Electrified Ambition - The global automotive industry has been riding the electric wave for quite some time now, with brands from Europe, Asia, and America fighting for dominance. But every so often, a newcomer arrives from an unexpected place, determined to carve out its own lane. That is exactly what’s happening in Russia, where a startup named Kama has been busy shaping its first fully home-grown EV — the Atom. It’s a bold project that has been in development since 2021, and as of today, the car is inching closer to production reality.
The Kama Atom is a gadget-like electric car designed, to fit the perfect concept of new urban mobility in modern megacities. (Picture from: En.IZ.ru)
Kama is not moving alone in this journey. Backed by strong financial support from the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the company has also tapped into expertise from Atom Automotive Engineering and Technology in Nanjing, China. This collaboration is more than just business; it’s a strategic step for Russia to fortify its struggling auto industry in the aftermath of sanctions and market disruptions since early 2022. The Atom is expected to play a key role in reshaping Russia’s domestic car landscape while still leaning on international partnerships to get things off the ground.
The Kama Atom features short front and rear overhangs with a long wheelbase for a roomy cabin, measuring 3,995 mm by 1,790 mm by 1,643 mm with a 2,635 mm wheelbase, a turning radius under five meters, and wheel options ranging from 17 to 19 inches. (Picture from: BlackXperience)
When the first images surfaced in mid-2023, many were curious about what Russia’s entry into the EV world would look like. The photos revealed a vehicle that didn’t simply mimic Western or Asian models but instead carried its own unique twist. Its silhouette has a resemblance to the MG 4, yet the Atom stands taller, with a longer presence on the road. The face is striking: slim LED headlights connected by a light bar, a smooth nose without the traditional grille, and hidden main beams tucked into the bumper. It’s a futuristic take, one that seems influenced by the latest Chinese EVs but still fresh enough to turn heads on its own.
The Kama Atom is equipped with a number of technologies used in the premium class, including augmented reality display with projection on the windshield, remote access and start of the electric car from the phone, automatic parking, advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). (Picture from: Zhibokanche)
From the side, the design shows off short front and rear overhangs combined with a surprisingly long wheelbase, suggesting a roomy interior despite its compact size. Officially, the Atom measures 3,995 mm in length, 1,790 mm in width, and 1,643 mm in height, riding on a 2,635 mm wheelbase. Its turning radius is just under five meters, making it agile enough for city driving, while buyers will be able to choose wheels between 17 and 19 inches.
The Kama Atom has achieved Vehicle Type Approval in Russia, paving the way for mass production and sales with both a standard passenger version and a taxi model that removes the front passenger seat for added rider space. (Picture from: Zhibokanche)
Beneath the body, the numbers are promising. The Atomcomes with a 204-horsepower motor mounted on the rear axle, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in eight seconds and top out at 170 km/h. Power comes from a 77 kWh battery that delivers a driving range of up to 500 km, a figure that puts it in line with international competitors. Charging performance is equally practical: in just eight minutes, drivers can regain enough energy to cover an additional 100 km. These specs put the Atom firmly in the conversation with other mid-market EVs around the world.
The Kama Atom features a steering wheel with a touchscreen running its operating system, which switches to driving mode while projecting key information onto the windshield. (Picture from: Autostat.ru)
The car has already cleared one major milestone by receiving Vehicle Type Approval in Russia, which means mass production and official sales are now on the horizon. Interestingly, the certification covers both a standard passenger version and a taxi-oriented model, the latter ditching the front passenger seat to optimize space for riders. Beyond that, Kama has confirmed thata delivery van variantis under development, while a separate electric sedan project calledthe Lightninghas also been quietly previewed.
