The Heldo small custom sportscars never been made into production

Compact SPORTS We just got an old concept car that has a quite unique shape when traveling in cyberspace. We felt like we had never seen it before, and according to the information we got, that it was Heldo, short for 'Heldorado'. Strangely enough, isn't? It sounds like Eldorado.

The AAT Heldorado is a prototype compact-sized (in pictured coupe style) built for design studies around a Cadillac Northstar done  by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT). (Picture from: ConceptCarz)

As we can see it is a prototype compact-sized sportscar built for design studies around a Cadillac Northstar powertrain called Heldo or Heldorado by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT), an American design and specialist prototype company back in 2000. This company based in Rochester Hills, Michigan founded by Steve Pasteiner (a former Buick and Chevrolet designer) after he left the GM in 1989, nowaday seems to be inactive.

The AAT Heldorado (in pictured coupe style) has a carbon composite bodywork built based on steel-tube space frame. (Picture from: AdvancedAutomotiveTechnologies)

The carbon composite bodywork of the 2,200 lbs (997.903 kg) sportscar is built on steel-tube space frame, as the result finished vehicle has the size approximately similar to the MINI 3-Doors model (with 3,876 mm long, 1,727 mm wide, 1,414 mm high and a wheelbase of 2,495 mm), that's a fairly small overall package of sportscar.

The AAT Heldorado has the size approximately similar to the MINI 3-Doors model (with 3,876 mm long, 1,727 mm wide, 1,414 mm high and a wheelbase of 2,495 mm), that's a fairly small overall package of sportscar. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

No wonder when it showcased at the Woodward Dream Cruise 2008 event, along with many of small custom sportscars out there, this AAT Heldo sportscar has drawn a lot of attention as an example of some of the quirky and occasionally bizarre results of those companies' machinations.

Only two cars were ever created by Advanced Automotive Technologies (AAT), one coupe and other was convertible roadster such in the picture. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

Then the compact-sized sportscar prototype was powered by a transverse, rear mid-mounted Cadillac Northstar Polaris 4,565 cc DOHC V8 engine offering 350 horsepower, so that it can accelerate from rest to 100 kph in just 4.2 seconds and reach a distance of approximately a quarter mile (0.402 km) in 12.2 seconds. That's a pretty impressive number for a compact-sized sportscar.

Inside the cabin, there's race-style seats with harnesses, a tall centrally-mounted tachometer, very closely-spaced pedals, Momo steering wheel and an otherwise spartan cockpit combine to give a distinct race-oriented car. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

Only two cars were ever created, one coupe and other was convertible roadster. The coupe is still on the road today known belong to its creator, Steve Pasteiner, but the convertible/roadster was never fully commissioned. The compact-sized sportscar sharing similar styling to the 1990s German sports car the Lotec C1000, which was a one-off supercar created in 1995 for an oil baron in the UAE by Lotec.

The AAT Heldorado (in pictured roadster style) is powered by a transverse, rear mid-mounted Cadillac Northstar Polaris 4,565 cc DOHC V8 engine offering 350 horsepower. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

And in particular the appearance of this car at first glance reminds us of the design proposal for the Bugatti EB110 submitted by Paulo Martin to Bugatti back in 1989. As You can see the pull of the design line on the side to bring up the hanging spoiler shapes at rear looks similar to the one on the Heldo.

The AAT Heldorado compact-sized sportscar (in pictured roadster style) sharing similar styling to the 1990s German sportscar the Lotec C1000. (Picture from: MotorAuthority)

Meanwhile inside its cabin, there's race-style seats with harnesses, a tall centrally-mounted tachometer, very closely-spaced pedals, Momo steering wheel and an otherwise spartan cockpit combine to give a distinct race-oriented car. Unfortunetely, there's no word about production or price tags, therefore the AAT Heldo stopped at this point only a concept. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ADVANCED AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES | CONCEPTCARZ | MOTORAUTHORITY | CLASSICANDRECREATIONSPORTSCARS | CARTEFACTS ]

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Zagato revealed the Mostro Barchetta at the Villa d’Este 2022

New MOSTRO Do you still remember the limited production car made by Zagato, the Milan-based coachbuilder company (which was made only 5 units), and launched in 2015 called Zagato Mostro by carrying a Maserati V8 engine? 

