An old-Mercury Coupe able to run in silence

The modern electric vehicles era does not mean making fans of classic retro cars stop to end with their unique hobbies. A number of companies look at this as a future business opportunity by providing an electric drive system that can be adopted by classic cars as a substitute for their old-rusty engines.

Now, this 1949 Mercury Coupe able to run in silence thanks to its new electric motors. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RCd9zU)

For an example is Zelectric Motors which provides a modern electric-powered drive system to be installed on the 'ordinary' cars. Besides Zelectric Motors, apparently there is a Los Angeles-based company named Icon, which through its Derelict program that takes classic vehicles in almost every era to be transformed into a more practical and more modern car, without changing the outer appearance to maintain the character that it possesses.

The battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine configuration. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

As a result, it becomes a vehicle that is very contrasting, rusty on the outside but can glide quickly without noise and pollution. And this time Icon took the base of the 1949 Mercury Coupe as their 'victim'. This vehicle was taken from the original owner in the Southern California region. The exterior is left as it is, which looks like it just came out of a dusty warehouse after several decades of silence.

Nevertheless Icon seriously handles the interior behind the rusty body. All parts of the body stripped down, and replace all components made of rubber. Previously, Icon carefully adds silencer and combining the body parts of the vehicle without repainting.

Icon followed the same pattern of "new equipment, classic looks" inside, using vintage-appropriate fabrics and leathers. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

The chassis section was updated through assistance from Art Morrison Enterprises as well as replacing old braking system with the Brembo braking devices. While the biggest modification is of course done on under its hood. Yes, the old engine was removed and replaced with an electric drive system whose design was assisted by two electric vehicle solution companies named Stealth EV and Zelectric Motors.

Those two supporting companies decided to use two electric motors without transmission. As a result the latest project named '1949 Mercury EV Derelict' is able to spew a total power of 400 hp (298 kW) with a maximum torque of 637 Nm. The car's electricity supply is taken from Tesla battery with a capacity of 85 kWh which makes these classic car can be driven as far as 150 to 322 km. And its maximum speed can touch the number of 193 km/hour.

Icon has strived to update key pieces of this 1949 Mercury Coupe while keeping the exterior look true to age. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2NbqsbU)

The battery module is deliberately spreaded around the vehicle with the aim for better distribution of weights. This car is equipped with a CHAdeMO 125A fast charge plug pinned behind the front license plate holder, plus a Tesla Supercharger plug located behind the cover of the original fuel-cap.

What is quite amazing is the display behind the hood. The battery control section and Tesla modules are wrapped in aluminum casing and are designed in such a way as to resemble the V8 engine configuration. Even the parts of the cable are deliberately wrapped in woven cloth to stay true to the vintage look.

The same pattern is also applied to the interior through classic fabrics and leather. While other interior fittings also carry the 'new equipment with a classic look' theme. While to open and close the car's windows are now more practical with the addition of power window. Meanwhile to activate it by using the old window lever so as not to ruin its classic impression. Likewise with digital instruments that are deliberately made with a classic looks, including the buttons that are still made in the old-school style.

And Icon has been shown off these classic Mercury EV at the 2018 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas held on November 6 to 8, 2018. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ICON | NEW ATLAS]

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Peek at the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster figure

In 2019 maybe some of you ask, What is the latest sports car from Mercedes-Benz? Yes, this year the German automotive giant is launching their newest sports car of Mercedes-AMG GT series called the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster.

Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XC62N5)

The Mercedes-AMG GT series is one of Mercedes-Benz's mainstays in the supercar arena. Specially, the row of cars in the Mercedes-AMG series is fairly complete, ranging from a two-door coupe, four doors, to the latest is a roadster.

Apart from the fact that the roof can be opened and closed, there are still a number of other things that make the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster was special. The roof used by the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster consists of three layers of fabric material with a lightweight frame. To support the sporty appearance of the exterior, Mercedes-Benz offers a choice of rim size of 19 or 20 inches, and using yellow colored brake calipers.

Interior view of Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XC62N5)

If the exterior of the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster look more special, it doesn't happen when we see the interior. The Mercedes-AMG GT R cabin is very identical to another AMG GT series. Starting from the dashboard model, details, to cabin material, everything is exactly the same as other AMG GT models.

