KIA automotive company through KIA Motor America (KMA) introduced a prototype of their newest electric car named KIA HabaNiro in Manhattan, United States. As reported by AutoExpress on Sunday, April 21, 2019, the concept car comes with a futuristic design and equipped with a nice looking door model stretching upwards like a butterfly.
KIA HabaNiro concept car is Next generation KIA SUV and dubbed as "The Everything Car." (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9YDRg)
The four-seat electric car is equipped with a full electric drive, combined with all-wheel drive (AWD) mode and claimed to be able to go as far as 483 km.
Furthermore, the South Korean automotive manufacturer claims, that this concept car provides comfort while navigating on the streets of the city, maneuvering in the turns of coastal roads and off-road as well as providing confidence when adventuring in remote wilderness in other word is “The Everything Car.”
KIA HabaNiro concept car has been debuted at 2019 North America International Auto Show (NAIAS). (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DEh7lM)
According to Tom Kearns, Vice President of KIA Design Center America (KDCA), that HabaNiro is not a supercar type car, but a vehicle that accommodates the needs of mobility in all fields, by prioritizing the practicality offered by electric car technology.
"We imagined a car for everyone and approached everything. Then, when we saw this product in its finished form, we were fascinated by the imagination of the HabaNiro designers and the technology it offered so we wanted to hurry up," said Tom.
Rear three quarter of KIA HabaNiro concept car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2W9YDRg)
HabaNiro
looks tough and handsome because of the use of 20-inch rims with the butterfly door-typed
that lifts out. Due to the door design makes passengers more free to go in and
out of the cabin.
The possibility with the presence of HabaNIro will open a new vehicle segment that combines electric drive technology with the ability of a crossover, sport, which is also suitable for adventure to work everyday. While on the other hand, KIA has not yet announced whether HabaNiro will be mass-produced, or only still as a concept car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | KIA | AUTONXT]
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For those of you who may still be confused with the 'scooter' term and what is the difference with an ordinary motorcycle. The definition of 'scooter' is a type of two-wheeled vehicle or motorcycle with a frame that is one with the body (monocoque) so that its rider has a special platform to put his feet.
Unique shaped scooters (in pictured: Unibus scooter) from the past. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UyYDZB)
Perhaps when it was first shown to the public in the past, its shape was not as we know it now. And maybe you will ask about how unique the shape of the scooter was when it first began to be developed in the past. Here're unique shaped of pioneered scooter was built in early 19th up to 20th centuries;
1. Hildebrand und Wolfmuller
Scooter design began to develop since 1914, but long before there's a German manufacturer named Hildebrand und Wolfmuller had pioneered the first model of scooter in early nineteenth century. But the Hildebrand und Wolfmuller models are not well developed due to the complexity of the design, including the rear wheels which are driven directly by the engine piston as well as on the steam locomotives.
This is Hildebrand und Wolfmüller motorcycle was brought by an Englishman named John C. Potter in 1893 and later known as the first motorcycle in Indonesia. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/1Nwfrq1)
But amazingly, this German-made scooter was the figure of a motorcycle that first stopped in Indonesia (at that time still called the Dutch East Indies) which was imported directly by a British named John C. Potter in 1893. (Here's the full story).
2. Auto-Fauteuil
In 1902, a French manufacturer made a scooter named Auto-Fauteuil which is often regarded as one of the forerunners of the modern scooter. Unlike today's scooters, Auto-Fauteuil scooters drive the rear wheels with a chain system, just like an ordinary motorcycle. Its trademark is the rider's seat adopts a (house) chair model with arms and backrests.
Auto-Fauteuil 1908 model "Tour" 490 cc, water cooled, single frame. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2UR5VwD)
And the story behind the creation of this scooter is also quite unique, it all began when the French factory named Georges Gauthier and Cie. in Blois, Loir-et -Cher, which is actually an auto-parts manufacturer tried to make a scooter.
The scooter manufactured between 1902 and 1922 and the presence of these scooters was quite attention-grabbing in the eyes of the bikers of the era. At first the power units were supplied by De Dion Bouton, but by 1906 Gauthier used his own engines. These engines could be ordered in several capacities, with magneto or battery and coil ignition and engines could be air-cooled or water cooled.
3. Autoped
Then the first generation of scooters was marked by the appearance of Autoped in 1915. The Autoped was an early motor scooter or motorized scooter manufactured by the Autoped Company of Long Island City, New York from 1915 to 1921.
To ride the Autoped had a unique way, namely the driver stood on a platform with 10-inch tires and operated the machine by pushing the handlebars forward, while for braking, the driver must pull the handlebars towards the rear.
The engine was an air-cooled, 4-stroke, 155 cc engine over the front wheel. The bike came with a headlamp and tail lamp, a Klaxon horn, and a toolbox. Developed during wartime and gasoline rationing, it was quite efficient, but was not widely distributed and used (for example, used by traffic police officers).
4. Unibus
Next unique scooter is a scooter from England which is also included in the first generation scooter category. The scooter was named Unibus, ie a scooter produced by a British company called Gloster Aircraft Co. and before producing scooters, this British company founded in 1917 had been producing airplanes which were used during the first world war. And at the end of the war which was precisely in 1920, the company decided to switch to producing two-wheeled vehicles, namely Scooters.
