Rob Dyrdek's Epic Custom Ferrari Collections

Bespoke Legacy - In the world of luxury automobiles, Ferrari has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious brands. Renowned for its engineering excellence, breathtaking design, and unparalleled performance, Ferrari’s vehicles are not just modes of transportation—they are expressions of artistry and innovation. 

Rob Dyrdek recently revealed his stunning bespoke Ferrari SF90 Spider, a masterpiece in his growing collection. (Picture from: SupercarBlondie)

Sweden's First Car Prototype: The 1947 SAAB Ursaab

The FIRST - In the world of automotive innovation, certain models stand out as pivotal moments in history, and the story of the 1947 SAAB Ursaab is one such chapter. This remarkable vehicle was born from the minds of engineers at SAAB AB, a company originally focused on aircraft manufacturing. As they transitioned to automobile production, they were tasked with creating a car that would meet the needs of the Swedish population in the post-war era. The Ursaab, with its unique design and engineering prowess, not only paved the way for the SAAB 92 but also marked the beginning of a new era for the brand.

The SAAB Ursaab, meaning "original Saab," is now housed in the SAAB Car Museum in Trollhättan. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

In 1945, the team at SAAB, led by Gunnar Ljungström and technical illustrator Sixten Sasson, embarked on an ambitious project to design a car that would be different from anything on the market. With the internal designation X9248, this initiative sought to capture the spirit of innovation that defined SAAB's aircraft production. The engineers aimed to develop a vehicle that could rival popular German models like the Opel Kadett and VW Beetle, while keeping costs within reach of average consumers.

The SAAB Ursaab was developed by a team led by engineer Gunnar Ljungström and designer Sixten Sason. (Picture from: NetCarShow)

As the design process unfolded, it became clear that the Ursaab would stand out in terms of aesthetics and functionality. The project focused on achieving a sleek profile, influenced heavily by the company's aeronautical roots. To ensure maximum efficiency, the design incorporated a monocoque structure, which contributed to reduced drag and a lower overall weight of around 800 kilograms. This focus on aerodynamics was revolutionary for its time, enabling the Ursaab to maintain a competitive edge in the growing automobile market.

The SAAB Ursaab employed a monocoque design with specifications that included a 2.75-meter (108.3 in) wheelbase and a total length of 4.5 meters (177.2 in). (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Key to the vehicle's design was the choice of rear-hinged doors, a decision made by Ljungström to enhance practicality. These doors minimized the risk of damage while maneuvering in tight spaces, reflecting the team's commitment to user-friendly features. The first prototype, designated 92001, was created with the help of skilled carpenters who built a full-sized mock-up out of alder wood before transitioning to a steel body. The prototype’s construction was an arduous process, involving hand-shaped steel sheets in a secret underground facility.

A key element of the SAAB Ursaab's design was Ljungström's choice of rear-hinged doors to enhance practicality. (Picture from: NetCarShow)

In the early stages, the Ursaab was equipped with a borrowed 13 kW (18 hp) two-cylinder two-stroke engine, initially sourced from a DKW vehicle. However, the vision for the Ursaab demanded innovation, leading to a bespoke engine developed by Ljungström and his team. This shift in approach demonstrated the engineers’ determination to create a distinctive vehicle that would resonate with consumers.

Beneath its avant-garde, streamlined body, the SAAB Ursaab was designed to comfortably accommodate two passengers within its cabin. (Picture from: NetCarShow)

As the project progressed, improvements were made to the original design. The second prototype, 92002, showcased significant enhancements, particularly in the engine compartment. The redesigned hood facilitated easier access to the engine, taking inspiration from American automotive designs that featured cascading front ends. This change not only improved functionality but also showcased the evolving vision of the team.

The SAAB Ursaab's first prototype, designated 92001 was equipped with a borrowed 13 kW (18 hp) two-cylinder two-stroke engine, initially sourced from a DKW vehicle. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

After testing and refining the prototypes, SAAB was ready to present their creation to the public. On June 10, 1947, the Ursaab made its debut at SAAB AB’s headquarters, capturing the attention of the press and automotive enthusiasts alike. The Ursaab's introduction marked a significant milestone for SAAB, transforming the company from an aircraft manufacturer into a serious contender in the automotive industry.