The Kama Atom is powered by a 204-horsepower rear-axle motor paired with a 77 kWh battery, enabling 0–100 km/h in eight seconds, a top speed of 170 km/h, and a range of up to 500 km, placing it on par with global competitors. (Picture from: Zhibokanche)
Production plans are ambitious. Kama has completed the setup of its assembly line in Moscow, including body welding, painting, testing, and calibration zones. Officials have stated that industrial production should kick off before the year ends, with wider availability expected in 2026. And for government fleets, there’s even a special package tailored for civil servants, featuring a tweaked interior and limited color options — black or white. | gxti2GYE-b8 |
For a country that has faced severe disruptions in its automotive supply chain, the Atom is more than just a car. It’s a symbol of self-reliance and a statement that Russia doesn’t intend to sit on the sidelines while the EV revolution accelerates globally. While it’s still too early to predict how the Atom will perform in terms of sales or reliability, the project has already shown enough ambition to spark attention beyond its borders. If Kama delivers on its promises, Russia’s Atom might just become one of the most unexpected players in the fast-moving EV race. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || KAMA ENGINEERINGEN.IZ.RU | WAM.EA | CARSCOOPS | BLACKXPERIENCE | ZHIBOKANCHE | AUTOSTAT.RU | RUSSIATODAY IN X ]
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Chrome Legacy - When people think about the 1950s, images of jukeboxes, soda fountains, and chrome-heavy automobiles usually come to mind. Cars in that era weren’t just a means of transportation—they were statements of optimism, creativity, and American confidence. Among the many names that stood out on the road, the Plymouth Belvedere held a special place. But its fame wasn’t just about style and engineering. Decades later, in 2007, the world was reminded ofthe Belvedere’slegacy when a particular model, sealed away as a time capsule in Tulsa, Oklahoma since 1957, was finally unearthed. That moment rekindled global fascination with both the car and the story behind it.
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere captured the era's space-age spirit with a sleek horizontal grille beneath a bonnet stripped of ornamentation, marked only by the Plymouth lettering. (Picture from: CarsAndRacingStuff)
The Plymouth Belvedere itself had already enjoyed a colorful history long before being buried beneath Tulsa’s courthouse lawn. Originally introduced as part of the Plymouth Cranbrook line in 1951, it debuted as a two-door pillarless hardtop, the company’s response to rivals like the Chevrolet Bel Air and Ford Victoria. At the time, its elegant roofline and 217.8 cubic-inch straight-six engine producing 97 horsepower made it a serious contender in the affordable car market. Plymouth refined the Belvedere over the years, adding unique styling touches such as the two-tone “saddleback” paint option in 1952 and an updated, sleeker design with a one-piece windshield in 1953.
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere showcases an interior designed for both comfort and style, reflecting the elegance and innovation of its era. (Picture from: Classic-American)
By 1954, the Belvedere stepped out from its Cranbrook roots and became a full-fledged model line, offered as sedans, station wagons, convertibles, and hardtops. Plymouth gave it bigger engines and, for the first time, a fully automatic transmission. Virgil Exner’s bold “Forward Look” styling arrived in 1955, setting the tone for the dramatic fins and push-button transmissions that defined mid-1950s Plymouths. It was during these years that the Belvedere solidified its reputation as a stylish yet approachable choice for American families. Chrysler even experimented with futuristic ideas, famously installing a turbine engine intoa Belvedere in 1956 for a public relations campaign that captured national attention.
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere was powered by robust V8 engines, including the Fury 301 and the High-Performance PowerPAC, delivering impressive performance for its time.(Picture from: Classic-American)
The year 1957 was especially pivotal. Plymouth’s marketing proudly declared, “Suddenly, it’s 1960!” to highlight just how futuristic the new Belvedere appeared compared to its competition. With optional V8s likethe Fury 301 and the High-Performance PowerPAC, along with sweeping tailfins, the Belvedere embodied the forward-thinking, space-age spirit of the era. This was the very model that would be buried as Tulsa’s time capsule—an automotive snapshot of American ambition.
