fayence Yellow) is one of those four-wheeled monsters that is wild and hard to tame. (Picture from: Reddit)

The car's ferocious performance cannot be separated from its early processes which originated of the Porsche 911 GT1 and Porsche LMP1-98 racing cars that's should be ended due to in part of the FIA and ACO rule changes in 1998. Then the Stuttgart-based manufacturer planned a new Le Mans racing car prototype for the 1999 seasons.

The Interior of the Porsche Carrera GT (in pictured under Custom White) is trimmed in a soft leather plus with the Bose audio system and a navigation system as the standard features. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Initially, the car was intended to use a flat-6 engine equipped with a turbocharger, but it turned out that during its development Porsche changed the mind and redesigned the car so that it could be powered by a new V10 engine, this automatically caused the project completion time to be extended up to the 2000.

The Porsche Carrera GT is powered by a 5.7 liter, V10 engine is capable spewed out the power of 604 hp. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

As qouted of Wikipedia, the V10 engine mentioned above was originally made secretly by Porsche for use on the Footwork's F-1 racing cars in 1992, but was later deferred. This engine was next planned for the Le Mans prototype and was increased in size to 5.7 liters. Once again in mid-1999, the project was canceled after the first car in testing for two days.

The Porsche Carrera GT is built based on carbon fibre monocoque and chassis. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

It could be happened, as some of Porsche's top brass are said to be more interested by doing the new Porsche Cayenne project which also involves the Volkswagen and Audi. Therefore the new SUV project required a lot of engineering experts, so having to take it from the company's racing division, which automatically caused the Le Mans racing car project to have to cease.

The Porsche Carrera GT (in pictured with the color of Guards Red) was shown for the first time to public at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, as an attempt to draw attention to the company's booth. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

However, there is another speculation regarding the discontinuation of the Porsche's new Le Mans racing car project, as the chairman of the Volkswagen Group at the time, Ferdinand Piëch prefers the Audi R8's Le Mans prototype to race in those world's famous endurance racing events, so he doesn't want the R8 to face with the Porsche's new racing cars on the tracks in the 2004 seasons. As we all know that both of the Porsche and Audi are subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Group.

The Porsche Carrera GT (in pictured with the color of Basalt Black) is produced by the Porsche's new plant in Leipzig in between 2004 to 2007. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Meanwhile in part of Porsche's internal top brass wanted to keep the project still alive and carried on with its prototype version is powered by the 5.5-liter V10 engine. At the end, the Porsche Carrera GT concept car was shown at the 2000 Paris Motor Show, as an attempt to draw attention to the company's booth. It turns out in accordance to the initial plan, the newest Porsche concept car managed to attract many serious interests from the world's automotive enthusiasts who are willing to queue to have it.

The surprising interest on the Carrera GT concept car and the revenue influx generated by the new SUV of the Porsche Cayenne, helped the Stuttgart-based auto company's top brass decide to develop the Carrera GT road version sports beast, which would be produced in small quantities at the Porsche's new manufacturing facility in Leipzig.

The Porsche Carrera GT (in pictured with the color of GT Silver Metallic) is produced as many as 1,270 unit world wide and should be ceased due to changes in air bag regulations in the US. (Picture from: RMSothebys)

The Carrera GT sports car is powered by a 5.7 liter, V10 engine is capable spewed out the power of 604 hp, while its original concept car which had a 5.5 liter V10 engine had 550 hp. Then the engine power is used to drive the rear wheels which are channeled through the 6-speed manual transmission system. The gearbox is attached to a beechwood knob gear inspired by the one used in the Porsche 917 Le Mans racing car. In its second year of production, the carbon fiber ones are also provided.

Furthermore, the German's auto company is claimed the sports car can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.9 seconds before reached a top speed of 205 mph (330 kph), in fact in its road tests, that the car can be accelerated from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.5 seconds and 0-100 mph (160 kph) in 6.8 seconds. In addition, the Carrera GT has large side inlets and air dams that help to cool its large V10 engine framed under the carbon fibre rear bonnet.

The Porsche Carrera GT (in pictured with the color of Seal Grey) has large side inlets and air dams that help to cool its large V10 engine framed under the carbon fibre rear bonnet. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

As for its brake systems, the sports car fitted with Porsche's latest Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) ceramic composite braking system, the 15-inch (380 mm) SGL Carbon disc brakes are fitted inside the 19 inch front and 20 inch rear 5-spoke alloy wheels. Similar to other Porsche models, such as the 911, the GT includes an electronically operated large-size rear wing which deploys while the car runs at speeds above 113 kph (70 mph). 

The Carrera GT sports cars have 5 basic color options for its sporty's exterior appearance, including the Guards Red, Fayence Yellow, Basalt Black, GT Silver Metallic and Seal Grey. Later, the German car manufacturer also provides custom colors to be applied to the sports car.