The Zagato Mostro Barchetta posed along with its predecessor the Zagato Mostro was previously launched in 2015. (Picture from: Motor1)

Well nowadays, exactly seven years later, the Italian renowned coachbuilder returns to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este by launching its newest open-top sibling, called the Zagato Mostro Barchetta also powered by the Maserati powertrain.

The Zagato Mostro Barchetta is almost similar to its predecessor inspired by the legendary Maserati 450S Coupe of 1957. (Picture from: Motor1)

In appearance Barchetta is almost similar to its predecessor Mostro Coupe, that's not a bad thing because everything pinned on them are inspired by the legendary Maserati 450S Coupe which also happens to be made by Zagato in collaboration with Frank Costin back in the 1957. 

The Zagato Mostro Barchetta provides 2 engine options, ie the naturally-aspirated 4.3-liter V8 and the 3-liter biturbo V6 engines. (Picture from: Motor1)

Besides the roof absence which admittedly also provide in enhancing the proportions, plus on the Barchetta also comes with a redesigned rear deck while retaining the rest of the typical body panels of the true Mostro was.

As its predecessor, the Zagato Mostro Barchetta will also be produced in a limited number of only five units worldwide. (Picture from: Motor1)

As qouted of Carscoops, Zagato offers two powertrain options for its latest Mostro Barchetta model which both sourced from Maserati. It's fair enough indeed if you have the option to choose one in between the best naturally-aspirated 4.3 liter V8 engine capable of pumping power up to 414 horsepower, and the latest 3 liter V6 biturbo engine which is also used on the Maserati MC20 which capable to give an impressive driving power of 621 horsepower. So that accordance to the name Mostro being the Italian word for 'monster.'

Inside of the Zagato Mostro Barchetta also relies on the retro look with round furnishings and many buttons. (Picture from: Motor1)

So whatever chosen engine of yours, the engine would be mounted in front-midship position which is claimed to be able to provide a 50/50 weight distribution for the 1,200 kg weighted vehicle. All engine power is sent to the rear wheels via a racing-style six-speed manual sequential transmission system mounted to the frontal block, (temporarely) with no electronic traction control.

Inside of the Zagato Mostro Barchetta offers a pilot room theme dominated by seven rounded analog gauges. (Picture from: Motor1)

The Mostro Barchetta's bodywork based on a carbon-fiber MonoCell chassis, with a composite structure for the windsscreen frame and a steel rear subframe that carries the rear suspension, exhaust and fuel tank. Now for the legs will be supported by the front and rear double-wishbone suspension coupled with a pushrod acting on the adjustable shock absorbers while 19-inches single-nut alloy wheels are wrapped in mixed tires (sized 255/40 R19 front and 295/35 R19 rear), as well as hiding AP racing brake calipers behind them.

The roof absence on the Zagato Barchetta which admittedly also provide in enhancing the proportions, and also comes with a redesigned rear deck while retaining the rest of the typical body panels of the true Mostro was. (Picture from: Motor1)

Just like the Mostro Coupe its predecessor, Zagato Mostro Barchetta will also be produced in a limited number of only five units. As for the first example was exhibited at the Villa d'Este before being handed over to its owner. Most of the remaining four units have been assigned to individuals from the Zagato collector's client list, and will be personalized according to their preferences.

Unfortunately the price has not been disclosed yet, but if we look at the limited production specifically designed by Zagato and the limited number of productions of this Barchetta, it is estimated that the price will be in the seven-figure region. Wow! So, are you interested in having it as an addition to the latest premium car collection in your garage? *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ZAGATO | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1 | TOPGEAR | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | AUTOCAR | NEWSEXPLORER ]

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A unique Colani Mamba Concept for new Viper's model sizzling in the 1999

Maestro Works Talking about the uniqueness of Luigi Colani's work, a renowned contemporary industrial designer may never end, even though the designer passed away in 2019. This is not surprising, because this German designer has been active in the modern industrial world since the early 1950s to the second millennium, with his work segmenting diverse, not only from the automotive world but also the world of aviation, buildings to household furniture.