The 1957 Plymouth Belvedere reveals its rear three-quarter view, highlighted by dramatic sweeping tailfins that define its iconic 1950s styling.(Picture from: CarsAndRacingStuff)
When the car was finally revealed in 2007, it wasn’t the gleaming masterpiece people had dreamed of. Decades underground had not been kind, and instead of a pristine time traveler from the 1950s, Miss Belvedere emerged weathered, corroded, and deeply scarred by years of moisture. Yet, in a way, that only made her more meaningful. The car wasn’t just an artifact—it was a tangible reminder of history’s imperfections, a symbol of how time changes everything while memories endure. Classic car enthusiasts worldwide didn’t see a ruined vehicle; they saw a story brought back to life. | DN0IQy_5mds |
Today, the Plymouth Belvedere is remembered not only for its production run from 1954 through 1970 but also for its moment in the spotlight as a literal time capsule. The name might have been retired and replaced by models like the Satellite and Fury, but its legacy continues to ripple through automotive culture. Whether in movies like Christine or in the collective memory of that unforgettable day in Tulsa, the Belvedere remains more than just a car. It is a piece of mid-century imagination, a bridge between past dreams and present nostalgia, and proof that sometimes the stories we bury turn out to be the ones that last the longest. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSANDRACINGSTUFF | CLASSIC-AMERICAN | WIKIPEDIA | PAUL26443656 IN X ]
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Inventive Motion - Passion for cars often begins in the smallest, most personal places — a cluttered garage, a childhood sketchbook, a father’s influence. For Zoltán Peredy, that spark lit early and never faded. Born in 1963, he grew up in an environment charged with mechanical creativity. His father, Árpád Peredy, was a man who breathed machinery — a builder of locomotives, trucks, and even jet-powered boats. That inherited energy would later define Zoltán’s life, turning him into a relentless creator whose love for vehicle design refused to be boxed in by convention, budget, or mainstream appeal.
The Brokernet Silver Sting, a racing car designed by Zoltán Peredy for Bovi Motorsport, was built with aerospace-grade materials like kevlar, carbon fiber, and titanium, weighing just 1,100 kg and powered by a 437-horsepower Porsche 911 GT3 engine. (Picture from: DeviantArt)
Electrifying Boldness - Electric cars are rapidly transforming the way we think about speed, design, and driving excitement. In this era of innovation, concept vehicles serve as a window into the future, showcasing what automakers imagine beyond traditional limitations. Hyundai has recently captured attention with one of its most daring creations yet: the Hyundai Insteroid, an electric concept car that fuses aggressive styling with high-performance engineering.
The Hyundai Insteroid is Hyundai’s most daring electric concept car yet, blending aggressive styling with cutting-edge performance engineering. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
The Hyundai Insteroid marks a bold step in the automaker’s design journey. Its name combines "Inster" and "Steroid,"hinting at a small yet remarkably powerful presence. Although compact in size, the Insteroidcommands attention with a wide, muscular stance reminiscent ofHyundai’s RN24 drift concept. A specially designed body kit enhances its aerodynamic profile, while over fenders seamlessly merge with a redesigned front bumper, projecting both strength and speed.
The Hyundai Insteroid features a specially designed body kit with over fenders that flow into a redesigned front bumper, creating an aerodynamic profile that radiates strength and speed. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
At the rear, a diffuser contributes to the car’s dynamic silhouette, and the rally-inspired 21-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires underline its performance-oriented personality. Hyundai has openly cited video games, particularly “Need for Speed,” as a source of creative inspiration for the Insteroid, blending virtual thrill with real-world design.
The Hyundai Insteroid marks a bold step in the automaker’s design journey, with a name combining "Inster" and "Steroid" to reflect its compact yet powerful presence. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Inside, the Insteroid continues to emphasize excitement and functionality. Racing seats with integrated seatbelts, a roll cage, and a steering wheel equipped with "Boost," "Race," "Track," and Drift modes transform the cabin into a driver-focused cockpit. Hyundai also partnered with Beat House for the car’s audio system, ensuring a premium sound experience. Notably, the charging port has been repositioned from the front to the rear window, reflecting thoughtful design adjustments for practicality and aesthetics.