The Porsche Carrera GT (in pictured with the color of GT Silver Metallic) has an electronically operated large-size rear wing which deploys while the car runs at speeds above 113 kph (70 mph). (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Then its interior is trimmed in a soft leather, then there's the Bose audio system and a navigation system were standard. In typical Porsche fashion, the ignition system is located to the left of the steering wheel. This placement dates back to the early days of Le Mans racing when drivers were required to make a running start, hop into their cars, started the cars and begin the race. The placement of the ignition key allows the driver to start the car in the left hand and put it into gear in the right hand.

The German's auto company began production of the Carrera GT in 2004, and sold it with a price tag of $448,000. The company's initial plans to produce as many as 1,500 units. But then in August 2005, the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer announced that its Carrera GT sporst car production only until 2006. 

This is due to changes in air bag regulations in the US and as of May 6, 2006, the German auto manufacturer has produced and sold of 1,270 units world wide. FYI, the first Carrera GT went on sale in the United States automotive market by January 31, 2004 with 604 units had been sold in the country.

 

What are the factors that making the Carrera GT sports car's performance such the untamed beast? 

Many competent parties in the world's automotive said, that the Porsche-made sports car is very agile and difficult to control while speeding on the streets with the characteristics of each unit being different from one another, so it requires special skills to tame it. Then another possibility is the lack of a traction control system that makes the Porsche sports car like the un-tamed monster. Even though this sports car should be equipped with a traction control system that functions to correct the tires so they don't get out of line. Do you have another ones? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | ID.MOTOR1 ]

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The car result of the Zagato's collaboration with Lamborghini of the 1960s

Stand ground In the global automotive industry, if the collaboration between brand owners and coachbuilder companies is commonplace and frequently happened. As we all know, the Italian car manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini Spa. launched its first production car called the Lamborghini 350 GT whose bodywork was done by Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera di Milano in 1964.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ was a solution which originated from the philosophy at that time for racing cars with a Zagato body and transferred with success to a more comfortable and well refined GranTurismo (GT) car. (Picture from: LamboCars)

In order to show its existence as an automotive company in an atmosphere of intense competition with its compatriot rival Ferrari, Lamborghini then tried out another Milan based coachbulder company designs namely Carrozzeria Zagato. And in 1965, known as the beginning of the collaboration between the coachbuilder company Zagato and Lamborghini to design and build the new cars based on the Lamborghini 350 GT, later named the Lamborghini 3500 GTZ.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ is made on a 10 cm shortened chassis of the 350 GT and debuted at the 1965 London Auto Show. (Picture from: Zagato-Cars)

In an official meeting between the two companies in the Lamborghini HQ in Sant’Agata Bolognese which was attended by Paolo Stanzani (body division), Gian Paolo Dallara (technical division), and Elio Zagato, the first son of the coachbuilder company's founder Ugo Zagato. Well, both companies were finally agreed that the mentioned new car was built with a special 350 GT-based bodywork.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has a lightweight aluminum-made bodywork with the surfaces and volumes is adopting the Zagato's typical cut-tail design of the era designed by Ercole Spada. (Picture from: LamboCars)

Shortly thereafter, the Milanese Carrozzeria Zagato received a 10 cm shortened 350 GT chassis from Lamborghini, and then 'dressed' it in a lightweight aluminum-made body with the surfaces and volumes is adopting the Zagato's typical cut-tail design of the era designed by Ercole Spada. 

And it was also mentioned that the design was a solution which originated from the philosophy at that time for racing cars with a Zagato body and transferred with success to a more comfortable and well refined GranTurismo (GT) car.

The Lamborghini 3500 GTZ is powered by a V12 engine with a capacity of 3,939 cc, which is capable of producing the power of 320 bhp (238 kW) at 6,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 375 Nm (276-ft.lbs) at 4,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission, and capable of making the 3500 GTZ racing up to a top speed of 161 mph or 260 kph.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has an interior somewhat resembles an evolution of the 350 GT is featured with the quintessentially Italian bespoke dials, steering wheel and switchgear remained stock, the dashboard was fitted with a wooden panel framing a 3500 GTZ badge in front of the passenger. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

As quoted of Lambocars, the finished car looked rather awkward with the front lacked personality (showed some resemblance with a Ferrari 25O GTO, and the structure line of the car’s was shared with the Alfa Romeo TZ2), noted only two cars were ever built, a white over black one (nr. 0310) and a silver over black one (nr. 0322). 