The Colani Mamba Concept made by Luigi Colani back in 1998 to 1999 is reportedly built as a design study for new model of Dodge Viper. (Picture from: Colani)

As a designer, Luigi Colani is famous for his design lines imitated various naturally dynamic forms which later developed his creative language called Biodesign, made up of often exaggerated roundness, which evoke the dynamism and vitality of an object, as the result seems quirky and unique. If you look closely, Colani applies the Biodesign style on many his vehicle works to interpret what he called as natural forms which has none or minimal straight lines so they give a unique and quirky impression.

Luigi Colani posed along with his car creations, such the Mamba Concept, Ferrari Testa D'Oro, and many others. (Picture from: RawViper)

And among the many works of the designer in the automotive world, some of which we have discussed such as the Colani-Abarth Alfa Romeo 1300 Berlinetta of 1959, the Miura Le Mans Concept built in the 1970s, the Eifelland Type 21, a Formula-1 racing car of 1972, a weird looking Ferrari ever made named Ferrari Testa D'Oro of 1989, and the Innotruck, the futuristic biodynamic designed truck of 2012.

The Colani Mamba Concept is described the maestro's interpretation about an American modern muscle car such as the Dodge Viper. (Picture from: AleSupercars)

Besides that, it turns out there is a vehicle of the designer which in our opinion is very unique so that it invites great our curiosity as well. Unlike his other works, the mentioned car model named the Colani Mamba Concept made by Luigi Colani back in 1998 to 1999 is reportedly built as a design study for new model of Dodge Viper. 

The Colani Mamba Concept when viewed as a whole from the front, You would seen all of pull of the lines and curves unity became into a Mamba snake's head shape. (Picture from: Sumally)

It is not known whether this project was carried out by Colani under his own initiative or in collaboration with Chrysler, the American auto giant as the owner of the Dodge car brand at the time.

The Colani Mamba Concept is described the maestro's interpretation about an American modern muscle car with an optimized airflow so no spoiler required. (Picture from: OcalaAutoRepair)

Apart from that in our opinion, there is something very interesting about this concept car when viewed as a whole from the front, You would seen all of pull of the lines and curves unity became into a Mamba snake's head shape, thus maybe that's why the car concept is called as it. 

The Colani Mamba Concept (middle) posed along with the original 1999 Dodge Viper (left) and the Colani-Getra's Dodge Viper coupe remodel versions (far right). (Picture from: AllCarIndex)

The car concept is described as a Colani's modern interpretation of an American muscle car with an optimized airflow so no spoiler required, and has a matching side view as well.

One of original Dodge Viper remodeled versions (in coupe style) by Colani in collaboration with a Köln-based automotive company, Autohaus Getra in the 1999. (Picture from: RawViper)

As what we've quoted from several sources, especially the Luigi Colani Design Museum, the mentioned concept car is just a rolling body model without doors and windows and the black sections are painted. However, the plan will be powered by a V10 engine capable of blowing a maximum power of up to 900 hp.😉

One of original Dodge Viper remodeled versions (in coupe style) featured with additional headlights by Colani in collaboration with a Köln-based automotive company, Autohaus Getra in the 1999. (Picture from: ReddIt)

This one-off rolling body model has been showcased by the maestro at several events around the world, and before it sold in October 2019 had shown in Joop Stolze Classic Cars showroom in De Lier, Netherland, lastly was seen stored in the Milan Sesto scrapyard in Italy along with the Mazda Le Mans and other 4 prototypes.

One of original Dodge Viper remodeled versions (in roadster style) and said only three units have produced by Autohaus Getra in the 1999. (Picture from: Nitter.net)

Uniquely, in the same year of 1999 Luigi Colani also presented a remodel car design of the original Dodge Viper, with a striking distinguishing feature, namely additional headlights. It is noted that several remodeled cars were made in the coupe and roadster versions, carried out by a Köln-based automotive company, Autohaus Getra, and said that there's only three unit cars like this have been produced. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | COLANI | LUIGI COLANI DESIGN MUSEUM | STOLZECLASSICCARS | ALLCARINDEX | CARSTYLING.RU | RAWVIPER | AUTOTITRE | ALESUPERCARS.WEEBLY | BLOGOMOTIVE | REDDIT LUIGICOLANI | OCALA AUTO REPAIR | BOX26.CH | LCDM@NITTER.NET | CAR-PASSION BY R&O | GEOBLOG.RU ]

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DeLorean will release the Alpha 5 electric-powered sportscar

~Time Busting~ Of course you still remember the DMC-12 that was very famous for its role in a Hollywood movie in the 1980s titled "Back to The Future." And at the beginning of the year the automaker DeLorean Motor Company in collaboration with ItalDesign, a well-known automotive design house from Italy planned to launch a modern version called EVolved, and powered by electric motor.