Unibus scooter as display at the Jet Age Museum in Gloucestershire, England. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2DuB6Ds)
This unique scooter designer is Harold Boultbee who is also an engineer at those British manufacturing company. In its heyday, Unibus was a scooter that used a fairly sophisticated engine so many people at that time dubbed it "The Car On Two Wheels". The Unibus scooter uses a 2-stroke one-cylinder air-cooled engine with a capacity of 270 cc. These engine is capable of producing power up to 2.5 horsepower, which then delivers the power to the rear wheels through the two-speed manual transmission system. Then the legs that allow this scooter to roll on the road are a pair of 16-inch wheels.
With engine specifications that are fairly sophisticated at that time, of course it is not surprising that the selling price becomes expensive. Especially by carrying out an elegant design, then at that time, Unibus was considered a masterpiece. But as a result of the high price of these scooters, made it unsold on the market. So finally in 1922 the production was stopped. And for 2 years producing Unibus scooters, the British manufacturer only made 100 units. And if you currently feel interested and want to see this Unibus scooter figure, then you are advised to come up to the Jet Age Museum in Gloucestershire, England.
As we all knew, at north hemisphere annually on April 1 was known as April Fool's, where various parties issued their best jokes to prank with others, including the world's car manufacturers.
And on April Fool's day, some automotive manufacturers presented (on average) a kind of new car accessories or variants, which actually it was a bit difficult to be accepted by common sense (due to of course it was a product of prank). However, not a few are also automotive manufacturers who present a technology that seems real and promising, although a bit eccentric and strange.
Annually on April 1, known as April Fool's day where various parties issued their best jokes to prank with others. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2vofWCq)
The following is a collection of product of pranks from BMW, Lexus, Renault up to McLaren and Triumph that seem to not want to be left behind in given their automotive pranks to the world's automotive lovers.
Number one, BMW. These German luxury car manufacturer initially offered an "Original BMW Unicorn Parts" which make the BMW 4-Series look like it has a unicorn horn on the hood and emit magical dust of its exhaust.
Handwheel made by British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph.(Picture from: http://bit.ly/2V6iAvJ)
Next was the British motorcycle manufacturer Triumph, who tried to outwit You with a funny 'Handlewheel,' ie a motorcycle handlebar which made similar to the car's steering wheel but still equipped with a pair of rear view mirror.
Unlike the French car manufacturer, Renault was introduced the 'Renault RS17 Hayonara,' an F1 racing car that has a stern like a hatchback car, and is equipped with lights and bumpers.
McLaren 570S wrapped in the artificial bird feathers all over its body. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2V6iAvJ)
The most impressive was the McLaren with their 570S which was wrapped in articial bird feathers all over its body. In fact, McLaren initially explained (on video below) that bird feathers are very aerodynamic and lightweight, which are efficient if used in cars and called Bio-mimicry technology.
At the end, the most convincing April Fool's prank comes from Lexus. The car manufacturer displays a technology called the 'Lane Valet' that allows the car to communicate with others. With this technology, if there is a car running slowly in the fast lane, then the computer will automatically moved those slowly car to safer side, so that the faster ones can pass it..
Hmm ... those product of pranks of the automotive manufacturers mentioned above are very creative and (in our opinion) look very convincing as if they were real. But keep in mind, this is only a joke, don't take it too serious. Finally, keep'n smile and enjoy rest of your lifes with something usefull alongside your beloved ones and have a nice day... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]
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Creating a new and modern prototype concept on a Ferrari sports car is an ambitious and complex venture. However, not only enthusiasm, but also requires specific input from the clients.
The most extreme Ferrari's one-off supercar ever designed called Ferrari P80/C. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KHkX3e)
Because of this, the Maranello-based auto manufacturer only produces one unit of the Ferrari P80/C, built at the Ferrari Stilo Centro facility under the direction of Flavio Manzoni supported by the high skilled engineering and aerodynamic team and works together with the clients. By sharing principles and vision, to create a new 'Hero Car' with a truly unique soul and authentic DNA.
The clients in question is someone who is an expert in the world of Ferrari, has came from a family of fans and admirers of the prancing horse logoed car for a long time, and he himself is a smart and knowledgeable Ferrari collector. Thus he is the perfect partner in challenging projects like this that require an intensive level of interaction and emotional involvement as well.
Final design sketch of the one-off Ferrari P80/C. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2v9qmFY)
The basic idea of the client is to create a modern sports car prototype inspired by iconic models in Ferrari's history, such as: Ferrari 330 P3/P4 on one part and 1966 Ferrari Dino 206 S on the other. As such, the Ferrari P80/C project gives the Ferrari Styling Center an ambitious target to develop a new type of unit that has never existed before in the range of current Ferrari products. A prototype sports car inspired by cars that basically presents its own style of rules in the process of becoming a famous iconic car.