The SAAB Ursaab’s first prototype, labeled 92001, showcased an aerodynamically focused teardrop design characteristic of its era. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

With the official launch of the SAAB 92 in 1949, the Ursaab's legacy was firmly established. This pioneering vehicle laid the groundwork for future models and helped shape the identity of SAAB as a brand synonymous with innovation and quality.  | bU7Iy8-fozY |

As we look back at the origins of the Ursaab, it becomes evident that this prototype was more than just a car; it was a symbol of resilience and creativity in a time of change. The spirit of the Ursaab continues to inspire automotive engineers and enthusiasts, reminding us of the importance of innovation in shaping the future of transportation. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | NETCARSHOW ]

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Alfa Romeo Launches Intensa Series with New Junior AWD Model

Bold Luxury - Alfa Romeo has long been known for its commitment to blending performance and style in the world of luxury automobiles. With a heritage steeped in innovation and an unmistakable Italian flair, the brand consistently pushes boundaries to surprise and delight its enthusiasts. True to form, Alfa Romeo has announced a bold new addition to its lineup—a special edition known as Intensa, set to debut at the Brussels Motor Show this coming January 2025.

This is the new Alfa Romeo Junior Ibrida Q4 AWD model, set to debut alongside the Intensa Series at the Brussels Motor Show in January 2025. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The Intensa edition is more than just a facelift; it's a celebration of the brand's identity. Spanning across the Tonale, Giulia, and Stelvio models, and even gracing the newly introduced Junior Ibrida Q4 AWD, the Intensa series promises to elevate the driving experience. Each car is carefully enhanced with unique design touches that exude sophistication and sportiness.

The Alfa Romeo Intensa Series shines across lineup, including Tonale, Giulia, Stelvio and Junior. (Picture from: Carscoops)

One of the standout features of the Intensa series is its signature gold accents. From revised rims to refined detailing, these elements add a luxurious sparkle to the lineup. The rims themselves are a testament to meticulous craftsmanship, showcasing a sleek Miron gray finish complemented by light gold highlights. Sizes vary across models, with 18-inch rims for the compact Junior, 19 inches for the Giulia, and an imposing 20 inches for both the Tonale and Stelvio.

The Alfa Romeo Intensa series model stands out with 20-inch two-tone wheels, Dark Miron gray details, and a sporty design featuring gloss black moldings and tailpipes. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The exterior aesthetics are further enhanced with black brake calipers adorned with gold Alfa Romeo lettering, a perfect pairing with the black exterior accents. The Giulia and Stelvio models take things a step further by incorporating the Italian flag colors on their mirror caps, a nod to their heritage and the brand's Italian roots.

The Alfa Romeo Intensa series model features a refined interior with black Alcantara, contrasting leather-colored stitching, and exclusive seats, creating an upscale atmosphere while staying true to the brand's dynamic spirit. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Inside, the cabin treatments reflect the same attention to detail. Premium materials like aluminum, Alcantara, and finely stitched leather dominate the interiors. The Giulia and Stelvio models sport a fiery red center armrest paired with coordinated stitching, while the Tonale features brown inserts and a sophisticated mix of brown and beige stitching. 

The Alfa Romeo Intensa series model features a refined interior with black Alcantara, contrasting leather-colored stitching, and exclusive seats, creating an upscale atmosphere while staying true to the brand's dynamic spirit. (Picture from: Carscoops)

The Junior model keeps things sleek yet warm with Alcantara seats and anthracite stitching. This special edition also underscores Alfa Romeo's desire to create exclusivity. Each detail, from the carefully selected materials to the thoughtful design choices, speaks to the brand’s commitment to producing vehicles that are as much works of art as they are performance machines. 

The Alfa Romeo Intensa series model features a refined interior with black Alcantara, contrasting leather-colored stitching, and exclusive seats, creating an upscale atmosphere while staying true to the brand's dynamic spirit. (Picture from: Carscoops)

Visitors to the Brussels Motor Show will be the first to witness this blend of beauty and engineering, as the Intensa series takes center stage alongside other models like the Junior 280 Veloce and the breathtaking 33 Stradale. 