DeLorean Motor Company has revealed the first images of the Alpha 5 electric vehicle, which is set to be officially revealed this summer. (Picture from: TheVerge)

Well, some time ago, the DeLorean Motor Company shown the its newest electric vehicle image called the Alpha 5, on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. It is not known what the cause and connection with the old name was so it was replaced with a new name, possibly the old name was just designation for this new electric-driven model. 

The DeLorean Alpha 5 is assembled in the form of an environmentally friendly electric-powered vehicle with a larger body proportion. (Picture from: TheVerge)

In its release, the automaker said that the Alpha 5 intended to mark revival of the legendary DeLorean DMC-12 of 1980s. But different from its predecessors, in this latest version, the Alpha 5 is assembled in the form of an environmentally friendly electric-powered vehicle with a larger body proportion. As Troy Beetz, head of marketing for the DeLorean Alpha  5, said, it's like having a big responsibility to ensure the history of the DeLorean brand, but even more responsibility to manage its future.

The upcoming car seats four people, including the driver, with comfy-looking arm rests between the seats in both the front and back. (Picture from: TheVerge)

As reported by the Daily Mail, the Alpha 5 will be present in the global automotive market with slatted rear window and gull-wing doors so that it can accommodate in and out of the driver and passengers. By carrying the futuristic grand tourer design, the latest version of the DeLorean is designed with a length of 4,995 mm, a width of 2,044 mm and a height of 1,370 mm, through these dimensions the Alpha 5 can carry four passengers at once, and might be has similiraty of size to the Koenigsegg Gemera.

There are also two interactive displays to show the driver information such as speed and battery level, but otherwise the dashboard is clean and minimalist. (Picture from: TheVerge)

As previously mentioned, this sports car is powered by an electric motor equipped with a Lithium-ion battery pack with a capacity of more than 100 kWh, so that the Alpha 5 is able to go up to a top speed of 250 kph with a range of 483 km. As for performance, DeLorean claims that the Alpha 5 is far superior to the old version, where this gull-winged car can accelerate from 0 to 96 kph in 2.99 seconds.

The new vehicle will be able to reach 96 kph in about 2.99 seconds or 141.66 kph in 4.35 seconds, and as we all know 141.66 kph is the speed the modified car in 'Back to the Future' had to reach to activate time travel. (Picture from: TheVerge)

When viewed from the interior, the Alpha 5 presents a digital instrument screen arrangement complete with a central screen embedded in the floating center console. As for the Alpha 5's passenger and driver seats is deliberately designed with a sporty style. As You can see on the image released by DeLorean, there's the two rows of Alpha 5 seats are separated by some a kind of console that can function as an armrest.

The rebooted design features a slatted rear window and futuristic red tail lights, providing a fitting tribute to the original car, first released in 1981. (Picture from: TheVerge)

Although DeLorean has not divulged detailed specifications and official prices of its new sports car, according to the news circulating in its release this time, the Alpha 5 will only be produced in limited numbers of around 88 units. 

And later will be officially released for the global market on August 21, 2022, to be precise at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance event. Well, let's just wait until the event arrives. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DELOREAN MOTOR COMPANY | DAILYMAIL | THE VERGE ]

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Here's Katana's fierce looks cafe fighter by Rusty Wrench Motorcycles

Fierce BIKE The old sportsbike is the mainstay of custom materials for the world's builders for their projects. An example is the Suzuki GSX-R1100 with the aura of a cafe racer and a street fighter or cafe fighter produced by Rusty Wrench Motorcycles.

Suzuki GSX-R1100 custom cafe fighter by Rusty Wrench Motorcycles. (Picture from: GridOto)

In this project, the crew of Rusty Wrench Motorcycles gave the feel of the Suzuki Katana which was reflected in the headlights. For the change process, the Suzuki GSX-R1100 of the 1996 was immediately stripped down all the bodies.