Turning to the technical sector, it turns out there is no difference between the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster and the GT R coupe which is the basis. The Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster relies on a 4.0 L V8 engine capable of spewing out power up to 577 hp and 700 Nm of torque.

Rear side view of Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2XC62N5)

The engine with those great-number of  power is combined with a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission technology. The combination of high-performance engine and deft transmission that it uses, makes the Mercedes-AMG claimed to be able to reach speeds of 100 km/h from zero in 3.6 seconds, and has a top speed at 317 km/hour.

Although using an identical of the engine and transmission with the GT R coupe, but there are several technologies on the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster that are made to make this car more enjoyable while driving, as well as sharper and precision handling.

Some of these technologies include dynamic engines and transmission mounts, titanium exhaust and carbon fiber torque tubes, track-focused suspension, active rear-wheel steering, and limited slip rear differentials that are fully controlled via electronic devices.

For those of You who are attracted by the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster figure, You seems to have to buy it immediately. Because the Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster is only made as many as 750 units worldwide. Thus, if the 750 unit quota has been sold out, then Mercedes-Benz will no longer made this GT R Roadster. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | ]

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BMW revealed a new two-seater plug-in hybrid coupe concept

As we mentioned in the previous article, that the German automotive giant is preparing the latest hybrid car (here). And as technology continues to innovate, drivers will be able to choose whether they want to drive or be driven by autonomous system in the future.

The BMW Group like not wanting to miss from other automotive manufacturers in an effort to fulfill those desire above, made them recently introduced a new two-seater plug-in hybrid coupe concept named BMW Vision M NEXT to express its views on how to enjoy driving in the future and autonomous driving experience. It was also stated, that these new concept coupe is inspired by their previous 3 production cars, BMW i8, M1 and Turbo.

BMW Vision M NEXT concept shown off side along with the previous SUV concept, BMW Vision iNEXT (seen on back) in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RzTQqM)

The BMW Vision M NEXT concept car has made its debut at the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. The event is also a showcase of BMW Group's excellence in the fields of design, autonomous technology, connectivity, electrification and mobility services. On the event, BMW Vision M NEXT shown off side along with the previous SUV concept, BMW Vision iNEXT. 

"BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future about a sporty driving experience," said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.

Front-left side view of BMW Vision M NEXT concept in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2X6arUn)

"BMW Vision iNEXT illustrates how autonomous driving is set to change the lives of our vehicles, BMW Vision M NEXT shows how advanced technology can also make the driving experience purer and more emotionally attractive. In both models, the focus is strong on the people inside. The design and technology of this vehicle makes the 'EASE' and 'BOOST' experiences more natural and intense," Adrian added.

BMW Vision iNEXT and BMW Vision M NEXT are the vehicle represents a prototype version of the concept of future experiences of BMW "EASE" and "BOOST."

Right side view of BMW Vision M NEXT concept in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RzTQqM)

EASE covers all experiences during the trip when the vehicle assumes its own driving task. Here, the vehicle is converted into a living space on four wheels, and passengers can feel safe and comfortable. From rest and relaxation, through talking, interacting, and enjoying entertainment in the car, to maximum concentration - the experience offered with the EASE concept varies according to the needs of residents.

Rear view of BMW Vision M NEXT concept in the exclusive #NEXTGen event at the BMW Welt, Munich, Germany. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2RzTQqM)

While BOOST is a manifesto of the ultimate active driving experience. The EASE and BOOST concepts are supported by the same size as the building blocks for the future of the BMW Group, which consists the innovation fields of Autonomous, Connectivity, Electrification and Services (ACES).

The actual driving experience at the BMW Vision M NEXT is just as interesting as its outward appearance. The PHEV Power drive system offers a choice between electric drive all-wheel drive and pure rear wheel drive, with power derived from an electric motor and the power of a four-cylinder turbo gasoline engine with 600 hp power output, maximum speed of 300 km/hr Those engine also allows BMW Vision M NEXT to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just three seconds.