Ferrari P80/C is a new ride four years in the making, built for one unnamed collector for an undisclosed price. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2GpjESA)
Although it is known and made specifically as a track car, it is still influenced in its entirety from the series of elegant Ferrari's road-legal cars. An example is the close relationship between the Ferrari Dino 206 S race car and the Dino 206/246 GT. Both versions have similarities in DNA even though they have different styles.
The Ferrari P80/C project began in 2015 and has the longest working time of all types of Ferrari's one-off limited edition special series production, that's make the P80/C is very different. This decision was made to use the 488 GT3 framework as a basis, not only for performance capabilities, but also for the distance on the wheels (+ 50 mm compared to 488 GTB).
Front-left side view of one-off Ferrari P80/C. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Dg5m4S)
With respect to the Ferrari 488's classic layout in which the cockpit tends to be placed centrally, the GT chassis allowed the designers to emphasis a cab forward-effect in which the rear is elongated, lending the car a more aggressive, compact character. This was one of the cornerstones of the P80/C’s styling from the early stages of the design process.
From the top of the car, you can see clearly the car body is bigger on the front wheels, then narrows sharply. This iconic frame is also confirmed by supporting C pillars that are physically detached from the cabin. In addition, the C pillars also wrap the intake funnel, while on the other side the pillars also feature sharp drops between the roof and the surface of the rear engine cover.
In accordance with client's request, this car is designed with two souls: first with a racing set-up, which includes quite striking carbon fiber wings and a single nut 18 inches wheels, and a complete package with 21 inches wheels but without complementary aerodynamics, to highlight the purity of its shape.
The design of the Ferrari P80/C is made to be easily visible. Although made entirely of carbon fiber, only parts with tight technical functions are left blank, while the main car body has been painted in bright characters Rosso Vero. Then the name is chosen directly by the client, this proves the client's loyalty to Ferrari sports cars upto the color choices.
Even the rear fascia, which makes the gears run fully, seems to have a Catamaran-type architecture. This allows the interior to be completed without bodywork. In fact, the only one is the grille to help evacuate the heat from the engine room. The left space is occupied by a large rear diffuser that seems to be almost separate from the rest of the car. Then using a concave rear glass and aluminum grille on the engine cover, referring to the Ferrari 330 P3/P4, which gives the tail of the P80/C can be instantly recognized in its unique appearance.
The interior is very similar to the original car with the incorporation of roll cage into the bodywork. The side of the dashboard has been redesigned from the 488 GT3 version, as is the door and door panel and the most recent is the carbon fiber section that has no influence on the weight of the car. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | TOFM | CTV NEWS | TOP GEAR | EVO] Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.
So far, if we hear the name Vespa, then what comes to mind is a classic two-wheeled scooter with a cute rear, but there are still many who do not know that actually Piaggio, a renowned scooter manufacturer from Italy once produced a mini four-wheeled vehicles (which is common called a micro car or city car) by using the same brand as the scooter product, ie the Vespa in 1957 and marketed in the period between 1959 and 1961.
This tiny car figure is known as the Vespa 400, and is produced by a French automotive manufacturer called ACMA (Ateliers de Constructions de Motos et Accessoires) with a design patent from Piaggio Italia. This French manufacturer is also known to have produced a military version of the Vespa which was named the Vespa 150 TAP or The Bazooka Vespa in the early 1950s. These Vespa 400 has two variants, namely Lusso and Turismo.
Drawer that serves as a place to put the battery on the front. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)
This tiny car is armed with an air-cooled two-cylinder 393 cc two-stroke engine. The engine's own character is square, which is a bore x stroke 63mm x 63mm and of course it has a balanced character between the top and bottom turns. Then the compression ratio is very low at only 6.4: 1 (which allows the use of fuel with low octane values or below 90).
This mini car has a capacity of 4 passengers, but the rear is still too small for adults. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)
While the engine placement on the back, while for the space in the front can be used to put things. The power produced by the engine reaches 18 horsepower. And the power is then sent to move the rear wheels through a 3-speed manual transmission system. and able to deliver this car running up to speeds of 80-90 kph. Yes, that is indeed enough power for a micro car, especially in the 50s.
This 393cc capacity engine is capable of producing up to 14 horsepower of power. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2KYt0ZP)
Then the model itself still reflects the Vespa's distinctive design ie compact and simple. The uniqueness of this car is on the door hinges in the middle pillar, the direction of opening the door automatically. Unlike the usual cars that exist today. The roof also uses a canvas model that can be opened when you want to enjoy the panorama.
The interior as is usually a micro car is only available two seats at the front, and a cushion for small children to sit on the back. So ideally this car can carry 2 adult passengers and 2 small children. Physically, this micro car is wider than the Mercedes Smart which can only be carried two people inside.
There are approximately 20 thousand cars produced in the first two years and finally in 1961 the car production was stopped, while Piaggio did not disclose the reason for the production halt. But at least the micro car Vespa 400 has proven that the Italian manufacturer Piaggio is also able to produce transportation other than scooters. *** [EKA | FROMVARIOUS SOURCES | OTOSIA]
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The four-seat electric car is equipped with a full electric drive, combined with all-wheel drive (AWD) mode and claimed to be able to go as far as 483 km. 