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has the structure line was shared with the Alfa Romeo TZ2. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Then the Zagato bodied Lamborghini 3500 GTZ (finished in white exterior with a black plastic vinyl interior) made its official debut at the 1965 London Motor Show. Unfortunately, this car was built only as the prototype, and was never got into the production lines of the Italian raging bull plants in San'tAgata Bolognese.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ is powered by a V12 engine with a capacity of 3,939 cc, which is capable of producing the power of 320 bhp at 6,500 rpm, with a peak torque of 375 Nm at 4,500 rpm. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

After the London's auto expo is over, the first car (nr. 0310) sold to Marchese Gerino Gerini, a former F1 driver who was also Lamborghini’s official agent in Milan during that period, later he sold to car to a fortunate customer in Australia who had it converted to right-hand drive and repainted in red. Later, this scarce Lamborghini 3500 GTZ was bought by a German collector who shipped it to The Netherlands for a fully restoration, which converted back to left hand drive and repainted in a fresh red paint.

1965 Lamborghini 3500 GTZ has also some resemblance with a Ferrari 25O GTO as you can see it at rear. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

Meanwhile, the second one did really exist with the chassis number 0320 and had engine number 0228 installed, it was driven by Paolo Stanzani himself at first, later this one was sold to an American enthusiast, unfortunately its current whereabouts are unknown. Rumours were this car was later destroyed in a rather big accident and was damaged beyond repair (but this statement was never officially confirmed).😭

And that was the end of the collaboration between the two companies in the 1960s, reportedly at that time Ferrucio Lamborghini as the founder and owner of the company preferred to the designs made by other coachbuilders such Bertone and almost all Lamborghini designs that were born after the 350/400 GT were done by Nuccio Bertone and his designing team.

But in the 1996, Zagato was seen came back to make some designs for the Lamborghinis through the Lamborghini Zagato Raptor and continued with the Lamborghini 5-95 Zagato in the 2014. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOSU SOURCES | LAMBOCARS | ZAGATO-CARS | CARIOS | CARSTYLING.RU | ]

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The missing link in between the Alfa Romeo SZ and RZ

Missing LINK Nowadays it may be commonplace to talk about the "coupé cabriolet," because many automotive manufacturers have produced the such styled vehicles. It could be seen on several famous examples such as the Mercedes Benz SLK, Ferrari California, Portofino to Peugeot 206 CC, and others. All of these models are philosophically connected by a common thread that leads to the Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo Concept. 

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The Alfa Romeo Protèo appeared surprisingly in the automotive world in the early 1990s with its unique solid roof folding features. Although it never arrived at the production line, but the technique, arc appearance and color was applied in other production cars.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

Well, it's an innovative 2-seater sports car made by Alfa Romeo with many special features. As quoted from NewsBeezer, after the Alfetta GTV's era is ended in 1986, the Italian car manufacturer tried to create a new sports coupe for years, through its centro stile which at that time was still manned by one of the famous designers, Walter de Silva.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: OldCarConcepts)

In short, Walter de Silva designed the Protèo with a technical base of its bodywork built on the Alfa Romeo 164 chassis, which has been 20 centimeters shortened to 2.46 meters in totall, that's intended to give the new sports car a higher structural rigidity. Meanwhile under its hood mounted a three-liter V6 engine capable of bursting power up to 260 hp.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The design is also attractive, which the Alfa's classic grille has been minimized and the logo moved on the top of the hood. Well, for the first time, Alfa Romeo had applied two pairs of headlights at the front, each composed of three round elements. Furthermore, its very long snout is combined with an upright stern as the place for the Protèo stored its novelty, ie the roof (or rather the dome) can be divided into three parts and disappear mechanically under the luggage compartment.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The personal style and unique technical solutions for the roof are just one of the new elements accompany the Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo. There are many other excellent features, such as the "Viscomatic" all-wheel drive system developed by Alfa Romeo in collaboration with specialist Steyr-Puch.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

Then, it was flanked by an electronic control unit that can communicate systematically with other parts of the vehicle (Motronic control unit and ABS) to control various parameters: total torque required, speed of rotation, steering angle and slip difference between the two axes. Depending on the conditions, the system has ensured that torque is optimally distributed across the front and rear axles.

Alfa Romeo 164 Protèo is an innovative 2-seater sports car concept of Alfa Romeo which has a very special features glass roof could be folded and stored behind the seats. (Picture from: NewsBeezer)

The system is equipped with a front differential and a Torsen auto-lock type at the rear, which is responsible for distributing the transmission on both sides of the wheel and ensuring the best traction. Another key feature of the 164 Protèo is the four-wheel steering, thanks to which this research ensures excellent maneuverability and speed between turns.

Initially, Alfa Romeo planned to produce the 164 Protèo at its Portello's plants with a total of 2,000 copies as a limited edition model. But in the end, no more than 3 units were ever made. One of them never knew what the feel while running on the road at all because once it was finished to build, it was taken directly to the Museo Storico Alfa Romeo in Arese, Milan for display, while the other two were given the role of the 'muletto' (test vehicles) during the tests (especially) at the Alfa Romeo's proving ground in Balocco.