The look of the Suzuki GSX-R1100 cafe fighter made fierce and macho by Rusty Wrench Motorcycles. (Picture from: GridOto)

Then a new subframe with a bolt-on model was made, which was short and minimalistic and was attached with a tiny LED stop lamp. To complete it, a custom single seat seat was installed with a combination of leather and black Alcantara.

The cockpit area is minimalist and the headlamps are in a Katana style. (Picture from: GridOto)

Next to the front, there is a motorcycle built-in tank which has been replaced with a quick action CNC model from Slingshot Racing. Then the cockpit is made simple with LSL clip-on handlebars, Nissin brake masters, and Motogadget parts. Don't forget to replace the headlights with a box-shaped LED model with a shell that resembles the face of the Suzuki Katana.

While the legs sector gets some light changes by Rusty Wrench Motorcycles. (Picture from: GridOto)

Shifting to the legs, the Rusty Wrench Motorcycles crew did not change much for this Suzuki GSX-R1100. For the front fork, it seems that it still relies on the original default, but the rear suspension has been replaced with a YSS pretentious. Both wheels are also standard but are now provided with Continental Sport Attacks tires and EBC disc brakes.

By applying a new subframe and fitted with elegant custom seats. (Picture from: GridOto)

Moving on to the engine sector, you could say it is still standard and there is only the replacement of the muffler using SC Project products. Then to perfect this bike, also made a rear set, front fender, and a cool belly pan.

Until a frightening Suzuki GSX-R1100 cafe fighter is realized. (Picture from: GridOto)

Finally, for finishing, a metallic gray color is applied to the bodies, while the fork, rims and engine are black. As a result, with all these changes, the Suzuki GSX-R1100 is now transformed into a cafe fighter that looks scary. 

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 | RUSTY WRENCH MOTORCYCLES | BIKEEXIF ]

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Ferrari prepared a customer-commissioned one-off supercar model

NEW Steeds Ferrari is reportedly would launched a new model called the Ferrari SP48 Unica to the global automotive market this year. The new car is claimed to have a base that is not much different from the Ferrrari F8 Tributo supercar.

Ferrari has unveiled the SP48 Unica, the latest addition to its portfolio of customer-commissioned one-off models. (Picture from: Autoblog)

However, this Ferrari SP48 Unica comes with a body that has been redesigned more larger. The new car is known to offer a completely new and different front fascia compared to the F8 Tributo supercar.

The Ferrari SP48 Unica based on the F8 Tributo, and the coupe was created by the Ferrari Styling Center for an anonymous client who participated in every step of the design process. (Picture from: Autoblog)

The Maranello-based premium autocar says the front fascia has been designed by by the Ferrari Styling Center under the command of Chief Design Officer Flavio Manzoni, by using procedural-parametric modeling technology and 3D prototyping. So the SP48 Unica is claimed to have a tridimensional effect on the front grille. This addition makes the Italian supercar look fresher than the Ferrari F8 Tributo. 

The Ferrari SP48 Unica also featured with specially blacked-out a-pillars create the illusion of a wrap-around windshield. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Furthermore, the new car looks visually slimmer after the windows were removed and the taillights were replaced with thin LED bars. Not only the body, but additional design changes are also embedded in the wheels. In addition, the Ferrari SP48 Unica will have side air intakes that look lower. And plus this supercar will also use black accents on the side skirts.

The Ferrari SP48 Unica features new-look lights, a reshaped bumper with honeycomb-like inserts, and twin vents. (Picture from: Autoblog)

But so far the Italian prancing horse auto breeder has not revealed the interior of the SP48 Unica. It is thought the cabin will be heavily influenced by the F8 Tributo, and the design is expected to gain special badges on the exterior and inside the cabin.

The Ferrari SP48 Unica might be powered by the same engine of its predecessor F8 Tributo, a a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. (Picture from: Autoblog)

Beside that Ferrari also did not talk much about the engine used for its new car. However, Autoblog predicts the car will carry the same drivetrain as the F8 Tributo, which is a 3.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

This kind of engine is capable of spewing out power of 710 hp and peak torque of up to 770 Nm. So the Ferrari SP48 Unica is expected to have a top speed of 340 kph and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.9 seconds. And besides that, the Italian Prancing Horse manufacturer also also didn't mention the identity of the SF48 Unica's owner and how much it cost. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | AUTOBLOG ]

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