There is also a BOOST+ mode that provides additional strength on each pedal kicked. The maximum distance when driving in full electric mode is 100 km - more than enough to complete most trips purely by electric power. This means that BMW Vision M NEXT is a sports car that will also be suitable for use in the city center with zero emission zones in effect in the future. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOCAR | MOTOR1]

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The world's most expensive premium car

How much money are you willing to spend to buy a car? For premium car enthusiasts, even tens of billions don't seem to be a problem. But what if a car is priced at a price that is sold at prices up to Rp.190 billion?

Roll-Royce Sweptail is the most expensive car in the world. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FwoYCE)

As reported by Gobankingrates in June 2018, a wealthy businessman whose identity is deliberately unnamed had purchased a unit of Rolls-Royce Sweptail which was sold for US $13 million or around Rp.190,442,200,000. WOW ...!

With these prices, it is not surprising that the Rolls-Royce Sweptail was consecrated to be the most expensive premium car in the world. The price of the car above is very far compared to Bugatti Chiron Sport ($3.26 million) and Lamborghini Veneno ($4.5 million).

Roll-Royce Sweptail is a melding of modern luxury with a flavor of the 1920s and ’30s. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2WWVpQB)

Rolls-Royce Sweptail is the handcrafted marvel manufactured by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke department. This premium car was launched in 2017 at Villa d'Este, Tivoli, Italy, after four years of development and became one of the world's most expensive vehicles to sell.

Roll-Royce Sweptail was took four years of developmen. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2X6izcj)

Indeed, when viewed from any angle this premium car looks sexy and different from other vehicles. For example, an attractive panoramic glass roof plus special lines that are reminiscent of Rolls-Royce cars in the 1920s and luxury yachts.

"Sweptail is a truly extraordinary car. Unique," said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO Torsten Müller-Otvös. "We listen carefully to our special customers and their interest in investing in truly exclusive works," he added.

Rolls-Royce Sweptail is the handcrafted marvel manufactured by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke department. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2FwoYCE)

Do not get there, the front of the car is also very different reflected in the large grille, so claimed to be one of the largest grille ever installed in modern cars. On this front there are also new headlights and redesigned bumpers. Similarly, the interior design.

Uniquely, there is a feature if we press a button then a bottle of champagne will come out to be enjoyed. And there are no details about how much the service or insurance costs of the car.

To be sure, the British car manufacturer does not want to produce the Sweptail anymore. So, those car can only be owned by one luckiest rich person. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GOBANKINGRATES | CARSCOOPS | MOTOR1]
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GM collaborated with Michelin develop a puncture-proof tires

The airless tires are considered modern automotive design solutions are constantly being developed and are likely to be used in the vehicle mass productions for the next five years.

A puncture-proof tire prototype called the Unique Puncture-proof Tire System (UPTiS) as collaborated result of Michelin and GM. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Fi6Ufl)

One of the developments was carried out by Michelin, a French tire manufacturer collaborated with one of American automotive giants, General Motors (GM). Both of them developed a special airless tires called the Unique Puncture-proof Tire System (UPTiS) designed by Michelin.

Those collaboration project to study the use of puncture-proof tires that do not need air pressure, including testing in the 'real world', will begin at the end of these year. GM and Michelin will project the introduction of airless tires in GM's passenger vehicles can be done in 2024.

A puncture-proof tire prototype called Michelin UPTiS being tested on the Chevrolet Bolt electric-powered car. (Picture from: http://bit.ly/2Fi6Ufl)

"UPTiS is the ideal match to advance the automotive industry in the future and a great example of how consumers benefit when we collaborate and innovate with our supply partners," said Steve Kiefer, GM's senior vice president, Global Purchasing and Supply Chain.

Airless tires design eliminates the general risks of conventional tires such as puncture or deflated. Thanks to that ability, the driver of the vehicle can avoid potential accidents.

Airless tires are designed similar to conventional tires. However, we can understand that these tires do not need air because on the open wall it shows a unique structure as a buffer. The structure has many uses, including dampening shocks.

Another advantage of the airless tires is not wasteful material while to be produced, eliminates the need for spare tires, and lasts longer than conventional tires.

Michelin explained that if the airless tires are used massively, they have the potential to reduce the use of raw materials such as rubber and also cut waste. Mentioned, if it can be done then 20 percent of used tire waste can be reduced. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CARSCOOPS]
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