A few days after its official launch, Alfa Romeo's board of management stopped the project, fearing the car would not be profitable.💔 And now the original and futuristic Italian cabriolet coupe may have been forgotten, but its mechanical legacy goes a long way in today's cars. In addition, its color, a special red, which looks different from the classic Alfa colors in general has remained and lasted for several years under the name 'Protèo Red'. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWSBEEZER | JALOPNIK ]

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The Carlo Abarth thought exuviate in a unique design interpretation of Lutz Colani

Back to Normal Now we are back to discussing one of the legendary cars ever made for the Italian brand, Abarth and what's even more great this car gets a unique design touch from a German industrial designer named Luigi 'Lutz' Colani. The car design is also said to be the way the designer puts into practice a combination of his own style ethos and the great thoughts of Carlo Abarth.

1959 Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta is said to be the way of Luigi 'Lutz' Colani as a designer puts into practice a combination of his own style ethos and the great thoughts of Carlo Abarth. (Picture from: Bonham)

As we all know, that Abarth has successful tested its aerodynamic design theory consistently in various serious efforts to break the world's speed records with small capacity cars. With the actual obsession is to increase straight line penetration and minimize their aerodynamic obstacles, due to the cars always runs by using a very small engine (usually ranging from 350 to 1300cc and rarely up to 2 liters).

At the front hood of the Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta is pinned by the 3 emblems of Abarth, Alfa Romeo and Colani. (Picture from: Bonham)

Meanwhile the brilliant Austrian-born designer is obsessed with the influence of aerodynamics on the car performance. In 1958 Lutz Colani is commissioned to build an experimental aerodynamic car based on the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider platform. As the result, it appears directly recognizable as a Colani's body shape, and also shows an evidence of external influence on many of the Abarth's recently experiences. If You curious about another Luigi Colani's car creation just click here.

The remains of the Abarth Alfa Romeo 1000 (Bertone) is rebuilt by Luigi 'Lutz' Colani into the new-Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta. (Picture from: Carstyling.ru)

And the finished Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta is appeared for the first time in the 1959 with long and pointed snout at glance seems to be a derivative of the Pinin Farina's practice, while the 'double bubble' roof line is a typical characteristic of the Abarth's motives. What's more interesting is the back of the car that might be unique at that time, and the attention was clearly given to air flow management under the car which in the period was said very sophisticated.

1959 Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta is appeared with long and pointed snout at glance seems to be a derivative of the Pinin Farina's practice. (Picture from: Bonham)

Initially, this Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo car is started its life as the 'prototype' of the Abarth 1000 GT Coupé or Alfa Romeo 1000 Abarth GT Bertone Coupé designed by Franco Scaglione and built on the Mario Colucci-designed tubular chassis for rigidity (the intention was for the car to be homologated for the GT category). It also powered by the Alfa Romeo Giulietta (998 cc) engine was originally modified by Abarth with the gearbox mounted into the central backbone.

1959 Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta is developed as the 'prototype' with the Colucci-designed tubular chassis for rigidity (the intention was for the car to be homologated for the GT category). (Picture from: Bonham)

At the time, only three cars were built and once completed, the cars were tested at Monza before being taken to Avus near Berlin for speed runs where all of the cars destroyed during the tests, and at the end, the project was abandoned.

1959 Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta is powered by an Alfa Romeo's 1300 cc engine which capable spewed out power of 110 bhp. (Picture from: Bonham)

In short, the car remains were bought by Herbert Schulze who asked Luigi Colani to build a new body which took inspiration from a number of sources such the 'double bubble' roof line which is very Abarth. Not only that, the car appeared with a weight of only 780 kg and powered of 110 bhp from its 1300 cc engine. The car is claimed to reach 210 kph (130 mph) and was also recognized as the first GT car that passed to run a lap at Nürburgring Nordschleife in less than 10 minutes.

1959 Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta's back was clearly given to air flow management under the car which in the period was said very sophisticated. (Picture from: Bonham)

After that the car's ownership status shifted to Peter Kaus (for the first time) before disappearing for some time, it ever had sold to Christophe Pund, then he sold it to another collector. The tangled history of the car ownership doesn't stop there; finally this unique car back again to Peter Kaus who fully restored the car to go into the Rosso Bianco Collection.

The Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 had been on display in public for years and since the end of 2007 the unique-shaped car was on the Bonham auction list with the prices ranging from £65,000 to £75,000. Even so, this is the aerodyne of the 1950s, one of the rarest Abarth's car ever built, that's said also can be used on the road.  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BONHAM | AUTOSITAL | WIKIPEDIA ]

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