The Hyundai Insteroid emphasizes excitement inside with racing seats, a roll cage, and a steering wheel offering "Boost," "Race," "Track," and Drift modes for a driver-focused cockpit. (Picture from: Carscoops)
Under the hood—or rather, beneath the sleek body—the Insteroidshares its powertrain withthe Ioniq 5 N. Its dual electric motors, powered by an 84 kWh battery, produce an impressive 478 kW, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 3.4 seconds. Such performance statistics underscore Hyundai’s commitment to blending electrification with thrilling driving dynamics, even in a concept model.
The Hyundai Insteroid presents a dynamic silhouette with a massive roof-mounted spoiler, a rear diffuser, and rally-inspired 21-inch Pirelli wheels that highlight its performance-driven character. (Picture from: OtoBlitz)
Eduardo Ramirez, Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Europe, describedthe Insteroidproject as a chance to explore “limitless creativity,” leveraging video game-inspired ideas to craft an emotional, engaging vision for the Hyundai brand. While Hyundai has no immediate plans to bringthe Insteroidto production, the concept serves as a compelling invitation for younger audiences to engage with the evolving automotive world. | W2zaCtzUItY |
In essence, the Hyundai Insteroid stands as more than just a concept car—it’s a bold statement of what electric performance can look like when imagination meets technology. Its aggressive design, high-powered drivetrain, and immersive interior reflect a future where electric vehicles are not only sustainable but thrilling, playful, and visually striking. The Insteroid embodies a vision of speed and style that is unmistakably Hyundai, pushing the boundaries of what a modern electric car can be. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | HYUNDAI | CARSCOOPS | OTOBLITZ ]
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Chromed Majesty - The late 1950s were a golden era for American automotive design—an age when cars didn't just get you from point A to point B, they made a statement. Bold lines, sweeping fins, and jet-inspired styling defined the streets. Every model seemed to shout louder than the next, each one a chrome-laden expression of post-war optimism and flair. And among them, the Dodge Custom Royal stood out—not only for its looks, but for the meticulous craftsmanship and engineering that came with it.
1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-Door Hardtop. (Picture from: EGAuctions)
By 1959, Dodge had taken everything it had learned from the decade and poured it into the Custom Royal. It wasn’t merely an upper-tier model—it was the crown jewel of Dodge’s lineup. Built on a DeSoto chassis, the Custom Royal shared a foundation with some of Chrysler’s most stylish creations, but distinguished itself with its own personality. Where other Dodge models like the Coronet and Royalsettled for simpler trim, the Custom Royal leaned into luxury. It was offered in several configurations—sedan, convertible, and two distinct Lancer pillarless hardtop variants—each one tailored for the driver who wanted a little more of everything.
1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-Door Hardtop. (Picture from: EGAuctions)
Under the hood, choices were plentiful and powerful. The base powerplant was the reliable 230-cubic inch L-head straight-six, but those seeking more excitement could opt for the 325-cubic inch Red Ram V8. For enthusiasts, Dodge upped the ante with the D-501 package—a performance option that took muscle and precision to another level. Borrowing Chrysler’s formidable 354 CID Hemi V8 left over from the 300B, the D-501 variant was no mere parts-bin creation.
1959 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer 2-Door Hardtop. (Picture from: EGAuctions)
It incorporated camshafts from the newer 392 engines, dual Carter four-barrel carburetors, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio to push an impressive 340 horsepower. It wasn’t just fast—it was engineered for performance, with heavy-duty suspension, torsion-bar front springs, and massive 12-inch brake drums to bring all that speed under control.
1957 Dodge Custom Royal 4-Door Sedan. (Picture from: Wikipedia)
Transmission choices included a standard three-speed manual mated to a 3.73:1 rear axle, though automatic-equipped versions came with a 3.18:1 setup. What made the D-501 even more compelling was its adaptability: a staggering thirteen optional rear axle ratios were available, from 2.92:1 for long, smooth cruising to a stump-pulling 6.17:1. Tires were equally robust—7.60x15 on wide 15x8 wheels—ensuring grip matched the power.