As excitement builds for the January event, it’s clear that Alfa Romeo’s latest unveiling will leave a lasting impression. With the Intensa series, the brand not only honors its storied past but also sets the stage for a bright and exhilarating future. Every curve, every stitch, and every gleaming gold accent embodies Alfa Romeo’s timeless pursuit of excellence—crafted not just for the road, but for the soul. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | STELLANTIS | CARSCOOPS | CLUBALFA.IT | CARBUZZ | ITALPASSION.FR ]

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Bertone's Bold Creation: Alfa Romeo 2600 HS

Vanished Masterpiece - Throughout automotive history, many masterpieces of design have graced the roads, leaving enthusiasts captivated by their elegance and ingenuity. However, some of these gems have faded into obscurity, their brief existences overshadowed by more commercially successful counterparts. Among these rare treasures lies the Alfa Romeo 2600 HS, a car whose story is as compelling as its design.

The Alfa Romeo 2600 HS, a one-off prototype by Bertone, redefined styling with its radical design on the Tipo 106 Alfa 2600 platform. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

In the early 1960s, Alfa Romeo was carving its legacy in the automotive world with a blend of performance and sophistication. The journey began with the 2000 Sprint, a luxurious coupe introduced in 1960. With only 700 units produced by 1962, it marked an era of exclusivity. That same year, Bertone, a renowned Italian design house, unveiled a convertible version of the 2000 Sprint. Although this variant never entered commercial production, Bertone’s creative touch laid the foundation for future iconic designs.

The Alfa Romeo 2600 HS boasted a striking front fascia reminiscent of the Studebaker Avanti, complemented by Alfa Romeo's signature shield grille, double horizontal air vents, and an aggressive hood scoop that hinted at its performance prowess (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

In 1963, Alfa Romeo introduced the Giulia GT at the Frankfurt Motor Show, a model that replaced the Giulietta Sprint. Its sleek design and dynamic performance captivated car enthusiasts, leading to the production of over 200,000 units by 1977. The Giulia GT's versatility extended beyond the road, finding success on racetracks worldwide. This momentum inspired Bertone to take bold design steps with Alfa Romeo's lineup.

The Alfa Romeo 2600 HS housed a 2,584 cc naturally aspirated inline-six engine with three Solex carburetors, delivering 145 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque at 5,900 rpm, paired with a five-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

The same year saw the creation of the Alfa Romeo 2600 Sprint HS, a one-off prototype crafted by Bertone. Built on the Tipo 106 Alfa 2600 platform, it showcased a radical departure from conventional styling. Its striking front fascia, reminiscent of the Studebaker Avanti, was balanced by Alfa Romeo's signature shield grille and double horizontal air vents. The prominent hood scoop added a touch of aggression, hinting at the performance hidden beneath.

The Alfa Romeo 2600 HS showcased a bold and radical departure from conventional styling, pushing the boundaries of design with its unique and striking features. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Under the hood, the 2600 Sprint HS featured a 2,584 cc naturally aspirated inline-six engine equipped with three Solex carburetors. This powertrain delivered 145 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque at 5,900 rpm, channeled to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. This configuration embodied the brand's commitment to blending power with precision engineering.

The Alfa Romeo 2600 HS tragically disappeared into the annals of history, its existence now shrouded in mystery with its current whereabouts unknown and its legacy preserved only through rare photographs and scattered records. (Picture from: Carrozzieri-Italiani)

Bertone’s ambition didn’t stop with the 2600 HS. In the same period, they designed another one-off model, the Giulia Sprint Speciale, and later the Canguro—a revolutionary coupe on the Giulia TZ chassis. The Canguro, introduced at the 1964 Turin Motor Show, showcased futuristic design elements like flush-mounted windows and a wraparound body panel. These designs, though advanced for their time, remained unique prototypes, never entering mass production.

 

Tragically, the Alfa Romeo 2600 HS vanished into the annals of history, its current whereabouts unknown. Its disappearance adds an air of mystery to a car already shrouded in exclusivity. With only photographs and sparse documentation remaining, the 2600 HS represents a fleeting moment of automotive brilliance, a testament to the innovation and artistry of its creators.