1959 Dodge Custom Royal 2-Door Convertible. (Picture from: TradeUniqueCars)
The Custom Royal wasn’t about excess for its own sake; it was a carefully considered blend of style, comfort, and mechanical sophistication. Its tailfins weren’t just dramatic—they were aerodynamic. Its interior wasn’t just plush—it was coordinated down to the smallest detail, evoking the idea of tailor-made precision that few cars of the era could claim. Everything from the grille to the trim lines, from the steering wheel to the badges, reflected a design philosophy centered on individuality and prestige.
1959 Dodge Custom Royal 2-Door Convertible. (Picture from: TradeUniqueCars)
With just over 21,000 units produced in 1959, the Custom Royal represented a modest slice of Dodge’s total output—but it left a lasting impression. That year marked the end of the line for the Custom Royal, closing a chapter that began in 1955. It went out not quietly, but confidently, having cemented its place in automotive history as a car that captured the spirit of its time—bold, bright, and unapologetically grand. | vnfv18Bdqgw |
Today, a well-preserved Dodge Custom Royal isn’t just a collectible—it’s a rolling memory of when cars were built with ambition, imagination, and a whole lot of chrome. For those who admire the era when style and performance held equal value, this Dodgeremains one of the most compelling examples of what made the 1950s unforgettable on four wheels. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CONCEPTCARZ | EGAUCTIONS | TRADEUNIQUECARS | WIKIPEDIA ]
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Wooden Wonder - In the world of custom vehicles, there's no shortage of wild ideas and eccentric creators—but every now and then, something truly extraordinary rolls into view. In an age dominated by metal, plastic, and carbon fiber, the idea of a wooden car might sound like something out of a fairy tale or a craftsman's daydream. Yet, nestled in the peaceful countryside of Pembrokeshire, a tiny village in Wales became the birthplace of one of the most curious automotive marvels ever built: the Tryane II, a handcrafted wooden three-wheeler unlike anything seen before.
The Tryane II crafted in the 1980s by a British cabinetmaker named Friend Wood in the peaceful countryside of Pembrokeshire, a tiny village in Wales, this unusual vehicle is more than just a novelty. (Picture from: EcoFriend)
Crafted in the 1980s by a British cabinetmaker with a fitting name—Friend Wood—this unusual vehicle is more than just a novelty. Inspired by boatbuilding techniques and driven by the desire to defy conventional thinking, Wood set out to build a car that would prove that craftsmanship and creativity could challenge automotive norms. His goal? To construct everything from scratch, excluding only the engine and drivetrain. And the results were nothing short of astonishing.
The Tryane II's body is built entirely from a mahogany variety called Kahya, sourced from Africa, took over 600 hours of careful layering and gluing, along with 20,000 staples that were later removed.(Picture from: Best of British on Facebook)
The Tryane II's soul lies in its deep roots—literally. Its body is built entirely from a mahogany variety called Kahya, sourced from Africa. This exotic hardwood was selected not just for its beauty, but for its surprising strength, light weight, and resistance to environmental threats such as moisture, rot, insects, and even fire, when treated properly. Friend Wood didn’t just use any wood—he used boat-grade, epoxy-impregnated plywood applied through a meticulous process known as cold moulding. Over 600 hours of careful layering and gluing, along with 20,000 staples that were later removed, went into forming the car’s elegant tear-drop body, resulting in a structure that is both aerodynamic and durable.
The Tryane II's body was built in two major shell-like components over a hand-sculpted male mold, a technique familiar to shipbuilders but foreign to car manufacturers.(Picture from: Aventure-Citroen-Min.Forumactif)
The body was built in two major shell-like components over a hand-sculpted male mold, a technique familiar to shipbuilders but foreign to car manufacturers. The monocoque frame of the Tryane II rivals the rigidity of truck chassis, yet it’s far lighter—only about 900 pounds (408 kg).
The Tryane II is an elegant evolution—one that captured the attention of the public when it appeared at the 1989 global Citroën 2CV gathering in Orléans. (Picture from: Aventure-Citroen-Min.Forumactif)
This lean design, combined with its aerodynamic shape, allows
the car to reach speeds of up to 100 mph (160 km/h) while achieving
fuel efficiency between 55 to 70 miles per gallon (4.3 L/100 km). Powering this impressive wooden shell is a modest but effective two-cylinder, air-cooled 602 cc boxer engine salvaged from a 1969 Citroën Dyane 6, matched with suspension components from the classic Citroën 2CV.
The Tryane II features a cockpit inspired by Formula 1 monocoques, designed as a seamless, unified structure.(Picture from: Best of British on Facebook)
As for its name, the Tryane II is a clever nod to its origins: a fusion of “three wheels” and the “Dyane” model it borrows from. Its predecessor, the Tryane I, was rougher around the edges, but this second version is an elegant evolution—one that captured the attention of the public when it appeared at the 1989 global Citroën 2CV gathering in Orléans.
The Tryane II's seating area hides thoughtful design choices, such as a removable seatback to access the spare wheel and shock absorbers, and a floor that can be lifted to reach key suspension and exhaust components.(Picture from: Best of British on Facebook)
While the vehicle’s performance is notable, it’s the design process that truly defines the Tryane II. Friend Wood started by sketching the vehicle at 1:5 scale, creating detailed models, and transferring full-sized outlines onto wooden panels. He sculpted the body’s mold from softwood and particle board, onto which he laid three thin layers of mahogany veneer, laminated with epoxy to form the final shape. Even the tank, which holds 30 liters, is built from reinforced plywood with interior baffles to prevent fuel sloshing. The windows and headlights are fitted with plexiglass, and components like the windshield—repurposed from the rear window of a Saab 96—were ingeniously reused for their perfect curvature.
The Tryane II takes its name from a clever blend of “three wheels” and the Citroën “Dyane” model it’s based on. (Picture from: WeirdWheels on Reddit)
Inside, the Tryane II’s cockpit draws inspiration from Formula 1 monocoques, emphasizing a single, flowing structure. The seating area hides thoughtful design choices, such as a removable seatback to access the spare wheel and shock absorbers, and a floor that can be lifted to reach key suspension and exhaust components. Even the hinges on the front cover were repurposed from Citroën 2CV doors, reflecting Wood’s talent for reimagining familiar parts in new contexts.
The Tryane II showcases a varnished mahogany body whose natural grain glows in the light, creating a striking sculptural presence. (Picture from: Best of British on Facebook)
It’s impossible to overlook the visual charm of the Tryane II. The natural grain of its varnished mahogany body glows in the light, giving it an almost sculptural presence. Wherever Friend Wood traveled in his creation, crowds gathered, amazed not just by the craftsmanship, but by the sheer boldness of the concept. And he always welcomed their curiosity, answering every question with the enthusiasm of someone who had spent over 2,000 hours turning imagination into reality. | qE02kbC0yP8 |
More than just a quirky DIY project, the Tryane II stands as a celebration of ingenuity, patience, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. It reminds us that with the right mix of vision and skill, even the most unconventional materials can be transformed into something truly extraordinary. And in a world racing toward automation and synthetic design, this wooden wonder from Wales gently taps the brakes—and turns every head along the way. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | NEWS.BBC | AVENTURE-CITROEN-MIN.FORUMACTIF | ELEPHANTANDCHICKEN | ECOFRIEND | BEST OF BRITISH ON FACEBOOK ]
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For a country that has faced severe disruptions in its automotive supply chain, the Atom is more than just a car. It’s a symbol of self-reliance and a statement that Russia doesn’t intend to sit on the sidelines while the EV revolution accelerates globally. While it’s still too early to predict how the Atom will perform in terms of sales or reliability, the project has already shown enough ambition to spark attention beyond its borders. If Kama delivers on its promises, Russia’s Atom might just become one of the most unexpected players in the fast-moving EV race. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES || KAMA ENGINEERING EN.IZ.RU | WAM.EA | CARSCOOPS | BLACKXPERIENCE | ZHIBOKANCHE | AUTOSTAT.RU | RUSSIATODAY IN X ]