This story of the Alfa Romeo 2600 HS serves as a reminder of the countless creations that have quietly enriched the automotive world. Though the car itself may be lost, its spirit lives on, inspiring those who cherish the legacy of bold design and uncompromising craftsmanship. Through its tale, we find a celebration of ingenuity—a fleeting yet enduring echo of an extraordinary era. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSTYLING.RU | CARROZZIERI-ITALIANI | ULTIMATESPECS | CAR.INFO | CARSADDICTION | STORY-CARS | VIRTUAGARAGE | MOTORSPORTIMAGES | CARSTHATNEVERMADEITETC ]

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This is the Lamborghini Tumbler Batman Would Drive

Heroic Elegance - When we think of iconic vehicles in the world of superheroes, the Batmobile inevitably comes to mind. Known for its tough, tank-like build and advanced weaponry, the Batmobile has always been designed to withstand Gotham’s chaos. But imagine if Bruce Wayne, always in pursuit of perfection, decided to swap his traditional Batmobile for something that mirrored his refined taste and love for speed. Something more aligned with his personal style during the day, while still having the capacity to transform into a powerful crime-fighting machine when the Bat-Signal shines through the night sky.

This is the Lamborghini Tumbler that Batman would approve of. (Picture from: HotCars)

It’s no secret that Bruce Wayne has a soft spot for Lamborghinis, a symbol of luxury and performance. So, what if he took that passion and infused it with the essence of his iconic Batmobile? That’s where the idea of a Lamborghini Tumbler comes into play, and thanks to the creative genius @an_improbable_future, we can now envision what this supercar hybrid might look like.

The Lamborghini Tumbler is a bold fusion of Lamborghini’s sharp, angular design and the Batmobile’s rugged, formidable features. (Picture from: HotCars)

The Lamborghini Tumbler is a striking fusion of Lamborghini’s sharp, angular design and the rugged, formidable features of the Batmobile. The artist’s concept features a sleek, low-profile body that embodies the signature style of Lamborghini, with futuristic elements that reflect the power and prowess expected of any vehicle worthy of the Dark Knight. This isn’t just a car; it’s a statement. The oversized tires take center stage, positioned far beyond the body’s sleek lines. They’re mounted on exposed rods that give the car a muscular, aggressive look. These tires are built to endure the harshest terrains, from Gotham’s winding streets to the murky paths surrounding Arkham Asylum.

Like other Batmobiles, the Lamborghini Tumbler is equipped with advanced technology, featuring a cabin dominated by sleek black tones. (Picture from: HotCars)

While the design remains unnamed by the artist, it’s easy to see why this creation has garnered so much attention. The Lamborghini Tumbler exudes an intimidating presence. Its aggressive stance demands respect, and it’s impossible to imagine anyone not getting out of the way when it’s on the move. This is the ultimate blend of a supercar's grace and a superhero’s might. It’s not just a flashy ride; it’s a machine that could conquer any challenge with ease.

The Lamborghini Tumbler isn’t just a car; it’s a statement, with oversized tires extending beyond its sleek body, mounted on exposed rods for a muscular, aggressive look. (Picture from: HotCars)

What makes this vehicle so fascinating is how seamlessly it fits into Bruce Wayne’s dual life. By day, it could be parked among the luxurious cars at Wayne Enterprises, unnoticed by all but the most discerning eyes. But when Gotham needs its protector, this Lamborghini Tumbler transforms. With its combination of speed, agility, and pure raw power, it becomes a high-speed marvel, just as capable in a chase as it is in a showdown. It’s a version of the Batmobile that values agility over brute strength, all while keeping the fierce aura that Batman's vehicle has always carried.

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This Lamborghini Tumbler shows that even superheroes can enjoy the best of both worlds. By marrying luxury and utility, it offers a glimpse into the future of superhero vehicles, where style and strength coexist seamlessly. Bruce Wayne would surely approve of this sleek yet imposing ride—perfect for both his billion-dollar lifestyle and his crime-fighting alter ego. ✨Happy Holiday...⛄ *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HOTCARS ]

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Revolutionary Flying Car GOVE: GAC Group's Leap Into Urban Air Mobility

Skybound Mobility - In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, GAC Group has once again proven its commitment to pushing boundaries by unveiling its groundbreaking flying car, the GOVE, at the prestigious China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in late 2024. This innovative creation signifies not just a leap forward for the company but also a redefinition of urban mobility and aerial transportation. With its state-of-the-art features and a vision that blends functionality with futuristic design, the GOVE stands as a testament to GAC’s relentless pursuit of innovation.

GAC Group has once again proven its commitment to pushing boundaries by unveiling its groundbreaking flying car, the GOVE. (Picture from: BlackXperience)